mdrichard

I own a Mazda MX5 Roadster, 2007 model with only 14,000 kilometers on it. Rarely driven. My wifes car. Stays covered in our car park. Black with custom brown/black interior. 1.4 million is the the price. New one costs 2.8 million last time I checked.

Certainly seems appropriate and in line with many other countries to issue Retirement Visas (non-immigrant) to qualified candidates for 5 years with every 6 month reporting. 6 month reporting could be done by mail or on line, preferably, but even if it is mandatory to actually report in person, 6 month intervals seems adequate.

Even more cost effective would be for retirees to qualify for extended retirement visas based on how long they have successfully renewed their current visa. For example: once a person has met all the requirements for a one year visa, 5 times/5 years, t he would be eligible for a 5 year retirement visa. Two successful 5 year retirement visa would qualify him for a 10 year retirement visa.

Thailand sexpats opposition or disdain for Thaksin is arguable. Thaksin's accomplishments or lack thereof is also arguable. But, if you spend anytime at all in the major cities of Thailand you will, without doubt, see farang that fit the stereotype in the post to a tee. If you travel to rural areas of Thailand you will see the same type farang who have run out of finances to continue the sexpat lifestyle they came to Thailand to enjoy. The number of farang that fit the stereotype is arguable but I believe the number is huge.

Can anybody read? He was describing the stereotype farang and said it wasn't at all accurate for all of us. Actually, I think it's pretty accurate; about half of the farang here in Pattaya would fit that description!

Half is a conservative estimate!

Yah, the lizards around my place keep eating my pet dogs...

Seriously though, I thought geckos only ate insects. I've seen many small lizards in the garden, but never in the numbers that would cause any harm. They do more good than harm.

Does anyone know if rat poison will kill monitor lizards like the one in this photo?

Incidents like these are the reason why I left Pattaya years back.....

This could happen anywhere in the world.

But this one happened in pattaya

As do many similar incidents. Luckily, they don't all end with a death. They seem to occur mostly in the heart , or the rectum if you will, of Pattaya. I'll just keep hoping that someday the government comes to the realization that establishments in this seedy part of Pattaya and the customers they attract are not, contrary to these customers belief, keeping Pattaya financially afloat. Move the bars to Walking Street, where the higher rent should result in upscale bars and upscale customers.

I have no idea what "messenger" you think I am shooting. This thread is about Pattaya making an effort to eradicate criminal migrants and improving the city's image. An image which currently attracts those criminal migrants,sex tourists and other undesirables, some long term. So, we're talking problems with westerners (migrants) in Thailand not Thai's in Thailand.

I'm not even going to dignify the rest of your statements with a response.

Oh by the way...I am a westerner who calls Thailand home!

I, too, call Thailand Home. In a perfect world, and at face value I emphatically agree with your views, Mdrichard.

You seem intelligent enough that I cannot imagine that you are not aware of the Thai mentality and culture that prevents what you believe and seem to long for ever coming to pass?

Living here, it is this very mentality and culture that keeps me on my toes, and ever watchful for the "angle" or scam that will relieve me of any freedom or money that I have worked so hard to achieve. Yes; there is an element of fear, anger, and vindictiveness that I always have to keep in check through meditation and willfully exerted self-discipline.

That you cannot interpret when you are being outright singled out and cheated, taken advantage of, ignored, lied to, etc. tells me that you are either ignorant, or are simply expressing only one of your views, and leaving out the ones that might be more in agreement with the ones you oppose. Would that be so difficult for you to do and still retain your dignity?

Just curious, but I, too, would love to see the criminal element lowered to a point where sincere, honest, and hard-working people had a bit more breathing room.

Thailand is full of corruption from top to bottom of the social ladder. As such, opportunistic locals at all social levels will take advantage of opportunities which includes supporting criminal activities if it benefits them.

Pattaya has been recognized as a safe haven for criminal migrants and undesirables. Effort (at least something) is now being made to at least reduce the numbers. As those numbers are reduced so will the opportunities for the locals to benefit from criminal activities of migrants and undesirables.

