MEL1

So no more second hand pink Jag for her lady, especially when a part fails?

Just can't get the quality now. (of course, I'm sure she'll find a Chinese copy part when forced to; contrary to her new imposed law!)

Load of rubbish if I ever heard it! Just increased tea-money at shipping import officer's pockets... run by you know who

-mel.

Couldn't make head nor tail of that. Can somebody translate for me please? And I'm not joking...

-mel.

"Surapong, who is an MP from the ruling Pheu Thai Party"

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Jeez, silly me again. I thought we were told earlier today by PTP that it's the 'goverment' that rules.

-mel.

Note that the Muslim Southern Provinces had no fatal accidents. Shows what consumption of alcohol does to the statistics.

This is a very astute and interesting observation, and one that never occurred to me. Thank you.

It is astute. But what's more astute is that there was nobody there following the wake of bombings and immigration being closed!

Accidents are hard come-by when roads are empty.

-mel.

Edit: Accidents are hard come-by when roads are empty.

I take that last statement back, as there were a few deaths without cause, as a result of motorcyclists being p*ssed up solo.

Songkran Death Toll Hits 282 in During the 6 Day Period

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Did anybody else clock the headline, or is it just me again?

What the heck is 'in during' a time period?

Sorry to be observant, but it's a darned HEADLINE for foreigners to read!

-mel.

The figure of 282 having lost their lives is terrible, so on average 47 deaths a day, but I wonder what the average is on a "normal" day on Thailands roads.

So much for the zero target.

In Thailand 124,855 people were killed in road traffic accidents between 2000 and 2010 meaning that on average there are over 12,000 deaths a year from road traffic accidents.

(http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/thailand)

approx 33 a day - but Songkran figures are incorporated into those figures also, so there's no real way of knowing the daily average from these.

-mel.

Absolutely ###### ludicrous.

The money is not Thaksin's to forfeit. It has allready been forfeited and belongs to the Thai people.

And the proposition of trying to play by the rules, or write the rules as as you go, coming from a Thienthong makes it more laughable. The Thienthong's are the rules in their patch of the woods.

Actually, not to nit-pick, but you'll find much of that money is in the confiscation hands of UK and Swiss banks.

I wonder if they'll invest a bit in Manchester City, for old times sakes?

-mel.

"Pheu Thai Party List MP Sanoh Thienthong disclosed that the amnesty bill is likely to be proposed by the Pheu Thai Party, not by the government."

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They are one and the same. What planet is this idiot on?

-mel.

I've been thinking about the governments seeming inability to predict or warn people about the progress of the flood last year and, while I originally thought that they were simply stunningly incompetent, I now think that they simply were reacting to the flood in a political way, rather than in an rational and humane way.

First of all, once the flooding started, a bright 12 year old could have made some fairly decent predictions as to where and when the floodwater would go. For instance, if the water was 3 kilometers upstream from an industrial estate in Ayutthaya and was moving downstream at an average speed of 1-2 kilometers per day, the managers of the estate would know that they had about 2 days to get the most expensive equipment in the plants moved to the second floor or out of the area entirely. With this sort of information billions of baht worth of flood damage could have been avoided.

So, why didn't the government do this? It's not that they couldn't do it... my M1 Geography class could have done it (and probably will as a project next semester)! The problem is that the land from Nakhon Sawan on down to Bangkok is fairly flat and so the flow of the flood water can be controlled fairly easily with barriers, canals/klongs and pumps. The government cannot stop the flooding, but they can decide what areas will be saved and what areas will be sacrificed. During the last floods they saved 'inner Bangkok', the Lad Krabang industrial estates and some rice growing areas in Suphanburi (where, it is rumored that some middle eastern businesses have invested heavily in rice farming and didn't want to see their investments disappear under water).

Now, can you imagine the chaos if some people are simply told to prepare for flooding while others are told that they will be safe? No government, especially not this one, will make that kind of tough, politically unpopular decision.

I'm fairly certain that this new information center will be just like FROC, that is, they will do their best to mystify the progress of the flood and will report where the water already is, but will make no local predictions that could actually help people.

So why wait for the government to tell them?

