Gaybutton

All banks and government offices will be closed on Monday, May 3 for May Day.

Not necessarily. When I used to run my own web site the same thing happened to me. I received no bill or warning of any kind, but woke up one morning to find my web site down. And along with advising me that it was my responsibility to remember the due dates, they refused to reestablish my web site until they received a money order, so the site was down for several days.

They're probably right. I and most farang I talk to also feel that things are likely to get worse, perhaps much worse, before things get better. But I also think the embassies all have to cover themselves to avoid later accusations that they did not properly warn people. I think they are exaggerating the actual danger, even in Bangkok, but I also think they don't have much choice about that. There is no denying that there are areas that are best avoided, but unless something is going on that hasn't been reported, those areas should be easy to avoid. Again, in Pattaya everything is still perfectly normal. If any of you are in Bangkok, please let us know your thoughts and observations.

I agree. It bit me! I am among those who absolutely refused to be convinced by what my friends were seeing with their own eyes. I never thought my friends were lying. I convinced myself that they were misinterpreting what they saw. I learned the hard way, as usual for me. But I did learn.

I don't expect anything. I wasn't there and I don't know the situation they faced. Unless you were there, neither do you. Here is the latest on the hospital situation: _____ Chulalongkorn Hospital Evacuates Patients Published: 30/04/2010 at 12:00 PM Chulalongkorn Hospital began evacuating patients on Friday morning for safety reasons after red-shirt protesters stormed the hospital on Thursday night looking for soldiers. About 200 supporters and guards of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) led by leader Payap Panket searched hospital buildings, claiming it was being used as a hideout by the security forces. The group later left and threatened to return for a new search at 10am Friday. UDD leaders this mornign reprimanded the protesters and said there would be no more raids Hospital director Adisorn Patradul said in the morning that patients were being transferred to Siriraj and other hospitals. The evacuation was voluntary, the decision being made by the patients and their relatives, he said. The patients have the right to remain at the hospital if they wish. Chulalongkorn Hospital evacuates patients

Many people sympathetic to the Red-Shirts are finding their sympathies quickly eroding due to more and more incidents of blatant lawlessness and extreme tactics. Some areas are still reporting that Red-Shirts are blocking highways and forcing cars to stop and be inspected. Not only is that absolutely illegal, but it has caused massive traffic backups in some areas. In their latest move, some 200 Red-Shirts stormed Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, supposedly due to suspicions that soldiers were hiding inside. They seized two innocent workers, but did release them later. Meanwhile the hospital has had to cease accepting any more inpatients and outpatients and even is canceling emergency room services. While the hospitals have asked the Red-Shirts to remain at least 100 meters away, the Red-Shirts are still disrupting hospital services and causing problems for recovering patients due to their loudspeakers. Many police officers are cooperating with the Red-Shirts and refusing to obey the Prime Minister's orders. Even during the hospital incident, it is being reported that police were within inches of one of the Red-Shirt leaders who is wanted and has an arrest warrant pending against him, but they did nothing. The following is from THE NATION: _____ Reds Storm Hospital By Pongphon Sarnsamak The Nation Published on April 30, 2010 In another brazen and controversial move, more than 200 red-shirt guards stormed into Chulalongkorn Hospital last night to check if there were soldiers inside the hospital buildings. The hour-long incident at the hospital, which is located right next to the red-shirt rally site, was monitored closely on Twitter and triggered a storm of criticism within the social media community. Hospital director Dr Adisorn Patradul initially refused to let the members of the anti-government Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) into the complex. However, a source said Adisorn gave in after DAAD co-leader Payap Panket, wanted by police for his role in the tumultuous red campaign, insisted that he be allowed to inspect the area. Although Adisorn only allowed Payap, five red-shirt guards and reporters to come in, scores of other red-shirt guards poured into the hospital buildings as soon as the door was opened. During their search, watched by bewildered nurses and doctors, the red-shirt guards seized two men and brought them to the DAAD stage at the Rajprasong intersection. The two were later released after they told the red shirts they were just workers. The red-shirt guards stopped their search at the hospital at around 8.30pm, but only after police stepped in to negotiate. During the talks, the wanted man Payap was just inches away from the senior officers taking part in the negotiations. The talks ended with an agreement for the red-shirt guards to be allowed to check the hospital again today. This prompted angry responses from Twitter users monitoring the incident, who described the police action as shameful. Reds storm hospital

