Thailand Thread

[BishopMnA 0]

Hey Brother Aggie,

I saw the commercials for this show, and they just showed 'chaos' and red-shirt ######...so, even though I wanted to watch it...I decided not to. I just didn't want to see what they were going to say about all that. I like his show and he always cracks me up, but for some reason that commercial was uninviting and it made me think that the show was going to portray Thailand in a less than positive light...even though it is just a food show. Granted, the past 3 years or so have been difficult for Thailand, but it is still one of the best countries in the world....as you have well said. I miss it too!

Did they just stay in BKK? They didn't make a run up to Chiang Mai? Food is better up north ;-)

I LOVE Singha beer! However, if I'm drinking beer with AAm's brothers, then it is always Chang...cuz its stronger!!!

Peace,

MarkNAAm

Hey Brother Mark!

They didn't dwell on the protesting too much, other than to say that it was definitely NOT the norm in Thailand. Unfortunately, they did not go to Chiang Mai, which is where my Townhouses are, and my favorite city in Thailand.

They did take a train south to the Gulf of Thailand, and went to visit some of the floating markets.

You need to watch it when they show it again. I'm sure you will be fine with how Tony dealt with the situation.

The reason I prefer Chang is highlighted above!

Good luck with your Removal of Conditions!

Take care Brother Mark!

Hey Brother Roi,

I didn't realize that you had property up in CM. AAm and I still own our home right outside of Chiang Mai, in Doi Saket. I wouldn't sell that place for the world!

Eventually, you and I will be neighbors...once we all move back there! Then the Chang is on me!

Peace,

Mark

[*Robert* 2]

Hey Brother Roi,

I didn't realize that you had property up in CM. AAm and I still own our home right outside of Chiang Mai, in Doi Saket. I wouldn't sell that place for the world!

Eventually, you and I will be neighbors...once we all move back there! Then the Chang is on me!

Peace,

Mark

Brother Mark,

I had been meaning to talk to you about that, but kept forgetting. Some others on here know, but not many. Of course Brother Scott has family up in Doi Saket as well.

I could even see Doi Suthep from the balcony of my Townhouse, and I love my neighbors around there. It is located south of Chiang Mai Gate, off of Wiang Phing Rd. It is a short drive to the Airport Central Plaza, which is where we spend a lot of time (free airconditioning!). I’ll post some pictures some time.

Look forward to being neighbors with you and Sister AAm!

Robert

[rin and john 71]

For those with the Travel Channel, a friendly reminder:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=3204576

I won't be home at that time, but have the DVR set.

Not quite sure what to think about last nights show. Given the fact that they were there filming during the Red Shirt protest in April, it probably messed a few things up.

They avoided the seedy side of Bangkok which I'm thankful for.

Tony definitely had me laughing out loud many times, and made quite a few comments like about how the nipples on the monkeys looked like butt plugs, and the Som Tam he ate was so hot it made his pubes catch on fire.

Not much variety in the food they showcased. Saw Khao Tom, Kway Teow, Kra Pao, Som Tam, and the Seafood Salad. I did notice he was drinking my favorite beer though... Chang!

I liked how they showed the Songkran activities and even explained their origin.

Needless to say... every time I see a show on Thailand it fills my eyes with tears and makes me long to go back.

He did say they were going back next year, so I hope he keeps his word!

Rin and I enjoyed the show, too, but thought they spent too much of the hour dwelling on the protests. We just missed being there at the same time as we left BKK on April 8th. I was hoping for insight on a few hidden gems around Bangkok, but little out of the ordinary was shown. Guess we'll stick with our usual dining stops. The roasted pig looked like something I might have to try someday!

I've never been up to Chang Mai, but we plan to go someday. We'll end up living close to (if not directly in) Bangkok, but plan to buy a vacation condo either on the beach or up north. Of course that is 10 to 15 years from now, so who knows how many times Rin will change her mind between now and then!

