THE WEEK THAT WAS Give me Thailand any day over the Philippines! It’s SLIGHTLY less mad…

[webfact]

 

OPINION | by Rooster

 

Speculation was rife this week after local and gubernatorial elections that the results might herald a major shift in the political landscape. Is the polarization in Thai politics coming to an end?, some wondered.

 

Political academics were unsure what independent candidate Chadchart Sittipunt’s landslide win in Krung Thep might mean for the next general election.

 

Some thought it might even lead to a general not being elected….

 

Chadchart was the minister of transport in the Yingluck Shinawatra government before she was kicked out to join “phee Tony” in fugitive exile. 

 

Brother Thaksin went online to suggest that the results were a kick in the teeth for Prayut and his cronies and may lead to his triumphal return. He called it an “omen for democracy”.

 

Whenever I read stuff like this I think of a different ‘omen’, namely what happened to former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino who lasted only a few seconds after arriving back at Manila airport in 1983. He was due to go to jail.

 

The airport is now named after him and a bronze plaque is on the tarmac where he was shot. Who actually did it remains uncertain to this day. Many were jailed on trumped up charges.

 

Aquino’s wife Corazon was elected president after the people’s uprising that removed dictator Marcos from the Philippines in 1986. I was at the Philippines' embassy in Bangkok then joining in the celebrations. Now Marcos’s son Bong Bong is back in charge. Sometimes what goes on in the Philippines makes Thailand look almost normal.

 

Manila was Rooster’s first and only stop on my initial foray to Asia in 1982 - a stopover on the way to see a mate who worked on the P&O liner The Canberra that was moored in Sydney.

 

I returned to London far more amazed by the Philippines than Down Under. Its corruption seemed incredible for an Asian novice; Pope John Paul II had visited in 1981 and they’d put up giant wooden screens so he didn’t see the slums! The Manila archbishop was Cardinal Sin. Not to mention all of Imelda’s shoes. 

 

I always thought I would go back one day though I never have. During a year in Australia in 1984/5 I spent a great deal of time in the company of naturalized Filipinos….okay Filipinas!

 

I even learnt a smattering of Tagalog.

 

I met a lady called Charity who had a twin sister called Faith…..but there was no Hope. 

 

Despite being still in her teens she told me that her mother had forced her to marry a relative to get him residency status in the land of milk and honey. He arrived from Luzon for the ceremony and rather than have a wedding reception afterwards he had his golf clubs with him and went for a round!

 

When immigration came calling they found Charity sleeping alone in a single bed with no male clothes in the wardrobe and the husband was promptly deported. 

 

After this revelation I went behind the family’s back to consult a Justice of the Peace who I worked with checking ads at the Yellow Pages in Milson’s Point. Together we succeeded in getting her a divorce. When the family found out I was not on their Xmas present list.

 

I thought I’d get married and we even had a son. But the timing was wrong and I was in love with Thailand. Eventually we split up. The mother once called my flat in Bangkok in 1987 and said I would be shot in the next few days.

 

I sat facing the door in restaurants for a while remembering that Charity’s mother once held a gun to her father’s head in Manila before they emigrated to Sydney. 

 

I recall being interrogated on the family sofa in Toongabbie and was followed by an aunt whenever I met Charity. I always felt I made the right choice in plumping for the madness of Thailand!

 

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Most people who have been to both, though not all, have tended to agree with me over the years.

 

So to other news….

 

In Pattaya the victory of Poramet in the election for mayor spoke more of the patronage system than the tactical voting in Bangkok. Then “irregularities” emerged. 

 

It was not nice seeing departing mayor Sontaya - part of the infamous Kamnan Poh family who treats Pattaya as his personal fiefdom - holding up the victor’s hands. 

 

Poramet is appropriately nicknamed “Beer” but will probably never have to singh for his supper….

 

In ASEAN NOW forum news, Rooster was glad to see the return of the international news section on Wednesday after a brief hiatus. 

 

This was accompanied by the return of the former CEO of Thaivisa George Anderssen, a Hua Hin resident, as business development manager. A major overhaul of forum rules was promised. 

 

We’ve never met though I was happy to discover that George is one of my fans! He left Thaivisa a few months before I joined as a translator.

 

In international news Australia welcomed a Labor government for the first time in many years. Not seeing Scott Morrison’s face will be a godsend. Anthony Albanese is the new PM and there are hopes that he will up Australia's green-cum-climate agenda. 

 

Stateside, the FBI said they had foiled a plot to kill George W. For the war in Iraq rather than his memorable gaffe confusing Ukraine with the Arab state.

