geriatrickid

I was under the impression that any of the western embassies will accept funds sent on behalf of a stranded traveller. The OP isn't the first one to have this problem. Plenty of backpackers get ripped off and the 'rents send the funds. I just checked a couple government websites and the procedures are written out. BTW according to a couple countries websites, emergency loans are available, e.g. Canada and France.

Not a nice post if this is an attempt to scam people.

The guy is in custody and off the streets. There's time to sort out the details.

A rational assessment. The accused isn't going anywhere and anyone bashing the UK system should instead be giving thanks. At least while in the custody of HM Prison Service the accused will be unable to bribe his way out. Whether he is in a jail in Thailand, the UK or or elsewhere, he's in custody and that's all that matters

What a depressing thread. Normal well adjusted young Thai males do not patronize brothels or hookers. Why would the typical young male need to? Those that desire sex can easily score from their social circle, schoolmates or work colleagues. It is like this around the world. The advantage of being young is that people will pay to have sex with you, but you do not have to pay for sex. Most young people do not want to have sex with old people, no matter the incentive. If some young person is using a hooker then that person is either fugly or a pathetic loser and that too isn't much different than elsewhere.

All of my Thai male friends are between the ages of 28 and 35. Maybe not so young, but not one of them has ever used a hooker. We all know the reasons why and it's been dealt with on other threads. If these guys want sex they can easily find it. No need to pay. I believe it is the benefit of having nice abs, an ability to maintain an erection, not smoking or drinking in excess and of not having bad breath from rotten teeth.

There are not enough categories and subcategories.So much for diversity.

There should be white rice queens, those that like the unhealthy pallor of the Bangkok residents. And then there is the healthier brown rice variety. You older guys do need your fibre if you wish to remain regular. And what about wild rice? It is a delectable treat and is only found in the hinterlands. However the harvest is the exciting part. And then there are rice krispies. These are the older dried out rice people. That's why they go snap, crackle, and pop when devoured. Nothing says elderly love like popping a disc or cracking a joint when being frisky.

Personally, I avoid rice since the good jasmine quality is hard to find because its so valuable it gets exported

Philippines. Cebu and Davao are beautiful. I am well aware of the cultural and behavioural aspects of the place having worked with Philippinos before. I know all about the crime and the lying etc., but there is the benefit of language and many shared cultural aspects. Plus, I need never worry about finding domestic staff, or a private nurse or a skilled tradesman. The Phillipines are the staffing agency for the world. I am contemplating visiting at Christmas to scope out the situation.

Either that or perhaps Burma. There's something about Burma that is appealing. Maybe it's the backwardness of it all and the fact that I don't have to worry about corruption in quite the same way as Thailand. Plus the white trash foreign contingent can't get in.

Good for the RTN! Let's hope that they catch some pirates.

Let's hope they don't. The prosecution process is a legal nightmare and an expensive process. Kenya doesn't want the burden of holding them and putting them on trial anymore. None of the arab countries at risk wants anything to do with the problem and has refused to take any of the captured pirates. It's why the NATO ships haven't been taking prisoners lately. Total hassle. The US put one pirate on trial in the US recently. The guy was in 7th heaven. Life in a US federal prison beats living in Somalia. The Russians set some captured prisoners adrift, presumably to die on the sea. It didn't go over well with the Somalis who have promised to murder any Russian vessel crews in retaliation. Strangely enough, none of the usual human rights groups at the UN said boo. Not a word from Libya, Cuba etc. Although they did wag their finger at Canada and France after non violent interdictions.

Maybe the Thais will apply their Rohingyha strategy and and set the pirates adrift.

Personally, I think if they killed a few of these thugs, the message would sink in over time.

Geriatrickid is quoting Eva Lundgren, a so called gender researcher who actually believes that there are secret male satanist societies raping and killing children in Sweden. Lundgren believes that men are animals and was quite active in promoting the once so popular pseudo scientific theories regarding repressed memories. I am not saying that there are no wife beaters in Sweden, but if you are going to use statistics to back it up, don't use Eva Lundgren because she is on a par with Trofim Lysenko.

