SamuiWatch

hmm looks like a death sentence case

I hope so...they deserve it!!!

Nobody deserves a death sentence. Only uncivilized countries still practice it.

I agree. Put them away for a long time in a hellhole Thai prison & that should suffice.

Hi there Thaiivisa - yes please sign me up for two tickets - why did you not make invitation by shopping cart or something like that to make things easier?

Love and Regards

Derek Taylor

Ferry Capsizes In Thailand, All 42 Passengers Safe

BANGKOK: -- A passenger ferry carrying 42 people capsized off southern Thailand Tuesday, but rescuers saved all the passengers, it was reported. The ferry was taking a group of local villagers to the resort island of Phi Phi when the incident occurred.

Police Col. Somphob Kantasee said, "A ferry, which had a capacity of up to 100 people, sank when a wave hit the boat during a storm."

Ferry capsizes in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Dozens of people were missing after a boat capsized and sank Tuesday near a Thai resort island, police said.

The boat, carrying about a hundred passengers and crew, capsized after it faced strong currents and wind in the Andaman sea about 40 kilometers (24 miles) from mainland Krabi province, 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Bangkok, said police Col. Sompob Kantasee

So which of these reports of the same incident do you suppose is factual????

Its always an adventure to read the news as reported by thais.....

It's always an adventure to read the anti-thai prejudices on thaivisa, but not a good one. Can anyone tell me what all of those negative farangs are doing in Thailand?

Well said nyles - I was thinking exactly the same thing! But you know, it's not new, racial prejudice of this type has been going on ever since the West discovered the East. Yet, if only these critics could see that their constant critcisms only really exposes their own lack of humility - if not humanity. If you notice, the main critics seem to be the beer-swilling, testosterone-charged xenophobic cranks - not your average holidaymaker or awestruck visitor - nor the world-travelled expats who have assimiated themselves into Thai culture to their own benefit as well as that of their Thai friends. Those brainless critics, whose over-riding purile wish is to attempt to impose their own questionable morals and customs onto a proud people (who need absolutely no lessons from the West on how to run their own country) are the worst possible ambassadors the West has and the sooner they are shut up the better for everyone - including themselves. The only problem with Thais as I see them - and their main weakness - is that they are, if anything, far TOO tolerant of foulmouthed farangs and their sneering comments and general rudenesses.

For those in need of elucidation of Thailand and it's people I enclose an interesting article - which we all would be better off for taking advantage of the advice contained therein. (Copyright Pappa Co Ltd.)

A Polite Society - Manners & Etiquette

Speaking from the Heart

More than 100 words and phrases in Thai language revolves around the heart. The Thai word for heart is "chai" and expressions like "chai yin yin" (let your heart cool down) are spoken politely and with concern to people who are upset, "chai lawn" (hot heart) spoken about people who are easily upset and "chai dee" a compliment to people with a good heart. [/color]Speak Politely

Even if the Words are Not Understood, Your Feelings are! Always remember you are a guest in this country, no matter how long you live here. Loud talking, using foul words and in particular the three words liar "gohoke in Thai", bullsh*t and <deleted>, make people here cringe in polite society. Remember that English is not their language. It is your language, and they are trying hard to accommodate you in speaking English because you cannot speak Thai. Lots of polite, slow moving hand gestures with a nice smile will help you communicate with almost everyone. They may not understand every word you say, but they understand your emotions when you say them so do not be trite or condescending.

Patience

Being patient is considered good manners, and will get you respect. Take your time with people, and try to understand them. Like other Asian societies, Thai culture is centered on the family unit, the pecking order and keeping "face." This means that as a foreigner, please respect your Thai hosts in all ways, no matter what their station in life might be. A Buddhist believes that their station in life may change in the next life, or may have been significantly different in a previous life, so they are tolerant and accepting of all people. When dealings with Thais go wrong, don't get angry. It won't help matters! Losing one's temper means loss of face for all concerned. Remember that you are in Asia, where self-control is most important. Thais consider talking loudly to be rude behavior in most situations.

Spending More Time Talking Gets Results

Spend time slowly and politely talking with Thais in a pleasant voice without over-explaining things. Details are not too important to Thais. Getting to the point in a slow polite way so they can help you is what is important. If you want to have a personal relationship with someone you are attracted to, spend time answering and asking "What's your name?", "Where do you come from?", "How old are you?", "What work do you do?" and the other few often asked questions used to break the ice and start a dialogue and maybe a relationship.

