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The telephone number for the USA embassy in Bangkok is 02-205-4000. Why not call them and ask?

Interesting man, this Jakrapob. Where did he come from all of a sudden? I never heard of him until a couple days ago. Sounds like some kind of a frenzied nut to me. Just what Thailand needs - him!

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ 'Guerrilla War' Threatened Published on April 23, 2009 Room for Legal Means Getting Smaller: Jakrapob Fugitive protest leader Jakrapob Penkair yesterday said the red-shirt movement to drive the Abhisit Vejjajiva government out was not spent, but rather would come back even fiercer, including adopting guerrilla tactics if necessary, to achieve its goal. "I believe the room for unarmed and non-violent means to resolve Thailand's problem is getting smaller every day," he told BBC by phone from an undisclosed location. Jakrapob said the struggle to bring down the present administration would continue, but the opponents would no longer rely on conventional forms of protest. Different tactics would be used to confront the government, including possible clandestine subversion or armed attacks, he said. "The state of emergency is a big help. It puts people underground," he said. One of the most outspoken red-shirt leaders, Jakrapob managed to flee abroad after the Army broke up the mass protests in Bangkok last week, leaving the movement in disarray. Five of the rally organisers have been arrested and are being held under the emergency decree, which remains in effect. Prime Minister Abhisit told yesterday's joint parliamentary meeting that Thais should refuse to join any political movement that used force of arms. As he has managed to have the combined house session convened to clear any controversial issues related to the crackdown, people should voice their opinion in the open instead of resorting to violent means, he said. Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said he would like to ask Jakrapob in return what he would do if he himself were attacked with weapons. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya came out to accuse ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of plotting to "rub out" his enemies in an effort to return to power. Thaksin "has resorted to some sort of assassination attempt" as a "last resort", he said in a speech to the Asia Society in New York. Kasit said that, besides himself, the targets included Abhisit, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban. "The five of us are at the moment quite well protected by security forces," Kasit said in the speech on the Asia Society's website. "Thaksin is fighting to the death." Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of anti-Thaksin protests who was shot and wounded by gunmen last week, is also among the former prime minister's targets, Kasit said. Thaksin spokesman Pongthep Thepkanjana was in a meeting and not immediately available for comment, according to an aide who answered his mobile phone. Abhisit, whose car was attacked by pro-Thaksin protesters twice this month, has maintained emergency rule in Bangkok and surrounding areas since April 12. Police have yet to arrest any suspects for spraying Sondhi's car with more than 50 bullets. Kasit, a former Thai ambassador to the United States and Japan, said "about 10 fully armed marines" are providing security for him and he has stayed in "two or three safe houses" in Bangkok for protection.

No, you're not unique at all. Every hotel in Thailand, even the smaller, out-of-the-way accommodations always require my actual passport whenever I check in.

Since you now drive a car, I suggest carrying your passport with you whenever you drive. If the police stop you and want to see your passport, they usually want to see the real passport, not a copy. In case of an accident, the first thing the insurance adjuster wants to see is your passport. At least that's the way it's been for me.

There is another little problem about the passport card. It isn't enough. When the police do check passports, they also invariably want to check your visa to make sure you're haven't overstayed. If you do opt for the passport card, I suggest at least also carrying a photocopy of your visa.

