UncleFrank

What can I say.

If you look around, things were looking much rosier with the CEO running the show.

He made mistakes but did way better than the Military punks that overthrew him. The same military that increased it's own budget from 80 billion to 165 billion when they controlled the purse strings. Those Generals needed an extra 85 billion?

Thaksin would be re-elected in a heartbeat if the Military would let him run again.

Used to be more products like that around. The PC mentality forced the companies to change labels, pictures etc.

There is a good sized market for these type products in the collectables crowd. Black history stuff..

3 billion USD in 2000?

hmmmm I think you may be overinflating the numbers by more than just a little bit

Not at all. He was one of the richest businessman in Thailand at that time I recall.

I was watching his career during that time and had friends on the inside.

Thaksins brother was a friend of mine in California in the 90s. He didn't get along with his wealthy brother but knew the score.

Around year 2000, I recall he had about 3 billion USD. I think he lost a big chunk with the collapse of the internet bubble that year.

I used to follow the trials and tribulations of Thaksin 15 years ago when a lady friend of mine became his personal secretary.

If you dig up an old Bangkok Post you can see a picture her, Thaksin and the King on the front page.

Like I said earlier.

The local press loves to state he manipulated the government for personal profit but if you look at the stock market returns from that ear a different story emerges.

The SET went up 161% during that time and Thaksins stock went up 168%.

Yes he did. The key words here are "his company".

He was being harangued by the opposition about conflict of interest so he sold his stock.

Then, the Military Junta that threw him from office made a bunch of noise about selling state assets.

They also claimed he owed 500 million baht in tax. Why did they then sieze 76 billion?

I ended up calling the police when my ex went wacko. Not sure how she found me but the security guards in my condo let her into my place while I was out. This is a nice building too with high tech monitoring...

Guess who ended up at the police station paying?

O yea, the head of security in my building covered his ass by deleting the security videos.

or you can always tell her you have finaly decided to embrace your homo erotic urges

Rock solid advice.

Saves face all around.

You need to go to Fortune Mall and check out the second hand hi fi places.

More mosquitos than usual.

I live on the 14th floor and keep my windows open the last few years. No bugs until recently.

Wonder what happened?

The Young Chinese Policeman of whom you speak, borrowed US$500,000,000 and launched 4 or 5 Digital satelites over Thailand, named thaisat 1.. etc, now he owns huge telecom empire, he is a very good business man, but never corrupt, Take it from one who knows.

Kiwijor.

Exactly.

He was a multi billionaire long before he hit the political scene.

Those that think he stole all that money after he became prime minister don't know what they are talking about.

Probably have been reading Thai newspapers controlled by the yellow team.

Thai stock market returns between 2001 and 2006 = 161%

Thaksins companies gained 168% during this timeframe.

Now you know.

The privileged class in Bangkok couldn't stand seeing the poor (dark skinned) people getting attention.

" They all come from journalists who have problems with Thailand and just want to slander us "

Blame it on the foreigners for reporting the facts. Probably be locking up more foreign journalists soon to teach them a lesson.

Sounds like the crap the PAD has been putting out.

Loads of anti foreigner sentiment out there these days.

I guess we should all start behaving like good little north koreans.

I've been in there recently at lunchtime.

No black people.

I like to saute some bacon and onion, then throw in the beans.

Served on a warm flour tortilla with cheese and salsa.

Nice.

If police rankings are anything like the Thai Army, then there are loads of Major Generals. ....so it rather dilutes the signifigance of that high-sounding rank.

Isn't there a top brass Thai cop who's been convicted of a crime, yet retains his rank and privileges? ....I believe his name rhymes with dioxin.

They never end up in jail...murdered, yes but the agreement is they never get jail time.

Speaking from experience, some can go berserk. The behavior is ingrained from years of watching soap operas.

The best thing to do lie. Say you have been transfered or something and don't go back to that bar.

Good luck.

I have seen a few of the soap operas over here and I can honestly say it scares me...

Please elaborate more on your experiences .

Zorne

Uh, let's see...breaking and entering, theft, violence, threats, police, slander etc.

Speaking from experience, some can go berserk. The behavior is ingrained from years of watching soap operas.

The best thing to do lie. Say you have been transfered or something and don't go back to that bar.

Good luck.

Congratulations to the Sofitel on Suk Soi 6 for chasing away the parasites that pose as taxi drivers in front of the hotel.

Every day, a gang of those scammers are usually parked there, cheating the tourists.

Walked by there today and they were forced to park down the soi a bit.

Nice Sukhumvit Condo near Skytrain: 35,000 thb.

Electric, TV, Internet: 6,000 thb.

Food & drinks: 500 - 1000 thb. / day.

Taxi/transport: 100 - 200 thb / day.

Another 1000 a day to play.

Same thing happened to me a few years ago and I only had a couple of hundred Baht on me.

After a bit of discussion they told me to pick up litter for 20 minutes, which I did, and then they let me go on my way with a cheery smile and a wave.

Thai Police exploiting/humiliating tourists for personal amusement and profit

That's nice.

These BMA Police are stalking foreigners all day long and making some serious money. They exploit the littering laws and are out to ruin a tourists holiday.

Tourist beware!

If they see a smoker they follow close behind or radio ahead to their partners until the tourist throws the but down on the filthy sidewalk. Bam, 2000 Baht!

I estimate each officer is bring in about 6000baht per hour. Maybe more.

There are dozens of these "police' all over town!

Of course, conveniently, the trash bins have been removed.

Funny thing is, I've seen the Police flicking their buts into the Soi.

The BMA Police are also responsible for diverting donations to the poor.

They own the sidewalks and place Cambodian Beggars all over the place, turning a stroll into a street of horrors.

Passers by think they are helping the poor but most of the money goes into the pockets of these organized criminals. Poor/hungry Thais are not allowed to go beg for a meal.

Don't believe me?

Place a few beggars out there some morning and the BMA Police will immediately chase them away.

Disgusting.

Everything is under control.

Just bring the money.

The cops bust a business run by the cops.

Just a show.

I left my phone in a taxi. I knew the guy since he was often working near my office and used him often. When I called the number he wanted to know how much the reward.

The Tawan Dang brewhouse/entertainment place is a terrific place to take family and friends.

Also, a few years ago, some Thai friends took me to some outdoor seafood / entertianment place off Rachada?

Gigantic outdoor eating area with a stage.

The bands played for a while and another come in with a different show ever hour or so.

A phony crackdown as "Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai's planned visit to the United States" this month.

Thai Police are a joke.

Did you see the report on CNN last year where endangered species are being sold at JJ Market?

A raid was planned but the Police telegraphed their arrival.

The shops closed temporarily.