WISteve
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Posts posted by WISteve
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While I applaud the UK for doing what is right and denying/canceling the visa for a convicted criminal, is this really a good development for Thailand? Either Cambodia or Myanmar are sure to welcome him with open arms, hoping he will invest in their little world. That puts him a short flight or drive away from Thailand at a moments notice. It only makes matters more complicated IMO. The scenarios are multiple where Mr T could be back in power without facing the music of the court convictions. A military coup, bombs exploding in the right places and let's not forget his brother-in-law is still the prime minister? He can have weekend or evening consultations in the casinos of Poi Pet now, and that can't be a good thing.
Not that I wish him upon England, but at least his children were there and he was some distance away in his own estate. This development could put him at Thailand's doorstep, just waiting for the right opportunity to make a grand entrance again.
I hope he chooses Cuba or some banana republic far, far away.
~WISteve
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The bombers are getting smart and targeting the survivors and the rescue workers.
Very sad thing for Thailand and addressing the insurgency should be a priority to save lives.
Combine these with the political unrest and economic issues facing Thailand it would be a challenge for even an efficient government.
Is there any hope of compromise or reconciliation in the South?
~WISteve
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Thank you Rockyysdt!
I finally realized we were running into the "separated by a common language" phenomenon again!
In America insurance companies are largely regulated by the state of the insured, which I believe is quite different than most.
I noticed on my insurance card when I take it out that I have six different coverages:
-Liability which protects others and their property from damage I may cause.
-Uninsured motorist.
-Under-insured motorist, both of which protect me from someone who has no or limited insurance.
-Medical coverage which protects myself and any passengers.
-Comprehensive which protects my car and contents from vandals, storms and other types of non-moving casualty.
-Collision which covers my car and other vehicles I happen to collide with.
Now if I could figure out if Thai companies had similar coverage it would be a good trick I think!
Thanks for the information!!
~WISteve
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The last bus from Ekamai to Patters leaves at midnight I believe.
You sure 'bout that?
I love it when people question you but present NOTHING to support a contrary view!
I couldn't find the english language bus schedule but this one on sawadee gets the job done:
The second from the bottom is the aircon bus and it says they depart Bangkok from 04:00 to 24:00 every 30 minutes.
The 4 am was news to me, but I was pretty certain the last bus out was at midnight.
I have a good guy who picks up at any hour of the day or night 1200 baht including tolls. Hasn't failed me yet.Why pay 1200 when there are good guys doing it for less?
I've tried the 1k baht guys and they have pulled no-shows........twice.
No thanks. Mine is always there to date with a newer, clean car and is a very safe driver.
I want to get there in good time but safely. Staying alive is more important than a couple hundred baht to me.
If I get in really late, I just have a nice meal and a drink at the airport and then read/doze/sleep there until the first bus to PTY leaves in the morning. Saves a big taxi fare and (for tourists) 1 night's hotel bill. But then again I don't have any feeling of desperation & urgency to get to PTY.Must be a real comfortable sleep on bench in the airport.
My thoughts as well. Wow, I get to spend the first six hours in LOS sleeping on a metal bench?
After twenty hours on a plane I want a shave, a shower and a clean bed.
"But then again I don't have any feeling of desperation & urgency to get to PTY."
Neither do I for the most part. But then one night in a hotel isn't going to break me either!
~Sa-teef
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It's not like you're going to be renting a pavilion or having a banquet where the caterers need the number of place settings ahead of time.
This is premature and many of us feel it is a sad day in our history, not a joyous one.
You'll likely have more Euros showing up for the gala event than American citizens.
~WISteve
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Sophon,
That sounds reasonable but I think I recall that I did all that when I first moved into this place. In other words, they already had all my "details" to report, and could have simply re-reported them.
This sudden demand to "inspect" my passport for validity was different and struck me as odd, so I played it safe and declined to hand it over (and apparently with all due right to do so, too, since they neither called immigration nor the local police to enforce their demand...)
Well they may have the passport number and name if they could find it from over a year ago, but I don't know if they are required to determine if you have a legitimate visa or not? If they are required to do that, they would not know without inspecting your passport if you renewed your visa or not. Your visa may have expired and they would never know. It makes sense since he asked you to inform him of any status changes?
I think I would have asked the lady at the desk if she had a copy machine and have her copy it for the manager. Hand the ill-tempered one the copy with a smile and get on with your life.
~WISteve
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Expats Car Rental provide 1st class insurance............
Okay, I'm trying to catch this.
1st class insurance must be a English term for insurance without a deductible I assume?
In American English it would simply mean good coverage from a reputable firm.
~WISteve
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The last bus from Ekamai to Patters leaves at midnight I believe.
The first in the morning is 6 am.
Not worth much when your plane arrives 23:50.
I have a good guy who picks up at any hour of the day or night 1200 baht including tolls. Hasn't failed me yet.
