nick2k

back around 1998-2000, I lived at the house by the pond. and I liked it. they have 3 different buildings. and I lived in all 3. the old complex with the pond had character. the building next to it with the offices was cute. but I liked the new complex in the back the best. it had a pool on the top floor where you could swim and look over the city at the same time.

at the time, I was paying from 9k baht to 12k baht per month depending on the unit.

don't know what it is like now. but evidently, there are some people who don't like it.

I don't live there now because I am comfortable living in a place that rents for 6k baht a month. bangkok is full of them.

my take on the low prices... ENJOY them while they are still available.

it is really very simple.

WE HAVE A PRICE WAR GOING ON!

true fitness, 1st fitness, and all the other guys are scared bigtime.

if thailand cannot honor this "elite" card, what does that say about one's investment in other investments here like homes, condos, businesses, factories, etc? people, this is NOT the west. remember that.

we all have our opinions. .

frankly, I would like to know EXACTLY where in patong these 2 swiss stole the t-shirts.

WHY would I want to know where they stole the shirts, you ask?

simple, I would not want to EVER take the chance of buying something from their shop.

could someone please post a photo of the shop? location? address?

you would be doing us foreigners a truly good deed by letting us know which shop to avoid. thank you.

BETTER yet. pass the word around to avoid buying any t-shirts in patong.

The state of emergency also prohibits news publicity in a way that terrifies the public.

Doesn't that mean this order is in violation of itself? Obviously Samak has only concern for himself, and have no clue what a HUGE negative impact the declaration of a state of emergency means to the rest of the world, especially investors & tourists. Samak's short-sighted efforts to save his own neck will be at the expense of all of Thailand.

Samak obviously intended and wanted this to happen. He & the PPP paid for buses to bring their supporters in from the North so they could deliberately start a fight and cause violence.

The PAD have been demonstrating peacefully for weeks and continue to be peaceful.

100% of the trouble is due to Samak & the PPP who organized and deliberately intended their supporters to cause the recent violence that now gives them the excuse to attack the PAD.

Samak Ow Pai!

I just read the online bangkokpost. and it was reported that the PAD was going to shut off water and electricity in bangkok. if this isn't a reason for declaring a "state of emergency", what is?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=130252

PAD needs to stand down.

my 2 cents..

I can't help thinking that the real reason why everybody is upset is not because of thaksin or samak, it is the fact that people are not able to live on the money they make working anymore.

in this last year, we have seen the cost of food at the supermarkets rise over 100% from what it was last year. hotels, air fares, etc. EVERYTHING increased in the price in the last year. AND then, the price of oil entered the arena and skyrocketed like never before.

if you are a thai person that makes the average daily salary of around 200 baht a day, you cannot live on that anymore.

as I see it, this is what is causing all the unrest.

SOMEBODY has to confront this issue, and resolve it.

if you have plenty of money in your pocket to spend, food on the table, plenty of pretty girls to look at, and many friends to hang out with, would you even bother? would you even care?

surely the same could be said about people that post political views on internet forums, why do you bother?

you made a good point there. ..a very good point.

when you are busy having fun, you really don't care. you have better things to do than go on a protest.

which means....

that even the middle class thai people are feeling the affects of the oil crisis.

..don't tell me that the price of gasoline rising from 14 baht to 40+ baht per liter is not getting them pissed. cooking oil

has increased from 29 baht to 55 baht. rice has risen from 90 baht to more than 250 baht. EVERYTHING is more expensive.

even if you are making 70,000 baht a month salary, you will feel it if you lose 30,000 baht to higher prices. even 20,000

baht will get you pissed. that's 20,000 baht that could have been spent on a new car, or taking a vacation overseas.

And so corruption, attempting to change the constitution without referendum, alledged vote buying, incompetence, only passing 1 bill in 4 months and alledgedly acting as a proxy for Thaksin have nothing to do with the current protests then???

if you have plenty of money in your pocket to spend, food on the table, plenty of pretty girls to look at, and many friends to hang out with, would you even bother? would you even care?

