newtronbom

Tourists don't need 4 Tourist visas.

Good to see them cracking down on people illegally abusing the system.

Should really make it a limit of 2, not 3. Or even a limit of one in neighbouring countries.

Are you saying that if you have a penchant for a particular country that 3 times is the number of times you should be allowed to visit it, in your lifetime?

I have to add my 10 cents worth too. "Why?" How could this affect you in any way?" It's not possible to properly see all of TL in a year, let alone 3 months! These people are not taking anything from the 'Thais' but are spending every day. You could say it makes it too easy for criminals, but this tiny percentage of the whole, would find a way regardless. Where is the downside?

I pretty much go with the comment made by "Thaicbr". She is way past the normal eligible marring age - 16 to 25 - though definitely not past her use by date as I'm sure you know. Having said that, it is a tradition here, that the groom or his family, make some form of payment to the new brides parents etc. The amount to pay, is very difficult for a non Thai to work out. Two of my daughters friends had 50,000 bht each paid to their families by their Thai husbands. They lived in the provinces and were in their early 20s. My wife told me that was considered very good. If the girl is really pretty, comes from a good family and is actually loved by the groom, 200,000 bht is not out of the normal, especially if the groom wants to give face to his wife and her family. Here in Bangkok, the price is not much more, unless she comes from a well known rich family (no westerner will get near her) then the sky is the limit. When I married my dream lady (her 2nd marriage) a couple of friends said I should pay her mother something(father passed away). When I asked my wife's brother, he said it was not necessary as it was the 2nd marriage and she was then 37, but if I wanted to give something and could afford it, buy mother a 7000 or 8000 bht chain for good face and feeling. All were happy with that. We got married in a church in Sukumvit Soi 2. Your lady is well educated, which may have cost the family quite a bit (that could be a reason for the high demand, if its not an outright ripoff) but we all try for the sky at first, but come down to earth after some bargaining. If she means a lot to you, 300,000 to 500,000 bht in cash, or the same amount combined with gold is not unreasonable. She has a job too and has been supporting her family for how long? At least 10 years if she is 38. Very bad form and face if you don't pay something, or too little, but she is a good catch by any means so it comes down to what you can afford and just how much you value/love her. I don't think over the 500,000 bht is necessary though, in all honesty. You are the only one who can put a price on your feelings after reading all these posts. Good luck.

I don't see why a pedophile ever gets out of prison, at all.

Because there are other ways of moderating their behaviour? And by your rationale, why keep them in prison wasting taxpayers money? Why not put him up against the wall and shoot him?

Shoot him, Really! That is going too far. On proven guilty beyond all doubt, the convicted paedophile should not go to jail, but immediately castrated and extradited back to his own country where he will be placed on a sexual offenders list and never again allowed a passport again. After all some countries think nothing of executing drug offenders.

Your suggestion seems fitting and I can't argue with your reasoning. If drug offenders can be executed, a surgical castration seems mild by comparison and should be a good deterrent to many. The sickness remains in the hardliners however and he/she could still do a lot of harm. Some may go so far as to silence their victims rather than risk getting caught. At least prison does stop them for a time. Pity technology is not up to science fiction. If it were, they could live out their sick fantasies in a simulation and not hurt anyone. Maybe that plus a good shrink would do the trick.

5-6 years for a convicted farang pedophile...

20 years for the Thai wat undertaker involved in the aborted foetus discovery....

How exactly does the Thai justice system explain that one?

You know you should never ask that question! Too many variables come into play - did the judge have a good night before sentencing with the gik or was he hanging over after a party with Johnny Black? Differences never add up no matter which way you look at it and precedents are never quoted in Thai law on sentencing or by defence or prosecuting counsel that I have heard. Just depends on the judge and on the day and the weather and the fortune tellers on Vipavahdi Road.

Pedos do not usually get the same treatment inside here, as they would back home. Just as a "narc" here is pretty much forgiven after a few strong words. Probably cause in most cases here, the first to get nabbed always seem to top off the rest(just watch any news hour on Thai TV) and don't "stay stum" like the crims where I come from. The informants/narcs here get much the same time handed to them as they would have got for just pleading guilty - much like our system. To me, this Pedo has intentionally changed - if not ruined completely - the whole life and future of a child. Just what punishment is appropriate? At least the pain is over for a dead person. The child may and likely will suffer for the rest of their life! Yeah I have been told that not all kids are forced to it, but a kid can not know that a pervert is doing him/her such harm, even if it seems to be fun at the time. Twisted thoughts that any normal kid could never have imagined nor encountered in a regular childhood. That's my view anyway and I hope some of you will agree with it. As to this case.....I know it's no picnic inside here and another long stretch upon release in his own country? Still not sure that justice is served.

