General Reports [Archive] - Page 5 - InternationalSexGuide

RetiredForever

06-13-07, 18:10

Just made another posting – sitting here bored so I thought I would pass on another story about all the prices in Thailand are negotiable. Many of the other contributors are always talking about what they got for what price. It is very good basic information for newbies. But understand these are only guidelines. The price is very flexible. Anyway story: I was in Phuket recently. It was about 11 pm-still early by mongering standards. Was with a friend and went into one of the small open bars on Bangler. Was really not in the mood to do anything. We both had decided to sit down and have a few beers to watch the people. Girl behind bar kept trying to start conversation. We kept blowing her off because just was not in mood to get into buying girl drinks that night. After awhile her happy infectious attitude got to the 2 of us and we told her come on around and we would buy her a drink. A few beers later her happiness finally infected us so I decided to ask if she wanted to go home for LT and if so what price. She responded bar fine and 100B. Needless to say my mouth dropped. Questioned her a little more to be sure if we were understanding each other correctly. She agreed 100B was enough. Asked why so little she replied hungary. Now I am talking about what I would consider a 7/10 on looks. So not some nastiness. Anyway took back to room and found her the most fulfilling pleasing thing I had my last 2 trips. Woke up the next morning and we went at it again. Now I know what you are thinking-must be some young stud. Wrong, I am in my late 50’s, over weight but nice personality. Anyway on with my story. I opened my wallet and pulled out the 100B we agreed on and showed her. She accepted without a blink and got ready to go with a pleasant smile on her face. Now that I felt our original agreement had been fulfilled I pulled my wallet back out and handed her 2,000B. Before anyone starts complaining I believe in luck. I could basically afford this small amount and felt my generosity and goodwill would pay off in the future. The memory of this particular event will remain along time in my mind - well worth the money.

AsiaTraveler2

06-16-07, 09:00

Questioned her a little more to be sure if we were understanding each other correctly. She agreed 100B was enough. Asked why so little she replied hungary. Now I am talking about what I would consider a 7/10 on looks. So not some nastiness. Anyway took back to room and found her the most fulfilling pleasing thing I had my last 2 trips. Woke up the next morning and we went at it again. Now I know what you are thinking-must be some young stud. Wrong, I am in my late 50’s, over weight but nice personality. Anyway on with my story. I opened my wallet and pulled out the 100B we agreed on and showed her. She accepted without a blink and got ready to go with a pleasant smile on her face. Now that I felt our original agreement had been fulfilled I pulled my wallet back out and handed her 2,000B. Before anyone starts complaining I believe in luck. I could basically afford this small amount and felt my generosity and goodwill would pay off in the future. The memory of this particular event will remain along time in my mind - well worth the money.

RF,

Sounds like a sweetheart! Good for you!

Peace,
AT2

Horntoad

06-16-07, 09:36

Retired Forever,

I'm sure some mongers won't agree with you about paying more but I think it is great that you did that. I really believe in building the goodwill. Also the girl was really hungry and you helped her out so you also built some good karma. It also showed a lot of class. Happy mongering!!

Belkis

06-17-07, 10:13

I am planning my first visit to Thailand (en route to visit friends in Laos) and made extensive use of the site to prepare (thanks for all useful info) the few days in BKK
I also plan to spend a few days on West Coast and found that PhiPhi might give best combination of mongering, nature and seafun - correct ?

I would be grafeful for info on decent (up to 70 80 USD) but mainly GF hotels on Phi Phi - its nightlife seems to concentrate around Ton Sai - should I book in that area ? or is the island to small to bother. GF is a must

Thanks

Nuff Said

06-17-07, 21:52

Barrister

06-17-07, 22:49

I am planning my first visit to Thailand (en route to visit friends in Laos) and made extensive use of the site to prepare (thanks for all useful info) the few days in BKK.

I also plan to spend a few days on West Coast and found that PhiPhi might give best combination of mongering, nature and seafun - correct ?

I would be grafeful for info on decent (up to 70 80 USD) but mainly GF hotels on Phi Phi - its nightlife seems to concentrate around Ton Sai - should I book in that area ? or is the island to small to bother. GF is a must

ThanksBelkis,

There is no P4P girl action action on Phi Phi island. You need to bring your own. Do some scouting in Phuket and take a girl from Patong Beach with you.

As far as hotels on Phi Phi, I can recomend the Banyan Villa. Great location. Rooms are decent. Prices (except for peak season in December and January) are reasonable. Pay a few extra bucks and book a room in their garden wing. It's not so noisy there.

NicFrenchy

06-18-07, 04:12

Pffff.... it's nothing new.

What do you people expect from shops that don't have running water?

You'll get Diarrhea for a day or 2 and then your Stomach will be immune. I've been in Thailand some time now and got sick the second time I ate on a Food Stall. Since then, my body's used to it.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30037097

Coliform bacteria have contaminated utensils at many food shops around tourist attractions, according to the Health Department.

"The contamination can cause diarrhoea and food poisoning," the department's academic Anocha Charoenpornkijwattana said Sunday.

According to her, the information came from the Health Department's study on hygienic standards at 12 attractions across the country. As more than half of food shops in these attractions have participated in the department's Clean Food Good Taste project, the study focused on the non-participating food shops only.

"We have detected coliform-bacteria contamination on their plates, ice tongs, cooks' hands and waiters' hands," Anocha said.

Belkis

06-18-07, 08:17

Belkis,

There is no P4P girl action action on Phi Phi island. You need to bring your own. Do some scouting in Phuket and take a girl from Patong Beach with you.

As far as hotels on Phi Phi, I can recomend the Banyan Villa. Great location. Rooms are decent. Prices (except for peak season in December and January) are reasonable. Pay a few extra bucks and book a room in their garden wing. It's not so noisy there.Thanks Barrister

Dinghy

06-18-07, 20:14

use your head folks - anti-virus software and firewalls are out there for a REASON. Whether camfrog or some other programme is the responsible party, it will generally be BLOCKED by most of the programs. Spybot, Spyware blaster, others can stop the junk before it gets onto your machine. Use a ROUTER and eliminate the random "pop-up" crap. The computer needs a rubber, too.

NicFrenchy

06-19-07, 03:18

The computer needs a rubber, too.Yes, true. But if you have a MAC, you can also go bareback ;)

Naughty

06-19-07, 16:37

Pffff.... it's nothing new.

What do you people expect from shops that don't have running water?

You'll get Diarrhea for a day or 2 and then your Stomach will be immune. I've been in Thailand some time now and got sick the second time I ate on a Food Stall. Since then, my body's used to it.

Folks, I used to have the same attitude as Frenchy. I got loose a few times, and twice got some 24 hour bug that made me get violently ill, but quickly passed.

Then I learned my lesson.

Two days in hospital, five more in and out of consciousness in a hotel bed with a girl (fortunately an honest, caring one) taking care of me, and two weeks of extreme weakness and discomfort.

I strongly suggest you maintain a diligent attitude about food and drink safety when you travel in Asia, especially in the tropics.

With food, as with barebacking, you might be lucky.

You might not.

The Traveler

06-20-07, 13:07

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30037097

Coliform bacteria have contaminated utensils at many food shops around tourist attractions, according to the Health Department.

"The contamination can cause diarrhoea and food poisoning," the department's academic Anocha Charoenpornkijwattana said Sunday.

According to her, the information came from the Health Department's study on hygienic standards at 12 attractions across the country. As more than half of food shops in these attractions have participated in the department's Clean Food Good Taste project, the study focused on the non-participating food shops only.

"We have detected coliform-bacteria contamination on their plates, ice tongs, cooks' hands and waiters' hands," Anocha said.

It's true but can be found anywhere and everywhere around the world, even at the restaurants of 5-star hotels, restaurants with Michelin stars or your local supermarket.

You never have a guarantee if the cook, waiters, dishwashers or anybody else who comes in contact with the plates or food did wash their hands after visiting the restroom or didn't grab anything dirty. I personally rather prefer a small foodstall where I can see the "chief" and what's going on than a restaurant where I don't know how clean/dirty it is or if anybody is coughing or sneezing on my food.

Gwailo

06-20-07, 15:13

I haven't heard Camfrog mentioned yet, but I've found it's a great way to chat with and watch girls from Thailand, the Philippines, China and Japan on their webcams. In fact, there are so many Thai girls on there, they've had to establish their own webcam server. lol! So far, I haven't come across any from Singapore or Indonesia yet though. And amazingly, I haven't come across any pro webcam sex girls yet either. Some get naked, some just dance around and tease and some just sit there. It's a free download from the website of the same name and you don't have to have a webcam yourself, although it obviously helps in getting the girls to talk to you, cam to cam. Beware of the fat pasty white bitches on the North America server, although the most naked-getting Thais and Pinoys frequent there too in search of "foreign talent." :-)

I've lined up several possibilities for my next trip to Thailand so we'll see how it goes.

The program is free to download and sign up but you can only watch one cam at a time with the free registration. You CAN, however, pay for a more powerful Camfrog program that allows you to watch as many cams as you want simultaneously. I haven't done that yet...still having quite enough fun one cam at at time at this point.

Anybody else using camfrog?

I downloaded Camfrog and looked around a little but I don't have a cam so I found I wasn't welcome in a lot of the rooms.
I might get a cheap cam and check it out some more.

Frankfurter

06-20-07, 15:58

Thai hairdressers are notoriously known for not knowing how to cut farang hair.

Here is a recommendation which is somewhat expensive but very worthwhile:

MOGA Tokyo, Emporium, 3rd floor, 700Bt.

Frankfurter

06-20-07, 16:03

Just a question to fellow mongers who like myself also enjoy the LOS since multiple decades:

Does the now readily available farang food in BKK (fast food, cheese, pizza and such) makes the girls get bigger?

It seems to me that overall the stungingly slim bodied Thai girl of the past is now somewhat in a minority, even in places jknown for young (and Japanese looking) performers, such as Rainbows in NP.

NicFrenchy

06-21-07, 05:54

Thai hairdressers are notoriously known for not knowing how to cut farang hair.

Here is a recommendation which is somewhat expensive but very worthwhile:

MOGA Tokyo, Emporium, 3rd floor, 700Bt.For that price, better go to the 2nd floor, Sisheido. Even better.

I go to a little local salon: 300 thb and perfect service ;)

NicFrenchy

06-21-07, 06:04

Just a question to fellow mongers who like myself also enjoy the LOS since multiple decades:

Does the now readily available farang food in BKK (fast food, cheese, pizza and such) makes the girls get bigger? Yes it does. but Thais don't eat Farang Food very often. Keep in mind most Thais are obsessed by their weight and figure.

It seems to me that overall the stungingly slim bodied Thai girl of the past is now somewhat in a minority, even in places jknown for young (and Japanese looking) performers, such as Rainbows in NP.What are you basing this on? only P4P or overall?

There are still plenty of very slim girls in Thailand, most don't work in P4P anymore because there are plenty of Jobs that pay well available.

You should see the girls I work with, Young slim Stunners, but expensive (50-60k per month).

Jungle Bluebird

06-21-07, 10:10

What has happened overt the last decade is that Thai's have increased their daily milk intake. Which is largly due to the success of Yakoult (the little pink milk bottles sold everywhere). If you consider that Asians demonstrate a higher lactose intolerance compared to westerners, the company has done an excellent job.

Add general junk food now available, yes Thai girls have grown in size. Mind you, boobs are still petit.

JB

Just a question to fellow mongers who like myself also enjoy the LOS since multiple decades:

Does the now readily available farang food in BKK (fast food, cheese, pizza and such) makes the girls get bigger?

It seems to me that overall the stungingly slim bodied Thai girl of the past is now somewhat in a minority, even in places jknown for young (and Japanese looking) performers, such as Rainbows in NP.

Frankfurter

06-21-07, 11:54

JB and NicF:

Yes, it seems that the greater consumption of milk and milk related products in all of Asia (certainly also due to the changing Chinese market) has increased the price also significantly over the last years.

Nic: I envy you for your slim office girls.

Member #3426

06-21-07, 12:28

Frankfurter

06-22-07, 04:21

FatherFig:

Best advice to you:

Do your homework before you set foot in a plane,
and:
Read the f**** forum!

NicFrenchy

06-22-07, 07:32

Nic: I envy you for your slim office girls.They sure are a sight to behold, and they know it. They are very flirty but as I am the boss, I never mix business and pleasure with my employees. Unfortunate, but BKK is full of cuties.

NicFrenchy

06-22-07, 07:48

want to ask you more experienced mongers about how to prepare for this trip, budget, which best places to visit for some action & tips on how to pick these babes.ff,

helping you will be a very difficult task. we are not really travel agents.

you need to be more specific in regards to the following:

1. where do you come from?
2. how long are you staying? and which period are you coming?
3. how many nights do you plan to stay in each city? which are these cities?
4. what would you like to achieve exactly with the girls? (threesome, anal, gfe, pse...)

once you are clear about what you like and don't like, it will be easier for us to help you out.

if there is information you want kept private, use the pm function.

*******************************************************

now, on a more general note, these are things you must do while in thailand:

1. visit the eden club on sukhumvit soi7. some people love it, some hate it, but it is one place you really must experience.

2. try a blowjob bar (star of light or [CodeWord900] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord900)). this is a concept that again, not everyone likes, but we only live once and it is great to try these places at least once in a lifetime.

3. get a balls massage. lots of places offer it, but make sure you read the massage forum and go to the place where experienced providers will make you happy (rin @ hana massage, some girls at teen massage....)

4. get a body slide mattress soapy experience. not all soapies offer it (cupidy does)

of course there are regular bar girls and escort agencies and the rest, but i think the above 4 distinct things will give you a taste of what thailand can offer

good luck and don't forget to write reports of your trip

Amocuba

06-22-07, 22:51

Planning to visit Thailand with a friend of mine. Only plan is to relax in on the beach at Pattaya & hook up with some thai babes.

I plan to spend at least 3 nights there, & i'm sure once I hit the streets I'd be to busy looking for some action.

Want to ask you more experienced mongers about how to prepare for this trip, budget, which best places to visit for some action & tips on how to pick these babes.

Definitly would appreciate you advise!

Thanks in advanceAlways happy to help F. F. , If you will only be in Pattaya for 3 days I might suggest a hotel right smack dab in the middle of the shit. The Queen Victoria on Soi 6 has received some fine reviews. I have never stayed there but have eaten there many times (GREAT FOOD) and a friend has stayed there and liked it. Soi 6 is a street of bars that open at 1 pm daily. A good place to start the daily ritual of chasing Thai girls. Start at the top of the street (second road) and just take a stroll down the street. Stop in T. G. 's (see attached photos) for a beer and check out what they have to offer. Nothing to your liking? Continue to stroll down the street toward Beach Road. Trinity Arch is another spot that has yielded some quite lovely Thai's. Stop in Halifax bar and say Hello, to Thip, she is the cashier and quite a cutie (doesnt go with clients though).

To be continued.

Member #3426

06-23-07, 07:33

Thanks alot for the information guys!

Well it will be either Bangcock or Pattaya & yes I know that you guys are not travel agents. But al in all the infrmation youve posted is very helpfull indeed.

Like I said, my only intention of travelling to Thailand is for the chiks. Just Relax & go on a babe hunt of my own! & yes would really love one of them threesomes. Would be spending at least 3 or 4 nights.

Can any of you guys give a decent budget to put together before I travel. I know that hotels would cost around 35. 50 $ per night!

Till then, Aurevoir a bien tot

FF

Zarnon

06-23-07, 17:43

Hey all;

This is the gal that caused me to take a hiatus from the boards, the 'mongering', yadda yadda.

I had been around Thailand for 15 years since my 20's, spoke the language, and basically thought I would never become involved with someone in the business.

In 2004, a good friend delivered the news he was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. I was part of his first (and last) trip to Thailand. I only bring this up because on the way I met Om, the working gal I fell for.

It was a combination of things. I was ready to change some things about me, and of course, a good Thai chameleon will accomodate those who are unwilling to listen to their instincts. At the same time she had this hold on me. Yes, she was a hottie (see pics) but it wasn't that. She was a fighter, a scrapper. I loved her fierce spirit.

I didn't bring up marriage first, but I guess the imminent death of my friend jarred something loose and I had this feeling of "If not now, maybe never".

After years laughing at dudes that sent money to their women, here I was letting myself get in the same boat. The only thing I did different is have my friend's Thai wife (who didn't trust her at all) set up the account. She had access to the receords as well, unbeknownst to Om.

I also got a great deal on school and my friend's wife also insisted we be able to check on attendance.

Yeah, lotta love goin' on.

Everysingle friend of mine hated her. I have a nice Thai woman who lives in the US who has always had something nice to say about someone. After she'the talked to my fiance for an hour I asked her what she thought. "Oh, I don't really know her enough to give an opinion". I felt a chill. The kiss of death.

She was going to school and getting straight A's for the first year. For the first six months she spent the money I sent her with the amount sent to mom.

She called me regularly and we had long conversation mostly in Thai, but she rapidly got better with her English. When I came back I was amazed at her progress. Her school confirmed she had perfect attendance.

I made three trips to Thailand and other than my friend who owns Misty's in Pattaya freaking out on me and insisting I take a twosome before I was irretrievably lost I was monogamous.

Then, I got the call from my friend's wife that for the last 60 days Om had been taking out the entire amount on me.

I called her, cut off her funding, told her we were through. When I showed up I had a copy of the bankbook and confronted her.

The thing I love about some Thai women (and many in society) is that you can have the bloody knife, the arm and the sticky fingerprints and the person will still say "Not me! ". I think they feel after the 5000'th time they've repeated the same lie it becomes truth.

So, I patted her on the head (huge insult) told her 'later' and walked out straight to Pattaya.

You'the think I'the have learned my lesson. But of course, 'experts' need a far greater fall LOL.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Jungle Bluebird

06-24-07, 09:56

So true Zarnon

Many years back friends of mine observed past Thai g/f frolicking on the beach with another guy. They described her swim wear, towel carried to the beach and loads of other details.

She insisted on denying she was ever there.

Mind you, I leaned from that. Yes, always deny. Other side will simply give up asking after a while.

JB

The thing I love about some Thai women (and many in society) is that you can have the bloody knife, the arm and the sticky fingerprints and the person will still say "Not me! ". I think they feel after the 5000'th time they've repeated the same lie it becomes truth.

Erik

06-30-07, 13:36

Anyone knows a website where to find info about Farang buying propoerties in Thailand ? Not Estate agents offers, just general info about rules, laws and tips.
Thanks.

The Traveler

06-30-07, 15:11

Erik,

I have provided lots of infos about the legal issues involved in buying some property in LOS. Just search the forum.

Franga

06-30-07, 21:20

Anyone knows a website where to find info about Farang buying properties in Thailand ?

Try www.thailandguru.com

On the left hand side under the “Houses, Apartments, Condos, Regions” menu, go to Property Ownership for a long and informative article.

Erik

07-01-07, 14:48

Opebo

07-01-07, 17:15

Thanks for the links. Do you know if it is possible for a Thai national to get a mortgage to buy a propoerty if she/he is not rich ? Thai banks don't seem to have a morgage policy as their counterparts in the West, who would lend money and offer free credit card to a beggar.
Thanks.

It is very easy to get credit for middle class Thais. I know many people buying million to two million baht houses on incomes of around 15 to 30,000.

FritsVanegter

07-02-07, 10:26

Hello,

My Thai GF works as a nurse practitioner at Mahidol university. Her salary is not just moderate like most officers. She will ask for money sometimes but I will usually refuse just pay a ticket to come to Europe. The problem is that they think all westerners are wealthy. NO they are wealthy during their stay in Thailand. I think a lot of Thai people cannot deal with money properly. Buy a new phone because marketing predicts that without even having paid the last one. (they say a lot of Americains are living on credit too) If their parents or sister ask for some money she will help because it will give her something like good '' karma''. I will help if I can but not if she gets into financial trouble because her loved ones did get these troubles just because they know they can rely on their sister. They just spent their money to quickly before actually having it. I will save the money for my trip before going not pay it afterwards. A lot of the beerbar girls go shopping after their first customer instead of a deposit in the bank. I am afraid it is just a question of common sense. They live from day to day. Instead of buying some english grammar to improve their marketing skills they will just buy jeans nr 28 or get tattoo nr 13. Another reason not to pay to much for p4p Just pay standard price and bring them a book the next day Greetings Frits.

Frankfurter

07-05-07, 05:57

Frits,

You pretty much provide an accurate account on how the lower class girls deal with money.

Additionally, they fall for numerous other unwise financial dealings, i.e. gambling, lottery (Try to expain to the girl, that the lottery is actually a tax for people who are not good at math. You will have a blast when you see her total incomprehension!), and other scams any western girl with a normal IQ would never in her right mind go for.

Some of the Isan working girls also buy into questionable real estate deals for their efficiency apartments in Pattaya (I only know of such cases in that city) without having ANY clue what they are actually signing.

I always wondered how the transition to the “real” life in a foreign country works out, both for the girl and also for her husband.

Girls from the Thai upper class sometimes are exceptions, however, but only 1 in 10,000 farang ever has a chance to meet somebody like that. Their money is typically handled by the family; but even they can blow $10,000 on a single long weekend shopping trip to London.

Frankfurter

07-05-07, 06:04

I miss Bernhard Trink's wise "lifestyle" column in the Bangkok Post. Does anybody knows what happened to him?

Artisan2

07-05-07, 13:37

I miss Bernhard Trink's wise "lifestyle" column in the Bangkok Post. Does anybody knows what happened to him?Ultimately he became an anachronism and a while after being dropped by the Post he had an "I Don't Give A Hoot" web site in 2004. Featuring weekly updates same same the newspaper column it fizzled out after about 7 months. He was unwilling to use a PC and someone had to actually key in text from his typed hardcopy (same as at the Bangkok Post). The website at one stage were actually seeking somebody to carry on doing it. His site started as subscription-only but there weren't many takers and it became gratis which may have influenced matters.

The BBC interviewed Trink prior to his shunt from the Post and commented how he looked like he was at death's door.

He was reportedly seen around BKK for a while but wasn't receptive to being approached. He'll be in his mid to late 70's now.

Naughty

07-05-07, 22:58

I miss Bernhard Trink's wise "lifestyle" column in the Bangkok Post. Does anybody knows what happened to him?

Most people who liked Trink (as did I) will like this: www.bangkokeyes.com

It's good, but monthly instead of weekly. Not competitive with this forum so I think Jackson will leave the link in here.

Sean_Double

07-06-07, 03:29

I miss Bernhard Trink's wise "lifestyle" column in the Bangkok Post.

