Tyke

Hi,

Anyone know what works best for sponging down painted walls - the paint is that silk type - half-way beween gloss and matt so it is washable. There are residues of sticky tape I have used for hanging posters as well as loads of dust. I have tried warm water with Vim, Mr Muscle for bathrooms and kitchen cleaner and although they remove the dust, don't work very well for the sticky residues. Anyone got any advice? In the UK we use 'sugar soap' but I have not been able to find any in Thailand.

Try WD40 or sonax spray a little and rub in circle motion with your finger... dont have to use much elbow grease. Can even try peanut butter as it too is oil based.

Thanks - just tried it and it does work well for the sticky residues - but you now got any suggestions for large areas covered in dust?

Hi,

Anyone know what works best for sponging down painted walls - the paint is that silk type - half-way beween gloss and matt so it is washable. There are residues of sticky tape I have used for hanging posters as well as loads of dust. I have tried warm water with Vim, Mr Muscle for bathrooms and kitchen cleaner and although they remove the dust, don't work very well for the sticky residues. Anyone got any advice? In the UK we use 'sugar soap' but I have not been able to find any in Thailand.

On Tuesday I was in HomePro and found a bed on special with a huge ticket announcing that it was "only" 9990bt.

I had a good translator with me and eventually paid for the bed.

Now, "bed" is the key word here.

I noticed that the bed was on 2 single bases, a good idea I figured as it would be easy for the delivery guys to get the base up my stairs to the main bedroom.

"Cannot deliver until saturday" ok, no problem.

Del day. Out pops the mattress from the truck, the guys manage to get the mattress up the stairs and dump it on the floor.

I'm offered the paperwork to sign for the delivery....

Ummm, where's the base?

Sorry, you buy mattress not base!

Ok, take it back. Which they did after a few phone calls.

At no time in HomePro was it ever mentioned that I was just buying a mattress without a base.

I assumed that I was buying what I saw on display.

ie: A BED, in 3 pieces!

The base fabric was the same as the mattress. There was no price tag anywhere on the base.

Who is at fault here, me or HomePro?

BTW, I had a good translator with me, so that no misunderstandings would occur.

It appears to me, they were being "economical with the truth" it was a case of what was not said rather than the opposite.

To me, the whole deal stinks of sharp practice.

And now to get a refund........ oh Jeeeez!

I think your both you and your interpreter were at fault. Almost everywhere I've seen beds for sale, Homepro, Index, SB - they have the same kind of card stuck on the bed - I've often been fooled too, but I don't think it is intentional. If a Thai person has been with me - the reality is made clear. I always ask if the price included the bed and it hardly ever does as is normal in Thailand - beds are sold separately from mattresses. I also think you should have asked this too before buying, so you are also at fault by not making sure what exactly you are buying. NEVER assume anything - if you do then you are at fault because the details are in Thai.

Saying mai aow sounds rude to Thais.

It is more polite to say mai aow khrap.

Even more to say pom mai aow khrap.

But they really weren't offering themselves, they were just joking around, so there was no need for any words of decline.

So I think I did do wrong for the context of the situation.

There is a bit more to this story. I am used to saying mai aow (the rude way) to sex biz people rudely bugging me on the street (I walk a lot) so I was a bit on automatic, and that was unwise.

In case you are wondering I have never had a Thai react badly to a rude mai aow when spoken in response to rudeness on their part. They seem to accept that as a reasonable reaction. So when these girls looked so freaked out to the visible degree that they did, I was rather surprised.

Probably it had more to do with the fact that they assumed all farang men would be interested in them rather than it being rude. I've used mai ow with pushy sales people and never gotten any reaction other than to leave me alone.

By assuming (and expressing) that all farang men would be interested in them IS being rude (and demeaning).

Now this one has really thrown me a bit but after some pondering and different scenario's played out in my mind, maybe, just maybe (and this is just a hunch don't forget) 2 people entered the toilets eating ice cream and wanted somewhere to throw the empty cartons away before having a piss, the cubical door was open and there in its full glory was a bin.

