iReason

As a side issue, anyone ever heard of this NGO before?

Their website seems the usual collection of celebrity yuppies, models, pop stars, artists that usually want to be seen as "socially minded and responsible" whilst sipping champagne in the back of their limos - "doesn't everyone darling".

Sorry to be cynical, but the not for profit 'aid" and social responsibility sector has become very profitable for some.

How long did they spend in Thailand researching and checking their information?

Are they investigating countries with far worse records than Thailand - India, Bangladesh and China spring to mind?

I'm not suggesting they're wrong, or right. Just wondering why they've not commented before.

But you are suggesting they are the;

"usual collection of celebrity yuppies, models, pop stars, artists that usually want to be seen as "socially minded and responsible" whilst sipping champagne in the back of their limos - "doesn't everyone darling".

On what information do you base your broad brush claims?

As for your other questions, that would be up to your own research.

Rather than smearing them with innuendo and hyperbole as a start.

She gave her own one finger salute.

Send them down to study that petri dish Koh Tao.

"Bad publicity about martial law, backpacker killings and police shakedowns of foreigners have harmed Thailand's reputation as a tourist magnet in past months."

Um, try addressing that ^^^ first before attempting this:

"In 2015, the tourism industry is trying to attract more upscale visitors"

(Formally) "Known as the "Land of Smiles"

Its a piece of wood for christ sake and the owner gave permission. If it were up to many of the nut cases in the world, everything would be organically grown, no additives, no killing of animals, no driving of vehicles etc.....you get what im saying

Uh, no.

I don't get what you are saying.

(I do get the rambling disconnected rhetoric.)

Just to clarify, you are saying that people who want food to be organically grown with no additives, are "nut cases"?

You've got my vote for the most absurd statement of the year so far.

"wealth, happiness and good health"

In that order.

Say's a lot.

Heartless, souless, predatory animals.

Trying to rob innocent pure old farangs who have high moral standards.

See Post# 22

Heartless, souless, predatory animals.

"Their Beach"?

"We have been worked for 40 years on public spaces even though we knew about the law”

Good grounds for retroactive fines.

And the fact it is now high season!

TAT must be putting out proper gander again. You only have to look at all the headlines on TVF to see why the tourism is down, scams, murders, cash dropping, Russians broke and leaving in hordes, jet boat scams, plane crashes, police random searches, the list goes on. Nothing to do with the Military.

I know many people who have changed their plans because of the Military Coup, it's Un-Elected PM and his Martial Law.

And many more through other friends. And that's just me.

Many that will not come until the autocrats are removed.

Meanwhile, other countries are courting.

And as in any business, once you lose a customer, it's very hard to get them back.

But that doesn't seem to cross the minds of some Thai.

HuB of Mia Noi.

They admit it because they are proud of it.

I can't tell you how many Thai guys boast to me about their Mia.

Don,t you just love the foreign criminals here.

The primary point I take from your post is, you deal with integrity.

That, I miss the most.

Virtually non-existent here.

You need to have some integrity yourself before you can expect to find it in others. In your case, you may be in for a lifelong search.

Another bar stool psychologist.

And I'm not just talking about the Thais, there are some real low life foreigners here.

The kind of "entrepreneurs" that would be jailed in the west.

Shove your conjectures.

Not really.

I detest them more than the corrupt Thais actually.

The primary point I take from your post is, you deal with integrity.

That, I miss the most.

Virtually non-existent here.

You need to have some integrity yourself before you can expect to find it in others. In your case, you may be in for a lifelong search.

Another bar stool psychologist.

And I'm not just talking about the Thais, there are some real low life foreigners here.

The kind of "entrepreneurs" that would be jailed in the west.

Shove your conjectures.

Aaah, I see. Everyone else is scum and you're just beyond reproach. If you're constantly around con men and swindlers, perhaps it's not them but YOU. You've got issues buddy.

Another beer goggle diagnosis.

In general, Integrity and business here, is as much an oxymoron as military intelligence.

From the top down.

And don't distort my words with your mind set.

