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The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Crunch Day Tens of thousands of protesters surrounded parliament on a tense Monday morning, threatening to block a scheduled joint House-Senate meeting and vowing to topple the government by Wednesday. Core leader Sondhi Limthongkul of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) personally launched the march at 6am from Government House. By 8am (0100 GMT) on Monday, an estimated 20,000 protestors had surrounded parliament, effectively besieging it. Sondhi called it the PAD's "final battle". It climaxes a six-month campaign which began on May 25 and has featured protests 24 hours a day. Besides parliament, the PAD targetted other key sites for protests on Monday - Police headquarters and the main office of coalition partner Chart Thai party among them. Awaiting the march were hundreds of police manning steel barricades outside the Bangkok parliament building, with fire trucks parked nearby. Across town at the Suan Kaew temple in Nonthaburi, members and backers of the pro-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship heard equally strong speeches in defence of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and against the yellow-shirted PAD. Crunch Day is Monday, when many fear that three events could coincide: *Tens of thousands of PAD protesters will try once again to besiege parliament and confront police whose duty is to secure a scheduled joint meeting of the House and Senate. *Hundreds or thousands of UDD supporters will ignore pleas from their leaders and civil figures to confront the PAD in the name of keeping parliament open. *Members of parliament will force a showdown by insisting on getting into the House, setting up a violent confrontation involving all three sides. On Oct 7, a showdown between PAD protesters and police armed with tear gas ended in tragedy when one demonstrator was killed and several were maimed. A second PAD member was also killed, apparently by his own bombs. From the Apec summit in Peru on Sunday, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat urged restraint - but also warned the PAD that any attempt to block parliament would automatically be breaking the law. Senior UDD leader Jatuporn Promphan told his supporters to stay away from parliament. Otherwise, he said, the UDD would be blamed for any violence. Prominent abbot Phra Phayom Galayano, who banned even a phone call to the rally by Thaksin, said he gave permission to the UDD to use his famous Wat Suan Kaew on condition they remain peaceful. As usual, PAD leaders were uncompromising, and made no promises to remain non-violent. Maj-Gen Chamlong said he does not even trust parliament to stick to its stated agenda on Monday. The PAD claims the government might try to use the meeting to secretly amend the constitution in favour of Thaksin. The government would be responsible for any violence, he said.

Both of those are new ones to me. I've never heard of either of them. During my first trip to Thailand I went on what was then called "The Temple Tour," a guided tour of some of the most famous wats in Bangkok. I asked the tour guide about the tradition of removing shoes when entering a temple. I expected to get a lecture about the religious and historical significance of it. Instead I received a one sentence reply: "You take off shoes to keep floor clean."

If that's the kind of routine that particular comedian needs to use in order to be funny, then I don't think he's much of a comedian.

That's another one that is both true and not true depending on the circumstances. I see Thais point their fingers at each other all the time. It doesn't seem to bother them. But it might if it's a farang doing it. As far as the beckoning, I'm not sure. Most Thais I've seen will extend their arm, palm of the hand facing down, and beckon by moving their fingers back and forth. I've learned to do the same thing. I don't recall ever seeing any Thais beckoning with the index finger, so I never do. Payless wrote "Do not use the form of greeting which is the wai." I agree with that one. A farang shouldn't initiate a wai unless someone suggests it. I remember one time when I was introduced to a boy's aunt he whispered to me to give her a wai, which I did and she appreciated. But without having been prompted, I would not have done it. However, there is nothing wrong with returning a wai if the other person inititiated it.

Guidebooks? Somebody who wrote a guidebook knows more about it than people who live here and are with these boys every day? Well, I can sit down an write a guidebook too. Maybe that will give me more credibility if it's in hard copy print. Obviously the safest thing to do is keep off the heads, but only the "old school" people concern themselves about that and will get really upset anymore. What makes you think I haven't already asked Thai friends about it . . . many times? The answer I get, and have been getting for several years, is a little different from your guidebooks. It doesn't matter. Some people may get upset about it and some may not. So, the smart move is not to ruffle up anyone's hair and not to point your feet at anyone. That way, you can't commit a faux pas whether the person you're with cares about it or not. I'll agree with you about not directing your feet in the direction of a Buddha image or at a monk. That's when you're in a prayer position. In that case you have to keep your feet pointed away. The will get upset if you mess up on that one. They'll also probably do nothing more than correct you. They know you're a farang and are not aware of many of the customs.

