bulmercke

sierra01 apologies - thanks for your PM - tried to reply but got the following communication:

Personal Message to 'sierra01 - many thanks for the e-mail and good luck with the visa.' will fail because 'sierra01 - many thanks for the e-mail and good luck with the visa.' does not exist!

Personal Message to 'actually, i have to agree with you..... although my comments were a little bit derogatory.... of bognor....still have a fondnesss for the place.' will fail because 'actually, i have to agree with you..... although my comments were a little bit derogatory.... of bognor....still have a fondnesss for the place.' does not exist!

Personal Message to 'my home town is littlehampton, where i lived and worked for many years....engineering.....iec ltd.....etc.' will fail because 'my home town is littlehampton, where i lived and worked for many years....engineering.....iec ltd.....etc.' does not exist!

Personal Message to 'i have a thai wife and a twelve year old step son. my parents visited us in october.' will fail because 'i have a thai wife and a twelve year old step son. my parents visited us in october.' does not exist!

Personal Message to 'anyway mate....keep in touch.... i'll look out for you on this forum....and perhaps we can meet up for a drink in the not too distant future......here in bkk......' will fail because 'anyway mate....keep in touch.... i'll look out for you on this forum....and perhaps we can meet up for a drink in the not too distant future......here in bkk......' does not exist!

Personal Message to 'happy new year and .....' will fail because 'happy new year and .....' does not exist!

Personal Message to 'kind regards......' will fail because 'kind regards......' does not exist!

This personal message has not been sent

Thaivisa admin....please clarify.

Condolences to Mr Hall's family.

This is really not helping the country's reputation; murders, muggings, stabbings, deaths on public transport, rip offs, cons.  Bad news.  Is it me or does this type of happening seem to be increasing ever more rapidly?

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I have lived here twelve years and there definitely appears to be a trend which indicates that more and more foreigners are being assaulted and murdered for whatever reason - although judging from some of the comments previously posted on this forum, I know that some members will disagree.

Only a personal view, but depressingly and worryingly not too far off the mark, I fear!

(sierra01 - my parents live in Yapton - just a few miles from Bognor - was in Bognor last March - bought a portion of chips on a very cold and deserted beachfront - reminiscent of what Stalingrad must have been like in that terrible winter of 1941)

haha - thanks for the info.

Trevor - Thai prisoners are still being put to work on sewer cleaning. In fact, just a few months ago I saw a group of about thirty of them working on Phracha Uthit Road in Bangkok cleaning sewers, wearing in the main only brown prison issued shorts, showering down afterwards from two oil drums filled with water. Not nice work at all. Hauling up manually buckets of stinking waste.

Ironically, though it has got to be one of the worst jobs in the world, I think the Thai prison authorities look upon it as a perk for a few trusted prisoners, not thought likely to make their getaway once away from the prison confines.

From Stickman's weekly: December 18 2005

A very nasty fight broke out in the Nana Hotel car park on Monday night and eye witness reports have it that a farang had the crap beaten out of him by a Thai. He was hit a few times and fell to the ground where he was pounded until unconscious. Medical help was sought and he was hauled into an ambulance and rushed away for treatment. But the story does not end there and the usual story of perpetrator just disappear away into the crowd was not to be... The thug ran across the road, and misjudging his getaway was hit by a car! And in what turned out to be poetic justice, he was hurt so badly that he couldn't get up! The boys in brown were soon on the scene and the thug was duly arrested and taken away to the local cop shop where he had a lot of explaining to do. The motorbike boys on the corner of soi 4, themselves a hard bunch, were shaking their heads at what this guy had done, saying that he went way too far. The rumour mill has it that the farang died, but this is something I have been unable to confirm at this stage.

Does anyone have any additional information about this?

Yeah...the slaying of the two back-packers a couple of years ago was, indeed, a shocking case, and having lived in Thailand now for over twelve years, I had my reservations at the time of his sentencing, that he would actually serve out that time in jail as he is, and was supposed to do so.

However, this is Thailand and Kanchanaburi being what it is - is a sort of gung-ho - "lawless" - in one sense of the word - police/army controlled place with their own way of dealing with matters that involve business and personal conflicts.

In fact, I used to go to Kanchanaburi fairly regularly at weekends, but after the killings and knowing from the local press here exactly where the incidents took place I didn't feel inclined to go there any more - and haven't subsequently.

One place I went to with my wife, which is popular with both local off-duty police and army - and where in fact, in the past there was at least one shooting between the two is Ting Gai (chicken foot) music bar and restaurant situated on the main road on your LHS as you pass through Kanchanaburi coming from BKK. It's located next to a much larger place - Apache - which is another live music venue with dancers etc - catering again to a mostly Thai clientelle.

I'll bet your bottom dollar he has frequented either or both of these places in the not too distant past and they're away from the back-packer guest house/restaurant area where the killings took place which is the road that runs from the bridge parallel to the river.

It's good that this thread is running - and bad news if it is indeed the case and he is in fact still out - bad news travels fast and I'm sure many others will learn about this in the next few weeks resulting in some exposure in the media of this situation.

peer2peer file sharing configurations....

there are gonna have to be really clever gooks out there!

