XAR

I happened to come across an archery location in Bangkok near the Laos Embassy. It is in a building adjacent to All Star Golf range. Here is their website

http://www.archerythai.com/ArcheryThai/English.html

I believe him.

Israel has just assassinated a scientist in Iran and they want to throw the spotlight somewhere else.

Yeah, real plausible. Probably went something like this:

Mossad Agent: We just killed the Iranian Scientist and the world is starting to have a disfavorable view of us. What can we do? I've got it! Let's find an innocent Arab in Thailand who has a legitimate business and uses a warehouse. Then we can wait for him to inspect his warehouse and then when he is not looking, we will secretly slip 4000 Kg of fertilizer into the warehouse and some ammonium nitrate. That way, the world will look to this man and entirely forget about a dead Iranian scientist.

Somehow, I just don't see how the two could possibly be related, but if you think the Mossad cooked this up, then I guess it is a plausible theory. Oh wait, you did not forget about the dead Iranian scientist (which is conjecture at this point as to whether he was assassinated by an outside agency). I guess I am just smarter than Mossad. If I had wanted to frame someone for terrorist activities, I guess I would just have planted some type of paperwork implicating them. I guess it was easier to move 4000 Kg of fertilizer though. I should have thought of that much easier solution. Then again, if Mossad was convinced he was a terrorist and wanted to be rid of him, then they could have just taken care of him like the fellows in Dubai a few years ago. But I guess simple solutions never appeal to the big conspiracy theorists.

Unfortunately, that practice by my country has a bad and presumably illegal history, including some past involvement by Thailand.... However, I'd seriously doubt Thailand went in that direction this time.

In this case, though, it does have a certain appeal.

Would it not make sense that he is being deported to Sweden? I believe that is where his passport was issued. Perhaps that would explain the quick deportation in light of the recent news about him. Certainly he would then be in for more interrogation as opposed to an exodus to Lebanon. Just a guess on my part and I should know better than to try to make sense of any action taken by the Thai government.

Went past yesterday and yes its still there. But ONLY for 90 day reports, anything else has to be done at Suan Plu.

Thanks. Went this morning with no problems and it was actually faster than the last time I reported at the normal office.

Today I went to the temporary office for Nonthaburi Immigration, is located at the PTT gas station that already close down right at the traffic signals at the Sammakki intersection, about halfway between Pakkred and Sanambinnam. Is only for 90 days report ONLY.There is only one person sit there. Hope these can help for the other foreigner who stay in Nonthaburi area that need 90 days report.The immigration even show me the pic that flood the office in Bang Bua Thone. Is terrible.

Anyone know if this temporary office for 90 day reporting is still open? I have not been by the flooded side of Nonthaburi and the date of the last person to write about this temporary location is 2 weeks old. I tried the Thai immigration website, but it is not much help in the English portion of the website and my translator is out of town. Thanks in advance.

There was a report about the floods in Thailand this morning on TV5 (French international TV), and they interviewed a couple of Thai academics who said that the floods were the result of a "human error" (the water in the upcountry reservoirs was badly managed over the past months, if i understood correctly - I can't find the right words in English), compounded by the fact that Bangkok and its surroundings (they mentioned Suvarnabhumi) were built on swampy lands... They said the rainfall this year was not exceptionally high - I don't know if this is true, those of you who are in Thailand obviously know better...

I have heard the same thing from two sources; one is Thai and the other associates with many Thais. The story goes that the dams up North are normally only filled to a certain level when the rainy season is approaching so that they will be able to contain the upcoming influx of water. This year, a newly appointed person in charge overruled those with experience and kept additional water so the farmers would have enough for their rice farms. So when the typhoons hit and the water came down the rivers, the dams were too full already and they had to let water out or risk loss of the dam and a major problem. I have thrown this out to see if there is anyone who can corroborate from reliable sources. If this is true, then there is certainly blame that is warranted. If not, then it is just another rumor to fill the time while waiting for any concrete news.

if there is only sand and dirt under the road when the water flows it will take the sand / dirt away and make the hole wider , plus damage the road base....

But I am sure they thought of that

BK

If they are digging up the road then there won't be any road base to damage will there?

Really? Of course there will be. They are only digging a hole through the road, not the whole road. If they make, for instance, a 6M passage through the road, then the base and sub-base to the left and right of this passage will be prone to erosion. When the base and sub-base erodes, then the road above will collapse. You will no longer have only a 6M passage.

Cool, no problem. So I thing we both agree the forum is doing its job. If a German guy gets sent to ICU by a local gang over a 100B fare, it sounds like the sort of thing that should be reported no? Or should we ration tuk-tuk beating stories to 1 a month say?

I agree, Thailand has amazing things to offer visitors. So anything that can help steer them away from places like Patong can only be a good thing imho.