~WISteve
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Major T. J. "King" Kong: Well, boys, we got three engines out, we got more holes in us than a horse trader's mule, the radio is gone and we're leaking fuel and if we was flying any lower why we'd need sleigh bells on this thing... but we got one little budge on them Rooskies. At this height why they might harpoon us but they dang sure ain't gonna spot us on no radar screen!
Dr Strangelove (1964)
Camp Commandant: "Make the best of what we offer you, and you will suffer less than you deserve."
Papillon (1973)
Willard "I began to wonder what they really had against Kurtz. It wasn't just insanity and murder. There was enough of that to go around for everyone. "
Apocalypse Now (1979)
~WISteve
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A bit of research in Bangkok Siam Square.
On average I don't think they dress all that provocatively.
It's only a few that are extreme.
~WISteve
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Maybe I'm getting old and skeptical, but a newbie posting a glowing review of a car rental agency on his very first post?
I'e used Mali Thai car rental several times located right at the airport if you're flying in (Lek is not BTW. I learned that). Walk out in the lot and check out your car before you sign on the dotted line if you like.
They also have a minimum liability coverage policy. 5k or 10k baht as I recall. You're on the hook for the first $100-300 if you are in an accident but they cover 100% after that. It makes sense if you think about it.
Mali Thai had a whole selection of 2x and 4x trucks and cars of various shapes and sizes. I've had a Ford truck, a Chevy 4x4 and a brand new Toyota from them. Most are 999 baht per day.
They don't have a website but it's a nice thai family owned business and most all of them have pretty decent english skills.
Their e-mail address : [email protected]
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Hotels. Nearly forgot.
I've stayed at the Charoensri Grand Royal Hotel right at the shopping center. Good place but aging a bit. Just a bit over 1k per night and while it had some nice amenities the wifi was grossly overpriced.
I've stayed at the Charoen Hotel right on Phosri Road. I liked this one as well as the other one and I paid 800-900 baht in November as a walk-in. An older hotel as well but very clean and the staff were helpful with several matters for me. The wifi wasn't cheap but bought in a 1-2 hour package. Still less than the other place.
Both of the above have elevators, pools, off street parking and typical things that a room above a pub will not have.
I just noticed they are both listed in the hotels section pinned at the top of this forum section.
~WISteve
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The only thing I can see the PAD succeeding at, at this point is making Bangkok traffic worse than it already is and really angering EVERYONE.
I am not angry .... neither is my partner who works in Emporium Tower .... Next!
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WI steve
this is not WI
Even to the point of murder.
~WISteve
huh?
again ...
this isn't WI
and yes people in WI are still talking about Kent State
Steve ... you appear to not be seeing what is really happening in Thailand on a broader level .... and I can't be bothered to try and educate you.
Kent State? My we are reaching aren't we?
No one I know is, but then I don't live in your ivory tower.
Mr Sangwean Rujimola: the gentlemen murdered. And any 2 bit detective reading the news story at the beginning of this string would have a good idea who did it.
That's the revealing part of your post.
A resounding HUH?Please don't bother "educating me" since there appears to be very little that I would consider worthwhile learning from you.
PAD is not going to bring democracy to Thailand. They will continue to drag Thailand into anarchy and bring more suffering to the citizens if the government and the military do not act.
~WISteve
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The only thing I can see the PAD succeeding at, at this point is making Bangkok traffic worse than it already is and really angering EVERYONE.
I am not angry .... neither is my partner who works in Emporium Tower .... Next!
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WI steve
this is not WI
No it surely isn't.
In any nation where the rule of law is followed this armed band of thugs would be disarmed and told to disburse or face arrest.
And don't bother preaching about Gitmo. The courts are addressing that as well. Too slowly admittedly, but it's working within the law.
This two month occupation of the seat of government is making Thailand a laughing stock.
The latest demonstration at the British Embassy is just PAD's way of flexing it's muscle ad showing the world they can act with impunity.
Even to the point of murder.
~WISteve
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To be fair ,Air Asia & TG have asked to see my card too.
Oh well, that promises: next month I have a flight on Air Asia to Bangkok and on to Hanoi, paid 6 months ago wit that destroyed card...will report on the troubles I will get into
If fraud is the reason they need to get their act together: using both the old and new cards on the internet goes through a verification process via my bank needing a special calculator and input numbers based on the calculator. Therefore I would argue the vendor would need to see a mention on the card transaction used as "fraud free" But I am dreaming here
The fraud that this process attempts to restrict is the unauthorized use of another persons card. The fact that the card has passed authorization only confirms the validity of the card ---- not that you have authority to use the card. I suppose the airlines assume that IF you have the card in your possession --- all is well. I'm not too sure of this logic----but it is better than nothing I guess.
It makes things difficult for anyone who has changed cards --- please post how you go.
Consider the absolute stupidity of this ----- from QANTAS.
