spidermike007

And the fine would be ????

200 TB to the local police of course

Most likely as 500 Baht for the rape of a minor allows you not just back on the streets again but driving your taxi as well. Rape in Thailand may carry a heavy sentence within the judicial system but for many Thai's it's no worse a crime than breaking the speed limit.

As is the case with nearly every other crime too. Thailand may be one of the worlds softest nations when it comes to meting out punishment to criminals. Just let them go. They have learned something. No need to punish them. The judges here should be re-trained. Perhaps send them back to law school? Perhaps have them all train overseas? Oh, am I talking about actual law and order? Imagine such a thing?

I just find it physically and mentally impossible to throw litter whichever country I find myself in. I just can't let anything, however minute, drop on to the street

I suppose it's because I hate so many places being defiled by litterers.

If everyone walked down a soi depositing pieces of fruit and vegetables on the road as they went, it would soon be party time for cockroaches, ants and all the other unwanted species

'Cleanliness is next to Godliness'

Sorry if I sound so pious about this topic. I've got several bad habits but littering isn't one of them

Isn't this more to do with your up bringing ? ie if you threw litter on the ground as a kid you you got smacked across the head by your parents, I know I did and was made to go and pick it up and put what ever it was in the bin

Absolutely true. Thailand may be 10-30 years away from developing some sort of environmental sensitivity. They sure do not have it yet. Perhaps after all their fish are gone, and all their trees have been cut, and all the rivers are spoiled, but it will happen at some point. Until then, we simply have to do our part to set an example for them. I have walked up to Thais before, and have insisted they pick up their trash, that they just threw on the sidewalk. They usually look at me like I am from another planet (I am, planet outside world) but they usually pick it up with kind of an ashamed look on their faces.

The extraordinary part of this story, is that there is a 99% chance this guy throws his trash out of his car window daily. He probably urinates in the rivers. He probably dumps his trash in the wilderness areas. Very few Thais are even aware of nature, much less go out of their way to preserve it. So, this insect was simply looking to pick a fight. And yes, they never fight alone. He was looking for 12 on 1. He knew his insect buddies would have his back. He knew it was a no win for you. Best thing you can do is walk away, and arrange your life so that you never have to patronize these pigs. They are very low life forms. Very few taxi drivers of Phuket and Samui are kind hearted people, for the most part. Since it is an entirely unregulated industry, it attracts the worst of what Thailand has to offer.

Not allowing swine like this guy to run for elected office, would be one of many thousands of steps required to bring Thailand into the 21st century, and allow it to join the civilized world, when it comes to this issue of corruption. But, as I stated in a previous post:

The primary issue, is that there is little to zero interest in fighting corruption here. Nearly every level of government, and law enforcement has given up the fight, or not bothered waging a fight in the first place. When they do, they are thwarted at every level, by nearly every official or person involved. Though Thailand has made alot of noise about integrating itself into the world community, and especially ASEAN, to date they have defied many, many charters they have signed, especially the 6th charter, which I believe was signed back in 2009. I am told there are about 20 different international government bodies that are going to monitor Thailand's participation, and conduct once the upcoming ASEAN integration takes place in 2015. Many are skeptical, for good reason. Thailand has a very long history of making promises to the international community, and breaking them, when it comes to integration, easing of customs restriction, the import market, etc. To date, they have remained fabulously insular, and in some respects resemble China, when it comes to keeping their own markets closed to outside competition. The term protectionism comes to mind.

Getting back to the corruption issue, it is incredibly frustrating for many of us to see the level with which it affects this nation. But, so far, there is no Anna Hazare, or other such heroes who have stood up, risked life and limb, and been willing to carry the torch. I have seen no fight. No game. No resistance. No battle. No courage. No fortitude. No conviction. No arrests. Nobody jailed. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. So, you are seeking something that is simply not there. There may be some talk from time to time, from goombahs like Chalerm, but no action, ever! Does the "anti-corruption" agency ever fight corruption? No. What do they do? They focus on election fraud. So, you are simply engaging in an act that, if it produces anything, will end in deportation, denial of a visa, scorn, violence, or bodily harm to you or your family. But, rest assured, it will not result in anybody being disciplined, losing their job, fined, or jailed. At the lowest to the highest level of government here, there is zero interest in that. SImply too much money being made, and no interest in upsetting the apple cart.

So selling fake stuff is illegal in thailand? I guess if you only scam them a little its ok

Yes, when a Thai citizen gets scammed out of 120,000 baht, it is national news. When a foreigner loses several million baht, it means nothing. All foreigners are very rich, so they do not mind losing money. Besides, most are dumb, so they deserve it. (that was meant as as a pun, for you serious guys). Thais on the other hand do not have much money, so they cannot afford to lose this kind of money. And God forbid, that a foreigner dupes a Thai into losing money on a transaction. Imagine that? What a weird twist of fate! This kind of behavior must be avoided at all costs. Get the guy. Lock him up. Protect the country.

