simple1

Why is it so hard to believe? Richard Helms was Dir of Central intelligence in 1966 and ended up as US ambassador to Iran

I'm a little confused about your Richard Helms statement. Please clarify.

Thanks

He was Ambassador to Iran (1973-1976) - the CIA trained the Shah's secret police (SAVAK) who were renowned for severe torture of prisoners

Truth be known, Mossad actually did most of the training of Savak.

The Ambassador after Helm was Bill Sullivan who served as Ambassador to Laos during the Vietnam war.

Yes, I have read Israeli intelligence was also involved with training SAVAK. From reading it appears that the Mullah's surpassed SAVAK in cruelty to prisoners and number of executions - the old story of the oppressed becoming the oppressors.

Occasionally you will read about loan sharks using enforcement techniques and the borrower reports them to the police as they are desperate. The loan sharks are arrested, but what then happens to the borrower with no protection? Cannot get a loan from the bank as no payslips, no tax payment etc

Here in Pattaya with no collateral loan shark interest rate is a minimum of 10% pcm. However in some circumstances more.

A member of my family was stopped and tested positive for drugs. Was his second offense & total fines, police pay offs so that police did not recommend prison time, lawyer etc was 50,000 baht. Married with two young children. His wife went to a loan shark and was quoted 15,000 a month interest alone, equal to his monthly income. Not enough money go to jail for 18 months. So I lent them the 50k at no interest so he could support his wife & family & not go to jail. If he goes back on drugs and gets caught again I've made it clear no more money, go to prison. Another instance was my wife's elderly brother who needed specialist medical care at 25k baht. They had been paying interest only for a few years with no reduction in the capital amount, again helped them out as very poor. TV members can say I am a fool and so on, but this is my morality & fully aware the loans may not be paid off, but so far on track.

I know of other circumstances such as where a father was killed in an accident and the loan shark insisted his daughter pay off the debt or suffer the consequences. Day to day reality of life in Thailand for some people without access to bank loans.

You sound like a good man, I hope you get your money back in time, not being sarcastic either, not many like you about, dont do it to often or you may get burnt.

thanks - my wife basically said the same, no more help for the family until the existing debts are paid off

@maxme. How do you construe that I said "western women are more loose than Thai women"? What I said was it's more fun connecting with a western woman in a bar when a financial transaction is not required, as it is with BG's

Actually, there is a good chance that the scandal will grow once the election is over. The mainstream media is ignoring it because they do not want a conservative elected, but too much evidence is coming out that this fiasco could have been avoided and that the coverup extends to the highest levels.

not only that............

A secret document obtained by former Muslim Brotherhood member Walid Shoebat suggests the Obama administration approved assigning a member of al-Qaida to handle security at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli.

According to a report published today by Shoebat, the confirmation comes from a letter dated Aug. 30, 2011, informing the al-Qaida member he now has responsibility for security in Tripoli, “to include all international embassies.”

http://www.wnd.com/2...ripoli-embassy/

The article goes on to say "And the Libyan ambassador to the U.S. reported at one point that “[belhaj] should be accept[ed] for the person that he is today and we should deal with him on that basis.” So if the report is accurate & not just a bunch of allegations and assumptions it was based upon the Ambassador's personal recommendation

Why is it so hard to believe? Richard Helms was Dir of Central intelligence in 1966 and ended up as US ambassador to Iran

I'm a little confused about your Richard Helms statement. Please clarify.

Thanks

He was Ambassador to Iran (1973-1976) - the CIA trained the Shah's secret police (SAVAK) who were renowned for severe torture of prisoners

That said here's my take on the thing, thinking a bar girl here is different from a bar girl in the west shows you are suffering from delusions of grandeur.

Are there actually places in the West where you can have the " bar girl experience" similar as in Thailand?

Ever tried hitting the nightlife in L.A, London, Stockholm etc etc?