From what I have seen personally, I have to agree with you that there are too many variables that affect a decision. The only constant I have seen here if it can be called that, is the extreme disparity between intentionally murdering/killing somebody, which seems to amount to an actual time served (pretty much regardless of actual sentance) of 5 to 13 years at most on average, depending who you are and who you know, who you offed, amnesties etc. and the light sentance given to this pedo who a poster says will be 5 to 6 years.The other extreme is when a drug dealer/courier/possessor of more than a small amount (not advocating drugs, just stating facts) will serve a minimum of 25 years of the same life sentance handed down to the murderer, as amnesties don't normally apply except for very small cases, or if they do get applied generally, only a tiny % gets knocked off depending on time served at time of amnesty, also unlike the murderer/hired killer, no one will admit to knowing them, let alone back their early release. This same disparity applies in our own western courts too, I have never worked out to my satisfaction the "why of it", nor do I think I will ever understand it. Sure, many drugs do a lot of damage - some such as meth - can be permanent to the user if used long term and effect/cost to society is enormous. The user did do it to himself voluntarily though and it only cost society some money, unlike murder where a life is intentionally ripped away. Even those who overdose on drugs can not be said to be murdered by the dealer, as long as he gives what is asked for and not some poison. This applies even more to the bulk supplier, who is even less likely to cut his stuff, let alone poison it, as he would not be around long to make money let alone spend his profit. It would be nice if someone could explain all this to me, but I fear there is no rational explanation.

<br />Funny... he kills a Thai and is sentenced within weeks. He kills a Canadian and two years later still hasn't gone to trial.

So the failure of the justice system is responsible for the 18 yr old girl's death. Shame. Failing to lock up a murderer because he only killed a foreigner, then he goes out and kills one of their own. Then he gets charged and sentenced. Guess it highlights what they really think of us.

You all know what they think of us. Their women are great and educated too. However I like to know if any of us ever made a friend here outside the wife family?

I can make them all over Asia except here.

Yes. Several good ones and I would go to the "post" for all of them, as I am sure they would for me. Will admit too, that I find it is a bit harder work here, compared to back home, to make good friends because of cultural differences both in thought and action. Plus there are many preconceptions - on both sides - which can take time to disprove. I must admit though, that in regard to this case, the many Thais I have asked, while all saying positively it was wrong for this cop to shoot these 2 people, can all understand the witnesses attitude in not appearing in court. When I asked about this, a few said it would have been dangerous for the witnesses(which I can well believe if the local cops tried to do a cover up as reported) and bad face for the police chief(as the perp may have blown the whistle on a few "good things") which shows a common attitude between us and the Thais towards police ethics, the only difference being that they accept it and we don't. Some said it was hard to explain and wandered off, some just changed the subject. When I asked about the cop killing his wife, a few said (quite seriously) they had thought about doing the same to theirs "but hadn't yet", but that if she was a good wife it was inexcusable! We must all keep in mind that the common attitude towards gunmen for most people here, is that they are tolerated as a part of society and many gain a lot of respect. That attitude generally only applies to those doing a/their job though, not for a "crazy or casual killer" etc. I personally agree with the comment that the wife of this policeman, would still be alive today if he had been convicted earlier. The trial taking such a long time to take place should also not be a surprise, with the sheer number of cases waiting to be heard. Many taking up to 5 years plus another 3 to 5 years for appeals. For most big cases, it is 1 to 2 years for the first court and from 1 to 2 for the first appeal. They can still get a quick trial done though, when it is "political" to do so. The abortion clinic case comes to mind...but more significantly to me, the speed of the trial for killing his wife ( which lets face it is a common crime here, if you watch and understand the Thai news at all), to me says more about the attitude towards this guy, than it does the attitude towards us. I think we should consider this as well as many other things, before we condem this country. It is still a good place for many of us to live.

Anyway. Who gives a toss about the names. What really shocked me about this, was learning that not all Romanians are Vampires....I always thought.....

It seems like the scum of the earth just gravitate to Bangkok.

a bit more of a year ago five or so Romanians were caught for the same crime in Singapore.

Jailed for 5 years and over. Silliporeans dont mess around with this stuff. no compromise, no tea money and no ways to make jailtime funtime over there.

Not sure if these guys are to be called scum though. quite high tech stuff they do, pretty harmless as they rob from the banks and insurance companies who are the biggest thieves anyway.

