h5kaf

Simple fact is they are so corrupt n this failed society that these will only be used by the richest to escape prison.

I don't agree. "Prisoners who are too sick to withstand incarceration, who have family members to take care of or who “deserve mitigation”. This just about includes everyone who will appear in court on any charges, as all have 'family members to take care of' whilst those 'well connected' deserve mitigation.

Conclusion: expect to see the ankle bracelet moved up the Thai fashion list as the next 'must have' accessory.

I am sure that the very small bit, in the article, about washing hands is more important than the food content of meals. Even if there is running water in the toilets and soap (whats that?) Thais tend to avoid them in their haste to get back to their very important job of preparing food. You are often safer eating off the street vendors than in some Thai restaurants.

People who live and work in Saudi know the rules. It's the same in Thailand or anywhere else in the world. If you break the rules in any country you will have to suffer the local consequences. It's simple really. If you don't like the rules or customs, leave.

This is the same, in principle, as those who whinge about the corruption in Thailand, China or anywhere else. recognise the local customs and live with it, or get out and go somewhere that suits better.

Whilst the death penalty is somewhat harsh for crimes which in the UK would get a fine or a slap on the wrist, it does have the benefit of selectively reducing the gene pool. A final thought: I wonder if the death penalty for driving offences in the UK would reduce the traffic jams on the motorways.

"Mr. Wiboon added that Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has
expressed concern over the safety of holidaymakers during the Songkran
festival and instructed all related offices throughout the country to
integrate preventive measures to minimize the number of road accidents
this year.

What measures?

"Moreover, the Interior Ministry is now collaborating with all Buddhist
temples nationwide to actively and seriously promote serene and
traditional Songkran celebration and activities on their grounds, said
the Permanent Secretary for Interior"

How will that help the road carnage?

The only connection between the Temple and the road carnage is the funeral rite. I guess he is calling for a "serene and traditional" celebration of the various dead people's lives. NO NEED the monks have this covered - they always perform serenely and traditionally. But why bring the monks into this.

40 % of this hospital visits is made by expats living in the country. A higher fee on air fare and hotels does not effect the expats living in Thailand.

But if these fees are implemented does that mean as an expat living in the Kingdom we get free medical care?

Or will the next rule be: A proof of medical insurance when you apply for a visa?

I suspect that as regards the high hospital bills that go unpaid it is a lot more than 40%, it is a large majority that is due to long term expats....many of whom are no longer able to access the health systems of their home countries due to having lost residency etc. Which is obviously not an issue for tourists.

It may be hard for the Govt to get a full handle on since as we all know, being in a tourist visa doesn't necessarily mean one is not living here longterm or most of the time. That's even assuming they have data on the visa types of expats with unpaid bills, which they may not.

A mandatory insurance policy for one year visa extensions has been mooted for some time and I expect will happen sooner or later. It's not unfeasible since there is a detailed examination of documents involved anyhow. And who knows, maybe it would give a much needed impetus for a lower price, policy covering expats for care in govt hospitals only and regardless of age and pre-existing conditions. Which would be a win-win. Lots of expats unable to get insurance here, or unable to afford what is on the market which are comparatively costly plans aimed at ensuring access to private hospitals (not that these aren't worth getting if you can...but there is a potential market for something more basic and downscale).

A mandatory policy for tourists on the other hand does not seem feasible to implement. How on earth would immigration sort out who has what type of insurance covering what where? They'd end up just slapping a tax of some kind on everyone despite many people being already adequately covered. ,

Three points.

It may not be necessary to pass this idea into law. If local immigration officers decide that this is what they are going to insist upon, then some of us could find ourselves having to have health insurance in addition to other financial requirements when going for an extension permit to stay for 1 year. Some immigration offices still require the health certificate though this is no longer mandatory. Local officers seem to have a great deal of autonomy.

My second point concerns insurance for the aged. It is not always the case that as one gets older one gets more ill, but older people do tend to be more at risk of heart related illness and cancer. The premiums for people over 65 could be very high and the demand for services in local hospitals would inevitably increase (both in quantity and quality) if large numbers of foreigners were being seen and admitted. If the Thais saw a double standard in treatment terms there could be problems.

