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richard_smith237
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Posts posted by richard_smith237
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I had a ‘Thai’ moment the other day. I jogged across the road and flagged down a taxi.
I’d opened the front door to get in and tell him where I would like to go when I heard a kind of giggle/murmur from a couple of girls 10m down the rd. I immediately realised I’d just stolen their taxi, I told the driver to take them and I’ll get the next cab. I apologised to the girls telling them I hadn’t noticed them while crossing the road (as I was watching out for traffic).
The similar thing has happened to me before, but I have been the one waiting when someone takes the taxi I was flagging down. I always speak out and never or very very rarely get an apology.
It’s not ignorance, because everyone understands courtesy and manners. I’ve been here long enough to know that everyone here knows its rude to jump a cue, push in, not give way etc. Its simple selfishness, self-centredness and the result of a hierarchal society where everyone thinks they are more important than the next person.
It’s bad manners and people do it because they can. So, those who don’t let it happen to them, good for you.
Those who think they are guests and let things like this continually occur regardless of how much money they have spent will continue to get walked over.
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New lesson learnt here, thanks for the post.
Get stopped by the police while driving your car, open your window partially then access your ID out of arms reach, this also prevents them from leaning in and taking the keys (which I’ve heard they also do sometimes).
For anything more, many of us who have lived here for some time have made some connection with someone who as always said “any problems give me a call”.
After reading this post and while feeling the frustration of the Op and his friend I fell as though I would like to get caught in a similar situation and see how that pans out after calling my friends (they are sick of seeing their name tarnished by the dirty ones and IMO deserve the respect for the work they do, I am often surprised at their control after hearing many of their stories as RTP).
This story is quite worrying and quite frankly disgusting, it reminds me of watching movies of bent USA cops smashing lights out and charging the drivers with an offence.
In many years I’ve never been inconvenienced by a dodgy Police officer, but I read so many stories in TV that I feel it’s only a matter of time until I do.
Shocking story.
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This is a widely known danger in Thailand. And rather than being an urban-myth or an Old-wives tale, this one is true because someone always knows someone it happened to.
It happed to someone I know. And she was definitely drugged. It wasn’t the fact that she was sitting on the sunny side of the car, tired and started to feel sleepy after a long afternoon. It was drugs for sure because that’s what she has heard has been happening…
Without a separate passenger compartment or breathing apparatus for the driver I’d have say ‘Busted’ there is no way this myth is even feasible.
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No takers ?
A taxi would be the best option IMO. I think there might still be a B50 surcharge for taking a taxi from the airport so be aware of that.
You will also have to pay tolls...
I'd guess that the best way to get to Chitlom would be to head into town on the toll way take the Sukhumvit exit and turn right to Chitlom - It's quite a simple trip if you get a sensible taxi driver.
The whole trip should not cost more than B300 (including surcharge and tolls) and take you around 30mins depending on traffic.
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Not confessing to anything on this forum... Paranoid. Yes!
Things friends have done....
Smoked a doobie
Driven over the alcahol limit
Speeding, red light jumping
Buying bootleg DVDs / computer programs
Buying Tax free wine
Exceeding customs limits
Drinking after hours
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It's quite worrying given what could happen. And why do they do it? Is it just westerners?
Friends in the Thai Police force have told me to tell them that if the want to search me to take me to the station and carry out the search there. Although in practice this is much more difficult.
I've never heard of any wrong doing i.e. Planting drugs etc in order to extort money. But given all the other stories we hear about this one can't be far off...
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Sin-sod will be 1MB. I don’t own any gold and I don’t wish to buy any for a wedding just to sell it again.
I’ll provide the 1MB according to tradition. My girlfriend’s family will add any gold according to tradition and the amount they feel is necessary.
I’ll get the 1MB back. We are going to be given land in BKK to build a house on. We might (not confirmed yet) get some cash to assist with the house build.
