cshort64

It is very clear that K. Rucharee your opinions are firm and heart felt, this is a commendable stance to have and I applaud your passion. Not all things Red are bad, there are some valid points being made by those that are poor and feel disadvantaged, and I will give you not all the Red Shirts are poor either, how they presented their message was fine until the violence, of which there is no call for. They had every right to sit and protest where they chose the only difference is the violence, both sides caused harm to the economy and perception of Thailand, both sides believe they are right and for the most part are not willing to give in to the others demands or requests. To claim that the Yellow shirts are terrorists, I would not go that far, should their leaders be arrested for civil disobedience most likely. No other location in the world would have put up with a shutdown of their airports, sure unions have gone on strike, flights have been cancelled, bags have been lost, but to shut down access to an entire country by closing its two main airports was unprecidented. In most people's eyes this is an illegal act, not terrorism mind you, but illegal.

In my humble opinion the government must be allowed to finish its term in office without interference and then select another if you choose to, the issue here is corruption, on both sides, it must be stopped, heck even slowed down would be nice. This is not going to change anytime soon, the level of transparency in government needs to increase 100 fold, but again not going to happen in the short term. Changing governments, yearly does not make much sense, just because you don't like what someone is doing you try to throw them out. If it is illegal then of course they must go, but if not then try to change their minds, influence the MP's, or simply vote them out the next time. I am hopeful for the future, the more people participate in the process and the better educated they get on the process then Thailand wins. If we exclude people from the process, as some in the past have claimed, because they are less educated or less sophisticated then Thailand looses. Uneducated, unemployed, and unsophisticated people have the right to vote, the burden is on the educational system, the government, and community leaders to provide the information to them in a way they can digest it so that when they vote they can make an informed decision.

I believe Thailand will get there, but not in this generation, it will take a lot more time as we have seen recently, passion easily turns to violence and chaos. Until this changes we are going to see more in the future. I am passionate for this country I sure hope we start changing now.

Rucharee, keep writing and voicing your opinions, it is good to see.

Cheers

C

Education - Education - Education!

To get us moving forward here we need better education, teachers and professors that know their subjects well and are passionate for teaching young people. The need for short skirts or the concern for them should not even be on the table, the article is a waste of news print. As a member of a company that hires many college graduates each year, lets focus on the education and the skills the students have rather than what they wear. Government should stay out of the students closets and let them learn to be better citizens and change Thai society for the better for those that are less fortunate and cannot afford the same privilege they have of going to school!

Regards

C

I happen to agree with Tigerbalm's earlier post, there is much to be said for showing proof that these people are terrorists and that they have actually been caught doing something illegal. The government and the police do not hesitate to show pictures of drug dealers caught with large amounts of yabba or some other drug and these dealers always have confessed and they always don't show their face, all of us who have been here a while have read in the paper such incidents. They get the murder suspect arrested and show is picture or someone suspected of a crime, that even makes the news paper, but these people in prison are not made known and their crime is not yet filed against them.

Makes one wonder if there is the level of transparency that we come to expect in most democratic countries. Now I know that there are many of you out there will say, the US and Russia and UK do similar acts and I would agree with you. But I'm not addressing those concerns here, just simply put, if these people are true criminals or terrorists, put them on trial, show the evidence, convict, them and make them do the time. If they are not or you cannot prove it them maybe they should be let go.......

Just a crazy thought

C

This is very sad indeed, the poor child and her family.

There is something to be said for a level of censorship, in the pas I would not have felt this way, but having been here a long time now I find the level of domestic violence portrayed on these shows to be amazingly high. In Thailand domestic violence is very high, I am no expert by any means but surely some correlation can be drawn from what is seen on TV and what happens in peoples daily lives, especially when the population may not have all the education advantages to rationalize the difference between fact and fiction.

Just a thought.

C

I have applied and recieved credit cards from foreign banks here in Thailand, such as Standard Chartered and Citibank. I was going to apply at Bangkok Bank and they required a security deposit as the manager said BBK was not offering credit cards unsecured any longer to foreigners due to high losses on their cards. I was also turned down by another local bank because I had a work permit for less than 1 year with the same company, my previous work permit was for more than 1 year but they did not consider that, told me to come back after 1 year with the same employer.

