spidermike007

Well, isn't that just precious. A communist country praising a military dictator.

And I will choose a military dictator over a communist country any day of the week. So far, the military has shown great restraint, and is cleaning things up. The Chinese govt. are absolute pigs. They abuse people daily. They lock up grandmothers for practicing Falun Gong. They are comparable to the swine leading Burma. Very insecure men, with tremendous fortunes, and a lot of power. The wealth concentrated in the Chinese Politburo is mind boggling. A true den of thieves.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

If you're American, they won't touch you with a ten foot pole. That said, FATCA has arrived in HK and your ability to open a personal bank account will be severely limited. Singapore, no problem (so long as you're not American) - you may need to make an initial deposit, depending on the bank.

Yes, it seems due to the fabulously wise and noble US banking laws, many banks do not want to deal with Americans anymore.m have heard of people with very substantial assets being turned down by banks in Singapore. Apparently, it costs a lot to comply with the new Mussolini laws the US has dreamed up. Is it about income tax. I doubt it. I believe the motives on the part of the US govt. and intelligence agencies is far, far more sinister than that.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Mace, pepper spray, insect spray, a water spray bottle with chili pepper oil or ammonia mixed with water, sprayed at them. All are effective. All will be remembered by these pests. If the owner has no interest in discipline, bring down the hammer baby!

Spidermike007

you see this is why I refuse to give to "Poor countries" because they are all like this. Corrupt officials like this enjoying their London homes and countless overseas trips etc etc. I know this is the hard bit but unless you have serious regime change its just gonna stay the same and the poor will just get poorer. When you give money its like those at the top say "Thanks, you see we don't need to give because farang will help the poor and we can continue the way we have always been".

Does anybody believe for one second, that these corporations pay for contracts with 100 million baht in cash? That explanation was only believed by a dozen 6 year olds.

Spidermike007

Poor old Charlem, a career of corruption and only 171 million to show for it. Even young Akanat who is barely out of diapers is nearly ahead of him.

This is merely what is reported. It represents a fraction of their wealth in most cases. Chalerm? Ten times that figure. He has been a thief for decades. As for the Yingbat?

Spidermike007

It still makes me chuckle that prostitution is illegal in Thailand...

Just make it legal already and make them start paying tax... Imagine the revenue!... ££££££££

You got pretty close to the heart of the matter. Why are they not arresting "prostitutes" in the bars? Because the bars pay money to the police? Because they have licenses? So, they are essentially legal pimps, right? They are focusing on the "civilians" on walking street or the boardwalk. They are sort of helpless. They have no one to stand up for them. It is a false show of something. Who knows what? It means nothing, to anybody, except the poor girls getting harassed.

I think this was not a crack down on prostitution but more on undesirables...

The ratio of real ladies to fake even on Walking St is very disproportionate to those picked up the other night, they went for the lady boy and none Thai's.

That is a good thing. Would it be safe to say a good percentage of Pattaya ladyboys are scheming and looking to trick their tricks into more than they bargained for? And I am not referring to their anatomy.

Spidermike007

Generallly speaking, the US at this stage, under this "leadership" cannot do anything right, when it comes to foreign policy. It seems nearly every decision they make, is wrongheaded, bullheaded, or just plain incorrect policy. They claim to be the great defenders of democracy, but just look at the last 20 years of American foreign policy. What a complete disaster. They continue behaving as if their influence is still as great as it once was. Little does America seem to know how much less relevant they are becoming, when it comes to world affairs. And Kerry? Wow. Talk about a neophyte. He is making Hillary look like a mad genius.

They can be upset all they want. Here is the reality, required for them to do the work they are supposed to be doing:

The very concept of actual law enforcement in this country boggles the mind. Imagine the average policeman converting himself from a revenue collection agent, into a law enforcement official? That would be a major transformation, and would benefit the country to no end. What would it take? Here is what it would take, in my opinion:

1. The central government getting serious and committing more money to police reform, than the previous Yingbat committed to the rice pledging scheme. I am estimating it would require a minimum of 15 billion dollars to train, equip, and bring up to iinternational standards, the police department nationwide.

2. Forensics. Billions would have to be spent bringing the police out of the dark ages, when it comes to crime labs, technicians, modern equipment, processing, computer systems, training, etc.

