hastings

A different Reset Button for politics than the old Army Button.

Is this progress? Most likely, depending on the PTP actions going forward.

It is yet again the same old problem,

a faction thinks they can take over completely,

and in the attempt harms everyone. Till reset is punched.

I would equate this to the supreme court in US to keep check and balance, if not that then Military coup.

Besides, the Red think they can do anything like their protest 2 years ago till someone tell them enough is enough

Lets be clear, this is nothing like the United States Supreme Court. Nor is it an example of checks and balances on a legisslature. The significant difference is under the United States Constitution, the United States Supreme Court interprets laws only after they are passed by the legislature. Here, by significant contrast, the Court appears to be stating that an elected legislature cannot pass certain laws. In the Untied States we call that "prior restraint" which is unconstitutional. As the court is taking away the ability of the elected legislature to pass laws, it is closer to a judicial coup then jurisprudence. It is certainly not democracy.

I fail to see how this is a problem.

Many bars do not let them in either, because we don't want to drink with them.

I said to a bargirl once, 'Why do you keep the blacks out?' and she said 'Because if Farang see African man, he not come in'.

I said 'Yep, you're right'.

All they do is try and sell me cocaine, and try to 'look after me' on Sukhumvit. It gets quite tiring.

I ran out of reds today but will be back tomorrow to give you one.

I know plenty of those white folks who sell drugs also you bigot!

Agree completely with OnNut. Sadly "men" like Hayden are the reason some of us go on holiday in the first place -- to get away from bigots back in our home countries. Btw black, white, red, yellow or green, we do not want to drink with you either Hayden.

I am not sure about UK law, but US law makes it illegal for an adult to have sex with anyone under 18 regardless of the local laws.

Not true, there is no such United States law. Statutory rape laws (criminalizing sex with minors based on the age even with consent) in the United States varies greatly depending on the state. In several states the age of consent is only 14 or 15 years old (5 states 14 and 2 states 15). The age of consent in the majority of states is 16 years old. That said, California and a few other states have 17 and 18 as the age of consent. See this recent parody song on The Age of Consent in the United States. http://www.huffingto...i_n_682162.html

The United States does have a law making it illegal to travel abroad with the intention of having sex with someone under the age of 18 (if having sex with that person would be illegal within the United States). There is a question whether the consent laws of the travelors home state will govern. In any event, sex with someone 13 or under would mean jail time as it is illegal in all states (and most foreign destinations as well).

Seems quite a fair amount of mind numbing substances are consumed in this country. From OTC drugs to very flammable brain roasting substances.

These mules and their bosses dont appear to be that smart either and sometimes I seriously doubt the sincerity of the law enforcements to put an end to it as it easily passes through several borders.

Hate so say this but you are wrong, their bosses are very smart. They use this girl as a decoy to allow a bigger shipment get in. This is a normal tactic used by gangs, they have a small shipment and a big shipment and then they give a tip to the police for the small shipment.

You are probably right. But why then did then give her so much of the stuff. Is this business really so profitable?

These a...holes are taking over Sukhumvit soi by soi. Myself and friends enjoyed drinking late on 13. It was ideal. Now we call it Coon Corner (this is not racial just a comment about the awful characters who accumulate there now) It got to the stage when there was a fight every night. You had to dodge tables and glasses. How do these

indivuduals make their money? How do they get visas? Why do the Thais not realise the damage they do?

It is ALWAYS the racists that state it is not racial. Yes, these guys are far worst then the Thai, Russian, and europeans that engage in the same behaviors.

2 cents seems to be the value of it too !, lighten up, its called humour, not racist, thats a load of <deleted> to assume that, i dont get offended when my cloured buddy calls me honky !,.

Really, your "colored buddy" using the term "honky," in the new millennium. Your reference to blacks as colored is offensive, as were your other comments. And yes, I do take offense. I always love when bigots try to argue that they are not bigots by referencing a black friend and trite insults from the seventies.

I don't get it. After they hold up the liqour store, how can they possibly run from the cops with their pants down like that?

Just doesn't make sense. Sorta like Japanese Olympic sprinters wearing kimonos.

