spidermike007

the VISA rules have to be followed each country he the right to decide for their visa rules .Thailand is no exception and if there are too many "strange" rules then get yourself Legal or the world is big enough with so many countries to visit than thailand ,if they want to kick out their tourists. Nothing we can do about it .

You are completely missing the point. Of course each country has the right to determine it's own policies. But, the point here is that at this time people all over Thailand are complaining about how few farengs there are here. That tourism is down, due to the rising baht, the political problems, the world economy, the publicity of all of the scams, the crooked police, etc, etc. So, why at this time, make it more difficult for tourists, or ex-pats to live or stay over here? As long as we are not committing crimes, and as long as we can support ourselves, why not make it easier, and more fluid? Why not just charge us a fee at immigration, and get rid of the need to leave the country altogether? That is the point. if things continue, in 10 or 20 years time, Thailand may be eclipsed by several of it's neighbors. They need to start developing intelligent policies, that encourage people to come here, and stay here, and support their economy, their culture, and their people.

I've absolutely NO sympathy for these selfish bloody tourists (note they're ALL male) who think nothing of ruining one's quiet day at the beach because they want to race noisily about the ocean destroying the coral and putting bathers lives at risk regardless.

They should (and I repeat 'should') by now be aware of these so called scams, given that jet skis are 'illegal', believe the word 'scam' inappropriate. How can one be scammed by someone conducting an illegal business in the first place, rather like a john complaining to a brothel keeper about having been ripped off by one his sex workers, given all the publicity this particular aspect of Thai tourism has been given worldwide. Or do they not have access to international news in India and Iran?

One illegal act does not wipe out another illegal act even if they are connected.

If you park your car at a red/white marker, does not mean that another car can crash into yours and get away with it. Or may be you are prepared to pay for both cars if you are the one that parked wrong (illegaly). Dont think so.

Actually, that is the Law. I know this because my company car conked out a few weeks back and I left it to the side of the road (actually off the road) overnight until the mechanic could come and have a look in the morning. My boss was adamant that a mechanic come straight away as, if someone crashed into my car, the company would be liable. My boss is a former Thau public prosecutor, appeals court judge and criminal court judge.

Back on topic though, from my experience the jet ski operators are mostly scammers and the BiB are intimately involved. When I was young and long-haired, I used to manage a small bungalow resort on Chaweng Beach (Samui) and we rented out space to an operator so he could keep his jet skis next to the beach. I rented two, having known him personally for a while, when my brother was visiting. My brother was a little reckless and he had a prang - a side panel was dented and probably needed replacing. I know how much this costs to fix, but the owner (a policeman) told me that he "had to charge me 600 Baht an hour for each day that the jetski was being repaired - in Pattaya". I told him to ____ off and said I'd pay a 2x inflated price for a fibre glass panel, which I would fit myself, or I'd report him to the public prosecutor. He took the cash, shut up and left, but he never spoke to me again. Since then I have always advised against use of hired jetskis.

Having said that, I'm sure there are some reasonable ones in quieter places like Hua Hin, Khanom and Koh Tarutao... and maybe one or two in Phuket and Samui. Not sure about Pattaya though!

Theres no coral reef off pattaya beach

One can always find good, reputable Thais working alongside the crooks. But, as a foreigner visiting Thailand how would you know. In a place like Samui, the mafia (wannabe, pretend criminals) are everywhere. One helppful guy spoke up, and pointed out one operator in Chaing Mon that he knows of. Many think the crooked operators control the authorities, so where is the leverage for a tourist? Will anybody help them? Will the tourist police help? WIll the central government help? WIll the Surat Thani authorities help? It has not happened to date, and everybody concerned knows what is going on. This has been happening for years. If the authorities had any interest in correcting this problem, that would have happened long ago. Instead, the tourists are getting scammed on a daily basis, and nobody does anything about it. It may change, but when it does it may be too late. The damage to Thailand's reputation may grow to the point of no turning back. Especially when the neighboring countries are working so hard on building their tourism industries, and taking complaints like these seriously enough to be handing down 5 and 10 year prison sentences to the culprits, and the involved authorities. Would we ever see anything like that happen here? I would love to see it, but am awaiting that pleasant surprise.

