robenroute

Steel burns.

steel melts

steel burns. Try touching white hot steel....

even red hot would suffice....

Look at phots of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Concrete will blow apart, but it will not burn. Pour fuel on it and the fuel will burn and when it is used up the concrete will remain.

Concrete doesn't burn. End of story.

Is this the engineer that designed the runways? Maybe he neglected to install proper drainage for fire safety reasons.

I've just been googling about and haven't found any burnt concrete cases; it certainly looks like the end of that story. Perhaps this chap, the one who told me, ought to get his college money back

Mate of mine (civil engineer) once told me that concrete burns rather well! It needs a bit of a fire to get started, but it does burn....

Um... no

Just got confirmation from the same person. However, he reckons it would take a blazing kerosine fire to get it lit....

I guess it's reasonably safe to rule that out (unless some halfwit pilot decides to crash land his plane into the terminal).

So before everyone panics, how much of the interior of the airport is actually flamable?

Just the walls, carpet and ceiling.

Ceiling is glass - no..

Carpet - none that I have seen (yet - been there 15-odd times)

Walls - bare concrete, again, inflammable...

Of course, there is all the booze and perfume in the numerous King Power stores...

Mate of mine (civil engineer) once told me that concrete burns rather well! It needs a bit of a fire to get started, but it does burn....

....Most likely they could find decent people whom are interested....

Please don't use whom if you don't know how to. It's perfectly acceptable to stick to who (even in cases purists would choose whom).

Thank you!

The reason why nothing gets ever done properly in this country is this culture of "KRENG JAI" (hey, even 2 major universities here in Thailand have written reports on this perpetual hindrance of progress). It's all fine and dandy to take other people's position in to account/consideration, but it should never stand in the way of national progress. Then again, that's the nail on the proverbial head, I guess: not a soul in this, or any other Thai government from the past for that matter, has ever been interested in anything but his/her own pockets. Keep the people uneducated and maintain and control situations that cause fear and confusion (South, border with Burma, disappearing of pro-democracy people, etc.) and you're set for a comfy ride into wealth.................

when you start to see number from tree.

.... when people post scribbles like these and you can actually understand them.

.... when you seriously think catching a few spots of rain on the noggin' will make you ill.

.... when you hand back things to people without looking at them assuming they will catch/grasp/take the item in question.

.... when you think saying "huh" when someone didn't hear is rather normal.

.... when your first answer to someone's question is "mai ru".

.... when you think it's perfectly normal staff topping up your beer when you've had one sip.

.... when you think it's quite acceptable when you're out for dinner and they serve the other person's dish when yours is cold already.

The 50-per cent cap will only apply to companies that deal with areas considered important to national security, or that have an impact on natural resources or Thai culture, he said.

Doesn't this mean everything!

Considering that the Thai are of chinese descent, that tribute was paid to china until mid 19th century, the monarchy is enshrined in Hindu rites, "bpla raa" is Khmer as are most of Thai dances, the verb "tam" is of Mon origine, Chili was introduced by the Portuguese, Issan is more Lao than Thai, The north was an independent kingdom until rather recently, thai scrip is based on Khmer and so on..

I too wonder what Thai culture means...

[sandy]

You might want to add that a substantial part of the Thai language has Sanskrit roots.... However, when they refer to Thai culture, it would be a safe bet to assume they mean the current, contemporary customs, habits, traditions, language, etc. Having said that, I do think the Thai have a right to do things their own way. Sad thing is, however, Tom, Dick & Hally are so badly educated, they have got no clue as to what the greedy arrogant lot at the top is doing.

I really hope they make up their minds soon about when and how as I'm flying (beginning of Febs) from Chiangmai to Bangkok to catch a flight to Sydney just 3 hours after arriving....

Any info on when they're thinking of doing what? Gee, who am I kidding? I just looked at my own silly question; TIT & TDT! It'll probably be a few more months.

