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From what I have heard, some shops are complying with the law and some are acting as if they've never heard of it. You'll very likely find some shops that aren't bothering with it if you look around. I'm guessing you do not intend to bring a laptop with you. If you have one and bring it with you, and you also stay in a hotel at which you can get Internet access, then you don't have to worry about ID and checks. Many hotels now have wifi available, so you could check that before deciding where you will stay. If all else fails, and you can't find a shop that meets your needs, you're welcome to come over to my place and use my computer or plug your own laptop into my line, although I'm probably a bit far from wherever you plan to stay.

Regarding this particular event, has anyone asked?

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Samak's "Arrogant" Dreams of a Quick Political Return Seem to have Ended Former Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's hope for a political comeback suffered a severe blow this morning when his allies both outside and within the ruling party boycotted a special House session to select a new chief executive. The allies disapproval of Samak's reinstatement forced the boycott. The House is scheduled to convene again next Wednesday to elect a new prime minister, but Samak's chances now appear doomed. All eyes are on the coaltion partners now, as none of them sent MPs to join the urgent House session. Even senior PPP leaders are acknowledging that the possibility of Samak's return has caused widespread conflicts. Speculation about the allies 'shifting their loyalty' and the possibilities of a 'national government' have resurfaced. However, it is believed that if the PPP nominates another person, the coalition partners will continue their backing for the ruling camp. A quorum check showed 161 MPs were inside the assembly hall this morning. Earlier, more than 240 MPs had signed their names for the meeting, which would make the quorum. It was obvious that many of those who signed their names decided or were told not to join the urgent session, which required attendance of at least 235 MPs to proceed. On Thursday, the coalition partners resolved to continue backing the PPP in forming a new government after Samak was disqualified by the Constitution Court on Tuesday. That pledge of loyalty, however, did not include backing Samak's return to power. The Democrats, who unsuccessfully nominated their leader Abhisit Vejjajiva during the quorum check, described the postponement as a time-buying tactic to settle differences among PPP MPs and coalition allies. Many PPP MPs were also absent from the Assembly Hall today, underlining reports that Samak was causing a divide even in his own party. Earlier in the morning, PPP MP Areepen Uttarasingh called for postponement of the House session to some time after September 25, when the Appeal Court will consider the lower court's libel conviction against Samak. Former prime minister Samak arrived early at the Parliament in the morning but he refused to talk to reporters. On Thursday, Samak said he didn't fear jail and was ready to risk his personal well-being to fight what he described as a threat to democracy. It was a borderline statement that could be perceived as harsh criticism against the Constitution Court which disqualified him on Tuesday for having conflicts of interests due to his "employment" as TV cooking show host. Hundreds of pro-government crowds gathered in front of Parliament this morning. However the anti-government People's Alliance for Demcoracy cancelled its plan to rally there. The pro-government crowds identified themselves as residents from every province in the Northeast. Every district reportedly organized about 10 to 20 villagers to join the rally. But Samak's trouble began early inside the parliamentary compound, with news about the allies' boycott starting to pour in. Chart Thai party's deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul said after an urgent party meeting this morning that his party MPs would not attend the parliament session to choose Samak as premier. MP Preecha Rengsomboon of Isaan Pattana faction in the PPP also indicated that his faction would not toe the party line. He did not explain whether the faction would reject Samak outright, or abstain or vote for an alternate candidate. He said his faction was made of some 70 MPs. This was despite claims by PPP spokesman Kudep Saikrajang that his party would strongly back the reinstatement of its leader Samak. According to Preecha, many PPP MPs viewed Samak as being "arrogant" and failing to listen to criticism. Pracharat Party leader Snoh Thienthong had also already indicated that he might abstain from House vote to re-elect Samak. ____________________ And This: _____ Lack of Quorum Delays Parliamentary Vote for New Prime Minister BANGKOK, Sept 12 (TNA) - The parliamentary vote to decide whether Samak Sundaravej would return to the Prime Minister post was forced to delay due to lack of quorum as most of the members of parliament from the coalition parties did not turn up. House Speaker Chai Chidchob decided to postpone the session and ordered the next meeting to nominate new prime minister to be convened on Wednesday at 9:30am. The absence of MPs was apparently due to conflicts among coalition parties of the ruling party -- the People's Power Party (PPP) and also factions inside the PPP itself that opposed the re-nomination of Mr. Samak as prime minister. Mr. Samak was stripped from his post as prime minister on Tuesday after the Constitution Court ruled that he violated the charter due to his having hosted cooking shows on commercial television stations -- which was considered a conflict of interest, but the PPP nonetheless resolved to reinstate the sharp-tongued former premier. Parliament began its special session to nominate a new prime minister at about 9.40 am as 246 of the 470 members of parliament were enrolled for the session, enough numbers to complete a quorum. Banyat Bantadtan from the opposition Democrat Party proposed its party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to compete for the post of prime minister. Then PPP MP Sukhumphand Ngon-kam asked the House Speaker to check the quorum, and it was determined that there were only 161 members of parliament on hand at the session, which was insufficient for a quorum. Mr. Chai, who chaired the meeting, announced about 10am that the session could not proceed as there were not enough MPs as required by the rules and delay the meeting until next Wednesday. In the absence of the PPPs coalition partners, Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thuaksuban tried to persuade Mr. Chai to recount the numbers of MPs present at the session but failed to convince the Speaker. Mr. Suthep said after the adjournment of the meeting that he thought Mr. Chai was too quick to call the delay. Meanwhile, PPP deputy leader Somchai Wongsawat, currently acting prime minister, said party members would meet in one or two days to discuss the candidates to be proposed for Prime Minister next week but stopped short of saying whether the party would stand by Mr. Samak or not. He added that the decision would also depend on the consultations among the six coalition parties. (TNA)