Finally I have a point about the way in which Thai insurance companies cost premiums. I had a Thai health insurance policy and had to go into hospital for 2 weeks with a second dose of Dengue Fever. In the private Bangkok Phuket hospital the bill was very large, but was paid by the insurance company. When my policy came up for renewal the premium had jumped by a huge amount. When I queried this I was told that they aimed to recover the amount they had paid out over about 3 years. I asked if after they had recovered this amount, and I had no further claims, would my premiums go back to the previous level? The answer NO. Conclusion the concept of "pooled risk" does not exist any payout is a temporary recoverable loan.

Well, usually if you pay your ticket with a credit card , there is always an insurance included no ?

No, there is not. You can buy it as an option.

What about foreigners living here who arrange for private heath insurance in Thailand? Like me?

Maybe in all depends on "what country --what card "---my Visa Card here in N.Z gives me 90 days cover --if I pay fare with it--that saves me $200-$500--depending how long I stay

Bucko it would be of benefit to you if you check the small print regarding the cover you have with your visa card. You will find that they exclude all 'pre existing conditions' and 'those conditions which you are aware of or could have been aware of before travelling'. You would find them very reluctant to pay out for anything other than an accident, and with plenty of wriggle room for their medical advisors to deny any claim. Also beware age restrictions.

This certainly explains the poor state of the Thai education system.

Chreating on police exams ... cheating on teacher exams ...

What a country ... rampant corruption where money talks and screw the rest

Don't understand the exasperated comments like this. If you live here you understand the system - total corruption. Live with it and don't complain or go home to that wonderfully civilised land from whence you came. Most people find life here in paradise to be very relaxed and easy going, so long as you keep your head down and do not upset the local system - wherever you live. Have paid the occasional fine to the BiB but apart from that the corruption passes me by. Why complain, enjoy the warm sand, cold beer and firm flesh.

To be honest, I find the level of corruption in Thailand a little easier to live with than the level of corruption in Australia! At least here everybody knows it goes on and makes adjustments to allow for it. In Australia we have a rotten to the core Prime Minister who has been implicated in nefarious dealings throughout her adult life surrounded by a team of ex union leaders who are in it for everything they can get out of it.

The difference is that the people involved in daily corruption here are poorly paid police officers and the ones running the corruption in Australia are (very) overpaid politicians. Julia Gillard is better paid than Barack Obama for gods sake and still she taints everything she touches.

Give me the "honest" corruption here over the type found in Australia and a lot of other supposedly clean countries.

Spot on. The politicians in the UK have their snouts in the trough as well, telling us all how we should behave whilst they can do what they like. At least in Thailand I never felt corruption was a problem, just a way of life. Here in the UK it is an oppressive fog that is a perk of the political class that hangs over the rest of us.

Booked my first QATAR flight BKK-LON end of august, hope they are ok ! Was a frequent flyer with Thai Air, but their fares are getting too high although i have never had reason to complain about the service.

I have flown with QR for a few years now, always business, and whilst their in flight service is excellent their timings at HKT and BKK to LHR are often at inconvenient slots and their ground service in Doha is pathetic. Their flights seem to be mostly fully booked and therefore their prices have risen and seem to be permanently high. My biggest gripe is that their frequent flier scheme is useless. I have over 120,000 miles and have tried on numerous occasions to get a flight on miles, only to be told that there are no free mileage seats available. (Was offered a seat from BKK to LHR once with a layover in DOH of 16 hours).

No matter how much we moan I guess we are stuck with rising prices and poorer service - the alternative routes via Moscow or Mumbai don't bear thinking about!!

This piece of English crap is going to kill himself,,, which is ok with me as he is a low life looking for his dog, which brings a question,,, is the dog still alive??? the American that kicked his face in is not, so where is the dog,,,I'm an animal lover,,,,,,,,,, Better yet I have never been in that 7/11 and had knifes thrown at me???? it must be a British thing,,,,, the law between the Thais and the Brits is simple,,, you plead guilty to your crimes and get life if you waste the courts time then you get the death penalty,,,, I pray to god that this piece of garbidge gets life in a Thai prison,,,, the pitbull will be now known as the pumping chawawwara,,,, I hope Martin Carpenter the British council has a lot of vasalean for this garbidge from England he will need it

I gather you are not an admirer and do not believe his story. However it is for the court to decide if his 'cock & bull' story is believable. They will examine witnesses and also listen to his account. If he is found guilty then I would be in favour of the harshest possible penalty.

