ABCer

I think applying the term 'failed state' to Thailand is not warranted.

Coups here are a normal state of affairs. They do not disrupt the day-to-day lives of ordinary people. They are relatively bloodless and do not last long.

Changes to Constitution (when effected) mean nothing to ordinary people for the same reasons OP points out - nobody observes any Laws anyway.

Corruption is ingrained into the socio-econo-political life for centuries. It permeates the Thai life on such a massive scale that not even an all out revolution will weed it out. Not saying it is needed or imminent.

The Army-Police relations are sweet and co-operative. Infrequent squabbles only occur in redistribution of accepted turf of feeding grounds. OP is right - they only appear to be opposing.

Altogether Thailand has been 'failing' for so long that there is no visible end in sight. It is one of Thailand's specifics.

As to the concept of 'Democracy' - there are so many models (from US to RF to GB to PDRNK) - and none of them would be recognized as a democracy by people who invented the term.

Sorry, but I disagree.

We can achieve a utopia if the country is run by the "People" and not "politician" or "junta".

Coup will give you a Junta government.

Election will give you a "Politician" government.

Only a revolution from the "People" by the "People" will deliver you a "People" government run by the "People" for the "People".

PS, anyone wee my little red book? I must have drop it at the Thai Japanese stadium yesterday.

God save Thailand from 'Utopian' or 'True Believers' Government!

Military Junta will steal and continue corruption. Nothing new.

Politicians will steal and continue corruption. Nothing new.

Revolution of 'People' by the 'People' for the 'People' - also will steal and continue corruption. Nothing new, except it will be very bloody. Not a new concept. Not a new practice.

God save us all and Thailand from Utopian dreamers! All of them around the world have lead to the bloodiest regimes. Look back at the history of mankind...

There is a good saying: - 'if it's not broken, don't fix it'. Theft, corruption, bureaucracy, bribery, nepotism and many other bad aspects of Thai reality have been here for centuries. All we need is to see this mixed with revolutionary idealism.

Then we'll be all missing the 'good old order of things'...

Hospitality as welcoming all visitors is a must in my culture. Or rather it was. Somehow I have noticed that too many of my 'friends' tend to ride a one way street. Meaning that at my place they are offered the best of everything without reciprocation. I am only comparing equal means! After I applied the reciprocity rule the number of visits from some such friends have petered to next to nil.

Now I have less visits and less friends, but those that stayed treat me just as well and as generously as I treat them.

Hope this answers the OP question. Wander how many people experienced similar attitudes.

Note: no bars, no restaurant visits, no special occasions are included in these cases - just casual visits.

you must be a Filipino

A very far off the mark guess, DGIE.

As to meeting at restaurants, bars, etc. - no chance, dotpoom.

I do not drink and I eat European home made and cooked food.

By now my Thai wife not only learned to cook but actually prefers it to Thai food.

fish fingers,

a practical advice:

better consider tiles or stone for following reasons:

1. climate

2. rain water or spills;

3. you will never match the colour;

4. cheap.

Apology for unsolicited advice and good luck.

BTW HomePro does sell all kinds of flooring. If you are committed to wood - there is new product which is impervious to water. Expensive. And you will still have to lift the old floor.

Thanks and good on you David.

Such a simple thing, but nobody thought of it.

Cheers to all.

Have they got any Jaffa Cakes? Christmas Morning isn't right without Jaffa Cakes....

That depends on where you come from...

For me classic Panettone is the best, though I'm not Italian...

BTW they are selling them in BKK at circa 500Bt per kg. Genuine stuff...

$300+ for a X-Mas tree? They must be joking!

No transport costs and/or import duty can justify this price.

Apart from factors such as

ecology;

mess;

re-usability;

delivery, disposal and waste management;

anti-'green peace' sentiments, etc.

As to some people suffering nostalgia, - buy a plastic imitation, smell spray bottle and snow imitation.

And whichever way you'll go - you are still not home...

Try OSS company. Used them about 6 years before now. Used to be reasonable.

As to Customs - I have brought with me my old books. Dating back to 1956. And they made me pay duty!

Actually in some countries books are allowed free - as a source of knowledge and learning. Obviously not here...

Either open a thai itunes account and use a thai card or open a aus itunes account and use the card you have

Thanks, 2008bangkok.

My only real address is in Thailand. My two only real credit cards are from Australia. I have here two pocket cards (Bangkok Bank and SCB) but neither of them is suitable for iTunes, as they aren't credit cards.

Does this mean that my Billing address will be phony? Wouldn't bother me, but ??? why ??? would iTunes care where I live if my Visa and e-mail address are both legit?

It seems to me their major concern should be only with (1) getting paid and (2) getting in touch with me on my e-mail. My residential address could be at the North Pole with Father Christmas...

Anyway, I'll try your advice and give those SOBs some phony address in Aus.

Please help!

Bought an iPad Air at the airport in Australia.

Brought it to Thailand (I live here).

Downloaded Windows 7, 64 bit version of iTunes on my PC.

Created Apple ID (this is my first Apple device).

Now, trying to open an account with iTunes.

STOP!

My billing address shows Thai residential address. My credit card is from Australia.

