jaapfries

Thaksin relaxing in London

Is relaxing in London possible?

Thai Military ,can the generals actualy waddle unsupported far enough to make a coup work?

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It's all total rubbish: Thaksin is in London for a very good reason. I read in the Bangkok Post a few days ago, that he has been shipping-out (literally !) tons of assets to a unknown destination. In fact, they wrote that he filled an entire airplane of 747-size, completely full of his assets . . . . . It is obvious to me that he wants to be in London when all of these posessions arrive, because he knows for sure to trust NOBODY with his stuff ! ! ! !

Am I the only guy who actually read about this ???? I am so surprised that nobody else picked-up on this little tidbit of information . . . .

Thaksin obviously realizes that his days here are numbered; so he's preparing his new nest elsewhere and that would probably someplace in the UK

Look forward to more feedback on this one.

JGK

Maybe lessons in politeness would also come in handy

Are you making this particular comment as a "general" remark, or could it be that you are referring to a particular posting ? ? ?

Sure keeping people guessing, 'souldesire' or are you trying to emulate Mr. Toxin, perhaps ?

Show me how you can get through immigration in 20 seconds, and i will show you a part of my anatomy that i need a mirror to see myself..... dream on spokesperson

How big IS your stomach then ? ? ? ? - and are you absolutely sure that anyone is actually desirous of seeing that part of your anatomy your are possibly referring to ? ? ? ?

You can count me out, mate !

Airport fees to go up

The international departure tax would be increased by Bt200 to Bt700 and domestic passengers would incur a Bt100 fee, up from a current Bt50. The increase would be effective from February 1 .

After 40 years in the making Suvarnabhumi has cost Bt150 billion.

Hey, "somebody" has to pay for all those billions of baht spent on corruption and that "somebody" is:

YOU!

{a generic term used for all passengers}

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John, I totally agree, but you fotgot to mention:

NEW MEASURES ARE A GREAT WAY TO PROMOTE TOURISM ! ! ! !

DUUUUUUH !

Tired of Thailand (sometimes!)

I think what we will see next is a start up of the rallies and something I havn't seen mentioned yet although i think it's almost certain to happen.

I think Thaksin will have thugs pretend to be PAD and they will start the violence. It's quite obvious at present that any violence will have to be started by pro Thaksin supporters, they can't get PAD to be violent, so thats why they became violent the other day, it back fired big time as anti thaksin protesters still refused to fight.

The next step is to infiltrate PAD with pro thaksin supporters and have them start the next wave of violence.

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That's precisely how Hitler 'created' his troops having an excuse to march into Poland; a number of German soldiers dressed-up as Polish soldiers and started firing at German troops . . . . . . this gave Adolf the excuse he neede to legitimatelly storm into this poor country . . . .

Hmmmm, so Thaksin does read history nooks too, hey ?

Brace yourself for what's coming next: it'l be as ugly as it will be transparant ! ! !

"Car-Bombing attempt" ? ? ?: my foot ! ! ! !

Manchester murders husband flew to Thailand

"We are concerned for the welfare of Rahan Arshad "

Is that police speak for we want him behind bars?

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Why is it that most people in this thread are jumping to conclussions, I wonder ?!

Somewhere in the intitial report it clearly states: "They have also arrested a 40-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman on suspicion of murder." - This could, in my humble opinion, conceivably entail, that if this couple murdered the four, then the father did not commit murder.

I know in Thailand justice isn't served-up the same way as it is in Englang, but please, please, can we adhere to the principle "Inncocent until prove Guilty" ? ? ? ?

Just maybe this guy Arshad escaped by the "skin of his teeth" and simply fled to a "neutral" country ? ? Just maybe this guy may be going through hel_l, knowing his entire family is wiped-out ? ? Just maybe, this guy is sitting in a hot, dark corner somewhere in this Kingdom, hurting like hel_l & crying his eyes out ? ?

To the mother and here three children: Rest In Peace . . . . . . .

What a waste !

JGK

Pattaya

The announcement does not say that the controls would be tougher in Bangkok. It just says that those controls would not take place in other, relaxed, airports like Chiang Mai or Phuket. It should not change anything to the 30 no visa allowance. Am I wrong?

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Of course you're not wrong and I agree with you.

I really don't see what the fuss is all about; the man clearly stated: "Caretaker Foreign Minister Kantathi Supamongkhon said that foreigners should have immigration and security checks at the first point they entered the Thai soil."

Now; I'm no Rocket-Scientist, but like a few posters have already indicated; in the USA this has been normal practice (as it should !) for many, many moons.