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Samak's Comeback Hopes Dashed as House Adjourns Urgent Session By The Nation Coalition disagreement over Samak Sundaravej has forced a boycott of the House of Representatives' urgent session to select new PM. 10.30 am: All eyes are on the coaltion partners now, as none of them sent MPs to join the urgent House session. Even senior PPP leader are acknowledging that the possibility of Samak's return is causing widespread conflicts. Reporters are asking questions about "shifting loyalty" and "national government" one more time but Chat Thai leaders still politely pledge allegiance to the PPP. 10.20 am: The quorum check showed 161 MPs inside the assembly hall. In the morning, 248 MPs signed their names for the meeting, which made the quorum. Obviously many of those who signed their names decided or were told not to join the urgent session. 10.15 am: The Democrats, who unsuccessfully nominated their leader Abhisit Vejjajiva during the quorum check, described the postponement as a time-buying tactic to settle differences among PPP MPs and coalition allies. It is believed that the PPP's "resolution" to reinstate Samak has caused serious conflicts within the coalition government. 10 am: Chai adjourns House meeting. The House will have to meet again next Wednesday. This confirms serious conflicts within the ruling People Power Party over possible nomination of Samak Sundaravej. Many PPP MPs were absent from the House session today and so were MPs from coalition parties. 9.55 am: The first quorum check reveals not enough MPs are in the assembly hall. Chai announced the House session will be adjourned to next Wednesday, despite some protests. 9.45 am: House Speaker Chai Chidchob is asking for a quorum check. There has been some confusion as to whether he can proceed with calling for a nomination without checking the quorum. 9.15 : PPP MP Areepen Uttarasingh calls for the House to delay meeting to choose new prime minister to be after September 25 when an Appeal Court will consider libel suit appeal against Samak. 9 : 10 am : Chart Thai party's deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul says after an urgent meeting this morning that his party MPs will not attend the parliament to choose Samak as premier. 8.30 am : Democrat Party MP Thavorn Senniem said his party's MPs will not attend the parliament session in which PPP will nominate Samak as prime minister. The session will have to be delayed if the number of MPs attending the session are less than half of the quorum or 235. 8.30 am : Former prime minister Samak Sundaravej arrives at the Parliament. 8.05 am : MP Preecha Rengsomboon of Isaan Pattana faction countered that his faction would not vote the party line. He did not explain whether the faction would reject Samak, abstain or vote for an alternate candidate. 8 am : People Power Party spokesman Kudep Saikrajang reiterates his party would back the reinstatement of its leader Samak Sundaravej as prime minister. 7.50 am : PPP MP Preecha Rengsomboonsuk says in an interview with a news television programme that his faction which comprise more than 70 MPs will not change position and vote for Samak. He criticised Samak of being arrogant and not listening to any criticism. He is the main reasons of political problems at the moment. 7.45 am : Pracharat Party leader Snoh Thienthong has already indicated that he might abstain from House vote at 9.30 am if the PPP insists on nominating Samak. 7.30 am : Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa called an urgent meeting at 7.30 am to finalise his party's position whether to go along with the People Power Party's nomination to reinstate Samak Sundaravej as prime minister. Party's senior members Sanan Kajornprasart, Warawuth Silapa-archa were seen arriving at the party's headquarter.

