Meridian007

Maybe, but there's another point here - geographical representation is abused because of mismatch of intentions - people elect local politicians to serve their local needs, but those politicians then go to Bangkok and serve interests of big national parties, so they can trade their parliament votes for funds.

And another one - MPs are elected locally but go to Bangkok to work on national issues that have nothing to do with their constituencies. Instead they decide fates of industries, social and religious groups that are not even represented!

Basically - people at the voting booths are not stakeholders in government or parliament work, they don't vote for national policies and agendas (apart from 20% of MPs on party lists).

I believe that is the job of the senate, half of them are appointed but are not allowed to be partisan. Therefore they could be used for social/professional groups (without any political ties), but they don't have a great deal of legislative power, they are there to advise and lobby.

Adding appointed seats to the legislative branch is where I think we all have a problem. Ideally, that is where people are elected to parliament based on party ideology, so while they are voted for locally, the voters should have a clear idea of the party policies they are voting for, so they can therefore vote for issues as well as leaders.

Then, for contentious issues, there are always polls. This way the voters are directly influencing legislation regardless of party ideology.

In this way, you keep the legislative branch as the purely representational arm of the government.

Does this work? Is it without corruption? Sadly, no, but I don't think the solution is to appoint legislative seats. I think there needs to be clear policy (and even ideology) stances taken by the parties, so that the people know WHAT as well as WHO they are voting for. Along with the assurance that they can push for a poll when the issue crosses party lines.

Occupational representatives, by comparison, would be direct stakeholders protecting interests of the groups that sent them. Less opportunity for corruption, MP and Cabinet positions trading.

Actually I think that is the exact recipe for corruption. It might be more transparent, but will these appointees be accountable to the people? How do you absolve problems of minority opinions being dominant? They aren't voted in by the people, the individuals aren't able to be removed and replaced by the people, whither democracy?

Who? Representatives of social/professional groups. That's who should be in parliament according to New politics.

Not bureaucrats and not military, despite what reds lead us to believe.

What are they going to do with their power? Protect the interests of social/professional groups? Since that's who they will be answerable to, instead of bit party bosses and local pooyais who invested in their election campaigns.

Okay, by WHO I mean the individual. If the person is appointed, you can be sure that they will promote their company's interests. Those interests might coincide with the population majority's, but what if it doesn't? If they are restricted by election then they have no choice but to at least be influenced by the will of the voters.

Again, this is where internationally legitimate elections come in. If the people are shown what their options are before the elections, and the elections are monitored to remove corruption, the people have their voice in government, and the government has the power to act. There are global organizations that can be trusted to be non-partisan, who will come in to educate and monitor. Sure, Thailand wouldn't trust one from the US or China, but maybe Finland, Sweden, or Canada?

********Edited to add:*********

I don't get it how people in one post can say that Thaksin still remains the favourite PM and then in the next breath that his party would have lost elections if there was no coup.

Huh? I never said he was the favourite PM, he just has a lot of support in Issan. I also didn't say anything about elections, but he might have seized greater power than he had. Maybe you were referring to someone else's post?

If there would not have been a military coup - very possibly TRT would have collapsed, many of Thaksin's supporters would have realized themselves that they ought to have been given more than Thaksin was giving them, and the democrats would have had time to get their shit together.

As things are now - the only hero is a very faulty man, the one eyed under under the blind.

I do disagree though with one poster's comment that Thailand is in the process to turn into a failed state. Thailand is in the process of working out necessary social conflicts, which one day will lead to development. Then both Red and Yellow will be a thing of the past.

On your last paragraph, I truly and sincerely hope you are proven correct. If this "tit-for-tat" game continues though, there won't be much state left for development.

As to the other, I've argued with Thai friends about what might have happened if the coup hadn't happened, and while I agree that TRT was in the process of collapsing, I'm not sure things would have happened as you say.

