thailand49

And remember - if you hear some guy battering his wife, don't get involved. He won't lose face 'cos he's beating a woman, he'll lose face 'cos you had the audacity to try and stop him.

if your conscience,allows you to watch a man beat his wife half to death,yes walk on ,,,,,,,you would be a poor excuse for a human being doing so,,i think,,(GENERAL)

I fully understand both points of view. But I also agree this has been going on longer that the article reports we are just being made more aware of it now. When you stay her longer you see more and more and what would one expect in this culture women are view as second class to me. Any country that allows men to have two wivies legal or not and allow them to just walk away from their responsibility whenever they get someone pregnant?

I recently got involved and I couldn't worry too much as to whether the guy was loosing face or not as far as I'm concern anyone who hits a women is a "coward" plain and simple! in the end, today he lost more than face he got a beat down from a old man who got lucky with a few punches and I made him pay in front of all his friends, neighbor and family. This was more than a guy hitting a women it was personal and I made sure he knew and remember it for the rest of his life!

I haven't been to many places in the world but living here.. Thai men without any backup they are some of the biggest cowards I have met! Lot's of them watch too much Muay Thai but when they actually have to hit someone back it becomes a whole different story?

I'm sorry but am I missing something here?

I understand in today world the Internet is a wonderful thing? Youtube and all? but reading and looking at this video something doesn't fit?

Was this video staged? to show what actually happened lke the Thai police do when they go back as to what actually happened in this particular situatIon because it seem that it was re-inacted because the Thai man in the video never told the Russian to get on his knees. It is human nature for a person to be threaten to show some emotion instead of what I saw in the video? If not, why blank out the faces?

I've seen bargirls use the term in their relationship from boyfriend to husband. They look at it as one of the same when it is only a boyfriend. When they are together for a long period of time they consider them to be actually their husband without the paperwork. I know a few relationship over 10 years and she calls him his husband but they aren't married and there are times she refer to him as boyfriend.

How does one determine if the video is original that the gun was a fake? Has the guy been arrested and he cop to the story? is he that stupid to not know his GF/Wife wasn't into the p4p profressional and even if he didn't know why blame the Russian? unless he already slapped the shit out of her and whether he brought a real gun or fake one he most likely got the money and ability from her working the bar so why is he so upset?

Something smells or did I miss something?

I will not dispute anything anyone has said outside of Pattaya, I think OneDay advise is as good as it gets if you are from the U.S. regarding a International Driver License. The cost at least in California has gone up slightly if you want them to provide the photo it will cost you 30USD. You will have to provide your State Driver license the clerk will if he doesn't make a mistake stamp only the portion that you are qualified for driver in your own country. If you have a Class C, the clerk will only stamp the portion you are qualified! Don't worry if you don't have a motorbike license in your own State because 99% of the cops here can't read or write English they just want to see the International License book. I have been stopped hundred of times and this is all I give them and off I go.

You don't need no 90 Days Entry etc... Where you are staying get some evidence of payment that you are staying in Pattaya, take that and the other stuff mentioned and obtain a Residence Letter. Before you do all that stuff go down to the local License office and find out exactly what they need it changes from time to time? If you don't or can't prove you already have a motorbike license you will have to take the driver test, otherwise if you can prove through the International Driver license the stamp portion for Motorbike or provide a your State License that you have a endorsement for the motorbike then all you got to do is take the eye and reaction test which is easy.

To buy the bike or any bike, once again all you need is a residence certificate they don't accept copies so when you get one you will need two if the License office doesn't take a copy? The bike comes with a red plate as mentioned and it does take 3 months which is what was indicated to me when I purchased my 150 PCX, in March, I just got my plates last week. As for the bike it is a great bike and ride but aside from the underseat compartment outside of that you can't carry much. You can get one of those storage boxes mounted on the back but I'm just too cool for that? Someone mentioned that I can get a handle bar hook, I've been everywhere and they tell me "no have" so if someone has one can you provide a photo as to what it looks like? There is a Mityon parts store on Pattaya Tai and I've been there several times for items on the PCX and no luck. The other draw back I found is the seat although great for the driver there is a bump near the back that makes it uncomfortable for the passenger. The girls don't like it? I again have been to the Mityon shop for after market seat. I purchase one for 1700 baht thinking without the hump it would be better but it was worse that the original. It didn't have the hump as high but the passenger seat area was less than the original which I measured and the custom design portion has a smaller area for the driver and I'm not that big it was uncomfortable since the seat was design like a Recaro seat in a car it was not as thick as the original and the ride was stiffer. I ended up putting the original back on and try to return the new one without luck. The best the shop would do was pick 1700 baht worth of assessories. Still looking and I also went to Mai Tai shop on Soi Buakhoa.

This is my experience from getting a bike and license for myself and others that have come to visit even for a month!

Good luck!

I shouldn't be surprise as to the reaction many are generally valid? The majority of us understand how the Thai drive so when I see them do it I say to myself inside " if they don't die today it will be tomorrow " Just last night I watch a young idiot flying up Nernpludwan on the Darkside speeding crashed and thought he was dead but knocked himself silly out and sat and continue eating personally now why get up they don't even know what they are doing wrong? In the last year and half I seen same Soi two young Thais that hit head on into a turning car because they wouldn't give way even when the car already had 90% of the road and the right away both hit the hood and flew off their bikes and into a cement light pole. Instant dead!

