frond

I've been living in Thailand for five years--always working, and almost always legally (times when the w/p was being processed, but I was still working).

I'm returning to the US in November and wish to process a fiancee visa for my fiancee. Unfortunately I don't have a job in the US but my father is willing to be a 'joint sponsor.'

I've just learned about Direct Consular Filing and I'm wondering if we should sign the marriage papers here post haste and do the DCF. Or would it look dodgy to the powers-that-be that we've only been married a month?

I saw Trink about 2 months ago leaving Foodland in Patpong (I think they had a sale on Dinty Moore beef stew). Seriously though...he's gotta a big belly, pants pulled up to his nipples, and a g medallion on a chain around his neck. When I got to Silom I saw him get into a taxi with a Thai woman who was in her 50s.

No, sexy young things for the Niteowl!

A friend of mine works at the Post and sees Trink once a week. He doesn't use a computer, instead types on a typewriter. Walks in, hands in his book review, and walks out again.

I think he's on a pity salary.

New Years Eve 2002 on Silom. I stepped in when some Indian guys were hassling her and her friend. I was a hero! We've been married since last May.

Garlic makes me fart, as do beans or tofu so I try to avoid these foods, but it's difficult since I like them.

When I visit the US I have fart almost constantly--everything I eat there gives me gas.

I've had a cough and chest congestion for the last two weeks, with a bout of food poisoning thrown in! I get sick every 2 months from bad food--it's never Thai food, always Western (this time, Israeli).

I like Leo and Tiger.

I bought 4 bottles of San Miguel the other night. Drank two--absolutely tasteless. I let the other two bottles stay put while I ran out and got some Leo!

Momma's on Sukhumvit Soi 23 is supposed to be quite good for all types of English food.

Cops around Siam Square are notorious for this as well. They've also removed all waste cans and ashtrays in order to make nabbing people easier. The scam is just as bad as tuk tuks taking tourists to gem shops and tailors. 2000 baht is waaayyy to much money, but at least it's negotiable.

Thais seem so obsessed with leuk kreung. They very rarely gush over Thai babies (especially the dark ones begging on the streets) so I don't think it's part of their culture to go bananas over babies in general--just half-Thai ones.

I don't have children yet but when I do I'll stave off the admirers by charging them 50 baht for a touch and 10 baht for a look. Or tell 'em to "<deleted> off!"

Buddhism is a philosophy I have alot of interest in; it's given me many great insights into the process of life and death, as well as how to control my anger and how to deal with the occasional blues, how to be tolerant and non-judgemental. I was interested in Budhism when I lived in the US and meditated occasionally at the Zen Center in San Francisco. I was quite taken aback by the Thai approach to Buddhism and was seriously disillusioned with Buddhism in Thailand when I firsat moved here.

I don't consider myself a Buddhist and I rarely post on ThaiVisa.

This is one hang up I really can't get my head round with Bhuddism

I don't think it has much to do with Buddhism itself, but with how Thais define karma and merit. It's 100% self-serving INMHO.

"Bad monks" only proliferate if given the chance to. Many temples do not care what their monks do (smoke cigarettes, gamble, chase the ladies, etc) as long as the donations keep rolling in. Many abbots are just as corrupt and greedy as Thaksin is. The sangha has become less respected over the years, many monks are terrible community role models; many young Thai people have no interest in Buddhism because of this (and the all-consuming, attractive materialist lifestyle helps as well!). With that said there are many more monks who are serious and stick to the tenets of Budhism--we just don't notice them!

Thanks guys for the replies. I'm not going to start accussing my employers of cheating me or anything. Things are often mismanaged here and there's last minute running around almost daily.

Hmmm...I used to make 42,000 baht/month (different company) and my tax was 1,400 baht/month.

They didn't help fill in any tax form--they never asked me for a tax number until 3 days ago.

They seem strangely stressed about it all and are rushing about trying to get everyone's pasport #s and tax #s. Methinks something fishy is happening.

I'll figure out my tax on my own and see if the numbers match. Thanks "Steven."

Howdy

It's that time of year when one must file taxes. When I first started my present job I was told that my tax per month is 3500 baht. Salary: 43,500. Take home: 40,000. I told them I thought the amount was too much, but they insisted that I'd be getting a nice refund come April/May. A week ago I asked what was happening with my tax return--I hadn't been asked to sign anything, in fact I realized that they didn't even have my tax number (after 9 months employment!). Their reply "oh, we pay your tax." Mai khao jai, krop! How can they be paying my taxes? So...to make a long story short they've given the job of sorting this out to the inept director (not the accountant...imagine that!). He informed me today that I'd be getting a return of.....1000 baht! Huh?