[*Robert* 2]

Rin and I enjoyed the show, too, but thought they spent too much of the hour dwelling on the protests. We just missed being there at the same time as we left BKK on April 8th. I was hoping for insight on a few hidden gems around Bangkok, but little out of the ordinary was shown. Guess we'll stick with our usual dining stops. The roasted pig looked like something I might have to try someday!

I've never been up to Chang Mai, but we plan to go someday. We'll end up living close to (if not directly in) Bangkok, but plan to buy a vacation condo either on the beach or up north. Of course that is 10 to 15 years from now, so who knows how many times Rin will change her mind between now and then!

I have to agree with you on both counts. They did show scenes of protesters throughout the show, instead of just a one time shot.

The roasted pig DID look good! The guy with him was the same one that spent some time with Andrew Zimmern when he was there.

You definitely owe it to yourself to visit Chiang Mai. From the Night Bazaar, to the Old City, to Doi Suthep, to Chiang Mai Zoo, to visiting local Hill Tribes, or going on an elephant trek, there is plenty to do and see in Chiang Mai. Not to mention, life is just so much more laid back up there, but its not so rustic that you can’t enjoy modern luxuries.

[BishopMnA 0]

Brother Mark,

I had been meaning to talk to you about that, but kept forgetting. Some others on here know, but not many. Of course Brother Scott has family up in Doi Saket as well.

I could even see Doi Suthep from the balcony of my Townhouse, and I love my neighbors around there. It is located south of Chiang Mai Gate, off of Wiang Phing Rd. It is a short drive to the Airport Central Plaza, which is where we spend a lot of time (free airconditioning!). I’ll post some pictures some time.

Look forward to being neighbors with you and Sister AAm!

Robert

Brother Robert....you won't believe this, but for all the time that I've spent in Chiang Mai, I have never been to Wat Doi Suthep! Yep...I know...that is practically unbelieveable! I think I've been to the other 400+ Wats though in Chiang Mai. What can I say...I am a definite Wat Rat!

Our pad in Doi Saket (yep, I know Brother Scott's wife is from there too) is perfect! Its on about 3 acres of land, and has three houses on that land. One house is ours, one belongs to AAm's sister, and the third belongs to AAm's mom (Imagine the Thai version of Granny, from the Beverly Hillbillies <haha>) Its really cool...because all three houses are complete, but only AAm's Mom's house has a stove...so every evening all three houses pile over to Mom's pad for cooking dinner...its a wonderful family feeling there...and truly characterizes alot of the class of Thailand. This is some of what I miss.

I've spent a lot of time at Wat Doi Saket (Temple - Stone - Mountain) Its a temple that is at the top of a small mountain in Doi Saket...with 300 steps leading up to the temple at the top of the mountain. While I was there, I watched them build a Buddha that is at least 35 feet tall...it is quite spectacular...took them about 2 years to build...

Peace Brother Neighbor Aggie!

MK+JC+AK

[HYENA 4]

Where are you getting your updates, Scott?

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/08/18...on_30109995.php

Looks like nothing happened. Kinda shocked actually.

Figures, they'll wait until sometime in September when Rin and I are there!

We were in Bangkok right before Songkran this year. The day we left was the same day the 'red shirts' descended upon Bangkok (thankfully we were going against the flow heading to the airport - inbound traffic was a disaster).

Now the only question I have is: Who and the hell are the 'blue shirts' mentioned at the end of the article?! I have already packed away my red and yellow shirts for this trip!

Pretty soon people will only be allowed to wear white shirts

I was kinda hoping for topless in Thailand.....

I'm with you on that. At least if they ban the sexy college uniforms, topless is the least they could do to sate my farang eyes!

Side note....my teerak had a dream that people were trying to kill me...2 separate dreams last night despite waking and going back to sleep. THis is her first week in the US but she's convinced it's a past life or something (poisoning and drowning). I don't quite get it but I told her if someone wants to kill me, bring it on and let's get it over with (I mean really, I'm just here to bide time 'till I die anyway so when my time comes it's here).

I try to be culturally aware but not sure how to handle the past life thing and how to help her feel better other than the typical "it's OK, we'll be OK don't worry...." She said "they all know your face and they all want you dead" She was crying last night a bit till I settled her.