Just because they aren't Thais doesn't mean they are following the rules here. Many of nights I leave W.S. around the Marine area while I'm sitting at the light at 2nd Rd, and Pattaya Tai I see lots of foreign tourist ( particular the MidEastern, they are the worse of the lot ) with big bikes laughing, no helmet, riving up the engine getting ready for the light to change, all juiced up with a big bike horsepower between their legs. When the light change off they go personally I couldn't care if they die seems insensitive but that is exacting what it is! There is a chance a motorbike taxi or car might have cut him off but there is nothing they could have done to prevent him from cutting himself in half. I was trained to ride a bike by the California Highway Patrol a world class road enforcement and been in many seminars given by them for road accidents. These types of accident are because the rider put themselves in a position for something like this to happen and when they do that the % is going to increase that it will!

The majority of the time you can blame them for a lot, but the license or rental shop can not control the behavior of a human being who is hell bent in showing off and the end result was he killed himself! That might seem heartless to others here but don't feel sorry for him because he wasn't Thai!

R.I.P.

This song was sung before! Thai official confirm sometime ago that it is o.k. to tell a lie for the good so don't panic while they move their assets to protect themselves. If they tell you it is safe that means it isn't? I myself am waiting for the whole thing to burst so the Baht falls and falls again and again.

If you don't have the full 800,000 or monthly pension you can do a combination of money in the bank and pension to reach the goal amount.

Google Key Visa and contact them as to what to do? The information here is good but we are not professionals email them and tell them you are a member of the Pattaya Expat Club and some peace of mind?

Boy you aren't too fast up there are you? You come in second again? I do much more than that on my Honda click 2006, per year minimum 18,000, First my list is just a guideline and in my 40 plus years as a commercial driver,instructor, and a certified DMV tester I can do all the above in seconds and it is second nature. The few items I cited have worked well in Pattaya and I don't just ride Central Pattaya, I'm pretty sure the KM, I do on my road bike yearly is more than the 6,000 you do on your motorbike. The disagreement we have is that you actually feel like most normal drivers who never have driven anything more that a large SUV to understand that you don't actually sit there and count 1,2,3 we are actually in agreement because 1.2.3 is just a starter you yourself although you want to just disagree is already doing that and more and more is making sure it is all clear even if it takes 20 cars. You already ARE DOING THE BIG PICTURE, except when reading it you don't!

Your one of those guys that live in Pattaya that I have seen over coffee and such talk and correct people when someone says it cost me around 200 baht, you have to say you're wrong it cost 199 baht!

You're back at it again? I thought this discussion was done already.. but you're decided to come back flaming....

I don't cover long distances - all my riding is in Pattaya Central and this is the area I know very well. 6000 km per year in Pattaya Central is more than enough to know all the main intersections very well.

As I said, the counting stuff is dumb. You don't count, you look. Sometimes you can go straight away, sometimes you wait.

.. and you won't see me arguing over 1 baht. There's a good chance you would though.

Sorry If I'm back, I thought the last time you might have gotten what I was trying so hard to explain to you! I think the majority of people here understand what I'm trying to get across.

Yes, flaming that is what I've done with you only because I'm just irritated that you are having a hard time understand the concept of this rule maybe because of my flaming? So I hope you can accept my apologise for doing that!

As for the 6,000 KM, just responding since you brought it up so I thought it was only right I responded back. Because I think we can agree it doesn't take a rocket scientist to travel 1 KM in Thailand to figure out what to do.

But in the end, The rule in commercial driving 1,2,3, is just that it isn't to be taken to its rule exactly which you repeatly have let everyone know that it is dumb and one doesn't need to actually count 1,2,3, at each intersection here or anywhere else. When I train a student to be a commercial driver and for the first time I give them this rule.. Yes there is some expectation that they start to count out loud but the excercise is to mentally drill it into their head and when it time to give them their road test I don't expect them to call out each time 1,2,3. it is a training tool to make them think and have it embedded into their heads so that it becomes natural or second nature to them!

You are in many ways doing just that why because you come from the West? You have gone through many of the education and training that Thais have never gone through. This is exactly as soon as the light turns green you make sure all the traffic has gone by prior to going through. Second nature have taught you to do this or turning your head and moving your eyes is the same as counting 1,2,3, just not out loud! You wait but most Thais don't and even I've seen Farangs do the same. Just a few days ago, at Sukhumvit and Pattaya Klang and old Farang was packing his girlfriend and her two young kids on the bike and traffic was heavy all with no helmet! As soon as the light change he started to take off like a Thai, I like you looking and waited ( which is the same as maybe counting 1.2.3 ) The closes lane the car stop but like you I knew something on the outer lane will fly through that is a 99% chance it was going to happen and it did and I yelled out to the Farang, to be honest because of the kids, and he heard me and stopped. When he got to the light at Pattaya Klang I pull up I said something to him, he looked at me because he thought I was a Thai but speaking English to him. Basically, I told him as a Farang and I know you are having a good time and trying to fit in but you should be ashame of yourself. Have you no idea what you are doing and the price you might have to pay if those kids get hurt or die.

