If you are lucky enough to find a 'good' lady who will show you the ropes, support you against the occasional rip-off merchants, Pattaya is fun. You just have to get behind the in-yer-face bits.

Take some Thai language lessons, eat Lao food, not just western, travel to her home town in Isaan and understand that Mom and family will always come before you. That's no different to a western woman's putting your kids before you in the pecking order.

I lived there for over 13 years and enjoyed every minute, but once you run out of money to "take care," your usefulness fades. That's the same everywhere though, just in a different form.

Life's for learning and she taught me a hell of a lot. We're still friends and so are her family and many others I met out there. Which is why I managed to get around places in BKK unharmed.

The women out there protect you if they like you, for compettition with others makes them that way, or the next one will steal you.