Indeed. Phuket is a wonderful place but sadly the Phuket forum on Thaivisa is full of "sad" or tragic" news. I am not saying those stories don't matter or should not be reported, I am saying ThaiVisa should try to equally report good news and maybe smaller events that also show a good image of this island.

I hope the German man will recover soon.

Last I checked, this was an open forum. If you want to report good news, then start a thread and post your good news.

the crime in this country is not the action act but the making public, apprently...

3rd world country for something, isn't it ?

I guess I am called upon to provide this reading public with answers on what is and is not allowed. It was not the recording of the acts that was illegal (whoops!, illegal does not matter here; what I mean is that the recording of the event would not subject one to arrest; unless of course you pissed off a police officer or public official; of course that is not limited to just recording acts; but I digress). What was inexcusable was the method of dissemination of said acts. Everyone knows that making videos public can only be done by hiring Thais to flash still pictures of your video and chant "sexy DVD" at tourists passing by. Once an interested customer is identified, well they can buy as many videos of questionable acts as they like. Putting it on Youtube? Don't be ridiculous! That would be construed as being illegal and is enforced by law.

Well, my first USAA monthly statement showed up today even through I didn't open the account until the first week of this month. Anyway, no ATM fee reimbursement (i.e., the 150 baht fee charged by Thai banks) for the withdrawal from the Bangkok Bank ATM. The statement did show the total ATM withdrawal and the 1% foreign tranaction fee.

I have USAA and used to not receive a reimbursement for ATM charges. I then started using SCB for my ATM withdrawals (previously had used Kasikorn) and started to receive the reimbursement. Not sure if this is due to SCB listing this charge differently, but I am now using them exclusively. One minor note, SCB offers an exchange rate that they ask if you want to use. I always say no and use the mastercard exchange rate which has always been better than the rate offered by SCB.

I am looking at both of these for wireless capabilities while roaming around the area. I will subscribe for the 500 baht per month unlimited (minimum of 6 months required) and wondered if anyone uses these services now. Specifically, they both claim the other as a roaming partner and that the id and password for one will work with the other. There is no mention of any additional charges, but TIT. So, does anyone know if there are any additional charges if say, I have a KSC account and then access the Internet at a True wireless location? Thanks.

.... As for the ebook reader comparison, like I said I stil dont understand how a 70's looking amigo black and white screen is better than full colour, big and bright?

I am with you all the way. Maybe one day they will come up with a way to make books in color and I won't have to read novels in black and white...oh, i guess those are called comic books. Come on, the whole point in reading is not the background colors and looking cool with your new toy. I can understand those that do not read much using the iPad for this, but the black and white format in no way detracts from a book. There are certainly applications that can be done with the iPad that cannot be done on the Kindle, but if you read the first post carefully, the gentlemen opted for a Kindle because he wanted to read books and did not enjoy reading on an iPad.

I would like to purchase a Kindle, but do not want to pay the additional import fees. The only other drawback is that the e-books really are overpriced. They are for the most part cheaper than the books, but to my knowledge, there is no second hand e-book store for when you finish up your novel.

I found one at Big C for 29 baht. Kinda cheap and leaks a little bit but it works. I'm thinking of buying an electric pump from hong kong (on ebay) for 500 baht. Runs on D batteries and attaches to the top of the spout.

I just signed up with Nestle for delivery a week and a half ago and with the service they provided the electric pump that runs off of a D size battery. Works great but does not quite go to the bottom of the bottle. Have to take the cap off the new bottle and place on the old one until I can use up the rest of the water in the old bottle. Not saying you should use Nestle (even though I am happy with their service and it is a lot cheaper than buying in the store), but maybe they will sell their pump if you give them a call.

Let's make sure we stick to commenting on the topic and the posts about it; NOT the poster making it.

I am curious about the target. As I understand it, Big C's in general appeal to the lower economic portion of society. Buses are also used by the poorer segment of society, so the people who get injured are more likely to be red shirts, I would think.

A class struggle is what the reds would have you think, but most of their leaders are anything but poor. If you want to understand why certain businesses were burned (central, big c...not burned down but an arson attack nonetheless) while others were left untouched (gaysorn...which epitomizes the upper class, Grand Hyatt Erawan...couldn't pick a more upscale hotel, Siam Paragon...definitely more upscale than Central), then just read the article below.

Which Buildings Should We Burn?

One would note that the Chirathivats (owners of Central and major shareholders of Big C) were probably targeted and had some friction with a man named Thaksin; while the Gaysorn owners, the Srivikorn's, had a close relationship with Thaksin.

I know this will probably cause many to call me a yellow shirt, which I am not, but sometimes, the simplest explanations actually are the real reasons why things happen.

I find it funny that every time a red shirt is injured their backers on this board accuse the government while injuries to third party or government workers immediately result in a claim of government conspiracy. Personally I just don't think the government has the ability to come up with such grandiose plans. If you need any proof of this, just visit your local Visa branch.