Actually there was a prediction a few months back, even before all the PAD crisis began, that the baht would reach 35 to the US dollar by the end of the year. Obviously, now it has. I hope it stays that way and continues moving favorably in our direction for a change.

No home should be without one.

I never knew about this company until now. Have you used them? Were you satisfied with their service? How do you go about paying them and what do they charge for this service? How long did it take to receive the Email with the documents from them? Do you still have to take passport photos with you when you travel to Vietnam? Once you arrive at the airport in Vietnam, what happens next?

How do you really feel?

It takes 1 to 4 days, but you don't have to go yourself. A travel agent in Ubon might be able to do it for you. It can't hurt to ask. You might want to contact the Vietnamese embassy and ask how long you would have to stay in Bangkok if a travel agent can't handle it for you. Here's the link for the information: http://www.vietnamembassy.or.th/visa.html

The baht to US dollar exchange rate has finally arrived at 35 baht to the dollar. I'll post the daily opening and closing rates on this thread for the time being and we'll see how it goes: Monday, November 24 OPENING RATES: US Dollar: 35.08 Euro: 44.105 British Pound: 52.045 Australian Dollar: 21.825 Canadian Dollar: 27.3875 __________ CLOSING RATES: US Dollar: 35.05 Euro: 44.36 British Pound: 52.445 Australian Dollar: 21.9925 Canadian Dollar: 27.5225

There is also a report in the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS. See http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.p...NEWS=0000007864 When I first had a look at the photos included, I was a little startled and had to look a second time. A few of the photos show boys who look like they're about ten to twelve years old. Their entire bodies are painted and they are completely naked. I wonder what that is all about. I have no idea and I'm surprised by it.

Two sentences or less. Ok, here are mine: 1. Have a great time, but don't let yourself lose your heart to a Thai boy when you're here on a holiday. 2. "If you want love in Thailand, rent it." (That's a piece of advice given to me five years ago by Richard Burk, owner of the Amor restaurant, when I first moved here. Five years ago I thought he was a little too jaded. Now, five years later, I fully understand why he said that and I agree with him. From among all the farang I know, and that's a lot of people, I know only two who have an enviable permanent relationship going with a Thai boy. They're very lucky. Most farang I know who have been involved in relationships with Thai boys young enough to be their grandsons ended up miserable, heartbroken, and often broke. Unless you've known the boy very, very, very well for at least a full year, don't do it. My favorite line from farang is "This boy is different." Famous last words.)

There is no problem at all about taking food home in a bag. That is quite common and expected (unless I'm around. In that case there won't be any food left to take . . .)

Saranrom Park is quite a place! I'm glad you went and can report that all is well. Those of you not familiar with Saranrom Park might be interested in these two old threads. The information contained in them is just as accurate now as it was when the threads were written: http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=399 http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1029

