Gaybutton

That's true. Of course I neither said he speaks fluent English nor did I say I needed help from a neighbor to explain the nature of my computer problem, but I suppose that doesn't matter, does it . . . Well bully for you. What, exactly, is your point? Do you wish to make him appear incompetent because he failed to understand your directions? What on earth does that have to do with his ability to work with computers? He happens to be a fantastic computer person, even if he can't figure out where you live.

Thank you very much. That's beginning to look a bit more like it. I wonder if their in-house menu is more extensive.

From what I have read, even if he resigns the Thai parliament can restore him to office if they so choose. The story just broke less than ten minutes prior to this post, so it will be a little while before many details come out, but here's what's being reported so far in THE NATION: _____ SAMAK FOUND GUILTY By The Nation online 4.30 pm: Urgent: The Court Finds Samak Guilty Six judges considered Samak to be the "employee" while three others considered Samak a business partner of the studio, a constitutional offence in both cases. The court said evidence presented by Samak that he was only given transport fees for hosting the show "contradicted" payment evidence by the studio, Face Media. The court went strong on the principles laid down by the Constitution against conflicts of interests. The judges pointed out that using definitions of "employ", "employer" and "employee" from different laws are not enough to tell whether the will of the Constitution has been violated. ____________________ And this, also from THE NATION: _____ Convicted Samak Disqualified The Constitution Court Tuesday convicted Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej of having violated the charter by hosting commercial TV shows while in office. The court voted unanimously to give a guilty verdict against Samak and disqualified him as the prime minister. The court reasoned that the Constitution was aimed to prevent conflicts of interest on part of Cabinet members so Samak had violated in the intention of the charter although he host the programmes on part-time basis. The entire Cabinet also lost its status but other Cabinet members became caretaker ministers until new Cabinet is found, the court ruled. The Nation ____________________ And this, also from THE NATION: _____ Why Was Samak Disqualified? By The Nation The Constitution Court on Tuesday reached an unanimous decision of 9-0 to disqualify Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on grounds for conflict of interest relating to his involvement in two cooking shows. The high court ruled that Samak lost his job by an individual offence, hence although his Cabinet would face a mandatory removal, it could act as the caretaker administration pending the formation of a new government. Of the nine presiding judges, six said Samak's involvement as honourary show host has constituted a status as an employee of programme producer, Face Media Co. Three said his involvement could be interpreted as a business partner. The nine judges cited the intent of Article 267 of the 2007 Constitution for preempting Cabinet members, including the prime minister, from committing a conflict of interest. Under the provision, the legal definition of being employed or the status of employee is broader than that specified in the Civil Code and relevant labour laws. Evidence showed that Samak continued to host the two shows after he assumed office in February. Furthermore he received allowances, such as petrol expenses which could be construed as income earnings. And he got involved with the show which is a business transaction designed to seek profits.

Sometimes I have trouble trying to explain where I live too. In that situation I take my phone to a neighbor or nearby motorcycle taxi driver and ask him to do the explaining. That never fails.

Thank you very much, but that's not what we're looking for. I've been there a couple times. It's primarily seafood and, in my opinion, quite overpriced for what you get.

Some friends and I have been looking for a good Chinese restaurant in Pattaya. We are well aware of the Rice Bowl in the Marriott and the Chinese restaurant in the Montien Hotel, but we're looking for something a little more "mom-and-pop," at more "mom-and-pop" prices. So far we haven't had any luck finding anything. A couple nights ago we even ate dinner with a Chinese gentleman from Hong Kong who comes to Pattaya for months at a time. Even he can't find anything in Pattaya. Have any of you found a halfway decent Chinese restaurant?

I can't help you with Bangkok, but in case nobody responds I would still call Doon. Not that he is going to go to do work in Bangkok, but he may know good, reliable people in Bangkok. If he has a recommendation, that would be better than nothing. You might also see if you can find any Bangkok recommendations on the Thai Visa forum.

Maybe they're the ones who ate it. The photo is from THE NATION

Tuesday, September 9 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.42 Euro: 48.45 British Pound: 60.355 Australian Dollar: 27.7725 Canadian Dollar: 32.1375 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.34 Euro: 48.635 British Pound: 60.505 Australian Dollar: 27.8825 Canadian Dollar: 32.225

I highly recommend the man I use, Doon. I have been using him for years and I recommend him to everyone. He does everything, and I mean literally everything, both major work and minor, except for air conditioning. His work is professional, competent, and he guarantees his work. His prices are very reasonable. He does not subcontract out any of his work. He uses his own people for everything. His contact number is 081-694-6206. For air conditioning I've used a few different outfits. I don't have one I recommend over another. They all seem to do excellent work. I would simply find an air conditioning service close to wherever you live. For any kind of computer work, I recommend Killin. Killin speaks English and his work is as good as it gets. He comes to your home. If he needs to take your computer to his shop, he takes it and brings it back. Everyone I've sent to him won't use anyone else. His contact number is 081-295-3860.