Would you walk into a toilet eating ice-cream?

really, penang is somewhat like pattaya without the bars Although, I am sure you can find girls for hire if u look hard enough. on the plus side, it's more modern, english is widely spoken, there are nice green parts of the island, nice beaches not far away (although no realy good beach on the main island). the islam thing is over stated..they are really quite moderate and not that fussed when non muslims do their own thing.

Actually, there are fewer muslims in Penang than in most other Malaysian cities - it is predominantly Chinese (buddhist or Christian).

I've visited there a few times over the years and always can't wait to get out - I found it amongst the most boring cities on the planet. The place and people are pleasant enough but just one big yawn after Thailand and most other places for that matter. I think KL would be a better bet - much more westernised and more of a melting pot.

Hi,

Today I had a piss in a public toilet - in the cubicle. Nothing wrong with that, except as I was doing the business, I noticed 2 empty ice-cream tubs, each with a small plastic spoon in the waste bin next to the toilet. it was inside a shopping mall with, as far as I know, no ice cream vendors nearby.

How do you think they got there? Do you think someone (or 2!) actually ate ice cream whilst having a crap? Or is there some other explanation? Is this a common occurrence in Thailand?

Plz help me solve this mystery.

It is almost certain that these ice-cream tubs were left behind in the cubicle by a recent 'cottaging' couple. The chaps had probably been using the fat-based foodstuffs as lubrication. Next time use the urinals.

I doubt this - why not use K-Y? Does Ice-cream really do the trick? In any case, if u think about it - both tubs were completely empty with a small plastic spoon. If 2 guys used it - would they eat most of their ice cream in the cubicle and leave a little bit for use on their bodies - I can just see it now - "hang on sweety, I'm just finishing the last mouthful bar one". Or did they almost finish the ice cream before they entered the cubicle then used the remaining amount without leaving any in the tubs. Then place the spoons neatly in their tub before depositing it in the waste bin. It doesn't seem likely to me. Or is this a wind-up?

I am of the opinion that someone's been a bit greedy whilst doing a number 2.

Hi,

Today I had a piss in a public toilet - in the cubicle. Nothing wrong with that, except as I was doing the business, I noticed 2 empty ice-cream tubs, each with a small plastic spoon in the waste bin next to the toilet. it was inside a shopping mall with, as far as I know, no ice cream vendors nearby.

How do you think they got there? Do you think someone (or 2!) actually ate ice cream whilst having a crap? Or is there some other explanation? Is this a common occurrence in Thailand?

Plz help me solve this mystery.

It is almost certain that these ice-cream tubs were left behind in the cubicle by a recent 'cottaging' couple. The chaps had probably been using the fat-based foodstuffs as lubrication. Next time use the urinals.

Are u serious? - I use the cubicles because it is safer than the urinals!

Prince Charles inspecting the troops before they leave for Thailand...........

In 1994 I was an exhibitor at the Chelsea Flower Show and was setting up my stall when John Major the PM came around with his wife. they had a photo shoot and I was stood somewhere behind them. John put his hand on his wife's arse for the shot - don't ask me why - I think it was a mistake judging by how she looked. It didn't dawn on me to take a quick pic, as I was in shock. A friend in the know reckons I could have got about 10,000 knicker (quid, pounds) for it from some tabloid, as long as JM was identifiable. Another missed opportunity to make a fast buck outta sleaze. I'll just have to keep trying.

I agree about the restaurants - I live in BKK but have a weekend condo in Patts. The restaurants for me are the best attraction - cheap, various, plentiful and very competitive. Overall better selection than in BKK. But the set menus and buffets are a scourge when it comes to trying to maintain some kind of diet.

Can see that from your picture (avatar)...seems you have problems telling the truth as well

I can't help it if I've got a big nose can I?

I go to Pattaya twice a year to do a "restaurant tour" of my favorite restaurants and meals. Its reasonably priced and great variety of Western food.

And I agree its not compulsory to sleep with prostitutes. Pattaya has other attractions.

Very good points and something we locals often take for granted. Maybe the city officials should highlight the restaurant scene a little more in their marketing and promotional materials.

Also, the active stuff like the Bali Hai GoGoCart track is better than any in Bangkok...loads of fun.

