flamingtodd

Wow. I am back in the States right now and there is NO MENTION of the Swine Flu. Seems that Americans got bored with it, and now have moved on to the new thing...

The sudden and tragic death of a dancing pedophile.

Thailand only cares about the way they look, not if it is right or wrong. They need to give the appearance that they are doing something, regardless if it has results.

It is truly shocking to be outside of LOS.

todd

Well i really do not see the point, unless they planning to use this as an excuse to use lethal force.

But 100's if not 1000's of police could not stop the red shirts from breaking into the ASEAN summit in Pattaya, so i really do not see how this law will do the job.

Should 10000 or so of red shirts decide to head over to Phuket, i doubt the law will stop them, as its already been proven that police are useless and only the army in large numbers are capable of doing anything.

I agree. Why not hold the Summit in KL, or S'Pore... Why have it in Phuket? What do they think? The Red Shirts are not going to come?

I have some news for those who feel the checkpoint is a safe gateway to Phuket. This is going to be very bad. If they did it to Pattaya, it will be far easier to do it in Phuket. It is an Island. Once you're on...

There are thousands of ways for the Red Shirts to get on the island without passing through the Gateway.

This will be bad, considering those who blame the gov for the current economy.

This will be fun to watch!

todd

A Big Mac is 1,85 us$ here. Thats more expensive than thai food. Do you need to negotiate?

Welcome anyway

Right, which is why I mostly eat at Subway, Burger King, KFC, and Oishi.

todd

I've never been to Phuket before, and I am going for the first time in a couple weeks.

I will say, that in the States, people are holding onto their money. The recession is still going on. Unemployment is still rising. Housing market is bad...etc.

Through this thread, I am learning that Thai vendors in Phuket are raising their prices to compensate for the lack of business?

I know that I can haggle with street vendors, but can I negotiate restaurant prices?

Good luck with the restaurant haggling. Phuket is suffering from the recession as well. Crime is up and so are the prices.

todd

I often find myself wondering when or even if Phuket will turn into a SER like Hong Kong or Singapore.

Most of the Thai's on the island aren't even from Phuket, but they act like farangs are the reason for all the bad things.

I am so sick of being blamed. Had I been the one in the Airport, being accused of stealing a Wallet, I would have thrown

a typical, loud, obnoxious, American FIT. As loud as I could, I would begin a verbal tyraide that would involve all passers by.

In all fairness, they should have been made to just pay the cost of the wallet, not 8000 quid. All they did was let their accusers

know that they can get away with it again.

I wish all farangs could just leave Phuket. How long would it take before the whole island economy collapsed. I wish that could happen

to prove only a point.

Thailand doesn't have a big GDP. What do they do besides tourism? I am embarrassed for this beautiful island. And I am fed up with

all the outright hustling, and scamming going on.

Amanda76 had her RRover broken into by 2 thai thugs. One of her dogs caught one of the thugs, cornered him, and tore his hoody sweatshirt... The Police

tried to get her to pay for damages caused by the dog and said she would go to jail if she didn't. Needless to say she made a phone call

and the cops left very quickly with the Thugs.

Can you beleive this crap???

todd

hONESTLY???

The worse it gets here, the more money I make...

I do High End Security, Protection, and Guarding along with some few ex-Thai Naval Spec Ops Guys.

I am going to make a fortune...

I love where we are, and I love Thailand...

Kit meshu-hopn na-nake

todd

flamingtodd and amanda76

I think this is great. I am sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is about time that Phuket sees the recession.

Funny how the local business owners are reacting. They are only making it worse.

Phuket has become a rip-off, from the moment you step off the plane.

I agree with HDRider. I am loving this.

And I don't drink in bars. I buy my beer from Tesco!

todd

You will find that most items, regardless of the location, can be negotiated, but be weary of your options.

For a few instances:

If you are on a long open, empty stretch of road, and you flag one down, the price may be higher.

If you exit the Shopping centers (ie Central, Jungceylon) there are far more options, so the price may be lower.

