Quietbangkok.Org

[phaethon]

Here's and interesting little site I just stumbled across:

http://www.quietbangkok.org

In particular "The Whistle Free Zone campaign"

http://www.quietbangkok.org/whistle.en.html

It's interesting they are sponsored by Gaysorn and Amarin because the LOUDEST whistler I ever heard in Bangkok used to be stationed opposite the Intercontinental/Gaysorn and next to the Amarin. He was uncomfortably loud just walking by on the Chit Lom station walkway - ear-splitting at street level. He's gone now and I now know who to thank

[bkkjames]

Great! Do they have a FB page that I can share?

(edit) found it but you have to be accepted into the group? that's a barrier to promotion in my opinion.

I thought about getting T-shirts made to give out for free around town that says : 'Shut Up - I am thinking'

Edited November 15, 2011 by bkkjames

[phaethon]

I thought about getting T-shirts made to give out for free around town that says : 'Shut Up - I am thinking'

Excellent idea... in Thai I trust?

[VocalNeal]

Time to dust off my ACME Thunderer?

[Latindancer]

Thankyou Phaethon for posting the link to QuietBangkok. I have been wondering if many local people are fed up with noise, or whether they all just endure it. The "About Us" page on the website is very revealing.

The constant, relentless noise from advertising on BTS and in Tescos drives me nuts. I use ear plugs but it's still irritating.

[phaethon]

The constant, relentless noise from advertising on BTS and in Tescos drives me nuts. I use ear plugs but it's still irritating.

Exactly ditto. I don't usually go into Tesco, but with some flood shortages (nothing important, just things like honey and ketchup) I stray into Tesco, but can only bear about 10 minutes. The store 'radio' system, plus TVs on every aisle, plus individual vendors mini TV, plus 'ambush' advertising (motion sensing noise makers especially Knorr foods) plus promoters with karaoke mikes... you can have six different sound sources in one spot. Try calculating price comparisons in that din.

I find if I hit BigC as the doors open at 9am it's bearable up to around 10am.

The MRT lagged behind the BTS on noise, but they are racking up the racket now.

Even with the new free newspaper, along the lines of the London Metro, being distributed at BTS stations, I doubt we'll ever see scenes like this:

[USNret]

I can point out one area that's already made a huge improvement: California Wow. They used to blast loud rock music at about the sound level of afterburners, somehow thinking it would compel you to come in. I used to cross the street to avoid the ear-splitting noise. There was a big stink about it, maybe on this website, and some nasty letters in the Bangkok Post. The fitness clubs are noticeably quieter now.

[aussiebebe]

Many thanks for posting that link - I couldn't access the site but read a cached copy of the whistle campaign. I wonder who started the site? Thailand is one loud country - I can't imagine a Thai starting this. Thai's are oblivious to noise. My condo is next to a Tesco supermarket and they frequently have these outdoor events with mega-watt speakers. At least they stop at 9-10pm and are only occasional. The real nuisance is a gang of drinking, cheering, swearing skateboarders in a low-use area of the car park opposite the condo - they stay until 11pm every night, assisted by the lights and covers Tesco built for the cars. Frequently cars come and play music on their stereos which just resonates through everything. Then at 6:30 a man always comes and flies his RC Helicopter. People call Thailand the land of smiles but I stopped seeing the funny side long ago, I just want to sell up and move.

[phaethon]

Many thanks for posting that link - I couldn't access the site but read a cached copy of the whistle campaign. I wonder who started the site?

Yes it's down at the moment, can't get to it direct or via VPN, wonder why...

Looks like they've moved to Facebook (most contributions in Thai and off-topic)

It seems a couple of lecturers at Thammasat University started it, but there have been no activities since 2008.

http://www.nationmul...al_30032953.php

The last line probably explains why they were doomed.

Edited November 16, 2011 by phaethon

[Payboy]

Ikea parking lot is the new whistler's paradise.

[Latindancer]

Note to everyone : let's keep this thread bumped up from time to time. We don't want the issue to fade away like that website

I accessed it when I first posted and it does seem a little odd that it has since become unable to be seen.

I just came back from Tescos and as I wore earplugs it wasn't too bad. Had to request my wife speak directly at me and a little more loudly, but the whole experience didn't drive me nuts like it used to. But why SHOULD I have to wear earplugs ?

If we go across town, I get radio in the taxi, advertising on skytrain, shopping centre noise, then skytrain, then taxi again. My wife thinks it's impolite to ask drivers to turn off the radio, though she does ask that they turn it down if it's really loud ( we are in the back seat, and drivers often don't realize how loud it is when the speakers are behind your head). How utterly presumptuous that some people assume that EVERYONE should want to hear.....or at least endure hearing.....noise for the entire length of their trip ! And in the case of skytrain....advertising !

Here is an interesting quote:

" Noise is the ultimate insult. It belittles us. It gives us nothing at which to strike back. It kills what is left of many things we have loved--music, beauty, friendship, hope and excitement---and the reassurance of Nature.

Traditionally, noise is used to ridicule, embarrass, denigrate, and curse, while silence is used for worship, respect, anticipation and love. Do we hate each other as much as our noise level indicates ?".

Dr Alfred Etter, witness at the 1971 Chicago Noise Hearing.

Edited November 16, 2011 by Latindancer

[Payboy]

Noise is the ultimate insult. It belittles us. It gives us nothing at which to strike back. It kills what is left of many things we have loved--music, beauty, friendship, hope and excitement---and the reassurance of Nature.

Great quote!

To be honest, some music is an insult to the senses too.

[Poke]

This is an excellent group of Thais and foreigners working together to make Bangkok a better place. I've been to some of the meetings and found them very professional. They need more help to spread the word of how bangkok could be. Quiet Bangkok deserves support! Join them!

[thatp]

Ever wonder why too many of us Thais seem to equate loud noise/music with sanook? Ever been part of an outing with a group of Thai colleagues? Most Thais find conversation too challenging or headache-inducing. If you try to engage anyone in the group in an earnest conversation, you will be accused of being too serious and told to lighten up. Endless teasing and constant laughing like a bunch of adolescents are encouraged. Real grown-up conversations frown upon.

The noise is there for very specific purposes: to prevent people from thinking too much, to break up any real coherent conversation from developing, to prevent people from hearing their own thoughts. Still confused? Remember, for most Thais: thinking=headache. And Thai people have a very low headache threshold. That's why to get most Thais to their comfort zone, you have to turn the noise way way up.

[phaethon]

The website is back up, some changes but no new upcoming activities.

Edited November 17, 2011 by phaethon

[CaptHaddock]

Have you noticed how the whine of a circular saw, unseen, but nearby, seems to be the Thai national bird?