Bob

So do I. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop me from buying them! Somewhat back to topic, my impression is that Thais look at dark-skinned Asians quite differently than how they look at black foreigners. For their own darker-skinned "cousins", they generally look down on them (I say that based on all the comments I've heard from Thais I know). As for black falang, I think they look at them with puzzlement and perhaps at times even think of black skin as exotic; however, that doesn't mean at all that Thais want anything but the whitest of skins for themselves. We don't see all that many blacks in the Chiangmai area but I do notice that they often turn some heads (I would hope that most of that is due to simply seeing something different although I do have to admit that I've heard a couple of Thai friends privately make a few perjorative remarks about the skin color). By the way, noticed an article in today's The Nation regarding the alleged dangers of skin-whitening creams. I have no idea if the Thai newspapers carried the article in Thai but I suspect nobody would pay attention to it anyway. Article is at: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Whitening-creams-can-be-dangerous-expert-warns-30213986.html

I'm not so sure that comment is fair at all. I do presume you don't have any idea as to what percentage of the negative responders (whatever that number might be) are from the USA. But I do agree that this particular ad would not be acceptable within the US and would garner a whole lot of criticism/protest. As for Thailand (at least in the north), the Thais seem to equate white skin with superiority, wealth, and power whereas they seem to equate dark skin with the lower class and inferiority. Just seeing the unbelievable quantity of skin whitening creams in the stores and advertised over all media tells you something about what they value. And, at least for the north, perhaps the history of the rather white-skinned Chinese being the "elite" has something to do with it too. I'll be returning to Chiangmai within the next week after having spent a few months back in my hometown (Midwest, USA). As sure as the sun rises in the east, my bf of almost 13 years will look at me and utter the words "chao naa" within seconds of my entering the door when he sees the tan I've acquired from various outdoor activities. "Chao naa", of course, means "rice farmer" in Thai and, although the bf will say the term somewhat humorously, it's not a term of endearment to most Thais.

Rather perplexing to think that some advertising agency thought that poster was intelligent, clever, and/or funny as I see no point to it at all. The ad itself is probably not offensive to Thais but it would garner more than howls in Alabama, that's for sure. Dunkin Donuts, if they were smart, would hire a new agency to advertise and promote their products.

It's been many years but I stayed at Tui's several times between 1999 and about 2006 or so. They've got 4 or so ocean-front rooms that those are far superior (view-wise and breeze-wise) to the back or garden rooms. Nice restaurant, clean rooms, friendly staff (including Tui), etc. And, of course, rather easy access to the beach. Quiet as a church mouse at night - no doubt the quietest place I've ever stayed in Thailand. It's a short hike down to the corner to catch a baht bus to town but that fact should only deter those physically unable to walk half a kilometer or so (and/or the terminal lazy). Great place.

Does it really take that long now? If so, not very visitor friendly. I and the beloved traveled to China 5-6 years ago. I got my visa while in the states and it took me about a week to get it by mail. The bf got his at the Chinese consulate in Chiangmai and he said he picked it up the day after he dropped off his passport and application.

Thanks for that, Christian....some reasonable questions without taking further leaps of guessing or public divulging of private communications. I've had some contact with him about the conjectures posted here. But, no, since I know and respect him, I'm not about to reveal private communications without his permission. He'll do that if and when he chooses to do so.

Rather disgusting how the connected and wealthy avoid responsibility for their acts. They almost act as if it's their right to break the law, kill somebody, or whatever. I'm also a bit puzzled by the article writer's "statute of limitation" comment. A statute of limitations typically applies to the time between a given event/act and the time that a civil or criminal lawsuit is brought (and not the time it comes to a hearing or trial). And are these articles correct that only a "speeding" charge is being brought or considered? It would seem more appropriate to me that the little rich boy face a negligent homicide or manslaughter charge - and the statute of limitations for that ought to be at least 5-10 years from the date of the incident.

Sorry, folks, but I don't believe for a nanosecond that any poster, disagreement, or event "drove" Khun FH away. That's pure conjecture which I feel in inappropriate (if one heard that directly from Khun FH, it'd hardly be tactful to repeat his private comments here and, if one hasn't heard from him directly, then what's the point of guessing and/or treating one's guess like it's fact?). Having appreciated his posting efforts over the years and having actually met our fellow poster from Bangkok, I wish him well whatever he's doing (or not doing).

I'm guessing, Michael, that the BBC's reporting is really sloppy. I recognize that growth in GDP in Thailand has dropped over the last year but I'm extremely doubtful the Thai economy is at "recession" levels (which, I think, means that growth dips below flat line or 0%). The US defines a recession as two quarters in a row of below 0% GDP growth. According to the second article you "urled": "Thailand's GDP grew 2.8% on year in the second quarter, below expectations of over 3%." That's no "recession" under anybody's definition of the term. Now, regardless of the above, I'm personally very bearish about the Thai economy over the next few years. It's built, in my view, on a house of cards and Thailand - both economically and educationally - isn't keeping up with many Southeast Asia nations. I smell bigtime a property bubble all over Southeast Asia and, if the ol' bubble bursts, it might look a whole lot like 1997 around here.

I thought everybody knew for years about this problem (there probably have been 100+ posts about it over the years). I use True internet in Chiangmai and can't get the site (not that it usually ruins my day....). Some have thought the government was blocking the site but that's not the case, just some unusual problem that prevents access to the site as noted by Mahjongguy.