I asked a friend of mine " why are those coloured boys wearing baggy trousers " he replied

" because theyre knee grows "

How do the black kids run from the cops with their pants around their ankles?

Unbelievable. You thought you left the rap and gangsta attitude back in your home country, but apparently you've brought your shi**y attitude and bigotry to Thailand. Maybe you got run out of your country by the gangstas because of your racial comments. This forum is no place for this kind of hatred. Go drink yourselves into bigotdom in another forum.

My two cents worth.

Agree completely. There is way too much bigotry on this forum masquerading as humor. I thought it was against the forum rules.

What is it with youngsters these days wearing their trousers/pants half way down their arse, it just looks ridiculous. Answers anyone?

I actually found out where that "fashion" statement orginiated from. In U.S. prisons, it used to be that when someone wore their pants down low, pass their butt, it was a sign that they "belonged" to someone, if you know what I mean. They were somebody's bi...well you know the word. Now, with enforced universal prison uniforms it has gone away. When I explained that to a kid back in the states, he just looked at me, and I explained, "think about it, why would somebody put their pants down like that, it is called advertisement and owndership." Maybe someone should tell these thai kids that and we can nip it in the bud....

You are only half right. The look did originate in US prisons. The reason, however, has nothing to do with prison chattel as you state. Rather, it has to do with stemming the tide of inmate violence and suicide. Contrary to what you state, there is no universal uniform in the US prison systems. In most states inmates are issued shirts and pants and the sizing tends to run large (it is easier to place an inmate in a larger uniform then it is to place a small uniform on a larger inmate). Prison officials for safety and control reasons banned belts (shoelaces are also generally banned). Belts were often used as ropes to exchange contraband from cell to cell, for suicides, and as part of makeshift weapons. The lack of belts also assisted with officer safety as it helped to restrict inmate movement as the prisoners struggled to keep their pants up. All inmates, irrespective of their status as prison chattel or owners of such chattel, had the same clothing issues.

The problem was particularly prevalent in LA County jail. The fashion trend started when west coast gangster rappers started emulating the county jail style in music videos. Gangster rappers copied the prison style to gain credibility with the music buying public. The look was then copied by the public that wanted to be as cool as gangsters. It has always been that way. Gangsters have been glorified since the 1920s.

The Davis diplomat suite was a great stay two years ago. Very nice. Big hot tub and a sauna in room. Pricey, but it was a two bedroom suite.

Yes in the US by law he would. Just like Obama the US president did. Nether of his parents were US citizens. He was simply born in the US and thats good enough to make him the president. In the EU I don't know.

Where do you get that stupid crap.

Obama's mother is definitely a US CITIZEN.

His father was not, but you only need one.

At 18 he gets the choice of citizenship between parents countries

regardless of where he lived.

Well calling it stupid crap is a bit over the top.

I stand corrected, she had not been born a US citizen, but she was at the time of his birth. If even that is correct anymore.  I don't fact check my posts I am not a reporter, and this is only a forum full of dorks and the only qualification required to join is to be one.   I guess thats why so many of us join and you have stayed with us.   Their citizenship is just not a sensitive issue with me, maybe thats why I messed up the fact by complete mistake.   I am sorry.    At any rate he would still have been a US citizen and that was the main point.  

Calling your first and second post a load of "crap" is correct (I have quoted only the salient portions for context). The ignorance is mind-numbing considering the resources available on the internet today.

President Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Stanley Dunham and Madelyn Payne. Ms. Dunham's parents were both US citizens. President Obama's mother did not "choose" to become a US citizen later in life, at the time of President Obama's birth, as your post infers. Rather, Ms. Dunham was born a US citizen. While it likely does not matter to a person with your cavalier grasp of the facts, President Obama was also born a US citizen in Hawaii. By virtue of his birth in the US, the nationality of his parents is irrelevant to determining his US citizenship under US law, in any event. The cacophony of lies regarding President Obama's citizenship by "birthers," and others with an agenda, is a sad and disturbing trend.

By the way, the excuse that a "lie" is perpetuated to start a "simple conversation" only evidences a lack of intellectual honesty.

