rodentwarrior

Civil war is coming anyway, regardless of the courts verdict on this matter...

When Thaksin steps foot back in Thailand (a free man) - the real rift in the country will tear open and it will be a simple case of black vs white (red vs non-red) - all that built up angst, hate and negativity...

I really really hope i am wrong, but my gut tells me that will be closer to the truth than a lie.

I think you are pretty close to the truth of the matter, except I believe the catalyst will be the death of a certain influential person.

In fact I have relocated to the Philippines in anticipation, that's how sure I am!

So you yanks miss your crap beer and junk food!

I bet you miss Thailand more when you are in America though.

What I don't miss about Thailand is the bitching yanks complaining endlessly about everything! I am in the Philippines now, and it's the same here - bitching yanks.

If you don't like it, you know what to do!!!!

Of course you could go to the Silom Community Clinic, located in Bangkok Christian Hospital, Silom Road. I've used it for years and it is completely free.

http://www.silomclinic.in.th/

It's not easy to find, you have to enter the hospital main entrance, and immediately turn right, go to the elevator and up to the 3rd floor. I think it opens at 4pm. It's an anonymous service sponsored by the American government I think.

I remember many years ago, when I was still coming for holidays, before I moved to Bangkok, I was barged into by a particularly large Thai on Victory Monument walkway. When I asked him why he'd done it, he said I was moving through the crowd like some sort of untouchable God, treating the locals with complete disdain!

He was right, it's an easy trap to fall into when one first comes to Thailand. A very useful reminder to keep humility to the fore.

transam you are sooooo under the thumb! I don't believe it for a second!

Consideration is Thai is Greng Jai? Means nothing! There is no consideration. Pavements, roads all the same.

Manners? That is funny! There is only respect for strength and sometimes age.

Deal with it, with a smile and the simple understanding that were are civilised in an uncivilised, developing Country.

"She repeatedly says "the right thing" as good symbolism at least, by saying she isn't marrying me for my money, and she has a good record in her observable behavior."

You live in the US, you've never lived here, you've known her for 4 years but not actually spend more than a few weeks together. Oh dear, this is becoming a story I've often heard before.

Lets go with the symbolism then. Tell her she is quite correct in her belief that symbolism is fine, and as an example you will give a symbolic 'sin sod' of $500. Then you will find out how symbolic she becomes. Tell her you will lease some land for 30 years (quite legal for a foreigner) and build a house for you both, with a legal instrument called an infrastruct (?) so you are protected in Law and cannot be ejected. If she is fine with that, then consider things further. I suspect she will not be fine with that! But, for sure, you will know your own position better.

My general understanding it that the man gives the dowry to the parents, and they give it to their daughter on marriage, to buy land or a house.

One advantage is that the foreign husband, in theory, cannot be said to have bought the land/house via his wife - which would be illegal under Thai Law.

Whatever happens, the man doesn't appear to get the money back!

Culture perhaps - but in my view quite crazy. I worked too hard to get my money, to give it away on the off chance I may get it back, or the marriage will work between two very different cultures.

In this case, it's much clearer to me at least. The OP is worried, and not just about the money, reading between the lines. If in doubt, stay out.

If I was married, I would expect my wife to stay at home and look after me, and the home. Clean the car, wash the motorbike. Feed the pets.

There would be more than enough for her to do, without having to go out to work.

I'm not sure about a salary of 100 baht a day though. Seems rather generous.

Whenever I mentioned to friends in UK that I was living in Siam, they usually mentioned inexpensive lifestyle, sexual tolerance and ladyboys, prostitution, counterfeit goods and wonderful beaches.

Never did anyone ever mention motorbikes!

I moved to Cebu from Bangkok, after 8 years there. It's a beautiful place. Boracay is fine at the moment as it's low season just make sure you haggle hard.

It's as safe here as anywhere!

Banks employ people, if the bank fails then people become unemployed.

Which bit don't you understand?

I read the story and thought that the defendant showed immense character, he decided at the outset that he wasn't going to be pushed any further down the chain of life and he planned accordingly - I'm not supporting suicide necessarily but I do admire the courage of his convictions.

So no problem with over borrowing on his mansion, not his fault blah blah blah. What planet do you live on?

So the people he borrowed money from are now out of pocket - yup, some conviction that is.

It's a great pity, sometimes, that there isn't an internet breathalyser to prevent posts that challenge even a child's limited understanding.

The greatest problem is that people like this are allowed to become parents.

Jesus wept.

I used to think there was no fool like an old fool, now I understand.

There is no fool like a pompous old fool. *sigh*

I suspect looking at the moon is only a small measure of the combination therapy this one is hooked on.

Yes, I came for the culture, temples and affordable lifestyle AND SEX! I mean, given the chance who wouldn't?

My partner is highly intelligent, stunning, fabulous body and is male!

No sin sot, no house to buy, no gold, no car - just a blissful carefree existence.

Oh, and I am not an English teacher, just a lazy slob.

Good news, how much did they charge you? Was it 3rd floor?

I would suggest that you visit Pantip Plaza, as they have a Sony official merchant there, as well as likely cheaper solutions.

I am pretty sure that the screen is one of the most expensive components of a laptop, so if it's an old version, you might just as well buy a new one - but check the repair costs and make you own mind up.

I almost bought a room that size in Waikiki Hawaii about 25 years ago - now has gone sky high. Jomtien reminds me of early Hawaii prices. I got a 38 sq meter condo at VT 1 I love that place. The pool is really nice too.

- think = buying a hotel room.

Comparing Jomtien to Hawaii - I've heard it all now!

There are people who live in caravans and trailer parks who seem to manage alright. It's not the size that counts, it the way the space is utilised.

Rattling around in a massive apartment might be good for the ego, if you really have friends who are impressed by the size of your extension, maybe you need to get out more. Hotel rooms are usually well designed and equipped, small but functional - and really if you want to see families living in tiny rooms go visit a slum.

Quality control issues in Thailand. Who'd have thought!

You might also consider hanging on a bit, do some more research and then get a new PC with Windows 8 already installed.

I think it's rather forward thinking that Phuket should appoint a Governor of Vice.

Perfect, perhaps Pattaya will follow suite?

Hahahahaha The best option, I find, is never post if you've recently had a drink!

It takes a highly unethical company to turn a wage hike into lower labor costs in this fashion.

Companies breaking the labor laws - such as this one - should be charged and held accountable.

Period.

You are missing the point. This is less about companies breaking labour laws and more about companies relocating to other Asian Countries not encumbered with such legislation.

This is one of the straws that will break the back of manufacturing. Happened in the UK after the second World WAR, when the socialists decided that labour was too cheap, the UK lost it's great manufacturing base to overseas Countries who were desperate for the work.

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Cheers

Wes

Does that work anywhere in the World?