SurferBob

Its impossible for another Army person to fill the role of Sae Daeng. His bamboo barricade technique was unconquerable and he didn't teach anyone the method. Nope, there is only one Army man who can lead a group of terrorists. The battle is over now. We can rest easy.

Stacking tires and stuffing bamboo in between them is unconquerable? One APV takes down the whole wall.

It's called sarcasm you donut!

Whatever anyone thinks about this guy getting shot, it's not a good thing to happen in the present 'powder keg' climate... if we are looking for a flame to re-ignite things into another possibly much bigger confrontation this could well be it.

It's not my country, so I don't really think it is justified for me to pass judgment on who is right and wrong, the lines blur depending on where you are in the social ladder of life.

Do you really think old Abhisit will be walking around having a normal life from now on... far from it. As soon as he sticks his head up for long enough someone will probably take him down also, as I'm sure there is a queue of people waiting to take a pop at him now. Not a nice situation to be in ... that's for sure, if only people could just get on nicely.

//SurferBob

Hi all,

I'm currently living in Cherngtalay, but am looking to move house at the end of May.

Í will be doing the leg-work of looking for a new property also, but if anyone has, or sees anything they think might fit the bill; please do contact me!

Here's what I'm looking for:

Location:

- Patong

- Kalim

- Or anywhere 5-10 mins from Patong.

Amenities:

- 2-3 Bedroom

- Ideally Furnished (and nicely!)

- Aircon (bedroom only required, others a bonus)

- ADSL/Wi-Fi (faster the better!)

- Garden

- Fenced/secured

- Pet friendly (2 medium sized, well behaved dogs that will sleep outside)

- Car port

Price Range:

- 15-25k Per Month

Duration:

- 1 year onwards (been in my last place over 2 years now)

Thanks!

... and YES surf season has begun again, hooray!

//SurferBob

Nice one for the good replies so far all!

I could use a funshape 8'-8'9, prefer foam blanks.

If you hear of anyone selling at a reasonable rate, could you pm me?

Thanks, HB

I'll let you know if I hear of anything HB - that kind of shape/length is pretty desirable second-hand in Phuket right now I reckon as it's perfect for those smaller wave days, I'm even looking for something similar myself! He's got a very good selection in Cobra at the moment (well about 3 weeks back I was in there), but they are pretty expensive still, even the cheaper shapes.

Hey Surfer Bob, are the waves cool at Nai Harn right now?

It's gone very flat right now... hopefully not for long! We've had a decent bit of surf start of May though for a couple of weeks. I've not surfed out at Nai Harn myself yet - I tend to go up the other way from me (Kamala, Bangtaow, Surin, Layan & Nai Thon) .. next swell though I'check out a few new spots I reckon. Kalim reef looks good, but I don't really know the tides it works well on and because it's rocky I don't want to kill my lovely new glass board!

.. and my good news for the day (kind of ):

It's payday tomorrow... wooo hooo!!

Cheers..

//SurferBob

...my news:

1, Recently got a new surfboard 6' 6'' Thruster and the surfs been great for a few weeks. It's now gone flat but not for long. I now have 2 surfboards, so any budding surf types that fancy a go on the next swell are welcome! (yes this is my cover story )

2, Soi Dog have a charity event coming soon...

Dear Wonderful SDF Supporters of Phuket,

The Soi Dog Foundation in conjunction with Babylon Beach Club in Bang Tao is hosting the "Meet the Dogs Sunday Brunch" on the 8th of June from 12pm onwards.

SDF currently looks after 200 dogs at the shelter in Mai Khao and this is a great opportunity to meet several of these dogs who are looking for new homes.

Ticket price is 750 baht including a buffet lunch, soft drinks and water. With a raffle and auction ( great prizes to win! ) this will be a fabulous, fun afternoon hosted by our special MC Gary.

For more information and to book your tickets please visit our website www(dot)soidog-foundation(dot)org.

Cheers,

//SurferBob

Hi all...

Whenever I get an e-mail from TV it always seems to be bad news... natural disaster, murder, robbery... etc etc.

So... I thought I'd try and start a 'Cheerful News' thread in the hope we can try and balance things out a bit.

If you have something positive that you'd like to share.. important or silly, it doesn't matter! Or if you come accross something 'cheerful' that you reckon is worth us all knowing then please reply with the details.

(NOTE: If this thread dies and you all think I'm weird, who cares... please reply!)

Cheers..