To my surprise, he looked at me and told me to go <deleted> myself. Not because I was wrong it was because I was right and he wanted to boost his ego in front of the wife and kids. I told him the only reason why I don't get off this bike and open a can of whip Ass on you skinny white ass is because I don't want your Thai wife and her kids to have to remember this night? I told him if you are serious here is my number give me a call. He just sat there silently and just before I took off I told him " just what I thought " I wasn't looking for a fight but it piss me off why because I see this everyday with Thais but as Farangs we should know better and I hope that our little verbal confrontation he might learn something which I would never be able to get across to a Thai?

This I hope ends our conversation and I hope you can except my apologise for the flaming we just got off on the wrong foot. This time of the year Songkran I get in a real bad and nasty mood. Not because of the celebration but because of a personal experience I had a few years back?

Signing out on this topic 1,2,3.......

The entire short list I have provided can all be done in less than a few seconds while driving it is just conditioning your mind to do it. As for part D, is simple! it doesn't kill people in fact all studies show that it saves lives. The meaning is simple, if you are sitting at a red light waiting for it to turn green as soon as it is green counting 1,2,3, allows for most if not all red light runners to go by. By doing this simple thing you don't assume it is clear like Thai driver and take off as there is no tomorrow! while counting the Big picture is you are looking left or right and counting 1,2,3, doesn't mean you can take off after that like a Thai driver! You still have to get the Big Picture by constantly looking and that means my other rules apply now! Get the Big Picture by looking ahead, left right never assume.

Ask yourself would you be better off here in Thailand to count 1,2,3, look before proceeding or taking off as soon as the light turn green? Counting doesn't cost you a thing?

I think the idea of counting 1,2,3 before proceeding at an intersection is dumb. You'd have to count to 20 at many intersections and by that time the guys behind you are getting very upset.

The best idea is to consider all intersections as uncontrolled and proceed with caution AT ALL TIMES.

If you use some common sense, it might seem dumb to you just like all the dead Thais in this country who didn't? Counting to 20 seconds is dumb just for the reason you stated! Think about what you are saying agree to disagree we are talking about a intersection control by red and green lights. I like to use this saying K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid!

If you are in front of the intersection when the light turns green just don't take off, give it a couple of second, next time instead of complaining and calling it dumb give it a try? No one expects you to count to 20, it is obvious what is going to happen. As I say! get the big picture and use whatever time you think is right but here in Thailand as it turns green and you just take off assuming you have the right away just put you in a position for something to happen and if you do it will like just assuming and entering the intersection thinking you have the right away! you are dealing with your life! Adjust your timing and driving to the condition of the road if you have the light proceed with caution even if you want to use 1 second or 1 hour!

Before you respond again if you are in Thailand particularly in Pattaya next time stand in the corner and watch the light change and count tell me how many cars run that light in 3 seconds. 3 seconds can save someones life is it worth not doing is your life that meaningless that you can't wait 3 seconds to go somewhere?

I ride my bike about 6000 km per year around Central Pattaya. I really don't need to stand at an intersection to see how it goes.

Sometimes I may take off quickly. Other times I may have to wait for 1 - 10 cars or so barrelling on through after the light turned green. That could take a few seconds or a lot more.

The advice was simple. Don't bother counting. Just use your eyes and watch out for the red light jumpers. Everytime you go through an intersection you must watch for red light jumpers.

Boy you aren't too fast up there are you? You come in second again? I do much more than that on my Honda click 2006, per year minimum 18,000, First my list is just a guideline and in my 40 plus years as a commercial driver,instructor, and a certified DMV tester I can do all the above in seconds and it is second nature. The few items I cited have worked well in Pattaya and I don't just ride Central Pattaya, I'm pretty sure the KM, I do on my road bike yearly is more than the 6,000 you do on your motorbike. The disagreement we have is that you actually feel like most normal drivers who never have driven anything more that a large SUV to understand that you don't actually sit there and count 1,2,3 we are actually in agreement because 1.2.3 is just a starter you yourself although you want to just disagree is already doing that and more and more is making sure it is all clear even if it takes 20 cars. You already ARE DOING THE BIG PICTURE, except when reading it you don't!

Your one of those guys that live in Pattaya that I have seen over coffee and such talk and correct people when someone says it cost me around 200 baht, you have to say you're wrong it cost 199 baht!

The entire short list I have provided can all be done in less than a few seconds while driving it is just conditioning your mind to do it. As for part D, is simple! it doesn't kill people in fact all studies show that it saves lives. The meaning is simple, if you are sitting at a red light waiting for it to turn green as soon as it is green counting 1,2,3, allows for most if not all red light runners to go by. By doing this simple thing you don't assume it is clear like Thai driver and take off as there is no tomorrow! while counting the Big picture is you are looking left or right and counting 1,2,3, doesn't mean you can take off after that like a Thai driver! You still have to get the Big Picture by constantly looking and that means my other rules apply now! Get the Big Picture by looking ahead, left right never assume.

Ask yourself would you be better off here in Thailand to count 1,2,3, look before proceeding or taking off as soon as the light turn green? Counting doesn't cost you a thing?