I am afraid this is nothing more than media lip service, mandated by the Thai government, as a direct result of the recent public announcement that Thailand would like to host World Expo 2020 and of all places in Pattaya. I am also afraid 10 years is not nearly long enough to clean up Pattaya. "Farang" organized crime cannot be eliminated in this country as has been proven in so many other countries. Reduced but never eliminated. Unorganized "farang" criminal elements in Pattaya could be drastically reduced as well as those "farang" who are here barely surviving day to day who have chosen Pattaya Thailand as their home base for obvious reasons. It is not local crime or criminals that is creating the negative reputation that Pattaya is living with, it is the non-desirable farang.

I think a clean-up should start with:

- no more every three month visa runs for farang residing long term. Contrary to their belief they are not keeping the visa run services in business.

- eliminate the low rent beer bars owned/managed by farangs. Move all beer bars to Walking Street only and rent these low rent spaces to locals for setting up businesses (zoning the city). Local karaokes/beer bars will not replace them since they are always located on the outskirts of the city.

Pattaya and Thailand have been successful at making small changes to improve their appearance and reputation with the public but have gloated more about the improvement than continue to improve.

World Expo 2020 will never happen for Thailand or Pattaya nor will any other world event as long as they continue to welcome farang, who are barely welcome in their own country, into this country as model citizens without following up on what they do and how they survive once they get here.

You write pretty good English for a Thai national(ist).

Your statement reflects the negative attitude and resulting behavior that has contributed to Pattaya and Thailand's inability to improve, much like many farang in Thailand. You are part of the problem and not part of the solution. You call Thailand home but you treat Thailand as your playground with very little real concern for the country and it's people.

Even though I agree in part with what you say mdrichard. No need to shoot the messenger. This problem would not exist in the first place if Thais (at least the ones with power) didn't want it.

Lets face it, the vast majority of the problem is owned/operated/staffed by Thais.

Maybe you should spend your time more wisely persuing more worthwhile tasks like chastising your own people. Thais control Thailand NOT westeners. Thais created and profit from all of the things you (and I for that matter) want erradicated.

So, get off the westeners back and do YOUR duty and fix the prolem at it's source ....Thai people.

And by the way, you know full well westeners can never be allowed to genuinely call Thailand "home" because Thais won't let them. Unlike generous western countries where Thais in their tens of thousands are granted FULL citizenship.

I have no idea what "messenger" you think I am shooting. This thread is about Pattaya making an effort to eradicate criminal migrants and improving the city's image. An image which currently attracts those criminal migrants,sex tourists and other undesirables, some long term. So, we're talking problems with westerners (migrants) in Thailand not Thai's in Thailand.

I'm not even going to dignify the rest of your statements with a response.

Oh by the way...I am a westerner who calls Thailand home!

I am afraid this is nothing more than media lip service, mandated by the Thai government, as a direct result of the recent public announcement that Thailand would like to host World Expo 2020 and of all places in Pattaya. I am also afraid 10 years is not nearly long enough to clean up Pattaya. "Farang" organized crime cannot be eliminated in this country as has been proven in so many other countries. Reduced but never eliminated. Unorganized "farang" criminal elements in Pattaya could be drastically reduced as well as those "farang" who are here barely surviving day to day who have chosen Pattaya Thailand as their home base for obvious reasons. It is not local crime or criminals that is creating the negative reputation that Pattaya is living with, it is the non-desirable farang.

I think a clean-up should start with:

- no more every three month visa runs for farang residing long term. Contrary to their belief they are not keeping the visa run services in business.

- eliminate the low rent beer bars owned/managed by farangs. Move all beer bars to Walking Street only and rent these low rent spaces to locals for setting up businesses (zoning the city). Local karaokes/beer bars will not replace them since they are always located on the outskirts of the city.

Pattaya and Thailand have been successful at making small changes to improve their appearance and reputation with the public but have gloated more about the improvement than continue to improve.

World Expo 2020 will never happen for Thailand or Pattaya nor will any other world event as long as they continue to welcome farang, who are barely welcome in their own country, into this country as model citizens without following up on what they do and how they survive once they get here.

You write pretty good English for a Thai national(ist).

Your statement reflects the negative attitude and resulting behavior that has contributed to Pattaya and Thailand's inability to improve, much like many farang in Thailand. You are part of the problem and not part of the solution. You call Thailand home but you treat Thailand as your playground with very little real concern for the country and it's people.