Finally, the young boy that flies paper airplanes better than anyone else in Thailand should be allowed to represent Thailand. I hope common sense prevails and the little boy's dream of competing become reality.

Stayed there for a month last year. Great facilities, gym, sauna steam room, free wireless, and walking distance to Skytrain, Central World, and Nana (if thats what you are after). I would say that bht 1750 is a very good deal. Btw I was with my wife, but my friends said it was guest friendly.

I have read about the difficulities of getting a tourist visa for a Thai woman. In this case, she is employed by the same company for 8 years, has her own condo, her own accounts (financial), has family in Bkk and Roi Et, I have visited her there and will be there again in the next few months. My question is with her backround and established lifestyle can this make a difference getting a tourist visa for her?

Your fiancee might have sufficient means to obtain a tourist visa, but it is not guaranteed. My wife had a similar background and was denied. In any event, the tourist visa cannot be used for marriage even if it is granted. Nor is your fiancee in a better position is she marries you in the United States while on a tourist visa. Some immigration judges might look at that as an improper attempt to gain permanent status, which would effect a proper application. The United States will deport a wife under that situation.

I went through the same thing. Wait until your fiancee can come to the United States to marry. Waiting while the visa is processed and you are away can be devastating to the relationship.

There is no 90 day marriage visa. Your options are a marriage visa or fiancee visa. Whether you marry in Thailand or wait until your bride can go to the United States on a fiancee visa, the process takes about 9 months to 18 months depending on the information requests from the US government while the application is pending. You cannot get married while your fiancee is in the United StatesS on a tourist visa. The marriage will not allow her to stay in the US, and will make it more difficult to complete the other proper applications. Nor is it likely that your fiancee will be allowed into the US on a tourist visa (very difficult for Thai women to obtain). Take a look at Visajourney.com.

Good Luck.

Bought a new Sony laptop, but need to be able to type in Thai (so some non-english speasking family menbers can also use it). Is there a quick fix available; i.e., switching the keys. Where would I get that done in Bangkok, and what woulds be the approximate cost? thanks for any information.

Also, anyone know the cost of getting internet service in a thai village (100 km from nearest major city . . . Ubon Ratchatahani).

Wow,I cannot believe that there is nobody at TV that has a word of advise or knowledge on this subject. With no intent to insult, I have noticed that TV members have opinions on everything: so why the silence here? Again, any words of wisdom (or even responses that are less than solomonic) are welcomed.

My fiancee and I had our K-1 visa approved in mid-August. The K-1 expires in January 2008. We were palnning on moving back, marrying and settling in the USA starting in November. Our plans may have suddenly changed as I now have a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in Thailand on a six month to one year project that would have substantial benefits for my career (I would advance by 10 years and be able to demand top dollar anywhere if successful). We would want to settle in the USA once the project is completed. Obviously this creates a dillema as we decide whether to accept the opportunity.

Can the K-1 be placed on hold if the applicants disciover that they cannot use it within the applicable time period? If we do not use the K-1 will it be more difficult to obtain a K-1 or K-3 in the future? Would we be able to accelerate the process for either visa,or have to restart the process from scratch, i.e., new application, fees, etc.? How have other TV members handled an approved visa that could not be used timely? Any information would be appreciated.

The following is the result of Beammeup’s research for the countries which permit a Thai citizen to enter without a visa or by obtaining a visa upon arrival (I hope he does not mind that the info was edited so that it can be read more easily since the single spacing was giving me a headache. The countries in Bold require very little effort to visit as visa, if required, are issued upon arrival)

ANDORRA No visa requirements exist for Andorra. However, apply the relevant regulations of France or Spain, whichever must be transited to reach Andorra.

ARMENIA Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival at Yerevan Zvartnots Airport only, for a touristic stay of max. 21 days provided holding sufficient funds. However, it is recommended to obtain a visa prior to arrival.

AZERBAIJAN Visa required, which can be issued on arrival for a max. stay of 30 days. An invitation is not necessary but it is recommended to hold a document that shows the purpose of the visit. Visa is only valid for the cities listed in the visa.