Sounds good, although finding a decent cup of coffee around here can be quite a challenge. Send me an Email or give me a call.

I don't. Why do you?

Plenty of bizarre things happen in Thailand. This could wind up being in the top 10. Samak thus far has been able to resist the riots, the building take-overs, the media calling for his resignation, etc. Would you believe the thing that might finally do him in might be because he appeared on a cooking show? I would have thought the media could at least let us know what he cooked . . . besides possibly his own goose. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Samak's Perfect Stew (BangkokPost.com, with Agency reports) Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej told the Constitution Court on Monday that he cooked for TV because he enjoyed it, not as a job for money - and the court announced it will rule on Tuesday whether he violated the law and has to resign. A judge at the tribunal said before Mr Samak testified that it will rule quickly on whether Mr Samak violated the constitutional ban on outside work by hosting television cooking shows. "I presented the cooking show and got paid for my acting," said Samak. He is charged with conflict of interest. If he is guilty, Mr Samak will have to step down, along with his cabinet. In his testimony, Mr Samak denied charges that he had broken the constitution by hosting a television cooking show while also serving as premier, claiming the programme had been done on a freelance basis. He was responding to charges made in May by a group of Thai senators, who charged Mr Samak with violating the constitution by continuing his job as a TV presenter on his personal cooking show, Chim pai, bon pai (Tasting and Complaining), after he had been appointed prime minister on Feb 6. Mr Samak appeared before the Constitution Court Monday to refute the charges. "I consulted with legal counsel after I became prime minister, and they all agreed it was not a breach of the constitution if I was not a regular employee of a company," he told the court. He said he had only hosted the show a few times after becoming prime minister and only on a freelance basis. "I did it because I liked doing it," Mr Samak said. "I was the first TV presenter to do my cooking right in the market, and it was delicious too." Sakchai Khaewwaneesakul, the managing director of the company that produced the cooking show, testified in support of Samak, saying it paid him 80,000 baht (US$2,300) for the four shows. "The presenters of our shows are not our employees, but we pay them honorariums," he told the court. Under Thailand's 2007 constitution, no elected politician is allowed to hold a second job while in office. The clause was designed to avoid conflicts of interest. Mr Samak, 73, a veteran politician with more than four decades of experience in Thailand's tempestuous politics, is also an accomplished cook. ____________________ And This: _____ Thai PM Testifies in Court over Cooking Programmes BANGKOK, Sept 8 (TNA) Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej appeared in the country's Constitution Court on Monday to defend himself regarding his hosting of a television cooking programme by doing which he is accused of violating the Consitution. Mr. Samak had hosted television cooking shows on a commercial television station in the past and continued after taking office in February. The premier's love affair with eating, cooking and the culinary arts landed him in trouble after a group of senators and the Election Commission (EC) petitioned the Constitution Court to rule as to whether his actions disqualify him from office by violated the national charter. Article 267 of the Constitution stipulates that the prime minister is prohibited from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profit or income, or being an employee of any person. Mr. Samak told the court that he appeared in the programmes only on a freelance basis, without seeking any compensation. The premier's appearance in the Bangkok court came amid a number of mounting pressures for the prime minister to resign as anti-government protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have occupied Thailand's Government House since August 26. The coalition of self-described democracy-activist protesters vowed not to disperse until the premier calls it quits. Mr. Samak was accused by the demonstrators of being a proxy of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who fled corruption charges to live in Britain with his wife and family. The court is scheduled to rule on the case at 2 pm on Tuesday (TNA)