Don't be suprised when the exact same trip costs different. In Thailand, always remember that yes, they are working for a living, but you worked for that money as well. It is always business, and nothing personal. If a Taxi Driver tells you 600 baht, and you say 250, you are not hurting his feelings, you are simply involved in a business deal, so negotiate. But don't be a fool. Have fun, and ALWAYS SMILE!!!!!!!

He who negotiates better in Thailand, Wins. Often, I say 250, knowing I only have 3 One Hundred Baht Bills. When we arrive, I say 300 baht, tip for you, WHILE SMILING!!!

Also, you will see signs (occasionally) that say the price from one place to another. Look at the sign before you begin your negotiations.

Beleive me when I tell you, it is business. And it is fun. You will love your vacation as long as you realize that Thailand, wherever you may roam, is full of commerce. People making, cooking, driving, for a living. Respect them, and you will have a lovely time.

I personally recommend Tuk-Tuk's until you get a lay of the land, but a Motor Scooter is much better because you can stop and smell the SomTum.

Hope your vacation is wonderful.

todd

BANGKOK - Police are speculating that accidental suffocation, not suicide, may have caused the death of American cult actor David Carradine, whose body was found in a hotel closet in the Thai capital with a rope tied to his neck, wrist and genitals.

Celebrity blogs and social networking Web sites were abuzz with news of the death of Carradine — best known for the 1970s TV series “Kung <deleted>.” The circumstances under which he died have led to speculation that the 72-year-old actor may have been engaged in a dangerous form of sex play known as auto-erotic asphyxiation.

The practice involves temporarily cutting off the supply of oxygen to the brain to heighten the effects of a sexual climax.

Carradine’s body was discovered Thursday morning in his luxury suite by a chambermaid at Bangkok’s Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel, said its general manager, Aurelio Giraudo. Police embassy representatives while preparations were being made for its repatriation to the United States, expected to be in the next few days. Under U.S. privacy laws, the embassy is not allowed to release further details without permission of the family of the deceased.

Dr. Nanthana Sirisap, director of Chulalongkorn Hospital’s Autopsy Center, told reporters that the autopsy was conducted because of the “unusual circumstances surrounding Carradine’s death,” but did not elaborate.

Police Lt. Teerapop Luanseng had said Thursday that Carradine’s body was found “naked, hanging in a closet,” and police at that time suspected suicide. However, no suicide note has been found.

Carradine’s friends and associates insisted he would not kill himself.

‘That’s not something David would ever do’

“All we can say is, we know David would never have committed suicide,” said Tiffany Smith of Binder & Associates, his management company. “We’re just waiting for them to finish the investigation and find out what really happened. He really appreciated everything life has to give ... and that’s not something David would ever do to himself.”

Pornthip Rojanasunand, director of Thailand’s Central Institute of Forensic Science, said the circumstances suggested that Carradine may have died performing auto-erotic asphyxiation, which is said to result in a form of giddiness and euphoria — similar to alcohol or drug intoxication — that enhances the sexual experience.

Hello All,

I have a question regarding what I would need to leave the LOS with my little one in tow.

I have the Birth Certificate, childs US Passport, and a mother willing to sign saying I can take her.

Can anyone tell me what I am lacking?

The document signed by the mother, does it need to be notorized? Witnessed? The mother said

she would come with us to HKT immigration, but will this allow for the childs exit?

Also, what would I need for her entry into America?

Thanks very much

todd

Speaking of which, did anyone see the burned car at the top of the hill across from Soi Mangosteen in Rawai?

Man, they have a cheery picker and a crane out there.

Having just taken my Thai Drivers License Test in Pattaya, I have to ask:

Why do they even waste money printing them out?

Why do they waste money painting the lines on the roads?

I drive a Modified Vigo, with big tires and an iron bumber.

Helmets won't save these people. Getting there bike stolen and having to walk will!

todd

Umm. Nick Cage is bald. Just wanted to throw that out there.

