rapom

Last November, taxi took me from Swampy to my hotel. Driver started up conversation about my visit. Told him I was staying in Bangkok 2 days, then taking bus to Surin. He offered to take me and handed me a price list with charges to different cities. It was 3000 baht to Surin. On bottom of page it said 5000 baht for all day taxi rental. Bus from Surin to Mo Chit last Wednesday was less than 350 baht.

Check TV classifieds under cars listing, search for tuk tuk.

I did this at US Embassy last November. Did not have to have any divorce papers from previous marriage. Cost $100 for 2 notary seals. Had them translated and certified at Chaengwattana. Total cost was less than 2000 baht, plus taxi fare. Take papers to any Amphurs office, pay 20 baht to register and you are married. No ceremony involved.

However, the topic is about Thais not having a sense of humour and we should look at that rather than the one mentioned incident. (bad boy BTW)

I agree Thais do not have a sense of humour in the way that we Farang have. I love listening to and telling jokes but should I dare to tell one to my wonderful wife I must start by saying;

This is a joke. Then I must be sure to use words that she will understand. After several times of telling it, she maybe gets it? Not always though.

Example, an Englishman, Aussy and an American all bet on who can stay the longest in a pig sty. The English Man stayed for 5 minutes, the Aussy for 15 minutes, then the American entered. One minute later the pig ran out!

(End of joke laugh now)

Thais have many jokes on the telly but they seem to be more the practical joke type along with the boing and whistle sounds, perhaps so they know it was a joke?

The pig ran out because it did not want to take it up the ass again, like it had for the previous 20 minutes.

Lotto drawing on March 16. Next day check winning numbers in paper. Do you, waste no time in the claiming prize or put tickets in bag for safekeeping and they get stolen 4 days after drawing. That's what everyone would do. Makes sense to me. Duh. I guess interrogating the ticket vendor, will solve the crime. Everyone knows ticket vendors have photographic memory, of all the lottery ticket numbers they sold and who bought them. Good luck 55555

They have lipstick in Alabama?

The expression that you can't put lipstick on a pig is quite popular in Mobile AL.

The saying is "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig."

What would happen if they went to the US Embassy for asylum?

They would have to make an appointment online first.

Just hunt around for prices, sometimes an a/c shop gives better service.

Just picked up a new model 12 Samsung at Big C for 10,900 installed. Once the real heat hits prices usually go up.

The Big C in Surin, has put up a new display of AC units, in the last 3 weeks, with some good prices. I brought a Carrier 18000 btu in Feb. for 17,000 baht delivered, that was marked down from 28,500. Over 8,000 baht cheaper than Home Pro or Power Buy. I also brought a Hatachi refrigerator, on sale for 2,000 baht less than the competitors.

They don't look very "French" to me.... Maybe we should use the "African French" classification to better distinguish. Just like we do in the US....

Don't say we. They call themselves African American, it makes them feel special, but they are still black.

Sometimes, I wonder how much more biased media can become? Looking at this headline or CNN or BBC "Woman with slain Putin critic says she didn't see his killer" . Seriously? Its like investigation is finished and everyone knows Putin killed the guy? Or at least they try shaping public opinion. Hardly doubt he did it, Netmsov was around for a long time, and why would Putin do it when he has highest ratings in his career? I would most likely believe CIA is somehow involved with this. US is desperately trying to make Putin a villain and take him down so they can put their own person in there and rob the country of its natural resources.

MI-6, Mossad, more likely CONTROL, IMF, S.H.I.E.L.D., U.N.C.L.E., I.R.I.S. or your imagination.

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Suspected Yakuza Member Arrested in Pattaya for Fraud

By Khaosod English

Shinichi Nagata, 32, at a police press conference on 2 March 2015.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of 28 February, Thai police said at a press conference today.

