Meridian007

As for the buoy, it doesn't matter whether it's functioning or not.

What happens when it's triggered by an incoming tsunami? does a red light go on in some office somewhere (is the light bulb in working order? Is anyone on hand to notice the light? What if the light goes on during lunch break?)

Does the buoy trigger siren blasts along beaches? If so, are the sirens maintained in working order?

Even if the mechanics of the alert system all worked according to plan, I submit that Thais, who are all inured to loud sounds, will just go on with whatever they're doing and simply tune out the added loud noise. This would be particularly true if there were one or two false alarms.

If the alarm even works! The last Test (that I can find) was a year ago, and coupled with the false alarms and occasional suspension of tests, I feel that the whole system may not be up to the task. I would love to live somewhere around Phuket or Krabi, but until this issue is solved I am leery of even visiting there.

Talking about young people being panda-stupid?

Try this from the Thai band Big Bang... Mee Panda (Panda Bear).

I think to truly understand how crazy people are about pandas here, you need to see the video for this song!

If the ASEAN free trade agreement is ever implemented Beer Lao will bury the Thai beers.

Exactly! I think they have even more to fear from the ABC brand from Cambodia, their stout is surprisingly good! I predict Thailand will find some way to weasel out of the trade agreement when it comes to beer, they know they'll have to close all the Thai breweries immediately!

I gave up on beer here long ago, the Thai whiskeys are a better choice and are at least drinkable with a mixer.

Hey, instead of arguing about the sad state of affairs our world is in, why don't we try to help someone out who is trying to prevent this from happening right now? This got buried in the argument on the last page:

I'm in a bit of a predicament right now. Yesterday a younger sister of my g.f. (only distantly related, actually), showed up and is looking for work. She's 19, v. attractive, but no marketable skills as far as I can fathom at this early stage. She was born and raised in a Thai hill tribe village, but has no prospect for Thai ID card (actually, that's a BIIIIG factor which facilitates exploitation, namely: Thailand continuing to disenfranchise hill tribers).

I can offer the kid a place to stay and ask her to assist around the homestead (laundry, cooking, gardening, etc) but she's ripe for bolting - already talking of karaoke bars, which, as we know, is just a kiss away from more hard core venues.

She's also ripe for exploitation. A Thai man or woman could readily come along, see the attractive shapely vulnerable girl, and make an offer of gainful employment in (Bkk, Pattaya, Phuket, ......fill in the blanks). Once the girl agrees, she's essentially the property of whomever dupes her, and she can be sold to servitude.

Am not sure what to do.

I know she is 19 years old, not a child by any measure, but this is the exact turning point where prostitution becomes an attractive option for these girls here in Thailand. If they are saddled with a lack of education, little hope of legitimate employment, previous problems of family/upbringing, pregnancy, or influenced by friends/pimps, these girls start to see selling their bodies as an easy way to make money. I think education is key here, but that would require starting with them when they are young.

The only thing I can think of is making a life outside of prostitution more attractive than one in it, but I'm not sure how to in your case. Being in an urban area doesn't help, I'm sure she is being influenced by perceptions of karaoke girls having money to do whatever they want, while only having to sit around and look pretty to earn it. She probably won't listen if you try to tell her about the real lives of these girls, and the dangers of pregnancy, drug addiction, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions or anecdotes of what has worked in similar circumstances?

From my experience, at least 7 floors above any area where flying insects can breed is safe. I live on the 18th floor, but there is a park on the 7th floor with a plethora of places for bugs to prosper. I rarely get any in my condo. Birds are another issue...

I just saw some for sale on the street in Pinklao, I assume if you went looking in the usual farang places (Silom, Sukhumwit, Khao San) you would find them. Good luck!

From the other thread about foreign ownership and nominees ( http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Illegal-Thai...-L-t270261.html ), I think this clears up the issue plainly:

I have had my staff, who is well connected at the land and house department, seek clarifications on the statements made by Mr. Anuwat recently.

Unfortunately, this official refuses to be quoted by name, as for the obvious reasons.