For the Thai Government to come out with this statement shows how stupid they really are,what actual evidence have they got to come out with this stupid statement....Are they trying deliberatly to involve farangs and ruin the countrys tourism prospects...Panitan Wattanayagorn what a plonker.

I don't know why you find this so incredulous. The individual said that "we" are going to loot Central World and burn it down. He apparently has been at previous red shirt peaceful protests (down in Pattaya during the ASEAN conference) and it is not much of a stretch to claim that he had foreknowledge of the incident. I am sure his arrest will be an effort to get him to name those individuals that he may have overheard discuss this premeditated arson. Watch the video. Some are claiming drugs, but could just be someone hyped up by the environment and frenzy of the other protestors. He really did not sound any more hyped than some of the red leaders that appeared on stage.

I also believe that most foreign countries would detain him as well based on the video and his amazing foresight as to what would happen. The way that Central World went up, I really doubt that it was a spontaneous act but I will let our fire experts and red arsonists comment on that claim.

For everyone's amazement and incredulity -

Well the video is pretty straightforward. Those that still support this "peaceful demonstration" are either weak minded and don't fully grasp the violent leaders manipulating the people or are spouting off BS rhetoric and fully support the terrorist leaders behind the red shirt movement. Please do not reply unless you have watched the video. Then, please comment on how the speakers who fomented the burning and destruction of these Thai properties, hospital and private homes are acting as anything other than armed insurrectionists. Bet you can't do that.

It is not really an extension it is more a period of limbo while they consider your application.

The approval should be back before the 3rd so I would not worry about it. If you are near the office you could even stop by to see if it is already back.

They probably would give you another stamp if wasn't.

Just wanted to say thanks for the assistance and also give a little update on timeframes and the procedures that Ayutthaya is following or not following. My consideration time ran out on 3 July and I had been calling to determine if my extension had been received. No luck, so on 3 July I showed up at the immigration office with my wife. No extension yet and no stamp to give me permission to stay longer in the country while waiting for my extension. When my wife asked, they said to not worry about the end date and to call back on 9 July. On 9 July, they said they had the extension and I picked it up on 10 July. So I basically stayed in country with no legal permission and did not have to pay for an overstay when I finally picked up my extension. Not being a newbie here, I knew that I could be caught and might have to pay an overstay fee, but I also knew this was unlikely since I do not hang around areas that typically have a passport check. With tha said, I am sure this is not the normal process, so what is the process? Should they have given me another consideration extension or asked me to leave?

BTW, the total time for Ayutthaya was around 55 days from application submitted until extension received.

Last year we had to submit two sets of everything at Ayuthaya. We had to wait two months for the decision because they only send things down to Bangkok once a week or so they said last year. Take a photo outside and in front of your house number. Same photo again next year. The map indicating where your house is. Plus all the documentation times 2. Don't forget the tolerant, culturally sensitive, easy going attitude and you'll have a good time there.

I am heading towards this same 60 day decision that you describe above. My extension runs out on 3 July and have been waiting almost 50 days for approval on my visa. Will the Ayuthaya office just give another extension if the documentation has not yet been returned to the Ayuthaya office?

Svenn,

Why don't you just set up whatever type of account you need in your homeland to obtain 3% and then set up a savings or checking account also in your homeland where you deposit 30K per month. You could leave the ATM card with your partner and she could withdraw this money when necessary.

I have seen the small bottle screw on fuel at Super Sports in Central Chidlom. I'm not sure if Coleman has a special fuel requirement or if this will work. They do sell a stove there and I believe it is either the Whisper lite or the MSR stove. Since I was not looking for a stove or fuel, I did not look closely at the make up, but this place probably has more camping equipment than any other store that I have seen in BKK. Might be worth checking out. Good luck.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister CHITCHAI WANNASATHIT (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์), mobile phone registration in the southern provinces has helped alleviate the regional turbulence, as it helps prevent insurgents from detonating bombs by using mobile phones.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 December 2005

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know you are only quoting the Deputy Prime Minister, but could someone with a few more brain cells help to explain how registering sims will prevent someone from remotely detonating a bomb? Unless it's a real smart phone and knows it is connected to a bomb, the call still occur and the bomb will still go boom. Since many people here have registered without showing any identification whatsoever, I fail to see how they can even track anyone down after a bomb blast to arrest them. I guess no terrorists would think of using fake ID either. Anyways, I guess I'll register and hope I don't lose my phone in the unlikely event that it is used to commit any felonies.

My bank in the US will allow me to dial them and pay for the call (not their 800 number, but their direct dial number); however, I do not know what number to dial here in Thailand to access this service. In the US, you just dial a zero before the number or get operator assistance. Here in Thailand, I have no clue. I am using a mobile phone with 1-2 call. Does anyone have this information? If not possible, can I do this from a normal landline? Thanks.