SolarGolf

"One Chinese tourist said it is difficult to get a Chinese driving licence.

In getting one, the man says he has to have a certificate from a driving school and sit in a paper test. This process could take half a year and it is also costly."

So in other words in China they have to learn how to drive and prove they can do so.

Sounds good to me.

I can assure you that driving in Thailand is paradise compared with driving in China!

https://youtu.be/0YM9Ereg2Zo

There's an article on the Bangkok Post website with a video of the incident. Took everyone away on baht buses, even the poor woman with the walking stick!

Ran one before midnight and got 600kbps down, after midnight 6mbps down. I think someones figured out how to throttle their t'internet at peak times.

I had issues with 50% of websites I attempt to connect to. VPN works though, looks like they're pissing about with the firewall blocking a bunch of stuff. Seems to be working ok for now.

The investigators seem to have a real thing for foreign male models and actors. I believe it's known as the Zoolander theory.

... But why male models?

On Saturday the 5th of September we will be running a very special golf day with help from former world snooker champion Ken Doherty. Ken will be joined by snooker star Jimmy White to help raise funds for the Father Ray Foundation's Orphanage education fund.

It will take place at Burapha golf club at 12 noon with a 2 player Texas scramble (Ambrose) format. There will be a golf holiday in Siem Reap, Cambodia for 2 persons up for grabs (excl. flights, caddies and carts). Skill prizes will also be awarded at some holes as well as some novelty prizes provided by our sponsors.

Parichat Links is the name and it is opening to the public from July, we're getting an inspection in June and will have more details on the course then. Web site will be http://www.parichatgolf.com when complete. Pricing appears to be similar to Burapha levels. It is an 18 hole course with the last 9 having just been completed.

1 THB = 2 rouble now. Complete crash today and interest rates are up to 17% there.

Gone now after the big storm

Oops, wrote Burapha twice in the title. My bad!

For the charity auction we have just got confirmation of some of the lots up for grabs:

• New Tailormade Slidr Driver
• limited edition Sergio Garcia Tour Bag
• Voucher for two people at the Matra Sunday Brunch (food only)
• Voucher for two people at the Tavern By the Sea Churrasco buffet (food only)
• Burapha voucher for one four ball (green fees)
• + much more from our sponsors Tara Court and Ken Doherty

Many thanks to our sponsors setforhire.com, Tailormade, Adidas, Ken Doherty, Amari group, Tara Court, Burapha Golf Club and O'Gara's bar and grill.

Hopefully we can raise some cash for the Father Ray foundation!

Join Snooker legend Ken Doherty at Burapha on the 28th of August at Burapha - The competition format is a 2 player stableford competition using system 36 handicap. Entry is 1,950 THB including green fee, caddy, cart and prizes. Transport is available if needed.

There will be a sumptuous Irish buffet served in O’Garas at 7.30pm for 495 baht per head. Specials on drinks and Ken will be happy to pose for photographs at the prize giving.

There will be a charity auction with proceeds to the Father Ray Foundation at the dinner. Everyone is welcome on this fun golf day and evening buffet.

More info - http://www.solargolf.com/2014/08/golf-day-with-ken-doherty-burapha-golf-club-on-thursday-28th-august/

This just outlines the requirements for hotels. Tourists don't have to report themselves separately - the hotel will do that for you.

However, If you are staying in a private residence you will have to fill out a form by the looks of it. It has been the law for a while but most don't bother doing it.

Carrying ID is required as always - I haven't been doing this in fear of losing my passport and being stranded but I will do if they are doing a clampdown for a few weeks.

Only fill TM28 out if you are staying away from your hotel you originally checked-in at for over 24 hours but I really can't see this enforced as immigration would have to check every house/condo in the country for non-registered occupants. If you move hotels then the second hotel will report your address change anyway.

This is overblown if you'll forgive the pun. Weather Underground shows this is going way north of Thailand: http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/western-pacific/2014/typhoon-Rammasun

There will be intermittent showers but those are expected this time of year.

Geez, sometimes the sheer cynicism of TV members horrifies me.

Why, only a month or two ago back home in the Scottish Highlands, on my way home from a night out with the lads, I saw Nessie. We sat down together and had a dram or two before she swam off across the Loch....

Did it ask you for tree-fiddy before she left?

Can't see this lasting for more than 3 nights. Pain in the arse though and certainly not good for business.

I think this is the picture everyone is talking about: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TSQTktEQh80/TR3hIRpbbfI/AAAAAAAABYE/lLWm42aW_3k/s1600/218392.jpg

Not surprised she escaped a jail term considering the family.

Already been blamed on a "foreign cargo ship". No surprise there then. Oh and they've also blamed the garbage on the same ship apparently. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Over-100-Bang-Saen-beach-goers-suffer-skin-irritat-30229325.html

Same thing with the new crossings. I get the horn treatment when I stop for a red crossing and let people cross. I haven't seen anyone pulled over for not stopping.

Been there once. Wasn't good for me or my plumbing...

Number of cancellations we've had: 0

I think he may be picking numbers out his arse there...

On Pattaya's main pier it was business as usual Monday for the operators of double-decker wooden ferries preparing to take tourists out on day cruises.

"After an accident like this the boats should be grounded for checks but today they are all running," said a European working in the city's marine tourism industry who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"The boats are very old. There's no maintenance. They are always overcrowded... there's no head count."

This ladies and gentlemen is the celebrated Thai hospitality built on a TAT smoke and mirrors marketing campaign...substandard service with a smile

They should be closed down for at least a day and thoroughly checked - in most countries anyway. To not do so is just pure stupidity. Unbelievable...

The ferry that sank is below. It did have an inside cabin and I hope everyone got out of there but I fear some might have gone down with the ship. RIP

That sounds harsh - if they are going to search your belongings they should do so before letting you leave otherwise your belongings could easily disappear in some warehouse where all this stuff ends up.

I was once stopped at Heathrow for a cigarette check, asked where I came from and I showed them my e-cigarette. They were still interested in looking in my bag so I went to unlock it but they saw someone else they liked the look of (another solo passenger) and just told me to clear the area. Must be paid commission per bust or something...