MyPenRye

Correction:

My apologies, but upon further ... questionning (sounds like the inquisition ), this took place around 9 p.m.

In any case, be careful out there!

My GF has just alerted me that one of her Thai friends had to give up his motorcycle to 5 thieves.

He was asked to give them money as five Thai men brandished knives. He decided to tip the scooter towards the thieves to distract them and run for his life. He got away.

The location is a dark road that links Canal Road to the 700 years stadium. It happened around 7 p.m.

She mentioned to me that this area, even Canal road, at night, is dangerous at night. Be extremely vigilant. If you have been drinking you would be of course running even more risks.

Of course, this is not this road in particular that is dangerous, as the thieves probably don't do it in the same location night after night, unless they want to be out of business quickly I suppose!

Stick to the main roads or the busiest side roads at night.

BTW, the chance of the bike being recovered is next to nothing and the insurance does not cover theft!

50,000 bahts loss! That hurts!

BTW, this guy knows bar girls, even though he prefers men. But, my GF says that these girls are not to be trusted and especially the Thai guys they know. Who knows? This girl could have set up her friend ... for a cut, pun not intended !

Anyway, this is sad!

Be careful, everyone!

Is there anyone who knows the name/model # of a decent cc motorbike with a top (like the grey 3 wheel scooter on one of the pics)? It can be a normal 2 wheel and normal scooter and preferably with a passenger seat. Do those exist? In Chiang Mai? Thailand?

Hi Folks,

and more specifically

PLACE

• a restaurant near the center of Chiang Mai.
  
• Food: Thai and international.
  
• Precise address given to people who send me a personal message, as reservations are needed.
  

DATE/TIME

FEE

BACKGROUND

GOALS (of these meetings)

Have a nice day,

M ... PR

PS: As stated by TV moderators, this post is ONLY about informing people about this event, not about enticing people to discuss the aforementioned topic in this forum. Thank you for your cooperation.

For several years Canadian and International home prices have been rising to ridiculously insane levels, driven by pressure from parasitic speculators that seek to enrich themselves at the cost of the hardship of others. Given that in many markets houses are selling for several times cost of replacement speculators are flooding the market with new product hoping to cash in.In the city I live in Canada it now takes 2 or 3 incomes to rent a slummy one bedroom apartment.I took a short term job this summer delivering chinese food and was shocked to see so many small apartments that had living rooms filled with mattresses. Ridiculously high rent and real estate values will crash. The question is will they take the whole economy down with them ?

I have considered running in the next municipal election to promote a tenants strike.My proposal would be that tenants unilaterally reduce their rent to 30 percent of the income of the primary household earner while they sue the landlord in small claims court for property mismanagement. Here in Canada a tenant can withhold rent while a case is before the courts. Court action can take years to resolve. If 10000 tenants purued this recommendation locally a clogged judiciary and terrified business class would act quickly rectify the problem

Yes! you are right! There are probably many speculators making money right now, buying high and seeling higher. I hope the market does not crash!

I believe that there are also many retiring baby boomers (BBs) putting a lot of pressure on the system. Simply put, many BBs are trying to maximize their returns (stocks being quite risky for BB) in safer investments (land being one of the safest) and in conservative mutual funds. As far Canada is concerned, the resource based economy is doing quite well now that oil has reached incredible highs, making tar sands a viable commodity to exploit. This might also be impacting on the market.

As for rents, if someone bought one or 2 properties 30 years ago for nothing, they will find rental prices quite good, but not so if one bought it a few years ago. Rents in Vancouver, for instance, compare to the mortgage that one needs are low. If a $200,000 apartments/mortgage can get you only a $1,000 monthly rent (12,000 annually > about 5%), considering the laws are in favour of renters (unless this can be proven otherwise), it is not a good idea. However, if you bought this same place 30 years ago for $70,000, then it is much better. If you had $200,000 lying around, would you buy an extra apartment and rent it out? And, BTW, who is going to pay to maintain it? And imagine if that $200,000 was your nest egg, you worked hard to get it,... Things are not so simple!

I think the issue is that in Vancouver (specificaly), there are not too many people earning great salaries (although probably better now with inflated commodity prices). This puts a downward pressure on rental prices and on supplies of rental units (since buying and reselling seems to be --at this time-- a better idea. The Olympics --of course-- has exacerbated this situation, I think. And maybe the grow-ops (drugs) as well! It is a mess, but I am sure there are many hands that are getting greased! With so many unscrupulous people running the show, who knows where this is going to go? But, renters should understand that not all buildings/houses/rooms are from rich, unscrupulous people and that there are renters who are unscrupulous as well!

