LetsCleanUpTHAILAND

5 minutes ago, Johnboxer said:

Yes how will street vendors cope, may have to take your own plastic containers with you at all times????

unfortunately, street vendors are exempt from this ban. It's only a ban on major retailers. Thais will still have their PP plastic shops selling bags to street vendors ????

On 12/26/2019 at 11:24 AM, jacko45k said:

I'm ready, got a few cloth bags, just have to get the brain used to taking them with me to the shops. I am a bit concerned for the locals, who may die of starvation without plastic bags. 

True! Luckily, Decathalon sells ULTRA-COMPACT WATERPROOF 20-LITRE BACKPACK which collapese into a baseball-sized pouch that can be stored away under a motorbike seat, backpack or attached to a keychain. Cost: 300THB. There is a 10 Liter version for 90THB. The good news is that we will see a rise in reusable bag shops on LINE and Facebook from locals. 

Serious Question: Has there every been an audit into how Thai traffic police officers spend their time? It would be interesting if an informant could patrol with the Royal Police to bring to light what our tax paying Baht are funding. 

7 hours ago, Thechook said:

Geez go to Melbourne, Australia there is a Thai massage palour every 50 metres.  Doesn't need promoting they seem to have a constant stream of male customers 

Is it $3 like in Thailand?

If there was an Olympics for maneuvering a motorbike, Thailand would be neck-to-neck with the Vietnamese for the gold medal. Thais are VERY talented (albeit not very mindful) motorcyclists. While Vietnam remains a country of motorcycles, Thai's have switched to cars. They avoid studying for the drivers test by taking the written test at a driving school to get their license and it's at those schools where the instructors give the Thais the answers. Fail and take the test again until you pass. No studying required. It's like playing a video game with unlimited lives. Then when the Thai graduate get's their license, they have no knowledge of road safety or the physics of driving a car or large vehicle. Thus, as many of you have cited, Thai drive all vehicles as if they were as agile as a motorbike. 

Unfortunately, farang are idiots too! Yes, I'm talking about you whitey! How many foreigners have you seen rent a scooter and say, "Oh, riding a scooter is like riding a bicycle!" Famous last words as they crash and get the famous "thai tattoo" (i.e. road rash). 

I'll try to explain this the best I can... 

At my Climate Change English Camp, I will have a workshop where students will bring an old t-shirt of theirs and I will iron the camp logo onto it. 

I refuse to pay for screen printing because I want to teach Thais how to re-use, up-cycle and re-purpose things they already have. 

Do you know of a business in Thailand (anywhere is fine, I'm sure I can order EMS) where I can order thin plastic iron-on patches? When I say, "patch", I don't mean a proper cotton patch. I'm referring to the thin film of synthetic material that's on screen printed shirts (except, I want to iron them on myself; i don't want screen print). 

1 hour ago, Thaidream said:

I agree with you completely.

 

Thais do not dance at funerals and most time wear appropriate clothing- dark clothes - not short pants and flip flops.

 

It's no wonder Thai people sometimes  look at foreigners with disgust.  They won't confront you but their eyes tell the tale.  

Yeah, foreigners can be ignorant about that stuff. Just when Team Farang one a point last week for saving that old BKK guy via CPR, we had to lose face with this talented dancer who brought the right moves to the wrong music and the wrong place. haha. The media has been kind to him. A change of tide for Thai media's feelings towards foreigners? 

6 hours ago, Matzzon said:

What a total douchebag. Appearently he have no clue about that that he is dancing to music played at a burial ceremony, or he is just one of those despicable persons that just do not care about his behaviour.

When I see this bad behaviour and disrespect to Thai culture, tradition and people I truly feel ashamed being a person of the caucasian race.

Yeah, your right. But on the bright side, it shows black folks that whites can actually dance! 

Why search Twitter? Doesn't the Department of Farang Control know where he is? 

He's a brave man! Hope that he isn't seen as a show-off and that his positive actions are mentioned by those who make us fill out forms for everything. Good and Bad about everyone. 

On 11/24/2019 at 11:14 AM, advancebooking said:

I agree with most of what you say. But I don't think that most dentists would push for a root canal if its not necessary. Its correct that you should look at credentials on the wall and see if they do other courses. I personally think its good to choose a dentist aged in 30s or 40s. Some of the older ones are behind the times with their methods and technology. eg I know an old dentist who will do an implant using a film xray- obviously a 3D should be used!

 

A lot of folk dont know that Thailand now has a private university just outside of bkk. This uni offers the 6 yr dental degree to wealthy kids who cant make it (didnt get the marks!) into the government unis in big cities. The quality of the graduates from the private unis are not good. The bright students who got into the govt unis are contracted to work x yrs at a govt hospital after graduation. They are supervised by senior dentists for many yrs. The grads from private unis are not allowed to work at govt hospitals. They just go straight into private clinics and learn from there. 