Absolutely! Your photos are always wonderful. Please continue to post them.

Friday, September 12 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.55 Euro: 48.23 British Pound: 60.575 Australian Dollar: 27.57 Canadian Dollar: 32.015 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.50 Euro: 48.57 British Pound: 60.985 Australian Dollar: 27.7725 Canadian Dollar: 32.0825

Thailand's next Prime Minister will be selected by the Thai parliament, not by a general election. That selection could come as soon as today. At the moment it is about 6:40AM, Friday, September 12 in Thailand. Today's developments have potential to be quite dramatic. We'll see. The following editorial appears in THE NATION: _____ From an Honest Mistake to a Potentially Disastrous One By The Nation Published on September 12, 2008 Was the television cooking show a serious constitutional offence? No. Was the Constitution Court right to disqualify Samak Sundaravej from the chief executive post? Yes. Does the People Power Party have the mandate to reinstall him? Yes, technically. Ethically, no. The question of the day, however, is: Why should Samak be willing to go from committing an honest mistake to making a very serious and potentially disastrous one? If the pro-Thaksin camp insists that democracy is the most acceptable kind of political game, Samak's fate should be accepted, no matter how begrudgingly. You made a wrong move, your opponents caught it, and you are finished. It was the way things were. It was the way the Chuan, Banharn and Chavalit administrations crumbled. Some government politicians acquired land suspiciously and the Democrats were blown out of power. If Samak accepts a nomination, he will walk down the same catastrophic path taken by his alleged master. Thaksin Shinawatra was caught cheating, but he tried to muddle his way through by exploiting what was claimed to be electoral legitimacy. The rest is history. What would be the consequences of Samak's reinstatement? First of all, it would underline his "proxy" or "nominee" status. He would replace Thaksin as the centre of a head-on clash between the legislative and judicial forces, the result of which would however affect not only Samak but also the man in London. Some people surely want to discredit the Thai judiciary for obvious reasons. If a rebellious Thai legislature is up in arms against the justice system, somewhere in London someone could point to the developments and tell foreign observers, "See, you know what I mean?" Samak's return to power, however, would damage more than the Thai courts' credibility. A comeback would be detrimental to both parties in the war. It would simply prove that true checks-and-balances democracy can never work in Thailand. It would also re-endorse the dangerous but increasingly accepted belief that if you want to enforce the rule of law, ballot-box democracy is not the way to do it. What about the Appeals Court, which could still send Samak straight to jail? Although we can never predict how the court will rule, it's safe to discuss whether Samak should face a "second" judgement day as prime minister or ordinary citizen. There are two schools of thought here. The first one says a provocative Samak, one who defies the Constitution Court's ruling by reassuming the prime minister's post, would have put the last nail in his own coffin. The other says if Samak was destined for prison anyway, it would be more dignified to go down as a political victim, albeit in prime minister's clothes.