In short, the following is his explanation:

If a Thai person is married to a foreigner, and wishes to register land in her name, it is required for both husband and wife to sign a statement, that the acquired property will remain the sole personal property (Sin Suan Tua) of the Thai partner, as opposed to common matrimonial property (Sin Som Ros) where the latter would normally be the case as per the civil law regarding marriages.

It is clear in this case that the Thai person is 100% owner, entirely on her own behalf, and as such can never be seen as a nominee holding land on someone else's behalf, as there is nobody who, under Thai civil law could make a claim to the land apart form said Thai owner.

There are however spouses who have kept on their Thai Maiden names (as they are legally allowed to do so), and neglect to state that they are married to a foreigner. As such the above mentioned statement does not get signed.

If in this case the funds used to acquire the land are supplied solely by the foreigner, and the foreigner would be able to prove that the funds have been acquired by him previous to the marriage, then according to the Thai civil law, the land would be the sole property of the foreigner (SIn Suan Tua), regardless of whose name the land is registered in. The Thai partner would only be owner of any increase in value acrued during the marriage on a 50% base (as this gain in value would be Sin Som Ros), or according to any pre-nuptial agreements.

In this case it is clear that the Thai partner in the marriage is a nominee, holding the land on behalf of the foreigner, as at all times, either during the marriage or after a divorce, the foreigner can lay claim to the land as per the laws on Sin Suan Tua/Sin Som Ros.

Mr. Anuwat also clearly states, that even if the Thai partner neglected to mention the fact that her husband is a foreigner, and never signed the statement, BUT she can prove that the land has been acquired with her own funds, then she can remain the legal owner of the land since per Thai civil law the land will be her personal property (Sin Suan Tua).

I think it's a case of having common sense, and enough life experience. If you feel that the groom has enough of these qualities, leave the situation alone as he will find out on his own. If you feel that he does not, a generalized education of what to expect (as suggested by a few people already) may help.

I think many who are "fooled" or "ripped off" end up this way because they believe that Thailand is different from the rest of the world. While it does have its differences, if you generally make the same decisions here as you would do at home, you'll be fine. There are good and bad people everywhere, you just need enough life experience to recognize the difference. And remember, every family has one of "those" types in it. If the whole family is not like that, the bride will already know not to listen to such negative advice from her brother.

Anyway basically I just took the bike down to one of the small offices/ agents that charge a small fee to renew the tax and insurance and they did everything - even though the tax was out of date for 6 months it all came back with upto date tax and insurance no problem all for a fee of about 180 THB

Which did you go to? I'd love to find a list of these in Bangkok. I'd rather not have to go to Mo Chit...

Richardshane and Mary Jane,

Good luck to both of you! It's great that you have been able to do so much, I hope the media interest in Canada continues to build and puts some external pressure on the outcome!

Again, Good Luck! Keep strong!

Where is the Canadian government in all this? Wouldn't there be some embassy liaison present? What about his family at home?

If there can be so much noise made by Australia for the arrest of a bartowel-stealing woman, shouldn't Canada be putting up much more of a stink about this? I don't see anything in the Canadian papers about it.

Typical Canadian apathy...

(BTW, I'm Canadian, and while Canada still makes me pay taxes - even on income I earn here - I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar lack of interest from my government if something similar happened to me)

So that's it? The supposedly "firm" date of July 16th has been moved again? Come on Thailand! The state's case against Thaksin is provable in so many ways, please stop delaying and take it already!!!

I agree with posters above that it should be used for education. Now if only there was a way that it could be used to reform the education system to promote independent, critical thought...

I know Thaksin has been reported to have hired a PR group to improve/maintain his public image/presence, this is one type of activity used by these esteemed groups in their sometime subtle endeavors.

This conspiracy theory is much more believable than those spouted by members such as Fertwert. I believe we do have some members that are Thaksin supporters without these supposed "clandestine" connections (such as Koo), but there has been an increase of these others that Slapout has mentioned.

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Because Khun Thaksin's democracy is same with the reds' democracy, they can go together.