 

Twenty one people including 19 young children and two teachers were shot at a Texas school. Senator Ted Cruz refused to countenance gun control and President Biden appeared toothless to act. 

 

I recommend they read “Dunblaine - Our Year of Tears” about the school shooting in Scotland that helped Brits do something about the menace of guns.

 

In sporting news the English Premier League ended in sensational fashion with a triumph for Manchester City who pipped gallant Liverpool who play Real Madrid tonight in the Champions League final (2 am Sunday Thai time).

 

In Ireland at Punchestown a horse called Sawbuck won at 300-1, the joint highest price in the history of UK and Irish racing. The horse was the maximum 999-1 on exchange site Betfair and won quite easily.

 

Back in Thailand the end of the pandemic was on again off again faster than a Nana girl’s drawers.  

 

But it looked as though those horrible masks would be officially ditched come mid-June. That’s well overdue. I think I shall burn mine like feminists used to do with their bras - anything for Facebook likes!

 

In Thonburi a wealth father and daughter double act were arrested by the Anti-Human Trafficking cops for selling women into sex slavery in Bahrain. They denied it. The couple have made a huge fortune selling “moo ping” (pork balls) - if proven guilty let’s hope the court sticks it to them.

 

Again in Pattaya, yet another Indian was relieved of his gold necklace - the sixth in just a few weeks. When are they going to learn to leave their necklaces in Delhi and be cautious when called “hansum” by random ladyboys?

 

Latest story going mad internationally as well as in Thailand concerns monkeypox. If it causes any more disruption to me and my kids’ lives I promise to go ape.

 

I read that it is spread through contact with bodily fluids. Expect Anutin to start making money out of condoms very soon. 

 

Through the late 1980s and 90s HIV/AIDS was the fear though it never decimated the sex industry. At least half a million Thai people contracted the virus and NGOs still say there are a lot more. Please protect yourself when sleeping with strangers.

 

Apropos Anutin, he was in Geneva hobnobbing with WHO chief Dr Tedros, thrilled that Thailand had been named a BioHub. The health minister is on the crest of a wave right now with some of the pandemic debacles well and truly behind him

 

Expect a bold bid to be the next PM for Bhumjaithai; I’m sure he’ll do better than Boris because the British will not forget “partygate” at the polls.

 

In lottery news the Thai media sank to new depths when they covered a tragic story of how a 64 year old fisherman died when he got entangled in his own net. His son-in-law found him under the water. 

 

77kaoded reported that the Lopburi locals were banking on the victim’s age and the number of fish he caught for next week's draw. Words fail me, and that doesn't happen often!

 

Less ghoulish but just as idiotic were people in Klaeng, Rayong who thought that Manop’s albino eel was the answer. They were pictured lighting joss-sticks and praying for luck by a black bucket. 

 

Finally the most amusing story of the week was the continuing obsession with Phra Bida - “christened” as the Holy Father by devout atheist Rooster.

 

His “second coming” after his arrest for having his disciples eat his body fluids was to instruct a lawyer to sue the governor of Chaiyaphum for trespass and dereliction of duty. 

 

Fair play to governor Kraisorn who mocked the loony cultist on Facebook calling him “his holiness”.

 

And saying that he regarded Phra Bida’s arrest as a badge of honor for him in his civil service career. 

 

It’s high time more of these charlatans were put behind bars.  

 

Rooster

 

 

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[BritManToo]

I like both!

[bkk6060]

In some ways the Phils is better I think.

[sanuk711]

40 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I like both!

They both have their +++  The girls speaking English is great--but Just something about Catholicity that puts me off the place.

Silly I know--I even got into an argument with a girl that I was suppose to be bar fining ---

 

My wife banging her head on the pillow 10 times and muttering gibberish/the monks checking their latest iPhone while eyeing out my Daughters-- doesn't seem to affect me anywhere near the same. Must be something about those happy days I spent at school with those caring Nuns for a few years back in England.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, sanuk711 said:

They both have their +++  The girls speaking English is great--but Just something about Catholicity that puts me off the place.

Silly I know--I even got into an argument with a girl that I was suppose to be bar fining ---

I agree with you,

Both have their pros and cons, but nothing overwhelming to choose one country above the other. If I were choosing from the UK today, it'd probably be Philippines or Cambodia rather than Thailand.

Just because of ease of entry and ease of VISA.

 

Obviously I currently have a load of baggage in Thailand, so no point to jump ship.

[Misterwhisper]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

I met a lady called Charity who had a twin sister called Faith…..but there was no Hope. 

???????????? Brilliant!

[klauskunkel]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Poramet is appropriately nicknamed “Beer” but will probably never have to singh for his supper….

Ouch, that one hurt!