There are studies released from time to time, and the authorities make every effort to bury them.

Spidermike, could you please share links to those studies?

They are often done by international bodies, as the Thai govt. refuses to be transparent with its citizens. They are often buried immediately. As you know censorship in the media here is rampant, so this kind of press rarely makes it into print. I will look and see if I can find some of these studies I have seen in the past. Probably not hard to find on the internet.

I looked on inernet, but didnt find much - maybe i didnt look hard enough.

I came across PCD (Thai organization) study from 2010, naming the best beaches in Thailand according to lack of their pollution, but it didnt go into much details.

Anyway, if you stumble on a study on water quality at popular thai beaches, please share! Thanks!

Serg

Here is something I found from the samui green project, which is getting very little support from the government.

Kotee, you tell to your cronies to attack protesters and civilian if for that army set bunker in BKK

Now There are no doubt about secessionist wish from your camp, you call for injustice, you just call to commit crime against the country

It's not the first time that he call to commit a crime. He already called for genocide and crimes against humanity at the end of January.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/10606562/Thai-red-shirts-leader-says-Its-time-to-get-rid-of-the-elite.html

"This is already a war, but so far it is an unarmed war," said Ko Tee. "If there is a coup, or the election doesn't happen, then it definitely becomes an armed war."

"I want there to be lots of violence to put an end to all this, I'm bored by speeches. It's time to clean the country, to get rid of the elite, all of them."

"If there is a coup, of course I'll go to Bangkok and fight. Millions of us will go. We'll fight in many different ways. If necessary, it will be like the Vietcong fighting the Americans in Vietnam: a guerrilla war."

A real Benjamin Netanyahu of Thailand. Every country seems to have a chief warmonger. He is talking a big talk, but one wonders how brave he would really be if the bullets started flying. Where are the peacemakers when they are needed? Is there any political intelligence out there to be had?

Not medieval -- 1954 as in Land Code Act B.E. 2497 (1954) as further amended.

I was being a little sarcastic. I was referring to Thai methods of construction. From foundations to the pillar/infill walls. I'm suggesting is when you allow people from overseas to work and own such things as real estate, you untap so many skills and techniques.

Australia did this post WW2 and has ripped the rewards from Europe and other areas. A closed country falls behind quickly in the long run.

Though I have been criticized in the past for making such a suggestion on a lot of levels Thailand is paying a heavy price, for never having been colonized. I know that sounds harsh. But, think of how much Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and many others benefitted from the exposure to the world this brings. I understand it also brings many other terrible aspects, such as was the case with India in particular. But, foreign languages are learned, other forms of construction, engineering, etc. In addition to widening the culture. Many Thais are not open to different ways of doing things, and few ever pick up a book or a learning manual, unless it is required reading at school, or on the job. Many would benefit from exposure to the outside world, and the amazing world of books, and adult learning. What a concept. LOL.

I am sure the authorities appreciate you being such an apologist for them. They need that. They need you to continue boosting their lack of efforts. I spend a lot of time on Samui, and everyone I know that lives there complains about the water quality. it is horrific. Everyone I know is aware of the dumping of human waste into the sea. Why has this info passed you by? There are studies released from time to time, and the authorities make every effort to bury them. The results are always a danger to humans. I know dozens of people who have come down with skin infections after swimming

in these waters. Plain and simple. Please seek out the truth.

Spidermike, could you please share links to those studies?

They are often done by international bodies, as the Thai govt. refuses to be transparent with its citizens. They are often buried immediately. As you know censorship in the media here is rampant, so this kind of press rarely makes it into print. I will look and see if I can find some of these studies I have seen in the past. Probably not hard to find on the internet.

2 months ago, I got an accident with a driver that changed lanes at the very last moment because he entered the wrong lane and tried to get in front of me, so he wouldn't have to wait in the long queue. He tried to push me of the road, but I just went straight on and didn't move a bit. So, he hit my car on the side.

My insurance came and we made pictures, he admitted he was wrong. It was very clear from the pictures. His insurance paid everything.

I thought it would be a good lesson for him. He was pretty upset he lost 2 hours time.

He said I was selfish because I didn't let him go first.

Now, 2 weeks later, the same guy in the same car, at the same place, had another accident by trying to push another car of the road....

This is the big difference between us and Thais.

We learn from our mistakes.

A Thai does not learn from them, they think they just had bad luck, it'll probably work out next time.

Very true.

Do you think we are discussing intelligence, in general, or just common sense? Or street smarts? Or humility? It does take a little bit of humility to admit that one has erred, and to admit you can do better next time. Is it possible very few Thai men have that ability? Does the nonsense called "face" get in the way of living an intelligent life?