On the one hand, I think the people were becoming disillusioned with Thaksin, even though he had support in Issan I think there was a good chance of a violent coup in Bangkok. Would that have disgraced him instead of making him the martyr that he became after the military coup? I don't know.

On the other hand, he was well on his way to removing obstacles to his power in government. This, along with his attitudes expressed towards certain un-namable groups, and gaffes involving visiting monarchs, showed that Thaksin did not see himself as being merely PM of Thailand, and I believe he had his sights on much more, if he had been given the chance.

All of this is moot, as are all "What if..?" statements, but I think it shows some of the mentality behind the man.

I think the majority of Thai people don't want to think about any of this anymore, they are bored with it, and just want to get on with their lives. This is dangerous in that even government collapse doesn't phase them anymore. If you look at that along with the fact that most Thais haven't had faith in their government for years now, it paints a dire picture for the future. So again I say, I hope you right, and that this is just a process towards development.

The new politics proposal is to let representatives of professional/social groups a guaranteed place in parliament.

Okay, perhaps I should have said representational democracy. While an occupational constituency group in parliament is an interesting idea, it will merely lead to the replacement of one type of "feudal lord" for another. It seems to give a carte blanche to any group rich enough to buy their way into those positions, or, is a way for one group to ensure proper succession when the time comes. Neither does much for the voice of the people, but continues the idea of the Pu Yai dictating what will happen.

It's not important HOW representatives get to power, it's important that they DO get the power, one way or another.

Are you sure? I think history tells us otherwise. I think it is important to know WHO will get the power, and WHAT they will do with it, the HOW is the cornerstone of their legitimacy, without it, they can do nothing. I think that a group,

consisting of various industries, social and religious groups that need to have a voice in how the country is governed.

is a great idea, but not with direct power in parliament. As an advising committee, sure, but appointed positions have been even more abused throughout history (in Thailand as well) than the sorry state of elected positions in this country.

Don't get me wrong, I hate Thaksin (hate is a strong word for me to use, but I believe it is appropriate in this case) and what he and his proxies are doing in this country, but I think the PAD has become merely reactionary and has assisted in the destabilizing of this country just as much as the reds. I also believe the military must love both groups, as they are paving the way back to military rule.

Parliamentary (including electoral and representational systems) reform? Legal/constitutional reform? Removal of corporate, "big money", and military influence on politics? A well-defined and transparent power structure?

Yes please to all of these, but I don't think there is a party or movement that can currently provide any of this. The "old boys" network must be removed before any of it is possible.

I agree that the country needs to start somewhere, but I think that somewhere is a change in the current legal and courts system, (there needs to be some accountability), and a legitimization of the government through uncontestable election results. Only then will a leader be able to make changes that are in line with party policy, and expect them to be followed without this currying of favour that is so rampant here because of a constant fear of governmental collapse.

Don't fool yourself, this country is very close to becoming a failed state. It scares the hel_l out of me, and makes me wish I was a citizen here so that my opinion would matter in some minuscule way.

*********Edited for clarity*********

If there could be internationally recognized elections, (maybe election monitoring groups from countries that won't be swayed by their own hidden agendas? Finland? Sweden?), resulting in a PM that is allowed to stay in power (with international support) for at least a year, there might be a chance. There needs to be a leader in power for a while, so that the idea of coup stops being commonplace (oh, its Monday? Time to topple the government again!), and so that there is a chance for legal and military reform.

What reform?

Are you under illusion that those greedy bastards at the top are not supported by the population? Are you under illusion that if there was no vote buying then some real reformists will emerge as leaders?

This topic is about reds, whose goal is to bring back Thaksin and give him back what he stole from the country, and they believe it will be good for democracy.

He already had his chance at "reform" - stuffing all the top positions with his cronies and relatives and stealing on an unprecedented scale. At the moment all regional bosses in red party are Thaksin's relatives, as he doesn't trust anyone else.

The only group that wants a meaningful reform is PAD - they want to completely redraw the political scene and separate politics from big money, but who will listen to them? Certainly not red "democrats".

