bkkjames

No expat with any self respect is going to complain to the police or even worse to the immigration about a matter like this.If somebody shoots at you go ahead complaining.

Go to the village chief and dont forget to take along with you some liquid chrismas present and mention this little disturbance on your way out.I am sure he has some good advise to give you.

Expat? You haven't read the thread.

Majority of the posts here aren't advice. I appreciate anyone who's helped.

I'm going to let it stew for a while and wait for them to come back from Taiwan. If they don't budge then I'll deal with the law.

Moderators, feel free to lock this topic.

My post was pure advice, straight from the heart. You catch more bees with a honey than you do on your own....or something like that.

just turn the volume down and look at jamie yeo, it would take a crow bar to get me off her

i just had to google image search her and it was worth it.

though i reckon bkkjames would prefer jamie redknapp.

stevie, like my choice of football teams, the women i associate with are all class...don't mention this my wife though.

But that 200 mile drive from essex and having to leave for home before you have finished must be a drag

well, unlike certain LP fans, I have never been accused of premature withdrawl, so at times what you mentioned can be a problem.

not like your teams premature withdrawal from the FA cup a few years back then

happy xmas mate, have a good one

a few year's back? that was last year mate, ps I hear Torres will play this week.

Its a very good decision, it will create a lot of jobs in the building industry, also the plan for re-schooling for laid of employees is an excellent plan.

Both are already implemented with great success in the EU.

Well seeing as these new qualified new homes are only in housing estates, it appears that only one's to benefit are really the LH's, Sansiri's and others of that ilk. I don't really think anyone who is contemplating buying a 8 million baht up house will be spurred into action on it because of the minimal tax break offered by this.

Purely and simply it appears to be nothing more than a way to try and prop up lagging property stocks.

just turn the volume down and look at jamie yeo, it would take a crow bar to get me off her

i just had to google image search her and it was worth it.

though i reckon bkkjames would prefer jamie redknapp.

stevie, like my choice of football teams, the women i associate with are all class...don't mention this my wife though.

But that 200 mile drive from essex and having to leave for home before you have finished must be a drag

well, unlike certain LP fans, I have never been accused of premature withdrawl, so at times what you mentioned can be a problem.

My brother recently got scammed by a bangkok agent to.. His was a bit different made a booking got email confirms of the flights and booking, made payment (by bank !!) and then assumed all was fine.. 2 days before the flight he checks to find out that the booking was never executed and no tickets booked. He was then offered a lower quality (3 month open not 6 month open) at a higher price in true bait and switch tactics, as he had connecting flights and commitments he had little choice but to take it.

He contacted the ATTA and they made soothing noises and said they would help.. And didnt.. The airline said (quite rightly) it wasnt thier fault..

LOS.. Land Of Scams..

ok, if that doesnt work, get yourself a yellow or red shirt and start protesting in front of their offices

The "I want to see her burn" comment speaks volumes about your character and class, by the way...

If you had to live with these people you probably would come to this too.

"Their kids know English. They just ignore everyone"..so by this statement then have you have actually talked to the Taiwanese parents directly then ?....just through the kids ?

Have complained to them too and they just acted confused and walked away. The kids tell the parents and they just kind of laugh.

I still cant see why you are trying to "burn" the maid as you so eloquently put it...there are other avenues that could be persued..

The maid herself smarts off to us, and getting rid of her could put the Taiwanese parents in a tough spot knowing that they have even further limited communication and people who are genuinely pissed at them.

some solutions for you on this fine Christmas Day.

1) Maid - just shag her and get it over with

2) Dog - when you bbq, save a little for him

3) Kids - buy them a football or PS3

4) Taiwanese parents - invite them over for a night of tequila and nachos

happy new year.

there has to be an award for naam and bendix... keep it nice

Bender - so many options available

Salathip at the Shangri-La would get my vote. The Marriott is more of a buffet set up at night outside. Don't know Peninsular at night so cannot comment, nor alternatives at the Oriental.

I've been on a few river cruises and often found them very disappointing.

Thanks to all for their suggestions. I agree that cruise dinners are often disappointing, at least in terms of food. I think we're moving slightly away from the river and considering Baan Khanitha -- the branch at Silom/South Sathorn. It appears to me to be "convenient" to a day along the river.

convenient yes, but impressing guests?? - IMO, the river is much more attractive than Sukhumvit. Keep doing some research, there are some stand alone Thai restaurants on the River that get pretty good reviews on here if my memory serves me correct.

hehe. merry xmas mig.

i think this week's game with Villa will determine whether the Gunners are Gonners.

just turn the volume down and look at jamie yeo, it would take a crow bar to get me off her

i just had to google image search her and it was worth it.

though i reckon bkkjames would prefer jamie redknapp.

stevie, like my choice of football teams, the women i associate with are all class...don't mention this my wife though.

Get ATTA involved if they are a member or PATA, most of these travel agents are. Failing that, office of Consumer Protection. Don't forget EVA as indirectly it does reflect on them.

how many of you actually carry your passports on you?