Verbal Greetings

For males, the usual Thai greeting for hello is Sawa-dee-kap, if you are female the greeting is Sawa-dee-kaa. Using this greeting is appreciated by Thais in the city, or in the countryside. "How are you?" is spoken "Sabai dee mi krap (kaa for women) ?" and answered "Sabai dee krap (kaa)."

Gesture Greetings

Traditionally Thais do not shake hands, but greet each other with a "wai". This is the gesture of placing the palms together before one's face and giving a slight nod of the head. If you are greeted by a Thai adult with a wai, you should wai in response. However, Thais nowadays also shake hands, and will almost always offer a handshake to foreigners. You do not return a wai to children, but a nod. If you have something in your hands it is polite to lower your shoulders and head a bit and nod to acknowledge the wai you received. The higher the rank of the recipient the higher you hold your hands making the wai. You bow to royalty, not wai.

How to Offer a Business Card or Document

When you hand things to people, you should use either both hands, or your right hand only. Never use your left hand (this is reserved for bathroom personal hygiene). Books and other written materials are given a special status over other secular objects. You should not slide books or documents across a table or counter, and never place them on the floor. Use a chair if table space isn't available.

How to Receive a Business "Name" Card

Accepting a "name" card as Thais say is accepting a symbol of that person. Either use two hands and accept the corners closest to you while it is be presented to you, or accept it with your right hand while touching your right arm with your left hand. Then slowly place the card in front of you if you are at on the table, and leave it there until the person and you say good-bye. Do not just quickly put it in your pocket or wallet right when it is given to you.

Pointing Feet Can Represent Disrespect

Your feet are the lowest part of your body, and are considered dirty. You should never point your feet at people, or point at things with your feet, or move things with your feet. You should also not prop your feet up on chairs or tables, or touch someone's body with your foot. Never point your feet towards Monks or Buddhist images ever weather in a temple, home or office. If you are at a temple "Wat" sit mermaid style with your legs under your bottom if sitting in lotus position is uncomfortable, but never extend your feet out or show the bottoms of your feet toward religious images or people. It is also considered rude to step over someone. Always step around them, or if there is no other way to pass by, ask them to please move, even on a crowded train.

The Head is the Temple of the Body

In the same way, the head is regarded as the highest part of the body, so you should not touch adult Thais on the head, or muss their hair. If you do touch someone's by accident, you should apologize right away. Also don't sit on pillows for sleeping.

Visiting Homes

Did you fall in love and now you are going upcountry to meet the family? Well be prepared! Thais can be very hospitable and it's not unusual to be invited home for a meal or a sociable drink. Even if your visit is very brief, you will be offered something to eat or drink, and probably both. You are expected to take whatever is offered, and even if you are not hungry or thirsty or not, you should at least try it. To refuse it is considered to be impolite. As with temple buildings, you must always take off your shoes before entering a Thai home.

Bathrooms

Learning bathroom etiquette in Thailand, as in many other Southeast Asian countries, is a challenge because the squat toilet is the norm, except in hotels and guesthouses geared towards tourists and international business travelers. The bathroom may be outside in its own little building. The traditional Asian toilet sits more or less flush with the surface of the floor, with two foot-pads on either side of the opening. For those who have never used this type of toilet, it may take some getting used to. Next to the toilet is a bucket or small reservoir filled with water, and usually with a plastic bowl floating on the water, or on the floor nearby. The water and bowl has two functions. The first is for the user to scoop water from the reservoir and use it to clean them. The second function is to flush the toilet. This is because they are not mechanical flush type toilets. A few scoops should be sufficient. The next person in will appreciate your understanding of how to use the toilet! If available, do not put tissue in the toilet; put it in the bin nearby.

Shoes

Thais do not wear shoes in their homes. All temples and some guesthouses, offices and shops also request that you not wear shoes. A good rule of thumb is that if there are shoes by the door or the entrance, you need to remove your shoes before you enter. It is important not to ignore this custom as the wearing of shoes indoors is considered very ill-mannered.

