paulian

Why is it that most nudists are people you don't want to see naked?

I wonder if parents think their kids are safe when they drive their own mc (without helmet) to school?

Good Point ! Especially when they have three kids and there isn't a helmet in sight on any of them.

From someone who has been involved with traffic enforcement for my entire career, I can assure you Thailand is high on the list of the most Dangerous places for a child to be bused to school. Lax Vehicle code enforcement, lack of properly working seat belts (if even equipped), lack of driver training or testing and re-testing, lack of spot checks on driver sobriety and just a general lack of caring about the kids in the vehicle.

This, I have noticed seems to be the norm. However, I noticed a bus full of kids from a school called Regent's a few weeks ago that were loading and the driver helped each kid and checked personally that the seat belt was fastened. Don't know what's up with that ? Wouldn't it be great if all school buses were handles in that manner.

However, we all know that is an exception and they are almost as dangerous as your normal Thailand Travel buses that usually crash and burn once a week somewhere in the Kingdom. I have no small children here, however, if I did, I would constantly be hounding the transportation people until I knew my kids were safe or make other arrangements to get my kids to school.

When Thailand authorities are taught the primary reason of Traffic enforcement is NOT TO GENERATE MONEY, but TO EDUCATE DRIVERS, the entire country will be a safer place to live in for passengers, drivers, pedestrians and especially school children.

I guess it is a stupid question since no one seems to want to take the time to answer it. I would like to know myself. However, as is the case so many times in this forum, people only take the time to answer certain inquiries.

Add something in the post about underage prostitutes and I'm sure some sanctimonious do gooder will get involved and maybe you will get some kind of response.

Gee, I wonder if anyone really knows what one may need for a five year renewal in, let's say Pattaya ? Different info in every place you look. Why would the forum "moderators", keep a five year old post up that says (1. Your old, expired Thai driving licence. (On the date you apply, your licence must have already expired.) When many other posts say you can apply for a five year before your 1 year expires ? Does anyone really know or have a close clue what the requirements are today November 10, 2010, not 5-10 years ago ? A least a clue what I may need more recent than 5 years ago ......

Great Ideas, I've relayed them to my friend in the Army corp of Engineers. In the meantime ....... If you look at Thailand's History, I mean really look at it. These floods have been with this country for over 6000 years and maybe even longer. In some reports I have read they were digging canals 4000 years ago to divert the waters to the sea. Don't you think after so many years even a group of monkeys would be able to figure out the fix ? Maybe they just do not want a fix because their too involved in whose in charge of making the next useless change "scheme" as they call them. I don't know the first thing about controlling floods, guess I would probably suggest something stupid like keeping the strom drains clean of debris, however, I consider myself a good judge of character and I really think after 6000 years they couldn't really give a hoot about the flooding, just Politics.

Fat, Bald and happy, guess its more where you live and how you live that makes thailand and its folks great.........

Truest and most accurate comment yet. .....

Probably most of these posters with the Thai Bashing were haters back in there country of origin. Take pig out of the shit and what you have is a pig out of the shit... Not hard to understand.

Brilliant ... ?^%$%

Shouldn't you really be asking "why do the Thai's dislike farangs" so much, farang pricing, farang are second class people, etc. etc. etc.?

I myself find this in about 20 -25% of Thais

Couldn't be said better ! The Thai's have changed into a different race, especially in the cities over the past 25 years. They no longer look at Westerners with respect, however, are indignant and outraged when they do not get respect from the very people they look down on and take advantage of. Live outside the major Tourist cities and it is like living in a different country. These people are treated as equals in my country and most other 1st world countries when they visit or move there, not like here where every Westerner is a "mark".

If there's such a shortage of drinking water why are there pick up trucks all over Bangkok and Pattaya filled with water selling it at 3-4 times what it normally costs ?

You're not supposed to move accident victims. You should have only pulled him away from the wreck but not move him anywhere else. He could have died from internal bleeding due to your "help."

