dunkin2012

thanks all.....

kandahar , garry, villagefarang and jubby

leave CM alone for now !!!!

not really my all dissatisfaction. some places are ok on the other hand, some places are as mentioned.

For sure can't live there cos' I don't particularly know anyone there. it will take time for me to fit myself in the society though.

but if I meet a girl I love to stay with. it might be possible.

at first, I want to live there for a while. as mentioned by kandahar that the weather is nice. historical scenes. and others

Was looking for a flat to staying CR and then I gave up.

I really appreciate to listen to some of your some ideas . willing to share.

but I wanna go back again.....another try

am i making myself clear?

Chiang Mai's fledgling music scene has suffered a setback of late due to the crackdown on foreign musicians playing live music in the city. A number of arrests were made during the months of March and April at Guitarman and Northgate, nightspots that have gained cult status within the foreign community, among local Thais as well as tourists. The arrests, which the immigration police have said were an action against people working without the requisite work permits, has created confusion and a small void at a time when Chiang Mai was fast becoming a creative nexus for foreign musicians.

Since the arrests, the expat community, musicians, bar owners, as well as music aficionados, have been voicing their opinions, though mostly in the shadows, debating the issue of whether the arrests were just and in accordance with the law, or whether it is yet another attempt to intimidate foreigners out of money and how much affect it will have on Chiang Mai as a whole. Questions have been raised as to what is exactly illegal concerning playing live music. One of the arrestees at Guitarman was in Thailand for just one night when he was arrested, on the other hand some of the musicians were regulars and have admitted that they were paid for their services, thereby undoubtedly violating the law.

An anonymous musician from a popular foreign band based in Chiang Mai told Citylife that his regular venue is now virtually deserted with no music being performed anymore, "Open mic nights are done, musicians in Chiang Mai are done", he said. He also explained that a large number of foreign musicians have cancelled their gigs out of fear of being arrested by immigration, and a growing number of foreign musicians who have settled or retired in Chiang Mai are leaving as they feel that the city no longer offers what was once a creative hub for performers.

Chiang Mai is currently asking United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to grant the city 'Creative City Status', a city where cultural and creative activities are an integral part of the city's economic and social functioning. If Chiang Mai is to be internationally recognised as a creative city, would it not be in our interest to promote creativity through music, art, poetry...or even karaoke? On the other hand, the law of the land surely must also be upheld and enforced.

The recent crackdowns are not only affecting foreign musicians in Chiang Mai, but also businesses and local tourism - though to what degree depends on your standpoint regarding this issue. Business owner Toni of Happy Pizza (Chiang Mai-Hod Road, Hang Dong) has been forced to put his pizza and pasta restaurant up for sale, "since the recent musicians arrests in Chiang Mai, I can no longer sing and play music in my own restaurant, this is the reason why I am selling," said Toni.

Basically, the law states that without a valid work permit foreigners can not earn money for a living. And if musicians play regularly in a venue, it can be argued that they are increasing the sales for that business, even though they are not remunerated, therefore they should have a work permit. Tourists cannot reasonably be expected to understand that they may be caught up by the police should they stand up on stage to play a song. And in fact, there is nothing illegal about that act, since they tend to be one-off occurrences. Immigration police are trying to uphold the law whilst musicians, claiming to be unaware of immigration laws, may be risking their freedom and could end up in jail. While naivety can be claimed as a defence, it will not hold up in court.

Ruchuchai Potha, Chiang Mai Employment Office, Department of Work Permits, explains that his department and the immigration police both have the power to arrest for on-the-spot employment breaches. The two departments also employ investigative officers who specifically focus on larger case infractions. When a complaint regarding illegal work activity is lodged to the immigration police it is their duty to investigate, if they fail to follow through it becomes a dereliction of duty. In the case of the Guitarman arrests, an official complaint was made by someone and immigration followed through after investigations. Ruchuchai said there were similar circumstances surrounding the Northgate arrests, although unfortunately an innocent backpacker was swept up in the net without doing anything wrong. While he may have had to go through the legal process following, no charges were laid nor were court appearances required.

So when is 'work' officially considered as employment? Ruchuchai answered, "If you work at home it's none of my business, gardening, sweeping, painting, it's all fine. It's when you perform activities which help someone (or yourself) earn an income, that is not OK." If you were to make furniture at home and gave a set to a restaurant owner friend, that wouldn't be a problem," when asked if one were to make 10 sets for a restaurant, Ruchuchai responded with an ambivalent, "ah..." which I can only assume that means 'not OK'. The second an individual or group begins to promote their work through portals such as websites, posters, etc. regardless of whether they are for profit or not, "things get wrong" says Ruchuchai.

