gavin hawaii

This is why forum members who know Thailand laughed when Los pushed a big campaign to make it a family destination. It is way to corrupt for families to feel safe. Even we who come here often know that you have to be very careful and respectful of Thai people. Even when you are not wrong you have to know how to handle things and when to back off. If you feel yourself getting really drunk go back to the hotel and drink there or really close by so you can make it back safely. Better yet get to know the bell boys and security at the hotel and call the hotel to see if they can send someone to bring you back to the hotel. If you are close by they know where it is and they most likely accomodate your request. Hint tip Hotel employees and they will appreciate it and remember you. Something as little as 40-100 baht can go a long way. But be wary, dont trust everyone and watch how you conduct yourself. We all have a bit of money at times but dont flaunt it. Be safe and have fun.

Thanks for the advice Nanny. I got news for you, not everyone drinks, not everyone is staying in hotels with bellboys, and not everyone gets robbed and you infer will happen.

This article shows why members of this forum laughed when Thailand announced awhile back that they were making a big push to make it a family destination. It is obvious it will not happen the way they are doing it. The place is too corrupt and therefor unsafe for families. It is unsafe for anyone who does not take precautions here. Forum members have advised that be respectful of Thais and even if you are not in the wrong know how to conduct yourself and when to back off. If you are feel yourself getting really drunk go back to the hotel and drink there or very close by so you can call the hotel and ask them to bring you back to the hotel. If you are very close by they know where it is and most likely will accommodate your request. Get to know the hotel receptionists, bell boys and security.Tip them initially and occasionally. 50-100 bht will go a long way. But most of all be wary, dont flaunt your money and try to be humble and not loud spoken or yelling. Be safe and have fun. This forum will also keep you up to date on all the scams or possible scams going on.

This is why forum members who know Thailand laughed when Los pushed a big campaign to make it a family destination. It is way to corrupt for families to feel safe. Even we who come here often know that you have to be very careful and respectful of Thai people. Even when you are not wrong you have to know how to handle things and when to back off. If you feel yourself getting really drunk go back to the hotel and drink there or really close by so you can make it back safely. Better yet get to know the bell boys and security at the hotel and call the hotel to see if they can send someone to bring you back to the hotel. If you are close by they know where it is and they most likely accomodate your request. Hint tip Hotel employees and they will appreciate it and remember you. Something as little as 40-100 baht can go a long way. But be wary, dont trust everyone and watch how you conduct yourself. We all have a bit of money at times but dont flaunt it. Be safe and have fun.

I brought a multi component Fisher stereo system with me from the US. I used 220V to 110V transformer and plugged it in. It worked for awhile (maybe about 8 hours or so of use), but now it doesn’t. The amplifier unit doesn’t turn on or off, but the red indicator light for power and the surround sound indicator light are lit, so it’s getting power. It doesn’t appear that power is getting from the amp unit to the other components, but the three fuses in the amp seem OK.

Could the 60 Hz - 50 Hz difference have caused the problem? I have a friend from Germany who has been running his German Bose stereo with a transformer without a problem for a long time, so I thought mine would work too.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, if the problem is not caused by the phase of the electricity, can anyone recommend a repair place for this Fisher integrated stereo amplifier in the Phuket area

What size (capacity in watts) transformer you want to buy depends on the input watts required by your item. If your device does not mention watts then use this formula to derive watts from other information. Watts = Volts X Amps. For example, a 1.1Amp device which runs on 110 volts would be 121 watts. Remember to leave at least a 100% slack for the transformer. Using them to maximum capacity will eventually burn the transformer out after prolonged use. So for that 1.1 Amp/121 Watt device buy a 300 watt transformer.

So if we see an incident going on who should we call the Tourist police??

Quotes on alcohol by famous and not so famous people

BEER, BEER AND MORE BEER!

(and Buffaloes, but I'm not sure any of these people ever drank Beer Chang!)

“Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel shamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, “It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.”

~ Jack Handy

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hel_l happened to your bra and panties.

“I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. “

~ Frank Sinatra

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.”

~ Henny Youngman

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.

“24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not.”

~ Stephen Wright

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.

“When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.

When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!”

~ Brian O'Rourke

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy.

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a retard.

“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

~ Dave Barry

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.

To some it's a six-pack, to me it's a Support Group. Salvation in a can!

~ Dave Howell

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

And saving the best for last, as explained by Cliff Clavin, of Cheers . One afternoon at Cheers, Cliff Clavin was explaining the Buffalo Theory to his buddy Norm. Here's how it went:

“Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not.