BAHAMAS Visa required. However, visa not required provided continuing to a third country within 3 days.

BAHRAIN Visa required. A 14 day tourist or business visa can be obtained on arrival. Two week extension possible.

BELARUS Visa can be issued on arrival.

BERMUDA Visa not required. Bermuda Immigration officers will decide on max. period of stay (up to 6 months) depending on reason for travel.

BRAZIL Visa not required for a touristic or business stay of max. 90 days. One extension possible.

BRUNEI Visa not required for a max. stay of 14 days.

BURKINA FASO Visa required. However, if coming from a country with no diplomatic representation of Burkina Faso, a visa can be obtained upon arrival for a max. stay of 3 months.

BURUNDI Visa can be obtained on arrival, if no diplomatic representation of Burundi is located in country of origin.

CAMBODIA Visa required. However, visa can be obtained on arrival, if coming for: - touristic purposes for a stay of max. 1 month. - business purposes for a stay of max. 1 month. Extension of stay is possible.

CAPE VERDE ISLANDS Individual passengers coming from countries where no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde is established may obtain visa on arrival.

CHILE Visa not required for a stay of max. 90 days. (Extension of 90 days possible).

COMORES ISLANDS Visa issue upon arrival at Immigration Office downtown, payable in freely convertible currency.

COOK ISLANDS If visit is solely for touristic purposes: visa not required for a stay of max. 31 days. If visit is for business purposes (which may include acting for or on behalf of a person/firm established outside Cook Islands): visa required (which can be issued on arrival), for a stay of max. 21 days.

CUBA If there is no Cuban consulate, neither one situated in country nearby, so that a visa is very difficult to obtain, passenger may apply for a "Visa waiver for Cuba" by sending a letter to Foreign Relations Ministry. If coming for touristic purposes and holding Tourist Card ("Tarjeta del Turista"): visa not required.

DOMINICA Visa not required for stay of max. 21 days.

EGYPT Visa required. However, a 14 days visa -free of charge- can be obtained on arrival, if entering Egypt via South Sinai (through Sant Katherine, Sharm El Sheik or Taba airports), provided: - remaining in South Sinai resorts; and - not continuing to any other city in Egypt.

ERITREA Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. 1 month (renewable for another 2 months), provided request has been made by sponsor to Eritrea Immigration at least 48 hours before arrival.

ETHIOPIA Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a max. stay of 3 months if coming for touristic purposes. In some cases visa can also be obtained if coming for business purposes.

FALKLAND ISLANDS Visa required. However, visa not required: a). if holding written authority issued by: - HM vernment of the United Kingdom; or - the Falkland Islands; or - a British Consulate; or . continuing journey by cruise ship as a passenger, within 24 hours of arrival.

FIJI Visa not required. On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay of max. 4 months.

GAMBIA Visa required. However, visa can be issued on arrival if: - travelling as tourist on charter flights or as part of a tour package. Within 48 hours extension of stay must be obtained from the Immigration Headquarters in Banjul; or - coming from a country without consulate or embassy of Gambia.

GEORGIA Visa required. However, visa (of various types and length of stays) can be obtained on arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Dept. at the airport.

HAITI Visa not required for a stay of max. 3 months.

HONG KONG Visa not required for stay of max. 1 month.

INDONESIA Visa not required for a max. stay of 30 days, provided: - coming for touristic purposes only; and - arriving at certain airports. IRAN Visa required. However, it can be issued on arrival provided: 1. coming for tourist purposes only for a max. stay of 7 days, or 2. passenger has been introduced by means of a letter from valid organization or government at least two days prior to arrival, for a max. stay of 72 hours.

IRAQ Visa required. If arriving at Erbil International Airport, visa can be obtained on arrival, should the immigration authorities deem the issuance of such a visa necessary.

ISRAEL Visa required. However, if travelling in a group of 10 or more passengers and holding prior approval from Ministry of Interior, visa can be obtained on arrival.