I personally had no problems with jetski operators in hua hin recently, would go back nay time again. in fact got a 300 bht reduction and an extra 10 mins on the ski at the end of the day at sundown , brilliant guys operating the skis here, Pattaya maybe has a lot to learn. If you want customers to come back, be fair to them!!!

In the parts of Thailand I have been exposed to in my 24 years I have not seen many situations that " If you want customers to come back, be fair to them". Very much more often that not it is get as much as you can as quick as you can and forget about return customers in the future. Snatch and Grab.

From what I am told, you cannot find a straight jet ski operator in Samui. They run this scam daily, and the police do NOTHING. It has been caught on videotape, and played around the world. Still, the police do nothing, and the scams continue on a daily basis. I warm everyone that I speak with who visits. The #1 rule here in Samui, is stay at least 100 meters away from any jet ski operator. They are ALL thieves.

Try Cheong Mon beach almost opposite Honey Bungalows, a small family operation with just a couple of skis.

Thanks for the recommendation. Fortunately in Thailand there are always good people that make any sweeping statement moot. But, as a general rule of thumb, never rent a jet ski in either Samui, Phuket, or Pattaya, without a recommendation of someone you can trust.

I personally had no problems with jetski operators in hua hin recently, would go back nay time again. in fact got a 300 bht reduction and an extra 10 mins on the ski at the end of the day at sundown , brilliant guys operating the skis here, Pattaya maybe has a lot to learn. If you want customers to come back, be fair to them!!!

In the parts of Thailand I have been exposed to in my 24 years I have not seen many situations that " If you want customers to come back, be fair to them". Very much more often that not it is get as much as you can as quick as you can and forget about return customers in the future. Snatch and Grab.

From what I am told, you cannot find a straight jet ski operator in Samui. They run this scam daily, and the police do NOTHING. It has been caught on videotape, and played around the world. Still, the police do nothing, and the scams continue on a daily basis. I warm everyone that I speak with who visits. The #1 rule here in Samui, is stay at least 100 meters away from any jet ski operator. They are ALL thieves.

Could not some lawyer be found, to present the facts to the United Nations, and protect the good-name of Thai jet-ski operators throughout the land, and bring these wicked tourists to justice ?

Where oh where is RA when his country & its downtrodden workers need him ?

I have never heard of a good name jet ski operator in Thailand. Most of us who live here consider jet ski operator to mean scumbag, mafia criminal operator. I have never heard of a reliable operator in

Thailand. Perhaps if the tourists would simply avoid them altogether, things might change. Or if the police got serious about resolving this, they could change it overnight. But, there seems to be little will

on the part of the police, to reform the thugs, and it is having a tremendous impact on tourism. It is being talked about, all over the world, as one of the primary Thailand scams.

Thailand conquered the northern Malay provinces back in 1902, when they were referred to as the Pattani Sultanate. Has anyone ever given any serious thought to the idea of returning Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, and Songkla to the Malaysians? Though it would be a potential "loss of face", what about the upside? Let Malaysia deal with their factions, and their extremists. No longer Thailand's problem. Think of what the country could achieve with lasting peace, and the potential prosperity that would ensue from it. What would they lose really?

"1785 - An Islamic takeover of Thailand was prevented by a Thai victory in over the Sultanate of Pattani in 1785. But for the people of Pattani, this war has not ended. The Muslim converts of Pattani never reconciled to the reconquest of Pattani by the Thais and continued to terrorize the Buddhist population intermittently throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th and 21st centuries this rebellion has taken the form of an insurgency."

So you see they don't just want the bottom 5 provinces, they want the whole country. They've tried it many times before.