Two old men decide they are close to their last days and decide to

Have a last night on the town. After a few drinks, they end up at

The local brothel.

The madam takes one look at the two old geezers and whispers to

Her Manager, "go up to the first two bedrooms and put an inflated doll in each bed.

These two are so old and drunk, I'm not wasting two of my girls on

Them. They won't know the difference." the manager does as he is

Told And the two old men go upstairs and take care of their business.

As they are walking home the first man says, "you know, I think my

Girl was dead "Dead?" says his friend, "why would you say that?"

"well, she never moved or made a sound all the time I was loving

Her." His friend says, "I think mine was a witch."

A witch, why the hel_l would you say that?"

"Well, I was making love to her, kissing her on the neck and I

Gave Her a little bite, then she farted and flew out the window."

CHILDREN'S THOUGHTS ON THE SEA- SOOO FUNNY

1) This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6)

2) Oysters' balls are called pearls. (James age 6)

3) If you are surrounded by sea you are an island. If you don't have sea all round you, you are incontinent. ( Wayne age 7)

4) Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She's not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)

5) A dolphin breaths through an asshol_e on the top of its head. (Billy age 8)

6) My uncle goes out in his boat with pots, and comes back with crabs. (Millie age 6)

7) When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would have been better off eating beans. (William age7)

8) I like mermaids. They are beautiful, and I like their shiny tails. And how on earth do mermaids get pregnant? Like,really? (Helen age 6)

9) I'm not going to write about the sea. My baby brother is always screaming and being sick, my Dad keeps shouting at my Mom , and my big sister has just got pregnant, so I can't think what to write. (Amy age 6)

10) Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers. (Christopher age 7)

11) When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small. (Kevin age 6)

12) Divers have to be safe when they go under the water. Two

Divers can't go down alone, so they have to go down on each other. (Becky age 8)

13) On holidays my Mom went water skiing. She fell off when she was

Going very fast. She says she won't do it again because water fired right up her fat ass. (Jule age 7)

American in Mexico

There was this American tourist in Mexico, and he was getting tired of walking around, so he went up to a donkey rental place and said, ''Can I rent a donkey?'

The guy said, "We don't call them donkeys here, we call them as-ses. This is the only as-s I have left, and you have to scratch him when you want to make him stop."

The guy rides his as-s for a while, sees a hotdog stand, and asks for a hotdog. The vendor replies, "We don't call them hotdogs here we call the wieners."

Meanwhile his donkey is wandering away, so he goes up to another tourist and says "Will you hold my wiener whille I scratch my as-s?"

You Gotta Love the Irish

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, "Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!"

Miraculously, a parking place appeared.

Paddy looked up again and said, "Never mind, I found one."

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, "Do you want to go to heaven?"

The man said, "I do, Father."

The priest said, "Then stand over there against the wall."

Then the priest asked the second man, "Do you want to go to heaven?"

"Certainly, Father," was the man's reply.

"Then stand over there against the wall," said the priest.

Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and said, "Do you want to go to heaven?"

O'Toole said, "No, I don't Father."

The priest said, "I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?"

O'Toole said, "Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now."

Paddy was in New York .

He was patiently waiting and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing. The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, "Okay, pedestrians." Then he'd allow the traffic to pass.

He'd done this several times, and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk.

After the cop had shouted, "Pedestrians!" for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, "Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?"

Gallagher opened the morning newspaper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died. He quickly phoned his best friend, Finney.

"Did you see the paper?" asked Gallagher. "They say I died!!"

"Yes, I saw it!" replied Finney. "Where are ye callin' from?"

An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding inConnecticut . The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car.

He says, "Sir, have you been drinking?"

"Just water," says the priest.

The trooper says, "Then why do I smell wine?"

The priest looks at the bottle and says, "Good Lord! He's done it again!"

Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, "Pour me a stiff one - just had another fight with the little woman."

"Oh yeah?" said Charlie, "And how did this one end?"

"When it was over," Mike replied, "She came to me on her hands and knees.

"Really," said Charles, "Now that's a switch! What did she say?"

She said, "Come out from under the bed, you little chicken."

Flynn staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy, Paddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Mary.

He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom, but misjudged the bottom step. As he caught himself by grabbing the banister, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke and made the landing especially painful.

Managing not to yell, Flynn sprung up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding. He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood.

He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and shuffled and stumbl ed his way to bed.

In the morning, Flynn woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Mary staring at him from across the room.

She said, "You were drunk again last night weren't you?"