Sadly, I believe it is not. This is what has always confused me about TRT. The people that are the base of it want equality and opportunity for all Thais, especially the poor of the North East. The leaders are all known to be owners or CEOs of major corporations, their priority is to line their own pockets and those of their corporate friends with money that should be going to social programs.

The one side supports a socialized, left-wing form of democracy, while the other supports a neo-fascist, right wing form of democracy (the rule of the corporation). How can they both be in the same party?

I think the answer is that the masses within TRT believe that the Pu Yai will take care of them, rather than taking a stand for themselves. While there may be a little bit of trickle down to the masses in the form of something that looks good, there is no real commitment of a large percentage of funds going towards removing this extreme gap between rich and poor.

This is sad for me, and why I believe these people are being fooled by rich, greedy men. If the red shirts could promote one of their own (not some big corporate gangster, but someone who is intelligent even though they are poor), they would gain the support of most of the Thai people, and perhaps we could see real change here.

Where can we buy tickets? I'd love to see this!

Is there any other background information? Was he a tourist? (it seems implied by the references to the airport and going to the beach, but unsure) Did he live in Bangkok? How long was he in Thailand? Did he work here? Did he have any friends here?

Its good that the call has been put out for this man, but if he has only been out of touch with his parents for a week and a half, perhaps (as another poster said) he doesn't want to be found yet. I'm not a parent, but my parents have freaked out once or twice when they haven't heard from me for a while, and then cannot contact me after 4 or 5 days of trying. I think that's just part of being a parent, but it can be embarrassing when you are a well-traveled adult and have decided to escape from your mobile phone for a while.

On the one hand it's wonderful to have a caring support group, but it's a fine line between that and emasculating embarrassment. I think the onus falls upon the person traveling. If you know that your family is prone to worrying about you, have some form of regular contact so that they can see your plans, and stop worrying. A short email, an sms, a post on your blog, etc...

****Edited for clarity****

Come on, it's no big surprise that he can sing, his ability is known throughout the internet!

I bet (and I wish) he could do a great version of "So Long, Farewell" from the Sound of Music. That would be the best surprise he could give this country...

I think there may be some differences within brands as well. I used to have a Hoya circular polarizer I bought in Canada, but I accidentally broke it here. I bought a replacement at Fotofile in MBK, and I've found that it tends to blow out clouds a lot more than my old one did. The definition that I want from a polarizer seems to be lost with this new filter, at least in the high light-level range. The build quality seems less on this one as well, even though is is listed as being from their "pro" line. Would Fotofile sell fakes?

I think I need to change my white balance in the camera, but I really need to read up on this more first!

I wish this was available here! Whenever I used to do visa runs, that was the highlight of the day. I stopped drinking beer here because it was just too depressing, but if they brought ABC Stout in at a good price, I'd be very happy!

So, did anyone see it? Miserable rain here in Bangkok, no chance of seeing anything.

I agree, the traffic sucks.

If you can speak any Thai, try to get the driver to take Krung Thon bridge from the bus station, it will take you along Ratchwithi Road, then turn right on PhraRam 5 or Sawankhalok to get to Phitsanulok which will take you to the expressway. That way, you'll be a little more north of the worst traffic in Pinklao and the old city centre.

You'll find a few photos here garro :-

http://images.google.co.th/imgres?imgurl=h...l%3Den%26sa%3DG

and here :-

http://images.google.co.th/imgres?imgurl=h...l%3Den%26sa%3DG

.

Those are great photos! Does anyone else have any? More old photos of Bangkok would be great, it's interesting to see the changes! I remember someone posting their photos of Pattaya from the same time period, but I can't remember the thread.

It is a sad state of affairs, and it seems that ASEAN isn't interested in it even though they have a commission on human security that is supposed to champion human rights.

I saw Surin Pitsuwan (ASEAN Secretary-General) speak a week ago about "The Promotion of Human Rights and Human Security in Southeast Asia", and when questioned about the ASEAN response to the Rohingyan issue, his response was typically diplomatic and evasive. I'm sure it would be the same for the Hmong.

I know it isn't Thailand's job to take care of refugees from other countries, but sometimes human interest must come before national interest.

