JayF

I'm not sure if that's good or bad publicity. I can't see free visa's making a huge impact on the number of tourists. People wanting to holiday in Thailand will, whether they have to pay for visas or not (most come from visa waiver countries anyway). What it will do is inject some extra cash into the tourism industry in the form of extra spending money (£28 (or whatever it is) multiplied by several million).

Free riot insurance is hardly something you can highlight in a travel brochure.

Does anyone have any information on the crowds in Bangkok and elsewhere? How many are there? How are they behaving? Are there reds and yellows out, or just reds?

I will finally escape my Gatwick Airport hotel/prison after three days of easyJet flight cancellations and missing Thailand, make it back home to Spain (and more bad weather) and save and scheme constantly until I get out of this god forsaken western world and back to South-East Asia somewhere.

Unfortunately room service here doesn't offer anything like Tiger, Chiang or Singha, warm or otherwise. I have to put up with Carling at £3.10/pint and cigarettes at £6.30 a packet.

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If I am not mistaken, outside of Bangkok there is understaffing and a lack of resources for most police departments. I haven't a clue about Pattaya, but does the city have a large police fleet and lots of BiBs?

I've been here on and off for three months. I think I have seen them 3 times, other than the guy that sits at the end of Soi 3 everyday stopping bikers going the wrong way and not wearing helmets. They certainly don't have a visible presence that would have any sort of deterrent value for anything.

I used to work for a bookmakers called XXXXXXX in Gibraltar. We opened a spreadbetting business on the XXXXXXXXX. platform while I was there. That part of the business was regulated by the Financial Services Authority rather than any of the many gambling commissions and authorities. Spreadbetting isn't seen as gambling under UK Law, but I wouldn't like to say how it's seen in Thai law. I have heard of people staying in Thailand making a living playing online poker never having had any problems. If the website isn't banned I can't see you having a problem. Just speculating...don't take my word for it.

Have you had a look to see if there are any legit Thai companies offering a spreadbetting service?

Edit: removed company names (could identify me)

I must admit, this is not something I know a lot about, but it sounds like one of those schemes (just like poker) where there is always a sucker, and if you don't know who the sucker is, it's you?

Spreadbetting is very similar to playing the stock market. The difference being rather than actually owning shares you bet on whether the share price will go up or down. You don't get odds as in traditional sportsbetting, rather you bet $/£x per $/£0.01 share movement (up or down). You can also bet on commodity prices, currencies, etc. If you know your financial markets enough to make money on share dealing (which many people do) then you can make money on spread-betting. The companies make money either on a transaction fee or a spread. In share dealing the spread is the difference between buy price and sell price. In spreadbetting it's the same principle. Of course, the company is there to make a profit but only in the same way as any stockbroker.

I don't see poker as a scheme either. I don't play often (I'm not a great player) but I do know at lot about the industry. I personally know players who win tens of thousands of dollars, consistently, on a monthly basis and the majority of players who lose, only lose what they can afford. There are a few exceptions, but it's there choice. Casino games are a different matter, I don't play them (just market them), but don't hold it against anyone who wants to be stupid enough to.

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and to all the old geezers getting there pantys in a bunch because a young backpacker is coming looking for cheap accmondation

relax

thanks for the reply's

You tell 'em. Some of these guy's obviously can't remember what it was like to be young. They probably just remember when they had to bail out their son with a bank transfer when they'd over spent their budget.

Thanks Dad.

There's a very funny article about this incident on the spoof news website TheOnion.com. I understand I can't post links to it...so just go to the website and search for it. Worth a chuckle.

Edit: They've taken it off the main page, but you can find it if you google the following:

the onion tiger woods investigators clues

The best quote: "...along with the fact that when we arrived on the scene the world's No.1 golfer had suffered facial lacerations not necessarily caused by a car accident, had been slipping in and out of consciousness for nearly five minutes, and lay on the ground as his wife stood over his bloody body holding a 7-iron..."

I don't have enough experience on TV to really comment on PC on this forum specifically, but I find that most of the people I have met in Thailand have not necessarily been politically incorrect, but have certainly been more tolerant of other people views, myself included.

Thailand is a melting pot of nationalities from around the world and while they no doubt have their differences, I think that LOS seems to bring together like-minded people. I've certainly seen more people discussing politically incorrect topics than arguing about them. Likewise, I have met more people that have shared or respected my views than have been offended by or disagreed with them.