Hi Folks,

PLACE

• a restaurant near the center of Chiang Mai.
  
• Food: Thai and international.
  
• Precise address given to people who send me a personal message, as reservations are needed.
  

DATE/TIME

FEE

BACKGROUND

GOALS (of these meetings)

Have a nice day,

M ... PR

* We are also holding these meetings alternatively on Wednesdays too and every 2 weeks at this time, but this could change if those days were to conflict with too many people's schedules.

PS: As stated by TV moderators, this post is ONLY about informing people about this event, not about enticing people to discuss the aforementioned topic in this forum. Thank you for your cooperation.

So, should Chiang Mai (and the region affected outside of CM) be nominated (click on "nominated" to do so) as a badly polluted city/region (considering the 2 months and the ambiant air pollution resulting from traffic)? concerned citizens behind this.

Having seen the nomination form, there would be only a few people here qualified to submit a nomination, so I really don't see your point of mentioning it...

1) Methinks a few people suffices! No?

2) Assuming that you are right that there are only a few people that are qualified (a big assumption to be sure), it is likely that there will be some people who are NOT qualified who might know people who are (Thai or foreigners). Right?

3) How can you make such an assumption?

4) What are your credentials to make such an assumption?

5) What is your constructive solution to resolve or affect this problem?

Have a nice day!

I received this message in my RRS feed program designating the ten 'most polluted places in the world' according to http://www.blacksmithinstitute.org.

Searches on the site found just a couple of places in Thailand being monitored or indicated as problematic, but not Chiang Mai (and its region).

Maybe Chiang Mai does not deserve any notifications, comments, or nominations, but considering the number of posts during the 2 months of smoke that CM gets and the number of people wearing filtering contraptions when driving or installing filtering mechanisms in their homes to mitigate the impact of the pollution, it does indicate there are issues.

So, should Chiang Mai (and the region affected outside of CM) be nominated (click on "nominated" to do so) as a badly polluted city/region (considering the 2 months and the ambiant air pollution resulting from traffic)? This might be an indirect way to put pressure on the government to protect its citizens and tourists (and tourism dollars). I guess the more people nominating a place, the more likely it might be looked at as such. I would think that there are more people on this site that will have hard facts to substantiate this claim. I have read that Chiang Mai has one fo the highest incidence of lung cancer in the world. Is that true? Or is that in Thailand? What about the use of asbestos? I have read in TV that Canada (which has banned its use) is a major exportor of asbestos in the world and in Thailand. Should not this issue be brought to light as well?

Please forward to Thai papers to mobilize concerned citizens behind this. While I love in general ... Chiang Mai, its citizens, and Thai culture, and while I know that I am just a visitor here, I also think that Thai people might feel a need to put pressure on their local and national governments to offer solutions for this issue. I am also contributing to Thailand's wealth by staying here, so maybe I (and expats, all the more) are entitled to --at least-- voice their opinion on such a subject and contribute to the betterment of this wonderful city (minus the pollution).

Should we include noise pollution of tuk-tuks and ineffective exhausts of regular scotters ... AND the dogs howling at 3 a.m. too or am I overtstating my case?

I am fine with the idea of finding ways to curb physical violence, but --let's be clear-- some women are not always innocent bystanders. Many women --due partly to the size differential-- use different forms of abuse and often use psychological forms of abuse to either provoke or defend themselves. To ignore those is in a way a form of abuse.

Countless studies have indicated that many women use psychological abuse way more than any other forms of abuse as a way to provoke or defend themselves. A recent study conducted by women professors in Canada concluded that girls were (when psychological forms of abuse were taken into consideration) at least as abusive as boys. And, no, girls were not the innocent bystanders or the victims. They were as likely to be the initiator as they were the victim. Of course, men also use psychological abuse, but --of course-- many use physical abuse and more often. Most adults have had to deal with the silent treatment abuse. It is not unheard of that women will manipulate other men (or women) to provoke or defend themselves (which could involve physical forms of violence). Women use sexuality to get what they want or to defend themselves. Women are usually better equiped at delivering psychological abuse, as this is usually the way they had to resolve conflicts when they were young. I think at the end of the day, all of this is related to the inability of human beings (hence, women and men) to use healthy communication techniques or skills to express their needs or bring up an issue.

