Spock

14 minutes ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

But that doesn't answer my question. Why are Pit Bulls so popular around the world if they're considered a danger to humans?

I wasn't answering your question. I care for dogs in semi retirement to augment my income, and was in a dog park today with a couple of small dogs where there was a really sweet natured pit bull/staffy cross whose owners have trained her to do 'party tricks' but also been very concerned to adequately socialise the animal. I am always a little concerned with dogs in my care around pit bulls and staffies, but this dog gave no indication of aggression towards people or animals.

When I was teaching some years back in a socio-economically depressed area, many of my students had pit bulls at home which were used in pig hunting. Sometimes when I see a pit bull with a heavily muscled owner I figure the owner wants a dog that mirrors his own personality. In Australia, the majority of pit bull owners are responsible people. To be honest, I am not sure why the breed is so popular. Hopefully it's not because people want a pet want a pet that complements their personality or to be used as a guard dog. I just don't think they are appropriate in country's that allow dangerous animals to live once they have killed or maimed, even if the owner is a nice bloke willing to pay for victims' funerals.

1 minute ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

If Pit Bull breeds are dangerous then why are they so popular around the world?

 

https://www.pitbullinfo.org/pit-bulls-population.html

They should not be allowed in countries like Thailand and Cambodia where they are status symbols owned by people without a clue how to train, socialise or house the animals. Countries where there are no consequences in the event the dog maims or kills people, such as in this instance. 

24 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

And yet Dan Andrews got voted back in.... Victorians have short memories ?

Australians and particularly Victorians value safety over just about anything else. Anyone with children probably saw Andrew's actions as protecting their family despite the wealth of information suggesting that children were barely at risk. On the other hand, a large number of Victorians sold their homes and moved north to warmer pastures, never to return. Many single people living alone had a vastly different experience and perspective of lockdown. Like Trump (though nothing like Trump in ideology) he divides people. Plus the opposition state Liberals are also incompetent. 

If you had been stuck in Melbourne Australia as I was in the longest lockdown in history, you wouldn't have been travelling around taking advantage of cheap hotel prices etc. The 5km limit on travel plus the 8pm curfew made life frustrating and lonely. An absurd travel limit can make all the difference to the joy of quiet nights and deserted streets. 

1 hour ago, connda said:

It never ends.  Pit Bulls, Dobermans and German Shepherds  all need training as well as an owner(s) who can control the dog.  I've been threatened by everyone of those breeds in the owners home (all in the US) after the owner assured me that their dog was just super friendly and wouldn't hurt a fly. 
Show weakness and you've got a problem.  You never put yourself in a submissive posture with any of those dogs.  I don't deal with them any more.  Just don't put yourself in the position to be attacked.
Most of us can show enough dominance to these dogs to make them back off.  Who do they prey on?  Anyone showing weakness:  elderly, young, disabled.  Look at who got attacked here?  Surprised?
I've been attacked by soi dogs here in Thailand.  I've made everyone of them back off. 

I've known too many people who have these breeds of dogs.  "Oh Killer, Fang, and Shredder are just super friendly and wouldn't hurt a fly."  That's all BS.  These people have no control over their animals.  What's worse?  Is their a civil court in Thailand (with a jury) who would award damages for a dog attack?  In the US there is.  Thailand.  "Oh, Killer bite you?  Here's 3,000 THB.  <Wai>  Everything is all good now, mai?"

No, there isn't a court system that will administer significant damages.. (Look at Vorayuth Yoovidhya 'compensation for killing a police officer.  What an elitist joke).  When Fang bites, Shredder shreds, and Killer kills - a few thousand THB  is suppose to paper over an lifetime of damage.  However, if you're a foreigner and you inadvertently touch a Thai HiSo woman?  They need hundreds of thousands or millions in compensation. 

Bottom line:
Don't put yourself or your kids or your grandparents in harms way.

"How would you know Mr. Smarty Pant "Expert."