It's a good thing the government (agencies) are checking legitimacy of stay/papers/what have you. I've been working in this country for quite a few years and I've seen it over and over again: faking diplomas, degrees (you wouldn't believe how many "teachers" are here on fake papers!), certificates, passports, permits, etc. I guess people do it because it's easy to do and relatively cheap. On top of that, the chances of getting caught are slim. Corruption comes into the equation as well: slip a few notes to a person in a certain position and you're okay.

Passing heavy sentences on the fraudulent lot is fine by me. It's just a shame when unsuspecting people get drawn into it and become, unwillingly, victims.

Huh? We are talking renewal of a non-em B visa - typically based on having a work permit. Cheers!

Why would a "Business Man" need to extend a visa.

IF he is not on a Working visa he is not allowed to be a "Business man"

Or does this mean that you can extend working visa's too?

Not concerned just interesting to see attitude behind the sheme.

I like the workflow concept. I often think it must be terribly borring for those police officers to process all those applications.

Hi there Firefan! You might want to consider giving good ol' George Best some credit for your signature.... "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

King's College of English, definitely! Any of the branches (Emporium, Bang Na, SCB; no knowledge of the Chiang Mai branch, but assuming that's okay too) will do. Worked there for 3 years myself.

from http://intranet.m-culture.go.th/chiangrai/amphur-thoeng.htm

(thai language)

- area 810 Km^2

- population 78,636 people

- Mathayom school

โรงเรียนเทิงวิทยาคม (Thoeng witthayacom ) Tel.0-5379-5474-5

โรงเรียนปล้องวิทยาคม (Plong Witthayacom) Tel. 0-5395-4170

attraction - Amphoe Thoeng

Doi Pha Mon Agricultural Center

Doi Pha Mon is located at Amphoe Thoeng. During the winter months visitors are treated to splendid flower bed s of tulips, lilies, red salvia, poinsettias, etc. To get to Doi Pha Mon from the city, go along Highway No. 1020, then take Highway No. 1155. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Phu Chi Fa

Phu Chi Fa is approximately 25 kilometers to the south of Doi Pha Tang in Thoeng District. The cool climate produces colorful flowering shrubs and the large meadow on the top provides breathtaking views of Laos. In addition, spectacular scenery can be seen from the sheer cliff of Phu Chi Fa, especially the sea of mist at sunrise. Visitors can stay overnight at Ban Rom Fa Thong and Ban Rom Fa Thai.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

Hi there,

We (missus & I) are currently looking into moving to Thoeng (about 60 kms east of Chiang Rai). We would appreciate any info on the place:

- Mathayom schools (names please)

- population (size & other interesting things)

- housing/accommodation facilities

- (daily) shopping situation (Tesco's or anything alike?)

Thanks a bunch for any info.

Guy

Who's worrying

I am not, I am using Linux

Same here; gave up on XP two years ago and haven't looked back yet. Happy as a pig in sh!t.... Firefox for the web, Thunderbird for e-mail and every other possible software package conceivable just a few clicks away (using mainly Ubuntu and occasionally SUSE).

A few years ago, Linux was rather problematic, but these days, it's a walk in the park (with lots of trees and heaps of fresh air).

And the underlying reason for all of this is rampant deforestation. Why aren't people outraged??

Why aren't people outraged because they don't understand that deforestation cause this when the last time you saw the newspapers explain it or the TV

Hmmm, getting a different picture of this up here in P'lok: all the locals I talk to seem to know that deforestation is the cause. However, their attitude is "I can't do anything about it...."

As long as this country remains in the hands of the feuds anf fiefs that couldn't give a flying toss about the people, don't expect the 'normal' people to change their attitude.

It's sad, but reality (and understandable)

Just my 0.02, Rob

Shame, It takes a few idiots to runied it for everyone. Lets hope the people change their mind and comes back to LOS.

