AmeriThai

Since the OP's gf likes "immature stuff", the Hello Kitty watch may be the best alternative, or maybe something featuring one of various anime characters. How about a Hello Kitty themed throw pillow, skimpy nightwear, or a wall clock? If something of gold is a 'must', then how about a pair of gold Hello Kitty earrings?

If the OP has been in LOS for a year or longer, I find it difficult to imagine he's unaware of where to find gold shops in BKK or anywhere else for that matter. If he's worried about scams, then go to one at an upscale mall.

The twice daily MK staff dance

Needs to be seen to be believed. Would be classed as a crime against humanity in the West. Thai diners pretend nothing's happening while I don't know whether to die from laughter, pity or pure shame to be watching it from outside.

Where was that located? A few years ago, we went to a restaurant where they did the same thing. I can't recall the name of the restaurant, but it was located in one of the Malls north of BKK, possibly Future Park. My son-in-law said it happens on a regular basis. I think the dancing lasted about 5 minutes or so.

Theres quite a few other restaurants and things in the area that are probably just surviving. A couple of five star Hotel which probably cater for all the peoples needs. There are a few developments happening on the other side of the river in Laos. Shopping complex maybe, but defo a casino or two.

Maybe when the new road opens via Chiang Khong to Loas and then China , it'll bring more Visitors. I'm sceptical.

Its a travesty to see such a beautiful building wasted. The place must have cost a fortune considering all the wood.

There are many, many others scattered around Thailand though as Scea points out.

maybe it wasn't such a foolish venture, maybe people just needed to spend some money for whatever reason

It's pretty amazing to build such a fine structure only to leave it empty and unused. You're right about the wood, and a lot of fine detailing as well. I've also seen plenty of empty building around Thailand. I suspect the shopping complex was planned to do well, but ended up failing from the get-go. I'm not familiar with the area, but I can't help but wonder if the location was unsuitable to attract typical mall-type businesses.

Another victim of the financial collapse/economic meltdown of a few years back.

Travellers to Chiang Mai from here will see a number of abandoned projects around the hot springs area.

I'd say that they were repossessed by financial institutions who have never worked out what to do with them.

I was told that in many cases the original company ownership is that convoluted no one really knows who they belonged to.

Not sure when it was built, but yes, the financial crunch of 96-97 might have contributed to it's failure. I'd also guess it's location might have been another factor. It's a shame to allow such an amazing building go to waste. But you're right, that sort of thing happened. I remember a few years ago in the outskirts of Bangkok seeing a few brand new high-rises, condos I think, that were completely empty.

Ah. Thats the place close to the River north of Chiang Sean and just short of the Golden Triangle.

Last time I looked I'm sure I saw activity there but its not being used for the original purpose. Maybe an import/export business.

Someone else will know for sure .

Its more a 'white Elephant' than 5 Elephants I suspect unfortunately.

Beautiful Building, what a waste

Thanks jubby. You're right, it's located right next to the river. I first came across the photo album a couple of years ago and wondered if anything has happened to the place. I can imagine an import/export business would make a good addition. From the looks of the space, it looks like a couple of restaurants would fit in, and any number of other shops. I agree, it's a stunning building.

I came across an interesting online photo album featuring the Five Chiang Shopping Complex, located at Sop Ruak, Chiang Rai. The photo collection dates back 6 years ago (2004) The new building looks excellent, but remained vacant and never opened. At the time, it was assumed it was out of the way too much to attract any businesses. Anyone know about this place? Did it ever open? Still standing? Converted to some other use? Or has it been demolished?

http://www.uer.ca/locations/viewgal.asp?locid=22404&galid=14148

Speaking of ads, here's an interesting one for an "Anti-Cough Pill", although somehow the centipedes don't seem very enticing

(Found here)

http://www.alibaba.com/product/ongloveiii-11713154-11054726/Takabb_Anti_Cough_Pill.html

Thanks Lopburi and Mario! The reason I was asking was because a friend and his wife (both US citizens) have expressed an interest in visiting Thailand, possibly to spend 1 to 3 months in the country. If the stay is up to 30 days, all they need is a valid passport and their outbound ticket, their passport will be stamped on arrival at the airport in BKK. They don't need to bother with the Consulate at all. If they decide to stay longer than 30 days, but less than 60 days, they'd need to apply for a tourist visa from the Consulate.

