Alexx

Unlike you, I don't believe it will actually happen. But assuming that it does, it will simply increase the murder rate, keeping in mind that we're already inhabiting an increasingly overcrowded planet that doesn't have unlimited resources. That and you could still get hit by a bus, so "not ageing" doesn't equal "eternal life" even if we leave out homicide, wars and the likes.

Once such a shit storm is brewing, the legalities really are of secondary concern. It's just outright incompetent to let passengers board first and then kick off some of them due to overbooking. That really shouldn't happen. I'm​ not against overbooking flights in general.

I have to disagree, Ryan, compared with what I've read on here, most comments on TV (after modding, granted) are outright gracious.

I wouldn't waste too much energy on Mr Ismaili, he's basically just a dumb fuck and quite a successful attention whore.

Maybe he's a grower?

Many straight Thai couples have similar wedding ceremonies that are also not officially recognized. That's not what such a ceremony is for, plain and simple, so I don't see any reason why a gay couple shouldn't have one. The only real difference is that a straight couple can go to their district office to register their marriage, which isn't a very festive affair by any standard. These two gentlemen will have to fly to England for that. I don't think it diminishes the meaning of the ceremony they've had in Thailand - to them, their families and their friends - in any way. More power to them for having "two weddings"!

Staff at my condo have been wearing Songkran clothing since the beginning of the month. Same with many shop assistants and others you see when you are out and about. The government spokesman has denied that the government has imposed restrictions for the Songkran holidays, suggesting that ill-intentioned people have spread rumors to discredit the government: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/1229300/govt-denies-songkran-restrictions Now, I won't comment on what it would take to discredit that particular government even further. But in any case, those who hope not to get soaked this year around are probably in for a wet surprise.

You're right, different people have different standards. Fraudulently obtaining a doctor's letter and using it to deceive an airline employee to make them believe I'm a basket case who cannot possibly fly without his furry companion would cause me quite some pain, personally speaking. I wouldn't want to be that person, but YMMV. Not to dodge your questions though, I've paid for sex on a few occasions and I've never had sex with anyone half my age (or less). Most "regular people" are probably totally against it, sure. As for myself, I'd guess both will happen (more) frequently as I'm getting older. I'll make sure to report here.

Ha! That about says it all. He probably does have issues, in fairness, as regular people would be ashamed of themselves asking for such a letter.

You're much mistaken. Buddhist Thais do buy them, simply because they look cute. Otherwise it wouldn't make sense to stock them in supermarkets in areas with hardly any Christians. Same with Christmas stuff. Many Buddhist Thais I know decorate their rooms with colorful little (plastic) Christmas trees, Santa figurines and what not. And why the hell not!

I've joined in celebrating many Thai holidays, religious or otherwise. Not once has anyone commented that I shouldn't have joined because I'm not a Buddhist (or not Thai). On the contrary, it's pretty much expected that you join: When I've missed a celebration for whatever reason, I've been asked why. News flash: Thai supermarkets have Easter eggs for sale right now. Don't believe for one second that all or even most of them are bought by Christians!

It really doesn't have anything much to do with the mourning period, there have been discussions like this for as long as I remember. In other words, it's always a good idea to be respectful. In general, I think what you wrote is good advice, splash those who are out to have fun and leave other people (who might be on their way to work or simply aren't in the mood) alone.

Just wait until the first wannabe terrorist blogs about stuffing his cat (it won't be a dog for rather obvious reasons) with explosives. 3-2-1, pets will be banned, just like it just happened with certain electronics on flights originating from certain airports.

This is just about activities in the streets, indoors activities won't be affected by that midnight shutdown proposal.

I don't know, for me the worst experiences so far were always fighting couples (husband and wife, never a gay couple so far). That could go on for many hours, while crying babies seem to get tired much quicker.

Or maybe they were just tourists enjoying their vacation as best as they can? Who knows, maybe they will have to depart before the actual Songkran and wanted their piece of it while they can. I've seen worse in Pattaya.

I'd be most worried about customs/excise at the airport if you bring them in yourself. In the unlikely event that you get caught, that will definitely get expensive. I would expect an on the spot fine, no jail time and no court appearance. There's no doubt whatsoever that smuggling e-cigarettes into Thailand is a punishable offense. As for that lone, corrupt (or even totally fake - take your pick) "police officer", I think the OP has already figured out that it was a money grab pure and simple. That kind of petty extortion works well with tourists, and I can see why. Difficult to give advice other than to refrain from vaping in public, really.

I've got to agree with PeterRS. Much as I like dogs, I wouldn't enjoy having even more yapping, smelly fellow travelers. The occasional human who falls into that category really is bad enough.

The Little Englanders have been had and it will take a while until they'll realize it. I'm looking forward to seeing the fallout. I'd guess about five years from now.

There cannot be an official/legal "non-Thai" bar (in Thailand), simply because a foreigner cannot get a work permit for that kind of work. It neither falls under the migrant worker scheme that typically covers laborers from countries in the neighborhood nor could they hope to get a regular work permit that is open​ to all nationalities. Running such a bar would be tantamount to wearing a shirt saying, "Please raid and fine me, I've got plenty.".

Call me a cynic, I'd say we have two competing criminal organizations and sometimes we get to see a glimpse of their turf wars. Their relative standings seem well established, but you cannot help but notice the occasional friction.

You'll be missed, I've always found it interesting to read your posts due to your perspective being different from most posters. I hope you'll return eventually, all the best in the meantime!

I don't find it that strange, to be honest. The police have been known to spring into action before major holidays since forever. Their focus tends to shift from one crackdown to the next, maybe it's just Soi Twilight's turn?

Great to see you resuming your reports, numazu. As always, it was an absolute pleasure to read your latest installment.

I wouldn't worry about Khaosan Road, there won't be any big difference compared with previous years. That official has already clarified his position, so even if you wanted to take him at face value, make sure you read the latest updates. I wouldn't even say he flip-flopped, the poor fella was just misunderstood as per usual.