"Let Malaysia deal with their factions, and their extremists." Malaysia is already doing just that! Where do you think the weapons, foot soldiers, and financial support is coming from. Who do you think protects the terrorists when they flee south of the border?

You think by giving the provinces to Malaysia all fighting will stop? What will happen to the non-muslims that live there? Infidels are considered second class citizens in an Islamic theocracy. They are given three choices: 1)convert, 2)pay jizya tax and live as second class citizens, 3)DIE.

Why doesn't India just give Kashmir to Pakistan? Why doesn't Greece just give Cyprus to Turkey? Why doesn't Spain just rename the country to Andalusia and give it back to the muslims? Why doesn't East Timor give the country back to Indonesia? Why doesn't Israel give Gaza back to the Palestinians? Oh wait!...They already did, and we can see from the daily news how peaceful that turned out.

You say that Israel gave Gaza back to the Palestinians. Aren't you quite the apologist for what may be the greatest form of Apartheid on earth today. No, they did not give it back. contrary to the wishes of the history professor. They occupy Gaza, and set up 502 checkpoints. The average Palestinian has to spend 2 hours getting through a checkpoint, to shop, pray, or do nearly anything. Their lives are sheer misery, due to their apartheid masters. Is that what you are suggesting for the south? Are you saying colonialism, and the right to take over, and keep land is righteous and good? What is your solution? Blame all of the earth's problems on the Muslims? I do not believe it is their intention to take over thailand. they have other projects to keep them busy. How many Muslim problems does Thailand face, apart from the south. Use your God given reason please.

What has reason got to do with it. It is a fact that they want to take over Thailand. Why do you deny it they don't. They openly admit they want to take over the world.

Live and let live is not in there language. To them it is live as I tell you or I will kill you.

But you are lumping the extremists, in with all of the Muslim world. Don't you think YOUR attitude is a little extremist? Less than 1% of the Muslim world feels the way you fear they do. Do you want mass extermination? The Muslims do not want to take over Thailand. I can assure you of that. There may be some extremists that do. But, we are talking about a tiny, tiny percentage. I am not saying we should not be guarded against the freaks. But, they do not represent the masses. Do not allow your vision to be this clouded.

interesting argument

go copies of articles enhance the value of the genuine or not?

imitation is the sincerest form of flattery etc...free advertising free promotion and of course affordable elevation in stature for those that are sporting the genuine article.

Yes, basically obtaining something one did not labor or cannot pay for.

This attitude seems endemic in societies these days with what is basically

a redistribution of wealth - sometimes by force (government - but not limited to it).

The high-production-quality films have extremely high production costs as with other products which

have high R&D costs. The the investors cannot get a return on these investments

then what?

yes, but if the studios were reasonable, they might be able to get around alot of the piracy that exists. Their cost basis is about 40 cents per DVD, when manufactured in China, despite what they like to tell you. So, if they charged say $9.00 retail, for a dvd, there would be a greater quantity sold, and the consumer would not feel so ripped off. Who is going to spend $15 to $30 on a dvd? Why? How many times will you need to watch it, before you feel as if you got your money's worth? And why is the quality of the dvd copies in Thailand so poor? It is better in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. How do the Thais get it so wrong? How inferior is their equipment? Even at 100 baht, the price is still too high, when you take into account how inferior the product is.

Thailand conquered the northern Malay provinces back in 1902, when they were referred to as the Pattani Sultanate. Has anyone ever given any serious thought to the idea of returning Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, and Songkla to the Malaysians? Though it would be a potential "loss of face", what about the upside? Let Malaysia deal with their factions, and their extremists. No longer Thailand's problem. Think of what the country could achieve with lasting peace, and the potential prosperity that would ensue from it. What would they lose really?