I can cite other studies that show a similar pattern. However, my point was that the numbers merely indicate that domestic violence occurs in Sweden as well. The fact that there is Thai on Foreigner or Foreigner on Thai domestic violence isn't anything special since domestic violence is domestic violence. This is why I wrote as follows;

Do not make the assumption that Thai women are predisposed to killing foreigners. Look at the Swedish domestic violence data. Despite the grim numbers, is it fair to label all Swedish males as bullies and killers? No it is not.

what's the point of escalation? Is it worth the hassle? Nasty folks like that usually have a screw loose to start with. Are you prepared for him to stab you in the back? Hit you over the head with a club when you are not expecting it? Poison your dogs? Run you or your loved ones down with a car? Each and every one of these scenarios has occurred in Thailand. Think about it and ask yourself again if it is worth running the risk?

On a positive note. People like the fellow described usually have a stroke or a coronary. High blood pressure, stress, medications and alcohol are often contributing factors. Maybe its best to sit back and wait for an artery to pop. When he collapses in front of his home you can saunter on by and ask him if he wants you to look after his plants. BTW, do you know the fellow's name on TVF? He's probably one of the group that complains about the evil Thais 24/7.

Wolf,

Do not allow yourself to become annoyed by some of the comments. The way I have read this thread is that you did your planning, you worked within a budget, you had rational expectations and you set reasonable goals, Therefore, you have been successful in your enterprise. What's there to argue about? You achieved what you wanted to achieve in terms of having a profitable investment that created a functioning business, created jobs for a family, gave income to your wife and didn't exploit anyone or rip people off in the process.

I dunno, but in MBA school, they taught us that activity like yours were good business practices. I presently work for a large profitable international enterprise. I am expected to implement and follow similar practices as you, albeit on a different scale. If I can meet my milestones, deliver on budget numbers and can contribute to society then I will have been considered to have done my job well. Know what? You are a success and you don't have to explain it to anyone. If people can't figure it out, too bad. You are the one making the money, not them, right?

Why do we constantly read about Thai wives killing farang husbands?

I do not recall ever reading about farang husbands killing their Thai wives.

Soon we will read about how HE made HER do it and that her Thai lover was not involved!

Pathetic how violent these sawadees really are!!!

Basically, you are saying that because you are unaware of foreigners abusing their spouses/partners/girlfriends that this must be a Thai specific issue. Domestic violence is a common occurrence in Thailand and foreigners are sometimes the perpetrators.. One need only look at the past month where we have had a deranged American accused of slicing and dicing a woman. He is also alleged to have beaten his ex wife who is described as fleeing from an abusive relationship. Then we have the accused murderer from the UK that murdered another foreigner but is also alleged to have regularly beaten his girlfriend. Due to the piss poor attitude of the police on domestic violence, most victims do not bother to report the crime in Thailand.

In this specific case we may very well have an innocent Swedish national that was ruthlessly murdered. Or has has been mentioned, there may have been mitigating factors like alcohol or extra marital affairs. You won't know until an investigation is completed. One thing I do know and anyone that has worked with those involved in domestic violence will corroborate this, is that murder by the female is usually the end result of a long drawn out series of events which can occur when a woman reaches a point where she can no longer cope with a situation involving threats, violence, intimidation or powerlessness. Spouses are not usually murdered when there is a stable working relationship in place. In rare cases, it is an outright crime for profit. It is unfair to speculate on the deceased as to whether or not he was a drunk, a bully or a wife beater. It is also unfair to attempt to affix blame on anyone until some actual evidence is presented. I believe that the deceased must be treated as an innocent victim until such time as someone can show otherwise.

I wrote rare in respect to actual premeditated murder, because it is not typical of domestic dispute murders. Do not make the assumption that Thai women are predisposed to killing foreigners. Look at the Swedish domestic violence data. Despite the grim numbers, is it fair to label all Swedish males as bullies and killers? No it is not.

Please wait for the investigation to be concluded.

