swindonabroad

March 17, 2015

thanks

March 17, 2015

Oh, if you have any alternatives around this range, also brilliant.

March 17, 2015

I was wondering if any residents down in Samui could give me an honest opinion on the Beachcomber Hotel on Chaweng in Samui.

I have done the usual searches on Trip Advisor and it seems ok. I am a long term resident here in Bangkok and have 2 friends visiting from the UK. We just need an ok hotel at a reasonable price, on the beach and close (but not too close) to the main part of town.

I really appreciate any comments.

Thanks

September 22, 2014

They did that for a murder case in a small town in england (Ithink) every male in town turned up to test voluntarily. Except one. That's how they knew. He was brought to justice.

Keep up the investigation, and good luck i hope will come to the thai police who are working so hard.

If anybody notices a whole family trying to leave the island suddenly. Please tie them up and call the police.

Think this is the case you are reffering to- http://www.independent.co.uk/news/christmas-day-killer-trapped-by-dna-test-1143922.html

It was in Yate, a good friend of mine was tested. The female had been seen in the company of a male aged 18-30 and the police asked residents to voluntarily come in to rule themselves out.

September 18, 2014

Ok, I have bitten. After years of promising myself not to engage and post on this site the ‘hogwash’ I have seen spouted on this topic has made me do so. I would also like to state, as most people don’t seem to understand this, that these are my opinions. We all have different ones.

- The Thai police are known for corruption, incompetence, being lent on and accepting cash. Please notice I did not say all policemen. If you have lived here long enough you will know that collecting money is more important than upholding laws. With this as a basis for policing I have no faith in them. Releasing the wrong CCTV and potentially contaminating a crime scene is not good work. Nor is stating that no Thai person could do this when weekly reports come through on train rapes, shootings in restaurants etc

-The PM’s comments on bikinis are crass, clumsy and unbecoming of a leader. To me it reflects more poorly on his estimation of his fellow countrymen that they cannot control themselves and smacks of the ‘she was asking for it’ argument. Abhorrent. I agree that tourists need to take sensible measures to ensure their safety, flashing cash etc same as every other country in the world

-Foreigners behavior. Totally agree that any visitor should adhere to all local laws and customs. Sex on a beach at 6am (if it did happen) is at most rude but I understand it could offend people. Is a suitable reaction smashing two peoples skulls in? I have never been to a full moon party, for a man in his 40’s they look like a nightmare. If Thais don’t like what happens there then stop them. Oh, but then the money stops too right?

-People who know a lot more than me have talked for years about the monopoly down on islands like K Tao. They are run by influential families and the police work for them. They get paid mind.

-Many have offered up theories with no proof on here. I am now going to join in but please note this is just what I think might have happened drawing on my experiences here and by talking to Thai friends. I have no proof, no evidence and am not categorically stating this is true. The woman was approached by a local on the island (Thai/ Burmese/ whatever, not important) was knocked back or the guy stepped in, loss of face, maybe words exchanged, locals follow when they leave/ are waiting for them. No one person, race of people should be ruled in or out. Everything should be done to catch whoever did this.

- It is clear, in my opinion, that the primary concern of the PM is the image of the country not justice.

- Double standards. Back to foreigners behavior. In a country where a couple of thousand baht can buy you anything you want, and please don’t think its just Cowboy and Nana, Petcaburi Rd massages etc is not for farang, a woman cannot safely wear a bikini. Visitors should not get too drunk at parties and get wild but activities such as motorcycle racing, drink driving are let go? Laws that are written in statute are not upheld.

-This seems to have been overlooked, that person is still out there. That should be a huge worry not just for catching them but for potential to repeat.

-Questioning and checking the stories of the couples friends is a great idea and of course should be done. Releasing mixed statements on arrests, ‘fleeing’ the country and showing their pictures should not be done. Simple statement along the lines of ‘ We are currently questioning two people of interest who are not under arrest as much to rule them out as to rule them in’. Done. No one should be ruled out or in based on their nationality.

- Lastly, and most importantly, 2 young people who had their whole lives in front of them have been brutally murdered. Not passed away, killed. Think of their parents, brothers, sisters, friends and family. We have all read what might have happened to them in their last few minutes. Think of the parents receiving this news, travelling to the airport, the flight and body identification. Now tell me they were asking for it, that in ANY way this kind or reaction should be expected. Not in a world I want to live in.

I have probably missed loads of points, mis-spelt words, I don’t write so coherently but every time I read of more details coming out it fills me with such sadness. Please feel free to disagree with any of my points, I hope I have explained that these are my own personal opinions, not fact, and that you are all free to your own.