"1785 - An Islamic takeover of Thailand was prevented by a Thai victory in over the Sultanate of Pattani in 1785. But for the people of Pattani, this war has not ended. The Muslim converts of Pattani never reconciled to the reconquest of Pattani by the Thais and continued to terrorize the Buddhist population intermittently throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th and 21st centuries this rebellion has taken the form of an insurgency."

So you see they don't just want the bottom 5 provinces, they want the whole country. They've tried it many times before.

"Let Malaysia deal with their factions, and their extremists." Malaysia is already doing just that! Where do you think the weapons, foot soldiers, and financial support is coming from. Who do you think protects the terrorists when they flee south of the border?

You think by giving the provinces to Malaysia all fighting will stop? What will happen to the non-muslims that live there? Infidels are considered second class citizens in an Islamic theocracy. They are given three choices: 1)convert, 2)pay jizya tax and live as second class citizens, 3)DIE.

Why doesn't India just give Kashmir to Pakistan? Why doesn't Greece just give Cyprus to Turkey? Why doesn't Spain just rename the country to Andalusia and give it back to the muslims? Why doesn't East Timor give the country back to Indonesia? Why doesn't Israel give Gaza back to the Palestinians? Oh wait!...They already did, and we can see from the daily news how peaceful that turned out.

You say that Israel gave Gaza back to the Palestinians. Aren't you quite the apologist for what may be the greatest form of Apartheid on earth today. No, they did not give it back. contrary to the wishes of the history professor. They occupy Gaza, and set up 502 checkpoints. The average Palestinian has to spend 2 hours getting through a checkpoint, to shop, pray, or do nearly anything. Their lives are sheer misery, due to their apartheid masters. Is that what you are suggesting for the south? Are you saying colonialism, and the right to take over, and keep land is righteous and good? What is your solution? Blame all of the earth's problems on the Muslims? I do not believe it is their intention to take over thailand. they have other projects to keep them busy. How many Muslim problems does Thailand face, apart from the south. Use your God given reason please.

I removed some flames, their replies, and some unreasonably derogatory comments about nationalities. Please cool your emotions before posting.

I can't think of any way to spend your limited time on this earth sadder than being a moderator -- attempting to impose your own morals and sensibilities on others. The fact that the moderation is so inconsistant says it all as to how pointless this is.

As a sure further way to get this deleted pronto (regretably) I make the following comment:

You need to seriously consider what you are doing. Some would deem it fair to compare you to the jews who assisted the Nazis in the concentration camps. A little harsh maybe because I am sure you genuinely do mean well but you are, after all, merely serving big brother.

If someone makes stupid racist comments the post should stand so that the more intelligent among us can laugh at the person's ignorance. Censorship does not work -- never has, never will. And it is impossible nowadays.

We all choose out path. Actually, a sadder type of existence, it to judge the choices of others. People do what people choose to do. Who are we to judge them? Is your life so ideal, that you are in a position to dispence advice to everyone? Why not relax, and just let us all live out lives.

It is time that tour guides were removed from the reserved occupation list. A work permit should be allowed to be issued to those foreigners with the requisite qualifications and knowledge. With more tourists from Russia, China, India, Eastern Europe and other newer markets it would only be of benefit to the tourist industry, hence Thailand and Thais in general.

It won't happen though, will it?

No, it will not happen. I sometimes think it would have been a huge blessing, had Thailand been colonized. Perhaps then, they would not have such a pathological fear of outsiders. Many of these policies are detrimental to the country, and actually end up diminishing revenues. Most countries hire the best and the brightest. Make sure they are documented, and are paying taxes, but do not forbid them from working. Eventually Thailand will figure out alot of these things, but not before they are overtaken by Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and perhaps other neighboring countries too? Then, as they are reviewing why the country dropped from the 22nd largest economy in the world, to 54th, in a 20 year stretch, maybe some of these silly, immature, impractical, implausible, nonsensical, inane, fear based policies will be reviewed, and updated, with policies that actually benefit the country.

