jaapfries

This is total rollocks for us here, we have had a trickle of water for a week already and it is now expected to last another week, I initially thought it was something to do with corruption but now I've read this everything is clear (except the water)

Can anyone explain why they have to 'turn the water down'?? Do'nt they use resevoirs or am I having a silly moment??

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Inadvertantly; you have just hit the nail on the head, my friend: it IS corruption that is causing all this and "so-much-more" in this wonderful Kingdom.

What can one expect from "The Select Few" who are only interested in filling their pockets BIG TIME and to HE-LL with "the people' ? ? ? ? ? ?

RemembEr this: HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN A POLITICIAN IS LYING ? ? ? ? ? ?

WHEN HIS LIPS ARE MOVING ![/color]

"Because I intend to squeeze you. I don't like your kind of people. I don't like to see you come out to this clean country in your oily hair -- dressed up in those silk suits - and try to pass yourselves off as decent Americans. I'll do business with you, but the fact is, I despise your masquerade -- the dishonest way you pose yourself. Yourself, and your whole ######ing family."

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The Australian writer of the above "rubbish" must have been hit by a Kangeroo once to often . . . . ?

The expression that jumps to mind here: "what's that got to do with the price of fish ? ? ? ? ?"

Get out of the sun, ozzie and try and smell the roses !

From the Reuters report:

"Unusually heavy rain at the start of the monsoon lashed deforested hills, causing flash floods -- some of them three meters (10 ft) deep -- which swept into cities and towns in four provinces..."

Very sad for all those affected, but you mess with nature and you get what you get. Didnt the officials learn anything from last year? Obviously one can't know for certain when something like this will happen, but weren't there any measures that could have been taken as precautions?

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Well put 'Netfan' - you know, for thos who have lived in Thailand for many years, it never ceases to baffle us, as how these yearly returning (you can virtually set your watch on it ! !) keep "surpising" the socalled "responsible people" in our government. For Pete's sake; these floods are as predictable as Loi Krathong, X-Mas and Easter.

Maybe the affected people of the North should get together and sue the Government for pure and simple "Pre-Meditated Deriliction-Of-Duty" ?! (or at least; they could get in line . . . . . . . . to sue, I mean).

Once again Thailand looks stupid - think they thought other countries would edit/ban it. So once they were alone they did a 180 degree change.

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Right-on, BM !

Actually got a kick out of what some bright chap wrote in the Bangkok Post on this subject this morning (Postbag), when he said something to the effect that this movie shouldn't be curtailed for resasons of it being "fiction", since the Bible is based on the same premise and also written by "people".

'Thai mechanics... says it all really.'

Simple, yet oh so accurate.

Funny how a woman brings up the 'not standing for them' stuff, yet they want all the other equal rights. Sometimes sweety you just cannot have your cake and eat it as well.

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FINALLY, a man who says it the way it is ! ! !

100% agreement from this sailor, Mr. Mawtilus ! ! ! Keep 'em comin' - a breath of fresh air !

Cheers !

When discussing with my students some of the differences between the Thai culture, and the American culture, the topic was manners. Thai people do not seem to say please, they certainly do not say thank you. A man does not hold a door for a woman, nor let her on the elevator first or anything remotely like it. Rarely am i given a seat on the bus or train by a Thai man, and often a young man will take a seat almost right out from under me. My tone must have seemed bitter, for on the BTS ride home, I sat with one of my students where she asked me, or rather stated it seemed I didn't like Thai people. I do like Thai people. Some of them are just wonderful, friendly, helpful, warm, inclusive with their activities and show that they want to involve me, and seem genuinely excited when I show up somewhere a foreigner is just not expected to show up. This made me rethink about my projected demeanor and attitude about the Thai people and remember why I am here, to do something for the Thai people I really like. I would like people around the world to think of the Thai people as polite and wonderful people. I have to remember they are who they are and we can only lead by example. What i see here seems to be people that don't really think much of the Thai, which leads me to wonder why they are here. Is living in Thailand really all about warm weather, cheap services and easy girlfriends? I see bandwagon mentallity of Thai people bashing and wonder what good it does. There is truth behind everything we say. There is no such thing as just kidding. I think the Thai people have to work with whatever they have, which in the past, and to a real extent still, isn't much. I give them credit for being a happy bunch of people considering the available resources offered to them. Remember, the minimum wage is 184 baht a day, having some education would certainly pay more, but they work with what they have, I give them credit for that. Just a thought.

It is the conflict in the individual mind that manifests as war. When individuals change, the society will automatically change.

— Amma

For Heaven's Sake: What ARE You On About ? ? ? ? ?

You wanna know why some of us Farang prefer to live here and not in our native countries ? ? ? Because of people like you, who ramble on about Gosh knows what and- ergo- WHY ? ? ? ? ?