An engagement ceremony will be held at a hotel of her choice a few months before we have our wedding party, her father will cover all costs of the engagement ceremony.
It’s going to be a combination of a Thai/western wedding party, or what might be called a cocktail party with a few speeches and what I hope will be a cracking after party.
I’ll wear a western style suit, I’m not Thai I’m British. ‘She’ will wear her style of wedding dress (western style I believe - I’ll have no idea until I see it on the day).
The wedding reception / function is at a hotel of her choosing and its her dream location. I’m fine with that as we will probably profit from the wedding party (guests give a donation).
We will both get life insurance, we will both make a will, we will arrange a 30 year lease (which is for me). We are both smart, practical, realistic and very equal.
We will enjoy our life without any of the paranoia that I see so often on this forum. I doubt I would be doing things with much of a different attitude if I were in the UK marrying a British lady.
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I experienced something similar at an airline checkin counter.
An Indian lady already in front of me invited about 7 friends to join her in the que. I pointed out that this was unfair so she just put me in front of her. I then pointed out that this was still unfair to the others in the que and that if she wanted to que together with her friends then be considerate to others and que From the back.
Others in the que thanked me.
Sometimes people know waht they are doing is wrong, they are just trying to take advantage....
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I'm considering selling my MKIII. Sept 2004. Still in Warranty (5 years until next month). Just had a new alternator replaced under warranty. Just had its 50,000 KM service.
If I get 3.2MB for it, I'll sell it.
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I go home and ‘wow’ at the cars on offer…. as much as I hate it, I have to deal with the fact that the taxes and inflated prices as they are exist here and it won’t change soon. Given that, I’d still like an opportunity for more choice.
And…
It’s hard to drive in a country where a £54k GTR costs 8MB *(£140k+)…
…. The list is endless….
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With a lack of confrontationalism* it’s to easier to wear a ‘jacket of ignorance’ or the underwear of ‘not giving a toss’ because it doesn’t affect you’….
That attitude appears to help those who want to take advantage of others.
*verbism, I know
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You have been very detailed I’m sure many forum members will respect your honesty and offer only candour in their advice.
IMO The best answer you are going to get is the one from 7by7…
Please be careful… cynics will follow and I feel that their advice might also be worth adhering to.
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I you have a STD you can use habaneros.
Just smash them in the mortar and the apply to your private parts.
If it doesn't cure you it will prevent you from transmitting the disease.
I don't know if its your icon (or whatever it's called), your user name or your comments, but I have to thank you.... I chuckled....
There was no vote for... I think I'm hard but my girlfriend eats stuff that makes me cry...
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This looks like a great car and a pleasant change from the large 4-door sedans.
http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-coupe/
I've never seen one on the road here so I assume they aren't for sale in LOS. Any ideas as to why??? It seems they want everyone in this segment to buy a Civic. The streets of Chiang Mai are full of them, but I never really liked the shape. The Accord Coupe looks much nicer.
Any ideas why its not for sale?
I've never seen one on the roads here in Bangkok either. I'd like to see it for a reasonable price.
But given that the Nissan 370Z is 4.4MB I wouldn't imagine an accord Coupe coming in at less than 2.5 or even 3.0MB. The BMW coupes are also about +/- 2MB more than the sedan models.
Its a shame as I think the Coupe models are always significantly better looking than the sedan models.
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Sounds an odd request.
But what does it matter if you get the money? Surely there is no crime involved anyway, at least not from your side.
Is it possible that the courier company they use would swap the Singha cans for something else sent in my name ?
Bingo...
Directly traceable back to you...go directly to jail, do not collect 150 Euro...
150 Euro Fee to send something you can buy in the UK...
...if it sounds to good to be true.......Exactly - which is why I was not even contemplating this from the start. So the question is, Who has got hold of an ex-colleagues' (ex-boss to be more accurate) e-mail address and password and made this request?
This one has really stirred my curiosity. If I get the courier and destination address I'll post it here. I'll also be forwarding them to the police to be checked out officially.
