carib102

Don't stress about it unless the child appears not to understand direction, and shows little to no interest in language what so ever. My wife worried because our 4 year old can't read yet. Well it just turns out she wasn't interested yet. In the past two weeks she has become interested and can now read simple sentences in English, and constantly has a book in hand. No worries. I seem to recall that I didn't read until starting kindergarten at age 5 and I turned out fine.

I live on Yen Akat Soi 2 and will vouch for both Lido and Mali. Also try Mama Dolores in the area for Lebanese food (pass on their Italian) as well as great Australian steaks. Also in the area is a Chinese place with no discernible name right off Rama IV (towards Sribumphen). If you can find it you'll be well rewarded by fantastic Chinese food at cheap prices.

Maybe before he goes he should get a good view of the Bay of Bangkok from a multi-story Pataya condo?

Just curious, but can't the British Embassy help with such cases? No need for a whip around to pay for a one-way ticket home. No need to fund the 20K for overstay.

If the British Embassy refuse to help their own citizens (I somehow doubt that), then I would go to Thai Immigration and explain I'm destitute on overstay - might end up in the pokey for a few weeks until the British gov are forced to do something. What does he expect - a holiday camp?

The British Embassy won't pay for his flight home. It's there to represent the British government in Thailand not act as a charity for the indolent and the stupid.

I'm surprised because they do act as a charity for the indolent and stupid immigrants, much as my own country.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has nothing at all to do with immigration in Britain.

I wasn't referring to immigration, I was referring to social services, regardless of which tax payer bucket it comes from.

Just curious, but can't the British Embassy help with such cases? No need for a whip around to pay for a one-way ticket home. No need to fund the 20K for overstay.

If the British Embassy refuse to help their own citizens (I somehow doubt that), then I would go to Thai Immigration and explain I'm destitute on overstay - might end up in the pokey for a few weeks until the British gov are forced to do something. What does he expect - a holiday camp?

The British Embassy won't pay for his flight home. It's there to represent the British government in Thailand not act as a charity for the indolent and the stupid.

I'm surprised because they do act as a charity for the indolent and stupid immigrants, much as my own country.

Another cluster f*** or Chinese fire drill...call it what you may. Glad my daughter is only 4 and this will hopefully be sorted before she officially begins schooling. Not that I have much hope for that schooling being anywhere near acceptable compared with Western standards,

Simple answer. Move where your wife is. You aren't bound to the town you're in now, so I can't see how you missed this simple answer. To be honest I can't see why you didn't move to the same town as her when you came to Thailand. I have been married for 8 years and aside from the first four months while we were waiting for her US visa we have been apart a total of three days. She also works the same as most Thais, 6 days a week and 10-12 hours a day, but we make the most of her time off. It is what it is. We have talked about her quitting, but honestly she would have nothing to do but watch lakorns all day long if she didn't work, so being apart while she works and maximizing the time we have together is a much better option. Plus, she is very motivated (as it sounds like your wife is), so making a career is very important to her. And I support her in that because I love her. You need to acclimate to life in Thailand dude. I sounds to me as if the problem here is more culture shock and lack of direction in your own life. Many couples here and in the west deal with being apart due to work/career obligations.

All of you who are disappointed...must be the tourists are going to Singapore for Songkran. So, you can leave Thailand next year and go to Singapore for your waterless Songkran play.

Funny thing this year. I've noticed before that Thais my age do not participate in the Songkran water throwing. I assume they have had their fill. But, I've noticed that I have the same smiles and thrills as the small children playing Songkran, so it is like a return to childhood for me in some respects. Nothing wrong with feeling like an 8 year old again.

Songkran, women, sabai mindset and a desire to get away from my own country. I consider it to be a bit of serendipity since my initial plans were to head to the Yucatan peninsula, but a hurricane made me change destinations. Ten years later and no regrets.

Some aggressive water throwing teens, but for the most part very respectful if you said mai naam. Of course this was in Mae Sot, not a tourist spot. All in all a good Songkran, lots of smiles and happiness. And no water play after sundown.

30,000 views in a day is hardly viral and I can see why. Let us know when there's a Songkran video that sees 3,000,000 views...THAT is viral.

Anything but the US Dollar (Federal Reserve Note) is suitable.

Why? Every currency in the world is now a fiat currency as far as I can see. Myanmar might as well use bitcoins...oh wait, those are illegal in Thailand.

it is important to eat local foods if possible when staying in a foreign land. this provides support for the local farmers. for example if visitors to thailand eat western food instead of rice, the rice farmers will lose income. this may result in less planting of rice trees and loss of the other benefits they provide to the environment (shade etc)

Rice "trees"? Seriously? Do you even live on planet Earth?

Sure plant them along with spaghetti trees which grow well in the Thai climate

Photograph of a woman harvesting spaghetti in the BBC programme

Thank goodness they don't have to worry about tree octopi in the rice trees as the tree octopus is not native to Thailand.

http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/

the role of cooking is normally assigned to the female, so if at all possible you should require a female to perform this task. if a female is unavailable it would be acceptable to cook for yourself

<deleted>? You do realize that the role of advanced cooking is mostly a male role right? How many female chefs are there?

Double post

It's a ridiculous thread. Grow up and learn to take care of yourself <deleted>. With the internet I'm sure you can find all kinds of recipes and options. 3-4k baht will get you a grill, hot top, toaster and maybe even a small oven. I'm pretty damn sure you can make whatever you like with those. Personally I like Thai food, but not all the time. Just like I don't like Indian, Japanese, Korean, American, British, Vietnamese, Mexican or any other type of cuisine all the time. Variety is the spice of life and with the 3-4k to buy the above cooking tools and Google you can eat like a king anytime. You don't nee McD's, Pizza Company or any other fast food crap once you learn to cook for yourself. It isn't rocket science dude. Is the aforementioned Anthony Bourdain a genius? No he isn't. He's a former heroin addict and he learned to cook. You can do so as well.

The best part of Bangkok after you've gotten used to the pollution, trash, traffic and rudeness...

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U1R4AGTFycM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Cost of living is low compared to USA!

Depends where in the USA. We actually spent less back home. 3 hours from New York, 2 hours from Philadelphia and 4 hours from Washington DC. Go figure.

Hot chicks everywhere.

Although the longer you're here the less hot they get.

I've become really picky and far less needy for sex.

When's it's on a plate you seem to crave it less. Anyone agree?

Hot bodies for sure. Faces not so much. I'm not a fan of acne.

11. The mass transit system that means traffic jams are kept to a minimum throughout the city at all times.

Wait...what?

The Thai Army ain't worth shit........its just as well they have the Pattaya ex Special Forces Battalion to back them up.

Yes, assisted by the reserve Company down at Phuket. alt=clap2.gif width=31 height=25>

Don't discount the Nana brigade.

Hopefully there are no delayed plans for violence amongst the anti-government leadership. If there are it could get ugly when such plans are launched. Let's consider that these peaceful protests have now gained entry to nearly all the ministry buildings, the police HQ and the army HQ. All peaceful up to this point and what a way to lull the government into a "no worries" mindset. How easy for these protestors to once again gain entry wherever they like with those in power believing that nothing bad will happen other than some whistle blowing and flower deliveries. Wouldn't THAT be a surprise?