xenophon

I too initially made the mistake of going to Bumrungrad. The opthalmologist was bloody hopeless. Told me that I would recover in 3 weeks (4 years ago) and then was angry with me when I didn't. He obviously did not have a clue. (I now use him for driving licence tests, because I know he is useless)

Went to Rutnin and saw the corneal specialist who explained patiently in perfect English and in detail that three factors were contributing to the condition and how they interacted. I have a chronic eye condition and go to Rutnin every month or so mainly to monitor the medication and consequently am able to read, see, etc with their ongoing treatment.

(BTW, I went to the main eye hospital in my home country and am insured at a very high level. Was treated like cattle for an afternoon being put in one pen after another. The doc removed the Rutnin drops and said they were dangerous - 15% chance of blindness. After ten days without the drops it was like looking through a bottle of oil. Returned to Rutnin and was informed by the doctor that a patient should never be taken off those drops in one fell swoop - can induce blindness - has to be gradual. Interestingly, she explained the stats regarding the danger of the medication. 15% of the population have a negative reaction NOT that each has a 15% chance of problems. Pretty basic stats!! As I have been taking the drops for 4 years, it is unlikely that I am part of that 15%. But Rutnin check every month. They are fantastic.)

Although I don't wish a visit to Rutnin Eye Hospital on anyone, they never fail to impress me on my occasional check ups. Completely superior to similar hospitals and doctors I have used in my so called advanced home country. Saw the surgeon about an op on Thursday - perfect English and very full explanation. Found three little warts and said he would zap them as part of the bigger op - not with laser as that is unsafe which was news to me. Said that, as there is burning with a laser and as warts can be viral, material could float around and get into people's lungs. Booked operation for the next day (last Friday). Amazing pre-op procedure ... put into what reminded me of very comfortable lounge in private booths ... adjustable chair like airline 1st class... soothing quiet Thai music ... nurse creeping up on me every 10 mins with antibiotic eye drops which she squirted from about 4 inches away ... I had arrived about 3:30 pm and the op was at 5:00 .. a long time, but that's what they wanted. Then, guess what, a lady arrives with creams and a hot water bowl and proceeds to give me a 30 minute foot and leg massage, including lots of pressing spots on the sole of the foot as in shiatsu.The rather long wait was pretty pleasant. As I said ... impressive. After that, off to the operating theatre ... went through various changes of clothes and footwear as we entered different rooms (although I noticed the nurses were running around barefoot but not in the theatre). Atmosphere in the operating theatre was very different .. like a sterilised auto work shop with '80s music playing. There were a couple of medical students hanging around who put patches on my eyes which fell off in about five minutes. They had that air of completely indifferent incompetence that Thai males sometimes exude. Luckily, they didn't do anything more dangerous than push the trolley around. I was relieved when they disappeared to the next trolley to observe the surgeon doing an injection. Along came the surgeon who fully explained what they would do. I confirmed that he would be doing it, and not the lethargic students. Operation was interesting. I was relieved to see a very competent and focused looking female nurse take up position next to the surgeon. Hopefully, the students had gone off to have something to eat. I was a bit worried about being on the other end of a scalpel wielded by them. Surgeon kept saying sorry every time I showed any pain reaction to needles and slashes .. that's a first. With eyes closed throughout and cold steel all over your face, plus objects like pads being dropped or placed on your body, having your nose used as leverage for cutting, 80s music playing, conversation in English and Thai and trying not to bump the instrument table touching your chest, there was a lot to think about. Came out looking a bit punched up but not too bad. Then, a 45 minute wait for the cashier and the pharmacy nurse. This is traditional at Rutnin .. services are super efficient except for the cashier and pharmacy. All cost less than $600. Caught a motorcycle home with a massive eyepatch on. Lots and lots of traffic so he had to go slowly. Came home and proceeded to knock over various items which were either blocked by the eyepatch or required depth perception. Telling those who ask that I was attacked by a katoey.

Your response "Yep, avoid the English (unless you need some back-up in a fight of course);" unwittingly proves my point. 'Out of their own mouths ......'

It is not about dangerous behavior, like riding m/cycles when drunk or fighting, with or without backup. It is about ensuring your right to the pursuit of happiness . Therefore, avoid situations, which, on balance, may end negatively - like having to deal with some knuckle dragging hoon

It's just no fun any more.