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/2008090...2082249400.html _____ Nicolas Cage Bombs at Box Office with "Bangkok" Sunday September 7 2:21 PM ET Less than a year after starring in the biggest movie of his volatile career, Nicolas Cage led the North American box office to its worst weekend in five years on Sunday with one of his weakest. "Bangkok Dangerous," a thriller in which the 44-year-old actor plays a jaded assassin, opened at No. 1 with estimated three-day earnings of just $7.8 million, distributor Lionsgate said. While no one was expecting it to be a hit, industry observers had predicted it would earn more than $10 million. The last box office champ to open lower was the David Spade comedy "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star," which kicked off with $6.7 million during the weekend of September 5-7, 2003. Overall ticket sales also fell to their lowest level since then, said tracking firm Media By Numbers. The top 12 films earned $51.6 million, up from $50.5 million that weekend. Early September is traditionally a quiet time at the box office since the summer blockbuster season is over. The studios spend the early fall quietly dumping their underperforming movies on the market. "Bangkok Dangerous" was the only new wide release this weekend. Lionsgate, a unit of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, said it was happy with the film's opening and expected it to be profitable. Although the movie reportedly cost $45 million to make, Lionsgate acquired U.S. and Canadian rights for a modest sum from "The Departed" producer Graham King's Initial Entertainment Group. The film is a remake of the 1999 Thai film of the same name, with both being directed by Hong Kong-born twin brothers Danny and Oxide Pang. The remake was not screened in advance for critics, which is rarely a good sign. Cage has actually done a lot worse at the box office: His terrorism thriller "Next" opened to $7.1 million in April 2007 and the family drama "The Weather Man" to $4.2 million in 2005. But he was last in theaters with the biggest movie of his career, "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," The action sequel opened to $45 million in December on its way to $220 million. After three weeks at No. 1, DreamWorks/Paramount's Hollywood satire "Tropic Thunder" slipped to No. 2 with $7.5 million, while Columbia Pictures' comedy "The House Bunny" rose one to No. 3 with $5.9 million in its third week. Their respective tallies stand at $97 million and $37 million. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures are units of Viacom Inc. Columbia Pictures is a unit of Sony Corp. (Reporting by Dean Goodman; editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Monday, September 8 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.22 Euro: 49.255 British Pound: 61.345 Australian Dollar: 28.31 Canadian Dollar: 32.2725 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.33 Euro: 48.72 British Pound: 60.515 Australian Dollar: 28.1075 Canadian Dollar: 32.185

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ PM to Explain National Situation at UN Meeting (BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Samak Sundaravej spoke during his weekly talk show on the state-run National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) channel on Sunday that he plans to explain Thailand’s civil strife at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly session, which is scheduled to convene on September 23. Mr Samak said he is not afraid that a coup will take place after his departure to the UN General Assembly, similar to the 2006 military coup that was staged while ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra attended the UN conference. The prime minister said he will ask the Court of Appeals to postpone a ruling on a libel suit on September 25 because he will attend the UN General Assembly to clarify the country’s situation to the international community. Concerning the heavy rain and hail at Government House on Friday, Mr Samak said the Meteorological Department stated that the incident was normal. However, he viewed that such occurrence was not normal because he had never seen hail falling at Government House in 73 years of his life. He said he did not order a plane to sprinkle ice over the compound.

The full story and photos are online in the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS now. See: http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.p...NEWS=0000007139

Thailand must have an embassy or consulate in the Czech Republic. I would try to contact them, explain the story, and ask them if they know of any problems or reasons why she should reject the offer. I would also try to find out if they have a registration program or some way they can keep details of her contact information if she goes. Try to find out their advice. I can't think of anything else you can do.