Would agree with you if they only hit the banks etc. but you can't tell me that these scammers have a conscience and only target the big outfits. Many elderly and vulnerable people, both here and in the UK, have lost their entire life savings to these pricks and have no way to recover from a scam like this. Their life is ruined. At least in the UK you can fall back on the system. Here for now, they only get 500 a month. I think the label of "scum" is very fitting for most, if not all these people. Fortunately for some here in TL, friends and wealthy ones often "pass the hat" so to say and so some victims do get a little back. Those that donate are not all after getting their faces on the tele either! Another of the many good aspects of the culture we live amongst.

double post sorry. &lt;deleted&gt;!!!

Thanks for the advice! 'll check what brand the intel power supple was,

but it seems like most people I've talked to recommend intel system..

I agree that the intel systm seems the better option for you. I think you may have underestimated your power requirements though. Recon you need around 1000 watts at least. We all usually upgrade our PCs after a while, and add more hardware, so best to over kill, than run short. The graphics card alone, can chew up a lot. Check this one out. Good quality and not too expensive. Probably cheaper than this in Phanthip. 1000 wt power Good luck. thebom

The BananaIT recommendations have some good parts but really miss on some key components. The most prominent is the PSU, which is the foundation of a stable, reliable computer. Hard to get a good one for under 3k baht. The recommended memory is inadequate, your Corsair alternative is far better; 4GB is adequate, Windows cannot use more than 3.4GB. Use 1600 speed just in case you get enthused about tuning. Gigabyte H55M USB3 mobo has more value for gaming, also has USB3.

You would do well to go talk to the gents in the enthusiast shops at Pantip Plaza. These include the several Jedi Cool shops (3 of them) on the ground floor, and the several others right by them. Look for the high-tech Cooler units in the windows, a good clue for the clientele, which is geared toward gamers and overclockers.

Sorry to be the one to correct you, but Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit is designed to handle up to 192 GBs of RAM. Even Windows 7 "starter" 64 bit version, which is the most basic version of '7' 64 bit you can buy, can handle up to 8 GBs of RAM. Correct however that the 32 bit "unmodified" versions of Win 7 can only do 4 GBs RAM, although there is now an unofficial "tweak" out, that will boost that handling up to 16 GBs RAM - though please don't ask me where to get it, as I have never had to use it. This link 8 GB makes a difference is interesting though as the guy has 8 GB RAM on a Win 7 32 bit O/S and although it reads that in system properties, in 'task manager' his 8 GBs only shows as 3581 GBs - with the system using the diff of the 4 GBs. The interesting point here though, is that when he actually tests it for performance differences running a program, it runs much slower when he takes out 4 GBs! Bit of a gamble, but if you can afford it, just try 8 GBs and see what the difference is for you. Also check out the following link on ZDNet. RAM specs for Win 7 Read this useful link on what the various Windows 7 O/Ss can handle. I have only 8 GBs of DDR3 1600 mhz, but will upgrade to 32 GBs next month (as that's all my mainboard will handle) as Alias's 3D Max 2011 can be very Ram hungry. This next link may enable me to overcome this problem and I will try it myself shortly. My final ink is this one ram workaround which gives a pretty good workaround to the RAM limitation. Lastly. A good alternative to the usual Phantip Plaza Pratunam drama, is the much newer Phantip Plaza 2, over on Ngarm Nong Wan road, near to "The Mall" Ngarm Nong Wan. It's well stocked with computer stuff, very well ordered and laid out, very clean, prices much the same as the more well known Phantip, has some pretty good repair and service shops at decent prices and you don't get those dam guys hounding the heck out of you and making a nuisance of themselves by whispering out the side of their mouth saying....sexy movie, you want, sexy movie.......hey, you .......sexxxy mooovieeeee. Apart from the shops selling computer stuff, there are also many nice shops selling all sorts of other goods too, including clothes, jewelery and even some antiques. I found the food there to be better too. Think it has 4 or 5 floors. Best of luck. Hope some of this can help you out. thebom

PS: I just found this link. You will find it a great relief. Win 7 32 bit will use over 8 GBs Ram And this one can be used on Win 7 I think as well. Ram tweak Also I would check out the price of a Samsung Hi - Def rather than standard monitor. You get a 5 year warranty on all their monitors too, which from my sons own experience, they honor. His 21" LCD fizzed after 3 years and they actually replaced it. When I asked them why the generosity, they said they don't fail very often!

