RobbM

I agree with some of the more intelligent remarks. Calling Central Bangkok a "War Zone" is totally irresponsible, and just like the World Press, they are sensationalising what is actually going on here. It is erupting in a few very isolated areas. Yes, of course it's serious, but let's get real. This type of reporting as always will cause Thailand more damage than is actually being done by the limited violence itself. We need to help Thailand get through this, and scaring off what limited tourists are actually currently heading our way will do massive harm, countless lost jobs etc. etc.

I hope these crazy headlines stop soon and people realise what damage they are doing, the irresponsible people that write this stuff are not much better than the demonstrators themselves basically.

I've been doing some research on the internet for the Nokia E71 mobile phone, but I prefer to hear from actual users or those who either have some hands on experience with this phone or know someone who has.  Anyway, I welcome any reviews, comments or opinions of this phone, particularly as to how it performs here in Thailand, ie phone, wi-fi, email, push mail, camera etc.

Thanks,

Pattayadavid

My only complaint about the E71 is the size of the keys. Very small and easy to press the wrong key. Apart from that a great phone, but because of the key size would not buy another.

Good luck with your choice

Does Anyone know where I can buy cans of UK beer such as Tetley's, Boddingtons, John Smith' s etc.

Have tried Central, Emporium, Foodland etc without joy

Much as I love a cold Leo with ice, some of my UK visitors are a bit set in their ways and I need to cater for them.

Thanks

We import British, Australian and French beers, currently the beers available through us are:

London Pride cans and bottles

Tetley's Smoothflow on draught, cans arriving around mid to late April

Westons Ciders on draught and in bottles

John Smith's and Newcastle Brown Ale are no longer available in Thailand, although there may be some small stocks still out and about. The can and bottled products will be available in supermarkets hopefully from around May this year. We hope to import London Pride on draught later this year, please check on our website for details of new products and arrival dates during the year - www.fluidasiapacific.com or e-mail [email protected] for more details on availability. We can supply bottles and canned beers direct by the case.

Thanks

I see the latest wheeze from the new government is a proposal to enforce a more comprehensive ban on sales of booze on several religious and national holidays. Brilliant Idea. Bemoan the drop in numbers of tourists and then suggest closing bars and places of entertainment for several days in the year, including a 3 day booze ban during one of the buddhist holidays. Even getting a glass of wine in a restaurant on those days will be banned. A sort of mini Thai buddhist Ramadan?

When tourists then start disappearing to Cambodia, Vietnam & Bali etc. will the authorities scratch their heads and ask why? Lots of people, in fact the majority I would imagine, look on their holiday as a time to let their hair down, relax, stay up late, enjoy a few beers with friends, go cruising the bars or enjoy a sunset cocktail in a beautiful beach bar. Imagine their response when they discover this is not allowed because Thailand is buddhist.

And what of the economy? Hundreds of thousands of thais work in bars, restaurants and places of entertainment. The loss of income even if it is only a few days in a year but as many as 3 days in a month is significant to those on lower incomes, and that certainly includes bar and restaurant workers.

Do you recall the brief midnight closing experiment? Cost lots of bar workers their jobs and some bars to close down all together. [Gave a slight boost to police income though]

Come to your senses. Think about the consequences for others, especially those who don't share the holier than thou attitude this booze ban proposal's supporters love to flaunt. [And don't suggest it will help address the problems of alcohol abuse. Do you think those with serious alcohil problems will be affected by this ban? Will the village hooch or moonshine be unavailable on these holidays?]

Yet another aspect of Amazing Thailand and the mismanagment of its governance.

Very well said, I agree wholeheartedly with every comment. Nothing more to add