KAZAKHSTAN Visa required. A visa can be issued on arrival at Almaty/Astana airports (provided pre-arranged and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan) for both private and business purposes, for a stay of max. one month. However, it is highly recommended to arrange visa before arrival in Kazakhstan, as issue of visa upon arrival may cause considerable delay.

KENYA Visa required. It is possible for a visa for a max. stay of 3 months to be issued on arrival. However, this will cause considerable delay.

KOREA (REPUBLIC) Visa not required for a stay of max. 3 months.

KUWAIT Visa required. However, visa can be obtained on arrival if coming for vacation or leisure for a stay of max. 1 month, provided: - having sponsor in Kuwait holding the original visa; and - holding confirmation from transporting airline that visa is available on arrival.

KYRGYZSTAN Visa can be issued on arrival for a stay of max. one month when coming from: - countries with Kyrgyzstan representation, provided holding confirmation from Kyrgyzstan authorities; - countries without Kyrgyzstan representation, provided a sponsor can announce the passenger(s) to the authorities.

LAOS Visa required, which can be obtained upon arrival for a max. stay of 15 days (one extension possible) provided passenger is coming from a country without representation of Laos.

LIBERIA Visa required. If arriving from a country without diplomatic representation of Liberia: visa issue on arrival possible if holding telex confirmation from the station manager of delivering airline.

LITHUANIA Visa required, which in some cases may be issued on arrival.

MACAO Visa not required for a stay of max. 30 days.

MADAGASCAR Visa required. A 90 days visa can be obtained on arrival. Note, if there is a representation in country of residence it is strongly recommended to obtain visa before arrival. Furthermore, in order to prevent delays through immigration, it is also strongly recommended to obtain a visa prior to arrival.

MALAYSIA Visa not required for a stay of max. 1 month. MALDIVES Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a max. stay of 30 days.

MICRONESIA Visa not required for a stay of max. 30 days, provided coming for touristic or visitor purposes.

MOLDOVA Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival at Chisinau Airport provided arriving from a country without diplomatic representation of Moldova .

MONGOLIA Visa required. Visa can be obtained on arrival, provided arriving from a country without Mongolian diplomatic representation.

MOZAMBIQUE Visa required. However, if coming for touristic or business purposes, visa can be obtained on arrival.

NEPAL Tourist visa can be issued on arrival for a stay of: - 60 days, - max. 150 days, multiple entry.

NIUE Visa not required for a stay up to 30 days.

OMAN Visa required. The following visas can be obtained on arrival: 1. Single entry "Visit Visa" for a max. stay of one month. (Extension of one month possible). 2. Multiple entry visa, possible validity up to a max. of one year (no extensions possible) for a max. stay of 3 weeks with a minimum of 3 weeks between visits.

PALAU ISLANDS Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. 30 days (extension possible).

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Visa can be obtained on arrival for a touristic or business stay of max. 60 days. However, it is recommended to obtain visa prior to arrival.

PERU Visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days, for touristic purposes only. 30 day extensions possible (max. 3 extensions)

PHILIPPINES Visa not required for a max. stay of 21 days. Extension may be possible.

QATAR The following visas can be obtained on arrival: - 14 day tourist visa, provided application submitted to airport immigration at least 24 hours before arrival by any of the registered hotels in Doha. Extension of a further 14 days stay possible; or - 7 day business visa can be issued at Doha airport provided: notification received at least 48 hours prior to arrival.

RWANDA If no diplomatic representation of Rwanda is located in country of origin, visa can be obtained on arrival at Immigration Service.

SAMOA Visa not required if holding a visitor's permit, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. 60 days. Extension is possible.

SAO TOME & PRINCIPE Visa may only be granted on arrival provided prior arrangements have been made by transporting carrier up to 24 hours prior to flight departure. Max. stay of one month allowed.

SEYCHELLES Visa not required as Visitor's Permit for 1 month (depends on validity of ticket) will be issued on arrival.

SIERRA LEONE Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival, provided travelling for touristic purposes only, for a max. stay of 30 days.

SINGAPORE Visa not required provided obtaining a Social Visit Pass on arrival for a stay of 14 or 30 days (free of charge). Extension of stay up to 3 months may be possible.