Maybe I haven't picked up on some nuances but I haven't read anything here that I took as critical let alone berating of Scooby. The drift I've gotten is that pretty much everybody appreciates him offering the forum in the first place and also appreciates his promptly fixing occasional problems that are noted. Edit: Whoops. Didn't read one other thread before I made these comments. I still don't see any "berating" but guess I'd have to agree that one/two posters seem to be a bit on the rag today. I'd recommend some Midol for you two (and/or please conduct your trip down memory lane via PM's).

Another question - one I've asked before but don't think anybody answered it - is the Super A still owned and managed by the little pixie Manoo?

As noted above, the beach, although public and not private, is rather beautiful there and quite often you'll see many kite boarders flying up and down the coast doing some rather amazing kite boarding tricks. I watched part of the World Cup Kite Boarding contest in 2010 which was held near the Intercontinetal Hua Hin Hotel and, although I'm not a kite boarder myself, just watching was very colorful and amazing. I'd add a couple of photos....but the option isn't working (I select a photo and then the board uploader says I haven't selected anything).

Mixing a few apples and oranges there. While I can agree with you with respect to the apparent/obvious stupidity of Thai government actions/inactions, my comments were directed at the noted recklessness (at least to us older folk) of Thai youth with their money. I suppose one could argue that a lousy education also has something to do with their attitude (as well as the inefficiencies of the Thai government) but I still believe age is the biggest factor. To be honest, most (but not all) falang visitors to Thailand really don't know much about Thais outside the various bar venues. The bar kids typically come from a background where they never had anything to save and it's quite understandable (at least to me) that they come to the big city, earn a few bucks (well, more than they've ever had before), and immediately spend it on mobile phones and the other toys they've always wanted and that their new bar friends already have. And I suppose it's a fair way to try to impress friends and family back home in the sticks. But they're young, foolish, invincible, and, as far as I'm concerned, not all that different from a lot of the young kids in the west.

I hear this all the time and understand where the concept comes from; however, I believe it'd be a lot fairer if one suggested that a 25-year-old is pretty stupid with his money whereas a 50-70-year-old is hugely more conservative. I have quite a few US nephews and nieces who are 18-30 years old and, believe you me, they seem (at least to me) to be totally into the "play and spend now as tomorrow you may die" mentality too. To me, it's simply an age thing.

Obama yesterday took some swipes at the Russian government's treatment of gays and lesbians but said he didn't support any call for a boycott. He mentioned that there were are lot of young American athletes who've been training hard for years for these events and, although unsaid, it appeared he supported them having the opportunity to go and compete. I'm all for reacting in some manner to countries who criminalize homosexuality or do other things in violations of basic human civil rights; however, boycotting the Olympics doesn't seem to me to be the appropriate response and doing that ultimately destroys the overall good the Olympics accomplishes (including the likelihood that some openly gay Olympians show the fucking Russians how to win a few medals!).

I have no clue although obviously a western country where English is spoken (see the sign). The first photo showed a line of embedded rocks that proceeded parallel with the street curb and I had no clue what that could be (perhaps even a simple decoration). But.....this second photo shows that same line of embedded stones proceeding at such a weird angle that it would seem to rule out any decorative/landscaping purpose or any other practical purpose other than perhaps marking the border between two governmental entities/territories. Where? Hell if I know.

Ah, come on. I watched the series when it was on tv (1953 to 1957, I think) and, given I was only 9 when it went off the air, I didn't really think about studio sets, lighting, or whatever. I thought the Lone Ranger himself was a bit strange but I was a big fan of Tonto. Haven't seen the movie yet (will buy that when I get back to CM). But I'll watch it a bit biased as I am a huge fan of Depp.

That line somewhat caught me by surprise, Rogie. But funny!

I remain in the minority and always carry my passport for the 8-9 months I'm in Chiangmai every year. Not a problem at all, just like carrying one's wallet. Come to think of it, I keep an extra copy of the photo page of the passport in my wallet too! During Songkran, it's in a plastic baggie (and has never gotten wet/moist even though I'm totally soaked for at least a couple of days). And....not sure why I do this (other than I'll have copies of everything if I should ever lose the damn thing) .... but I've scanned all used pages of my current passport into my computer. And emailed (gmail) those to myself so, if I ever had to, could dig back and find those online too.

Hmmm....while on that topic, is it okay to post an audio file with heavy breathing?

Q1 - No (unless the circumstances clearly reflected it wasn't a real emergency and then I might think about grabbing my relatively small carry-on which is always on the floor in front of me). Q2 - Important documents including passport are on my person when I travel so they go down the chute with me. Q3 - No but I always note where the nearest emergency exit might be (and try on occasion to count the aisles to get there so I might have a clue in the dark!). I don't worry about a crash - if it happens, I just assume the position (head between my knees so I can kiss my sweet ass goodbye!).

I think you already did that, no need to state the obvious! Strictly out of curiosity, Christian, why did you feel the need to lay out your boy requirements here?

I really don't know but, while not quite being very prevalent, their use of the face of Hitler and the swastika symbol is beyond acceptable from an international point of view. Most don't have a clue at all about who Hitler really was and most have almost no clue at all about prior world history including, for example, details about either World War I or World War II. Michael, if you can do it without upsetting them (and be neutral with your reactions!), ask your friends which side Thailand was on during World War II. My guess is you'll either get a totally blank stare (no clue whatsoever) or you'll get a wrong answer. [if whoever you're talking to seems receptive to further questioning, ask him/her/they if he/her/they is/are aware that the Thai government declared war against both the US and England].

Government, politics, and business class? But I guess I do understand, as you say, the need for "more accommodations. Seems most of them are just too full of depositable material.