Beacher

Are there really any advantages to having different partitions on a hard drive? If the hard drive dies, all are lost anyways. I once bought a used computer from a friend of mine. It had many partitions and it was a mess. I eventually formatted the drive and started over.

Typically, I think 2 partitions is a good idea - a fairly small one for the OS and applications, as well as a large one for user data like movies, music, love letters...etc.

That should make it easier to create a disk image (Acronis / Norton Ghost, etc.) if you ever have to restore your system.

Have fun

Use you street smarts to stay out of trouble.

If the girl your talking to seems too beautiful and quite tall, she/he/it probably isn't a woman.

If she isn't a woman (so to speak) be very careful - ladyboys have a bad reputation (usually for good reasons).

And most importantly, DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW! (Sorry, that was meant for visitors to Alaska - not Thailand)

Or could have been a lad taking liberties when he shouldn't have.

Or it could be that he's totally innocent and like OP's GF said - that she was feeling rejected because the lad wasn't interested. So in a moment of hasty desperation, she falsely accused him groping knowing that if big money is mentioned, the police will surely be on her side confident that there will a share for them. Even more sinister is the prospect that this gal works directly with the police and this a regular scam they pull off.

Of course, since the OP didn't hang around, which is understandable, we'll never know for sure. Hopefully, the alleged perp was deemed innocent until proven guilty (but I doubt it).

Due to the apparent rise in the number of scams, the severity of payment when suckered into one, and the uncertainty of what the police might do, I've completely lost interest in Thai nightlife - haven't gone to a bar in ages and no plans to go anywhere near one in the future. I'm afraid that things are so far out of control in Thailand with the police involvement in scams against foreigners that the situation is incurable. How long before Thailand is a virtual tourist ghost town?

If it connects by USB port, try a different one -- sounds like it just can't find the printer. (I find that USB ports can be a little flaky and just stop responding sometimes.)

It's poor little brain might also be scrambled momentarily, and there may be a sequence of keys you press to reset the device. (Try a Google search for that.)

Beacher Cheers. I went into disk management and all I had to do was assign a new letter for the missing space. I now have my 320Gb back. Cheers again Dunc

Glad to hear that helped, Dunc.

I've had a situation where it didn't remember the new drive letter after a USB storage device was removed and re-attached. If that happens just repeat the process and try a different letter. It may have more success remembering the different one.

Maybe the Govt could create a new national office that could be responsible for figuring out how to get all Farangs just to stay home but just mail all there money here.

That would be the Ministry of Thai Girlfriends...

Yes, Thailand has its own government ministries that are somewhat unique to the rest if the word. The original press release about making Koh Phangan a drug-free family destinantion came from the same office that announced (when Thaksin was in power) that Thailand will be "drug free" in 6 months - the Ministry of Silly Statements. (A new skit for John Cleese?)

At least they are recognisable now.

I think we're onto something here. Let's just concede to the fact that scamming is a BIG part of Thai life and it's never going away. So instead of trying to stop it, we'll get all rip-off artists to wear a badge or ID card stating something like, "Certified and Government Approved Scammer". They can have visible ID numbers and when we get scammed by someone who did a really good job of it or was especially nice, we can recommend them to our firends and relatives when they want to get scammed.

OK? Problem solved! Next.

I don't know what OS you're using, but you might want to go into:

Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management -> Disk Management (for Windows XP - or the equivalent for your OS)

There you should be able to see a graphic representation of the device that will show the true physical storage capacity. From the sound of what you're saying, you should see 2 partitions - one at 119 (or probably 120) and another at ~200 GB. If you see both of them, the 2nd (200GB) seems not to be formatted. Try formatting in Disk Management (right mouse button for this option). However, If when in Disk Management you only see one 120 GB partition, it sounds like you were sold a 120 GB drive as a 320 GB drive.

Hang around the ATM on Tuesday and give the technician 500 baht to give you your card back.

It's funny you say that because I was just going to kid the OP, saying that maybe it's a new type of scam - holding international CC's hostage until the holder pays up.

Pattaya is quite busy for what is normally the slowest time of year.

I predict a decent high season if no political problems and the swine flu does not get worse.

Do you have any indications for your prediction ?

Yes, if things are so terrible, why is Pattaya full of bald, tattoed scumbags drinking from 6 AM - 6 AM in low, low season and many massage parlors and poontang bars are busy as well? It has been mostly dead until now. Things are getting better no matter how much some depressed Daniels amongst us wish it were not true!

I believe its the bald, tatooed scumbag convention.

Ya, that's part of the reason, but I've always had this theory that there's a "Bald, Tattooed Scumbag" magnet buried in the middle of Pattaya. It's buried deep enough that we can't see it but not deep enough to lose its effect.