I am afraid this is nothing more than media lip service, mandated by the Thai government, as a direct result of the recent public announcement that Thailand would like to host World Expo 2020 and of all places in Pattaya. I am also afraid 10 years is not nearly long enough to clean up Pattaya. "Farang" organized crime cannot be eliminated in this country as has been proven in so many other countries. Reduced but never eliminated. Unorganized "farang" criminal elements in Pattaya could be drastically reduced as well as those "farang" who are here barely surviving day to day who have chosen Pattaya Thailand as their home base for obvious reasons. It is not local crime or criminals that is creating the negative reputation that Pattaya is living with, it is the non-desirable farang.

I think a clean-up should start with:

- no more every three month visa runs for farang residing long term. Contrary to their belief they are not keeping the visa run services in business.

- eliminate the low rent beer bars owned/managed by farangs. Move all beer bars to Walking Street only and rent these low rent spaces to locals for setting up businesses (zoning the city). Local karaokes/beer bars will not replace them since they are always located on the outskirts of the city.

Pattaya and Thailand have been successful at making small changes to improve their appearance and reputation with the public but have gloated more about the improvement than continue to improve.

World Expo 2020 will never happen for Thailand or Pattaya nor will any other world event as long as they continue to welcome farang, who are barely welcome in their own country, into this country as model citizens without following up on what they do and how they survive once they get here.

I have just bought one Vacuum cleaner for a fish pond not tried it yet I'm going give it a go today see how it works, my friend bring it over from Germany.

Are pond vacuums available in Thailand?

Incompetency at its worst.

When they can't deal with a problem they call for Public holiday. Who ends up getting hurt and pay for it is the employers, that have to pay extra to the employee, at the same time they are not making money.

This can only go so long and I guess the employer will either mover other places or close for good.

Seems you are missing the "big picture" here. The primary objective is not to keep employers profitable during this crisis. The primary objective is to restore law and order in Bkk for all citzens of Thailand.

Thai protesters call for UN-mediated talks with government

BANGKOK, May 16, 2010 (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters called Sunday for UN-mediated talks with the government after several days of violent clashes with troops left 25 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

"We call for the government to stop firing and to withdraw soldiers who are blocking the area around the protest site," said a protest leader, Kokaew Pikulthong. "We call for talks with the UN as mediator."

Previous talks between the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-16

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Finally, someone is more concerned about saving lives than saving face. The Redshirts have realized that it is difficult to develop a mutually agreed upon solution when you are part of the problem. My fingers are crossed in hopes the Thai government will accept this problem solving strategy.

Thailand needs help with this crisis as soon as possible. The help needs to be in the form of a neutral mediator or consultant to help develop a true "roadmap toward solving the problem".

The government already offered a generous and sincere solution and it was at first accepted, but then all kinds of other silly demands were demanded. The redshirts have made their own bed. It is too bad.

Agreed. But now that this has happened and the situation dramatically worsened through the incompetence and stubbornness of some red leaders: Now what?

"Shoot them all" seems to be the current answer. Not sure that it's the best one, seeing that everyone still has to live with each other in the country after this is over.

Well, technically you only have to live together with the ones you don't shoot and kill, but your point is taken.

Some people are saying the demand the UN come in and investigate the actions of the government is because they don't trust the CIS to do it unbiased. I would agree a lack of trust on both sides is a big part of the problem. I suggest this idea of an impartial, independent investigator is not unreasonable, but only if the reds abandon their siege of the city center and go home. After all, the newest bogus claim of why they were staying is that they only want justice for April 10. Clearly, allowing UN investigators access to that data would satisfy that concern, so there would be no reason to stay on.

There are likely 2 problems with this. First, the government I'm sure doesn't want their decisions carefully scrutinized. While I believe they almost certainly acted within the confines of the law, nobody wants to be put on trial even if they are innocent. So they would likely hesitate, but in the end if they can't defend or are unwilling to accept the consequence of their decisions they shouldn't have made them.

The second problem is that the violent red leaders don't give a whiff about justice or the innocent people that were killed. So calling their bluff would not lead anywhere other than an even more absurd, extreme demand which would blow the whole deal just like they blew the roadmap. So why even bother someone like the UN with this? It will just make Thais look even more foolish.

So for now, the only practical solution is to remove all the violent red leaders by any means at your disposal. If they'd simply stop hiding among the women and children they'd make the government's job much easier and save countless lives.

I have little respect for terrorists in general, but terrorists who hid among human shields and hostages are the lowest bunch of cretins there are. Is it really so difficult to understand the "shoot them all" mentality? They haven't really left many choices.