I think the idea of counting 1,2,3 before proceeding at an intersection is dumb. You'd have to count to 20 at many intersections and by that time the guys behind you are getting very upset.

The best idea is to consider all intersections as uncontrolled and proceed with caution AT ALL TIMES.

If you use some common sense, it might seem dumb to you just like all the dead Thais in this country who didn't? Counting to 20 seconds is dumb just for the reason you stated! Think about what you are saying agree to disagree we are talking about a intersection control by red and green lights. I like to use this saying K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid!

If you are in front of the intersection when the light turns green just don't take off, give it a couple of second, next time instead of complaining and calling it dumb give it a try? No one expects you to count to 20, it is obvious what is going to happen. As I say! get the big picture and use whatever time you think is right but here in Thailand as it turns green and you just take off assuming you have the right away just put you in a position for something to happen and if you do it will like just assuming and entering the intersection thinking you have the right away! you are dealing with your life! Adjust your timing and driving to the condition of the road if you have the light proceed with caution even if you want to use 1 second or 1 hour!

Before you respond again if you are in Thailand particularly in Pattaya next time stand in the corner and watch the light change and count tell me how many cars run that light in 3 seconds. 3 seconds can save someones life is it worth not doing is your life that meaningless that you can't wait 3 seconds to go somewhere?

I can give you a number of things to look for when driving in Thailand, as a instructor for commercial vehicles and driver for over 40 plus years pertaining to this accident I can give you this but first R.I.P to the victim and my sympathy to the family and friends and now jail time to the Thai Driver. Guarantee this was not his first time only the first time he killed someone the madness will slow but never end honestly start to enforce the law as it was intented and a greater punitive damage to the victim.

These few rules taught by commercial instructors like myself will hopefully help motorbike and cars drivers in Thailand. The word or suggestion was used here was managed which should also mean defensive.

A. Never put yourself in a bad position, if you do, the chances and % will go up that something will happen.

B. When driving you should " get the big picture " that means you should know what is ahead of you 7 seconds forward.

C. Get into the habit of moving your eyes from left, middle, right and so forth every 3 seconds to know what is around you.

In time all of this will be second nature to a driver.

D. When at a red light as soon as it turns green! COUNT TO YOURSELF 1,2,3, THEN GO! In Thailand if you do that watch

them go through the red? And when you proceed never take it for granted always look on the side that will strike you first!

E. When you go through a green even when it has been green for sometime get into the habit of applying all the above and

you will find this will help from A-E!

Good luck and everyone stay safe?

With all due respect, item D in your list could get people killed if they followed it. They'll be collected by a very late runner or one that is difficult to detect. I once had a motor home run a left turn red long after the green. My problem was that I was hanging back and timing the green and I did not realize that, by his speed, he had intended to run his left turn red (going too fast to stop - heard that one before). So I had some speed on when I entered the intersection. I tried to evade as I watched his 30 feet length - seemingly in slow motion - cross in front of me;but I managed to just clip his rear bumper and put a 90 degree bend in it.

Not sure if you get the actually guideline of this rule? Yes if you follow it to the letter yes people or you will get killed. It is just a guideline or would you rather sit there and count to 100 hundred? When in Thailand if you watch at a intersection when vehicles are waiting at a red light to turn green as it does driver take off without any hesitation with the assumption they have a right of way! Even if they did the math is 2 plus 2, you can't win against a ton of steel.

This rule is say to yourself 1,2,3 but you still got to follow the rest of the list I listed! If you assume like you are doing based on the rule that I'm in the clear then you are just 3 seconds from doing the same thing Thai drivers do. You haven't gotten the big picture?

I can give you a number of things to look for when driving in Thailand, as a instructor for commercial vehicles and driver for over 40 plus years pertaining to this accident I can give you this but first R.I.P to the victim and my sympathy to the family and friends and now jail time to the Thai Driver. Guarantee this was not his first time only the first time he killed someone the madness will slow but never end honestly start to enforce the law as it was intented and a greater punitive damage to the victim.

These few rules taught by commercial instructors like myself will hopefully help motorbike and cars drivers in Thailand. The word or suggestion was used here was managed which should also mean defensive.

A. Never put yourself in a bad position, if you do, the chances and % will go up that something will happen.

B. When driving you should " get the big picture " that means you should know what is ahead of you 7 seconds forward.

C. Get into the habit of moving your eyes from left, middle, right and so forth every 3 seconds to know what is around you.

In time all of this will be second nature to a driver.

D. When at a red light as soon as it turns green! COUNT TO YOURSELF 1,2,3, THEN GO! In Thailand if you do that watch

them go through the red? And when you proceed never take it for granted always look on the side that will strike you first!

E. When you go through a green even when it has been green for sometime get into the habit of applying all the above and

you will find this will help from A-E!

Good luck and everyone stay safe?

With all due respect, item D in your list could get people killed if they followed it. They'll be collected by a very late runner or one that is difficult to detect. I once had a motor home run a left turn red long after the green. My problem was that I was hanging back and timing the green and I did not realize that, by his speed, he had intended to run his left turn red (going too fast to stop - heard that one before). So I had some speed on when I entered the intersection. I tried to evade as I watched his 30 feet length - seemingly in slow motion - cross in front of me;but I managed to just clip his rear bumper and put a 90 degree bend in it.

