fiddlehead

Thai - style ; The ignoring Thai vendor suddenly got involved when a foreigner asked him to help. I've never seen a Thai civilian lift an eyebrow not to mention do anything to help in an emergency situation. If they are guilty they flee - if not, they just stop and stare. As a falang I would not get involved, even if I have the qualifications.( Dr)

Did it once and nearly got lynched cause the "rescue" wanted to rip all values from the poor lady who went down in a MB accident.

You are grouping everyone in the same bad light.

This is not the case.

I know there is one (beach vendor) in particular on Nai Harn who puts out red flags on dangerous days, and 2 on Karon. (who have saved and helped to save many would-be drownings)

Those 3 guys have done a lot to save a lot of lives here.

How many have you saved?

Bummer about the kite surfer. I only knew one American kite guy.

RIP.

Sent PM.

Oh BUMMER!

Scotty you were one of a kind. Great guy.

RIP.

Thailand also had a gold medal in woman's weight lifting I believe last Olympics.

Again, not a team sport.

I am not convinced their sports promote their working together.

Didn't know that about their women's volleyball team. Good luck to them.

You'd think they had a couple of prima donna race car drivers aye?

At least they seem to practice that. (and motorcycle)

Growing up in a society where sports is rated higher than anything (except money), I am sometimes surprised that Thailand just rarely seems interested in competitive sports. When I watch them play badminton, the point usually lasts until one of the participants falls down from laughing to hard.

Ok, they've got kick-boxing but I can't see it as much of a sport (bashing each other)

So, these games are great. I too was watching down at the Nai Harn Lagoon and seeing these kids doing their huddle and slapping paddles to instigate teamwork.

I can't say their technique is the best. ( Maybe the coaches need some lessons.)

But it's a good thing IMO for sure.

In this country, I would think they should be good at: swimming, volleyball, climbing, sailing, surfing, tennis (what ever happened to Paradorn?)

But instead it's kick-boxing and badminton. Go figure. (not really team sports are they?)

as so often "webfact" tries to lure me into reading a boring story starting with "Phuket Youth Snatch"

Sometimes yes.

In this case the story is not so boring.

Especially if you shop at Big C and now know where the stolen goods have been ending up.

And the gang that is marked with these carp/devil tattoos. Interesting.

I had some crooks from Gaza try to rip me off through paypal.

If you call them up, and actually talk to somebody (not easy to get through all the BS, but, can be done), then you can get to the heart of the matter.

Good luck with these guys.

But, it sounds like Nigeria may be a bit like here: The police are only gonna nab who they want to nab.

Went to both of them in the past 6 years or so: Friendship beach and Rick and rolls.

The first one was pretty good in that pretty many people came and it was a nice location.

I remember people complaining later it was too far away for those who live in the northern part of the island.

I also remember there wasn't a whole lot of energy to mingle or introduce yourselves. I did meet a few regulars and it's nice to have a face to put with a post.

It probably tends to keep the site a little more friendly.

Of course, the a-holes probably won't show up or not say who they are.

The 2nd party at Rick and rolls was sparsely attended.

The only person I remember who introduced themselves was Kata Beach Bum who seemed like a very nice guy.

And look where he is now.

Makes me wonder if a later night, bar only type atmosphere creates a less friendly party???

Where the venue is held is important IMO.

Either way, I'd probably go.

Well, Mr F, if you go to the beach, you'll see that there's a sign explaining the different flags and their colors and what they mean.

Then you'll notice that there's no flags flying.

So, some would assume that it's OK to go in.

Those are possibly tourists who don't know any different, or maybe some locals who see so many other people swimming.

So, they go in.

How many have to drown before they let the lifeguards work.

Too many for sure.

One of the kiosks on the 2nd or 3rd floor of Central Mall sells pepper spray in 2 different sizes.

Good luck. I usually find that if you bend down and pretend to pick up a rock, they will then keep their distance.

There's a shop on Krabi Rd in Phuket town.

I think the name is Dynatech although their sign out front says "Soken"

They probably have what you need.

If not, the man there speaks good English and can point you in the right direction.

I don't tip them. Probably should though. It just rubs me the wrong way to pay for something that is lacking in honesty and service.

As long as we are ranting here, my last time in for 90 day reporting, I had two different Thai men, butt right in front of me and each hand the officer aprox 10 passports each that took about 20-25 minutes , while I patiently waited. Nothing was said to me, just the immigration officer immedietly ignored me to take care of these shysters.

Also, had a friend just take his mother to the airport to go back home.

They had gone to immigration to extend her visa and then imm. at the airport was saying it hadn't been done.

They wanted 14,000 baht before they would allow her to board the plane.

It was sad.

Will I ever tip that kind of service? I hope not.

But, yes, I have friends who tip and they claim exceptional service. They know the right amounts and how to do it in front of 10-20 onlookers without feeling guilty.

I would never feel comfortable doing that.

It's an out and out bribe IMO and I wasn't brought up that way.

My Thai wife now, she could do it. She totally understands.

Speed bumps work. Simple as that.

They slow down traffic. (something rules, laws, policemen cannot do.)

Yes, they sometimes cause a tie-rod to wear out quicker or your shocks.

That's better than a head-on or a T-bone because someone was driving way too fast.