The southern Muslim should have some gratitude to the Thai people and especially the <reference removed>. Thai people take them in, provide shelter, and protection from the Malay bandit. Thai people even allow Muslim to buy land (unlike Farang), and allow them 100% freedom to settle in Thailand with equal voting rights as Thai people (go ask a Kurd or Tibetan if they can vote). Give them an inch, and now they want a foot. What's next? A mile? ? ? Just imagine this story. A man was on his way back from market spot a helpless and homeless dog ran over by a bus. He pick it up, carry him home, nurse it, feed it, and provide a small shelter at the back of the house for the poor dog. He even provid it the freedom to roam around at will; unlike the chicken & pigs the owner kept. The dog survived and grew stronger everyday due to the celestial love given by the owner of the house. However, the dog think to itself. If I can chase the owner away, I will have the whole house to myself and all the food from the fridge, plus be a master of the chickens and pigs. So it began to bite the owner, trying to chase him off the house. This is no Aesop Fables or George Orwell, but kind of similar to the situation in Southern Thailand right now.

History is not your strong point. There might be no country called Thailand without these "Dogs you spoke of". They helped stop Thailand from becoming "The People Republic of Siam" and got stabbed the back for it from the Thai's, USA and UK. I just see a sad story getting sadder every day.

Yes, history is something that does not even enter the realm of your consciousness, does it? Thailand conquered the northern Malay provinces back in 1902, when they were referred to as the Pattani Sultanate. Has anyone ever given any serious thought to the idea of returning Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, and Songkla to the Malaysians? Though it would be a potential "loss of face", what about the upside? Let Malaysia deal with their factions, and their extremists. No longer Thailand's problem. Think of what the country could achieve with lasting peace, and the potential prosperity that would ensue from it. What would they lose really?

The fascinating thing about inflation, is that there are two kinds. First, there is the real inflation that is driven by an increasing costs of commodities. Then there is the recent Thai kind of inflation, where the local people use external forces to drive prices up, and of course once those external forces disappear, the prices remain up. We are seeing historic inflation in food prices here in Samui. Difficult to find oranges for less than 70 baht per kilo. This has happened within the past 6 months of so. It has been awhile since I have seen watermelon for under 20 baht per kilo, though I realize it is not the top growing season now. Same with vegetables, bananas, etc., etc. I presume some of this is real, but alot of it seems manufactured.

i can see this working and being implemented ............ not

i hope samui doesn't inherite the BIG ( boys in Green ) that bangkok has that are purely there to extort tourists out of money .......

The reality is that there is absolutely no enforcement whatsoever on Samui, with regard to the no-smoking laws in effect throughout the country. When I travel, I see it being enforced in Pattaya, Bangkok,

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chaiyaphum, Ayutthaya, and so many other spots. Why not in Samui? Why such laxity? I know of only one restaurant on the island that even posts a sign. At least if there were signs

posted, those of us who chose not to indulge, could point the sign out to those who choose to offend. I walk into restaurants and ask for the non-smoking section, and the answer I get is: "No problem, you

can smoke anywhere". It is very frustrating, and there feels like the average person can do little about it. Many of us have contacted the Mayor's office, and complained, and they promised something would be

done, and that inspections commence. That was a very long time ago. I have a rather strong allergy to cigarette smoke, and it makes eating around it very unpleasant. I am always forced to sit on the periphery,

or in an area where nobody is seated, or occasionally compelled to move once of twice, during the meal. With so many parts of the world getting on board with the no-smoking laws, Samui is becoming seriously out of

step with other resort areas.