I disagree with you on these particular items. That thing about not touching someone on the head used to be true, but that seems to have vanished into history long ago. The same goes for the foot thing. Nobody seems to pay attention to that one anymore either. I have no idea where you're getting the idea about the fork and spoon. I've never seen any such thing. I've never seen Thais use a fork as if it were a knife. They use the side of a spoon as a knife. I've never seen it any other way. There is no reason in the world not to use a fork and spoon the way you always do. Other than that. I agree with you.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ COUNTRY ON THE BRINK AGAIN "Last battle" begins today By The Political desk The Nation Published on November 24, 2008 Anti-government protesters are planning the biggest rally today in a final showdown with the government, this time going for a people's revolution to topple the Somchai administration. "The protesters under the People's Alliance for Democracy would not totally bank on the military to come to their side in toppling the Somchai government but would rather launch their own version of the people's revolution," said a political observer. This time they have learnt the lesson. In the people's revolution, the protesters will be attempting to woo public support so that they achieve a critical mass of more than 100,000 people to seize the capital. Spreading out in different rallies, they will lay siege on Parliament, surround the temporary office of the Somchai Cabinet at Don Muang and take control of other key communication sites. "By doing so, the anti-government protesters are about to launch a coup in the capital similarly to military coups of the past. The difference is that they do not carry weapons or have guns and tanks like the military," said the political observer. But to succeed, the military must also guard their security against the police forces. The doctors and academics plan to render support to the PAD today. The state enterprise workers also plan to launch a nation-wide work stoppage. On October 7, 2008 when the police shot tear gas into the protesters killing one person and injuring more than 400 people, the protesters waited desperately for the military to come to their side to no avail. Now they plan to stage a revolution of their own, either with military or without military support. Maleerat Kaewka, a spokesman of the PAD, told the crowd to hang on until Wednesday when the people's war would be finished by then. Others sense that bloodshed is hanging in the air as the anti-government protesters gear up their final war and the pro-government supporters are preparing a counter-attack. "I believe that the situation will reach a breaking point next week. The temperature is now reaching a boiling point. It is just a moment away before a bloodshed happens and military coup will finish it up," said Rangsan Pathumwan, a lecturer at Chiang Mai University. "They are now breaking into adversary groups. Some would like to please the Big Boss (Thaksin) and are ready to launch a clash." Phromsak Saengpho, a leader of the pro-government and Red Shirt supporters in Chiang Mai, also speculated that a military coup might be imminent. He said if a military coup were to happen over the next two to three days, Gen Anupong Paochinda, the army chief, would not have anything to do with it but it would rather be the work of the military from the upcountry joining with the Bangkok military. "I don't believe that Gen Anupong would take part in the coup. He is afraid that if he does that he might not have the ground to stand on," he said. He said the probability of a military coup has increased, with the military summoning leaders of the red shirt protesters in Chiang Mai into the Kavila Military Command to urge them not to join in the rally. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is now attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Peru. He won't be back in Bangkok until Wednesday. Yesterday protesters began to fortify their position in the Government House, numbering 50,000 people. The atmosphere looked like a festival as the protesters prepare to go for war. Suriyasai Katasila, one of the leaders of the PAD, said the protesters will march to Parliament at seven o'clock tomorrow's morning and avoid marching at night. The protesters have been attacked several times by small bombs and grenades, including a blast Thursday that killed one person and wounded 29. Before leaving for Peru, PM Somchai signed a series of document to maintain internal security. One of the documents appoints Gen Anupong to head a committee, which is in charge of monitoring and maintaining security and law and order in Bangkok. Army spokesman Col. Sansern Khaewkamnerd said police would be responsible for keeping the situation under control, but that 2,000 soldiers would be on standby in case police ask for help. Police said 2,400 police would be stationed outside Parliament, which is about half a mile (1 kilometre) from the occupied prime minister's compound, Government House.

Here's the business card for Café Ritz:

Me too!

GB'S INSTRUCTION MANUAL It's very simple. When you are in the process of posting a new thread, first you see TOPIC TITLE, followed by TOPIC DESCRIPTION. Directly underneath those you'll see "Poll Options Click here to manage this topic's poll." That's where you can create the poll. If you've already posted a thread, you can still add a poll later through the edit function. It works only if you are the person who created the thread. You have to go back to the first post in the thread, hit the FULL EDIT button, and now you can add a poll to the thread. Only the creator of the thread can add a poll to an already existing thread. If someone wants to add a poll to a thread that somebody else originated, then only the moderators or the thread's original author have the capability.

Most likely in the parking lot of Center Condo, once I land after becoming a "flying farang."

It crossed my mind . . .