Maybe that's why none of the Thai's would help him because of your overwhelming knowledge of accidents and the Medical field ! Believe me, I've been dealing with these type things for longer than you have been reading about them AND, you do not leave a person trapped under a vehicle until the EMT's arrive. That's just a cop out and an excuse to make a useless inaccurate comment. and ... it's just plain dumb ! The Thai's didn't help him because of the lack of supervision or brain power as to what to do. I've seen it here 20 times over, they just stand around waiting for help which sometimes arrives an hour or two later after the guy is long dead.

Even though it has rained almost everyday for about 9 weeks here in Pattaya at least once a day or at times for several days, we have made out pretty well compared to the rest of the country. What's depressing is over the past couple of weeks food prices in the markets like friendship, tops and even Big C have steadily climbed up for many items. Some items 25 -50 % higher and ... yesterday I had a hard time finding water to buy other than the smaller bottles which were priced 50% more than they usually are. Hope this is not a sign of things to come. One of my Thai friends, a City official, was saying he does not think it is a supply problem but more of a greed thing because of the current situation. Which kind of sucks.

You can't take this flood thing area by area - it is going to affect the whole country directly or indirectly. You can't equate local weather to flooding either - the floods in Bkk come from a river system catchment that starts in the North - local daily rain is almost irrelevant.

Some of the major manufacturing and food processing areas have been put out of action - this will have ramifications wherever you are. Both production AND distribution are affected.

Your "city official" appears to be par for the course in his/her ability to see the whole picture i.e. crap - this has plagued the official responses from the start....that and outright stupidity.

This panic using isn't helping. But Bkk has a population of about 10 million, most of whom are now on holiday and looking to stay somewhere outside the capital - this is bound to have a knock on effect. But it is a case of hugely increased demand (panic buying) and restricted distribution and production.

Pattaya has no large river so serious flooding is unlikely - the town's drainage system is barely capable of handling the seasonal downpours as everyone has experienced flash flooding there at one time or another, but it is unlikely ever to have water standing there for up to a month. ...but if you think it might escape the national knock-on effects you will be very disappointed.

Have you checked out the hotels? - apparently there is already an influx of Thai "tourists" and many are full.

Yea, have to agree with you 100% on your points. The person I spoke to yesterday worked for the Mayor directly in Pattaya. However, it appears manufacturers and distributors throughout the country in many areas including food, water, boats, Gasoline are all way behind some because of demand some because of panic, as you stated. Even lines for Gas were exceptionally long today in Pattaya and water could hardly be found anywhere after about 12 noon. Food shelves were emptying fast, however, there was still much left to buy. I saw 2 pickup trucks on Sumkivit road this afternoon filled with the 6 packs of water. I stopped and they are asking 100 baht per 6 pack. They usually sell for 25 Baht at my condo store. So, between greed and manufacturing/distribution problems it's going to be a crummy few weeks. Suppose it could be so much worse, though.

Even though it has rained almost everyday for about 9 weeks here in Pattaya at least once a day or at times for several days, we have made out pretty well compared to the rest of the country. What's depressing is over the past couple of weeks food prices in the markets like friendship, tops and even Big C have steadily climbed up for many items. Some items 25 -50 % higher and ... yesterday I had a hard time finding water to buy other than the smaller bottles which were priced 50% more than they usually are. Hope this is not a sign of things to come. One of my Thai friends, a City official, was saying he does not think it is a supply problem but more of a greed thing because of the current situation. Which kind of sucks.

You didn’t mention where you are from or the lady. Banglamund hospital in Pattaya, a government hospital, maybe able to help her. Anyways, I can not emphasize the importance of proper medical treatment and diagnoses. I have a friend who has had Bi Polar disorder (Manic depressive) for many years. All the usual symptoms. At times major depression, at times extremely happy.

However, after many years of medical supervision and medication after medication as they evolved, he settled on one that was quite effective and is using it today with great success. The medication is Bupropion SR, also known as Wellbutrin. He started a few years ago at 150 mg a day for a week and then moved up to 2 Tabs a day after a couple of weeks (300mg) and is now taking 300mg a day. It is like he never had the problem. This drug is also used for smoking cessation and is marketed under the name of Quomem in Thailand, I believe. It certainly should be prescribed by a physician, however it certainly was the answer for my friend.

http://mental-health.emedtv.com/bupropion-sr/bupropion-sr.html

http://mental-health.emedtv.com/bupropion-sr/bupropion-sr-dosing.html

All of the medications that you have listed are controlled substances. You would have to get a prescription for them. Thailand's not Mexico. You would need to see at least a general practitioner, but most likely a psychiatrist.