[The Hammer2021]

Shielding the slums from the view of foreigners was done in Bangkok and Lisbon I seem to remember.

[In Full Agreement]

 

“I will kill you, I will kill you. I will take the law into my own hands… forget about the laws of men, forget about the laws of international law whatever.” 

 

― Rodrigo Duterte, August 17, 2016

 

'Nuff said..

[Iamfalang]

Maybe 30,000 in Phil killed because of drugs.   Basically do anything and just say drugs….not safe.    Can happen anywhere, but in the Philippines it seems more prevalent.  30,000 is a lot.   If 30 in America, biggest story for 100 years

[chalawaan]

4 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

In some ways the Phils is better I think.

Two ways:

Reasonable English.

Better, cheaper, local beer.

 

As for the rest? Meh!

 

Pray you don't get chronic pain there too, they're so paranoid about drugs, opiates are non-existent.

There are all of SIX chronic pain Clinicians in the entire PI. And Dirty Du30 himself would go to Singapore to get his own hypocritical opioid fixes for his chronic back pain. 

His son is a major ya-ice/shabu importer, and the "shoot to kill" policy was a turf war in disguise. 

[chalawaan]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I agree with you,

Both have their pros and cons, but nothing overwhelming to choose one country above the other. If I were choosing from the UK today, it'd probably be Philippines or Cambodia rather than Thailand.

Just because of ease of entry and ease of VISA.

 

Obviously I currently have a load of baggage in Thailand, so no point to jump ship.

sCambodia would be absolutely last on my list of Asian destinations. 

At least the PI don't need a wire mesh cage to protect you from being robbed en-route in a trike!

And the Scambo girls all have lady-mustaches, Whuthe?

[Chopinbkk]

Pinoys are incredibly talented individuals.
In groups or as a people, their medieval, fanatic, unhinged Catholicism and stupidity is amazing (voting for the son / fan of the corrupt dictator and mass murderer Marcos). 
However, a Pinoy smile means what it is - a smile ..... 

[mikeymike100]

4 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

In some ways the Phils is better I think.

Yes, but not the food!

[Lacessit]

I have never been to the Philippines, so I can only compare on the basis of the comments of others. Poor food, medical care and gun crime don't make it sound particularly attractive, although I would like to see the same immigration rules in Thailand. Not that it will happen.

 

On the Australian election, I am hopeful the new government will jettison the lies, spin, blame-shifting and name-calling that was the hallmark of the last three years. Yet another example of a Christian being anything but, and IIRC one of Australia's most successful Prime Ministers was an agnostic. There are good signs already on authenticity,

[moogradod]

6 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

In some ways the Phils is better I think.

I know it from more than 40 years ago. My first wife was from there. Might have changed but it was:

 

1. Nicest beaches I have ever seen. No comparison with Thailand (unless someone can give me a secret insider tip for LOS - please). Last time I have been swimming in the ocean here was before the tsunami in Phuket. And I really miss it.

2. Cleanest water I have ever seen. You could see from a boat through to the bottom of the sea over a distance of surely 3 meter (my guess)

3. Terrible food exept for fresh grilled fish which is no miracle to prepare

4. Very dangerous. Once my ex wife and myself took a taxi from a disco home because of security reasons. Distance about 200m.

5. Horrible traffic and especially pollution in Manila. Bangkokian air is a fresh mountain breeze in comparison

6. I somehow hate the special pronounciation of their English - maybe a reminder of my ex-wife. She was absolutely terrible by the way. Now I am married in Thailand since 16 years and it could not be better

7. Modest and friendly people. Were once invited to a family. They had two chicken - both undernourished to the bone (literally). They did catch one to prepare it that they had something to offer. I still remember their kindness but as well the desperate attempts of our dinner to escape in the small hut.

8. And I forgot: These are the most talented people if improvisation is needed. I always said as a joke: They are able to construct a nuclear power plant using a paper-clip and a rubber band.

9. And I learned how the inside of a car tyre looks like. A taxi I took had tyres mounted practically without rubber, they were that torn down. The steering wheel had a tolerance of nearly 180 degrees. And this in the mountains near San Fernando.

10. Arrival at the airport: After leaving the war-like zone I wanted to enter a taxi. Trying to open the door it came off the car.

[chinasimon]

I have lived and worked in both countries and I definitely prefer Thailand. All the talented Pinoys are abroad, the country is an absolute mess, and I've been (almost) everywhere. Dirty, corrupt, slow, bureaucratic, religious, you name it. 

People are also a lot less friendly than in the past, which was really a massively redeeming feature. That innocent friendliness and positivity towards (white, mixed) foreigners seems to have mostly disappeared. Service and superficial friendliness is better in Thailand for sure. People are distant but polite in TH. 