This is a complicated issue. To point to men --and only men-- as the source of the problem is IMO not only demagogical, but ill-advised, as it is likely to exacerbate issues, not solve them.

Some more insight about this topic in this well-written article from the Tyee, a Canadian website.

Dove and many other cosmetic companies definitely profit from this in India (and no doubt other Asian countries). Africa? Of course, in Western countries, they sell suntan lotion!

BUt what is more alarming is how the use of these products can damage the skin of the user. Are these companies any different than cigarette companies of the past selling the merit of their product?

However, can you blame those companies? If it is not Dove, it will be another company. After all, they do have employees and shareholders to satisfy. This is another strong case for governments to put a stop or a break to this nonsense. Can you help? Can you boycott companies (and shareholders) that show no ethics and encourage others that do? Actions speaks louder than words!

(http://thetyee.ca/Views/2007/08/30/RealBeauty/)

Hi Folks,

Our first meeting will take place Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in a Thai restaurant near Kad Suan Kaew. Food served is mostly Thai.

Topic: What should be done to secure the world against the threat of terrorism?

Come and share your personal experience(s) or insights on this topic and meet new people. We have people of all ages, races, genders, and opinions. Although these meetings cater to English-speakers (and those fluent in English), people who are not so ... fluent can attend as listeners and occasional participants, if they are interested. A good dictionary --or friend who is bilingual-- is recommended!

Please send me a message before Monday, so I can tell you where it will take place. I need to make reservations.

If you know of anyone interested, invite them and let me know.

Thanks.

Pierre

I caution anyone reading these kinds of anecdotal posts where the woman is a saint and the man is a monster.

Obviously he will never have a chance to defend himself too!

Women are well known to use psychological abuse that never gets punished. Studies proves this time and time again. And judging by some of the visceral and emotional (if not abusive) responses from some women about posts who questions the veracity and credibility of such anecdote, one can easily figure out that the ones who blame abuse are themselves abusive, ironically.

Obviously if he is the monster he is, she should have seen this early on, but was probably so blind by lust (aptly brainwashed by years of listening to maindless romantic songs and watching mindless romantic movies) not to see it.

If this guy was a monk for 11 years and does this, one would question the teaching he got. Either that particular monastery is to be put in question or the whole religion is. Can monks have sexual relationships during their time away?

As a teacher in Canada, current practice is phonics and phonemic awareness.

The alphabet sounds make up the phonemes (or particular sounds in English), so they are useful: a > cake (of course, a can be short as in cat). For consonants, alphabet bee cee are not that useful because these are not the sound that are used in reading words (but since the initial sound is close enough to some of the the phonemes usedful for reading words (beh, peh,...).

So I agree with most that it is ok to start with alphabet sounds, but if you want to have your child say beh versus bee, linguistically speaking and pedagogically speaking it would be smart because it would be not as confusing for the child. By the way, try not to say beh (the vowel sound should actually be almost non-existent).

African women use the same creams and potions to get whiter, we cant blame the evil Chinkey elite for that or GWB.

This is not evidence that the Chinese elite did not use/is not using this to give them and their offsprings an edge in Thailand! African women could be using these creams for other reasons. It is quite plausible to think that cosmetics companies saw an opportunity there just like they have marketed tan skin to Western women.

Thai women use the creams to gain the appearance of a Geisha as opposed to looking like a pasty faced white women, lets face it none of us would turn down a Geisha lady.

Thai ladies want to be like Japanese geishas? Why would they?

This poll is designed to find out who are the true Thai ladies. For those who have been visiting Thailand for many years and been in other parts than the tourist areas of Patong and Pataya, they might have noticed that, maybe, Thailand is not the sex country it is advertised to be. Is this true or are we being duped?

I look forward to your views on this poll.

Third option added in the first section.

Astral

I think the important question here is - is that your pic as your avatar?

I was tweaking with the idea of having an avatar of one of those brainless, but handsome superstars and me, a super model (single, 19 years old bombshell) also, but I chose that pic instead to make superficial people guess and leave me alone!

PS: the 45 years old male bit is a bit of a lie!

For those who were Thaivisa members last year, you might remember that I was running discussion groups meetings. I am back in Chiang Mai and will run similar events for the next 5 months. Time has passed and I have made some changes to how things will take place. Essentially, I will not run the show, but the members will. I think this will be better for all involved.

The goals of the meetings are to allow people to talk in English and to meet people face to face (something which could be difficult for newcomers). It is also a venue to allow Thai people or non-English-speakers to practise speaking English. It is also a good place for all people to assess their culture, their feelings, and/or their thoughts about Thailand or not, face to face.

