PlanetX

I find, however that the pizza feeds 4-6 people

Asked for the discount - received it - thank you

*I specifically chose Dukes because of the discount

I eat a large by myself in 1-2 sittings (they are excellent) -- that would not be the surgeon generals recommendation though because they are very big

4-6 people would have to be my grandmother (no teeth) and her bridge friends

In terms of speculating - CMU made a quick policy decision that corresponds to the arrival of a new Director. Its apparent in the other thread that what is being said by CMU does not completely match up with other source accounts. All speculation aside, I think its fair to say there might be a little more to the story then what they have let on. It is then that it becomes necessary to speculate on possible other motives and/or pressures CMU was under to make a quick change. I think its also worth noting that CMU has placed the majority of the blame on the students themselves (failing contractual obligations, visa fraud). There is an interesting suggestion made that records of attendance would prove differently. If that's the case, then what were the other reasons why CMU would make such a quick and rather harsh policy change? So not only are students robbed and deported - but then as a group they blamed. That's the full treatment. You have to expect more from such a proud and prestigious university.

Just a few months earlier, a school (NIS), that had been increasing enrollment for several years in a row, gaining WASC accreditation, respected in the community for family atmosphere (NIS has teachers for an average of 6 years. That shows that teachers like working there.)

All of the sudden, first day of school this fall and surprise - no principal or vice principal (over 13+ yrs experience between the two of them) they've been demoted and lost their titles. Happy 1st day back. Who do the teachers call to get a substitute if they are sick -- that took 5 weeks of school before they got an answer to that question. NIS raised tuition. NIS cut student lunch budgets. NIS cut teacher lunch benefits. So obviously something is going on. Is NIS losing handfuls of money? Is the owner having troubles? What is for sure - something was decided on this summer to drastically change the chain of command and balance sheet.

A few months later, a similar drastic policy comes out in CMU to change chain of command and balance sheet.

The Bangkok elites stick together. This isn't implying anything, but NIS owner Bangkok, new director for CMU comes up from Bangkok

Its not unreasonable to assume there are policies being shaped in Bangkok to deal with the potential for more civil unrest. Those policies do not necessarily have to deal with foreigners, but they may... and an effort spawned from this could easily be a major effort to take more direct control over education. If they do this through sudden, insensitive policy decisions - What would make you think they wouldn't do the same for other policies (Visas, retirement, investment amounts, ownership rights, etc). This isnt some conspiracy rant - its just looking at the consequences of what has been happening with civil unrest and how the government will respond. CMU is a semi-government representative - established, Thai, influential - and you saw how they handled this

Thank you, that's it. I didn't actually realise it was on the same campus. Why on earth would a school have 2 kindergartens, one not actually it own??

To make more money of course. That is the sad state of affairs of education here.

NAPA also has a 60% Thai 40% English program so that kids still learn a lot about Thai language and Thai culture in a partly International school environment.

It does make sense because some parents want their children in International Schools but would also like them to learn basic Thai instruction as well. NAPA bridges that gap fairly well because they teach all Pre-K and K lessons in both Thai and English - so in effect, trying to manage a best of both worlds scenario

IMHO, I think NAPA does a nice job with their pre-K and Kindergarten students. Many students then transfer to NIS for 1st grade and the transfer is smoother in many ways

I can definitely see that spending as little money as possible (either by necessity or hobby) can become an art form for some people

I don't always see why "specials/ promotions hunting" is considered such low class behavior

I always look at the specials and there are plenty of times when I am trying to decide what to eat that if someone is having a special I will go there

I do see the point in criticizing people whom maliciously try and one up another person (business) by getting more service/product then what they are paying

But I also think that there is a large group of people that "specials/promotions hunt" to

a) justify the expense and risk of going to a new place

eat multiple specials during the week to get more bang for buck (while still supporting local business owners)

c) feel appreciated because they are given a deal (human nature self-importance ego issue)

I don't think its fair to lump all comments about bargains/ specials/ promotions in with individuals that only sustain themselves through the abuse of others

I think Happy Hour offers new customers an introduction and regular customers a chance to try something new

I don't necessarily need a chang or singh to be 20 baht off, but deals on cocktails, or a house specialty is fun

Its also just a good reason to try a new place

You can't tell me that if a place sponsored this forum, posted a thread offering Happy Hour Promotion or Dinner Special that it wouldn't draw a decent Thai Visa crowd

Ask Pun Pun -- his chicken fried steak reached the Google top searches list

Pun Pun only gave away 5 dinners at 30 baht each for a one time setting. OK I did get one the next day for 50 baht. He was not craze enough to keep it up . Were you GF? And as for drawing a decent TV crowd, hum, you'll definitely draw the balloon chasers.

Exactly. He gave away 5 dinners and sparked a 5 day conversation (I love the place. Great food

Its the attention and drawing in of new customers

There is the TV posting crowd and the TV Chiang Mai community - Many people "lurk" or simply choose not to post

I think Happy Hour offers new customers an introduction and regular customers a chance to try something new

I don't necessarily need a chang or singh to be 20 baht off, but deals on cocktails, or a house specialty is fun

Its also just a good reason to try a new place

You can't tell me that if a place sponsored this forum, posted a thread offering Happy Hour Promotion or Dinner Special that it wouldn't draw a decent Thai Visa crowd

Ask Pun Pun -- his chicken fried steak reached the Google top searches list

It's good to be positive. I'm just saying what I observe around town. Economics and culture are factors for sure, and I can't comment on the UK but I witness far more friendliness and conviviality amongst strangers in big cities in the states compared with here. How often do you really see Thais (sober & non bar atmosphere) conversing in groups in a jovial way? Sure sometimes, but considering this is 'Land of Smiles' I aint seeing it on a regular basis. Or Thais who don't know each other going out of their way to hold a door open or otherwise go out of their way to help a stranger? Again sometimes, but is there really a happy, carefree atmosphere around town? Honestly. Don't even get me started on road manners.