SOLOMON ISLANDS "Visitors Permit" required, which can be obtained on arrival for a max. stay of 3 months.

SOUTH AFRICA Visa not required for a max. stay of 30 days, provided coming for touristic or business purposes.

SRI LANKA Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a touristic stay of max. 30 days.

ST. KITTS-NEVIS Visa not required for stay of max. 14 days provided continuing to a third country.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Visa not required for a max. stay of 1 month. Extensions possible.

SURINAME Visa required. Visa can be obtained on arrival only when prior approval has been received from the Consular Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. SYRIA Visa can be obtained on arrival if prior arrangement by Syrian Sponsor with Syrian Immigration. TANZANIA Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival.

TIMOR LESTE Entry Permit can be obtained on arrival for a max. stay of 30 days. Extensions of up to 90 days are possible.

TOGO Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for max. 7 days.

TURKMENISTAN Visa required. However, a 10 day visa can be obtained on arrival provided: - arriving from a country where there is to representation of Turkmenistan, and - holding a letter of invitation which has been approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. TUVALU Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. one month.

UGANDA Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival.

VANUATU Visa not required for a max. stay of 30 days. Extension of stay up to 4 months in any 1 year period possible.

VIETNAM Visa not required for a max. stay of 30 days, provided holding onward/return ticket.

ZAMBIA Visa required, which can be issued on arrival

This search engine and database is provided and managed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Source: Quantas http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/befor...avel/visaHealth

I have tried the burgers at most if not all of the places mentioned. Some are better than others but none stand out. The best burger in Bangkok is at Bully's Tavern on Sukhumvit between Soi 4 and 2 (or is it 0) which, surprisingly, has not been mentioned previously. The burger is very tasty and better than the fare offered elsewhere. There is no problem with the quality of the meat, bun or pproportions as is the case elsewhere. You eat one and want another. The burger is served dry and you add your own condiments, i.e., ketchup, mustard, etc. The downside is that Bully's skimps on the lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion that accompany the burger (although they will provide more if requested). Bully's also skimps on the amount of fries, not chips, served with the burger which are excellent lthough not enough to satisfy. Bully's will charge extra for more fries. That said, still the best burger in town.

Those copies are technically illegal to import, even small quantities. If found, I don't know if they would ignore, seize, or charge you with a crime. They certainly know that Thailand is a major hub of IP and trademark violations. Also, technically, you are supposed to declare the value of imports, even contraband. Happy travels ...

I am an attorney, and have made 14 or 15 trips through LAX from Thailand. I have always declared my souvenir watches and Cds (although I do not go into a lot of detail on the description or quantity) and provided an estimated value. I was searched one time (although I think it was because I was standing between two guys who were acting strangely that were also searched). The customs officer commented that the Tag Hauer knock-off looked real but the Rolex looked fake, and put them back in my bag. Simply declare that you have souvenir watches and other goods valued under the limits on the form.

Customs is not likely to confiscate the watches unless you have a large quantity for resale. Nor are you risking criminal charges if customs does decide to take issue with your declaration which is truthful (the bigger risk is an untruthful declaration since the forms are signed under penalty of perjury). Possession of such goods under a certain value would be an infraction as opposed to a misdemeanor or felony. At most, the watches might be confiscated but again this is highly unlikely as it requires more paperwork then would be justified by such a small seizure. Customs’ mission is to seize large quantities of infringing products as opposed to an individual's souvenirs. Indeed, on any given flight there are dozens of passengers carrying the same type of souvenirs, and if customs started citing everyone it would overwhelm the system. Good luck.

Praht Thai School

To add to the Post I made.....didn't mean to get the daggers out guys and Simmo the 3d is as good as it gets for a school campus that is being built for 2009 ......just as the website says.

Great site!!!!! Shame it is in Thai. A Thai International school that isn't International enough to provide a website in the truly International language!!!

