Jace, I lived in Bangkok for 5 years. I was going to give you some advice on your packing but then saw tcjack's comments below which are spot-on....you've got to pack a lot lighter.
Have a nice trip.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tcjack:
I just got back from another 17 days in Thailand yesterday. I also backpacked there for 2 months in 2001. Here are my comments about your original list.
Clothes
Socks (7 pairs) leave at home. Wear single pair on the plane if you must.
Underwear (7)
shorts (3)
khaki pants (1) The ones found in the US are generally too heavy for Thailand. Buy some lightweight pants on the street for approx $8. Take along lightweight dark pants for those dressy evenings.
t-shirts (4) If on tight budget OK. otherwise buy in LOS
polo shirts (3) Leave at home Take (1)lightweight, color dress shirt
swim trunks (1)
long sleeve t-shirt (1) Leave at home
dress shoes What on earth for? You are backpacking not doing business lunches.
birkenstock sandals
nike running shoes If you must (see socks). They generally stay in the backpack.
other stuff
extra pair of contacts I generally take at least 2 more sets (disposable) than I expect to use
Eye glasses lots of smoke and dust around
Sun glasses
Bandaids
Neosporin (or equiv)
Condoms
Several 1 gallon ziplock bags
Needle and heavy thread for repairs
Tooth brush/paste
Imodium
pepto bismol
Advil
razor and gel
soap and shampoo
tissue packs (2)
Dramamine
sun block
lonely planet guide book
notebook / pen
deodorant
snorkel \
mask / unless they are special these are readily rented in LOS
diving log book
diving certification card
GSM cell phone Charger
DigiCam Extra batteries/charger/flash card
Maybe one of those cable backpack locks.
MP3 player
Money / ATM card / Credit card (take all 3)
My backpack is carry on luggage. Clothes are easily washed and travel size detergent is easily found at 7/11 stores.
Edited to repair bold type
[This message has been edited by tcjack (edited 08-25-2003).]</font>