I wouldn't dare openly discuss my views in the UK for fear of losing my job if I was overheard, over here it seems more acceptable to do so. Maybe that is through lack of fear of repercussions. In case you're wondering, I used to vote BNP when I lived in the UK, it doesn't get much more politically incorrect.

I used to work for a bookmakers in Gibraltar. We opened a spreadbetting business on the WorldSpreads Ltd. platform while I was there. That part of the business was regulated by the Financial Services Authority rather than any of the many gambling commissions and authorities. Spreadbetting isn't seen as gambling under UK Law, but I wouldn't like to say how it's seen in Thai law. I have heard of people staying in Thailand making a living playing online poker never having had any problems. If the website isn't banned I can't see you having a problem. Just speculating...don't take my word for it.

Have you had a look to see if there are any legit Thai companies offering a spreadbetting service?

I'd recommend heading straight to Khao San Road in Bangkok when you land. There are some very cheap guesthouses (100 - 500 baht) and it's a good place to meet like minded people. There are plenty of things to see and do in Bangkok, but when you are ready to move on there are plenty of cheap travel agents and you're in the central transport hub of the country, whether you want to fly, train or bus it to your next stop.

Have fun.

Agreed. I know a very cheap guesthouse near Khao San (100 baht a night). If you are on a very low budget try to avoid the islands. Usually accommodation and food are more expansive than on the mainland.

Yeah I agree. Some of the islands are well worth a visit though if you can afford it. Really are paradise. I like Koh Samet on the east coast. You're looking at paying 500 baht a night for a basic bungalow, 70 - 100 baht for a small beer and 70 - 150 for Thai food, so a bit more expensive than the mainland but well worth it. Those were low season prices, I'm not sure if they'll be different now it's high season.

I've been over here twice. The first time for two weeks on a very high budget, where I could pretty much do what I wanted. This time I've been here for three months on a much lower budget. With hindsight, I'd probably have come for two months and had more money to spend. But I've still had a great time, just couldn't do as much as I wanted. Plenty of people come over here on much lower budgets than me, and get on fine, but I guess experiencing it on a higher budget before a lower one makes me a little biased.

I'm sure you'll have a great time whatever you do.

I'd recommend heading straight to Khao San Road in Bangkok when you land. There are some very cheap guesthouses (100 - 500 baht) and it's a good place to meet like minded people. There are plenty of things to see and do in Bangkok, but when you are ready to move on there are plenty of cheap travel agents and you're in the central transport hub of the country, whether you want to fly, train or bus it to your next stop.

Have fun.

You have 2 spelling mistakes in your signatue pilllock !

Can't even spell 'wank'

There are so many things wrong with that post. Not to mention the three grammatical errors and spelling mistake in the post, and the grammatical error in the signature.

...the poor bastard gets thrown off his bike slams his head (no crash helmet) hard on the pavement around 70 m in front of me.

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Also, you see people on bikes driving like lunatics in shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Coming off at any speed dressed like that is going to seriously mess you up. I refuse to get on a bike or use motorbike taxis unless I'm wearing jeans, shoes and a helmet.

jeans & tennis shoes aren't going to protect you much either.

As opposed to shorts and sandals and no helmet? Jeans, shoes and a helmet are actually pretty effective when it comes to sliding across tarmac. I'm pretty certain they're more effective than bare skin and hair.

...the poor bastard gets thrown off his bike slams his head (no crash helmet) hard on the pavement around 70 m in front of me.

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I'm not one for complaining about all the safety hazards you see in Thailand or trying to change the way Thais do things, but this is one thing I wish the police would start educating people about, especially with the general style of driving in Thailand. Also, you see people on bikes driving like lunatics in shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Coming off at any speed dressed like that is going to seriously mess you up. I refuse to get on a bike or use motorbike taxis unless I'm wearing jeans, shoes and a helmet. Maybe some strategically placed billboards with photos of accident injuries might make people start thinking.

It was the same in Spain until they recently changed it. The law stated that you have to llevar a crash helmet at all times. Llevar means to wear or to carry. You saw so many people riding with a helmet slung over their arm or in the footwell between their feet. Crazy.

I don't know what the law is over here. Anyone know?

I'd been in Thailand a month or so and took my first trip to Bangkok. I decided the best place to start would be KSR; was I mistaken or what?