I tried to go down this lane as well. It is very hard to get "clear" answers legally. I found out for instance, that for "spirits", the Singh Beer corporation, holds the major license in TL and is part owned by the GVT! They sub lease to CERTAIN people and companies. Take most major brands and if you dig deep enough, it will lead to Singh. The bottom line here is that for spirits - anything over 25% volume i think it is - it is impossible to get a license legally. Wines and beers though, are fairly simple to get - hence the rapid growth of wineries and vineyards owned by actors and other such public people - and one can do all of the paperwork themselves(if you can write in Thai)to get the license approved. It is not legal as such to brew your own(read distill) whiskey here, however a senior policeman I happen to know, told me that in practice, a spirit brewed by ourselves for self consumption, would generally recieve "a caution" unless there has been made a specific complaint, against which the BIB must - or at least should - act against. Like most of us here, I sure don't wont to get thrown out of TL for some minor thing like this. Having said that however, my main reason for wanting to "brew my own" is that I know I can still off a far superior brew, without the "methanol hang over" that is available in the shops. It was something we just did back home, kind of like growing your own spuds, but a lot more fun and satisfaction. Many people do it here in TL though, despite all the dangers, with imported(postal order packages) ingredients and equipment from back home. Seems the Thai customs don't have a problem with importing the means, just with the "stilling" part of it and consumption seems to be a bit naughty. Lets face it. How hard can it be, to make a superior product to "lao cow"!!!! With the new turbo yeast that is sold now, produced by a company called 'Alcotec' it takes just 3 to 4 days, to finish a 25 liter brew made from simply 25 liters water and 6 KGs of sugar. That's right. No other ingredients necessary. Still it off and flavour afterwards with any taste you wish. Packages of flavoring are sold from the "brew shops" back home too. Gin, Scotch, Vodka, the list is endless. Of course you could soon make up your own mix - and wouldn't it be fun trying? I worked it out, drawing on my previous experience back home and using local prices here, that I could produce 1 quality liter of 80% proof( the same as 'Sang Som" sold every where)for example, for 80 to 100 baht a bottle, depending on what taste you wanted. At my 23 year old step daughters birthday party 2 weeks ago, a certain person - who I won't name....simply added the common, sold everywhere but delicious fruit juice "Unif" using 3 different flavours to the 100% Macoy base, put it into old whiskey bottles to which had been attached self designed labels using my daughters name and some 'catchy' pictures'.It was an instant hit. Some of her "hi so" friends wanted to know where they could buy it! The juice cost more than the spirit for goodness sake! That is basically all that these "wine coolers" on sale are anyway. These figures don't include the cost of making a still of course. Apart from having a delicious low cost tipple, the hobby aspect of it all, really appeals to me too. If anyone does find a way to partake in this terrific hobby legally, please do PM me

I kinda agree about the monitor...if you can get by on your lld one, forget about it.

RAM quantity listed is fine; granted I've been running 12GB for the last 5 years, but that's kinda way overkill (plus in the begining it was only valid on x86_64 Linux...XP64 didn't game that well).

Between what you save on the monitor and your overhead budget, get yourself an SSD. I haven't priced them out in LOS, but I got a 128GB Crucial RealSSD for ~7000 THB buying from the States.

The smoothness of your system afterwards has to be seen to be believed; everything opens immediately, there are no slow downs, etc. Best upgrade I ever made since going to four cores.....

Agree fully with the SSD drive and the performance gains from it. Not just start up, but the incredible read/write times, give a major boost to game performance too. Suggest 100 GBs to 150 Gbs etc. I would not go for a single 1 TB SATA drive, as it will "bog you down" as it starts to fill up and the read/write timing suffers. I would use 2x say, 500 GB SATA 2 or SATA 3 drives to give you a major safety factor too, as well as performance gains. Then you just run your O/S and most of your critical programs on the SSD(non critical programs can be run on the D:/ or E/: drives) and set up your game saves, docs, videos, downloads - pretty much all to your stuff to the D:/ and E:/ drives. Then if you have to reinstall the O/S or get bombed by a virus, you still have all your data and stuff safe - I keep an auto updated(by "Acronis True Image Home") system image, so that if I ever have a problem(which I never have with Win7 ultimate 64 bit), I can do a quick system recover on start up, from the saved "disc image" in a short time. As also pointed out, your "graphics card" will make a huge difference to not only your game play, but overall PC performance. A single 1 GB DDR5 ram card is now not so expensive - I use 2x 1 GB, ATI Radeon HD 4850s crossfired together - but a single 1 gb card should be OK - only get the best you can afford anyway. An ATI FirePro V4800 has 1GB of GDDR5 memory with 24.5 GBs/memory bandwidth and all "the bells and whistles" and is under $200 now. Shop around. Also necessary as suggested by someone, is a good Power Supply - like a Tagen 1400 watt, which has more than enough connectors to go around and your graphics card - or any good one - needs a power supply. The one below needs 75 watts or more of power.

