Covertjay

need to redo your polling system again

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How?

Hangover Ratings

1 star hangover

No pain. No real feeling of illness. You slept in your own bed and when you woke up there were no traffic cones in there with you.

You are still able to function relatively well on the energy stored up from all those vodka and Red Bulls.

However, you can drink 10 bottles of water and still feel as parched as the Sahara. Even vegetarians are craving a Cheeseburger and a bag of fries.

2 star hangover

No pain, but something is definitely amiss. You may look okay but you have the attention span and mental capacity of a stapler. The coffee you hug to try and remain focused is only exacerbating your rumbling gut, which is craving a full English breakfast. Although you have a nice demeanour about the office, you are costing your employer valuable money because all you really can handle is some light filing, followed by aimlessly surfing the net and writing junk e-mails.

3 star hangover

Small headache. Stomach feels crap. You are definitely a space cadet and not so productive. Anytime a girl or lad walks by you gag because the perfume/aftershave reminds you of the random gin shots you did with your alcoholic friends after the bouncer kicked you out at 1:45 am. Life would be better right now if you were in your bed with a dozen doughnuts and a litre of coke watching daytime TV.

You've had 4 cups of coffee, a gallon of water, 2 Sausage Rolls and a

litre of diet coke yet you haven't peed once.

4 star hangover

You have lost the will to live. Your head is throbbing and you can't speak too quickly or else you might spew. Your boss has already lambasted you for being late and has given you a lecture for reeking of booze. You wore nice clothes, but you smell of socks, and you can't hide the fact that you (depending on your gender) either missed an oh-so crucial spot shaving, or, it looks like you put your make-up on while riding the dodgems. Your teeth have their own individual sweaters. Your eyes look like one big vein and your hairstyle makes you look like a reject from a second-grade class circa 1976.

You would give a weeks pay for one of the following -

home time, a doughnut and somewhere to be alone, or a Time Machine so you could go back and NOT have gone out the night before. You scare small children in the street just by walking past them.

5 star hangover

You have a second heartbeat in your head, which is actually annoying the employee who sits next to you. Vodka vapour is seeping out of every pore and making you dizzy. You still have toothpaste crust in the corners of your mouth from brushing your teeth. Your body has lost the ability to generate saliva, so your tongue is suffocating you.

You'd cry but that would take the last drop of moisture left in your body. Death seems pretty good right now. Your boss doesn't even get mad at you and your co-workers think that your dog just died because you look so pathetic. You should have called in sick because, let's face it, all you can manage to do is breathe... very gently.

6 star hangover

You arrive home and climb into bed. Sleep comes instantly; as you were fighting it all the way home in the taxi. You get about 2 hours sleep until the noises inside your head wake you up. You notice that your bed has been cleared for take off and is flying relentlessly around the room. No matter what you do you now, you're going to chuck.

You stumble out of bed and now find that your room is in a yacht under full sail. After walking along the skirting boards on alternating walls knocking off all the pictures, you find the toilet. If you are lucky you will remember to lift the lid before you spontaneously explode and wake the whole house up with your impersonation of walrus mating

calls. You sit there on the floor in your undies, cuddling the only friend in the world you have left (the toilet), randomly continuing to make the walrus noises, spitting, and farting. Help usually comes at this stage, even if it is short lived. Tears stream down your face and your abdomen hurts. Help now turns into abuse and he/she usually goes back to bed leaving you there in the dark. With your stomach totally empty, your spontaneous eruptions have died back to 15-minute intervals, but your body won't relent. You are convinced that you are starting to turn yourself inside out and swear that you saw your tonsils shoot out of your mouth on the last occasion. It is now dawn and you pass your disgusted partner getting up for the day as you try to climb into bed. She/he abuses you again for trying to get into bed with lumpy bits of dried vomit in your hair. You reluctantly accept their advice and have a shower in exchange for them driving you to the hospital. Work is simply not an option. The whole day is spent trying to avoid anything that might make you sick again, like moving. You vow never to touch a drop again and who knows for the next two or three

hours at least you might even succeed.