3. Salary. Compensation nationwide would have to double. Currently, from what I am told, the starting salary is around 8,000 to 10,000 baht per month, for the rank and file guys. A Sergeant Major, who has been with the force for 10-15 years, earns about 16,000 per month. I hear many police use money from their own pockets to pay for equipment, as the state is too stingy and misguided, to equip them properly.

4. Overseas training. The only way Thailand is ever going to bring itself up to an international standard, when it comes to detective work, and forensics, is to either train overseas, or bring in experts from overseas to head up the training in the labs, and in the field. Does anyone imagine something like this could ever happen?

I could go on, and on, and on. But, you get the message.

So if the US who has spent billions on "the War on Drugs" and many probably know how that's worked out

how could Thailand ever expect...or anyone else that the "War on Human Trafficking" can be stopped or curtailed in or from Thailand?

I was not referring to the drug war in the US. Frankly, I think drugs are the last place they should start. I was referring more to traffic safety. And the public safety. The ability for the police to solve serious crimes. The police in the US are pretty damn good at detective work, and forensic work, as they are in the UK too. It has to start somewhere. The blabbering has to stop, and the real work has to begin.

It still makes me chuckle that prostitution is illegal in Thailand...

Just make it legal already and make them start paying tax... Imagine the revenue!... ££££££££

You got pretty close to the heart of the matter. Why are they not arresting "prostitutes" in the bars? Because the bars pay money to the police? Because they have licenses? So, they are essentially legal pimps, right? They are focusing on the "civilians" on walking street or the boardwalk. They are sort of helpless. They have no one to stand up for them. It is a false show of something. Who knows what? It means nothing, to anybody, except the poor girls getting harassed.

They can be upset all they want. Here is the reality, required for them to do the work they are supposed to be doing:

The very concept of actual law enforcement in this country boggles the mind. Imagine the average policeman converting himself from a revenue collection agent, into a law enforcement official? That would be a major transformation, and would benefit the country to no end. What would it take? Here is what it would take, in my opinion:

1. The central government getting serious and committing more money to police reform, than the previous Yingbat committed to the rice pledging scheme. I am estimating it would require a minimum of 15 billion dollars to train, equip, and bring up to iinternational standards, the police department nationwide.

2. Forensics. Billions would have to be spent bringing the police out of the dark ages, when it comes to crime labs, technicians, modern equipment, processing, computer systems, training, etc.

3. Salary. Compensation nationwide would have to double. Currently, from what I am told, the starting salary is around 8,000 to 10,000 baht per month, for the rank and file guys. A Sergeant Major, who has been with the force for 10-15 years, earns about 16,000 per month. I hear many police use money from their own pockets to pay for equipment, as the state is too stingy and misguided, to equip them properly.

4. Overseas training. The only way Thailand is ever going to bring itself up to an international standard, when it comes to detective work, and forensics, is to either train overseas, or bring in experts from overseas to head up the training in the labs, and in the field. Does anyone imagine something like this could ever happen?

I could go on, and on, and on. But, you get the message.

The very concept of actual law enforcement in this country boggles the mind. Imagine the average policeman converting himself from a revenue collection agent, into a law enforcement official? That would be a major transformation, and would benefit the country to no end. What would it take? Here is what it would take, in my opinion:

1. The central government getting serious and committing more money to police reform, than the previous Yingbat committed to the rice pledging scheme. I am estimating it would require a minimum of 15 billion dollars to train, equip, and bring up to iinternational standards, the police department nationwide.

2. Forensics. Billions would have to be spent bringing the police out of the dark ages, when it comes to crime labs, technicians, modern equipment, processing, computer systems, training, etc.

3. Salary. Compensation nationwide would have to double. Currently, from what I am told, the starting salary is around 8,000 to 10,000 baht per month, for the rank and file guys. A Sergeant Major, who has been with the force for 10-15 years, earns about 16,000 per month. I hear many police use money from their own pockets to pay for equipment, as the state is too stingy and misguided, to equip them properly.

4. Overseas training. The only way Thailand is ever going to bring itself up to an international standard, when it comes to detective work, and forensics, is to either train overseas, or bring in experts from overseas to head up the training in the labs, and in the field. Does anyone imagine something like this could ever happen?