Maybe its just me, but I do tend to notice groups of Thais laughing with each other and I have experienced Thais and Foreigners that have gone out of their way to help me

I do notice it more in social/ family and professional environments so I can see how temporary visitors might not see this in more touristy areas

I would ask immigration - its very unclear

I really object to the term "falang" being used in these discussions. Non-Thai Asians are also affected. Besides, the correct pronouncation of the pejorative the Thais use toward Westerners is "Farang" I'm sorry, but I have a real problem with westerners using this term. It's kind of like black people in the U.S. calling themselves with the "N-word" and then wondering why white people use that term.

I am sorry about that. Your absolutely correct that the word may not be a fair representation of everyone involved.

I respect your feelings and I will be cognizant of them while forming my sentences.

I do not think that getting rid of farang instructors at Universities has anything to do with using us as scapegoats outside of the school system.

Thai teachers have resented being paid less than foreigners for a long time and we are mostly considered a big pain in the butt to deal with by administrators. After all, we tend to think that learning should come before making a profit.

Maybe they have just decided that they are better off paying compliant Thais less money and not having anyone question their decisions.

Its the Thai government that mandates Thai nationals being paid less than foreign nationals

I guess if the Thai teachers were upset, they should go to Bangkok... wait a minute, that doesn't sound like a good plan

On the other hand, paranoia is just around the corner, if I don't start with the sun-block.

I keep recalling that Thais have kept their independence from marauding countries by being suspicious. Geography and quirks of history helped, to be sure, but suspicious.

No rulers of any nation want a reduction of national independence very much (particularly because they form part of an elite in most cases), and for some, even a hint of a reduction of control is a red flag. Er.... Make that a cape before a bull. No, strike that....

But it is not necessary to swat a mosquito with an oar. Effective either.

a mosquito - people that came to Thailand the "right way" with a visa through a very respected university just got robbed and booted -- they might as well have taken the cash to pattaya

Its a mosquito to you because it hasn't effected you - but if it does "flood" hopefully you will have kept a keen ear to the ground to see if this does mean something bigger

I do not think that getting rid of farang instructors at Universities has anything to do with using us as scapegoats outside of the school system.

Thai teachers have resented being paid less than foreigners for a long time and we are mostly considered a big pain in the butt to deal with by administrators. After all, we tend to think that learning should come before making a profit.

Maybe they have just decided that they are better off paying compliant Thais less money and not having anyone question their decisions.

falang instructors and students

The reason 300 people lost their visas is because a new director came in and didnt want falangs on campus

and now they have started a public campaign blaming who? the falang students

hmmm, doesnt seem too bad

Gecko Bar (Across from Mae Ping Hotel)

All day cheap beer specials

Beer garden + bar so options in terms of seating

They also have a happy hour I think around 5-7

The institutions that seemed to be above harmful, insensitive and immediate (without notice or discussion) policy changes are quickly succumbing to sudden policy changes that are directed at falangs.

I am not insinsuating anything, but I do know in history when there were concerns of destabilization and power struggles, a group (minority) is used as a scapegoat for many of societies difficulties. The world Falang already sets the foundation of a minority group being singled together. All that needs to happen is a shift in perspective and view point regarding the group.

I think its worth paying attention closely to what is happening in these institutions, because it will set a precedent that will be followed (and we know how quickly our southeast asian brothers and sisters can replicate something).

The looming double dip recession (possibility), weak foreign currencies, and instability here in paradise are all standing by the gates -

If a Falang is no longer protected by established institutions, I think that is a sign that the falang is not appreciated - and therefore (slight possibility) may become the negative focus over a inevitable public policy campaign of making a better Thailand for all

Hi Everyone. I live in Chiang Mai but am taking my GF and her daughter to Dream World. We are taking the bus to BKK on Friday night and plan on going to the park on Sunday or Monday. Does anyone have any recommendations on hotels in the area and transportation means to get to the park from Bangkok (bus, taxi, etc)? I am just trying to plan ahead to make it an easy going trip and definitely appreciate any insight from those who have gone before. Thanks!

I just bought a ticket with NCA 1st class to BKK

Just like what the previous contributors have mentioned -- 1st Class = most expensive, least seats, extra benefits

Thanks!

How many seats and what is the cost?

3 across

24 total

800 and change (TGF has the receipt)

I just bought a ticket with NCA 1st class to BKK

Just like what the previous contributors have mentioned -- 1st Class = most expensive, least seats, extra benefits

Thanks!

I stayed here with 2 cats. Next to Thonglor BTS station (hotel is located down a soi, has its own tuk tuk that will take you to the BTS station and pick you up)

The place is very nice - Its funny how the nicer place will be the one to take pets??!!

Oakwood Residence Thonglor Bangkok

113 Soi Thonglor 13

Sukhumvit 55 Road Klongton Nua Wattana

Bangkok,

10100

Thailand

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PHONE1: 662-713-9500

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www.oakwood.com