Hope this has been of use to you and has not just confused the hell out of you. You are welcome to PM me if you need any help. Best of luck putting together your new "killer desk top" anyway and cheers/best wishes for the "New Year". thebom

PS: You need to have Win 7 - or at least Vista 64 bit - to get the full value from anything over 2 GBs of RAM. Win XP just can't cope.....

I know that amongst most foreigners here in town, it is unusual to find a person with a propper license for a big bike... Like many other people, i tend to leave the brain at home when i go on bike rides- but still deep down, when i am not happy with the road/anything- my training will kick inn... I hate the fact that any person can rent a big bike in phuket- its just asking for problems...

Oddly enough I actually do have a license for all sizes of bikes though I ride a Phantom which is physically big enough for me.

I have ridden a 400 cc Steed but apart from my Honda CX 500 bikes of a longish time ago I haven't really ridden anything big or fast for many years and truthfully speed don't impress me much any more.

I wouldn't like to put my life in the hands of a rental guy down there on a big bike that I know nothing about its condition, servicings, brakes tyres etc.

I like to get on my bike and go where I want/need to go and get there safely.

At 66 with a young son I have no need to be a rocketship rider.

There are bold motorcyclists and bold motorcyclists but very few old and bold ones.

There are also bald ones and I come into that category.

Ride safely and carefully and you can do it again tomorrow and for the rest of your life.

Funny thing that. I too, seem to fit into "your bald category", but in my case I'm sure, it was the "wind speed" pulling out my hair and NOT curse the thought, old age, that has caused the shiny spot.....

When I am in the right mood, no Thai or foreigner for that matter, could keep up with me on the Yam TZR 150 I just sold, if riding in or near Bangkok traffic. Big straight roads outside the city are a different matter. But though the TZR had mag rims and good sticky tires along with good brakes, it was very fast, but certainly not as safe as would be a VFR 400, or other bigger bikes with wide slicks and twin disc brakes. Rubber to the road and even better brakes, along with ability, are what count in the the long run. I used to road race 500s back home, but that TZR was a hell of a buzz. With my "full face" on, the Thais didn't know I was a falang until I lifted the visor. Most of them were OK with that too, especially when I spoke good Thai to them. Has anyone else noticed that many Thai riders, noticeably on 250s up to 400s, some of whom are very good riders, just love an excuse, any excuse for a race? That newish "Ratchapruc" road that crosses from Rama 5 over to Sarthorn road and hits Rama 4, is in quite good condition and is a huge buzz at high speed. In my humble opinion, a good quality 400cc is just right - size and weight wise - and virtually unbeatable in and around Bangkok, if well ridden....Don't have pics of my bike, but the 2 shown below are good examples and mine was the same color scheme, plus it had mag rims. Can buy one in good condition for 5000 to 7000 baht. thebom

Merry Xmas Alex. A trip to Panthip plaza should solve your problem. Near the escalator on the 3rd floor, there is a big - ish - print shop who as of a year ago had this service at a reasonable price and did a good job of it. If they no longer do it, there will be many other places that do. I see many Thais that use this same shop, so I presume they are happy with the price and service too. Just a thought. Check the price of a small hand scanner, as you may find it better to do it yourself. These come with the software to do the job and from experience, it is not difficult. Just set it up right in the "preferences" and scan away. Best of luck and I hope this is of help. Mitch

Thai hospitals should be allowed to hold lotteries to earn income as in Canada, each hospital could have its own lottery and the needed funds will appear. Support the hospital of your choice buy purchasing their lotto tickets. The solution is simple.

That's an excellent idea. The amount people spend on lotteries would solve a lot of their problems and go to a good cause too. Have to be well run mind.

The 'Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts' beside Klong Prem, has had these blockers for over 3 years. They are fixed outside each room in all the 'blocks' which house what are considered "serious" offenses. At least 4 blocks or more out of the 10 there contain jammers. As there "are NO public phones" at all available to these inmates, many of whom have families living too distant to visit, the bulk of these calls, are normal ones made to friends and family. Of course the calls concerning drugs are highlighted! All these jammers have some holes though, through which the inmates can usually call out. Also, for some strange reason, on some nights, the jammers are turned off for a few hours - also strange that the inmates seem to know just when this will happen. The normal prison guards (not officers) only get paid 9 to 15 thousand baht for the first few years. 100 thousand is a fortune to them.............

Landmark Hotel on Sukumvit has the best I have tasted in BKK. Good range too.