On the contrary, the choices for a possible solution are numerous. The barrier to moving forward with getting outside help is simply a "saving face" issue. Solving a problem is very difficult when you are part of the problem. Personally, I'm saddened but not surprised at suggestions to "kill them all" as a solution but based on my experiences in Thailand it is the "beer bar mentality".

Holding the city hostage for 2 months is just idiotic.

You're right.

But well, what should they do to make things change?

Having elections does not seem to work.

Or maybe things should not change in Thailand.

And I'm all for the status quo, good for business.

Thailand needs help with this crisis as soon as possible. The help needs to be in the form of a neutral mediator or consultant to help develop a true "roadmap toward solving the problem". Neither the current government or opposing political group can do this to the others satisfaction and this is not surprising. Inherent in the Thai culture is a basic lack of trust. People don't trust each other, businesses don't trust one another and certainly few people if any, including officials within the government, trust the government. The lack of trust is not uncommon within third world and/or developing nations. The lack of trust and self centered decision making based on personal gains or losses by government officials prohibits mutually agreed upon goals, objectives, roadmaps to problem solving and immediate action plans from being developed. The PM in this country, as in most other countries, does not operate in a vacuum so he does not have the authority to develop a solution (roadmap) on his own.

Asking for help (from outside the current government) is not an admission of incompetence but rather an action that indicates true conviction to solving the problem by using any and all resources available. A starting point could be ASEAN counterparts and the UN just to "pick their brains" so to speak on their experiences and ideas. There are also many private firms that specialize and have experience with problem resolution, even at a government level. Many large companies around the world also call on help from outside their company decision makers for help. It is not a failure to do so but rather a failure not to.

The time for focusing on saving face as a country has passed and it is time to worry about saving lives!

zaZa9 donot take it personal there are a number of posters to this forum who think it is ok for any farang to commit crimes in Thailand and should not face consequences for these crimes. I donot understand this reasoning, must be vestiages of the colonial period left in their thinking and reasoning process.

Unfortunately, you are exactly right with your comment about farang attitudes and behavior while living or visiting Thailand. Further unfortunate is the apparent fact that these people are the majority which means the minority are included in the stereotyping by both educated and uneducated locals.

It is common knowledge that corrupt practices has been a problem in Thailand for decades and a majority of farang come here to take advantage of this. While eliminating farang involvement in corrupt practices would not, in the short term, move Thailand from being a developing third world country to a developed country, it would help improve the image of farang visiting or living in Thailand.

- control current civil disorder the best way possible (minimal destruction and no deaths the objective)

- arrest red shirt leaders (specific charges communicated)

- dissolve parliament and announce new elections (clear criteria communicated before election)

- ask for help with the election, United Nations would be the best source (not peacekeepers just election observers)

Do all of this within a reasonable and communicated timeframe and then

- take a hard look at the constitution (revise within the law) (major focus on what is "conflict of interest" within the government)

- need to get rid of the "forever" politicians who are the root of keeping Thailand from being a real participant in the global economy. Thailand has talent but it's being consumed trying to keep afloat

within the country.

- change has got to come from the top down! Can't change the BIB (for example) if every position above operates outside the parameters of the law.

- promote, encourage and assist "free enterprise" beyond the street vendor.

I had a friend tell me if I ever went to Pattaya, to be very careful. Lots of mafia types there, is this true? Other than that, it looks like a fun place to visit for a few days

Pattaya is no different from most other towns and cities in Thailand except for the number of farang tourist visible. Caution is certainly appropriate, especially if you hang out in some of the seedy areas created by farang for farang. These areas are easily identified, just look for farang sitting in the bar drinking beer at 8am and/or farang with looks similar to the guys featured in this thread. I have read the suggestion "not to judge a book by it's cover" but around Pattaya City, farang like these are open books enabling you to see past the cover.

I truly hope that Pattaya City and Thailand continue with some level of effort to rid the country of non-desirable farang but these criminal elements get lost in the hustle and bustle of BKK, lay low upcountry surfacing only when necessary or just become part of the tourist scene in Pattaya.

I think all of those equate to "you're a creep, leave me alone".

So true! Unfortunately, many of the farang visiting or living in Thailand don't consider themselves "creeps" even though they can't successfully hook up with anyone but a hooker. And of course, the hooker is agreeable for only one reason. Truth be known, similar rejections by hookers is probably a recent experience as well.