The Govn't did tell people in areas, one by one, that all was ok, from Ayutthaya to Don Maeuang.

Are you accepting now that the Govn't lied to each area, step by step, as they knew nothing of how to control, or of what was really happening?

None of us will be waiting for lies the next time PhiPhi, but as the reservoirs have been so overcompensated for, to preserve foreign investment and such like, now the rice farmers are doomed. Then again, PTP can control new rice prices with their incentive % for good sales, as the expense of the poor - YET AGAIN!.

-mel.

Well,I do not know where you live,but in "my" Esaan village,it is not "a few holidays" a year.Every week,there are partys going on;weddings,funerals (yes,that too is "partytime"),"memories",new house,new car,birthdays of royal family,celebrations of various Buddhist days and so on!! Actually I read somewhere,that Thailand is the country in the world,which has the most holidays.And that is counting only the official ones! And when a holiday comes on a sunday,for instance,then people get monday as "compensation", because they "would be free anyway"...I have no problem with that,but what you said is far from correct! Another thing;Why is it,that you and some other people think,that anyone can just up and leave the country anytime?! Some of us have work,animals, to take care of,and not everyone can afford what you are suggesting,and it is an even greater inconvenience to travel to Bangkok,catch a flight and so on.Especially this time a year!!Finally,yes,some children do respect when you show them,that you do not want to be splashed,but not all.The older they are,the more disrespectful.And try to tell people like some of those here on tv,who have stated,that they like to go after the ones that don`t want it..!PS.Nobody ever tried to rape,assault or harass me,not here,not anywhere else.Except for this Songkran thing,when it is considered ok.

wow, sorry you have made some lifestyle choices that weigh heavily upon you, but really, is that our fault?

I think you misunderstand something here: I am happy with my lifestyle choices,it is the choices of some others that I am not so happy with.Normally they are not my business and I don`t care about it;only when they try to force some of their weird choices on me! Clear enough for you?

I think that one line sums it all up...

I'm not happy with the lifestyle choice my next door neighbour's cat has made but I can accept it and don't feel the need to tell her what she should/shouln't do, where she should/shouldn't do it and how she should/shouldn't do it.

Does your neighbour's cat throw hard ice in your face?

No, I didn't think so. If you're going to make similes, please make warranted ones!

-mel.

Want to know why I love songkran so much?

Because I love to throw water on grumpy tourists and expats, who thinks (!) that their wish to stay dry weighs heavier than Thailand's traditions.

I believe most of you who talk of this being traditional don't have much of an idea of what the holiday is supposed to be about, or just how traditional the current Songkran madness is. I first came to Thailand 47 years ago, which predates most expats. Back in those days it was a much gentler and friendlier tradition, and I never saw any aggressive behavior. The water splashing was much more respectful, I mean WAY more respectful, than I see these days. I don't think I've gotten grumpier, at least I hope not--I still like to have fun--but the holiday isn't much fun for me anymore, and I try to stay inside and avoid as much of it as I can. I don't believe in banning alcohol or trying to force people to quit enjoying themselves, but I think that looking back to what the original traditions are here, and their meanings, would be instructive. I don't think that people who don't want to get wet should have to stay inside for days at a time. And the suggested "mai aow," in my experience, 1) doesn't work most of the time and 2) makes you look grumpy even if you really aren't. Didn't use to have to say that, or even think it. So when you mention tradition, be sure you know what you're talking about.

Nicely explained. The uneducated without an inkling of what a true Thai tradition is think that the current assault on people with high power water canons, blocks of ice and bucketfuls of water splashed on someone's face in a fun tradition. They are just in the dark of what Songkran is really about. But, to their reckless brains lacking the couth or willingness to learn, the random aggressive assault using water canons, buckets and blocks of ice that is just fun. A gentleman was explaining in TV that he had a cataract removed at the hospital and on his way home, although he had the bandage on his eye, he was splashed water all over his face several times. Other people who are going to work in their daily best suffer a similar fate. Songkran is indeed a lovely tradition, not what is going on nowadays. It has descended to the level of the lowest common denominator. If we defend the real tradition and we are against such mayhem then, in the eyes of the Western troglodytes telling us to go home or fit in we are just grumpy old men. Their lack of couth and insensitivity to other people's rights speak volumes of who they are.