OK, now hands up all those who have never had a six star hangover!!

Thought so!!

In general i share ur resentment and anger over Toxin and his fascist nationalistic profiteers clique. However i strongly oppose ur generalisation on xenophobia in the last paragraph and also ur last sentence "and that analogy fits at all levels in this country down to a personal one." (the brackets don’t matter). That being said please note the word ‘u’ henceforth means ‘the reader’.

What do u want them poor rural people and city proletarians to do: go on strike become homeless and in the end reincarnate of hunger or unite in labour and social movements go out on the streets to protest make revolution and be shot by the army? When the current boom ends them poor people will suffer first and foremost and they really don't have much choice now and will even have less then isn’t it?

Bunch of xenophobes, who when the current boom is gone, will be blaming everyone else for their problems instead of looking at themselves ( and that analogy fits at all levels in this country down to a personal one )

Maybe he/she is refering to how the elite promote 'Thai'ness with racist overtones in order to divide and rule their subjects, and the fact that in an Asian culture passing the buck is second nature when you can loose face. This does happen at every level. This is simply how nationalistic adminisrations run countries to serve their intrests and friends whether it's Shincorp or Enron.

Covertjay,

Afraid to say I haven't experienced what you have. 

But I do know if you are looking for something to complain about you will find it no matter where you are in the world.  Nothing that you've said negatively about Thai that couldn't be said about any culture anywhere in the world. 

Sometimes a really good sense of humour helps.

Someone once told me to view life like a 3 ring circus and enjoy the acts.

I try to do that when I find myself bitching and complaining. 

Can't change the world but you can change the way you react to it.

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I'm just discussing my experiences. Don't take offence. And it's not the same everywhere.That's a simple justification to be inert. As Thais are unwilling to discuss unpleasant things often we use forums like this. This is the only way progress will happen- by addressing the issues.

I love the nonviolent ways of Thais. Something we don't do well in the West. But, we do problem solving and open debate of hard issues much better. All cultures have their virtues.

Sorry, it's here.

DEEP SOUTH : Severe security decree mulled

Published on December 01, 2004

The government is considering issuing a decree or legislation based upon the draconian internal security acts of Singapore and Malaysia that would permit police to hold indefinitely without charges any suspect linked to the ongoing southern violence, official sources said yesterday.

I'm 29. .”

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29 ? Like 20

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No LIKE 29. I don't lie.

Back to the topic.

If you disagree with my critique of Taksin's strategy then explain my rather than engage in outright contradiction or musing over my age. Here's the latest masterstroke from the administration.

Everything is coming out from this leaftover socialist. Soon, prabably, sooner. People will see him clearly

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Clearer than your spelling and grammar, mate.

Are you a second language learner at all?

We have all seen the dude with the pane of glass on the back of a motocycle. A thai classic mak mak.

Well said.

Lets not forget Toxin wanted to tell the Burmese what they did wrong internally, but if anyone metioned the south he was going to take his spade and bucket and go home. What a f$%^ing infant.

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You are out of date, leftover socialist! Malaysian and Indonesian leaders yesterday raised the issue of the unrest in the deep South of Thailand. Thaksin remained seated and he has explained the situation to regional counterparts. Thaksin is the first leader to use soft approach Burmese govt, he has never told that Burmese did wrong. Be more mature and substantial,bro- you're a lot older than me

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Fair enough Sieg Heil Ros.

I WAS working, so research time was limited. Alot older? why? are you 12? I'm 29. That soft approach is really working now isn't it?

Maybe Toxin is in league with the Burmese Junta? Just moved his paper business there now didn't he? Here's some more reason why they're mates and not interested in Burma's human rights.