 

To the OP... if you are a government worker you're entitled to claiming the 900 baht social security scheme. You just need to find a clinic that is registered on this scheme with the govt. 9k for crown seems ok. 

You're correct. Already used my 900B on a cleaning ????

On 11/23/2019 at 5:03 PM, RJRS1301 said:

They each do their own xrays" on the spot (my experience), you also can see on the screen what they are seeing.

 

Dental schools in Thailand Universities have improved, but most have either or post grad qualification from Switzerland/Uk/USA/AUST

 

Been to great ones both in Chiang Mai  and Phitsanulok

 

Cheap unfortunately sometimes is a case "you get what you pay for"

It is your dental health, which is the first part of intestinal and nutritional health 

Would you want the cheapest cardiologist??

 

 

Great point. I meant to say "best value" dentist. affordability without sacrifice of quality of workmanship. Can you recommend any in Thailand? 

On 11/23/2019 at 4:50 PM, Airalee said:

Cheapest is never the best and the best is never the cheapest.

 

Have you ever seen what bad dental work is like?  My brother opted for cheap with his GF and ended up getting it redone.

Cheap is never the best, I can agree with that. I guess I'm asking for the "best value" dental care. ????

On 11/23/2019 at 4:14 PM, AussieBob18 said:

Be wary of the root canal scam in Thailand.  Maybe it is really needed for you, but it seems they just add it as a matter of course for anyone with the need for a crown/big filing. I had it diagnosed for a crown I wanted done at a very reputable place in Chiang Mai and I refused - they would not do the crown without the root canal treatment so I walked out (I have had a lot of crowns done - decided to stop the 3-5 year filling cycles).  Went to another dentist (trained in Aust) and root canal scam was never mentioned.  Did you pay for XRays and get them? Take them to another dentist and ask what they think is needed - dont mention root canal.  If they say you need it - ask exactly why and where that shows on the xray. If it is true then you probably need it - or after the crown the tooth pulp/nerve will rot. 

 

Look at the dentist and where were they trained - big indicator of quality.  Make appointment for that dentist - do not accept whoever they give you.  Plenty of good dentists in Thailand - many are well trained and many have been overseas. Check websites and maybe even walk in and look at their credentials on the wall.  No credentials - dont use them.

 

I went to a private hospital. I got x-rays, but I'll do more research about root canals and when it's necessary to get them. Thank you for taking the time to reply! 

Do you guys know? 

(1) cheapest and best dental insurance to have in Thailand? 

(2) where to go for cheapest and best dental care in Bangkok or Central Thailand? 

About me. I need 20k of work done: private hospital and signature smile dental both quoted me at same price - about 9k for root canal and another 9k for a crown. 

Yes, I have health insurance. Yes, it included some dental but just for minor stuff and I've used it up for cleanings.  The amount provided by the insurance was very small - i get universal health care because I'm an employee of the Thai government. 

Getting back to the point - #1 and #2. Any suggestions? ???? 

Let's Clean Up This Carnage. Here's my plan! 

1. all written tests for getting a driving test must be completed at Department of Transportation, NOT at private driving schools where they give you the answers. 

2. education for road safety is taught via youtube video at all mattyom schools and students are tested on it. 

3. traffic police must make "ticket quotas" every week. If they don't, they are suspended or employment terminated on bases of "job performance neglect". 

4. "driving is a full time job" campaign should utilize social media and TV and not stop until numbers drop to reasonable numbers. 

Any Questions? 

Someday, Bangkok might have to move. Where do you think the new capital city should be in Thailand? 

(source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/30/thailand-pm-considers-moving-capital-as-bangkok-congestion-takes-toll)

Hi! 

As my name suggests, environmentalism is my passion and so I'm very selective of the news that pay attention to - particulary Climate Change and what that means for YOU! 

Let's look at the facts. The Gulf of Thailand is rising about 4mm a year. By the year 2050, Bangkok will be underwater and so will other provinces that surround the gulf. 

So... it makes you wonder what will happen to Swami Airport, the new Rattanakosin MRT, the new BTS from Rangsit to Amphawa. Can you imagine the new beach line of the future to be in Rangsit? Who's going to take a BTS to the middle of the sea in 2050 (modern Amphawa)? 

HOW WILL SURVIVING PROVINCES DEAL WITH THAI AND EXPAT REFUGEES FROM SUBMERGED PROVINCES? Numbers must be in the millions! Can you imagine what will happen to all of that "worthless" real estate and land in Singburi, Lopburi and the other rural "boring" provinces where no one wants to live? I suspect they will become the new Samut Prakan and Bang Na's of Thailand (considering of the waterline of the post-2050 Water World). 

