dumball

whybother' timestamp='1304133646' post='4390899']

'dumball' timestamp='1304133088' post='4390889']

Are you suggesting outside observers should be brought in to do an analysis on the actual numbers of police doing the job they are paid to do ? Talking of helmets , why are not ALL passengers on a motor-cycle not required to wear a helmet when you consider a high number of them are children , the future residents of the country ? On top of that , why does the law (?) not cover that chin straps should be secure as many injuries are caused by this fact , also a law to restrict the safety of such helmets as in no plastic pudding bowls tied on wth string .

Did not see any note of the increased number of vehicles on the roads each year .

"when you consider a high number of them are children , the future residents of the country "

I would have thought that Thai children are already residents.

They don't need outside observers. It's pretty obvious to internal observers.

Before they start worrying about chin straps, they need to enforce the wearing. As useless as pudding bowls are, at least they get people used to wearing helmets.

Any one with an iota of common sense would have gathered my inference was to ADULT citizens , the outside observers was in reference to a previous post , those wearing ' Pudding bowls' as helmets may be fortunate enough to survive long enough to see the folly of their ways . My reference to chin straps was directed toward those that DO wear helmets .

Why not post something intelligent instead of nonsensical criticism ? People such as yourself give me a general idea of why you chose to live in Thailand

seriouseats' timestamp='1304143967' post='4391207']

i dont watch thai tv exactly for what that clip does

Guy who killed his mother on a motorbike

Plays horribly, sings horribly.. Get semi praised, gets called a wonderfull man. Most accidents are from wreckless drivers in thailand, nobody wears helmet, we can assume there's almost no chance he wasnt mostly responsible for what happened, and even if he wasnt, how does playing guitar badly make him a good man?

want to see a real handicaped man who never complained?

Deschamps was born with congenital deformities of all four limbs; he is missing both his left arm and right leg, and has only two fingers on his right hand.

that's inspirational, no complaining and no discussing of it. 30years and he's still a well known star in the few countries he performs

he plays all the guitar as good as any other bands. Never talks about his handicap, not looking from pity .

(quote)

What caught my attention was that the disabled man has to work to support his brother ???????????

='Jingthing' timestamp='1304151031' post='4391416']

The northern version --

There are no eskimo any longer , they are Inuit and they live in houses .

'carmine' timestamp='1304146947' post='4391295']

'DP25' timestamp='1304141284' post='4391117']

It's an American travel site, it makes sense almost everything is in NA and the Caribbean because that's what their customers buy trips for. Hardly any Americans go to Thailand compared to those places.

Thats pretty much it. Its geared to their customers.

What i would like to see from the TAT or some authority, is them supplying refuse bins to the beaches here so people have somewhere to dispose of their rubbish.

[/quote)

GARBAGE BINS????????????? aaaaaaaaaaaagh , You expect Thai to change life long cultural habits just for tourists??????????

In any case , what you refer to as a garbage bin is in fact a depository for AAAAAAAAAAAHHG , BOMBS , ask a rent-a-cop .

'grumpyoldman' timestamp='1304138531' post='4391041''phuketrichard' timestamp='1303961207' post='4386483']

'grumpyoldman' timestamp='1303712616' post='4380062']

'phuketrichard' timestamp='1303537761' post='4375339']

Why spend an extra $25-50 for a pool?? waste of money.

Because when there is no beach, it's nice to take up lounge chair and do some reading in the afternoon by a pool?

From what I've seen here there is only one hotel suggested that has a pool, any others at a reasonable rate (30-60$U.S.) with a pool?

Ahh u want sit by the pool and pay an additional $25 for it

Short answer, yes. Any suggestions on a hotel with a pool that's guest friendly? Sort of reasonable up to 60$US? Good location?

Short answer , Billabong which is guest friendly with a pool , family style hotel , take your chances with exteranious guest , have a problem which I doubt if you are not with an " In your face ' type of lady , you have various other choices presented to you .

Other posters are only being as helpful as they can under the circumcision .

'South' timestamp='1304125315' post='4390704']

It's not difficult .................. helmets and road regulations!!

