richard_smith237

6 minutes ago, Bangkok Barry said:

If you read the report you would see that the police found screws and nails and metal. So no, not just playing around with gunpowder. They were planning to maim or kill. So vermin.

Yep... we had a tool box too... in it were, nuts, bolts, nails etc... plus tools of course, we also had fuse wire... 

..... If caught in the same situation as an adult I'd have a lot of explaining to do. 

That said: In this case, or at least on the face of it given the published reports so far it would appear that the guys are up to no good... the sort of no good which may imply there are 'vermin' as you so pointed out.... the Police and Soldiers also found Meth... which, when all factors considered doesn't really paint a story of misadventure and high-spirits..

6 minutes ago, bangkokbanjo said:

Did you show the police at the scene? I would be afraid they would confiscate it and you would eventually lose the footage

Sent from my SM-G920V using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Some dash-cams (mine anyway)... have no display screen. The phone links to the cam via WIFI and can either either download the footage, or simply view it. Once downloaded the footage can be uploaded to the cloud etc (its not a tricky process even for those without the technical savvy).

That said: The BiB here are really not that bad, if you have footage that shows what happened they are likely to roll with it. The BiB don't blame the foreigner indiscriminately, they tend to choose to place the costs at the foot of those who appear to be able to more readily afford the damages - usually this also follows the path of least resistance and people tend not to protest this choice as the insurance usually covers all anyway...  .. its just they way things are done - no prejudice involved. 

Just now, Chuckles78 said:

Two small chickens don't make much noise especially when in a big garden like ours. The kids like them so i see no harm in it. 

 

I'm staying in a house in Sydney right now, maybe 400 sqm plot, they also have chickens and i don't hear them.

 

I think we can all agree dogs make more noise. 

Agreed - Dogs, when poorly looked after and or poorly disciplined can and often do make much more of a nuisance of themselves. When well trained and looked after, dogs are hardly noticeable. 

How do you train Chickens to keep quiet ?

That said: My sister has a large garden - 4 chickens, in a coup with a run...  They don't make much noise, the neighbors like them and feed them while my sisters family holiday etc... I think the pesky chucks make an annoying racket, but no more than a dog... 

Thus... Your point is quite valid... 

I've read about some locals being indignant and defiant in the face of common sense and respect for others... now we read of a foreigner who thinks its acceptable to have Chickens in his house at a 'small resort' (moo-baan?)... 

.... of note, the neighbors dogs crapping anywhere doesn't mean its ok to have squawking chickens... 

Perhaps the same people who asked you (your wife) to get rid of the Chickens could also handle the 'dog issue' ?

This is a good tale and exactly the reason I have had Dash-cams in my last 3 cars... 

I have a BlackVue DR650GW-2CH (front and rear facing) installed... never had to rely on it yet... but one day, the same thing will happen. I will be pottering along and an accident happens out of nowhere, completely the fault of the other party.

And with that said, what I really have the Dash-cam for is to protect me in the event the other party is seriously injured or worse... 

I have managed to recored a few dodgy 'transactions' as the open but loaded pickup 'pay the fine' upon entering the toll station... I've also recorded some pretty dodgy driving... 

One thing - the dodgy driving never looks quite as bad from the dash-cam footage... 

Bangkok is a developing Capital City at developed Capital City prices... 

With certainty, most imported items of quality (such as Gortex jacket) etc are priced at a premium in Thailand. 

In comparison to many Capital cities, food in Bangkok is very cheap and excellent quality, ranging from street food to high end establishments any city would be proud to host, yet still priced competitively when compared to its Western cousins....  Drinking is usually more expensive, unless going Thai style and putting a bottle on the table with a group of friends... Hotels are generally cheaper too.... 

All of that said, Bangkok cannot be compared to anywhere in Myanmar - the gulf in development and standards is huge. 

What to do ?... a bike trip across the river to 'the Lung'... its something not many tourists do and shows a side of Thailands Capital not often witnessed by tourists. 

