Thailand Thread

[anya-D 8]

Yeah, unfortunately, those conversations I hope weren't bad ones.....I decided not to have the second one translated, but now I'm kind of curious.

you still can change your mind

[Juan & Nan 12]

What do you all use to talk to your family in Thailand? I use Skype, but just wondering if there's a better option.

We use Skype, Although sometimes, windows messenger and yahoo messenger works well too.

[cactus john 1]

We use Skype, Although sometimes, windows messenger and yahoo messenger works well too.

Same same

Now if I can get my MIL to load Skype on my SIL's computer, it sure would make it allot cheaper. just sayin'

[Juan & Nan 12]

Same same

Now if I can get my MIL to load Skype on my SIL's computer, it sure would make it allot cheaper. just sayin'

Also, when Nan was in Thailand, I used Vonage to call here. If you get the world plan (which is 24.99 a month) you can make unlimited calls to Thailand land lines and cell phones. $25 a month can't beat that. Although is you don't call on the phone a lot, I recommend Pennytalk (we also used it) Penny talk charges by the minute with no monthly fees. I believe it is 0.05 cents per minutel. Hope this helps

[thongd4me 69]

Police Prepare For Election Day Expat Sobriety Riots

Bangkok’s alcoholic farang population “unpredictable”

BANGKOK – Thailand’s police have called up all reserve staff for a full show of force ahead of this weekend’s election, as a precaution against unrest and violence from angry, sober alcoholic expatriates during the ban on alcohol sales.

The ban, in accordance with national election law, prohibits retail alcohol sales at stores, bars and restaurants from 6pm Saturday to midnight Sunday. The 36-hour period is traditionally a high-risk period in areas with high concentrations of expats, such as Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok and large swaths of Pattaya.

“Due to the importance of this election, we are taking no chances with expatriate sobriety-related violence,” said a stern National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potphosri. He justified the deployment of over 20,000 additional security officers nationwide as a necessary precaution against “deranged, sober foreigners.”

Additionally, numerous bars and nightlife areas in Bangkok and other cities will be shut down altogether to avoid gatherings of large numbers of non-drunken expats. Wichean has launched a PR campaign encouraging them to stay home on Saturday night “for once.”

Although large-scale rioting by un-intoxicated foreigners is rare, many previous Thai elections have seen small outbreaks of civil unrest, usually by expats who were unaware of the election at all and who reacted badly to being told that they can’t have a drink at their favorite establishment.

“For many of these men, 36 hours without a drink and the company of a rented Asian female represents something unacceptable, terrifying even,” said Noppawan Rangkulan, sociology professor at Thammasat University. “Sobering up means becoming momentarily aware of their graying bodies and emotionally hollow lives. What we think of as an alcohol-free night represents an existential crisis for them.”

Noppawon claims this “sobriety shock” is an actual medical pathology and recommends that hospitals offer free alcohol IV drips during the election weekend.

“Most expats are perfectly reasonable people,” she said. “The few deranged ones that end up yelling at waitresses at Irish pubs, they just need help.”

But according to Election Commission member Prapun Naigowit, much of the problem simply stems from a lack of communication. “Many expats are so isolated from the realities of the country they live in that something as major as an election can slip under their radar,” he explained. “Those who prepare ahead of time can easily get through the weekend by having a case of beer and a few DVDs ready at home.”

The EC has launched an educational campaign by posting messages on Thaivisa.com, reminding expatriates of the alcohol ban and suggesting that they host ‘Election Parties’ in their apartments.

Major grocery chains such as Tops have also joined in the campaign, touting 12-packs of Chang and Singha at their outlets with offers of free coolers as part of their “Stay Home, Stay Wasted” promotion.

Although the EC is confident in their campaign, Noppawan still thinks that planning ahead simply goes against the mentality of the alcoholic in general, and the alcoholic expat in particular.

“The people likely to cause a stir on election day can’t think three hours ahead, much less plan for a weekend,” she said. “You might as well ask your dog to feed himself while you’re on vacation.”

[Karee 4,190]

Police Prepare For Election Day Expat Sobriety Riots

Bangkok’s alcoholic farang population “unpredictable”

BANGKOK – Thailand’s police have called up all reserve staff for a full show of force ahead of this weekend’s election, as a precaution against unrest and violence from angry, sober alcoholic expatriates during the ban on alcohol sales.

The ban, in accordance with national election law, prohibits retail alcohol sales at stores, bars and restaurants from 6pm Saturday to midnight Sunday. The 36-hour period is traditionally a high-risk period in areas with high concentrations of expats, such as Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok and large swaths of Pattaya.

