featography

I understand the พี่น้อง part is meant affectionately as brothers and sisters. But why does he throw in พี่เขย? Doesn't this mean brother in law? Why does he chose that particular relation?

I've asked the missus and she reckons it's to create the atmosphere of one big family (indeed, brothers, sisters and in-laws).

And who are the in-laws? the Farang husbands/wifes?

I like that. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling all over.

A farang is pretty much in charge - someone born in Newcastle, UK, educated at Eton and Oxford...

She's not channelling, she's been Googling

Thanks everybody. I havent laughed this much online all week.

He is saying if he were the leader they wouldn't need paltry 500 Baht hand outs of which they must wait in line for since if he were the leader the economy would be strong. It has nothing to do with being paid to protest.

That makes perfect sense. Very much like English where it's easy to take the spoken word out of context when it is not your first language.

hel_l, its easy enough to misunderstand a statement or its intended meaning, in English when your native tongue is English

OK...read thru almost 11 pages of this thread looking for "news" and found precious little...

Here's a summary of the latest as reported by Thailand Outlook Channel as of about 10 am...

New: The red-shirt protesters have managed to take back control of the Din Daeng intersection. An LPG gas tanker is being used to block access into and out of the area. Despite the government's declaration earlier this morning that they have dispersed the red-shirt protesters who have blocked off the Din Daeng intersection, the protesters have managed to overtake the area once again as at 8.45am this morning. An LPG gas tanker was seen blocking the intersection.

Prior: At close to 5am, the military started firing tear gas into the red shirt protest at the Din Daeng intersection as part of the plan to disperse the rally. Gun shots were heard periodically. A lot of injuries and arrests are expected.

Reports indicate that 77 people have been injured in the government's dispersal of red-shirt protesters at Din Daeng intersection. 24 people are being treated at the Ramathibodi Hospital. 8 people are at Rajavithee Hospital, including 1 individual who was suffered serious injuries from the incident. Three other individuals who are being treated at Phramongkut Hospital were also seriously injured. Most of the patients are suffering from irritations caused by tear gas.

Most of the red-shirt protesters have been dispersed and reportedly returned home. But there are still some number of protesters who are gathering at Government House. Soldiers have already surrounded the protesters and secured the outer perimeter of the compound.

Areas where there heavy presence of red-shirt protesters and to be avoided are: the entire Rattanakosin island, Sri Ayutthaya intersection, Rama 6 road, Phoholyothin road, Victory monument, Din Daeng intersection, Suthisarn that crosses over to Vipavadi, Arjnarong expressway exit and Yomaraj expressway exit.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva went on national TV at about midnight to announce that arrest warrants have been issued for 5 red shirt leaders for disrupting the ASEAN Summit.

The red shirt stage at Government House has announced that red shirt leader Arisman Pongruengrong, who led the protest to disrupt the ASEAN Summit in Pattaya, has been released on bail and will leave the Naresuan military camp to appear on the red shirt stage later this morning.

The police have come out to warn that banks and petrol stations may be the targets of red shirt protesters in bombings and torchings to wreak havoc. Reports have also come in of red shirt protesters stealing a gas truck and parking it at the Din Daeng intersection, causing concern for people living in the area.

Members of the press covering the red shirt rally at Government House have retreated for fear of their safety after the protesters say they cannot guarantee their safety anymore. Another report says a group of 500 red shirt protesters are making their way to the Democrat Party headquarters to prepare to torch the building. Police presence there is limited.

Members of press at Royal Plaza have also left the area, after leaders of red-shirt protesters have announced they'll no longer guarantee the safety of the media. Most members of the press have fallen back to regroup at Parliament.

who owns Thailand Outlook Channel ??

they do get paid. My wife was called and asked if she wants to join. 500b / day and free food. Also free transportation to BKK. She also talked with some police officer here in CM, who was thinking about taking few days off from work and join in as he dont make the 500 a day as police. There are dozen of my wife's friends there making the 500b a day

My wife tells me the same. 500 baht to general mob, as much as 3,000 baht/day for the 'foremen' & recruiters.