The following is from CNN: _____ Transgender Murder, Hate Crime Conviction a First DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- A Colorado man was convicted of first-degree murder and a bias-motivated crime and sentenced to life in prison for killing a transgender teen he met on an online social networking site. It was the first time in the nation that a state hate crime statute resulted in a conviction in a transgender person's murder, the advocacy group Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said. Seated in the front row of the courtroom, the family of Justin "Angie" Zapata broke out in tears as the verdicts against Allen Andrade were read. The jury deliberated for just under two hours before returning the verdict shortly after 3 p.m. "I lost somebody so precious," said Maria Zapata, the victim's mother. She glanced at Andrade and continued: "The only thing he can't take away is the love and the memories that I have of my baby. My beautiful, beautiful baby." Andrade spoke just one word. "No," he said when asked if he wished to address the court. Judge Marcelo Kopcow then imposed the mandatory sentence for the first-degree murder conviction -- life in prison without parole. The verdict was hailed by gay and transgender rights groups. "This is a landmark decision," said Mindy Barton, the legal director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado. Barton attended the trial daily. "Hearing 'guilty on first-degree murder' and 'guilty of bias-motivated crime' was a hugely emotional experience for all the family, friends and the supporters of Angie," Barton added. "She will not be forgotten." Andrade admitted killing Zapata, but his defense argued that he acted in the heat of passion after discovering that Zapata was biologically male. The defense asked for a lesser verdict, such as second-degree murder or manslaughter. Throughout the trial, prosecutors referred to Zapata as "she," while the defense referred to the transgender teen as "he." "When [Andrade] met him, he met him as 'Angie,' " defense attorney Annette Kundelius argued on Wednesday. "When he found out it wasn't 'Angie,' that it was 'Justin,' he lost control." But the jury rejected the argument, deciding in favor of prosecutors, who argued that Andrade knew Zapata was biologically male and that knowledge motivated the crime. "This was an ambush attack," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Robb Miller. "This was an all-out blitz." Zapata was "born in a boy's body but living as a female," added Miller. "Ultimately, she was murdered because of it." The case has become a rallying point for supporters of the transgender community, who have held vigils and launched Web sites in remembrance of Zapata. They are calling for the inclusion of transgender people in hate crime statutes across the country and at the federal level. Currently, 11 states and the District of Columbia recognize transgender people in their hate crime laws. According to prosecutors, Zapata, 18, and Andrade 32, met online in summer 2008 and arranged to meet. Zapata brought Andrade to her apartment in Greeley, Colorado, where they spent nearly three days together. According to a police affidavit, Zapata was out of the apartment when Andrade noticed photographs that made him "question victim Zapata's sex." Andrade confronted Zapata, who declared, "I am all woman." Andrade then grabbed Zapata and discovered male genitalia. According to court records, Andrade told police he began hitting Zapata with his fists, knocking her to the ground. He then grabbed a fire extinguisher and twice hit her in the head. Andrade told police he thought he had "killed it," referring to Zapata, and covered her with a blanket. Realizing what he had done, he then cleaned up the crime scene, the affidavit said. Andrade told police he heard "gurgling" sounds coming from the victim and saw Zapata sitting up. He hit her again with the fire extinguisher, he said, according to the affidavit. Andrade took Zapata's car and fled. Police discovered the car two weeks later and arrested Andrade. The jury heard jailhouse phone conversations, including Andrade telling a girlfriend "gay things must die." He did not testify in his own defense. Andrade, the murderer Zapata, the victim

Last night 5 friends and I tried the buffet. It was just as good as PattayaMale described. Actually, it was even better. There is an extensive salad bar, with various dressings along with the salad selections. There is a variety of hot and cold appetizers and soup. They even had unlimited quantities of Parma ham and prosciutto. Among the main course selections there was spaghetti, with your choice of several sauces, fillet mignon, pork fillet, chicken stuffed with vegetables and cheese, lamb, fillet of sole, beef stroganoff, a marinated beef selection, a beef stuffed with vegetables and cheese selection, and several more items. I can't remember them all. The dessert choices included tiramisu, fresh fruit, creme brulee, and an apple tart. In all honesty, there were a few flaws. We had reserved a table. We had no problems about our table, but what we didn't know was they have a live singer. Unfortunately the volume is loud enough that we requested a table change to their second room. We don't enjoy music and singing so loud that you can't have a quiet conversation and end up having to shout to be heard. They did move us to their second room, but they had recorded music blaring in there too! We had to request that they shut off the damned music and they did comply with our request. However, the air conditioning was inadequate and the room was much too hot. So, we had a choice - the singer in a nice cool room or the quiet room in which you're uncomfortably hot. They do have several outdoor tables, but yesterday was one of the hottest days of the year. So, we were damned if we do, damned if we don't. Our other complaint is they are very slow to replenish the food items when they run out. Some items were not replenished at all while we were there. Quite frankly, I see no excuse for that. If we had arrived at 8:00pm, when that was happening, and found several of the food selections completely empty, we would not exactly have been pleased. I admit I'm surprised a restaurant as good as Cherry's would permit that to happen. To my mind, if a restaurant, any restaurant, is offering a buffet, then do it right or don't offer a buffet. Doing it right does not include excuses for running out of food and failing to replenish the empty food trays in a timely manner or failing to replenish the food at all. We arrived at 7:30pm. The buffet opens at 6:00pm. Like so many buffets, the food is at its best when first put out. We're going to try it again next week and we're going to go at 6:00pm. Hopefully everything will be much better. Despite the problems, I would still give the buffet at Cherry's a big "thumbs up" for the food choices and the quality. It's a great bargain at 295 baht. With water, the total bill comes to 320 baht. Just get there early so that you don't encounter the problems we encountered. I do suggest making reservations if you intend to give it a try. Even though we are at the lowest point of the low season now, the restaurant was packed. You can call for reservations at 086-314-5819. They also have a Sunday set menu special at 295 baht.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Nicaraguan Party Queries Thaksin Move Published on April 23, 2009 Nicaragua came up in the Thai press in late February when it was named as a country prepared to offer shelter to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. But Nicaragua has not only given Thaksin special citizenship, the Central American state has also granted him a passport. A picture of Thaksin shaking hands with a man believed to be Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega during a visit to the capital Managua was published by a local newspaper, and later released to international media outlets. Sunisa Lertpakawat's second book, 'Thaksin Are You OK?', launched earlier this month, published the pictures of Thaksin with Ortega, and the ousted Thai PM with his Nicaraguan passport. Sunisa claimed she witnessed the incident herself in February while researching the book. Late last year, small countries in the Atlantic and Africa were said to have offered the ex-PM safe-haven and similar roles. Thaksin claimed he had honorary citizenship or advisory positions for trade promotion. Nicaragua was of interest to Thais as Thaksin was reported to have used his Nicaraguan passport to travel. The Foreign Ministry revoked Thaksin's regular passport last week after he urged the red shirts to rise up against Abhisit government and the Asean summit venue in Pattaya was overrun. While Thais were not sure initially whether Thaksin received another passport, the Nicaraguan government said it had granted the fugitive ex-PM a diplomatic passport. Thaksin was to be accredited as an ambassador with a "special mission" to help bring in investment. On Sunday, United Arab Emirates' Arabian Business reported that Thaksin had left the UAE for Nicaragua. Thailand does not have an extradition agreement with Nicaragua, but the Thai government wants to try to negotiate an extradition treaty with the country. At the same time, Nicaraguan media reported opposition MPs questioning what the country would get from Ortega's decision to support Thaksin. Some feared his move could be illegal. Thai papers and news agencies reported that the Nicaraguan opposition party warned Ortega's government, after it granted Thaksin a diplomatic passport, that his position did not warrant such accreditation, even if there were plans to appoint him as an investment consultant for the country. A report in the Nicaraguan press said Vice President Jaime Morales, who is responsible for overseas investor relations, did not have a close relationship with Thai ex-premier. However, Thaksin's appointment as a special ambassador for the country looked to have been recommended by one or more of Ortega's advisors, the media reported. The report said the Nicaraguan government remained quiet about the issue, fearful that it could be lead to a conflict between the two countries. Thais are also interested why Ortega opted to support Thaksin. Some Thai and Nicaraguan media reported that Ortega met Thaksin when he was Thai PM. The relationship allegedly started because Ortega said his country was interested in investment in telecommunication and energy. When Ortega led Nicaragua in the 80s, the government seized property from the wealthy during the 1979 Sandinista revolution. He also led the country through civil war with anti-American and Marxism ideologies. But during his election campaign in 2006, he said he would support foreign investment as he wanted to fight poverty in his land.

