realthaideal

As we do know Thailand, I bet that it will not affect the farang under 25 that are here on holiday. I think this is mainly aimed at the Thai youth which is the largest group that gets killed or maimed when drinking. As most farangs don't owned cars, they probably will not be looking at the younger farangs but that is only a guess. TIT can override any common sense.

Exactly. But then again, why not just enforce more strictly the laws on drunk driving, drunkenness in public, and selling to minors. This new law is even more like treating a meta-symptom rather than the cause. It's not under 25 yr olds drinking that's the problem, it's what they're likely to do to themselves and others.

And getting to the root of the problem besides the enforcement of laws already there, is more education of the youth. It doesn't look or sound as powerful as passing sweeping measures, but teaching the kids "mao mai kap" (Don't Drive Drunk) is good. Sure many kids will defy or not listen, but many campaigns like this have worked in Western countries with regard to pollution, drugs, water conservation etc.

Thanks, guys! The source of the red color was my major stumbling block. If it's just a dab of catsup I can do it easily. Definitely it will need the vinegar or tamarind.

I try to make it just like our lady on the corner makes it, and she uses a mix of ketchup and Sauce Prik - the mild red chili sauce they often serve with Khai Jiaow, the THai fried omelette. That's in addition to the other previously mentioned ingredients you have to play with: suagr, vinegar, pinch of fish sauce.

I worked in Iceland some years ago. The fish factory there sold a lot of that fake crab meat to Japanese ships that took it to Japan. They take the pieces of fish that are too small to make into fillets. They then run the whole mess through a grinder. They add some pieces of ground crab shell to give a red color to the mix. Then they run the watery fish paste through an extruder, which squeezes out the water. It is then formed into what looks like pieces of fish sphegetti. It looks terible, and smells bad also. Tons of it are shipped to Japan for the Sashimi/Sushi restaurants.

Nevertheless, I still eat it.

The Japanese love it and...... so do the Thais ! You'd think they never got along without the stuff. I think they're so new to the processed foods replacing real foods that they adopt them all too eagerly. In a few more years (decades?) they will start to recognize real foods again as they start returning to their roots and the way things ought to be. For now they love their crabstick, dogs, and balls like nothing. If the dogs were at least made with some finesse - sometimes sai ua in the North - it would be alot more appreciable than all of these recycled/ reclaimed things they eat in place of fresh meat.

I'm all for Thai food but not the processed stuff.

And you know, riding home in flooded Chiang Mai streets last night, legs wet on the moto half way up the shins, cars hitting me with spray as they plowed through deeper pockets, I can't help think of all of THailand's stray dogs. They're out there - pooing. Pooing, pooing, pooing ! All over the place. And everytime there's a flood I know I'm wading through so much poo water. I never soap up as thouroughly in the shower as I do after coming home from a ride through city's floodwaters. I try not to think of it but in the land of stray dogs, you know the waters swimming with it. Yick !

Can I ask a question? What happens if the leech is not extracted from the said anus? I mean whats the consequence if it is not removed?

the attorney will continue to grow!!!!!!!

relax

Good on you ! That's the funniest thing I've read in this forum so far.

Of course stressful times as many of us need lawyers now to get visas straightened out fast. everyone needs a lawyer at some point. Hopefully sitting at a desk, and not attached to the ...um, er, ....anus.

Can't you imbeciles spell his name correctly? Taksin (Thai) = Adlof (Austrian) Shinawat (Thai) = Hitler (Austrian) any further questions or comments are superfluous.

Gen. Sonti should go down in history as a GREAT humanitarian!

Adolf, my dear, not Adlof...!

Well, We all make typos.... and I'm glad that rat bastard greedy guy is gone. Fine.

However, Hitler was a bad, bad guy who systematically sought to kill off an entire race or two of people. Taksin is no Hitler. Just a greedy power mongering fool.

Check out Godwin's Law. Basically, if you have to invoke Hitler to add credence to your argument, you've already lost. Hitler's just so over-used. And fortunately there's been just one of those guys.

Just a rambling really. I just heard about the Godwin's Law thing. Hope it catches on. Everybody's calling everybody Hitler these days. It's just getting silly.

As I said on another topic...."the ship is not sinking,but the rats have left"

Toxin knew this was coming....and had prepared his bolt hole a long time ago!

Greedy he may be...but stupid he aint.