However, It will not stop us from visitng koh' Phangan, samui and Tao in late April.

Correction, I will be there in a couple of month not weeks. PKG got me laughing and forgot how to spelled

You must be laughing a lot....

Say: Soo-varn-a-BHOOM- e

Say this out loud a few times and you'll get it

But the travel agents and travelers in the rest of the world will never be able to pronounce it.

Now, I thought that the Thai language didn't have a "v", they do have a "w" though...

Soo-warn-a-BHOOM-e, then?

P.S. Same silly buggers who come up with traffic/road signs like "Vipavadee Road". How on earth can it be that, if the Thai language doesn't have a vucking (5-5-5) "v"? Well, I guess TIT, hey?

C'mon guys, It's their country. They are allowed to govern it as they wish. Sometimes I think we (the collective we who do not hold Thai passports) forget we are guests here in Thailand. If things of this nature irritate you too much, perhaps it's time to return to your home countries.

Plus, if you really need the porn, take a trip to Panthip or Silom Road. Plenty is available there... 

j.

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I finally decided to write something about posts like this, as I see similar posts on many boards.

If I hold a Thai passport, do I get to complain?

Why me, because I held a visa for a number of years and then took a stupid 15 minute test, which of course a passing grade can be bought.

People should complain whether they have a Thai citizenship or not.

Especially, foreigners that work over here, and pay taxes.

I probably pay more in tax to the Thai government than a whole Ampur in Isaan.

I feel that fact far outweighs my right to complain, than my Thai passport.

Thaksin is not Thai, he's Chinese, so is he a guest also? Oh thats right, he's a citizen. So I guess you need to be born here with parents that already have Thai citizenship to complain is that the formula?

Countries have no business censoring the internet. That is what makes the internet the wonderful tool it is, not because you can download songs for free, or flirt with some girl from Shanghai, but because it is an open exchange of knowledge and ideas. The key word being open.

Thailand definitly doesn't have any business messing with the internet, it's to complicated for them, and they will only wind up making it look like there road system, 70% of the people on there way to making a U-turn somewhere.

If cement, straight lines and traffic lights are too complicated for you, firewalls and routing tables are way out of your league.

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&lt;deleted&gt;' well spoken!

Ah well, time for a glass of wine and a fag ;-)

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hope you are a Brit , not American

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Nice one... well appreciated!

Think I'm going for one more glass (and yet another, uhmmm, fag)

Just a few minutes ago, a massive thunderstorm passed over my flat (near Sukhumwit - BTS Thong Lo). Aaarrrhhhhh. Hmmmm. Standing outside on my balcony, I can smell... well, fresh air! The pounding rain has cleansed the air. The ferocious bolts of lightning have purified the atmosphere. The air is clean. The air is clear. Distant neon signs are tack-sharp. Lights are brighter. Colours are richer and more vibrant.

Let there be torrential rain, thunder and lightning every day!

Ah well, time for a glass of wine and a fag ;-)

  I don't usually bother with replying to much that I see and read in here but geez people. "A top rate teacher will draw 65,000 in Canada so how can they expect someone to work here for 25,000 thb?" You obviously don't teach Economics or your math just sucks, I'm not sure which. Let's start with something simple for you: ever buy a pack of cigarettes in Canada? "No decent teacher would work for 30,000thb unless they just loved living here." DUH! If you DON'T love living here, why are you here?!? If your respective counties were so great then why did you leave? Sit back and chew on that for a minute before responding. Yes, this country, like so many others, has it's issues but if you're not trying to be part of the solution then......well, you should know how that ends.  How much did whining and crying help where you left? Yes, there are poorly qualified teachers here and everywhere else for that matter. "A random check revealed 95 schools with poorly qualified teachers in BKK alone." Let's see, there are what, 5,000-8,000 schools in BKK alone. The "random check" was 95 out of how many checked? Where's the full report? This kind of drivel is why I don't turn on BBC or FOX news. I keep expecting them to hire "Sideshow Bob" to boost ratings because their reporting is, well, crap. "70,000thb + health + housing + benifits + visa + wp + preprepared lesson plans is what a truely professional teacher would demand." Gimme a break! Would you like them to follow to the toilet and wipe your butt or shake your 'dew drops' off when you finish or can you handle that much. Write your own d#@n lesson plans. Your mind and your command of the English language is why they hired you. I work for one of the top schools in Thailand but I had to rewrite the entire computer curriculum before teaching it. They were still using Pascal as an up to date programming language. Any IT people out there will know what I mean by this. Ok, I'm geting alittle long winded here. All I'm saying people is, take a bite of reality, calculate the percentages of income kept in your pockets, (not what it's worth 'back home') go out side and look back at the house you couldn't afford before and just smile and relax a bit. Sermon over, flame if you must.  ps. I don't own a backpack 

