Asiantravel

("What is in it for me if I tell you, after doing all the legwork? .../...")

But you are not looking in the right supermarkets

Great, thanks a bunch. This is a flaming Xmas pudding we're talking about, not a jackpot-winning lottery ticket.

now with that kind of response “ NO CHRISTMAS PUDDING FOR YOU “ !!!!

Make it mandatory for all to drive/ride a vehicle with a valid driving license

Sent from my ME172V using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

" Make it mandatory for all to drive/ride a vehicle with a valid driving license "......

..............that is only obtainable upon successfully passing a meaningful driving test where the examiner is satisfied the candidate can safely manoeuvre the vehicle with due consideration for other road users

Can anyone please shed some light on what the BBC says in its final paragraph of this article?

But a more likely scenario would be a fresh general election - and the governing party, which has won the last five, would probably win again, our correspondent adds.

Is the BBC saying if there was a new general election the governing party would get back in again?

I don't understand where they say they won the last five?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25099126

2011, 2007, 2006 (debatable - democrats boycotted), 2005, 2001

That makes 5-nil (or 4-nil if you agree with the court).

Keep in mind to an outside observer - there is only one PM that has ever completed a full term of office in Thailand.

Thanks a lot. I totally forgot that when Abhisit was in power it wasn't the result of an election.

I think you are being very unfair to KittenKong who is thinking outside the box .

These kind of problems have been overcome before, such as in earthquake damaged high-rise buildings down in New Zealand for example.

I'm sure if people tried they could come up with a system of props and bracing or some similar way to strengthen the structure.

http://www.ubscure.com/Art/90919/28/The-process-of-adding-a-reinforced-concrete-column.html

Well, it's just amazing what money and time can do. True.

But of course the owner must have considered such a solution to keep his extra floors. If he didn't discover that it's impossible in this case, he certainly concluded that it would be cost ineffective, assuming he could even find the extra money.

There is no way to either of us to know how the discussions between the authorities and the owner have gone on?

If there was any element of bloody mindedness on either side it would have been impossible to even explore any possible alternative solutions ?

And if the authorities imposed a requirement for him to complete reinforcement works as a condition for him to be able to legally use the remaining 50% of the building - as to whether it was cost-effective or not wouldn't have even entered into the equation?

Can anyone please shed some light on what the BBC says in its final paragraph of this article?

But a more likely scenario would be a fresh general election - and the governing party, which has won the last five, would probably win again, our correspondent adds.

Is the BBC saying if there was a new general election the governing party would get back in again?

I don't understand where they say they won the last five?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25099126

If you are somewhat lazy you don't even have to bother with flying part of the way and then use land transport.

You could fly all the way to Savannakhet from Bangkok ( Suvarnabhumi ). It's a short and easy journey

http://www.laoairlines.com

Adding four floors to an existing structure without permission is, by definition, unsafe.

No it isn't. It's only unsafe if the existing structure cant take the extra weight. Permission has nothing to do with it especially as the permission may be more to do with the environmental impact of increasing the building height anyway, or a means to collect tax revenue.

Interesting point. They could have added extra reinforcement and then forced the owner to pay for this extra work plus charge a hefty penalty fee for breaking the laws/regulations as a deterrent to others ( in case they have the same idea )which would have caused less havoc than demolition and the fine would have added to the city's coffers.

No, completely wrong point. KittenKong seems to have a Bangladeshi understanding of structural engineering. From earlier photos the new floors add about 50% to the height, and therefore the weight of the building. Most tall buildings in Pattaya stand on concrete pile foundations. How exactly would you go about adding new concrete piles under the foundations to support the extra weight? It's not just a simple matter of sticking in a few extra props.

I think you are being very unfair to KittenKong who is thinking ” outside the box “.

These kind of problems have been overcome before, such as in earthquake damaged high-rise buildings down in New Zealand for example.

I'm sure if people tried they could come up with a system of “props and bracing “ or some similar way to strengthen the structure.

http://www.ubscure.com/Art/90919/28/The-process-of-adding-a-reinforced-concrete-column.html

Adding four floors to an existing structure without permission is, by definition, unsafe.