Are you suggesting outside observers should be brought in to do an analysis on the actual numbers of police doing the job they are paid to do ? Talking of helmets , why are not ALL passengers on a motor-cycle not required to wear a helmet when you consider a high number of them are children , the future residents of the country ? On top of that , why does the law (?) not cover that chin straps should be secure as many injuries are caused by this fact , also a law to restrict the safety of such helmets as in no plastic pudding bowls tied on wth string .

Did not see any note of the increased number of vehicles on the roads each year .

namekerryk' timestamp='1304129779' post='4390801']

New spray heads are cheap, 60 -70 baht. I replace mine when they look a little worn. Water pressure can do many strange things. Once intending only a wash I got a complete internal cleansing.

Maximum pressure for colonostic cleanse is 2 psi , any thing over that can cause severe internal problems , show caution when ' Gunning ' your rectum .

'farangguy' timestamp='1304085389' post='4390101']

Found out that the three month business visa extension does not permit re-entry but the six month and one year does.

So far, the cheapest I found for the three month extension is $70. Anyone know any place that will handle it for less?

Sorry about the 3 month re-entry , I always buy 6/12 month visas so i do not fill my passport too quickly , cost for renewal is pretty even , I always use Lucky-Lucky on Monivong as they know what is going on and are efficient .

='farangguy' timestamp='1304085581' post='4390112']

When a friend of mine arrives will be renting a tuk tuk for about 5-6 hours.

Anyone expats k

should be around $12.00 , if you need a phone no I can give you one for English speaker , no scamming .

'Jawnie' timestamp='1304049551' post='4388864']

It's not negativity about the quality of teaching or anything about education. It's that a politician would make such a promise that will surely never come to pass. In that case, it's an outlandish proposal. Think of the practicalities and logistical issues involved, for starters, the money for these things, where will the money come from; when and where? Then the distribution and training, the students need to know how to operate them for the tablets are any help to them. This would mean the teachers themselves would need to know how to operate them, that the teachers would all need them, too. That's more training and curriculum development. What about service, defective units, etc.? Let's not forget the black market for stolen units, both from the import warehouse and by students themselves. It's just a ridiculous and irresponsible thing to say.

Yes, it would be great to have these things. Are there any other countries in the world that have done such a thing? How did it go?

'Humphrey Bear' timestamp='1304039877' post='4388428']

Don't be so negative, everyone.

With the standard of teaching in most Thai schools being under the zero line, it will enable the few kids who want to, to learn. The rest can play computer games, look up their local yaa-baa dealer or contribute to ThaiVisa.

Yes , look up Norway some-time , fantastic success , but read on how the scheme was applied .

='sundaram444' timestamp='1304043405' post='4388571']

The Pheu Thai party is offering freebies to get the votes.

In a recent state elections in Tamil Nadu state of South India , the two major parties vying with other offering freebies like lap tops, TVs , and mixers and Dresses , Saris etc.

The ignorant people of this state would vote for these corrupt and looting politicians.

This kind of exploiting by these politicians has been going on for a long time.

The Pheu Thai party leader must have seen this on the Internet and wants to do the same .

The politicians should not offer freebies. Let the people work and earn and buy whatever they need.

Offering free things will create lazy, and useless people , and drunkards and thugs.

Aha , some-one hit the nail on the head , the elite wants to keep the electorate more or less as it is , free gifts of these tablets will ensure that for a while at least , until most are sold off by hard up students .

'sirchai' timestamp='1303960022' post='4386432''bitterbatter' timestamp='1303868637' post='4383750']

I wonder if you started selling calculators in Thailand that gave incorrect answers, how long would it take before someone noticed?

Oh well...the word calculators reminds be about a very good example how 'good' the educators here really are.

I used to work at a primary school in lower northeast, again the printer cartridge ran out of color. After receiving money from the director,(100 baht) I went to a shop, to get it refilled. It was 39 baht. I had my receipt and went to the Assistant director of the English department.

So I gave her 61 baht back, when she looked at me, pulled out her calculator, because she didn't believe me saying that 61+ 39 = 100.

Happens to me everywhere, buying cigarettes, 60 baht, give them a 1,000 baht bill, they take their calculator. We used to learn Math using our brains, most Thais are not able to make simple Math, without a 'helper'.