Not sure what you are trying to say here but It seems you aren't getting the point at all. In other words the Big picture isn't to assume anything!

The entire short list I have provided can all be done in less than a few seconds while driving it is just conditioning your mind to do it. As for part D, is simple! it doesn't kill people in fact all studies show that it saves lives. The meaning is simple, if you are sitting at a red light waiting for it to turn green as soon as it is green counting 1,2,3, allows for most if not all red light runners to go by. By doing this simple thing you don't assume it is clear like Thai driver and take off as there is no tomorrow! while counting the Big picture is you are looking left or right and counting 1,2,3, doesn't mean you can take off after that like a Thai driver! You still have to get the Big Picture by constantly looking and that means my other rules apply now! Get the Big Picture by looking ahead, left right never assume.

Ask yourself would you be better off here in Thailand to count 1,2,3, look before proceeding or taking off as soon as the light turn green? Counting doesn't cost you a thing?

I can give you a number of things to look for when driving in Thailand, as a instructor for commercial vehicles and driver for over 40 plus years pertaining to this accident I can give you this but first R.I.P to the victim and my sympathy to the family and friends and now jail time to the Thai Driver. Guarantee this was not his first time only the first time he killed someone the madness will slow but never end honestly start to enforce the law as it was intented and a greater punitive damage to the victim.

These few rules taught by commercial instructors like myself will hopefully help motorbike and cars drivers in Thailand. The word or suggestion was used here was managed which should also mean defensive.

A. Never put yourself in a bad position, if you do, the chances and % will go up that something will happen.

B. When driving you should " get the big picture " that means you should know what is ahead of you 7 seconds forward.

C. Get into the habit of moving your eyes from left, middle, right and so forth every 3 seconds to know what is around you.

In time all of this will be second nature to a driver.

D. When at a red light as soon as it turns green! COUNT TO YOURSELF 1,2,3, THEN GO! In Thailand if you do that watch

them go through the red? And when you proceed never take it for granted always look on the side that will strike you first!

E. When you go through a green even when it has been green for sometime get into the habit of applying all the above and

you will find this will help from A-E!

Good luck and everyone stay safe?

I do hope they learn the first time, like so many of you we deep down have our doubts because China has a history of hiding things from the world. Maybe it a lose face issue but like another poster wrote this has been going on for a month now and I believe there are a few case reported in Vietnam?

They are just now killing chickens etc...and such I wonder like last time how many have already been sold before they started. Only time will tell if they learn anything from the last time?

I admit to a bit of confusion regarding this topic. Is the government implying that a farang tourist can walk into a hospital, get instant medical care, and then stiff the hospital by not paying the bill? That is contrary to everything I have seen and experienced in all my years here.... So all the arguements on this thread become a bit moot if that is the case.

I did have one small emergency where I used the services of a Thai government hospital, whose rate was incredibly cheap. Doubtless a subsidized Thai price that I really was not entitled to. So I can see the logic of those hospitals charging more to farangs. But forced insurance is going down a strange path, as it address a problem which does not exist. Don't believe that?

Next time you have an emergency, tell the admitting clerk you do not have a baht on you, and tell me what they do then......

In Thailand they would treat you, in other countries like the US they would probably let you die.

Google is your friend...or your enemy.... By law in America the hospitals MUST treat you. They do not have a choice regarding emergency treatment. I f you need a liver transplant that is a different story.

A friend of mine from Sweden had a motorcycle accident in Pattaya, and went to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital with a severe scalp laceration. In the course of the accident he lost his wallet so showed up at the hospital with nothing. He says he sat outside the emergency room holding onto his scalp with blood dripping off his elbows. Finally the hospital felt sorry for him, and sent a hospital staff person to his hotel to get some additional credit cards from his room. When the hospital discovered he was a multimillionaire, his treatment instantly changed. Lots of apologies, and straight to a VIP room.......

So let me make my point one more time . They will NOT treat you for a serious injury, which of course is the only one that matters. I guess if you cut your finger, they would patch it up and hope you pay at the front desk instead of running outside.....

Just a small clarification!

I hear this line a lot from people and it is somewhat true? When someone refers to the U.S. that they can't refused treatment and Immigrants get free treatment?

Here is how it works! Yes in he U.S. this is very true! especially when you visit the Emergency room. In the U.S. you can sue if they don't and something happens! In the Emergency room you will be ask to fill out some forms requesting information about yourself and if you can't the request goes to friend or family. The two things they are looking for is a Address and your Social Security Number!

The Doctors doesn't give a rat ass as to whether you can pay or not they are there to treat you and let the adminitrators of the hospital worry about whether you can pay or not! This was what I was told a few years back when I needed treatment but didn't have healthcare. The Big difference is I'm a upstanding citizen have a small savings that is over the limit for getting free or adjusted discount for like low income. I have a legitimate Social Security Number and If I don't pay the bill they send my account to a collection agency and can ruin my credit and attach a lien to anything I owned. As for a Immigrant most likely in general their income is so low they don't get charged or they don't have a legal or any Social Security Number or even a valid address. In most major cities hospital aren't there to deal with illegal immigrants! Guys like me end up paying the full scope of the service and not what someone that has insurance would have to pay? If you don't understand this for example a person with insurance the cost for service for the flu might be 100 dollars, with someone that doesn't have insurance 500 dollarsunless you can prove you need assistance. As stated, the resentment from people like me is I pay into the system my whole life, the system wants me to use every penny of my saving before I can get free treatment while a illegal immigrant most likely gets it free at my expense and yours?