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Sounds an odd request.
But what does it matter if you get the money? Surely there is no crime involved anyway, at least not from your side.
Thats what I'm curious about. It just sounds too dodgy. Is it possible that the courier company they use would swap the Singha cans for something else sent in my name ? That is really where I think it is dodgy and why I'm not doing it.
I'm waiting for more information to see how this would've developed.
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Someone I trust has just asked me this….
“Are you in Thailand at the moment? Got a very small 'job': buy 6 cans of Singha stuff, call a courier company and send to an address in UK. (Marketing thingy). Fee? 150 euros for you, courier paid by them. Can you do it for us?”
Now this sounds rather dodgy and uncharacteristic of my friend. I’m not in Bangkok at the moment. We both earn enough money for €150 to be of little or no significance.
I am therefore wondering if someone has managed to get hold of his e-mail address and password and is running something dodgy, and if so how so?
OR, is anyone aware of some sort of Singha beer promotion in the UK.
I’m not going to do this anyway as it simply sounds rather dodgy.
I’m wondering what many of the forum members would think if they got a similar message from a trusted friend.
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It seems to me that 30,000B per month might be a request simply to see if you are willing to put up.... Either way she is being influenced by what she thinks she should be getting out of this relationship and this financial aspect has rightly so put you on alert, as should the ease with which she can apparently emotionally blackmail you.
Rather than the financial request, I'd be quite alarmed at her behavior since her expectations have not been met.
Correction (confusion over amounts with another running thread).
It seems to me that 50,000B is a request simply to see if you are willing to put up.... Either way she is being influenced by what she thinks she should be getting out of this relationship and this financial aspect has rightly so put you on alert, as should the ease with which she can apparently emotionally blackmail you.
Rather than the financial request, I'd be quite alarmed at her behavior since her expectations have not been met.
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The reason allot of posters have a facination with LBs is because the LBs that we are exposed to are usually very attractive.
That works for me. When I see a stunning looking woman I will take a look. When I see a stunning looking woman then notice she is a ladyboy I I continue to notice their attractiveness and beauty.
I think that some of the ladyboys in Thailand are quite frankly stunning to look at and it amazes me that a man can turn himself into an image I find attractive.
Not a Closet fruit by the way - I just think that society has developed enough for people respectful of others and not to be intimidated by others who are different, so long as they are respectful of others too.
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Out drinking is extremely expensive and western girls are extremely expensive :/ Need the best restaurants, the best nightclubs ..... Not normal to spend that amount of money, but compared to thailand its ridiculous.
I think western guys have this all way wrong. I mean we jump to the conclusion as soon as a thai girl asks for money she is bad.
During 5 months this was the only time she asked, and a western girl is alot faster to ask and does the money get used for something good? To help someone poor? No its for the latest clothes with the most expensive brand. Lets face it, thai girls aint 1% as bad as western girls.
Jason your not experianced enough with western women. Over the last 10 years or so they are earning around the same money as the average Joe in middle management. Most girls will insist on paying 50/50 for dinner at least on the first few dates, its empowerment and gives them a choice without feeling guilty for not "putting out" if they dont want to.
Yeah eventually, but they will eventually also start eating junkfood because what is the point in looking good anymore since they got you? Sit home, watch tv or go out shopping or at restaurants. Thai girls look good because they are healthy of nature. Candy? No yuck! Junkfood ? Nope no meat! Fish and rice? Oh yes please!Just another example of how different thai girls can be. I suggested to my girlfriend that we could go climb a mountain. Well we walked in the middle of the jungle, she in high heels and did not complain 1 second. We saw a big waterfall and a big cliff there. I stopped naturally since this would be dangerous. She took off her high heels, climbing on wet stone and got all of her clothes wet since she climbed inside the waterfall. She then screamed take a picture ! That was just so badass, not even Rambo would do this. Like no western girl would ever do this. Thai girls impress me hehe. That was the sickest thing i have ever seen anyone do.