Any insight from anyone on this? (She's Isaan, if it helps).

[*Robert* 2]

Brother Robert....you won't believe this, but for all the time that I've spent in Chiang Mai, I have never been to Wat Doi Suthep! Yep...I know...that is practically unbelieveable! I think I've been to the other 400+ Wats though in Chiang Mai. What can I say...I am a definite Wat Rat!

Our pad in Doi Saket (yep, I know Brother Scott's wife is from there too) is perfect! Its on about 3 acres of land, and has three houses on that land. One house is ours, one belongs to AAm's sister, and the third belongs to AAm's mom (Imagine the Thai version of Granny, from the Beverly Hillbillies <haha>) Its really cool...because all three houses are complete, but only AAm's Mom's house has a stove...so every evening all three houses pile over to Mom's pad for cooking dinner...its a wonderful family feeling there...and truly characterizes alot of the class of Thailand. This is some of what I miss.

I've spent a lot of time at Wat Doi Saket (Temple - Stone - Mountain) Its a temple that is at the top of a small mountain in Doi Saket...with 300 steps leading up to the temple at the top of the mountain. While I was there, I watched them build a Buddha that is at least 35 feet tall...it is quite spectacular...took them about 2 years to build...

Peace Brother Neighbor Aggie!

MK+JC+AK

Brother Mark, I am so dissapointed in you! How could you have not gone to Wat Doi Suthep?! Everytime I go to Chiang Mai I make it point to go there, not just for the spectacular views, but to also get a blessing from the Monks. Its a fun drive through the winding mountain roads, especially on a scooter! Just make sure you have at least a 110 cc!

I'm with you on being a Wat rat... can never get tired of going to all the different Wats. I remember the first time I was there looking out the window of my hotel room at the Porn Ping Tower in Chiang Mai, with my then GF. She was looking around and saying "What, what, what, what" and I said "what do you mean?", which is when she explained she wasn't saying "what", she was saying "wat"!

Wat Doi Saket sounds interesting. I will have to go see it my next time back. Look forward to drinking that Chang Beer you're going to by me!

Robert

[HYENA 4]

Brother Robert....you won't believe this, but for all the time that I've spent in Chiang Mai, I have never been to Wat Doi Suthep! Yep...I know...that is practically unbelieveable! I think I've been to the other 400+ Wats though in Chiang Mai. What can I say...I am a definite Wat Rat!

Our pad in Doi Saket (yep, I know Brother Scott's wife is from there too) is perfect! Its on about 3 acres of land, and has three houses on that land. One house is ours, one belongs to AAm's sister, and the third belongs to AAm's mom (Imagine the Thai version of Granny, from the Beverly Hillbillies <haha>) Its really cool...because all three houses are complete, but only AAm's Mom's house has a stove...so every evening all three houses pile over to Mom's pad for cooking dinner...its a wonderful family feeling there...and truly characterizes alot of the class of Thailand. This is some of what I miss.

I've spent a lot of time at Wat Doi Saket (Temple - Stone - Mountain) Its a temple that is at the top of a small mountain in Doi Saket...with 300 steps leading up to the temple at the top of the mountain. While I was there, I watched them build a Buddha that is at least 35 feet tall...it is quite spectacular...took them about 2 years to build...

Peace Brother Neighbor Aggie!

MK+JC+AK

Brother Mark, I am so dissapointed in you! How could you have not gone to Wat Doi Suthep?! Everytime I go to Chiang Mai I make it point to go there, not just for the spectacular views, but to also get a blessing from the Monks. Its a fun drive through the winding mountain roads, especially on a scooter! Just make sure you have at least a 110 cc!

I'm with you on being a Wat rat... can never get tired of going to all the different Wats. I remember the first time I was there looking out the window of my hotel room at the Porn Ping Tower in Chiang Mai, with my then GF. She was looking around and saying "What, what, what, what" and I said "what do you mean?", which is when she explained she wasn't saying "what", she was saying "wat"!