Actually, I don't think it's nice to refer to the majority of Pattaya's regulars that way. After all, we should live and let live because for many men, it's "hair today and gone tomorrow"

I don't think cashew nut chicken is really popular with Thai people. I think a better basic test would be tom yum or pad krapow. Its amazing how many places can't even pull off a half decent pad krapow. I think Pattaya might have some of the worst Thai restaurants in Thailand due to the tourist trap trade. I know what you mean about test dishes though, I always check out new places with the pad krapow but not always the first visit. BTW, that "Best in Jomtien" joint, be wary of some crafty pricing tricks they play there, happened to me twice and then I stopped going, I am like that.

I think the best test test dish is what you enjoy eating. If the poster doesn't like the same classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum or Krapow that you and most Thais enjoy, he'd be a bit daft to order them as "tester" dishes. He likes Cashew Nut Chicken, so that what he should order as a tester dish.

I've seen a lot of people trying to push their opinions on many different forums, but I don't think I've ever seen anybody tell someone else what type of food they should enjoy. (kidding - I understand your intentions, and i hope you see my point.)

BTW, just to keep on topic, I'm a bit confused as to why they allow street hawkers into restaurants, too. One example pointed out that the hawkers were directly competing with the restaurant, and the poster assumed it was a case of extreme tolerance. I don't know if that's true. From what I've experienced in dealing with Thai business people, it could just be a lack of any business acumen - heck, most Thai business people don't even understand the first rule of supply and demand.

I guess there's no chance of launching a class-action lawsuit against TOT. That may be the only thing that wakes them up to the fact that they have to make some sort of effort to deliver at least a half decent service. I would bet that many of the connection they sell couldn't possibly reach the max speed advertised, and to me that's basically false advertising. But I've lived in Thailand long enough to know that TOT is above the law (and run by a$$holes).

Looks like the series may be pulled from the screen.

Thai Officials Put 'Big Trouble' Series in LimboTHE SECOND episode in the controversial 'Big Trouble' television series is set to screen in Britain on Monday night - but Thai authorities are now preventing the eight-part series from being completed.

Producer-director Gavin Hill says the Thailand Film Office has sent a letter asking the British production company, Bravo, not to screen any more episodes.

From Phuketwan

I'm glad to say that episode two of this program just started airing on Bravo in the UK

I'm happier to say that I just checked my favourite public torrent tracker site, and It's there.

"This problem had been here a long time but the lack of evidence deterred authorities from doing anything much about it until now. This is the first time the allegation materialised," he said adding that they would seek the maximum penalty for offenses - to warn others not to try such acts.

Do these type of people actually hear or think about what their saying? Who is going to believe that?

They admit that the problem has been around for the long time, and they admit there have been "several" complaints made, so they're basically saying, "Well, we just ignored what we knew and all the complaints that were made and waited until one the Jetski operators was stupid enough to threaten tourists with a rifle to obviously rip them off on television. But now that that's been done, we have to go to all the effort of flapping our gums with hollow promises to change the situation. You tourists are such a pain in the a$$! I sure wish you'd go away."

I agree with the other comments that recommend everyone just stops renting these noisy stupid contraptions. Look at all the good it would do -- put these jerks out of business, reduce noise pollution at the beach, and likely save a life. There are many things that the world would be better off without, and Jetskis and their operators are definitely on the list.

It's certainly not a Thai trait to think about the future. For example, it's painfully obvious that most Thai restaurant owners don't have a clue about the benefits of repeat business or word-of-mouth advertising - concepts that are absolutely essential to their counterparts in many other countries. I find that they would rather hit you up for a few extra (dishonest) baht now than worry if you'll ever come back again. I realize that they think we're here today and gone tomorrow, and for the most part, I guess that's true, but they also fail to realize that the world is getting smaller and we communicate faster and more frequently across greater distances than ever before.

Countries around the world are (and will) realize that competition for the tourist dollar is fierce. Unfortunately, it's a lesson that Thailand hasn't learned yet and may be incapable of learning before it's too late.

Motorists scramble for Bt1,000 notes on Pathum Thani road

PATHUM THANI: -- Traffic snarled briefly hit a road here Monday morning when motorists parked their vehicles and rushed out to grab flying Bt1,000 bank notes.

But the traffic on the highway No 345 returned to normal soon because the motorists quickly disappeared with the notes.

Pol Lt Col Waroom Thairatthewin said the bank notes were spotted flying around the road at 9:30 am but they were quickly grabbed by motorists.

Waroom said it remain mysterious as to where the money came from. He urged the motorists to hand over the cash to police in case the owner later filed complaint with police.

He said the cash could be tens of thousands of baht.

-- The Nation 2009-09-14

Yes, he urged motorists to hand over the money to the police...so that it can be given back to the rightful owner

(To quote Beacher:)

"I only mention Pattaya One News because I lump these 2 e-rags together as total trash that wouldn't last a week in a developed country. I made no direct reference to PON in connection to this particular story - only pointing out they are both distasteful garbage that shouldn't exist."