Plus, I think you misunderstand me.

I think we both agree that even if the protesters believe that they are fighting for democracy and the rights of the poor, they are really just the strong arm of Thaksin, who is getting more and more worried as that July 16 deadline approaches, as well as hoping that he can come back to power. (as well, he has demonstrated that he wishes to have absolute power, that was clearly what he was working towards when he was PM) I'm sure he would love to return to a position where he could do whatever he wanted to line his pockets while throwing some small scraps to those who have fought for him.

He obviously has no real interest in the needs of the people who support him, which is why I think it is sad that they continue to support him. If they dropped him and separated themselves from him and his cronies, I think they would more clearly be seen as the neo-socialist alternative, and they would then get the grassroots support they seek. This is where the people of the reds confuse me, they have almost opposite ideological goals from their leaders.

The PAD are no less mired in "behind-the-scenes" ulterior motives, but theirs are more dangerous to discuss.They also have plans to reform, but their reform is a reduction of elected positions, moving back to a system of power within a group of appointed officials. Not very democratic, huh? I think the protesters for this group believe themselves to be a "reform by intellectuals", moving towards a more intelligent democracy, but those behind the scenes here are just trying to make sure they will still have some power when a deficient offspring attempts for the reins. There is also a strong military backing here who have their own agenda, I'm sure they would love to return things to the way they were a decade or so ago.

Both sides seem to have these great altruistic motives and idealism, but the more one reads and hears about those who are pulling the strings (talk to some Thai people, especially those within the universities, you'll learn some amazing things), the more one realizes that neither of these groups will make any real change. In fact, I think both will move Thailand away from democracy more than it is now. There are so many factions within factions that you really have to pull back multiple layers to see what power is truly being fought for here.

If both sides removed the leaders who are inextricably tied to these "big people", and focused on the policies that they want advanced, their movements would become more genuine and acceptable to the rest of the population. The problem is, there is a tendency to throw support behind a powerful, charismatic person because even if they don't support your goals fully, they are seen as the only ones who can secure your group's position.

I don't think this is a battle of removing big business from politics, both sides have this as the engine within their movements. This is a power game at the highest levels, winner takes all.

If the Democrats called an election tomorrow and won with a landslide, there would still be reds taking to the streets.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is a group brought together by a collective belief in certain upstanding political values and principles; rather it's a group bought together by one rich man and his few remaining friends of power, who having messed the country up and been kicked out, want the chance to come back, be whitewashed of all charges against them, and able to dip their snouts back in the trough for another feeding.

Exactly! There is no legitimacy to anything political here (or legal for that matter), there will continue to be protests regardless of who is in power. Add to that the problems of setting dangerous precedents if anything is done to halt violent protests, (this is why Abhisit had to walk such a fine line during Songkran), and you have an unsolvable, perpetual situation.

All sides, (I almost wrote both, but I think there's more than just "red" and "yellow" influences now), feel that they corner the market on "democracy", but its really just the Pu Yais fighting it out for money and status. They don't realise that every overthrow, every violent protest, every bent legal proceeding just whittles away at what little democracy there is left in this country.

Sadly, I'm not sure that democracy is ready for primetime here. I think the military knows that and is just drooling in the corner, waiting to come back in fully, with an iron fist. Myanmar anyone?

If there could be internationally recognized elections, (maybe election monitoring groups from countries that won't be swayed by their own hidden agendas? Finland? Sweden?), resulting in a PM that is allowed to stay in power (with international support) for at least a year, there might be a chance. There needs to be a leader in power for a while, so that the idea of coup stops being commonplace (oh, its Monday? Time to topple the government again!), and so that there is a chance for legal and military reform.

I don't think its going to happen though, there are too many vested interests, and too much pride to allow assistance from abroad, or to allow any true reform that would create a well defined power structure. I'm finding it harder to find hope in this, but maybe something can be done.