According to the Alien Working Act, B.E. 2551 (2008), any non-Thai nationality may not work inside Thailand for wages or benefit without expressed official permission, i.e. a valid work permit. And while the Labour Department can issue work permits quite easily and with few restrictions, within permitted fields of work, the problem is often the monetary restrictions required by the Immigration Department in issuing visas (a westerner has to earn - and pay taxes and social security on - over 50,000 baht per month to receive a visa). Though musicians 'jamming' for no wages, as one Chiang Mai lawyer put it, is a different matter and a complicated issue. Many foreign musicians may in fact not be accepting payment and are just 'jamming' for enjoyment and therefore not breaking any immigration laws. However, this can be difficult for immigration police to discern who is 'legally' playing, and who is not. Ruchuachai says, "There's a process in place, if you're following it and can prove it, you're innocent. No problem, jamming is OK for sure. No judge is going to punish you for it, but you may have to go through the legal process nonetheless."

Laws like the Alien Working Act, B.E. 2521 (1978), a legislation which includes criteria designed to protect the Thailand domestic labour department, is an example of what kind of factors complicate the issue. Under this legislation, the Department of Employment will consider whether the 'work' could be undertaken by a Thai, whether the foreigner is appropriately qualified and whether the job fits the needs of Thailand. After these factors are considered, the individual requires an organisation such as a company or charity to sponsor them.

Any foreigner with intent to work, or 'jam', can apply for a 15 day temporary work permit through the Department of Work Permits in Chiang Mai. Ruchuachai says, "I'm a reasonable man, we can give permission, the law says if a foreigner is going to work for less than 15 days they can - just come and ask me." Although he makes it sound so easy, we do wonder how many people will take the risk of applying for such permits. Then there is the problem of confusion amongst the government agencies themselves. Ruchuachai claims that his staff are all quite sensible and are not out to get people for minor infractions, but says "that cannot be said about other departments who may have another agenda". He even goes so far as to mention the tourist police in Chiang Mai, who employ foreign 'volunteers' who are technically working without official work permits, "please tell them that that is illegal! They need to come and report to me. The same goes for many government agencies and not-for-profit organisations which employ foreign teachers, also for apparent 'volunteer' duties, again without permits." "We're all going to end up arresting each other soon. Authorities are not respecting our department or the law," he bemoans.

"Basically, the law is the law but it's up to discretion. However, discretion is one thing, everyone has different standards", said Ruchuchai. "Some Thai authorities are too uptight. I don't want to insult them but... you know. I'm happy with my staff, they don't go overboard, they use common sense." It's easy enough to use the term 'common sense' but common sense tends to differ from person to person.

When asked about Citylife's recent Unite for Japan concert, where numerous foreign musicians played to raise money for Japan, he horrified us with his answer, "Citylife could have been fined up to 100,000 baht per musician, next time make sure you ask my permission!"

Where do we draw the line? Even Ruchuachai says "it's hard to answer". It's a catch 22. If all laws in Thailand were as firmly enforced as the current crackdown, people might possess a greater understanding of the law and the consequences, then the foreign music scene in Chiang Mai may not be hit as hard and fear around performing (legally) would minify. However, if that were the case 'jamming' goes out the window and is replaced by foreign musicians stuck in the waiting line at the Department of Work Permits hoping to be granted with the right to 'play legally' for a 15 day period...an artist's dream, huh? The law will never be respected if groups feel they are being targeted and other law-breakers are getting away with far greater crimes.

-- chiangmainews.com

http://www.chiangmainews.com/ecmn/viewfa.php?id=3218

Crackdown ordered on religious tattoos in Phuket

OH MY BUDDHA! Religious tattoos have a long tradition in Thailand, but Phuket authorities fear their growing popularity among foreign tourists is little more than a fashion trend.

An image of the Hindu deity Ganesh, as displayed by one satisfied foreign customer at a Phuket tattoo shop.

PHUKET: The Culture Ministry has attacked the growing trend for tourists in Phuket and other parts of Thailand to have religious images tattooed on their bodies.

It has ordered provincial governors across the country, including Phuket, to crack down on such tattoos, igniting a debate on the human rights implications of forbidding the practice.

Culture Minister Niphit Intharasombat told reporters on Monday that Phuket's Culture Office had uncovered an “alarming trend": tourists have images such as those of the Buddha, Ganesh and Jesus Christ tattooed on their arms, legs and ankles.