In Pattaya a few years ago a big stink was made because a American school teacher was run down on Beach Road by a construction truck, of course the guy took off and got off scott free! They took the American to Bangkok/Pattaya but couldn't verify that he had insurance the guy was unconcious and no I.D. they supposely stablilized him and ship him off in the back of a pickup truck to provincial hospital 50KM ChonBuri, he died on the way!

Last year, I was in the emergency room with a family member waiting to be transported to a room. There was another Farang in great pain next to us! For nearly a hour I heard him say " help me I don't want to die " The doctors knew exactly what was wrong and how to correct it but the problem after listening staff come and go was how was the surgery going to be paid? He has insurance at home but time difference the office couldn't confirm payment? The staff kept coming in trying to ask his friend can you help with payment? and his friend not sure how good a friend but he said he didn't have that kind of money? A hour later while I was heading to our room he was still crying " help me I don't want to die "

A few years ago my brother daugther was heading ot surgery, he has been using Bangkok/Pattaya for over ten years and has paid cash time after time for his family. Just before they were to roll her into surgery a guy came from the office and said he need to pay 50% of the 100,000 baht, he nearly snapped but I stepped in between them. I told the guy, don't hold up the surgery and if you don't back off I'll write about this in the Bangkok Post and the local foreign newspaper. I basically B.S. him as to who I was that I will do everything I can to let everyone know about your hospital.

They have a law here in Thailand same as in the U.S. they must treat you and yes they too have the ability to write it off on taxes or credit from the government if they get stiff? Because of the language along with other things Thailand hospital is having a hard time recovering medical expenses from foreigners this might be the reason? From my research a few years ago private hospitals like Bangkok/Pattaya or Bumrungrad in Bangkok will accept or do direct billing for medical services, very few from what I was told. You pay first, they make a nice English ledger for you and you get back your money on your own!

This must be a big joke? The Minister of Health should worry more about taking care of his/her own people or improving the current lousy service that are given to them instead of worrying about foreign tourist.

I think many here is missing the real point and that is not about whether we should buy travel insurance or whether a credit card has insurance?

This story smell like the dead rat like the office of Health! I would like to see some stats how many tourist are actually getting sick and draining Thailand?

Here is my reply to your idea " K-ss My A-S!

Long story it would be nice if the reporter knew how to report! What was the scam? I read a number of times they were being deceived and scam but what is the scam they were using to get people to send money?

snippet from #16

"Thai women see on T.V. how romantic things are and many hook up from

go-go's and bars with Koreans and Japanese and go abroad that things

aren't much different."

Go Go girls are primarily attracted to Japanese /Koreans for one and one reason only; they pay more. Secondarily they are asian also and impressed with white skin. Much of thai society likes Japan/Korea cause of the white skin, soaps, boy bands. The average thai has no idea the korean education system is rated with the top countries in the world. Japan education is nothing to laugh at either. While there is truth in many Japanese women playing traditional roles as mothers/housewives, a lot of that has changed. One CANNOT compare Japanese women to Thai. Japan culture/ society creates highly efficient, quality educated,highly MOTIVATED, organized women. It is largely a middle class society. I have both worked with and dated Japanese women as well as Thai women, and in general (exceptions duly noted) there is a HUGE difference.

I agree in someways and in someways I don't? Sure Korea and Japans education is far more better than Thailand will ever be in my life time. In my opinion due to education in these countries basically to say in short their women don't put up with their macho bullshit any longer. They expect more from their men and at the same time know like the western women are going to speak their peace and do it with a educated point of view? This is exactly what I'm saying and also articles written by Thais are saying that women need to educate themselves better with more self respect for themselves and have a greater expectation from their own men under that happens they will continue to be second class and wait hand and foot to their men even when they are bunch of useless you know what?

When it comes to P4P, this is what attracts Japanese/Korean and even western men to Thai women. They basically take care of us the old fashion way in more ways than one. I'm Asian and have been to the new Korea and Japan and the old guys think about the old days of their women and the new guys wish for the same taught to them by their fathers that is why they are here along with the sex the new generation of women in their own country don't put up any longer. The macho thinking seems to be handed down to them but not exactly like the old sumuria thinking days.

I've been in Thailand a long time and being Asian Thai women meet and want to stay with me and it's not because I'm handsome man. I don't know how many times Thai women have told me I look like them and that being said I'm half way there along with as you say we pay more at the clubs that is the best of both worlds along with when they walk down the street with us they are not looked apon as working girls like they are looked at when they are with a white guy!

In the end, even educated men beat their women no matter where they come from?

"In the end, even educated men beat their women no matter where they come from?"

What? I can't believe I'm reading this. I hope this last sentence is some kind of twisted attempt at irony or levity on your part, but I fear it is not. It appears to be an utterly demented and despicable thing to say. I hope you are not trying to normalize violence toward women.