To help people appreciate that domestic violence is not specific to Thailand, here's some Swedish data to consider;

Lundgren, Heimer, Westerstrand & Kalliokoski (2002)SwedishStudy of men's violence against women (1999-2000)

1 in 3 (35%) of women experienced violence from aformer husband/co-habitant; 1 in 5 (19%) of women had been threatened by a formerhusband/co-habitant; 2 out of 3 (64%) of women who had been subjected to violenceby a former husband/co-habitant reported repeat assaults; 1 in 2 (50%) ofdivorced women had been subjected to violence by a former husband/co-habitant; 1in 10 (9%) of women with a violent former husband/co-habitant has beensubjected to physical or sexual violence by them since separation; 1 in 10 (11%)of currently married/cohabiting women reported experiencing violence from theirpresent partner; 3% of women have been forced into sexual activity by a currenthusband/co-habitant; 1 in 6 (16%) of women have been subjected to sexualviolence by a former husband/co-habitant; Only 1 in 7 (15%) of women reported themost recent violent incident to the police

One possible solution is to introduce more sex related subjects. It is the one issue that encourages participation. Nothing beats a thread that provides important tips on how to pick up "chicks". I really want to learn how to pick up more hot babes. I hope one day to be as accomplished as some TV members,

I agree with the OP on these idiots. Why, I recall the the very important thread on how to identify a kathoey and there were very good suggestions on how to look for the hairy knuckles, the bulging adams apples, the muscular calves, the man hands, and the deep voice when the Kathoey became agitated or excited. And then some idiot came along and said you can tell a kathoey because she/he/it may often have a penis and testicles. How idiot is that? It's not like I can just go up to one and stick my hand down its bloomers and feel around. Why, I could get beaten up. Kathoeys have super manly strength and can easily beat up even the most muscular of farangs. Kathoeys use their mesmerizing eyes to put farangs into a trance state causinging the victim to become putty in the hands of a Kathoey. It's exactly like what the snake does to Mogli in the Jungle Book.

I also agree with the OP about the idiot brigade when it comes to health issues. I just don't understand why anyone would ridicule such important health advice as "colonic irrigation" as a means to treat and cure cancer, malaria, TB and the curse of dandruff. I know that some people have new ideas on how to hook up the garden hose to their rectum to facilitate the process, but the idiots of TV discourage them from sharing their important information. I also resent these idiots that mock and insult people that are able to share scientific breakthroughs on how they have solved HIV or how aliens descended up their Rayong abode and abducted them for some intense anal probing. So to you OP, yes I agree, these idiots really do impede the exchange of important ideas that we really need to know about.

I am working on a way of blocking them from reading my thoughts. Unfortunately, I think some Redshirts acting in conjunction with some yellowhirts under the order of some blueshirts, who are really greenshirts bought up all the aluminum foil at the supermarket. As soon as I sort this out, I'll give you an update.

Considering the room's decor, perhaps one of them took offense? Or maybe it was a discussion over whether or not Norway should stop funding Hamas and supporting the slaughter of endangered whales?

With the amount of taxes paid in Europe, the German government should be able to pick up the bill...

Ask the Greek government. Germany contributed a large sum to prop up Greece. This was done so that the German banks that had invested heavily would not suffer catastrophic loss and perhaps collapse causing millions of Germans to lose their savings and pensions and put Germany in the same situation as the USA and the UK.

It seems the Iron Maiden wasn't so wrong in her views concers about EU monetary policy.

Is it really such a bad thing that non muslim Thais have not been able to obtain work permits in Saudi Arabia? Considering the treatment accorded to Phillippinas, Bangladeshis and Indonesians over the years I don't think it is such a bad thing. Saudi Arabia still funds various "educational" and "religious" groups in the deep south. The longer the case drags on and relations are "damaged", the longer some Thais will not be seduced by high wages only to end up mistreated and living like slaves.

Thai workers have more than compensated for the lost opportunities by obtaining jobs with better working conditions in the agricultural sectors of Canada, Israel and the EU. It's hard work, but they are paid more and receive better treatment than in Saudi Arabia.

