Wow - FTR royalty coming to Thailand! Welcome.

I'm new to poker, but an old hand in Thailand. I'll trade knowledge about Thailand for help with poker (serious, I want to improve!!). And no, I didn't come here for the sex industry! I was an exchange student in 1988 & my world has revolved around the place ever since.

I think I've lived here about 9 years all told since '88. I can read & write the language so that helps me in my work and life in general. I know a fair bit about the culture but am still shocked & surpirsed by stuff even now, 20 years on.

You mention this place is safe, please keep your head down during the elections. Don't forget there were nearly 100 people killed this time last year by the army. It's not as 'peaceful' as everyone thinks. Avoid all protests - even if it's just to buy milk, stay away.

Be aware that any gambling is illegal so keep your head low. Police are more likely to extort money than lock you up but that said I know of at least 6 professional poker players in the country. I've never met them, they are 'friends of friends'. All foreigners. Bangkok (3), Phuket (2), Samui (1). There's got to be plenty more.

There is an illegal casino in Bangkok if you like live action and a poker den that's a bit softer (I hear). You can also fly to Phnom Phen where the casino is legal. That's uber soft I'm told. PM me for the Bangkok casino details, I'm not putting that in a forum! Question: A group of guys went through the Bangkok poker den about 3 weeks ago in poker stars outfits, was that you??

Last point is that it can be hard to get money out of the country if you don't have a work permit - if I were you, don't send anything to Thailand other than your living expenses into the country if you don't have the permit. Chiang Mai is beautiful, good choice (work keeps me in Bangkok).

Good luck with finding accommodation, excluding the election coming up, Thailand is great.