The above opinion is not pointed at anyone in particular. It is based simply an observation (seeing, hearing, reading) of the activities within the farang community in Thailand which is a reflection on all farang in Thailand.

Having lived in Singapore for 12 years I would ask why Pasir Ris. Not much to do or see there. Most activities are in the Orchard Road area or easily from there.

In a sober state of mind, listen to the world news or global busniness reports and you will understand the reason for the global (not just Pattaya or Thailand) downturn in not only tourism but business in general. Why blame Pattaya's downturn on all the things you personally don't like about progress in Pattaya. Those of you who wish, hope and pray for Pattaya to return to being a low rent district of Thailand for so many low life foreign visitors are not thinking about what is really best for the people of Thailand. New businesses like Central World are not to attract foreign visitors of any kind but are intended to help improve the reputation of Pattaya and attract Thai tourists. Global economic recovery will be slow and conservative as will tourism worldwide. Pattaya has a chance to improve it's image during this recovery period and I for one support their effort.

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your perspective, the Thai government from the top down and a significant majority of common people both thai and farang and both long term inhabitants and visitors are corrupt in one form or another. Despite the lip service by the government about ending corruption, corrupt practices are socially acceptable because it makes the rich richer and the poor must worry about feeding themselves and their families therefore don't make the time to worry about the future beyond tomorrow. It is a "catch 22" situation and will remain so until Thailand and it's government become more transparent to the world. Most if not all third world countries experience this dilema as part of the growing process. Unfortunately, the common people of Thailand, who are mostly poor have little to no control or motivation to move Thailand forward to becoming a competitive country in the global economy. With no middle class to function as the political and social watchdog for Thailand, only prominent and influential names will change, nothing else. Thailand has always tried to grow itself internaly which is no longer viable in a global economy.

PM Thaksin was a valuable asset toward moving Thailand forward to becoming competitive in a global economy. Not because he is above corruption but because he is a "limelight seeker". He does not need more money, although he will continue to grab it legally and/or illegally since the practice is a habit and even part of the fabric of Thai culture, but because more important to him is to have his name recognizable on a global level. This is the first step toward transparency. With more transparency comes closer scrutiny. With closer scrutiny comes internal change for the better or a fall into total oblivian. But, as long as Thaksin is the PM who seeks "limelight" the move for Thailand will be forward.

In addition to many good expats living in LOS, a great many of the farang expat population consists of misfits, drunks, crooks, perverts, anti-social types, or people that have escaped to LOS to take advantage of the the cheap housing, women, and whiskey. I think most farangs with any common sense tend to be more guarded and careful in choosing who they socialize with due to the vast number of losers and western society rejects living in LOS.

Well written summary answering most of the questions in the original posting. The statistical breakdown I have heard from government sources is 75% of the expats who call Thailand home are non-desirables who strengthen the criminal element of this third world country. From drugs to human trafficking to just day to day offensive and dishonest behavior all of which contribute to the "catch 22" situation Thai people (including the Thai government) find themselves faced with. Unfortunately, Thai and other third world country citizens look to the west for role models or since it is easier look to the westerners visiting or living in their country. Considering the statistic mentioned earlier, the Thai people and the country as a whole are in for a long struggle to end their "catch 22" situation.

I am a relative newbie to Thailand as I have only lived here 5 years but in my opinion, another expat help center or increased formal expat social gatherings would only result in the same group of expats asking for help, complaining about everything they encounter in Thailand and attending the social gatherings. There is already help available in many forms, you just have to look, listen and learn. There are also many small and large social gatherings that take many forms but I understand that for those who thrive on such events for sanity or survival would welcome more of the same.

As everyone else, I'm looking for some good places to fish. I'm actually interested in fishing for Barramundi or Snakehead or large Tilapia. I prefer fishing with lures. I read on a couple of Thai websites about a couple of private ponds for Barramundi fishing. One is called Boon Mar and is somewhere near Chachongsaeo but specific directions were not given. The other is 15 minutes driving from the new airport in Bkk, again specific directions not given. Does anyone out there know of these two places and exactly how to get there. I want to drive myself and don't want to pay the high price for a guide to take me there.

can anyone recomend a good interior decorating company and those to avoid ,any help appreciated.

How big is the job, house/condo or multiple buildings? Also, what is your interior preference, Thai/European, contemporary/practical modern?