There were countless attempts to overcharge me by tuk-tuks, meter taxis and everyone else. I'd taken a meter taxi the previous day from KSR to MBK BTS and it had come to around 60 baht. The next day one tried to charge me 200, I said no and insisted on the meter, he said no and refused the fare ("I'll wait for the next naive farang ATM, thanks"). The very next driver tried to charge me 100, again I said no and insisted on the meter, he begrudgingly said OK and then proceeded to take us on a roundabout trip to god-knows-where and ran the meter up to 110 baht anyway.

I know it wasn't a lot of money, but it doesn't exactly project a good image for Bangkok. It was dishonesty like that coupled with the sheer number of people trying to sell me tours of tailors and gem shops for 10 baht, that made me cut a two week trip to four days and leave BKK with a pretty bad taste in my mouth. I wouldn't have trusted any single one of them to return something lost. I left my wallet in a bar in Pattaya a while back, I retraced my steps the next day and as soon as the girls saw me they gave it back to me with everything in it, I rang the bell as a thank you which pretty much emptied my wallet anyway, but I appreciated the honesty and 1,500 baht was nothing for the hassle they'd saved me in lost cards.

I'm not expert so don't take my word for it, but I wouldn't have thought it would be illegal if it didn't look anything like real money. For example, you could make up some of your own notes with pictures of cartoon characters. To be safe you could even make up a name for the play currency. That way it wouldn't be Thai Baht and nobody could arrest you for counterfeiting. I'm sure you can't be arrested for carrying monopoly money.

Also, I wouldn't have thought the school would have asked you to do it if it was illegal.

I just posted this on the other thread mentioned, but it's probably more relevant here:

"I'm curious, does the problem of begging and low end scamming seem to be getting better or worse with time, i.e. over the last 10-20 years? As the country develops are there any services coming out to help support these people? Or is it getting worse as more and more tourists and expats come to Thailand making it easier to make a living this way?"

The same questions could be asked of tea money and outright corruption.

I'm curious, does the problem of begging and low end scamming seem to be getting better or worse with time? As the country develops are there any services coming out to help support these people? Or is it getting worse as more and more tourists come to Thailand making it easier to make a living this way?

Does anyone know the beggar that looks like he's possibly had a stroke? I was in Bangkok a few weeks back, he approached me asking me for money and I refused. It's not that I never give anything, I just don't give money to every one I see. He got really nasty with me, punched me in the leg (I was sat on a bar stool) and started shouting at me and an Australian guy across the bar who'd also said no. Not seen anything like it before or since.

We know the Thai way and it can be done in Phiphi some gays like to make some extra, but better to follow the law first.

Follow the law first? No; expensive and not much fun. I think your idea of setting the gays on him is much better. Make his eyes water and teach him a lesson he will not forget. Indeed, it might prove to be a life-changing experience for him.

Just to be clear, was the OP actually talking about gays, or guys? If he is talking about gays, I love this idea.

It's t**ts like this that give foreigners in this country a bad name. The majority of us come over here, live by Thai rules, at least try to adjust to Thai culture and get on fine. There is nothing I'd like to see more than this woman beating scum getting his ringpiece loosened as punishment. Get them to take photos while they're at it, as ultimate humiliation.

Blame, who caused it and circumstances aside, there is no excuse for laying a finger on a 45kg, 53 year-old lady.

Hope all turns out well.

I admittedly only know the basic situation in Thai politics so I'm in no position to comment on individuals or parties, but this just seems like an attempt to delay the inevitable to me. From what I understand, both sides have respect for His Majesty so neither would interrupt his birthday celebrations for fear of backlash from the government, and the Royal Family and their supporters...

...but what's to stop the Red Shirts postponing until next week? Surely the government realise this, which makes me think maybe there's another PR or political reason for the extension. Could it be an attempt to disgrace the Red Shirts in the eyes of Thailand, as the government believe they will rally anyway?

To me it looks like there something going on behind the scenes, but like I said, I'm no expert on Thai politics.

" you do NOT transport flammable liquids without certain controls"

In Isan, it's common for people to ride their motorcycle with a soda bottle full of gas in their basket. I've seen motorcycle samlars with an old cooking oil container (4 liters) being used as their gas tank.

I don't think anyone is advocating torching their family (seeing your family incinerated). You want to live in Thailand, you'd better get used to loose controls.....5 on a motorcycle, 25 in the bed of a small pickup, songtaews with 10 students riding on top of the passenger department, trucks/buses/trains that are long past their lifespan. We'd all love to see it improve overnight.....reality is, it'll improve over the next few decades.