Thai bashing through a forum supposedly dedicated to Thailand and its people is very worrying to me - as it must be for others who love all things Thai. My own experiences are that, generally speaking, Thais are honest, trustworthy and respectable people - especially the women, the elderly and the youngsters. When any Thai salutes you with the traditional 'wai' it is a sign of respect - to you - and when you return it, it is a sign of respect - to them. Thais are brought up, in fact it is drummed into them from a very early age, to show respect for others - it's one of the main teachings of their religion. How a few farang can have the nerve to come up with such unworthy (and disrespectful) comments about Thai people is beyond me. Does it really matter that someone is short-changed 5 baht for crying out loud? Why start a thread with such a miserly comment about such a miserly sum? For all those interested; 5 baht is approximately 1.5 UK pennies - which puts into perspective what we are talking about here. Why not start a thread applauding the Thai people and their way of life. In fact I think I will - just to see the miserable comments I receive - proving beyond doubt that it's probably not the Thai people who have a screw loose - but the odd psychotic farang who must always jump to judge the Thai first - instead of judging themselves first. Posting#8 says it all and shows as nothing else can that not all Thais are robbing rascals - thanks Kit.

I think you have mistaken the UK for Thailand. Thailand is the Axis of Evil. Have you ever been there?

Well, I'm glad I started this thread because after a dodgy start several of you have now confirmed similar stories on that same overnight VIP from Khao San Road. I swear it DID happen - and exactly as I remember it - how could I forget such a thing? And why in the world would I want to invent such a story? Really, I've got better things to do with my time. But I would like to say a really BIG thank you for those who are now plunging in with their own experiences of travelling around Thailand because this is what a good travel forum should all be about - not Thai bashing or Farang Bashing - but real-life experiences that are of interest to all who want to know more about Thailand and its truly wonderful people.

When someone called me an idiot, maybe he (she?) was right, maybe I shouldn't have got involved, but as I did it with all the best intentions I don't really have a problem with that - I was just trying to help a hapless tourist after all. I said at the very start, there are obviously good and bad in all of us and if we can engage in swapping exciting experiences instead of silly name-calling - and slagging each other off - then many of us can become enlightened to ALL sides of life in a country that most of us have a big soft spot for or a very keen interest in. Keep 'em rolling!

Are some Thais lowlife crooks? Yes of course, like some Brits, Yanks, Kiwis and Ozzies are lowlife crooks. Are some Thais extremely honest? Yes obviously - as are many other nationalities too. Here's a thread that will hopefully give you some food for thought and might run for a couple of good posts containing similar experiences of your own:

Last April I was travelling on the Super VIP bus from Khao San Road to Samui. When we got off the bus, the dawn was just breaking, and a dejected and sleepy German guy walked up to me complaining that he had had 6000 THB taken from his wallet while he was asleep on the overnight journey. Well, he wasn't particularly accusing me but he did mention that some Thai blokes were huddled asleep just underneath his seat in the luggage compartment area beside the driver - as they do sometimes - probably friends or relatives of the driver - who knows? Anyway I asked him if he had complained to the manager at the way station because they should be insured against theft of passenger's luggage etc but he said no - he'd just let it pass. But I said he should complain because suspicion could now fall on anyone - including the friends he was travelling with as well as all the other passengers - including myself. But this guy for some reason was very reluctant to make a complaint so I had to virtually drag him into the manager's little office. Well, blow me down if the manager didn't storm up to the driver of the bus and told him to turn his pockets out! Then he confiscated exactly 6000 THB from the bewildered driver's wallet and gave it to the German bloke - just like that! Some farang would call that a great injustice and indeed it was - because the driver could never have stolen it - as he was driving a flipping great bus all night! When I asked the manager why he had done that he just said "It's his bus and therefore he's responsible and we Thais do not like to see farang robbed." That was that - end of subject - he just carried on checking the passengers ferry tickets as though nothing unusual had happened. Can you imagine such a thing like that happening back home?

To this day I don't know whether I did the right thing to help that guy get his money back or whether I should have kept my big nose out of it altogether. One thing I do know is that he never came up to me and say thanks for helping him although he clearly knew I was anxious to hear of his relief at such an incredibly swift turn of events. He just scarpered as fast as his legs would carry him with a big fat grin on his face - he never even looked back. You live and learn they say - but do we? What would you have done? We just don't know until the event is upon us. BTW some of my best friends are Germans so I'm not looking at this from a racial angle - it just makes you wonder though - did he lose that money in the first place? How many times have we woken up from a night on the tiles and checked our wallets and found it contained less than we thought was in it. Then, when we try to concentrate and recall the night's events and do some counting we find we just spent it after all. Aah well, just another day in paradise.

