Gaybutton

The well known Ol

Liam's Gallery in Pattaya is now presenting an art exhibition entitled "Absent: The Asian Male, Concentration on the Nude." The newspaper write-up is as follows:

The telephone number at the Ambiance is 038-424 099. You could always call him and ask. Whether his work permit covers the shows or not, I'll bet my bottom dollar he made sure to check with his attorney first.

Thai Baht May Further Strengthen this Week BANGKOK, Aug 13 (TNA) The Thai baht may continue rallying against the US dollar this week after rising to a six-and-a-half-year high of Bt37.28 late last week, according to a report issued by the KASIKORN Research Center (KRC). The Thai currency may pass through a long-standing psychologicl barrier of Bt37.00 a US dollar this week. Last week the Thai baht stayed at Bt37.43 a US dollar on average, compared with Bt37.85 on average the week before. A key factor behind the sharp rise of the baht last week was a decision by the US Federal Reserve not to hike its interest rate, the first time in more than two years. Also, remarks by Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula on capital inflows and the central bank's mapping out measures to cope with the situation make currency traders believe that the Thai baht may continue to strengthen this week. This week, the Thai currency is anticipated to move within the range of Bt37.00-37.60 a US dollar as traders are monitoring several key US economic reports, including the inflation rate and industrial production in July, according to the KRC report. However, the expected strengthening of the Thai baht may be limited due to worries over a possible intervention of the BOT, especially if the Thai currency moves near the strong psychological level at Bt37.00 a US dollar, the report added. (TNA) E111, E002

I don't know why khaolakguy is making such an issue of trying to convince people that you can work in Thailand without a work permit. I also don't know what makes him think that these deportations are going to appear in newspapers in the first place or that we have to prove something as if we are in a courtroom. Regarding the arrests of Tsunami volunteers who had no work permit, that was all over the newspapers when it happened. But I'm not going to waste my time trying to find those articles just to be able to prove it to khaolakguy or anybody else. What for? There is such a thing as common knowledge and it is common knowledge that "farang" are not allowed to legally work in Thailand without a work permit. When you apply for the one-year visa they tell you that while you are sitting there in the immigration police office. What do we have to do, record the conversation? Also, you are not going to be issued a work permit under any circumstances if you are in Thailand on a tourist visa. This is a pointless debate. What is going to be accomplished by it? Anybody who plans to work in Thailand would have to be nuts to rely on the word of what is posted on any web site at all. The thing to do is to personally check with a Thai attorney and/or the immigration police. It doesn't matter what is said on a message board. The only thing that matters is what the law is and what kind of visa you must have. The only truly reliable information is going to come from Thai attorneys and the immigration police. I don't understand why the logic of that is being disputed.

If he is, then we've all had it. However, if he's the guy in charge of fining helmetless motorcyclists, then we're in great shape . . .

The following appears in the Pattaya City News: _____ Pattaya Police Review Security around the City after Foiled Terror Plot in the UK Reports from the UK over the past two days suggest they have just foiled a major terrorist plot to explode planes over the Atlantic Ocean which would have led to huge loss of life if the plot was successful. As we recorded this story there had been a total of 24 arrests mainly in the London area and 19 of those have had their assets seized. Pakistan officials have also made a number of arrests including two British Nationals. This event has sent shockwaves throughout the World and here in Pattaya, the local Police have been told to review security procedures around the City, especially at shopping centers and hotels which are potential targets for terrorists. We joined Police Colonel Somnook at the Royal Garden Plaza in South Pattaya as he conducted a review of security at the Plaza. He was satisfied that the security guards were conducting inspections of vehicles and were on high alert for anything suspicious. The Colonel will visit every major center and hotel over the next few days to ensure that their security procedures are up to an acceptable level.