Thailand: End Crackdown on Burmese Fleeing Abuses

Thai Government Policy Puts Thousands of Burmese at Risk

(New York, February 25, 2004)— Thailand must end its crackdown on Burmese fleeing rights abuses in their military-ruled homeland, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

The report, Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Thai Policy toward Burmese Refugees and Migrants, documents Thailand’s repression of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant workers from Burma. The Thai government is arresting and intimidating Burmese political activists living in Bangkok and along the Thai-Burmese border, harassing Burmese human rights and humanitarian groups, and deporting Burmese refugees, asylum seekers and others with a genuine fear of persecution in Burma.

The Thai government last month suspended screening of new refugee applicants from Burma by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The decision—part of an apparent government effort to forge friendships with Burma’s military rulers—has suddenly thrown thousands of Burmese asylum seekers into legal and practical limbo. Refugee assistance agencies and human rights groups have been flooded with calls and visits by Burmese asylum seekers asking where to turn for protection.

“Thailand shouldn’t be toughening its stance towards Burmese refugees when there has been no improvement in the abysmal conditions causing them to flee Burma,” said Brad Adams, executive director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division. “Thailand should not allow commercial or diplomatic interests to interfere with the ability of Burmese to seek safety in Thailand.”

Ongoing abuses in Burma include forced labor, arrests for peaceful expression of political views, rape of ethnic minority women and children by government soldiers, conscription of child soldiers, and forced relocation of villages, Human Rights Watch said. Sporadic fighting continues in the border areas, despite recent discussions between Rangoon and one of the main rebel factions, the Karen National Union.

When—and if—screening of new Burmese asylum applications resumes, the Thai government will likely take on this crucial task. Because Thailand narrowly restricts its protection and assistance to “people fleeing fighting,” the government may start rejecting Burmese exiles and asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution for their pro-democracy activities in Burma. Those who are rejected would be classified as illegal immigrants and face the risk of being deported to Burma.

The Thai government announced plans last July to send all 4,000 Burmese refugees and asylum seekers living in Bangkok and other urban areas to border camps, despite the fact that many are fearful for their security because of cross-border violence as well as political and ethnic conflicts within the camps.

Thai authorities have also launched a fresh campaign to round up and deport thousands of Burmese migrant workers back to Burma. Many of the estimated one million Burmese migrant workers in Thailand fled their homeland for a mixture of political and economic reasons, and could face serious reprisals from the Burmese authorities if forced to return, Human Rights Watch said.

Thailand regularly expels as many as 10,000 Burmese migrants a month in “informal deportations” to Burma. While many are able to bribe their way back into Thailand, others have faced persecution or other ill-treatment by Burmese government soldiers and intelligence officials, and by some of the other ethnic-based armed groups operating along the border.

Under an agreement between the Thai government and Burma’s ruling State Peace and Development Council, Thailand also deports 400 “illegal” Burmese each month from the Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok to Burma—directly into a holding center operated by Burmese military intelligence. Those whom the UNHCR has recognized as refugees or asylum seekers are supposed to identify themselves as such at the detention center in order to avoid deportation, but human rights workers fear that many people fall through the cracks.

“Burmese refugees who support themselves as migrant workers in Thailand undoubtedly get caught up in these police sweeps,” said Adams. “Among those deported, many will face severe persecution once back in Burma. The Thai government’s crackdown puts the lives of many Burmese at risk.”

Human Rights Watch noted that under customary international law, the Thai government has an obligation not to return anyone to a country where his or her life or freedom is at risk.

“Thailand must not forcibly return any Burmese who may have a claim to refugee status,” Adams said. “Rather than expelling Burmese, sealing the border and refusing to protect new refugees, the Thai government should ensure that the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees is able to identify and protect those who have a fear of persecution in Burma.”

Thailand and the United States reached an agreement in January to resettle at least 4,000 of the 140,000 Burmese refugees in Thailand to the United States. Human Rights Watch said that this resettlement should help to improve the situation, so long as Thailand does not implement the agreement with the intention of making it harder for Burmese democracy activists to pursue their cause.