I wouldn't worry about the Saudis. It's a place where everyone is a "prince". The Kingdom is living on borrowed time. Sooner or later Saudi Arabi will collapse and then all will be forgotten. The Saudis are unimportant to Thailand's foreign interests.

If there was a coup in the early 30s, would there have been the Night of the Long Knives, and 2nd World War?

Please don't go there. Whatever the failings of the deposed PM Thaksin were, he wasn't running death camps or invading other countries.

Take a hint from the news article. Mr. Thaksin is now being praised indirectly. Read between the lines, The foundation for Mr. Thaksin's rehabilitation is being laid. Although, it will cause some people in TVF to choke, don't be surprised when some powerful Thais assumed to be bitter enemies are exchanging smiles and wais. Unless both sides back down, this stupid factional fighting will continue. It may mean that Mr. Thaksin will have to give up all hope of regaining office, but in return, he might be allowed to return and not serve jail time. This isn't a Sicilian blood vendetta. The Thais can be quite pragmatic when the need arises. Look at the past coups. Even those that had blood on their hands were politically rehabilitated and reintegrated.

Warina Punyawan, Editor-In-Chief, Pattaya Daily News took considerable personal risk in the decision to go with the story. I commend her courage and strength to raise an issue which too many people prefer not to discuss. I don't care if she operates a sedate restaurant. Considering the state of the media around the world I can understand why she would need additional income. There is no conflict of interest as everything is in the open. Aside from that, she's attractive for an older woman and she's both smart and an entrepreneur. The man that marries her is lucky.

It's been going around again for a while now. Most of my Thai family have had it and recovered.

Are you certain? Did the lab test come back and identify the virus?

(Not being a smart ass, but there have been problems with lab tests around the world. In the early stages, there was an assumption that some strains were H1N1, when they were not. This was made worse when most western countries stopped doing the lab work as the vaccination program took hold, as it was seen as a waste of scarce resources. And in Thailand, well, Thailand is Thailand.)

Does anyone have any suggestions of what is the best read in Pattaya at the moment, it would be good to hear from readers rather than other advertisers about what they read and why

The Pattaya Daily News is one of the better English language newspapers when it comes to local news and it is the only paper of its kind that launches investigations that appear genuine. It has run several human interest stories that advocate on behalf of those that need a hand. To be blunt, why read the national based publications when you can get 90% of the same stories off of Reuters or the AP yourself? The PDN provides a good eye on local happenings balanced to act as a booster of local business interests. It is unbiased and neutral when it comes to the Red vs. Yellow clashes.

Yes, there is usually a lead crime story but in today's competitive news market, one needs something to attract readers. Yes it runs the usual finger pointing photos, but I actually believe it's a public service. One look at those mugs and you are going to behave yourself so you don't end up on the front page as the man with a fanny/bum bag that was mugged by a 40 kilo kathoey. I admire the courage of a paper and an editor that has the courage to print “JUSTICE FOR SALE IS NO JUSTICE AT ALL” (Warina Punyawan, Editor-In-Chief). Considering the political climate and extent of corruption, this editor is a hero and deserving or support and respect.

I have no financial interest in the PDN. Compared to the local crap on Phukem, the PDN is a much better read, both in terms of integrity, particularly perceived conflicts of interest, and in quality. The offering of a Russian news service was a brilliant business move as well. Pattaya's Russians include alot of very wealthy people who do read the online version. Could the paper be better? Sure, but give them any news source in Thailand today an extra 1MM in revenue per month and they can hire more reporters etc. Considering the tough market they are in, Pattaya residents are lucky to have the PDN.

The comment was made;

Lots of these young backpackers go with prostitutes, would that not make them sex tourists?