No it isn't. It's only unsafe if the existing structure cant take the extra weight. Permission has nothing to do with it especially as the permission may be more to do with the environmental impact of increasing the building height anyway, or a means to collect tax revenue.

Interesting point. They could have added extra reinforcement and then forced the owner to pay for this extra work plus charge a hefty penalty fee for breaking the laws/regulations as a deterrent to others ( in case they have the same idea )which would have caused less havoc than demolition and the fine would have added to the city's coffers.

OK, so don't keep us in suspense, which shop in Pattaya has the cheapest Christmas puddings?

What is in it for me if I tell you, after doing all the legwork?

Have a guess

I haven't seen a single Xmas pudding yet in Pattaya, and I've been looking. Friendship, Foodland, Tesco.... where else should I look?

Last year I ended up trying something a restaurant reckoned was 'Italian' Xmas pudding. It was horrible. Not remotely like the real thing.

I haven't had a Xmas Pudding for 11 years now

oh no…………… You made me feel sorry for you when I read that ……….I almost thought I should give you mine in the spirit of Christmas………..

But I'm not!

But you are not looking in the right supermarkets

Been watching out for them at Rimping and Tops (CNX) for several weeks but haven't spotted any yet.

You're right about the Prices....they were exorbitant at both places the last couple of years.

As you're talking Chiang Mai, I saw them at the tiny Rim Ping at Mae Hia market. Not many so may be gone now. Price around 400 baht IIRC, but don't quote me on that.

EDIT: As with so many traditional Western foods, it would be an interesting project to make yourself.. And likely a lot cheaper.

I've never been able to find suet here (nor sixpences).

Obviously from an elite family. Threepenny bits was all I was ever allowed to break my teeth on.

That reminds me of this program on the BBC in the 1960s and 70s

Always a brilliant performance by Warren Mitchell. Thank goodness for you tube as well to be able to remember these gems

OK, so don't keep us in suspense, which shop in Pattaya has the cheapest Christmas puddings?

What is in it for me if I tell you, after doing all the legwork?

Have a guess

i am in patts right now and looking for something like this kinda of cheap:

wheels 28' will do. will go for 29' or 30' (someone doing this here?)

frame: giant or similar.

gears: grip-shift. shimano works for me.

brakes: whatsoever

any bargains out there?

Check out CH. Numchai on Sukhumvit Rd. They have a large selection of Giants and Haros with Shimano components, but if you are really tall then we have to special order.

I went to Numchai today, and yes they have a good selection, but the Lady in charge has a poor atttitude and really was not helpful at all, I wanted some good make new tyres, (Ie Kenda etc) she was just not interested.

I also wanted my disc brakes hydraulics bled, they were not willing to do, just said "buy new Shimano's...good price!"

SV bikes are smaller but much more helpful...a pity!

I agree - that woman at Numchai has an appalling attitude. I'll be refusing to deal with her in future.

But Neung is okay - as is the other guy (taller than Neung) who also deals with customers, speaks English, and is often around when Neung isn't.

Agreed that she has a very unpleasant attitude. I don't know what her problem is?

The saddle need to be so high so your leg is completely stretched in the down position,

its the hand bars you will want to adjust, up.

On your sore arse, this might help

This sort of bike you can't buy in Thailand. Only mountain and racing bikes for small people. 26" max. I imported a Centurion from Germany, 28" and 61cm frame. Doesn't get any bigger.

I think that despite being the smallest shop, LA bikes is the best. The stocky guy who owns it is one of the best repairmen I ever met, fixes at once when you come with a broken bike, and is absolutely reliable when he has to order a part, and you leave your bike at the shop. 2 days max. Bad luck when his deputy is in the shop, though, that one is incompetent. Can patch a puncture, and that's about it. Small collection of new bikes, always a couple of thousands cheaper than in SV nearby. I don't get along well with the woman of this shop, talking to her is like barking up a tree.

You are talking about Khun Theep who is one of the nicest and most polite people as well as being knowledgeable and very skilfull as you say. Seems to be able to do any job without blinking an eye

Too bad for him. Walking the streets with that cash and jewellery does not necessarily make him a potential target. But walking the streets alone at 4.30 in the morning and being a 'farang', that's putting a target on his front and back! Anybody who does that is in the crosshairs of a criminal waiting to take a shot.

society is changing fast in Thailand due to economic pressure and this is a wake-up call that you can't walk anywhere during the darkness any more without fear of being potentially being held up.