I agree about the restaurants - I live in BKK but have a weekend condo in Patts. The restaurants for me are the best attraction - cheap, various, plentiful and very competitive. Overall better selection than in BKK. But the set menus and buffets are a scourge when it comes to trying to maintain some kind of diet.

I cant walk past a single motorbike taxi guy, massage shop, beer bar, tailor, restaurant etc etc.... without getting hassled like never before, and when i blank them i get a rude comment, it'd be taking the p7ss for me to say no thankyou to everyone of them.

I have noticed that too. Its getting a bit too intense out there ... Its starting to remind me more of a poor area of South America these days.

It's about time many of them started working a bit harder for customers instead of lolling around waiting for a customer to beg for some service. Does 'em good. Can't beat a recession to waken people up.

Sorry no info to offer but I'm interested to know what the definition of a condo is versus that of an apartment, I thought they were both different names for a flat.

JxP

A condominium is a unit in a block where each unit can be owned by a different person. An apartment is a unit in a block that is owned by 1 person or company and the units are rented out - the units are not for sale. A special type of apartment are the serviced apartments.

Saying mai aow sounds rude to Thais.

It is more polite to say mai aow khrap.

Even more to say pom mai aow khrap.

But they really weren't offering themselves, they were just joking around, so there was no need for any words of decline.

So I think I did do wrong for the context of the situation.

There is a bit more to this story. I am used to saying mai aow (the rude way) to sex biz people rudely bugging me on the street (I walk a lot) so I was a bit on automatic, and that was unwise.

In case you are wondering I have never had a Thai react badly to a rude mai aow when spoken in response to rudeness on their part. They seem to accept that as a reasonable reaction. So when these girls looked so freaked out to the visible degree that they did, I was rather surprised.

Well I've heard Thais say 'mai ow' many times and never 'mai ow crap', or is it 'mai ow clap'. I think you are being overly PC. I find it offensive when Thais shout at me in the street, sometimes from across the street, asking if I want to buy them or not - and this is not always in a bar street - just ordinary Thais thinking they are having fun with a farang. They would never do that to one of their own - so why with a farang? I often feel like telling them to <deleted> off, and sometimes do if they persist, but usually just ignore them.

So I was at a food court, and the friendly serving girls were offering a free promotion item if I bought another item. So far, so good. Then for sanuk's sake one girl made a comment that they were also offering a free girl. This kind of joke is not exactly unheard of in Pattaya, and you know it is a joke, because of the free part, ha ha. Anyway, I should have just smiled to be polite or even flirted (what's to hurt?). Instead, I stupidly said mai aow which is a rude way of saying I don't want. They were visibly offended and made uncomfortable and of course I didn't mean to do that. As happens to all of us who don't wear frocks, we live under the assumption of heterosexuality. So to these girls, my dumb comment meant (1) I didn't get that they were just having sanuk so I thought they were sluts and (2) that I didn't find them sexy enough to want to schtup even if they weren't joking. All I could do then was smile and try to act like nothing had happened (very Thai-like of me, eh?). It was already strange enough, I didn't want to complicate it further by telling them I was gay and don't want any sexy girls, nothing personal, I feel that would have made it even worse and prolong the bad feelings. Anyway, bottom line, when offered sexy girls outside of an actual prostitution venue, don't do what I did today at the food court.

I cannot for the life of me understand what you did wrong, despite how others have analysed it. I would have done exactly the same (also being gay). They were being offensive, not you being dumb.

Hi,

Today I had a piss in a public toilet - in the cubicle. Nothing wrong with that, except as I was doing the business, I noticed 2 empty ice-cream tubs, each with a small plastic spoon in the waste bin next to the toilet. it was inside a shopping mall with, as far as I know, no ice cream vendors nearby.

How do you think they got there? Do you think someone (or 2!) actually ate ice cream whilst having a crap? Or is there some other explanation? Is this a common occurrence in Thailand?

Plz help me solve this mystery.

Yesterday I was visiting the Computer Plaza in Chiang Mai.

Once I finished with my purchases, left the building and began walking towards my motorbike.

