tomahawk

I was thinking about this subject yesterday as I have a friend here who is from Ireland and is I think in this category. He gets about 27,000 baht a month from pension and is making payments on small house. He lives with Thai woman and for transportation uses bicycle and taxis. He is over 70 years old and worked whole life in construction trades. He has very difficult time here financially, but in UK he says would be much worse and I do not know what would happen if had to leave Thailand.

I am also retired but have much larger pension than my friend. Still, I would have difficulty moving back to US. I would have to find apartment which means paying at least 3 months rent for security deposit. My old house in Catskill mountains cost 460 dollars a month 3 years ago. Now it is over 900 and that is cheap. Then I would have to get car, which means also insurance, and license fees as I let my driver's license expire while I was here. Then of course food is more expensive. So I would have to find job, and since my experience is in law enforcement I would most likely have to work some private security job, probably for minimum wage. Also, unless I move down south or somewhere, I would have to pay for heat. So while it is possible, it would be very difficult to move back.

Here I have new house, car, motorbike, satellite tv and internet. Also young wife. Plus money and time to travel and help people when I can and basically just be retired. I love America, but I would have few of these things there. And on top of this I really do love Thailand and Thai people also, so I have no plans to leave unless circumstances force me to go back to US.

I would support such a forum if there were one. I am confused by the wildlife conservation program here. They do practice this as hunting is illegal, however I cannot find the responsible organization. In US, although I am an American Indian and therefore hunted my whole life, I also volunteered with the wildlife conservation program. I was willing to do that here but cannot find such an organization. I heard there was in Nakhon Sawan, but though I go there often cannot find that either. However to the point of OP, I would also add my support to creat the forum for conservation of wildlife.

Superstar are you a troll or do you really exist? I mean no disrespect but I am completely baffled by your postings. Are you Thai or farang or eskimo? I love Thailand and Thai people. But seriously, three things I never see here are good drivers, large breasts or fair fights. And what is a "western?" Isn't it a movie about cowboys? and also I see many Thai people driving fancy cars and eating at McDonalds. They watch much more tv than I do, and of course they never get sunburned as they are wrapped up like mummies, carry umbrellas and park under a tree on motorbike waiting for light to change. And what is point of all this tough talk on an anonymous forum? In prison there is a term called "cell gangster." It is a guy who runs his mouth all the time challenging everyone to fight while he is in his cell. As soon as cell door opens, his whole attitude changes immediately, and he starts in with, "hey guys, I was just kidding."

Harry Patterson, if you think there are no boring places, then you have never been to Olean,NY. Seriously, though, I also have never been bored here, For one thing, there are very good used book stores here and especially the Gekko and Backstreet books which are on same road. There is also free library called Raintree center. This is a very cultural city with fascinating history and also it is very good location for travelling to Laos, burma, Isaan, and of course northern Thailand. Where else can you go kayaking, ride an elephant , eat at Italian restaurant and watch 3D movies in same day? Some days I take songtaew and without even destination, just get off whenever I want and you cannot believe the things I have seen this way and for about 1 dollar in American money. Just walking around the Warowot market is more interesting to me than watching a movie, if you really pay attention. I think one will find as I have that people who have lived here awhile feel a certain amount of pride in Chiang Mai. Like with one's country or family or race, it is okay for the insider to complain as much as he wants, but this is not the same as when this attack comes from someone on the outside.

I did not go to Fourth of July because i no longer can drink beer or eat hot dogs so whats the point? However as a retired prison guard, I am somewhat conscious of security and cannot understand the mind of people who complain of the security measures. The US embassy was attacked int epast, and as someone else said, we are at war. And obviously US is target for terrorists. So common sense is to have security. I am sure that since England was also attacked by terrorists, there is security at publci events there too. But maybe not, if they have people from forum running the show.

Also, if you go to 4th of July celebration in US, there will also be hot sun and long lines. It is just part of the deal. I am not surprised British people here are complaining, if you stop to consider why Americans celebrate it in the first place. I mean, I probably would not be too happy about celebrating getting my ass kicked.

A very horrible tragedy. I do not understand why the tv will show all this graphic violence, with blood spattering everywhere and people chopped up and blown to hel_l, but then they do that blurry thing with the gun when it is close to the victim. Does this make it less violent because gun is blurry? Do people not know the thing killing the other guy is a gun because it is blurry? When guy is smoking, and cigarette is blurred when it touches the guys lips, do people no longer realize he is smoking? I understand many things are cultural differences, but this blurry thing is truly beyond my comprehension. If the rope hanging the person on tv was blurry, would that have prevented this tragedy? For all I know, maybe it was blurry? I dont know. I didnt watch it and I am glad of that.