Flynn said, "Why you say such a mean thing?"

"Well," Mary said, "it could be the open front door, it could be the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing through the house, it could be your bloodshot eyes, but mostly.....it's all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror.

Thiss is a video of American Idol type in Bulgaria. This lady sings a song she thinks is titled Ken Lee.

BulgarianMusic.wmv

The laborer, Akaradech Tangae, told the police that he had tried to rape Backlund but that "she resisted and I had to kill her," Reuters reported.

a 24-year-old Indian tourist was stabbed to death while trying to break up a fight during the popular Full Moon party on Koh Phangan island.

In February 2007, two Russian women were shot to death while sitting in beach chairs at the popular beach resort of Pattaya. A 24-year-old laborer confessed to that crime, saying he had intended only to rob the women but "had to shoot them as they were yelling and screaming."

A 32-year-old Israeli tourist was stabbed to death during the Full Moon festival in Koh Phangan last April. A gang of teenagers, including the son of a local politician, are the chief suspects. In November, a 27-year-old Japanese woman was robbed and stabbed to death while visiting the ancient Thai capital of Sukhothai during the Loy Krathong water festival. The police say they are still investigating that killing.

The Swedish tourist, Backlund, was stabbed to death while walking alone on a secluded beach far from residential areas. A police officer described the suspect as a peeping Tom who "loves to bring friends to this remote and quiet beach to look at naked tourists."

Based on these incidents it makes sense as people have been saying in the forum for ages that you should mind your own business instead of being a good samartian. It may be hard bit its sensible.

Do not venture out alone in secluded places and always be careful and weary of your surroundings and of those around you.

This may get people angry and hard to do but do not resist when being a possible victim unless your life is in danger.

I realize this may not be right in some situations but it its worth thinking about. Peace to all.

As for thais visiting the US it doesnt matter if they want to tip or not. Not everyone tips. In other words it is totally up to you.

Yes, it does matter. The culture is totally different.

couldnt agree more......

and those who think it DOESNT MATTER are just completely ignorant and show no responsibility and respect.

I never would tip 10-15% anywhere, but in USA, OF COURSE I would, cause it is expected there and custom. THAT is what counts, not the situation in my home country.

those people who always act like they are in their home-country, saying "I do what I want, I don't care about the situation here" are actually 100% narrowminded

The point I was trying to make is that it is up to you if you tip or not. My mother was a waitress and depended on tips for a good portion of her income. So I know what its like to depend on tips. I used to get upset when people did not leave tips at restaurants but my mother told me "do not get upset because you do your best because of pride. You do not know why that person did not leave a tip unless you are in their shoes. Just do your best and do not expect tips. When you expect tips and do not get them it may affect the way you work and treat others." In hindsight it does matter to me but on my outlook on others It doesnt matter to me if you tip or not. I will not judge you based on that unless I was in your shoes. I hope that makes sense.

I agree that the crocodile farm (million years stone park) and the elephant sanctuary are good for kids. I also think Nong Nooch and the water park were fun and would be good for the family and kids. I have not been to the zoo yet but it is on my list. I agree that the aquarium is way overpriced but if you can afford it and want to go then do it. If your kids enjoy it then it is worth it. After all you are on vacation. You only live once. Enjoy.

I think you tip if the service is good and especially if they are good hard workers. Remember living in Thailand it is hard to make a living for many of the people. Give with what you feel comfortable with. If it makes you feel good to give a good tip then imagine how it feels to the person receiving the tip. Giving a tip in Thailand is up to you. What comes around goes around. I am sure most would feel good about receiving a tip for a job well done. As for thais visiting the US it doesnt matter if they want to tip or not. Not everyone tips. In other words it is totally up to you.

I am also reducing my carbs to lose weight, help control diabetes and be healthier. The Glycemic Index is a great help and to me seems the way to go. The advice given on this topic is awesome. It really has given me some ideas and new insight.

I agree with yoochoo that you should check you blood sugar level before every meal and several hours after every meal. This way you can check what foods are affecting these spikes in your blood sugar. Remember its not just the foods but also the amount of the food that affects your blood sugar levels. And yes a check at the hospital is important. I also have type 2 diabetes and struggled for years. My doctor even suggested I go on insulin. Recently I was hospitalized for ten days and noticed while there my blood sugar levels improved greatly. They were monitoring it closely and gave me insulin when it was high because I was on antibiotics.I couldnt believe it because I was bed ridden and being fed 3 times a day. Some of the foods I was being fed were things that were supposedly bad for diabetes like white rice, bread, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, etc. After talking with my doctor she informed me that the size of the protions of food is also important in controlling your blood sugar. Today my blood sugar has improved immensely due to a change in diet and smaller portions. My doctor has even put off getting me on insulin since the improvement. Good luck and the best to you always....