A company called 'Unicity' sells a good product range called "biolife' in most areas. They have high quality products. I know for a fact it is sold in Chaing Mai - if that is where you live. If you can't find it, PM me and I can help.

The answer to your question is that in all reports we stated that the FCO had known about the man being in Pattaya police station since November 23 2010. Prisoners in the station, Benny Moalfi, said, had claimed he had been there three months. My clarification was unequivocal. No I will not be joining Pattaya One in the near or distant future. What would I get to write? There is no vendetta. Read what I have written. Nothing bad about Howard Miller at all.

I gave you many questions, you haven't answered any of them.

Fact: You did not clarify the situation at all, not one iota. Not good for a journo really!

Please re read my post to you and answer the questions.

I am not really interested in you and Mr Miller, my questions concern the reactions you have elicited against the British Embassy Consular Staff.

I doubt you will be joining Pattaya One whatever that is (I have never had the pleasure of reading it), my invitation for you to interview me was concerning the realities of arrest and incarceration of British nationals in Thailand, but I guess the truth would not sell like your fabricated crap in this story.. In it's truest sense this is utterly diabolical journalism (in fact I do many many people a disservice by calling it journalism), shame on you. Hope it got you a few Singha. Oh by the way, if you were so appalled why didn't you free the guy? Why wait for the lady on the white horse?, maybe because you didn't meet him eh!, just left it to a photographer called Benny, who no doubt makes his living from... shocking photographs!!

Edited to add "What's to check is the fact that it is reported he had been in there for 3 months"

I have just re read your article. it is poor, ill written, with errors. Now the photographer is also an activist ex prisoner, who is lobbying against the Thai prison service. Seems like a "hey john take your shorts of mate, this will get em" photo may have been in order, but as a good research journo you checked the whole thing out right!

And to think the Lady in White may have been persuaded to front up the cash to release this guy by your exaggerated story of 3 months is quite frustrating for her I am sure. if it would have been accurately reported about the length of the mans incarceration and the prognosis you could have saved her a grand or so, but hey, you got a quick buck.

I don't know Andrew D, but I have seen some of his work. When not making an "off the cuff" reply to a post, his English and grammar seem very good - especially when compared to the standard of more than a few on this forum. I have been the victim of reporters/media myself. I have no love for them. They can do a lot of damage and often hurt innocent people. Unfortunately, they are often the only ones with the balls or guts to say what needs to be said, to put some things right. In this age of massive cover ups, spin doctors and in many places 'media suppression' and control, they are essential. I say they do more good than harm, even though I am a victim myself.

Whether or not this poor man in Pattaya would have been saved without Andrew posting this news, I don't know. He could have been there a lot longer. He could have died? Regardless, Andrew did bring it to our attention first. His post did not start the criticism directed at the Brit embassy. The post by 'jayjay0' did that

"Here in Chiang Mia the British consulate is next to useless also. I personally know of two cases where a British citizen needed help and was turned away. Thankfully a Christian organization helped them out." [end quote] Andrew put it like this......

"They are awaiting on a decision from the British Embassy in Bangkok. But will, or should, the British government cough up for his treatment?" [end quote] A fair statement is it not? My emphasis on "will - or should". Maybe he should also have asked what embassy staff are allowed to do in this situation. I don't know their mandate restrictions, but do know many good people there, that do the best they are allowed to, within that mandate. You seem to have a burr up your butt for Andrew and his like, but is it not possible, that the very hue and cry and bad press resulting from his post, may well help the embassy staff here by bringing public pressure to bare on the FO, who may then be able to justify giving a wider/better mandate and a bigger budget to their embassy staff to better cover situations like this?? If so, Andrew has once again done his job well. I don't think he "sensationalized" this case at all - the case speaks for itself......Finally. The "activist ex prisoner/photographer" is fighting a good cause. Any one who has made visits to prisoners here, knows that the Thai prison system needs all the change and help it can get. If not for people like this Benny, who else here is going to do anything about it, or try and change it? You?

