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I keep wondering about this and no one so far has been able to give an answer...

What are these people who are protesting doing about their jobs? They're certainly not all unemployed or retired.

How are they able to take weeks at a time off of work? Are they still paid?

I just don't understand how they can continue for so long.

I have pretty much learned that no matter where you may be on the planet if you look for positives you will find many and generally be a pretty happy person. If you look for negatives you will find plenty of them and generally be a pretty miserable sort.

I completely agree with this, and with the original poster. There's something about this particular forum and the posters that are drawn to it. Just look at the type of ads that typically run on here.

Just a quick follow-up:

I went back to Wat Po School today and explained what happened. One of the senior massage therapists spent 2 hours very gently working around (not on) that area with oil. Anti-inlammatory has also helped (ie Advil).

I do want to clarify also that I've had some of the best Thai massage in my life at that school and in know way was I criticizing them or anything they did. As you can see, I feel comfortable enough to go back 4 days later, and I recommend them to anyone visiting Bangkok.

Thanks for the helpful info. I think you're correct, it may not be a cracked rib after all but if it gets worse I will see a doctor.

Now I'll be freaked out about getting Thai massage again.

Went to Wat Po school today for 90 min. Thai massage. I've been going there regularly since 2006. Well I was lying on my stomach and she was working on my back when it felt like something in my lower right rib cage popped and had sudden pain.

Of course they felt really bad and actually she was not doing anything unusual at all. But now it's sort of constant dull aching and I'm thinking maybe I cracked a rib.

Has this happened to anyone else?

I've tried searching but still can't find the answer. Yes, we will be flying into Yangon.

I'm planning to visit Myanmar in December with a Thai friend from Chiang Mai. I'm finding conflicting info about whether or not he needs a visa. Does anyone know for sure, and have a link to a site in English or Thai with more info?

And, if a visa is required, is it possible to get it in Chiang Mai or will he need to go to the Myanmar Embassy in BKK?

Many thanks

Anyone have suggestions as to where in or around Bangkok I could find lamps similar to these in larger quantities (ie: about 200 or so?). Either paper or bamboo - I know they're pretty common in retail markets in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Thanks for all the info. My CM friends are "pretty sure" things will still be going on then also... but isn't it odd that for such a major holiday, no one is exactly sure of when it actually begins and ends.

Originally thought the dates were 6-7-8 of Nov. So I arrive in the morning on the 6th. Will I miss everything? Will people still be launching the krathongs in the river that night? What about the balloon/lantern things (sorry I don't know what they're called) that rise up into the sky?

Thanks.

Thanks for the recommendations and insights. I'm back in Chiang Mai now and will head over to Geckos to see if they have these books. I think learning more both about Buddhism and Thai culture will sort of go hand in hand for me.

I'll start by saying I am just beginning to educate myself about Buddhism, after 3 visits to Thailand with another upcoming. I just finished reading "What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula, which was very interesting and informative.

Here's the thing... when I'm in Thailand I see what looks almost like idol worship, the way Buddha statues and figures are so completely revered and worshipped. And yet from everything I've learned so far, Buddism has no "god" and the Buddha was not and never claimed to be anything other than an enlightened human.

And the ritualitic activites at temples, including praying for things wanted or giving thanks for things received - as well as the various "good luck" activites - where do these fit in to the religion and how?

Is there a book someone could recommend that might help me understand some of these things more? When I ask my Thai friends, they don't seem eager to talk in-depth about exactly what all of this means and why it's done ("for good luck!" is usually the extent of it), so I don't want to press them and seem rude - better to find out for myself.

I certainly hope this doesn't offend anyone. It is a serious question and something I'm really eager to learn more about.

Thanks for all the info - hopefully I won't be needing it.

Hi All,

Been browsing this forum for awhile - very informative & helpful. I'll be in Chiang Mai the first 2 weeks of July, staying at Vingbua. I'm bringing my MacBook because I've got to keep up with work back in the US.

Vingbua promises in-room high-speed internet, which is critical for my work. I'm hoping I'll get there, and be able to connect no problems.

BUT...if not, are there any Mac experts in CM or anyone have suggestions about someone to contact if I do need help setting up a wireless connection and getting online?

Thanks.