I didn't say everyone else is scum.

The primary point I take from your post is, you deal with integrity.

That, I miss the most.

Virtually non-existent here.

You need to have some integrity yourself before you can expect to find it in others. In your case, you may be in for a lifelong search.

Another bar stool psychologist.

And I'm not just talking about the Thais, there are some real low life foreigners here.

The kind of "entrepreneurs" that would be jailed in the west.

Shove your conjectures.

koo wallety tourist

"integrity exists here to perhaps a higher extent that where ever you are referring to."

Pretty vague.

"the problem is that you havent worked out how to tap that resource. or more likely, it may not be tappable by the likes of you."

Disregarding your alleged mind reading claims, just what precisely are you babbling about?

You've learned to lie and cheat as an inherent resource?

When did the government hire a guy for the position of a convenient spokesman. And how much did he pay to get the job?

This clown is Police Chief Somyot's right hand man.

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here,

Huh????

.

Please don't edit my posts. Forum rules require you quote them in their entirety.

You know, this particular misperception is an ongoing argument on TV. And it is usually made by people with mediocre job histories, and/or a miserable existence in their homeland, making retiring to Asia and "enjoying" forty baht meals out, 150 baht massages, and 1000 baht "girlfriends," a good deal.

All the foods I like are available here at no up charge. In Thailand they carry a 300% up charge---even before Villa or Foodland grab their own take.

On Friday, I bought a very nice Chilean Malbec, on sale, for $4.19. That's 125 baht. IN LOS, the same wine was close to 700 baht. I bought an excellent cheese on special, thick smoked bacon for a dollar a pound, and a steelhead trout filet for $4 (fresh, not farmed). That's far less than what I paid at Villa.

My gym does not require a membership, and so has no pesky salesman. It has a flat rate of $15 per month. I, like all members, have a key, making it available 24/7.

When I use UPS or FedEx here, they are reliable and reasonable. Nothing gets stolen, or nailed for extra fees.

When I pay a serviceman here to do work on my vehicle, or my lawnmower, or my plumbing or electric, it is almost always done expeditiously, safely and right, the first time. This, as opposed to going through a series of workers who not only don't get it right, but often make a problem worse.

In LOS, I never had my '65 Honda motorbike running correctly, because the mechanics were incompetent or dishonest. Or both. This increases a tradesman's "bargain" rates considerably, making them no longer a bargain.

One time when I went to pick up my bike after some work, I noticed the original Honda seat was replaced by junk, and my seat was on the bike of the mechanic's buddy. When I pointed this out, they did this: . When I insisted they put it back on my bike, they became confrontational. I had to pay a cop to get my seat back. I don't think I have never had that experience at a Honda bike shop in the USA.

I bought a new gas BBQ last week at Home Depot. Regular cost was $99. On sale for $69. What's a gas BBQ in Thailand? I know the answer: about 10,000 baht for junk. The price goes up from there. The dumbbells I bought in LOS? One there cost as much as six here.

If I buy something at most stores here, there is a no-questions-asked return policy. I have returned to the local Smith's Supermarket, a number of items I found unsatisfactory. Always a smile when handing back my money. As such, I am a loyal customer. In November after returning to the States, I was checking out some groceries, and the bill was fifty-some dollars. I jokingly asked the checker if he had any coupons. He reached in his apron pocket, and swiped one across the scanner, and my bill dropped to $32. This is now a regular occurrence.

Gas where I live is almost half the price it is in Thailand. It is lower in other states.

In Thailand used vehicles carry a ridiculous price. Last week, I bought a '66 Chevy Bel Air. It had sat in an old lady's garage for years, and has 38,000 original miles. I paid $3700 for it. Now I have my eye on a '65, fully restored Chev pickup. $7000. Far less than a used pickup in average condition in Thailand. Both are investments that will never lose me money.

The Asian market I shop in Salt Lake City, actually has lower prices than back at Rhek Thum's "fresh market." And they are the same brands.

Here the tennis courts are free, and in good condition.

