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Ajarn
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Posts posted by Ajarn
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What would you say, at the end: farangs, keep on waing to everyone, no problem?
What's the harm? Only farangs take offence at it, in my experience
Keep in mind that the 'wai' is a show of respect (caring)... How can you fault someone for trying to be nice and express respect/caring to anyone? So what if it's different than what most Thais do? It's not like the farangs are pointing their feet at them, na'?
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As a native English speaker, I now sympathize more with those who learn it as a second language since it's my opinion, at this stage in my Thai Language studies that spelling/pronounciation is closer in Thai
I used to always tell my students that I felt lucky to be a native speaker of English... I don't think I'd be such a good English student- Kinda the way I was in my required Spanish classes as a kid..
The mistakes many of my students make often relate to improper direct translations using Thai syntax rules(eg, adjective after noun vs English order). I learned to correct a lot of my own mistakes with Thai syntax/grammar/vocab by listening to their English mistakes.
But, as it's always been, the more I learn, the more I realize that I still have a looong way to go
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Ah, heterosexual baiting again, I see. Silly boy
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You sure you're right about the bigger vehicle having right of way? It seems to me that the motorcycle taxi is king - at least in Pattaya
That sounds more like an issue of cajones size, rather than vehicle size
Generally, Might is Right makes sense, if you think about it..
On a motorcycle, when cpmpared to a car, you have better visibility,manouverabilty, braking, acceleration... Thereby, in many cases, better equipped to see and avoid danger before the larger vehicle can. Plus, if you hit the car on a bike, you're likely to receive more injury/damage than the car. It makes perfect sense that the motorcycle should kriengjai the car, for the safety of all concerned....
The exact same same scenario can be said for pedestrian vs bike, car vs truck, etc, etc.... Might is Right is right.
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I believe there's also something about having paid taxes on the land for x amount of years... Maybe I'm confusing the various land ownership options. Having a chanod is not the only way to be the legal owner, that's for sure, but I'm not up on the details, just pieces of things...
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No land title because no land. Built over an estuary, on piles. Lots of mozzies, I'd guess, too. Nice water view from the balcony, though.
Good luck, Ian
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I think that kind of 'homesteading' isn't allowed anymore for new residents, but there are programs for getting 'denuded' land for private use. I think that you must make use of the land within 10 years, or lose it... A lot of land is up for grabs this way, according to the papers.
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My wife and I built a house on a piece of land that has no title....none. There is no paper in existence which shows ownership of this piece of land.
Smart or dumb?
Well...it might depend on whether you're bigger than the other guy who might come around with the proper Chanote!
Best of luck!
There is no chanote for this land and no saw paw kaw sam either...there is no paper for this land. I went down to the chrome tee din (land office) and they verified that there is no paper issued for the land. No one is going to show up with the chanote because there is none. Its the most beautiful piece of land in the village...nothing but open fields on two sides....beautiful, private, quiet(except for chickens and mating animals in season)....I tried to find a plot this nice with title but there wasn't one....so we built....
Smart or dumb?
Then it must be government land, right? Seems like a huge risk to build anything on land like that, but many many have been doing the same for a long time. And what if the government decides to build there? Think you'll get compensation for illegally squatting on government land? Well, thousands already have...
Good luck
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Man, you guys are a tough crowd!
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As I understand it, the cheesecake is lowest in carbohydrates....
Except the Blueberry Cheesecake, p1p
It's just one piece per trip for me. It satiates for a long time...
The drive up there is the main thing I enjoy.
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See my previous post...
Thai driving isn't that bad...if you want to live here, try to fit in. You will never change it so live with it.
Just do the best you can, make sure your baby is strapped in, make sure you wear your seatbelt etc.
Your in Thailand now, and let me tell you, the driving style here is so much better than elsewhere.
20 years, 100's of thousands of Kilometers driven all over the country. Never an accident, bar a little fender-bender a couple of nights ago...