I smell something very very fishy. When it comes to taxes Thai employers seem to have little games going.

Lumpini Park is prime territory for meeting people. I've been cruised by young women, young men, and katoeys everytime I've been there alone--some of them quite brazenly stare or ask questions. A friend of mine met a uni student there in the afternoon and by 5pm was in a love motel with her.

I've also ben told that a lone man in a park is only there for one thing: to meet girls. I'm usually just relaxing and reading!

If this guy is a Native English Speaker he should be able to get a job teaching English. If he's really screwed-up he should contact his embassy and become a ward of state.

I live here because I like easy access to sex change operations.

There used to be a punk club in Chiang Mai, and some punk bands as well. I think that Thai kids are very trendy and only are interested in what's currently fashionable. Also the stereotypical punk look attracts alot of stares and the kids might be wary of embarrasing their families.

You can contact these guys to be put on a (e)mailing list, but it's mostly "indie-rock," electro, and hiphop:

[email protected]

Bands like X-ray Specs, The Slits, et al are pretty obscure. Those old punk albums you won't find here, even in Bangkok. Green Day and Good Charlotte are considered "punk" in Thaiand. I had a student who told me she loved punk music. I asked "what do you like?" "Green Day, Rooster, Good Charlotte." So I had her listen to Black Flag and the Circle Jerks--she HATED it!

i love green day! how can you say ther're <deleted>!

Because they are... The early stuff was a Buzzcocks ripoff and the new MTV acceptable "punk" is even worse!

I was into punk in the late 70s/early 80s when the DIY spirit ruled. Now it's commodified junk for teeny boppers.

The 45 rpm covers are on the wall; the opening (and closing) times *are* erratic. But it isn't from the Vietnam War era--it was opened in the early/mid-80s and ran under the original owner (Wong) until he died 2 1/2 years ago from lung cancer. His brother "manages" the place now.

Yes, I thought the percentile numbers were strange as well. Nevertheless, no matter how off the numbers are why would anyone want to falsify their status as 4th in the world for abused women?

Even the so-called "first world" countries (only an economic designation, as far as I know) have horrible human rights records. America, anyone?

There shouldn't be more rights just for Thai women, but for all Thai people.

There is some good news though--there are more Thai women in executive positions than in any other country in Asia, but I'm sure it isn't easy.

I'm happy to report I never felt those pangs of romantic love with my wife in the beginning of our relationship. I knew it was real then.

It's illegal, but common.

I've seen lines of Prathom 2 boys getting swatted in front of a class by a Thai teacher. I also saw one boy put into the trashcan by a Thai teacher. I've also been told by a co-worker that a gay Thai teacher wanted to disrobe a Prathom 1 boy because he was naughty.

Some sickos here.

Kids that get whacked are the ones that get whacked repeatedly. Corporal punishment doesn't seem to be a viable solution at all!

Most schools have rules but they are VERY RARELY enforced by teachers and admin.

I've never made any Thai friends since living here, except for the friends of my wife's--but I'm not close to them (most are gay men).

I think Thais are cautious when it comes to meeting new people. I was given a good example of this when I met another foreigner for the first time. We joked and laughed with eachother like we were lifelong friends. My wife asked "You've known him for a long time?" "No, just met him tonight!" She was surprised!

Wong's bar on Soi Sri Bhumpen (around the corner from the Malaysia) stays open until 6am most Fri and Sats.

My faves are:

1. Bobby's (Silom Soi 4)

The Russian drapery lends a funereal aspect to this, generally empty, pub. Whenever I'm depressed I go for a Happy Hour drink (11am-9pm) and realize I have alot to be thankful for. Pints 60-80 baht. Bottles 45 baht. Don't eat the seafood pizza!

2. Wong's (Sri Bumphen/Soi Ngam Duplee area)

It used to open at 6pm, but no one goes there until 1am. Definitely afterhours. Regulars are treated like shit, but if you're a buxom Western lass get ready for photos with the owner. Small beer 50 baht.

3. Corner shop (Silom/Sala Daeng)

Nice, mellow place to have an inexpensive beer and watch the people parade by. You can buy fried shrimp from the vendor outside. Large bottle of Singha 50 baht.

4. FCCT (Foreign Correspondents Club Thailand) Chidlom BTS, Maneeya Bldg(?)

There's a balcony with a view of the offices next door. Bottles 60 baht. Guinness 150 baht/pint. Kinda boring, but a good place to meet journos and NGO types.

5. Lone Star (Washington Square)

Kinda weird. Good Tex/Mex food, but when I was last there a waitress sat at the next booth and stared at me while I ate. I saw DJ Pat getting a rub down at the urinal.