Yo Frankfurter,
Yes, I miss Trink as well. It's a sad story if Artisan2's report is correct. He was a nice guy and is hopefully OK. He had a sort of unique position among farangs (or just readers of the Post) and did a very good job with a lot of style. His posts just seemed to get more and more irrelevant as time went by and the Post couldn't justify having his column on a lot of different levels.
Bangkok has changed a lot on the last 25 years; the last thing that the Post would want to run now is a prostitution update by a foreigner.
There was a time when I first went to Thailand (a long time ago) when his column ran on friday and we'd wait and read it to figure out where to go, and it was always good. In his last years his columns just sort of lost it with announcements of bar openings and denials of the existence of HIV; he sort of bacame an embarassment.
I think he was really a very nice man who didn't get the realities of the changing scene; although I agree with him that Bangkok has never been the same since the Thermae moved.
Cheers
Sean

Frankfurter

07-06-07, 07:56

Sean Double, A2, Naughty,

Guys, thanks a bunch for the heads-up.

I appreciate the memories this brings back.

Yes, BKK has changed and the Post with it, in a not good way.

They now want to be politically correct, like the deplorable U.S. press who is trying to win the price for self-censoring and journalism prostitution.

Although Trink had -as you mentioned- his weak spots, like his stubborn refusal to recognize the fact that a man CAN actually contract HIV/Aids from a lady.

But I still miss the old geezer, let’s wish he is OK. As far as I know he was married to a Thai, right? I hope she is still around and takes care of him.

P.S.
The other day I had to laugh (or cry?) when the Post wrote an essay about some older ladies who were being observed selling their bodies to guys on the streets in the outskirts of the city, and how outrageous and unheard off this is. Man, what does this writer think about himself in the morning when he looks into the mirror I wonder?

Artisan2

07-06-07, 08:57

A fairly interesting book on Trink, which gives his background and has excerpts from the old columns:

"But, I Don't Give a Hoot! The Life and Times of Bernard Trink, Bangkok's 'Nite Owl' " by Jennifer Bliss, Post Books, published in 2000.

Oosik1

07-06-07, 22:45

i just pulled this following report from the phillipines general forum by (?) 617. there had been a discussion in the thailand photo gallery on this topic, but overwhelmed the purpose of the photo gallery......photos, not chat. however, that said, this is an interesting report.

as follows:

be careful about what you carry across a border

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

what's in a laptop? court ponders legality of border searches

ryan singel 06.20.07 | 2:00 am

is your laptop a fancy piece of luggage or an extension of your mind? that's the central question facing a federal appeals court in a case that could sharply limit the government's ability to snoop into laptop computers carried across the border by american citizens.

the question, before the 9th u.s. circuit court of appeals, arose from the prosecution of michael timothy arnold, an american citizen whose laptop was randomly searched in july 2005 at los angeles international airport as he returned from a three-week trip to the philippines. agents booted the computer and began opening folders on the desktop, where they found a picture of two naked women, continued searching, then turned up what the government says is child pornography.

in june 2006, a judge from the u.s. district court for the central district of california threw out the evidence, finding that customs officials must have at least "reasonable suspicion" to begin prying into the contents of an electronic storage device, a decision the government is now appealing.

"electronic storage devices function as an extension of our own memory," judge dean pregerson wrote. "they are capable of storing our thoughts, ranging from the most whimsical to the most profound. therefore, government intrusions into the mind -- specifically those that would cause fear or apprehension in a reasonable person -- are no less deserving of fourth amendment scrutiny than intrusions that are physical in nature."

while it's not clear how many laptops are searched at the border each year, both business and recreational travelers are increasingly toting computers with them, complete with hard drives full of personal pictures, confidential corporate documents and revealing internet logs. an october 2006 survey of business travel executives revealed that some companies were rethinking rules on proprietary information being stored on traveling laptops, and 1 percent of the respondents reported they had, or knew someone who had, a laptop confirep001ed at the border.

the reach of such searches will likely widen as more and more people opt for smartphones, such as apple's upcoming iphone, which combine elements of traditional computers with the voice capabilities of a cell phone.

the california decision is the first to challenge that trend, and it makes laptops, and even usb memory sticks, very different from every other item brought across the border, including luggage, diaries, prescription drug bottles and sexual toys -- all of which customs and border agents have been allowed to search without cause for years under the "border exception" to the fourth amendment.

the government says the rationale behind that exception -- that border agents are responsible for protecting the safety of the nation and enforcing copyright and obscenity rules -- logically extends to laptops. "for constitutional purposes nothing distinguishes a computer from other closed containers used to store highly personal items," the department of justice argues in its appeal brief.

moreover, requiring government agents to have a reasonable suspicion before searching a laptop will invite smugglers and terrorists to hide contraband and evidence there, the government argues. "if allowed to stand, the district court's decision will seriously undermine the nation's vital interest in protecting its borders by removing the significant deterrent effect of suspicionless searches," reads the filing.

arnold's lawyers, kevin lahue and marilyn bednarski, disagree, arguing that it's not very difficult for law enforcement agents to come up with "reasonable suspicion."

"no ordinary traveler would expect their private files to be searched at the border without any reasonable justification," they told the appeals court. "the government's argument that a traveler can simply avoid exposure by leaving the laptop at home is an oversimplification of its function and role in daily life."

lahue has support from the association of corporate travel executives and the electronic frontier foundation. the two groups submitted a friend-of-the-court brief tuesday arguing that suspicionless searches of laptops are overly invasive, and that prior to the california ruling, the government had no limits on what it could do when it seizes a laptop and makes a copy of the hard drive.

already travelers have reported customs agents seizing laptops, making copies of the hard drive and returning the computers weeks later. that practice scares the travel execs' association and the eff, which argue that under the government's reasoning, border authorities could systematically copy all of the information contained on every laptop computer and cell phone that crosses the border, without any court oversight.

"a suspicionless unrestricted search of a laptop computer is simply electronic eavesdropping after the fact," the groups told the court. "(it) is distinguishable from the forbidden general searches of colonial times only by the technologies involved."

the case's outcome is far from clear-cut, according to lahue.
"a lot will depend on whether the court decides it's like searching a piece of luggage or like a body-cavity search," lahue told wired news. "a diary, even one that is labeled 'my secret sexual fantasies,' has always been fair game."

the government's reply brief is due june 26, and the case will likely be argued sometime in the fall.

source: http://www.wired.com/politics/law/n.../laptopsearches

Freeler

07-15-07, 03:48

Hi,

Still here in Thailand!
I've run into a bit of trouble at internet cafe's that use AVG free virusscanner.
Here's what happens:
On plugging in my usb drive with compact flash card, I get a virus message: Info.exe is hostile and needs treatment. If I 'heal' the virus, in fact a file gets written onto the card. This is in fact more like a virus - the device won't work on any computer!
If I don't heal, but ignore, i have no access to the card.
But wait, there is more!

What to do to save the card and files?

Well unplug the device, replug it and choose 'open files and show content' (or something to that extend) from the USB-pop up window. Do NOT choose ' no action' or any other possibility - you will have no access..
The files will now show - there is NO virus, NOTHING is lost. After you close the window, and still want to access the card, you need to go through the procedure again...!
If you accidently 'healed' access as shown and simply delete the file that AVG wrote on it. It is in the root section of the card.

The above only happens when AVG (must stand for AVeraGe) and the CF-card get together! It does not happen when I plug in a USB-flash drive a a mobile hard disk. Or with a decent virus scanner.

If you use AVG at home, throw it out, get Norton instead and back it up with Zone alarm pro.

Freeler

BTW I am happily fucking my way through Isaan and Central Thailand. Life is so good!

Opebo

07-15-07, 16:40

BTW I am happily fucking my way through Isaan and Central Thailand. Life is so good!

How about some reports in that case? I'm stuck in Isaan and finding precious little. Also can you fill me in on some cheap options in Phuket for girls and hotel? I'm considering my first visit there.

BuleDaddy

07-16-07, 00:25

How about some reports in that case? I'm stuck in Isaan and finding precious little. Also can you fill me in on some cheap options in Phuket for girls and hotel? I'm considering my first visit there.
Khon Kaen has a website. I hear the prices are lower there. Older geezers go there. Pattaya is better than Phuket.

Freeler

07-16-07, 10:55

Opebo

07-16-07, 16:57

Opebo,

I don't do much in the way of reprting, correct. That's mainly due to the simple fact that nothing much is any different from previous visits at all.
New ladies cum, old ladies get older. Some disappear.
What can I say?

Freeler

Alas it is impossible to access very old reports, Freeler. I would love to know what is going on in those towns.

Sprite13

07-20-07, 08:10

Horntoad

07-20-07, 09:53

Sprite13

07-21-07, 07:15

Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand next to Bangkok so there is plenty of nightlife and for the hobby. Ban Phe is a port city where people use to go to Ko Samet and is more laid back. Might be a little too quiet unless that is what you want.

Thanks for the reply.
How easy is it to travel within Thailand? Is safety a concern in Chiang Mai in particular and in Thailand in general?

Thanks for the replies guys.

ThaiLearner

07-21-07, 13:58

Thanks for the reply.
How easy is it to travel within Thailand? Is safety a concern in Chiang Mai in particular and in Thailand in general?

Thanks for the replies guys.

You will always get the few who spoil it for the rest of the people like any where in the world.

In the south by the Malaysia border they have problems with rebels.

Just keep your wits about you, if you are unsure then go by other means.

Oosik1

07-21-07, 14:26

Not sure where to post this, so here it goes:

I am looking into spending some time in Thailand (my first time there) and I have an offer to be relocated in either Chiang Mai or in Ban Phe. Which of these 2 cities would you recommend as being overall the best in terms of natural beauty of the place, safety, nightlife and for the hobby as well?

Thanks for any feedback.

I have been to Chiang Mai 3 times in the past 2 years, and have spent a total of 7 months living there is a rented condo. In my 7 months of venturing around the city, I never once felt unsafe. However, that said, I am not one to stay out until the late hours at night...midnite..2pm..etc., when you are more likely to be a target. Be "street smart" and keep your eyes open for what piques your intuition about certain situations that look questionable. I would say that ANY city has its potential dangers, but Chiang Mai, to me, is a safe city.

Blunderer

07-21-07, 17:25

The thing I always try to remind people is that (with a couple of exceptions due to political strife) pretty much anywhere in SE Asia is probably safer than where you come from - assuming you are from a Western country.

Ewan McGregor did a series, 'The Long Way Home', and they calculated their odds of being hurt whilst riding motorcycles around the word (Edinburgh to NY if I recall correctly). The most dangerous part of the trip by a very long way was camping on the side of the road in the US (yes, I know they didn't go through SE Asia).

We live in the most dangerous peacetime places in the world - everywhere else is safer than what you are used to - you just might be subject to a bit more non-violent petty theft.

Thanks for the reply.
How easy is it to travel within Thailand? Is safety a concern in Chiang Mai in particular and in Thailand in general?

Thanks for the replies guys.

NicFrenchy

07-22-07, 06:28

pretty much anywhere in SE Asia is probably safer than where you come from - assuming you are from a Western country.Now I have to disagree with that strongly!

Indonesia and Malaysia are about as dangerous (if not more) than most European countries.

BuleDaddy

07-23-07, 00:58

Now I have to disagree with that strongly!

Indonesia and Malaysia are about as dangerous (if not more) than most European countries.

In Capetown, Bogata, or Baltimore you might get robbed at gunpoint, and in Bangkok you might get your teeth knocked out during a mugging but the pooyings will figure out a way to clean you out of EVERYTHING eventually.
It is the Thai national sport. They even had a parody of it on Thai MTV.

BuleDaddy

07-23-07, 01:19

I have been to Chiang Mai 3 times in the past 2 years, and have spent a total of 7 months living there is a rented condo. In my 7 months of venturing around the city, I never once felt unsafe. However, that said, I am not one to stay out until the late hours at night...midnite..2pm..etc., when you are more likely to be a target. Be "street smart" and keep your eyes open for what piques your intuition about certain situations that look questionable. I would say that ANY city has its potential dangers, but Chiang Mai, to me, is a safe city.

The Hill Tribe Treks are a blast!!
You might not read about HTTs on ISG as this is a booty oriented site, but The Hill Tribers are a natural treasure of Thailand. His Majesty has the Tribers as a sort of protected species he went to great lengths to keep intact. The night Market in Chaing Mai is a blast and very safe. The food is as good as Bangkok (contrary to what the BKKers tell you). Forget about the train ride between BKK as it is at night so there is no scenic stuff. Always fly instead. The P4P scene is not in-your-face like elsewhere in Thailand. Nearby is Chaing Rai. All kinds of waterfalls, hot springs, and natural splendor nearby in all directions. Chaing Mai is actually prefferred by many to Bangkok. The biggest danger is not armed robbery but hooking up with a regular Thai woman and buying property. Smoking "o" on a hill tribe trek is a right of passage. Just don't take any with you!!

Blunderer

07-23-07, 14:00

i can't speak to indonesia, but kl, bangkok and london are all cities i know very well.

in london, out late at night, particularly with a few drinks under your belt, getting robbed/beaten up is (in my opinion) a matter of when, not if. it has happened to me a few times, once after drinking in north london, i had my mobile phone snatched at lunch time at knife point in a park near embankment, had money snatched at a shop, been robbed at what i think was gunpoint at an atm - all this is over several years.

in kl, it becomes more of a maybe - i got hassled once by a gang of indonesian lads in the outer suburbs (near rawang) late at night while walking home for (from what i could work out) being white. fortunately a policeman drove past and they rep001tered, otherwise, i think i might have been in real trouble. the only trouble i've had there in about 3 years of living there.

never had the slightest trouble in thailand (except petty theft), certainly never come close to anyone becoming violent towards me - that's over 2 years living in bkk and doing a lot of drunken staggers home in the wee hours through various little side streets.

you can of course disagree, but i stand by my original assertion. many people view the dangers that exist disproportionately when away from home... my feeling is the equation runs something like:

'percieved danger' = 'distance from home' x 'actual danger'

now i have to disagree with that strongly!

indonesia and malaysia are about as dangerous (if not more) than most european countries.

Mauldid

07-29-07, 16:00

The Traveler

07-30-07, 00:44

... but the pooyings will figure out a way to clean you out of EVERYTHING eventually.
It is the Thai national sport. They even had a parody of it on Thai MTV.
BuleDaddy,

this only applies to the stupid guys, but stupidity can be dangerous and expensive everywhere around the world like The Philippines, Brazil, Carribean ...

John Euro

07-31-07, 23:18

Bangkok is for sure one of the safest places in Asia with at the top of the list the Japanese city’s, I have been in most mayor city’s around the world and the least 15 years at least 30 times in BKK, I never had any problem with violence at night at BKK but I don’t search it at night either. (lets not talking about African or other Muslim country’s as that will take another 10 pages to tell you all the bad experiences) When I leave Soi 33 area towards my hotels near Soi 8 or so this after 23. 00 I take a cab instead of walking that short distance and being a cheap Charly to myself.

I only had one problem in BKK with a " fake " police men in the middle of Soi 9 in the dark area, I came from the back end and was " fast walking " towards Sukhumvit, the guy was on a small motorcycle and approached me, was wearing beige shirt, jacket and trousers like a police but no badges and he showed me a small card wile driving beside me, I thought it was a pimp with a business card in his hand but after a wile he get aggressive and blocked my way on the step walk and told me he was a police men and showed a plastic ID in Thai, I stopped, I had nothing to hide and a bit afraid also. I would not take the risk of running away and get shot if it was a undercover or real police guy

He asked for my ID and to empty my pockets, asking me 5 times if I was smoking (no) or taking drugs (no) and why I was running there etc and other questions in reasonable English.

He kept on sniffing in my reading glasses box and sniffing trough my Thai money bill’s in the leather clip this one by one at the same time he asked again to take my ID copy again out of my back pocket (pointed to it) and at that moment I must have bend my head down for a second, later on he gave everything back and told me it was OK but told me he thought I was a dealer.

I crossed Suk towards Soi 12, when I came later on at Darling and wanted to pay for the soapy massage I saw that all my 500 Thb bill’s are gone. The bastard had removed them in a fraction of a second just like Copperfield can do wile I was taking my ID from the back pocket. Good lesson again.

Always had big problems in South America city’s, example in Rio De Janeiro few years ago, I get raid in front of the Copacabana Palace 5 star hotel wile waiting for a Cab and Security in the near. Yes I always take a Cab and the next day wile sitting in a old VX Jetta taxi, waiting in the Rio traffic jam, a guy jumped in to the taxi next to me, pointed a knife on my throat and wanted my money, I was shaking like a leaf and gave him what I had in my right pocket and he ran off,

The advice is to keep your money spread over different pockets and make sure the taxi doors are locked, not the first time that at traffic light guys trying to open the door, even in BKK. Believe me, Bangkok is very safe compared to the rest of the world

John Euro

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Duniawala

08-01-07, 02:05

First time going to Phuket but general question about bar girls and etc. Aren't you afraid that they will steal your money or worst while you are asleep? I do want to have fun but once it's over I'm kicking her out in a nice way of course.
Don't want to be rude, but is this the first time you have traveled abroad?
Practice safety. It is unlikely but possible. So read the reports of safety in this forum ( RTFF) and there are plenty.

Anyway, lock up your valuables like passport, money, jewelry, etc in the room or hotel safe. Carry around only just what you need. Then you can have a LT (long time) experience.

PinkPearl

08-01-07, 19:09

PinkPearl

08-01-07, 19:30

Is safety a concern in Chiang Mai in particular and in Thailand in general?Not to the extent that it will keep me from travelling there, though the Canadian government does not recommend travel to certain Southern
Provinces, and non-essential visits to Bangkok:

"You are advised against non-essential travel to the capital, Bangkok. On December 31, 2006, a series of bombs exploded in the city, killing three and wounding over 30 people. There exists the possibility of further attacks. The Thai government has ordered security services to be on high alert and has set up traffic checkpoints around Bangkok. Canadians are reminded that public and commercial areas such as shopping centres, public transport, government buildings, bars and hotels may be subject to terrorist attacks. Canadians currently in Bangkok should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, avoid unnecessary travel within the city, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities."

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=290000

Daddy07

08-02-07, 04:41

My large sum wire transfer was completed yesterday and when I called Bangkok Bank from the US to verify, I was advised that all the money is safely in my account. Hopefully it will stay there long enough for me to use it. The exchange rate was 33.62 Bhat to the $, which is slightly better than the rate paid in Thailand for US high denomination notes.

Thunderbird2

08-02-07, 05:41

Some years ago I was working in Taiwan and through visa trips to Thailand I met and married a Thai girl, yes she was a bar girl and yes the marriage failed, but that is not what this post is about.

She came to live with me in Taiwan after we married in Bangkok. The marriage failed after about ten months (sooner to be honest). We agreed to get divorced and yes it involved a money settlement from me. The divorce was done at the Thai trade and economic office, a sudo embassy because of the legal position of Taiwan as a country. All the papers were signed and she went back to Thailand and I eventually returned to England, yes I'm English and this has a bearing on the main point of the story.

This was in 2001

I now wish to marry again and have put my divorce papers to the registras office, they were refered to the registra generals office as they were from another country.

Now the main point. They do not recognise the divorce in the UK!!!!!!!!

The reason stated was that I should have got a taiwanese divorce.

You may be able to guess how I felt, so the questions started, well it seems that she is not maried to me but I'm not married, I'm not single and I'm not free to marry. Work that one out.

They are making further enquieries but I may have to go to court to prove my status. This will not be done in time for my wedding date.

So if you are getting a Thai divorce make sure its legal in your own country

LittleBigMan

08-02-07, 08:10

Daddy07, write you in a day or so! Sorry LBM

BuleDaddy

08-02-07, 10:38

BuleDaddy,

this only applies to the stupid guys, but stupidity can be dangerous and expensive everywhere around the world like The Philippines, Brazil, Carribean ...

Per capita, and especially considering they make little or no attempt to speak English, and therefore are socially like bumps on a log, the pooyings are #1 at getting guys that were smart enough to make a ton of money to part with it ALL!! I mean, stud looking guys that lived over there that fell for narly ex bargirls. I think they get with their friendly monk and put spells on these guys unwitting guys. They are 1000x more cunning than Cariocas, or Pinoys. I can't name one story without a tragic ending that involved a Thai woman, but know many happy ones with Pinoys and a few with Paulistas (Sao Paulo girls). So many airmen stationed in Khorat during 'Nam lost stripes because of their underworldly pooying wives. Cariocas (Rio Girls) are either too rough or too snotty. I love the rough ones, but after an hour or two with one I have to lay down for awhile. I'd rather suck up to an ugly french girl than a snotty Carioca.

Biz99

08-02-07, 23:58

The truth is, the crime rates in Bangkok and Thailand are pretty high, especially murder. Motor vehicle accidents are very common, farangs will be normally found at fault. If you are injured when on a motorcycle taxi, the moto driver will likely head for the hills. 12,000 people die here each year from alcohol-related accidents - about 10 times the Euro rate and Canada, OZ, NZ. Life is considered pretty cheap here, and compensation for wrongful death is pretty meagre.

On the crime aspect, while it is true that most of the killing is among Thai who know each other, people, a lot of it is random as well. Disputes here quickly turn violent and fights are not under any sportsmanship considerations, people will join into an attack against a foreigner very quickly, even if they were initially unaffected by the dispute that lead to the violence,

If you are arrested by Thai police, for most any reason, you should expect to be beaten to some extent, but that is becoming somewhat less popular. You have few civil rights here, and those you do have do not matter to the Thai police.

Outside of Bangkok, gun ownership is very high and shootings are very common. Aclohol is almost always involved and revenge seems to be the biggest motive, along with highway shootings, although feeling that you have been cheated and interference in a romantic triangle are common sources of deaths. All of these are vividly illustrated in the photos on the front pages of all Thai newspapers, but none of the English language dailies.

What you may be saying, is that you "feel" safe in Bangkok. If you go to the right parts of the city, especially as a tourist, it is very easy to feel that you are safe. With the bombs and the increasing terrorist activity in the city, that sense of safety is starting to erode.

When to you talk about relative "safety" of big Asian Cities, you would have to highly rank most of the large Chinese cities, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and KL if you were to measure them by statistical means. As a tourist, or as a resident, they are even more safe than BKK.

The "feeling safe"benefit has attached to the foreigners visiting here, but the real safety of Bangkok and Thailand is somewhat below the perception level. Loads of web sites have these crime statics, but if you read Thai, the newspapers give the grisly side of life here.

PinkPearl

08-03-07, 10:55

It seems that I am out 19, 000 Baht from two attempted ATM withdrawals that gave me no money but I was still charged for by my bank. The first attempt was at Nana Square on the first floor. The second was on the same block at the first outdoor machine on the way to KFC. In both cases I got to the point of submitting a withdrawal amount when the message appeared, something along the lines of, that there was a temporary service interruption. I was then offered the choice to try another transaction or not. Upon choosing the latter my card popped out with no receipt paper & I left.

Back in Canada a teller at my bank {BOM} told me she could refund the ATM fees on the two transactions. Beyond that she offered no assistance except the recommendation to call the ATM's in question. Though I doubt it will help get my money back if anyone can provide these phone numbers I would appreciate it. When we get together for a cool one in BKK you will recieve your reward;

I see from receipts from other transactions I made at NanaSquare that their is a web ady. www.bangkokbank.com. On every receipt at the top is also the same number after some Thai words: 3 101 024777. A phone number, perhaps?

