Got the Bus from Bangkok south to Surat Thani - a 14 hour overnight bus journey which included the ferry over to the islands. Kept all valuables in my day bag with me - the backpacks get stored below in the bus and are rifled through by Thai's. Had my penknife stolen but it could've been worse. A lesson learned I feel! I'm staying at a place called Charlies Huts in a beach hut right next to the clear sea. Got on the beach at 9.00 am lying in the sun - bet it's raining at home ha ha! Have met loads of people already in this first week -Germans, Belguims, Swedish etc. Relaxing on the beach is awesome and spotted/felt an elephant yesterday! Done my first bit of washing yesterday and hung the clothes on the huts washing line - your clothes really stink and so do I in this climate- pictures to follow. The Thai boxing here is worth a night out with a few beers - they really kick and punch the crap out of each other. One guy got knocked out and there were fighers there as young as 10!