I have learned however, much can be done in the local branch, there are many posts here of others who have had good relationships with bank staff or managers and they bypass a lot of these issues, it appears that some banks give their managers some latitude in making decisions.

For what its worth that is a bit of my experience.

Cheers

C

This is an interesting read, there is much to be said for this type of poll, unfortunately I am not sure what will change. If the Thai Military could be put in it's place to protect the country from unwanted foreign agression and leave politics and governming to the citizens this would be a HUGE step. That feeling we have during an election here that if the 'wrong' party wins that there will be a coup or when things are not going the way the military likes it, there could be a coup disappeared and we could rest assured that the military could not move forward and disrupt government, this would go a long way to making the country's citizens feel more at ease.

Much more needs to be done and I hope it will, but this would be an excellent step forward.

C

I have a similar view to Phetaroi's comments above, there is a change in the Thai mentality towards these events and it is getting more challenging to see the same Thai feelings from years ago. This in some ways is good, if people are thinking for themselves and making decisions for themselves, but as we have seen this is not the case. I believe that change is good under most circumstances but there are times when change brought about by misinformation and distrust can cause more harm than good and I believe Thailand is in that state now. ( I love this country and will never leave, I consider it my home now) I am concerned for the next election and what we may see, as there are considerably more rural citizens and potential "Red Shirts" around the country and assuming that we make it quietly to the next election period, it is very likely that a candidate from whichever party they form, will will the PM seat.

If this happens, do we start this process again, do the "yellow shirts" begin making noise and making their level of false claims against the newly elected government, does the military feel threatened by change and they attempt a coup? The cycle that has begun with the ouster of Thaksin could continue for several more election seasons. This, in my opinion, is the greatest risk to Thai society and will continue to tear people apart. How does this change? How do we get a way from a poloticialy leader having to get the military blessing to move forward with changes that people can see? How do we see real change in society when those in power like the status quo? I'm afraid that history does not demonstrate easy ways out of this problem, many countries have tried and the cost is high.

What is Thailand and her people willing to pay for that level of freedom and democracy?

C

I personally would like to see a lot more proof of the accusations that are flying around from the government, I believe that there is still a great deal of pent up frustration and anger, and that violence by some is aways possible, but what we hear from the press and from the government is opinions and accusations, but they do not move forward with present facts.

What proof do they have?

Are they planning on keeping the emergency decree going on indefinately because if they suspect violence when the remove it then it is logical to assume that they will never remove it.

I'm not saying I agree with the Red Shirt's tactics or the use of violence, that is not the correct approach to move forward. However, the government does owe the citizens of Thailand proof that these incidents are happening, that people are planning these events, so that we can see the transparency in their decisions. Decisions made behind closed doors without input or transparency are what cause distrust in any organization, especially governments.

C

Just my 2 cents here, I have flown often to India and to London from several destinations in Asia and have used Jet Airways and I must agree with the last few comments, the service has been great, the food quite good, and the overall experience positive, I look to fly them when I can. The transit in India is aways hard, the number of security checks, the organized chaos at the airport, but this is India and I just grin and bear it, because nothing I'm going to do will change anything.

Kingfisher is also very good, excellent service, lovely flight attendants that are very gracious, and ice cold Kingfisher beer, if you like. Also the frequent flyer programs are generous as well.

Have a good Trip!

C

Good Day All

I have a 21 y/o son, he is here on an Ed Visa going to shool for Hotel and Restaurant Management, he would like to get a part-time job or even full time while he is on school breaks and after school, in his educational discipline. Is this permitted when you have an Ed Visa?

Thank You

C

Closing the gap on the rich poor divide here in Thailand, and in many other countries, is not as popular as one might suspect with politicians for one reason, votes. In my humble opinion a politician that is from a district that is predominately made up of poor and uneducated voters has an easier time in relating to his district because he is seen as the leader, an educated man or women, that can help us. But when the voters can't read well enough to learn what there elected leader is doing for them, or understand the many complex situations a politician finds himself/herself in, then how can they make an educated decision on whether this person is representing their interests in a positive manner and has the well being of their district at heart. There is a very large percentage of the rural farming and small town poor and lower middle class that do not have a solid enough educational background to make educated decisions about their elected officials and to understand the difference between candidates. Again, in my opinion, education is the key to success here, there must be a long term, sustainable educational push to raise the level of knowledge across the country. Unfortunately the current voting generations may not have the means to make a big difference now, but in 20 years we need to be farther along, we need to have young people educated to a level that independant thought is respected, that decisions are based on facts and information and less on what some tells you. The ability to think for ones self is a skill that must be cultivated.