At least Thai people have tried to topple the government, Filipinos have just reelected a dictators' son after 5 years of Duterte... unbelievable. So they really have nobody except themselves to blame for this sorry excuse of a country. 

I won't go into food, but Manila at least has diverse enough restaurants that you can eat well. The rest of the country not so much. 

[Rmac442]

Been there 12/15 times and as far north as Laoag City  and south to Zamboango .. many +/- but the one thing that is significantly better is the bars and music ...in Manila,for example, there are 2 Cowboy Grill bars and the music (all English) can be superb. 

Prices, in numbers, are the same but u get 66 pesos rather than 43 bt to the £ .... Etc..

 

 

 

[Thingamabob]

 Been mugged in Manila which was not a good experience. Thailand is safer, cleaner, more interesting and more fun.

[BritManToo]

37 minutes ago, Rmac442 said:

Prices, in numbers, are the same but u get 66 pesos rather than 43 bt to the £ .... Etc..

Prices,

bottle of drinkable Gin in PI 70 peso, in Thailand 300bht.

[Stargeezr]

Rooster, thanks for another amusing news update. I like your take on the Philippines as well, and you

forgot about their unreliable power as well, plus all their troubles with cyclones. 

  When I started visiting the Kingdom of Thailand, it was a very big adventure for me. I visited a lot of 

Temples, museums, and a lot of different bars in the nightlife areas of Bangkok. I never got to see

inside the Oriental Hotel, as it was too hot to wear a tie. However I was very impressed with the Shangri la 

Hotel nearby. I guess Thailand wants all the Indians to return, as so many of them seem to be wearing

easy to grab, expensive gold jewelry. Talking about Thais and their lottery numbers, you forgot to mention the poor lizard that 

got covered in powder. It always amazes me the number of ways people try to find lucky numbers.

  The USA has another mass killing, this time it was children, but soon after the NRA has their yearly gathering,

with such support as Trump and Cruz, so nothing will be changing any time soon. The 2nd amendment is worse

than brainwashing, as it has made a mind set with the gun supporters. Some even think that the AR15 is just a hunting

rifle that shoots a lot of bullets very fast. Sad. That old geezer who thinks of himself as something holy, is also in the 

news, I hope him and his followers fade away soon. Even their dwelling seems to be on government land and

not on some ones property. Ewww, Second coming indeed. Cheers.

[shdmn]

All other things aside,  there is no denying that Thailand is better value overall.  Accommodation is usually the 2nd biggest cost after the plane ticket. Thailand is better value than the Philippines for what you get.  Also better infrastructure.

 

I think Vietnam is probably better value still, but it's pretty close.

[The Hammer2021]

8 hours ago, Chopinbkk said:

Pinoys are incredibly talented individuals.
In groups or as a people, their medieval, fanatic, unhinged Catholicism and stupidity is amazing (voting for the son / fan of the corrupt dictator and mass murderer Marcos). 
However, a Pinoy smile means what it is - a smile ..... 

Not really - Sometimes - they might smile less  but smiles in all cultures can signify  more than warmth  or sincerity - In Thailand  they  can denote fear, respect, worry,  caution. There are at least 13 different  smiles in Thai culture that function  as 'non prosodic features of language' - body language if you will  but most farang  impose their own western cultural  values, limitations on to Thais that link smiles  to sincerity. A other interesting  part of Thai 'socio cultural  linguistics' is their  'heart language' which express some concepts  that don't translate. I've worked  with Philippinos in many countries- the girls tend to be boring and  characterless compared to Thais and have few cultural  values that are discernable from American  culture. I also visited the Philippines  for fun and found it very boring compared  to Thailand, backward, dangerous and poor food. 

[vandeventer]

19 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

In some ways the Phils is better I think.

They are both cheap to live but Thailand is cheaper, girls are hotter and the Thai food is way better. Why live anywhere else???

[BritManToo]

7 minutes ago, vandeventer said:

Why live anywhere else???

Thai immigration makes me want to live somewhere else.

Once inside you never need to see Cambodian or Philippine immigration again.

 

[metisdead]

An off topic post about the current situations in the USA has been removed.

[Mark mark]

19 minutes ago, vandeventer said:

They are both cheap to live but Thailand is cheaper, girls are hotter and the Thai food is way better. Why live anywhere else???

Well, … Thais are small vehicle Buddhists, …. and Philipinas are Catholics !!! ... Quite a difference in Attitudes there I think !!! ???  … (And I have lived in Both Places, and well Rooster, had a similar relationship as you did … but then well .... Third World Catholics !!! ... No Thanks !!!  ...... So Vooom !!! Back to Thailand !!!)