The time of this posting is 8:30am. If anything major does happen today, I'll post the information when it becomes available. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Political Upheaval Feared Today By The Nation on Sunday Published on November 23, 2008 The fate of the country hangs in the balance today in the face of another political upheaval that could lead to a bloodbath after the People's Alliance for Democracy vowed to launch an all-out effort to bring down the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and prevent charter amendment by laying siege to Parliament today in its "biggest and final" rally yet. The PAD announced its plan to move its protest from Government House to Parliament at a press conference yesterday after a three-hour meeting of its five core leaders at Ban Phra Arthit. Meanwhile, appointed Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana said Parlia-ment had put the Constitution amendment draft presented by Dr Weng Tochirakarn, a leader of the pro-government Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship, at the top of its agenda to be discussed from tomorrow despite House Speaker Chai Chidchob insisting last week that this wouldn't be so. He said the draft included clauses reducing the power of privy councillors, removing some independent agencies, whitewashing parties facing dissolution and giving amnesty to 111 former Thai Rak Thai Party executives. PAD leader Maj-General Chamlong Srimuang yesterday showed members of the press that Constitution amendment had been marked urgent on Parliament's agenda for today. Pipop Thongchai said the PAD intended to stop Parliament working in support of the Somchai government. He said both Parliament and the government had lost any mandate to run the country because they refused to take responsibility for the bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters on October 7. He accused the government of continuing to use violence through a series of deadly bomb attacks to deter people from joining the PAD protest. "If the people are afraid, the government will be able to prevent peaceful protests in the long run, and we will not be able to protect our country and the monarchy,'' he said. Sondhi Limthongkul said the latest bomb attack early yesterday that killed one person showed that the government was using undisciplined military officers to do its dirty work. "This is pressuring a peaceful gathering to use weapons in self-defence. Thai society will see a bloodbath. It is sad that military officers and police have taken part in this,'' he said. The five leaders refused to reveal how they planned to break into the Parliament compound. Chamlong insisted that the PAD must move on Parliament to ensure there was no charter amendment even after reporters told him that House Speaker Chai Chidchob had guaranteed that charter amendment would not be on the House agenda.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Burmese Dictators Demand Support for Regime Rangoon (AFP) - The head of the Burmese military junta called Saturday for all citizens to back a controversial "road map" to democracy, a day after the regime sentenced the country's top comedian to 45 years in jail. Writing in an article on the front page of the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper, Snr Gen Than Shwe said it was every citizen's national duty to support the political process. "The state's seven-step road map is being implemented to build a peaceful, modern and developed new democratic nation with flourishing discipline," Than Shwe wrote on the eve of the country's national day. "The entire population are duty-bound to actively participate with united spirit and national fervour in the drive to see the seven-step road map," the paper quoted him as saying. The announcement came in a month when more than 150 activists have been given long jail terms by the military regime, according to opposition sources, in the wake of protests led by the nation's revered Buddhist monks last year. At least 31 people were killed and 74 went missing in the brutal crackdown that followed the demonstrations, according to the United Nations. On Friday, Burma's most famous comedian Zarganar was sentenced to 45 years for contravening the country's Electronic Act, which regulates electronic communications. The charges, however, were not tied to last year's protests. A sports writer, Zaw Thet Htwe, was on the same day handed a 15-year jail term while Gambira, a Buddhist monk who led the protests against the regime in 2007, was given 68 years - the longest sentence handed down so far. They join 23 student activists, including Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe, handed terms of 65 years for their part in last year's protests which began sporadically against fuel-price hikes in August last year, but subsequently involved tens of thousands of people led by the monks. Under the government's "road map" to democracy, Burma has adopted a new constitution after a widely criticised referendum held days after a cyclone ravaged large swathes of the country in early May, leaving 138,000 people dead or missing. Authorities said the referendum, carried out without independent monitoring, had received support from 92.48 percent of voters. The road map paves the way for elections in 2010 in a country that has been ruled by the military since 1962. But the US, the EU and the United Nations have dismissed the lengthy proceedings as a sham due to the absence of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The NLD won a landslide victory in 1990 elections but the junta did not allow them to take office. The NLD said Friday the recent jailings decimated a new generation of political leaders. About 150 NLD party members held a ceremony Saturday to mark the country's national day at its headquarters in Rangoon amid tight security. Plain clothes policemen and local militia surrounded the building, while the road to Aung San Suu Kyi's house had been closed with barbed wire since the morning, with increased numbers of police around her house, witnesses said. Rights groups have accused the junta of trying to curb dissent ahead of the 2010 elections. New York-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) Saturday joined UN experts and the United States in condemning the sentences. Brad Adams, the group's Asia director, using the former name of the country, said the jailing of the comedian Zarganar was "a cruel joke on the Burmese people". "But it's a bigger joke on those abroad who still think ignoring repression in Burma will bring positive change," he said.

You've definitely pressed one of my buttons, and it's not a gay button! I don't like those mustaches either. As a matter of fact I don't like any mustaches on these guys. I don't appreciate kissing a guy and getting my teeth brushed at the same time. For me, the mustaches and beards on young guys as unattractive as the tattoos. And to me, the tattoos are about as attractive as a runny dog turd. Granted, there are some people who are meant for mustaches and beards. The actor David Niven comes to mind. He wouldn't look right without his mustache. Can you imagine Santa Claus without the beard and mustache? How about Burt Reynolds, Wilford Brimley, and Clark Gable? Their mustaches looked great. Can you imagine Oliver Hardy without that little Hitler mustache? As a matter of fact, can you imagine Hitler himself without the mustache? And let's not forget Groucho Marx. But these Thai boys? Forget it. Please boys, wait until you're at least in your mid-forties, ok?