Rorri

Really, is this true, or another made up story.

Interman, on 03 Apr 2014 - 10:32, said:

There are hundreds of thousands of devout Thai Christians. Thai is simply a nationality, and Thai Christians will tell you that. As for her being '"Buddhist", have you asked her why? Her response will most likely be "because that's what my parents were". They will also say they believe in it at first, but after using questions from different angles they will eventually say they don't really believe in it but it is ceremonial. As a former evangelical Christian who came to Christ through Thai Christians, I can tell you Thais have no problems educating themselves on other religions other than Buddhism. They are not sensitive culturally on this subject as supposed to us touchy farang. Although they get the impression Islam is a bit radical. Gee I wonder why.

You can say the same for most, if not all, religions. Just look at Catholics, christened as babies, so have no say/choice.

Seastallion, on 03 Apr 2014 - 05:37, said:

sustento, on 03 Apr 2014 - 05:15, said:

If the OP's wife is a devout and practising Buddhist (although I think the use of the word 'devout' in relation to Buddhism is a misnomer) why would he want to convert her to Christianity? Has he no respect for her at all?

Because Christians believe, overtly or covertly, that Christianity is the ONLY true religion and, assuming he loves her, wants her to have salvation also.

Someone should inform "Christians" that Jesus, for the believers, was NOT a Christian.

Jingthing, on 03 Apr 2014 - 04:24, said:

wooloomooloo, on 03 Apr 2014 - 04:12, said:

benalibina, on 03 Apr 2014 - 03:45, said:

Being a good person needs no religion.

A very simplistic view of religion.

Some of us have secured our passage to the next life and it didn't come about by denying the higher authority.

Am I the only one that finds that statement smug and arrogant. Reminds me of way first class passengers look at the great unwashed as they walk by them to the cheap seats. I'd prefer a deity who doesn't reward that!

Fear not, you are not alone... our own, after life paradise, will be so much nicer, without people like wooloomooloo.

wilcopops, on 02 Apr 2014 - 10:06, said:

one wonders how a whole group of apparently intelligent people can mutually kid themselves that this is a practical option.over S/K the Thai public transport system is stretched to breaking point....how on earth would removing a substantial slice of that system do any good. Period of enforcement might help a bit.....but

It seems that the police's idea of that is to sit in a tent outside the police station and chat and snack with the locals.

This just shows how utterly incompetent those involved with road safety are. - i mean it's not as if they don[]'t have info and solutions avaialble to them - these kind of dictums and pronouncements are just a symptom of a bunch of people who have a job they aren't qualified to do, but rather than get sacked from a cushy life-style they come up with crap like this to make it look as if they are working on something. IDIOTS!

What it would do is put more cars on the road, and we know what that would do. Their idea is counter productive, but whoever said Thais think, someone gives them an idea, they all agree to it, because not one of them will question it.

PETERTHEEATER, on 01 Apr 2014 - 17:39, said:

Having been driving in Thailand for 2 months a year for thirty years and daily for the last eight I am well aware of all the short comings.

The answer to my question should lie in the Thai Traffic Regulations but I have not been able to find a source of a copy receiving only blank face responses when asking at Motor Vehicle Licencing Offices. I doubt that there is an English language version but neither does there seem to be a Thai version. I was offered things like 'fly sheets' showing signs and meanings. I asked an examiner at the local office and his response was 'when it is safe to do so'

try this http://www.google.co.th/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthailaws.com%2Flaw%2Ft_laws%2Ftlaw0140_5.pdf&ei=WZ87U8jMMsKXrgf31oGYCQ&usg=AFQjCNEnRHGrJM4_orfTUyG6tnkh368d1w

The same with speed signs, coming into a town there is, somethimes, a speed reduction sign, you never see the speed increase sign. Mind you as we all know, even the reduction sign is ignored. e.g., for those on Phuket, there is a 60Kph speed sign just south of check point, there is no increase speed sign..

Ok, I know, April fools day, but guess what, it's already been done, it's called radio. lol.

Isn't today April 1... repeat this story tomorrow, and I might believe it.

Berkshire, on 31 Mar 2014 - 16:19, said:

lokesh, on 31 Mar 2014 - 14:12, said:

Soutpeel, on 31 Mar 2014 - 13:58, said:

Yes "Thailand" stole from the Khmer culture, obviously understanding at the time of the Khmer empire, Thailand didnt exist

Recently Thailand threatened to sue Singapore recently over their Songkran celebrations, but Songkran is not uniquely a Thai celebration and even the name "Songkran" is not a Thai word.

Well, that's an interesting point. Songran actually has its origins in India.

We celebrate the annual festival of 'Makar Sakranti' to celebrate the advent of spring but it is held in January as against Thai songkran in April.

The Indian Sanskrit 'Sakranti' was modified to Thai word 'Songran' keeping up with their spelling rules and word ending limitations.

It was passed on to Khmer and Thai took it from there.