Japan's Metropolitan Police contacted Thai police on 5 February and asked them to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud, said Pol.Gen. Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol.Gen. Jakthip, Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between April - July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

Pol.Gen. Jakthip said 21 of Shinichi's accomplices were arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Panurat Lakboon, a commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the suspect will also be charged with overstaying his Thai visa.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1425291389

-- Khaosod English 2015-03-02

If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

Doesn't say bought in to Thailand.He was on the run to avoid arrest.

"BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months."

IMO, it depends how you read it, but the underlined words above clearly state brought in. If that wasn't the case it would/should have read 'conned' instead.

As for being on the run, he entered Thailand legally as the police were able to determine that he was on overstay, therefore must have had an entry stamp. Having been a frequent visitor (10+ times) he likely had bank accounts already, although it doesn't state this.

I can agree that it is likely bad reporting/wording of the article.

Maybe more like poor reading comprehension. I read the article and I wasn't confused. But then, I read the whole article not just the bold black first paragraph and skimmed over the rest. Read the first paragraph, then don't skip the fourth paragraph and the fifth. (note the timelines) If you did, you would not be confused and have no need to assume.

maybe US forces aren't based here, but do not doubt for one minute that Uncle Sam still has his hands all over this place....Thailand in many ways is an extension of America....just look at the roads...who do you think funded those??

If America funded Thai roads, it was a bad investment. We have dirt farm roads in America, that have fewer potholes.

And this is your educated opinion I take it

Whilst stated somewhat tongue in cheek, after living in Thailand full-time for 12 years, and having 'experienced' 2 different Isaan wives, their families and village communities, I'd say that I'm not too far off the truth.

So you have experience, with drug users and sexual deviants.

In Oz, a pickup is known as a ute. It is also slang for an "easy" tart, who sometimes is referred to as "the town bike" because everyone can ride her. So a "pickup" is a truck WITH a flat bed, a tart who WANTS a flat bed or a well-ridden bike that's DUMPED in a flat river bed when it's of no more use.

I hope this helps to clear the language difficulty between our Aussie, English and American brethren.

In America, we call a truck with a flat bed, a flat bed truck. A pick-up truck, has a box style bed with fold down tailgate. Hope that's not too confusing for you. Also a utility vehicle (ute), is neither of the previous vehicles. Americans know this, because Ford Motor Co. was the first company to produce the utility vehicle (ute) that was sold in Australia. Gooday mate

I suggest you go to the Chicago consulate website and read their requirements, before going. They have limited hours that they take applications and for you to pick up. Also check for holiday closings. I do know from experience, that they do require proof that you meet the financial requirement, for any visa you apply for. I went to get a 60 day tourist visa, they required proof that I had the money, to go to Thailand plus the flight information including return flight. Having neither with me, I had to have my bank email a copy of my statement. Then downloaded my flight information from Expedia to an email. Their website also says 2 day service. Their definition of 2 days is, if you apply on Monday pick up on Wednesday. Always 2 days after you apply. So if you go Thursday or Friday you pick up next week. For a non O marriage they require all the previous plus certificate of marriage to Thai, doctors heath check and police background. No exceptions! Also, if you need a last minute money order, there is a check cashing place, about 2 blocks north on the corner, very low fee. Parking is a hassle. They have about 2 free spaces in front, for consulate business, but the mailman always had his truck park in them.

A medical and background check is not required for a non-o visa anywhere. You are confusing it with a OA visa.

From consulate website. http://www.thaiconsulatechicago.org/pages-non-immigrant-visa-eng.html

"VI. Visiting family

• To visit as a spouse of a Thai national
  • a valid and effective marriage certificate (original)
  • a certified copy of the Thai national's passport/ I.D. card of the spouse.
  • a certified letter from the Thai spouse stating that he or she is still married to the applicant."

I think your information is golden most of the time, but not always. Have you ever been to Chicago. I have been in the consulate in Los Angeles too. I went to Chicago with the intent to get non O visa. Had the information required on website. They requested the other forms also. This is why I knew about the check cashing store. Had to cash my $200 money order and get a $40 money order for a tourist visa. Scroll down to the bottom of the page you quoted to "Notice", read number 1.