How could you possibly say they do not do it in a restaurant? When was the last time you were in Samui? I see it every day. I cannot find a place where there are not smokers indoors. Please speak only of that which you have knowledge.

this is what makes samui more sepcial than anywhere else. the more freedome. i used to smoke. gave up 11 years ago. though i don't care about people smoking as long as it is not in a resturant of in a public place but then they don't do it anyway. out doors i am not fussed

Yes, the link with China will generate additional tourism in the region. But, what can Thailand do to generate tourism within Europe, and the US? Getting rid of the scam operators, would be a good start. Taming the increases of the baht would be another good place to start. Getting the police in line, and having them treat tourists with some respect, would be better. There are countless ways they can make this place more attractive to tourists from around the world. But, it is going to take some introspection to figure out how to fix some of Thailand's ills.

Perhaps on past and current performance and tourism issues , they have decided a better class of tourist with less issues can be sourced from the asian market . Coupled with the rise in the Chinese currencies , the fall and likely failure of the US dollar as a leading currency combined with the European financial status and its failing economy the western markets are no longer seen as financially attractive or worth the associated cultural issues and problems generated by this type of tourist . perhaps on stepping back and taking in a full view of the world and its current issues , Thailand does not have anywhere near the problems in the US and Europe . In fact after travelling there many times in the last 2/3 years they generally present as great people unlike many of the western tourists .

You very well may be correct. Perhaps it is deliberate? I would like to think the planners are that sharp. Certainly we are going to see the growth in Asia, and it makes sense to develop this with their neighbors. No doubt the Thais are lovely in comparison to the consistently foul humored and ill tempered westerners you run into in the US, Europe, and the rest of the world. I think in general they are having a hard time coming to terms with the decline of their empires. Oh well. Better for Asia in the long run, and better for those of us to choose to be here.

Yes, the link with China will generate additional tourism in the region. But, what can Thailand do to generate tourism within Europe, and the US? Getting rid of the scam operators, would be a good start. Taming the increases of the baht would be another good place to start. Getting the police in line, and having them treat tourists with some respect, would be better. There are countless ways they can make this place more attractive to tourists from around the world. But, it is going to take some introspection to figure out how to fix some of Thailand's ills.

This is the most stupid article I have ever seen on ThaiVisa. Of course it is going to hurt. How could it help? It is considered nothing but a sign of instability to the outside world. Thailand has to figure out a way to gain control of these parties, and their desire to demonstrate. Though Thaksin was disliked by many, he did figure out a way to reach the less fortunate amongst the Thais. Why are other politicians not able to figure this out? Holding early elections would have been a historic opportunity, for Abhisit, back in May. It would have required courage, but it would have been the right thing to do.

Yes, a Thai official complaining about conditions in a Cambodian jail is indeed humorous. The reality here, is that Hun Sen is playing Abhisit like a fool. He is doing this for publicity, concessions, and as a way of exerting control over his giant, far more powerful neighbor. Not sure what the solution is, but negotiating with a dictator, who disguises himself as a freely elected democratic leader, is a dead end. There is a reason why he has a 5,000 man personal security detail. Nobody knows the extend of his riches, and when it the last time you have read something questioning this, in the Thai press? There is a reason why Thailand is ranked 152, out of 178, in terms of press freedom, by reporters without borders, a very credible ogranization. So, what we are reading in the press is nothing. They are not covering the real issues. They do not want to discuss the real issues at stake here.

Are you talking to hear yourself.

You know as well as I do that the lack of freedom of speech is mostly for matters regarding one family.

They are covering the issues that will sell papers. The same as any news paper in the world. Perhaps you are confusing a reluctance to get into a situation where they can be sued for Libel with lack of freedom of speech.

Stop and think about it if they were restricted in what they can print other than on every thing the nation would not need strict laws against libelous comments or accusation's.

Are you honestly saying you do not thing censorship is in place here in Thailand? Is that what I hear? Why the ranking of 152nd? When is the last time you have seen an investigative piece on Thai politics, on the ineffectiveness of the anti corruption commission, or anything else that mattered? It takes me 4 minutes to read the Bangkok Post. Because there is little of substance in there. The only news you read that is of a critical nature, is news of the outside world. Real criticism of Thai institutions is not allowed. And I am not referring to the Monarchy.

i can see this working and being implemented ............ not

i hope samui doesn't inherite the BIG ( boys in Green ) that bangkok has that are purely there to extort tourists out of money .......