I remember my early days of juicing. Carrot juice tastes really good. My initial juice mix were carrot, celery and spinach. I did it to be healthier not to lose weight so I dont know if I lost weight. The thing that really stands out is that when first starting out I had the runs and passing of gas. IF you are just starting out dont juice before going out because when you go to the bathroom you will really stink up the place bad. Someone had the misfortune of coming into the public restroom when I was sitting on the john and I could hear that person gagging, coughing and laughing due to the smell. And yes the smell is really really bad. The juicer I use is Juiceman juicer which I think is a great product.

Actiondell4,

First of all I commend your determination and fighting spirit. But I think you are making too drastic a change diet wise. I think you might be better off eating what you want but less often and in smaller portions. With this and your exercise you will lose weight. By incorporating healthier foods into your diet this will help you eat the bad foods less often and hence decrease your portions of bad foods. I believe most foods are okay in moderation. I am no expert but this may help you still enjoy the foods you like and be healthier. As time goes by you can always eat healthier and healthier. Whenever you eat what is considered unhealthy remember moderation. No matter what happens. When you fall get back up. At least you are making the effort. The more you try the better you will get at it. With that fighting spirit of yours I know you can do it.

Congratulations on taking the first step on trying to lose weight. It is good that you are adding exercise in the form of walking. Regardless exercise will always be a benefit for you. I dont advise starving yourself. Eating less is not starving yourself but like others stated its smaller portions. Instead eat regularly but make it small portions and try incorporating fruits and vegetables into your meal or snacks. You can still eat what you want but its the portions that matter. It will take getting used to but before you know it you will be used to eating smaller portions. Binging is not good. I realized this while in the hospital for an injury. They were feeding me 3 times a day and I lost weight. It was due to the smaller portion which were not actually that small. Just that what I was used to eating was so much more. Good luck to you. You can do it. Believe in yourself.

Pattaya Beach has indeed turned into an unsafe place. I advise going there only when it is crowded and stay away from walking on the beach (sand part) at night since the darkness makes it easier to be a target. I don't know why the police dont have officers patrolling or stationed there at all times. They should also increase the lighting on the beach.

many smokers will be annoyed at the ban but how many wish they had never taken up smoking to begin with, knowing the health problems and expense associated with smoking?

Well said. As a smoker myself for over 20 years I completely understand the issue of second hand smoke. It is totally wrong to suject others to this health issue. The less places there are to smoke publicly the less we smoke. I was upset when this ban occured in Hawaii but find myself smoking less when I go to the bars as it is a bit of inconvience. If I go to a BJ bar can I have them blow the smoke instead??

Thanks to all for taking time for the replies. I appreciate it.

Depends on the medication - but if it is prescription drugs, check with a local doctor. Also check local availability and prices.

Do NOT try mailing medication - the Thai authorities have jumped on several people for this.

Your condo or house will almost certainly have a mail-receiving facility.

Do not send anything valuable by mail - it will get lost. On the other hand DHL and similar couriers are very good, if expensive. But they will not carry cash. Don't know about medication, but as the things are Customs checked, not worth the risk.

just to clarify

my daughter has been sending my heart medication prescription for years ,i didnt realise it was not allowed?

The script should be OK, the medication could cause you problems if your package is checked.

As suggested do a little research and find out the local price for the meds. They may be a LOT cheaper than in your home country and most insurers will jump at the chance for a reduced payout, as a result accepting your receipts in a claim. At worst they will be the same price and the insurer should be OK with paying the claim, check with them on their policy for these things. As was said above, the Thai authorities frown on "grey" importing of drugs they have not approved or taxed.

I agree with medication possibly being cheaper in Thailand but just in case bring yur medication in the original container with the original labels and prescription papers. If they are contained in a prescription bottle with a label showing what it is and that it's prescribed to you. I don't think you'll have a problem as long as it's clearly an amount intended for personal use. I would advise against putting them all in one bottle as a mixed bag. I been taking my medication in for years while traveling in Thailand and had them checked before but had no problems when I showed the prescription papers.

Does anyone have an update on the big construction site on second road across from the Lek Hotel? When I was there in Feb. 2007 I was told that it would have new bars and entertainment venues and be completed by Feb. of 2008.