Think you are way off the beam, your statement sounds more like that of a Thai politician trying to cover his *rse. Sure the rising fuel price is a major world problem at the moment but we will survive whereas corruption, either real or percieved together with arrogant bent politicians is the root cause of todays problems in Thailand pure and simple.

I stand by my analysis of the situation.

all these current problems seem to be arising from financial problems that started with the rise in oil prices. the previous coup leaders couldn't resolve the problem because it is out of their hands. thailand does not control the oil prices. the current PPP leadership (if you can call it that.) hasn't been able to do anything about it too - BECAUSE once again it is out of their hands. THAILAND DOES NOT CONTROL THE OIL PRICES.

if I recall, people in the PPP during the past few months have suggested a number of solutions to the oil crises, and the thais basically laughed it off. REMEMBER the talk of the bike paths? remember the call to ride bicycles? so, what happens? NOTHING! the thais still drive their stupid cars on the streets causing traffic jams like there is no problem with oil.

in the past few months, the price of oil has increased dramatically. as a result, the farmers, the truckers, EVERYBODY is complaining about it. and expecting the PPP government to resolve the problem. so, the PPP comes up with the idea of building nuclear plants. the people still complain. they want a solution to the energy problem NOW!

so, the protests start up again. and NOW - NOBODY is working to resolve the oil crisis. both parties are busy fighting each other.

IS this going to resolve the oil crisis? the way things are going, nothing is going to get resolved. the truckers will still have the problem with oil. the farmers will still have the problem with oil. and the stupid people (I won't say who.) are still driving their cars down the street like nothing is wrong.

...let's look at it another way.

if there were no oil crisis, do you think the truckers would still go on strike? would the farmers be asking for the government to help them with their loans? would the workers in bangkok be asking for salary increases to help them out with INCREASING food prices?

if people had all their basic needs taken care of, would they still be as mad as they are now against the PPP?

my guess is - no.

..you would be busy having fun. like the way it was BEFORE the oil crisis.

More than 3,000 protesters led by Chamlong confront police at Nang Loeng Intersection

BANGKOK: -- More than 3,000 protesters led by Chamlong Srimuang confront anti-riot police at the Nang Loeng Intersection at 12:15 pm.

Chamlong led a about 2,000 protesters to push through a police barricade at the Saommanas Temple and joined another group of protesters the intersection. More protesters joined them at the spot.

Police use 8 trucks and rails to block the road.

-- The Nation 2008-06-20

Security tightens at Government House to block anti-govt protesters

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of police officers have barricaded roads around Government House to block anti-government protestors from moving in to besiege the government seat Friday afternoon, aimed at pressureing the elected government to resign.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who also serves as defence minister, earlier pledged to refrain from using force against the protesters.

Friday morning the premier was attending a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in preparation for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

Meanwhile, Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee reportedly shifted the venue of a meeting from Government House to the Ministry of Finance in an apparent bid to avoid confrontation with the demonstrators.

Other cabinet members are nowhere to be seen, and some government civil servants have opted to stay at home in fear of possible violence.

Security around Government House has been tightened with uniformed police manning the barricades along all routes to the government seat.

The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and its supporters have been demonstrating since May 25 in a bid to pressure the four-month-old coalition government to resign, claiming that Mr. Samak and his People Power Party are proxies of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Army Chief Anupong Paochinda said earlier that the army would not get involved or use force against the crowds.

"It's the police who will take charge," said the Army chief. "I'm sure they have proper measures to handle the situation."

Police Chief Pol.Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan said the police would use only non-violent measures and exercise the utmost patience.

Concerns that the PAD-led protests could turn violent spooked investors who unloaded their stocks over the past three weeks.

Thai stock index opened lower Friday at 737.83, down 4.63 points.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand's president Patareeya Benjapolchai on Thursday conceded the SET composite index went into a free fall upon investor concerns over the persistent gathering of anti-government demonstrators.

She said rising inflation and upward interest trend also made investors jittery and slow their investment in the stock market, opting instead to sell off shares to reduce risks while they monitor the situation.