“While this agreement is welcome in principle, the U.S. government should make sure that Thailand does not now declare the refugee problem ‘solved,’ seal the border to new asylum seekers from Burma, and deepen its crackdown on undocumented Burmese migrants,” said Adams. “Those Burmese who choose not to resettle abroad should not be pressured or forced to return to Burma.”

If you really understood and practiced buddhism you would realize that Thai's live in this manner and would appreciate the beautiful simplicity of their lives.

Not the constant head trippy, over analysing ways of the west where going to a therapist is as common as going to the gym.

They embrace the greed that they believe would lead them to suffering. They backstab others readily except for a polite few fresh in from nice villages. My local temple tells all over a loud speaker how they will win the lottery, get rich, and get a good husband, if they 'tam bun' here. I meet few that are in the rapture of simplicity. Perhaps if they spoke their minds, and went to the odd therapist they would commit less machete attacks. Like others in this thread have said I have meet plenty of good Buddhists, in Nepal, Laos, Burma and India. Just none here yet. Even so I still love life here.

Hispanic??? nice racks maybe but crazier in the head than any thai woman could ever be...

plus hispanic women are child molesters...when I was 17 a 22 year old bolivian woman (that looked 18) shamelessly took advantage of me...for 8 months...

una sinverguenza...

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True!! I was held hostage by a 32 year old Portugese chick for a week when I woz 22. Had to do the horizontal decathalon alot. Violated

Unfortunately, as most of us know, some Thais are more equal than others and those down south are treated as the "least" equal of all.

Until Thais get past the need for being Buddhist to be a prerequisite for being Thai this problem will persist.

Successive governments have negelcted the south because they are "down there" so to say.

This current government is catching a disproprtionate amount of flack for it because their heartland is in BKK, CNX and Isaan.  They obviously have no care for the south and the people are voicing their objection either by claiming a desire for seperatism as opposed to the democrats who had some political connection to the south.

It is a shame but I cannot see how this will be resolved in the current situation, since the traditional Thai policy, which would have been to scare the populous; through army crackdowns (communist increase in Isaan) does not look very good when flashed across 24 hour news channels. 

I fear that the current government has no idea how to solve this problem without there being considerable bloodshed, and should Thaksin win the next election (a high probability) the problem will only get worse.  This problem needs more than the "corporal punishement" way of putting the army down there to clean it up. 

The current government believes that hand outs and a gazillion paper birds will reduce the tensions down there.  The problem is much deeper than that and will not be solved as long as there is a distinction in the hearts of the people between Thais who are Buddhist and those who are not. 

Do not forget the ethnicity of most power brokers in this country.  Thaksin has a policy to deal with poor Thai buddhists (Northern and Isaan farmers) simply by lobbing money at them.  Unfortunately, the problem in the south will need him and his cronies to get a brain/culture transplant or he will never be able to understand.

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Well said.

Lets not forget Toxin wanted to tell the Burmese what they did wrong internally, but if anyone metioned the south he was going to take his spade and bucket and go home. What a f$%^ing infant.

"There is no compulsion in religion"

"to your religion to me mine"

"All people are a single nation."

-- The Holy Koran

"The Apostle had not been given permission to fight or allowed to shed blood ... he had simply been ordered to call men to God, endure insult, and forgive the ignorant" (Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah).

Islam DOES say "kill the unbeliever wherever you meet him, torture him, etc." and there's no getting away from it. You CAN'T negotiate with nutters who follow the words of a paedophile mass-murderer, which mohammed was. You can't allow these nutters to remain at large, therefore the best solution is to kill them.

Sounds harsh, but the alternative is worse, as in they will kill us.

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Have you read the Koran? Studied the life of Mohammad? Or you just watched enough Charles Bronson movies to get a good idea?