What moron would go to work in his daily best during Songkran when there is not one company in Thailand who would expect such dress knowing that a National Holiday is going on where water is thrown and powder applied? And if somebody really was expected to dress in their best suite and make it to work looking like they were hosting an award ceremony but couldn't handle this then maybe they have no business having a job because it really isn't that difficult avoiding the celebrations if you really need to. The same could be said about a person who not only who schedules a surgery during Songkran but then decides to walk the streets after the surgery where folks are splashing water.

It is like some people come to Thailand and exchange their common sense at their airport with a elevated sense of superiority and the inability to not whine about everything Thai.

"It is like some people come to Thailand and exchange their common sense at their airport with a elevated sense of superiority and the inability to not whine about everything Thai."

Yes, Nisa, your rhetorical statement sums you up immensely.

Your lack of regard for elders, and simplistic egotistical viewpoint mirror the likes of your personality to a T.

Nobody is whining about everything Thai. Simple observations of Songkran becoming more apparently dangerous year on year is not whining.

Oh! And by the way! One is supposed to be aged 18 to have an account at TV. If you are 18 and over then please let your comments reflect this, and stop the negative attitude of, "sod you old farts, I will have fun how and where, attacking who I like, regardless!"

-mel.

The government is preparing to set up a centre for the efficient management of water and flood information.

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Errm where are we again? Now 17th April 2012/2556.

And here was silly me thinking they had already done this in December last year, with huge budgets and a flood centre of control back then.

Alas, finances must warrant new expenditure as the last lot must be lost, somewhere in the system.

-mel.

Want to know why I love songkran so much?

Because I love to throw water on grumpy tourists and expats, who thinks that their wish to stay dry weighs heavier than Thailand's traditions.

That is why.

So watch out. Me and my friends will be aiming for you.

You dont have a clue about anything. That´s ok, not everyone can be intelligent.

Ignore it. He obviously doesn't respect his elders neither, be it here or be it from under the stone he once crawled!

-mel.

Is Songkran on the road an arcade game, where everyone just gets up and carries on for another game, or is it really game over?

Copyright and patent pending as of now.

New school iPAD game for Grade 1.

"Songkran killer"

Rules:

1. You choose to be a waterside road water thrower, or 2. a 4X4 drunk driver, or 3. in a group on a motorcycle high as kites.

4. You have to kill as many people as possible.

5. There are secret rules for each player choosing 1 , 2 or 3.

6. If you choose 1 you have to earn tree branches or cones to slow fast moving traffic at random. The more chance of randomness, the better chance of your killing your opposition.

7. If you choose 2, you get extra points for filling up with gas, and simoultaneously buying beer and Lao Whisky at a filling station. The better you swerve the better are your chances of killing 1 or 3.

8. Get high on Ya-Ba, get as many mates on your bike as you can, and swerve as well as you can. If you choose 3 you are a loser before the game begins.

Copyright.... mel. 2556.

Reads just like another day in New York, Chicago or Miami. Thailand is becoming more and more Americanised every day.

I don't think Americans, or any westerners for that matter, take opportunity to throw ice blocked cold water, talc filled water, or any other filled water into the face of oncoming traffic, anywhere near a main road or highway that has fast approaching traffic, do they?

Can't say it's like another day in a western city. Can say the death rates may be similar for a similar day - but there isn't a similar day in the west. Even in New Year we don't thow water at somebody. You'd be arrested and jailed on the spot. I'm not knocking Thai custom of Songkran either, at all, but over the last 10 years it has become more vindictive, less fruitful, and further from the real meaning and intent of the celebration.

-mel.

Death rates or killed rates? Sorry couldn't help it....I'm an idiot!

Murder rates, idiot!

-mel.

Reads just like another day in New York, Chicago or Miami. Thailand is becoming more and more Americanised every day.

I don't think Americans, or any westerners for that matter, take opportunity to throw ice blocked cold water, talc filled water, or any other filled water into the face of oncoming traffic, anywhere near a main road or highway that has fast approaching traffic, do they?