Here's the latest. The following article appears in THE NATION: _____ EXCHANGE RATE Baht Hits a 6-year High Against $ Reaches Bt37.27 as Greenback Weakens The baht rose to a six-year high of Bt37.27 against the dollar yesterday despite Bank of Thailand intervention. The rise was mainly caused by a weakening greenback after the US Federal Reserve earlier this week left a key interest rate unchanged for the first time in two years. Dealers expect the baht to shoot up to Bt36.50 by year-end. The baht opened at Bt37.46 to Bt37.50 per dollar yesterday before hitting a peak during intra-day trading at Bt37.27, its highest level since 2000. The currency closed at Bt37.36 to Bt37.39. Central bank assistant governor Nitaya Pibulratanagit said there was more than US$100 million (Bt3.74 billion) of short and long-term capital inflow yesterday. She said, however, the bank had yet to verify the objective of these funds and that it would continue to "oversee" the unit in the currency markets. "The BOT has overseen the baht in the foreign exchange market as needed. Otherwise, it would be much stronger than this," said Nitaya. The baht was relatively stronger than other regional currencies yesterday. Nitaya said, however, that the foiled terrorist plot in the United Kingdom had not affected the pound, which weakened slightly. There was not much capital inflow to the United States either as investors were still concerned about terrorist attacks. But Nitaya believes that once the euro and yen become weaker and the US dollar stronger in the near future, the baht will finally weaken. Songpol Chevapanyaroj, head of the treasury products marketing department at Kasikornbank, said the baht had risen in line with the regional currencies against the US dollar. The baht is expected to be stronger but it is likely to swing from profit-taking from investors, he said. The unit will be about Bt37.20 to Bt37.80 against the dollar next week, while it may climb to Bt36.50 by the end of the year, he said. Bank of Ayudhya executive vice president Tak Bunnag said the baht had also been supported by heavy trading volume yesterday, which partly came from the selling of the greenback by exporters. Besides, foreign investors made a net-buy position in the country's stock market, pushing the baht to become stronger, he said. "Once the country's political situation is clearer, overseas investors will have higher confidence," he said. He said he believed that central bank intervention had weakened the baht slightly before the market closed, but that it would strengthen further when trading resumed. Anoma Srisukkasem, Somruedi Banchongduang The Nation

It seems to me that 'maxmooney' and everyone else reading this thread now has our views and opinions and should now have enough to make their own decisions. I think 'A Rose By Any Other Name' is right that it is now more than enough from both sides of the issue. At this point all we can do is repeat ourselves or rephrase. I think all that's left to do now is to wish best of luck to 'maxmooney' and express hope that whatever decision he makes, it will be the right one.

Attention American Citizens: CIVIL AVIATION ALERT 1. This public announcement alerts Americans to the Government of the United Kingdom's August 10, 2006 announcement that it has heightened security at all U.K. airports due to the arrest of several terror suspects, who were reportedly planning to place explosives on commercial air flights. Information periodically is updated by the UK Department for Transport (www.dft.gov.uk) and the British Airport Authority (www.baa.co.uk). The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at http://london.usembassy.gov/. Americans with immediate travel plans into or out of the United Kingdom should contact their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. Due to the delays and flight cancellations, U.S. officials have been cautioned to avoid transiting through U.K. airports at this time. This public announcement expires August 31, 2006. 2. The government of the United Kingdom announced on August 10, 2006 that it has heightened security at all U.K. airports due to the arrest of several terror suspects, who were reportedly planning to place explosives on commercial air flights. As a result of these arrests, the threat level in the UK has been raised to critical, reflecting the belief that an attack may be imminent. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has also raised the threat level to high for all commercial flights operating in or coming to the United States. The situation remains fluid and is being covered widely by British and international media. Information periodically is updated by the UK Department for Transport (www.dft.gov.uk) and the British Airport Authority (www.baa.co.uk). The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at www.london.usembassy.gov. 3. Americans with immediate travel plans into or out of the United Kingdom should contact their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. Heightened Security in other countries may cause delays in other flights from Europe to the United States. American Citizens are advised to anticipate stringent security measures and cooperate fully with authorities. For the latest travel and safety information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor local media and the department's Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at travel.state.gov. Homeland security website also provides information at www.dhs.gov. Travelers should also check the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov. 4. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov. 5. U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 6. As the department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To subscribe or unsubscribe to this list, go to: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/acsemaillist.htm The U.S. Embassy Consular Section is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (Nearest BTS Skytrain station: Phloen Chit) American Citizen Services Unit Window Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 11 AM and 1 - 2 PM Note: The ACS unit is CLOSED on the last Friday of every month. Tel: +66-2-205-4049 Fax: +66-2-205-4103 E-mail: acsbkk@state.gov

It doesn't matter what I think it is. It only matters what the law is. That's why I am saying to consult a Thai attorney rather than drawing your own conclusions based on the fact that you see ads or haven't heard about any arrests. If foreign DJ's can work legally without a work permit, or they can get work permits, fine. But what on earth is wrong with checking first to make sure?