Friday, September 5 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.38 Euro: 49.005 British Pound: 60.27 Australian Dollar: 27.99 Canadian Dollar: 32.0675 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.38 Euro: 48.935 British Pound: 60.46 Australian Dollar: 27.8225 Canadian Dollar: 32.03 There will be no further rate reports posted by the banks until Monday.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Referendum Under Attack By The Nation Published on September 5, 2008 The government's call for a referendum to end the ongoing political strife has met with stiff resistance, with almost all concerned parties saying it was unconstitutional and merely a delaying tactic. Opposition chief whip Sathit Wongnongtoey said any referendum to specific individuals or groups ran counter to Article 165 of the Constitution. "It's simply a tactic to buy some time," he said. The Cabinet decided yesterday to hold a national referendum as a way out of the political deadlock between the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Sathit said he was doubtful as to whether a referendum could help end the political unrest, since everything depended on the wording of the proposition. Biased questions would lead to an unfair outcome. He also expressed concern that tensions could spiral out of control before any referendum could be held. Samak is already a lame duck who should realize he has run out of options and must leave before he inflicts any more damage on the country, Sathit said. To conduct a referendum, the government needs the referendum bill that is still pending before the Senate. A date for the referendum is expected next month after the Senate passes the bill, said Government Spokesman Wichianchot Sukchotrat. Senate Speaker Prasobsook Boondech said he opposed a referendum, saying it would be held too late. The Senate will hold its first reading today on the referendum bill, and the entire process will take at least a month, he said. "We cannot wait for the bill. The present crisis requires immediate action to end it as soon as possible," the Speaker said. He said he hoped a crucial meeting today between House Speaker Chai Chidchob, Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and himself to plan a joint session of Parliament for a debate on the political crisis would ease the tension. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, rector of the National Institute for Development Administration, said a referendum could not solve the crisis. The PAD probably would not accept the result, because it would have to be conducted under government mechanisms, he said. PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk said his group would not accept a referendum, because it was unconstitutional. It is wrong to conduct a referendum on whether the government should stay or go. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej held an urgent meeting of his ministers at Supreme Command Headquarters at 10.30am yesterday. This followed a radio address in which he asked the people to help chart the country's future by deciding whether to safeguard democracy or opt for the "new politics" advanced by the PAD and which he said would have dire consequences. Somsak Prissanananthakul, deputy Chart Thai Party leader and agriculture minister, proposed the idea to the Cabinet. "We should let the people decide whether they want the PAD's 'new politics' or an elected government," Somsak said. However, there is no clear referendum format. The Cabinet has instructed the Council of State to sort out pertinent legal issues to pave the way for the referendum. Under prescribed procedures, the Election Commission (EC) will be in charge of the voting. All six coalition parties have pinned their hopes on the referendum to end the crisis. Two Cabinet members, Culture Minister Somsak Kiartsuranont and Science Minister Wutthipong Chaisang, said Prime Minister Samak was optimistic the outcome of the referendum would put politics back on course and allow the country to move on. But in the lead-up to any referendum vote, uncertainty will likely persist. The PAD refuses to vacate Government House and has even threatened additional measures to oust Samak. The prime minister has vowed in turn to carry on with his job. With protesters occupying the seat of government, the Cabinet next Tuesday will begin a series of mobile meetings, starting in Udon Thani. Meanwhile, EC member Sodsri Satayathum said the EC was ready to conduct the referendum but that the government should make the questions clear. Questions like should an outsider be allowed to be prime minister or should MPs be 30-per-cent elected and 70-per-cent appointed are allowed. But ones like should the prime minister resign are unconstitutional, she said.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Two Ramkamhaeng University Students Shot on the way to PM's Residence Two Ramkamhaeng University students were shot as they and other students were marching to residence of prime minister in Buengkhum district. Ladprao police chief Pol Col Somsak Bunsaeng said two men on a motorcycle shot the students, injuring two. The injured were among about 100 students who marched to Samak's residence to protest against his government. The shooting happened although police have provided safety along the way. The march started from the university through Lamsalee Intersection to Soi Nawamin 81 where his residence is. ____________________ The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ 2 Students Shot When Marching to PM Home (BangkokPost.com) – Gunmen opened fire at a group of about 100 Ramkhamhaeng University students, injuring two, when they were marching to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s residence to demand for his resignation on Thursday night. According to deputy police commissioner Jongrak Juthanon, the students were gathering at a flat of the National Housing Authority on Soi Nawamin 6 to prepare for a march to Mr Samak’s home. Shortly after leaving the site, a motorcycle passed by and opened fire at the students at around 9.30pm. The victims were identified as Anusak Sieng-oon and Apichart Polrit, both 22. They were reportedly attacked when they were walking on Soi Nawamin 17. Mr Samak’s residence is on Soi 81. They were rushed to Sinpat hospital.

Strange. I thought "intestate" meant major highways that go through several states in the USA, such as Intestate 10, Intestate 95, and so on . . . . . .

The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: _____ 5 Injured Following Collapse at 5 Star Hotel Construction Site Just after 10.30 on Thursday Morning, Police were called to a construction site of a new 5 Star Hotel in Soi 6 off the Pratamnak Road in South Pattaya, following reports of a partial collapse of the construction. Rescue Unit rushed to the scene following initial reports that persons were trapped within the wreckage and fatalities may have occurred. The Site manager quickly confirmed that everyone had been accounted for and 5 people were injured including a local journalist who hit a pole as he rushed around the site to get the first pictures of the collapse. Khun Prachar, the Governor of Chonburi also rushed to the scene fearing that fatalities had occurred. The construction is thought to be a Hotel with underground car park and according to Investigators; cement was being laid on the second floor when the collapse took place. Further investigations are now taking place and for now Police have ordered the construction site to be closed until a full safety review is undertaken.

THE NATION just reported a building collapse in Pattaya, with injuries. So far nothing has been said about which building, where, or what happened. I'll post more information when it becomes available. In the meantime, here is the one-sentence story as published: _____ A building of five-star hotel in Pattaya which is under construction collapse on Thursday morning, injuring many workers.

The Thai government is calling for a national referendum that in essence asks the populace whether they wish for the current government to remain in office or step down. At the time of this writing there has been no reaction yet from the PAD. There is also no word at this point as to when such a referendum will take place or what the Samak government will actually do if the referendum is not favorable to them. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Referendum on the Crisis The government on Thursday approved an up-or-down national vote of confidence with a referendum that will ask every voting citizen the question: Do you want the government to continue in office? Minister of Culture Somsak Kiatsuranond briefed the media on the proposal after the special cabinet meeting. No date has been set for the vote, approved only in principle by the cabinet. The Council of State is to work out a ballot question and details of the referendum. He said the cabinet members see a referendum that asks several questions - even giving voters an opportunity to comment on the ongoing political crisis and standoff in Bangkok. Questions might include whether voters approve of the government, want it to resign, or favour a new election. "Prime Minister Samak (Sundaravej) sees this as the best solution," said Mr Somsak. The ballot will ask one simple question, whether voters want the government to stay in power, Mr Somsak said.