It is culturally inappropriate and erodes respect for religion, Mr Niphit said.

But the ministry is likely to face an uphill battle to end the practice. The service is highly popular and tattooists can charge extra for such work, with some jobs costing upwards of 20,000 baht.

Mr Niphit downplayed the likelihood that the tattoos could be a genuine expression of spiritual belief.

The tattoos were just part of a fashion trend among tourists, who most likely did not believe in the religion and were ignorant of the true significance of the image.

As a result, Mr Niphit said the ministry's Subcommittee on Safe and Creative Media had decided to order the governors of all Thai provinces to ban foreigners from getting tattoos of religious images of any faith.

Governors would be asked to convene meetings of those involved in the industry to ask for their cooperation, he said.

“At the meeting, we noted that these tattoos were all over the country, in particular in tourist destinations such as Khao San Road, Tawanna and Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket,” he said.

“We have to help prevent images that are respected in various religions from being tattooed onto the body.”

People with visible religious tattoos who engaged in “bad behavior” such as “sitting drinking alcohol and arguing” would damage the faiths through association, Mr Niphit said.

Acknowledging that Thai law did not prevent people from getting such tattoos, he said the ministry needed to coordinate with relevant agencies to draft measures to prevent the practice.

He would also propose to the National Culture Committee that a law be drafted that forbade the use of religious symbols for commercial purposes. The law, if passed, would affect both those who offered and used such services.

Ladda Tangsupachai, director of the ministry's Cultural Surveillance Center, warned that if “people who showed their bodies for a living”, such as “prostitutes” and “go-go dancers”, had such tattoos, it would erode respect for religion.

But Human Rights Commissioner Wasan Panich pointed out that while Thai law prevented people from violating the Thai flag and other national icons, there were no such laws concerning religious symbols.

Any law banning the use of such images for commercial purposes must not violate people's rights, because the term “commercial” has a broad meaning, he said.

“If people have Buddha images tattooed on their body, on their arms or chest, for example, you can't forbid that because it's not insulting,” he said.

“Anyone can get these tattoos because it's their right to do that to their own body.”

But, he added, if people had such images tattooed to their ankles or “inappropriate organs”, it could be seen as insulting to religion.

“For example, if a foreigner got a tattoo of the Buddha on his ankle, Buddhists would see that as insulting to their religion,” he said.

“But if a foreigner gets a cross on his ankle, Buddhists probably wouldn't think anything of it, but other foreigners might not be satisfied.”

“Because of that, the basic principle is that you must respect the rights of the individual, but you must not violate the rights or beliefs of others,” he added.

apologies!!!!

not in Saigon..........

it's Hanoi..

take a taxi to Hang Bac Street. Don't take it from the bus station. they will Riff ya of.

there are a number of 'em!!!!!! around the area.

i forgot the name..if i can find their business card, i will tell you.

but don't worry .... you will find others maybe better. Some of 'em are really Oosing.. Have a quick look first before you make a decision.

I paid $6 nice room on the top floor.(Dorm) that was in last winter. no heater but it was not too cold.

Shared with my Swedish friend. Free Net.

Laundry service and restaurant downstairs.

hot shower but not for longer than 20 mins.

not very far from the place i stayed. A restaurant serves Dog meat... if you like

Great pictures!

Here are two more. Taken back in 1997. The temple steps are on a hill about 3 kms northwest of Chiang Rai. I regret that I forget the name of the place, so if anyone can help, I would be delighted to know!

i've been there from the free-ride service tram provided by CR government with the most beautiful CR girl, middle.

She was adorable.... wanna go back there again.!!!!!!!

as I try to avoid going to CM.

i went to CR myself last year. it was my dream but there things were not as what i expected. (my 2 days trip)

the people are fine. Some places are not as good as I was told.

have the same problem. i just leave it at it is. cos i won't use it in the next few months.

always wonder why guys with thai lady problems post on a forum mainly populated by western ladies, logic would say farang guys have more dealings and idea deling with Thai ladies, as i am sure the ladies on this forum have more experience dealing with guys than say a guys forum would have. just a thought.

also fail to see why western guys just dont seem to get what the thai lady/ farnags relationships are all about. $$$$

i understood why he's still holdin' on...

have anyone told you that love's logic ain't a mathematical thing you can work out with a particular formula?