One day I had another problem with an ATM on the other side of the street in the mall where McDonalds & Villa Market are. On the floor where the latter is, the ATM told me I had insufficient funds. I knew that was wrong and made another attempt for 300 Baht which was successful. Later several blocks away I tried another machine & had no problem getting 10, 000.

Maybe I will use traveller's checks in future vacations.

Giotto

08-03-07, 13:29

The truth is, the crime rates in Bangkok and Thailand are pretty high ...Biz99,

Good report, hits the nail on the head.

Bangkok is basically a safe city, if you don't get involved in any serious trouble with Thais.

Last case I heard of, it happened last week in front of Grand President Hotel: A customer came down from his room with his TG / BG, where two Thais were already waiting for him. He was attacked with bottles and ended up with cuts at his face / head bleeding like hell - a friend of mine sent him to a hospital.

The two men disappeared with the screaming woman in a car. Nobody helped the farang, though many people were watching the fight.

Giotto

SidTheSexist

08-03-07, 15:09

One day I had another problem with an ATM on the other side of the street in the mall where McDonalds & Villa Market are. On the floor where the latter is, the ATM told me I had insufficient funds. I knew that was wrong and made another attempt for 300 Baht which was successful. Later several blocks away I tried another machine & had no problem getting 10, 000.Maybe I will use traveller's checks in future vacations.Just a reminder that sometimes the ATMs themselves can be out of money and the same message will usually appear, "insufficient funds." Some of them will not let you get this far, but some of them will.
Sid

Mauldid

08-04-07, 23:53

How far are the red light districts (Nana,Soi, and Patpong) from the airport and from each other? Which district do you prefer? Heading there this Sept for 6 days. Any help would be great.

PinkPearl

08-05-07, 03:00

NicFrenchy

08-05-07, 13:28

Is it illegal in Thailand to look at porn on your personal PC in the privacy of your hotel room?What? of course not! what do you think Thailand is?

Can sex toys be brought with you to LOS?Yes.

Is it true if only ONE of those girls shows her nipples on your screen, then you committed a crime and will be subject to deportation.Hahahahaha. Are you for real? How old are you?

Either you are a Teenager or you must live in some Arab country where everything is banned. Stop worrying.

I have plenty of porn on my HD and it's not illegal at all.

Allover

08-05-07, 18:18

Nana and Soi cowboy are 2 stops away from each other on the BTS skytrain. You can walk it in 20 minutes. Patpong is a 20 minute BTS ride from Nana or a 20 minute subway ride. Driving times are impossible to estimate due to heavy traffic. In general, the three areas are near each other. Learn to ride the BTS skytrain because it will save you time. There are (English speaking) information booths at each station. BTS is fast, cheap, and easy to use. It is an absolute must during high traffic times.

I would strong suggest finding a hotel in the Sukhumvit area near Nana. From there you can easily reach the other places. I would also suggest going to Nana the first night, Patpong the second night, and Soi Cowboy the third night. After experiencing these three places, you better can allocate the remaining three nights among the three areas. I like Nana best.

Retired Army

08-05-07, 18:21

Retired Army

08-05-07, 18:24

Is it illegal in Thailand to look at porn on your personal PC in the privacy of your hotel room? Can sex toys be brought with you to LOS?

Porn is technicall illegal in Thailand which is why you don't see porn shops on every corner. However it is widely available on the street and in Pantip Plaza. Sex toys are available but hard to find and expensive. It's best to bring your own.

Brain666

08-05-07, 19:11

Is it illegal in Thailand to look at porn on your personal PC in the privacy of your hotel room? Can sex toys be brought with you to LOS?

On Sukhumvit i am sure i saw a sign saying "porn" for sale with nude DVDs. And at more than one shop w/i a block of NEP i could buy magazines with nude TGs on the cover. And yet i read about this crackdown:

http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070718-051927-4034r

Another general question...when is a picture a porn picture?

Does having pics of your wife constitute porn?

Is it true if only ONE of those girls shows her nipples on your screen, then you committed a crime and will be subject to deportation.

Retired Army may answer best to the subject, however even if it is a general question I wonder the following:
In Thailand nice girls are available for any kind of private fun.
Therefore I doubt there is any need to look for porn movies, unless it would be illegal stuff, which I wouldn't assume here. So why bother with this.
There is plenty of legal Thai porn available in the internet from models presentations up to reality type stuff like 'Bargirls in Action' or such.

Maybe its better to make your own movie if you bring along a Video camera, some nice dresses and some toys. It has the advantage to be in the middle of the action.

regards

Brain666

BuleDaddy

08-06-07, 11:43

Is it illegal in Thailand to look at porn on your personal PC in the privacy of your hotel room? Can sex toys be brought with you to LOS?

On Sukhumvit i am sure i saw a sign saying "porn" for sale with nude DVDs. And at more than one shop w/i a block of NEP i could buy magazines with nude TGs on the cover. And yet i read about this crackdown:

http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070718-051927-4034r

Another general question...when is a picture a porn picture?

Does having pics of your wife constitute porn?

Is it true if only ONE of those girls shows her nipples on your screen, then you committed a crime and will be subject to deportation.

I had many WCP, and Devilsfilms shortpornflicks on my laptop and when I was in the shower the girls would be watching two bruthahs double penetrating some cute biker girl and they'd tell me they didn't get off on it, but their lower jeem would be dripping. This is stuff you can download from established, Legal US Websites. I told the customs guys about it when I got back after they asked what I had on the laptop and they smiled and shook their head at me and scolded me, saying I could get in serious trouble in other countries, and be detained, etc. No 'mo porn for the pooyings!! It definately got the girls going. I woke up hours after a nice session and this BKK girl was watching them. I reached over, up and under and she was foaming below. I would never want to give underpaid Asian cops a reason to sign me up as a provider for their pension plan. Pantip has quite a porn selection but who needs porn in Thailand?

Retired Army

08-06-07, 18:05

I had many WCP, and Devilsfilms shortpornflicks on my laptop and when I was in the shower the girls would be watching two bruthahs double penetrating some cute biker girl and they'd tell me they didn't get off on it, but their lower jeem would be dripping. This is stuff you can download from established, Legal US Websites. I told the customs guys about it when I got back after they asked what I had on the laptop and they smiled and shook their head at me and scolded me, saying I could get in serious trouble in other countries, and be detained, etc. No 'mo porn for the pooyings!! It definately got the girls going. I woke up hours after a nice session and this BKK girl was watching them. I reached over, up and under and she was foaming below. I would never want to give underpaid Asian cops a reason to sign me up as a provider for their pension plan. Pantip has quite a porn selection but who needs porn in Thailand?

My straight-laced very proper Thai GF loves porn. Wonder why?

Run Mann

08-07-07, 02:58

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Thai police officers who break rules will be forced to wear hot pink armbands featuring "Hello Kitty," the Japanese icon of cute, as a mark of shame, a senior officer said Monday. Hello Kitty is not something "macho police officers want covering their biceps," a Thai police chief says. Police officers caught littering, parking in a prohibited area, or arriving late -- among other misdemeanors -- will be forced to stay in the division office and wear the armband all day, said Police Col. Pongpat Chayaphan. The officers won't wear the armband in public.

The striking armband features Hello Kitty sitting atop two hearts. "Simple warnings no longer work. This new twist is expected to make them feel guilt and shame and prevent them from repeating the offense, no matter how minor," said Pongpat, acting chief of the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok. "(Hello) Kitty is a cute icon for young girls. It's not something macho police officers want covering their biceps," Pongpat said.

He said police caught breaking the law will be subject the same fines and penalties as any other members of the public. "We want to make sure that we do not condone small offenses," Pongpat said, adding that the CSD believed that getting tough on petty misdemeanors would lead to fewer cases of more serious offenses including abuse of power and mistreatment of the public by police officers. Hello Kitty, invented by Sanrio Co. in 1974, has been popular for years with children and young women.

Crocodilexp

08-07-07, 03:57

Thai police officers who break rules will be forced to wear hot pink armbands featuring "Hello Kitty"...

..."This new twist is expected to make them feel guilt and shame and prevent them from repeating the offense, no matter how minor," I read "repeating" as "reporting" first time around. Guess I've been in Bangkok for too long.

John Euro

08-08-07, 12:50

To Biz99

You are absolutely right with what you are saying on that part of unsafe BKK but I would not go in to a discussion on that " dark alley " part as the subject was mainly on tourist or farang visiting areas.

I have been often in factory’s far outside BKK and have seen and hear all this kind of things as you mention and my local guy’s (drivers) have had most of the time a handgun in the car, wondered why? No. Remember the time that Min. Thaksin ordered to clean the streets from drug gangs and the police just shot the kid’s without any question, you should be in the line of fire at that time.

I mentioned only about the tourist areas and not the city’s backstreet district where we have nothing to search like in many other city’s. If one run’s in to trouble it is mostly his own fold, would you end up in the " BKK Hilton ", not me, I received something scaring this week, just click on this link below (play film) and see how they treat prisoners in Malaysia but it’s the same situation in Thailand (have the pictures)

http://www.zv-magazine.be/sfw/lijfstraffen_maleisi

I have not seen tourists raided by Thai gangs in the BKK tourist areas (maybe I am blind) while it is common in other city’s like Jakarta, KL, HKG etc, not talking about London, Amsterdam, Brussels and others in Europe where the shopping street scene is daily dominated by Moroccan or black gangs.

I say safe Tokio, see how that is changing, I was there often till 6 years ago, great nightlife area’s where boy’s and nice dressed geishas girls welcome you to get in the clubs and places for fun, Last time I was there is 2 years ago with a interval of 4 years and the night scene is completely changed, just scaring now, 95% of the area is run by mainly black doorman, Nigerians and other black nationals, they pulling aggressive on your shirt to get you inside and fights between them for claiming which one his customer you are. Result, you just leave the area after a few bad experiences, like having to pay to leave the club again, why? Because we did not screw one of these Eastern block girls inside the club that charges you a fortune, calculated by the minute you spend with them. Behind the curtain. Don’t understand how these blacks all can stay there on expired or short term visa. Just bad to see how quick this can change and let’s hope that this will not happen in Thailand wher most things still working with a smile.

Keep it safe guy’s.

John Euro

JPF

08-09-07, 21:38

There is a very interesting podcast at

http://expatgirl.com/

from a Western woman living in Thailand giving her view of the sex trade.

It provides a different perspective than what we normally see on this site.

Too bad it appears that she gave up after the first podcast.

NicFrenchy

08-10-07, 04:07

JPF,

She's not telling us anything we don't know.

Instead of whining on the internet, she should try and get herself a boyfriend. She claims it is hard for her to get one but I know hundreds of Thai Guys who would love to be with her LOL.

As far as I am concerned, I am young, single and have fun with Thai girls! The Day I'll want to enter a Serious relationship, then I will look for a western girl. I am sure a lot of guys here will disagree, but I have had 2 serious Thai Girlfriends and let me tell you the Headaches and Drama were the same (if not worse) than with a western girl.

Jungle Bluebird

08-10-07, 12:25

One thing all Thailand visitors should remember. Never, ever insult a Thai in rude fashion. Spelling out the four letter word easily turns the nicest guy/girl into a gun, knife slinging lunatic, without any reasoning or common sense. And the scariest part is, they will not stop wanting to fight.

Thais are very emotional in all things, and overall lack a sense for reality as we - foreigners - know it. Every day gruesome murders take place for the most ridiculous reasons. This is hardly ever documented in the local English press. Shootings during daylight hours for minor traffic offenses are normal.

Case in point is the much documented recent story of the rich kid, who’s car cut off by a bus. He confronted the bus driver, smashed his face with a brick and after bus passengers made fun of him he got back in his car ran over a number of bystanders. One women died. The crowd then attempted to lynch him.

One last point. Not all Thai's like foreigners. This is probably the most common mistake tourists and expats make, assuming that its is ok to live here. For many Thai's it is not.

JB

Old Thai Hand

08-10-07, 14:58

Not all Thai's like foreigners.

In fact, very few Thais like foreigners.

1Ball

08-10-07, 15:09

But they like the money we bring in !

M P Lurker

08-10-07, 15:41

In fact, very few Thais like foreigners.
I would have thought that this was exaggerating a little.
I like foreign women. I don't like Australian women much (my own country).
I know many Thai women you are fed up with Thai men and seem to prefer foreigners even though there are many arsehole foreigners around as well.

Some Thai men are a continual drain on the families resources always needing money for suspect purposes.
At least Foreigners are usually bringing money rather than draining/stealing it.

When I met my GF's daughter aged 7 we got on famously well. Seems she had no real prejudices about large Farangs. She is a sweet darilng.

I won't go into how Thai men find me in detail but have found some to be very friendly indeed beyond expectations.

Sammon

08-10-07, 16:04

Daddy07

08-10-07, 16:09

In fact, very few Thais like foreigners.
I think maybe the Thais dislike only those foreigners who have access to all the generals, beautiful girls, and high salaried teaching positions in the kingdom. :)

Traveler1234

08-10-07, 17:02

Young children do not have any prejudices till life teaches them otherwise or bigot parents do it.
Yes, Thai people really love their country. I was in the movie theater with my GF. As usual everybody stands up when they show the king thing.
I am an american and will not stand for any king real or imagined.
My gf argued with me all the way home.

Sammon: I respectfully disagree. No flame intended but:

If your Thai GF went with you to a ballgame stateside, and they played Star Spangled Banner and she refused to stand, you'd be ok with that? :( :(

Or better yet, picture this: you're in Seattle for a Mariner's game and the Star Spangled Banner is played, and all the japanese visitors wanting to see Ichiro play remain seated, what would go through YOUR mind....be truthful!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do -- at least to show respect to your host country.

Biz99

08-10-07, 17:20

I think that you have come pretty close to nailing this. A lot of people put down the irrational acts of Thais to face issues, and sometimes that describes it. But the reason that face is so prominent, is the overall emotional immaturity of the majority of Thais.

Like you say, in the Thai press there are scores of daily examples of Thai people losing it over the smallest things. My favorite was the motorcycle taxi driver who agreed with his friends to bump up the fare when the oil price jumped. Then, he did not implement what he agreed with them, and they teased him a bit, saying, "Does your father own a gas station, or what?" He went home, got a gun, came back and shot his too friends. Killed a guy aged 26 and a girl 27 because he could not handle a slight teasing from his friends.

Periodically, the press will publish some new statistics from the national testing students here go through. IQ issues are really big, but they are also often talking about EQ, or emotional maturity. The popluation here has some huge issues with regard to emotional maturity, and many of the bizarre reactions of the people, often male, and often under 24, have a lot to do with this social problem. The gang wars between technical schools that are so prevalent are a symptom of this problem.

I would also agree that few Thais like foreigners. Everyone should be careful when you come across a Thai person with both sets of issues (EQ problems and anti-foreigner sentiment). Leave the scene quietly.

M P Lurker

08-10-07, 17:47

Young children do not have any prejudices till life teaches them otherwise or bigot parents do it.
Yes, Thai people really love their country. I was in the movie theater with my GF. As usual everybody stands up when they show the king thing.
I am an american and will not stand for any king real or imagined.
My gf argued with me all the way home.
The Thai King is one of the most revered Regents in History. Not because he is King but because of the great man he is. He is far superior to your President.

If you can't show some respect for the Thai ways, stay home.
I am sure you have lost much respect from your GF.

To enjoy Thailand we must try to fit in. This is not always easy but worth striving for. I must strive to be polite even when people annoy me, because its Thai to maintain good manners.

Member #2041

08-10-07, 18:06

the thai king is one of the most revered regents in history. not because he is king but because of the great man he is. he is far superior to your president.

boy, you talk about setting a low bar. i should certainly hope the guy is far superior to our president. do you realize how many dregs we had to scrape from the bottom of old barrels to get our current president?

LittleBigMan

08-11-07, 00:51

Sammon,

You being an American I assume that you have been to a ballgame like Football, Basketball, Baseball, etc... Do you stand up and take off your hat when the national anthem is played? Do you get mad when others don't or leave their hats on or backward?

Would it kill you to do what the locals do or are you one of those Americans that is so arrogrant that they think they can do no wrong! Maybe that's why we are still in Iraq!

Are you in Thailand to enjoy yourself and have a good time or are you there for political reasons? I met a American fellas who lives near me and found out that he hates Thai food, music, movies, and likes to beat his wife and now won't even support his own son. I ask myself WTF is he doing in Thailand and WTF is she staying around for?

I suspect your GF, after your disagreement won't be around long unless she see a pot at the end of the rainbow.

Just my 2 cents on your disrepect of the King.

LBM

Old Thai Hand

08-11-07, 01:52

I think maybe the Thais dislike only those foreigners who have access to all the generals, beautiful girls, and high salaried teaching positions in the kingdom. :)

It was funnier when Duniawala said it.

False:There are 1,000 generals in the Thai army. I only know about half of them. Most of them dislike foreigners, except me. Only about 250 dislike me.

True: I do have access to the most beautiful girls, and they too dislike most foreigners, but love me...I'm the exception because I'm "jai dee and op oon".

True: I do have access to the highest salaried teaching positions, which makes Thai professors jealous and dislike most foreigners.

:) ;) :)

NicFrenchy

08-11-07, 03:16

Interesting Discussions.

So who's got the bigger dick? LOL

In my short (2.5 years) living in Thailand, I have come to the conclusion (or assumption) that Thai people (Male or Female) don't necessarily "care" about us foreigners that much as long as we don't interfere in their everyday life. They will be very nice and go out of their way to help if we are nice to them.

It is funny how a simple smile can turn a difficult situation into a positive one.

Brain666

08-11-07, 04:13

.....
Yes, Thai people really love their country. I was in the movie theater with my GF. As usual everybody stands up when they show the king thing.
I am an american and will not stand for any king real or imagined.
My gf argued with me all the way home.

Right she is and I think you lost your face.
It's definitely you who are lacking respect for the country you visit.

When I am in a foreign country and people stand up if they play the national hymn I stand up as well, regardless which country it is and regardless if I like the leader. This includes Stars and Stripes.

It is unfortunately your type of American arrogant behave which draws the picture of Americans around the world to the dislike of your American fellow mongers. Even if there are 100 nice other well educated Americans on each of you ignorant type, it’s the few of you who make people's mind of Americans globally (supported by your current president and his administration of course).

Stay home dude and let the nice ones of your country who can show a little respect come here.

Regards

Brain666

Jungle Bluebird

08-11-07, 04:38

When in Rome... yes I agree. This does not mean that I have to like all things around me. Yes, I will do my best not to offend. That is standard courtesy.

But after all, I am a global citizen. I lived all over the world and as such my internal believes and attitude stand in sharp contrast to Thai values. Yes, Thai's can surely be the sweetest people. But the naivity people display to social, cultural and economic issues is just mind blowing at times.

For me this means to keep my mouth shut. And by god, am I tempted to just speak my mind at times. But why try, there is nothing to gain, other then trouble.

JB

The Thai King is one of the most revered Regents in History. Not because he is King but because of the great man he is. He is far superior to your President.

If you can't show some respect for the Thai ways, stay home.
I am sure you have lost much respect from your GF.

To enjoy Thailand we must try to fit in. This is not always easy but worth striving for. I must strive to be polite even when people annoy me, because its Thai to maintain good manners.

Fred C Dobbs

08-11-07, 07:19

She's sorry she does not have all the power she use to when she lived in the west. Her life now is like mine has always been.

She talks about the typical sex pat as being fat, bald, old men being used by Thai Isaan girls for their money. First off she doesn't want men to be able to have this choice. They should only be able to pursue comparable western women on these women's terms. Second men that go this route and are used like that just shows me how desperate they are for affection. No doubt from a lifetime of dealing with western women. Third, she doesn't think women are using men for money in the west! How absurd! Money is one of the main factors in choosing men everywhere including the west, maybe especially the west. She just can't recognize it.

I tried to comment but apparently she is taking no more. I said I was tired of western women but would be willing for a relationship it just has to be on my terms now, not theirs. Show me what you are going to do for me. Impress me. Woo me. If they don't I have choices. I can have short time p4p in numerous countries in the world or I if I wanted something long term there are women in the Philippines that would stand in line to marry me right now. Choices the likes of her don't want me to have.

They hate us having alternatives. Be prepared for a lot more of women like her in the future. You're going to hear every lie in the world to curtail our freedoms. Just like whats been done in the west.

Retired Army

08-11-07, 11:01

In fact, very few Thais like foreigners.

Do you blame them? Look at the way we act in their country, e.g., refusing to stand at the National Anthem in a theatre; getting drunk and making fools of ourselves on Sukhumvit, Patpong, Soi Cowboy, etc.

Would we accept this kind of behaivor from foreigners in our own country? I think not.

Brain666

08-11-07, 11:28

Petemcc

08-11-07, 13:18

Member #2305

08-11-07, 14:50

My friend's tirak(Burmese) always has to go back to Mae Sai to make Identification card(IC). I think one year 2-3 times.

Actually they go back to extend or make a new one? Is this called temporary IC? How this works? When they can have a permanent IC?

Can any Bro who knows that help to answer these? Thanks in advance.

Retired Army

08-11-07, 15:04

You obviously have never lived in the UK!
No, I haven't. Only traveled through Heathrow and that was enough.

PinkPearl

08-12-07, 06:35

Same thing happened to me when I tried to withdraw an amount other than the Fast Cash amounts listed on the screen. I called my credit card and they told me to call the bank. It took a while to find someone who spoke English but I was successful and eventually got my money back. The banks are basically honest and they know when the ATMs are out of balance and will work to correct the problem. Try calling the number on the receipt and see what happens.When I try calling the number on the receipt {3 101 024777}, with 1-66 preceding it, I get a message that this number is not assigned or cannot be completed as dialed. So I checked out the internet address on the slip, www.bangkokbank.com, and found an email address to contact them re this matter. Infoatbbl. Co. Th. Very early on August 8 they replied as follows:

"For your case , we strongly recommend you contact our phone banking center at +66-2645-5555 (from the overseas) or 1333 (from within Thailand), a 24/7 service to submit your request and we will investigate further. Thank you."

My response to this around 11 p.m. PST on August 10 said:

"Whenever i call this number {1+66-2645-5555 } it tells me this cellular customer is either
{1} out of my service area or {2} unavailable & to try later. Hopefully this matter can be resolved
before i return to your city in 2-3 weeks. Until then i will not be able to trust ATM machines
there, at least not those that are associated with bangkokbank.com, use traveller's checks,
and recommend the same to others i know personally & on internet forums."

Mouse1

08-13-07, 02:31

Daddy07

08-13-07, 15:54

... "Whenever i call this number {1+66-2645-5555 } it tells me this cellular customer is either {1} out of my service area or {2} unavailable & to try later.

Pink,

Next time try either 1-011, or just 011-66-2645-5555, and it should work. It works for me and I use 10-10-987-011-66-2645-5555.

Good luck,
Daddy

Duniawala

08-13-07, 17:29

PinkPearl

08-15-07, 04:23

Pink,

Next time try either 1-011, or just 011-66-2645-5555, and it should work. It works for me and I use 10-10-987-011-66-2645-5555.