The next PGF (Pattaya Gay Festival) charity dinner will be held at the Amor Restaurant, in Pattaya's Boyztown on Sunday, October 19. Click the link for the menu and details: http://www.amorrestaurant.com

Samak, who was ousted by Thailand's Supreme Court just two days ago has been re-nominated for Prime Minister by his PPP party and he has accepted the nomination. He disappeared from public view immediately after the court verdict, but re-emerged today. So far, he is refusing to talk with reporters. As of this post, there has been no reaction from the opposing party, the PAD.

I doubt that the average 7-Eleven employee will have much of a command of English, but I would think they can at least figure out that someone has entered under great stress and the police need to be contacted. They are going to be trained, so that ought to help considerably. I just hope there will be a requirement for new employees to be trained if they were not already employed when the first training session begins. I also hope they make sure tourists are made aware that they can go to a 7-Eleven if a situation arises. It will be interesting to see what develops from this. I'm not going to be among the people who start putting it down before the idea is even tried. I think it's a good idea and will certainly be better than what exists now, which is virtually nothing. How many readers out there know the emergency number for the police or would remember it during an emergency? How many of you could even explain to the police where you are? How many of you who come to Thailand as holiday makers also carry a mobile phone with you when in Thailand? Another source of help is often motorcycle taxi drivers. Many of them, especially when in groups, readily come to the rescue when a farang has a problem.

Thursday, September 11 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.50 Euro: 48.025 British Pound: 60.255 Australian Dollar: 27.3375 Canadian Dollar: 31.965 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.57 Euro: 48.07 British Pound: 60.36 Australian Dollar: 27.2875 Canadian Dollar: 32.0425

Many of us view Pattaya's City Hall as an almost useless, inept organization. Be that as it may, in my opinion they have come up with an excellent idea. Tourists, and even resident farang, can find themselves in a predicament and don't know what to do, where to get help, how to handle a difficult situation, how to contact the police, etc. One thing that's quite easy to do in Pattaya is to find a 7-Eleven. They're literally everywhere. I'll let the article explain. The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: _____ Press Conference Announces Police Emergency Contact Points for Tourists at 7-11 Stores On Tuesday Morning at Pattaya City Hall, Khun Itipon, the Mayor of Pattaya chaired a press conference to announce a new Scheme which is being tested here in Pattaya and also in Bangkok and Ko Chang. The project created in conjunction with the CP Company, Pattaya Police, Banglamung Police, Immigration Police, Tourist Police and Pattaya City Hall will use 7-Eleven Convenience Stores around Pattaya as Police Emergency Contact Points for Tourists. Staff will be trained to contact the relevant authorities should a Tourist present themselves at the store with a problem. 144 7-Eleven Stores around Pattaya will take part in the program. The organizers tell us that Tourists can always find a 7-Eleven Store but may find it harder to find a Police Station should they have a problem. Depending on the problem, staff will either contact the Tourist Police or local Police or even Pattaya City Hall.

As many of you know, Bangkok's Don Muang airport is still used by several airlines for domestic flights within Thailand as well as used for cargo flights. Nothing in the article indicates whether this move will have any effect on those flights or whether there will be significant passenger inconvenience. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Don Muang Airport to be Temporary Government Office By Piyanart Srivalo The Nation The government is planning to use Don Muang Airport as a temporary workplace because it will take several months to repair Government House after the sit-in protest by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a source said Wednesday. The PAD has shown no signs of leaving Government House after it invaded the property last month and camped there to rally against the government, causing damage to the building, the gardens and the grounds. Government House officials and ministers have had to temporarily move to the Public Relations Department on Soi Aree, Ban Manangkasila, Ban Phitsunalok and the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, causing a lack of coordination. Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, acting as caretaker prime minister, consulted with concerned parties and decided to use Don Muang Airport as the office for the prime minister and his deputies as well as permanent officials. The airport's reception areas will also become reception areas for the government's guests. "We have decided to find a temporary workplace because even if the PAD calls off the protest we need several months to fix the area,'' Somchai said. The first agency to be moved to the airport is the Secretariat of the Cabinet. The Office of the Permanent Secretary to the PM's Office, the Office of the Cabinet Secretary-General and the National Security Council will follow. "If the PAD moves out of Government House, the government will build a car park on the area connected with Rajdamnoen Avenue as it has already allocated funds for the purpose,'' he said.