I don't understand what point you are making. The fact that you have never been asked doesn't mean that you won't ever be asked or that others won't be asked. The point I'm making is that no matter what, Thai law still requires a farang to have his passport on his person at all times, regardless of whether you're carrying a photocopy or this passport card. Until Thai law is changed to say that the passport card is an acceptable substitute, then the police are under no obligation to honor it. The same holds true for an international driving permit. Despite the fact that the permit is valid for a year, in Thailand it will be honored for only 90 days after entering the country. That's the way things work here. I fail to see any reason in the world to spend $20 or $45, or whatever it is, to buy this passport card when it will be no more or less acceptable than a 1 baht photocopy. As I said, the police usually do accept photocopies. If you are unfortunate enough to end up with a police officer who wants your real passport, then this passport card will be of no more use to you than a photocopy would have been.

Actually, yes you have. You've met me and I always carry my passport with me. That's mainly because I drive. If I'm ever in an accident and I'm without it, that could spell real trouble. However, with only a few exceptions, whenever I have been stopped by highway police for their routine checks, they always ask to see my driving license, but only very rarely ask to see my passport. Geezer is correct. By Thai law, a foreigner is required to have his passport on his person at all times, just as the Thais are required to have their ID cards with them at all times. In most cases, if a farang is asked to produce his passport, but has only a copy with him, the police usually accept that without any problems, but technically they don't have to accept a copy at all.

Ach sooooooooooo. Thank you. I stand corrected. Then Patexpat's offer is an even better bargain.

I think it should be noted that 350 baht is the regular admission price for the circus, so if you accept Patexpat's offer you do not have to pay anything extra because it's a charity event.

Truth? Is there such a thing in any of this? I can't figure out who the good guys and bad guys are anymore. I'm not sure there are any good guys at all. Without even seeing the CD, I'd say a good bet is it's going to amount to nothing more than anti-Thaksin propaganda. The Yellow Shirts will watch it and say 'that's right!' The Red Shirts will probably hang them from their rear view mirrors. It would be very interesting to have a crystal ball capable of seeing how all this will eventually play out.