OUTLANDER was great!

todd

I was at a Chef friends' house for dinner (Fantastic Cajun Food) the other night when he told me that he had a great burger at Freedom Bar. "You know the place," he said... "where all the ex-gangsters hang out in Rawai..."

He said the burger was the best burger on the Island. I, knowing darn well he has gone and tried them all, felt compelled to listen. He eats Hamburgers almost everyday, and he is one to trust when it comes to Great Burgers!

This place is called Charlie's Diner and they have other stuff as well. I have been 3 times already, (he has been like 15 times) and took some photos with my camera and have attached them as well. Check out the Fries! These are french fries, not that fat soaked, wax crap you get at the "New Big Mike's". I have never met the "New Big Mike", but I hear he is a real meaney.

He calls people and screams at them. As a matter of fact, he called a friend and cussed him out for giving out his private number.

Currently I am airbrushing the Owner's private number on all of my Trucks. Please direct complaints there.

At least Charlie's Diner has the sense enough to have a Farang with Burger Experience cooking, rather than being the absentee owner that "New Big Mike" is. Let the Thai's cook the Thai food, not the burgers.

Move to the Circle and think you can just buy a burger joint and it will run itself. Smart.

Enjoy the photos! Tell Ailsa Todd sent you! She is the gorgeous Blonde from Newcastle who cooks the burgers!!!!

todd

1200cc hogg

nuff said!

td

Ummm...

I think your information is wrong about the parties involved in the crash.

As we were at "a great rawai steakhouse" late into the evening, we came upon this accident, and have photos to back up this story, and it involved a "brand name cola delivery truck" and by the looks of it, (having 12 years of Fire Fighting and Rescue experience), I would say that the two cars hit each other while both were at really high speeds. We followed the wrecker with said delivery pick up, and it took 2 hours to drag it from the scene to the circle in Chalong. It could not roll on its own. It was literally dragged (drug) of the scene.

Oh, and there were MULTIPLE BODIES!!!!

but who really wants the truth?

todd

you just mentioned a corn dog?

WHERE?

big mike's doesnt have them.. i keep seeing them on TV and i have been starving for one for more than a year..

No, he mentioned Coney Dog. Like Chili Cheese Coney, or Coney Island Hotdog. It is how they called in America. The big place just south of Canada.

In Pancake Batter, instead of water, use Sprite. Stick a stick in the end of the dog, and dip in the batter, let dry 5 min, and dip again and then deep fry until brown. Garnish with Mustard!

todd

I have a daughter at 23 months and I would like to weigh in on this:

The Thai people really love children. When we go to Woodys, she goes behind the counter and plays with the girls. Most places are like this. This is the safest place I have ever been with my girl. Hongkong was a nightmare, S'Pore same. Goa was alright, but Phuket is great.

PMme and we can get our daughters together for playdates. She is big for her age, and loves to destroy sand castles, but everyone knows her and whenever we go to Central or places like that, the Thai's all call her out by name.

In my opinion, I raised a girl in Dallas and she is 18 now. It was a rough place. Phuket is great. No worries or complaints here.

todd

I agree with Kimera.

Jagoo, who are you to delegate what we as users/members write in our posts.

Read the posts, and take what you need and leave the rest, but don't get bossy.

todd

Never met Steve or Stevo for that matter, but I had a Chilidog and Chili Fries yesterday and the Chili recipe has been changed, and it is way too spicy. Borderline Unedible.

I did not move here for the spicy food, so it WAS nice to have a break from the norm, but Mike made good Chili, which is my reasoning for ever going.

Someone PM me when this new boss goes tits up, I wanna give it a shot.

todd

Hey everybody!

Have a question for the experts.

My company currently holds 5 toyota fortuners that I want to take to KL on Thursday for some "upgrades".

I was told I had to get a sticker for each showing the license plate in English, but that NO VISA was required.

Can anyone tell me what else is involved?

They will be there for 2-3 weeks approx (according to the Technician. Is there a daily charge per vehicle?

thatnks

todd

Why does Rawai always seem to be the epicentre of these attacks? Any theories?