It makes perfectly good sense to check all incoming travelers & their bagage & belongings, at their first point of entry.

What I would like to see clarified, is: how does this affect e.g. the twice-wekly arrival of Russian Tourist, being flown straight from Moscow into Utapao-Airport (Pattaya-International Airport), because the famous High-Tech methods sure as heck haven;t caught-up with that "Port-Of-Arrival" as yet !?! And I'm sure there are numrous International flights coming straight into Phuket & Chaning-Mai as well.

The thing I find important is, that the authorities are doing (at least) something to reduce the likelyhood of us all getting blown-up by the proverbial maniacs. I for one salute any (sensible) measure. And folks: I think we'ld better get used to the idea, because this is getting to be a pretty weird society that we live in, today !

Carpe Diem

JGK

Pattaya

Qualifications of foreign teachers in Thailand must meet required standards

There have been thousands of foreigners working for local schools in Thailand, particularly international and language schools, a number of whom entered the kingdom as tourists with no work permits as professional teachers, according to Mr. Jakrapob.

--TNA 2006-08-18

YIPP... to much of them and mostly english

to much...

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I'm not particularly "pro-English", but what is your point ? ? ? ? ?

Would you rather the kidds learn "English" from someone who hails from South-Carolina, Australia, New Zealand or South-Afica ? ? ? ? ? ?

Come and smell the roses "Lung": an Uncle's judgement is supposed to be sensible & reliable . . . . .

Chock-Dhee-Krahp

Unfortunatly there are no signs on the beeches on koh chang to warn people i have seen someone swept away two weeks ago.its sad for all to see such things and the local authorities need to put signs and red flags on the beeches not only on this island but,all over thailand to protect all. If you came to the island 4yrs ago there were signs on 4 points along the beech, try to find them now.

yes ... each beach has flag system

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So: what is it ? ? ? Are there warning-flags up, during "rip-tide" periods or re htere NOY ? ? ?

If they "should" be up, but someone had forgotten to do his job, then I reckon the families of the victims should put in a huge bloody claim to this government and pronto.

My sincerest condolences to all family and friends.

They have a saying in Holland; goes something like this:

"When the calf has drowned, they fill-in the well"

Jaap

Pattaya

Brilliant...just wait until CNN gets hold of this one.

"Bangkok declared bird flu disaster area!"

Tourists? What tourists?

Maybe I am being super-pessimistic, but has anyone considered the possibility, that there are other and very dark motives at work here ?

What could be a possible reason for Thaksin to create a, virtually, "tourist-free" Bangkok ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Could it be that he IS perhaps planning a little "Military-Coup" ? ? ? ?

I, for one, wouldn't put it past him; especially if you consider the fact that he is now well & truly "backed" into a corner he will (normally) not be able to get out of . . . . . . .

You know what they say about "Cats-In-Corners", right ?

Well "Skunks" are even much more fierce - and that's what we may well be facing here.

Hoping (like there's no tomorrow !) that I am wrong ! ! ! !

JGK/Pattaya

Bangkok To Trash All Non-air-conditioned Buses

Who writes these titles? That has to be one of the worst uses of the word 'Trash' i have ever read.

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You know what ? You are totally correct; it is written (obvioulsy) by someone, who has no knowledge of the endless possibilities of the beautiful english language !

JGK/Pattaya

Wow and the World is watching

the CIA better change their credit rating on Thailand

now it says stable democratic country

NOT

I dont see this as a positive move I see it as another straw to break the back.

It shows this country is not politically stable

Add this to all the other nonsense thats gone on over the past 5 years and Thailand really needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat or else OS investment will go to Malaysia and Vietnam

Its already started in case you dont read the papers

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What the heck are you rambling-n about "BlackJack" ? ? ? ?

The events of today do show, with crystal clear clarity, that "DEMOCRACY" is most certainly alive & well (albeit slow, slow, slow) in this great country ! ! ! ! Either get some new reading glasses or ask a neighbour to explain how 2 + 2 often make 4, okay ?

Duuuuuh !

I have been following this court case and many others with great interest. This is really a great result IMO.

I think the the non suspension of the jail sentences will aid in turning the convicted into willing informants against those who co=opted them these many years. Really great news.

Positive change is purifying, whether it be in government agencies or elsewhere. Strikes a blow against those that think because something has "always been that way" things can't get better.

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Right on ! Lannarebirth; I couldn't concur more.

Especially when you state: "I think the the non suspension of the jail sentences will aid in turning the convicted into willing informants against those who co=opted them these many years. Really great news." - I am almost boiling-over with excitement and anxious anticipation; wouldn't it be superb justice to see "Big-T"'s arrogant and greedy face behind bars ?!