I am a guest in this wonderful country and I do not wish to offend Thai citizens that I know 'how' their country should run and be governed, I offer only an opinion, not everything about the American or UK political systems are perfect, far from it, and many countries are struggling with these same problems. But if we can make one comittment to the future and stick with it, I would like to suggest - EDUCATION!.

All the best

C

As a long time Thailand resident it is not surprising we have continual discussions on corruption at many levels, whether it comes from politicians, the police, or even the military. The number of extremely wealth individuals in all of these three sectors of society is startling. There is graft, extortion, protectionism, favortism at many levels and we see it daily, I understand why the rural poor and the lower middle class get so upset and are so concerned, they feel they are not getting their fair share. I have been married to a Thai citizen for a number of years, we have 4 children, one studies in the US and 3 study here, my 14 y/o told me the other week that he wanted to join the Military and make it a career. When asked why he proudly stated that he can work his way up and become rich. I offered him a suggestion that he join the military to help his country and protect the citizens of Thailand, this should be the motivation and not to 'get rich'. He went on to say that if you are in the military long enough everyone knows you have money and he wanted to have that too. I will council more on this topic later as he grows up, but needless to say I was rather surprised to hear such a statement from my son. How is is possible that high ranking officers are perceived or are actually wealthy when the Thai military salary is so low? (retorical question, I can guess the answer )

Corruption must be tacked at many levels and needs to be part of the educational fabric that we bring our children up here in Thailand, they need to learn, it may be actually too late for those in politics today to change but with education and persistance I'm hopeful that the future will be less corrupt. If Mr Abhisit can work on better education, better quality of education and more consistent training then the future will be brighter for so many of Thailands citizens.

Cheers.

C

Hello All;

I have a similar question, I live in Bangna area, have 1 room with TV and Sat dish associated with it (the small Red one on the roof) and I am looking to put television in two other rooms in the house. My question is do I need to have True set up 2 additional dishes and set-top boxes or can I have just one dish and allow 3 televisions to watch 3 different channels?

I remember when I lived on Ekkamai, I had to have a set top box for each room there was a television in so as to watch different movies, etc. But this was a home without a dish on the roof, just cable brought into the compound.

Any Advice would be most appreciated.

Thank You

CHS

Unless something has changed, TrueVisions allows 4 set top boxes when using their CATV (cable)--which you are not using.. And for the dish system (a.k.a., DSTV)--which is your case- it's a maximum of two set top boxes per dish. To run the second box with the additional subscription card provided they just add a power splitter (LNB voltage passing splitter) between the dish and the boxes. This is a summary of the legal method.

Thank you very much, this is what I will ask for then.

Cheers

CHS

Hello All;

I have a similar question, I live in Bangna area, have 1 room with TV and Sat dish associated with it (the small Red one on the roof) and I am looking to put television in two other rooms in the house. My question is do I need to have True set up 2 additional dishes and set-top boxes or can I have just one dish and allow 3 televisions to watch 3 different channels?

I remember when I lived on Ekkamai, I had to have a set top box for each room there was a television in so as to watch different movies, etc. But this was a home without a dish on the roof, just cable brought into the compound.

Any Advice would be most appreciated.

Thank You

CHS

I have searched many of the 25 or 26 pages here on drivers licensing and so much has been devoted to renewing your license and this information is quite valuable. I am in need of a drivers license here in Thailand now, my past two overseas postings, Singapore and Bahrain, I have not driven as there was no need, the last time I drove was 5 years back when living in Taiwan.

As my license is expired since, what is the procedure for getting a new licenses? I have heard that a driving test is also required, that makes sense, where would I go to get particulars.

Thank You

C

Good Morning;

One option you may consider is to put your money in Bangkok Bank in London. You can open a bank account there, deposit your funds there and you get an ATM card. When you get to Bangkok, you can open a local bank account and then move the money from the Branch in London to the one in Bangkok. When you move the money there is a 10 pound charge for 3 day transfer and 50 pounds for overnight, but it works fine. I did this just recently as I go back-n-forth on business often.