Oh no! I don't know how you got that impression? Maybe I wasn't clear? All I'm saying is although this article refers to SEA, abused towards women happens throughout the world and not only because of the lack of education. We see today increase laws even in the U.S. that abusing women is unacceptable regardless coming from uneducated or educated. There are generally no limits to who could be a abuser?

As I noted in a past post that I personally dislike anyone that abuses or hits a women I consider them cowards and I don't care where they come from so saying that I certainly would never try to normalize violence toward women or anyone!

snippet from #16

"Thai women see on T.V. how romantic things are and many hook up from

go-go's and bars with Koreans and Japanese and go abroad that things

aren't much different."

Go Go girls are primarily attracted to Japanese /Koreans for one and one reason only; they pay more. Secondarily they are asian also and impressed with white skin. Much of thai society likes Japan/Korea cause of the white skin, soaps, boy bands. The average thai has no idea the korean education system is rated with the top countries in the world. Japan education is nothing to laugh at either. While there is truth in many Japanese women playing traditional roles as mothers/housewives, a lot of that has changed. One CANNOT compare Japanese women to Thai. Japan culture/ society creates highly efficient, quality educated,highly MOTIVATED, organized women. It is largely a middle class society. I have both worked with and dated Japanese women as well as Thai women, and in general (exceptions duly noted) there is a HUGE difference.

I agree in someways and in someways I don't? Sure Korea and Japans education is far more better than Thailand will ever be in my life time. In my opinion due to education in these countries basically to say in short their women don't put up with their macho bullshit any longer. They expect more from their men and at the same time know like the western women are going to speak their peace and do it with a educated point of view? This is exactly what I'm saying and also articles written by Thais are saying that women need to educate themselves better with more self respect for themselves and have a greater expectation from their own men under that happens they will continue to be second class and wait hand and foot to their men even when they are bunch of useless you know what?

When it comes to P4P, this is what attracts Japanese/Korean and even western men to Thai women. They basically take care of us the old fashion way in more ways than one. I'm Asian and have been to the new Korea and Japan and the old guys think about the old days of their women and the new guys wish for the same taught to them by their fathers that is why they are here along with the sex the new generation of women in their own country don't put up any longer. The macho thinking seems to be handed down to them but not exactly like the old sumuria thinking days.

I've been in Thailand a long time and being Asian Thai women meet and want to stay with me and it's not because I'm handsome man. I don't know how many times Thai women have told me I look like them and that being said I'm half way there along with as you say we pay more at the clubs that is the best of both worlds along with when they walk down the street with us they are not looked apon as working girls like they are looked at when they are with a white guy!

In the end, even educated men beat their women no matter where they come from?

It's lies in the culture of the country. This IMHO! in a country like Thailand where thousand of years of embedded into women that they are second class and they don't even know it. Any time a country allows regardless of the form that a man can have two wives legal or not. A system although there are laws that allow a man to just walk away from their responsibility of supporting a child. The proof of all the young girls that are working in the sex business sending money back home to support their kids. I've seen it first hand over and over again here kids right out of school 15 years of age.. boys waiting like a pack of Soi dogs waiting to pouch on the virgin and as soon as they are pregnant gone like the wind! The girls and later as women feel if they don't have a man around people will look down on them, call them worthless and even pick on them. I have first hand seen and heard it. So it seems they take whatever they can get even another women man and the men also from thousand of years have learn this so they go about doing what they are doing. I use to keep this to myself but within the last year I have read articles in the Bangkok post talking about this especially in relationship to Thai women and other Asian races like Korean and Japanese.

Due to the increase exposure to T.V. soaps from Korea, many Thai women see on T.V. how romantic things are and many hook up from go-go's and bars with Koreans and Japanese and go abroad that things aren't much different. The are made to feel like second class citizens cooking,cleaning seen but not heard. Many find themselves in a verbal or physical abuse and come back to Thailand. Article like this written by Thais suggest that Thai women need to have more self respect for themselves and need to wait it out for something better to come along until that happens their own men will never step up to the plate instead continue to do what they do hit and run as I call it?

This type of mentality carry by men in the Middle East, SEA, Asia as a whole anywhere that feels women aren't equal to men! and of course even in Western countries it happens too! As far as I'm concern a man that hits a women or abuses one isn't much a man but nothing but a coward!

As for the guy that complaining about his wife using the credit card, this can also be construe as reverse verbal abuse! But my best suggestion is get a divorce and run for the hills no matter what it cost you. In the end, it would be cheaper and you would be happier!

I am 50 and have one for under 20,000 baht/year. Annual cover $500,000, standard inpatient 100% covered, approved with Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, only catch is a $2000 deductable - but that's ok, I have it for emergency situations like bad traffic accidents or things like that. I don't mind paying the small stuff myself. (and void in US of course, but that's ok too, not planning to go there anytime soon). Their policy goes up to 75 years of age, after that "subject to negotiation" as with most companies.

I honestly don't understand this, you say the main reason you have health insurance is in case you have an accident in a vehicle, assuming you own a vehicle - don't you have motor insurance, I think a lot of people need to review and think long and hard about what they are paying for and why

we someone who pays 35k a year but once he turns 70+ when he will likely need it most they refuse to continue cover <deleted>

I guess you don't live here nor have you ever research as to how insurance is actually sold here?