I've got eight dogs.  A couple of them are dangerous, which is why we have them.  A couple more I don't trust with anyone inside the fence unless my wife or I am around.  But they are fenced and they are territorial.  We have a series of fences.   Just don't be in the wrong fence uninvited. We are VERY upfront with people about that.  The outside perimeter is always locked.  We are REALLY upfront with people about that.  If we let you in - don't wander.  There is no - "Ohhhhh Skippy is just a sweetheart and wouldn't hurt a fly."  Nope - Skippy and her partner will do damage.  Don't wander! 
Don't have dogs you can not control, especially those breeds.  And don't be ignorant.  And if your dog attacks anyone who was invited on to your property?  Control your dogs and take responsibility if things go south.

Can't see the point of keeping dogs that are kept outside and not inside the home. They are supposed to be pets that interact with people, sit on the couch with you and sleep on your bed. Perhaps you live in a very dangerous area and feel the need to keep guard dogs. But I suppose your dogs have a more comfortable life than those outside the perimeter of your property. 

I just hope someone is going to care for his two dogs. I can imagine his wife will do the Thai thing and throw the animals out now that he is gone and the animals loom as a bit of a burden. 

7 minutes ago, billsmart said:

This, of course, is inexcusable, but IMO of living in Thailand for over 20 years, I've seen almost NO ONE give right-a-way to vehicles with their emergency lights on and sirens blaring. I, as I was taught, immediately turn on my emergency blinkers and pull over the side, either side, to let the emergency vehicle pass. When I do that, I am usually honked at by the other Thai drivers and they immediately take advantage of the situation to pass me on the road! ???? 

What are your experiences in situations like this on the highways? 

If true, it doesn't say much for the morality or humanity of the locals.

35 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

He's an untouchable, unrepentant policeman, get over it

The problem with everyone 'getting over it' is that the perpetrators get away with it.

14 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

At least they published his name, if nothing else he is publicly humiliated

They should also have published his address, mobile number and Facebook page. His superior should also have condemned this guy in public.

1 minute ago, Snig27 said:

You really think a) these kids are paying the prices charged by the legal outlets?, and b) this plant was not widely and easily available everywhere before the decriminalisation? 

 

Kids have been able to get their hands on this without issue since forever. 

 

Think about it. It's not rocket science. 

I just assumed that the kids had a spare 700 baht and bought a gram from a Pattaya dispensary. But seriously no street kid would be bothered with marijuana if glue, which provides far more comfort as a time killer and anesthetiser, was available.

As if the average Thai gives a damn about the plight of homeless children or is interested in seeking a genuine solution to the uncertainty and boredom these kids probably endure every day of their lives. 

Back in the 90s when I lived in Thailand, lots of young street kids used heroin, injected and smoked. Two kids are caught smoking cannabis and some react like it's all the rage among Thailand's children. Looking at the photo, my major concern is for the boys' little dog. I hoped it wasn't just left to fend for itself when the cops took the boys to the children's home (from where they are sure to escape once they realise how poorly resourced these places are in Thailand).

8 hours ago, kennw said:

Without proof pot supporters are jumping on the excuse that this was a set up. Maybe they should just acknowledge pot is another drug that should not be encouraged like all drugs including alcohol. So this government places restrictions on the hours that alcohol can be sold why not do the same for pot. Dont get me wrong I enjoy a beer or two, but the whole pot thing smacks of tourism promotion and some behind the scene commercial benefit of certain connected individuals. Good luck with promoting Thailand as a great family holiday venue.

You lost me at 'Dont get me wrong I enjoy a beer or two'.

Just now, bradiston said:

Link?

He said 'probably' so I don't think you'll be getting that link you're after.

1 hour ago, DJ54 said:

It wasn’t a snub… get over it. I avoid shaking hands better safe than sorry…

Right. Good for you. Except that Xi was fine with shaking everyone else's hand.

1 hour ago, mberbae said:

It seems likely China wanted something from Thailand and

Prayuth did not play along.  Bravo to Prayuth.

 

Covid had nothing to do with it.

I am sure you give Prayuth far far more credit than he deserves.