I am as appalled by this whole matter as the posters on this site, and for once can understand the harshness of many comments. BUT it has often been said on this forum that people are judged by the press and the Thai system before they have had a fair trial, and that that is not justice. Whatever the feelings it is hypercritical of posters to want 'fairness' in many cases outlined on this forum, yet happily condemn before trial in this case. Let the trial be held and give him his chance to put his case. If he is found guilty I will be amongst those on this forum who wish him the worst possible future.

I guess you must be an embarresed English man/women,,,, but I was there and saw what happened ,,,,did you????????????????????? Proberly NOT

Not at all embarrassed. If you were there and saw him kill the American then I hope you will give evidence so that he is found guilty and then rots in hell. Nothing I have said in my post goes against this.

Regardless of the varying opinions expressed there are two salient and undenyable scenarios.

One is that The British Embasy through the Foreign Office has a mandate to provide information and support to its nationals abroad. Currently this support is minimal and they go out of their way in order not to rock the boat. I have been an expat for the pat 40 years in one country or another and I have seen their service and attitude wither to the level it is at today.pathetic !

The second point is that anyone who does not accept that this is indeed a dangerous country is either in denial or on prescription medicine. Violent crime, rape, road carnage, drug abuse, firearm abuse,child abuse,rampant corruption and scams and extorsion occur regularly with little or no chance of retribution and even less oversight from the embassy. The local media gives these stories the one day wonder treatment and then they are forgotten.

The henious fact is that these things go on daily under our very noses and there is nothing we can do to stop it and very little in the way of justice. It is what it is... and by all likelyhood it will remain so.

Not sure that the first paragraph is warranted given that information is out there and support depends on what can realistically be done. HOWEVER I have rarely seen such an accurate assessment of Thailand as is contained in the second paragraph. It is what it is, so we either learn to live with it and cope or we leave. I can't see anything changing in my lifetime, or for many decades to come. Fertile ground for the whingers on this forum!!

Why do our ambassadors seem so gutless ?! , it's time to warn people how dangerous thailand REALLY .... is , <deleted> to who he may or may not upset , sure there are "risks" in going anywhere, ....wonderful statement , ...like we didn't know travel can be dangerous , ...no sh*t sherlock ! no guts to tell the British tourist its like the wild west here now ? , what you scared of ? loosing some business , sure , the govt coffers come 1st .......the russians told e'm in no uncertain terms to clean up there act , whats the matter Mr Kent , you need mummy to hold your hand ?...........PATHETIC !...........GIVE A WARNING TO ALL BRIT TRAVELERS , we are becoming cannon fodder for thai gangsters <deleted>

Oh come on. You are way over the top on this. There are obviously some safety issues related to Thailand, but foreign governments have all provided the necessary cautions and advisories. it is up to the individual visitor to exercise sober judgement. Do you really think that if the warning was any stronger, visitors would listen? The likelihood of a random killing like this is remote and probably far less than back in the UK. A foreign government cannot do any more than what has been done, unless you want the UK to send warships and a garrison to protect its citizens when they go drinking? On one hand we have people complaining of the nanny state and then we have people complaining there is not enough nanny state. If you really want the nasty truth, any prudent sentient person would give koh Phagnan a pass, and yet hundreds of thousands do not. If the visitor doesn't want to be cautious there is nothing the UK government can do. The warnings are all over the place.

Various Embassies have warned about danger in Thailand, and especially about the danger of riding a motor cycle when not accustomed to this practice. Yet thousands come here and ride unfamiliar motor cycles and hundreds are killed. The warnings and advice from Embassies are ignored so why should the far lower risk of being accidentally shot be taken any more seriously. As geriatrickid has said, "A foreign government cannot do any more than what has been done". It is sad that many posters on this site seem to relish every opportunity to 'government' or 'embassy' bash.