I think you got misinformed or they were confused as to what you were applying for.,Even under that #1 they would not ask for all that for a non-o based upon marriage.There have been reports others getting them without it.

How do you know, what they would ask for or not? Do you have first hand knowledge? Do they consult with you about what they can require? They can ask for any additional documentation they want and they did. Notice # 1 is on more than just this page on the website. Even with my passport, they wanted a second id. All this took place in July last year. It was the first time I used Chicago. In Feb. last year got a 60 day tourist visa in LA. They did not require anything other than the form filled out, photos, passport and money order. So why in Chicago did they also required financial info and proof of flight details for 60 day tourist visa? Because they can. I do not know about any other persons reports concerning Chicago. I only know what occurred with me, as stated in my original post. I am not going to get in a pissing contest with you. I concede, you may be better at it. Maybe.

I suggest you go to the Chicago consulate website and read their requirements, before going. They have limited hours that they take applications and for you to pick up. Also check for holiday closings. I do know from experience, that they do require proof that you meet the financial requirement, for any visa you apply for. I went to get a 60 day tourist visa, they required proof that I had the money, to go to Thailand plus the flight information including return flight. Having neither with me, I had to have my bank email a copy of my statement. Then downloaded my flight information from Expedia to an email. Their website also says 2 day service. Their definition of 2 days is, if you apply on Monday pick up on Wednesday. Always 2 days after you apply. So if you go Thursday or Friday you pick up next week. For a non O marriage they require all the previous plus certificate of marriage to Thai, doctors heath check and police background. No exceptions! Also, if you need a last minute money order, there is a check cashing place, about 2 blocks north on the corner, very low fee. Parking is a hassle. They have about 2 free spaces in front, for consulate business, but the mailman always had his truck park in them.

A medical and background check is not required for a non-o visa anywhere. You are confusing it with a OA visa.

From consulate website. http://www.thaiconsulatechicago.org/pages-non-immigrant-visa-eng.html

"VI. Visiting family

• To visit as a spouse of a Thai national
  • a valid and effective marriage certificate (original)
  • a certified copy of the Thai national's passport/ I.D. card of the spouse.
  • a certified letter from the Thai spouse stating that he or she is still married to the applicant."

I think your information is golden most of the time, but not always. Have you ever been to Chicago. I have been in the consulate in Los Angeles too. I went to Chicago with the intent to get non O visa. Had the information required on website. They requested the other forms also. This is why I knew about the check cashing store. Had to cash my $200 money order and get a $40 money order for a tourist visa. Scroll down to the bottom of the page you quoted to "Notice", read number 1.

I suggest you go to the Chicago consulate website and read their requirements, before going. They have limited hours that they take applications and for you to pick up. Also check for holiday closings. I do know from experience, that they do require proof that you meet the financial requirement, for any visa you apply for. I went to get a 60 day tourist visa, they required proof that I had the money, to go to Thailand plus the flight information including return flight. Having neither with me, I had to have my bank email a copy of my statement. Then downloaded my flight information from Expedia to an email. Their website also says 2 day service. Their definition of 2 days is, if you apply on Monday pick up on Wednesday. Always 2 days after you apply. So if you go Thursday or Friday you pick up next week. For a non O marriage they require all the previous plus certificate of marriage to Thai, doctors heath check and police background. No exceptions! Also, if you need a last minute money order, there is a check cashing place, about 2 blocks north on the corner, very low fee. Parking is a hassle. They have about 2 free spaces in front, for consulate business, but the mailman always had his truck park in them.

Leg humping (from a dog or a bitch) equates to dominance in the dog World. The dog is displaying dominance over you. In other words, your dog is the pack leader, not you. You might want to address that situation before having your dog neutered. There are plenty of books giving advice on this but better still is for you to go to youtube and search for Cesar Milan/Dog Whisperer. Good luck!

Dog humping as a form of displaying dominance is only one reason they do it. It can be, and most often is, nothing more than a sexual reaction. A Google search will confirm this. However, there are other reasons to get a dog neutered, like keeping the dog population down for a start, there's also less chance of the dog developing prostate cancer.