I thought it was pretty common around the world for people to carry some spare petrol in a can in their car. There's enough petrol in a small bottle to torch any car, but you don't see fireballs going down the road all over the place.

This guy insists on claiming people want to torch families (his previous flame of my post was removed), but I wonder how many times he's driven with his family in the car, or put them in any other sort of situation with inherent risks.

Nobody is claiming anyone should go out of their way to create dangerous situations, but like I said before, people aren't dying all over Thailand because there are slightly more risks here than in the West. If he's so scared of Thailand and how dangerous it is(n't), he should go live/holiday in Spain.

He could always try lobbying the government or going out on the street to educate people, but people don't want to change, and that is their right. Who are we to criticize or try to change a country in which we are guests?

Thirth world countries goverments dont take the safety procedures for transporting fuel and high flamable serious, offcourse there is a law with all the necesarry documents regarding safety regulations/procedures

And after nothing happening as with many laws and regulations.

My advice take the next boat.

Have a safe trip.

It's true that in Thailand they don't take health and safety seriously...

Some of these things aren't too bad, like Songthaews, Tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis, people walking the streets with elephants in tow, questionable hygiene at street vendors, etc. Others are downright dangerous; hanging off high-rise building sites without harnesses, the electricity cabling, bad roads, etc.

...but you don't see people dropping dead all over the country. People are just careful and don't rely on the nanny state to wrap them in cotton wool. Where would you rather be? Here, or the UK, where health and safety and other regulations control pretty much every aspect of your personal and working life, sometimes to the point it almost seems they are deliberately going out of their way to spoil people's fun. I know where I'd rather be.

I don't have any myself, but don't mind a small tattoo somewhere discrete on girls. You see girls over here absolutely covered in them. Could it be a combination of fashion and the fact that they are just so cheap to get over here?

A girl I know went from one small, OK looking tattoo on her thigh, to a huge one covering her shoulders back and round to her other thigh. Completely ruined a gorgeous looking girl IMO. I think I managed to hide my shock when she proudly showed it off to me last week.

17 seems to be a bit young to be alone in Thailand, You can get rooms as little as 100baht a night , but they are very very basic, Look near bus stations there are usualy rooms that the Thais stay over night .

17 a bit young to be alone in Thailand? What rubbish.

I agree. You'll have the time of your life here. As long as you're not a muppet, you're reasonably streetwise and you do your research before you come, you'll be fine. Just use your common sense, don't let anybody rush you into anything, or make you go anywhere or do anything you weren't planning on doing. There are people over here who are just looking to take your money and they're very clever when it comes to doing it.

As for Bangkok, Khan San Road (KSR) is the cheapest place to stay. It's full of backpackers, street vendors, scam artists, beggars and thieves, and there's about two bars on the whole road, I hate the place. I was supposed to be staying there for two weeks, as a base for the rest of Bangkok, I lasted three days and left. I don't hate Bangkok, it has a lot of culture and history to see, I just didn't like KSR at all. By all means go there and see what you think, I met a couple of people who also hated it and ended up travelling with them for a while.

It's a good place to head to when you land. If you're new to Thailand you'll experience culture shock when you get here and KSR is a good place to settle in and adjust. There are plenty of cheap travel agents on and near KSR when you're ready to move on.

From what I know about elsewhere in Thailand, it doesn't get much cheaper than KSR. Try to budget for around 300 - 500 baht/night for accommodation, if you find cheaper (which you probably will), it'll be a bonus. Always better to overestimate your expenses when budgeting.

At the end of the day, you'll be here to enjoy yourself. Travel and accommodation are cheap enough to leave your plans very flexible, if you don't like somewhere just jump on a bus/train and go somewhere else.

Bottom line, have fun.

I wonder how many of the posters that are being pretty harsh on the OP have secretly been in or come close being in a similar situation when they first arrived in Thailand?

OP, just look objectively at how ridiculous your situation is and try to think of it in the context of Western culture. You have a decent sounding girlfriend, yet you've hooked up with the first go-go girl you met and have been paying her since. Sure enough, the bill for the go-go girl starts going up and up. Remember, at the end of the day this is a working girl we're talking about. She's playing with your mind while you're thinking with your dick. She'll soon find another guy like you, are you even sure she's staying at home while she thinks your in the UK? I doubt it.

Only you know the ins and outs of the situation, but read your post and the many others like it as if you were reading someone else's and you might realise what you've got yourself into.

Good luck.