QUOTE(Covertjay @ 2004-11-29 16:02:53)

Dude, the army, police, and Taksin admitted they died! What further clarification do you need ? Dental records?

I think they would settle for not being grenaded in a mosque over independence at the moment, but that doesn't mean they don't want it.

I hate to say this. You have been exploited by insurgents. I really want to educate you about situation in the deep South, but not here. Sorry!

A fox news alert....................

Yep, I'm being exploited by terrorists!

Enlighten me o Sigur.......

I await your next republican fortune cookie..............

Dude, the army, police, and Taksin admitted they died! What further clarification do you need ? Dental records?

I think they would settle for not being grenaded in a mosque over independence at the moment, but that doesn't mean they don't want it.

Bangkok, Imperial City.........

The queens we use would not excite you....I get my kicks above the waistline sunshine......

Saw a kraut who thought he was living out a scence from easyrider hoon past the Asoke bars to impress the 'ladies' then hit the gutter and then go through a phonebooth (partially). Very pissed. Not very cool in the end. Harsh I know, but he was a TOSSER.

Had stopped for another drink on my way home in Thonburi a few years ago.

Drank it outside the bar.

The hammered drunk owner (another self professed mafioso, Thonburi seems to have alot of 'pistol wavers') demanded I pay for the 'sing a song' charge even though I didn't sing.

Normally would pay but left most of my cash at home.

He starts hopping around screamimg 'you want kung &lt;deleted&gt; fighting!!!!!' many times.

I say "Call the fuzz".

They turn up, to watch mostly, and then the 'don' flashes his old boy at me. I laugh loud as it's 'economy size' and say I'm straight and dig girls anyhow. (Dumb I know but the 10 stubbies were talking)

He rushes me as the hostesses were laughing, grabs my throat, then the two cops drag him off, frog march him inside, frisk me for cash, give him half, and escort me down the road.

Woke up feeling lucky I was in one piece the next day.

Anyone else think Thonburi is a bit wild???

I explained the restive south AND the nuances of modern socialism.

So what further clarification, other than on tenses and grammar, do you require?

You've been here too long when you go to the 7-11 in ya PJ's.....

Multi veined jugular junket plunger

Can you please provide more substantial information? It's totally " DOUBT" what you mentioned for.

Intriguing grammar.........No doubt...........READ!

Suffocation........ From the 'Australian'

Muslim deaths hit region's war on terror

01nov04

SOUTHEAST Asia took a giant and dangerous step backwards in the war against terror last week with the Thai Government's catastrophic overreaction to the riots in Narathiwat province in Thailand's Muslim south.

The police crackdown last Monday resulted in more than 80 deaths, including scores of protesters who were loaded into trucks, piled on top of each other and left to suffocate. This has transformed a serious problem into a disaster, and guaranteed a new surge of violence and terrorist recruiting throughout the region.

The Narathiwat killings will become the "trauma of choice" for Thai Muslim jihadis, and feed into the global jihad movement as another example of the persecution of Muslims. But even before these killings, the regional terror picture was becoming increasingly complex and threatening.

The alienation of southern Thai Muslims is now much more likely to be absorbed into the regional terrorist movement. They will feel much more angry, the radical leaders will welcome outside resources and the hard men of Jemaah Islamiah will move in.

Modern Socialists believe in an extention of freedom to totally cover freedom of opportunity in education and health. Why else do we pay taxes? Tax breaks for Enron?

Opportunity NOT handouts.

Then life really WOULD be a level playing field.

Western freedom would the be more than the limited freedom of capital to exploit.

Is two big bottles of Kloster (seems more 'healthy' than thai formaldahide beers) too much every nite?

What other culture would you suggest Thai people follow, Ancient Egyptian ?

Unbelievable..............

How about a non-facist less nationalistic Thai culture?

My TGF even complains that when she criticises the powerful men who rape the wealth of this country she is told she isn't a patriot and it's farangs and the IMF that are to blame.

Or have many expats 'gone native' on freedom too?