I assume you mean having dark-skinned petite women well that's an entirely different thing but the BG principle is the same.

Get real, in western cities when you met & converse in a bar with a women you do not negotiate a financial transaction to get laid; even for a one night stand. besides it's more gratifying to have sex with a stranger based on mutual sexual attraction etc More expensive than Thailand, but generally more fun...

The more news that emerges on the Benghazi attack, the greater the knowledge where blame should be placed.

This is a massive mistake from the highest levels of the government.

Where does that buck stop again?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Consulate in Benghazi Bombed Twice in Run-Up to 9/11 Anniversary

Oct 2, 2012 4:45 AM EDT

In the five months leading up to this year’s 9/11 anniversary, there were two bombings on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi and increasing threats to and attacks on the Libyan nationals hired to provide security at the U.S. missions in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Details on these alleged incidents stem in part from the testimony of a handful of whistleblowers who approached the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the days and weeks following the attack on the Benghazi consulate. The incidents are disclosed in a letter to be sent Tuesday to Hillary Clinton from Rep. Darrell Issa, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the chairman of the oversight committee’s subcommittee that deals with national security.

The State Department did not offer comment on the record last night.

Worth the trouble to read: http://www.thedailyb...nniversary.html

it keeps getting dirtier and dirtier.........

http://www.youtube.c...&v=J0EfXnSFVfc#!

Most definitely getting dirty with a Christian far right wing media channel hosting a presenter stating that Ambassador Stevens was CIA and in collusion with the Administration knowingly facilitated procurement & shipping of Stinger missiles to Al Qaeda operatives in Libya and Syria. The content origin is from a right wing lobby group. This story has now been picked up by the Russians; refer http://www.bbc.co.uk...e-east-20055271

Still do not understand why the Ambassador and his support team stayed in Benghazi when they clearly knew of the major security risks presented by Al Qaeda affiliated organisations based in the city. To be positive, I assume he and his team were very dedicated and brave people. The allegations made in the YouTube video by the presenter are an insult to the sacrifices made by the Ambassador & his team.

Why is it so hard to believe? Richard Helms was Dir of Central intelligence in 1966 and ended up as US ambassador to Iran

Remembering the activities of previous Administrations such as the Iran/Contra affair may be some aspects of the reports prove to be accurate. But why are so many security consultants/experts, in collaboration with the media, so intent on detailing US military assets, decision making processes, response times etc. Just makes zero sense to me feeding the enemy with so much info in the public domain; bordering on treasonable activity.

her family can't clam the house as theirs.

I thought yellow book was not a proof of ownership ?

No it is not proof of ownership, only proof of residence issued by the Amphur

The more news that emerges on the Benghazi attack, the greater the knowledge where blame should be placed.

This is a massive mistake from the highest levels of the government.

Where does that buck stop again?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Consulate in Benghazi Bombed Twice in Run-Up to 9/11 Anniversary

Oct 2, 2012 4:45 AM EDT

In the five months leading up to this year’s 9/11 anniversary, there were two bombings on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi and increasing threats to and attacks on the Libyan nationals hired to provide security at the U.S. missions in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Details on these alleged incidents stem in part from the testimony of a handful of whistleblowers who approached the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in the days and weeks following the attack on the Benghazi consulate. The incidents are disclosed in a letter to be sent Tuesday to Hillary Clinton from Rep. Darrell Issa, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the chairman of the oversight committee’s subcommittee that deals with national security.

The State Department did not offer comment on the record last night.

Worth the trouble to read: http://www.thedailyb...nniversary.html

it keeps getting dirtier and dirtier.........

http://www.youtube.c...&v=J0EfXnSFVfc#!