Let's modify all their calculators and wait how long it will take. Looks like they'll never find it out.....:jap:

Going by the example given above , I think students get an education , but mostly in the wrong things , surely an education is to prepare students for their ongoing life in the world outside of school doors , they need to be taught the basics that will train them how to survive in jobs that are available , how to question to advance those teachings .

Sorry , I think I am in the wrong thread , I was basically spouting off on being taught to THINK for themselves as an individual , how can none thinkers teach a thinking thought process ? Have to mention , need to be also taught that work is not about ' Sanook ' but more in the direction of ' Nose to the grindstone ' , life is not just a bowl of ' Cherries ' , most have been consumed when they finish being edifikated any way 555

It's all about face

Lots and lots of face

We know we are a disgrace

But we have to save face

Our motto remains the same " It's our way , or you can hit the highway "

This is precisely the true gist of the matter , Thai keep pussy-footing , yes we will , no we cannot , have to talk to this one or that one , the army will not allow ad nausium . They have been offered so many choices to at least stop the loss of lives , even by countries not directly involved in this conflict , considering Thai have a great deal of difficulty even fixing internal problems , what else can one truly expect from a bunch of ministers that do not respect each other .

'animatic' timestamp='1303894542' post='4384741']

So the newspapers propaganda, pulled the Thai Defense ministers pud,

he squealed and cancelled the meeting, now this gives Hun Sen a chance

to look presidential and diplomatic in comparison...

I think the Def Min has just been played....

By this latest gesture , Hun Sen is showing himself as more worldly and wise than many people have given him credit to be , the country has improved beyond many onlookers expectations in the past 10 years , he seems not to want this all destroyed in the (literal)

blink of an eye .

['ChristopherBrown' timestamp=1303878630' post='4384116]

I know it suits Hun Sen, to have an external-enemy to distract his people, but he might keep it believable at-least !

I keep hearing comments like this in the Thai media, but frankly distract the Cambodian people from what exactly? The longest period of stability the country has know in 45 years? The rapid economic growth? The huge infrastructure improvements? The increased literacy rates? The hugely reduced child mortality rates? The fact Cambodia has gone from food shortages to the worlds sixth largest rice exporter in a little over a decade? Or the HIV rate going from being an epidemic in the 90's to a rate that is now less than half the rate of Thailand (0.5 vs 1.3).

For most Cambodians this is the best they have EVER known it. Hun Sen is an authoritarian leader, no doubt about it. He's a populist, we all know that. He's not scared to break a few eggs to make and omelet, it's true. BUT despite his tactics that aren't to everyone's tastes, the proof is in the pudding and all of the numbers have consistently gone skyward for over a decade. The CPP won 58% of the vote in 2008, their nearest rival took only 22% in an election that was declared free and fair, as was the previous one. Currently he's as politically strong as he's ever been and there is no doubt the CPP will win another landslide in the next election. There is absolutely no need for Hun Sen and the CPP to create some kind of drama to increase popularity, because they already have an extremely strong mandate and will likely have an even stronger one after the next election.

This is about the temples and the temples only on the Cambodian side, they are central to the national identity and you will be hard pushed to find a Cambodian who's not willing to go to war to protect them and their sovereignty. Thailand needs to tread extremely carefully as the pages of history are filled with larger, stronger aggressors that lack true belief in their cause being turned over by much smaller, poorly equipped opponents who are truly willing to die for theirs.

An excellent post full of what is as apposed the comments from posters who are obviously not as aware as yourself on what has been achieved in a forward motion benefiting all of Khmer citizens , I have experienced much of the progress in the several years I have lived amongst these friendly people . It matters not a solitary iota of what some people consider Hun Sen to be , they should rather take note that decisions are made and acted upon , not bandied around with no true intent of upgrading the lot of the average Thai .

One often reads of the over-use of pesticides etc by Thai farmers , should a cup of this produce more crops , we will use 2 cups and have a really big crop

Environmental Health Perspectives spent many years testing pesticides when it was found how detrimental lead was for the young brain , lead was banned in many things .

