[seafox]

1. Does anybody know anything about the "Thai Oriental Inn"? I was originally going to book for just a week and then find a place when I got over there but I was afraid everything was going to be sold out so I booked my whole stay there.

No. Next time at the time that you are going you should be able to find a good long stay apartment once you know the area. Songkran (mid April) and Christmas/New Years are the busy times.

2A. What's a good way to politely refuse a BG who is trying hard but just doesn't do it for you?

Like Steve said, just say No. If a lady from a bar grabs you as you walk by, just politely say no or tell her that you are meeting friends at another bar.

At the bar, just be polite and she will usually get the hint. If not it might be time to go to another bar.

2B. A good way to give shop keepers the hint you aren't interested without insulting them?

Just say Hi and walk past them. They will always be asking you if you want anything.

3. I was looking at a pair of Oakley's and the ones I like are going to cost me $160 USD. I usually don't do tell well with cheap imitations and I was wondering if I'd be able to get a good original pair of sunglasses and what I should expect to pay?

Petter answered this one.

4. Should I worry about walking the 5-6 blocks from Bangla road to the TOI loaded(jumped, run over etc..)?

Up to you. How drunk are you going to get? You can always have a seeing eye BG to get you back to your hotel.

5. If money gets tight and I decide to go for Farang chicks instead of the beautiful Thai chicks where's a good place to go?

They will probably actually cost you more per night and good luck finding them.

Again thanks for any input.[/quote]