That said, I checked the webpage of the Royal Thai Consulate General office in Portland about tourist visas to be sure before offering any suggestions. That's when I saw they show transit visas ($30). The ($35) fee for a tourist visa is waived for for a single entry, although up to two additional entries can be purchased. It was the transit visa that threw me with no indication about the exemption waiver or visa on arrival. If you saw the Portland website, you can see there's not much info there. However, to be fair, they do point to the LA Consulate's website though. It appears the ONLY visas the Portland office handles are transit visas and tourist visas. I had considered that the transit visa was probably for foreign visitors in the US wanting or needing to go to Thailand for various reasons, but thought you guys could help clarify the confusion for me. You have, and I greatly appreciate the help.

ขอบคุณมากกรับ

Look here for a partial answer to your question: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2637.php

Your name suggests you are a US national, in which case you don't qualify for visa on arrival but for a (tourist) visa exemption. To use this you would need a ticket out of the country with a flight within 30 days of arrival.

Thanks Mario. I was looking at the websites of the Thai Consulate Generals in Portland Oregon and LA. The one in Portland primarily handles visas. In it they have miniscule information regarding visas and they show that they issue a Transit Visa for $30. It's hard to say when it was last updated.

I understand the visa exemption, but I guess I don't understand how it actually differs from a visa on arrival. And I don't really understand why the Consulate offers a Transit Visa. The only difference I can see is that a Transit Visa is essentially a document attached to your passport, whereas the visa exemption is stamped on arrival to BKK. Any thoughts? I briefly looked at the link earlier, then looked at it again when you posted it. Unless I'm reading it wrong, it looks like what they call "Visa on Arrival" is the same thing as a visa extension.

It's not really a bit deal, but I was kind of stumped by the Thai Consulate offering a Transit Visa and wondering why would anyone from the US actually need a Transit Visa for $30. Any thoughts?

http://www.thai-or.com/

What's the difference between a Visa on Arrival and a Transit Visa?

(Electric) traffic lights at 1:19 would suggest a later date. Wikipedia states such lights were first developed about 1914 in the States. Does anyone know when they first came to Thailand?

- Roger -

Thanks Roger. Good point. That was something that caught my attention as well. I looked at the object in full view but it's not very clear. However, I agree it certainly looks like some kind of traffic signal, particularly because it's mounted on a candy striped pole. If it's a traffic light, it looks like it only uses a single light. The title doesn't specify a date, but generalizes by saying it's about 100 years ago. I'd guess it might date back to the 1920's. If it is from 20's, even the latter half, then it's possible might be electric, although I'm just guessing. I too would be interested in knowing when the first electric traffic lights came to Thailand. Still, it's an interesting look at BKK long ago.

Bangkok: 100 years ago?

From the date the video was posted, that would put around 1909. It's obvious the video is very old, but I'm mpt sure if it's that old or not. In one reference by Mercedes-Benz Thailand, there were 412 automobiles in 1909.

http://www.mercedes-benz.co.th/content/thailand/mpc/mpc_thailand_website/enng/home_mpc/passengercars/home/passenger_cars_world/About_the_Company/heritage/First_Mercedes-Benz_in_Thailand.html

Here's a video of a flood in Bangkok, 1942.

The kind of criminals you're talking about would have no qualms in targeting other Thais as well if there's something to be gained by it. They're equal opportunity criminals, not racists.

I really would like to agree with your version but unfortunately what those criminals said and what it came out of the investigations, so the facts, are not in favour of this theory, now please nobody steps in to tell me that all thais are poor people and have nothing worthed to steal as i am expecting it

I'm not saying there's no racism at all, but just because the "news" said some thugs claimed they were targeting farangs, doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't go after Thais as well if there was enough to gain by it. To me, in that particular example, targeting farangs (or foreigners) sounds more like they were basing it on a perceived opportunity with the idea that farangs = money. It seems to me that there's a view that somehow racism and discrimination mean the same thing. A racist certainly discriminates. But discrimination doesn't always mean racism. Even if the thugs were being racists, it's kind of hard to take a small example like that and apply it to Thais in general. What I find more common about some Thais, perhaps many, is a sense of being better than others because of nationalism. If it was strictly a matter of racism, then why would Thais discriminate against people from bordering countries?

How did you hear about this?

FYI someone can still be defined as a racist even if discriminates to more then just another race, the only person which is mentioning the "aggressive kind of racism" or extreme here seems to be yourself, you can still be a racist with a smile on your face.....

The kind of criminals you're talking about would have no qualms in targeting other Thais as well if there's something to be gained by it. They're equal opportunity criminals, not racists.

I haven't had any problems either. My family has been completely supportive and treat my wife like a member of the family.

What of today's digital photography?

Will modern photos survive as well?