The resultant testing came up with facts that children exposed to an excess of pesticides , particularly in the pre-natal period , were found to have serious cognitive and learnng problems plus low I.Q's Thai are not particularly noted for food hygiene , most likely because of a lack of instruction in that area , this allows the resident pesticide to be ingested into the system , transferred to the suckling child , a very poor start to its life , which is then continued at an early age as they consume more pesticides via food intake

It should be noted that attention in this area is needed to go hand in hand with early child-hood education with fully trained pre-school staff preferably of the Montessori system .

Thai PM denies Thailand pulls out of planned ceasefire talks with Cambodia; says Thai defence minister going to China, rescheduling Cambodia trip later /MCOT

So , whilst the citizens of Thailand are suffering extreme deprivation caused by this latest skirmish , the foreign minister decides it is far more important to visit China than try to hastily resolve the anguish of these citizens , is this perhaps because the army seems not to want a cease fire at this time ? Does he fear the army would over-ride anything he may accomplish by entering into dialogue with the apposing army because it does not suit their current agenda ?

WOW , what a huge loss of FACE that could cause for him , pity the poor citizens of Thailand with a government such as this .

'MunterHunter' timestamp='1303813767' post='4382666']

Perhaps the PAD would like to form the front line in this war they are so desperate for Thailand to enter... If they feel that strongly about it then show the world exactly how much... or perhaps they just want to occupy Government house and hope someone else will bleed and die for them?

Are the PAD not aware that it takes 2 to tango ? Just demand Thai troops be removed from the border and all will be well , are they not aware the locals lived in harmony for many a long year ? Once the conflict is dispersed . locals will most likely go back to the way things were before the glory seekers jumped in the preserve the borders of the kingdom .

Oh , excuse me , I forgot the most important factor FACE

'roamer' timestamp='1303817052' post='4382745']

Whilst reading through the link supplied I noticed another link of interest to TV members, Maybe not just Thai's doing crazy stuff....

"A CONVICTED West Australian killer is set to be released from a Bangkok prison after serving just over two years for gunning down an American in a Chiang Mai restaurant. "

http://www.theaustra...f-1225877217619

Wow , good job you noticed the other link , you could have lived the rest of your life without knowing other nationalities are capable of doing crazy stuff , good for you .

'givenall' timestamp='1303816617' post='4382741']

'webfact' timestamp='1303792915' post='4382019']

Cabinet meeting today could b clouded with the border issues and their possible effects on election time frame. /via@tulsathit

This is what I am thinking. The Cambodia PM is close to Thaksin ($) so if Cambodia cuases border problem during the election then the Government will look very bad so could lose the election, but this is just me

I have a feeling you have this issue somewhat askew , there is no reason for Cambodia to be concerned with Thai elections and for what reason would they want the Thai government to look bad and to whom ?

The frame of the elections are a lot of concern to some Thai factions plus the military who often seem to have a point of their own to make on how the country is being run as it affects their hidden agenda , it is a smoke screen to aid these factions .

Thailand is making a laughing stock of itself in other parts of the world simply because there is an apparent discrepancy on who is supposed to be running the countries affairs and who is actually in charge at various times and during varying conditions/requirements .

Let the finger pointing begin , much like the gladiators of old Rome , much posturing and ado about little that is relevant to more serious matters at hand , about time they all settled down to doing what needs to be done for the country as a whole .

Mods , please note no ' Reply' to click on , using ' Fast reply as provided '

The problem that I have noticed for a VERY long time is that the Thai powers that be , remind me of a dog chasing its own tail , putting on a show but achieving or getting absolutely no where in a big hurry , all talk with the accompanying exhaling of hot air .

Normally , permission to access across your property becomes a right to access after a certain period of time making it almost a public fairway , I do not know if that applies in Thailand , make sure they access along the edge of your property just in case or you could finish up with a divided property .Not sure about this but posted anyway , do a diligent check .

There goes another page (almost) of none-sensical regurgitation , why do posters keep re-posting so much to give a few words as a response , surely a short informative post or a word of agreement would suffice without half of the thread tagged on .

'mjnaus' timestamp='1303741367' post='4380892']

'Semper' timestamp='1303739383' post='4380835']

If I remember the right amount, it was about 40 Baht at the Amphur.

Edit. If you pay more than this, you are on for a ride.

You sound like a real prize!

The most down to earth response you are likely to get on this thread .