When U.S. folks turn 65 they are eligible for the govt national health plan called Medicare. Medicare Part A requires no monthly premiums for most folks and covers basic in-hospital care, but you really need Part B also to cover many other medical costs to include some hospital costs and outpatient costs. You can easily end up in the poor house or not affording medical care without the Part B coverage. For 2013 the Part B monthly premium is $104.90 for most folks. Unfortunately, for U.S. expats, Medicare only covers you in the U.S.; not if you are living outside the U.S.

Let's see if we can get Thailand to pressure the U.S. to allow Medicare coverage outside the U.S.!

In fact Medicare is not really a "national government health plan" of the same type as in Europe. It is financed by payroll deductions while we are working. My husband and I plan to stay here in Thailand, and we are being denied access to benefits funded by our *own money* that we paid while working in the U.S. Extremely frustrating!

I believe that Sweden and some other European countries allow and even encourage their nationals to use government-provided health care funds here in Thailand and in other locations where the cost of medical care is somewhat less expensive.

When it comes to the U.S. our government talks big about a Global economy yet our Medicare system would save millions if they arrange for International accredited hospital overseas for coverage but they don't.

Not sure if your are right or wrong? But living here and knowing many Expats from Europe and U.K. I don't know of anyone that get health care in these countries that allows direct payment? Most I know when they get sick or need a operation fly home which is exactly what I plan to do when it time for me to apply for Medicare. At that age I will buy minimum what i need to fix me up and catch a flight home if possible.

Having health insurance is a good thing but when it comes to Expat, what makes people think here that Expat traveling and living here don't have any! We are talking about Thailand not in your own country? The stupid generalization that Expat will be a burden on this country get real here?

Based on how medical insurance is sold here in Thailand and the difference pricing that goes on with Foreigners and locals again get REAL! Hospital like Bangkok/Pattaya are licking their chops just waiting to jack up the cost for visitors.

This government is best for doing something whenever a event comes around to show that they might actually know what they are doing to get the tourist here. The got to be the best at smoke and mirror! They can't provide 80% of their people good coverage and they are worry about expats and Cambodians? What a <deleted> Joke!

This is just one small reason why Thailand will continue to be a 3rd world country talking and acting like they are a 1st rate country! One wonders how many other Thai drivers get away each day with murder to foreigners? They continue to talk as if they are doing something when it is clear it's nothing but smoke and mirror!

All country should put out a alert that Thailand is not the LOS!

Just got back from dinner with some friends, all of them Thai. Some just got back from pattaya. My friends complained nonstop about the Thai drivers in pattaya for about 15 minutes. Comments such as "a stop sign is just a recommendation to those guys!" and "right of way means who has the most expensive car", and " the lane markers are just an FYI to those pattaya drivers"

As I listened to them talk, all i could think was,

now i have to convince my Thai buddies not to bash the their own drivers?

I give up!

really ? Thais strting to discuss the drivin habits of their fellow Thais, this could be the revolving revolutionary effect. Hopefully it will effect into road-motorist-education. Let's talk about it again in 2113. In a hunnerd years to come. nothing will change.

I'm sorry but dont expect too much change. My friends are typical Thai. All are university grads from US, Australia, or NZ. And my friends consider me "Thai", so they speak freely around me.

Which brings me to the point i was hoping to make. The fundamental problem i see is the basic education level of Thailand. politics is dummied down to a 6th grade level (or 7th or 8th or what ever it is). The general population is susceptible to political steering with relative ease. People drive like they have a 6th grade education, because, well they only have a 6th grade education.

Want better drivers? improve the basic education level of thailand.

Tired of the sophomoric Thai political statements? improve the basic education level of thailand

But be careful of what you wish for. a more educated population will most likely realize they want to be paid more. and there goes your 30bhat noddles.

You are correct in most of your statement. Like yourself I'm consider to one of them living here for so many years the big difference is that your friends have a much higher education level. I live and associate like you say with 6 grade level Thais and you should know that at that level especially if they have never been outside of Thailand, Thais don't sit well with being criticized.

Improving the education level is the right thing to do but that would take years, if not decades. So while that is happening the rate of accidents and death will continue! We are talking about driving and not rocket science? The biggest problem with their driving is that they have been condition to think that it is a right and not a privilege to drive. Many of these so call 6 grade education people can't even read enough to take the test instead pay to get their license and many as I know drive without one and when they get stopped by the police a 2 hundred baht tip gets them back on the road again as long as you are Thai. I have seen it happen right in front of me. I do know a few Thais that have driven me around thinking they had a license? they don't never went to school to get one like it doesn't matter!

Driving is common sense and a learn skilled that one can learn through proper training! I know I have every imaginable endorsement to train and drive commerical vehicles in the States for over 40 years. I have instructed a few Thais including my son as to why to do or not do something and it only has to be explained to them like a 6 grader. In the end no matter what you come up with and no matter how much education one gets like in the Western world you still need one main things and that is ENFORCEMENT! PLAIN AND SIMPLE! AND THAT MEANS CHANGING THE DRIVING SYSTEM AND STOPPING THE CORRUPTIONS!

But like you say! we don't want that... things would cost more and we wouldn't be able to live here!