rucker4012

In USA there is a licensed National Association of Realtors, something that does not exist in Thailand. Realtors are tested and licensed. In Thailand I believe I could pass myself off as a realtor, charge any % commission that I can get and not worry about my license. Contracts, commissions and procuring cause figure into the equation. Not here. How do you intend to stop this sale at land dept?

My last TM6 had no stamp. Was told at Phuket Immigration that once you give them your prints you are in the system

80% accidents caused by alcohol or speeding, not by size of van. All this will do is cause more people per accident to be injured by speeding or alcohol impaired driver.

Bangkok Bank is the only Thai bank with an American branch. If you have an account with them, your American bank can transfer to the NY branch and you will have your funds in three working days. Most American banks will not transfer money to a Thai bank due to their lack of safe protocols.

Same guy that let all air out of my two left tires at Central when I parked on side road along side behind MacDonalds. He told me I couldn't park there. (No red white curb, just group of taxi drivers playing cards). I continued walking to Central, ignoring his order, returned after fifteen minutes to my two flat tires.

I believe true registered taxi/tuk tuk & motorcycles for hire have yellow plates. Never found out true meaning of green/black lettering. Anyone out there know for sure?

Sorry...explain to me why the police and hotels are "negotiating" (or rather caving due to threats of blockades) with illegal taxi's?

By now we all know the answer.

In case anyone isn't aware, the "back plate" taxi's are all paying members of the same "organizations" as the tuk tuks(Patong co-op, Kata/Karon co-op etc.) Refereed to by many as mafia. A large segment of the co-ops fleets are unlicensed, unregulated, not tax paying black taxi's. A real taxi has a green plate. Never use one with a regular passenger plate, black lettering on white background. Those are black taxi's. But in Phuket it is more important to be a member of one of the co-ops, and pay protection money to them, than to get licensed with the government. Not following government rules leads to fines. Not following co-op rules leads to damaged taxi's, threats and violence. This is why the illegal taxi's have a representative. These guys are untouchable. No other government in world would allow an island to be taken hostage by an organized criminal element like this. Tune in tomorrow for the next beating, blockade or scam. Becoming almost a daily thing.

Last one out, switch of the lights.

The dynasty (or should I say din nasty) is preparing itself for supreme power (they hope) along the lines of Marcos, Hussain, Gadhaffi et al. They just have one or two people to remove first. God help Thailand!

The poor and ignorant masses are being duped. If these fascists win there really is no future and Burma will look like a tea party. Perhaps I won't sell my house in France after all.

Does anyone know the legal/moral/ethical issues about serving alcohol on election day in Thailand?

I'm not sure, but I believe Thailand during Songkran has more fatalities than Iraq & Afganistan combined!

Believe Songkran more dangerous than Afganistan & Iraq!

I have no politcal leanings in Thailand as I can't vote anyway, but I'm astonished that this article fails to mention the 2006 coup. Whether justified or not, how are voters to be blamed for the consequences of this exactly? It's a strange position to take, I feel.

I'm not Thai and don't care about politics one way or another, but I've lived here since 2005 and I've seen and experienced for myself the difference post-coup in increased anti-social behavior, drug use and crime in the area I live. Lots of things like the 2am closing time for pubs, for example, were just forgotten where once they were strictly enforced. I know Thaksin's government got lots of heat from Amnesty International for their 'war on drugs' but my experience and perception of living here as a foriegner is that generally respect for rule of law is not what it once was.

Well said. In Phuket I've also seen rule of law no longer followed. Tuk-Tuk "mafia" can demonstrate to retain a monopoly for cruise ships and U.S. Navy ships at local port.

This sounds very nice and like a possible breaktrough ... Reds would be crazy to refuse after the bad days they had. However, with terrorists charges threatening and no mention of amnesty in his 5 point program, they might ask to have amnesty added as a number 6 prior to give in.

Yes I think this is a main point. Amnesty! Most of them out on bail already. Difficult question, but i think they must face justice, because many of their crimes is to serious.

Amnesty only insures in the future that roguish behavior will be tolerated without penalty. Rule of law will NEVER be followed.

Haven't heard a thing. I thank they are dreaming but could be wrong.

there is info about it on the new April issue of "PREMIERE" the True Visions t.v. guide monthly magazine. it's their front cover story, almost all in Thai language. but i think it looks like you need a special HD receiver, plasma or HD 1080 type t.v., and their "hd package". lots of info on it, in Thai, page 6 and 7. i got my magazine in the mail today.

I stand corrected, I guess True is actually going HD, albeit limited channels. I too saw the April issue of "PREMIERE"... if not mistaken, they will start with HBO HD and some sports channel.

Which channels will be allocated? Where is Program Schedule? What date will service be offered? How much is upgrade? Other than BKK phone number, where can I find English answers? I live in Phuket and they have been stringing fiber optic cable around island. For internet or TV?

Got my April TrueVisions TV guide this morning. They announced launch of HD channels.

Don't know when it will start, but looks like you'll need to get a TrueVisions HD Receiver and then the HD package as well.

Saw a 12 April date in ad. Called True(0-2725-2525) & unable to find out how many channels, how much and where is list of programs offered. Tried to get me to press 9 for English, then put in mobile phone number followed by something to get a calll back.

The American Embassy charges $40 USD to notarize a statement from you that you make so much per month. They do not need proof, only your sworn word. That original notarized statement was taken in Phuket to issue retirement visa. I have to get a new original each year. No requirements were asked about transfer into a Thai bank account (yet).

BBQ @ Green Man - I'll be there with party of six. Can't wait.