The reality is that there is absolutely no enforcement whatsoever on Samui, with regard to the no-smoking laws in effect throughout the country. When I travel, I see it being enforced in Pattaya, Bangkok,

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chaiyaphum, Ayutthaya, and so many other spots. Why not in Samui? Why such laxity? I know of only one restaurant on the island that even posts a sign. At least if there were signs

posted, those of us who chose not to indulge, could point the sign out to those who choose to offend. I walk into restaurants and ask for the non-smoking section, and the answer I get is: "No problem, you

can smoke anywhere". It is very frustrating, and there feels like the average person can do little about it. Many of us have contacted the Mayor's office, and complained, and they promised something would be

done, and that inspections commence. That was a very long time ago. I have a rather strong allergy to cigarette smoke, and it makes eating around it very unpleasant. I am always forced to sit on the periphery,

or in an area where nobody is seated, or occasionally compelled to move once of twice, during the meal. With so many parts of the world getting on board with the no-smoking laws, Samui is becoming seriously out of

step with other resort areas.

Yes, a Thai official complaining about conditions in a Cambodian jail is indeed humorous. The reality here, is that Hun Sen is playing Abhisit like a fool. He is doing this for publicity, concessions, and as a way of exerting control over his giant, far more powerful neighbor. Not sure what the solution is, but negotiating with a dictator, who disguises himself as a freely elected democratic leader, is a dead end. There is a reason why he has a 5,000 man personal security detail. Nobody knows the extend of his riches, and when it the last time you have read something questioning this, in the Thai press? There is a reason why Thailand is ranked 152, out of 178, in terms of press freedom, by reporters without borders, a very credible ogranization. So, what we are reading in the press is nothing. They are not covering the real issues. They do not want to discuss the real issues at stake here.

These troublemakers must be stopped at all costs. It is astonishing to me that whenever I get into a taxi, the driver is complaining about the lack or tourism. Where are the farengs, they ask? I never hesitate to point out that his beloved red shirts are scaring the hell out of them. Creating the appearance of instability. Thailand must stop these people at all costs. Though many have good intentions, and are hard working Issan folk, they are being used by the great dictator, and do not even realize it. Stop them at all costs. Do not allow this to happen. Shut them down from the start. Had they done that with a show of force in April, this whole episode may have only lasted a week or two.

Well, I would love to see this implemented, and enforced. Though the law has been on the books for some time, there are very, very few places in Samui which enforce it. As a non-smoker, I have a very hard time finding a seat in a restaurant, where I do not have to be subjected to the obnoxious smoke of those around me. I ask for the no-smoking section, and the response I get is "oh no problem, you can smoke anywhere". I would be both astonished and surprised if this is enforced. How about just making bars and restaurants put up signs, so that those of us who choose not to smoke, can point out the law to others? The only place I know of on Samui that even has a sign, is the Spa in Lamai. And they enforce it inside. Wow, what civility. The mayor here is extremely weak. He does very little for the people, such as using the budget allocated for the roads, to actually repave the ring road around the island, or enforce noise limits on the beachfront bars. Now, with the new chaweng beach pigs operating the newly expanded Ark Bar, the music can be heard from quite a distance. If you live on, or near the beach, or on the surrounding mountains, you can hear this noise for many kilometers. So, with the incompetence, and indifference being exhibited by Jaikwong, the Mayor, I am not sure anything is going to change, though I would love to see it, and so would thousands of others. The reality is that Samui is going to become a tourist relic, if the Thai people do not wake up soon. Prices are going up everywhere, laws are not being enforced, tourists are being ripped off by jet ski operators, restaurants, etc., and all of the Thai people just assume the world cannot, and will not live without Thailand, or Samui.