Having lived in Phuket over twenty years ago and visited almost every year since, it has been very disappointing to see it gradually degenerate into its current state. Certainly not the Phuket we loved and remembered, and we decided on our last visit that it would be exactly that .... our last.

IMO it's probably quite telling of the seriousness of a problem when two ambassadors find it necessary to join forces to bring it to the fore.

Believe it or not, you could have a 'quiet' beer in Bangla once. Now look at it - Thailand should be ashamed of it. Not that you have to go to Bangla to get scammed or harassed anymore - the rust is spreading, and those living on some other parts of the island should already be concerned how their own part of paradise is going to look in another twenty years.

Well said, I totally agree. I also have lived in Phuket for 15 years but returned to my native land last year for good. I shan't even bother to visit as Phuket is becoming a concrete jungle far from the idealic tropical paradise of 15 years ago. Add to this the crime, corruption and complete indifference by the 'pontificating' politicians and it really is becoming a 'no-go' destination.

Great to read this story as I loathe these anti social greedy bastards. We are so quick to jump on the social security dodgers, poor but albeit lazy buggers who fiddle the tax payer, but hey if you took thousands of these social security fraudsters the loss to the tax payer would be tiny in comparison to what a handful of these wealthy greedy selfish fat cat fraudsters are getting away with.

Tax avoidance is indeed legal, but it is as totally anti social and deplorable to most folk, as many other far less damaging social behaviour problems we all jump on hard, like say leaving rubbish around, spitting, playing loud music in a residential area all night long etc for which those supporters of aggressive tax avoidance would be amongst the first to rightfully complain and demand police action. As I think our right wing PM in the UK said, (or was it the chancellor Osbourne) that aggressive tax avoidance was truly loathsome and socially deplorable and that changes in the tax laws are needed to close these intolerable tax loopholes. It is these very damaging tax avoidance schemes for the wealthy fat cats that rob the ordinary and poorer people (at least 90% of the population) by thus making them pay far more tax than should be needed and by taking away and reducing the benefits that genuine poor folk (many exploited with very low pay) really need.

Aggressive tax avoidance is indeed to 90% of folk totally unacceptable it seems based on most investigative reporting. Tax evasion is totally criminal and should be heavily punished as it usually is when they catch the bastards. Aggressive tax avoiders who cannot be prosecuted should none-the-less be very much named and shamed, so we can all treat them with the disdain and abhorrence they deserve, by say not buying their products or services any more for example. So just as we would treat other anti social behavioural folk too. So this is good news indeed to all of us normal straight ordinary working folk (and retirees of course too who have worked all their lives ) Oh and yes for sure I say the same even if I was wealthy and never ever moaned when I paid the 40% Super Tax rate in the UK at my not huge salary that took me a little way into that super tax bracket, as it was of course right and fair that I paid more than low paid hard working folk .

So yes it makes me very angry when I hear of these greedy spoilt brat tax dodgers, legal or illegal. Certainly I can and will say that the distribution of income tax liability in the UK ,if followed to the letter and the intentions of the tax laws is very fair and correct, though I believe there should still be a much higher income tax rate band too for those taking ridiculously high salaries way above what ANYBODY is worth.

That is my two pence worth so whether you personally agree or not, it is genuinely said with social fairness and common sense in mind and for no personal hidden agendas.

You are entitled to your view, with which I totally disagree.

Those UK politicians claiming some "moral" reason why rich people and companies should pay more tax, presumably voluntarily, are exhibiting gross hypocrisy. Many of their colleagues have recently been embroiled in the scandal of claiming expenses on a fraudulent scale. Cameron is desperate to latch onto any cause which might make him more popular with many of the electorate, thus his totally misplaced plea for people and companies to pay more tax than the law demands of them.

If the tax laws are such that bright accountants can avoid tax then do not blame the tax avoiders blame the government for not making the laws tighter so that avoidance is not possible. I would ask anyone on this forum; 'if you were earning say $2million a year and could pay your legal tax dues at say 3% would you voluntarily offer up another 47%'? If you say "yes" you are a philanthropist and your donation has nothing to do with taxes and the law.