Touche, JetsetBkk - and well spotted - I don't think anyone would short-change you! But I'm glad somebody out there has got a sense of humour. So let's have some more fun with this thread shall we? How much exactly is 5 baht in GBP - USD - EURO - NZD or AUD - come on you distant farangs - get your thinking caps on! Maths were never my best subject - as you all would have gathered by now. Thanks for the post - and BTW where is Shangri-La?

Thai bashing through a forum supposedly dedicated to Thailand and its people is very worrying to me - as it must be for others who love all things Thai. My own experiences are that, generally speaking, Thais are honest, trustworthy and respectable people - especially the women, the elderly and the youngsters. When any Thai salutes you with the traditional 'wai' it is a sign of respect - to you - and when you return it, it is a sign of respect - to them. Thais are brought up, in fact it is drummed into them from a very early age, to show respect for others - it's one of the main teachings of their religion. How a few farang can have the nerve to come up with such unworthy (and disrespectful) comments about Thai people is beyond me. Does it really matter that someone is short-changed 5 baht for crying out loud? Why start a thread with such a miserly comment about such a miserly sum? For all those interested; 5 baht is approximately 1.5 UK pennies - which puts into perspective what we are talking about here. Why not start a thread applauding the Thai people and their way of life. In fact I think I will - just to see the miserable comments I receive - proving beyond doubt that it's probably not the Thai people who have a screw loose - but the odd psychotic farang who must always jump to judge the Thai first - instead of judging themselves first. Posting#8 says it all and shows as nothing else can that not all Thais are robbing rascals - thanks Kit.

This thread started out by asking a very unfortunate and maliging question which is surely out of place on a Thai forum which is read by thousands of different nationalities from around the world. Those people visit this site to hear about the good and interesting side of the Thai people - not the rantings of some deranged farang who thinks it's pretty smart to ask such a stupid question. What was the questioner (thwock) trying to elicit from others anyway? - because what he managed to do most of all was to get his question well and truly stuffed down his throat - maybe that will teach him a valuable lesson. Thank God for SBK (above) who managed to answer such a malignant question with stone-cold written evidence that Thais in general are in fact some of the most generous people on earth. Good on you SBK and not forgetting Mr Toad or Jet Gordon!

BTW can someone tell me why 'thwock' has a notice saying 'banned' next to his group?

You sound like you don't have to be convinced by anyone - I think you've secretly made up your mind - you just haven't fully accepted it yet.

Socrates said something like " Its not because things are difficult that we don't dare. Its because we don't dare that things are difficult "

He could have said it with you in mind.

You are already an international trader, you know the wrinkles of import and export and you only have to remember that half the world gets its stuff from Thailand simply because its one of the cheapest places on the planet. There is almost NOTHING you cannot buy in this place - ask any designer company!

And if you are eBay savvy then what are you waiting for? You will earn more money buying cheap Thai stuff and posting it all over the world than operating a simlilar business in the UK - because postage here is cheap - its a third-world country for crying out loud. And for that matter, WHO will know WHAT you are earning - and who cares anyway? Certainly not the Thai government because you are simply an exporter buying up all their production - why would they want to put a brake on that? They'd love another million like you and the Thai ecomomy would just rocket therough the roof. Nowhere does it say in the Tax Code that you HAVE to repatriate your earnings back to Thailand - you're spending stacks with them already. Furthermore, if you are doing a lot of trading, you should also be able to get an export license meaning you can either buy stuff tax-free or get a tax rebate back from the Thai exchequer himself! You probably will not even need a work permit because what you do cannot be described as a job as such. You could then have any earnings paid into any one of a million off-shore banks around the world and repatriate whatever you like, whenever you like. Take your laptop.

One last thing, someone above mentioned health insurance - if you have fair health now - it means you will not be refused or have to pat penalty rates. Once you have the policy you are at the same time protecting your income source - because you will be able to work without interuption from ill-health. Whatever else you do in Thailand - do that - please. If you are 'youngish' now - the premiums will be low. If you take it out now your rates do not automatically go up when you are older. Shop around - get that vital health insurance - and GO!

