A note from our Editor Ashley Hurst 
Hello from Blackpool UK where I will running this website for my Father in law, Chang. Not being of the “Net Generation” Chang has much better things to do than sit for hours in front of a screen and so I have taken it upon myself to bring his talents to the world’s attention. If you have ever stayed in one of the bigger hotels in Chiang Mai or Bangkok over the last 30 years there is a chance that the Thai man that took you on the trip and entertained you, was my Father in law Chang. You could say that he is somewhat well connected, wise and knowledgeable but no matter how much good advice you take from someone like Chang, (and so one should) it is often the advice of another ferrang that turns out to be worth it’s weight in gold.
These advisers are the “cnxplorers” and they have seen and explored Chiang Mai and I am sure that there are many of you. So if I am talking about you please share your knowledge here because knowledge is worthless unless it has been taught and passed around for the benefit of others. It may only be a few lines but if a good citizen of Chiang Mai (or Thailand) really went the extra mile for you, then give them a public shout here and I will let them know.
All comments will be moderated.
Ashley Hurst.
Having stayed in the Khao San district of Bangkok I decided I just had to see one of
Thailand’s beautiful beaches before heading back to the UK.
I’d eaten at Red Oranges a number of times, a nice Restaurant just across from where
I was staying. Two Ladies at the back of the Restaurant worked as Tour Operators so
I asked them about a day trip to a nice stretch of Beach.
I was advised to try Cha Am by the Agent called Giftzy Rapat and booked and paid for
the trip. The next morning I was picked up by a Rep along with plenty of other
people who were traveling to Pattaya. We were walked to the middle of a very busy
Roundabout where we then had to wait for our Driver who was one hour and twenty mins
late. The Bus Company were an absolute nightmare who were just incredibly
inefficient and unhelpful. The Lady working for the Bus Company at their Station in
Cha Am was beyond belief. Wouldn’t let me travel back without buying another ticket
and refused to ring the tour Operator I’d booked the trip with to verify that I’d
already paid for the return journey.
I phoned the hotel where I was staying and a member of Staff went and found Giftzy
for me who rang me straight back.
Once i eventually got back to Khao San Giftzy saw me making my way back, she came
over to me and apologised profusely. She was genuinely unhappy about the way the
Bus Company had treated me made some phone calls and gave me a full refund.
A very sweet helpful Lady and I will certainly book further trips with her agin when
staying in Khao San.
Simon Dunn
Not the best of starts and I’m afraid
Rungthip Travel Service 35/4 Charoenprathet Rd Soi 1, just off Changklan rd sorted out my flight ticket to Bangkok. I wanted a cheap ticket but didn’t want to go too early. The lady who owns this business (dont remember her name.) took my number and called me back 3 times with alternative suggestions until she found the right one for me. She really when out of her way by checking over and over for last minute cancellations. Thankyou nice Thai lady your service is excellent.
Her number is:0881370192