Neither have I, with three exceptions. Sometimes when I get stopped by police roadblocks they ask to see it, but most of the time they only ask for my driving license. Also, in case of an accident, the insurance representative wants to see the passport. The second exception is I am always asked to present my passport when checking in to a hotel. I imagine everyone else is also asked to present it when checking in. I no longer ever use traveler's checks, but I believe you have to present your passport when cashing traveler's checks. The third exception is when I wish to withdraw funds from my bank account via a bank teller. They always ask for passport and always make a copy of it, which they ask me to sign. They ask for the bankbook as well. If any of you are under the same circumstances I'm in and your retirement benefit comes in via a receive-only account, you have to present your passport in order to retrieve the funds Don't forget that the law says you must have your passport on your person at all times. I am well aware that few people comply and carry photocopies instead, but if you encounter an overzealous police officer you could have a problem if you don't have it. I do carry my passport with me at all times. I have not ever had a problem about having it with me. Again, I've never been asked for it other than in the above situations, but I prefer to have mine with me.

I have no idea, but given the number of projects that people did invest in, and then ended up with major delays or even abandonment of the project, you wouldn't catch me signing such a contract I might consider a contract that gives me the right, if the project is not completed by the specified date, to opt for continuing to pay or having all the money I had thus far paid refunded immediately and in full. If I ever see such a clause in a condo contract, then we'll talk . . .

"Unleash the Kraken!! Send Gaybutton over; he'll smarten 'em up..." While I'm sure the problem is only temporary, thanks for volunteering me to be "sent over" to a board that would probably welcome me about as much as the Baht-Stop posters would welcome the idea of me becoming their one and only moderator. Actually, not a bad idea. My delete finger is getting mighty itchy . . .

That is correct. We have a strict policy about that. Even skirting around the reference is potential trouble, so I do intend to get rid of any further references on this or any other thread.

I have not used that expression since then. I thank you for apologizing. If only the Thai government and the Red-Shirts could resolve their disputes so easily . . .

I'm surprised you never came to that realization before. These boys have such an incredible grapevine that the CIA would do well to take lessons from them. They know everything. It would come as no surprise at all if every boy who knows you also knows exactly where you are and who you are with at this very moment, and if you happen to be having a turd right now I wouldn't be surprised if they know that too. You must have seen that so many boys are on their phones almost all the time. If you overhear, even though you don't understand much of what they are saying, I'll bet you've noticed them saying the word "farang" quite often. I'm convinced that a significant portion of those conversations is information trading. I don't think anything is wrong with it. It's just something to be aware of and I find it amusing. A lot of those boys are just as much gossip queens as so many farang are.

It is quite likely that the smaller numbers were not necessarily because of the protests, but probably because so many boys return to their hometowns for Songkran week. If customers are coming, I would guess that most of the boys have already returned to the bars, including Tawan.