I wasn't going to reply to this post, but I think I have to add my 10 cents worth. I am in no way, going to try and justify or excuse, the treatment and condition of this very unfortunate man. Regardless of whether he has a history of mental illness or not, no human being in this day and age, should be treated like this. It is a sad fact though, that despite the billions of dollars spent "supposedly to help" people like this around the world, they exist in every country and many are even worse off than this man. It is too easy to lay blame - even without having all or any of the facts. I have lived here well over 10 years now and don't intend to leave. What I have seen here for myself regarding severe mental illness, is a tradition of the family taking care of these unfortunates at home where possible. Just like another very good tradition in Thai culture, where families take care of their "old people" at home - unlike us - as we generally tend to send them to a hospice etc. Those families who have members too sick to stay at home, if they can afford it, either get regular "private hospital" treatment if possible, or in hopeless cases, have them committed as a last resort. For those who can't afford it, there are the gvmnt hospitals with limited beds and overworked doctors, or the many charities(which I know nothing about) that I am told of, who are overstretched as well. In my experience therefor, it is unfair to complain about Thai people because of this case. Having read all the comments about the British embassy, mostly derogatory, their performance or lack of it, I felt I should also share what I personally know and have experienced, about their work with prisoners and the mandate they must work within, here in Thailand. To begin with, their budget for each department, is set by those in the UK. They have strict guidelines on how and where they spend it. They have at present, over a 100 people in prison here in Thailand to take care of and administer to. These represent only 1% of the more than 100 thousand Brits who visit here each year. It's obvious where the bulk of the funds will go. That's one of the reasons, why the British embassy cultivates a group of dedicated Brit ladies that live here in BKK, who have the time and the money, to visit prisons here every week. I also make some prison visits and have met some of them. The guys I visit, are very grateful to these ladies, who in most cases, are the only visits they get - apart from the bi-monthly embassy visit. I saw too, how hard the embassy worked to get one of the guys I visited, sent home early. Thanks to them, he was released after one third served. Its not automatic. Up until China took over Hong Kong, the British consul in Taiwan were giving British passports and support to HK Chinese prisoners and still give them support today. There are good people at the British embassy and they do the best that they can, within what they are allowed to do. I don't blame them for this situation in Pattaya. I also don't blame Thai people. The many I have talked to about this terrible incident, are just as horrified as I am about it. I am glad he is in hospital now thanks to that good ladies help and all this publicity. I just hope this never happens again.

Kasikorn bank is by far the quickest. The same amount transferred within an hour of each other, from either the UK or NZ, will be accessible from NZ the same morning(10 or 11 am) at Kasikorn and the next morning from the UK every time. Whereas to Bnk bnk takes on average up to 2 days before release. To date Kasikorn has been a bit less expensive too.

I agree with your post. He/they may get shot for being caught trafficking it, but I am sure the "metaphoric" dude in the aptmt had no gun put to his head if he didn't use it!! Booze does more to ruin society than drugs, not only the in the death figures related to it, but abuse and violence of family that goes pretty much unreported. Won't even start on the health issue. Having said that though, "ice" to my knowledge, is one of the most "toxic" drugs out there for ones health, both in the short term and even more so in the long term, so I am glad they caught this lot before it hit the streets.....

This is an oft trotted out arguement that has no real basis. If the numbers of drug users equalled the numbers of alcohol drinkers then you could do a comparison. Also legalisation would alter the playing field immensely. Now drugs are illegal they are used mainly away from prying eyes in private. If legalised they spread across society in open use/abuse just the same as alcohol and nobody really knows what the overall effect would be.

Having said that I do agree that some form of legalisation bringing with it control and taxation is the way forward. The current method has been run for more time than any experiment is worth and it is now time for the autorities to do a total rethink. But it would have to be a worldwide effort, it would make no sense two adjoining countries having different approaches as that would just increase the problem of smuggling.

However just look around you at the powerful governmental agencies that would, overnight, lose their reason to exist. That is why it will never happen, well not in any of our lifetimes anyway.

As for the death penalty? They're just two hapless mules, it would serve themselves and society more good if they were given a short sharp shock, like a year of hard labor, then released under surveillance for another couple of years.

