riverhigh

Difficulty of opening Thai bank accounts has been discussed many times. You can blame the two-week millionaires for this problem. They would come to Thailand and want a cheap place to securely park their money. They would open a bank account, deposit money and then close it a few weeks. Very expensive for the banks.

"Despite these challenges, Mr. Phanuwat remains optimistic, noting that most local businesses continue to welcome tourists with open arms." .... Give me break!!! What is Mr. Phanuwat to remain optimistic about? Businesses will no longer accept tourist money with open arms?? I don't see how these businesses can handle the challenge of selling over-priced products to naive tourists.

Thanks for the horrendous photo. All doubt has been removed that I am now old ... 555. Nothing worse than a tranquil area turned into a cesspool of self-centered narcissistic young adults. I have very fond memories of Pai and intend to return in the "very low" season of July and August. As a side note, you won't be seeing me floating around in a old tire tube buzzed out of my mind on some locally procured drug.

Yup. We only get half the story, the rest is left to our imagination. On the limited information provided, my guess it that the American took some shortcuts in setting up a corporation to run an entertainment business in Thailand. Just another example of a foreign retiree living his dream of running his own business and getting over his head. Being 67 years old and American, he should have a good pension and be able to live comfortably without getting involved in a sketchy Thai business.

Wonderful service. Check that your Thai dolly is suitably drunk before taking her home. More booze better the sex ... not that I know just quoting a friend!

As long as the Thai police force is funded by the amount of fines it collects from the general public one can expect some shenanigans. Most of my foreign friends who get traffic fines see them as cheap road taxes. TIT.

Let's face it the 2pm - 5pm alcohol sale ban is just plain inconvenient! The heavy drinkers will adapt and work around this inconvenience. It is ridiculous to think that this 3 hour time ban will have any effect on the level of alcoholism in Thailand.

"On 8th February, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwit Bunnaphen of the Mae Hong Son Tourist Police confirmed the removal of disruptive Israeli tourists from the country. These individuals were charged with causing disturbances at Pai Hospital and have had their entry permits revoked." Nothing to do with jew-hating, anti-semitism, zionism, etc., its about individuals from Israel who insist on bringing their problems and arrogant attitude to Thailand. Narcissistic self-centred young Israelis who cannot adjust to living in a foreign country and abide by the country's norms and laws. Arrogrant Israelis who neither know nor care about the amount of damage they are doing to the reputation of their home country. When the Thai governemnt and businesses start signaling out a specific nationality for unacceptable behaviour then there is problem for that nationality. In this case Israel.

"He claimed the meeting was meant to be a peaceful discussion with a former friend, "Ice," who had distanced himself from their group." It kinda of makes sense why the gang rivalries decided to meet close to the Pattaya police station for a "peaceful discussion". What could possibly go wrong? Who in their right mind would open up fire 50 meters away from the police station? A few phrases come to mind: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong", "Common sense is not so common", "Never underestimate stupidity, stupidity knows no bounds and finally for our American Vets 'SNAFU ... Situation Normal All fu&$ed up".

"Despite officials from the Pattaya Mayor’s office inspecting the site later that morning, no immediate repairs were made. The lack of accountability has sparked outrage." Please include me as one of those who is outraged. This is not an isolated instance. Many of my friends, including myself, have had accidents because of lack of road/pavement repairs. It's ridiculous to think that Pattaya Beach has recently earned three prestigious awards, spotlighing its oustanding beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism practices. When it comes to road/pavement maintenance, Pattaya is a dump!

All I see is a drunkard clown getting off the ground and waving his arm telling people off. Did you notice that his friend was waiting outside the bar while the drunkard clown friend was getting roughed up? Friend didn't want to get involved and most probably for good reason. Something tells me that this is not the first time this has happened. Will the drunkard clown learn from this? Answer: Not a chance in hell, give it a couple of days and all willl be forgotten.

Outright fraud! Due to the weak Thai legal system the real estate company beleves and, most probably, still beleives they can walk off into the sunset with the money. Selected a foreigner as a soft target who plays by the rules. Doubt if the company would select a "connected hi-so Thai" who knows the legal system and how to work outside the system, if you know what I mean.

Thais are too lazy to work. Thailand is too conservative. Thai laws are there to hold their hands not put them to work. Thai laws need to be updated so I the sportsmasseur can work. My only comment is that if you feel your skills are being wasted staying here, then return to your home country. I'm sure your home country has regulations on who can legally work as a sportsmasseur.