Indeed indeed. But though he ran with the loot and secured an exit plan during this time out of the country....What a sweet loss of face for him to be at the UN Assembly! With many people expecting him to speak, Toxic Shitwad, representative leader of his country, had to duck out because finally he is deposed and seemingly the whole of the Thai people are not outraged by the power grab. Before a glaring audience of his peers he had to leave, tail tucked between his legs. A loser, rejected by his country.

Karma. Som Nam Nah. Just desserts, etc.

...And now I try to explain to my fellow Americans back home that these are not scary times for me here. It is likely the best solution for a man who, like GW, should have (if only it could be!) been ousted by popular demand for lies, greed, and poor leadership long ago.

And prasie to the Thai people and the Coup leaders for being calm and well spoken. Thankfullnes for the King's unifying spirit. Only in Thailand could a military coup and martial law be the path to setting things right again.

Amen.

Common sense would say that it shoudl be allowed and you don't need a visa?

This is Thailand. Common sense doesn't apply here

The Thai language makes no provision for the concept of "common sense". It does not translate. There are no Thai words that mean "common sense".

Exactly.... have struggled in Thai to explain 'context,' and 'logical' as well. the definitions of such concepts in Thai are loooooong and involved as there are no exact words for it. These words, known by savvy business people are usually borrowed from English straight into Thai.

If only speaking Thai could get me a B Visa ! (to show my committment to the country, as well as staying on topic)

Here is a senario that is not covered well: people who come into Thailand to work on a project (typically up to three months). I do alot of these projects all over the world. Most countries understand this and will allow you in on the basis of 'business' (tick the reason for visiting as 'business'). However, in Thailand you would be clearly breaking the law. I mean working on a short term project when you are paid in your home country...

Exactly. I am a writer working on a book about Thailand. I have artist friends here doing photo projects, painting projects, and even sculpting. We are all happy to be here, contribute to the country, and would like to hang out legally, pay an necessary fees, as well as spend our incomes from abroad while we stayhere. In many cases our period of temporary work here may be 3 months, or could be a couple years. Why is there not a recognition of this by the Immigration Board ? Many Farang are here to learn about and contribute to Thai society. Further our projects will go to the good of the country as far as PR. We are an asset to the country and should have an easy (or any) way to live here and do our businees.

I'll go one further...far-fetched, but it would be a pleasure to couple my skills with any appropriate government office or public institution here that could use my skills on a part time or project basis in order to 'earn' a Business Visa, or even 'Expert Visa.' If the channels were there, no problem !

Just today I went to a consulate in the US to get a double entry tourist visa for $50. The women noticed all the Thai stamps in my passport and asked if it might not be more convenient for me to get an "O" multiple entry visa for $125. I said 'sure' and she just changed the box I checked, took the cash, and gave me the visa. Cool.

And just where is this smart, Helpful consulate ? I want to know. But I don't want to spell it out too clear for Thai Imm snoops who might want to clamp down. Something like Aloha State or Golden Gates would do fine. Let's keep it cryptic and fun. But clear. And get some real info we can use if we do have to head back to our home countries for full visas. Thanks !

A lot of people talking about something they know nothing about

Amen ! First voice of reason. Sunbelt can give advice. The rest of us can speculate and TRY to interpret. No sense to a senior member trying to silence a newer member's speculation. It's all so much flapping of the jaws. For now it's time for us to get our ducks in line for visas, and to meditate on a good dose of 'jai yen yen.'

hi guys..

so why do people want multiple tourist visa's anyway?

if you are working or staying in thailand why dont you get a work or retirement or dependants visa?

i dont think that there is anything wrong here with the new visa requirements - just people trying to get around the law - for whatever reason - probably tax or insurance or just simply black employment ....

so what do such people ( multiple tourist visa ) do for a living? how do they get money? one assumes its all illigal?

amarka

Dude. Amarka. I'm not here to do black things and do evil. I'm a freelance worker who does gigs via the internet back in the US. I have an income and spend it here. I love Thailand. But get this, I'm required to be taken on for a job that pays 60,000 Baht / mo in order to get that visa. How many companies do you think are paying Farang or anybody that kind of money...in BKK ? ok, a few, but all upper level positions. Now how about Chiang Mai? 60k in CHiang Mai ? Ha ! Keep dreaming. The laws themselves are unrealistic at best and greedy at worst. I have to keep the party going by bringing in my foreign dollars via the internet, and under the table.