Russians come with their own lunch, eventually taking the Sin out of the City and turning it to yet another boring tourist trap. The Brits at least promote the jolly debauchery this lovely hamlet at the sea is known for.

That is an interesting fact. I have spoken to bar owners and they tell me they almost never have Russian patrons. And the Russians almost never bar fine. They tend to buy bottles of beer or vodka, and bring them to the beach, or back to their rooms. And they tend to travel with their women. Same with the Chinese, to a lesser extent, I believe. So, if the Russian and Chinese numbers continue growing, does that mean there will be little or no "industry" in ten years time? It seems with the advent of the internet, and high priced escort services, and other jobs available now, that the industry is in a general state of decline anyway, does it not? Will this new group of tourists see to it that this decline continues? Will Thailand eventually become more of a family destination? That trend is in evidence everywhere I go these days.

Prefer doing business with the Russians anyday compared to any other nationality. The Russians say what they think and are honest, civil, courteous almost all of the time, compare that to the know it all bar fly, Thai visa readers from the West that think they know everything but know absolutly nothing, are rude, arrogant, dam_n right nasty people most of the time that do not appreciate any effort we go to help them. Every single Russian customer we have has said thankyou, giving small presents and taking out and paying for dinner/drinks at some of the most expensive places in Pattaya. Mr Brit/Oz/Yank whatever simply moans.....Lets hope more of them come each year, this being the best yet for us

I am thrilled to hear this. I have some friends who have been running into younger Russians, who they say are cool, hip, smart, and very pleasant. I have not met any like this yet, but am hopeful I will. I am sure in a country as large as Russia there are some, and I will encounter them soon. Personally, I prefer Brits, Aussies, Germans, Swedes, Italians, Chinese, Malaysians, and just about all others. But, like I say, I have not had the good fortune to run into any cool Russians yet. I am sure this will happen.

And the other thing I wonder is, will the judiciary have the courage to give him the sentence he deserves? Like 20 consecutive life sentences, rather than 2 years in jail, which is what I am guessing he will get. And of course, if his family has enough cash, he will probably spend no time in jail. Am I being cynical? Do you think for a minute that this level of cynicism is not based on the reality here? Has anyone ever seen a weaker judiciary anywhere in the world?

Late Monday morning the sea turned brown at Lamai Beach. Now no one swimming. What is it? I know what it looks like but it doesn't smell just looks awful. Any clues from someone who really does know?

Yes. The answer is simple. The central and regional governments decided long ago to refuse to invest in waste water treatment. Nearly all sewage here is pumped directly into the sea. So, what you are swimming in is a mixture of salt water and excrement. Yes, that is the reality, and all tests have shown a ridiculously high level of human waste. Swim in the sea on Samui at your own peril. The fabulously irresponsible authorities are sucking this island dry, and giving very, very little back to to the tourists who spend their hard earned money there. I am afraid Samui has seen better days. It is not moving in a positive direction.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I agree, considering that especially Chaweng beach, but also some of the other beaches, are by far the biggest tourist attractions on Samui, you would think those in power, who also own hotels etc., would do something to protect those attractions, but unfortunately they seem to be unaware, or simply do not care about these problems.

Btw, you do not need giant sewage treatment plants, a few plants built into 20 ft containers (can be purchased fully assembled) dumped into the canal in Chaweng would do the job on a daily basis. Granted, they would not be able to cope during heavy rain, but heavy rain usually comes with rough seas, so the canals can just drain untreated into the sea at those times. The rough seas will take most of the waste out to sea, and besides, few people go swimming during heavy rain anyway.

Yes, and I have heard there are inexpensive treatment alternatives, like algae pools, etc. to use to treat waster water. Have any of these been tried? Is any research being done? Why are the authorities so slothful, lazy, lacking in vision, and asleep on the job? Who permits these kinds of problems to fester on a multi billion dollar a year tourist island? To call this a travesty would be to understate the scope of the problems.

Sadly no. Theres a few heads here either in in denial or buried in the sand.

Or am i too negative? He cares if i am. i'd never swim in these waters, thats for sure.

However, in defense of your post Trop, i'm quite willing to accept the brown algae theory as being correct and it sounds like it probably is. My concerns are purely addressing the untreated swage pumped into the shores every night.

You, negative... never Carmine!

I have never seen these pipes or pumping stations that send this sewage water out to sea.... perhaps I should get out more........where are they exactly?

There is one on Chawang lake, but never seen it working, that goes into the lake but not the sea???

I find it strange that thousands of people come here every year and swim in the waters around the islands here, but cannot remember ever reading a post where people are getting sick from doing so... ???

I will say there is a aeration system in place in Lamai, near one of the beaches... and it does have a bit of a whiff..... ! ....But then too, I have smelt the same thing near UK beaches.... Mousehole, in Cornwall comes to mind....

This is the aeration thingy in Lamai...

