oopapasan

As a prior expat resident of Samui, I'm still amazed that there is no reporting on the darker side of Samui and the fact that the police are powerless to stop it. Just last week, the same mafia shooter "Gao", that shot and almost killed me in Mar. 2005 was back on the streets on bail and shot and killed a local policeman and shot an English tourist during a shooting spree in Solo pub.  I have been back in the US recoverying from my injuries and have wanted to return to Samui, but apparently the Justice system does not apply to the Samui Mafia families with enough money.  This same shooter I was told by locals killed 2 men on Koh Phanang just last month also.  I am still awaiting the Samui court system to bring this bad man to trial, but I feel like this will never happen.  I would like to know how many other Samui expats are aware of this violent criminal activity going on. I certainly was not until I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Any thoughts on how to rid this beautiful place of these people before they make it where no tourists will visit.  Anyone wanting more information can contact me on my e-mail at [email protected]

Kris P.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

good post.

I was involved in a drunken argument last time on Samui with a local. On my way home that night I was hospitalised in a hit-and-run road 'accident'.

I cant say if the 2 are linked whatsoever but the rumours of Mafia control and hitmen certainly had me paranoid. It was the first time I felt uncomfortable on Samui.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Drunken argument and driving home?Your fault,sorry.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where does it say that the OP was driving ?

Hit and Run usually denotes a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle, and the driver of the aforementioned vehicle not stopping to give his/her details to the police/victim.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Driving or walking drunk equals a fool.

But is he hansam man??

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What did the rug say to the xmas tree?

Hi ladies. I am going to see my gynae next week for a PAP smear and I thought I might ask him about contraceptions. I have a 2 year old boy so I am not looking to having another baby in the near future.

I'm just wondering if you have any experience with contraceptions and how well/ bad they work for you. Is there a reason you choose a particular type of contraception?

Is it true that if you are on the pill you can get some serious side effects like weight gain, mood swings, etc.? How fast does fertility return after you stop your contraception? What kind of questions should I ask the gynae?

I never used contraceptions (which explains my first baby, heh!) except for condoms and I would like to start looking at a long term one for myself.

Thanks in advance for any advice/ input!

(For the guys who are reading this, please don't tell me to swallow) 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

@PeaceBlondie ,well said

@taxexile , good story

Sexual confusion and disorientation.

Guys ask me for advice. "I met this transsexual woman at a club and I am really attracted to her but I am concerned that it means I am gay or something. Am I?"

Some careful dialogue with the guy usually uncovers the fact that he was very attracted to the TS's femininity. Her look, her voice, her movement, her laugh, her smile, her scent, and all those other feminine cues that trigger interest and a masculine response from a guy. Gay guys are not attracted to those attributes.

Therefore, if a straight man finds himself interested in a pre-op transsexual and is experiencing  some confusion as a result, then he needs to consider exactly what it is about her that is attracting him. If it's her femininity, then he's not responding like a gay man would, and thus shouldn't worry about whether he's "turning gay." If the guy can accept that he is attracted to a somewhat different kind of woman and still wants to pursue it, take it just one step at a time.

Take her out to dinner or a movie. Talk to her about whatever, listen to her words. Look into her eyes. Can he get lost in her eyes, as he can with a GG? Can he relax around her and just enjoy being with her, as if she were a GG? If so, take one more step. Hold hands, kiss her good-night. In other words, treat her like he would any GG date, at a pace that he can handle, given his concerns. Easy!

FROM tsgirlfriend.com

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They had a movie about the operation Asian experiance or something like that the tourists found it interesting

And......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and does the daddy mean sugar daddy?

I carry my drivers license, and a few thousand baht, also an atm card in case a few thou is not enough

I also scanned the relevant pages of my passport and e-mailed it to myself where it is stored and available to me anywhere I can go online.[/color=red]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

that's actually a very smart idea!

I carry a drivers license, worked always fine for hotels and minor car accidents. Never been stopped and asked to identify myself in almost nine years. Passport stays at home and is locked away.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just carry my police ID

My kind of drinking weather hope the Apple Bars are open and dryin Lamai.

Well, it rained heavily in the afternoon and roads are being flooded again, it's dark and grey.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have been using the tailor at Sukhumvit Soi 13 for years.Barons no complaints.

Most of the "tailors" in BKK know less about making a suit than Ido.  The actual tailoring is done by dozens of small shops - each with a specialty...one shop does buttonholes, one shop does zippers, one shop does waitbands - quite the industry.  Worse, the material you choose is most likely as counterfeit as the Rolex as the night market.  The selvage (the narrow piece of cloth with the fabric content) is incorrect - it might read "90% cashmere, 10% wool" - but it's likely to be 100% polyester.  Watch out!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Correct. And we should state also the lack of imagination of thoses "tailors".

