geisha

I have to admit that in the last 5 to 10 years , the amount of bad news about « tourists » has grown significantly, and the number of people you see on the streets, in bars and restaurants, that frankly shouldn’t be allowed to see in Thailand. I live in France which is the worlds number one tourist’s destination and you hardly hear of tourists behaving badly. Of course you have the usual foreign and thieves and unwelcome people, who generally live in France legally or illegally. Same I’m sure in Germany, Italy, Spain, etc , where the most culprits are drunks getting into fights. Thailand seems to be a magnet for the worst of the human race.

When the euros were first printed I was staying at a well known high rise Patong condo. One day the Aussie manager called me in the hallway and took me to his office . He showed me some euro notes and asked me what I thought. I could see straight up that they were counterfeit. Thankfully for him the guy was still at the condo and was caught. I’ve always been used to handling cash being in business, and it’s easy when you know. Even today, I can spot a good fake on first look. The paper quality to start with then the hologram and the metal line running through is real. Usually fake money is used in markets, small shops , maybe bars , some restaurants. Tho everywhere now abroad has a machine and a pen handy tho it’s rarely needed. They’d never pass in a bank transaction.

Aren’t mobile phones just as dangerous if there’s a faulty /fake battery ?? And maybe a stupid question but I have no idea of such things, is it still a problem in waiting if the mobile is turned off completely ??

Tourists have been warned to not take the tuc tucs in Phuket these days, and every hotel or restaurant has a cheap , comfortable option for you. Last time in Phuket the queue for parked tucs was a km long ! They have committed business suicide.

I doubt he will re enter politics. He’s too old . Of course he will stay interested , and I’m sure he’s got advice for his friends, he’s a very clever businessman, he didn’t become a billionaire by making mistakes, and as erroneously implied by many posters, it wasn’t « stolen » from the Thai people . In my eyes his only mistake was the way the drug runners were handled by the army leading to their deaths. There is still too much drug business in Thailand which hasn’t been handled well , as was seen lately on the Burma border where all mules were killed. Drugs are a huge problem here. Otherwise I believe he did a lot of good helping also the poorer population. I saw him twice in action close up, once on Bangla rd Patong , during the avian flu crisis, where he spoke to the people , the number of very poor country folk in the seedy surroundings of Bangla was very touching, all had bags of food and meat given to them and everyone, including foreigners and tourists were urged to eat the chicken which was cooked by all the restaurants and hotels in Patong. Second time was just after the Tsunami where he was visibly shocked as he walked around the beach talking to people. In 24 hours there was help and clearing and as organized as anyone could hope for. He was very popular back then and I’m sure he is today. My personal hope is that in 4 ( 3?) years Move Forward will be more cautious and become the new party to lead Thailand.

Accompanied by a photo of a pickled liver ?

With Ubonjoe sadly gone, maybe Britman can get some answers to what is actually happening, or going to happen ? As long as the 30 day extension possibility stays , I don’t see a great difference for myself for example ( there are many snowbirds and longstayers ) one can always do a border hop or go to a neighboring country and get another visa. Now if this changes, then there will be a problem, as many of us spend our EU winters here ! My opinion is that such raising of visa costs will only give prospective tourists a bad opinion of Thailand. Another problem is the online application that is designed by a fool. Please , Thai government computer programmers, web developers etc take a look at visas online for Burma, Cambodia, etc and learn.

What about retired tourists as myself ? Should I be subject to interrogation or refusal of entry because I want to stay 2 months or more legally ?

Hi, thanks for that . So far we have contacted 3 , we found one in Hua Hin, which is a good choice being cooler and lots of breeze , and it’s near town . He doesn’t want to be out in the sticks anywhere as he gets around very well. As it’s Sunday their offices are closed so awaiting replies. I thought he’d like the one near Pattaya too as plenty of choice for restaurants / entertainment, and I don’t mean girls , or boys for that matter. He’s very worldly wise having had a top job in South Africa etc in aviation, but on the ground. So he’s very open minded. It’s getting the right one that is important.

Because lots are usually tourists !

Sorry, it’s on second road Jomtien.

I go to the German bakery for bread , ham etc. Breakfast is good.

I’m highly suspicious of these figures. The airline was bankrupt, going from bankrupt to these figures and huge orders to Boeing gets my alarm bells ringing.

When you have real friends you normally know if one doesn’t like seafood , for example, or that another is vegetarian. If a new guest is coming , you usually ask if there’s anything to avoid. Like allergies !!!

Because someone might have experience on the subject. The answer above giving us the videos from « Les »;was very informative. And mentioned lots of other info that was very handy.

Yes, Mabprachan would be a convenient area , but the accommodation looks very plain, like a cheap hotel . I doubt he’d like that .

What about the burning season though ?

No, not for abroad. Only in UK. He has a good pension though so I imagine he can afford it. Plus a beautiful UK house that he’s keeping.

So, no names and no photos ? How come ?

So, no names and no photos ? How come ?

So, no names and no photos ? How come ?

So, no names and no photos ? How come ?

So, no names and no photos ? How come ?

It’s all been published and also on Asean Now.

Thanks, I think that would suit him weather wise. I’ve lived there years ago and found it boring, but I think things have improved, more shops etc.