Okay, I just stole this from the T.V. poll, I wonder how I can find out which of these are available in Pinklao? I know TOT and True are available, and supposedly AIS does their internet in Pinklao through TOT, so what about the others?

Which internet service provider are you using at home?

TOT - TOT Public Company Limited

TT&T - Maxnet

True Internet - Asia Infonet Co., Ltd.

CAT - The Communication Authoity of Thailand

CS LOXINFO PLC

DTAC - Total Access Communication PLC.

AIS/One-2-call - Advanced Info Service PCL.

Buddy Broadband - Advance Datanetwork Communications

KSC - KSC Commercial Internet

Jasmine Internet Co, Ltd.

Pacnet - Pacnet Internet

Internet Thailand Company Limited

Hutch - Hutchison CAT Wireless Multimedia Ltd

I never pay the 50 baht extra to come back, either.

Why not?

Now it's 100 Baht. I just came in from Malaysia on Friday, and they have a new system at swampy. If you try to bypass the "airport fee" by going up to the departures level, they now have a line of fencing to stop people from catching a cab that just dropped someone off. Pissed me off, so I jumped the fence!

I think they're trying to enforce the taxi fee to make the rail line price more attractive for the next few months so that people will be willing to pay 100+ for the rail line.

I live out in Pinklao, so taking a cab to the Phya Thai BTS station (and getting on the airport express line from there, I would never bother with the Asoke/Petchaburi station, and Phya Thai seems to be the terminal station for the airport express) is about 80 Baht even when there's traffic. Add that to 150 Baht for the rail line (230 Baht) still makes it cheaper than the 280-310 Baht price of taking a cab from my condo to Swampy.

I can't wait for it to open!

I'm happy with social networking as long as I'm a passive observer of it. (Kind of like enjoying the snow more when you don't have to shovel it)

I have facebook and hi5, but I never check them because there is always something they want you to do. Twitter is perfect for me for the exact reason that Dave111223 said, it's a good status update, and that's all I want.

George, (our T.Visa fearless leader) has a twitter update of new news posts on here, which I find more useful than the emailed news updates. I follow him as well as a couple of friends that I find amusing, and I don't even have to log in to see the updates. I have the Twitterfox add-on in Firefox, so once I open my browser I get updates from everyone I follow. It is almost effortless, but I get good updates quickly.

It's always nice to see when someone has an experience that contradicts negative stereotypes! People are people no matter where you go, there will always be good and bad, and we need to hear more of the good!

Fed Ex, DHL, all are available here (just check their int'l web pages to find locations) if you need security as well as speed. Letter rates with them are lower than their parcel rates.

I send post to the UK by registered mail, takes approx 5 - 7 days, a couple of times has only took 3 days.

How do you do registered mail here? Is it as secure as the west? Tracking numbers, insurance and all that?

Everytime someone suggests we lose the U$D and use?? instead, it dies. Same/Same. We didnt force the Dollar on anyone - it evolved.

True, there is an evolution of global politics that is constantly on the move, but there are more factors than just economy. If you take the U.S.$ for example, it has lost some of its status as the U.S. economy went down the drain, to be replaced by the Euro.

A lot of that is caused by perception of stability, as well as form of government, instead of just economic power. If China had a democracy, the Yuan would probably by now be the "global standard", but people equate communism with instability and are unsure of what will happen with their investments in a non-democratic country.

The E.U. has proven that nation states can come together to make a stronger whole, and I think that may be where S.E.A. will go. You have the great Asian powers such as Japan and China, so the smaller countries have to do something to keep a certain amount of autonomy from, and be competitive with, them and the western powers.

Time will tell with the A.S.E.A.N, it may become as "united" as the E.U. and join China and Japan as a "global north" power. Or, if they cannot move beyond their smaller cultural and pride issues, the countries of the A.S.E.A.N. will continue being isolated developing countries, destined to be pushed around by the greater powers.

