PattayaMale

The authorities had warring Uthen Thawai and Pathumwan students shaking hands in front of the cameras, promising peace and harmony. Less than a couple of weeks later the rival students turned Mahboonkrong into a battlefield. Embarrassing? Children are drinking low quality milk because the suppliers are using imported powdered milk and over diluting it, while Thai farmers, encouraged by the authorities to adopt dairy farming as Thailand is always short of milk end up having to dump their (real) milk in protest because there’s no market for it. Ridiculous? The authorities say some plants are deemed hazardous, hence farmers have to use chemical products instead, while studies by the Health Ministry say that between 1998 and 2003, more than 2,000 farmers each year fell sick because of agricultural chemicals, with 30 deaths in 1999 alone. Absurd? The Cabinet approved a film rating system, with categories including ‘‘General Audience’’, ‘‘13’’, ‘‘15’’ and ‘‘18’’. More interesting is a category that will ban films the authorities deem to offend the monarchy, threaten national security, hamper national unity, insult faiths, disrespect honourable figures, challenge morals or contain explicit sex scenes. Which means the new rating system will further legitimise state power to ban and censor anything arbitrarily. Nauseating? General Chaiyasith Shinawatra is reportedly performing black magic rituals against the Democrat-led government, while Post Book, a division of Post Publishing Plc, has just published Lub Luang Prang, a book about the rampant use of black magic in Thai politics (pick it up, it’s a riveting read). Scary? Incompetence. Corruption. More corruption. Repression. Black magic. The incidents cited above are from this month alone (and it’s not over yet). It seems that regardless of who is in power, whether the ‘‘Thaksinistas’’ or the ‘‘elitists’’, sadly the one constant in the Kingdom is ... mediocrity. Look around, sure we have fancy hotels and shopping malls, but as a society we have only achieved mediocrity. In terms of political and social enlightenment, in terms of cultural and educational advancement, in terms of Thailand as a single, sovereign entity, we are quite mediocre, especially given the high capacity of our human and natural resources. We are mediocre because the authorities have worked hard in keeping us ignorant, shallow and docile, and we let them. We are mediocre because we let the greedy oppressors get away with their corruption, repression and ineptitude. We don’t speak out enough. We don’t protest enough. We don’t march enough. Ironically, when we do those things, we end up putting on a yellow or a red shirt at the behest of one greedy oppressor or another — manipulated into risking life and limb to serve their personal agendas. That’s why things are as they are in Thailand — stale and stagnant, a perpetual black hole of mediocrity, while other countries race past us by. We have excellent human and natural resources, but we simply waste them away through greed, envy and narrowmindedness. I would like to naively ask my fellow countrymen: How long are we going to let these people get away with corrupting and repressing Thailand? How long do we let them keep us dumb and docile? How long can we hide in the dressing room of a fancy shopping mall, or at the bottom of a cocktail glass at a society event? How long can we bury our heads in TV soap operas and gossip rags, or mask ourselves behind 6cm of skin whitening cream? How long until we surgically remove the tattoo on our foreheads that says ‘‘ mai pen rai’’? How long before we get off our behinds and do something about this beloved country of ours? The answer is we can put up with all the incompetence, corruption and repression for a very, very long time. We don’t mind being kept ignorant and docile for a very, very long time. Why? Because of three little words that spell out the attitude of our society. Mai pen rai. The attitude that says: It doesn’t matter. No big deal. It hasn’t anything to do with me. This is Thailand. It’s just the way it is. As long as the vanity of the rich is fed by their glamorous lifestyles, the ignorance of the poor maintained by keeping their eyes glued to television screens and the middle class kept busy paying bills and financing homes, cars and debts and panicking over an economic crisis that occurs every few years — it’s mai pen rai to the social and political ills of this country. Sure, at times we might cry and whine about it. Some of us may even write newspaper commentaries about it. But afterwards everything goes back to the status quo. Mai pen rai. Two schools brawling and killing each other for over 30 years? Mai pen rai — these are just poor, workingclass students who couldn’t get into top colleges. Children drinking poor quality milk while industry and bureacracy get rich on their milk monopoly? Mai pen rai — only poor kids have to drink school milk. Organic herbs get banned because big business lobbyists have more money than government officials have morals? Mai pen rai — the Academy Fantasia all-stars reunion is on TV. Priorities, don’t you know? Censorship? Repression? Mai pen rai — we’ll just by the DVDs on Silom. Black magic? Well, this is Thailand, so that stuff is real. Be afraid. Be very afraid. That seems to be our attitude. We don’t express outrage. We don’t demand justice. We don’t monitor action. We just sit back and let the authorities pay lip service to having an investigation, then a few months later everyone forgets about it. Mai pen rai. We Thais have it easy. There’s fish in the sea and rice in the fields. When we run out of fish in our sea, we just fish in other people’s seas and either get kidnapped by Somali pirates or thrown into prison by Burmese authorities. But that’s okay, mai pen rai. They are just poor people. Mind you, this attitude of mai pen rai, this cancer of apathy isn’t just confined to just Thailand. It’s a worldwide plague. However, at least to my knowledge, no other country has ever used ‘‘mai pen rai’’ (or the apathy of a culture) as a proud tourist attraction. There are even books written about the beauty of the ‘‘mai pen rai attitude’’.