//SurferBob

Thanks for info, will check them out.

Cheers,

//SurferBob

Hey all,

I'm looking for a decent printing firm in Phuket - initially for printing up some company materials and then to re-use in the future (if they are good).

Does anyone here know of any decent ones in the area, not too expensive but of good quality production.

Much appreciated if you can help, thanks!

//SurferBob

(The surfs been gooooood!! )

Missed this yesterday...

Wholes things very good britmaveric, made me chuckle mate!

Several Patong Municipality officials have already volunteered to handle the collection of alcohol donations. Pickup trucks will be stationed at collection points along the beach road, Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd and Soi Bangla. The vehicles will be readily identifiable by their blue flashing undercarriage lights and dark windows.

LOL

Cheers,

//Bob

I'll join in...

Happy Birthday man... do get drunk, eat too much and have a great time!

Cheers!

//Bob

I'll come up and lend support.

Best regards,

//Bob

After operating my small hotel for 18 months, I have been making concerted efforts to improve the customer service etc.

Although some of the existing staff are working fine, several employees (notably some close family members - surprise, surprise!), seem to treat working for me and my wife as some sort of holiday Despite many (many!) warnings and encouragements from both of us to improve their work ethic, there has been no change and their disinclination to improve their English language knowledge causes problems when me or my wife are not present at the hotel.

So, a few staff have to go and new employees recruited.

I am placing an advert in the Phuket Gazette, but I also want to know if there are any recruitment/staff agencies here in Phuket.

Any details gratefully received!

Simon

Doesn't suprise me, I stayed at your place last year for a few weeks. Nice resort - I had a great time and I enjoyed myself there, but a few of your staff were very relaxed.. initially I thought they were on holiday too!

Good luck with the staff hunt!

Cheers,

//Bob

Ok enough! I made the original recommendation on the basis that I was happy with Jon & Omer's work, and I personally know other people who would recommend them. On the cost issue they are not the cheapest but no way near the dearest. As usual people spout cheap prices but in reality its bullshit and at the end of the day you get what you pay for. As for what colours are used..... please!

To N47HAN - I would not worry about who you identify as potential customers in this thread, in their opinion your products would either be far too 'expensive', the wrong colour or could be be bought for the fraction on the price from Joe Bloggs down the road!

Please remember that some people have to work to make a living and take pride in that work. Ok the other web guys are just back stabbing which is to be expected, they would like your custom, but also please note only one has included an actual web link. Those of you who do not know what the hel_l you are talking about just remember it may be your business under the spotlight next week.

LOL, funny post, made me laugh... enough! (squeaky voice) .. mate - no back stabbing done, just trying to be objective, honest and helpful.

The original topic was taxin searching someone for his website.

Why now the website of N47HAN has to be judged?

By the way after reading the original post of DD18 some weeks ago i called Omer and i had a chat with him (i am in phuket from few months and i was searching some contacts). He sounded to me a professional and nice guy.

Why N47HAN don't you try to speak with him; if you are not happy with the template or something else maybe you can find an arrangement.

Because N47HAN was recommending the services, was trying to save Taxin from falling into the same hole.

I have to agree a little with regards to the "I could have done it cheaper" comments, its not really what PSD/N47HAN wants to hear.

On the other hand, the more I read the comments on this thread the more convinced I am that we have actually been a little soft on the people who built the PSD site. "Expensive", "Overpaid" and even my own comments on paying for man hours I take it back. The be end in all this is simple, you were ripped off !!

Its not the 1st time I have seen people get ripped off on websites, I see it all the time people paying 80-100k for a website that should only have been 20k at the most. Just recently it happened to a friend of mine.

These people do it coz they can get away with it, in the world of IT you have so many scamsters out there who take advantage of people simply because they are not in the know. IT is and always will be a very secretive industry, the trick is to never give away those secrets and retain that illusion that its very difficult, time consuming and requires skills, when very rarely does it actually involve any.

This is why so many IT people prefer to be "freelance", its so they can prey on the vulnerable and not have to work for a company were its more difficult to scam people.

Sorry to all the freelancers out there, im sure your not all like this but still, thats my 2 bahts worth on the whole thing.

Well said... apologies for helping take your original thread off at a complete tangent!

Some good web sites, pure class (might take some time to load):

Take it easy...

Cheers,

//Bob

ok so now youve got me thinking....

I would say i didnt scrape on cost ?

What you see there now cost me 100,000THB !

