Burma Bill

With respect - neither. I use local private tuk - tuks!

Will this include illegal pot smoking for recreational purposes?

The dead centre of town??

Regretably, I cannot because I no longer have two vehicles to service and support - a Toyota Fortuner and a Nissan King Cab pick-up. My bank balance is much better these days as I no longer drive, relying on local tuk-tuks. The two Thai cities I lived near were first Phayao (Lanna) then Khon Kaen (Isaan). Food costs are similar to Thailand. My rent is more expensive but the Khmer accomodation is far more luxurious. In Thailand I was paying 3,500 baht per month for a small basic bungalow (about 96 US$) excluding water, electricity and internet. Here in Siem Reap I now live with a Khmer family in a large modern detached house. I rent the complete first (upper) floor for 350US$ per month, again excluding electricity and internet. Water is included and I share the internet cost with my landlord (50/50 and cheaper than Thailand). I have my own side door and stairs to my accomodation so as not to disturb the family below me. Electricity in Cambodia is expensive as much has to be bought from Thailand and Laos. Whatever, for me living in Siem Reap is a hassle free pleasure with no visa worries. My annual retirement visa costs 300$ (includes multiple re-enties) with no 90 day reporting) So simple to apply for.

I did, 4 years ago, across the border to Siem Reap after 20 years in North Thailand. Main reason - Thai Immigration' s complex, costly and beaurocratic Visa rules

Yes indeed - shoddy construction with very little health & safety leading to death and injury. Also (IMO) air pollution and flooding! Being a "country bumpkin" I hate big cities and Bangkok is no exception - just a transport interchange for me!

Very sorry - Germany knocked out by Spain last night! Being UK I am sure England will win.

Well done Thailand - common sense at last!

With respect, and thanks for your observations, I totally disagree with your last sentence. For the past 4 years, I have lived in Siem Reap and have appreciated all the new infrastructure projects that have been completed - especially roads and pavements (side walks). I can assure you that Siem Reap does not compare to LOS 70-80 years before! It is far more modern thesedays. My photo of Siem Reap taken from the Angkor Big Wheel (another new addition!) By the way, I find the Khmer people far more welcoming and their command of the English language far better than the Thai folk where I lived for 20 years in rural Lanna and Isaan.

I lived for many years in a mountain village above Phayao and when these mole crickets were in season there were many parties celebrating the bonanza. They pan fried them and ate them with beer and Lao Kao!

Simple (IMO) - No sex industry like that in Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok so no "pervie" tourists flocking in. Strict drug laws - for example, the growing, selling and use of marijuana is officially ILLEGAL, with severe penalties, so no pot head or junkie tourists.

Apart from 112, I wonder what else he sprayed "Monks Go Home"

From my experiences flying between the UK and Thailand in Economy Class with excellent service and value - Direct - London/Bangkok, EVA Air One change of plane - London/New Delhi/Bangkok, AIR INDIA (surprisingly) I do not know these days, as I have not returned to the UK for 10 years. Local international flights within ASEAN - AIR ASIA.

With respect, the possibility of skid marks and damp patches from "bum guns" on your shorts?

Lithium by any chance, as used in vehicles? EV owners be aware!

Possibly Jockey brand at Robinson's (mens wear) in Central stores?

A very sad story IMO. For all of you who question the drastic action taken by the father to support his son, please remember the 1,000 baht fine would be a drastic sum to pay for many poor families throughout Thailand. My condolences go to the elderly gentleman's family and shame on the local police station. May his ghost haunt the local police for their callous behaviour. No further comment from me other than to say I would willingly have paid the son's fine if I had known.

If it had been a male teacher, would monkey nuts have ben revealed?

If available Draught Chang, otherwise bottled Chang or Beer Lao (light and dark). Singha and Leo upset my gut so I avoid like the plague!

Very much so and thanks. I read this rescue by an elephant and its mahout in yesterday's The Nation. It was an amazing story and, no doubt traumatic for the tourists, was so interesting compared to the usual rubbish about Thai politics, the failing economy, tourist schemes (or should I say "scams"), defamation cases, drug laws and immigration etc. etc. Congratulations must go to the monk, who organised the rescue bid using 1 of 3 elephants he cares for in a nearby sanctuary, and the brave mahout who took his elephant into a torrential river to reach the tourists clinging to bushes near their capsized raft. They all managed to climb onto the elephant's back then taken to safety. Well done rescuers - I will raise a "Chang" to all of you!

Please note, the sea is the natural habit for all jellyfish, not for humans, so expect to be stung!!

Very much so, as I can vouch for when I was a Tourist Police Volunteer based in the city. In complete contrast, it is the "hub" for punters going to Chiang Saen to cross the Mekong to gamble at the extensive Kings Romans casino complex.

Yes indeed. Here in Siem Reap, Cambodia, draught beers are widely available - none of the "drinking from a bottle" lark! They are inexpensive costing around 50 US cents (17 Thai baht) for a 330ml glass at many bars, especially during "happy hours". I always drink draught Cambodian beers except when I visit Thailand where I have to resort to large bottles of Chang at the cost of 80 baht per large bottle at my usual hotel in Chiang Mai. (Please note, this hotel does not stock small bottles)

Well I never, not a "tour" bus as is usually quoted!

Bye Bye Ladyboy cabarets - Welcome Bollywood!