Most definitely getting dirty with a Christian far right wing media channel hosting a presenter stating that Ambassador Stevens was CIA and in collusion with the Administration knowingly facilitated procurement & shipping of Stinger missiles to Al Qaeda operatives in Libya and Syria. The content origin is from a right wing lobby group. This story has now been picked up by the Russians; refer http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20055271

Still do not understand why the Ambassador and his support team stayed in Benghazi when they clearly knew of the major security risks presented by Al Qaeda affiliated organisations based in the city. To be positive, I assume he and his team were very dedicated and brave people. The allegations made in the YouTube video by the presenter are an insult to the sacrifices made by the Ambassador & his team.

If you have a friend in Pattaya get him to go to the last doctor's clinic on the left hand side on Soi Nernplubwan (Dark Side) heading towards Pattaya, about 150 meters before the Sukhumvit Road junction. The doctor speaks fluent English and would do a call out. Ask to speak directly with him, not the ladies at reception - sorry don't have his phone number to hand.

Whilst waiting delivery of a new car I borrowed a car from a Thai friend. I arranged 1st class insurance cover for myself that cost me 8k baht for three months. When the new car delivery came after one month I received a 50% refund. This was arranged through an insurance broker, policy was in English, AA Insurance in Pattaya. You may like to contact them at:

http://www.aainsure.net/insurance_pattaya.html

Man you are lucky you had the FREEDOM and rights to form a Union. People who even THINK twice about forming a union or organizing ones for Tesco or 7 11 have been murdered in the past. we are not dealing with family friendly shopping centers here, these are organized crime outfits comitting capital crimes of Capitalism worldwide!

Please point us to info that unions activists representing staff at Tesco/7-11 have allegedly been been murdered. The URL below talks to abuses of union members in Thailand, but does not talk to murder of union activists

http://www.unhcr.org...d8892023,0.html

Below is the URL that is a news report of union discussions with Tesco Thailand Management. It's true that in the past Tesco has been anti union in Thailand, this issue has been raised at Tesco's AGM in the UK. If it was alleged that Tesco Thailand was involved in the murder of union activists in Thailand it would make international news and their would be investigations requested by UK shareholders and the Board.

http://www.uniglobal...12579BC00344063

7-11 is Japanese owned & there is a tradition of unions in Japan. 7-11 in Thailand have a franchise model so would assume the establishment of workers rights representatives would be difficult. Maybe their are union representatives in their distribution/supply chain operations. Again being a multinational it would make global news if union activists were murdered and investigations would be launched.

In Thailand it's much easier, to stop people effectively. No murder needed: lèse majesté

What's the linkage with labour rights & lèse majesté law?

Man you are lucky you had the FREEDOM and rights to form a Union. People who even THINK twice about forming a union or organizing ones for Tesco or 7 11 have been murdered in the past. we are not dealing with family friendly shopping centers here, these are organized crime outfits comitting capital crimes of Capitalism worldwide!

Please point us to info that unions activists representing staff at Tesco/7-11 have allegedly been been murdered. The URL below talks to abuses of union members in Thailand, but does not talk to murder of union activists

http://www.unhcr.org...d8892023,0.html

Below is the URL that is a news report of union discussions with Tesco Thailand Management. It's true that in the past Tesco has been anti union in Thailand, this issue has been raised at Tesco's AGM in the UK. If it was alleged that Tesco Thailand was involved in the murder of union activists in Thailand it would make international news and their would be investigations requested by UK shareholders and the Board.

http://www.uniglobal...12579BC00344063

7-11 is Japanese owned & there is a tradition of unions in Japan. 7-11 in Thailand have a franchise model so would assume the establishment of workers rights representatives would be difficult. Maybe their are union representatives in their distribution/supply chain operations. Again being a multinational it would make global news if union activists were murdered and investigations would be launched.

Are their branches of most Thai Banks in the USA ?

if not an actual branch they would have a corresponding bank relationship. Their may be some challenges for financial transactions until Thailand fully complies with FATF requirements

By way of example I believe Krung Thai & Bangkok Bank have some offices in USA

When did the US military start using Pattaya for R&R?