"Pol. Sgt. Maj. Phradon stated that he was patrolling the area towards Pearl Roundabout when Jeafar, travelling in the opposite direction, veered into his lane and crashed into him." He did what!!! Travelling in the opposite direction on his motorbike, jumped lane, and crashed into the police officer. You gotta be kidding me. Let me guess the French national needed the extra room on the roundabout to make the maneuver and the police wouldn't give way. Case closed.

Who cares, I don't.

All I see is a fat obese drunkard that trashed a homeowners's vehicle barrier and then got evicted from his digs for his loud boozy behaviour. As expected, no apology from this drunkard for his behaviour and the problems he caused. Instead all we hear is complaints, complaints about the condition of his cell and treatment from police. Just another narcissistic self-centered pr&%K. Never taking resposibility for his actions and always blaming others.

"As of now, police officers and relevant government officials have not yet clarified whether any charges have been issued against the foreigner." Any charges? Driving at speed, reckless driving, fighting with pedestrians, trying to run over the pedestrian again while fleeing the scene of accident, hit and run ... the list goes on. Not a good look for Thailand that the foreigner could so easily leave the country. Immigration should have been notified immediately and foreigner detained for questioning.

Let me guess he was meandering down Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 3 and accidently fell into the shop breaking the window. In his haste to find some medicine he came accross some Cannabis. Being a quick thinker and educated customer, he knew he could use the Cannabis as a substitute for the medicine he was looking for. Come on guys we all know that if the owner had kept his part of the sidewalk clean and in good repair this accident would have never happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to this loveble chubby innocent foreigner. Hope he gets adequately comensated by the store owner.

"As he meandered through his neighbourhood, fate took an unfortunate terrible twist when he accidentally walked into a neighbour’s entrance sign." Yeah right! Give me break! What really happened you were either drunk or high on something and you bashed in sign because it was in your way. Sorry I don't beleive your one-sided fictional story portraying yourself as an innocent victim, I need to hear the owner's and security guards account of what took place. From the account of your story, it appears that you have managed to piss off everyone on your trip to Thailand.

"Sangwine was last seen heading to the Abandoned Mansion Bar & Restaurant in Bangkok. A local couple who met him there texted Maybin, saying he had been out with friends that night. His phone has been off for over 10 days, and he has not reached out to any relatives." Unbeleivable!! Wow, how this self-centered wife has the gall to complain about the Thai Royal Police for not dropping everything and providing her with updates on their search of Bangkok to find him. Lady, as you were texted by the couple, your husband does not want to talk to you. There was a reason why he had turned off his phone for 10 days and don't tell me you have no idea why. More than likely, a domestic problem involving two self-centered individuals who have no regard for other people.

"The purpose of Thaksin's visit is to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday and Monday. Anwar, who currently holds the chairmanship of ASEAN, has named Thaksin as a personal adviser, underscoring the significance of their discussions during the visit." Why is reality stranger than fiction? Because fiction has to makes sense to make the story beleivable. This makes no sense nor is it beleivable! Letting out an alleged criminal to advise another world leader for 2 days and then returning him back to captivity makes no sense. As they say "TIT".

"It serves as a stern reminder that while Thailand remains a welcoming destination for tourists and investors alike, adherence to the country's legal frameworks is non-negotiable." "Non-negotiable" ?? I must have been living under a rock! Up till now I always thought if I had money I couId negotaiate, just like the Swiss guy kicking the Thai doctor sitting on steps. Silly me for thinking that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra received privileged treatment at Police General Hospital because of some honest negotiation.

I agree 24 bogus notes is a lot for a bank to hand out. The article does not mention that the tourist got the notes from a Israel bank whereby the police can follow-up. For what it's worth, imho, the tourist thought he had a better chance of getting away with "a quick exchange and run" with a gold shop than a Thai bank. I agree with the police to charge the tourist with bringing in counterfeit banknotes with the intent to use them despite knowing they were fake. Let the tourist prove otherwise.

From the people I know who are on the DTV, they are really nomads and are frequently out of the country. This 180 day problem is not an issue for them. The 180 days is a problem for those who want permanent resisdence and don't travel. It's not difficult to be out of the country 4 or 5 times a year on business to avoid this 180 day hurdle.

This is not a tragic accident. This is the result of reckless driving by a 19 year-old self-centred pri&%k. No regard for anyone but himself. Has to go to jail and banned from driving. No leniency should be given because of his age.