I could go on, and on, and on. But, you get the message.

The very concept of actual law enforcement in this country boggles the mind. Imagine the average policeman converting himself from a revenue collection agent, into a law enforcement official? That would be a major transformation, and would benefit the country to no end. What would it take? Here is what it would take, in my opinion:

1. The central government getting serious and committing more money to police reform, than the previous Yingbat committed to the rice pledging scheme. I am estimating it would require a minimum of 15 billion dollars to train, equip, and bring up to iinternational standards, the police department nationwide.

2. Forensics. Billions would have to be spent bringing the police out of the dark ages, when it comes to crime labs, technicians, modern equipment, processing, computer systems, training, etc.

3. Salary. Compensation nationwide would have to double. Currently, from what I am told, the starting salary is around 8,000 to 10,000 baht per month, for the rank and file guys. A Sergeant Major, who has been with the force for 10-15 years, earns about 16,000 per month. I hear many police use money from their own pockets to pay for equipment, as the state is too stingy and misguided, to equip them properly.

4. Overseas training. The only way Thailand is ever going to bring itself up to an international standard, when it comes to detective work, and forensics, is to either train overseas, or bring in experts from overseas to head up the training in the labs, and in the field. Does anyone imagine something like this could ever happen?

I could go on, and on, and on. But, you get the message.

It's great if it happens. But I will believe it when I see it.

Yes, all one can do is hope for positive change. Traffic law enforcement is two or three decades overdue. Traffic safety is nearly non existent. Thousands of lives per year could be saved if the police decide to devote themselves to real law enforcement instead of revenue collection only. Imagine the police here upholding traffic law? It is a beautiful vision seeing reckless drivers locked up, having their vehicles confiscated, and imposing real fines. The ones with an actual summons. A written ticket. Imagine?

Spidermike007

I live in Udon Thani have no problem buying from either. From Amazon I do order some things like new releases for technology stuff, and things I want fast. But I much more frequently order from eBay and look for listings that are NOT part of the Global Shipping Program as the duties charged are very high. I must get 10-12 packages per month for various things (where no import duty is charged in advanced / I'm responsible for it). About 10% of the time i get a slip to pick up at the post office and pay tax. In all occasions it has been less than what would have paid via the Global Shipping Program with eBay. The other 90% of the time it just comes without needing to pay. Some things duty is more expensive than others (clothes, shoes etc. on the high side), but for many higher end electronic items like cell phones / tablets the times I do get hit it is ONLY the 7% VAT.

Also make sure to check lazada.co.th for anything wanting to buy as that's local. Sometimes they have better prices than Amazon and eBay when factoring in shipping cost, and because it is local isn't import-duty to pay. Prices listed usually include the VAT.

Right on. When buying on ebay, if possible, buy the item from someone (Provided they have excellent feedback of course) who ships via First Class International Post, and does not pre-charge you for the customs. If the seller uses Fedex/UPS/DHL etc they all pre-add the estimated customs duty, and I'm sure it's calculated to give the shipping companies a profit.

In the case of this cable from Japan, it's like to be shipped via post in a non-descript padded envelope, and chances are good that no duty will accrue. If there is, it shouldn't be very much.

If I remember correctly, the US Post office only offers first class international parcel post for packages under 4 lbs. now. Anything over 4 lbs is international priority mail, which averages out to $5-6 per pound of weight. I believe 25 lbs. is the maximum.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I do quite like the Beer Lao Lager. Have not tried the dark yet but will do so next time I see it in the store.

Why is it so hard to find Beer Lao in Thailand? I have searched many places. Always surprised at how few bars serve it. It is so much better than ANY Thai beer, which I find to me mediocre at best. And why no microbrews? Or craft beers? Why is Thailand so far behind the international curve when it comes to beer?

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I wonder if he works for Putin?