Good luck,
DaddyYes, thank you, the 011 prefix did work for me on my landline phone,
though not on my cell.

I spoke to the ATM disputes department of Bangkok Bank and they said they cannot do anything since the card i used with their ATM that stole my money was not of their bank. The lady i spoke to said that my bank in Canada would have to contact Bangkok Bank on my behalf in order to try to resolve this.

Previously my bank had informed me that they could not do anything since the thieving ATM machine was not theirs. So i am getting the bank run- around here, & it's back to my bank again tomorrow.

Retired Army

08-15-07, 08:35

When I try calling the number on the receipt {3 101 024777}, with 1-66 preceding it, I get a message that this number is not assigned or cannot be completed as dialed. So I checked out the internet address on the slip, www.bangkokbank.com, and found an email address to contact them re this matter. Infoatbbl. Co. Th. Very early on August 8 they replied as follows:

"For your case , we strongly recommend you contact our phone banking center at +66-2645-5555 (from the overseas) or 1333 (from within Thailand), a 24/7 service to submit your request and we will investigate further. Thank you."

My response to this around 11 p.m. PST on August 10 said:

"Whenever i call this number {1+66-2645-5555 } it tells me this cellular customer is either
{1} out of my service area or {2} unavailable & to try later. Hopefully this matter can be resolved
before i return to your city in 2-3 weeks. Until then i will not be able to trust ATM machines
there, at least not those that are associated with bangkokbank.com, use traveller's checks,
and recommend the same to others i know personally & on internet forums."

Are you trying to call from Thailand or from outside the country?

If dialing in Thailand you would dial 02 645-5555 for a regular phone and 08 645-5555 if it's a cell phone. What I don't understand is why the bank would give you a cell number to call.

L A Guy

08-15-07, 10:15

Sorry to have to ask such a basic question, but are Western-branded condoms (eg Durex) in Thailand the same size as those in the West? I have to buy some more, and having seen those on display in Cabbages & Condoms, I am concerned there might be a size difference. I am large by Western standards (not bragging - arguably more problems than pleasure) and would hate to have to forego to more nights of fun over this issue.

ThanksWe briefly touched upon this topic in the Bkk forum. Condoms are measured in mm DIAMETER, so check what size you usually use first, it should tell you on the box somewhere. Size is not really everything with condoms, it also has a lot to do with personal preference and your ability to mainitain hardness in the presence of a piece of rubber trying to strangle your member :) If you are "large" as you say then perhaps you use a larger size than usual in which case I would say bring your own. Most Durex varieties here are in the 52mm size range, and most girls carry that size (the most popular being the Durex strawberry ones which are 52mm). Another warning, if you ever have to get condoms brought to your room by the establishment then they are likely to me smaller and thicker local ones which are terrible! The largest size commonly available is the Durex Comfort which is 54mm. Having said that, the other day I bought a box of Comforts and was surprised to find they were 56mm in size. I found them in a 7-11 down Soi 5 near Gullivers, and have never seen them for sale anywhere else before.

BuleDaddy

08-16-07, 01:35

the thai king is one of the most revered regents in history. not because he is king but because of the great man he is. he is far superior to your president.

if you can't show some respect for the thai ways, stay home.
i am sure you have lost much respect from your gf.

to enjoy thailand we must try to fit in. this is not always easy but worth striving for. i must strive to be polite even when people annoy me, because its thai to maintain good manners.

i actually enjoy it more when i don't like them because i take enjoyment in stiffing them, and kicking girls out when they start with the ultimatums or not performing good service. you can loath them and enjoy the place at the same time. i have blown my stack and caused deadbeats to lose face and have physically thrown unruly hoze out my door. i have refused to eat totally cooked meals because the mixed veg's w/the 200bht live snapper are 500bht ask to see your bill before you dig in. it may have gone up 100% at some bkk places. i've ridden cabs from nana to kao san road and if the fare ain't right and the meter ain't running, i just jump out. i haven't had an ass kicking yet. you need to totally avoid any interaction with thai males. keep them at arms length and have them maintain no higher than their station in life. if a dude tries to chat you up, pretend you are brazilian or czech, and don't bother tipping. always change drivers. they declared war on the us and built the bkk road called jap friendship fly over as a nice runway for the jap planes that wouldn't look like a runway to recon. the thai diplomat carried the declaration in his pocket and never delivered it. when the us dropped the bombs they declared war on the japs and seized their assets. they have a chip on their shoulder because the limeys and frogs took their territory and the frog's sank the entirethai navy with a little rag tag squadron of vichy boats out of saigon right by koh chang. the thais wanted the japs to punish the vichy frogs in saigon (a nice ww2 job) but they found out who the japs had more respect for. i have a great time because i sah-peek the language and i am totally hip to their scams. it is hard to keep a straight face while watching others get scammed and hearing people babbling at what a magical marvelous place it is. i am a new yorker and i sez thais are the rudest, pushiest people on earth.

BuleDaddy

08-16-07, 01:52

Do you blame them? Look at the way we act in their country, e.g., refusing to stand at the National Anthem in a theatre; getting drunk and making fools of ourselves on Sukhumvit, Patpong, Soi Cowboy, etc.

Would we accept this kind of behaivor from foreigners in our own country? I think not.

It reminds me of the monkey park in Ubud, Bali. They DO get drunk, and they do act crazy. Some smoke Yah-bah while watching porn and drinking and do ting-tong things. There are some scary caucasian lady backpacker stories. A drunk ex-cop-bar-owner made a pass at a pretty British backpacker down by the River Kwai tour stuff and her Scouse Boyfriend beat the guy to a pulp. The ex-cop got his gun and shot them in the back then ran them over with his car while they begged for mercy This was a couple of years back and the dude is probably free now. Don't worry, in about 20-30 years the Asian sex tourists will be in the US far surpassing any of our antics that you are so ashamed of. They are like injunz when they get drunk.

Daddy07

08-16-07, 02:06

... Don't worry, in about 20-30 years the Asian sex tourists will be in the US far surpassing any of our antics that you are so ashamed of....
Good! They can have our good for nothing bitches to put up with while I'm enjoying Thai women. (On second thought, I'll most likely be dead in 30 years anyway)

Sanook D

08-16-07, 02:30

It reminds me of the monkey park in Ubud, Bali. I recognize the similarities, but I will say that no drunken Thai has ever tried to steal my clothes, as happened to me once upon a time 21 years ago in the monkey forest in Ubud.

This notion that Thais despise foreigners may be as rule true enough to work as an operating principle. I've also made the following observations:

- Thais hate and despise Indians, a lot more than they do white people. Except for the Buddha.

-They also despise Laos, and even more so Khmens, and they REALLY hate Burmese.

They are none-too-fond of Malaysians, either. That pretty much covers the neighbors.

-Thais think Africans are sub-human.

-Thai women despise and sometimes hate Thai men.

-Chinese Thais despise anyone darker than a member of the royal family.

-Thais want to be Japanese, but it doesn't mean that they love or respect Ai Yun, necessarily, although they envy his money and the way he doesn't act all obsequious around white people.

I think the main thing to keep in mind is (and this is by no means an original observation) that envy and fear are the main driving forces in Thai social interaction. Thais have envied Europeans/Americans for a very long time; envied their spending power, their military might, their skin color- you name it. I'm afraid that whitey may have slipped off his pedestal a bit in recent decades, at least insofar as they (especially the Yanks) are perceived by people whose superficial thought processes cause them to deal mainly in stereotypes. As one might expect in Thailand, the loss of the perceived basis for envy can only inspire contempt.

M P Lurker

08-16-07, 11:58

You need to TOTALLY avoid any interaction with Thai males. Keep them at arms length and have them maintain no higher than their station in life. If a dude tries to chat you up, pretend you are Brazilian or Czech, and don't bother tipping. Always change drivers. <cut>.
Its hard to imagine what sort of Thai girls would go with you, only the unsuspecting ones.

As for Thai guys, I found some of them real good to talk to, and got some good incite into puzzling things. Don't need to be thinking with your dick 100% of the time.

Takamine1

08-16-07, 13:31

The way tourists behave and interact with locals in all parts of the world has been studied in great detail. That a certain amount of friction results during the course of these interactions is inevitable. In a study I did on beaches in my country I found that Russian tourists were the most critical but at the same time partook in activities which degraded the environment.

This apparant contradiction is plain to locals. I can assure you that the locals in Thailand discuss tourists' bevaiour in the same way that we discuss and try to understand them. I am also equally sure that there are times when farangs should know better. One can have a good time punting and at the same time behave in the right way. Every country has its customs. As guests we should respect these customs as we expect tourists who visit us to respect ours. That's the least we can do. I am also sure that there are a number of Farangs amongst you who help where help is needed. And please remember, people are individuals. Some are ok and some are just bastards.

Anyway will be in LOS on Tuesday and sincerely hope to meet some of you there for a chat and a beer.

Take care,

Taka

The Traveler

08-16-07, 21:48

Yes, Thai people really love their country. I was in the movie theater with my GF. As usual everybody stands up when they show the king thing.
I am an american and will not stand for any king real or imagined.
My gf argued with me all the way home.
Sammon,

don't forget, you are only a guest in that country and have to respect their rules and traditions.
I guess everything else that should be said about you was already said by others.

Evil Penivel

08-17-07, 02:26

I am an american and will not stand for any king real or imagined. My gf argued with me all the way home.

Being an American has nothing to do with it. Standing during a country's national anthem is customary throughout the world. Not to do so is an insult. You'll be in a world of pain if a Thai cop sees you disrespecting the king or Thai national anthem. It's also a very quick way to get yourself kicked to death by a group of Thais. More than one foreigner has gone home as ashes in an urn because, in the eyes of Thais, he insulted Buddha or the king.

Evil

Sanook D

08-17-07, 09:25

It's also a very quick way to get yourself kicked to death by a group of Thais. More than one foreigner has gone home as ashes in an urn because, in the eyes of Thais, he insulted Buddha or the king.There is some irony to be savored in the perpetrators of such violence not comprehending the lese majeste implicit in their own actions. And kicking someone to death for Buddha is comparable to torturing someone for Jesus.

In other news, Bangers seems kind of dead at the moment. I normally expect town to be a bit busier in August, but my mates and I had Midnight (Cowboy) nearly to ourselves not long after midnight. Not too bad, really, but it is nice to have a few other punters around to take the pressure off, otherwise it feels like everybody's talkin' at me. None of the lay-dees bore much scrutiny, unfortunately (although it does, nonetheless, save me money). Don't even seem to be that many Yamatoans fleeing the heat of their sweltering archipelago (37C in Tokyo yesterday). Is it unusually slow around town or is it my imagination?

Yin Yang

08-17-07, 12:27

Correct, it isn't a good idea to start an anti-monarchist revolution in a Thai movie theatre. Also, if you ever happen to meet the King in person, remember to address him correctly: Of course you can't call him by his name, but something like 'His Majesty' won't do either. The traditional way is not to directly address the King in his presence at all; instead you're supposed to refer to 'the dust beneath the august sole of your august feet'. Not that it's very likely that you'll have a chance to use that phrase, though ... ;)

YY

NicFrenchy

08-17-07, 16:18

if you ever happen to meet the King in person, remember to address him correctlyYY,

I highly doubt that one could ever "Happen" to meet the king, it is virtually impossible for you to ever meet the king in person.

I am of course speaking of an official encounter, where let's say you would be allowed to come within screaming distance to his majesty.

Just make sure you respect the Pictures, Anthems, Theatre Tribute Videos and the likes, I will guarantee you you will be fine.

On the subject of the BTS anthem (daily played at 8am and 6pm) I can see why some Farangs would not stop upon hearing it. I see Thais (daily) who continue walking while the Anthem is playing.

Giotto

08-17-07, 19:52

YY,

I highly doubt that one could ever "Happen" to meet the king, it is virtually impossible for you to ever meet the king in person.
...NicFrenchy,

No, no, no, it is not impossible to meet the King. You have NO IDEA how many of the guests of Livingstone's have met the King !?! Many. A lot. Huge numbers!!!!

Some of them even showed me the presents the King gave to them! The presents the King gave to them. Yes! Yes, really. All Farang.

I am the only one who NEVER MET the King! What the hell is wrong with me?

BTW: I met Thaksin (really!). I am from hell, for sure :(:(:( .

Giotto

PinkPearl

08-17-07, 20:33

Are you trying to call from Thailand or from outside the country?I was calling from outside Thailand.

As it turns out while my bank did charge me for the attempted ATM withdrawals of 19G baht that gave me no money, they also did reimburse me for the same on the same day. If I had examined the bank statements this should have been obvious and saved me quite a bit of trouble.

Yin Yang

08-17-07, 21:09

Giotto,

I don't believe a word. Even if the King handed out any presents to his visitors, they probably wouldn't be the kind of things desired by the typical Livingstone's customer!

And if you actually met Thaksin, why didn't he recruit you for the Man C team then? We all know you'd have the legs for that - and maybe you'd have more success on the pitch than at the pool table :)

YY

Giotto

08-17-07, 21:20

...
I don't believe a word. Even if the King handed out any presents to his visitors, they probably wouldn't be the kind of things desired by the typical Livingstone's customer!

And if you actually met Thaksin, why didn't he recruit you for the Man C team then? We all know you'd have the legs for that - and maybe you'd have more success on the pitch than at the pool table :)
..
Yin Yang,

You don't believe me? I never lie :):(:) !

Presents: Usually Thai silk shirts, Thai gold, other gems, golden watches (!) . I don't know whether the Livingstone's customers can use it or not...

Man C - shit, it was a business meeting. Years ago. And then afterwards some other meetings because we know each other. And - I AM OLD! I have the sexy knees from Rumminigge, for sure!!! But - I am too old for Man C, as well as Rumminigge .

BTW: Was I so bad at the pool table :) ?

Giotto

Old Thai Hand

08-18-07, 02:58

YY,

I highly doubt that one could ever "Happen" to meet the king, it is virtually impossible for you to ever meet the king in person.

I used to live right next to the Royal Palace in Hua Hin. So, we were neighbours.

But...

He never came over for coffee, always avoided weekend BBQs and generally was pretty stand-offish.

I did see him in the distance once, sailing his boat. I shouted, "Yo, King!!" But, he never responded.

So, yes, it is hard to meet the King.

PosterLion

08-19-07, 00:01

Meeting the King is not as hard as you might think. It happened to me simply because I stopped loving my dog.

I know it's not normal for a falang to stop loving his dog, but after living in Thailand for a couple of years it's hard to avoid emulating their society.

As with most falang men, the first step in emulating Thai society is to get yourself a girlfriend or two. After that comes the wives and the mia noi's and it wasn't until I had my first wife and my first mia noi that the slow downhill spiral began.

Most people don't know this, but the reason why there are so many stray dogs in Thailand is because the average man has a wife and at least one mia noi.

After a man has the pressure of a wife and a mia noi or two on his back for a while, he begins to do things he thought he'd never do. And one of those things is taking all the pressure and misfortune of his wives and mia noi's out on his dog.

Believe me! It's true! My wife was f-u-c-k-i-n-g some other man and all my mia noi's were asking for more money. One day the pressure of it all became so unbearable I thought my dog was laughing at me.

So I slapped him across the face and kicked him in the ribs just before kicking him in the a-s-s while screaming at the top of my lungs, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out b-i-t-c-h!"

The next day I was incredibly sad. I couldn't believe I'd kicked my dog out on the street. My best friend, (man's best friend), was alone without shelter or food because my d-i-c-k had d-i-c-k-t-a-t-ed the course of my life and the course of my vengeance.

I began to cry as I edged toward my balcony and climbed up on the rail. I was contemplating the feeling of bone crushing into cement when a long black Mercedes limousine parked on the street below me. A small man climbed out of the limo with my dog in his arms. I was overjoyed!

I jumped from the rail and ran across my apartment. Just as I reached the front door my phone rang. It was the receptionist calling to tell me I had a visitor and ask if it would be all right if she sent him up. "Yes ma'am, please do", is all I remember saying before hanging up the phone.

The little man shoved a piece of paper in my hand and asked if he could come inside. I looked at the paper and it was the paper I had put into my dog's dog collar. After all, even though I kicked my dog out on the street, I was still a falang. And all falang (or most of us), put our dog's name and address in a little capsule that is attached to their collar.

The little man informed me that my dog was now the KING'S dog. And then he said, "HOWEVER, THE KING IS A VERY GENEROUS AND LOVING MAN, therefore, HE has extended an invitation to you to see your ex-dog whenever you like. Just come to the Grand Palace with this card." And he thrust a card in my hand without saying another word.

I looked at the card in awe. It had the KING'S royal seal on it. I was so dumbfounded that I didn't realize the small man was gone until I heard the elevator bell ring. I looked up just in time to see him vanish.

As it turns out, the night I kicked my dog out on the street is the very night THE KING OF THAILAND decided he needed a new dog. The KING wanted to make a statement when choosing a new dog, so he chose a stray dog off the street. In fact, he chose my dog!

I still have my wife, but I've gotten rid of all my mia noi's and life is much better now. Me and my wife can visit my dog (I mean our dog) whenever we want and we are happy together.

In the end, I just have two things to say:

1) It's not as hard as you might think to meet the KING

2) No one can love you unless they love your dog, including yourself!

:)

poster . . .

Gladiator

08-19-07, 00:55

Poster,

Drugs aren’t doing you any good, you should stop taking them, especially this last one, whatever you took before typing these latest badly written ramblings.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that your posts when sober are well written, I just mean that when on drugs they are even worse, which is a lot to say.

Last, but not least, it would be best to leave the King out of your drunken fantasies when posting – some guys here post and read from the field, and my guess is that they would like to continue doing so.

Daddy07

08-19-07, 00:56

... In the end, I just have two things to say:

1) It's not as hard as you might think to meet the KING

2) No one can love you unless they love your dog, including yourself!

:)

poster . . .

Marvelous piece of fiction, Poster, and, as usual, wonderful writing style leading to a moral of the story which is timeless and abosolutely true. (I know you are not the type of guy who could kick a dog.) BTW -- mine will be flying with me in the cabin on Thai Airways this coming October all the way to LOS where we will retire together in paradise. I wouldn't trade him for a king's ransom, and if he doesn't like a pooying I bring home, HER ass will be kicked out the door to the curb. :)

Regards,
Daddy

P.S. Don't listen to Gladiator. He's just jealous and doesn't appreciate dogs.

PosterLion

08-19-07, 01:04

Daddy,

Thanks . . . I have not had a dog since I was 11 years old. My story was and is indeed, fiction.

Gladiator,

You're obviously talkin' out your ass as usual, because I can see you have no idea what life on drugs is like.

That said, I've been off drugs since February 22nd, 2007. That story is indeed, not fiction.

cheers mates!

poster . . .

Gladiator

08-19-07, 01:39

Poster,

I know the ‘story’, as you call it, was just one more of your brain farts - druggies lack the necessary commitment to have a dog.

My point was that, after a couple of years without reading anything from you, I expected your writing skills to be more polished, which doesn’t seem to be the case. Not to mention the desperate use of Him for a higher, though unsuccessful, literary impact.

Daddy07

08-19-07, 02:01

Poster, ... I know the ‘story’, as you call it, was just one more of your brain farts -

The brain farts of an artist are as gold when compared to the brainless brass of his critic.

Retired Army

08-19-07, 10:48

Got this from a friend over the internet. Up to you to decide if it is credible or not.

Greetings:
Everyday reading the local paper and Bangkok News at breakfast is an adventure in reading how a country can shoot ones self in the foot and wonder why their bleeding:

Bangkok Post Reports: that the controlling military government paid 100 to 300 Thai Baht per person for 10,000's of thousands of Thai's they truck to Bangkok to demonstrate "FOR" the new constitution to be voted on in 2 weeks ......hmmmmmm, the very reason the coupe was held almost a year ago was to outs corruption and those that paid for votes for a certain party. History repeats is self and very quickly now with thee opposition party !!!!

Bangkok Post Reports: The common Thai's know little or nothing about the constitution they are voting about, yet are being told if they do not cast a vote they loss their right to vote in the future. hmmmmm, very democratic !!

Bangkok Post Reports: There is no other option but a "YES" or "NO" vote as to whether, Thai's except this constitution written by the Military leadership that over threw a democracy 11 months ago..... Take it or leave it !!! IF....the vote is "NO"...then there shall be no voting to elect a Prim Minister or government in the future. ...hmmmmmm! Talk about putting a gun to one's head!!

Pattaya Mail Reports: Police now have thee authority to, without a search warrant or court order ......go into any home, business or anywhere and take any or all computers. If they do not like what they find on ones computer, you could be jailed up to 3 years and a 100,000 Baht fine. Will they torture us to get our password to our e-mail address ????

Pattaya Mail Reports: Government censorship of tech messaging, e-mails and all communications. I, and others here, have had some research on the web blocked and some emails blocked. Can you say:"Hale Hitler!!"

Pattaya Mail Reports: The rules now governing any foreign workers to include volunteer and aid workers, as so strict, regulated and time consuming to adhere to, that most companies and/or agencies empolying or having foreigners at their establishments will not wish to endue the addition expense and scrutiny by the government and thus remove and foreign help, aid workers, and/or employees.

Today: I drove by 2 dear friends, that are English gentleman, having separate businesses in Jomtien, but on 1 small street. They had clean wonderful little restaurants and nice Thai wifes and 2-4 Thai's working for them each....both have closed shop in just the last day ...and businesses are up for sale, but no one shall buy. ....and that is JUST on my small street to the beach. Other streets have ...same-same happening. There is becoming a mass exit of good people due to very questionable governement hatred for foreigners..... The common Thai people love foreigners, but the government wishes to shift the focus off them and their mistakes ...and blame foreigners for all their wooo's.

Many, many good, hard working and loyal Thai's are recently without employment, or soon to be without employment, factories are closing down, tourism is off by 40%, and foriegners scrambling to sell and cut their looses before the preverble hand wrting on the wall hits harder. AND..that is all fact not embellished. Pattatya Mail today is full of businesses up for sale, (more then triple 3 weeks ago) ....some of which boast good profits, but owners are jumping ship. The manure is hitting the fan just as it did in Haiti 12-15 years ago. .....when will anyone learn from history and stop shooting themsleves in the foot?

Haiti had a reasonably good thing for a while with some tourism, some factories. although admittedly, light years behind Thailand, but they in Haiti drove it all away and now only caose rules. Although, this is years later and a more modern country here in Thailand .....forcing the hand the feeds you (tourists, foreign investment, foriegn businesses and aid workers) to go away, is not the answer......Frankly, it is going to create a huge problem and I believe what we are wittnessing is the start of the downfall of a wonderful, wondeful country with the most caring, gracious and loving people ....and beginning of many years of suffering and heartache for the common Thai ahead.

IF....you do not think this effects you where you live.... remember what Dr. Martin Luther King once said:

"Injustice anywhere, is: Injustice everywhere!!"