The problem is that people of Cambodia generously recognize the influence of ancient India unlike Thai who don't want to give credit to Khmer culture even though they were deeply inspired by Khmer.

I take it you're Indian. And you feel the Thais should get on their hands and knees to thank you and the Khmer for...what exactly I don't know. If you go far back enough into history, someone is always stealing from someone else. In America, we stole the whole of the country from the indigenous people, right after nearly exterminating their entire race. Do we give them proper credit? Not hardly.

So to answer the question posed in your OP....who cares.

Reading your reply, it appears as though you have the story a little twisted, maybe you read it too early, before fully waking.

Blackmirage2013, on 29 Mar 2014 - 15:07, said:

scorecard, on 29 Mar 2014 - 15:05, said:

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Jdietz, on 29 Mar 2014 - 14:38, said:

So, who let this idiot on the plane in the first place?

And why did the cabin crew allow him to drink so much alcohol of the flight?

Because like most cabin crew, they are useless.

I'm not sure about your state of mind, but I have never had a reason to complain about cabin staff, Reading your comments it appears you have a huge chip on your shoulder, and need intervention.

Procrastinator, on 29 Mar 2014 - 17:45, said:

This would be so disappointing, for Australia, and australians, if indeed the lad was so drunk as to pass out multiple times, in the manner described, as opposed to an unfortunate occurrence of a mix of alcohol, drugs (prescribed or otherwise), and altitude, or any other combination of factors, which may have resulted in these symptoms.

As no mention of toxicology was made, and as the man was released without charge (which would never happen in Australia) we will never know the real situation or circumstances.

That said.... I can say with some certainty, that blackmirage2013 is an uninformed reactionary without a clue.

Nothing that this idiot has said rings true.

Australians, with a "prisoner" heritage are actually proud of that heritage, and those without are often jealous of them. I do not know any with inferiority complexes, due to the good fortune of their place of birth, quite the contrary, with both Australians, and the world at large, often viewing Australia as the lucky country.

Also, one of Australia's biggest businesses is exporting education, oftentimes to Asians. Australian colleges and universities are amongst the best in the world, with Australians only leaving to seek funding or grants not available, usually due to the high level of competition for places on offer, in Australia

One of Australia's biggest problem in this modern age is the "brain drain" which sees Australian academics seek higher paid employment opportunities in other countries.

As to racism.... Really?

The OP should take a walk around any Australian city to see the extend of our nations multi ethnic culture, which is completely free to practice whatever customs and beliefs they wish to follow, without fear of prosecution or violence being committed on there persons, unlike most other countries in this ever shrinking world.

My conclusion... The OP has suffered some humiliation at the hands of a bronzed Anzac, and needs to lash out to compensate.

For those unfamiliar with the term Anzac, it stands for Australian and New Zealand army corps, a proud body of servicemen and women who have volunteered to selflessly go forth in almost every armed conflict the world has seem in the last one hundred and thirty years, even though they themselves have never been attacked (with the exception of a fews bombs on Darwin), to offer faithful support to both its allies and those unfairly treated by dictators and despots... A proud heritage to be cherished.

It could be that blackmirage2013 has a "see it dont see it" thing happening with his own self esteem.

Come out from behind the smoke and mirrors and tell us what happened to you, so we can all have a laugh.

Oh.... And for any kiwi readers, i don't mean to drag you in with the Anzac comment, but hey, you know the score

Agree with everything you say, except the very first line. As a Aussie I am not ashamed, but I suspect if true, then his family and friends would be. It always fails me to understand why a nation should be ashamed because of on persons actions, which only affect him and those close by.

drand11, on 29 Mar 2014 - 15:09, said:

Surprised they didnt take him to airport and put him on a plane home!

If they were to take every drunk tourist back to the airport, then there wouldn't be enough planes, besides, before condemning this guy why haven't we seen any alcohol/drug tests, as far as we know he could have a medical condition, e.g. diabetes. Note, all reports seem to come from one source, Phuket Gazette, with no airline named, no interview with Mr Boubis and no Aussie media picking up the story.

ezzra, on 29 Mar 2014 - 08:38, said:

This idea is as futile as they come, it's akin to fitting bolting horses with tracking devices,

AFTER they have bolted... this devise suppose to keep the subject IN, not OUT...

The article isn't clear on the bracelet, there are many types, some use GPS, some use a small receiver (eg those you see on TV shows for home detention), some use proximity sensors and some use the mobile network, If there is no law saying people can be "tagged" then what they are doing could be illegal, also, depending on the system, who will monitor the batteries in the bracelets. Besides if this is only for Suvarnabhumi airport, then by wrapping the bracelet in tin foil will defeat detection.

rwhoov, on 29 Mar 2014 - 11:44, said:

Did anyone notice that the bikes were parked in a No Parking zone? Of course, in Pattaya they just paint the curbs and put up No Parking Signs to amuse the tourists as no one pays any attention to them, especially the BIB. Parking and garbage can placement have priority over traffic moving. Besides, there are still fines to collect from not wearing a helmet!