As we have observed again; "The Wheels Of Justice Turn Slowly, But TURN, they do ! ! ! !

This no doubt gives great relieve also to our highly esteemed King: praying for His soonest and fullest recovery.

JGK

Pattaya

Brahmburgers: how excellent to see the use of the word "lacksadasical" ! ! I so enjoy to discover the fact that there are still people in this world who actually use the english language properly and to it's fullest extent ! !

Oddly my copy of the Concise Oxford Dictionary seems to have ommited the word "lacksadasical". It does however include what must be an improper spelling: "lackadaisical". Oh well, it's a living language....

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Hey Happy Jack; you are utterly correct (Page 602 of the Concise Oxford D' does not lie !) I completely missed that one; thanks, mate !

Cheers, Jaap

Doubtful any real retribution will befall the Thais involved. They're so quick with excuses, and the Thai legal system is so quick to pardon anyone important. We hear much about corrupt and lacksadasical police in Samui - when will we see some effective cleaning up in that dept? Note; the special police teams were brought in from outside the island.

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Brahmburgers: how excellent to see the use of the word "lacksadasical" ! ! I so enjoy to discover the fact that there are still people in this world who actually use the english language properly and to it's fullest extent ! !

By the way; the true gleaning & cleaning of the widely published land-fraud situations in places like Phuket, Samui, Koh Chang, Koh Tao et all, is well over-due and I for one, am happy that things are being actually being done !

Warnings of 26 computer virus strains spreading over Asia

Spreading through "no subject" e-mails

BANGKOK: -- Computer users in Thailand and other Asian countries have been warned of 26 computer virus strains spreading across the region via electronic mails (e-mails), according to a leading computer software manufacturer.

Obviously, step # 1 is to NOT open any e-mails which come in and without anything in the Subject Line.

I hope somebody can advise us as to step # 2 ? ? ?

Read the tone of the posts on this thread.

We have a young lady dead. Thats a fact and that is sad and tragic.

We have an older man who stated he did it and attempted suicide. Thats also very sad.

I would probably guess that the old guy came to his senses and is very remorseful over what he apparently did.

But again feel the tone of the retorts, replies and comments on this thread.

All the holier than thou individuals, as usual I might add, ready to castrate, kill, hang shoot or draw and quarter the bloke.

I am not a religious person, but it sure brings to mind some at least quasi religious thoughts. "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone" might be one

And maybe, There but for the grace of God , go I" might be another.

Why as much venom in the posts, does it make each of us who post like that somewhat stronger or in some way superior? I kind of feel bad , because maybe someday I will find myself in such a prediciment..

I do offer my condolences to the girls family.

Ok Gang .... rip me apart

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Rip You Apart ? ? ? ?

hel_l No ! ! ! ! !

You're the only one (sofar) making any sense !

I was thinking of something sensible to say, on this subject, and couldn;t quite "coin-it" properly, until I read your comment: "you took the wind right out of my sails" - I couldn;t agree more.

Cheers,

Jaap

Must be rough being a 48 year old farang woman in Thailand. No action for her and no way to keep her man's eye from wandering. A farang woman just can't compete with a young thai girl.

Now in a western country, marriage or no willing lovely young girls will keep a middle aged man in his place. But in Thailand, too much temptation for an older man. We can read between the lines why the farang woman shot her BF.

same old same old. When will you guys ever learn? How do you know there is no action for her? How do you know her boyfriend was so shallow he couldn't keep it in his pants?

All supposition when the only facts we know are the ones already printed.

SBK, I fully support your comments and furthermore it was a stupid post by Thaistyx albeit one reflecting the view of many downmarket farangs (Pattaya rifraff and other sex tourist types etc).

Among my friends in Bangkok there are many happily married farang couples of all ages, including some in their late 40's and 50's.None of the guys are interested in throwing it all up for a young Thai girl, although as we all know many are very desirable.

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EXCUSE ME ?!?! - but do some people always have to associate murder & mayhem with PATTAY ? ? ?

Too bad about that one (1) generalism, because the rest of what you wrote is actually quiet sensible (for an obvious moron !)

Decently Pattaya'n

Jaap Klasema

Whao this hits close to home, being from NZ, and having so few of us living here is going to make this big news in NZ.

Agree with the above, sounds like he was protecting his gf from advances of her "friend".

It's sad in Thailand when we begin to see these farang murders on almost a dialy basis.

Respects to his freinds and family.

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I express my deepest-felt condolenses to the family, the Thai GF & friends of this Kiwi-victim.