My view for what it is worth is that we should all pay those taxes which the law demands. If the law demands too little then it should be changed.

Academic bla bla..... What for should it be useful to have a third world country citizenship???

You can own land?

But not until you are 18. My daughter was born in Phuket, her mother is Thai so therefore she is Thai also. She has a UK birth certificate and passport and currently resides and is at school in the UK. After 15 years in Thailand, I might have been persuaded to stay in Thailand and invested etc. if she could have owned the land on which I would build the family home, thus giving me total security and herself an inheritance.

When travelling abroad the UK passport is far more valuable than a Thai passport.

The advice you have been given here is spot on - you should take heed.

a. A DVT (especially in the larger veins i.e. leg) can kill you so it is not something to be taken lightly.

b. Low mollecular weight heparin is usually given straight away together with warfarin. Warfarin takes a while (3 or 4 days)to get to therapeutic levels in the blood, thus the heparin for immediate cover.

c. Warfarin takes a good while to establish the required level of cover, given different peoples eating and drinking styles. You will need to learn what you can eat and drink and this over a fair period of time (sometimes years).

d. In the early stages it is advisable to get blood concentration levels checked by a haematologist who will make the necessary dosage adjustments. Self adjustments at this early stage can be dangerous.

e. Alcohol increases the effect of warfarin whilst spinach is high in vitamin K which aids clotting and reduces the effect of warfarin. These are just 2 of a number of things you need to know.

As a matter of interest there was discovered, in the 1990s, a blood condition known as 'Leiden V mutation'. I know very little about this, but I have it and have passed it on to my sons. It apparently means that I have a far greater risk of clotting as the result of trauma or strains. Unknown before the 1990s this is most probably the cause of my DVTs many years ago when in my 20s. Not sure they can check for it in Thailand but in Australia, UK or the USA it can be picked up.

Have posted this in the spirit of giving information which may be of help. No conflict with other posts.

During his recent visit to Thailand, the UK Foreign Secretary Mr William Hague raised road safety with his counterpart , Thai Foreign Minister Dr Surapong Tovichakchaikul. The UK stands ready to share its experience in achieving one of the best road safety records in the world, and would be happy to support Thailand in this area.

Excuse me Mr UK Foreign Secretary but Thailand does not need any help from any foreign country for any situation. I.E. the USA sending a fleet to assist during last years floods that killed 900+ Thai citizens. They were told to go away, we don't need you.

You may even hear the statement "The UK is not our father".

What the fark? You absolute..... insert profanity here

On the one hand the USA offers help for the flooding and you claim 'we dont need you' but in the same sentance declare that 900 people died?

And the UK having one of the best road safety records in the world - offers advice to one of the most dangerous countries in the world for driving.... Free, impartial advice.... And you speak on beahlf of the Thai people and state they dont need help?

You are totaly and utterly off your rocker. Have another beer, keyboard warrior.

Suggest you let whatever you are on wear off, then re read the post you are replying to. Perhaps you will see that the poster is poking fun at the 'attitude' of the Thai politicians who see themselves in total control of ALL events, and one particular person who said, ".....is not our Father"

The original article links 'prostitution' with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. I am not sure this is so 'cut and dried'.

I remember reading, some time ago, that the spread of HIV in Phuket was predominantly among married women. The process was, apparently, that their husbands would go with a variety of other females and bring the disease back home. I have no idea if this was well researched etc., I seem to remember that the Chief Medical Officer had some input. However if this is an accurate reflection of what is happening then professional ladies (who in the main protect themselves) are less of a problem than the very loose moral habits of married Thai men.

I think that removing a few labels "prostitute" "prostitution" will do nothing to address any underlying issue. Typical recommendation of an international committee staffed by a bunch of 'jobsworths'.

I don't think your recollection shows what you think it does.

It has long been reported (I'm talking decades) that a significant amount of AIDs/HIV cases -- throughout Thailand but especially upcountry -- are resulting from transmission from Thai husbands to their wives. It has also long been acknowledged that visiting a prostitute is a common activity for Thai males (it is somewhat less so these days with casual premarital sex much more available than in the past).