Fact is, the vast majority of drivers drive just fine. Go out and count the percentages someday while you're driving. Some idiot drivers everywhere, but not ALL anywhere. Some stupid driving by both Farang and Thai...
Cay yen yen is the main idea. So many farangs get so upset at driving here, and even let tiny annoyances drive them crazy, like someone cutting into a space you left open for them. That's the style here, so if you want to control more than just the space you occupy, then don't leave enough room...Or, give then more space to be safer and let them go on their merry way... What's so difficult about that? Don't let your ego do your driving for you. Might is Right. That's the way it is here, and I follow that, too. It would be unsafe to do otherwise. If someone does something stupid, just give them the space to do it and let them get far away from you- don't play road rage games. Nobody wants to have an accident, but many here are aggressive drivers, so one must be a defensive driver to remain safe.
I'm much more afraid of the farang driver than most any Thai driver, since so many farangs drive by some perceived legal 'rights'. Thai drivers are much more pragmatic, in my experience. Pretty much like Thai society. I think the 'Might is Right' is a great common sense idea for driving- if everyone accepts that and plays the game by those rules. Most Thai drivers do, many farang drivers don't, ime.
But, it's also a fact that many many drivers here like to drink and drive, and there is very little proper driver training here. For many newbie drivers they have more experience driving a buffalo. And I've begun to see more 'road rage' happening here, though still nothing like in california but, still, seeing it here more and more...
I'd like to see a professional, well-run government sponsored and required driver training program for ALL drivers in Thailand. I'd like to see police get serious with driving offences, especially drunk drivers. Take them to jail, do not pass go.
I'd like to see lots of things, but until things change, I'll focus on seeing the way things are, and cooperating as much as I can, for my safety, and the safety of others.
I agree with that, mostly. But, 'taking advantage' here might not be seen in the negative light some others might feel it is.Well that's the irony - there's very little (physical) road rage in Thailand, even with all the terrible habits. It's all non-confrontational, which is why people take advantage so much.I reckon so anyway.
If you drive here and feel too upset all the time about other drivers, for the safety of everyone around you, stop driving. It's not worth having a stroke over, na'?
http://asian-links.com/larry/motor.html has some info and advice that some might find useful, especially bike riders.
Stay safe
You make some good points but the fact is the death toll on Thai roads is a national disgrace, over 13,000 per year if I remember correctly.Having read this thread I'm still not really certain why the situation is so dire or more precisely what weighting should be given to the various contributory factor.It may not be the most important factor but I suspect the poor police system has something to do with it.I personally though I think a very experienced driver don't dare venture as a driver outside Bangkok at Songkran
13,000...About the same in US gun deaths each year...
Most of these stats involve motorcyclists, and by reports, 2/3 of all injury or death accidents involve alchohol- and all too often, it's the non-drunk innocents who die... I agree that it's terrible. Like you, I believe that lack of police support is a critical factor. Most Thais seem to think little about drinking and driving...They sure don't need to fear the police taking them off the road, or to jail.
If only the police would do their mandated jobs of enforcing current laws, I think a lot of behaviours would change quickly.
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It's such a slow day here, and I was thinking about the dinner I had a couple of evenings ago at Charin Resort....
Tel. 053-717272 http://www.chiangraiprovince.com/htl/charin/
Located smack at KP# 141 on the CM-CR road, Charin has been around a lot longer than me... The owner, having spent many years in America, returned home and starting baking American style pies... Delicious ones, unlike any other pie in Thailand you're likely to find. Here's the front of their display case...
Hungry?
Besides the Kanom, Charin has some basic Thai dishes...Nothing fancy, but good enough to attract a number of local officials for lunch. The open dining area is right next to the river, giving a great view while dining.
Charin has lots of gardens to explore, and they even have some basic houses for rent from 800 baht and up.