You make a good sensible reply PhilHarries, though I suggest to you, that the statistics on the number of drug users/addicts - and I venture to say too, that the statistics on the shear unseen multitude of social users who are present in all walks of normal society and daily life, from "field/factory workers, white/blue collared employees, right on through to State Office and federal employees" who are not addicts and are present in all walks of life, are"way understated" as most of them remain far below the legal radar and do not have or suffer from the associated medical/socioeconomic problems that are so well touted by those same 3 lettered agencies to justify their jobs and demands. I am confident that if the real statistics were known that the gap you are suggesting in numbers, between alcohol users and drug users, is not that far apart after all. Those "3 digit" agencies - not all from the USA it must be said, but certainly the majority - that receive massive amounts of federal funding and tax $$ from many people, a large amount of whom are often themselves, also drug users (and lets be honest, major $$ from the trade they, the agencies are supposed to be fighting against as well) with which to exist/survive/run their (not always the "States") mandate/business and have to justify their existence by regularly giving out warped and often outright false reports and statistics, to their overlords and bosses to show how successful they are in "the battle against drugs", which as any sane person, such as you or me, should see and realize, is a loosing and ill-found battle to begin with. You are quite correct in pointing out that these many State and also non government agencies too, pull an enormous amount of weight and influence - also I think, quite out of proportion to their original mandate - in keeping this ineffectual "way past it's use by date" ridiculous approach to the modern day drug problem. I think that the majority of people do realize, even if many don't say so publicly, that these agencies methods of combating the drug problem, not only isn't working/has never worked, but has also created/enabled/allowed/given the opportunity to many employees and bosses in these very same agencies, to corrupt the system to further their own benefit and profit. As you so rightly suggest, an extremely hard unforgettable year inside, followed by close watching with good counseling and help finding a normal job and a normal life, would not only save the Government, State and tax payer a bundle of money, but could prove to be far more effective, in getting some of these losers back into a normal life. But no. They serve a ridiculously long and unhealthy sentence in prison, during which they were taught nothing, learned nothing, except where they went wrong, how to do it better and discovered more contacts while there. They are completely out of touch with the world outside - in Thai prisons news on TV/radio is not allowed - and after such a long time inside, all has changed both socially and technologically. It is a shock for them when they get out. There are no programs to give them any preparation at all, before being set free. They are then tossed out on the street by the system with in most cases no money, no job, they are unemployable and have no support for an angry and often poor family. They have to fend themselves by once again doing the seemingly only thing open to them - anyway the only way of getting money quickly to fill their empty stomach, encouraged by the very same gangs that got them caught in the first place for sure, so back to drug dealing and trafficking. Way to go! That's my 10 cents worth anyway. thebom

I don't agree they need the 'ultimate penalty'

Drugs can be debilitating and life-wrecking for sure, but let's put it all in fair-minded perspective.

For example: how debilitating is 20 Kg of crystal meth compared with 20 Kg of Johnny Walker Whiskey?

The answer would lie somewhere in who uses it and what actions ensue.

Is a drunk man smashing his car in to a pick-up truck full of students more excusable than a junkie lying on the floor of his run-down apartment?

Lock him up, yes. Kill him? No. (which one of the two culprits am I referring to?) ....good question, I'm as miffed as you should be.

I agree with your post. He/they may get shot for being caught trafficking it, but I am sure the "metaphoric" dude in the aptmt had no gun put to his head if he didn't use it!! Booze does more to ruin society than drugs, not only the in the death figures related to it, but abuse and violence of family that goes pretty much unreported. Won't even start on the health issue. Having said that though, "ice" to my knowledge, is one of the most "toxic" drugs out there for ones health, both in the short term and even more so in the long term, so I am glad they caught this lot before it hit the streets.....

My wife and I use only 4 doctors, whom we think are worthy of our trust, and I think it is significant that 3 of them are female and the other a farang.

In conversation with one of the ladies I asked that given the levels of bribery, nepotism and the abuse of the examination system in Thailand, would she say that some practicing doctors are a menace to their patients. She mulled it over for a short while and replied that she thought that I already knew the answer. No need to cross the t's and dot the i's there then.

Another of the lady doctors who we met when canvassing for a second opinion said that she was afraid for her grandchildren since upon her demise there wouldn't be a doctor in the family that they could consult with. She added that most young doctors were short on knowledge and ethics and overly concerned with money.

The farang doctor told me that there were no more than 12 or 13 Thai doctors of his particular specialisation for whom he had any professional regard.

The best construction that I could place on medical services available in Thailand is that from a quality point of view it is patchy. There is a lot of gingerbread but not a lot of substance underneath.

My wife and I both use Bangkok hospital. Me Bangkok international, she Bangkok Heart. I have tried several other large and medium private hospitals, but none came close to the quality both professionally and service wise that we get at Bangkok H. It is also not the most expensive place to go generally, though can not compare prices with Gvt Hospitals. The only Gvt Hospital I would go to is Siriraj, but the wait time to see MD there is too long and very crowded. It does have high quality docs and staff though, also medication quite cheap too. Even with an appointment, very long waiting time. In any country, young doctors are short of experience and knowledge. They have just begun their careers. The concern over money is also logical when you realize what it cost them to start practicing and how long many of them went without income, or with very little. Much the same everywhere. As for "professional regard" between specialists, it's the same anywhere. Just look at scientists and physicists worldwide, they are even worse for disclaiming and rubbishing anothers work or theory. The general level and quality of medical care here, is much better than most countries and is far less expensive too. My Mum lives in NZ and I can say that she wishes she could be treated over here. She spent her whole working life in the medical profession, so I think she would know. All the same, you get what you pay for to a point, no matter which country you go.