Almost no police patrols or police presence....

Yes, as well as it being the mecca of drunk expats that live here with no concern in the world. Easy Prey.

I have to say if I was a local, and there was fruit ripe for the picking, I would be doing it too.

There have been many threads about M/C's doing dirty deeds. I don't support it, but I understand it, and have thus stopped traveling without thinking.

todd

WITH the year half over, newly released TAT figures for the 2008 high season reflect a drop in numbers that indicates leaner times ahead. Resorts and the Phuket economy are likely to suffer as the price of oil pushes up the cost of flying.

-- Reaction and details at www.phuketwan.com

(Sounds from when the journalists arrive in the movie The Right Stuff)

For the life of me, I can not find that sound clip. I am trying very hard to find it, but I may have to buy the dvd and rip it myself.

Rather than highlighting the impact of the current tourism situation, why not reflect on the impact that tourism has on the environment, the eco-system, and the culture. I have an idea why it is not covered, but that is another story. Rather than making up what may happen, why not tell us what IS happening. Speculation, Assumption, Alleging, Indicating... These are powerful words, but are only meant to steer or discourage, not to state actual fact. Every post that I have read from the OP seems like an injection of thought. Just like the Weatherman, unable to predict the weather, somehow the OP can predict the direction tourism is heading based on the OP own personal opinion. "indicates leaner times ahead". The price of oil is falling, and will continue to fall and you say "Resorts and the Phuket economy are likely to suffer as the price of oil pushes up the cost of flying".

Journalism is for fear injection. The words can be sourced or arranged to inject fear into it's readers. Informing your fellow man is done by stating FACTS not indications, speculations, or assumptions. Indicating assumptions is called LEADING. The OP insists on LEADING people into a direction they were not headed in the first place. Although it makes it exciting, it is verbal poison.

As for the rudeness and ugly behavior of Thai's working in Patong, that is because they are not FROM Phuket. They immigrated here from other provinces, and I have found that the Thai's that are actually from Phuket are not the ones you face on the streets of Patong.

Now, just like the idiots in Washington, bailing out the Auto Makers. The only way to solve the problem is to allow them to collapse, and go bankrupt, thus relieving them of the Union Contracts, which is why they are so screwed in the first place. That is what Capitalism is. What needs to happen in Phuket, is a severe fall in tourism, thus allowing the ugly and rude Non-Phuket Thai's to fail and leave, and look for work elsewhere, thus allowing the stranglehold of the mafia, and underworld business dealings to fade away.

I hope that the tourism industry falls so much as to run out some of the farang business owners. They are far worse than the rudest of Thai's. There are so many business owners desperately depending on tourism, that even they can get rude or speak ugly to you. A friend tried to buy some "food products" from one business owner, and because the Nursery his daughter was at had to close, this business owner had a fit and told him to "never try to contact him again" (he still has the email) I hope it happens very soon, because the eco-system, and the beaches are suffering.

This of course is only my opinion, and it is merely that, an opinion.

todd

We are in California for the holidays. My flight is on the 3rd, and this is all the BBC has to say about Thailand.

Does anyone have another website that is more dedicated to Thailand?

Well, not all of us are desperate old men.

Some, happen to go to Pattaya for other things besides young rental properties.

Maybe it wasn't soi 6, but it was near it.

Excuse?

What in the world is Authentic about New Zealand anyway? And how on Earth could you call your restaurant "Authentic"? Are you Mexican? Your wife maybe? Where did you "download" your recipies?

I am sure it was great for Kiwi's who had never been outside of NZ, but you had first hand experienced fat Texans telling you it was no good? That would probably mean it sucked. Kiwi's know Mexican food like Mexicans know .....ummm.... I am at a loss for an example of Kiwi food. Oh Yeah.....like Mexicans know Kiwi Fruits.

Obese Texans know Mexican Food. How do you think they got obese? Eating Kiwi Fruit? You should have listened to the Texans, maybe you would still be OPEN.

And please, What is a Sepo? Is that some made up word from NZ?

todd