You know if there is light at the other end of the tunnel but one might not see and be wonderin' around in a maze.

moreover, there is no course to train you to deal with loving relations between a man and a women or m/m or even w/w.

Give him a chance!!!! and us.?

Forethat, as i mentioned before, people have very recently been arrested in Chiang Mai, they where not earning any money and it seems at least some of them it's been doing that for years before being nabbed, last time i read that topic they were already in jail, do we still want to be irresponsibles and attract unaware and innocent people into a trap they definetely do NOT deserve? because their only faults is willing to help? at least have the decency to inform those taking part into it of the real legal situation they will end up into, then they can decide what to do with theirselfs, but absolutely do NOT play with the few people still willing to do some goods in their lifes (!).

Just as general additional notes still worth to be mentioned:

1) During the Tsunami, high representatives of that government officially warned the volounteers to stop helping or they would get arrested, did we just forgot that or what?

2) If the police currently closing one, two or even 3 eyes for you and for any given reasons just decide to do the contrary of what they are doing, there is not much you will be able to do about it, it wouldn't be the first time such "changes" of mind happens and surely not the last....

3) Somebody in uniform (not necessarely the police, as the navy showed us), could turn up and "compensate" all the goodwillers, it happen regularly, police from even neighbouring provinces cracking down were their collegues just missed a thing or two.

I will conclude by saying, to volounteer in Thailand it's not forbidden, but there are some expenses needing to be forked out and paperwork involved, if you don't, you are taking a very high risk, a bit like all those guys that still ride a motocy without a helmet because they have never been stopped and then you see them shouting when the fine finally arrives, or even worse, with a head in a thousand pieces splattered on the road.... Don't do it guys, but if you do, make sure everything had been done properly, don't trust even your boss, as it's full of individuals that couldn't care the slightest bit to what is going to happen to you!!! enough said.

There are a number of non profit organizations in CM want to have many foreigners joined them.(from my instant research). We definitely can be there,CM. Really feel sad for those people were arrested doin' volunteer work. And really more sad for what happened to those Innocents durin' the Tsunami in Puket( threatenin' behavior by tellin' to arrest those volunteers)

We Plan to do some volunteer work either in Pattaya Or Rayong after My Good friend gets a flight from Milan - BKK next Monday.

All you mentioned above makes a lot of sense. thnks !!!!! I will tell him that we just forget about it. If there is too much complex especially involvin' too much pepper work.

here is additional info. for you guys.

is it strange that many of 'em appear to be available for us with hefty fees? wanna believe this.

volunteer Thailand

how 'bout "Sabai Sabai"?2 phan baht.

Thanks for the responses. It gives me some hope.

Krupnik - yes, I am looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with. Whether girlfriend or married doesn't matter to me (I realize it may matter to her). Why not live next door to each other and avoid the little annoying live-together habits?

But have you ever watched a couple that has been married for many years go out to dinner? They have very little to say, and when the check comes they are gone. I believe that is because they spend too much time together. That scares me.

I would live alone if i can't find anyone who can cope with my lifestyle.

are you complaining that you are lonesome? - stick to only one then show her that you care...

met many Thai girls but have you considered their qualities?

don't make a mistake!!!!

another Casanova!!! huuh....

bob Marley sang "no woman no cry". but you have more than 1 now.

why should you worry? She is from the past and you must finish her off 1st. get on with your new life then...

with that new one.. don't make she, your new thinks that you are still living in the past...

she will disgust you and walk away. .....

life goes on bother ... don't look back... Enjoy what you have now .. cos' you ain't gonna live forever.. life is short.....

be strong ! you ain't strong enough.... No mercy for this sort of Thai girls....

they will make you look like shi*******T. suddenly quit!!! my advise!!!!... I read all your romantic story.

i can feel that you are in sensational pain and suffering.

Stylish And Efficient

the bus system is not efficient... my conclusion

when I was at a town, Melaka. I took a bus to the main bus station to get back 2 KL. It went 'round and 'round. Luckily, I calculated my extra time in case things go wrong for 'bout half hour It took me more than 30 mins to get from downtown to the bus station ,Sentral.

a young female dentistspent tremendous long to take my tooth off cos' she was inexperienced. i rather pay more to get it done with an experienced dentist.(Payathai, Sriracha, chonburi)

couldn't eat anything much for 'bout a few days.

depending on which place!!! mostly they are oK.

reasonable and rather cheap!!!!

he is one of 'em.

might be that you have ordered their veg. meal(s) in their record.

2 times I used Airasia

I ordered both Veg. meals.

ain't got any e-mails from 'em informin' a new item in the veg. menu.

again?.........