Well! The Guardian posted about how Bangkok may be moving. It said:

"Like Jakarta, Bangkok is beset by overcrowding, pollution, rising sea levels and heavy traffic congestion. Taking inspiration from neighbouring Myanmar and similar plans being formulated in Indonesia, the Thai prime minister suggested that relocating the capital could help Bangkok overcome its mounting urban challenges.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/30/thailand-pm-considers-moving-capital-as-bangkok-congestion-takes-toll

6 hours ago, webfact said:

A large scale operation has now been put in place to try and locate the trio, with roadblocks and police checkpoints set up across the province.

This doesn't make any sense... it's perfectly okay for a Nonthaburi business owner to drink, drive and commit vehicular manslaughter to a Royal Police Commander and his Wife, but it's not okay for non-rich people to kill a low ranking police officer? Twisted system of Justice. Maybe if the USA/TH couple were drunk, they could say that the liquor made them do it? 

On 10/29/2019 at 10:24 AM, Rimmer said:

Pattaya City is asking for cooperation from manufacturers, collectors, sellers, and the general public to not light and release sky rockets,

Let's translate this plee into the language of the informal Thai economy. 

Pattaya Government: "Don't make money on Loi Krathong; there will be lots of people and you could definitely get ahead financially from skyrocket sales, but please don't sell them. We won't have police to enforce because they don't feel like it, so please help them enforce the law, please. Thank you." 

BIG IDEA! EXPOSE THE TRUTH!! Would one of you guys be able to buy a spy button camera. I've seen them on ebay and they are super cheap. Dress like a tourist and go about traveling around Phuket. Record the scamming tuk-tuk mafias, broken and filthy streets, ect. Then maybe someone else on here who's good at video editing can put that footage together and working with a English-Thai smart expat for inserting subtitles. Final step, upload to facebook and all social media titled: "RIP PHUKET 2000 - 2019: THIS IS WHY PHUKET DIED". 

Thoughts? 

So empty beaches are a bad thing? Aren't empty beaches what tourist see on Instagram and flood to Phuket to relax on? 

Maybe this is just a pre-Election stunt to boost approval ratings? Last I heard, he was facing impeachment. This is the guy who had Trump tower built by illegal immigrants whom, I'm sure, didn't have any sort of health insurance. Could you imagine living in the USA in the expensive 1980's while earning a low wage without benefits in New York???  Thailand's slave ships have been in the news during his entire presidency and WE support slave ships every time we go to 7-Eleven because CP owns the franchise in Thailand and CP get's their seafood from the Thai slave ships who have desperate guys from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Burma working on their ship with their passports in an undisclosed location (that's why they can't leave the ship, but they have tried). Oh yeah! Let's not forget that commercialized fishing in thailand is turning the gulf of Thailand in to a giant swimming pool and contributing to climate change. Speaking of which, the gulf of thailand is expanding 4cms a year and Bangkok is one of three asian cities to be submerged in the next decade. So add 10 years to your life and that's when you can expect a large part of bangkok to look like The Lost City of Atlantis. 

On 10/22/2019 at 9:42 AM, webfact said:

Saksayam told Springnews that the cost of GPS is cheaper these days coming in at around 3,000 baht with a 300 baht operating cost.

What about banning private driving schools from giving people the driver test?? Most all Thais I know, opted to pay 4,000THB to a driving school so that they can pass the written Thai drivers test easily (the instructors give you the answers) instead of paying 250THB (approx) to actually study traffic laws and driving etiquette and taking the written Thai drivers test at the department of transportation. 

On 10/21/2019 at 4:01 PM, ThaivisaSales said:

A mass hotel renovation project is the first part of the government’s plan to breathe life into the country’s declining tourist trade.

Increasing PM2.5 levels and sea/river pollution from construction projects and ignoring the countries waste management and homeless dog crisis is the 1st part of the Thai governments plan to breath life into the countries declining tourist trade. 

On 10/25/2019 at 10:11 AM, webfact said:

the baht is expected to strengthen further

Isn't this a good thing?

Capitalism is characterized by financial "booms" and "busts." Everyone is selling their SET shares. So that's good! Invest part of your pension into Thai stocks while shares are low. There's a lot of opportunity if you have the patience. Meanwhile, get an ESL job and exchange your salaries to pounds/euros/dollars. Your not going to live in Thailand forever and you would profit in the long run putting your Thai money in your native countries bank account NOW while the baht is strong rather than later when the baht is weaker.

For example,

• 1 year ago, Oct 29, 2018: 1 AUD = 23THB
• Today, Oct 29, 2019: 1 AUD = 20.5THB

A year ago, if I saved 15,000THB from my Thailand ESL job, I'd have only 652AUD. However, because the baht is stronger, for that same 15,000THB, I would have 731AUD. That's 80AUD more money!

Don't complain about high baht. Think like a rich man and find out how to INVEST. Only consumers enjoy low prices because they are spenders, not investors.  

Get smart, people!