Wat Doi Saket sounds interesting. I will have to go see it my next time back. Look forward to drinking that Chang Beer you're going to by me!

Robert

The porn king tower? what has the world come to? LOL!

always liked people with the name porn!

Angkor Wat is pretty cool, too...some of the other one's around it are really nice. The murals and stone images look like my wife with a sword and a skirt tho (gotta be careful)!

Edited August 20, 2009 by HYENA

[BishopMnA 0]

Brother Mark, I am so dissapointed in you! How could you have not gone to Wat Doi Suthep?! Everytime I go to Chiang Mai I make it point to go there, not just for the spectacular views, but to also get a blessing from the Monks. Its a fun drive through the winding mountain roads, especially on a scooter! Just make sure you have at least a 110 cc!

I'm with you on being a Wat rat... can never get tired of going to all the different Wats. I remember the first time I was there looking out the window of my hotel room at the Porn Ping Tower in Chiang Mai, with my then GF. She was looking around and saying "What, what, what, what" and I said "what do you mean?", which is when she explained she wasn't saying "what", she was saying "wat"!

Wat Doi Saket sounds interesting. I will have to go see it my next time back. Look forward to drinking that Chang Beer you're going to by me!

Robert

Brother Roi,

I'm disappointed in myself as well...but...I have a very good excuse, one which I think you will definitely understand. Each year I was in Thailand, I tried to go up to Wat Doi Suthep on Visakha Bucha (Birth/Enlightenment/Death of Buddha)...and as you know...its about a ~15km trek up the mountain to the Wat. But, on that day, many people walk it...in fact, I think all of Chiang Mai walks it that day. You can catch a tuk tuk if you want...but I wanted to walk it each time.

However, each year, start at about 5 Kms-10 kms of walking up the hill...I'd have to stop and have a Singha or 2 along the way...so I'd start hitting the Sigha carts ont he way up. By the time I close to 10 kms or so up the hill, I'd be too 'full of the Spirit' to get up and praise the 'Spirit' at the top of the hill! AAm would have to shove me in a Tuk Tuk and take me back to Doi Saket <hahaha>

I do love Visakah Bucha holiday though, and all the people going up the hill to the temple. Its quite fantastic!

I'll buy the first Chang. The next one(sssssssssss) are on you!

Peace to you brother Aggie!

MarkNAAm

[*Robert* 2]

However, each year, start at about 5 Kms-10 kms of walking up the hill...I'd have to stop and have a Singha or 2 along the way...so I'd start hitting the Sigha carts ont he way up. By the time I close to 10 kms or so up the hill, I'd be too 'full of the Spirit' to get up and praise the 'Spirit' at the top of the hill! AAm would have to shove me in a Tuk Tuk and take me back to Doi Saket <hahaha>

I do love Visakah Bucha holiday though, and all the people going up the hill to the temple. Its quite fantastic!

I'll buy the first Chang. The next one(sssssssssss) are on you!

Peace to you brother Aggie!

MarkNAAm

You're my hero Brother Mark!!! That is just too damn funny!

Then might I suggest the next time you're their, NOT to go on Visakah Bucha day?!

You're right though my wayward brother... I do understand!

Robert

[BishopMnA 0]

I'm with you on that. At least if they ban the sexy college uniforms, topless is the least they could do to sate my farang eyes!

Side note....my teerak had a dream that people were trying to kill me...2 separate dreams last night despite waking and going back to sleep. THis is her first week in the US but she's convinced it's a past life or something (poisoning and drowning). I don't quite get it but I told her if someone wants to kill me, bring it on and let's get it over with (I mean really, I'm just here to bide time 'till I die anyway so when my time comes it's here).

I try to be culturally aware but not sure how to handle the past life thing and how to help her feel better other than the typical "it's OK, we'll be OK don't worry...." She said "they all know your face and they all want you dead" She was crying last night a bit till I settled her.

Any insight from anyone on this? (She's Isaan, if it helps).

You're right Hyena, those dreams are a cultural thing that is kinda foreign to us Farangs. So, you handled that in probably the only way that you can.