If there are any of you wishing to visit Thailand, come now!! (actually, now to December is the best weatherwise and pricewise to tour Thailand) You shall see all the sights, meet the most loving & caring people, spend hopefully 2 days next door touring Angkor Wat only a hours flight away and cheap to visit, plus you can do all in relative peace, but if things continue....as they have been, then in 6 months, or soon there after, you may not wish to visit.

"life is an adventure" ...to which a very dear & loving Missionary reminds me ...so come join the thee excitment, before you look back and wished you had.

Daddy07

08-19-07, 14:21

... Daddy, how long was your dog in quarantine for?

Happy,

According to the rules published on the web site of the Royal Thai Consulate General office in Chicago, at the BKK airport animal control desk, I need only produce recent health and vaccination certificates for my dog, signed by a licensed vet here in the US, and he will be released to my custody without the necessity of any quarantine.

Regards,
Daddy

PinkPearl

08-20-07, 06:23

Giotto

08-20-07, 10:40

...Many, many good, hard working and loyal Thai's are recently without employment, or soon to be without employment, factories are closing down, tourism is off by 40%, and foriegners scrambling to sell and cut their looses before the preverble hand wrting on the wall hits harder.
...
Retired Army,

Hmmm ... I would say that at least this part of the report is not really credible. Tourism is NOT down 40 %, the number of arrivals are slighly up from the year before. And hard working Thai people find easily jobs in Thailand, it is worse than ever to find hard working and highly motivated staff.

The growth rate of the second quarter was higher than estimated (4.7 % I think I remember this number, but not sure).

Giotto

Horntoad

08-20-07, 18:35

Member #2041

08-20-07, 18:37

I think one cursory glance at the degree to which hotel rates have risen in the past year will dispel the theory that tourism is down substantially in Thailand.

John Euro

08-20-07, 18:54

to pinkpearl,

i only can say, from my bad experience that these cd’s are just crap, years ago i bought a few new movie realises and they turned out having bad picture and colour quality, i told myself never again but i bought again a few last february thinking the quality would be better now (the honest shop guy told me so lol) and for those 3€ or 4€ no risk no fun, will see, and they have been even worst than before. tested also the new adobe photoshop cs copy’s, many tools and key’s are missing, it just don’t work.

when entering europe, customs looking specially for this kind of things, they confirep001e them and you get a fine and other shit on top, my advice, don’t buy

john euro

Thor93

08-20-07, 22:36

on sukhumvit there are many selling dvd movies for around 100 baht {$3 usd} that would cost up to $20 or more in the usa or canada.

one can buy many of the hottest new releases, some even before they are on sale in north america.

i've heard these are copies. can anyone verify that, and if they are in english with thai subtitles?

i was also wondering if these would be considered "pirated" materials and a problem {e.g. illegal} to bring back across the atlantic.

i always buy my movies from the same girl in panthip plaza. she tells me which are good copies and which are not. i have been buying from her for over 5 years so i probably get more reliable information then you would from someone on the street.

generally the newer the movie the less likely it is to be good qualtity. if you want good quality in the latest movies you may have to wait a few weeks after its release.

still you always want to ask if the movie is copy from the master or a zoom movie. zoom movies are taken with a video camera in the theater and the quality really sucks. if they say dvd 9, that generally means it is a good copy from a master. most steet vendors will be somewhat honest about it, if you ask nicely. of course if you don't ask, they don't tell.

i have never been stopped or asked about my movies by us customs. i usually put them some place in my bag where they are covered up. if i am buying a lot of movies, i will buy a cd case and sandwich them in there between some blank cd's. i know one guy who did get questioned about them by us customs. they told him as long as he only had a few and they were all different, no problem. they were looking for people bringing in large numbers. but remember, it is illegal and they have every right to confirep001e them if they spot them.

Forever69

08-22-07, 08:18

i got stopped at customs with a few cd's, they asked me where i had bought them and after i told them at the video store they lectured me they were copies. i asked how they could tell and the answer was because they were not in jewel cases. i shrugged and said i never take them because they are bulky. i got to keep everything though including the vodka since they are mostly interested in my camera's picture as they must have the idea i'm a ****. i get pulled over everytime at us customs. quite a nuisance. now i just carry the cd's without any packaging which doesn't give away where you got them without screening which takes too much time.

Mr Enternational

08-23-07, 01:48

On Sukhumvit there are many selling DVD movies for around 100 Baht {$3 USD} that would cost up to $20 or more in the USA or Canada.
One can buy many of the hottest new releases, some even before they are on sale in North America.
I've heard these are copies. Can anyone verify that, and if they are in English with Thai subtitles?
I was also wondering if these would be considered "pirated" materials and a problem {e.g. illegal} to bring back across the Atlantic.

Definitely illegal or "pirated" material. How else could you explain paying US$3 for something that retails for US$20? On Suk yesterday I bought 7 seasons of South Park (21 discs), Rush Hour 3, and a music CD for 1800 baht. In a legit store in Pattaya I saw the South Park 9 season box set (27 discs) for 4580 baht. Anyway, I just popped the Rush Hour 3 in and it has the picture and sound quality of someone recording with a video camera in a movie theater. The South Park discs look to be copies of the original, which is excellent. With both you can choose subtitles or not and/or which language. I think with older movies or the box sets you get good quality because they are copied from the disc that is already on the market. However, for something brand new they have to make it the bootleg way. The music CD would not register on my computer. It says no disc. However, on a portable CD player and my clock radio it works fine. I have not tried it yet in the car.

Namesty1

08-23-07, 03:29

Mr Enternational

08-23-07, 16:28

As a veteran hobbyist I have been to many of the worlds great locations. However, since I live in the New york area, I keep experiencing this problem when I return from Thailand. Imigration at JFK or Newark always pulls me aside for an "interview."Nothing ever comes out of it, but it is stressful and annoying. This never happens to me when I return from other less infamous locales. Any thoughts? Does it happen to others on this board? How do you deal with it?
Thanks

It is their job to protect the borders of the country and collect any duty that may be due. It is only a few minutes of your time. You said nothing ever comes of it, so if you have nothing to hide then why worry? Just grin and bear it. Think of the good time you just had on your trip.

Traveler1234

08-23-07, 16:38

I always buy my movies from the same girl in Panthip Plaza. She tells me which are good copies and which are not. I have been buying from her for over 5 years so I probably get more reliable information then you would from someone on the street.

Do you ever shop in PJ or KL when in Malaysia and patronizing 6-Star (:D)? I've been buying from two shops in PJ for last 4 yrs with incredible success...again same as you, owner gives me straight story re quality, etc. I pay around RM$10-12 per DVD

Thor93

08-24-07, 01:25

Do you ever shop in PJ or KL when in Malaysia and patronizing 6-Star (:D)? I've been buying from two shops in PJ for last 4 yrs with incredible success...again same as you, owner gives me straight story re quality, etc. I pay around RM$10-12 per DVD

I have never bought DVD's in KL. Anytime I am in KL, BKK is also on the trip.
Having been burned too many times when I buy elsewhere, I always wait to visit my regular supplier.

Thor93

08-24-07, 01:29

As a veteran hobbyist I have been to many of the worlds great locations. However, since I live in the New york area, I keep experiencing this problem when I return from Thailand. Imigration at JFK or Newark always pulls me aside for an "interview."Nothing ever comes out of it, but it is stressful and annoying. This never happens to me when I return from other less infamous locales. Any thoughts? Does it happen to others on this board? How do you deal with it?

Thanks

All of my trips end at either JFK or Newark and I have never had any problems. I do often get asked the purpose of the trip which I always answer by telling them the name of the company I work for. That usually ends the questions and gets me a wave through. It has been years since my bags have been inspected upon arrival.

Traveler1234

08-25-07, 00:54

All of my trips end at either JFK or Newark and I have never had any problems. I do often get asked the purpose of the trip which I always answer by telling them the name of the company I work for. That usually ends the questions and gets me a wave through. It has been years since my bags have been inspected upon arrival.

This has been discussed over the years. SFO and a couple of other west coast airports are infamous for checking laptops, hard drives, cameras, etc. - as reported by fellow ISG members.

However, as Thor points out, if you're on business and not 'vacation', immigration knows (remember they ask on the form whether you're on business trip or not), and then of course customs will react accordingly also.

I'm been in/out of states 4-5 times a year for many decades and my only real problem was at the age of 21 when some red neck customs officer hassled me in LA. I might add my usual return ports are also either JFK and Newark.

If you're on business, the checking is perfunctory. If they identify you as single male on holiday, and visiting certain places, they will give you a good looking over.

MrMeyers

09-01-07, 04:36

Anyone know if a Vietnamese National needs anything more than a plane ticket for a week in Thailand? Do they need a Thai visa or permission from the Vietnamese government?

As a thank you I am attaching a pic of a hottie wearing my favorite "fuck me" skirt that I bought for her.

Ozirob

09-01-07, 06:54

BionicMan

09-01-07, 12:21

[QUOTE=MrMeyers]Anyone know if a Vietnamese National needs anything more than a plane ticket for a week in Thailand? Do they need a Thai visa or permission from the Vietnamese government?
QUOTE]
I do not think there are special requirements.
A friend of mine living in HCMC and having a holiday house in Thai, once brought along his Vietnamese maid (a very cute and good looking gal) together with his Thai wife.

AsiaTraveler2

09-01-07, 15:15

Definitely illegal or "pirated" material. How else could you explain paying US$3 for something that retails for US$20? On Suk yesterday I bought 7 seasons of South Park (21 discs), Rush Hour 3, and a music CD for 1800 baht. In a legit store in Pattaya I saw the South Park 9 season box set (27 discs) for 4580 baht. Anyway, I just popped the Rush Hour 3 in and it has the picture and sound quality of someone recording with a video camera in a movie theater. The South Park discs look to be copies of the original, which is excellent. With both you can choose subtitles or not and/or which language. I think with older movies or the box sets you get good quality because they are copied from the disc that is already on the market. However, for something brand new they have to make it the bootleg way. The music CD would not register on my computer. It says no disc. However, on a portable CD player and my clock radio it works fine. I have not tried it yet in the car.

Mr Enternational,

I found something interesting, and maybe someone else can confirm what's happening. The Rush Hour 3 played fine in my hotel room DVD player and looked liked the real deal. Same with another DVD. Back home, these did not play well at all. Other movies looked good in the hotel room and played well back home. Format issue?

AT2

Horntoad

09-01-07, 16:03

Mr Enternational,

I found something interesting, and maybe someone else can confirm what's happening. The Rush Hour 3 played fine in my hotel room DVD player and looked liked the real deal. Same with another DVD. Back home, these did not play well at all. Other movies looked good in the hotel room and played well back home. Format issue?

AT2

AT2,

Same thing happens to me every so often. You probably have a higher end DVD player that has region specific software attached. If you put it into those cheaper thirty dollar dvd players, most likely they will play.

BionicMan

09-01-07, 17:20

,
The Rush Hour 3 played fine in my hotel room DVD player and looked liked the real deal. Same with another DVD. Back home, these did not play well at all. Other movies looked good in the hotel room and played well back home. Format issue?
AT2

Surely something to do with the World Region.
Genuine DVD always carry an icon showing the globe with an overprinted number (1....2....3.....4), even if sometime it is so hard to detect as it is a super small icon:
DVD players bought in your country (one of the world regions) will red only DVD made (= sold) for that specific region.
Very few DVD are marked ALL (regions).

Laptops DVD readers will give you 4 chances to set the world region.
Once you set it for the 4th time, that region will stay locked for ever: no matter if you change the DVD reader device, if you reformat your Hard-disk. No way!
You are married with that region till the laptop breathes.

That is the other side of globalization! Something antitrust agencies should work on.
As a consumer I do not see why in the world of free trade, a free trade market and corporate has to impose such restrictions.
Surely they will start to shout about copyrights etc etc.
But if I buy a legitimate and genuine movie in a DVD in USA (and copyrights paid there), why can't I watch it at home in Europe?
Nevertheless it is all ok if I bring along in any country my own dvd on my own laptop, so where's the point?

Still there are dvd player that can be preset to ALL regions, with some little tricks in the setting when you install the player for the first time. But they just cost 3 to 4 times the cost of a normal reader.

B.

Member #2041

09-01-07, 19:07

Don't know about Thailand but i had a friend fly from HCMC to Singapore to meet with me for a few days. No problems or need for visa or permission in VN. The girl just needs a passport! and not so many of them have that. Of course, there is the question, why bring a girl to Thailand?.....
Ozirob

Well, if it were that girl in the photo with the "fuck me skirt", I don't think I would have any question about bringing her ANYWHERE.

El Greco

09-01-07, 21:33

There are many sites that you can download the latest DVD's for free or for a small membership fee.

Why do you bother buying them and carry them illegally to USA?

Here is one for porno.

http://www.iroke.org/

There are others for normal movies.

Sorry that I don't share. I don't want them closed. Just do some research.

MrMeyers

09-02-07, 00:06

Well, if it were that girl in the photo with the "fuck me skirt", I don't think I would have any question about bringing her ANYWHERE.Actually it is that girl I am taking. I have mongered all over Asia and sometimes it is more fun just to relax and bring a girl along if she is hot and easy to be with.

Thanks guys for your help.

Lover Boy #2

09-03-07, 03:24

Surely something to do with the World Region.
Genuine DVD always carry an icon showing the globe with an overprinted number (1....2....3.....4), even if sometime it is so hard to detect as it is a super small icon:
DVD players bought in your country (one of the world regions) will red only DVD made (= sold) for that specific region.
Very few DVD are marked ALL (regions).

Laptops DVD readers will give you 4 chances to set the world region.
Once you set it for the 4th time, that region will stay locked for ever: no matter if you change the DVD reader device, if you reformat your Hard-disk. No way!
You are married with that region till the laptop breathes.

That is the other side of globalization! Something antitrust agencies should work on.
As a consumer I do not see why in the world of free trade, a free trade market and corporate has to impose such restrictions.
Surely they will start to shout about copyrights etc etc.
But if I buy a legitimate and genuine movie in a DVD in USA (and copyrights paid there), why can't I watch it at home in Europe?
Nevertheless it is all ok if I bring along in any country my own dvd on my own laptop, so where's the point?

Still there are dvd player that can be preset to ALL regions, with some little tricks in the setting when you install the player for the first time. But they just cost 3 to 4 times the cost of a normal reader.

B.

http://www.dvdunlocker.com/movies/?afl=19294&aflcampaign=OTHERS

....and there are many free hacks to get a lot of dvd players region free....just use google

Mastorr

09-03-07, 09:16

hello,

i'm in bkk now and yesterday in nana plaza i saw a nice and pretty girl who wanted to go with me for long time. she's 18 years old and i'm not sure if could have problems going with her to my hotel due her age.

i had other experience in pattaya when i took a 19 y.o. thai girl going to hotel, reception desk told me only was possible to enter girls from 20 y.o.

can anybody tell me what is the legal age for girl in thailand to avoid problems (**** problemes).

thanks,

NicFrenchy

09-03-07, 09:26

can anybody tell me what is the legal age for girl in thailand to avoid problems (**** problemes).

thanks,thailand

the age of consent in thailand is 15 (with the below caveat) as specified by article 279 of the thai criminal code. the current legislation applies to both men and women, although it is a common misconception that it applies only to women. [citation needed]

however parts of the prevention and suppression of prostitution act which disallow any sexual contact with prostitutes under the age of 18, are widely interpreted by some local authorities to cover sexual acts classed as "obscenity for personal gratification". also from the penal code amendment act of 1997 section 283bis, having sex with child under 18 is a compoundable offense even with the consent of that person. the parent or the child may file charge against the other side if he or she later regrets his or her own action. this ostensibly makes the thai unfettered age of consent 18.

a high profile example of this application of the law was a statutory [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123) charge filed against the lead singer of the thai band big ass for allegedly having had sex with a (then) 16 year old girl. the charge was filed by the girl after the singer refused to take responsibility for her baby. the singer has since been cleared of being the baby's father due to the results of a paternity test and he received 2 years suspended sentence.[8] &[9]

from this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ages_of_consent_in_asia

Duniawala

09-03-07, 15:49

http://www.dvdunlocker.com/movies/?afl=19294&aflcampaign=OTHERS

....and there are many free hacks to get a lot of dvd players region free....just use google
The DVD Player software on my Mac laptop allows me to open DVDs from any region. So Mac users don't need to worry.

AsiaTraveler2

09-03-07, 18:58

Surely something to do with the World Region.<cut>

That was my first thought, but the DVD's play through and are audible, but appear in black and white. I always thought the Region coding, distorted the picture or would not play at all. The sound also comes through clearly.

AT2

BionicMan

09-03-07, 21:41

That was my first thought, but the DVD's play through and are audible, but appear in black and white. I always thought the Region coding, distorted the picture or would not play at all. The sound also comes through clearly.
AT2
The region code simply usuall shows nothing at all on your player or a clear message on your laptop to warn you that the DVD is of a different region code than the one set in your laptop. If you change the setting you use one of the 4 chances..
So your problem might well be a badly produced disc.
I had a legitimate CD that showed completely different titles and songs through the internet check: an encoding mistake made a the factory (or a wrong pairing on the internet archives).
Shit happens!
Write it off in the "bad deals" account!

BionicMan

09-03-07, 21:49

Hello,
I had other experience in Pattaya when I took a 19 y.o. thai girl going to hotel, reception desk told me only was possible to enter girls from 20 y.o.
Thanks,

That's correct.
I experienced something similar with girls not being allowed in some disco if not over 20.
Then you see kids (even below teens, I'd say) hanging around go-go bar areas, selling goods, and surviving the daily challenges of a life in a poor country, at any time of the day and night.
Contradictions of these countries.
An expatriate friend told me once to be careful about thai women:
when they are young (meaning under legal age) they often look old (= doable in "western terms").
And when they are old they look young...(and this is not necessarily a bad thing as they add experience to a nice young look).

The Traveler

09-03-07, 23:18

Retired Army,

... And hard working Thai people find easily jobs in Thailand, it is worse than ever to find hard working and highly motivated staff.

Giotto,

I wonder how and where you get your so called "infos".
I know a couple of Thais - with and without university diplomas - who are willing to and already did work hard (e.g. double shifts) but can't find a job, or at least none that is paid well. You obviously don't know much about the problems involved with finding a good job and rather prefer to repeat prejudices instead of dealing with this subject in a proper manner.

You would largely increase the motivation of your staff by paying better salaries. How hard would you work for a few thousand baht ?

AsiaTraveler2

09-04-07, 00:04

The region code simply usuall shows nothing at all on your player or a clear message on your laptop to warn you that the DVD is of a different region code than the one set in your laptop. If you change the setting you use one of the 4 chances..
So your problem might well be a badly produced disc.
I had a legitimate CD that showed completely different titles and songs through the internet check: an encoding mistake made a the factory (or a wrong pairing on the internet archives).
Shit happens!
Write it off in the "bad deals" account!

Bionicman,

Yeah, something in the production is not quite right. Play perfectly in the DVD player in the hotel and not back home. It would not even fall into the "bad deals" category. Most work fine. Just thought it was interesting.

AT2

John Euro

09-04-07, 00:26

A few years ago I was working on a managment project in a, mainly Italian owned factory near Ayuthaya, we thought to motivate the 300 workers " the European way " with given them a nice bonus at the (Thai) new year. (Thai partner told us not to do so? ) and you know what happen, 50% of them did not show up the following week as they did have money enough to survive a bit without working.

The company limousine driver received a big tip from my partner for bringing his, in the car lost wallet and documents back to his hotel (to catch a early flight next morning), and. You guess what happen, he didn’t came back to work the following two weeks as the tip was more than his pay check, Our Thai partners told us that this was the Thai way of thinking about having more money than needed. Or usual Paying more seems to be (here) not always a option as they don’t save it.

The advice for not over tipping to P4P girls must be based on the same experince

J. E.

NicFrenchy

09-04-07, 03:19

You would largely increase the motivation of your staff by paying better salaries. How hard would you work for a few thousand baht ?Really? then this shows You obviously don't know much about the problems involved with finding good people in the Tourism industry. Paying higher Salaries than the Market average is Foolish, it will not make people work any harder, it will help you find staff, sure, but they won't be loyal to you and might leave whenever someone will offer them more money.

I am not blaming the people, it is their right to move around, after all, they are in a good position since there are less employees than jobs available.

Some people I know even have to hire Burmese staff because they can't find Thais.

The Couple of persons you refer to are not reflecting the majority at all.

Mastorr

09-04-07, 03:59

Thanks a lot mates .....

Old Thai Hand

09-04-07, 04:07

Giotto,

I wonder how and where you get your so called "infos".
I know a couple of Thais - with and without university diplomas - who are willing to and already did work hard (e.g. double shifts) but can't find a job, or at least none that is paid well. You obviously don't know much about the problems involved with finding a good job and rather prefer to repeat prejudices instead of dealing with this subject in a proper manner.

You would largely increase the motivation of your staff by paying better salaries. How hard would you work for a few thousand baht ?

TT

I'd like to know what extensive experience you've had working with Thais, working for Thais and having Thais work for you that allows you to pass judgement on Giotto? I know you've been here a million times, speak the lingo and are expert on many things Thai. But, that's not the same as being here in the day-to-day grind of dealing with these people and their major lack of of a proper work ethic.

So, please enlighten us.

Noman2

09-04-07, 05:11

In a few weeks I going to LOS (BKK and Pattaya) for 2 weeks, and I'm looking for any good and cheap electronic store, I like to buy a few lenses for nikon camera.
Any recommendation please?

How is the price in Thailand compared to US prices?

Kaukaukane

09-04-07, 09:47

Prices generally lower in USA.

In a few weeks I going to LOS (BKK and Pattaya) for 2 weeks, and I'm looking for any good and cheap electronic store, I like to buy a few lenses for nikon camera.

Any recommendation please?

How is the price in Thailand compared to US prices?

John Euro

09-04-07, 18:28

Norman2

For sure much cheaper in the US, the VAT that you can recuperate when leaving Thailand is only 4% with the high risk having to pay duty when entering your own country, the risk on VAT to be paid when entering the EEC is between 16% and 21% depending on the country, some even more + maybe a fine etc. Singapore is much better, HKG pricing is ok but a big problem with only one week warranty and uncompleted sets, they don’t open the new box in front of you, when all is paid then they tell you to buy extra the charger and the other items that are normally provide in the box from the factory. A real scam there.

I am a camera / photo maniac and have been checking most shops in BKK several times and it’s not worth to buy there or spend time on it, pocket cameras are sometimes OK in pricing but SLR and lenses like Nikon & Canon are even more expensive than Europe and US pricing is at least 40% cheaper than the Europe prices.

A few good stores if you like :

The best one is in the MBK shopping centre ,on the 3th floor

Sunny Camera , sometimes bargains ,and all good brands ,

Another good and better one at MBK is Photo Thailand (bigger & all brands )

The best one at MBK is Foto File Co. on the first floor ( Canon & Nikon )
Look at there site for pricing , http://www.fotofile.net/index.php?lang=en.

Check at MBK also the 2e hands camera shops if you are interested .

Both have all mayor brands on bags , cards , tripods etc .
For all kind of electronics , Ipods etc go to Pantip Plaza on Petchaburi Rd.

