samtam

I've made Beef Wellington from Australian grass-fed beef tenderloin, available here in Central Food Hall, in Bangkok. Don't Central supply it up there too? Caesar Salad is a regular on our menu at home here, (usually with slices of cold steamed chicken). Both quite easy to make, if you can cook. (And I hope I'm not being smart-arsed here, it's just that I prefer to cook at home most of the time, when I know the ingredients are good.)

Beef wellington "quick " to make ? Must be another yank that thinks beef wellington originates from Mcd's !

And ---------who "tosses table-side"

Actually, I'm British, and as noted, I did not say "quick". Cooking well is not an impossible artform. (And I hope I'm not being smart-arsed...but no doubt you will interpret as you choose.) Ar*ed should have been an indicator.

Corruption is endemic and institutionalized here, with or without Thaksin's involvement, and backed by some very big players. Thaksin and his cronies are corrupt, but consider this:

Do people really believe that Thaksin is solely responsible for all the corruption that Thailand suffers and endures, or that his brand of corruption is an worse or any different than that of the other leeches who have been bleeding the people of Thailand dry for so long?

Do people really believe that the Thaksin's influence is wholly responsible for the day to day corruption perpetrated by the back street gangsters and mafia bosses where I live.

Where I work, the local cops get paid of by the bloke who sells copy DVD's outside 7/11, the street vendors pay off the market inspectors and the local money lender operates in plain view. Who's responsible for that? Thaksin?

People have short memories. The past and recent history of Thailand's corruption - political or otherwise - is littered with cases: The Klong Dam project, the Hopewell project and the Klong Chan Credit Union scandals to name but a few.

Politics in Thailand is a business opportunity, plain and simple.

When the Thaksin influence finally dissipates, you can bet with 100% certainty that there will be others - the usual suspects? - who will pick up the pieces and carry on as they have always done.

I agree arthurboy. And sadly, I don't think this so-called Reform Movement will address any of the issues effectively. I do not anticipate seeing any change in the way things are run and done in Thailand in my lifetime, or within the lifespan of my children, (if I had any).

Like I said, "I have a dream...".

But, I have to applaud any attempt to at least recognise that the issue of corruption is a severe problem for the future growth of this country. Implementation is quite another matter, but in the last 10 years that I have lived here there has been a seismic change in attitude by Thais as to how they want to live their lives. Whether that attitude can make palpable changes is open to question, but the status quo ante ship has sailed.

It will be a bumpy ride for the next 50 years.

Thanks. My antivirus updates automatically, but I'll re-run a check.

the URL from this garbage attack is:

bk2zz.exclusiverewards.paysgovmenter.com

I've made Beef Wellington from Australian grass-fed beef tenderloin, available here in Central Food Hall, in Bangkok. Don't Central supply it up there too? Caesar Salad is a regular on our menu at home here, (usually with slices of cold steamed chicken). Both quite easy to make, if you can cook. (And I hope I'm not being smart-arsed here, it's just that I prefer to cook at home most of the time, when I know the ingredients are good.)

Rama IV between Thai Belgian and Thai Japanese bridge eerily quiet at 11.30 today with bridge closed and RIV partially blocked.

Lumpini much less busy than usual - not the usual Sunday strollers, joggers cyclists. Tent city at the R V entrance, (which I did not explore), but noisy from that area, with music and the man with a mic scenario with which we are familiar in this city, even in normal times. Also some tents in pockets not in the main area, near the RIV entrance:

and on the Rajadamri/Sarasan corner:

Park looking a bit unkempt, but still a delightful place to enjoy the cool weather, providing you don't stray into the main encampment; there are no problems there, but I would just advise avoiding it.

Does anyone else keep getting this:

Is there some way of getting rid of it?

Only comes up with some URLs, (such as Kickass).

I live in bkk. What are the steps/procedure to visit Myanmar ?

Obtain a visa from the embassy on Sathorn Road:

Heavy traffic, (as if it were a normal Friday), on Sathorn Road, north and south, possibly as a result of the planned PRDC march from Lumpini this morning, (at around 10 am). Travelled to Wittayu, which was quick and less congested, then right on to Pleonchit, which was empty. Returned from Ploenchit, via Langsuan, then left on Sarasin, and right again onto Wittayu and Sathorn. Only partial road closures, (as in left hand lane). Generally traffic in the area described is flowing quite freely. Shopped at Central in Chitlom, and delivery service from them later today...I hope.

Army bunker on top of Wittayu/Ploenchit interesction which was there yesterday, has now gone.

Ploenchit with Central Department Store on the left at around 3 pm

CIMG3853

where the yellow umbrella is located there is a very very loud blaring of music

CIMG3855

Intersection of Chitlom/Ploenchit/Langsuan from Chitlom BTS:

black vehicle heading towards Langsuan, grey/beige vehicle towards Ploenchit...Ratchaprasong, yellow taxi other way along Ploenchit. CIMG3854

At intersection of Wittayu/Ploenchit there is a Red Cross station (outside Wave Place, the Home Pro Building), with army "pillbox" stationed on the walkway overhead, (as earlier reported). Seems a little incongruous, as there appear to be no other army units in the vicinity.

Given open roads Central Food Hall are still delivering. Store was quiet, but plenty of stock. Situation may change if traffic worsens.