Chiang Mai - The second Gay Pride Parade here was called off late Saturday evening after a stand-off with a group of "Rak Chiang Mai 51" red-shirted demonstrators who were objecting to the public event. The parade started from Buddha-sathan and was to head towards the Night Bazaar and end at the Tawan Trendy Mall, but organisers decided to call it off fearing violence. Earlier in the evening, about 30 red-shirted protesters had confronted the organisers, forcing them to dismantle the stage erected near the mall to welcome the parade. About 30 red-shirted protesters went to the Tawan Trendy Mall where a stage had been erected to welcome the Gay Pride Parade, scheduled to march from the Buddhasathan towards the Night Bazaar and to the mall. The protesters launched verbal attacks through a megaphone saying the event tarnished the city's reputation. They also reacted angrily to remarks made by the organisers that the "Rak Chiang Mai 51" group was acting like thugs. The Nation It seems that Thailand is becoming a lawless society. Certainly the police could have arrested 30 "thugs" and provided security for the parade organizers. What is going on?

Today 3 of us went to Big C (Central) on 2nd Road for a late lunch (2PM). Along with our BBQ we wanted to have a bottle of beer and were told that they can not serve alcohol from 2-5pm. I thought this was a bit stupid! I know that stores and gas stations can't sell it during certain hours (even though I have not had a problem buying wine at Friendship), but I was certain that if in a restaurant eating lunch you could have a beer. Did the restaurant make a mistake or is this really the law?

Today, Saturday Feb 20, 2009 it went to 35.7 It seems to be moving very fast. Anyone think it will hit 36 next week or slide back?

Some of the nicknames Thai use for working too. Meow (not want)

Updated: [ December 13, 2008 ] :: 11:40:57 [view 3535 ] A THAI MAFIA GODFATHER SPEAKS OUT We would like to present our avid readers with the edited highlights of an interview contributed by an interested party, given by one of Thailand‘s most powerful Mafia Godfather‘s, who we‘ll call Khun Yai; that‘s not his real name, but to avoid negative repercussions, we‘re keeping his identity a secret. What you are about to read, however, is God or the Buddha‘s honest truth and will give you a unique insight into the world of one of this country‘s leading Mafiosos. Thai Mafia If you did not see this it might be interesting to read

I just met 2 guys that were from Long Beach that flew China Air. They are both in their 30's, one is a doctor the other self employed. They flew economy and said the service and flight was fine. They had the middle seat between them empty so they were able to stretch out. They leave Sunday to return to Long Beach and said that an upgrade to business class from Taipei may be an option

I really appreciate the well thought out responses. One of the reasons I prefer this forum. I read the posts to my friend. He seems to like the thought that it may go up in value. He also said that it is better to save it because if he gets money he will spend it for sure!