Good question. I suppose to some extent they all work for Putin. Not much happens in that country without King Vlad the Impaler getting a piece of the action. Putin reminds me a bit of Bill the Butcher in Gangs of NY. He got a piece of everything. I hear estimates of his personal fortune range from a mere 10 billion US, to closer to 40 billion. I believe the latter.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I would make a stink about it. Finding a bin on the streets here can take an hour or more. I would say find me a bin within the next ten minutes, and I will pay the fine. Otherwise, leave me alone and go out and fight crime, you worthless piece of crap. I might even try walking away. At the very least, I would ask for documentation, paperwork, etc. Give them a very, very hard time. Do not let these cretons get away with this kind of abuse. Work them hard. Push them. Argue your head off. What are they gonna do anyway? Though I am generally against littering, it is up to the govt. or municipality to provide bins.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

So you would stand there shouting at the police, then call him a worthless piece of crap. What would you do next? Find a cure for cancer or fly back to Krypton?

Those wimpy crime lords, who call themselves law enforcement, are no big deal at all. I have given them a hard time in the past, and they just kind of shood me away, eventually. They are looking for an easy mark, who puts up no resistance. Resist them at every turn. Do not give in to their nonsensical antics. They usually will not push you too hard. Push back my boy.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The coalition emphasised that the US decision to downgrade Thailand was unfair. The Thai industry wants the truth to be told - that there is no slavery involved in the shrimp supply chain.

Do you feel the sensation of hot smoke near your butt? It is a feeling I have become very accustomed to. I know when someone is blowing smoke up my butt. No slavery at all. No problems at all. We are a perfect industry, and have no need for reform, or improvement. We treat all the immigrant workers very well. They eat lobster, som tam with blue crab, and grilled squid every day, and they sleep in lovely suites on the boat. Plus, they get pensions, high salaries, free tickets home to Burma annually, health insurance and dental. We are very kind to them.

If Hillarys the best candidate for Americas next president they are truly screwed, They need new blood in the political system, they need intelligent people not the preselected rubbish they already have.

Yes, but where will these people come from? It may be that the US is decades past the possibility of a truly noble and capable person running for that office. Just look at the street whores like Blundering Barry, Tiny George II, Romney, Palin, Biden, Jeb Bush, Rick Perry, Kerry, etc. Not a decent one among them. Where will the next one come from? Any why submit yourself to the process? It may be said that Bill Richardson, or Bill Bradley were amongst the last one running, who had some nobility or grace, or integrity in their bones. The system is broken. The country is broken. The political machine is as corrupt as any on the planet. US lobbying is merely institutionalized corruption. Whores. All of them.

I had the same problem last week, arrived at DM and had to go to The big airport, because I did not have my onward ticket etc etc, they would not let me on an empty bus ?? I offered to pay, but was told NO..

Useless or what..

I ended up taking a taxi which was ok... But if the bus is going there and there is empty seats ?? What's the problem, I was happy to pay...

I believe you are seeking that ever nebulous quality called common sense, and reasoning. Of course the airport authority would want to help tourists, right?

Vote buying is pretty ugly stuff. But, is it any different from lobbying in the US? You give us $2,000,000 and we will hand you our constituency who will elect you. All American style lobbying is, is institutionalized corruption. On a massive level. Which makes guys like Obama, Clinton, Romney, McCain, Reid, and nearly everyone else in Washington institutional whores. Their level of corruption is not much different from the top dogs of the recent past, here in the LOS. Is it?

The practice of having a child, without a second thought in the world, while knowing you cannot support the child, and that the father is long gone, is amazing. You know you are going to have to go out and seek work, to support yourself and your child, and you know you cannot do it locally. And you have the child anyway? Many Thais are so hypnotized with children, there is little thought devoted to the whole process. The mother is gone for months, and sometimes years at a time, seeing the child once or twice a year for a week or two. Is this parenthood? Is it fair to either the child, or the grandparents, who do not seem to be willing, or able to say no? This appears to be one of the most bizarre aspects of contemporary Thai culture. And it seems to be especially prevalent in the NE.

Sounds like a real smoke job. I would question it with the management of that company. Threaten to report them to the consumer affairs department. LOL. No, it does sound very high. I have had mine repaired a few times, and it was never more than 3,000 baht.

I simply took the Thai marriage registrations to immigration and it was honored to bring my wife to Canada as a permanent resident and now she is waiting to take her oath of citizenship next month and then a Canadian passport and off we go back to Thailand.

Anybody know if this in any way relates to the US? I hear a Thai marriage means nothing to the US officials. Thanks for the input.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app