And guess what ? I write good things about THailand for the internet. I do good for this country. THat's in addition to spending my money here. But with my less than 60 K income thru a Thai co there is no way for me to go legit. But I want to live here and do what's right. The avenue for that does not exist. Their own loss. And I know there are many good folks up to projects in the same boat as I am.

Give some heart and thought to floks like us.

why so difficult, send you passport by courier to a consulate, let the courier pick it up and pay your 170 euro or 200 dollar for a year tourist visa. Available anywhere in Europe. You cna still be here all year round...

Not sure about this. Won't they have a fit when you go to immigration to do your border run and see you've been issued a visa from outside of Thailand, yet there are no visible stamps from exit/entry to Thailand as you went to obtain it ? ie how did you legitimately obtain it ouside the country without ever passing thru immigration to get it. They will know you courriered it.

Otherwise, if it's this easy I'll do it straightaway.

......people wanting to stay longer, ask a non immigrant visa.

If you support someone get a 1 year visa. If you work get a business visa and a work permit. No excuses.

Khun Jean, I'm sure I am not alone here, but many of us are up to many things while in your country, trying to do good for both ourselves and for Thailand. I am young and can't start a company legally yet. But I am on my way doing business here. I help bring dollars to your country and then spend them here. I do alot of good for the people of Thailand, and when I do it on my own, there is no one to sponsor me with a visa. I know of many other people in the same boat.

I can easily get a teahcer's visa, but that is not the way I wish to contribute here. I am happy that so far there are some loose laws that allow those of us who wish to get things started here can do so without too much scrutiny.

And frankly, being Thai, you have no idea the hassles and paperwork they put us through. Even the monthly border runs are a hassle and getting expensive. It's a silly use of my time. But so far I keep doing it because I love it here.

Real saffron comes from a crocus flower grown only in Spain. Thailand has plenty of spices but this one is an import and doesn't really figure in the cuisine here. Someone has probably got you misguided about what you need or where to look.

I come up with 3 ideas on this dish for you. First off, it's a big fancy dish they made for a Farang in Thailand, so it's a little harder to guess what they're up to. I also spot some squid in the back of the dish so I'm gonna say whatever they called this dish, it's pad taleh - stir fried with mixed seafood.Yes, there's hoy malaeng poo, but they're the granish up front, there's lots more stuff lurking in those noodles.

Guess 1 I agree, could very well be pad prik pao - by the looks fo the darkness of the chili paste used. But this could also be a tasy blend with some tamarind in it too. That would add a slight sweet, sour to the taste and make it brown liek this.

Guess 2 COuld be Pad Kee Mao Taleh - I think I see some kraphao basil in there, that with chilies, and the assumed garlic, would make it Pad Kee Mao. Again that's leaving room for some cook's interpretation...ie soy sauce, something to darken it a bit.

Guess 3 Could've just been called Pad Phet for fried with red curry. Couldv'e been a curry paste with roasted chilies, or shallots making it darker, even tamarind or palm sugar too.

'Cause this is such a modern Farang fancy dish it could go any of these 3 ways. We'd all have to taste it to know for sure ! Does look tasty though.

So was it sweet ? tangy ? salty ? herby ?

Tell us more.

Hey Ezzra,

Don't know where you live so it's hard to help. We do have a friendly bakery supply place with all kinds of odds n ends out here in CHiang Mai. It's opposite CHiang Mai Gate, across the street and past Ruam Pet Hospital by 1/2 a block, still on same left-hand side of street. All kinds of yeast. And then baker's tools too. I have no oven but stop by to pick up raisins, nuts, and oats on the cheap and then make cereal or other snacks at home. Better price n quality than Rimping, Big C, Carrefour etc. I'm also in support of the small guy doing his business in the face of the megatores.

Mae Ploy Paste is alright if you're outside of THailand, otherwise not that spectacular. - The best are made by your favorite vendor in the local markets. - It's overall taste is a little strong on salt and galangal for me. Most tom yam pastes in THailand have alot more use of hom daeng and namtaan (shallots n palm sugar respectively), making it much more tasty and delicate as an addition to a soup.

When I use the mae ploy stuff though, for a Thai take on things, I like to marinate some chicken or pork with a rub of it, some fish sauce, and some sugar. This makes for some fine grilled meat the next day !

The Thais don't do it this way, it's a fusion thing admittedly.