George Bowman

1 hour ago, webfact said:

This expo will give Thailand a chance to promote horticultural and agricultural products along with traditional Thai health goods as well as help build a global trade network...

A great expo to visit in Thailand and hopefully they will double check their sign for the Netherlands...

2 hours ago, rooster59 said:

...vented his frustration over what he alleges is Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang’s indifference to the suffering of the city’s residents due to flooding every time there is heavy rain...

Years ago there was another Bangkok Governor with the same problem. His response to the public was a classic and went along these lines "What do you want me to do? I'm not Jesus, I can't walk on water."

One of the best purchases that I have ever made in Thailand was a sidecar to go with my old Honda. I think technically they are illegal but simply overlooked because so many villagers depend on them. I bought a second hand one for B2500 (I think) years ago and had the local welder hook it up for another thousand Baht. Added some paint and viola, I now have what I call my sidecar/farm truck/motorcycle taxi.

Both of my license plates have long since expired and I've never had a problem, but then again I only venture out in about a five mile radius of our place. Supposedly to change the Bangkok license to the Phitsanulok province requires me to travel 37 kilometers down a busy highway to the district office in town. Never going to happen. First of all it is to dangerous and secondly it would be a pain in the butt to load it onto a pickup for the trip.

It can haul two bags of cement, three bales of hay and four dogs, but not all at the same time. Surprisingly many Thais do not know how to operate it because it does take some getting use to. This mode of transportation is the best thing since sliced bread. So if you see an old man with a ZZ Top beard riding a sidecar/farm truck/motorcycle taxi in the boonies of Thailand, go ahead and wave. It might be me...

21 minutes ago, webfact said:

A vehicle belonging to a private company used to extract waste was parked at the scene. There was a pipe connecting the vehicle and the tank. 

And where do you think some of this waste goes?

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Before his passing on January 30, 2011, the monk had called on his followers to raise funds to support the country.

Now I understand. First, the followers have to buy gold before they donate their purchases to the country. It all makes sense now...

45 minutes ago, webfact said:

... welcomed members of the Public Health Association of Thailand (PHAT)...

It's probably just me and my phobia. But, I often use my headphones that is connected to my telephone as I look at elephant photographs. Maybe I need to see a PHAT physician for a physical...

Travelling Show

12 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Being a diehard horse racing fan...

Much like you, I have lived in Thailand for quite awhile. Unfortunately, I know less today than I did back then. Anyway, here is another old photo of Bangkok for your walls. Last I heard the race track had been torn down. 

Your Sunday column is part of my Sunday ritual. Thanks.

20 minutes ago, webfact said:

It is claimed that Matthew, 37, sought investment for an app to make finding a condo, house, work or childcare easy.

I'm thinking that both him and the investors are not the sharpest tools in the shed...

58 minutes ago, webfact said:

The highest authorities in the land are coming together to export convicts. 

Oh, now that's a good one...

For years while working in Bangkok it was considered proper grooming for a gentleman to be clean shaven, which I was. Upon retiring and moving to the countryside of Thailand, I remain sophisticated...

4 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, H. E. Michael George DeSombre, who made a courtesy at the start of his mission in Thailand.

I sent an email to him in regards to the photo during his courtesy visit.

***

Dear, Mr. Ambassador,

My father would often ask me a question in a rather sharp tone from time to time as I was growing up and perhaps you could answer it for me. “Exactly, what were you thinking?”

Sincerely, missoura

***

I’m not expecting a reply...

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The animal welfare group Watchdog Thailand

I have a couple of Thai Ridgeback pups that are turning out to be some great dogs. Since, I am rather ignorant of this breed, I joined a Facebook site that has been a tremendous help. On this site they have a couple of videos about this incident and it is not pretty. Apparently this gentleman is infamous in the Thai Ridgeback community both here in Thailand and America.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

many two tier pricing policies are simply in place due to the idea that foreigners can afford to absorb the higher prices and therefore should pay more. 

Throughout the years, I have been one to complain and at times refused to visit such places. Unfortunately, such practices are not limited to Thailand. Even in my home country of America, not only is there two tier pricing but in some places the entrance fee is almost three times as high. Especially, in state run universities.

My daughter is wanting to transfer from a Thai university to an American one. Yes, I told her from the get go to head to the states for school, but I lost that debate. Anyway, this is where it gets expensive. Even though she is an American citizen, she has been away from the states for more than three years and as such is no longer is a resident of any state. Therefore, if she did not want live in the state and acquire residency, she (me) would have to pay out of state tuition which is often double the rate of students that are residents of the state.

If she enrolled as an international student using her Thai passport, then the fees are almost three times higher. Like I said, Thailand is not the only gang that takes advantage of outsiders...