Then I noticed by the building entrance door, a young tall Thai guy age about 19 dressed in university uniform having a serious argument with a very short Thai girl who looked about the same age also dressed in university uniform.

Suddenly the guy gave the girl an almighty slap in the face. On seeing this I quickly walked over to the guy and stood next to him. He towered over me, but I looked up at him and stared straight into his eyes giving him the message that if he is considering beating on this girl again, he is going to have to deal with me first.

Than he took out his mobile phone, put it to his ear and slowly walked away, leaving the shocked girl standing with me outside the Plaza.

I watched him disappear around the corner, and then I got onto my motorbike and drove off. The girl hardly acknowledged me at all.

When I arrived home I explained to my wife what happened. She said it was a stupid thing to do because the guy could have had a knife.

But I don't care; feel that I done the right thing even if some may believe it's better to be a live coward than a dead hero.

What would you have done in that situation?

My friends and family all tell me that one day I will end up dead, but I just cannot let things like that happen when I am around. Glad you stepped in and good to know I am not the only " fool" Good job !!

I agree, I everybody did this, the world would be better. Maybe they had just an argue, but slapping a woman, than you are realy a low-life person. I would grab him, trow him against the wall, and ask what the fuc_k is wrong son. If he gives no resanoble answer, K.O for him.

Then you're outta the country for a girl who probably didn't even notice you were there, and certainly wouldn't bear witness in court against her bf for you.

I would grab him, trow him against the wall, and ask what the fuc_k is wrong son.

Excuse my ignorance but, just for kicks, can someone explain to me why it is ok to throw a man against the wall and threaten him, but not ok to slap a woman across the face?

Is it because women are weak and need to be protected?

Or is it because you should stand up when a woman enters the room?

Or what?

I have no desire to hit any woman, but I'd be interested to hear why so many posters feel so strongly about it.

I agree - if a woman deserves being slapped then so be it - not that I ever have (except my older sister when I was a boy - and that was a big mistake). It's only like a big guy slapping a smaller guy.

Yesterday I was visiting the Computer Plaza in Chiang Mai.

Once I finished with my purchases, left the building and began walking towards my motorbike.

Then I noticed by the building entrance door, a young tall Thai guy age about 19 dressed in university uniform having a serious argument with a very short Thai girl who looked about the same age also dressed in university uniform.

Suddenly the guy gave the girl an almighty slap in the face. On seeing this I quickly walked over to the guy and stood next to him. He towered over me, but I looked up at him and stared straight into his eyes giving him the message that if he is considering beating on this girl again, he is going to have to deal with me first.

Than he took out his mobile phone, put it to his ear and slowly walked away, leaving the shocked girl standing with me outside the Plaza.

I watched him disappear around the corner, and then I got onto my motorbike and drove off. The girl hardly acknowledged me at all.

When I arrived home I explained to my wife what happened. She said it was a stupid thing to do because the guy could have had a knife.

But I don't care; feel that I done the right thing even if some may believe it's better to be a live coward than a dead hero.

What would you have done in that situation?

Well, you know now what to do next time - as the girl didn't even thank you - is to either help the guy slap her about and hope for some gratitude at least, or walk away.

Were there any Thais about at the time and if so, what did they do?

I remember recently some nobhead was having a dig at the UK for police using speeding cameras to catch criminals.This could have stopped the madmen on the thai roads.

But it wouldn't would it? The cameras need switching on and maintaining (have you been to any high-tech displays in Thai museums - often supplied by foreign aid - they always end up completely unusable). The images also need to be interpreted correctly. Then the police need to find the culprits - having someone caught on camera in Thailand is of little help in this. In this case they have the vehicle and know who they are looking for but they still haven't found him. Then the culprits have to be convicted in court. Then they have to serve their sentences. I have serious doubts that the enormous costs involved in using speed cameras would improve safety on Thai roads because all these factors are involved in Thai 'justice'. What they need is more traffic police who are selected, paid and trained better to do their jobs. But then, TIT.

Why wood ya give up a perfectly good seat to an old hag - wait until some good looking waif wearing absolutely nothing comes by, grab her and sit her on ya lap.

Thats my modus operandi on the local Baht Bus.

BR>Jack

Hope she swipes your wallet next time.