I have been using the Ayudhya web site GB suggested. For the first time I clicked on the tab "Forward Exchange Rates". What do the numbers mean? Thanks

As usual, what Mr Thaksin said Sunday was the same old stuff that he has kept repeating time and again like a broken record: that he and his family were unfairly treated; that he has not done anything wrong; that he was falsely accused of not being loyal to the monarchy; that he has been targeted for assassination attempts and blah-blah-blah. He vowed to keep the fight for the justice until his death...........BKK Post I thought of a couple people from our community that have been charged or are jailed. It seems ironic that the former Prime Minister doe not have the courage or confidence to face Thai justice...........but thinks it is fine for others even though they have the same claim of not doing anything wrong and felt the justice system was corrupt to be judged by the Thai system. Any thoughts

Before looking at the article below, I was surprised today when my Thai friend ask me if I thought it would be a good time for him to sell an 8 baht gold bracelet we bought very early in our friendship.....when I was more naive than now. He never wears it and I did suggest that he keep it as an investment and over the last 7 years I never even thought about it as he had it stored in his personal safe. (We each have our own safe. His is his alone and mine is for both of us it seems). I asked him to let me think about it since I am not sure. Any suggestions? Local gold prices have hit an alltime high, soaring to break 16,000 baht per one-baht weight (15.16 grammes), following rising world gold prices as investors continue to seek safe-haven bullion as the global economy deteriorates. World gold futures rose to more than US$954 per ounce, reaching a seven-month high. Thai gold prices were yesterday quoted at 15,750 baht per one-baht weight for gold bars and 16,150 baht per one-baht weight for gold ornaments, rising from 15,400 baht and 15,800 baht respectively. Gold Traders Association chairman Jitti Tangsithpakdi said local gold prices would continue to fluctuate and increase significantly in line with global gold prices. In Hong Kong, the major gold trading market in Asia, bullion climbed to US$959.05 an ounce, the highest since July 22, thanks to demand from investors who are fretting about a further slump in the global economy and looking to the commodity to preserve their wealth. Domestic gold prices increased six times yesterday. However, Mr Jitti did not expect people would flock to sell gold since they sold a large quantity three weeks ago during the Chinese New Year period. Many gold shops have been less active recently. ‘‘There is a chance that gold bar prices will move up further. We think it’s time for gold owners to shed a certain portion of their gold holdings to take profits,’’ he said.

For those of you not here in Pattaya, may like to know that we had some strong rain today. It lasted almost an hour. Now why is this news worthy, well it may not be . But for those of us that did not know it was going to rain and riding our motorbike, it was a surprise.

I thought the same think about the US ever electing anyone except a white male. If we are able to support this bill, who knows?

Starting this May, film-rating system will come into effect in the country for the first time. The Cabinet Tuesday approved four draft regulations on the system. "We should be able to enforce the regulations from May onward," Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch said. Instead of having five categories for films, Thailand's system will classify films into seven groups. "The two extra groups are for films that should be promoted on merits of cultures, arts or traditions, and films that should be banned for containing inappropriate content," Teera said. The Nation I wonder what inappropriate content will be??

I usually never go to the Thai disco's. In fact until last night I don't think I have been in one for 5 years...or more. But a friend had 2 young (33 year old) guys visit from the US and they wanted to see a disco. I tried to get my Thai friend to take them since they are about the same age, but he insisted that I go too. So after a meal at ZAZA in Jomtien and a drink at Festival Bar we headed to Xzyte at about 11:00pm. Before when I went to Xzyte it was always full. However, last night it seemed almost empty. I was really surprised. The stage show was very good as it had always been. The guests had a good time. Then it was off to Xray. I have never been to Xray and was not going to change that so at 12:30 I sent them on their way with my Thai friend who by this time was comfortable to go alone with them. At 6:30am my Thai friend came home and said they all had a good time. Xray he said was packed. It is much smaller than Xzyte. The Coyote boys were good and the 2 American friends enjoyed dancing as is done in America. My Thai friend said he did not like the heavy smoking that went on as it burned his eyes, but since this was his first time he said he would like to go back some day........Maybe he mentioned the heavy smoke as he knew that would keep me away for sure and he could go with out me chaperoning??????????

GB wrote in an earlier post, if I remember correctly, that what banks usually give when exchanging baht to dollars is the "sight" rate. The other day I checked the sight rate and when I got to the bank it seemed that the rate they were giving was lower. So I am wondering what is the "sight" rate?

I had hoped someone would have let us know how the festival in Sunee Plaza went on Valentine's night. This was one of the first times recently I believe that some of the bars cooperated in closing part of the street and holding a joint party. It would be fantastic in my view if the owners of Sunee would finally get together and try things that would help each other (and the customers) in these economic times.

