Canada

People do what they do....for money. Some people need the money and view themselves as having little , none, or not very good options. Some people don't need the money, they just like it, are used to it, and want more. It's a sad state of affairs.....what people do to people on this planet, and why they do it. I don't think that there are really any plausible reasons or excuses for any of this type behavior....at least on the part of the people who have money or power. They are the true victimizers in stories like this. From the "black men"(whatever color they are) to the executioners......people with money and power victimize (or take advantage of) people without money or power, for more money or power (same thing).

For me, this story is more about the "human condition" than anything else.

if I was in Bkk, I'd have to have one. Working or not, as long as it was heavy, just like they used to be.

Nothing really aside from DVD collections/series. I guess it's kind of subject to your likes or dislikes. Some people like a cheap Chinese made Nokia copy that may or may not last a month. Mine is still going, my gf's packed it in already. About 8 weeks. I got and watched the entire 'The Shield" series. That was well worth the walk across the bridge. The roasted chestnuts on this side were less than "delicious" compared to others.

Training under 5th Dan English Instructor at Chiang Mai University. Very cheap (300 baht per year, fee for use of facilities) and regular classes 3 mornings per week. We are looking for new members. Daron 081 131 6267

Just want to add that I have been training with Nigel now for a few months. The training is excellent, the classes are regular, the students are great, but we need some more people. Beginners, first timers welcome.

"waist" bag.....sorry.... totally different meanings

You can get patch cables that have RCA at one end and mini headphone at the other, for output to sound systems.

From the DFAT website current at 5 October 2010.

http://www.smartrave...Advice/Thailand

Once again it shows that the people in the Australian Embassy like many others in Thailand really have no idea what the lay of the land is in Thailand. I am appalled at how stupid these people are who work in Embassies in Bangkok. Thailand Govt should put out a Travel Advisory for Australia saying one should not fo into the outback because they might have issues with a few snakes!!

The people are just covering their dirty <deleted>!!!

Why attack the embassies? The world has been told by the thai government that there are some provinces still under emergency rule because of terrorists and terrorism activities. They do not need to get off their <deleted> they are being informed by the current government that Thailand/10 provinces are not safe. This current government are the most honourable, accountable and would never lie to the public, or another govt. But I am like you, the current govt are bending the truth a wee bit, not lieing mind you, you can go anywhere just use your common sense. But there should be a travel warning for the snakes, be aware of the snakes (they will fleece you, sure) including trouser snakes(LB).

Tourists in Thailand don't want to use their common sense. That's why they come to Thailand and not go to India. This is one of those "where's the beach" and "let's go to a temple" locations...isn't it? Not a "watch out for thieves and bombs" sort of place.

Hey i'm off to Phuket next week, should i be worried about these warnings? Planning on going to most off the tourists places, clubs malls beaches etc. Also going to Pattaya and Ko Samui to head to the full moon party and probably spend a few days in bangkok to finish up, i was excited about the trip but after reading this travel warning not so much now.

I live in Chiang Mai and have for four years. I was here for all the ignorance no problem felt and still do entirely safe.

Maybe I should have read that article. My God my life was on the line every time I opened my front door I didn't recognize the peril I was in.

Thank you Australia who are not here for correcting me who is here on my perception of things.

Am planing a trip to the States and Canada what shall I watch out for.

.....Canada.....taxes

I think this is pretty normal for Thailand. "Look, we are enforcing the law."...... For 1 guy; the next 99 go unnoticed. It's a sad story.

This is the land of fake cheap crap and fantasies. Why would anyone want to change it?....

At the risk of sounding cynical or being brow beaten...... as an example...... look at the whole Thai women "thing".....buyer beware.

....but... with all it's fake cheap crap and fantasies, it's a great place.

If I want quality stuff, I generally know how to spot the fake. Quality is not too hard to notice. But I usually start with the perspective of "everything's fake". and go from there.

I hope these people get a break. What a ridiculous story.

I would say it is up to parents and then the individual to choose their programming.

Having said that....I had a wife that lived her life like it was one of these stupid shows. She is now an "ex". Her living her life like that turned my life into the same.....a little too much drama for me. Personally, I think it would be great if all stupid shows were gone....but who is to say what is and what isn't. Let the viewer decide.

mate, ignore all the nonsense comments; on the other hand i will tell you that 20k is not enough in these days. i givce my wife 30k a month and it is just enough.

just calculate:

1. food, maybe already 15k a month (500 baht a day) feeding a family of let's say 4? if they don't cook then this will be X1.5; 23k baht.

2. electricity, water, garbage, etc. for the house, 5k a month.

3. telephone, internet, 6k a month.

4. extra, i.e., some shopping, taxi, gasoline, etc., 3K a month

i can tell you, 20k is a bit tight. i give my wife 30k and also give extra for the 2 kids of 10k. schooling for the 2 kids is extra that is 120k per 6 months.

i am talking about comfortable living not lavish. i'm practical and in addition to that i also spend 20k myself.

can you imagine that? to have a family of 4 (wife, 2 kids, + 1 mother in law) i destroy about 80k a month. plus some extra stuff like car insurance (medical, car, etc.) so the average is 100k a month.

i'm planning to increase my budget to 120k, ok i can afford it.

another extra, unexpected karaoke night out, 10k.

i'm being pratical. anyone that says 20k is enought is in denial.

then they say, why not live like a thai? normal thai people that you see on the street live tight man. do you really want your family to eat 20 baht noodles a meal?

but anyway, we all have ways to live, and what i've written above is just the way WE live.

You pay a lot for your utilities. Are you reading the bill? or just paying the "hand"

Like it or not, AV may have to made sacrifice and include Taksin in the reconcilation plan. If past history is to set precedent, pardoning Taksin for the sake of permanent peace is not unique.