I'm curious at what age are you considered elderly? Elderly enough to give your seat too.

Well retirement age in Thailand is generally 60 but some discounts don't come in till 65 and the average life expectancy for Thais is about 67. So I guess anything over 60 would be considered old - as I've just reached 60 with lots of grey hair, I expect all little school kiddies to jump outta their seats as soon as I get on the BTS or i'll swipe them across the chops with my pension book.

Hi,

having just reached the age of 60, I am looking for any discounts that are available in Thailand. I know there are discounts on the BTS for over 65s and also reduced cinema tickets for the over 60s in the major cinemas.

Does anyone know of any other discounts?

Chiang Mai might be a nice place to visit for you! Perhaps a place you might want to live.

The weather is great (Remember, it is the tropics!) most of the year, but totally forget mid-February - early April. The air is quite polluted then. Some days you have absolutely no idea where the environmental natural beauty of the place is! Unless you are sleeping it off in hotel rooms in preparation for your next night on the bar scene (which isn't very extensive), but that's not the environment I had in mind.

There are hotels at all prices, and the fancy ones are really quite cheap now. The sad part now is that you could fire a bazooka down the halls of most of them now and not damage a thing! You see, a couple of Thai governments ago, some promises were made about mega-development in Chiang Mai including casinos. That sucked in a lot of investment from some seemingly wise heads, like Holiday Inn, Meridian, and Shangri-La, to name three! But, not to worry, if you get to the right village around Chiang Mai city at the right time, there are plenty of cockfights to bet on.

There are some very good restaurants in Chiang Mai. And a lot of medioce and not-so-good restaurants. Street stalls? Some are quite good. You do have to be careful, sometimes, where you eat, but don't get paranoid about it. Take the appropriate medicine, if you need to, but don't worry about it! On the other hand, if you want to know where the best hamburger is, the best tuna fish sandwich, and so on, check out TV Chiang Mai. Otherwise --- has anyone mentioned "Thai" food? --- don't bother looking on TV Chiang Mai! On the other hand, there is McDonalds, and places which serve fish and chips, if you must have that sort of thing.....but then, why leave home?

There are bars with bar girls and other joints. If you think it is cool to stuff money down g-strings and buy lady drinks, perhaps you might stay in Bangkok or go to Pattaya, which are much faster towns with a lot more opportunities for that sort of thing. It is rumored that they sell sex by the second in those places!

If you pack tea bags and are looking for restaurants with hot water, please stay home and visit your local parks, sit on park benches and strike up conversations with passing pigeons! Nobody wants you here! Backpackers with rich parents and/or American Express are, however, welcome.

If you are looking to retire, this isn't a bad place --- if you understand living in the tropics in a different culture and don't expect things to be just like back home, only cheaper. If you don't, go live with your kids. Seriously, stay home! Please! Seems most of the complainers and otherwise very boring people here are folks on skimpy pensions from Sioux City, Iowa, USA, or the West Midlands, UK, or the outskirts of Queensland, Australia, who worry about getting "ripped off" on exchange rates for a nominal ATM charge when they need extra cash to go to McDonalds! Get a life! Free banking wasn't included in the demands of the Magna Carta!

If you are looking for a lover and figure on supporting him/her/undecided by opening up a restaurant, prepare to starve, perhaps slowly, perhaps more rapidly, depending upon the size of your pension!

If you work one year and then figure you can travel here, shoot your wad, then go home, don't plan on your honey to wait pure and with baited breath for your return.

I'm on a sort of roll here. Anyway, it is late.

Anyone want to add some "If you....." suggestions?!

mm... Actually Chiang Mai is really boring.

The silly cow deserves everything she gets except the cash handouts from the Australian media.

Yeh...you are soooo right. Do you have your halo permanently switched on??

The reaction is completely out of proportion to the "crime" commited. Have the TIB (Thugs In Brown) taken anyone of the murder cases of foreigners to devote time to this womans horrendpous crime?

U really don't get the big pic do u? It's the Oz media that has blown it up to be a big story - without them this wouldn't have any newsworthyness and no-one except maybe the thief if she was sober would have noticed.