greenmonkey

I know an English guy who has devoted his life to muay thai and is currently opening his own muay thai gym out in Suphan Buri (about an hour and a half from Bangkok). He can provide very cheap accommodation plus all the tutoring you could want. You'd be out in the sticks with very few farang around - could be a really good experience. I just don't know when he will be opening but let me know if you want to be put in touch with him.

not sure if it is the chefs take/variation on tom yam but my local puts fresh coconut slices in my tom yam... absolutely delicious!

6 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

8 years here and you don't see the Thais as generally being selfish? You never been to a supermarket weight  checkout and had Thais lean past/over you to put their goods ahead of yours?

As I said, I seen it plenty... but to risk another person's life because you don't want to let them in is taking it to another level I'll never be able to comprehend.

Been driving here 8 years now and completely used to all of these listed. It's just the way it is. But my one Big pet hate about Thai drivers that still infuriates me is the use of slip roads to join main roads.

Thai's who are on the main road (and can clearly see cars on the slip road joining the main road) will not slow down or move over a lane to allow you to join safely. In fact many times they will accelerate to stop you joining the main road in front of them. Even though the car on the slip road has nowhere to go and even though by not allowing them in they are causing a serious potential accident this is usually their preferred choice of action. I just don't understand what is so hard about letting someone in. Crazy crazy and the one thing after 8 years of driving that still makes me angry.

essentially what Joe is saying is "yes I did torture him but I didn't intend to kill him - so how can I be guilty?". Will be quite unbelievable if he gets off - but my thoughts are that this is Thailand and Joe will find a way out. The plan is to drag this out for as long as possible to the point that once all the attention disappears - then Joe will be a free man.

also doesn't mention if the 'un-named' driver fled the scene (but looks as though he did). So many basics facts left out of this report... hmmnnn. Policeman perhaps!?

23 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

How old is the son? 

10 years old!

6 hours ago, johng said:

You say a "day out"   so you may get better answers if you state where you live..Thailand is quite large ( about the same France  if I remember correctly )

Good point! I live in Nonthaburi but can venture to neighbouring provinces for instance I am looking at Kanchanaburi for the elephant sanctuary.

Okay so with the daily stresses of life, covid, restrictions etc.... it dawned on me today that I need to start enjoying life again. I realised that my family and I are in a wonderful country with many wonderful opportunities and experiences to be enjoyed.

The first thing that sprang to mind and something I have always wanted to do is to spend a day/weekend at an elephant sancturary. I will do my research carefully to ensure we choose an ethical establishment and am already looking forward to bringing my son/wife to whichever one we decide upon!

I'd like to know if anyone has any recommendations for other types of family experiences they can recommend or consider a MUST DO whilst here in Thailand!?

TIA

i applied for my son's renewel end of August and got it back end of October so aprox 8 weeks... not so bad!

1 minute ago, KarenBravo said:

Maybe because when they panic, they run and look for something to climb. If you are the highest thing around, they will climb you. Their claws are sharp and will likely cause infection if a claw breaks the skin.

yeah i guess that could be pretty scarey.

Been here almost 10 years and still enjoy seeing the monitor's - mystifies me why the average Thai hates/petrified of them!

So I desparately needed a new laptop to replace my old one on its last legs. Found a good deal for a HP Pavillion with 2k discount sold by the official HP store on JD Central. Ordered and delivered - all good. Day one of using new laptop I experienced a black screen and non-responsive - only lasted 5 minutes but for a brand new laptop not a good sign. Same thing happened on day 2 so spoke with the HP staff and they recommended I exchange/return the laptop.

So I went through the steps of requesting an exchange rather than a refund as I did like the laptop. They came and collected and then I shortly received an email stating that a full refund was being processed due to the item no longer in stock. And here's the kick in the balls..... I would have to wait 45 WORKING days to receive my money!!!!

Absolutely fuming.... is this normal practice!?

Anyway, my wife spoke to JD and said we cannot wait that long. Their response was that the refund has been authorized already and the reason for the 45 day delay is due to my bank i.e. it is up to them when they release the funds. Phone call number 2 to my bank met with "we have no idea what JD are talking about! As soon as the money is authorized and ready to be refunded we will process that for you" Trapped in a vicious circle... anyone shed some light on this for me....

Tragic tale - yes. But what bothers me daily from my experiences on the road is that 99% of Thai's just simply fail to react to any kind of potential danger until it is way too late! So many tragedies could be avoided here if people simply drive with just the slightest caution.

Just now, Will B Good said:

It is staggering isn't it......what goes through their minds?

 

All forms of empathy seem to be totally absent from most people.

yes - this brings back memories of living in London with my wife and 2 year old. The amount of noise pollution and simple lack of consideration from neighbours was staggering. I feel for this couple...

4 hours ago, Jenkins9039 said:

https://thethaiger.com/news/north-east/family-attempts-to-sell-eyes-and-kidneys-to-save-home-and-farm

 

Same thing really...

yes - this story is a prime example of how lending money between friends just does not work out so well. A policeman and his missus ask a good friend to act as guarantor on the purchase of a tractor almost 1mb. Decide they no longer want to make the monthly repayments and the poor friend now stands to lose his house. This is a very common story here in Thailand. The policeman could probably make the repayments but if it affects his daily life too much what the heck! I'll let it be my buddies problem! I have heard/witnessed countless stories like this here. For some reason the average Thai does not seem to have much of a conscience when it comes to reneging on debts/promises (even though it may result in extreme hardship for the other person). Personally it makes my blood boil that people can so easily behave like this. I hope the policeman gets into trouble for his actions.

It seems to me like the Official is just trying it on, you paid once, therefore a good chance you will pay again. If it was me I would politely tell the official that as you meet all the requirements with 400k in the bank and see no need to pay 20k again. Make sure you record any conversation. Insist on submitting your paperwork with the 1900 fee. And see what happens from there. You need to play a bit of hard ball. If he refuses, ask to see wwhoever is in charge. Basically, don't stand for any nonsense.