BANGKOK, Aug 11 (TNA) The Thai baht is likely to further strengthen and touch 37 a US dollar by the third quarter of this year due to a foreign capital inflow into the country, according to a senior economist. Usara Vilaipich of Standard Chartered Bank, said on Thursday foreign capital had continued to flow into Thailand, particularly in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the bond market. The capital inflow, if continues unabated, would probably make the local currency appreciate to 37 a US dollar by the end of September. She said the strengthening of the Thai baht would benefit importers and exporters. For instance, importers will enjoy lower costs in importing of products, particularly fuel whose prices have continued to rise. The appreciation of the Thai currency will help ease impacts of the inflation rate hike upon higher fuel prices. Local exporters will benefit from lower costs of importing raw materials and machinery, which represent up to 40 per cent of production costs, if the baht strengthens, she said. (TNA)

Nope. That's really the time the buffet is opened for serving.

Because I don't consider it to be a dead horse. But relax. I intend no further 'preaching.' I've already made my point as far as I intend to take it.

As of the moment of this post, the US dollar to baht exchange rate has slipped to 37.22. Two years ago, if you exchanged US $1000, you would have received about 45,000 baht. Today, in comparison you will receive 37,220, a difference of 7780 baht. That's a loss of nearly US $200 per thousand. Taking inflation into consideration, it's even more of a loss. This has been very much in the news lately. Here is the latest information: _________ FTI to Seek Baht Intervention to Ensure Smooth Business Operation BANGKOK, Aug 10 (TNA) The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plans to call on the government to supervise the movement of the Thai baht to ensure that it stays steadily in a range of 38-39 a US dollar so that entrepreneurs will be able to do their businesses smoothly. FTI

Guys, I'm sorry, but I disagree with you. I think it is dead wrong to tell people that immigration laws are largely ignored. They are not and I see no validity in suggesting that they are. Thailand may play games when it comes to enforcement of certain laws, such as prostitution laws, but they play no games when it comes to immigration law. I might agree with you if it was general practice in Thailand to disregard immigration law, but I and many others here, know of too many instances in which people working without a permit were arrested and deported or at least went through some very rough times. In my opinion, suggesting that people can come to Thailand and work without a work permit, and in the process causing them to think it's common practice and something that everybody does with impunity, is misleading and can result in very serious consequences. If people are working without permits, then the only reason they are still in Thailand doing so is because they haven't been caught . . . yet. As a moderator of this message board, I think it would be totally irresponsible of me not to dispute that. I also think the immigration laws and rules about foreigners working in Thailand are indeed as black and white as I represent and it is too great a risk to try to circumvent those laws. If the guy wants to try it after we do our best to make sure he understands about the Thai laws, that's his affair, but I don't think he should be encouraged to do so.

The second Tuesday of every month is when they have it, so the next one is September 12. I'm afraid you'll have to mark your own calendars to remember. I'm lucky I can remember this morning, let alone trying to remember to post an alert about the dinner a month from now. I'll try, but I can't promise that I'll remember to post about it. By the way, dinner is served at 6:00 PM.

That's fine. You've convinced me. Now all you have to do is convince the immigration police and the Thai courts. If you really think it is worth taking the chance and not worth bothering to consult an attorney to make sure of the legality, then go for it. I'll save a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card from my Monopoly game in case you need it. Are you actually trying to tell maxmooney that he is pefectly safe and should just go ahead and do it without first making sure he is complying with Thai law? My understanding of the Thai law is that "farang" cannot work in Thailand, period, without a work permit. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But I'm not a Thai attorney and something tells me you're not either. I have no idea how many "farang" are working as DJ's or tutors. It doesn't matter how many are. If the law permits them to do so, fine. If not, then they are taking their chances. You say "I guess that they all had work permits. Yeah, right." Do you know that they don't? Do you know what kind of visas they hold? Also, you you are implying that there are a great many "farang" working as DJ's in Thailand. I've never seen any and I've been to all those places. Maxmooney said he wants to work as both a DJ and a tutor and wants to do that work for a year. If you are trying to advise him that there is no reason to consult a Thai attorney first, then what do you say to him if he follows that advice and ends up arrested? Sorry?

