asdecas

When I was a nipper, I found that for a true inter-cultural experience, where East meets West, "Star of Love" set the tone for the evening.

I use the "finger probe" method - preferably someone else's.

I believe the dark side is down a small sub-soi off Yommaraj. You go about 15m in then take a sharp left, through the slum, being sure to use the stepping boards over the raw sewage, then up some wooden stairs at the sign (in Thai) that says "Tea Shop".

Another couple of winners in the lottery of life.

The good news is that nobody alive today will see these plans come to fruition.

The old joke - owning a boat is like standing under a cold water shower tearing up $100 notes.

A very simple solution to see whether it's you or the phone: one day soon arrange dinner at a restaurant next to the river. During one of those brief moments of downtime, pick up her phone and quickly throw it into the water.

If she goes apeshit, walk out and leave her to pay the bill.

If you survive, kindly report the outcome here.

Almost certainly nothing more than the testosterone-, alcohol- or drug-fuelled male rivalry over nothing that has plagued the country for decades. Another two mothers without their sons, another child without its father.

Somewhere with a sea view is always nice.

Tip of the iceberg. Wait till Chinese tourism begins in earnest, there are 1,400,000,000 of them and they understandably want to see something of the world after centuries cooped up.

This epithet is one that men who frequent the underbelly of life in Thailand would do well to tackle as early in the game as possible. For myself, within a matter of weeks of arrival in the mid-80s I had established a firm reputation as an ocean-going skinflint, to the extent that accusers could see I wore such phrases as a badge of honour.

As soon as it became evident that such name-slinging had no, or the opposite, effect to that desired, it ceased, much to the satisfaction of both parties who could then negotiate on the basis of mutual understanding.

Of course one is long since retired from the demimonde lifestyle, but on rare occasions it is enjoyable to employ old skills acquired all those years ago, and to note with pleasure that they still have the same effect,

So tell me...do some of the old skills involve stealing toilet paper from the bogs in the shopping malls so you dont have to buy toilet paper for the dunny in the condo ?...

Not individual sheets, but a substantial roll of the unused, perched "on the loose" as it were, represents a substantial saving to the impecunious.

This epithet is one that men who frequent the underbelly of life in Thailand would do well to tackle as early in the game as possible. For myself, within a matter of weeks of arrival in the mid-80s I had established a firm reputation as an ocean-going skinflint, to the extent that accusers could see I wore such phrases as a badge of honour.

As soon as it became evident that such name-slinging had no, or the opposite, effect to that desired, it ceased, much to the satisfaction of both parties who could then negotiate on the basis of mutual understanding.

Of course one is long since retired from the demimonde lifestyle, but on rare occasions it is enjoyable to employ old skills acquired all those years ago, and to note with pleasure that they still have the same effect,

I'm not surprised the least. By the way, there is plenty of ladyboys in Scotland too! You know: men wearing skirts...

Known as Jocks in Frocks.

Hello Kevin my name is Scott from The HIV Foundation Thailand. Our organisation runs a free service that helps people with HIV to access the health system and to get the treatment they need. In our current service we provide support to both Thai people and others from neighbouring countries. We walk through the health system with people with HIV and accompany them to appointments as they need them. We do this because the Thai health system is so complicated and many people get very confused about how to get what they need. Many people on this stream have suggested the Thai Red Cross and this is a great idea but yes you will need a prescription from Dr here first.

Some of us at the foundation also have HIV ourselves and so if you call us you can be sure that you are with friends who will understand and help you. When you come to Bangkok call us on 026340541 and if you like you can ask for me directly. Unfortunately we can't help you find a girlfriend but I'm sure you can sort that problem out for yourself! Best wishes, Scott.

Great post.

New low?

I tried staying more than 90 days in one month once. The girlfriend wouldn't have it, said she was overbooked as it was.

Just be glad it's not Barry Manilow.

I can see the temptation at your time of life but think on it for a second - having obtained such a visa knowing that it is likely not legitimate, will you be able to feel relaxed about your situation?

Ask him something really interesting, like whether he sometimes gets bored with being approached by every middle-aged axeman who wants to show him their version of "Dazed and Confused".

Congratulations to The Nation for an article in English that can actually be read and understood, a rarity from the august rag these days.

What's an RE journey ?

Far as I can make out, they are going to have a Religious Experience together.

Best of luck.

It's the Thai version of "Keep on Truckin'":

I will refrain from making the rhyme explicit.

Clearly your girlfriend feels aggrieved, and this could lead to all sorts of problems in your life in future, particularly as you say she has friends and contacts at the company with which you are doing your internship. Only you can say just how much of a loose cannon she might prove to be, but experience shows that for some Thai women, the idea of revenge never goes away. I would tread cautiously and try as far as possible to move out of your ex's sphere of influence, if indeed she has any. If she turns into a real psycho (knives, self-harming, incessant calls, her and/or her brothers doing the 3am door banging, etc) I would consider more radical solutions like moving, changing phone number, email, company and so on.

I'm not saying it will, but these kind of scenarios can turn very ugly and protracted, not to mention the toll on your own emotional well being that such a situation would take.