How to get there:
From Chiang Mai, the most direct route is 118 from Chiang Mai. From The Super, look for the Chiang Rai or Doi Saket signs. Once past Doi Saket, the road is pretty bumpy for the first 30 k's or so...Poor road maintenance. The road is also quite curvy all the way to the Hot Springs, about 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai. The Hot Springs is quite a tourist trap, but you can stop for a bath if needed, cook some eggs if you're hungry, get some expensive fancy tea if you're a fancy-pants, even stay overnight if you're stranded. Just past the hotsprings are a few 'broom villages' where they have brooms and rattan furniture for sale. Quite a good smooth road from this point on...Figure about 2.5 hours to Charin following this route fromCM. Chiang Rai is another 45 minutes further on...
If you have the time, and you like driving, A Road Less Traveled would be route 1001 to route 1150, hooking up with route 118 near Wian Pa Phao, about 45 minutes from Charin.
1001 also goes off the Super. Look for the signs for San Sai. Chiang Mai Ram 2 Hospital is also at that intersection... The road to Phrao is a bit rough in spots until you get out past Mae Jo university, but then it's a very well maintained and scenic road all the way to Phrao, about 100 k's from Chiang Mai. When you hit Phrao, turn right at the lights and head into town. At the next corner (nice clean cafe on the right side), turn left and go through the market to the next intersection, where you'll turn right and hook up with route 1150 going East.
For the next 80 K's or so, you'll be in the mountains. Very light traffic and beautiful views. about 30 k's along, you'll see some lisaw hilltribe villages. Baan KhunJae, on the left side, is a fairly big village with a school that must have one of the best views of any school in Thailand. From it's playground, you can see all the way to Doi Inthanon to the south... Following this route to Charin will take about 4 hours from CM...
If you want to explore the area near Charin, there are a couple of pleasant reservoirs for swimming and fishing, and quite a few hilltribes on the way to Doi Wawi. My longtime favorite is Sang Charoen village, the largest and most progressive Akha village in the north. About KP# 135, take the left to Doi Wawi. Go about 5 kilometers along this paved road, look for the sign to Sang Charoen on your right, and take this road another 5 k's up the hill. Best traveled in the dry season... but the main road to Doi Wawi is now paved most of the way.
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Thanks for the info all.
Any other ideas: please keep them coming!
One more thing: any quality trekking companies, based in Chang Mai people can recommend?
Cheers in advance.
You might try:
Nam Khong Travel
6 Chaiyaphoom Rd.
Changmoi, Chiangmai 50200
tel. (6653) 874321, (6653) 874278
The owner, Khun Panada (01-783-0518) is a long-time friend and has a good rep among many... I've only heard positive feedback from people who've used her.
She knows lots of people and has her fingers in many projects. An excellent resource for anything a tourist might need anywhere in the North or Laos.
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Thanks, folks. Let's assume that I would never pass the depth perception and peripheral visions tests, and there's no sense in trying to pass them (and risk getting blacklisted for failure). So, I've got a license from the States, and can get an IDP. I never have gotten stopped in 22,000 km, but there's always a first time. So, am I reasonably safe with an IDP even though I'm living and working in Thailand on a non-imm B visa?
In most countries IDP is not valid for more than 30-90 days (normal tourist stay). Have not seen any information for Thailand but believe most insurance policies 'could' refuse you payment if you do not have a Thai license (rental companies are probably exempt from that requirement). You might be better trying to get a local license - you might pass if you smile a lot and seriously doubt you would be blacklisted.
In my car policy, it clearly states that you must have a Thai driving license...
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Bought a Thai Turkey at Makro 4.2 kilos for 546 baht =130 baht a kilo.
Cooked it for around 2 hours and it was delicous no problems.
not greasy or dry. check em out
Aroy!!
Thanks for the tip, sir!
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See my previous post...
Thai driving isn't that bad...if you want to live here, try to fit in. You will never change it so live with it.