Hope this is helpful for you

Don’t take any risk on warranty etc , buy in the US

John Euro

Terry Terrier

09-04-07, 23:58

Paying higher Salaries than the Market average is Foolish, it will not make people work any harder, it will help you find staff, sure, but they won't be loyal to you and might leave whenever someone will offer them more money.

Nic, with all due respect, your quoted sentence reads as nonsense to me. Of course an employee will be temped to leave if somebody offers them more money. In what way is this behaviour any different in Thailand to employee behaviour in any other business in any other country? Or are you suggesting that it's common practice to overpay the locals in Thailand (and outbid the overpayers for their employees, and outbid the outbidders.....)?

Whatever.....the best quality employees will generally work for the best employers as Thailand's economy drags itself kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Or are you suggesting that the only way to keep things progressing is to keep Mr & Mrs Average Thai on third world salaries?

Old Thai Hand

09-05-07, 01:33

Nic, with all due respect, your quoted sentence reads as nonsense to me. Of course an employee will be temped to leave if somebody offers them more money. In what way is this behaviour any different in Thailand to employee behaviour in any other business in any other country? Or are you suggesting that it's common practice to overpay the locals in Thailand (and outbid the overpayers for their employees, and outbid the outbidders.....)?

Whatever.....the best quality employees will generally work for the best employers as Thailand's economy drags itself kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Or are you suggesting that the only way to keep things progressing is to keep Mr & Mrs Average Thai on third world salaries?

To equate Thai workers with workers elsewhere is foolish to say the least. The amount of salary or the quality of the employer has little to do with the effectiveness of your average Thai worker. The vast majority of Thais are under-achievers and have no real ambition; at least ambition that goes hand-in-hand with hard work to achieve a goal, personal or otherwise. I've never seen such a collective mind-set anywhere wherein, the average person feels a sense of entitlement, without earning it, has no sense of loyalty or responsibility, and generally expects the most for the least effort. Thais will quit a job at the drop of a hat without any reason and are in that regard, the most mobile and fluid workforce I've ever witnessed.

After 11 years of working with these people, I have little respect left for them.

Sean_Double

09-05-07, 03:06

I've never seen such a collective mind-set anywhere wherein, the average person feels a sense of entitlement, without earning it, has no sense of loyalty or responsibility, and generally expects the most for the least effort. Thais will quit a job at the drop of a hat without any reason and are in that regard, the most mobile and fluid workforce I've ever witnessed.

OTH,
I totally agree with you, although thankfully there are the exceptions.

The part of your post that I quoted made me laugh; don't you think it could also describe the value system metrics taught at Harvard Business School?

Cheers,
Sean

NicFrenchy

09-05-07, 04:10

it's common practice to overpay the locals in Thailand (and outbid the overpayers for their employees, and outbid the outbidders.....)?

Yep, especially in areas where it is difficult to find good people (Not Bkk, Chiang Mai adn the other big cities)

Whatever.....the best quality employees will generally work for the best employers as Thailand's economy drags itself kicking and screaming into the 21st century.I agree. But if you assume the best employer is the one that pays the highest Salary, then we may agree to disagree (is that English? LOL)

Or are you suggesting that the only way to keep things progressing is to keep Mr & Mrs Average Thai on third world salaries?I am not suggesting anything, you read too much into what I wrote. Just a question, have you worked in Thailand before? have you ever been in a position where you had to hire a Thai? how many people do you have to manage on a daily basis?

I manage over 50 people on a daily basis and they are all loyal to our company. We pay them the normal Market Salaries for their position, but then they get Bonuses, we treat them well,they have a nice adn friendly working environment, get "Leave of absence" when needed, we invite them for treats (lunches, dinners) on a weekly basis, we have monthly outings (Bowling, Pool, PaintBall, Movies), we help them when they have kids, we have Birthday parties, we help them when they have Family problems, etc...

This is how you can build loyalty and trust with the Thais. I am not saying we are perfect, far from it, but of all the employees who have left us for better paid jobs, a lot asked if they could come back.

My mate (who is with a Big Corporation) pays his staff really well, but then if they don't produce or perform to satisfaction, they get the boot.

Third world country Salaries? compared to what?

Noman2

09-05-07, 06:25

John Euro,

Thanx for advice

Giotto

09-05-07, 06:58

Giotto,

I wonder how and where you get your so called "infos".
I know a couple of Thais - with and without university diplomas - who are willing to and already did work hard (e.g. double shifts) but can't find a job, or at least none that is paid well.
...

You would largely increase the motivation of your staff by paying better salaries. How hard would you work for a few thousand baht ?The Traveler,

Funny comment, don't really understand it, I did not even use the word "infos" in my report. And how do you know how much we pay our staff, whether we pay "better" or "worse" salaries?

Anyway, I simply wrote about my experiences with hiring staff here in Thailand, which is a permanent process when you run a hotel / restaurant / bar in Bangkok. And to the discussions with customers doing the same for their companies here in Thailand. And with other hotel managers, with which we exchange information, even exchange staff for training pruposes etc. etc. . Nearly everybody I talk to made the same experience.

...
You obviously don't know much about the problems involved with finding a good job and rather prefer to repeat prejudices instead of dealing with this subject in a proper manner.
...LOL, you will never change :) . I am not Thai, and I have a [some] job[s] :). And I don't think that I repeat prejudices when I simply write about my own experiences with hiring staff for my company. It's the reality I am dealing with here on a daily basis.

Giotto

AsiaTraveler2

09-05-07, 10:58

I was planning on posting some general information, but it looks like I jumped into the Fight Club thread by mistake! My bad!

AT2

Jungle Bluebird

09-05-07, 11:22

Old Thai Hand

09-05-07, 14:18

OTH

What most foreigners don't comprehend is that Thais work as a collective and not as individuals. Most task are done in a team and group consensus is much appreciated. So like Nic Frenchy correctly stated team building like parties etc helps. But only to a point.

I must admit, when people are most happy in my office, I start to worry as its usually indicates that little is accomplished.

Maybe just my experience. JB

I completely understand the group dynamic of Thais. But, a lot of that has to do with a lack of individual initiative tempered by the fear of doing something wrong and being singled out and punished. It's better to fuck up as a group than take the heat for something, individually. Thais can't think for themselves even in a group. It's all about pleasing somebody above, never stepping out of line, doing what you're told and certainly never challenging something or someone, even if competely assinine. This begins in the Thai education system where a student risks serious repercussions if he ever thinks for himself, or questions a teacher, especially if he spots a teacher making a mistake, which often happens. Students have been beaten and/or expelled for asking a teacher to explain something further or for pointing out a mistake a teacher has made. An example of this type of repression was the story recently of a student who was disciplined severely for telling his teacher that the English word for รถบรรทุก (rot ban took) could be also be translated as "truck",according to American English, when she insisted that the only acceptable translation was the Brit-English "Lorry".

When talking about Thai workers, I wasn't just talking about underlings, but co-workers and bosses. Thai bosses are among the most incompetent I've ever encountered. Shit truly does float to the top here. My first boss at The Nation (and still there 11 years later) married into his position (his wife is the owner's sister). He was and still is a fucking babbling idiot.

I'm curious what experience you've had working with Thais above you in your office. Or, are you the boss?

Jungle Bluebird

09-06-07, 12:31

OTH

Yes, I am the boss and the master over a small army :-) Over the years we hired and fired quite a number of individuals, the very product of the fine institution you work at. Their skin was a bit whiter, the English a bit better, yet I must admit not all were necessarily smarter.

For years I been asking WHY. Why people can't do this or that... or simply why Thais do things so very different from what I call logic or common sense.

My answer to the why: first of all in the interest of my personal health and mental condition I still teach myself not to look to close.

Then, they are 2 ways to run a business in Thailand (as a foreigner).

1.) be nice to your staff, have parties, let them listen to music at work, create relaxation zones, encourage the easy life and in return pay small salaries and learn to live with max 40% productivity.

2.) be strict, place limited pressure on your staff, reward performance and pay higher salaries and learn to live with 75% productivity.

JB

I completely understand the group dynamic of Thais. But, a lot of that has to do with a lack of individual initiative tempered by the fear of doing something wrong and being singled out and punished. It's better to fuck up as a group than take the heat for something, individually. Thais can't think for themselves even in a group. It's all about pleasing somebody above, never stepping out of line, doing what you're told and certainly never challenging something or someone, even if competely assinine. This begins in the Thai education system where a student risks serious repercussions if he ever thinks for himself, or questions a teacher, especially if he spots a teacher making a mistake, which often happens. Students have been beaten and/or expelled for asking a teacher to explain something further or for pointing out a mistake a teacher has made. An example of this type of repression was the story recently of a student who was disciplined severely for telling his teacher that the English word for รถบรรทุก (rot ban took) could be also be translated as "truck",according to American English, when she insisted that the only acceptable translation was the Brit-English "Lorry".

When talking about Thai workers, I wasn't just talking about underlings, but co-workers and bosses. Thai bosses are among the most incompetent I've ever encountered. Shit truly does float to the top here. My first boss at The Nation (and still there 11 years later) married into his position (his wife is the owner's sister). He was and still is a fucking babbling idiot.

I'm curious what experience you've had working with Thais above you in your office. Or, are you the boss?

Terry Terrier

09-08-07, 05:14

Yep, especially in areas where it is difficult to find good people (Not Bkk, Chiang Mai adn the other big cities)

I agree. But if you assume the best employer is the one that pays the highest Salary, then we may agree to disagree (is that English? LOL)

I am not suggesting anything, you read too much into what I wrote. Just a question, have you worked in Thailand before? have you ever been in a position where you had to hire a Thai? how many people do you have to manage on a daily basis?

I manage over 50 people on a daily basis and they are all loyal to our company. We pay them the normal Market Salaries for their position, but then they get Bonuses, we treat them well,they have a nice adn friendly working environment, get "Leave of absence" when needed, we invite them for treats (lunches, dinners) on a weekly basis, we have monthly outings (Bowling, Pool, PaintBall, Movies), we help them when they have kids, we have Birthday parties, we help them when they have Family problems, etc...

This is how you can build loyalty and trust with the Thais. I am not saying we are perfect, far from it, but of all the employees who have left us for better paid jobs, a lot asked if they could come back.

My mate (who is with a Big Corporation) pays his staff really well, but then if they don't produce or perform to satisfaction, they get the boot.

Third world country Salaries? compared to what?
Nic, thanks for your informative reply. Your company clearly operates good management of employees using similar techniques to companies in Western Europe. But I'm still baffled by your original comment about wages and poaching of employees.

Sanook D

09-08-07, 06:38

... a lack of individual initiative tempered by the fear of doing something wrong and being singled out and punished. It's better to fuck up as a group than take the heat for something, individually. Thais can't think for themselves even in a group. It's all about pleasing somebody above, never stepping out of line, doing what you're told and certainly never challenging something or someone, even if competely assinine. This begins in the Thai education system . . .You could substitute "Japanese" for "Thai" above and still be pretty close to the mark. The cultural similarities are astonishing, and what is especially astonishing to me is the radical difference in outcome. The Thais really are like the Japanese- like lazy Japanese on Prozac (thankfully the Thais don't show so much interest in killing themselves). A bit overly broad, I know, but I wonder what accounts for the most salient differences- I. E. , work ethic and competitiveness- against a fairly similar cultural background (including the strikingly similar synthesis of Buddhism and animism found in both cultures). Could it be the difference in environments? Thailand being quite fertile and forgiving in comparison to the perpetually hostile environment of the Japanese archipelago (earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, snowstorms, etc.); it is easy to be lazy in a place where if you drop a seed you get a plant, throw a net get a fish, eat mangoes in the mango season and durian in the durian season, etc. (Of course, back when much of Thailand was covered in jungle it probably wasn't all that gentle a place to live.) Or is that Thailand never experienced an overarching military dictatorship like that of the Tokugawa shogunate, ruling Japan with an iron fist for 200 years, dominating all aspects of politics and economy while ruthlessly suppressing any dissent?

Just thinking out loud here, enjoying the conversation and wanted to try to contribute something.

Jungle Bluebird

09-09-07, 14:42

Not sure how you can compare Thais to Japanese. During a recent Tokyo visit I did not see phone wires hanging in the trees :-)

JB

You could substitute "Japanese" for "Thai" above and still be pretty close to the mark. The cultural similarities are astonishing, and what is especially astonishing to me is the radical difference in outcome. The Thais really are like the Japanese- like lazy Japanese on Prozac (thankfully the Thais don't show so much interest in killing themselves). A bit overly broad, I know, but I wonder what accounts for the most salient differences- I. E. , work ethic and competitiveness- against a fairly similar cultural background (including the strikingly similar synthesis of Buddhism and animism found in both cultures). Could it be the difference in environments? Thailand being quite fertile and forgiving in comparison to the perpetually hostile environment of the Japanese archipelago (earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, snowstorms, etc.); it is easy to be lazy in a place where if you drop a seed you get a plant, throw a net get a fish, eat mangoes in the mango season and durian in the durian season, etc. (Of course, back when much of Thailand was covered in jungle it probably wasn't all that gentle a place to live.) Or is that Thailand never experienced an overarching military dictatorship like that of the Tokugawa shogunate, ruling Japan with an iron fist for 200 years, dominating all aspects of politics and economy while ruthlessly suppressing any dissent?

Just thinking out loud here, enjoying the conversation and wanted to try to contribute something.

NicFrenchy

09-10-07, 04:20

Not sure how you can compare Thais to Japanese. During a recent Tokyo visit I did not see phone wires hanging in the trees :-)

JBHahahahaha quite right.

NicFrenchy

09-10-07, 10:50

Not really sure where to post this (Sorry Jackson); but this is for all newbies that don't know or can't be bothered to RTFF and whining there is too many posts to read.

If you know how to search properly, then you can get the information you seek within seconds... here's how:

1. GENERAL SEARCH

You can search right there from the main Forum using the Search Function Button at the top of your screen. Please see photo below titled "Forum Search01.jpg".

Searching this way can be slow because the search function will search through the whole Forum.

2. SPECIFIC SEARCH

Let’s say you need information on Akane in Bangkok.

Since you know already what you are looking for, best is to get as deep as possible in the Forum and narrow the search.

So let’s go to Thailand: Please see photo below titled "Forum Search02.jpg".

We know it’s a Massage Parlor, so let’s go there: Please see photo below titled "Forum Search03.jpg".

You now have the choice between 2 ways of Searching: "Search this Thread" or "Thread Tools". Please see photo below titled "Forum Search04.jpg".

1. Search Thread

Click on Search this Thread and type the name of what you are looking for in the box: Please see photo below titled "Forum Search05.jpg". and click GO.

Please see photo below titled "Forum Search06.jpg". You can see the system found 100 posts containing the word Akane (split in 4 pages)

2. Thread Tools (my favourite)

Click on Thread tools and choose Show Printable version. Please see photo below titled "Forum Search07.jpg".

This will show you a Printable looking page containing ALL Posts from the Bangkok massage Parlor Thread. Please see photo below titled "Forum Search08.jpg".

Then click on "Show 1000 posts from this Thread on one page" and you will see that it reduced to only 3 pages. Please see photo below titled "Forum Search09.jpg".

Once you have these done (takes only a few seconds), then hit CTRL+F (hold “Control” key and F) and a “find” popup will come (exactly the same as MS WORD). Type the word you are looking for and hit “Find Next” Please see photo below titled "Forum Search10.jpg".

You see the GREEN word is the one being looked up now (active), the YELLOW one is the next one that will be active once you will hit “Find Next” again. You can Hit "Find Next" as many times as you want until it goes to the bottom of the page and there is no more left.

You can also in the middle of a search change the name you are looking up (since the search popup stays there) and you will be taken to the new word you want.

What I find useful about this feature is that you can save it to your desktop and do a search whenever you like, without having to be online. This is priceless, for example to do it before your Long Haul trip to LOS so that you can read all the posts and search this way while on the plane!

Enjoy

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Rodeo9112

09-14-07, 00:12

AsiaTraveler2

09-14-07, 09:02

Hey, I'm thinking of taking my first trip to Asia (Thailand) soon. I am ready to do my own research, but I'm just trying to figure out where to start. Can anyone give me their opinion on the 2 top cities in Thailand (and why) so I can go from there? I'm not typically into Asian women, so I'the prefer an area where I can find Asian (or other) girls with some meat on their bones. Not fat, but just nice juicy assess and tits, like the Colombianas and Dominicans I have become so fond of in Latin America! Also, if there is a place in Thailand that has girls from all over the world, that would be great too. Thanks! By the way, I always pay back info provided with great reports. Check out my reports on Bogota and Panama City, Panama!

Rodeo

Rodeo9112,

You may end up disappointed, if you are not into Asian woman and are into the Latin American woman. They are so different, that if you like one type, you may not like the other. I'm the other way around. I love Asian woman and only spend minimal time in Central and South America. I prefer the Asian models! Sleek, shy, but very lovable and loving. LOL!

There are some options, so I hope someone with that expertise can help you out.

AT2

Hotman 666

09-14-07, 13:43

Hi Rodeo,

I have travelled in SE Asia and S. America quite a lot over the last 20 years or so and love them both.

Yes the countries and girls are very different and almost impossible to compare but even within S. America it is allmost impossible to compare Chile with say Brazil or Venezuela!.

Please do not think that ALL Thai girls are very slim with few curves. There are many with “outstanding” figures, either real or silicone so I do not think you will have problems finding ones that meet your specification.

Of course you will not find many blue eyed blondes in Thailand but then again there are now quite a few Eastern European girls working there, mostly to satisfy the Asian punters.

Regarding the best cities for a first visit I would recommend Bangkok and Pattaya. Not that I think that these are necessarily the best cities in Thailand but as a first timer it will give you a good insight into the Thai scene with minimal traveling!
For a relaxing few days Chang Mai and the north can be interesting. Chang Mai is Thailand’s 2nd city but only around 1/40th the size of Bangkok.

My advice is go with an open mind and I will take a bet that you will enjoy Thailand just as much as S. America. I know I do!!

Enjoy,

Hotman.

El Greco

09-14-07, 13:51

If you are not prepared to try a different world Thailand will not be good for you.

There is not comparison between Latinas and Thais. If you prefer the only one being that both are having tits and pussies.
Latinas are energetic, enthusiastic, full of fun and they will not only fuck your body but your brains too if they like you.

Thais, as AT2 said, are mostly on the shy side. You have to be initiative but will treat you as an emperor at times. eg getting with you in the bathtub, washing you, giving you a massage and full service afterwards in the soapies.
Something you can not easily get in Latin America.

But they are very clean and have perfect skin and nice & clean saved pussies.

Also not black or blond pussies there unless you hit an eastern European beauty somewhere.

My two centavos amigo.

El Greco

Msands

09-15-07, 23:26

Hey Rodeo,

Saw your post and this and wanted to give you some info since you helped with me with Panama. First off, I've never been to Thai but spent lots of time in HK, KL and Singapore (many Thai's there too). I too am most fond of Colombianas/Venezolanas/Equadorianas. I still think they are the hottest women on the planet -- both physically and performance wise.

But Asians have their own special appeal. If you go to HK or Sing, you will see some absolute Thai hotties. Some of them will be really curvy, full figured and voluptious. Also, two of the best chicks I've ever had were a Vietnamese and a Cambodian. I've heard Pattaya is just a ***** party everywhere, plus you have beach in the daytime.

Now Asian chicks may be more subdued before boning, but if you connect they will go wild in bed and take care of your needs 200%. Just treat em nice and they will more than return the favor. BTW, its really important that you know that Thai's are big into 'preserving face', thus don't embarass a girl in front of other girls or you will miss out big time. Let us know how you make out in Thai! Must get a soapy massage.

Rodeo9112

09-16-07, 22:16

Thanks alot guys for not giving me the typical RTFF newbie responses. Great insight and now I have a couple of jumping off points. I may use Thailand as my first trip with one of my buddies. He's Asian and has been trying to explain to me the finer qualities of his women. I'm definitely going, just for the experience, so, we'll see. I'm looking forward to it and thanks again for your help!

Rodeo

Dinghy

09-18-07, 14:40

The beach is much better over in Jomtien. 10B ride on the bahtbus from the corner of South and Second - if they are going that way - get one that's "going" - the guys sitting there try to stick you for 50

Daddy07

09-22-07, 20:33

I suppose there are more ways than one to acquire a Thai long-stay non-immigrant type “O-A” retirement visa, but after much thought and consideration, I decided to apply for one in my home country at the Royal Thai Consulate General’s office in Chicago. It’s a good thing I started my planning early because I encountered frustrating bureaucratic problems at every turn. Let me explain:

The Pattaya Expats Club has excellent information and advice about Thai visas on their web site: http://www.pattayaexpatsclub.com/. They invite inquiries by e-mail, but don’t bother trying because if you have any questions they will not be answered. I discovered that after contacting them several times but receiving no replies. The site suggests that the Thai Consulate in Denver is the most helpful for obtaining visas, but they wouldn’t help me because I don’t reside in Colorado. So I finally ended up on the Chicago web site: http://www.thaichicago.net/ where I found rather cryptic and contradictory information along with downloadable visa forms and applications. They invite questions by e-mail as well but never reply.

So I copied all the instructions, information, and downloaded the forms. First, I needed to fill them out properly with my personal information, including the name of a “sponsor” in Thailand. WTF, I don’t know anyone in Thailand except bar girls and I don’t even know their real names. What to do? Luckily, I remembered the American guy who owned the hotel where I stayed at last time. I e-mailed him and he gave me permission to use his name. I also had to list an address where I would be living in Thailand. Geez, I didn’t know where in the hell that would be and I still don’t know yet. So I just listed that same hotel’s address.

Now I had to go to Wal-Mart and get 3 passport sized photos taken. No problems with that --piece of cake. Next, I had to come up with a notarized certificate from my local police authority to the effect that I have no criminal record. After calls to the county prosecutor’s office, the district court, and finally the state police department, I was told that I would have to come down to the station in person to be fingerprinted and fill out an application to be sent to the state capitol central office for a records search. What a fucking indignity! I’ve never been fingerprinted before. Now I have. I asked the cop how much this would all cost, and he said, “There is no fee.” Gee, that’s nice, I thought.

So I sent the stuff to the state capital, and eight days later it all came back to me, with no certificate, but only a notice that: “There is a $30 fee for this service.” Shit. (They couldn’t have just held it and called me about sending them the money … oh no, they had to send it all back and make me send it to them again just to satisfy their irrational bureaucratic bullshit). So I wrote out the check, stuffed it all back in a new envelope, paid the postage again and sent it off. Eight days later I had my notarized certificate from the director of state police that says I’m not a crook.