At the same time, I also feel deeply about perhaps solving this the 'good ol' Maori way': put up a big 'Hungi' but stick the knife-carrying Wally-Banger in the ground, with really hot stones under the stallwarth !

Jaap

(10 yrs NZ)

Is it just me, or are we seeing an increase in the shootings of farang here? Or are the media just taking up these stories more and more?

Hope this guy is okay, and that the shooter is caught.

No: it's just you . . . . . . . . .

We've been over the topic about how dangerous Pattaya is, and isn't, many, many times.

This story has been sensationalized because of the World Cup. Without that very slim tie-in, we wouldn't be discussing this at all right now, period.

Pattaya's registered population is approx 90,000. That's it. Ninety-thousand.

It has an estimated population of 500,000, which includes ex-pats and Thais from other areas that are living/working here, but are still registered in their home provinces.

I did a lot of research a couple of months ago, about the (serious) crime rates in Pattaya and other major tourist destinations of a similar size, such as Las Vegas, Honolulu, New Orleans (pre-Katrina). Pattaya's serious crime rate (if I recall correctly) was less than half that of the next closest city by comparison.

We've also discussed to death why there seems to be such a problem with crime here. I am getting sick and tired or reminding people that (for the most part) we are fed a steady stream of crap by the local news outlets. They follow the standard media axiom "if it bleeds, it leads".

Those outlets are where most of us get ALL of our news about Pattaya. If the only stories that get regurgitated here on Thai Visa are bad, then it looks like that is all there is, bad stories.

Keep in mind that "feel good/happy" stories generate next to no interest at all. We know. We've tried posting happy-happy stories, and they disappear off the first page in hours, with few views and fewer responses.

You people WANT bad news. The media provides it. Then you bitch about only seeing bad news.

You want something to bitch about ? Go look in the mirror. You are a part (a large part) of the problem.

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Not only does Mr. Kerryd total and absolute sense, but he also (one of the select few !) who backs his stuff up with cold hard facts . . . . . . very impressive indeed !

By the way; I did look into the mirror and guess what: you were right again !

L.O.L.

Jgk

Pattaya

Do you have a URL for that?

It was a link from a yahoo search on Thai population that led to the Thai gov bureau of statistics site, and it's out of my browser's memory now sorry.

Yahoo-Thailand provincial population was the search criteria.

Could it have been this: http://web.nso.go.th/pop2000/prelim_e.htm ?

I think your stats refer to provinces, not cities.

I'm not sure about the size of Pattaya, 1.5m is what I've heard from different but unofficial sources, however, I also keep hearing in the news that Pattaya is the second largest city in Thailand. It would be interesting to know, but as most Thais in Bangkok and Pattaya are transient workers registered elsewhere an official figure is probably impossible to get.

Anyway, the point is it is getting very tiring every time there is a problem in Pattaya the world will be sure to be told of it with the footnote that Pattaya is known for crime and sex. Those people who add that crap have no idea what it is really like here. I've lived in Pattaya 5 years now and have yet to encounter any problems. Any. Yes, I read the news and see it on TV, but so did I in so many other places in the world. And as long as you stay east of 2nd road chances are you won't notice the sex either.

Of course there are many times more clime in Bangkok but you don't hear of it because the farang:thai ratio is much much higher.

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Gosh; I am happily surprised that I am not the only one having to stand-up and defend Pattaya.

Thank you madsere !

Oh; if you want to know more about demographics re: Thai cities (or any other city in the world) - have you tried looking at GoogleEarth ? I find this very good & reliable source.

Cheers,

JGK

Pattaya

Is it really necessary to always be derogatory whenever anything happens in Pattaya ?

Sadly the majority of these types of story do seem to come from Pattaya!

Rubbish; I suggest you keep on your silly little backpack and keep on walking (preferably AWAY from Pattaya !).

Thai gunman kills two noisy World Cup fans

Pattaya, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Bangkok, is known for its beaches, its thriving sex industry and high crime rate

Source: Malaysian Star - 14 June 2006

Story originated from here.

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Excuse me "Jai Dee", but are you absolutely certain about your statement "and high crime rate" with regards to Pattaya-City.

Are you just saying this to add a bit of sensation, or have you actually looked over the crime-rate statistics of this country and it's various cities & areas ?

Look forward to your response, "Jai Dee"

Regards,

JGK

Pattaya

Pattaya.. The question... Am I surprised?

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Is it really necessary to always be derogatory whenever anything happens in Pattaya ? ?

Why don't you start an "Anti-Pattaya" Hate-Campaign; then I'll come and shoot you, whereever you are - how's that ?

Happy Pattayan