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Listen to this dude! He speaks reason, I personally know qualified english teachers (who learnt in england the trade) who are on 40000 baht a month! More than enough to comfortably live in BKK!

However I also know a lot of people who allege themselves to be 'teachers' who choose to drift into the 'teaching' and get the job even now with all the supposed TEFL regs in place!

The teachers in question knew hardly any thai! One could hardly even count in thai! But in the Issan provinces.. no problem! They happily chucked her 18000 baht a month! She was happy on s**te wages cause she (and no doubt others) are so desperate to stay in thailand) has nowhere else to go! The system needs addressing!

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Sorry, but after reading this I felt the urge to jot down a few lines:

If you want to compare things here with things back home, please realize that an average teacher (no, not talking about top schools that obviously pay more) can afford an average house/flat/accommodation, can afford a car and possibly a few other "luxury" items. Most English teachers here in Bangkok are paid an above average wage (to local standards) and still aren't able to afford proper housing (sorry, but I can't call a 1-bedroom flat proper housing), or a car for that matter. Of course, the average Thai person lives with his or her whole family in one house, which reduces the costs of living drastically, but our (westerners') situation is slightly different:

- We don't have our family here (brothers, sisters, parents, all chipping in),

- We are not allowed to buy property (okay, a flat would be possible, but a mortgage would, then again, be out of the proverbial question),

- We don't "enjoy" any social benefits,

- We can't count on any social security,

- etc.

So, 40,000 Baht? Fair enough, it's "decent" money, but comparable to teachers' positions back home? No, most certainly not. 40,000 is enough if you're here for a limited number of months (years, even), living alone and just having a good time. If you would like to make this place your new home and want to have a decent job and take care of your family in a decent way, I can't possibly see how a person could live on that and support a family (children, school) at the same time.

The way I read it, is that they want to use the name Siam (again) next to Thailand, like may other countries have 2 or even more names...

So, the poll is a little incorrect.

LaoPo

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I come from the Netherlands or Holland, and I'm a DUTCH

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Don't want to nitpick, but you're not A Dutch. You're Dutch, or perhaps a Dutch person. The word "Dutch" can be a noun used to refer to the Dutch people, but in those cases it would refer to the Dutch people as a whole.

Cheers, Rob

Anybody know where I can buy Chinese medicine in Bkk?

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Hi Anna (?),

It depends on what you're looking for. Basic Chinese herbs and concoctions can be found near Yawarat Road and Charoen Krung Road. If you're looking for a TCM doctor, you might be better off going elsewhere. I need to look up a good address for you, if you like.

Rob

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I just need some Chinese herbs. So could you pls tell me the exact address? Thanks.

Anna

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Sorry Anna, I haven't got a directory (and I aren't one either....). Just strawl around Yawarat and Charoen Krung; you'll see plenty of shops that stock Chinese herbs. Just make sure you have the Chinese name (either written in Chinese/Mandarin or in Thai) at hand; western pronunciation doesn't help.

Good luck.