Based upon my observations and talking to some of the backpackers, it is not the same relationship. It's not a commercial transaction per se as one of mutual enjoyment. The backpacker types don't really have to pay for sex. C'mon now, how many 18-25 year old males ever had to pay for sex? What we see are the guys getting the benefits of having a guide, a companion and perhaps some nookie and the girls get someone that is attractivem able to maintain a long lasting erection without need of viagra, that doesn't have to pee every hour, and someone willing to share and pick up some expenses, without pointing out how much he has paid every day. The girls that go with the backpackers aren't doing it for the money per se, they are just being young and having some fun.

The backpacker crowd gets such a bad rep, but more often than not they are really decent kids. They come from normal families and are more likely to show some semblance of respect for the locals. These are the people that will retain happy memories and tell their friends of the good times. They are also likely to return with their wives/husbands/families. It's a bad mistake to reduce their access in the market. These are the people that one day will become the moneymakers.

The biggest mistake? The cheap junkets. Yes, there is quantity, but the quality of spending is poor. They are the worst type of people to rely on as they do not spend on goods and services that make work for Thais. These people are nasty. They pick the Thailand tour solely on price. Who are these groups? Oh sure they buy some souvenirs, but if one looks at where the items are made, more often than not the junk comes from China. The clothes and the food they buy are often the low end stuff with low profit margins. They are more likely to rush to Burger King, KFC or McD. There is an art to catering to package tour groups, but it takes some planning and thinking. There are a couple of groups that do it, providing a proper tour throughout Thailand, visiting a variety of places and offering a range of activities all for an affordable price.

Thailand has such hidden strengths and yet it seems unable to use them. It still doesn't understand that there is a large demographic of people that are disabled or have physical impairments, Try walking some of the sidewalks when you have bad eyesight or arthritis. Try accessing the aeroplane when you have trouble climbing the slippery metal stairs. Families? It's hard to take a family to Thailand because it's a walking accident zone for the typical kid. No crosswalks, poor beach safety, particularly from having jetskis or paraglders swooping down, and again an absence of a place to walk safely. Try pushing a stroller in some places. It's hard. How about a place to change a diaper? Sure, the locals manage, but then the point is to attract a family from Oslo or Perth. If you want them, then you need to provide the basic services they need.Imagine the benefit to commercial trade if Patong had a free or low cost shuttle bus service like most other resort towns. Won't happen with the taxi/tuktuk mafia.

Sorry, but the nature of the services on offer still cater to a specific demographic, whether that is intentional or not. And those people are include a noticeable number of scum. Unfortunately, alot of older single males get stuck with the label because of a small group of jerks. The end result is that it acts to discourage their visitng. A case in point is Cambodia. I have been invited several times and won't go because I just don't want the visa in my passport. The preception is that only pedos go to Cambodia. The immigration officer in the USA/Canada/EU isn't going to believe me if I say I went to visit a 35 year old western female health officer. It's why so many people hesitate. They have reputations to protect. It's all about perceptions and the brand image. Thailand has done a very piss poor job of protecting its image abroad.

Dunno about that Islander was OK but too much success and it rested on its laurels..

Got served slop in there a few times and stopped going. Not sure if it improved after tho.

First tried the Islander almost 14 years back. Thought the service terrible and the food so-so. Tried again many times over the years as so many people rate it highly. My initial opinion still stands to this day.

As much as it pains me, I too have to concur. Driven by an almost psychotic need for spuds after 3 days of Somchai fayre, I tried this joint as the menu promised a good feed of fawang nosh. Boy, was I disappointed. The staff? I’ve seen more smiling faces from the immigration staff at Swampy. When the grub turned up I’d thought I’d been given a child’s portion and the amount of salt used was probably near a fatal dose. Soggy veg and equally soggy stuffing bought back bad memories of school dinners, and the worst thing is that I left the place still hungry and several baht lighter....mmmm...now, where’s that pizza place?...