Before the recriminations start about civil liberties being constrained (like they did when this was proposed), I want to highlight this:

Phuket Governor Wichai Phriasa-ngop said the military presence would be limited to Thalang and that day-to-day activities of residents and tourists would not be affected.

and say that I think it is prudent and smart to have a strong show of force this time. The Pattaya police should never have been trusted to suffice last time, even if the problems in Bangkok hadn't been brewing. This is a national issue, and thus it is a military, rather than police, issue. It isn't a show of who is "really" in power, it isn't some draconian measure designed to ruin anyone's fun, and it isn't over-reacting.

I hope the ASEAN summit goes well for all the members, and that the nation will continue to normalize politically throughout this. The time to move the country forward will come, but this is not the time for conflict.

Why do Thais think 'meritmaking' absolves any horrendous action on their part? Its certainly not part of Buddhist belief!

Welcome to the wonderful amalgamation that is Thai Buddhism! A nice mixture of animism, ancestor worship, Hindu, Brahman, and Buddhist beliefs. The Thai method of occasional merit making may not be subscribed in Classical Buddhism (along with the connections to amulets and sacred string for blessings), but it allows for a component of reassurance of luck and forgiveness into the belief system for the more superstitious Thais.

I think the Thais prefer to cover all bases, especially with their amulets!

Superstition tends to dominate any rural culture, Thailand is no different. Some believe that the superstitious practices in Thailand detract from their Buddhism, but I feel that they are expressing their belief in their own personal ways. Judging other's interpretations of their beliefs does nothing for our own.

I don't venerate any of my amulets as mystical items or objects of worship, Classical Buddhist principle finds that extraneous, but I do like to collect them! I look upon them as a reminder of Buddhist principles, just as Christians wear a cross to remind them of Christian principles. (Although, possession is attachment, so I obviously still have a long way to go in my studies!)

I also look upon the Thai-style merit making as a reminder, so I don't go when I feel I need to make extra luck for myself, or to atone for some sin. I go for the focus it gives me, especially in my meditation, and a kind of renewal of my beliefs.

Then there is the connection to respect, both of elders and of ancestors that relates to this as well...

Hi, here are a list of things I have had no luck finding in Thailand.

1. Is there a regularly updated list of english-speaking Thai TV programs available on the internet? I know there are some English news reports on NBT.

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but there is an English-speaking Thai news network on the net, http://www.tannetwork.tv/ and while they were useful occasionally during the protests at Songkran, their shows are usually drivel.

2. Are there any good tea stores (That sell more than the usual Chinese teas.) in Bangkok - like T2 in Australia?

I would suggest the Gourmet Market in the basement of Paragon. As well in Paragon, if Spice Story has opened up again, they always had an interesting assortment of teas.

3. Are there any good music stores in Bangkok that sell a large selection of western music - particularly alternative music or even Australian rock?

Your best bet may be the streets of Sukhumwit or Silom, or go to MBK. All of them have western music cds, with some alternative beats as well.

4. What is the best sreet directory of thailand. I notice taxi drivers here don't even carry anything and are always asking the passenger for directions (crazy!), if only google could print out there maps for taxi drivers in every country they would make a fortune

-I'd say that Map Magic is the best, you install it on your computer and print out the maps. There are even GPS co-ordinates. You can buy it at almost any bookstore, Here's the company site: http://www.thinknet.co.th/06/eng/product-cd.html

-You can print maps from Google, http://maps.google.com/support/bin/answer....mp;answer=68477 (or you could just do a screen capture and print that out). I use both because I find that printing a map with Thai text from Google is more understandable to a taxi driver.

4. Also on my hit list of things to buy are outdoor sensor lights, those cheap sprinker systems that have thin long protruding stems and sprinkler heads running a lenght of tube buried underground and hooked up to your home water tap, and finally a timer to set off the sprinkler system at a particular time of day.

Hmm, not sure (I live in a condo), but you might want to find the nearest Home Pro to you.

Enjoy!

Thanks in advance!

*******Edited to add info**********