luangtom

Staying at home, as this just gives the lunatics a reason to go out and drive drunk again. Christmas in Thailand? One goes into shops in Sawang and see Christmas trees and such and these folks have no clue as to the real meaning of the season and only know it means presents and parties. Nah, home and nowhere with the party-goers.

Isn't it great to be in a place where one relies on local "security"? The old adage is, "You pay them peanuts, you get monkeys". It holds, oh so true, in Thailand and the rest of the world where one has to depend upon others to "protect" you and your property. The criminals' worst enemy is the barking-dog that knows when to bark. Ask any perp and you will hear that they most fear an armed target and next it is the alert dog. Being that one is not supposed to be armed in Thailand, the best bet is the alert dog. Good luck to you in your endeavor to secure yourself and your property.

I find all of this information quite fascinating and informative. I do find that the wats outside of Thailand that have Thai and Lao monks in them are far less prone to advocate Mahanakai or Dhammayut designations when learning of their teachings. As a matter of fact, I have come in contact with monks of both sects at the same wats outside of Thailand in rural USA. I find it as another poster said, one has to ask himself which branch will best serve your personal goals in attaining another ordination and life as a monk. The two sects of Buddhism have deviants in their lineages, persons that are ordained, but do not fulfill their vows and follow the monastic code. While recently traveling in Thailand I observed two monks dining at a sidewalk cafe' and asked of my brother-in-law what was up with that? No alms-rounds? He said, "Oh, those are education monks. It is okay for them to do this." My, how times have changed. I would do what was best for my goals in being ordained and would follow that path to wherever it is you wish to go with it. Chok dee.

OMG, they had better shut down the Bangkok Auto Show, too. Scantily clad young ladies promoting sale of vehicles whose use could end in death. No more businessmen's venues that have young ladies at them. No more dubious destinations whose employees are scantily clad either. OMG, the morals police are working over-time. Ya gotta be kidding.........these people actually get paid to write and enforce such archaic and draconian laws? It is no wonder that Thailand will remain a third-world country in the eyes of the rest of the world. It politics and laws leave much to be desired for the traveling public.

If you follow the link as previously provided for a funds transfer using the ACH network in the US, the funds will be available next day at the latest (if done properly). Importantly, the costs will be much less than a normal SWIFT transfer. As Bangkok Bank has a branch in New York they are able to offer this facility. Other Thai banks do not have a US presence.

Yup

Also as you said

Half price in most cases usually 20 vs 40/50

'Tis true for all of our transfers. SWIFT works, but ACH is cheaper when using Bangkok Bank and its New York branch for transfers. It has been showing funds in the account within 48-hours on most occasions. Have not experienced any glitches so far.....

"Fighted Extradition......". This must have been written by one of those English majors that local universities pump out and are hired by local media to write for them. Amazing.........

As an American, I consider myself 'Western' rather than European ('european' conjures up negative images of oppulence and unnecessary World Wars),

As a European when I think of Americans it conjures up negative images of corpulence and unnecessary S E Asian Wars.

French Foreign Legion in Africa? PLEASE, remember Europe's colonization of the world? EU countries have nothing over anyone else when it comes to World Wars or colonization of other countries. They are the ones that perpetrated it. Had it not been for the Europeans and their conflicts within, the World Wars would most likely not have been. And, as an American, I think of Europeans that come to Asia and flaunt their oppulence, corporate vacations and group travel and belittle and degrade the Asians, particularly the Thais that they encounter as wait-persons, hotel staff or drivers. I think of them often, as I am married to a Thai that had to deal with EU visitors and put up with their antics.

There are numerous locations along Hwy. 2, Udon Thani to Nong Khai, that tout silk and silk-products. Ban Na Kha is about half-way between Udon Thani and Nong Khai and has numerous shops with silk. There are also villages near Ban Chiang on Hwy. 22 between Udon Thani and Sawang Daen Din that have silk and other yard-goods in their shops. Chok dee.

And, your point is....???? Let's look at the overall world markets and see what has taken place over the past two decades and then tell us what you see. Japan has had its ups and down, Thailand has had its, EU has had its and now the USA is having its. Did the markets survive? Are these countries still in the scheme of things internationally? Life is a roller-coaster and so is ithe market economy.