R&R American troops Vietnam

Australia (Sydney) 10 months in country

* Bangkok 03 months in country

* Tokyo 06 1/2 months in country

* Hong Kong 03 months in country

* Manila 03 months in country

* Hawaii 06 months in country

* Singapore 03 months in country

* Taipei 03 months in country

* Penang - From 1 July 1969 onwards.

* Kuala Lampur 06 months in country - Closed 1 July 1969

I think below were the British troops on R&R in Pattaya

British troops were involved in "Operation Crown" which involved Royal Engineers building an airfield at Loeng Nok near Mukdahan.

"Operation Crown - Thailand - 1963-68

The above are qualifying times for in country service for going on R&R to certain locations. The question is when did US military first start going to Pattaya on R&R

When did the US military start using Pattaya for R&R?

I remember speaking with an ex Aussie viet/vet in the early 90's. He had been here since the late 60's.

He explained to me that when he orginally came on his tour r&r he flew Saigon to the U.S air base at

Utapao and he and his mates drank at the U.S servicemens club, on which is now Marine discotec walking

street.

I cant remember the specifics, but he did say his tour was 66/67 an the U.S servicemen's club had be going

for a few yrs.

The Aust Army major contribution to Vietnam started in 65 in the form of 1 Inf Bn that was inbedded with a U.S Brigade.

Surely the Aust army would have used the resources of the huge U.S military machine while on r&r also ?

You will find that their were around 60,000 Australian military based in Vietnam during the entire course of the war. There were around 2.7 million US personnel based in Vietnam during the war. Numbers speak for them selves as to the number of Australians on R&R in Pattaya and their contribution to the local sex industry and economy. The Australians would likely have been flow in via the US base at U-Tapao - anyone know for sure?

Overview of Australian military contribution and timelines at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia_during_the_Vietnam_War

Other TV members may disagree, but from communicating with friends I would say it's a truism that people who are transitioning to middle age can count on one hand close friends; those with whom you have empathy, trust, respect & love. With close friends no matter how distant in miles, your not lonely or isolated

But having people you trust and identify with you can get together with on a regular basis is IMO very important.

Yes it's more difficult in this day and age, not just being overseas, but if you make the effort to first be a good friend one day you'll wake up and realize you have a reasonable number of good friends around you. It's just a numbers game, just like finding the good girls a large percentage prove unresponsive or undeserving or just not a good fit, but you've got to be willing to get out there and throw your hat in the ring.

I agree your approach is fine, but for me it's in an instant whether I perceive someone to be worth the effort to develop a friendship. I've always liked the descriptive word "epiphany".

Other TV members may disagree, but from communicating with friends I would say it's a truism that people who are transitioning to middle age can count on one hand close friends; those with whom you have empathy, trust, respect & love. With close friends no matter how distant in miles, your not lonely or isolated

Back in the west I had made an early transition from middle age to old age.

Now in Thailand with a much younger wife, I have transitioned back to early middle age.

New family, new baby, more active outdoorsy lifestyle, healthier eating habits, big weight loss.

Maybe you should trade up to a younger wife?

I understand what you're saying. For many years I was in the corporate world & I can tell you that aged me. Went through three marriages, then on holiday traveling around Thailand met my now wife & that took years of stress off my face - happy with what we have...

From a comment on another news site:

The Canadaian was had been working in Australia for the past year, was on his way home to Canada, stopping in Thailand for a holiday. He would have celebrated his 31st birthday last week. http://www.byronnews...-hotel/1600111/

Lots of drugs in that area of Australia - well know backpacker & tourist party beach location

Not being knowledgeable in serious crimes investigations involving violence , the only practical suggestion that comes to mind would be the establishment of a special investigations unit of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) for serious crimes of violence against foreigners. Their are already specialist units (in collaboration with overseas law enforcement) established for transnational crime committed by foreigners in Thailand for the likes of drug/human trafficking, serious fraud and for apprehension of foreigners wanted for crimes committed in their home countries.