I agree they should be painted a different color. But, paint wears off quickly in the tropics so, learn where they are, and be glad there's a way that works to slow down the drunks at night.

The beach was really wild yesterday.

I saw two people actually swimming at Nai Harn and was thinking they were either VERY good swimmers, who know what they are doing, or crazy.

Even if they had lifeguards, who would want to go out in that surf and save someone?

I guess at least they'd have the red flags out. (could they ask the chair rental guys to at least put them out?)

I imagine they'll actually do something after a few tourists drown.

Hi All

When is the marathon running and where does it go from start to finish? As the OP says that it starts at 4.30am anyone know why?

I have never seen a marathon before and i am in Phuket from the 16th May for 5 nights and would love to see the runners/by-standers etc

Cheers

Pat

Starts and finishes at the Laguna complex near Cheng Talay (sp?) on June 10th this year.

There are thousands of runners and spectators so, come on out and cheer the runners on.

Turn west at the Heroine's monument and then follow the signs to Laguna.

Or, check out the race's website: http://www.phuketmarathon.com/racedetails.php

Good luck in your quest.

I have a friend who comes every year and we gave up trying to find a cheap hotel close.

Now, he stays near me and we drive up together.

Don't know about any roads being blocked before the race starts.

I've been in the race every year since it started.

I'll be driving up from Rawai but only running the half this year. The full marathon starts an hour earlier I believe.

I slept in my truck one year, but it was too hot to get a good nights sleep.

I don't like the early start either but, you'll be glad to have half the race finished once the sun comes out.

Good luck in the race.

I can't find out more until I call the prevention center of my bank and they don't open until 8 PM tonight our time.

I always check for skimmers (try to pull apart the part where you put your card)

And I always hide my punching in of my PIN number.

I only ever use this card for cash withdrawals and never have used it a restaurant or shop.

I have NEVER told anyone else the pin number.

So yes, it is scary.

I will get a new card and pin.

I will probably not use that ATM again and use the one in front of the bank from now on.

Just hoping they are not going to make me pay any of the money that was taken out.

Thanks everyone for the advice and all.

Warning folks: I checked my banking today and saw that in the last 2 days, there was a total of 8 withdrawals of $237.60 each on my American bank's debit card.

I immediately called and cancelled and put in a claim.

They told me it was already under suspicion and had locked my card.

They said it was from Kazan in Russia. (ATM that they used)

I haven't used my debit card in 2 months!

So, of course I can't figure out how they got my number and pin.

If they had a scanner inserted in the last ATM i used it in, why did they wait so long?

Anyway, it might be a good idea to check your bank balances.

I used the K-bank ATM at the 7-11 near the light at Sai Yuan/Vichit road in Rawai. (in Feb.)

Hopefully this will get straightened out soon enough and my money is back in my account.

It seems this thread has turned into a who can pee the furthest compatition

Yeah

This thread is still going on?

Why?

I read through most of it and still can't figure out what he's trying to say.

Just trying to start fights with anyone who posts it seems.

Reasons I would leave: civil war, oceans rising 30', the plague, or immigration laws making it impossible to stay.

Maybe if Thai women all started liking American fast food and each doubled their weight (like they have in the states).

Not much allowed on TV anymore.

Not sure why.

The thread your talking about certainly didn't break any rules.

Oh well.

There's other places.

Checked out the Wine Connection breakfast this morning.

Yes, is the best I've had and the price is good too.

Real sausage, real ham, no skimping on the potatoes or the meat.

Good coffee, fresh bread and a tomato.

The only thing they could've done to make it better IMO is real orange juice instead of the Pepsi brand fake stuff (or whatever it was)

I give it a 9.5

A bit crowded too although the staff was wonderful.

I've seen them at Robinson's in Phuket town.

Judging success via salary is just so foreign to me.

If making the most money is your priority in life, I highly doubt it will be a salary that will get you anywhere near the top.

I think of the most successful peers I have back in the states, most all made their millions in construction or investments (real estate).

Two of them (out of 5) went to college.

A strong work ethic is the most common trait between these 5. A bit of luck helps also, of course.

I'm talking about multi-millionaires.

I know one of them worked his way up from a parts clerk in an auto parts store. (ended up owning 13 of them, and sold them all at age 48

But the rest started out self employed and worked hard to get where they are.

Good luck hoping for your high wages for your kids.

Are your peers half Thai, half farang, living on Phuket? What is you point?

Point is: Judging people by their wages is a moot point.

I wouldn't trade my life for any of those peers I mentioned.

But, you guys seem to think it's important if your kids can work for someone else and make a good hourly or daily salary.

Not important to me.

To each his own.

Judging success via salary is just so foreign to me.

If making the most money is your priority in life, I highly doubt it will be a salary that will get you anywhere near the top.

I think of the most successful peers I have back in the states, most all made their millions in construction or investments (real estate).

Two of them (out of 5) went to college.

A strong work ethic is the most common trait between these 5. A bit of luck helps also, of course.

I'm talking about multi-millionaires.

I know one of them worked his way up from a parts clerk in an auto parts store. (ended up owning 13 of them, and sold them all at age 48

But the rest started out self employed and worked hard to get where they are.

Good luck hoping for your high wages for your kids.