Good luck with this endeavor. It is a worthwhile affair. I certainly hope it is a success and that you, indeed, get riders from all over the world. I rode with a national club in the USA and rode solo there and all over Europe and find international events a great gathering of the motorcycle sub-culture. Chok dee from this "Old Scooter Trash"......Ride free, ride hard......

Yer pretty much held captive in Mn by Northwest Airlines. They have quite the monopoly on international flights in and out of MN. There are some good deals to be had, if one gets lucky. We are flying NWA and Delta out of Atlanta in November and got our tickets for an even $1000 each. They had been $1274 and were dropped to $1000 each. Delta and NWA are now joined, for all intents and purposes. So, you might wanna check direct from them, as that is where we got ours without a third-party involved. Chok dee.........

Seems there are some cheaper flights to be had most everywhere. We just purchased two r/t tickets from Atlanta GA (USA) to

Bangkok for November and each were $200 (US) cheaper. So, by booking now we saved ourselves $400 (US). I guess it was time for us to return to see the family.........

I, too, am seeking contact with an ajahn in the Isaan for application of Sak Yant. I know of the two ajahns in Kalasin, but none in Udon Thani or Nong Khai. If you do find contact with one close to Udon Thani, PM me, please. Chok dee.

Asia Books on Sukhumvit....

Technically, yes, there is a formal process for taking images out of Thailand that may be deemed antiques, reliquary or an art object. The Department of Fine Arts issues permits for transport and export of such objects out of Thailand. Curios and the odd small mass-produced images one sees at street-vendors are not covered by the antiquities regulations, but most images of the Buddha are. As I said, technically. Many go out daily, as there is not a big crack-down of late.

Does one have to advise local Police in the provinces of one's presence in their jurisdiction for the stay on this 30-day visa?

Have the powers-that-be made any mention of "cleaning-up" inside the airport? King Power comes to mind....what with all of the media coverage of those reputable folks. Anything happening with inside folks, other than touts?

Bored are we?

Amulets are no more foolish for Buddhists than Christians wearing crosses, crucifixes and chanting rosaries. How many of those that condemn Thai amulets wear a cross? Western ideals and customs are deemed faux and irrelevant by many in the East. Such is human nature. Arahant monks are to Buddhism as Saints are to Christianity......."Saint Christopher protect me.".......

Folks, save yer breath to cool yer soup...'tain't gonna change. TIT.....

Face it, the whole world is conformist. Uniforms for schools and the posters here say, "Let them express themselves." Yet, how many of the posters wear suits and ties to work, uniforms of some sort to work or are in the military? Is this non-conformist? In reality, how many people that work do not have a dress-code of some sort? What actual percentage of those that work for a corporation do not conform to the rules and wear what is deemed appropriate by the management? The fashionistas at university in the USA and Europe are no better students for being able to "express themselves". Conformity is a fact of life in a regimented society. As many posters have said, alleviate the traffic or political problems instead of expending time and effort on something like this. The schools can take up their own problems. Government need not become involved with Muslim-like social and moral councils.

My feeling is that Abi had been offended because his fellows British mention the story.

Abi is sooooooooooooooooo terrifying, virile, strong...

He'll give a warning. After 30 warnings , they could receive a reprimand.

In French we say "pisser dans un violon".

In English, I guess it's "raking water up a hill" or "herding cats".

It matters not what the non-Thai residents or guests think of the many-colored shirts of Thailand and its government. We are all non-entities in the eyes of the Thai government, Thai people and the Thai media. Nothing we say or do has an impact upon whichever government or leader that is in power. Life goes on....mai phen rai. Just worry about getting the jumps through the hoops proper when it comes time to renew visas. Mai phen rai.

Sounds like LA or Atlanta.....now they are even emulating the bad boyz........I hope that they can nip it before it gets outta hand like it is in American cities. So little respect for Life.......

But, you have to remember....This Is Thailand.....anything can happen. I doubt that there are any low-ranking officials able to put one on any list to prohibit entry into Thailand. INTERPOL or ten-most-wanted would assuredly get you on one. I sorta think you are safe unless you are a convicted felon somewhere. Have a good visit.