I always carry mine (along with my WP) but haven't been stopped once in almost three years living here.

carry your work permit? no need, and if I am not mistaken, it must be kept at your place of work at all times.

1) No more making fun of stevie's accent, bald head and tattoo

that's not me right? i'm not bald. but i will try to make it down to BKK at some point for a football night.

season's greetings one and all. all i want for christmas is a fit fernando torres, a cruciate ligament snap for wayne rooney, gastroenteritis (again) for alex ferguson, a pair of glasses for arsene wenger and jail time for john terry. i think we can all agree that they would improve world peace.

it's just possible i may get drunk tonight.

sorry stevie, just assume all scouser's fit that description.

Good picture and the north tower looks like it is being completed, but there is no cran and just raw rebar on the south tower closest to Sukhumvit.

Doesn't really look like a busy building site.

You are correct, the south tower (assuming that's the hotel) does look like not alot is happening other than the blue construction cladding.

I can't help wondering if somebody wheeled the trolley out of the store while she was off???

That would add some logic to the situation, as other posters were curious about if the trolly ever left the store, as well.

If somebody else was already arrested, for wheeling it out, and then she was nabbed as an accomplace, in their eyes, would they tell her that part of it?

If the cart never left the store, you should write letters to local, provincial, and federal political reps and also the monks, as well as the you know who.

Get a tv crew involved.

hilarious. where is Geraldo Rivera when we need him? By the time you get any attention her sentence will be served. Then what you gonna sue the BIB for illegal arrest?

anyone look at the video surveliance tapes yet? chances are the accused and convicted didn't like what she saw on TV.

perhaps if ol mother in law had a small convenience store you might be able to twist the story enough to make it a farang company vs thai mom and pop operation or something similar. Perhaps you can get some friends and go protest in front of the store - seems to be in trend these days.

just turn the volume down and look at jamie yeo, it would take a crow bar to get me off her

She's here now.

This is one idea that I think we can all agree on in this forum. ggrrrrr perhaps MIG16 will not though, oh well who cares.

have you ever seen a wheel chair ramp at any restaurant or store here? if you have I can assure you that it was put in for shopping carts or shipping trolly purposes only - it just so happens they are wheelchair friendly as well

Yep I understand that many people in LoS don't give a flying <deleted> about disabled access. Perhaps an anonymous email to Starbucks & McDonalds executive board might 'prod' them into quizzing the franchisee about this matter.

Simon

while you are at it, can you drop in a line to ask Starbuck's how business has been since they imposed their non-smoking outdoors regulation. I have nothing against making smokers having to sit outside in the heat, but do they honestly believe non-smokers will put up with the heat / sun / traffic / noise when aircon is available? Now nobody sits outside and I suspect smokers just moved to another cafe for their caffiene and nicotine injection.

been into the Starbuck's at Luang Suan and near the Hyatt a few times since they imposed this and both have been deserted. They both used to be very full with both non smokers and smokers (sitting outside of course).

better stop now before the anti-smoking brigade chimes in with the usual.

 Well, since non-smokers have, according to your post, seemingly abandoned these places as well, I doubt very much that the lack of business has anything to do with any smoking policies which have been put into effect.  Whatever is the reason for the drop in business might be interesting, though.

not so quick bono...like nightclubs (where a larger percentage of clientelle than average are smokers), the cafe lifestyle if you will, has flourished because it was a place where all types of people would gather - a focal point if you will. Take away a large proportion of this atmosphere (say 50% of the clientelle) and the place as a whole becomes less attractive. It becomes sterile - unfashionable - boring.

People want to be where the action is, where it is 'cool' to be seen. Ever been to a nightclub full of non smokers, exciting - not. And for those places where people go outside to smoke, more oft than not, it's one of the busiest places in the bar / club.

Anyways, this is going way off topic.

Yep I understand that many people in LoS don't give a flying <deleted> about disabled access. Perhaps an anonymous email to Starbucks & McDonalds executive board might 'prod' them into quizzing the franchisee about this matter.

Simon

while you are at it, can you drop in a line to ask Starbuck's how business has been since they imposed their non-smoking outdoors regulation. I have nothing against making smokers having to sit outside in the heat, but do they honestly believe non-smokers will put up with the heat / sun / traffic / noise when aircon is available? Now nobody sits outside and I suspect smokers just moved to another cafe for their caffiene and nicotine injection.

been into the Starbuck's at Luang Suan and near the Hyatt a few times since they imposed this and both have been deserted. They both used to be very full with both non smokers and smokers (sitting outside of course).

better stop now before the anti-smoking brigade chimes in with the usual.

I post this here cause we all know this is where is will end up in the summer - maybe....

Jose plans Premier return

Former Chelsea boss reveals last-minute national team U-turn

Mourinho: England romance

I never hide. I am in love with the English game. I have to go back one day, for sure. I just love it.

Jose Mourinho

Quotes of the week

Inter Milan head coach Jose Mourinho has told Sky Sports News he plans to return to the Premier League, while the Portuguese revealed he will not consider managing an international side for another 15 years.

Mourinho enjoyed a hugely successful three years as Chelsea boss, lifting two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and also the Carling Cup on two occasions.

