stiggy

From Recent experience.
Food in Uk comparable to Thailand ( not cheap Charlie noodles but regular meals.)
Supermarkets geared up for recession so food and drink offers a plenty, iceland everything is a pound it seems
Clothes cheap when compared to Thailand
Rent Expensive expect 600-800 pound a month minimum plus bills, issue is getting short term rent.Next time we return if summer will just rent caravan on holiday park.
Transport car hire is a killer, but you can buy a real cheap car easily get low class for insurance then eco friendly less petrol,there are places that will buy back any car at a loss but still claim something back when compared to rental.
Admission to tourist sites apart from parks you have to pay for, tower of london 22 pounds each WTF.
Forget finding work its 100 plus applicants for each job it seems, Olympics may be different in london temp staff
In summary cost of living for us was cheaper in Uk the exceptions being , accommodation and transport (fuel).

I have a successful bar for sale 180k buy that and you can stay forever......

There are signs there along kata and Koron beach, plus volunteer guards when its busy.

The rescue guys are committed unfortunately I saw the aftermath of small Thai rescuer versus large panicking russian last year. The Thai died trying to assist him.

Steven has a point people do have to take some responsibilty when they choose to swim there in any surf conditions, but often looks are deciving often propped up by the fact others are swimming so ill be fine.

Its very easy for a non swimmer to simply be out of there depth quickly in a small rip of the beach and then thats it a drowning.

RIp to the French Tourist what an awful way for any holiday to end, thoughts to the family.

Dont underestimate Dengue, 5% fatality if correct care is given and is afforded.

Nearly lost my wife to this two years ago got stuck on an island due to storm and couldn't get any help.If you suspect you have dengue get near a hospital ASAP for monitoring in case platelet replacement is needed and the outcome is greatly improved.

Took her nearly 5 months to get over it and she is one tough women.

Had it twice myself now its not fun at all.

perhaps they are to busy waiting to post on Thai visa, but i hear anything from 3 weeks to 6 months depending