The vibe is still there if you know where to go and how to behave. The problem that a lot of people now see is the old stamping grounds have had their demographics irrevocably changed/destroyed. Bus loads of gawpers slowly clogging Pattaya Walking street did nothing to help. This killed the vibe so Soi Diamond was the last bastion of the true fun house in that part of the city. Now you need to go Soi 7, 8 and Buakhao... As the old guard of visitors die (literally) there was a new generation following who are not into the true adventure that made my first 20 odd trips what they were. People I first met 20 years ago still meet up at the same bars, same time of year and catch up. The number dwindles as does the ability to party. Many, like me, no longer drink. So feeling that buzz that moved the vibe needle has gone. The older you get, the earlier 'late' becomes! With money, my first trip November 2005 had £1 to 75 THB. Beers in Soi 2 were 40 THB. The hotel I go to tomorrow in Pattaya has not changed their price for 20 years, however my GBP has shrunk to 41...nearly doubling the true cost to me. Bangkok is similar, but NaNa will always be NaNa. The rapid gentrification of some areas has removed that gritty friendly vibe that was the pith of life there. Fortunately BKK is still a place that holds its own as far as living life is concerned...in my humble opinion. Finding the vibe is - up to you (sorry!) Having spent a lot of time in Vietnam this year, although I love it, there is never going to be a place like Thailand. Stepping out the plane and smelling the warm air and seeing the first smiles brings that buzz right back from my first trip over. And now I call it home. Just my 2p.

I think that in my case its been a corporate grind for 40+ years so starting a full scale 40+ hour a week business is a pain. However, a simple, easy to run income earner that keeps the belly full and roof over is more the target...just my 2 cents. My opinion will vary to most, so I get it.

You got me there dude! Was gonna have a word 🤣

@Brett Dev He is Blaming the boomers - oh dear thats me wanting my pension etc 😂

@Niall Bennett 13 September could be interesting times...

When I am away from home base where I am well set up = the double screen is the most important - eyesight not what it used to be - so my hack? Carry an HDMI lead (2m) and plug laptop into the hotel TV - usually have a mother size one in most rooms - then open two tabs side by side...sorted - use wireless mouse and keyboard too!