"If"....Taksin was interested in peace or the welfare of this state and it's people.....then there would be a common goal....and maybe that would work.

However.....this is not the case. He is a shyster, and will live the life of a shyster, as he currently is. Unfortunate that he was able to fool as many citizens as he did....it's a problem. Make no mistake, he is a shyster and not good for this country.

I hope he never gets back...even to do his time.....that would be the worst thing.

Don't bother quoting all the good things he has done.....it cost him and this country nothing to do them. What he did for himself has cost this country a fortune.

All the bitching and complaining....it's probably what they did back home too, which is why they are here, they'll bitch themselves all the way back home and start over. Lots to complain about everywhere if that is what you like to do.

If not this year, then the next. People forget....they want to. Probably the biggest factor will be whether or not they have money.

It was being a tourist here that turned me into an expat. Loved it then and still do. Yeah it could be cheaper....so could home.

One final point. It's amazing how many on here are so negative about Thailand, think there are better places, etc, but they are still here. Maybe they stay because they love complaining and being here gives them that opportunity. If it's so bad, why don't you all move to the more wonderful places you all talk about? No offence meant, I'm just curious. If I had had the feelings that some on here have I'd be on the next flight out.

We stay because of our Thai wives, are you suggesting we all just abandon the wife and kids?

If you don't have a job or property in the western world you can't get your Thai family back there ..... or anywhere else.

Not only Thai wives

I am stuck here because of my animals, almost impossible to take them in Australia without having to live in Singapore for minimum 6 months, and then one of my cats is prohibited from entering Australia full stop, unless i can show her papers with her parents of 5 generations.

To some it may sound crazy, but for any responsible animal owner it would make perfect sense

Three dogs....and a wife...Know what you mean

You can write your own contract......

really....

This is starting to sound a lot like the war on drugs. A lot of noise that will amount to nothing as things carry on as normal. The powers...or the rich do not want change....why would they? It would only threaten their advantage. They'll just fight over who has control. But the control will never get out of the "circle", and it stays that way thru the illusion of pursuit of change. Boring....

she is scum

Yeah, I agree.

What about the men who come here to take advantage of the disadvantaged? Same thing, but in country. And the Karaoke bar owners......and the bar owners....hey, ever been to a "fishbowl"?....and they village people who bring a girl in to town to work a bar, which she has to buy her way out of....and the parents that know and take the money....the guy who gets a girl thirty years junior....."I'm helping her"......what about the country that ...as it doesn't not actively outlaw; supports these things.....the police that "have an interest", not every underdeveloped nation is like this.....just who are the human traffickers?????

Morals are morals....not applied on a country to country basis......having said that....no, I am not the guy who has not crossed lines...other peoples' or my own. just having one of those thoughtful mornings....

I noticed the picture accompanying this news item shows a row of mobile ATMs at the dockside, so no doubt the 150baht ATM scam kicked in even before the sailors left the docks.

But where were the Navy top brass when all this brouhaha was going on, they should have sorted it out in two minutes, like threatened to sail or else.

This issue really needs taken all the way to the top. Let Abhisit be aware of what is going on, just days after Thailand suffers from bad international press over the riots.

Still, on the bright side. No poster has found a way of blaming Thaksin for this one, which has to be some sort of TV record.

There must be something....surely his hand is in it somewhere.....how did the police get to be in charge of the Mafia????

"grow up".....

it's a cultural problem, you are asking the impossible

Come on Khun Rucharee, answer your critics, provide more rational for your comments.

I must be the most hated person in ThaiVisa now.

Typical Thai self pity.....

Been to Phuket (pronounce the "ph" like an "f") once, for less than 24 hrs. Would prefer to not have to return for reasons that have been stated on this thread repeatedly. If you don't like it...don't go, and tell your friends.

I think it is funny that most people think that these tuk tuk drivers should use their brains.....how do you think they got to be a tuk tuk driver....they have none. Give them credit...they are doing the best they can given their equipment. And the police....slighlty smarter. Again, doing well for themselves given their investment in career.

A few things I've noticed here in Thailand:

Most Thais are not long term thinkers. They can't afford to.

Don't take direction. (Especially from foreigners.) Taking direction proves not knowing.... and that...is a loss of face.

Don't take responsibility.....again...loss of face

I live in Chiang Mai. I have run into many rip-offs. And many good business people. I support the good businesses and tell my friends. I use the rip-offs once, and tell my friends. The latest rip-off was at the University Pet Hospital. Been there many times with a Thai, and treated fairly (allthough slow), last time was by myself, got gouged on the meds and a quote for the next visit.. Never go there again, will not argue the price as it just makes me angrier...... and have told all my friends. 3000 bht to spay a dog, vs. 1150 down the road at a competent vet. I only got the quote, tomorrow I go down the road to the competent vet.

My point is...this is Thailand. If it were a richer more developed country, many of us would not be here. It is wonderful the way it is. Get used to it the way it is. It is not 30 years ago, it is now. Find your way in the least agravating way, share your experiences with your friends. Sh$tholes like fuc_ket....now we know....don't go there.

Hi Nigel,

I am trying to PM you but for some reason, I cannot access members profiles. Anyways, I am interested. I am a beginner. Have trained about 5 years ago for about 6 months. I forget everything. I would like to contact you. My phone number is 081 131 6267. Thank you, Daron

Darom,

My number is 0819264210. The next training session is Thursday at 0830am at the Gym Chiang Mai University. If you can't make that then Saturday same time. Please ring for directions. Nigel

Thank you

Hi Nigel,

I am trying to PM you but for some reason, I cannot access members profiles. Anyways, I am interested. I am a beginner. Have trained about 5 years ago for about 6 months. I forget everything. I would like to contact you. My phone number is 081 131 6267. Thank you, Daron