My wife has been and is, as of yesterday, last night and this morning up there among the reds. She is with the masses that are still peacefully demonstrating. She tells me she's not being paid nor are any of the others she among. There is no reason for her to deceive me on this issue. She owns her own very respectable an lucrative business south of Bkk and she is losing money each day she closes up shop to attend the demonstrations. Her income is far more than 300, 500, 1000, and even 3000 forman/recruiter Baht earnings per day. So for the record, maybe some are getting paid, but definatly not all or majority.On a personal note, I'm remaining neutral, taking no sides, because quite frankly, I am farang and dont feel I am qualified or justified to have an opinion regarding Thai politics. On the other side of the coin, I let many a Thai know they are not qualified to have an opinion on American politics.

Here are a couple pictures from my favorite taco truck in San Francisco--

Ahhhh, the roach coach. I love those trucks. The last time I dined at one was years ago in Oakland, Calif in front of DMV near The Coliseum. There I was, walking down the street and gnawing on a burrito, sweet delicious memories.

TheWalkingMan

Amen Brother. Those roach coaches aka Mexi-quilted garbage trucks can be found all over Oregon and Washington state too. I lived off those wagons the last 5 yrs I lived in Oregon, before moving to Thailand. From California to Washington state, I have never found a bad food wagon. All were top notch flavor, big on helpings, and priced right....now Im drooling.

Thanks for correcting me Goinghomesoon. Whilst on can I ask the OP ? Has she considered a 'Sperm Donor' ? A cheaper and much quicker method.

Again, thank you for the replies. Much appreciated.

> However singles are apparently required to adopt an older child or those with special medical or developmental needs.

An older child - would that mean a kid in kindergarten? or older? My Thai is really basic so that would be so awkward. Even a Thai kid with a farang "mother" is very awkward for a start. As for special needs - I just don't think I could manage that having to work 9 hours a day and being all on my own. Not to mention finances.

Doesn't sound any good.

> Whilst on can I ask the OP ? Has she considered a 'Sperm Donor' ? A cheaper and much quicker method.

In theory, is it available for single women in Thailand? It is definitely not in my home country. Only if you are married.

In practice, my inside is quite badly messed up. Not very likely I could carry a baby to near full term. Wish I could.

Not that I would argue with previous opinions, I would add my personal experience to the pot. I have a single sister in law (Thai) that went to the above address to apply for adoption, 4 yrs ago. Being the patient stubborn woman that she is, she waited them out. 3 months ago she got the call that there was a new baby available if she still wanted one. They did make her wait until the baby boy was 30 days old before handing him over to her. She is still single btw. The boy is not a special needs baby either. On the contrary in every aspect, he is as close to perfect as a baby can be. It might be worthy to mention, that my sister in law is and has always been "unimployed". She lives and works on the family farm, is in her 40's, and has no higher education. So, take it for what its worth to you.

Im thinking there climbs the crime rate.

I have never seen a Thai cobra, so I won't venture that guess. I would urge rapid identification of them, though, and eliminate the possibility of it being a New Guinea Brown Snake. Those have found their way to many countries worldwide, inadvertently via cargo ships and aircraft. Non poisonous, but very aggressive eaters. They have wiped out many bird and animal species in New Guinea, and are considered top priority to remove by all countries. They have no sense as to size of prey, and will attempt to swallow things that wont fit down past their mouths. There is documentation of them attempting to swallow human babies, although anatomically impossible, and are excellent climbers, i.e. walls, trees etc. Good luck.

What type of snake is this? I tried looking at pictures online, but I am still not really sure and looking for more qualified opinions.

There are several snakes of this type living in a small cave under my house. They come out anytime during the day and also swim in water.

The ones I have seen have been between 2 meters and 1.3 meters long.

When provoked the head comes up straight and I am pretty sure it has widened, too.

Finally, any tip on catching them or finding someone in Phuket who will come to catch them?