The "better model of society and economy" depends on your point of view. If you can reduce everything down to money, it is pretty clear that some political, economical and cultural forms are more successful than others. The problem stems from how much "loss of culture" or "absorption of culture" a country is willing to initiate, and how its population will react to it. Is it better to be an international economic power, or is it better to retain traditional religious and cultural ideas that may restrain you from developing crucial economic ties?

Ahh, this is why I moved away from downtown. Here on the other side of the river, the cops only try shakedowns on the drivers of vehicles (with a focus on Thai rather than farang). Not all police stations in all parts of Bangkok are the same, some are trying to move away from the corruption of the "fine" method, others...

Living in Sukhumwit, Silom, or Ratchada has its price.

On the other hand, I can see why the cops would be more intrusive in those places, a higher density of foreigners means a higher number "bad" foreigners. I just hope the cops don't become like their cowboy counterparts in Pattaya, we don't need more corruption here.

80-100 for me too, unless there are multiple lanes so that I can get away from that dangerous left lane! There's too much to see here (in many ways!) for me to want to speed too much.

I guess I'm an old fart at 37!

I was surfing Reddit today and I saw this:

Lucky Man Marries Thai Twins

Monday, June 08, 2009

From: http://stranger-worlds.blogspot.com/2009/0...thai-twins.html

After Mr Wichai (Tao), aged 24, from Samut Songkram province, who earns his living by dealing in old goods, got married to gorgeous twins Ms Sirintara and Ms Thipawan 22, he vouched his sincerest 'equal love' for both of them!

Mr Wichai, just yesterday, got married in a grand ceremony to both twins simultaneously.

On being interviewed by Thai Rath reporters, Mr Wichai declared wholeheartedly that he didn't see much problem in having to perform tiresome marital duties with two wives.

In the engagement ceremony before the wedding, Mr Wichai successfully offered a dowry of eight baht of gold and 80,000 baht EACH for his lovely darlings.

Both families celebrated the marriage with joy and were said to be delighted for the threesome.

Mr Wichai told the press that he had been best of friends with his neighbouring twins since they were children.

'When I grew older, I would walk past their house each morning and try to decide for myself which one I fancied more, but it was darn impossible - I adored BOTH of them - I just couldn't decide which one of them to chat up.....!'

He went on to say, 'For three continuous years all three of us would go on dates together, until there was one day when I couldn't stand the frustration any longer and told them, 'I love you and want to marry you BOTH''

The fortunate Mr Wichai, instead of getting a slap in the face, was overjoyed when both girls admitted to having sworn all along that they wished to marry the same man!

'It wasn't easy at first, what with the neighbours gossiping, but our family sympathized, understood, and fully supported our mutual love for the one man' the twins said.

Mr Wichai arranged for his brides to live with him in his family house after the wedding, and his mother has already proudly prepared TWO rooms for the newly-weds.

Our reporters were just gagging to hear the response to this mouth-watering question:-

"And.... what are the sleeping arrangements Mr Wichai?", to which he replied modestly with a beaming smile.

'Absolutely no problems! For the first three nights of the week, I will sleep with Ms Thipawan and the next three will be spent with Ms Sirintara. As for every Saturday, the three of us will sleep together'.

Ms.Sirintara finally told the press, 'When my twin and I worked as assistant nurses, we promised each other that we would never leave each other's side, and that our future husband would have to either take us both, or leave us.'

( Sorry if this is from a TV member's blog, I've tried to reference the original URL at the top. It was just too funny not to post! )

I only tend to see Thai women and "women" walking around with farang men and I have a feeling it's not really about love. I have never met a well-educated rich Thai woman dating a farang man, especially not a poor one. I also don't see farang women with Thai men.

Is it fair to say that it is practically impossible for a Caucasian woman to find a nice Thai man who is seriously seeking a relationship (despite the fact that the Thais are obsessed with white skin). I often read that Thai men aren't the best spouses in the world anyway. So girls, how many of you have found real love in Thailand (with short or tall men) and are not supporting your Thai men and their families financially?