Let's be thankful, we don't get the Red Algae bloom, that causes fish, crabs and other shell fish to be poisonous ... quite common in a number of areas of the world..... (One cannot eat these things when it is present in the waters... some times a month or two a year... )

I am sure the authorities appreciate you being such an apologist for them. They need that. They need you to continue boosting their lack of efforts. I spend a lot of time on Samui, and everyone I know that lives there complains about the water quality. it is horrific. Everyone I know is aware of the dumping of human waste into the sea. Why has this info passed you by? There are studies released from time to time, and the authorities make every effort to bury them. The results are always a danger to humans. I know dozens of people who have come down with skin infections after swimming

in these waters. Plain and simple. Please seek out the truth.

I went pup a pub, and they charged 86 dollars for a 1.5 liter tower of beer. I went to a seafood court, and for four people it was $240. And we did not eat any of the expensive stuff! Everything there is crazy expensive. Great city, but do not go unless you have stupid money to burn. If you can stay there for a week, at under $3000 US, you are performing a feat of magic.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Late Monday morning the sea turned brown at Lamai Beach. Now no one swimming. What is it? I know what it looks like but it doesn't smell just looks awful. Any clues from someone who really does know?

Yes. The answer is simple. The central and regional governments decided long ago to refuse to invest in waste water treatment. Nearly all sewage here is pumped directly into the sea. So, what you are swimming in is a mixture of salt water and excrement. Yes, that is the reality, and all tests have shown a ridiculously high level of human waste. Swim in the sea on Samui at your own peril. The fabulously irresponsible authorities are sucking this island dry, and giving very, very little back to to the tourists who spend their hard earned money there. I am afraid Samui has seen better days. It is not moving in a positive direction.

Spidermike

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I assume she meant a political death. I seriously doubt she has the courage to die for her cause. Sounds like a lot of rhetoric to me. And since Suthep has declared the protests over, now is the time for her to make sure the meeting takes place. How long will she dally before this happens? We are all waiting to see a level of competency in dealing with this crisis. How about some political talent? Some intelligence? Some creativity? Some savvy? Some ability? Can she please show us why she was elected? Or should I say selected?

Mike Macarelli

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I ride that strip pf road every day. There is no bike lane on the inside. The bus overtook Josh and misjudged the clearance.

In the west the bus driver would be charged with Negligent Manslaughter and get 25 years in prison.

Here in Thailand he will be back on the road tomorrow.

Very rarely is anybody charged with anything here. One wonders what the police do, day and night here. So few are arrested, that deserve to be arrested. It is so uncommon, and there is such a lack of talent here with regard to detectives, forensics, labs, etc. a great shame on the central govt. for not investing the money in law enforcement, and the talent needed to put away bus drivers like this one, who was most likely at fault, nor disco owners who cause deaths, nor sons of billionaires, who run over cops, nor corrupt politicians. One can pretty much do whatever they want here, without the fear of the law.

Mike Macarelli

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The amnesty bill, and the rice pledging scheme are two of the most hair brained ideas, in the recent history of politics, here or anywhere else. I assume it was due to constant pressure from the Dubai imbecile, but still, did not anyone with half a brain ever stop to consider the ramifications? Or would that have been too "visionary"? Are they so detached from reality, sitting in their white palaces? Is it not possible to take one moment from counting the billions, to try to figure out how to govern responsibly? Is that too much to ask? Suthep was a comical figure. A desperate man, looking for a stage, and for anyone to listen to him. But, his counterparts are not a whole lot more impressive. Reminds me of the republicans and the democrats in the US. About the same level of incompetence, but at least there, they seem to know when is the right time to shelve a bill. Here they do not have any real level of common sense or reasoning. Forget the expression Amazing Thailand. How about "Welcome to the land of no common sense or reasoning"?

Mike Macarelli

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Don't laugh but I find the second or third one better if served in the same glass, could it be the detergent used ?

I've got a little stock pile of Belgian beer waiting for Boxing Day, I don't think the Belgians can make a bad beer of they tried

Nice to hear that you enjoy our beers we only have 1150 registerd brands at the moment .

And what, about 7 brands in Thailand? The monopolies here seem to prevent good beer from being made, or being available. And the refusal to abide by the ASEAN charter means we do not see any regional beers, as Thailand agreed to allow importation of all beers made within ASEAN in 2010. We have some very low quality beer here. And one of the poorest selections of imported upside of East Africa. The term dropping the ball comes to mind.

Mike Macarelli

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes, but my guess is that the billions required for serious waste management facilities would come from the central govt., correct? So, that is where the rice subsidies play a destructive role on the development of the country. Or lack thereof. Someone is dropping the ball in a severe manner. Someone needs to get arrested and jailed. I realize that will not happen, as Thailand does not have a fighting bone in its body, when it comes to corruption.

Mike Macarelli

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app