I think zorro1's comment sums everything up quite nicely on many of the Thai female Vs Western Female debate. Western females simply have more choice. The 'start eating junk food' comment seems to be a rather harsh generalized and sweeping statement in the same manner of a statement suggesting that Thai women can't hold an intelligent and worldly wide conversation.
It seems to me that if a man meets a lady Thai or otherwise who is within their 'range' (Range in this case referring to socioeconomic level, financial security, level of education) there is a far higher chance of success.
I for one would not let my GF be walking around the jungle in heels. But we've climbed mountains (more like hills), ski'd, sailed, wakeboarded, dived.... Girls don't normally roll around the floor in a shopping mall because they find something so funny (although they might in the privacy of their home).
There are certain ways to behave in public and I hazard a guess and suggest that some of this reported behavior has made others around her become uncomfortable and judged her (perhaps incorrectly).
A woman who is prepared to walk through a jungle in heels, roll around on the floor at your jokes appears to me like a woman who has no difficulty in requesting money and that most of the behavior may have been somewhat of an act.
I do not wish to offend anyone with these statements and I am sympathetic to those who offer their less wealthy girlfriends financial support as quite often its difficult for a girlfriend, if poorer, to feel totally at ease in environments that are beyond her normal financial and social boundaries unless they are 'looking the part' or 'feel the part' and I imagine that may involve some cost at somepoint. But, behavior can also be linked to self respect and education and in a society where everyone watches everyone else while making their social comparisons it might be very tempting to 'put one up' the snobs. But quite frankly all this behavior does is let both parties down as a couple. There are people who don't care what others think of them or their behavior, but I'd guess that these are the same sort of people who have no interest in forums such as this.
It's an unfortunate way of the world that people judge each other by what they see based on their impressions and judgments in the first few seconds, this often appears to have an impact on how politely we are treated and dealt with on a day to day basis.
It seems to me that 30,000B per month might be a request simply to see if you are willing to put up.... Either way she is being influenced by what she thinks she should be getting out of this relationship and this financial aspect has rightly so put you on alert, as should the ease with which she can apparently emotionally blackmail you.
Rather than the financial request, I'd be quite alarmed at her behavior since her expectations have not been met.
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this is the best thread I have read since Grumpy Old Man?
this should be made into a movie
keep it coming.
Grumpy Old Men? Where is that thread? My interest is piqued since you say it was so good.
Grumpy Old Man - Is that the thread about the guy in the Oriental Coffee shop at the Emporium Shopping mall in Bangkok?. He always wanted his seat and if someone was in 'his' place he'd throw a wobbly !
By the way - Great thread and enjoyable to read, next installment please ?????
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Get a life ?
With that attitude you wouldn't last long in the offshore environment anyway - the words 'Run Off' spring to mind.
Who were you comments directed at ?....cos actually I do work offshore and generally I am the one who does the "running off"....
Another important attribute to work offshore....sense of humour...
Not you Soutpeel - the comments were directed at the Op who suggested that others who have tried to help him 'get a life'....
NRB for the Op I think....
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maybe you want to consider improving your personal skills before embarking on work which involves close team interpersonal skills, such as out on a rig ....interpersonal skills - unarmed combat and the ability to kick lumps out each other and not bare a grudge against each other once you are back on the beach drinking cold beer...
Only kidding...
But yes...a very valid point...known of many who started working offshore and were very competant in their jobs, but ended up getting run off, just because of their attitude...Strangely enough...usually the bubbleheads...must be something they are breathing in the gas mix...
Get a life ?
With that attitude you wouldn't last long in the offshore environment anyway - the words 'Run Off' spring to mind.
As others have mentioned, without experience, a specific skill set and the correct certification you have no chance.
But if your aim is to live in Thailand and rotate to work in other countries then you might have a chance. Although unless you are at a senior level companies might be reluctant to pay for travel when locals can easily be employed.
