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klauskunkel

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Posts posted by klauskunkel

  1. Identifying a fake is often about the feel, it's often very possible to identify a fake with your eyes closed.

    The real notes have a texture that is very difficult for the counterfeiter to replicate.

    Some hints on what to look for with relation to the position of the serial number would be useful, though I'm not 100% certain I'd want to alert the police If i found one in my wallet, I believe possession of such a note is an offense and not just the attempt to use one. As such, it's up top the discretion of the policeman to charge you or not when you walk into the police station and admit to just having one.. getting out of the police station may cost you more than 500 baht!

    sounds like the beginning of a joke: Farang walks into a police station...

  2. The anti-graft agency yesterday resolved unanimously to clear former public health minister Sudarat Keyuraphan of malfeasance charges in a case stemming from her decision in 2003 to scrap a Bt911-million project to buy computers for the ministry.

    Eight members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found that she had not forced any bureaucrats to engage in unfair treatment of the bid winner, P Square.

    That's right...they participated willingly.

  3. "Since Jatuporn has lost his hopes of winning a Cabinet seat, everyone wants him to lead the people's democratic army. From now on, the UDD will be more active and hold rallies around the country," Worachai said.

    Can anyone think of other countries where those three words (the ones in bold) have been and are used? Usually where democracy does not exist.

    Not to worry. This is Thailand. They'll mess it up...

  4. Well, he didn't break any Thai laws, he just pissed off a lot of "conventional" buddhists, including my wife. She is so mad, she said she is "never ever giving any money to any temple anymore". If her attitude finds followers, I believe that the Thai monk community will be self-regulating the problem fairly quickly. After all, money makes the world go round and that's what it's all about.

    Personally, I appreciate all the entertainment provided!

    • Like 2
  5. Phuket tuk-tuks under siege from ‘black’ tuk-tuks

    Tanyaluk Sakoot

    1372244275_1.jpg

    Tutk-tuk drivers carry banners objecting to any possibility of the 30-40 black tuk-tuks being made legitimate.

    PHUKET: -- Two hundred tuk-tuk drivers drove their machines to Phuket Provincial Hall this morning (June 26) to protest against a growing problem of “black” tuk-tuks stealing their business.

    One protester told The Phuket News, “Today, we have come from many places, including Patong, Kata and Karon. We can no longer tolerate these black tuk-tuks snatching our customers. Before, we could earn about B500 a day but after they came our income has fallen to only B300.”

    They moved into the grounds of the Provincial Hall, chanting “Please, Governor, Help!”, “Here there are too many black tuk-tuks!” and “We are in trouble! We ask for your help!”

    Vice-Governor Dr Sommai Preechasilpa walked out to listen to their complaints.

    Using a megaphone, the leader of the protest, Sakol Srisompot, explained the situation. “Please, Vice-Governor Sommai. We need help or we will be in trouble in the future.”

    He explained that the black tuk-tuks are actually Suzuki mini-trucks, modified and painted to look similar to tuk-tuks.

    “They always come at night to snatch the tourists. They often stop in the area around Hard Rock [at the east end of Bangla Rd], near restaurants, along the beach and in other places.”

    Deputy Provincial Police Commander Pol Col Peerayut Karajedee said he agreed that something should be done about the illegal tuk-tuks. He added that this was something officers had had no prior knowledge of, and he praised the legitimate tuk-tuk drivers for their bravery in standing up for their rights.

    Jaturong Keawkasi of the Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO), who also attended the protest, said, “Thank you very much for telling us about this. The black tuk-tuks have been registered with us as vehicles for personal use. But they are being use for commercial services.

    “This is against the law and the law-breakers can be fined up to B2,000 for each instance.

    He told The Phuket News, “V/G Sommai has already ordered us to follow up on this. Today the protesters told me there are 30 or 40 of these black tuk-tuks. We will make a plan to check up on this.”

    Tuk-tuk leader Sakol said afterwards, “We were very impressed with officials today. But we will be watching closely what action they take.”

    Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-tuk-tuks-under-siege-from-%E2%80%98black%E2%80%99-tuk-tuks-40449.php

    tpn.jpg

    -- Phuket News 2013-06-27

    ...looks like they are all well fed, so things are not that urgent

  6. I think it is common knowledge that the driver has "agreed" to be set up. Case closed. In one year he'll be out of jail with a new identity, a load of cash and the mastermind will have achieved his objectives. Thailand justice is for the powerful, not the poor, and this shows how easy it is to get rid of your political opponents.

    I agree in essence, however, I believe the stooge will not be able to enjoy his new identity nor the load of cash for too long...

    • Like 1
  7. I go to the gym everyday and work out hard for 60-90min, I also run 5km in the early evening everyday. My diet is: I alternate eating anything I like one day, the next day only fruit, I drink only water (no soda pop, no beer). I have been doing this regime since two years now and feel great. I lost my potbelly, my love handles and regained my sixpack stomach. I also noticed that I eat less and become full very fast. I am now 51 years old and have never ever exercised before. I now weigh 70kg, before it was 90kg.

    • Like 2
  8. Imposition of Puritan morality

    The other thing that bothers me is that you see this statement repeatedly in the report (across countries), this year and in past years: "The government did not make an effort to reduce the demand for

    commercial sex acts during the year."

    First of all, it's not clear to me how a government can reduce demand for commercial sex (rather than supply). Second, what gives the Americans the right to condemn 'commercial sex' between two free and consenting persons?? Absolutely ridiculous...

    How to reduce demand for commercial sex:

    1. subidise it: if it's free it won't be commercial

    2. provide some sheep w/appropriate marketing: best ride of your life, HIV free, etc

    3. tax rebates on blow-up dolls and other self-help items w/appropriate advertising: never breaks down, cleans up real good...

    these are just of the top of my warped head...maybe you got some ideas to help out those governments?

  9. I totally sympathise with your frustration, particularly the monumental amount of corruption that goes on in Thailand. One estimate put it at about 30% of GDP is lost per annum. However, you need to look at the causes. The most criticised body of authority is the Police, but if they were paid a decent wage, they would not need to go down that road. Many in positions of authority supplement their income through "bribes" in various shapes and form. I know of one case where the parent's of a top student in the Amphor paid, wined and dined and holidayed The Principal, for her to get a place in one of the top Government Schools. The Girl had already passed the exam with flying colours and is so cerebrally endowed, she has now gone on to University to study as a Medical Doctor. It becomes even more frustrating when a Poll implied that 60%+ of Thais considered corruption "okay", prividing it benefited them. My advice, my Friend is to swallow what clearly is to you, a bitter pill and enjoy this lovely Country for all the other positives it brings. If it is too much, you might like to find a new "Paradise" to stay in. Oh, and remember that not long a go a very large percentage of UK Politicians got their fingers burnt over the expenses saga - so not only Thailand, I am sorry to say. It is largely human nature to gain as much benefit as one possibly can.

    I would contend that even if the Thai Police (I am omitting the "Royal" moniker) were paid a sufficient wage, their corruption and criminal activities would not diminish. They simply don't see anything wrong with it, same with Thai politicians of all colors. I am paraphrasing Deputy PM and Police Captain Chalerm Whatshislastname after police got caught on video and in front of a journalist blatantly extorting money from an Indian businessman with the pretext of Chinese New Year donation: "This behavior is ok, it is part of the Thai Cuture."

    • Like 1
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