The total page number is in the region of 400 with maybe a hudred or so more pages on downloadable pdf formats ?

Value for money guys ? yes / no ?

I honestly thought it looked ok.

But more important thoughts than mine are potential clients , and thats all of you !

Honest and straight opinions greatly received and if it means spending more than so be it . We do deal with the major developers and architects in Thailand so it is Very Important that the web-site is clear concise informative easy to navigate and creates a good impression.

As i said guys honest opinions very much appreciated !

I won't site on the fence here mate because this is a subject I feel passionate about.

No you didn't scrape on cost and should have a got a decent site for what you've paid.

Design is subjective and as some have said if the buyer is happy then that's ok. Well if you're the one buying all your own products then yes sure that is fine.. however as this is unlikely then it is not, you need to be putting yourself in the position of the potential clientele.

Bottom line is:

• The Design is a tragedy.. this is the year 2008, not 1985. I actually think it might induce seizes if you stay too long.
  • Colour scheme is difficult to read and contrasts in colours mismatched.
    
  • Layout - tables based, any designer worth their salt has been designing in pure CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) for some years now. Tables are for... yes tabular data.
    
  • Embedded flash that doesn't actually add any value to the design. I'm all for Flash I love it.. when it's used in the right context.
    

  [*]The coding:

  • Numerous errors.
    
  • CSS & linking to external URLs?!
    
  • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
    • See Simmo & Bino posts
      

You guys obviously know your stuff and it would seem his money would have been much better spent had he come to one of you. But surely the people that come to his site aren't web designers but building contractors and project managers etc, therefor perhaps your criticism is a bit too in depth. They won't see what you see. As someone who knows nothing about web design, to me it looks fine and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase his products from it. It's just a shame it would appear he could have got the same results for a much cheaper price elsewhere. We live and learn.

I disagree mate – first impressions count, more so than ever on the internet. There are so many ways of losing a potential client/sale through poor design, coding, usability and execution etc. This makes it even more crucial that you get things at least mostly right. If you arrive at a site with the best intentions wanting to buy something it's very easy to get deterred subliminally – without even realising what happened you closed the browser or surfed away because you couldn't find what you wanted, got lost, something broke, annoyed you etc.

The conversion rate for sales on the web is very low anyways, one of our clients is currently changing his whole e-commerce site/package because his current conversion rate of visitors to sales is too low... something like 0.3% when it should be closer to 2%+ .. which is pretty dam_n low when you think about it. Considering he only launched the site a year ago I think it shows the importance of getting it right and that spending more money in the short term will be worth it in the long-term future of sales.

I'd recommend you go back and ask for them to address the main issues at least, at no additional charge of course. The development & support cycle does not end after the product is delivered so it's only fair you get them to follow up and take care of you.

Best of luck,

//Bob

Weve just had our site revamped ( www.psdphuket.com )

Finflix and simple biz are the guys Jon and Omar , based in Chalong.

Good service and price in my opinion ( actually got their number from a post regarding exactly this a few weeks back )

Jon Cully is the web designer 0874 983630 .

Have a look at our site see what u think and give them a call.

Note;

I am NOT affiliated in anyway to these guys , just a happy customer

No disrespect.... but web sites, you get what you pay for. So many people can 'build' a web site, but not many really can do it well. It's not just the way the thing looks but more importantly, the code behind, technologies used and the server it sits on. I've been a web designer/developer for more than 10 years now and it's taken a lot of that time to reach a point where I'd say I'm a professional, but I'm still learning and improving all the time, it's a never ending cycle in our line of work.

Your new site is typical of the types of people that are coming to us for a new replacement site - unhappy with what they got for cheap - very poor design, old coding practices... clumsy at best and will probably do more harm than good for your business in the long term.

It's odd really (this is directed generally) - people pour their blood sweat and tears into building a business that supports them now and hopefully for the future. But when it comes to spending money out on a web site, something that is going to be up 24/7, 365 days a year reflecting the image of the company, they scrimp... get a mate to do it, outsource to a cheapo overseas company or just pay some crap company 10 pounds and half a pickled egg to copy the files from one of their existing web sites and change the images and colours (a bit).

I agree.

Beside this Taxin you should care also at the functions you website will needs. Do you need a static website or something you can manage by yourself with an admin interface? Does it needs a database? It will be multilanguages?

This is my last job http://www.firenzelodging.it/ PM if interested and i will provide dozens more.