Perhaps the secondment of specialist police from western countries to work alongside the RTP would assist to keep investigations on track. This would of course require funding and the agreement of Thai authorities. As a generalisation it does appear that the RTP are reasonable effective when looking at recent media reports where foreigners have been seriously assaulted or murdered with the assailants fairly quickly identified and arrested.

If you're going to come to Thailand with a big wedge of money in your back pocket and hook up with a bar girl (we all know she is,let's cut the BS now!) more than 40 years your junior,in a place like Pattaya or Phuket.A girl with mafia links by the nature of her work,probably a family also,looking for their big payday.

You need to be aware that you're putting your name on a list.At some point,it may be a month,it may be a year,it may be ten years but make no mistake about it,at some point everyone above you on that list will have been crossed off and it will be your turn!

You father a child with her and then it all goes wrong,you'd better be prepared to pack up everything you own within 24 hours,grab the kid if you can and head straight for the border.

Even if it means going to Ubon and paying a guide to take you over the border into Cambodia through the mountains,avoiding landmines,that is what you need to do.Get to the embassy in Cambodia and tell them you escaped because you feared for your life.

The only thing that changes in these stories is the alibis seem to get more and more ridiculous,invisible American boxers et al.He signs his new will,the money's hers now and within three months he'd dead.The police get their cut and the case is closed!

How much longer can this sort of thing go on for,it just defies all belief?

So you're saying that if you are relatively well off and have a relationship with a younger sex worker your maximum life expectancy in Thailand is around ten years. Good idea for you, as per Marshbags suggestion, to email the Embassies and let them know of this major security threat so they can take proactive action to protect their citizens.

Rubbish, what "preventative action" can a foreign government initiate in Thailand regards crimes against their nationals?

It,s rubbish to sit on our backsides and not even investigate as to why ect. ect.

This doesn,t just apply to the U.K. by the way in case you haven,t noticed...which I,m sure you and everyone else has.

Someone has to start an initiative off whereby the authorities in Thailand who encourage foreigners to come, face up to their responsibilities to ensure we have a reasonable amount of lawfull protection and safety while we are here.

It is complete and utter rubbish to say or even think there is no way of effecting

" preventative action "

While ever non action is allowed to continue the statistics are getting more horrifying and as this is in this instance relating to Thailand and offending nationals, it is they who have a responsibilty to investigate related crimes, arrest and bring the offenders to justice.

The U.K. can easily enlist the help for such an initiative with all the foreign embassies stationed here to add weight to it.

I cannot see how any of them would / could ignore doing so especially as they will all be witnessing first hand what is happening nor anything apparent being done to make it safer for their respective citizens.

Using your logic is tantamount to turning a blind eye and in turn the Thai authorities / government will also continue to seemingly do so.

If as many as possible on Thai Visa email their embassies to highlight their concerns re the continued rise in crime against their fellow nationals, politely requesting if it is possible to investigate ways to cut it down to a minimum, this is better than the present status quo of social negativity.

Ask if there are ways of putting in place initiatives to make it safer here and encourage the relevant powers that are supposedly responsible for law and order, to assist and introduce meaningful ways to make it a safer place via dedicated policing, apprehension and conviction of those responsible, especially serious crime against them and other foreign nationals.

Trying to do something is better than nothing IMHO, it doesnt take much effort to send an email are cost anything so why not send one.

marshbags

Embassies are already aware of crimes against their citizens in Thailand. e.g. the UK & Australian representatives have lobbied for higher level of police presence in tourist areas, more active policing for reducing scam crimes in tourist areas etc. It's down to the Thai government & law enforcement authorities to make the necessary funding available to act upon these suggestions. In the meantime their are travel related websites supported by Western governments that talk in a fair amount of detail of crime & safety related issues in Thailand that may impact their citizens.

Embassies are not empowered to interfere in the domestic affairs of their host country. The exception being the support for the occasional regeime change