I went to check out the opening of the Mushroom Restaurant this morning. When I arrived it had several tables full with farangs having breakfast. The menu is almost exactly the same as when Googie owned the place. In fact the tables, decorations, and former staff is the same. Unfortunately so are the prices which I had been told would be less, but not so. The Thai food prices average about 150 baht a plate. WOW!!!! The breakfasts can be found at most other places for about 20% less depending what is ordered. An example would be the Swiss Breakfast. At Continental off Soi Bukow the exact same breakfast is 130 baht. At Mushroom it is 175 baht. One thing to remember is that refills of coffee are free at Mushroom, but the refill is Nescafe instant, not fresh ground beans. The American breakfast (2 eggs, 2 bacon, toast, small orange juice, and coffee is 130. Around the corner at ??? the swiss place the same breakfast is 80 baht (again no coffee refill) a coffee refill adds 50 baht each time. Currently Mushroom has a 20% discount promotion going, so it is worth checking out. The traffic that walks by is nice to see in the morning.

Reading the Bangkok Post Business section today I read several stories about the Thai economy. Recently, some were saying SE Asia might not be hit too hard. The condo market for mid priced condos (under 5 million baht) is down 80%. The high end market (6 - 10 million baht) has completely drawn to a halt, with many investors pulling out in fear new projects will not be completed. Cargo is down 50% Thai air's flights are doing better than expected. Unemployment is up considerably. Rice prices way down hurting farmers (80% ?? of Thais) I can't imagine what it would be like if they were hit hard!!

Myanmar's consul-general to Hong Kong defended the junta's policy this week by telling the South China Morning Post this that the Royingya are "ugly as ogres" whose "dark brown" skin is in contrast with the "fair and soft" ethnic Burmese majority. .... Maybe Thailand should be more concerned with what Burma's counsel-general said

I bring this up because in the last few days some of the boys I have talked with have said they wish they did not have to work in the bars. I sure understand this. But is it really true I wonder. Sure the job pays well. But is it just money? Your thoughts?

It is hard for me to understand how people feel upset when "outsiders" feel they they have a better answer of how a government should govern since I think there are some rights that every person should have. I am not talking about the form of the government, representative or not. But rights such as fair and unbiased treatment should be a goal. In Thailand it seems that the haves and haves not are treated very differently. But where is the perfect society? I love living in Thailand, and hope that over time the poor people of the country will be able to have a bigger voice in their government. I believe it is not the act of voting that gives this bigger voice, but the vesting of power in those elected instead of those not elected....police, military, judiciary.

It probably depends on how much the fixed income is and how much of it is discretionary income after housing and utilities. A few years ago if you wanted to buy a property in Thailand that was completed you had to usually pay 100% up front. Now many completed projects are requiring only 30% down and allowing you to pay the balance over 3-5 years. Take a newly completed 1 million baht property. 30% down (10,000 US or 350,000 baht) payments over 5 years (440 us or 15,400 baht). If you rent the new property for 5 years at 15,000 baht a month, you will have a million baht property that you paid 350,000 for. I property values go up you be even further ahead. If property values go down 20% you have still made 450,000 baht.

Money is a funny thing isn't it? Where did the money go that the banks lost? Is it floating around in space? Why are governments giving more to the banks, and where did they get it if the money was "lost"? Was it found by the governments of the world, who now are giving it back? Strange how this money thing works. Maybe the key to the problem is not having much in the first place. That way you don't have much to loose. As to housing, it might be wise to think in terms of what you have to spend and still be comfortable in what you have left over. The way I saw it when I bought my house; I looked at the years I might have left to live. I then took the monthly amount that was currently being asked to rent something I liked to live in, multiplied it by the years I thought I have to live and then decided based on that out come. I know I probably could not come up with the correct number of years I have left, but figured if I died earlier, I wouldn't miss the money. If I lived longer than I thought, I made out ok. I have a friend in the US that sells real estate. He has been selling houses for several years and last year was one of his best years. If the dollar gets stronger against the baht I will be happy. I can not think of the baht getting stronger than 30 -1. So............what was the question?

I don't have any left!