Article and video on CNN web site. If protesters come within 100 meters of soldiers, use of tear gas is authorized. If they come within 30 meters, use of live ammunition is authorized. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/28/thailand.protests/index.html?hpt=T2 ____________________ Red Rally Site Isolated Troops, protesters clash on highway Soldier shot dead, 19 people injured Published: 29/04/2010 Security authorities have ordered Bangkok police to close all roads around the red shirt rally site as of last night to increase the pressure on the anti-government group. Sources said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation imposed the order to block the movement of red shirt supporters going in and out of the site which is spread over a vast area from Phong Phraram west of Mahboonkrong to Asok/Phetchaburi in the east, and down Sathon to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin. No mention was made of trying to stop essential supplies, only people and weapons, the source said. Traffic is closed at the Asok-Montree, Phayathai, Sala Daeng, Phong Phraram, Narathiwat and Henri Dunant intersections, isolating the red shirt demonstrators scattered around the Ratchaprasong intersection, the centre said. Reinforcements of troops and police have been sent to the Sala Daeng intersection. Businesses and offices in the area have been advised to close early. Efforts to contain the red shirts were stepped up by the CRES soon after a tense four-hour stand-off between protesters and security forces on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near the National Memorial in Lum Luk Ka district in Pathum Thani. The centre said one soldier was shot dead. Another two soldiers and 17 protesters were injured in skirmishes. The dead soldier was identified as Pvt Narongrit Sala of the 9th Infantry Division based in Kanchanaburi, who was accidentally shot in the head by another soldier while riding a motorcycle towards the National Memorial during the clashes, the source said. He was one of the members of the army's rapid deployment force. Red rally site isolated ____________________ Highway Battle By The Nation April 29, 2010 Troops and hardline red-shirt protesters tested each other's resolve yesterday leading to violent clashes on the Vibhavadi Rangsit highway, leaving one soldier dead and at least 18 people injured. One day after the government signalled its readiness to get tough and the red protesters suffered a rare defeat in Pathum Thani, a joint force of soldiers and police tried to stop a caravan of red-shirt protesters on their way to the same province for a new showdown. But this time clashes occurred in the Don Muang area and the National Memorial, both located on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The soldier was killed after being shot in his head but it was unclear yesterday who was responsible for the death. The CNN News website reported that the soldier was accidentally killed by fire from security forces. But there was no response from the authorities. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan emergency centre identified the dead soldier as Private Narongrit Sara from the Ninth Infantry Division in Kanchanaburi. Of the 18 injured, three people were in serious condition; 16 of them are civilians and two soldiers, according to the centre. A video clip circulated on the Internet yesterday showed a motorcycle-riding soldier falling down after he appeared to be shot. Security forces fired on troops riding towards them on motorbikes in what appeared to be an accident, The Associated Press reported. At least four motorbikes crashed and one soldier was carried away on a stretcher, bleeding profusely from the head. Several others from the group threw their hands in the air. The clashes began in the Don Muang area at about 1.30pm and then at the National Memorial several kilometres away shortly before 3pm. Highway battle

I believe you captured the whole point with that statement - from our point of view. Quite often their point of view is completely different and just as often what we are offering is not what they want. "All that you wanted, he would not even take." - Anne Baxter (Nefretiri), 'The Ten Commandments'

The CNN web site has posted an article with some of the latest information concerning the protests. There is also a video with Christiane Amanpour interviewing Abhisit, all in English. I think it is well worth watching. You'll find it at: Thai forces, protesters clash in Bangkok - CNN.com

The latest information includes shots (rubber bullets) and tear gas being fired at Red-Shirts by the military. Details are sketchy at the time I'm writing this post because that occurred less than 90 minutes ago. There is also a report that the police have closed down the Don Muang expressway, which is the expressway leading to Don Muang airport and also one of the main routes to points north of Bangkok and from the north into Bangkok and Pattaya.

Me too. I said it many times before - I'm no economist and I know almost nothing about how these things work, but I would think it would take billions, not millions of baht to have a dramatic effect on exchange rates. The baht weakened slightly today, but certainly nothing significant.

That's a very good question, Patexpat. Several farang friends have expressed anxiety over what may happen. Some who reside here, but are currently out of the country are delaying their plans to return. My own feeling is I'm not feeling any anxiety at all. Here in Pattaya you would hardly know any of this is happening without reading about it in the media or watching it on television. I don't feel that I am in any danger and so far I have no reason to believe it will come to that even if things escalate further. I know of no indication that this unrest includes any of the opposing parties having any ill feelings toward farang. Indeed, from what I have read farang who do venture into those areas have been treated with great courtesy. I have seen no reports of farang being intentionally mistreated in any way. If anything, I feel inconvenienced because I think despite the orders to crack down on the Red-Shirt roadblocks and illegal searches, they're going to defy that and block roads and force searches anyhow. They seem to be defying just about everything else, so I think there's a good possibility of them defying that too. The inconvenience for me is delayed travel plans because I don't want to get stuck in the traffic jams. Other than that, I feel fine and other than delayed travel plans, my life hasn't been affected one iota. I'll start getting nervous if and when something occurs to cause it.

Then I'll help you. It means the sentence I quoted in my post above. I felt that was totally uncalled for and I am offended by it. You wrote that is still my "favorite saying." I publicly and sincerely apologized to you for it July 29 of last year. I asked you when the last time I used that "favorite saying" was. You did not answer. Now I'll carry it a step further and ask you how many times I've ever used it. Why, nearly a year later, are you throwing it in my face now?