As I have written before on forum, the best massage for pain I ever had was at Maripaun Massage on Mae Jo Road. I suffered 2 herniated disks and nothing could help me including doctors and medications but after regular sessions of therapeutic massage there I have been completely free of pain for first time. Shop is officially called Maripaun Beauty Salon and Thai Traditional Massage. It is easier to find now since they have installed traffic light and put up new sign. It is 6.5 km from Meechok Plaza and Rimping Market on way to Maejo University, on right side of road heading to Maejo. Just go to second traffic light from Meechok Plaza and make u-turn at light. Then come back towards Chiang Mai and when you see sign for Wawee Coffee the massage is last shop in building next to Wawee. There is also a sign over the front entrance now which is just recent.

Rate for thai massage is 120 baht per hour and there is special therapeutic massage strictly for injuries which is 150 baht per hour. Masseuses are named Allie and Newt anb both worked at Sukhothai massage in Phuket and learned at same school so maybe this is why they are both so good. Also they have new trainee named Nit Noi who is very nice also. Have pleasant atmosphere and air-con and owner marisa is a sweetheart. Phone number is 0852849118. It is good idea to make appointment, and shop is closed on Mondays.

I do not know if this is helpful, but frequently when I go to the market or 7-11, I bring back something for security guards such as pepsi, coffee or some snacks. This is not for a payoff for protection, but because many years ago i myself worked as guard and I know they do not make much money and appreciate anything which shows consideration and breaks up monotony Perhaps this would help in your situation, but as I have not encountered this myself I cannot say for sure. In general, it helps to have a good relationship with the locals. Smile and say hello, and leave a decent tip to waitresses and other workers, show some attempt to learn the language and customs, and if you run into some hostility, you may find that you will suffer less repercussions afterwards. I am not saying you did anything wrong here. Am only speaking from practical point of view, not about right and wrong.

Also, I have lived in Pattaya and Chiang Mai, and my experience is there is much more hostile and agressive behavior in Pattaya than in Chiang Mai.

Syd, I have same problem. herniated disks and sciatica pain in right leg. Only thing helped me is exercise and therapeutic massage. I walk and ride bike every day and also do exercises called hindu squats and planks. I go to Thai massage almost every day but must advise that you go to qualified masseuse or will not help and can even make worse. Although massage is somewhat painful it has done miracles for my condition and before I began could not walk without stick or get in and out of car and now can do everything physically I did before. I tried tramadol but did nothing for pain, and I now take no medication at all.

There was study done with coffee and water and found that people drinking coffee did not get any more dehydrated than people drinking water. I myself do not get any more dehydrated with coffee than drinking other liquids. I think tea is healthier than coffee but I love coffee so still drink 2-3 cups a day. Interesting thing for people in Thailand and other hot places is exercise plus caffeine is supposed to help prevent skin cancer, especially exercise and green tea.

It is very sad when anyone's life is so sad that they do something like this. One thing here is confusing. Article says there were .38 cartridges near bodies. .38 caliber rounds are revolver rounds, which remain in chamber after firing. .38 Super rounds are semi-automatic ammo but this caliber is very rare even in US, and probably non-existent here. so most likely either not .38 cartridges, or not really suicide. Same situation with recent murder of police chief, in which article also reported spent .38 caliber cartridges. I believe either newspaper or police sources are mistaken, otherwise cannot explain this.

I believe in innocent until proven guilty also but really, what is 72 year old guy doing at guest house alone with 10 year old child? She is obviously not his daughter or his girlfriend's daughter. How naive can someone be?

Mother should also be prosecuted to full extent of the law and by forum rules I will not say what I really hope happens to these people if they are guilty. My girlfriend has 11 year old niece and because of people like these I feel very self-conscious in public with her unless her aunt is also present. Kids who live in muban where I live want me to play games with them and i love children but because of these types of people I feel very uncomfortable playing with the kids when people are around who I do not know. Also, what is in the mind of people who are more upset about farang police volunteer than child rapist?

I would also add for anyone who interested in therapeutic massage that Maripaun Salon now has air-con.

Yes thank you Zippy this is correct. It is on maejo Road not Mae Rim. Maripaun massage. I gave directions on this thread and other about therapeutic massage.

There is very good business card printer at Carrefours on superhighway. They have booth right in front of checkout. Will print up cards on same day, 20-30 minutes.

Sorry Rick I misunderstood. I did not mean really to compare Thailand and US. More to compare Benedict Arnold and Seh Daeng. Both generals, both traitors and both will be remembered for these things. On top of this they both went over to the other side who wore red shirts.

I do not really know much about internet and do not know how to work the quote thing, but this refers to a former posting here from citizen which says Seh Daeng should be remembered. if you read this whole thread you will see. As for what does it have to do with US, if you read this forum for a while you will see that no matter what topic is, somehow someone will find a way that it relates to US. Usually people doing this are from Europe.