Cheers

CHS

This is great information, I was looking for Riding schools for my son and I. I have contacted both of the schools listed here to get the particulars about their courses.

I am curious, has anyone here participated in training from either of these schools and if so how was your experience?

Thank you.

CHS

Good Morning;

I have read several of these stories here where people have overstayed visa's or have been confused regarding the dates that they should leave, etc. I have been told as well that the maximum fine at the airport is 20,000 baht when you overstay, but one question I have never seen answered is, "does the immigration stamp your passport with OVERSTAY or ban you from coming back?" I have lived for many years in Taiwan and they did this for people that overstayed by 6 months or more, in Singapore they are more strict indeed, but I am curious about here?

Anyone know for sure?

Cheers

CHS

Hello.

I have been after the same thing for a long time as well, not very actively until recently, I even posted here in the past on the same subject. I have found that banking rules change quite significantly from bank to bank and branch to branch, the party line is no, you cannot get a loan for a car here, however, there may be a few ways around that. A co-signer who is Thai is an option with some banks, there may be an option as well with a deposit in line with the price of the car you are buying.

For example, my understanding is that you need 800,000 baht in the bank to be able to get your retirement visa secured or proof that 60,000 baht is coming into the country each month. Well if you took the first option, use that $ to secure your loan, several banks will allow you to put that into a long term savings account and then use it as collateral for the loan. They may not give you all 800,000 but they may give you 80% to 90% to borrow against. This will help you in the short term with a loan and then you will have your 800,000 already in the bank when it is time to renew your retirement visa. You can also offset the interest you are paying on the car loan a little as you will make 1.5 to 2.5 % on your money.

I'm not sure this option is desirable for you but it is something to consider.

Regards

C

I am hopeful that this chapter can be put behind us a soon as possible, there are some very valid points that I do sympathize with the Red Shirts but the means of violence that they went to afterwards is not at all appropriate. My Wife (Thai) and I have huge affinity for this country and wish it all the best as it continues to grow and mature. I am hopeful that the Red Shirts will see progress made in the area of reconcilliation and we can move forward to build a better future.

I am also concerned about international companies that are willing to expand and grow now in Thialand. I am already hearing rumblings from companies that I am close to that there may be some limited if not stalled growth in their expansion plans here. This will be a shame, we can only hope that this is a temporary mindset and one that can be reversed quickly.

Cheers

CHS

Hi All;

I am living out a ways on Udom Suk, about 8km's from Sukumivt end and we were very quiet last night and there were no issues. I just moved here from another location that was not so safe from what I can see on the news, very good move! I was a bit worried that things might spread when I read about the Lotus being looted/hostages held, I am not sure it was confirmed or not.

CHS

Hello.

I'm looking to start a fish farming business here in Thailand. I am rather experienced in Shrimp farming from some business experience gained during a few years in Vietnam. I am not sure if I wish to pursue shrimp farming or talapia fish farming, does anyone have some experience or comments to add regarding this in Thailand?

I am married to a thail citizen so purchasing or even leasing the land facilities is easy. I'd also be interested in purchasing an existing business if one was available.

Thoughts and comments are welcome.

Cheers

ThaiFishing

Hello All;

I'm interested in leasing a car or minivan. I'm looking for a 1 to 2 year lease. I am not too picky on what type of minivan just now sure who does leasing or long term rentals here in Bangkok.

Anyone here have a suggestion of a group that offers reliable service?

Cheers

CHS

Hi. I have not had any problems with wire transfers and I have used several banks, but if I make a suggestion try Bangkok Bank branch in NYC, you can wire transfer from Key Bank to Bangkok Bank in NYC with their ACH number then have the money automatically moved into your Thai Bangkok bank account. I'm not a big fan of Bangkok Bank but that will save you $45 per wire transfer.

You can always move it out of BBK later but it will save you some $.

Just a thought

CHS

This is a very interesting thread, I have many questions but I wish to raise just one for now. I went the the Krung Thai website via the link provided and it appears to have been updated:

•Thai nationality. (Foreigners cannot be borrower or co borrowers even though they have Thai work permit.)

This appears to indicate that even though I have a Thai wife am unable to get the mortgage with my wife, is this the same interpretation others have?

Thank You

CHS