According to iTunes it is not a valid card for Thailand... and here we go on a merry-go-round...

Drives me nuts! Am I the only human being living in Thailand and using Australian cards? Since when VISA card is valid only in the country of issue? Crazy stuff!

Please, help.

Oh, yes, be detailed and precise, as I am an alien when IT is concerned. Sorry...

I have no interest in speaking to Thai people in general. I speak 3 languages already, Thai is not a good addition. Oz

Well said.

The things I would like to add are:

+ people I like to talk to do speak English;

+ there is absolutely no motives to learn a very difficult language not used around the world;

+ there is nothing to read in Thai language (at least for me).

I do wish that Thais are as tight arsed as they are tight lipped whenever the 'accidents' happen.

There are accidents. And there are 'accidents' waiting to happen. It is high time for Thais to realize and admit the fact.

So much emotional staff, but no facts:

* What is the official capacity of this ferry?

* How many people there were onboard?

* How is it possible that the operators 'not sure'?

* The Maritime Laws are uniform around the world. EVEN FOR THAIS!!!

* What caused the accident? Couldn't be the engine failure. Couldn't be the some lousy water pump.

* Was this ferry vessel a catamaran type? With double hull? In this case it simply couldn't turn over. Especially in calm waters.

* Even a single hull vessel can not turn over in calm waters. And the waters are calm for the last couple of weeks.

* So, what actually took place? Captain escaped... Was he Licenced?.. Was he drunk?... No matter what - the company operating the ferry is responsible.

* Maybe the answer to all mess and silence lies in the fact WHO owns the company?..

Why Thais are not saying anything? Are they hoping to sweep this under the carpet? After Russian and Chinese tourists dead? Lunacy!

Use a combination of both .

+1

anto, we are the cleanest of them all!

A post like this deserves an honest answer.

I use my finger and also write with it on the walls.  Mostly obscenities...   

This post is a mixed bag of sociopathology, white supremacy and racism.

Have been married three times in three different countries.

Never ever married a 'CLASS'. Somehow it was always a person.

All this talk about Hi-So, Mid-So, Lo-So in my opinion is nothing but Suck-So.

Once again, IMHO...

Yes, I have many friends - I could trust at least ten with my life.

Join a club.

Neeranam, this is relatively easy. I am also the member of this club.

People remember some Commandments better than the others.

Of the ten of them, how many would you trust with your money? your wife? your daughter?

'Thou shan't kill' - is an easy one.

Especially if you add - 'without a reason' to it...

Yes and No.

Depends of what meaning you put into the word FRIEND

kevvy, OP said:

In Aus I had a group of friends which we all would do anything for each other.

Well, now that changes a thing or two, kevvy. As I sensed, you were not talking about drinking buddies or 'mates' or people you invite for a party or go to see footy with.

I think you were wrong back than to feel hurt and to 'run away'. The REAL FRIENDS you are talking about are mostly formed in our youth. And they are never many.

And like everything in life their friendships are born, bloom, wither and die.

I also had friends like this. Most things in our lives were going along different but parallel lines. We knew each other inside out. There was a lot of talks, arguments, differences, understanding, support and sharing.

We never quarrelled, we just went separate ways. Such is life. There is still understanding, but our ways have been different for 35 - 40 years... We now live in different countries. We all have changed. And the funny part is - we would have changed even if we were still living in the same neighborhood.

This kind of friendship rarely develops in adulthood. Too many outside factors - wifes, work, kids, social status, health etc. This is my opinion.

Surely I have some friends now, here in Thailand. But nothing like those REAL FRIENDS from my youth for all the above reasons.

OP, I'm happy for you.

Don't know which country you came from.

For myself I can say the following:

- All the things you have learnt in Thailand I have learnt elsewhere, PLUS something else, -

never to tolerate things I consider to be bad;

not keep my mouth shut because eventually the bad things come to kick me on the butt;

I call it having principles.

Of course this is subjective but it is mine. And it does not matter if many people disagree with my view.

Majority can impose their views in a democracy but it may still be wrong.

Dang, I really wanted to answer this.

I've given it twenty minutes of thought, but can't even remember my last moment of clarity, let alone why I had it.

A man seeing a young lady in super tight jeans says

- Wow! How anybody can get into such tight pants?!

- Only after a Restaurant and prepayment, - says she back...

Note. Prepayment, - nothing reinforces the trust in humanity better!

I find the classifications 'Apologist' and 'Basher' both unfair and wanting.

Spent my life in three countries so far (35 +30 +7). Yes, it is 72 for those who can put 2 + 2 together.

Loved all three of them and always had some things to criticize.

Bad is bad but good is good. If one cannot take criticism - tough luck.

As to the labels, - never paid much attention to any.

The one thing I get really angry about is when people cannot argue without getting into personal insults.

On the other hand - it does give me an excuse to happily return the insults with interest. Can be fun too.

Please clarify:

Are you a Thai?

Is your wife a Thai?

Is your daughter a Thai?

If you don't know her whereabouts, isn't it too early to talk about prevention in the future?

Your daughter is gone without your knowledge or consent and you suspect 'something wrong'?