(courtesy of francois) - previous post

Another fine man: Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno

"The revered abbot of Wat Pha Ban Tad pledged his support and his life to defend outspoken government critic Sondhi Limthongkul while the talk show host was visiting the Udon Thani temple yesterday.

Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno announced that Sondhi was under his protection after rumors of a plot to snatch and murder the veteran journalist surfaced."

Phil McDonald had this to say in this week's "Farang Affairs" column:

http://farangaffairs.com/pmach/splash.php

Do you agree?

Me personally....well I agree with somethings Phil says, but I particularly take exception to the last few lines:

"Sondhi has little regard for the law, lacks honesty, integrity, character, responsibility and loyalty to those who helped him get back on his feet."

"Everything Sondhi says and does is out of self-interest aimed only to serve and benefit himself."

Sorry....totally disagree with you there mate....the guy should be applauded for his brave and courageous stand against this government and it's totally corrupt and authoritarian rule.

And let's not forget....at this very moment in time....he's taking sanctuary at a Buddhist temple in Udon Thani and is in fear of his life for his outspoken criticism of the powers that be.

Worth remembering when so few other Thais have had the temerity and gall to stand up to this totally unacceptable state of affairs.

The article:

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ######S

Sondhi Limthongkul. . .

This champion of freedom and democracy built his media mini-empire on the back of dodgy loans. He went down the gurgler in 1997, owing a few billion baht. He did a runner and subsequently used his connections to avoid facing bankruptcy charges. He has not paid back one baht of the money he owes, which includes provident fund contributions by former staff at Asia Times and Asia Inc magazine.

He was resuscitated by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – who owed him a favor over some dodgy share deal in the 1990s – and given some radio time and public sector advertising contracts. The two were close, but then had a falling out, and next then you know the military is threatening of a coup.

Sondhi has little regard for the law, lacks honesty, integrity, character, responsibility and loyalty to those who helped him get back on his feet.

Everything Sondhi says and does is out of self-interest aimed only to serve and benefit himself

I attended the rally at Lumpini on Friday out of interest and to show my support for Sondhi - even though I'm a foreigner.

It really didn't matter that Sondhi was broadcasting from elsewhere - UdonThani - as the majority of those present listened to his speech on the large video monitors errected outside the hall.

The set-up was quite professional with large lanterns providing light and the sound quality was good despite some criticism from some who were evidently not present at the meet.

Those attending - Sondhi's supporters - were - without exception - civil and responsible members of Thai society - from all walks of life - young and old a like - who had simply come to listen to Sondhi and express their support for a brave individual who has the temerity and strength to stand up to this authoritarian government and the gross abuses of power that have resulted in endemic corruption, the rendering useless of government bodies, by the selective appointment of politically motivated nominees, the curtailment of free speech in the media - television - radio - and the majority of newspapers and the arrogant, determined and ruthless punishment and supression of any who dare to challenge the current intolerant state of affairs in this country.

More than anything, a sweeping sense of frustration and outrage, and an inherent belief by ordinary people in what proper and fair government should be, has resulted in the very large numbers seen at Lumpini in the last few weeks.

Last Friday there was, without question ,a "feeling of fear" generated by the over-wheming police presence, whose number was totally in excess of the proper police levels required for such an event -

And those who attended the event, myself included, were not daunted by this obvious attempt at intimidation and will not shy away from similar events in the future.

just curious...

I have many friends who own property in thailand.

do you think they should be concerned if a "coup" occurs?

personally, I was thinking of buying a condo here in the near future.  but I'm wondering about the logic of doing that now.

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All this talk of a coup is ridiculous - and as the The Nation reported today, it appears to have been instigated by Thaksin himself or one of his "lieutenants".

But it does give the government an excuse to label all supporters of Sondthi as "pro-revolution", anti-Thaksin "trouble-makers" hel_l-bent on bringing about a coup and ultimately a change of government.

Of course, this is rubbish, but it is none the less very convenient for the government to label Sondthi and his supporters this way.

It gives them the mandate to deal harshly with these "unpatriotic" felons intent on bringing down a "democratically" elected government.

Krue See.....Tak Bai.....Lumpini (probably not.....but if they could get away with it.....they would).

Anyway, if Sondthi remains at large and does appear at Lumpini tomorrow, expect a very, very tense situation.

Anyone know where and when the next Sodhi Limthongkul meeting takes place?

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Yes....Sondthi is due to speak again this Friday (6.00pm) at Lumpini Park- but I would suggest you get there earlier, as the hall there was packed out last Friday long before this. People were roaming around the park several hours beforehand.

WARNING: I personally believe the government will attempt, in some way, to stamp their authority over this movement this Friday and I think if you're intending to go then you should be extra vigilant and careful.

Quite possibly, the government may decide that the park, itself, is out of bounds for this gathering this Friday - don't be surprised if the gates are locked and there's a heavy security cordon around it....

OR...worse...the government attempts to discredit the movement by engaging "agents de provocateurs".....who will instigate a lot of trouble and blame it on Sondthi's supporters....thence discrediting the movement and scaring supporters away from any further meets...or even worse....some pro-government "aide" might like to lob a hand-grenade or worse.