Parked illegally, so therefore not entitled to compensation.

BuddhaChile, on 29 Mar 2014 - 09:55, said:

Misleading headline. It was an out of control trailer carrying a jet ski that hit parked motorbikes. If it was a trailer carrying cars you wouldn't say "Out of control cars hit parked motorbikes".

Just saying'.

I wouldn't be too sure, if they can mislead on one headline, why not more.

Sorry, but there seems something wrong with me eyes, is that the trailer, the jet ski is on. This story although basically correct, shows that a reporter or editor can not see what is clearly in the photo. It was the trailer that was out of control, the jet ski simply went along for the ride.

It must have been one of those dive instructors out for revenge, but more likely one of those "fake" police that no -one sees, using the building.

Tomtomtom69, on 28 Mar 2014 - 12:55, said:

Thai at Heart, on 28 Mar 2014 - 07:07, said:

Bus owners would be allowed to improve the bus condition and get the test again within one month. If the buses still do not pass the test, another three months will be given. If the buses still do not pass the third test, another six months will be allowed for improvement.

But he said if the buses still do not pass the final test, owner will not be able to renew the annual license registration.

He warned that if buses failed the slope test are caught being used, owners will face up to five years of jail term and fine of 40,000 baht.

Do they realise how absurd this makes them sound. Every time the bus fails , the time to repair gets longer. 45% are failing.

Are they really going to put 45% of the buses off the road?

I doubt it, but let's savour the thought of having fewer buses on Thai roads...that would be a good thing I think. There are already too many buses on Thai roads as it is.

They are reducing the numbers naturally, that is, they are destroyed by rolling down ravines, gutters, or hitting other buses, trucks, I think you get my gist.

phanangpete, on 28 Mar 2014 - 11:52, said:

On a note that other posters are making about safety standards , i was reading sometime ago on a forum here about manufactured vechiles here in Thailand ie: Toyota pickups, Isuzu, etc.

A transport engineer from the States said that they would not pass any safety standards in his Country let alone EU.

I can't go into any detail as it was a few years ago, but it stuck with me as ive driven both, now driving a Hilux, both bought new. Oh dear !

That's because 1) there is no progressive accelerator, it is either full on or full off (rarely reaches this point, 2) the brake pedal is for decorative purposes, though sometimes it is pressed by mistake, 3) indicators are again decorative, sometimes used in conjunction with the hazard lights and 4) the most dangerous thing, the loose nut behind the steering wheel (the driver), nothing on earth, except death, can fix this problem.

skorchio, on 28 Mar 2014 - 10:32, said:

Any buses which canot pass the stability test will be sold into private transport syndicate's hands, for use in Phuket, the graveyard for Thai buses (with the steepest road hill in Thailand aswell). Why kill Thais when the same death stats can be charged to Chinese or Russian accounts?

I think you need to do a bit more touring of Thailand, not just Phuket, before you can say that Patong hill is Thailand's steepest, I can assure you, it is not.

Thai at Heart, on 28 Mar 2014 - 07:07, said:Thai at Heart, on 28 Mar 2014 - 07:07, said:

Bus owners would be allowed to improve the bus condition and get the test again within one month. If the buses still do not pass the test, another three months will be given. If the buses still do not pass the third test, another six months will be allowed for improvement.

But he said if the buses still do not pass the final test, owner will not be able to renew the annual license registration.

He warned that if buses failed the slope test are caught being used, owners will face up to five years of jail term and fine of 40,000 baht.

Do they realise how absurd this makes them sound. Every time the bus fails , the time to repair gets longer. 45% are failing.

Are they really going to put 45% of the buses off the road?

Um, No, they don't think, so how can they realise how absurd they are. In many western countries, these buses, that fail, would be off the road until they pass the safety tests. The dept of land transport effectively allows the killing to continue and should be charged with negligence causing death.

smedly, on 28 Mar 2014 - 01:47, said:

I just had a horrible thought - Yingluc in leather thigh boots with an AK47

Mmm, first time the thought of yingluck has excited me.

gabruce, on 27 Mar 2014 - 09:51, said:

Darcula, on 26 Mar 2014 - 18:03, said:

MunterHunter, on 26 Mar 2014 - 17:37, said:

they will be released on bail (possibly paid for by the government) and their cases heard in court in 3-5 years from now... they will be either charged with assult and fined 500b or released citing lack of evidence or 'the Monk caused it' excuse

Didn't know it was a farang monk.

explain the joke please.

And I thought I was dumb, but you take the cake for not tying "the Monk caused it" to the usual "the farang caused it."

noitom, on 26 Mar 2014 - 19:56, said:

Let's see if the Thai police flip these guys and get at the Thai Mr. Bigs. The Thai police "have been watching for some time" so presumably they know there is a network of money men and bankers above these guys. Let's see if the Thais are serious or just happy to bust a few petty transit point links.

As far as I can recall, they have NEVER traced back to the Mr Bigs.