Just from my experience, I will tell you this...watch your wife and you'll see that her mind and life will really be seeing/interpreting a lot of new stuff now that she's in the USA. AAm is still the same person as when I met her (Angelic ) but after 2 years here in the USA she has also grown a lot and sees things in different ways that she did previously. Its been wonderful to watch her blossom over the past couple years. I suspect the same is true for all people moving to new countries...they'll learn alot/change alot...etc... All we can do is be there with them as they go through this...

Peace,

MK

[HYENA 4]

I'm with you on that. At least if they ban the sexy college uniforms, topless is the least they could do to sate my farang eyes!

Side note....my teerak had a dream that people were trying to kill me...2 separate dreams last night despite waking and going back to sleep. THis is her first week in the US but she's convinced it's a past life or something (poisoning and drowning). I don't quite get it but I told her if someone wants to kill me, bring it on and let's get it over with (I mean really, I'm just here to bide time 'till I die anyway so when my time comes it's here).

I try to be culturally aware but not sure how to handle the past life thing and how to help her feel better other than the typical "it's OK, we'll be OK don't worry...." She said "they all know your face and they all want you dead" She was crying last night a bit till I settled her.

Any insight from anyone on this? (She's Isaan, if it helps).

You're right Hyena, those dreams are a cultural thing that is kinda foreign to us Farangs. So, you handled that in probably the only way that you can.

Just from my experience, I will tell you this...watch your wife and you'll see that her mind and life will really be seeing/interpreting a lot of new stuff now that she's in the USA. AAm is still the same person as when I met her (Angelic ) but after 2 years here in the USA she has also grown a lot and sees things in different ways that she did previously. Its been wonderful to watch her blossom over the past couple years. I suspect the same is true for all people moving to new countries...they'll learn alot/change alot...etc... All we can do is be there with them as they go through this...

Peace,

MK

Thanks for your comments.

I think she's doing great considering. This was the first event; if she's homesick she'd never mention it. I think Thais are a tougher culture; more resilient given the many unknowns in their own country and my being spoiled rotten in comparison (rule of law, money and food stability, a just a little more racial equality/EEO here but we have no family support like they do...something I always wished I had....

I feel for her but at the same time I'm happy she can enjoy some of the luxuries I take for granted. She's got so many ideas she wants to do when she gets back. She loves the old 1900's wood houses here...she's determined to get one made for her family (the kind with the mini dormer windows). Hopefully we'll live in a cute little old house here soon...

By the way I HATE SCOTLAND! I think we should declare war on them just to get the economy in debt a bit more....heroes welcome for the Lockerbee bomber...great job scutland.

[daboyz 36]

Looks like Malaysia is going back to the stone ages.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/08/19...al_30110159.php

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/...ning/index.html

[dvddvd 0]

I'm with you on that. At least if they ban the sexy college uniforms, topless is the least they could do to sate my farang eyes!

Side note....my teerak had a dream that people were trying to kill me...2 separate dreams last night despite waking and going back to sleep. THis is her first week in the US but she's convinced it's a past life or something (poisoning and drowning). I don't quite get it but I told her if someone wants to kill me, bring it on and let's get it over with (I mean really, I'm just here to bide time 'till I die anyway so when my time comes it's here).

I try to be culturally aware but not sure how to handle the past life thing and how to help her feel better other than the typical "it's OK, we'll be OK don't worry...." She said "they all know your face and they all want you dead" She was crying last night a bit till I settled her.

Any insight from anyone on this? (She's Isaan, if it helps).

You're right Hyena, those dreams are a cultural thing that is kinda foreign to us Farangs. So, you handled that in probably the only way that you can.

Just from my experience, I will tell you this...watch your wife and you'll see that her mind and life will really be seeing/interpreting a lot of new stuff now that she's in the USA. AAm is still the same person as when I met her (Angelic ) but after 2 years here in the USA she has also grown a lot and sees things in different ways that she did previously. Its been wonderful to watch her blossom over the past couple years. I suspect the same is true for all people moving to new countries...they'll learn alot/change alot...etc... All we can do is be there with them as they go through this...