In addition, if your husbands' cousins' sons are so tall and still looking for a woman, can you introduce me to them?

Wow Tulipgirl, you sound quite unhappy.

While I'm not surprised that someone who lives in Pattaya believes those stereotypes, I think what you said is quite unfair, untrue and racist to all parties. My girlfriend is a doctor and has never asked for support. We have a relationship just like any that would be found in the west, based on love, and enjoyment of each others company.

I also have a good farang female friend who is dating a nice "hi-so" Thai guy, and they seem very happy together. There may be cultural problems for both sides, but if it's a good relationship, you work them out.

I find that those with negative views about relationships here are either creating self-fulfilling prophesies or need to check where they are and who they're with. Perhaps moving away from Pattaya would help, but then again, Thailand is not for everyone...

Do we have to do a road worthiness every year? I did one last year when I first registered the bike, but now I just want to pay the tax. Ahhh, wonderful bureaucracies!

I came for the culture shock. (really, I did!)

I'd just come out of a failed 10 year marriage (ended from her dalliances, not mine), and from owning a business with my ex for almost 15 years. Typical story, we married too young, (right out of Uni), and both worked too hard on the business to work hard on the relationship. Sold the house, cars, and extra stuff, sold my part of the business to the ex, and started to wonder in my mid-thirties what I wanted to do with my life.

My original plan in university was to travel to Asia after graduating, and maybe teach English in Japan (that was back in the early `90s when it was still a relatively new idea) before settling on a career or furthering my education. That wasn't how it worked out, but after the separation I found myself having personal freedom for the first time since university, so I thought what the hel_l, I'll check out Asia.

I checked out different countries, and lurked on the English teacher boards to see what people thought of each country, and started to focus on Thailand because of the culture, religion, food, rock climbing, (and yes, the women seemed beautiful, both physically and personality wise), and cheap cost of living. I realised that I had enough in savings and investments that I could theoretically live off my interest in Thailand for the rest of my life, so that sold me on Thailand.

I decided that I would retire early and try to experience culture shock for the first time in my life, and learn from it. I've been to many Central American and Caribbean countries, but only as a tourist so there was never really any culture shock. I was raised by a fairly religious family in a small town in Canada, and although I've lived in some of the bigger cities there, I had never experienced true Asian culture outside of the "Chinatowns" of Toronto and Ottawa. Ever since university I've wanted to experience a culture as diametrically opposite to my own as possible, to try and see what parts of who I am is really me, and what is just my cultural programming. Thailand seemed the perfect choice!

Well, I got here and I tried the retired thing for a bit (I only lasted 9 months), but I became too bored so I fell back on the idea of teaching. I've been doing that for around 2 years now, and while I've discovered that I love teaching, I've also realised that I hate teaching English. I've just started taking a Master's degree here, so hopefully I'll be teaching something interesting in a uni here in a couple of years.

I've decided that here is where I want to stay. I was patient and careful, and was lucky to find a wonderful woman here. We've been happy together for almost 2 years now, so this is where I see my future. I experienced the culture shock I came here for, but learned a lot more in the process!

Good for him! It's great to see (even former) members of the ministry standing up to call bullshit on a situation.

This relates to the thread on farang beggars here. It's no-one else's fault than your own if you travel stupidly! When people travel to developing countries their friends will often comment on their "bravery". That's because traveling to other countries is dangerous, and you have to be prepared and willing to get yourself out of messes. Sure, your government should try to help during times of war and such, but liquoring up and causing problems (such as theft or fighting) in another country is when you should be on your own.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to and through the far southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla (including the city of Hat Yai). These provinces have been experiencing criminally and politically motivated violent incidents, including acts attributed to armed insurgents. Attacks against military and civilian targets occur almost daily, and include shootings, bombings, beheadings, and arson.