--TNA 2008-06-20

my 2 cents...

the reason for all the turmoil is because - energy is causing thailand (and the world for that matter) headaches. oil is the culprit. no party whether it be the PPP or the Democrats can resolve the problems as long as energy is coming from outside. the thai people need to unite to resolve this problem with energy.

how? ...well, that is the big question.

but this internal fighting is not helping any. it just delays finding a solution.

get this. as I see it, the energy problem is going to get worse. the thai people better put their think caps on because nobody else is going to help them. all this internal fighting between PAD, PPP, Demos - imho, it's really just suicide.

Miniburi - this was a very good post, and when i am next in Bangkok i will seek them out and donate.

Nick2k - I have lived in Thailand long enough to know Thais are terrible in anwering back emails, especially if you sent them an email in english asking to help them , as they probably did not understand....

yeah. you are right. I keep forgeting that english is not the main language here. stupid me. if they still have that free van going out there, maybe I'll go and check the place out. if they need someone to help them with computers, I wouldn't mind volunteering at least 2 hours of my time each day. I got plenty of free time. just play computer games, watch tv, and surf the net.

a suggestion.. if they had a paypal donation link on their website, it would make it very easy for lazy people like me to contribute to their organization without doing email or physically taking the van ride out there to assist. you could even provide a receipt for tax purposes. people all over the world would try to help out, I'm sure. a few dollars here and there.. no big deal for most people. once the word got out... providing some sort of weekly update status of each of the kids online could bring in a lot of contributions to help out.

california wow is not bad. I helped a friend get a membership there. 39,000 baht for an 8 year "diamond" membership. includes entry into ANY california fitness gym in thailand and around the world. AND any associated 24 hour fitness gym around the world.

the membership also allows my friend access to the yoga classes at no extra cost.

PLUS - after his 8 year membership is up, he can renew each additional year at 100 baht PER year.

it's a deal.

PS. I don't work for the club.

Do you have a bit of time on your hand here is a place that needs help in so many ways. Called Pakkred Babies home on ChangWattana.

For the last 3 years I have been going to this Babies home for childern left at the hospitals and such. They range in new borns up to the age of 5 years. I bring what I can which never seems to be enought but I hope it helps and give my time as well. There are some links in Google

if one does a search under Pakkred Babies home. Under the alternate spelling of Pakkret Babies home you will also find a few links.

It always seems to be overwhelming and you will understand if you do visit. The ladies who take care of all the kids always seem tired but you would be too if you were in charge of 300 or so babies who all have different sleep patterns and all want some attention.

Some of the things I bring are as follows. Diapers meduim and large and I was bringing newborn diapers but the home perfers cloth ones which makes sense now that I think about it. Baby Formula also and it never seems to be enought.

No time then just drop by and give some Thai baht it will help and they will give you receipt. Its really all up to you. I know there are many different places that do this. I just wanted you all to know about the Pakkred Babies home.

Give a moment it will last a lifetime. Be it at the Pakkred Home or elsewhere.

my 2 cents...

I sent an email TWICE to volunteer my services to help out as I am retired and wanted something to do. but I never got a response. my guess is - the charity groups in bangkok only want young female volunteers. so, my suggestion to you is - PLEASE post that you ONLY want young female volunteers so people like me don't waste our time contacting these "charity agencies". thank you.

Plachon, the 'Assembly of the Poor ' ... what or whom are you regarding with this statement please??? If it is the protesters currently outside Government House please take a back seat and do some research into what you are talking about... if not, do explain...

I was merely comparing the current relatively short protest with the long and arduous protests of AOP, who had to brave all sorts of tests of endurance to make their point, eventually realising that being fobbed off with false promises by the state authorities was par for the course. The protesters now are more savvy one would like to think and will stay until there is concrete change. This is People Power in action. However, there will be many obstacles placed in their way by the Lord of Darkness and his fawning minions in power at present.

Thanks to Stumonster for the background links on AOP.

The lack of international media coverage is a disappointment and deserves an examination of motives.

isn't it obvious? "somebody" doesn't recognize the movement. and my guess is - they are probably wondering - who is in control?

the key word here is instability. and what will come of it.

none of my business. but since you asked...

whenever you buy property of any sort in another country, you are always taking the risk of your property being confiscated by the local government whomever they might be.

thailand is confusing. looking in from the outside, you don't know if they are a monarchy, or a democracy.