Shall I get myself neutered to minimise the risk also?

Well you should have medical head examination, because it does not take too many cells to figure out that humans can express themselves, can go to the doctor or feel body changes, while dogs can not.

And unless you have full veterinarian education and desire to play with your dogs balls on regular basis to make sure there is no growth or irregularity in his balls, you should most definitely have that medical head exam ASAP

This reminds me of a joke. Cletis and Bubba were sitting on the front porch, having a few beers. Bubba's pitbull was laying on the porch, licking his balls. Cletis, after a few minutes of watching the dog said "Bubba, I wish I could do that". Bubba replied "Cletis you're crazy, he'd probably bite you".

Prior to opening an account at Bangkok Bank for US transfers, I brought $15000 in $100 bills, into Thailand on one trip. Did not try an conceal it. Bought a travelers wallet that you wear, on the inside of your pants. Put it inside my carry on bag, before entering security line. After x-ray, went into restroom stall put it on. No problems.

That takes some balls.

Fords are just mass produced crap !! Poor builds and poor parts.

Surely if you are going to buy a car you research it first right ? Go to any reliability table and Ford aren't going to feature - all the top slots will be taken by the Japanese manufacturers. Honda and Nissan have regularly led these tables for as long as I can remember

I guess that depends on which reliability table you're looking at.

Here's a well known one: http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/dependability/cars.htm

For 2014

Top rated compacts: Chevrolet Volt (winner), Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic.

Top rated midsize: Toyota Camry (winner), Buick Lacrosse, Honda Accord

Top rated large: Buick Lucerne (winner), Toyota Avalon, Ford Taurus.

Toyota being the most consistent, no showing for Nissan in these 3 main categories, and one feature for Ford.

JD Powers uses information supplied by to them by owners. Do you think every owner of these cars gives a review. Do you think surveys, can not be manipulated. The last 2 new cars I bought, when they were about 6 months, JD Powers sent me a survey to fill out. They included a $1 bill for my trouble. I kept the money and threw the survey away. Easy money.

I have owned many makes of cars in the USA including Fords and Hyundai. All the cars I have owned have given me good service as I always took care of them. I am not sure if the Ford's in Thailand are made to the same standard as the USA, but I do know world wide Ford is doing very well. They were the only American car company that did not need to be bailed out by the government several years ago. My friend owns a Ford Focus for 3 years now and not had any issues with it. The use by the previous owner might have something to do with it, but 1,000,000 miles on a car is the norm I think, before you are going to have to stick money into it. Car's are machines and will wear out.

Better take a zero out.

I think the first owner enjoyed a repair free car and now you just got stuck with all the fixing. Nice thing in America is you can see the car fax, the maintenance history. No car fax no buy.

Car fax will only tell you, if the vehicle has been in an accident and had repairs done at a auto body shop, that sent a report to Car Fax.

The bearing will run continuously which is what fails, same as a turbo. Over time in can increase failure. Do I do either myself ? Only because of getting the kids in and out the car.

It does not run all the time. The AC compressor only runs with the electric clutch engaged, triggered by the sensor. When not compressing it stops, engine running normally. Lift the hood and look. Hear the loud click - clutch engaged, AC compressor turns. Loud click, clutch disengages, AC compressor stops rotating.

Your right, the compressor does not run all the time but the pulley does, that pulley uses a bearing.

So does the water pump, alternator, power steering pump and belt tensioner. What's your point? There is no more heat or load placed on the AC drive pulley bearing, than any of the other units bearings. That's why the belt tensioner is used. The a/c compressor does not run all the time. It cycles on and off, depending on the temperature control setting inside the car. This happens, whether you are driving the car on the road or sitting still. Letting your car idle, before shutting off the ignition, will not extend the longevity of the compressor or any bearings.

Can anyone living in Surin offer any information, on the best way to travel to Mukdahan? I do not have a car, so it would have to be by bus, van or private service.