Nuff said

http://www.prahtthai.com/ : English Website version

http://www.prahtthai.com/th/thaiindex.html : Thai Website version

The website evidences that Praht Thai is not as impressive an educational institution as the original poster suggests. The descriptions of curriculum for several of Praht Thai's programs are riddled with run-on sentences, poor punctuation, typographical errors and other grammatical mistakes. An educational institution that boasts that it meets international standards should be more careful as it presents its product to the international community via the web. If the website is indicative of the quality of education and/or staff, then Praht Thai should rethink the claim that it can compete with true international schools.

I am not attempting to start an argument; this is simply my observation as a former student of several international schools located around the globe.

I am an attorney and it happens all the time. Do not worry about this at all. Ignore the notice and enjoy yourself. When or if you return, notify them that you were out of the country. You might have to show your passport as proof (but probably not). They will reschedule the service after your return and notification.

So you think its a bad idea to call them?

Thanks for that suggestion. I do plan on returning for short times and also I hope to keep getting a driver's license in that state (not sure if that will work or not). So would I have to contact them even if back there for a short visit? To add to the fun, my address will be changing to a new county in the same state (but not for some months).

Again don't worry about not responding at this time. There is no need for you or anyone else to call (notwithstanding any other posters warning that there is a penalty for failure to respond which would be inapplicable under the circumstances. The jury summons is a notice and a penalty is for persons who received a notice at the mailing address and fail to respond. Because you are out of the country you have not received notice and you can handle it when you return).

Regarding your other questions, a jury summons is issued from the county voter rolls which are based on voter registration and addresses within the county that the court is located. If you change counties you will not be summoned for jury service unless you register to vote at your new address within that county. Register to vote as an ex-pat living abroad and you will not receive a summons for jury service in the future (unfortunately you will also lose the right to vote in your local elections). With respect to the drivers license, most states renew through the mail so this should not be a problem for you unless you are required to retake the driving test. Alternatively, you can renew your drivers license upon your return to the country by providing them with a local address. The DMV will likely require a passport, Social Security number, or other documentation that you are a citizen before issuing a new license (it really depends on the state however). I hope this was helpful. Good luck.

I am an attorney and it happens all the time. Do not worry about this at all. Ignore the notice and enjoy yourself. When or if you return, notify them that you were out of the country. You might have to show your passport as proof (but probably not). They will reschedule the service after your return and notification.

In an earlier post I referenced the Discovery Center's infiniti theatre. My bad, my girlfriend told me it was actually called the Enigma theatre, and it is by far the best luxury theatre in Bangkok. Unfortunately I am also not positive whether it was at Paragon or Discovery Center. If you find it at one of these two places you will not be disappointed (unless you go see Mr. Bean, I do not understand the popularity of that character).

Having gone to the luxury cinemas at Emporium,Siam paragon,Discovery Center and a few others, I will say that the only place where you can go wrong is the Emporium. The back row, while a plush seat, is up against the wall and does not fully recline. In fact, the normal cheaper seats are more comfortable. THe best of the lot is either the nokia theatre at Siam Paragon or infiniti theatre (which I think was at the Discovery Center). Good luck with your search.

That is what I wanted to know. Thank you Shah Jahan for your prompt response. If there are other comments those would be welcome as well.

I have to buy several baht of gold (getting married), and have several questions that I hope the experts on TV can answer. In no particular order:

1. What is the current cost of a baht of gold (and where can I find it on-line for future reference)?

2. Is the cost inclusive of tax and VAT, (or can tax and VAT be avoided)?

3. Where is th best place to buy in Bangkok (I heard that the shops in MBK will rip you off)?.

4. Is it cheaper to buy gold up country?

5. Is it possible to get a better price if you are buying more, i.e., 7 baht as opposed to 1?

6. If you use a credit card is there an additional fee, and if so can that be avoided?

7. Is there a discount for a cash transaction?

8. Does the craftsmanship of the gold result in a difference in price, or is it sold strictly by weight?

9. Are certain shops certified or regulated by the government to avoid ripping off the tourists?

While I have many questions, this is a good start. As stated, I am getting married to a wonderful Thai woman (and the fiancée wants gold as opposed to a big diamond ring). I think that several baht of gold will be far less expensive so I am relatively happy about this (in the states I would have probably had to pay almost two months salary for a ring according to the women I know).