Yes, that's almost right. Of course it is still fun, but even with better-than-average Thai language, I am having more hassles than over th e past 30 years and having to parry far more rip-off attempts.

Part of it may be explained by there being more chickens (tourists) available for the plucking but I really believe that people have changed in other ways. Because there is no education system to equip people to make judgements that weigh alternatives, they degenerate to the level of the 'football hooligan' or 'redneck' (less violent perhaps). Thus they end up with absurd stereotypes of foreigners as stupid, targets and undermenschen.

Irrespective of the genesis of this change, the consequences are a pain in the arse. On the other hand, as I say to taxi drivers who ask shob meung thai na?, ... baat sip per cent. So I won't take my own smug adivce about the airport yet (but I have been thinking about it).

Althoug a new member of Thai-wing-er, I mean Thaivisa, I've been in thailand since 1979, working in Bkk, and there certainly were no where near 11 million tourists in those days. The "old days" were not particularly good, especially for reformist Thais. Unfortunately things have got worse.

I have noticed a worrying growth of ethnocentrism among thai friends and thai bureaucrats over the years. What was previously just simple 3rd world incompetence, ignorance and insularity has been translated into jingoistic prejudiced policy. This is now heavily leavened with the lawlessness which has always permeated Thai society from the top to the bottom - a very nasty mix, e.g. the treatment of some foreigners at the airport.

There is no Lee Kuan Yew on the horizon (thankfully perhaps), so I don't see any change for the better soon. The pigs at the top are simply rearranging their positions at the National slop bucket, which they always did anyway. the cops, immigration and customs are worse than before and some things, e.g. the educationsystem, are speeding backwards. I am starting to think of taking my own, previousl smug, advice to the wingeing, "do you have a passport? Do you know where the airport is? Well, have a good trip!"

Déjà vu all over again ….

Sound familiar?

In 1907, France (the colonial ruler of Laos), and Thailand (then known as Siam), signed a border treaty which later caused a dispute over the ownership of some border villages. Shooting broke out in 1984 over possession of three villages.

Fighting broke out in December of 1987 in a dispute over land claimed by Laos, which considered the territory as part of the Laotian Botèn District in Xaignabouri and by Thailand as part of Chat Trakan District in Phitsanulok Province.

Over 1,000 troops died before a cease-fire was put in place.

Result of the conflict: Despite vastly superior forces, the Thais failed to dislodge the small Lao force. The Thais eventually gave up the apparently pointless conflict after heavy casualties and repeated failures to capture Hill 1428.

Both sides agreed in a ceasefire (1988) to abide by the Franco-Siamese treaties, which the Lao had supported and the Thais disputed initially. However, Thailand still occasionally complains about the fairness of these treaties.

Total Casualties: Approximately 1,000 for both sides

Major difference to current Cambodian border spat: Thailand enjoyed an alliance with the United States, while Laos was a close ally of Vietnam and the Soviet Union.

Sources: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/latoc.html, The Land Boundaries of Indochina: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Ronald Bruce, http://www.historyguy.com/thai_laos_border_war_87.html

Lets not forget the old adage that foreign policy is simply domestic policy abroad. Irrespective of the right and wrong in this issue, it derives its energy clearly from Thai domestic politics.

Many nations have found that an outside threat is very useful in distracting the population from important local issues. Remember the confrontasi between Malaysia and Singapore, not to mention the constant accusation of external menace from various repressive regimes such as Burma, Iran and N. Korea.

I do think this situation could get out of control very easily given the vested interests of the army and the politicians – together with their incompetence and corruption. The real victims will inevitably be impoverished villagers on both sides of the border.

However, Thailand should not forget that last time it had a spat with a neighbour (tiny Laos), they got the #!!* kicked out of them. Better the army stick to what it is good at - marching and making money.

Thank you very big!!

I want to use thaivisa health insurance and to do so I understand I need to be amember. Now I have combed the site and cannot find a link or form to apply to be a member. Obviously should have rolled up my trouser leg and practised funny handshakes before logging on.

Could someone pls help me with what should be a fairly basic step. How do I become a member?

I await your replies - serious and comedic. thank you.

Xenophon