This is a great example of how your country should be helping you. They will warn you! (if you register your address here with them)

I got this sms when I first registered with my embassy as well, and you won't catch me going near those areas unless I've got my own support group to get me out in case of an emergency!

I've just realised that my tax sticker is overdue, what do I need to do to renew it?

I searched for an answer, but only found posts about where to put it on your bike.

I seem to remember something about being able to do it at post offices, but are there only certain ones you can use? what do I need to bring?

Thanx!

I agree with what Sinewave said. If you want some custom fun, try Dr. Bike:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&amp....775391&z=6

Enjoy!

I can see it now:

"No, no, no we didn't do anything on those days, all red-shirts stayed home to take care of their poor, old grandmothers! It was all a lie! The government created zombie robots to impersonate thugs to impersonate red shirts! Yes! And anything bad you saw related to us was caused by government satellites effecting your brainwaves! We will now wear red shirts and tinfoil hats to all of our 'non-protests that didn't happen unless we look good from them', jing jing!"

As they fall further, they're grabbing at thinner and thinner straws. The attempt to obfuscate through denial and accusations of little meaning will hopefully be seen for the tissue it is.

What does it matter if he was in the car? If there is an angry mob outside your place, it is common practice for those in the public eye to have a second car prepared for personal safety. That doesn't mean it was planned, it just means that his security is good.

I think most people are satisfied with how things are being run now, and are bored of these shenanigans.

Hey, I'm moving condo because I'm sick of internet speed and will have my own telephone line- which provider are you talking about as i have been given a promotion by buddy broadband but everyone on here is sayings it sucks.

I think Norrad is talking about cable so you don't have to worry about your phone line, just don't choose a cable company yet. True (and TOT) are fine for phone service, I just don't like their internet speeds.

From the Bangkok Post

On the heels of a US decision on Thursday that kept Thailand on its special watch list of nations that fail to crack down on copyright and patent violations.

The Thai government is introducing new laws not to stop the Thais selling dvds, but to penalise the buyers and users (Farang) of pirated products and the commercial building landlords who ignore tenants who sell pirated goods.

According to Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot, the ministry has directed the Intellectual Property Department to draft legislation to cover penalties against buyers, users and possessors of products that violate copyrights or patents.

The new legislation would also aim to penalise flea market owners and department stores that lease their space or offices to those who sell pirated goods.

Only in our beloved Thailand

Well, that's it then. I guess they're closing MBK! (wow, imagine what would be left if you removed all the pirated material from MBK? You'd only have restaurants, the theatre, and index living mall left)

I doubt we'll see much of anything done, the streets will have their annual removal of the vendors for 2 weeks until everyone forgets and things go back to normal.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, stock up now, or try it a cheaper way:

Go to your local movie rental place, rent what you want to see (usually ~30baht per day), rip it to your computer (many ways to do it, just google it), buy some blank DVDs (usually ~ 8baht per disc), watch the movie, if you like it, burn it to disc.

There. Instead of paying 100baht per disc, you're only paying 38baht (or 225baht for the "buy 5, get 1 free" deal)

Or download it. The disc method is better because you won't have to clutter up your hd and leave your computer on for extended periods of time while it downloads.

If your condo is near Central Pinklao, then I know of a very good Cable provider. You get cable TV and 2mbps internet for 500 Baht a month. I will be able to get the details for you over the weekend when I get back to Bangkok.

Cool, thanks!

I agree Sanook2me, i used to live in an apartment building that sounds similar. Shared internet with a whole building sucks, that's why I'm glad to be in a condo now. I can choose my own!

I'm sick of my ISP, I'm with True (TOT equivalent?) and I find it to be really slow. I spoke with people at the AIS offices in Central Pinklao, and they said that AIS internet is not available in my condo building! Aren't all the ISPs available in all of the condo buildings? I'm just down the street from their offices, so it's not that I'm too far away from a central distribution box.

Are there monopolies within specific buildings? Can anyone in a condo building in the area (Lumpini, Rattanakosin, etc) relate?