If you're a teacher, I'm glad I'm out of school . . . . . . . . .

I totally agree, Mr. RC; but I would even add that this small car would have to be a very much "used" small car !

My feelings go out to the survivor (chap who lost both his arms) and the families of the victims.

Actually; I would note that I am very surprised that many more accidfents don't happen, given the total lackasaidal attitude to safety, anticipation and straight lack of "common-sense" in this otherwise wonderfull country.

again Pattaya! I am glad that I don't live in that place!

You are not the only one...

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You're both not 1/2 as glad as us "True-Pattayans" !!!!

Please stay in your safe-haven of "Nakhom Nowhere" and give Pattaya a wide berth, okay ? You're doing a lot of people a great favour by acting thus !

Proud Pattayan !

Since when did people expect a good quality building. When the main objective of the controllers is to syphon money from mega projects, who cares about the end result.

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Right-on, Skip' - in fact: if you don't see some poor labourers 'labouring' then the big boys aren't filling their pockets . . . . . .

I would be very, very interested to see the initial conclussions from that famous Kunying Jurravan (remember; that honest Attorney General, who was successfully rail-roaded by Taksin for 2 1/2 years).

TIT and yet: I love this country !

Me and my beautiful, exotic, sexy and graceful Thai wife, [Nat,] hope the goddam place never opens anyway.

We only live 10 min. drive from the present apt. and we have an Air Force sticker that allows us to cross along the perim. rd. Giving us quick entry to the International Terminal, to collect our visiters.

"OK darling, I'm coming right now."

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Oh well; at least nobody will ever acuse you of being slightly 'selfish' huh . . . . . .

Skydiver ? ? ? ? Why don't you try a jump without a parachute . . . . . . . .

Four children electrocuted in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI: -- Four children were electrocuted from short circuit from wielding shop when they swam in a canal near the shop, police reported.

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This is one very devastating accidental coincidence.

Our thoughts are with the parents, family and friends of these young people.

Life's a mystery.

As I have said in many forums - all the hype companies make about how much money they lose through piracy (inc films music etc) is just tosh - It makes the huge assumption that the people who pirate something would otherwise pay for it. Most people pirate things because they cannot afford them - what teenage Thai kid in Bangkok can afford to buy genuine windows for his 5th hand PC!

The reality is that if piracy could be stopped tomorrow the likely profit return to companies would probasbly be less than they currently spend trying to erradicate it. The only thing, as someone else points out, that keeps microsoft top of the tree is that it is easy for those who cant afford it to get it on the black market.

Personally I wish them well in erradicating piracy as this will support the furhter development of community focaussed systems like Linux where vast profits are not the key issue

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Besides all that; is there any truth to the rumour that some Irish Software Dev. outfit will soon launch a totally free os dubbed MACROSOFT DOORS ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Interior Ministry to encourage people to bike

Caretaker ACM Kongsak Wantana Friday said he would convene a meeting on Monday April 24 to discuss how to implement the idea. He said he was hoping to launch bicycle lanes in every province across the country.

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A noble idea, but the only thing this utter & obvious 'knit-wit' will be promoting, will be the traffic death-toll average in this Kingdom.

Are they actually paying this ministry's leader for this total nonsense ? ? ? ?

Must be TRT, must be silly, silly, silly ! ! !

Thai immigration police arrest 3 foreigners on criminal charges

Mr. Meier and seven accomplices were subjects of arrest warrants issued by a German court on charges of smuggling marijuana from 1997-2005, a total 351 times and cannabis weighing 6,661 kg valued at Bt 221 million (US$5.5 million).

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Very interesting numbers, because this gives us "Non-Dopers" a priviledged insight into this murky business. Just for the heck of it:

If 6,661 Kg's of Marijuana is values at Bt. 221 mil, then 1 Kg = Bt. 1,746.22

If these chaps did, in fact, smuggle 6,661 Kg over 351 trips, then they carried an avarage of + 19 Kg's per trip.

If they made 351 trips over 8 years (read: + 2,920 days) then they must have made a trip every 8.32 days, or - since there were a total of 8 chaps: 1 trip each every 2 months.

Now; whichever way "one wishes to slice this", I find it incredible that this org. got caught only after ferrying these drugs over a period of eight (8) years . . . . .

Amazing Thailand.

As for the Japanese chap and his passport-scam: that actually worries me more than the weed story. Fake passports are often used by international terrirists - and the chaps do seriously affect our lives.

And the Korean chap: if he was clever enough to embezzle this huge amount of dosh; he should have considered "earning" it in an honest fashion: obvioulsy he has the brain-capacity.