52 minutes ago, Bangkok Barry said:

1 hour ago, Hereinthailand said:

Wow some of you are some rotten people wishing they were injured. Maybe they were just kids having fun, is everyone a terrorist now ? Im sure you were all perfect angels as children.

52 minutes ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Congratulations. You have made the most idiotic TV comment of the month, maybe the year. You think it's childish fun to make bombs that, as they demonstrated, can blow hands off as well as blast shrapnel - nails and screws - into the face etc. So yes, a pity they didn't all blow themselves up instead of just one losing his hands. Vermin.

 

I just hope you were trying to be sarcastic (and failing), because I'd hate to think anyone could be that stupid and still be breathing.

At 11 years old my friend and I discovered how to make gun-powder....  after playing around we'd started making small little bombs when the local Chemist alerted our parents...  We had no idea's of the potential dangers we were about to place ourselves in making what were small (2-4" long) pipe bombs...  We were just kids messing around....

Perhaps you think we were Vermin... however, others would suggest we were just kids who'd discovered gun-powder... we didn't deserve to loose our hands.

Whether this is the same, I'm not sure... It 'Could' have been kids messing around, but if it wasn't, then its something much more sinister - The difference should be clear for the BiB to recognise...

Careful...  in such situations there is always more to the story...  

.. they may have been upsetting people without knowing it... wearing the wrong type of swim shorts... anything... 

... Thai's tend not to have issue when no issue exists... then they can flare up about the simplest of things, but there is always an initial reason, the rest then depends on how it is handled or develops... 

8 minutes ago, vogie said:

Quite correct and not everybody wants to look like Stewart Cink.

you mean you care more for your vanity than your safety...  no need to wear a helmet - there's no intelligence to protect....  Don't wear a seatbelt in a car, it might crease your shirt... Dont wear a helmet on a motorbike, it may impact your hair style... well, or it won't cos you are as bald as a coot and prefer tanning the cue ball when out on a ride... 

Just a response - its still a free world... as such opinions differ... some are bound to think I am over cautious.. I'm bound to think others make unintelligent choices...  

2 minutes ago, rockingrobin said:

I dont think the the flight was overbooked before boarding.

According to the CEO, the flight was fully boarded when crew members approached the gate staff and said they needed to be on the flight

Which makes this even more disgusting...  there are and have always been far more intelligent ways of handling such issues...  Issuing 'cash' rather than the crappy vouchers, or offering a free ticket are simple, easy to implement methods of solving this situation simply and effectively...  

This Airline is either Truly foolish, or extremely arrogant in their handling of this situation. 

4 minutes ago, deepinlaos said:

 

for children they do.

 

I am thinking people that run/jog should definitely be wearing helmets as they are doing the same speed as cyclists. 

You can jog at 35 kmh ?

You jog through traffic ?

Helmets in cycling because the nature of a fall generally has you flying headfirst over the handlebars... 

As I wrote earlier, intelligent balance can be applied.

To be honest - I'm of the opinion that if someone doesn't wish to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle then thats their free choice... however, IF the government chooses to make wearing a helmet while riding a bike the law, I can understand why and have no real objections. 

43 minutes ago, chrissables said:

It is a victimless crime (if it was the law) 

If i am knocked off my bike, i am the victim. 

A tax for not wearing a helmet? Jesus!

For the "if it saves one life brigade" Smoking banned! Alcohol banned! Anyone who is overweight taxed 10 fold on fast food.

Leave me to go for a ride without dressing up like a <deleted>, it's too hot!

IF you are knocked off your bike it may be your fault...  by simply cycling you are not exonerated in any wrong doing in the event of an accident - Cyclists may also be at fault... You never know when you will make a mistake (just like driving a car - we all believe we are the best infallible drivers)....  

So... if you are involved in an accident and its your fault, your injuries may be more severe because you chose not to protect yourself, in doing so you could end up costing your family emotionally... costing the state medical treatment, or costing the insurance more (which in turn increases everyone premiums)... 

Enjoy your ride... I do...  what I do suggest is applying intelligence and balance... The choices we make may impact others quite negatively, so when placing ourselves at risk, do our best to limit that risk... it seems selfish not to, especially for the sake of a simple cycle helmet. 