Political sources said Thaksin Shinawatra and the core leaders of the People Power Party have agreed that Samak should step down to pave the way for Education Minister Somchai Wongswat, a brother-in-law of Thaksin, to succeed him.

reall all here:

-- The Nation 2008-06-21

Now that would be Thaksin digging his own grave even further. How can you bring in your brother in law as PM, while claiming

you washed your hands off from politics?? Thaksin really topples all IQ standards.

Further on have your just recent ex lawyer with the current Foreign Minister jacket on currently, declaring give-away temple to Cambodia, and announce with your business partner in Cambodia just one day later, the financial investment in Cambodia (deal!), with/near a new connection road (paid by Thai tax-payers) which just oppened a view weeks ago (for quick access to his new investment) by the very same people. Really no hidding anymore, hey? How long do the Thai people want to swallow this?

Noppadon (Foreign Minister) can really invite the PAD on Monday for some coffee and tea, and he will have some serious explaining to do!

Various previous FTA's were behind doors, new maps drawn out as well etc. etc. These guys are really unbelievable selfish, and so open! Amazing Thakland....

story continues.... with even some farangs ....complaining about people standing up against these blunt corruptions!

you mean, the current government changed the borders of thailand WITHOUT getting approval from the thai parliament?

..doesn't sound like a democratic decision. more like a dictatorial one. interesting...

very confusing situation. I tried to read up on all the issues. and just when you think you have an idea what is going on, more information comes in. so, I decided to just leave it alone.

this may be a stupid question. I don't know. but I am just curious.... do foreigners need to be concerned? I mean. I really don't want to be caught in the middle of a civil war, you know. any words of advice?

the large pro-sports shop at the central world mall has a selection of mongoose bikes and A-bikes. a couple of days ago, I noticed that they have a sale on the A-bikes - 3,500 baht. the A-bikes may be clones. but hey at about 100 dollars, it's a good deal.

http://www.abikecentral.com/

women look for security, and men look for sex. that is the way god made us. the is the way god made the animal kingdom.

..have you ever wondered why so many men are driven to make love with women? why women look for the men who are stronger or richer?

..GOD made us this way.

if you don't agree, consider this - would you be interested in making love with a side of beef or a hotdog? would you die to protect a side of beef or a hotdog?

..GOD made us this way to ensure the survival of the species. pure and simple.

ONCE you realize and understand this, the suffering will cease.

then, you are ready to ponder the meaning of life.

To those that seem so confident that the price oil oil will fall dramatically

soon what about the ever-increasing possibility of a preemptive strike

by Israel against Iran ?

I think you raise a good point. Is Iranian oil purchased by the US or Europe? (not that it wouldn't have an impact - I agree- I ask because I don't know).

a story..

I was at the mcdonalds over in cp tower one day a few years ago. while eating a snack, I happen to noticed some thais talking with some middle eastern types, and noticed some drawings that they pointed at. ..it seems like they were negotiating the purchasing of oil.

wouldn't it be funny if they were iranians wheel and dealing with thais on oil - ...IN MCDONALD'S?

EARPLUGS

I agree.

in my apartment, I have 3 sets of earplugs. 1 for me, and another 2 for guests. ..and when I travel whether it be on a bus or an airplane, I always pack away a pair of earplugs just in case a baby is around. after being on plane with a crying baby once, I learned my lesson. 20+ hours on a plane with a crying baby is something you really don't want to deal with.

earplugs.

my 2 cents...

don't get married unless you want kids. and even then, why do you need to get married???

consider this, in the states, 1 out of every 2 marriages ends in divorce. and I bet the statistics are the same in many other countries. getting married is a gamble. ..like playing blackjack.

you worried about not having someone to take care of you when you get old? EVEN if you get married, there is NO guarantee that someone will take of you when you get old.

check out this website for some words of wisdom..

http://www.nomarriage.com