Bon Voyage

LOL

There's an 'old' guy of an admitted age of 71 who owns a 'proper' Thai massage parlour with his young and beautiful Thai wife on Lamai Beach's Main Drag. He's known as 'Gentleman John' and he really is a gentleman. He told me the first time I met him: "This country KEEPS you feeling young because everyone here has an inbuilt respect for all older people. Its in their blood. They want to engage you in conversation - and they love all farangs - old and young."

He's right. The elderly in England do feel very marginalised because everything there is geared up to the young or middle-aged. In Samui everyone is encouraged to participate - especially the elderly - because of that respect thing I mentioned earlier. They don't even think of 'ageing in the same way we do.

There is no problem for 'retirees' of all ages. In fact a very sensible suggestion was made to me the other day by another retiree. He said that because pensions can now be collected from any ATM in Thailand - one could rent a small 2-bed bungalow and have a permanent live-in maid cum nurse cum friend cum helper. It could be called 'assisted accommodation' where the maid does all the running around, shopping etc - and she has a free place to live herself - with grub thrown in. She'll even do all the cooking. She wouldn't want perhaps more than £60.00-monthly and she'd be on call 24-7. Thais don't really have a five-day working week.

This is not 'taking advantage' of a low-wage country - it is giving active employment to those in the most need. Have you any idea how far £60.00 would stretch for her? She'd probably send half of that to her family in the provinces and still have enough to buy her little odds and ends locally. £60.00 is about 4000 Baht - which is a fair monthly wage for a woman in Thailand.

What can retirees do in Thailand? They can have their life back, that's what.

LOL

I have posted this same reply elsewhere - but you might have missed it. It doesn't cover all your concerns - but then again who can? Enjoy

The only real way to cut costs is to arrange your very own DIY holiday

Backpackers always get the best deals - because they can afford to take smallish risks for all the cheapest deals available and they can make up their mind very quickly - and just 'go for it'.

Bagpackers are normally familes - with kids - and therefore have to be more circumspect.

There are three mains expenses involved in arranging a DIY vacation:

1) Flights: - tickets are always non refundable and non transferable. This will probably be your biggest single item of expense. Advice? Shop around well in advance - or try last minute deals.

2) Accommodation: This will be your second biggest expense. But if you take the above advice, you will then almost certainly be able to make savings on accommodation too - as most places offer discounts for arriving within 2-weeks or booking well in advance - say after six-months.

3) Food: - This should work out your smallest expense as the price of food in Thailand will always, by definition, reflect the standard of living for the local inhabitants. Advice? Always eat where the locals eat because Thais are extremely fussy people when it comes to fresh wholesome food and if they like it - and they can afford it YOU will definitely be able to afford it - and maybe get to like it too! When in Rome . .

Anything else? Yes, if you are a small party, say four or over, then renting a private villa or bungalow is your best bet - because you only pay for the one villa - not for the people staying there. Then you can either cook your own grub (especially breakfasts and snacks) or you eat out at cheap restaurants and cafes or you can have steaming hot food delivered to your villa - this gives you three more ways to save money.

Bon Voyage and Bon Appetite

The only real way to cut costs is to arrange your very own DIY holiday

Backpackers always get the best deals - because they can afford to take smallish risks for all the cheapest deals available and they can make up their mind very quickly - and just 'go for it'.

Bagpackers are normally familes - with kids - and therefore have to be more circumspect.

There are three mains expenses involved in arranging a DIY vacation:

1) Flights: - tickets are always non refundable and non transferable. This will probably be your biggest single item of expense. Advice? Shop around well in advance - or try last minute deals.

2) Accommodation: This will be your second biggest expense. But if you take the above advice, you will then almost certainly be able to make savings on accommodation too - as most places offer discounts for arriving within 2-weeks or booking well in advance - say after six-months.

3) Food: - This should work out your smallest expense as the price of food in Thailand will always, by definition, reflect the standard of living for the local inhabitants. Advice? Always eat where the locals eat because Thais are extremely fussy people when it comes to fresh wholesome food and if they like it - and they can afford it YOU will definitely be able to afford it - and maybe get to like it too! When in Rome . .

Anything else? Yes, if you are a small party, say four or over, then renting a private villa or bungalow is your best bet - because you only pay for the one villa - not for the people staying there. Then you can either cook your own grub (especially breakfasts and snacks) or you eat out at cheap restaurants and cafes or you can have steaming hot food delivered to your villa - this gives you three more ways to save money.

Bon Voyage and Bon Appetite