See controlled substances list: http://www.thaiembdc.../substances.doc

Just a friendly reminder Thailand has the DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking.

Be very careful

GunnyD

Gee, your brilliant, must be a lawyer, THE DEATH PENALTY

Yes, Queen Sirikit will treat anyone, and is certainly the best option in the Pattaya area. It is a government hospital so long waits 9in non-emergencies) and some red tape, docs speak English OK but admin & nursing staff do not, worth bringing a Thai speaker along ion initial visits if you can.

Although Queen Sirikit is vastly less expensive than private hospitals it is still quite possible to run up a significant tab there in event of prolonged hospitalization and/or ICU care. As you probably cannot get health insurance here at your age you should be sure to have at minimum 1 million baht put aside in event of catastrophic accident or illness.

Health care costs have risen substantially in Thailand in recent years and aren't going anywhere but further up.

Thanks, so much...

I can recommend the Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital in Satahip, I had an inguinal hernia operation earlier this year, four hours in theatre, three nights in hospital, cost just over 17,000 baht, I got quotes from two Pattaya Hospitals plus one in SriRatcha, all were in the 60,000 baht range for a one hour op and a one night stay, additional nights ranged from 15 - 20000 baht per night.

Thanks, So .... being a Naval Hospital didn't matter ? They will treat a Westerner if one were to just show up, I suppose ?

Since this isssss Thailand. I would invest in some million, billion watt speakers and she how she reacts. Maybe she likes you ?

I have no doubts about that! When you challenge someone who is listening to hard rock and club music, you have to challenge him with something agressive! by listening to Celine Dion, she showed me that she is maybe heartbroken or just sad about some events happenning in her life. Today, I will do like the Thai Visa mate told me earlier and put on some Prodigy. will see with what she challenge me and knock to her door for a diner. Would be nice not having to go to Route 66 to get a lady (I get the GIRL NEXT DOOR this time!!)

Actually, my suggestion was just a little dry humor. Your idea sounds much more reasonable and challenging. Good luck to you !

I am aware that this was a topic in the past, however the last time seems to be over 5 years ago. I have been visiting Thailand since 1968 and recently the past couple of years retired here. When I was working, I always used Bangkok - Pattaya. However, my financial situation is different now and I would welcome any advise on all the hospitals available in the Pattaya area as Bangkok – Pattaya Hospital is approaching outrages pricing even for Thailand and it is getting close to many 1st world country hospitals, although not there yet. (although there is no question, it is a good hospital) I can hardly afford it any longer. Assuming one had no insurance in the Kingdom and had to pay for all medical problems any advise on what hospitals are available and any stories of experiences would be nice, whether negative or positive. Both Hospitals and any major clinics known including any experiences in the Banglamund Government Hospital.

I have no major medical problems as I have stayed in shape most of my life in the law enforcement field. However, I tend to get involved in an occasional Motorbike accident and have slight arthritis and an occasional Migraine.

Any advise or stories negative or positive and location of medical facilities would be helpful. In a major medical emergency, as Cancer I could return to the US or Guam for treatment. However a stroke or heart attack would be a problem of course. Age 64. Thanks for any advise.

These kids in Thailand, generally, haven't a clue what a Nazi symbol is or what it stands for. If it looks or feels good they'll use it. The Holocaust is light years above there education level or comprehension.

Moved to the Thai Language forum, should get better coverage here.

Double post , sorry

Moved to the Thai Language forum, should get better coverage here.

It would be nice to add an address for members when you decide to move something as it only takes YOU a second ........

As was stated, I came over from LA 2 years ago on one way ticket on Eva. My travel agent handled the Visa part of it. Think the requirement was an non-immigrant O visa. They did not check any Visa stamps at check in at LAX, only the ID Page.

Big C seems to have the best prices and free delivery and pickup. Mine is 7 years old and not one problem yet.

Just drive along the road to Jom Tien and on Sumkivit and there hanging all over the chain link fences for 50% of what they get at the retail stores for the same items.