Sorry this was so long.

October 26, 2011

An excellent video which simply explains the situation right now. Maybe many here are experts and dont need this but it certainly helped me

October 26, 2011

An excellent video which simply explains the situation right now. Maybe many here are experts and dont need this but it certainly helped me

September 6, 2010

Someone already mentioned the Funarium which i wld reccomend.

The is also a place called something like 'Railway Park', a short walk from Mor Chit BTS station. There you can hire bikes, ride around a large park, swim and have picnics

April 29, 2010

I completely disagree.
In denying the right of the mob to overturn the government he is probably sacrificing himself to solve the problem of the big picture.

The problem is that the precedent has been set that "mob" protest can remove governments and Abhisit is trying to stop that process.

mate, how refreshing that you disagree with me but can do it in a civil way. being 100% serious here, we all have different opinions and great to see somone can articulate thier differing views wihout resorting to the abuse, name calling etc which normally happens on here.

I agree with you that he should not give in to violence but I still beilve that he is incorrect to state that he 'is in control'

April 29, 2010

I don't see what seems to be the problem in Thailand.
Mark and said again and again (in Hardtalk) that he is in control, and the RED people are contained in just a tiny area.

For those who cannot affort BBC (like me), here are the sound clip.

MP3 of Abhisit on BBC Hardtalk 28th April 2010 Pt. 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETMqNafv6Dg

MP3 of Abhisit on BBC Hardtalk 28th April 2010 Pt. 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXG4qPTZBjw

MP3 of Abhisit on BBC Hardtalk 28th April 2010 Pt. 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwS2niuMZdU

but just saying hes in control doesnt make it so.

I have no Red or Yellow love/hate but when mobs can stop and seach cars, when they have to be negotiated with to open Sky train stations and when the police have more loyalty to the mob than to him it is really hard to belive he is in control

April 29, 2010

Would just like to add that landing on Monday the 26th at about 6.30 pm there were only 2 people in front of me in the queue.

Actually got a small smile of appreciation from the officer when I directed her towards my re-entry permit.

I must admit I am one of the first to moan about the long waits and rude officials but this time the experience was excellent

March 14, 2010

AVOID SUKUMVIT ROAD.
No trouble but about 1000 or so marching down, traffic is stuffed. Just passed Soi 77

Which way were they headed? Were they marching west to join the main demonstration or were they marching east away from it?

going from on nut towards prakanog

March 14, 2010

AVOID SUKUMVIT ROAD.

No trouble but about 1000 or so marching down, traffic is stuffed. Just passed Soi 77

March 14, 2010

upper Sukumvit Road has been a steady trickle of red coaches, pick ups, taxis and motorbikes for the past 45mins

November 5, 2009

I can’t work out which is funnier/sadder.

The comical political situation here which lunches from ridiculous to farcical and then over to a full out school boy ‘who can pi$$ the highest’ contest.

OR

The vitriol, bile and mis-guided passion coming from a load of foreigners here on this forum who have no say in Thai politics, are guests in this country and cannot effect any change

May 19, 2009

I'm sorry, but I find many of attitudes on here puzzling. IMO, it is all just more Thai-bashing from Westerners who feel that all of Thailand should bow and scrape to them.
The woman (and any of us) need to learn that one must respect the laws, the authorities, and the customs in ANY country in which we choose to travel, and that being a Western tourist in a devloping country dependent in part upon tourism and tourist money does not give us the freedom to act in whatever manner we like and to break any laws we wish.

Agree 100%. Well put.

Absolutely correct, I couldn't agree more

As usual with any theme or topic on this site it has quickly degenerated into the usual and boring ‘if you don’t like here then f off’ comments.

Many posters seem so desperate to prove their ‘Thainess’ that any criticism of the country or the people is jumped on.

The irony of many of the points of view is this- She is being vilified for her behaviour, rudeness and running away.

This is also being backed up with support for the corrupt police, judicial system and bar owner (bribes).

People say she acted illegally (which she did) and then offer the simple solution of paying a bribe. Can no one else see the irony in these suggestions?

Either there is law and order with uncorruptable police men, no bribes paid to the police and all crimes investigated fully otherwise its extremely difficult to know where to start (or stop) arresting people.

Do people really think that on this particular night in question this ladies actions were in the top, say, 10% of ‘worst things done’in Phuket? I hear there are other night time activites that are illegal as well, how well is that law enforced?

If the country had a police force that deserved respect it would be shown to them. This has to be earned.

May 19, 2009