Meanwhile, I was also required to come up with another notarized sealed certificate from a medical doctor proclaiming that I’m not afflicted with “elephantitus, third stage syphilis, tuberculosis, or any other disgusting disease.” So I called my family Dr.’s office and the nurse told me to send in the form and he would sign it, have it notarized, sealed, and send it back to me without having to come in for a visit. Gee, that’s nice and convenient, I thought, as I sent him the form. A week later the nurse is on the phone telling me the “Dr. will sign this form but he wants to see me first.” “Oh, come on,” I protested. “He’s been treating me for years, and now he has to see me again just to certify that I don’t have any disgusting diseases?” “I’m afraid so,” she replied, “Sorry I told you different before,” and then she scheduled the appointment two weeks hence. “Dr. will sign it then and you’ll have it before you leave,” she insisted. Shit, I thought. I know why he needs to see me. How else is he going to collect his $70 for an office visit? So two weeks later, I go see my Dr, who pats me on the back, laughs and jokes about my wanting to go to Thailand, takes my blood pressure, and signs the form, which essentially says that I am not a public health hazard to the kingdom of Thailand.. Then he goes to get it notarized and comes back and says: “Guess what? The person who notarizes stuff for me is not here today. It’s her day off. I’ll give it to her to notarized next Monday, and then she’ll send it to you in the mail, OK?” “Yeah, OK,” I said. (Shit!) A week later I had the certificate.

Next, I had to come up with certified copies of my latest brokerage statements together with a notarized and sealed letter of guarantee from the financial institution that I have the required amounts of money in my accounts to qualify for a retirement visa. So I e-mailed my brokerage firm with the request. No reply. I e-mailed them again. No reply. Again, and finally a response advising that “We’ve never done that before and can’t do it.” (Shit!) So, after several desperate calls, they tell me that they can send me copies of my statements but they have no form for a guarantee letter so their attorney advises them not to do it. The Thai Consulate provided no such form either. What to do?
Well, I just drafted my own form. I just made it up to look like an official form from the Thai Consulate complete with blanks to be filled in with all the necessary information, etc., then scanned it and sent it as an e-mail attachment to the brokerage with another request. A week later… Viola!!! They call and tell me they will fill it out, notarize it, seal it and send it to me. Ten days later, I have the documents.

OK. Now I’m finally ready to send my application with all the necessary documentation as well as my passport to the Thai Consulate with the appropriate $50 fee in the form of a money order or certified cashiers bank check. (They don’t take personal checks or credit card orders like most civilized businesses … Oh, no … they are a bureaucracy. And, twice on the web site they said the fee is $50 for this visa). Oh yes, and it must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested along with a self addressed envelope for the return of the documents to me with all the required pre-paid postage for certified mail. So, I get it all together and take it to the post office. Off it goes. After all that has gone wrong so far I’m mighty queasy about sending my passport away in the mail. I might not ever see it again, and there goes my trip to LOS. This should only take about 10 days, I figured – no more than 5 business days at the Thai Consulate according to the information on the web site plus mailing time.

Two weeks elapse -- nothing in the mail. So I go to usps.com in the Internet to track the letter, and find that it took 6 days for a certified letter just to go the 250 miles to Chicago. Six fucking days!! Oh, well, I thought – It’ll be here any day now. Another week goes by – nothing in the mail. Just as I’m about to call the Consulate, my phone rings, and it’s a secretary at the Thai Consulate. “We have your visa application,” she politely intoned, “however; the fee for this visa is $60.” “But your web site says $50 twice,” I replied. “It’s $60” she said. “OK,” I answered, “If you just hold it there for me, I’ll send you a certified check for $10 immediately tomorrow morning by priority mail. “We can do that,” she said. “Thank you,” says I. (Shit! But at least I know my application has been approved, all is in order, and I’m sure to get the visa now, I thought) So the next day I’m at the post office again, spending another $6.42 to send a $10 check after a visit to my bank make sure it is certified. Five days later – 28 day after sending for it -- I finally have my visa.

Now, I suppose I could have just shown up in Thailand with no visa at all on a 30 day entry permit, and applied for a long stay visa in Pattaya. That was one option. But then I would have been required to show the immigration officer a return airline ticket within 30 days and I would not have had that. I might have been denied entry into Thailand right then and there at the airport, and I was not about to take that risk. I would also have to show immigration that I had sufficient money in the bank in Thailand for at least three months, and I could not do that either. So my application in Thailand might have been denied. What then? Perhaps I could have applied for a simple 60 day tourist visa in the US, and then changed it to a long stay visa in Pattaya. So many choices. So much red tape. So much to think worry about. So many potential problems and pitfalls. That’s government for you. There here to help us they always say.

But now at least I have the peace of mind to know that I can go to Thailand in just 3 more weeks and stay as long as I like. It’s been a long and painful odyssey. Sure hope my experience will save some of you guys some of the same trouble. Now I simply need to relax. I need some pussy. I’m sure it will all be worth it.

Regards,
Daddy

AsiaTraveler2

09-23-07, 01:53

<cut>
Now Asian chicks may be more subdued before boning, but if you connect they will go wild in bed and take care of your needs 200%. Just treat em nice and they will more than return the favor. BTW, its really important that you know that Thai's are big into 'preserving face', thus don't embarass a girl in front of other girls or you will miss out big time. Let us know how you make out in Thai! Must get a soapy massage.

I always hear Asians and the concept of "losing face" brought up as a Golden rule. In my experience, "losing face" is a universal concept. I see it applied in Japan, China, Thailand and Korea and I also see it applied in the U.S., Europe and South America. Have you seen anyone anywhere who enjoyed losing face? How about your bosses, loved one's, business associates, and friends?

I understand these concepts get passed on from person to person and they become some unwritten rule, but most often, I find people are people. We all have pride, we all love sex and we all love money. At least to some degree. Keep an open mind where ever you go, treat people like individuals and not a stereotype, and you will have a good time and make new friends.

AT2

Jungle Bluebird

09-23-07, 07:26

at2

feel the need to comment here. yes no one likes to be embarrassed, particularly not in front of others.

however, i found thai's tend to interpret the loss of face however it fits their current agenda. not sure how long you 've been in thailand, but you will find that lower class thai's in particular, are thick as wood when it comes to emotional intelligence.

yes, all nice enough people, but by god, when they are upset, i.e. the no speech treatment, it may take month for them to somewhat return to 'normal'.

also need to be careful. at times these type of people make it their mission, as a response, to hurt you bad. newspapers are full of documented crime of passion.

i've given up long ago to ask the big 'why'. it's part of thai character so best is to try to avoid any confrontation.

jb

i always hear asians and the concept of "losing face" brought up as a golden rule. in my experience, "losing face" is a universal concept. i see it applied in japan, china, thailand and korea and i also see it applied in the u.s., europe and south america. have you seen anyone anywhere who enjoyed losing face? how about your bosses, loved one's, business associates, and friends?

i understand these concepts get passed on from person to person and they become some unwritten rule, but most often, i find people are people. we all have pride, we all love sex and we all love money. at least to some degree. keep an open mind where ever you go, treat people like individuals and not a stereotype, and you will have a good time and make new friends.

at2

AsiaTraveler2

09-23-07, 10:15

yes, all nice enough people, but by god, when they are upset, i.e. the no speech treatment, it may take month for them to somewhat return to 'normal'.

lol! i have seen the "no speech treatment" by many people and all races, and for longer than a month. i do understand that everyone's experiences are different. we can also look at the same event and have very different interpretations, since bias/perception affects what we see. i don't think it's good to put anyone of any race, in a position where they lose face. so it's really a non issue for me.

appreciate the comment.

thanks!
at2

Gaienmae

09-23-07, 10:49

Not sure how you can compare Thais to Japanese. During a recent Tokyo visit I did not see phone wires hanging in the trees :-)

JB

Oddly enought, when visiting Bangkok for the first time (after many years of Japan) one of the first things that occured to me was "OMG, they seem to have got their utility wire laying techniques from the Japanese", i.e. string it all (telecoms, power) up on a pole and hope it doesn't fall down.

Thailand reminded me of what Japan might have been like if, after WWII, they'd said "screw the high-intensity economic growth, let's sit back and party!".

LittleBigMan

09-24-07, 06:13

Losing face! I have spent many years traveling in China, and because I'm Chinese maybe I'm just more aware of the what it takes for a Chinese to lose face. Being married and living in Thailand it is a whole new ballgame for me! From my experience so far I think the Thai's are more sensitive and it doesn't seem to take much for them to lose face. One slip of the tongue and I find myself sleeping on the crouch or getting the silent treatment for a hour.

Concerning friends of my wife one moment they seem to be friends the next thing no one is speaking! but no one let's me in on the matter! next thing I know I'm getting a tongue full of heat for talking to that person!

It's hard but have pretty of time to learn!

LBM

FritsVanegter

09-24-07, 11:48

Hello,

Once I did order some vegetarian food in a non vegetarian restaurant but I just pointed at the items I would like to eat. Some Thai food looks a little strange to me and after eating I realized I have been eating some chicken instead of a new vegetable. I did eat here many times and the waitress has allways been friendly. This time when paying I did make a complaint and told her that working in a restaurant where 80 % is tourist you should at least understand them and I allways will ask for a kind of confirmation to be sure. Probably the old lady standing next to her was her boss. WOW she loses her Thai smile every time I even come close. Maybe this year she wil not recognise me when I stay in the hotel next door and will walk inside for a meal. Thai people do expect us to understand and respect their culture but the other way round they don't seem to have a clue. BUT all of us complaining will still try to return there every year so it has to okay taking everything in consideration.

Biz99

09-24-07, 15:28

LittleBigMan-

It will be interesting to see how your views form over time here. Your understanding of face in China is going to be useful, but I think that Thais complain about loss of face when in fact it is a maturity issue. Here, people react to some things like children, often with devastating results. The way that Thais deal with conflict (ignore, ignore, ignore, EXPLODE!) is a maturity issue - not a face issue.

There is a real issue in Thailand regarding IQ and EQ (emotional maturity). As an educator, I see some of the incoming test scores from all over the country. The level of emotional maturity among Thai people generally is very low compared to many other Asian groups as well as the west.

IQs (and you can say what you want about the validity of IQ tests) are very low. Fifteen year old Thai students have average IQ scores of between 12 and 17 points lower than kids in the west. This is not an issue in China.

Look forward to hearing your comments as you settle into a marriage with a Thai and good luck!

RetiredForever

09-25-07, 01:43

Will be in SE Asia for 3 months starting some time in November. Will be in Pattaya and Phuket part of time. Does any one know good oral surgeon for Branemark System teeth implants? Also need a basil cancer spot removed from cheek. Any one know a good surgeon. Your assistance and suggestions would be appreciated. You can send a PM if you prefere.

LittleBigMan

09-25-07, 03:57

Biz99,

I believe what you are saying about IQ and EQ, most of the Thai's, which are my wife friends are in their 30's, and I will make a assumption that they have limited education like my wife which comes from the country so they are somewhat linked. Being somewhat of a joker and a tester of people feelings and reaction I get myself in real hot water at times but they let it go because they know I'm a farang and forget. I truly have to watch myself with Thai's but they seems to be overly sensitive to little things that as you say might be childish to us.

Thanks, LBM

Intransit

09-25-07, 06:00

Brothers,

Which country do you think offers the best combination of scuba diving and pussy? Thailand? Philippines? Indonesia? Elsewhere?

Jungle Bluebird

09-25-07, 07:10

Interesting thought to combine both, screwing and diving.

Friends of mine once rented an entire live aboard cruise and brought their Thai sweet heart entourage along. Surface intervals were sweetened by massage. Evening parties were a riot.

But hey, you know what they say...: no sea to rough, no muff to tough :-)

JB

Brothers,

Which country do you think offers the best combination of scuba diving and pussy? Thailand? Philippines? Indonesia? Elsewhere?

LittleBigMan

09-25-07, 09:16

M P Lurker

09-27-07, 10:14

Biz99

09-28-07, 04:50

Thaifun

09-28-07, 10:27

RetirerForever,

Since you will be in Pattaya, I believe from what you described that would fit both of your needs is the Pattaya/Bangkok " The International Hospital " Try to contact them on this website.. www.pattayahospital.com E-mail inquiry@bgh.co.th

Good Luck,You better stay away from the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. It overcharges in comparison to other private hospitals (also in my own experience) and has an extremely bad reputation with the foreign community. THey pay the local ambulance services bribes so that accident victims and others are delivered to them exclusively. Then an administrator determines if the catch is profitable enough and only if so, you will receive treatment. For such reasons they have sent a severely insured local teacher away to a hospital in chonburi alleging that they had not the right blood type on hold and that it was easier to take the man out of intensive care, put him in an ambulance and ship him off. The man died.
The hospital even acknowledge in writing their police and basically warned all foreigners to register in order to avoid same handling by them.

The stories about that place are man. At the moment, the hospital is engaged in a concerted campaign with advertisements on pattaya beach, in malls, and with private practitioners. Moreover, the hospital enjoys enough leverage with various forums to censor any critical publicity. It also helps that one old fart , Dr. Ian, works with Pattaya Mail TV. So dont expect too much coverage from the local news outlets.

In short, they are the local non-health mafia.

You might like to try the hospital in Si Racha some 30 kilometers north that enjoys an excellent reputation.

Thaifun

09-28-07, 12:14

Old Thai Hand

09-28-07, 14:26

Even my GF, who is a very modern girl, was somewhat disgusted by the latest fad.

Its all the rage in the News that gangs of Thai Schoolgirls have taken to wearing no knickers under their skirts (probably idea lifted from Japan).
Apparently the knickers, spoil the appearance of the skirt (when viewed from the outside).
Of course while being carried on a motorbike these skirts may be prone to ride up.
Whats more, is boring to have black pubic hair ("moi") so this can be dyed various colours for better fashion.

Sorry. But this is old news. I have mentioned it in the past quite often. Thongs, or nothing at all have been increasingly apparent for years because the skirts are get shorter and shorter and tighter and tighter (the current trend for uni skirts is a mere 22 cm or about 8 3/4 inches). Students have told me that they don't want "VPL", visible pantyline. This trend has trickled down to high school girls as well, even though they wear quite loose skirts.

I can't tell you how often I've been flashed in class. It's an occupational hazzard. ;)

Hey! it's my 1,000th post. Good that it's about something near and dear to my heart. Enjoy the pic.

LittleBigMan

09-29-07, 07:33

thaifun,

i'm not pushing pattaya/bangkok hospital and your story concerning the american teacher that was hit by a speeding trucker and left to die and then taken to the pattaya/bangkok and then ship to chon buri and die on the way has been well discussed in the farang community.

nevertheless, regardless of the politics this hospital is top notch from my experience. it's unforturnate that it's become big business! the hospital has grown and somebody got to pay for all the improvements! i don't have insurance but i use it regularly outpatient and i know if you have insurance they suggest all kinds of test and try to keep you overnight.

yes, if you have time sri racha is a great hospital so is the one in sattahip which both are much cheaper. if you have time shop around but if you don't i still sugguest pattaya/bangkok.

lbm

Bumholes1

09-29-07, 09:58

Thaifun,

Nevertheless, regardless of the politics this hospital is top notch from my experience. It's unforturnate that it's become big business! The hospital has grown and somebody got to pay for all the improvements!
LBM

I have no complaints about the treatment, etc, but as you say it is now big business and it is primarily the farangs who have to pay for the improvements.

Ever since they opened 13/14 years ago (maybe more) the farangs were always charged more. Now when you go, there are tables full of fresh fruit, plus tea coffee and ovaltine.. This is invariably consumed by all the extended Thai families who accompany a Thai patient, and who pay a cheaper treatment fee. Farangs are just happy to see a doctor and get out quickly.

Sure we need good doctors, but we don't need a hospital to resemble a 5star deluxe hotel, charging farangs 5 star prices. Look at how the room prices have more than doubled! Nursing fees are 50% more for farangs than for Thais. My luk kroung daughter (Thai citizen) queried this with them a few years ago, and upon presentaton of her ID card immediately had the charge reduced.

There are enough farangs in the Pattaya area who need good medical treatment that they should stage a peaceful protest in the hospital, to get changes made.

I gave up going there a long time ago. Fortunately I now live out in Isan, where I can see a good doctor for 40bt as against 500bt at the Bangkok Pattaya, plus of course the additional fee for just being there.

Take a look at the financial results of the Bangkok hospital group. You will see that of the dozen or so hospitals in the group, Bangkok Pattaya contribute over 80% of the group profit - read Farangs contribute over 80%..................!!!

I have been told that some doctors have left because they are embarrassed at the overcharging of farangs!

GIVE BANGKOK-PATTAYA A WIDE BERTH! GIVE YOUR HEALTH PROBLEMS OVER TO SATTAHIP OR SR RACHA!

Daddy07

09-29-07, 14:51

... GIVE BANGKOK-PATTAYA A WIDE BERTH! GIVE YOUR HEALTH PROBLEMS OVER TO SATTAHIP OR SR RACHA!

Thanks for the advice. I thought that my dental care at Bangkog Pattaya was excellent and very reasonable in price, but I would not be too happy to learn that Thais would be charged half of what I paid.

I also received good outpatient service at the Pattaya hospital located on Soi 4, and am wondering what your opinion is about that place.

Regards,
Daddy

Lomusa

09-29-07, 18:54

Audio files regarding visiting Thailand.

http://www.971freefm.com/episode_download.php?contentType=36&contentId=996767

http://www.971freefm.com/episode_download.php?contentType=36&contentId=976391

http://www.971freefm.com/episode_download.php?contentType=36&contentId=952283

http://www.971freefm.com/episode_download.php?contentType=36&contentId=778158

LittleBigMan

09-30-07, 11:01

Everything everyone is saying about Pattaya Bangkok is 100 plus percent correct! But when you are in a emergency situation do you think about price or about your health. As noted I don't have insurance coverage in the U.S. and in Thailand I have now insurance for accident and limited for overnight stay and pay out of pocket for Medical visit outpatient. Anything major which time is not a factor I surely will go to Sattahip or Sirracha since it has been discussed that the doctors are same.
Recently, my wife and I took my son to the Pattaya/Bangkok to have a check up and the price was less than 50.00 bucks now I'm not sure being Asian and looking and dressing somewhat Thai has to do with it but I usually don't say shit and let my wife handle everything!

Your right, I will not debate with your opinions since they are correct but there is a balance that one has to take for every given situation.

LBM

Undercoverh

09-30-07, 21:24

9-30-07 11:41:20
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - A bomb exploded outside army headquarters in the Thai capital on Sunday night, injuring two police officers, authorities said.

The officers had been alerted that someone planted a suspicious package in a phone booth near the army compound, Police Col. Saranyu Prathumraj said. As the officers were attempting to diffuse the device, it went off and injured them, Saranyu said.

No one claimed responsibility for the bomb which exploded a day before Gen. Anupong Paochinda was set to replace outgoing army chief and coup leader Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

While the motive remained unclear, Thailand has been rocked by both political instability following a military coup in September 2006 which ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and a bloody Muslim insurgency in its southernmost provinces.

Nine bombs exploded in the Thai capital on New Year's Eve, killing three people and wounding more than 40. Authorities have yet to unravel the motives behind the attacks or arrest the perpetrators but it is generally believed that politics rather than the insurgency were responsible for the bombings.

The military-installed government also has said that followers of the exiled ex-prime minister are trying to create an atmosphere of instability in the country which could facilitate his return to power.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press.

Thaifun

10-02-07, 16:01

Daddy,

The Pattaya International Hospital is OK in my experience, I only get check ups there. I save as a rule some 30-40% on identical service if compared with the Bangkok Pattaya pricing. Sure the setting is not that flush but the International Hospital is much more convenient if you're in Pattaya. So as a rule of the thumb it is the International. For anything more serious say involving surgery etc. I definitely would use the hospital in Si Racha where all facilities are available (and again about 25-35 % below the Bangkok Pattaya rates for IDENTICAL service).

So it is a pretty upfront situation. If you have to stay at the hospital etc. You easily look at savings well over 1000 US or Euros.

Member #3200

10-07-07, 17:10

Now that the Canadian dollar is worth more than the American dollar, which currency is the best option 2 use while in Thailand?

My trip isn't till January, but what is the exchange per $100 bill

33-1 for a US$?

33. 1-1 for the CDN$?

Does anyone have a guess if the thai bhat is getting stronger or weaker versus other currencies?

Retired Army

10-07-07, 23:14

Now that the Canadian dollar is worth more than the American dollar, which currency is the best option 2 use while in Thailand?

You will still get a better rate with the U.S. Dollar since rthe Canadian Dollar is not considered a major currency. Sorry, nothing against Canada, but that's just the way it is.

If you bring $100 bills make sure they are the new style of bills. Many exchange places won't take the older style because of counterfitting. You will probably do just as well using your ATM.

Giotto

10-08-07, 05:50

Here a story from Stickman Bangkok, interesting to learn how things work here in Thailand, and to avoid problems.

Giotto

He Says, She Says
==============

There are a few things that guys in Thailand should learn fairly fast. Don’t touch girls under the age of 18. If you get yourself in trouble, take the very first opportunity to pay your way out of it. And if you do have to deal with a problem, deal with it yourself, or pay those who help you deal with it.

Today’s epistle looks at a young American who ignored all of the rules...

There once was a young American English teacher plying his trade in Bangkok. He had discovered Thailand, and was enjoying all that it had to offer, availing himself of its many pleasures. Life couldn’t be better. He had secured a job teaching in a pleasant neighbourhood, well away from the madness of downtown Bangkok. And he shared a nice apartment with an American pal of his, also a teacher.

Not bad in the looks department, he had a steady stream of genuinely attractive women pass through his apartment. He had discovered the trick to meeting regular Thai women, and the women who shared his bed were the sort that most guys dream about. Young, nubile and not in it for the money.

He wasn’t looking for a steady girlfriend and he led a number of girls on. Knowing that girls often "give sex", in the hope of "getting love", he played the game well, from his viewpoint, but once the girls realised that he was only interested in them in the bedroom, they soon moved on.

In fact he wasn’t always described as the nicest guy in the world with women, making them pay their way, even if they were just catching a movie, or a light meal. Romantic evenings out and small gifts, the sort of things that Thai women absolutely lap up, were not in his armoury.

Over time he developed something of a reputation. The staff in his apartment got so sick of him bringing in so many different women and later seeing them walk out of his apartment almost in tears that they would gossip about him at a volume for all to hear when he brought a new one back. Their comments included such favourites as “Oh, that’s the third this week”, or the one that put more than a few girls off, “What sort of girls is he picking up and just where did he find them?” - inferring that they were money women. They weren’t, but they soon got the picture about his exploits!

He did have one girlfriend, sort of on and off for a while, but he slept around on her constantly, and apparently the poor, innocent thing never caught on.

So one day, our hero takes a swim in the swimming pool at his apartment building. He notices a new member of staff, a young lady. Perhaps it was her exotic Isaan look, or perhaps it was the uniform, but our hero decides that he wants to kiss her. He approaches her, says hello, takes her hand and kisses her! She squeals and gives an awkward smile, exactly as you would expect a Thai woman to. But this is a Thai smile, not a Western smile. A western smile conveys content, happiness or pleasure, but the Thai smile can convey any of a thousand meanings, and in this instance it was one of great discomfort.

Our hero thinks he has charmed another local maiden and goes in for a swim. When he comes out of the pool, he approaches the little lady, and he grabs her hand. Now this is where things get interesting...