[Mark mark]

Well, I might be Early with this one this week Rooster, But, it is probably worth noting here, in Advance, as I am sure that you will be dealing with it next week. …. And well I think that for SURE now that they ARE looking pretty closely at the Speed Highway cameras in the Ayutthaya, and possibly other Northern areas Close to Bangkok, now.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1260853-french-tourist-killed-while-crossing-road/#comment-17381437

 

… Yes, I know that Road, Rojana road well, ... and YES I also DO like avoiding it if possible !!! ... a Main Highway, Fast and 5 lanes in Places, and through a business area, with shops along BOTH sides of it !!! …. and the Main road between the center of Ayutthaya and Bangkok, ...

 

And well, judging by the article, the spot where she was killed is in about the most Dangerous spot on the roads, in the district I think ! ....  But with all due respect for the woman, she was a Tourist, here for one day and did not know this. … Though I am sure that No locals would ever be pushing their bikes across the road just there. !!!  And it was dark also looking at the Photos.

https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-949265

Still, … Moving on !!! ... and for the benefit of all drivers !!!

 

…. I got caught by a speed ? Changing too many Lanes ? Camera yesterday's. !!!! ... The cops called my wife’s phone, as her name would be on the Rego. ... but she did not know what to do or say, so she just said “Sorry” and Hung up. ... She is going to talk to her son the truck driver about it first ? ... And She expects that they will phone again. ... I do not know if they will follow through on it though ??? ...

 

… I do not think that this was just bad luck, being picked up by a Camera the first time in ??? 15 Years ??? … Well 30 + counting motor bikes, …  and I was also very well aware of the speed limits, and Trying to follow them !!! as I always do !!!

 

…. But, there is a new Road Safety blitz !!!! And I was not speeding ? As far as I could tell, but I might have changed from the fast lane, to the slower ones, a bit before slowing down enough ?  ??? Or changing to many lanes at a time ??? … Any way it was quoted here in ASIAN NOW, that they are particularly concentrating, on Serial re offenders, and people that do not pay their fines. ... So maybe it was just a warning. ??? ...

 

… And I WILL now take much more care !!! ... and just pay the fine if I have to.

 

… But now, also there was this Unfortunately a 38 year old French Woman who  was killed on a 5 lane Arterial Highway I must add, near here, a couple of days ago !!! ... ... While wheeling her bike across the road !!! ...  … Like in about the most dangerous spot that I know !!! ... Like no locals would do that !!! ... But well she was a tourist, and did not know !!! ... Like a spot between the new Guest house area ! And a very popular temple. !!!

 

I think that it might have been at or near traffic Lights ? But I cannot tell from the Photos. … If it was, well it was not entirely her fault at all, just a bit of lack of local knowledge I guess ??? (Like pushing your bike in front of a moving vehicle !!! ??? …)

 

Anyway, …. A 5 lane multiple speed arterial road ... with slip roads coming in, and no view of the foot path from the center lanes !!! … And through a business area !!! … So slow traffic looking for places !!! … (Like I have been on that road) … frustrating the drivers more !!!! ... . And just after a congested 2 lane bridge,  ...  so all the frustrated car drivers, (Like me also right there also, on occasion !!!)… are just trying to speed up, to get out of there !!   And get home !!! ... Like not miss the lights at the Chedai, or it would be 10 Minutes more on the trip !!!!  ….. …. And then there is a French Woman pushing a bike across the highway in front of you !!! ....

 

…. Like if there is no lights, but just a pedestrian crossing there !!! ... It should be removed, as it is in such a dangerous spot. Like if you stopped your car any way, you probably would have a huge chance of being hit from behind any way !!!

 

… Anyway, they also now are probably looking for scape goats now as well. Right ??? ... So well all you Motorists heading North from Bangkok !!! BE WARE !!!

 

… And I do NOT want to lose MY license either !!! … So a warning to any of you driving in or through Ayutthaya North of Bangkok !!! … They ARE looking at the speed Camera Images now !!! …. For sure !!! And I know myself, from bitter experience !!! …

 

So Look out People !!!

 

…  And I have my fingers crossed Also !!!  

 

 

 

[Lacessit]

13 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Prices,

bottle of drinkable Gin in PI 70 peso, in Thailand 300bht.

I love reading your posts, an odyssey for the best value in booze and women.

[BritManToo]

6 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I love reading your posts, an odyssey for the best value in booze and women.

The Schweppes tonic was also half the price of Thailand.

Sunset G&Ts from my penthouse at Barretto ................