So, for the new members, what are those Discussion Groups meetings about? Well! It is nothing revolutionary really and the name says what it is. It is a place (usually a cafe or restaurant, but it could be a park,...) where a group of people meets in small groups to talk about one particular topic. It is a bit like a philosopher's cafe without the pretenciousness that such a term carries and the conduct or thoughts that one would need to have. It is free (except for the food or drinks that members like to order in whatever venue the meeting takes place). It is open to everyone, but if you are not fluent in English I ask you let the organizer know so that maybe you can be put in groups of people of the same level of fluency. This is open to Thai people by the way too. In the past, I suggested the location, the topic, the format, the date and time. This year I would like to innovate by engaging the participants more (in fact, almost completely). Using Google calendar, I am hoping that this time participants will schedule the meetings at the place of their own choosing, on their schedule (time/date), about the topic they desire to broach, and in whatever format they want.

Traditionally, I have suggested a small group format, so that people could do more talking than listening. But, of course, this will be totally at the organizing participant's discretion. I have suggested in the past venues that are quiet and where the owner of the place is in agreement with what is going on. I don't foresee any changes there as owners usually welcome the added business. Topics were of my interest and, although I tried to cater to all needs and interests, I probably did not! One member suggested that weekly meetings were too numerous, I will leave this for members to decide.

So, if this has piqued your curiosity, message me and I will give you all the information needed.

Our first meeting will be informal and will not have specific topics. Rather, it will be a time for all participants to reconnect and new ones to be known and know others. It will take place on Thursday, Aug. 16, at about 7 pm.

The next meeting time, place, and topic will be decided by participants using Google Calendar.

I look forward to receiving your message and meeting you eventually.

PS: I am not stating the location of the meeting because I do not want to have 20,000 people showing in a venue that can only take 25!

I am looking for intermediate to advanced tennis players to play with at the 700 years stadium either at 9 am or 5 pm for an hour (maybe more, especially in the evening).

I am a definite upper intermediate player. I have been sidelined by a tennis elbow for six months now and I am slowly getting back into the game which means that I am not as steady and precise as I am usually!

The charge is 20 baht per person per hour.

I am 45 and male.

If interested, send me a personal message.

Thanks.

Thanks for the info ProhaiExpat.

Can someone give me an idea of the price some orthodontists in town charge for metal braces for a 2 year treatment?

Thanks.

Stupendous!

I will be there for sure!

Maybe with the Thai GF, if she is available, if she willing, if she is not working, if the planets are aligned perfectly that day, ... as they say ... my pen rai, but I will be there unless the sky falls on my head, by Toutatis! (A little Asterix reference there for the afficionados)

Does she do any orthodontic work? If so, where you happy with the result and what was the total cost of the work? If not, can someone recommend me any dentist that does? Thanks!

Where can you get decent helmets in CM? Any shops close to Kad Sun Kaew or CMU? Thanks.

I did not read anything about:

1) currency devaluation (20% drop for the USD vs the baht)

2) more expensive airplane tickets (although this one was alluded in the article)

3) maybe a bit of a backlash (from the new government) against Thaksin and his CM's roots (and spoiling this part of the country to the detriment of others)

These and other issues have not helped CM.

All true, but IMHO none of these things would cause the large drop in numbers of Farang tourists that we saw this last year.

The biggest problem was the Flower Festival, and that was caused by an unthinking local Government.

Yes! I absolutely agree with you --as implied in bold-- that the Flower Festival had the greatest impact, but 1 to 3 have exacerbated matters as the tsunami, the floods, the smog, the crimes, the drunk vandal, the earthquakes,... Heck! Maybe even the annoying whistles heard everyday from my apartment complex at 6 am to 6 pm as parking employees and/or police direct traffic or-- my absolute pet peeves -- the smoke in some might clubs, the massage/bone crackers-attendees in these same night clubs' washrooms, or the insincere "You! Handsome!" calls! No country or culture is perfect, of course! Overall, though there are more positive than negatives in CM for me, although you would not think so, at first glance!

I did not read anything about:

1) currency devaluation (20% drop for the USD vs the baht)

2) more expensive airplane tickets (although this one was alluded in the article)

3) maybe a bit of a backlash (from the new government) against Thaksin and his CM's roots (and spoiling this part of the country to the detriment of others)

These and other issues have not helped CM.