Already scared from his brazen exploit of kissing her - which would have many Thais aghast - she runs downstairs to the main security desk on the ground floor where she tells the shift supervisor that he had tried to pull her hand down on to his crotch.

This is a serious complaint. The girl is just 16, and for a man to attempt to touch a 16 year old girl is an offence, a very serious offence.

Security approaches our hero and state that what he did was wrong. He asks just what the alleged problem is and they explain that he had tried to force the girl to put her hand on his you-know-what. He denies the claim saying that that was not what he had done. He claims that he was just being friendly.

Nice guy. He has a girlfriend but he seems to have momentarily deleted her from his mind. Not a first.

Security explains that he cannot behave like this and he must pay the girl in question 5,000 baht in compensation.

His response is not unexpected and he erupts, refuses and tells security to get lost.

The police are called and a complaint is made.

Now our hero has a real problem. Sexual contact with a woman aged between 15 and 18 is only allowed in Thailand with the consent of her parents. (That many Westerners believe that sexual contact is allowed with someone of this age in the absence of a commercial transaction is absolutely wrong!)

It is now a case of he says, she says. She claims that he made an unwanted sexual advance towards her in a public place including sexual assault and he claims that he was just being friendly.

While it is impossible to know just what happened, my feeling is that the girl exaggerated the story and I'll tell you why. This guy may have been a bit of a sleaze, but he didn't care for women from Isaan. Dark skin was not his thing. Added to that, the security girl was said to not set the world alight in the looks department.

But this is Thailand and the guy is now in serious trouble. He doesn’t know what to do, so he goes and calls his (sic) girlfriend. He explains the situation to her and somehow she accepts what has happened and offers to help. She calls a lawyer friend of hers and they discuss the problem.

Our hero is summoned to appear at the police station where the police will establish what has happened and what, if any, charges will be laid (or monies paid!). The 16 year old girl gets in contact with her family up in Isaan and they sign a declaration stating that they absolutely did not give permission for our hero to have any sexual contact with their daughter.

Our hero's girlfriend has all the contact with the police and after consulting with her lawyer friend, she explains to our hero that he now must pay 20,000 baht compensation to the girl. He goes berserk, screaming and yelling that he did no wrong.

It is then put to him that failure to pay will result in charges being laid and the case going to court. The expected outcome would be compensation for the girl in the range of 30,000 baht, and a jail stint of up to 10 years.

Facing such a predicament our hero finally does the right thing and says he will pay the 20,000 baht. He is then told that he will also have to leave the apartment building and stay away from the girl, to which he agrees. He gives the ok, and the 20,000 baht is paid by his girlfriend on his behalf.

He later moves out of the apartment building, dumps his girlfriend and doesn’t pay his long suffering girlfriend back!

He might have been hard done by with the security girl seizing the opportunity to make some cash, but he was out of line in the first place. Flirting with a young Thai woman in a public place - and kissing her - was just plain dumb. Given the chance to smooth the situation over easily, he declined. He then gets his poor girlfriend to help him out and doesn’t pay her back.

Is it any wonder Westerners in Thailand have such a bad rap when the locals see this sort of carry on?

This story represents a few of the very basic rules that Westerners should learn about life in Thailand. Keep your grubby mitts off young girls.

If you have a chance to pay your way out of a situation where you are genuinely at fault, or the cost of prolonging it might be almost unbearable, take it at the first opportunity.

And always remember, the security guards at your apartment see everything! And if they see things they don't like, they might just say something.

These are the real basics of living in Thailand.

Duniawala

10-08-07, 07:05

.......................
These are the real basics of living in Thailand.
No G, these are the basics of living in any country which are not Westernized. The farang was just lucky he did not get thrashed up or even worse, get killed.

Farangs, listen up. Lip locking is a no-no in an South or South East Asian countries, unless you do it with prior consent and that too in private. (exceptions are always there but is a very minute percentage.)

Just recall the brouhaha that Richard Gere caused when he kissed a starlet in India, a few month ago.

The story reminds me of some mongers on this board.

Finrod

10-08-07, 07:25

About the story from Stickman Bangkok, it rings true for me in at least one respect: Traditional Thai girls are not into public displays of affection, not even from their boyfriends or husbands, let alone strangers. Friend of mine has been married to a Thai girl (not a BG) for 9 years now. I had not yet been to Thailand when I saw them together for the first time. They had been married about 5 years at the time, but there wasn't a single touch of affection between them though they talked easily and smiled. So I asked my friend in private if there was a problem between them and they were being nice for company, he said no, don't worry, that's how Thai girls are in public and he had no problem with her in the bedroom. A vital lesson in Thai culture...

Member #3200

10-09-07, 00:37

There's 1st the horror stories of being ripped off/shortchanged when taking money out of a thai ATM & 2ndly, the services charges for using a debit card are a ballbusting joke, it's all about stretching your dollar to the maximum.

It boggles my mind the services charges banks charge & as a cheap charlie, I find it foolish for anyone 2 use their ATM card, but 2 each their own.

If the canadian dollar is such a minor currency then why is it now worth more than the US dollar & every online exchange website the canadian dollar is listed as 1 of the top 10-20 currencies listed.

All I want 2 know was the current exchange given at the 1000s of exchange booths in BKK & Pattaya based on the exchanging of a US or CDN $100 bill, just looking 4 a guideline/help when I come back in January

Member #3200

10-09-07, 00:40

As well as coming in January, I hope 2 make a quick 10 day trip in April, does anyone know when Songkran is in 2008?

Thank you

Southbound69

10-09-07, 02:10

Hello everybody,

Does anyone know if and where there is any action to be found in Krabi?

Mr_Hoffy

10-09-07, 02:23

ATM's are probably the best way to get cash. In all my seven trips to Thailand over the past several years I have never been short changed by an Thai ATM.

I also have a US based no fee ATM card and have never charged a fee for using an ATM in Thailand or Europe or anywhere. If the ATM does charge a fee the fees are rebated back to my account.

As far as exchange rates my ATM card charges no foreign currency exchange fees or percentages. I get spot on the interbank rate and the exchange rate. I've never been able to get a better rate using cash.

The fact that the Canadian exchange rate is more than the US dollar has nothing to do with anything. It's still a minor currency on world markets. When Oil is traded in Canadian dollars that would signify it's becomre a major currency.

There's 1st the horror stories of being ripped off/shortchanged when taking money out of a thai ATM & 2ndly, the services charges for using a debit card are a ballbusting joke, it's all about stretching your dollar to the maximum.

It boggles my mind the services charges banks charge & as a cheap charlie, I find it foolish for anyone 2 use their ATM card, but 2 each their own.

LittleBigMan

10-09-07, 06:39

Mr. Hoffy

Care to give us the name of your bank in the U.S. because I haven't found one yet that doesn't find a way to charge you in some form!

LBM

Dinghy

10-09-07, 10:18

the thing about ATMs is that the rate is the "real" international rate. Whether they charge you an "fee" or not it based in how they calculate the exchange - I use a credit union and they do a 1% charge for the service - now what happens when you use a CREDIT card is that the charges are about 2% plus whatever the card company gets as a "fee" - seems to be about 1% - so 3% (then there's the little matter of what the MERCHANT charges YOU - usually 3% MORE so you wind up paying 6% or so) IF oyu have a debit card, oyu can make a "point of sale withdrawal (same as an ATM withdrawal) from the BANK directly (go in, take passport, sign papers, get money - no additional 3%) just remember that little way to save a few $$

I think that "Capitol 1" was offering the "no additional fee" cards but I'm not sure

Daddy07

10-09-07, 14:29

I'll be using my ATM card from Bangkok Bank for getting cash and hopefully it will also be like a debit card for purchases and paying bills. Does anyone know if I'll be charged a fee everytime I use it at an ATM machine, and if so, how much? If that happens, I won't like it.

Daddy

Duniawala

10-09-07, 17:04

I think that "Capitol 1" was offering the "no additional fee" cards but I'm not sure
Capital One Visa does not charge any fees.

Daddy07
Banks in Thailand have never charged me yet for using their ATMs. Usually it has been Siam Bank's ATMs that I have used. However, I have used a few others but they haven't charged either. However, your bank in your home country may have a charge. Check with them before you use.

Daddy07

10-09-07, 19:50

Capital One Visa does not charge any fees.

Daddy07
Banks in Thailand have never charged me yet for using their ATMs. Usually it has been Siam Bank's ATMs that I have used. However, I have used a few others but they haven't charged either. However, your bank in your home country may have a charge. Check with them before you use.

Duni,

All my money for that ATM card is already in Bangkok Bank so there shouldn't be any charges then.

Thanks, Daddy

Retired Army

10-10-07, 19:56

Here's the scoop on using ATMs.

You get a better rate that the money changers, but you usually have to pay a fee of 1 to 3% to the bank. So everything being equal it all works out about the same. ATMs are just easier and more convenient.

I have used ATMs in Thailand hundreds of times. Only once did I have a problem and when I called the bank they took care of the problem within a couple of days with absolutely no arguement.

RA

Yett Muat

10-11-07, 04:31

just a brief and single post from an old asia hand regarding trends, ongoings and a warning.

i'll not reply nor engage other isg folks as a 30+ year resident vetran of the night scene in asia and especially thailand i've nothing to prove. a few credentials. i've been very lucky as my vantage point of being a very highly paid european executive and entreuprener has allowed me to experience asia's nightlife without regard to financial concerns. i've married several times into both high and lo so as it's called here on isg and am fluent in several asia languages. i've lived in the pricey penthouses as well as "thai style" in thai neighborhoods. indeed most of my experience comes from living amongst the working girls not from the gilded/shielded elite housing. having kept a diary, i stopped counting "encounters" after several thousand. and sorry i can never share pictures.

the good.

thailand and other parts of asia still offer a counter balance to the unchecked feministic power in the west. many men beaten down by the west's preferential treatment of women can still come here and get a new perspective on relationships the old asian way. what so many never understand (or forget) is asia is still all about "face". a facet of which means most of what you see hear and enjoy is for fun, enjoyment, but mostly money.

as an old fart, well into my fifties, fat and bald, i can still walk into any bar and walk out with the best on offer much to the chagrin of the young turks. i continue to have poor and even middle class thai's offer me their daughter for marriage. in their eyes a well respected wealthy foreigner is much prefered to her running off with the local motorcycle taxi casanova. sorry i will not share how.

nana, patpong, soi cowboy and their sprawl continue to evolve and segment as they mature. nana is going japanese and transexual as prices have sky rocketed (drinks 4-5x in the last 6-7 years) and the number of katoeys achieves parity with the "sow's" or girls. patpong is fighting back with lower bar fines, drinks prices but continues to lose market share. soi cowboy, the longtime favorite of the expat community seems to still offer the best value of lots of skin and cheap drinks. the economics of the bars will continue to drive the girls onto the streets and free-lance arenas.

pattaya is always recommended for newbies as but bangkok's shear numbers of girls can't be matched anywhere.

the bad.

the poor here are still poor and in for a bleak future. so cut them some slack. china's cheap labour will continue to close factories around the globe, especially here in south east asia. most of these girls live from hand to mouth and the good ones usually support their kids, spouses and parents. and yes most (80-90%) have thai husbands, many of whom work hard for 2-300 baht per day.

if you are an oldster like me, many of your favorites are no longer around. many are dead from aids. more are sick and not getting treatment. and here's the warning i promised:

many working girls here are hiv positive. indeed in one of the thai apartments, 80% of the residents are working girls and at least half are hiv positive. i know because i've read their "visa denial letters" to them or via the local thai grapevine.

kidding yourself that it doesn't exist is the same delusional thought category that a twenty year old hard body really does love a 50 year old fart. do not be "reassured" by claims that monthly checks via the "establisments" is a defense. it is not. i'm hiv positive, for 8 years now, and know (thanks to the diary) it had to have come from either a nana rainbow dancer or an annies massage girl. i do not say this to diss either, indeed many girls on soi 33, and everwhere else have it too. and yes i still patronize rainbow bars and even annies (although my last visit was such crap for the money i'll probably not return. sorry aey). i have always worn a condom and will leave the possible explanantions to the medical folks on isg.

the ugly.

if you are a jabba-the-hut or buff turk type, take a shower!

the number one complaint from the girls is falang smell bad, to which i can only agree.

dress accordingly!

you do not see thai men running around in short pants and singlets for a reason---that's what coolies wear.

the most abhorrent are the pricks who cheat the girls.

if you are one of them beware you will get yours someday (tahm dee dai dee, tahm cheau, dai cheau). a most recent example was an asian from an english speaking country who picked up one of my favorites from the beer garten promising 1000 baht. this girl is very honest and works hard to please a customer. well, the bananna (thai name for folks that are yellow on the outside and white on the inside) only paid her 600 baht after the deed, saying he was short of funds only to be seen cavorting about the other bars in the sukhumvit area. you may think you were clever and saved yourself 400 baht but you are beneath the dirt on a thai's shoes as they say.

most falang will [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) away 400 baht ( $12usd) without thinking twice but to this thai girl, and many like her hard working husband it takes him 3 days to earn that amount! as they say there is a special room in hell waiting for you. and by the way, the girls like to take our pictures too---so they can tell their friends which dickhead cheated them (or which is a great customer)!

whether or not isg will post such a controversy is yet to be seen. personally, i would post the bastard's face at the entrance to the bg. and before any start claiming i'm a "capt-save-a-hoe"" that is hardly the case. i pay similar rates to what's typically posted here (1k st) and flatly refuse to pay more for play, even to the rainbow superstars. and yes i eventually get them too as a, very longtime customer, a good reputation always pays off, especially now during rainy season when the bars are at the seasonal low.

in closing.

1. treat the girls with respect.

2. do not patronize the ripoff's, learn to turn a blind eye to the touts, even aggressive beggar brigades (half of which own cars and have mobile phones).

3. for god's sakes learn to differentiate between a women and a katoey

4. always wear a condom, and forget about giving oral (too risky)

5. pay a fair price

have fun!

editor's note: i certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the reports of distinction thread. please click here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Lover Boy #2

10-11-07, 05:53

obviously you have contact with the medical community based on your status...and your "status". how do they explain your contraction of hiv while using a condom?....why leave it to a medical expert here in isg. maybe this should be moved to the "safe sex" area?

just a brief and single post from an old asia hand regarding trends, ongoings and a warning.

i'll not reply nor engage other isg folks as a 30+ year resident vetran of the night scene in asia and especially thailand i've nothing to prove. a few credentials. i've been very lucky as my vantage point of being a very highly paid european executive and entreuprener has allowed me to experience asia's nightlife without regard to financial concerns. i've married several times into both high and lo so as it's called here on isg and am fluent in several asia languages. i've lived in the pricey penthouses as well as "thai style" in thai neighborhoods. indeed most of my experience comes from living amongst the working girls not from the gilded/shielded elite housing. having kept a diary, i stopped counting "encounters" after several thousand. and sorry i can never share pictures.

the good.

thailand and other parts of asia still offer a counter balance to the unchecked feministic power in the west. many men beaten down by the west's preferential treatment of women can still come here and get a new perspective on relationships the old asian way. what so many never understand (or forget) is asia is still all about "face". a facet of which means most of what you see hear and enjoy is for fun, enjoyment, but mostly money.

as an old fart, well into my fifties, fat and bald, i can still walk into any bar and walk out with the best on offer much to the chagrin of the young turks. i continue to have poor and even middle class thai's offer me their daughter for marriage. in their eyes a well respected wealthy foreigner is much prefered to her running off with the local motorcycle taxi casanova. sorry i will not share how.

nana, patpong, soi cowboy and their sprawl continue to evolve and segment as they mature. nana is going japanese and transexual as prices have sky rocketed (drinks 4-5x in the last 6-7 years) and the number of katoeys achieves parity with the "sow's" or girls. patpong is fighting back with lower bar fines, drinks prices but continues to lose market share. soi cowboy, the longtime favorite of the expat community seems to still offer the best value of lots of skin and cheap drinks. the economics of the bars will continue to drive the girls onto the streets and free-lance arenas.

pattaya is always recommended for newbies as but bangkok's shear numbers of girls can't be matched anywhere.

the bad.

the poor here are still poor and in for a bleak future. so cut them some slack. china's cheap labour will continue to close factories around the globe, especially here in south east asia. most of these girls live from hand to mouth and the good ones usually support their kids, spouses and parents. and yes most (80-90%) have thai husbands, many of whom work hard for 2-300 baht per day.

if you are an oldster like me, many of your favorites are no longer around. many are dead from aids. more are sick and not getting treatment. and here's the warning i promised:

many working girls here are hiv positive. indeed in one of the thai apartments, 80% of the residents are working girls and at least half are hiv positive. i know because i've read their "visa denial letters" to them or via the local thai grapevine.

kidding yourself that it doesn't exist is the same delusional thought category that a twenty year old hard body really does love a 50 year old fart. do not be "reassured" by claims that monthly checks via the "establisments" is a defense. it is not. i'm hiv positive, for 8 years now, and know (thanks to the diary) it had to have come from either a nana rainbow dancer or an annies massage girl. i do not say this to diss either, indeed many girls on soi 33, and everwhere else have it too. and yes i still patronize rainbow bars and even annies (although my last visit was such crap for the money i'll probably not return. sorry aey). i have always worn a condom and will leave the possible explanantions to the medical folks on isg.

the ugly.

if you are a jabba-the-hut or buff turk type, take a shower!

the number one complaint from the girls is falang smell bad, to which i can only agree.

dress accordingly!

you do not see thai men running around in short pants and singlets for a reason---that's what coolies wear.

the most abhorrent are the pricks who cheat the girls.

if you are one of them beware you will get yours someday (tahm dee dai dee, tahm cheau, dai cheau). a most recent example was an asian from an english speaking country who picked up one of my favorites from the beer garten promising 1000 baht. this girl is very honest and works hard to please a customer. well, the bananna (thai name for folks that are yellow on the outside and white on the inside) only paid her 600 baht after the deed, saying he was short of funds only to be seen cavorting about the other bars in the sukhumvit area. you may think you were clever and saved yourself 400 baht but you are beneath the dirt on a thai's shoes as they say.

most falang will [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) away 400 baht ( $12usd) without thinking twice but to this thai girl, and many like her hard working husband it takes him 3 days to earn that amount! as they say there is a special room in hell waiting for you. and by the way, the girls like to take our pictures too---so they can tell their friends which dickhead cheated them (or which is a great customer)!

whether or not isg will post such a controversy is yet to be seen. personally, i would post the bastard's face at the entrance to the bg. and before any start claiming i'm a "capt-save-a-hoe"" that is hardly the case. i pay similar rates to what's typically posted here (1k st) and flatly refuse to pay more for play, even to the rainbow superstars. and yes i eventually get them too as a, very longtime customer, a good reputation always pays off, especially now during rainy season when the bars are at the seasonal low.

in closing.

1. treat the girls with respect.

2. do not patronize the ripoff's, learn to turn a blind eye to the touts, even aggressive beggar brigades (half of which own cars and have mobile phones).

3. for god's sakes learn to differentiate between a women and a katoey

4. always wear a condom, and forget about giving oral (too risky)

5. pay a fair price

have fun!

editor's note: i certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the reports of distinction thread. please click here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Jungle Bluebird

10-11-07, 11:42

Reads like you should participate more in this forum. Not all members are Thailand newbie’s and tourists.

Figure quite a number of weathered expats are keen to explore different facets of Thailand, well beyond the boring blah blah often found under the Thailand section. A different take on Thai realities is surely appreciated.

Looking forward to more posts...

JB

Just a brief and single post from an old Asia Hand regarding trends, ongoings and a warning...

Old Thai Hand

10-11-07, 12:01

JB

You actually found something new and interesting in this post? I think that anybody who read the forum could cobble together this info. There's nothing really new here.

There's something about the post that's not quite right. But, I'm not sure what it is. I wonder why someone with limitless money would bother to still be going to the bars, or why he thinks it's some accomplishment to "walk into any bar and walk out with the best on offer much to the chagrin of the young turks". With enough money, the Elephant Man could get the "best on offer", for fuck's sake!

Or, if he really has been married many times to HiSo and LoSo...(which by the way is not an ISG designation, Yett Muat, but a Thai one - if you were so well versed in Thai culture, you'd know that) why would he still be "living amongst the working girls not from the gilded/shielded elite housing".

And this gem..."I continue to have poor and even middle class Thai's offer me their daughter for marriage. In their eyes a well respected wealthy foreigner is much prefered to her running off with the local motorcycle taxi casanova. Sorry I will not share how." Well, big whoop. Poor Thais would line up around the block to have a shot at this guy's wealth and would gladly sell their daughters to get it. However, I somehow doubt a middle class Thai father would be rushing to offer his daughter to even a respected wealthy foreigner unless he was really well-connected within Thai culture. Therefore, this statement I find a little suspect.

Lastly, his handle "Yett Muat" is I think taking the [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140), a little. While it's an attempt to put two Thai words together, it is not a Thai expression. It could mean "Fuck Division" as in "I'm a soldier serving in the Fuck Division", except that the word order is wrong. It should be Muat Yett. Or, he could be saying "Fuck the Classes", in which case 'fuck' is a verb and the word order is correct. In that case, I guess he's a socialist, then.

The whole of the HIV stuff is wild speculation without any hard facts whatsoever.

Yes, there is some bullshit going on here. But, I'm not sure what it is.

PosterLion

10-11-07, 14:31

Thailand and other parts of Asia still offer a counter balance to the unchecked feministic power in the West. Many men beaten down by the west's preferential treatment of women can still come here and get a new perspective on relationships the old Asian way.

Enjoy this while it lasts. I've noted that todays sitcoms usually become tomorrow's normal-way-of-life if they haven't yet become todays-way-of-life. I've been watching a helluvva lot of Thai sitcoms lately and it looks as if the East is quickly reaching parity with the West regarding all things feministic.

You can find a pretty decent theory about why this is happening by reading a website called socionomics. In a nutshell, socionomics posits that women are most powerful during times of great wealth creation. If you haven't noticed yet, Asia is now creating millionaires faster than any other region of the world.

There's something about the post that's not quite right. But, I'm not sure what it is.

I always consider handles with a single post as suspect and this one is no different. I completely agree that it's no great accomplishment to walk out of any pay-for-play situation with the best girl or the pick-of-the-litter if you have the money for it.

However, accumulating the wealth to pay for the cream of the crop whenever you want it is an accomplishment. In fact, I'd say it is probably the most sought after accomplishment in all of Thailand. Therefore, I say, "Give credit where credit is due."

That said, suspect post or not, my experience here tells me that there's not much I'd change with his post. I see things mostly as he does. Luckily I have not acquired HIV and I hope his problem does not develop the progression. I've had friends that lived with HIV for years and are still alive today.

Hmmm . . . I wonder if the guy ever lived in a wooden shack with a tin roof in Khlong Toei. I did for six months and I can assure you that doing so will get you very acquainted with Bangkok's "poor folk." It was a Dostoyevskian experience.

Cheers and good tidings to all,
poster . . .