I tried (it was a test) the "indian" connection : Narry.com for instance, you can see their advertising on Thai Airways magazine.

Result : flat. Interest none.

You point a special design you would like, they say "yes yes". And actually, they do something else.

They have only ONE design for jacket and trousers... They just play on the margin with sligth modifications. But that's all.

So next step I'm going to try the one on gaisorn plazza (thanks for the info).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would like to disclose a few facts about pensions from the UK government.I am 81 years of age I have lived in Thailand for the last 10 years. My pension has been frozen since ileft the UK at 58 pounds a week.I am only one of half a million of us world wide who's pensions remain frozen. Albert

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's a bit disheartening to read it, but thank you for your reply, sir.

I suppose that's what my friend was referring to (the freezing of the rate) as he's been here 14 years and received a "pittance" compared to what he would have received in the UK. I recall his also wondering outloud if there was any sort of organized protest against this discriminating practice, although he finished that by saying, "by God, not likely with those crooked politicians."

Gotta luv the Brits...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Has anyone out there recently renewed a "Retirement" visa based solely on income? Mine is coming up for renewal in a couple of months. I will have adequate income, but not much (30K) in the bank.

I want to be sure this is going to work....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just renewed my retirement visa in Bangkok.Third time, they asked how much I make a month and I told them.Didn't have to prove it although 3 yrs. ago had to have a letter from the embassy.I did have a U.S bank statement and showed them,they asked if they could keep it so I gave it to them.They seemed more interested in my 25 Baht gold chain.

Looking forward to going. Presumably it will be open on Monday? Does anyone know if there is a looking charge? I would like to take three children just to get them out of the house.

Cheers

Leisurely

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

450 Baht to see the fis h

I just tried my visa card in the ATM and it won't work.What bank can I go into for a cah advance on my Visa card?

Hi all,

Dowries.........

Need some input of opinions of the above; to cut a longer story short........Im seeing this Thai lady and she talks about paying a dowry to her family if we get married. I must say Im not too keen on this 'idea' and wonder what the 'old hands' have to say about it. The amounts discussed are substantial, Bt1,000,000. The whole idea of paying is an anathema to me, but I suppose one way or another 'we' (I will) end up paying anyway.

What I would like to know is: is this a common theme in Thailand or between Thai's? What is the common amount and how does the 'calculation' take place?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

Grapetable

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Be aware marriage to a Thai is going to cost you some money.

The first step is to have someone approach the ladies parents to bargain about the cost of the "Tong Mun" and "Sin Sod."

"Tong Mun" which means "gold engagement" is actual 24 karat gold jewelry given to the lady. (Buy in Thailand , because lesser quality gold such as is sold in western countries would be considered as valueless.) The cost of this will vary, but expect it to be around $625.00 US. This is similar to the western engagement ring, which may also be given, but will not be expected.

"Sin Sod" is the marriage price, the word "Sin" means riches, things of value. In the past it might have been farm animals, farm products, land, or some such. Now money is used as the thing of value. "Sod" is the act of storing away, or holding the "Sin". Long ago it could have been keeping the "Sin" if it was a farm animal in a secure fenced area. Now the "Sin" would be likely stored by depositing the money into a bank. The amount will vary due to several factors such as, the social status and wealth of the parents, the education, age, and beauty of the daughter. The cost of the ceremonies, parties, food, etc., will be paid by the parents using part of the Sin Sod.

I understand that as a Westerner you think this sounds like selling ones daughter but the Thai culture has a completely different idea about it. They believe a prospective husband owes them for bringing up the daughter to be a proper lady and wife. Second you are replacing the labor she would have contributed to the family wealth. Third you are demonstrating you have the financial ability to support a family. Thai's are very strict about going along with their culture.

The "Tong Mun" and sometimes the "Sin Sod" will be presented at a betrothal ceremony called a "Phitee Mun," which will take place at the parents home. There may be a small group of family and friends present for the ceremony which involves the introduction of the groom by a friend, giving of the gifts, promises by the groom to take care of the daughter, and acceptance by the parents. You and your lady are now considered to be "Koo Mun" which means "tied or joined couple," (engaged.) Afterward there will be a meal served, and conversation.

Sometime later, it could be the same day, next day, next week, or whatever date set by the "Koo Mun," there will be the actual wedding ceremonies.

The "Bai Sri Soo Kwan" ceremony. The "Bai Sri" is a symbolic ornament put together by the women of the village using banana leaves, rice, flowers, and string. "Soo Kwan" is a sermon given by a village elder. The ceremony concludes by each guest tying a string around the wrist of the bride and of the groom, while giving the married couple their blessings, followed by the placing of a garland of flowers around the couples necks. There will be a meal, music, and "Ram Vong" dancing if there is room.

.....for what it's worth.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>