(End of quote)

A bit OTT don't you think?

Is your assertion based on any evidence or experience you have had personally?

Reporting many of the stories that these media companies broadcast or publish must be very difficult.

Not only because they are grave danger of upsetting the wrong person(s) but, just getting and confirming the facts in the first place.

If they shouldn't exist, what is your suggestion for an alternative?

I don't think it's particularly over-the-top.

Have you looked at the stories featured on the PON website? These creeps often gain access to victims homes (by their contacts with the police) and take pictures of the poor deceased husband (for example) hanging from the rafters. Here's a family that's experienced a tragedy, and instead of being given the ability to PRIVATELY deal with a horrible situation, Howard Miller and his crew are running around taking photos. What good can this possibly do except satisfy his (and some sick readers) perversities? This absolute invasion of privacy is common in that awful e-rag, and it should be taken offline.

My suggestion is to show some decency and leave these poor grieving families a moment of privacy to deal with their tragic situation. There's nothing wrong with having as much access to news and information as we can, however Pattaya One News does anything BUT offer a legitimate source of news. It focuses on petty privacy-invading matters that should only be talked about within the family of the victims - not the whole world.

Whether reporting on some of these stories is difficult or not, isn't the point. The point is that in the majority of the "stories" where PON "reports", they shouldn't have been sticking their nosy faces into the situation anyway.

I couldn't care less if Howard Miller wants to put on a costume and play policeman all day, but I could never come close to respecting him as long as Pattaya One News remains the distasteful and awful garbage it is.

That Howard guy did a remarkably good job considering some of the idiots he had to cope with. Nothing like the type of person the forum warriors would have you believe.

Anybody can behave like a proper lady or gentleman when they know their actions are being scrutinized. To me there's simply no denying that dressing in pure black uniforms, strapping a small hardware store supply of weaponry to your body, and strutting 5-6 abreast down Walking Street isn't good for anyone.

On 9th September 2009 Banglamung police were informed that a former employee of the Fuji restaurant chain had tied his girlfriend with a chain, beat her up and locked her in a room in a Pattaya house with no food or water for two days. The 34 year old victim managed to escape with help from neighbours.

At 7.00 pm Banglamung Deputy Investigator Colonel Supachat Piammanus, Banglamung led a team to room no. 10 of a house in Soi Bungalow 999 Moo. 6 Nongprue, Banglamung. On arrival they found villagers assisting Ms. Kankanit Kartippatee, whose left wrist was tied by a 1 meter long steel chain which had been tethered to a door. Her wrist and body were covered by bruises and she showed symptoms of exhaustion from not eating for 48 hours. Neighbours had already cut the lock on the chain and given her basic first aid.

Ms. Kankanit of 408/62, Moo. 9 Nongprue, Banglamung, said she worked in a Korean Karaoke bar in South Pattaya. One week before she told her boyfriend, Jatupol Tongjatu, [26] from Buriram Province, a former employee of Fuji Restaurant (Japanese cuisine), that she wanted to finish with him. She said Jatupol was lazy, didn't work and was always taking money from her. Besides that, he was gambling all the time and beat her up if she didn't supply him with funds.

Ms. Kankanit said she decided to run away and rent the room she was now staying in alone. On the morning of September 7th , Jatupol called her and said he wanted to meet her in her room to sort out their differences.

Ms. Kankanit continued saying that she didn't want any more problems with him, but when he arrived they ended up fighting. He pushed her to the floor and tied her wrists behind her back. He then tied her ankles and gagged her mouth with a cloth and dragged her along the floor. He then proceeded to beat her up, pulled out a razor, threatening to slash her face, and poured cold water on her body. He later went out and returned with a steel chain and tied her to a steel door bar.

She said she went without food and water for 48 hours.

Before leaving her for the last time, he took 3000 baht and her mobile phone and threatened that if she ever tried to escape, he would follow her and kill her. Fortunately, Ms. Kankanit managed to untie her wrists and her mouth and shouted for help from the neighbours.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Supachat told reporters that Ms. Kankanit was sent to the hospital for treatment before being questioned by investigators. A warrant would be issued to arrest Jatupol as possible.

Source:

http://pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000010316

I feel sorry for this woman and hope she gets over her ordeal quickly.

But something that stuck out to me about this piece was that Pattaya Daily News made a point of TWICE mentioning that the perp was a former employee of Fuji restaurant. What possible difference does it make where this a$hole used to work? It seems that someone of influence at PDN has a grudge against the Fuji chain and is using the situation to cast some dispersions on the place. I wonder if Fuji execs are talking to their lawyers about the situation? If not, they should be. These Mickey Mouse pseudo-journalistic rags like PDN and Pattaya One News would be shut down very quickly in more civilized countries, and one can only hope that they'll get themselves in some deep hot water before too long.