Maybe it's time to start using that shiny fleet of taxis during the night-time?

If you can't even walk around safely in the early hours of the morning near Soi Bukow- then things are getting desperate

I do love eating imported christmas pudding during the festive season so I thought I would compare the prices before I bought it

yesterday I was completely shocked at the price variation here in pattaya

In the prices. In one supermarket, it was 850 baht when exactly the same product was available somewhere else at 495 baht !! I snapped it up

Other establishments had prices in between

But in reality is this analysis really independent? Is this any more reliable than the Gold Council

recommending gold is a good investment?

I'm sure good and regular exercise is just as equally beneficial to the body than drinking alcohol?

I would take the guy to court out of principle, even if it cost me money to do so.

The reason people keep doing things like this is because so many victims just write off the loss instead of pursuing it.

All that said, it would be a cold day in hell before I would lend even one Baht to any farang doing "business" in Thailand. Rarely have I seen a more dodgy and shifty crowd.

sad but true

The republicans accuse Obama of lying about Obamacare.

They accuse him of lying, because he did. It is a proven fact. Millions of people will not be able to keep their health plan, their doctor or save money on premiums, despite what he promised to get it passed.

So what now? Throw the baby out with the bathwater, tea party style? The choice is clear, deal with reality, make adjustments and move on with PROGRESS or back to the horrific status quo before Obamacare.

How anyone can possibly consider the leader of the free world (once the greatest nation on Earth) deliberately distorting the truth to the American people is progress is totally beyond me?

If he was chief executive of a company the consumers would be suing him for misrepresentation

lack of liquidity?

they mean they got no money, right?

aw........they can just borrow it......oh wait

I am sorry to say they do have a habit of ambling along in the middle of the road oblivious to all, even when sober.

Funny you should say that ,but yesterday outside central one was doing just that ,i clipped his arm with my wing mirror ,,last i saw of him was him shouting and holding his elbow ,might walk on the pavement next time.

they indeed have the irritating (and dangerous) habit of either walking on the road or standing in a group on the road, discussing. I too bareley avoided running them over a couple of times. Is it normal in India for people to stand in the middle of traffic?

Well the cows do it and seem to get away with it?

What a bunch of nonsense. People have been saying "the sky is falling" about US Dollars for decades. Guess what? It is still - by far - the number one currency in the world and this is VERY unlikely to change for the foreseeable future.

I recommend taking a basic course in economics.

But decades ago the US didn't have 17 trillion of debt and a lot of people unemployed ( and we can't even can't determine how many are unemployed because of

BLS -Department of bullshit statistics keep lying about them )

The US Dollar is backed only by a belief system (as are all other currencies today). The belief system is backed by the US military (stop believing in USD and bombs will fall shortly after) as Sadam and Muammar Gaddafi found out

I have read that some important countries want to stop using the dollar as THE currency.

Especially in regards to the cost/purchase price of oil.

This is actually not so new, for the past few years now.

There is something used/traded globally but i forgot what it is called.

The dollar has lost over 90% of its value in the last century.

Have all currencies faired as poorly?

The federal resere is neither federal or reserve.

have you heard this guy infinity ?

http://investmentwatchblog.com/canadian-billionaire-predicts-end-of-us-dollar-as-worlds-reserve-currency-ned-goodman/

Everyone opposed can always petition the World Bank to reject the loan and instigate the road that was followed by the loan bill and how unconstitutional it was.

It is not Thailand that makes the ultimate decision on the loan, just make the World Bank aware of the actual level of corruption here and they will give it consideration.

There are many other countries that deserve that money a hell of a lot more than Thailand.

Is it the World Bank that will be providing this money? Because In 2009 there was an article saying they themselves were running out of money?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/6255816/World-Bank-could-run-out-of-money-within-12-months.html

Never fear, new money gets printed all the time

So why not print 24 hours, seven days a week and everybody can be rich , not just the politicians?