Your site: http://www.firenzelodging.it/ doesn't even validate... which is fine. But seeing as you have logos on the bottom claiming it's valid XML & CSS, you might want to think about checking if it actually is.

Not trying to flame here, just being straight up.

Cheers,

//Bob

If you're interested Surferbob, when the waves kick up in low season (for what they're worth) if you give me a couple of hours surfing lesson I'll make a nice donation to Soi Dog.

Sure thing mate, we'll sort something out - need to get a spare board by May time so won't be a problem!

Went up to visit Soi Dog at the new shelter yesterday - it's certainly a vast improvement from what I saw, more room, cleaner and a better layout than the old shelter. Got a chance to meet a few of the volunteers and workers, great bunch of people I think.

..ended up taking 2 dogs home instead of the 1 I'd anticipated!!

Cheers,

//Bob

Bob, dont use Sunbelt, use Siam Legal. They also have an office in Phuket.

Sunbelt did have an office in Phuket but it closed a while back. Was a bit of a joke, couple of Aussie guys running around trying to sell bars for commission. At the end of the day thats all Sunbelt are, they are a business broker.

I use Siam Legal for all my stuff, very good company and reasonably priced. And yes, working by the beach beats the filthy streets of Bangkok any day !!

Thanks for the heads up & info mate - a few friends have also recommended Siam Legal to me, I think It's likely I'll be using them instead.

Cheers,

//Bob

Haven't you ever heard the statement?: "tastes just like chicken, if it's cooked right"

So true eh...

I've never tried lizard myself or much else that strange in Thailand, rats about as far as I've gone and were talking the huge rats found in the rural areas of Thailand. Have eaten some strange things in other parts of the world - in Belize when I was in the army we ate all sorts of strange things: snakes, grubs, spiders, bugs etc. Most tasted disgusting to me, but were good for protein etc. It's funny how in Europe and some other parts of the world we get conditioned to certain food types and anything different/outside of the 'norm' can make a lot of people squeamish... myself included!

Before Phuket I lived in a very rural area of Thailand and there all the local people, including my girlfriend and her family ate and cooked pretty much everything/anything edible .. if it moves or grows it's on the menu.

Cheers,

//Bob

*Edit* Typos of course!

Hi..

If there was one I'd probably have took you up on this, but I don't have the room for 2 right now. I'd be interested to see the photos still.

'Namphung is fat and lazy' ... how fat/lazy .. I've got visions of Jabba the Hut...

Hope you can find a good home for them.

Cheers,

//Bob

I was told that the Wai orignated from India. It is like a way of being humble.

I Wai everybody. Why is this even a topic?

Would you not wave to me if I waved to you, regardless of who makes more?

I wai my maid. If you don't want to, don't, but we are not Thai, so who cares

if we look appropriate? We are guests, and regardless how long someone has been here

we are all Falang Tourists. I love to Wai people.

Thanks for bringing up such a redundant topic.

What about the American Retiree looking for friends?

Most of the topics here are silly.

~a~

She's got a point... IMO.

Cheers,

//Bob

I adopt an attitude of respect, sincerity and compromise. As with most things, I don't adopt a fixed view on it. I live in a small farming community where most people are quite poor and generally put me on a pedestal, which doesn't sit well with me. Also, I have spent extended periods in Buddhist monasteries over a number of years before coming to Thailand, so I guess it comes more naturally to me than most new arrivals.

I usually high-wai (fingertips to the nose) anybody I feel is worthy of respect whom I come into personal contact with; old people, mother & father in-laws and senior monks (certainly not just anybody in robes as I feel that many are in it for the free ride). I low-wai (thumbs to the chest) sister & brother in-laws, teachers, doctors and friends or personal acquaintances I meet socially, as well as when I leave, and I return a wai to anyone who wais me first. It tends to come naturally, from the heart. Often, I follow the Wai with a hand-shake, as Thais know that this is the Farrang way, and in the case of family, a hug; though physical contact isn't the norm amongst Thais in such circumstances outside the genetic family, it has a wonderful effect in putting people at ease.

I think it's a learning experience all round and, like the Thai smile, it's a reassurance that all is well and we are friends. When I get the too rare opportunity to spend some time talking to a worthy senior Ajahn monk, I even do three prostrations before departing and they are often moved by a Farrang showing such humility. Also, I like people to feel comfortable with me and I try to show them that I am not superior to them.