I question your assertion that professional ladies in the main protect themselves given that that would include workers -- by no means all of whom are educated or empowered, in all manner of venues throughout the country -- ranging from mildly coercive to outright slavery.

So is it plausible that Thai men are visiting a Karake Lounge, Coffee shop, massage parlor or any other of a multitude of permutations and having unprotected sex with an HIV positive sex worker and becoming infected only to pass it on?

Without a doubt.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa ap

Helpful response. Also quite scary.

In essence I was not trying to make any judgements about the Thai situation but just trying to highlight the superficial approach of many international organisations. My assertion that professional ladies protect themselves was a generalisation (probably incorrect) from my own experience where the places frequented by 'Farangs' for 'personal services' usually had girls who insisted on the use of condoms. I am aware that these establishments do not have many local Thai customers. The locals usually have a variety of other venues (as you suggest) either not generally known or frequented by the ex-pat community.

The original article links 'prostitution' with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. I am not sure this is so 'cut and dried'.

I remember reading, some time ago, that the spread of HIV in Phuket was predominantly among married women. The process was, apparently, that their husbands would go with a variety of other females and bring the disease back home. I have no idea if this was well researched etc., I seem to remember that the Chief Medical Officer had some input. However if this is an accurate reflection of what is happening then professional ladies (who in the main protect themselves) are less of a problem than the very loose moral habits of married Thai men.

I think that removing a few labels "prostitute" "prostitution" will do nothing to address any underlying issue. Typical recommendation of an international committee staffed by a bunch of 'jobsworths'.

Quality of driving? Safety?? Clean??? Are you frigging serious?

This was an ABAC poll, right?

Just what I was thinking. I have seldom had a clean taxi in Bangkok and I seem to be unfortunate in always getting a relation of Michael Schumaker.

I also had to check the calender to make sure it wasn't 1st April.

Oh yea of little faith. This is just the beginning of a cunning plan to make Thailand the HUB of 'advanced accelerated language learning'.

The initial conclusion is that the factor contributing to lower IQ is diet. The survey found that children fed with their mother's milk for six months had higher IQs than those breastfed for only three months. Other factors include consumption of iodine and iron.

Ah yes, the diet excuse.

Perhaps the children breast fed for 6 months have a higher IQ because their parents, or at least the mother, have more time to spend with them, thus developing a stronger "EQ" on the child.

Reminds me of a conversation a friend overheard, on the taxi the driver was on the phone talking with his wife, he was upset their child failed some exam, he didn't understand how because they had been giving the kid that chicken extract drink that promotes itself as a genius elixir.

The development of intelligence requires an intellectually stimulating environment for the children, starting from their birth. No amount of chicken soup is going to compensate for that.

Ha! Ha! very funny - the chicken soup solution to all your educational needs!!!!

On a more serious note, I am of the opinion that "Intelligence" is innate and the result of genetic endowment. However the result of intelligence tests which measure IQ are, in my opinion, more affected by social and developmental factors than anything else. The IQ tests can be manipulated by children learning to answer the type of questions asked. Not all students have an equal "intellectual" ability as some are more gifted in art and crafts than the more abstract subjects. But this does not in any way reflect on their "intelligence".

I have met many Thai adults who are very poorly educated and who could never complete an intelligence test. However they were all very 'street smart' and able to act decisively and with considerable flair in their business dealings. I would view this as a more compelling example of intelligence than the much talked of IQ tests. My Thai girlfriend left school at 14 and in no way would she get a good score on an IQ test; but if she had been brought up in the UK or say Australia she would surely have gone to university and got a decent degree. She is bright. Not sure she was brought up on chicken soup though.

Thailand can become the hub of diabetes, obesity and heart disease soon. Consider HIV obsolescent at this point.

I would have thought that in such a tropical climate, and especially when the humidity is high, salt is very necessary. I remember having to take salt tablets each day when working in the middle east in the 1960s. But sugar is another story. The excessive use of sugar in Thailand must be a major health hazard!!! Wonder what the Thai diabetes stats are compared to other nations.