Or will the old CD's and hard drives all become corrupted?

Please permit me to first of all chime in with appreciation for all the historical photos ZZ has posted, regardless of whether some are identified or not. Just seeing them are impressive. I agree that having more information about the photos would be great, but sometimes it's not always so simple to do. I've added some info about one photo (Sukhumvit, Soi 8) and spotted that the photo was in fact backwards. And others have also added some info or corrections as well.

Okay, back to the question at hand. I'm no skilled photographer, but it can be said that photographs have gone through a process of evolving, from tintypes to paper images to digital images. As the technology has changed, so has the media. Older images are often transferred into newer formats. It's possible future photo images might involve equipment or cameras that work at the nano scale, and provide exceptionally rich clarification, perhaps even better than the originals. I'd guess modern images and images stored on old CD's will be transferred over to whatever new media might be used in the future. I'm sure some of the expert photography buffs here on TV have better insights on that subject than I do. It's hard to guess what's next for photography and the preservation of historical photos. In terms of loss, some images are bound to be lost due to accident, neglect, or just plain disposed of. But of those that currently exist, and those that may be rediscovered after being buried away and forgotten inside a box in some closet, I think we'll likely be able to view them long into the future.

We are just a little bit outside of Bangkok in a fenced moo bahn with security. This is nice but still i let my wifes younger sister take care of the house when we are off for a Holiday. We pay her some money and hope that things go well.

We have a place somewhat in the sticks, sort of a modest 4-plex. No fenced community. Our concern wasn't about theft of anything but rather just to keep squatters or partiers out to avoid senseless damage. For the sake of convenience, we have family members live there year round. We contact them frequently to keep tabs on things. In exchange, they pay for the utilities, their own food, and keep the fruit trees watered. They provide their own furnishings. We pay to have bottled water delivered. Overall, it seems to work out pretty well for everyone.

In my opinion, regardless of the origin of the word "farang", the current use of the word can sometimes be meant as an insulting derogatory term, but is most generally used as a simple convenient identification term much in the same sense that the word "caucasian" is used. Is there an alternate term that's better?

How can it be a derogatory work or term?

If a Thai says "Farang keenok", the Thai is not being nice for sure. ie. "you bird shit farang". But, Farang is still not a derogatory word, the bird shit adjective is! The use of farang was identifying a or the person.

Can someone enlighten me as to where in the Thai language it is used as a derogatory word?????????????????????

Even if you don't speak Thai, farang bad, farang smelly, farang bad month, farang whatever, it still is only in reference to a person being identified by looks, nothing else. An in these cases is used in place of better knowledge of country of origin or the individuals name!

Thanks for the correction. You're quite right. The word "farang" can be used in conjunction with other words aimed at being an insult. But the word itself is simply a word generally used to identify caucasions, which was the point I made. I've been referred to as a farang, usually by people who don't know me. I can't speak for anyone else, but in my own experience, once Thais do get to know me and know where I'm from, then I'm usually considered as a "khon amerigan". Even then it's not unusual for those who know me refer to me as a farang when speaking to other Thais. I think the word "farang" is just easier for Thais to use because it's a lot more common. I've never come across any Thais who thought the word is an insult. Interestingly though, I can't say I've ever heard of a similar identifying word used to generally describe Asians. The exception being if they know the individual or there are some other characteristics, then a specific Asian may well be called "khon jeen", "khon yippon", "khon gowlee", "khon lao", etc. (as examples), or whatever country they're originally from or descended from.

Like you, I'm not at all clear as to why some people consider the word "farang" to be an insulting word. Maybe they just don't like being characterized. Or maybe they just don't like the way Thais do things. You've heard people who regularly complain about Thais. Then too, it may be a lack of understanding or interest. As I also stated, is there an alternate term that's better to use? Maybe "khon peu khao"? I'm not so sure that would necessarily be satisfactory to some people either.

In my opinion, regardless of the origin of the word "farang", the current use of the word can sometimes be meant as an insulting derogatory term, but is most generally used as a simple convenient identification term much in the same sense that the word "caucasian" is used. Is there an alternate term that's better?

Sukhumvit Road, Soi 8, 1986

ZZ, I was looking at that photo of Sukhumvit, Soi 8, and something didn't look quite right about it to me. I was thinking the view was looking east in the direction of Robinson Dept. store, but the buildings off in the distance didn't make any sense. Then I discovered what the problem is. The lettering of the Coca-Cola sign is backwards. Your photo is flipped in reverse. It's looking toward the direction of the Din Daeng Expressway. I'm pretty sure that's a foot bridge in the distance crossing the road near Soi 2. Soi 8 is actually located on the left side. LOL! The photo must've been taken from a footbridge. Seems like there was one with DK Books on the left side and the Ambassador Hotel parking and micro-zoo on the right. Below is the correct orientation of the image.