So..... If you are looking to start off as a roughneck etc.. your only chance would be to start off from home and work your way up to a level of seniority where you can work abroad.
If you have specific skills and experience then its something you could still pursue given the right set of circumstances.
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Even though I have not yet done so, based on what I have read on this forum I recommend that having a Thai drivers licence can only be a positive thing although I have not found it necessary in the past.
Two points to consider on this arguement.
In Thailand,unlike the UK, its actually the car that is insured and not the driver.
As we know the BIB are not exactly Sherlock Holmes and their invesitgative skills leave a lot to be desired.
Therefore a farang presenting a IDP/oversea's license to the BIB, would be assumed to be a "tourist", therefore chances are they would get away with it for minor infringements...ie fender bender etc...
But hit and god forbid kill a Thai national and there is a "full" investigation, once it is determined you are "Resident" in Thailand, I am certain the issue of not having a Thai DL will come up and once its determined you dont have a valid Thai DL, you will automatically assume blame, irrespective whether you are to blame or not...
I really dont understand why Farangs in Thailand, who could get a Thai DL so easily, insist on driving on an IDP/Oversea's license and saying its ok or even "legal"...as believe currently a person is permitted to drive in Thailand on a IDP/license for a period of 3 months maximum after which they are required to have a Thai DL.
So therefore a Farang who is "resident" in Thailand who has all the doumentation to substantiate the issue of a Thai DL and still doesnt go and get a Thai DL is either:
1. Too lazy
2. Believes that the laws dont apply to them...
My advice...if you are "resident" in Thailand, go and get yourself a Thai DL, it could save you a lot of "pain" later on, at the very least you know you are 100% legal to drive in Thailand, + the added advantages of getting into a lot of dual price places for the same price as a Thai
I have to agree with everything you mentioned here, even the point of being too lazy to get a Thai License. I have also heard about the 3 month limitation.
It something I'll have to do soon. Although, getting the letter of residence / address from the Embassy, getting the medical etc.. seems like a lot of effort for a drivers license that lasts only one year.
...if it sounds to good to be true.......
Traffic Rules - Written And Unwritten
in Thailand Motor Discussion
Posted
If you are a competent driver, drive defensively, are always alert to any of the possible dangers some idiot will always crash into you – its impossible to avoid and it happens here more than at home.
So I disagree with Sherlock, I do get it. I get it very well.
Directly as a result of the way the locals drive here there is a far higher chance of being involved in an accident. I’m sure someone’s response to this will be that we as foreigners have to adapt ourselves to the ‘Thai way of driving’ or ‘think like a Thai driving’… But realistically, Thai’s have a higher chance of being involved in an accident driving in their own country than they would in many of the western countries…
So, we do get it, its more dangerous here because people get inside their cars and flip a switch... It’s the subconscious switch that flicks to “I’m sick of ‘Kreng-jai-ing’ to people” / “I’m sick of being subservient” / “Me First I’m more important than anyone else”… etc etc…
I drive very defensively and I manage to avoid accidents on a daily basis simply by watching out very-very carefully, a favourite being motorbikes frequent attempts to undertake me while I am turning left. I have to move over to the left to block their advances on my inside or actually stop before making the turn to let them past (in this case risking a rear shunt)….
Yet still, idiots continue to attempt to squeeze through the most impossible of gaps just to get that 5m further on by undertaking me.
I’ve seen some of the stupidest idiotic manoeuvres.
Sorry to say this but while I respect many Thai’s I have no choice but to drive as if every other car on the road is a total idiotic, dumb, self centred and selfish moron who is capable to do anything at any time. I guess many Thai’s drive with the same attitude so it’s no surprise to me that no one on the road has any respect for each other.
As a final point – I know many Thai’s. They all know the rules, are polite and most have good manners, so its not ignorance – it’s simply lack of respect for anyone else which may be a result of a deeper underlying issue with society here.