Mentioning the employer in the newspaper is maybe a bit too much and not relevant, but maybe PDN has some kind of reason for it.

What puzzles me, is that you refer to Pattaya One News in this case, and they don't mention an employer at all, nor that the guy was unemployed.

I only mention Pattaya One News because I lump these 2 e-rags together as total trash that wouldn't last a week in a developed country. I made no direct reference to PON in connection to this particular story - only pointing out they are both distasteful garbage that shouldn't exist.

You'd have be completely off your rocker to let someone a jab a needle of this crap into your body, especially when it hasn't been approved by an appropriate health organization. I wouldn't even let them do it after government-funded health authorities gave it a green light.

On 9th September 2009 Banglamung police were informed that a former employee of the Fuji restaurant chain had tied his girlfriend with a chain, beat her up and locked her in a room in a Pattaya house with no food or water for two days. The 34 year old victim managed to escape with help from neighbours.

At 7.00 pm Banglamung Deputy Investigator Colonel Supachat Piammanus, Banglamung led a team to room no. 10 of a house in Soi Bungalow 999 Moo. 6 Nongprue, Banglamung. On arrival they found villagers assisting Ms. Kankanit Kartippatee, whose left wrist was tied by a 1 meter long steel chain which had been tethered to a door. Her wrist and body were covered by bruises and she showed symptoms of exhaustion from not eating for 48 hours. Neighbours had already cut the lock on the chain and given her basic first aid.

Ms. Kankanit of 408/62, Moo. 9 Nongprue, Banglamung, said she worked in a Korean Karaoke bar in South Pattaya. One week before she told her boyfriend, Jatupol Tongjatu, [26] from Buriram Province, a former employee of Fuji Restaurant (Japanese cuisine), that she wanted to finish with him. She said Jatupol was lazy, didn't work and was always taking money from her. Besides that, he was gambling all the time and beat her up if she didn't supply him with funds.

Ms. Kankanit said she decided to run away and rent the room she was now staying in alone. On the morning of September 7th , Jatupol called her and said he wanted to meet her in her room to sort out their differences.

Ms. Kankanit continued saying that she didn't want any more problems with him, but when he arrived they ended up fighting. He pushed her to the floor and tied her wrists behind her back. He then tied her ankles and gagged her mouth with a cloth and dragged her along the floor. He then proceeded to beat her up, pulled out a razor, threatening to slash her face, and poured cold water on her body. He later went out and returned with a steel chain and tied her to a steel door bar.

She said she went without food and water for 48 hours.

Before leaving her for the last time, he took 3000 baht and her mobile phone and threatened that if she ever tried to escape, he would follow her and kill her. Fortunately, Ms. Kankanit managed to untie her wrists and her mouth and shouted for help from the neighbours.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Supachat told reporters that Ms. Kankanit was sent to the hospital for treatment before being questioned by investigators. A warrant would be issued to arrest Jatupol as possible.

Source:

http://pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000010316

I feel sorry for this woman and hope she gets over her ordeal quickly.

But something that stuck out to me about this piece was that Pattaya Daily News made a point of TWICE mentioning that the perp was a former employee of Fuji restaurant. What possible difference does it make where this a$$hole used to work? It seems that someone of influence at PDN has a grudge against the Fuji chain and is using the situation to cast some dispersions on the place. I wonder if Fuji execs are talking to their lawyers about the situation? If not, they should be. These Mickey Mouse pseudo-journalistic rags like PDN and Pattaya One News would be shut down very quickly in more civilized countries, and one can only hope that they'll get themselves in some deep hot water before too long.

Have minivan full of Isaan family in CM at the moment. Where should I take them to eat? Preferably within 20 minutes walk of Anodard Hotel (south east quadrant inside moat), so night market and the other market areas are just about feasible.

Hold on a minute! You actually know a group of Thai people that would endure a 20-minute walk?

Your Isaan Thais must be a lot different than the ones I know.

The idea of tontines was first established in the mid-1600's by an Italian banker, so they're certainly nothing new (and definitely not Thai). However, with its "last survivor gets it all" nature, I don't think I'd want to get involved in one anywhere, especially in Thailand.

Thailand is sliding further down the list of preferred tourist destinations everyday. These people are working very hard at trying to stop all tourism (unless you're filthy rich).

I dont see any rip off here at all. The law states what you must carry. Seems to me too many people like the OP get used to the laid back attitude here and bitch when the laws are enforced. If I had my way I wouldnt allow tourists to drive motor cycles here, licence or no licence !

And it appears that if the majority of Thais had their way, they just wouldn't allow tourists, PERIOD.

Why do these people want to alienate 90% of the people that visit?