"After you have completed your booking you will need to visit our office below within two working days for credit card and signature verification. Your ticket will be issued once your credit card has been sighted.
Bangkok Office
Tour East (Thailand)#, 21st Floor, Charn Issara Tower I, 942/160-163 Rama 4 Road, Silom, Bangrak"
This is great ----- especially if you live well outside Bangkok.
And I would expect they get a lot of phone calls followed by faxes with those credit cards and identification documents.
Sounds to me like they are trying to avoid the issues discussed above at the check-in counter but created another monster in the process.
~WISteve
I'm platinum with NWA but they still ask to see the credit card every time.
If you're a seasoned traveler you should expect that. One more small bit of security for my online transactions. Nothing wrong with that.
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............I understand people being annoyed with PAD, but I still think we should celebrate the fact that the traditionally non-confrontational and passive Thai people are taking a stand against a political system that allows blatant vote-buying. They're standing up for what they perceive to be right! Whether their opinion is right or wrong is of course, a matter for debate.
If you can't get your kids to school for a day or two, so what? The future of the entire democracy is at stake!
And please explain to the surviving family of Mr Sangwean Rujimola how proud you are of these fine, upstanding citizens
Thugs !
Marching down a busy city street carrying their clubs and bats! Yes, we should all be very proud!! ~WISteve
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The first couple of pictures have high school students, I think - look at their skirts, uni girls wear black.
You may be right; I'm not certain.
I killed the links on those and deleted them to be sure. Never my intention to cross any line. Quite a number of the Radji students wear pleated skirts but I never noticed the color. They had the pins, chains and bright buttons but it's possible some of the high school are using those now?
~WISteve
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A little more field research in Udon.
I'm thinking they dress a fair bit more conservatively in the north?
For the most part anyway...............
~WISteve
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Is it just my imagination or does it appear Kun Yo had a little work done on the headlights?
I may just have to ponder that for a while.............
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I'm betting he didn't pay the fine in bags of rice. Or chickens.
~WISteve
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We all seem to have short memories around here.
Recall back 7-8 months ago when the rice prices peaked and Samak pushed through a program to buy rice at a premium above the market price and store it?
I expect Thailand has warehouse receipts for a fair bit of nice expensive rice at the moment but wishes to preserve it's cash reserves.
Chinese and Japanese tankers leave for home every week with Iranian oil and nothing is said. Why should this be considered anything other than a smart move to preserve cash reserves on the part of Thailand?
~WISteve
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All charges in this case will eventually be dropped.
None of them will go to jail or even be fined.
TIT
Seems the end result is nearly as you predicted 16 months ago.
But I just hope those two ruffian sisters have learned a lesson!
And I hope John doesn't run out of pictures of them?
~WISteve
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I learned a few things over the past year Gary (I hope anyway)
but gained an appreciation for the hill country around Nong Bhua Lamphu that I will keep. I will be back again even if it is solo this time. Perhaps that is better for me anyway. A short hop on 210 over to 201, then south a bit. That shouldn't be so hard.
With the ways things are right now over here, it probably won't be until spring. I have to make some hard decisions soon but I won't forget that lovely part of the country.
Wishing a speedy recovery for your friend sir.
~WISteve
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The real scandal is not being able to get a beer in a restaurant until 5 P.M.
Really? Never knew buying it in that setting was a problem. It hasn't been for me anyway. In the markets and convenience stores they have their restricted hours of course.
That might be a product of the neighborhoods I frequent though too.................
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Listing a company that produces a legal, licensed product shouldn't be subject to the personal whim of a few old retired generals. But then occupation of government offices for months at a time wouldn't be a normal matter in a civilized society either, would it?
~WISteve
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So wot about Eskimos...?
They Injuns, therefore Native Americans.
That term (Eskimo) would be fighting words with Alaska natives who prefer being called Inuit or Yupik for the most part.
DEFINITELY not Native Americans.
That's lower 48 talk.
Alaska Native will get you by if you're in Alaska.
End of PC lesson for today.
~WISteve
Uk Cancel Thaksin's Visa And Wife's
in Thailand News
Posted
And the generals in Myanmar have always been so responsive to ASEAN? They make up the rules as they go over there and Mr T was rather cozy with them shortly before the coup. A cover story of protecting a "victim" of political persecution would be all that is required.
I believe Koh Kong was ready to hand him the keys to the city not so long ago and isn't there a convicted former minister hiding in plain view in Cambodia now?
You're right that the force behind the coup probably wouldn't originate from the military but he still has many friends in the police force, having risen through their ranks. He could probably fly into Chiang Mai or Udon Thani tomorrow and no one would lay a hand on him. But that might be forcing the issue, and he would rather ride in the hero and rescuer rather than the conqueror.
Distance and time will eventually heal those wounds but I don't see this as a particularly positive thing for Thailand.
~WISteve