Empress hotel buffet is the one I like best, but have not been to some of these others so I cannot give opinion and Empress is open every day so then I guess does not apply here. How much is buffet at Meridien hotel as I very much like salmon?

I believe the big international media like CNN and BBC were just as bad as local Chiang Mai news. BBC guy was interviewing Thai army colonel, who said there were 40,000 people in protest area but only 3,000 protesters at the time. Next thing, only 2 minutes later, same BBC guy announces there are 40,000 protesters fighting with army. Then Bloomberg channel says that state of emergency declared in 15 of the 37 provinces of Thailand. Then Thaksin's lawyer comes on and starts talking about his client, but pronounces th in Thaksin like thank you. I would not want lawyer defending me that cannot say my name right. But that one not the news channel fault, just the lawyer.

Maripaun Beauty Salon and Massage

Maejo Road-6.5 km from Meechok Plaza on right side of road heading towards Maejo University, between Wawee Coffee and driveway to muban Wang Bua Thong

Thai therapeutic massage-120 bht/hr.

Oil massage-250 bht/hr.

Foot massage-80 bht/hr.

Two masseuses, Allie and Newt, who are both middle age and very experienced. Will give massage as strong as customer wants. Both have helped me greatly with herniated disk problem, rotator cuff also. Both very friendly and so is owner Marisa.

Phone number- 0852849118

I do not know as never ask but dont believe any "extras" at this shop. Very serious and old fashion about Buddha here and sometimes shop closed on Buddhist holidays., but otherwise open every day. Good idea to call first and make appointment but can walk in and they also give good haircut. Sometimes man comes and get massage while wife/gf gets hair done.

Yes citizen. I am sure you are correct. Seh Daeng will be remembered long time. Americans never forget General Benedict Arnold.

Yes now that it has been mentioned I guess fair to admit massage is Maripaun salon and information about this is in posting mention by mr. miller. It is true Nok is no longer working there but other masseuses there including Allie and new girl are just as good. There are also some improvements recently such as new massage tables and curtains. Nok did good job but apparently left due to family reasons.

Yes you are right, the English I write is very bad. Not because I do not speak English but because of 3 things. I type very slowly so I try to keep short, my eyesight is bad and also I do not speak to so many farang. Where I live is mostly all Thais and so I am either speaking Thai or tinglish or whatever you call it all the time. I can try to write better grammar but I think main thing is if people understand. What is strange is even when I talk to my children or other Englsih speaking people if I am not thinking about it I end up talking to them same way as to Thai people and then they think I am an idiot.

I do not want to give wrong impression about massage. Although I speak about pain I am mostly trying to do so with humor and good natured because actually it was very good massage and my back and leg are much better, so really since this is my purpose for massage I must say it was very good and I will definitely return. I do not know if other people have this experience, but for me it seems if I feel no pain during massage, it is not effective for relieving the back pain on the long term, so I would rather suffer a bit of pain during massage if it means I can get a good night sleep and live normal and active life.

Like I post in forum before I go to massage regularly for back and leg problems and helps me a great deal. I am not giving name of massage here because people on forum just think it is advertising, so I will just say it is a very nice place with friendly people and excellent masseuse. Anyway they have new girl name Newt and she gives massage first time and I tell owner it was not very strong and less pain than other girl Allie. Next time I go, I once again get massage from newt as other lady Allie busy and she tells me owner says I want stronger massage as it helps my back pain more. So I get what i ask for. I think this girl newt should be wearing black leather bikini and a whip. But this is what I asked for so I tried to be macho and pride would not let me complain but I tell you I think she can crack walnuts with bare hands.

However despite the s and m treatment it did the trick and back has been very good and loose ever since. I will definitely keep going back but perhaps i will shoot up morphine first. However to be fair if customer does not want the s and m just tell masseuse and they will do whatever way you wish.

Seriously, in this case either the perpetrator will flee the scene, in which case let him go, or not in which case you must neutralize the threat

which means prevent him from being able to harm you through whatever means available. If you do have a gun and the perpetrator becomes hostile then shoot him. This whole thing about shooting him in the leg is unrealistic.( The department I worked at in US said they had policy of shoot to disable, but then at the range we were taught only to shoot center of mass, in other words, in the chest.) If he has a gun he will kill you anyway, and if a person is untrained they may miss if aiming for smaller targets like legs. Most farang in Thailand do not have guns, so use whatever is handy such as knife, chair, stick or bare hands and make sure you do not stop attack until he is unconscious, dead or for whatever reason is no longer a threat. Then call the police.

If you spend time worrying about going to jail and lawsuits and other stuff you will most likely just die. The fact is even if you are right you will very likely be charged by police, but at least for myself that is better than being dead and leaving family at hands of criminals.