Peace,

MK

Thanks for your comments.

I think she's doing great considering. This was the first event; if she's homesick she'd never mention it. I think Thais are a tougher culture; more resilient given the many unknowns in their own country and my being spoiled rotten in comparison (rule of law, money and food stability, a just a little more racial equality/EEO here but we have no family support like they do...something I always wished I had....

I feel for her but at the same time I'm happy she can enjoy some of the luxuries I take for granted. She's got so many ideas she wants to do when she gets back. She loves the old 1900's wood houses here...she's determined to get one made for her family (the kind with the mini dormer windows). Hopefully we'll live in a cute little old house here soon...

By the way I HATE SCOTLAND! I think we should declare war on them just to get the economy in debt a bit more....heroes welcome for the Lockerbee bomber...great job scutland.

Are you sure she wants to live in one of those houses? You know, with all the ghosts and all.

[HYENA 4]

I'm with you on that. At least if they ban the sexy college uniforms, topless is the least they could do to sate my farang eyes!

Side note....my teerak had a dream that people were trying to kill me...2 separate dreams last night despite waking and going back to sleep. THis is her first week in the US but she's convinced it's a past life or something (poisoning and drowning). I don't quite get it but I told her if someone wants to kill me, bring it on and let's get it over with (I mean really, I'm just here to bide time 'till I die anyway so when my time comes it's here).

I try to be culturally aware but not sure how to handle the past life thing and how to help her feel better other than the typical "it's OK, we'll be OK don't worry...." She said "they all know your face and they all want you dead" She was crying last night a bit till I settled her.

Any insight from anyone on this? (She's Isaan, if it helps).

You're right Hyena, those dreams are a cultural thing that is kinda foreign to us Farangs. So, you handled that in probably the only way that you can.

Just from my experience, I will tell you this...watch your wife and you'll see that her mind and life will really be seeing/interpreting a lot of new stuff now that she's in the USA. AAm is still the same person as when I met her (Angelic ) but after 2 years here in the USA she has also grown a lot and sees things in different ways that she did previously. Its been wonderful to watch her blossom over the past couple years. I suspect the same is true for all people moving to new countries...they'll learn alot/change alot...etc... All we can do is be there with them as they go through this...

Peace,

MK

Thanks for your comments.

I think she's doing great considering. This was the first event; if she's homesick she'd never mention it. I think Thais are a tougher culture; more resilient given the many unknowns in their own country and my being spoiled rotten in comparison (rule of law, money and food stability, a just a little more racial equality/EEO here but we have no family support like they do...something I always wished I had....

I feel for her but at the same time I'm happy she can enjoy some of the luxuries I take for granted. She's got so many ideas she wants to do when she gets back. She loves the old 1900's wood houses here...she's determined to get one made for her family (the kind with the mini dormer windows). Hopefully we'll live in a cute little old house here soon...

By the way I HATE SCOTLAND! I think we should declare war on them just to get the economy in debt a bit more....heroes welcome for the Lockerbee bomber...great job scutland.

Are you sure she wants to live in one of those houses? You know, with all the ghosts and all.

I dunno....she swears people were trying to kill me but I still don't quite understand what that has to do with today. She does like that old Victorian style/arts and crafts-ish house most cities have in their old sections. I like the character of em too but not the maintenence. Not sure how that style would do in Isaan burning hot heat. Maybe a mix of Florida style (Key west style to be specific) of the older houses.

I told her I could get a computer plan for a blueprint when eventually we save enough to make a respectable house for her family (If I can get a job)!

Regarding that Malaysia post....LEGALIZE, MONITOR AND CONTROL DRUGS! I've worked in the addictions field long enough to know this "war on drugs" is merely a war on people promoted by easy political election points and privatization of prisons....it destroys lives. Just like the ETOH prohibition...after 2 years overall ETOH use dropped once it was legalized. I don't see any other way to reduce the deaths and stop destroying lives