Herewith some scenes from Silom at around 2.15pm today:

CIMG 3851

Silom from bridge between BTS and Silom Complex looking towards Lumpinee Intersection

with a passing "protest" march. Very noisy from whistles

CIMG 3852

Edit: images added

Is this intersection between Ploenchit and Wittayu open again? Is Lang Suan open? Thanks.

Has anyone had any experience of supermarket shopping today? I'm stocked up, for about a week, but after that I will need to get some foodstuffs, or leave the country until things settle down. Normally I shop at Central Food Hall, (in Ploenchit), but alas that road is now closed.

If people can share their experiences of getting around the city today and in the coming days, it would be helpful. Like most, I have not ventured out today at all. I live in Sathorn. My maid lives in Lad Prao and turned up for work today as usual. She said it took a long time to get here. I have left it up to her own discretion whether she comes to work or not; (she is very loyal and trustworthy.)

Indeed, the road is closed. I ordered my maid to proceed to Central Food Hall ON FOOT and, in a troubling turn of affairs, she phoned me to report that the store is completely out of quail's eggs, lollo rosso lettuce AND cilantro. Quite worrisome, as she always makes me a quail egg salad on Mondays. Alas, should this most distressing situation of food shortages continue then I fear I may have no option but to make a dash for Pattaya where I'm sure Central shall not be experiencing such deprivations, unless of course they shut down the airport AGAIN, in which case all imported foodstuffs are out and then it's either drive to Hat Yai and fly to Singapore or make do with the dreadfully spicy local Thai rubbish! Just when I thought this country was starting to become civilised!

Get in the Rolls and drive to the St Regis....the Japanese place is acceptable.....particularly the soft shell crab and sashimi.

Actually perhaps you should call first in case the protesters have booked it up.

Thanks guys. Beyond helpful.

Has anyone had any experience of supermarket shopping today? I'm stocked up, for about a week, but after that I will need to get some foodstuffs, or leave the country until things settle down. Normally I shop at Central Food Hall, (in Ploenchit), but alas that road is now closed.

If people can share their experiences of getting around the city today and in the coming days, it would be helpful. Like most, I have not ventured out today at all. I live in Sathorn. My maid lives in Lad Prao and turned up for work today as usual. She said it took a long time to get here. I have left it up to her own discretion whether she comes to work or not; (she is very loyal and trustworthy.)

Oh that's interesting. Never heard of the 20% quorum requirement. Boycotting makes sense then if the Dems want to screw the election.

I think you have to go to one of their shops. However, I did that, and had a few sms in English, before it reverted to Thai. They are none of them that interesting!

Does your tracking show it was received by IMM? If so you will have no problem.

Posted 2013-11-25 11:21:15

My recent 90 day report, due on 26 November, was sent by mail to Chaengwattana IMM on 5 November, (to allow the 15 day period, plus postage), and received by IMM on 6 November. The receipt was returned to me on 23 November and dated 20 November, so although the processing time is quite long, the report date is quite adjacent to the required deadline (of 26 November). Given the many people massed at Chaengwattana last week for the court rulings, it is a relief to have this mail-in facility.

• Quote

By comparison, for a Japanese passport renewal, it takes 2 working days, and it's all completed in Bangkok. I suspect many other countries are more helpful to its citizens. One really wonders what the point is of British Embassies and Consulates throughout the world.

Whoever is supporting Suthep must be very powerful. How else can you explain the ease with which a "mob" of 100-200k have managed to get a government with a large majority to resign? The interim government concept is outside the constitutional framework, but then again, so are coup d'états. What has taken place over the last 5 weeks leading up to today's announcement is a coup d'état, but without the obvious source of the military. But a nod and a wink and a deal has been done. This "People's Council" is gaining traction, and it might well be the plan; Suspension of the constitution until the issues of voting have been resolved, and throw in a bit of a purge for the corruption and huge losses from the rice pledging and other populist schemes that have cost the country dear, and hey presto, GDP temporarily screwed, but problem solved. An election on the same basis as previously is really a non-starter.

So now we have the answer: the NACC will continue to investigate the 312 MPs that the Dems have asked to be impeached. One can assume that there is a good chance that some or many will be found guilty of corruption, and banned from politics.

Whoever is supporting Suthep must be very powerful. How else can you explain the ease with which a "mob" of 100-200k have managed to get a government with a large majority to resign? The interim government concept is outside the constitutional framework, but then again, so are coup d'états. What has taken place over the last 5 weeks leading up to today's announcement is a coup d'état, but without the obvious source of the military. But a nod and a wink and a deal has been done. This "People's Council" is gaining traction, and it might well be the plan; Suspension of the constitution until the issues of voting have been resolved, and throw in a bit of a purge for the corruption and huge losses from the rice pledging and other populist schemes that have cost the country dear, and hey presto, GDP temporarily screwed, but problem solved. An election on the same basis as previously is really a non-starter.

So if the government resigns, and is replaced by another "caretaker" government until the elections are held, who comprises that caretaker government? I just don't understand how this is supposed to work.

But what does this actually do?

Yes, indeed. What does this actually do? The government can presumably still go on being the government without the opposition, or is there some constitutional requirement that it can only function if there's an opposition? Does the Dems resignation mean that there is an insufficient quorum?

Constitutional experts please?

The car didn't "fall off the building", it was driven off the building. Similar stories (of car accidents) say "the vehicle went out of control". No it didn't. The driver lost control of the car...

I know there are such things as robotic cars, but not in Thailand AFAIK.

Still, I suppose "car falls off building" sounds much more sensational, and why let truth get in the way?