Is it? When was the last time I used that saying? DanT wants to compare what I do on this board to what I do on Baht-Stop. Baht-Stop has a different set of rules from this board and I do use very cutting terminology on Baht-Stop, but I'm not violating their rules. They freely permit it. In most, I grant you not all, but in most cases my cutting posts are responses to completely unprovoked personal attacks directed at me. I'm criticized for using those kinds of terms when I post on Baht-Stop, but I have yet to ever see those same critics chastise the other people who do precisely the same thing and usually are the ones who start it. Just me in the wrong, but the others who post flames and start those kinds of posts . . . that's perfectly ok? Who is the real hypocrite? This board has its own set rules and they are enforced at the discretion of the moderators. If some of these posters get their jollies through shitting on me on other boards, that's up to them and the moderators of those other boards, but I'll be damned if I'm going to let them shit on me, or anyone else, here. They love to dish it out, but when it comes to taking it . . . well, you really don't need me to finish that sentence, do you? You think I owe an apology? You're entitled to your opinion, but I decide for myself when to apologize. You may recall when I publicly apologized to you. I decided that for myself because I felt I owed you an apology. So now here you are making uncalled for remarks directed toward me. In DanT's case, I think he's the one who needs to apologize to me, but I already know that will never happen.

Wouldn't it be great to know? BoT says the reason the baht is maintaining such strength is money is still flowing into Thailand, but not flowing out. If money starts flowing out, then the value of the baht will decrease. I think the main question is why money isn't flowing out. The only two reasons I can come up with is that investors still think Thailand is a good investment or that investors would like to sell their assets and move their money out, but can't find people who want to buy, which means they're stuck.

My preference is this one: Siam Commercial Bank Currency Exchange Rates

Several stories have emerged today. In brief, the government has vowed that the protesters will no longer be allowed to infringe on the rights of others and will no longer be allowed to break the law at will. Protesters setting up roadblocks will be immediately arrested. Several have already been sentenced to 15-day jail terms. The Skytrain (BTS) has resumed service, but only operate from 6:00am to 8:00pm until further notice. CRES (Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation) has authorized use of live ammunition if soldiers feel threatened or if mobs approach within 30 meters. _____ Skytrain Ruled Out to Transport Troops Blockades ordered to stop protest spreading Published: 28/04/2010 The government is denying accusations that it plans to use the skytrain to launch a crackdown at Ratchaprasong intersection after a group of red shirts paralysed the service by blocking the rail track at Chidlom station yesterday. Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn yesterday said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) had not considered accessing the rally site by the skytrain, which runs above Ratchaprasong intersection. But a source at the CRES contradicted Mr Panitan's remarks, saying there was a plan to use the skytrain to bring in soldiers to disperse the crowd. Skytrain ruled out to transport troops __________ Gov Warns of Tough Action By The Nation Published on April 28, 2010 PM: We won't allow demonstrators to leave Rajprasong site and cause confusion in city The government yesterday warned of tough action against the red-shirt protesters, saying the authorities would no longer tolerate mobs wreaking havoc by illegally setting up road checkpoints and causing unrest in many areas of the country. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who heads the government's Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, said police and soldiers would take action against red-shirt supporters violating the law at will. "The government has intensified measures against the red shirts, because they have created a situation of unrest by setting up checkpoints that infringe on other people's rights," Suthep said. "We cannot talk to these people any longer." He warned that any protesters found setting up illegal checkpoints would be arrested immediately. Gov warns of tough action __________ Red Shirts Get 15 days in Jail Published: 27/04/2010 The Thanyaburi Court on Tuesday sentenced 11 leaders of the red shirts who blocked Phayon Yothin highway on Monday evening and checked citybound vehicles to prevent police and soldiers from entering Bangkok, to 15 days each in jail without suspension. Red shirts get 15 days in jail __________ CRES Okays Live Rounds against Protesters By The Nation Published on April 28, 2010 The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, in preparation for dispersing the anti-government protesters from the Rajprasong area, yesterday said security forces could fire live bullets if they felt threatened at close range. "If an attacker comes within 100 metres, officials will fire tear gas first, but if he comes closer, within 30 metres, guns may be fired," said spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd. CRES okays live rounds against protesters