Goes without saying that all are subject (or should be) to the golden rule: "Innocent Until Proven Guilty" !

We don't let a few silly people spoil it for the rest.

Interesting to see that people that don't share your views are categrized a silly one, thanks.

Happy songkran

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Dear Wallalai,

I think you mis-understood me when I wrote:

We don't let a few silly people spoil it for the rest.

The people I was referring to, were those people throwing buckets of water, mixed with ice at motorcycle drivers and other silly behaviour. I don't think this "mis-behaviour" requires overstating: of course it's a stupid and dangerous thing to do.

In any event; I certainly was not referring to you, or other people like you (and I know quiet a few) who'ld much rather stay home on this chaotic day - and I fully respect that, okay ?

Sorry if you got the meaning of my words the wrong way 'round: no offence intended.

Sawasdee Phimai

Sorry guys, I don't get the joke. And I don't understand why Thailand seems to think it's a good idea to make it open season on drivers every year, encouraging kids to stand by the road and throw buckets of water (and worse) on them as they drive by.

You are absolutely right, that has nothing to do with songkran. Originally at songkran time people were splashing some drops of water at other with the hand from a bucket. Now it's exagerated, stupid and really not funny. Personally during songkran time I stay home.

I have seen what songkran was 15 years ago and then it was funny, not today.

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I really don't see what all the fuss is all about. I also was here 15 years ago and I thought it was a lot of fum then and I think it is a lot of fun now. Gosh; if you don't like it, indeed, one always has that option to stay home.

Me; however; I get dressed for the occassion' my smokes & some dosh in a small plastic bag and off we go, with a whole bunch from my place of work. We walk (or take a pick-up) and go all through Pattaya. It amazes me, year-after-year, how people "just wanna have fun" and that's precisely what we have: good clean fun. We don't let a few silly people spoil it for the rest.

Believe me; I just love it when I see young and old, capable and idiot, firm and not so firm; all are having an absolute ball ! ! ! ! !

I am well aware of the true-spirit of this day and I have, on many occassions, washed my in-laws' feet and found that a very moving and humbling experience also. Take the best out of both and just "BE HAPPY"

Happy New Year ! !

Okay I do not like Thaksin but I have to admidt very clever :-)

Reminds me of George Soros when he shorted the Burmese Gov. in 1999 with like $1.4 Trillion in and out which nearly destroyed their economy.....poor communist wonderful peace loving leaders that the Burmese are :-) Hurt Levis Jeans Co and they had to pull out of the country and lose all that cheap slave labor....

Thaksin's manipulating the economy only hurts the poor farmers trying to export goods to China, USA, etc.

Not sure yet exactly how it affects general export goods.

:-) Makes it harder to get those tasty 20bt dishes!!!

Some places in Chiang Mai I can get a noodle soup and a coke for 20bt--- but now its 25bt :-(

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I admire your practice of "the bliss of ignorance" here; there are these 'dark & sinister-influences' at work - and yet - you only worry about the extra 5 Baht you must now fork-out for your soup & Coke . . . . Your problems are easily solved: drink water with your soup and Bingo . . . .you're actually saving money and staying much slimmer in the bargain ! ! !

Never mind Forestcall, Let the 'men' worry about the 'dark & sinister-influences', which are at work here, huh . . . . . . . .

BANGKOK: -- Road accidents during the Thai traditional New Year "Songkran" holidays claimed 68 lives on Friday and Saturday, while the number of injured stood at 810, fewer than earlier projections, thanks to a 10-day annual media campaign aiming at reducing road fatalities.

What is that crap about ? For there seem to be no laws in Thailands traffic, especially not about how to obtain a driver's license that really qualifies you participating in traffic, it is a wonder to me that there are not much more casualties.

What people need to learn the most is e.g. to look before changing lanes or before driving over or crossing a junction / crossroads !!!!!

But what shall we expect in a country, where they prefer to built U-turns and that way to increase not only jams but mainly the danger (e.g. right lane = fast lane, but suddenly there is a jam on that lane due to another U-turn) and where the engineers simply lack the intelligence to plan traffic flow efficiently. The whole traffic system here, at least in Bangkok, is and was made in an extremely stupid way, there are so many examples for that kind of stupidity; so why complain?

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You may be a 'newby' and you may be a little antagonistic; but your are right !

The problem in Thailand is simple: there are perfectly good and sensible laws in place, but these are not always (or rarely) enforced. In other words; on the high-ways in this wondrous land, the "fast-lane" is more than often the "slow-lane" and vice versa. I gues it has do with with this darn "losing-face" phenomena ? A Thai in a decent car would not wnat to be found dead in the "slow-lane", so he happily motors there at a speed much more suitable for the "slow-lane".

As far as design and planning of road-systems; you're right again; someone ought to take these "planners" overseas, to show them how things should be done !