This ban will last 30 days. They imposed a ban on fishing in the gulf, and guess how long that lasted. Where is the enforcement agency that is going to police these dive operators? And I agree with some of the other posts that diving does not affect the reefs too much. I would guess the garbage, and oil from fishing boats has a far greater impact. The enforcement agencies and the police here are an embarrassment to the country. Nearly completely impotent.

How many people do you see fighting to get OUT of the U.S. of A.?

I know of a hundred Americans who would leave if they thought they could. Either they cannot afford to leave, or they have family obligations, etc. Many of my friends have left already. Do not make light of this. There is a fast growing discontent, and the US is no longer a pleasant place to live.

Great thread. Yes, I go back and forth, and the US feels very tired these days. I think there is no doubt that it is a bit like being in Rome, in the 4th century AD. The waning years of the empire. It has been 30-40 years since any real money has been spent on infrastructure, and it is showing. The place is getting a decrepit, third world quality. There is not a single mall in the US that rivals Siam Paragon. There is not a single cinema in the country that rivals the Siam Cinema. There is not a single bowling alley that rivals the bowling alley in Siam. No speed trains, deteriorating highways, a nearly completely dysfunctional government, broke municipalities, etc. But the real story is in the people. Partly due to being fed the line that we are the greatest, the most prosperous, the most influential, etc. for all of our lives, the current reality is something most people are having a hard time coming to grips with. It is creating alot of sadness, lost hope, desperation, and frustration. The average American right now is a sad, sad sight to witness. When I was back there 6 weeks ago, it was palpable. The fear, anxiety, and general lack of fulfillment back there is tangible.

Whereas doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and so on require degrees or licences to operate, someone without a normal or proper education can be a better journalist than university graduates as long as he or she is guided by a right conscience.

But maybe cannot be trusted to vote the educated way.

There is very, very little press freedom in Thailand. The country is ranked in the 150's, out of 178 countries, by reporters without borders, which tracks such things. It is ranked 153, just below Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. Two spots about Saudi Arabia. if you see an investigative piece here, it is always about the international community, and NEVER about Thailand. When is the last time you have seen an investigative piece about the corruption commission, or the Prime Ministers office, or about vote buying, or anything else, that is the slightest bit inward looking? It just does not happen. And I wonder if the press is manipulated to that degree, do they also have the power to plant false info in the press, such as how well the tourism sector is doing right now, or what the economic growth numbers look like? Food for thought?

You copied that from another thread. And of course neglected to print the part about not OK to talk about a certain Family residing in Thailand. Repeal those law's and you will see a rise to the top 50 in freedom of speech.

Ask yourself if Thailand was as bad as you want people to think would they allow papers like the nation to exist. Unless they wanted gobbledegook to represent news.

They limit the freedom of press to those dedicated to turmoil and rightfully so. We all should have the rite to pick up a news paper and read it with out trying to figure out what the truth really is what are they hiding. It is people like you who fight to take away our personal rights so that big business can do what they want. Maybe you should read some of the local papers. There is always some thing about the opposing party and it's corruption and ineptness. As viewed by the minority.

Wow. When jayjay0 says that Thailand would not let the Nation exist, if they were concerned with censorship, it shows how out to lunch this man truly is. The Nation exhibits very, very little press freedom. When they have one of their infrequent investigative pieces, it is ALWAYs about a foreign nation, or something happening outside of the coutry. And he mentions that lese majeste is the cause of the censorship. Talk about a lack of understanding. It is the inability of many of many Thais to engage in self criticism, that is the root cause of this problem. They are bad, and we are great. The monarchy has nothing to do with this. The King is beloved for good reason. The Nation is also extremely selective in printing reader editorials. More so, than most papers. Same with the Bangkok Post. I am not referring to those dedicated to turmoil. I am talking about a people's ability to look within for solutions. I am talking about self reflection, and the ability to root out problem areas, such as corruption, political incompetence, issues with the police being ineffective, etc. Get the message.