And lets face it, those cycle helmets are light, have good airflow (they are not too hot) and effected should we take a tumble... Well, unless of course you believe there is nothing to protect in the first place... 

6 minutes ago, ddavidovsky said:

You want security men to act like social workers. I'd rather they acted like security men and kicked ass when necessary - for the good of everyone.

 

This thread has degenerated into a typical whiny faux-outrage fest. Did someone actually say above that the guy's life has been ruined? Everyone needs to strap on a pair and stop promoting victimhood.

 

 

 

 

OK... so you are in a restaurant, you've paid in advance for the meal... then a Waiter comes and tell you to get out because they need your table for someone else....  You would get out happily ?...  you would be happy that security acted like 'Men' and kicked your ass (if necessary) ?... 

This is not 'faux-outrage' it is truly shocking that someone who has paid for their seat can get kicked off a flight in such a manner. It was handled extremely poorly.

I agree that sometimes people do need to strap on a pair - but this is not one of those situations.

Issues like this need to be stood up against... Doing so is for your benefit, for everyones benefit. Next time you fly on a full flight and are not treated this way consider it is so because Airlines have learned a lesson....

Only once have I been made aware my flight was over-booked. 

I was offered money and a hotel to take the following days flight. I can't remember the amount, but I refused. 

This was before Check-In... 

So.. IF they knew this flight was overbooked before boarding - how did this guy get on the flight ?

IF they only found out that the flight was overbooked after boarding, my question is <deleted> is the airline playing at !!!

Handled extremely poorly...  This may cost United in a law suit, it will cost them in revenue. I'll avoid them like I avoid budget carriers. 

I hate using example such as this to make sweeping comments, especially political ones... 

But... its seems this thief has taken a leaf out of the politicians book... heck, pretty much everyones book here... 

... Do something which is clearly morally reprehensible, get caught for it... fight it with complete indignation... like a 5 year old... 

A common sense balance should be applied in approach to any activity with an element of risk, no matter how great or small the risk:

Snowboarding - I used to wear full body protection and helmet (I no longer snowboard)

Skiing - I wear a helmet

Cycling - I wear a helmet and avoid traffic where feasibly possible

Wakeboarding - I wear a helmet (I rarely wakeboard now following a back injury)

Football - I wear boots and shin-pads

Car - I never go anywhere without a seatbelt

Car - My child never goes anywhere unless in the car seat

Taxi's - I prefer UBER as they have seatbelt in the back seats

Motorcycle Taxi's - I avoid then unless completely necessary (2 times last year, 0 times so far this year).

My question is why wouldn't you wear a helmet on a bike? It seems pretty stupid not to. 

Should it be law? perhaps, some people are so stupid they need protection from themselves and often cite 'nanny state' as an excuse not to do something.

People are of the misunderstanding that not wearing a seatbelt in a car, not wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle are 'victimless' decisions... but they are not.. there is a potential knock on effect.

When directly involved as the sufferer of an accident by not wearing helmets etc the injuries could be more severe and longer term where there may otherwise be no other significant consequences... not wearing a helmet seems pretty careless towards loved ones. The impact may also be related to additional financial burden on the heath care.

So.. just like smokers and drinkers are taxed... perhaps those who wish not to wear helmets could pay an additional tax for not wishing to do so - Just a thought... 

IMO: I just don't get why someone wouldn't... As far as bike lanes are concerned - the merits of each one, location and access are different... some could be more dangers and lead cyclists in a false sense of security, others are simply ignored, others such as the Skylane (now closed for refurbishment) are excellent facilities. 

I used it last night in Bangkok... 

... My Wife and I were unsure what we fancied...  Stay in and Cook? not to Cook? Go out and eat, but where? Korean? Thai? International? Japanese?... it was one of those times we were pretty indifferent to anything food wise... 

... I took a look at eatigo for ideas... saw a German place and booked it - 30% off... 

15 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Total waste of money.

 

Applying western thinking again.