The 45-year-old took over at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in June this year and, while he has endured friction with the media, he has enjoyed success on the field with his side currently top of Serie A.

Mourinho, who is due to tackle Manchester United in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League, has confessed his passion for England's top flight while confirming he will also look to manage in Spain.

He told Sky Sports News: "I never hide. I am in love with the English game. I have to go back one day, for sure. I just love it.

Hat-trick

"One of my ambitions is to win the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga. The three big championships in Europe.

"One day I will go back to England because I love it and one day I will go to Spain to win La Liga. But at the same time, I am really, really happy with Inter.

"I want to make Inter a better club. I am very, very happy with the way things have gone so far. It has been a new start to me.

"My team is almost like I used to call my Chelsea team in 2004/2005, a 'victory machine'. You always have a feeling you will win because the team is so strong."

Mourinho was strongly linked with the England job after former boss Steve McClaren was sacked from his role and he has admitted he came close to taking up the position before concluding that it was too early in his career to leave the domestic game.

He said: "I did it [turned down the role] because I wanted to be happy. To be happy I need to (work with the players every day).

U-turn

"I do miss playing every day during Christmas. So can you imagine me being a national team coach? Playing a game every month? Three weeks without a training session?

"I almost went but at the last moment I started to imagine my life... a suit every day, going to the office, travelling to stadiums. A national team has to wait 15 years for me. I have too much energy."

Mourinho also spoke of his difficulties with the Italian media, adding: "I cannot go to the press and say 'we didn't defend well'. I cannot say 'this player made a mistake'. I cannot do it.

"For me in the beginning it was a real moment of pressure, of disagreements. I was not happy to answer. I was tired. But I have to do my job.

"For one hour (after games) I have to speak with the press and I hate it, I really hate it. But I have to adapt due to the contractual situation. I will never enjoy it though."

(Posting in the general section for best response...)

I recently carried out a survery of the popular Bangla Road (Phuket) area to ascertain which areas were accessible for wheelchair users. It was heartening to find wheelchair/pushchair ramps at each side road, as well as reasonable acccess to the adjacent bar sois.

However, I was very surprised to find that the recently opened Starbucks and McDonalds premises in Bangla Road were totally inaccessible for wheelchair users, due to high access steps and lack of ramps.

I Googled on relevant laws and found a statement 'A new law that ensures new buildings are constructed with facilities for the disabled. A ministerial regulation ensuring this has been in effect since September 2, 2005'

Can anyone point me to a website that details this regulation?

I'm not a wheelchair user myself, nor am I some sort of wheelchair activist! But I am very surprised to find that although the Starbucks and McDonalds premises were constructed only a few months ago, no provision seems to have been made by these international brands to provide ramp access for wheel chair (or pushchair) users.

I do hope to 'embarrass' both companies by pointing out these access problems. Phuket needs all the tourists it can get. If the small beer-sois can manage to provide wheelchair access, then these international brands should also meet their responsibilities.

Simon

Just be careful who's buttons you start pushing Simon around here or you might need a wheelchair yourself . Most of these stores you talk about are franchises I believe with individual owners.

If you want to start down this route though, I suggest you go to the bts and ask them about wheelchair access at all of its stations. None at Nana from what I have seen. or go to the BMA and ask them about the sidewalks in the city - most are barely walkable - nevermind in a wheelchair.

Well, after hearing many years ago that Sly Stallone never wears the same underwear more than once, I believe anything is possible.

Perhaps the importer can rebrand the as*wipe for the local market to make it more appealing.

Charmin...

- "When you butt needs a pampering after a long night"

- "It's the key to better bowel movements"

- "Imported from America for Americans"

- "Can also be used as fancy table napkins"

- "Helps You and Dr Spock get rid of the Kling-ons"

Prices go up and some members here complain to the heavens, prices stay the same and it's the same sarcastic banter.

Now, prices are being slashed and the same old members are putting the boot in again. Can't you give Thailand and the TAT etc... a break? I think they are really trying their best. Well done.

I have no doubt TAT is doing the best it is capable of.

Natural Beach is a low-rise hotel. The third floor must be the top floor. So he fell 10 metres? And died?

10 meters onto your head would do it

ditto to all of the above. While I am here, this is my list of football resolutions for 2009

1) No more making fun of stevie's accent, bald head and tattoo

2) No more making fun of MSingha beer's shirt sponsorless club - unless called for.

3) No more making fun of John Terry's hair or choice of footwear

4) No more jokes about Arsenal Wengers grey suits and red ties

5) No more laughing at J-Star's threats in private - in public is much for satisfying

6) No more hamming it up at the expense of Torres

7) No more laughing loudly at City - very tough to do but I will try. (city please help me with this ok, win a game or two)

8) No more jokes about Didier Dogma - no need to make anymore - he does enough by himself

9) No more telling everyone that CR is the best player in the world - no sense stating the obvious again and again

10) No more correcting Ian Polter Cat on his hairstyle and choice of pants

and finally,

11) No more throwing the remote control when NANCI misses yet another pass - I won't have to when he is sold off to Arsenal in a few weeks times.