George Stanley Sings! George Stanley, Pattaya's International Musician of repute will be performing live at Mikes Bar La Cage on Friday 19th. September. In what will be an evening of firsts, George will be singing a collection of his favorite songs in a new intimate style. An accomplished Musician, Singer, Composer and Producer, George has had a lifetime, some say two, in the music business. He has worked on every continent except Antarctica and locally will be known as a Rock and Blues artist closely associated with Pattaya's premier rock venue, the Blues Factory. For this special charity night for Thais4Life, George will be performing at 11 pm. However the fun starts with the famous Happy Hour BOGOF offer, buy one get one free, until 9 pm. At 9.30 there is a new music quiz. "Name That Tune" is fast, frantic fun. How many hits of the 60's, 70's and 80's can you identify. Prizes for the winner and runner up. From 10.30 pm a complimentary buffet will be served before George takes the stage at 11 pm. Mike will be donating prizes, freebies, free food and raffle prizes with the draw around midnight. If you fancy making an evening of it by having a couple of drinks in the bar early during Happy Hour, then Dinner at the White Night Buffet Restaurant, next door, before entering the quiz at 9.30 and then enjoying George's performance, Mike will present you with a special "thank you" bottle of wine or spirit of your choice. A table reservation will be required for this package offer. Call Mike on 0894028741.

Thank you. I'll definitely have a look.

From among all of them, Chinese is still my preference. It strikes me as a little bit strange that Thailand, being so close to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, has so few Chinese restaurants, with the exception of Bangkok's Chinatown. Pattaya has plenty of French, Italian, Korean, and Indian restaurants, to mention just a few foreign style restaurants. There's even a Uzbekistan restaurant on Soi VC, just off of Sunee Plaza, for crying out loud. Meanwhile, I think there may have been more Chinese restaurants within a couple miles of where I used to live in Florida than there are in all of Thailand . . . including Bangkok's Chinatown.

If you think that's bad, just imagine the waiting time at customs upon return to the USA while they are checking all the computers to see if anyone has porn.

Another bizarre turn of events is that Samak started his day yesterday in Udon Thani. He was supposed to return to Bangkok, so he said, to hear the verdict. The latest news reports say that not only did he not appear in court, but he also did not return home. His servants were interviewed and say they don't have any idea where he is. Nobody seems to know where he is. Why am I thinking of Jimmy Hoffa?

It's a nice dream, but if it happens I don't think it will happen all that quickly. Even without the current political mess, Thailand has been through so many problems within the past few years that I've lost count of them all. And yet, the baht goes steadily on.

There are good videos in English on the CNN web site: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/...tml#cnnSTCVideo

Wednesday, September 10 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.42 Euro: 48.535 British Pound: 60.57 Australian Dollar: 27.5175 Canadian Dollar: 32.02 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.41 Euro: 48.615 British Pound: 60.63 Australian Dollar: 27.6475 Canadian Dollar: 32.1275