Not really...  My Mother in Law wears an engagement ring...  there is no 'once size fits all' when attempting to generalise in Thailand. There is usually a whole spectrum of  'typical' behaviour such that each situation is only handled intelligently based on its individual merit without sweeping generalisation screwing up a logical approach. 

On April 7, 2017 at 4:19 PM, bkk6060 said:

Is it a Thai girl?

I would get cubic zirconia and call it a day.

I know many guys that for some reason their ladies happen to "lose" rings, jewelry soon after receiving them.

Just a thought.

Indeed - my Wife's engagement ring is 3.5 ct....  it stays in the safe, we had a Cubic Zirconia replica made which she now uses when we attend 'events'....

... another friends Wife actually left her ring next to the sink when washing her hands... fortunately 30 mins later it was still there. 

.. for some, walking around with 100's of thousands of Baht on a finger is asking for a little too much trouble... 

A CZ replica is definitely a decent solution. 

4 minutes ago, lujanit said:

During songkran here in BKK is a great time to be a motorist.  Streets virtually empty.

Agreed... its a great time to be in Bkk, to nip across the city, go out to restaurants without having to deal with the traffic... 

Songkran in Bkk is one of my favourite times of year in Bangkok, along with those cool couple of weeks we encounter in Jan. 

In fact - Traffic is the one single irritation I have with Bangkok, otherwise an amazing city. 

I'd like to see a congestion charge bought in much like other major cities. 

There exist the possibility that the Skylane becomes and amazing place... 

Once expanded, it could have restaurants etc, kids play areas... families could go down on weekends, exercise, have dinner... it holds some great potential.... I'd like to see its continued success - it really is an excellent facility already. 

It could be that he's a 're-seller'.... 

.... some guys make a business of contacting private sellers, getting the information on the vehicles, advertising them and selling them on for a 'middle-man profit'.

15 minutes ago, FruitPudding said:

Come on!

 

I don't see why a taxi driver should have to go ANYWHERE they want.

 

What about if they want to go out of town?

 

What about if they want to go to an area not so far away, but it will take 2 hours due to traffic jams?

 

What if he was planning on going home in an hour?

 

What if it's a dangerous area?

 

What if he had already arranged to collect another passenger at a particular place at a particular time and wanted to remain in a reasonable distance?

 

These are all valid reasons. Why should he be a slave and bound to go wherever they please just cos he stopped to pick them up?

 

We have choices in our jobs too, you know. 

 

We all have the right to refuse a potential customer, nomatter our line of work.

 

We all have the right no say, "No". It is a basic human right, in my opinion.

 

You are wrong - Taxi drivers don't have the right to say no - they agreed this when applying for a Taxi licence. 

If they might say no... they don't stop !! its that simple... but really its not quite as black and white as you explain above. 

By allowing Taxi drivers to say No for any reason, the doors will be opened to a multitude of issues, such as cherry picking rides, over charging, not going to certain areas etc..  

When licences are awarded they are awarded as part of a public transport service which supports the whole city without prejudice to certain people and certain areas - your suggestions are extremely shortsighted and ultimately lead to the breakdown in such a service. 

The concern is that some taxi drivers will hear of this news which will only serve to feed their sense of entitlement. 

As industries go, Thai taxi drivers in general are a deplorable bunch. I used to cite a that it was 10% who ruined the image of the many, however, in my experience its about 50% who leave a negative experience.

Those who fail to see any issues with Taxi drivers always cite language, dress code, behaviour etc... but its none of these things, the issues clearly exist with a bunch of self entitled and lazy guys giving the industry a poor name and tarring those who do provide a good service. 

We've all heard the excuses... We've quite recently heard how its against the law for them to refuse a fare. 

Now we have a self appointed PM who is saying its ok for them to break the law. 

10 minutes ago, Borzandy said:

I agree 100%, but two months ago I "lost" my mobile and, if someone had offered to pay 5000 Baht, I think I would have done it.

Any decent human being wouldn't request 5000 baht to return someones phone in the first place.... its your property and should be returned. Anything else can be considered theft.