Just do the best you can, make sure your baby is strapped in, make sure you wear your seatbelt etc.
Your in Thailand now, and let me tell you, the driving style here is so much better than elsewhere.
20 years, 100's of thousands of Kilometers driven all over the country. Never an accident, bar a little fender-bender a couple of nights ago...
Fact is, the vast majority of drivers drive just fine. Go out and count the percentages someday while you're driving. Some idiot drivers everywhere, but not ALL anywhere. Some stupid driving by both Farang and Thai...
Cay yen yen is the main idea. So many farangs get so upset at driving here, and even let tiny annoyances drive them crazy, like someone cutting into a space you left open for them. That's the style here, so if you want to control more than just the space you occupy, then don't leave enough room...Or, give then more space to be safer and let them go on their merry way... What's so difficult about that? Don't let your ego do your driving for you. Might is Right. That's the way it is here, and I follow that, too. It would be unsafe to do otherwise. If someone does something stupid, just give them the space to do it and let them get far away from you- don't play road rage games. Nobody wants to have an accident, but many here are aggressive drivers, so one must be a defensive driver to remain safe.
I'm much more afraid of the farang driver than most any Thai driver, since so many farangs drive by some perceived legal 'rights'. Thai drivers are much more pragmatic, in my experience. Pretty much like Thai society. I think the 'Might is Right' is a great common sense idea for driving- if everyone accepts that and plays the game by those rules. Most Thai drivers do, many farang drivers don't, ime.
But, it's also a fact that many many drivers here like to drink and drive, and there is very little proper driver training here. For many newbie drivers they have more experience driving a buffalo. And I've begun to see more 'road rage' happening here, though still nothing like in california but, still, seeing it here more and more...
I'd like to see a professional, well-run government sponsored and required driver training program for ALL drivers in Thailand. I'd like to see police get serious with driving offences, especially drunk drivers. Take them to jail, do not pass go.
I'd like to see lots of things, but until things change, I'll focus on seeing the way things are, and cooperating as much as I can, for my safety, and the safety of others.
Well that's the irony - there's very little (physical) road rage in Thailand, even with all the terrible habits. It's all non-confrontational, which is why people take advantage so much.I reckon so anyway.
I agree with that, mostly. But, 'taking advantage' here might not be seen in the negative light some others might feel it is.
If you drive here and feel too upset all the time about other drivers, for the safety of everyone around you, stop driving. It's not worth having a stroke over, na'?
http://asian-links.com/larry/motor.html has some info and advice that some might find useful, especially bike riders.
Stay safe
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Phone lines easy to obtain. Yeah, right. Maybe in the main farang ares of habitation.
Try telling that to the residents on the road whereI live (a major city).
2 houses are occupied by policemen who hve been waiting since I've known them. 2 YEARS.
I got one in 2 weeks but thats another story.
Mobiles cheaper??????? We'll have to disagree on that.
Well I applied for my residential lines for the house in Surin and Suphan about 3 months ago.
Surin - forget it, at least until 50 more people want a telephone - nearest fixed line 25 km away.
Suphan, well I have another 3 months to wait - not enough numbers. I know that no-one can get a new fixed line here at the moment, we are all waiting on disconnections, wait, and get an old line/number.
If you read the press, they are still negotiating the contracts to do the roll-out of new numbers.
Ok, My Tha Pra office was easier, but I had to pay another factory to take an unused line from them.
For one example, Orange is one baht per minute, anywhere in the country... Also, with a land line, you'll pay for calls to mobiles, too, right? The only thing cheaper about a landline is if you are calling another landline number in your immediate area (assuming longer than 3.5 minutes)... More and more of a rarity now, it seems. On my 'called' list, there is not one non-handphone number.