Before you get too excited, I don't need to burst your bubble, but I do need to point a pin at it. You are not going to be allowed to do any of this sort of work without a Thai work permit. You did not say whether you have investigated about getting a work permit, but I have a feeling you are going to have a big problem getting one. Since you did not say anything about a work permit, I'll write my response as if you do not have one and did not realize that you need to check into this. Work permits are not usually issued to "farang" unless they own a business or Thai citizens can't do the same job. There is no shortage of Thai DJ's in Thailand willing to work in the bars. The same applies to being a tutor. You'll need a work permit for that too. If you have done this sort of work in Thailand before without a work permit and did not end up arrested, then you've been lucky. I advise you to consult a competent Thai attorney before even approaching bars or anything related to this sort of work and tutoring work, even if you are willing to work on a volunteer basis. Thai law would consider that as taking a job opportunity away from a Thai citizen and you could end up arrested and deported. Thailand is very strict about allowing foreigners to work. Whatever you do, please make sure you talk with a Thai attorney first. If you don't know any, I'll be glad to put you in touch with mine. Just send me an E-mail at gaybutton@gmail.com if you want the contact information. He does respond to E-mail, but you would be much better off springing for a phone call. I would also advise, if the attorney tells you that you would indeed be eligible for the necessary work permits, to ask about what kind of visa you will need prior to your arrival in Thailand. Believe it or not, there was actually a problem after the tsunami. Many foreigners who were voluntarily trying to help were actually arrested because they did not have a work permit. Welcome to Thai logic.

Baht Moves to Strongest Level in 3 Months BANGKOK, Aug 10 (TNA) The Thai baht continued to appreciate at the opening of Thursday's morning trading session, staying at a range of 37.50-37.58 a US dollar, the strongest in three months, according to a money dealer of BankThai Public Company Limited. The dealer said the sharp appreciation of the Thai currency stemmed from the United States government

Coincidentally enough, I just returned home after shopping at Carrefour and spotted this post. The lights were working. Ok, that's one day so far . . . If gambling wasn't illegal in Thailand, I'd take bets on how long the lights will continue to work.

On the second Tuesday of every month the Pattaya Vegetarian Club hosts a vegetarian dinner at, of all places, the Caf

Today the exchange rate closed at 37.44 baht per US dollar. That is the weakest the dollar has been since the Asian money crash back in 1997. From the latest reports I have been reading, the dollar is expected to weaken further until it is down to about 37.0. Then it is expected to begin strengthening again. The reports also state that exporters are complaining that the BOT (Bank of Thailand) is allowing the baht to become too strong and they are fearful that this will seriously hurt the export business. I know more about how to set a rocket trajectory to Pluto than I know about economics. I don't have any idea how this is going to play out, but for those of you planning a trip to Thailand, you might as well expect to get a lot less baht for your dollar until this trend finally turns around . . . if it turns around.

The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: ________________________________________ Plans for a Major New Road in Pattaya Discussed in City Hall Meeting In conference room 404 at Pattaya City Hall, the Pattaya City Council held their monthly meeting chaired by the Council Chairman, Khun Tawich. As usual at this monthly meeting many items were discussed. We are highlighting one of the more important topics of discussion which centers on budget approval talks on a new road which will run adjacent to the train track which runs through the eastern section of the city. To construct this road, the city will have to rent land from the train company and a total of 280,500 square meters of land will be rented and it is hoped that this road will take the pressure off the main Sukumvit Road which is expected to suffer from dramatic increases in traffic over the next few years thanks to the new airport in Bangkok and continued development of industrial and residential areas in Pattaya. The final decision on budget allocations will be made next month. _________________________________________ My first reaction to this is I'm glad something will be done about the trafic congestion on Sukhumvit Highway, but it is hardly going to do much to solve the rest of the traffic problems that are now plaguing Pattaya. It's a begining, but much more needs to be done than just this. I don't know is there is anything similar to Eminent Domain in Thailand, but if there is they need to start using it before the traffic problems become so severe that once you are in the city, everything will grind to a halt. Along with the traffic congestion, parking is a major problem as well. There simply isn't enough space, even at major shopping malls, for all the cars. That's one of the reasons why you find so much double and triple parking throughout Pattaya, which causes even more traffic congestion when lanes become useless due to parked cars. It's a major problem that I don't think this parallel-to-Sukhumvit highway will resolve, but at least it's a start.

It does seem like that's a likely possibility, doesn't it? And you're right. As is so often the case in Thailand, this idea seems to be ad hoc and impromptu without anything being thoroughly thought through and without even consulting the airlines. So, I repeat . . . what else is new? It doesn't seem unusual to me to see a government snatch defeat right out of the jaws of victory. After all, that's the way we do it in the USA, isn't it? Why shouldn't it be universal? By the way, if you have been wondering how to pronounce the name of the airport, here's what the web site says: How is it pronounced: "su-wan-na-poom"