There can be no fixed rule in a free thinking mind. There is no book on it, unless you want to go looking for one. If it's not in your heart it will be clear for all to see. Also, I think pride can be an obstacle to the heart's progress. Observation and enquiry, in my view, is the best way to start and it sounds like you know plenty of Thai people to learn from.

Regarding being a guest in their country, or remaining a tourist no matter how long I'm here, I completely disagree. This is my home and will remain so. I am part of this community more than any I have lived in before.

I hope this helps.

Good post, I agree on most of your points.

It's down to the individual at the end of the day... if your uncomfortable doing it then don't, if you do it in the wrong situation don't worry. In time in becomes apparent if/when it's appropriate, for you. Also, please don't judge other people doing it in situations that YOU deem as incorrect or wrong. There is no point score system on whose the better Farang!

Cheers,

//Bob

*Edit* - Typos Again!

Hi, I'm a retired American woman living in Phuket since October and going crazy with no friends. Looking for someone to have over for coffee, shop with and meet for lunch occasional gossip. Sue

Hi Sue,

It's my second year in Phuket and I still don't have very many good friends... lot's of acquaintances, but not many firm. From my experience it's very easy to meet people, but not always the right types!

I'm over the other side of the island from you, Surin/Cherngtalay way. Pretty busy through the week days, but have some free time evenings and at the weekends. If you fancy meeting up for lunch or a beer some time give me a shout, send me a PM or whatever and we'll sort something out. I do have other interests as well as surfing, so don't worry I won't just be spinning yarns about the time I was out at 30ft Waimea Bay, wiped out and got drilled on the inside!

Take it easy, cheers.

//Bob

Bit of a sad story really...

Got my dog (Sam) from Soi Dog in Phuket just over a month ago. She was given her first set of immunisations the day I picked her up and bought her home. About a week after coming back she began to get sick... symptoms typical of a cold or Kennel Cough, initially. Took her to the vet and he gave her some antibiotics and some medicine for me to give her for temperature etc. After a few days she improved and then gradually worsened again... this time it was a stomach bug. Took her back to the vet and got new medication for her stomach infection. Week on again – the stomach bug had gone... but the symptoms of a cold gradually returned and worsened into something more. Last few days she developed mucus and began getting welts/spots on her body.

Took her to the vet again this morning where she was diagnosed with Distemper. On referral I took her to the vet in Thalang where he recommended that we put her to sleep. Only 5% of dogs survive according to the vet and the complications and other diseases can be many including brain damage. So... together we put her to sleep, it was a difficult thing to do, but for the best. Saddest thing is she only been alive for 1-2 months and most of that had been suffering.

Soi Dog are not to blame of course – I spoke with then today and we discussed the whole thing. Very young dogs are typically more susceptible to Distemper. Turns out they had got the mother and puppies from some 'Government' workers (by whatever means, to rescue them) , in very poor condition and already riddled with fleas. Difficult to know if they had already picked up the infection prior to this.

It's a difficult job that Soi Dog do – they are underfunded and struggle to make ends meet and cope with the never-ending stream of homeless and unwanted dogs & cats (a number of these from Farang). In the last week they have moved into new premises up at Mai Khao (near the Airport) and are always on the lookout for help and support.

My point is this – if you get a young dog or you already have a dog that has puppies, please make sure you take care of them and get the immunisations they require. I will be getting another dog, it will be another homeless or young stray from Soi Dog. As well as this I'm going to start giving a little time at the weekends to help out. If you live and Phuket and would like to adopt a dog (long term) or can help in any way then please do get in contact with Soi Dog. (Not sure if I'm allowed to link, can't find the rules on that, so apologies in advance if I'm breaking them: http://www.soidog-foundation.org)

Take care,

//Bob

I'd come for sure this time around - been lurking for a while now so would be good to put a face to a few names.

Not too fussy where - as long as there is beer, good food and merriment to be had!

Cheers,

//Bob

Hi all,

Wondered if anyone has first-hand (bad I know) experience of hand/fracture specialists here in Phuket? I need to get a referral to get my hand checked out again as one of the fingers has not healed as hoped and it may well require an operation. Any ideas... trying to keep costs reasonable - Phuket International, Mission or?

Thanks & regards,

//Bob

Club Lersuang, at the end of Bang Tao towards Surin is a great gym, filled with various types of equipment. And a pool outside, jacuzzi inside, etc.

That sounds good, not too far either... I'll check it out - any idea on membership costs?

Cheers,

//Bob