One thing I was concerned prior to my trip was security for valuables. I had read of the Pattaya tragedy with the Freelancer stealing stuff...
So, two of the five places I stayed had in room safes, which I used. But, I also carried the following two items with me.
1st, is a PacSafe Passport carrier. It hangs around your neck, and can be tucked under your shirt. I used this when flying as it made it very easy to have access to my Passport, Cash, etc. It is also impossible to simply "pick pocket". I showed it to my boss who was going to China on business, and his comment was that if someone tried to take it, they could pull you around by your neck...
Well, I viewed it another way. If they tried to take it, they would stay within range of ME...
So, I felt pretty safe with it...
I also have a PacSafe Travelling Safe. In this, I always kept my Passport, (I carried a copy with me when walking around), my excess currency both Baht & Dollars that I wasn't planning to spend that day/period out. It is wrapped in a metal sheath that keeps it from being easily cut into, as well as a locking mechanism to attach it to an immobile object...I used the bathroom sink pipes while in Patong...
The one thing that came in SOOOO handy was a Dollar to Baht converter. I found it at Onada.com, printed it, had it laminated at Office Depot for $2. Made two copies as I could lose my ass were it not firmly attached. I used this think TONS of times...
Thai Currency...I would practice handling their currency, its easy to identify, but on night one a very official looking woman approaced me with this "book". I thought I was going to get a citatation for oggling women. Turns out she was asking for a donation. Since I had been so plesant when I thought she was a cop, I decided to give her 50 Baht, about a buck fifty...not being familiar with the currency, I inadvertently gave her 500 Baht...or, a Pattaya short time...When I asked the bar maid I was talking with if I had given her 500 Baht, she said, "Yes, you're crazy".....Baht bills come in 20 (57 cents or so), 50 ($1.41), 100 ($2.83), 500 (a Pattaya short time), and 1000 ($28)...there are also coins which are good for a water at 7-11 or a Baht Bus...
I tried my best to pack light...I really did. But I am one of the worlds worse in thinking I need my entire home with me when I travel. I did manage to keep it to a 28" pullman, and a packed backpack. I kept the backpack with me as carry on. Kept my expensive cameras, watch, cash, a small toiletry kit, etc in the backpack. Clothes,extra knapsack for purchases in the other...
Fun Things...
I thought I would have a bit of fun with the girls...laminated a picture of a Water Buffalo & a Butterfly to use during "negotiations". Mostly, it just confused the girls I showed them to, so they were of little use. Maybe a more veteran with a superior understanding of the language would fare better than I. However, I made 4 color copies of my Passport, which came in very handy as I could keep my Passport in my PacSafe, and not risk losing it...