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ PAD to Continue Protest Despite Court Ruling (BangkokPost.com) – People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) released a statement on Tuesday night, saying that it would continue its anti-government protest as it has proven that the group played an important role in opposing the government that has violated the charter. The statement was released several hours after the Constitution Court ruled that Samak Sundaravej violated the constitution by hosting cooking shows on commercial television and ordered him to step down. PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the rally needs to go on as the group would like to closely monitor the situation and see who will be elect to be a new prime minister. Mr Suriyasai called on political parties to think ‘outside the box,’ and said neither Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva nor Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa is qualified to lead the country. “There will be problems if Mr Abhisit is elected,” he said. “If Mr Banharn is elected, there will be conflicts as well.” PAD also condemned People Power party (PPP)’s resolution to re-elect Samak Sundaravej back into the government, saying that this is a proof that the party MPs are unethical thus should not have the right to govern the country. “These politicians have the intention to keep the country under crisis,” it said in the statement.

Thai Constitution Court Strips PM, Entire Cabinet from office BANGKOK, Sept 9 (TNA) -- Thailand's Constitution Court on Tuesday ruled that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was found in violation of the Constitution due to his having hosted cooking shows on commercial television stations and that he must leave office together with his entire cabinet, becoming the first Thai prime minister to be thrown out by the court. All nine judges of the Constitution Court voted unanimously that Mr. Samak, who took office on February 6 this year, was guilty because he had violated Article 267 of the Constitution, written by coupmaker-appointed legal and constitutional experts. Article 267 stipulates that a prime minister is prohibited from holding any position in a partnership, firm or an organisation carrying out business with the intention to share profits or income, or being an employee. Mr. Samak resigned from the two talk-and-cook show programmes shortly after he was appointed prime minister. The court also ruled that Mr. Samak's cabinet could remain as a caretaker administration for 30 days until parliament elects a new prime minister. However, Mr. Samak is not barred from being reelected prime minister, and his ruling People Power Party, as well as its coalition partners, have already voiced their support for him to run the country which continues to face political turbulence as anti-government protesters loyal to People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who took control of Government House August 26 and have demanded that the government resign without condition. Shortly after Thailand's Constitution Cout justices announced their unanimously 9-0 'guilty' ruling, all sitting members of parliament of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) agreed unanimously to nominate Mr. Samak to the premiership in the upcoming session of parliament, according to Kuthep Saikrachang, party spokesman. Meanwhile, some anti-government demonstrators besieging Government House since August 26 to force the premier to resign, roared with cheer as they heard the court verdict, but the protesters said they would not call off their marathon protests which began May 25, saying they feared Mr. Samak would come back to run the country. The embattled prime minister did not attend the court ruling as he chaired a cabinet weekly meeting in the northeastern province of Udon Thani. (TNA)

Apparently, the Thai Supreme Court's decision will do little to ease the tension. According to the latest publicity, plans are already in the works to elect Samak right back into office, almost immediately. There has been much speculation that Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa would be Samak's replacement if he either declines to accept a re-nomination or for some reason cannot be voted back into power, however Banharn is saying he has no intention of becoming Prime Minister, despite all the talk to the contrary. So far there has been no official reaction from the leadership of the PAD, the party in opposition to Samak The following appears in THE NATION: _____ PPP and Coalition Parties to Vote Samak Back By The Nation People's Power Party agreed on Tuesday to vote for Samak Sundaravej to become prime minister again, PPP's spokesman Kudeb saikrachang. The Constitution Court on Tuesday has disqualified Samak from the premiership after he is found violating the charter by hosting two cooking shows. Kudeb said the party believed Samak was already punished by the disqualification and his wrongdoings did not involve with the administrating the country. "Therefore we believe that Khun Samak should be voted as prime minister again," he claimed. Other coalition parties also voiced agreement to the idea, he said.

What "sneering suggestion?" I said I go to a neighbor or a nearby motorcycle taxi driver when I'm having difficulty getting someone to understand my directions, and that's exactly what I do and what I was trying to suggest you do if the need arises. Isn't that terrible? What's the problem about that? To you that's a "sneering suggestion" saying that you are not capable of explaining where you live? Based on your post directly above this one, if you want to see who writes "sneering suggestions," just look in a mirror.