Here, cops don't stop me when I'm driving legally, unlike Thailand where they attempt to extort money. And here, Avis doesn't even think of extorting me for a pre-existing scratch, when I return a rental to the airport, just because I speak English.

My dentist here does not try to drill out non-existent cavities, nor pull a cracked tooth that can be repaired (if you have good training), nor spends a mere 15 minutes "cleaning" my teeth. Here it takes a solid hour,and is done right, so I only have to go twice a year rather than every couple of months.

This summer I'm out to buy a piece of land and build a vacation home. It's mine when I'm done, though my wife's name will also be on it. And where we are building, land is cheaper per acre than the rubber tree land where I lived in Rhek Thum. Don't believe me? Do your due diligence and research it, and you'll find my claim holds water.

Most of the nutritional products I take that keep me free of those expensive American doctor bills, are not available in Thailand. The few that are, are substantially lower in price here than in LOS. After feeling like crap the past few years, I am once again healthy and have my vitality back. That has great economic value.

The firearms I buy to go hunting and target shooting are at the very least, 1/3 the price they are in Thailand. The books I read are cheaper when new at the store, and a once-read paperback bought at a garage sale is 10 baht.

The tools I will use to build my house, Makita, Ryobi, and Milwaukee, are much less expensive here in the States. And if they break, the warranty work is done locally and in days. Usually they just hand over a new tool. The building material selection is far more diverse here, enabling both short-term and long-term savings.

Are there exceptions? Are there things cheaper in LOS?

Sure. Instant water heaters, air conditioners, unhygienic meals out, short-time"girlfriends," and massages. There are others, such as contact lenses, but as a whole do not measure up to a genuine savings.

Many items may be cheaper, but are built so cheaply they have a crap service life. Water pumps, clothing, and electrical items are a good example. Speaking of clothing, I bought new Levis last month. On sale, plus a coupon, $22 a pair. Good luck with that in LOS.

Want to retire to a warm climate that has reasonable prices? Try Port Charlotte, Florida. Check out the land and housing prices, and all the free services and discounts for seniors. Thailand does not even come close.

Jeez, thanks for bumming me out.

It's too easy to get swallowed up by "Thainess", and one tends to forget the real world...

The primary point I take from your post is, you deal with integrity.

That, I miss the most.

Virtually non-existent here.

Good on ya.

Now we're talkin'.

Teerapong Rodprosert. A man with vision. And apparently, integrity.

Just side step these current neanderthal "Taxis".

Send 'em back to the rice paddies.

Anyway, this is obviously foreigners because, as you know "No Thais are vile enough to make something so disgusting."

I'm guessing you haven't had much of what they serve as food.

"Mr Pramote told police “I reached down to get a battery charger for my phone when I lost the control of my vehicle.”

I am either a colossal brain dead idiot or a liar.

Can I pay my 500B and go now?

no from witnessing myself, daily reports on tv, the newspapers, and the internet. never had any of these issues. Never left my common sense at the airport.

Every white foreigner should have one glued to their head on arrival . Problem is most are not smart enough to read. maybe that is one of the numerous reasons they tend to get themselves in non stop problems. Rule # 232. Do not walk around Pattaya at 2 am drunk covered in gold . Rule # 555 Do not leave your common sense at the airport. Rule # 666 Do not marry a bar girl.

I assume your words of wisdom are from years of experience in all three areas?

And Jim, to all those guys that have met decent girls in bars, enslaved by poverty, married them and are having a happy life, well you have just ticked them off.

They found a "Hansum" ATM. (Most likely much older than them)

They are waiting for him to die and then, they and the family, reap all the spoils that their inherent lying produced.

A leopard can't change it's spots.

Phuket authorities are considering legalising a further 129 tuk-tuks following reports from the Phuket Tuk-Tuk Union that the operators of the tuk-tuks,

have been working illegally for around a decade.

“These tuk-tuk drivers have not registered with any company or the union."

Right.

So let's reward them.

“Authorities have to follow the law not to legalise more illegal tuk-tuks,” said V/Gov Somkiet.

Tubtim.