As some may remember, I have been a big fan of the Islander. I haven't been in since April. It's disappointing. I was eating in there regularly but since Dec 09, it changed. I can't put my finger on it. It's a combination of the unsmiling staff, some scuzzy clientele amd a deterioration in food quality. I used to love the garlic & pepper chicken or a red curry for a late breakfast, but no more. The "english" breakfast is only English in its blandness. Why bring the toast before the eggs? With the fans going the toast is stone cold by the time the eggs arrive. <deleted> is cumberland sausage and why does it rate such a hefty premium? It tastes the same as the other sausages. The coffee is nescafe swill I think. It's a crime not to get a nice strong cup. I'd gladly pay more for a good cup. The place used to be my little paradise of good food that even my Thai friends liked. Now, it's just like any other place where blandness reigns. Heartbreaking for me.

ps They do seem to have real English sausages whatever those are because I've been there when the fat little Englishman backs his pickup truck down the soi to make a delivery.

Maybe they had bills to pay, like rent, or had collected money for something.

Sometimes the story leaves out key details.

And yes there is the possibility of a bit of padding on the claim. Who knows? The reporting isn't the best.

Are we allowed to take scalps if we join the coup? I always liked lots of scalps on the pole outside my teepee. Bring me much power. Impress squaw.

You should be ashamed of yourself for that comment. Aside from it being wrong, it's downright ignorant.

Scalping was more of a Europeans practice. Both the French and British colonoial occupiers of North America introduced the practice as a means to encourage the killing of natives. The practice was also a means for the French to ensure that the local natives that were hired as mercenaries were really reporting accurate kills. The kills were not paid for unless there was evidence of the kill and this was achieved by bringing back a scalp. You don't know your Canadian history do you? The English set a bounty on scalps taken by settlers in Halifax. They also did the same in the Mohawk wars and against the Dakota nation in western Canada.

:lol:

You guys really are a hoot. I never met such a serious bunch of twits. I don't think there is a humorous bone in your bodies.

I know my North American history better than most people. Taking scalps was used by many groups. Living in teepees was not reserved for only First Nations plains indians. It is a very practical form of accommodation for people constantly on the move.

Coup is a shortened version of the French expression "Coup d'etat" meaning to over throw a government. Ignorant French trappers in North America used it as a term for bravery. The early French trappers interbred with native people and language expressions were bastardized. Racing in and touching the enemy or dangerous animal was also called "counting coup". Taking scalps was something that was also adopted by various groups.

Which brings us around to the OP's topic. Thailand has its problems and will continue to do so. Predicting what the Reds or the Yellows will do in the future is a silly discussion. There are so many Chicken Littles running around saying "The sky is falling!" that I can only laugh. Yup, aliens from outer space are going to invade earth... oh, wait, maybe they are ALREADY here? And, of course some small nation is going to start a nuclear war and destroy the planet. I mean, what else is common news?

Mr. Forbes, you dealt with everything except the orignal statement. It wasn't about teepees. It was about scalps. There's another thread going on the ATMs where various nationalities are described as greasy sinister people. That's what happens when people look the other way when false statements are made. You know what you said and that you were wrong. Just accept it,move on and the matter is forgotten.

You allude to Thailand in your response. Fine. It is precisely the same mindset that paints every woman from Issan as a money hungry hooker, or all those that had a different view than the Redshirt protestors as being exploiters and abusers of the poor. Having a good idea what the various political factions are considering or contemplating is part of the risk management process. A company will not invest if there is no stability. By the same token Johnny Farang may reconsider his or her decision to purchase a home if there is a possibility there is going to be turmoil. Thais consider this topic daily because it governs where they will invest and whether or not some will have jobs. You need only look to the comments of the very low key Centara group to understand this point. So, as much as you try to dance around, it isn't working. We all make unintentional errors.

Original comment Deleted.

Fascinating thread as it provides insight into the development of society. Advertising puts the meat on the bones of history because it gives such vivid examples of what people were thinking and dreaming of at the time. The artwork in some cases is beautiful. (ok, some will dismiss it as pop art, but it still impresses all the same. You can't beat creative genius.) I get a kick out of watching the old world exhibition films from the 30-s-50's, stuff like the world tomorrow which gives an idea into how people were able to dream about exploration and technological advances. The adverts here are fun. Truly one of my favourite visits is this thread and the other threads in this section of the forum.