Can't say it's like another day in a western city. Can say the death rates may be similar for a similar day - but there isn't a similar day in the west. Even in New Year we don't thow water at somebody. You'd be arrested and jailed on the spot. I'm not knocking Thai custom of Songkran either, at all, but over the last 10 years it has become more vindictive, less fruitful, and further from the real meaning and intent of the celebration.

-mel.

Business as usual....

In Chumphon, 58-year-old Piak Thongsakul was found dead, with Bt1,300 apparently stolen. Quoting witnesses, police said Piak was on his way to a funeral when he was drenched with water by a man, estimated to be around 25 years of age, who had been throwing water at passers-by.

Ironic that a man with a name litterally translated , means 'wet', died during a water festival!

R.I.P.

Despite his name's meaning, unfortunately he didn't die. He was killed by a drunken thug, out of its brains, who decided to chase him and knock him senseless because he didn't want to get wet on his way to a funeral. That's LOS harsher side of Songkran which the revellers kindly write off as an accepted part of the revelling..... indeed.

-mel

Quite an assumption Mel that he was drunk, out of his head, but unfortunately probably a good guess. I didn't see this in the article.

It could also be that he was wasted on Ya-Ba or any other mind-bending drug. Or is Songkran a drug-free period, and I have no idea what drugs could lead a person to do?

"In one, a 58-year-old man in Chumphon was clubbed to death by a drunken reveller for objecting to being drenched with water."

----- It's the third line on page 1 of the report...

I was going to comment additionally about the use of Ya-Ba too...... but I wouldn't be uncontextual.

-mel.

Sure I get tired of being soaked but it's a great festival and don't think it should be changed at all. The road accients and very small handful of assults is no doubt sad but I love this country for just taking things to the next level. You know Songkran is going to happen so it's not as if it's a surprise - if you don't like it just batton down your hatches and call 1112. If you do like it then just be grateful that you are living in this crazy whacky country where they like to have fun.

Hundreds of funerals later this week where the families won't be having much fun.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

What a idiotic statement.

There are hundreds of funerals every week where the family's might not be having munch fun.

Yes and they are usually death by natural causes. I was commenting on the hundreds of funerals coming up due to the lunatic behaviour during songkran, usually drunk driving. Thats the idiocy!

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

+1

Business as usual....

In Chumphon, 58-year-old Piak Thongsakul was found dead, with Bt1,300 apparently stolen. Quoting witnesses, police said Piak was on his way to a funeral when he was drenched with water by a man, estimated to be around 25 years of age, who had been throwing water at passers-by.

Ironic that a man with a name litterally translated , means 'wet', died during a water festival!

R.I.P.

Despite his name's meaning, unfortunately he didn't die. He was killed by a drunken thug, out of its brains, who decided to chase him and knock him senseless because he didn't want to get wet on his way to a funeral. That's LOS harsher side of Songkran which the revellers kindly write off as an accepted part of the revelling..... indeed.

-mel

Songkran is theoretically a thanks-giving for water, a celebration of its availability, and originally was intended as a small bowl to sprinkle each other and respect and thank Buddha for his ways and opinions about water. It has deemed itself in to brutally throwing frozen iced water at cars and bikes at speed, and only last year did a huge ice-block shatter my Bro-In-Law's wing mirror. If that had hit a bike rider at speed it could have killed instantaneously. It is demonstrably way out of hand now, and as Thais become more wanting, selfish and greedy they are forgetting to uphold their Buddhist beliefs in their true sense.

As we have seen in the news there were 3 murders, all about brawling during the festivities, or objecting to getting soaked (for the poor guy who bit the bullet on his way to a funeral - bless him and RIP). It is flagrantly about pissing people off now with water, talcum filled water, and the throwing of ice, itself lethal.

So to tell Thais how to celebrate songkran? Nothing wrong with the odd beer, assuming no driving. But there is wrong to forget grass roots of respect and the real Buddhist message. As for the deterioration of festivities to now include blocks of ice being discharged.... it has to be a no-no! Thais have forgotten the bowl for sprinkling said others, with respect. That's advice I'd kindly infuse they remember, and not just out and out show disregard to all and sundry who pass.

-mel.