Gonna be driving through Chiang Mai to Lampang in the next couple of days!! I'll be on alert! I'll probably only have to use my horn a mere 1- 2 thousand times!!!!

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I'll probably only have to use my horn a mere 1- 2 thousand times!!!!

It's good to note, how "well" you have adapted to the Thai Life Style . . . . . . . . . .

[Thai's rarely use their car-horns, since it is (obviously) "confrontational"]

Hve a quiet Song-Krahn.

'I want to see Thais love each other, be united and let bygones be bygones. I would like to thank PAD members and beg them to join us in pushing for political reform to ensure the best politics for Thailand and for all the Thais.' — Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

Source: Bangkok Post - 6 April 2006

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Same shit

Different color

Same stink

Bah !

Totally agree with the BMA,

Ban those ###### bras. No bras should be worn during Songkran !!

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We should start a nation-wide petition: I totally agree; maybe if we hold a demonstration in front of the Paragon . . . . . . It was powerfull enough to sink a piece of Toxin; let's promote bra-less day during Songkrahn ! ! ! ! !

You got my vote !

Lets make Thailand the hub of wet t-shirts..........

I'm not really keen on seeing too many wet t-shirts like this...

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Don't be silly, Jai Dee; I know this 'dude' and he's a nice guy. Only crime, as far as I can see, is that he's trying to keep abreast of the situation . . . . . . . L.O.L.

On another note: the "rules" state that "young women are forbidden to wear 'skimpy" tops, right ?

I am just wondering; what then constitutes "older" women (anything over 16 maybe ?)

and; what is the authorities definition of "skimpy"; my goodness; these old "fuddy-duddies" are going a bit too far, don;t you reckon ? ? ? meanwhile; these self-appointed &-annointed chaps are frequent visitors to their favorite "massage-parlours", where they can sneakily enjoy their wharped fantasies; but in public ? ? ? ? Oh no ! ! ! ! charming culture !

PM ready to suspend political career if all conflicting parties end movement

Christ, as if anybody will ever believe any more of his "Okay, I'll resign... maybe" comments now? Especially that one???

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Correct ! ! ! !

I believe the real problem is, that IF Toxin would step back (last thing he wants to do, obviously) he will then become 'just another citizen', without the protection of "executive office". This would then clear the way for this character to be charged and prosecuted under a variety of laws. THAT is something he wouldn't be looking forward to, hence his reluctance to step down.

Thailand is an extremely corrupt country, disguised as a "Noble Nation". Look around your own station and argue that "corruption" isn't everywhere . . . . . . Well; the most corrupt individual in this beautiful Kingdom is name Thaksin Shinawatra and THAT's the whole truth ! ! !

Sorry4Siam

Adichai>> If you really think the 30baht-scheme has helped the poor or the loans to everyone that wanted it has put the poor in any better position then they where in before, then you better wake up and do it quickly.

It's almost amazing reading this from (semi-) educated expats (and other signups) on this board.

I agree! The bill of this stupid action is only paid by the poor and unaducated. They believe they get great benefits but they are not able to see that they pay way to much for it. Instead of using the money for aducate the poor children and to build schools and aducate the teachers better, the money goes directly in the pockets of their rulers. The ruling class want the country-people stay unaducated and stupid. I believe it is very easy to see why. The 30 baht health scam and the loans are nothing else then sand in the eyes of the rural people. It's just another way of cheating!

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So very refreshing to notice that SOME people are actually able to see through all the mirk and can recognize truths ! ! ! !

I totally agree ! ! !

Sorry4Siam

Anyways let's see where this soap opera leads to next.

A much weaker THB hopefully

Come on, grow up. He commands a much greater majority than any other leader I can think of, and whether you like it or not, the majority are for him.

He is liked because he is the first one to provide real benefits for the poor in the rural areas. The main reason why he is hated by the Bangkok lot.

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That is absolute rubbish, my friend ! But; I don't blame you at all for being this naive.

If you want to learn some truths: see if you can pick-up a copy of H. Perkins's 'Confessions of an Economic Hit Man' and you will be utterly shocked into reality, okay ?

Mind you; if you are faint of heart, please don't read this book (documented evidence), because it may just be too much, okay ?!

I a nutshell; one loads-up the masses with so much debt, that a situation is created where these same masses will never ever be able to dig themselves out of the hole they will eventually find themselves in.

However; before getting to that point (viz. of realization of being in the hole) - the going "seems" great and that is precisely what this despot is shooting for.

This man named Thaksin is NOT a good man; he is a very, very evil chap. Kharma will certainly take care of him, but in the meantime he is in a position to do a heck-of-a-lot of serious damage !

Sorry 4 Siam