Nice photo of Suk and Soi 8. Thanks for posting it. It's exactly as I remember. Hey, I think I see myself heading for Soi 8. LOL!

For those who don't know, Soi 8 is on the right in the photo where the cars are coming out, just past the reddish rails. On this side of the Soi, but on Sukhumvit, is a shop. I can't remember all they sold there, but I do remember they had a number of highly detailed Chinese cork sculptures depicting mountains, trees, birds, pagodas, etc., all contained in glass cases of various shapes. I was so impressed I bought about three of them with a discount. On the other side of Soi 8 was another store on the corner, and just past that a short distance was a branch of Bangkok Bank with an exchange booth out in front. Exchange rates at the time was 25 baht to the US dollar. Might not sound like a great rate, but it was excellent at the time. Prices were much lower so you could get a lot more for your money.

Across Sukhumvit from Soi 8 and on the corner (Soi 11, I think) was a shoe store, I believe called Phraya. Bought a nice comfortable pair of leather sandals there. I still have those same sandals, still in good shape. A bit down Soi 11 from Phraya Shoes, is the Siam Commercial Bank. A few steps past the shoe store along Suk, led to a parking area for the Ambassador Hotel. There was a nice covered food area with cheap, but good Thai food. And out in the parking area was a mini-zoo. Further down Sukhumvit, on the left side in the photo, on Soi 13 is the Miami Hotel. Can't see it in the photo. But out in front directly on Suk, was the Thermae Coffee Shop and another bank & exchange booth. In the morning, there was a guy with a cart and tables set up in front of the Thermae serving breakfast, good coffee, and khao pat khai. There was another set up in a nook along Soi 8 too.

Good times and made a lot of good friends there.

So far it appears that Saraburi may not be the right solution. In terms of location it fits well but the low number of farangs in the area may be an indicator to a lack of schoolsthere with an English program, which is a priority.

However, settling in Korat poses a similar problem and it doesn't look promising anywhere in between. I am however looking at the Phyayen & Muak Lek area as there is an international school there.

Alternatives seem to be as you mentioned, looking nearer to Bangkok. I am looking at Nonthaburi also but I really don't want to be any closer to Bangkok than that if I can hep it.

Most of the schools around Saraburi province seem to include teaching English as a second language. I don't really know anything about the international schools. Speaking from my own experiences in our location in the province, with regard to learning English, most of the kids don't seem to bother practicing it outside of school, partly because there's few opportunities to practice what they've learned, and because they just keep speaking in Thai as soon as school is out. As such, their English skills remain extremely poor, except for a few common phrases and words.

Nonthaburi is a pretty nice location. In my opinion, a couple of other spots that might be worth looking at in other areas north of BKK, are around Rangsit and Don Meung. Also, east of the Don Meung airport, heading out Thanon Sai Mai to Thanon Sukhaphiban (around the area of Talat Wongsagon), there are a number of gated communities, although I have no idea if there are any serviced rentals. Worth a check with the community on-site sales offices to see if there are any rentals. Personally, I think I'd be a little bit cautious about 'serviced accommodations', unless you actually know the maids, etc. Sometimes things can have a funny way of mysteriously vanishing, especially if you're not around to keep an eye on things.

Here's a good-sized community with a nearby wat/school. Our daughter and son-in-law used to live there, which is where my familiarity of it comes from. Directly across the road is the Talat Wongsagon via a footbridge, unless you're daring enough to cross the road directly. There are several other similar communities heading south.

Sukhumvit near Nana 1975

YEAH, there were times when we can see the sky in Sukhumvit (((-:

I have been in Bkk and Pattaya first in 1975 and remember also a lot of Klongs in Bangkok, not much skyscrapers and absolutely no skytrains or too much traffic.

THANKS for the pictures timestamp :jap:

That's the same impression I got from the photo as well. No skytrains. Lots of blue sky. The TAILORS sign looks familiar. So does that white building in the background. One of my favorite spots to stay at was the shady old Mermaid's Rest guesthouse/bar/restaurant on Soi 8, on the right, just off Sukhumvit Road. It had a great all-you-can-eat outdoor grill buffet. On one occasion, they goofed up the reservations. All they had was a smaller room, which was okay with me. Cost: 50 baht/day. That was sometime around the late 80s or early 90s.