“Due to the importance of this election, we are taking no chances with expatriate sobriety-related violence,” said a stern National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potphosri. He justified the deployment of over 20,000 additional security officers nationwide as a necessary precaution against “deranged, sober foreigners.”

Additionally, numerous bars and nightlife areas in Bangkok and other cities will be shut down altogether to avoid gatherings of large numbers of non-drunken expats. Wichean has launched a PR campaign encouraging them to stay home on Saturday night “for once.”

Although large-scale rioting by un-intoxicated foreigners is rare, many previous Thai elections have seen small outbreaks of civil unrest, usually by expats who were unaware of the election at all and who reacted badly to being told that they can’t have a drink at their favorite establishment.

“For many of these men, 36 hours without a drink and the company of a rented Asian female represents something unacceptable, terrifying even,” said Noppawan Rangkulan, sociology professor at Thammasat University. “Sobering up means becoming momentarily aware of their graying bodies and emotionally hollow lives. What we think of as an alcohol-free night represents an existential crisis for them.”

Noppawon claims this “sobriety shock” is an actual medical pathology and recommends that hospitals offer free alcohol IV drips during the election weekend.

“Most expats are perfectly reasonable people,” she said. “The few deranged ones that end up yelling at waitresses at Irish pubs, they just need help.”

But according to Election Commission member Prapun Naigowit, much of the problem simply stems from a lack of communication. “Many expats are so isolated from the realities of the country they live in that something as major as an election can slip under their radar,” he explained. “Those who prepare ahead of time can easily get through the weekend by having a case of beer and a few DVDs ready at home.”

The EC has launched an educational campaign by posting messages on Thaivisa.com, reminding expatriates of the alcohol ban and suggesting that they host ‘Election Parties’ in their apartments.

Major grocery chains such as Tops have also joined in the campaign, touting 12-packs of Chang and Singha at their outlets with offers of free coolers as part of their “Stay Home, Stay Wasted” promotion.

Although the EC is confident in their campaign, Noppawan still thinks that planning ahead simply goes against the mentality of the alcoholic in general, and the alcoholic expat in particular.

“The people likely to cause a stir on election day can’t think three hours ahead, much less plan for a weekend,” she said. “You might as well ask your dog to feed himself while you’re on vacation.”

You know that's a joke, don't you?

[thongd4me 69]

You know that's a joke, don't you?

(disclosure) Yes it's posted as such over at Thaivisa.com

It made me laugh and I wanted to share...

[Nicoco 26]

I think I already asked this, but I never saved it.... where can I obtain packet 3 for K-1 visa 2011 online?

[thongd4me 69]

I think I already asked this, but I never saved it.... where can I obtain packet 3 for K-1 visa 2011 online?

you could have googled "packet 3 us consulate thailand"

Packet 3

[ThaitoUSA 15]

Just woke up in Chiang Mai!

[AaronLV 12]

Just woke up in Chiang Mai!

I will be there in about a month.

[ThaitoUSA 15]

I will be there in about a month.

I've transited through the city at least half a dozen times and spent a few more touring around it, including during Songkhran. However, this was the most intimate trip to date. Spent four days going everywhere. Found out that Bo Sang village is the best place to get all the gifts that can be found in the Night Bizzar and Weekend Markets for up to ten times the price. Also found the best restaurant for duck dishes near CMU and finally made it up Doi Suthep. The city has really grown on me.

[Nicoco 26]

I love Chiang Mai. It's my home away from home.

[cactus john 1]

I've transited through the city at least half a dozen times and spent a few more touring around it, including during Songkhran. However, this was the most intimate trip to date. Spent four days going everywhere. Found out that Bo Sang village is the best place to get all the gifts that can be found in the Night Bizzar and Weekend Markets for up to ten times the price. Also found the best restaurant for duck dishes near CMU and finally made it up Doi Suthep. The city has really grown on me.

Lived in Cm for 2 years before I moved to a tiny village down east.

Check out the Meechoc night market on Monday-Tues nights. Not a touristy one, but bargains can be had. Also a Rimping Market located there. ( Pizzamania & a Wawee Coffee just a block north..the entrance to my mooban, say hello to Olay, the owner and drinkin' bud for me )

If you made it out to Bosang, I hope you make a vist to ...I'll spell this wrong.. Sankapaeng hot springs. Rent a small bungalow for the day and soak.

Love Lanna Thai!

Kit tung Chiang Mai mak mak loy!

Should be back in Prachinburi in around a month..

[thongd4me 69]

These are the two (in my opinion only) most provocative stories coming out of Thailand;

the first one from Thaivisa (BKK Post and Nation don't have a clue yet)

and the second from BKK Post.

Germany Seizes Crown Prince's Aircraft for old construction debt owed to German company

Lese Majesté Trial begins (Military)