As for lines/numbers, I was referring to stories I'd seen fairly recently in the bkk post commenting that, for many(not all!), the shift to mobiles has freed up landlines and made for shorter waiting periods for many. Of course, some areas still have poor infrastructure, including even no electricity...But there's no reasonable reason I can think of for anyone saying there's a shortage of landline numbers, especially since they claim to have solved this problem when they converted the dialing system that forces you now to use the area code even for local calls. All that ever needs to be done is to add a new area code if you want more numbers.... It's been quite common in the States, like New York, the last few years, too.
I think the switch will continue to move to mobiles, and I'm not the only one who sees it that way... Companies like Alvarion are putting together long distance wireless networks for TV, broadband internet, and voip(telephone)- especially for rural areas where there isn't any such service or infrastructure already. Current systems are operating in Europe at prices far cheaper than UBC or even Loxinfo. Look for it in Thailand within 5 years, I feel sure. And if you play the stockmarket, it's a solid 'buy' from all quarters
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Dr Pat Pong.
Indeed numbers beginning 01 are mobile numbers. I am implying it is risky to do business with someone who does not give a fixed line number or adress.
It's risky to do business with anyone here, but using a mobile phone ain't much of a clue, it seems to me.
Yes there is an acute shortage of land line numbers
In fact, that used to be the case, but not really anymore. Places that used to have to wait months now usually only wait days, or weeks...Because of the huge shift to mobiles, demand for fixed lines is waaay down
many Thai rely on mobiles.
Because of its convenience and cheaper cost, that's why
Buyer Beware, as always
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Only a very bored non turkey eating vegetarian would have been looking at this thread.... Still, no need to cater to them here, I feel.
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I just received this email from her..
Here is more information about my translation website. The website will provide translation service to customers on the Internet that can be physically anywhere in the world. This is a fully web-base service where customers can request, discuss with us (on our live chat), and make payment and get translation all online. Offline payment is also an option and snail mail to get translation can also be possible. The services we offer are documents, email, web localisation, book translation, and some more. I will let you know the URL when my website is up.
Kind regards,
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Anyway, it seems there is a ways to go before anything fruitful is likely to happen...
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She is starting an editing/translating service and promoting it through a website. She says she needs farangs to "help the Thai translator understand English better" To me, it sounds like a typical final editing job....
She said the farang would be paid a percentage of the job, but she hasn't decided how much to price the jobs, or what percentage the farang gets...
A mobile number is quite commonly used in business here. No red flags up on my end, but it seems like a first start for someone with an idea..... Buyer Beware, as always
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Although I agree with you all in principle, I know many excelent english teachers who don't have a degree, have gone the TEFL route and become first class, attentive and down to earth tutors. What is this insistance of the Thai government that you must have a degree all about, I could be wrong but I am sure that very few countries insist on this??? not sure. I am sure "steven" will put me right
The reason is, a degree is now required for any accredited teacher in Thailand, be them Thai or farang. The exceptions are annubaan teachers and some vocational and sports teachers. At the university level, a masters is required for any teacher teaching graduate students studying for advanced degrees. Some have reported that the MoE has made some exceptions for some farang teachers in the last few years. That wasn't the case (intentionally) when I was in the game.
I also agree with you that there are many excellent teachers without degrees. And studying in a university is not the best training for teachers, ime.
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Anyone know where I can buy a Rubik's Cube in Bangkok?
That is a puzzle!
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No Septic, me, but is it really necessary to have a turkey as the bird for thanksgiving? Why not goose, or duck (or sick buffalo )?
Tradition aside, lots of folks do a ham or a goose as well.
Sick buffalo don't get it...
My goose gets a bit too cooked, too often, as it is.... Another kind of bird for a holiday, please.
Genuine Information To The Contrary
in General Topics
Posted
Just another hair-brained trial balloon...Typical. Yawn.
It ain't so tough watching each other, and your friends. Funny how they say, "The authorities know who the________'s (criminal group of your choice)are, and we're keeping a close watch on them" so often, but I've NEVER seen them go past the watching stage.... Never ever...