CAUTION IS ADVISED....this is what dictatorships resort to when the chips are down or look to be going that way!

The OP is all about supression....asking provincial governors to monitor the supporters of Sondi Limthongkul, one of the few Thais to have the guts to stand up to Thaksin, will inevitably lead to a restriction of the freedom of movement of those supporters - ordinary Thai people who are fed up with this authoritarian and totally corrupt government and who want to simply join others in support of an individual who wants to bring about change.

i.e. the government will do everything in it's power to prevent Thais assembling peacefully behind Sondhi....in an effort to prevent a "snowball effect" of common nation-wide support.

Again, the government will show scant regard for the rights of Thai citizens in it's effort to cling onto unbriddled power and censorship.

Good luck to Sondhi and his supporters in the coming days...they're going to need it!

Also, me thinks, this Friday's weekly meeting at Lumpini Park, where Sonthi is to again address his supporters will become a flash point in the struggle to overthrow Thaksin.

Original Poster.....I reckon from your postings that you are fairly young or "youngish" and not totally unpleasant to the eye for Thai women....good luck to you....waitresses sitting on the laps of less attractive customers....obviously much less likely.....goes without saying even if this the LOS!

Don't forget that even the supposedly "good" girls here, employed in what appear to be respectable jobs often have the same designs and ambitions as their more bold and "less-principled" "sisters".

i.e. get hitched with a foreigner, for whatever length of time, and benefit themselves (and their families) in the process!

I think it is MOU, (memorandum of Understanding) which means it has to be

approved and clarified at all levels, even Sgt Nop at the local immigration office.

I think it will be some time before it is implemented, so don't worry too much.

It will make like easier for the legitimate traveller!! 

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This whole idea of two countries - one visa thing is pie in the sky. Thailand and Cambodia's rocky and fragile relationship will soon put a stop to any ideas either of them have about some sort of immigration arrangement. Let's face it....just a couple of years ago they almost went to war with each other!

Anyway, visa runs make a lot of money for both countries at the moment.

tywais - yeah I can accept there could be a degree of doubt involved here as to whether it was intentional or unintentional, but the over-whelming feeling of all four us at the time (two Thai persons and two foreigners) was that she, perhaps, with the connivance of the establishment, was trying to pull a fast one.

The amount in question was 140 baht.

But what really upset us was that there was no apology - intentional or unintentional - there's really no excuse for that!

Two weeks ago my wife and I and two friends from Pattaya dropped in on The Robin Hood pub and restuarant on Sukhumvit, Bangkok. We ordered three glasses of Heinekin and a soft drink, and then later one more Heinekin.

Sometime later I was handed a bill for five Heinekins and the soft drink. It was a simple order. Naturally, I immediately querried the bill with the waitress, who went away and returned with a corrected receipt without so much as word, or an apology or any eye contact whatsoever. She simply put the book on the table and walked away. Naturally, we didn't leave a tip and vowed never to return to this establishment again.

Also, we were seated for about ten minutes before I could get the attention of a member of staff to serve us.

Have any other members been "accidentally" short-changed here?

I've only followed this story peripherally but it seems like the reporter and editor (in charge) hastily ran with the story of major cracks in the runways (not the edges) that would likely require complete reconstruction. A retraction the next day (or two) mentioned that the reporter had not actually viewed the major runway cracks that were mentioned (ouch). American experts, unamed (and mentioned as being consulted by the PM) said that the runways were completely unsafe as is, and would need to be completely rebuilt. I think the reporter did not follow through, nor did the editor in charge. The idea of a major scoop caused them to rush the story without verifying the sources. I doubt they were set up but am not sure where these American experts came from (other than America of course). I hate to see anyone get sacked based on a single mistake but you can't challenge the gov't here unless you are absolutely sure of your sources.

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A good point....but you have to agree that these two editors should have been allowed to defend themselves in a court of law about this matter....however, in this case, an editorial decision has decided the fate of these two loyal journalists...two fine jounalists at that.

This is the man responsible for the sackings.

Yesterday, Bangkok Post's news editor, Sermsuk Kasitipradit, was sacked in connection with reports about there being cracks in the runway of Bangkok's new airport.

Sermsuk: "The management has treated me unfairly. I have worked here for twenty-two years," he said.

Yesterday, some 50 members of the paper's editorial staff - who dressed in black to display their dissatisfaction with Armstrong's "severe" punishment - gathered in front of the interim editor's office in a bid to ask him to review the decision - but got no response from him. (reported in the Nation today).

OK Bambina, sorry to offend, I really don't know you or your background - so forgive me.

just in my experience Thai people are very callous to the suffering of the poor Thais, (especially if they come from Isan)! When I first come here in 1987, the average salary was THB5,000 per month. What is it now in 2005? Unchanged, yet when I walk past Bed Club, how many young Thais I see in imported Porsches etc. There is so much wealth in this country, but the selfish rich care nothing about the other Thais. Thai Rak Thai is a joke.

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Well said.....