Of course. Ulysses has eaten at every Indian restaurant in Thailand

In fact I doubht anyone has. I've eaten at a few in Bangkok's Little India and Nazim's in Vientiane doesn't come close in my opinion. The best Indian food I've had in either country has been in some of the places off Sukhumvit Rd, particularly on Soi 11 and Soi 20. I actually think that's where you find the best Indian in Bangkok, despite the fact there are two or three good spots in Phahurat - Little India - as well. But there's a strong Indian community along Sukhumvit these days, with more money to spend on good cuisine.

A new South Indian booth just opened last week on the east platform of Nana BTS, something like Arya Vegetarian. Excellent. Bangkok has so many Indian restaurants, many of them serving different regional cuisines from India. I doubt anyone, even an Indian resident, has eaten at them all. What I like most about Bangkok's Indian restaurants, most of them anyway, is that they use fresh spices sold in Phahurat, unlike the Indian restos in Laos, where the spices tend to be old, judging from the flavors.

In fact the Indian restos in Laos feature menus that are almost identical, always North Indian/Punjabi food, and the way tends towards long cooking times, heavily stewed or cooked, resulting in subdued flavors and nutrition.

Still if in Vientiane, Nazim is pretty much the only choice. I used to stick to the dosas at Nazim's but I don't believe they offer them anymore.

Just don't go expecting anything that compares to the wide variety of Indian cuisines available in Bangkok.

Happy eating wherever you go

Indian by Nature

near pattaya park.... it's a good one though...

been there only once.... quite expensive!!!!!

make fat i dunno!!!!!!

for sure , they make you fart!!!!! gaseous thing!!!

Having been to all corners of Cambodia, I conclude the following:

Sihanoukville = Koh Phangnan/Phuket

Phnom Penh = Bangkok

Siem Reap = Chiang Mai

Poipet = Pattaya

apples and durians!!! then

OK, so what happened?

I already reported the facts in details at the time it did happen.

Basically i took a "BahtBus" in Pattaya, already full of people which kept stopping a million time to take more people on, i think i did ask the driver if he was going toward a particular area and he say "yes".

He then tried to charge me as i had hired the whole bus as a private taxi, despite still having people on it and all the rest when i got off, we almost had a fight.

Went to many different police stations, then when explained the situation to the officer and the western helper, or whatever he was, they tried to make me believe that the driver was right and that was the law, they say that WHATEVER word you tell the driver (so even an "hello" could do), that entitles him to charge you 10 or 20 times the normal fare.

And what about the bus still stopping by and still having people on it? The police and the western collaborators they have there, are just helping those criminals, that's all.

Did anybody read that history about those 3 irish tourists being threatened with a machete and when the police show up they hugh those criminals on front of them and then start abusing the tourists? they had a much worse experience than mine and the forum it's full of these kind of stories (guess why?), obviously someone here got some side interest in covering them up, the faulty ones are always the victims off corse, isn'it?

humm......... i see......

I try not to use their services.

it's unfair.

I've been to Koh Maan Nork.

It was nice, but definitely rather quiet. There are a sh1t-ton of tookgaes on that island so consider yourself warned. They actually take the tookgaes off the island at night and toss them either on the other side of the island or on one of the other islands I don't recall.

More than 3 days on the island and the food menu starts to revolve into the same stuff over and over.

They also grow some weed in the island too if that's your thing

Fun once, but I probably wouldn't go there again.

BTW thank for the comment and the warning

really? Fresh sea food nope.!!! I am a vegetarian. Hum... got bored!

from your nice experience... i should find out more info.....

didn't they have lots of activities to do while you were in the island.?

poor girl!!!!!

you guys can make a baby for her.

very easy though.

there are lots of buses from Kao San . my gf and i paid 400 each. years ago

And they will make your temporary visa i paid like 1000 each on the border... maybe there are alternatives. please find out i don't have the info.

on the way to Seam Reap, there will be some guys broad the bus. just ignore them.

you can get some info. from 'em but don't trust 'em and use their services. they will rip you off. you can stay in a decent hotel with only $5.

the city is a bit dusty......

I was in Hue in 2007. The beach was endless & not a single hotel in sight. Maybe 3 grass huts. Water was fabulous. No sounds other than the breeze in the palms.

Ha long bay?

Crime is a big problem in Ecuador. Its not that bad in Argentina, obviously depending where you live there.

some part of buenos aires has no water supply from a documentary program.