"It ain't over 'till it's over" - Yogi Berra The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ New Rally Cited as Reason to Prolong State of Emergency By: AFP Published: 21/04/2009 The weekend rally planned by anti-government protesters will prolong the state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas, a government minister said on Tuesday. Supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra have announced they will regroup on Saturday in Samut Sakon, outside the emergency zone, after rallies in Bangkok ended last week following street battles between demonstrators and armed troops. PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey said the protest in Samut Sakhon province, 36 kilometres outside Bangkok, would only worsen the political turmoil. "The government is ready to deal with any chaos, but this rally will affect the government's decision when to lift the state of emergency,'' Mr Sathit told reporters. ''This is bad news for our country because it will worsen the crisis. They [Thaksin's supporters] should rely on the parliament, as the government plans charter amendments as demanded by the protesters,'' he said. On Monday Jakrapob Penkair, a fugitive senior member of United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, told news agencies the pro-Thaksin UDD would continue its campaign against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Mr Jakrapob has fled the country to evade warrants for this arrest. "We have developed some strategies,'' Mr Jakrapob told AFP in a telephone call diverted by an assistant to avoid detection. The red-shirts shut down an Asian summit in Pattaya on April 11 and then clashed with troops in Bangkok on two days later. Two people were confirmed killed, in clashes between local residents and rampaging protesters, and 123 injured in the unrest in the capital. The protesters continue to demand Mr Abhisit's resignation, claiming he came to power unfairly in December after a court removed Thaksin's allies from government. ____________________ The Pattaya Police have issued an arrest warrant for Thaksin, on charges of inciting the Royal Cliff Hotel rioting.

Sorry, if I wanted to give the name of the restaurant I would have posted it. No hints . . .

Although there really is no excuse for a non-response, I think you have a much better chance at getting results when you speak to the owner personally, rather than sending E-mail. Usually when I speak to owners, they're very nice and they still do nothing about the complaint, but at least they're polite enough to listen . . . I know of one high end restaurant in Pattaya at which the owner has a reputation of addressing complaints by telling you what essentially amounts to: if you don't like it, tough shit and there's the door. Yes, it's always a nice feeling to know that the customers' wishes and complaints are taken seriously . . .

Yes, I can certainly understand your position if your complaint is falling on deaf ears. I agree that if nothing else, out of sheer courtesy, you should have gotten a "thank you, I'll look into it" response of some kind. As an alternate, some of you might want to try the buffet at the LK Kitchen. It's a very good buffet with several Thai and western choices (but no dessert) on Soi Buakhao. They also have a barbeque included in the buffet price with a selection of kebobs and fresh grilled prawns, as much as you want. You just tell the attendant what you want and they'll cook it and serve it to you. The easiest way to get there is to go to Soi Buakhao via Central Road (Pattaya Klang). Enter Soi Buakhao and the restaurant is located at the first left-turn intersection you'll come to. On the map below, it's located where you see LK Royal Suite. The price is 180 baht for the buffet. If you order bottled water, now the price is 210 baht. Like any other buffet, the food is at its best when you arrive early, rather than after the food has been sitting there for a length of time. I think it's a very good buffet for the price.

You can view that post at: http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3924

I check with two of them, both of which update several times each day: Bank of Ayudhya: http://www.krungsri.com/en/foreign-exchange-rates.aspx Siam Commercial Bank: http://www.scb.co.th/exchange/bk-pvsexchange.htm

I can certainly understand the preference, but don't forget that the prices are somewhat different from what you pay at the White Night, by at least 500 baht. So at the higher end places certainly you're going to get much higher quality food and service, but you're going to pay for it. However, I don't see much of an excuse for crummy service under any circumstances. The boys are hired to provide service, not for admiring themselves in the nearest mirror. For an inexpensive buffet I think the White Night is a very good deal for the price, despite cold quiche and half-hearted service. I don't care for cold quiche either. You know what I do? I don't eat the quiche . . . However, at most restaurants, and I would think the White Night included, the owners do appreciate it if you let them know of any problems or complaints.

As of closing time last Friday, the US Dollar to baht exchange rate was 35.15. By closing time on Monday, this week, it was 35.30. This morning, Tuesday, it opened at 35.40. I would imagine this is the beginning of the effects of the political unrest, but knowing as little as I do about how economics work, maybe it's something else or a combination of factors. Whatever it is, I have no complaints when I see the baht moving in our favor.

None of these revelations come as any surprise to me. I fully expect that as time goes on more and more will be revealed. I can't help but wonder how much went on in the past that we know nothing about and how much is going on right now that we don't know about. One thing is most likely certain, it still goes on no matter how much the government denies it and tells us it doesn't happen. I can't help but feel that sooner or later we're going to find out about government sponsored atrocities that make Abu Ghraib seem like a picnic in the park. Guantanamo is bad enough, but lord-only-knows what goes on in secret facilities. Quite frankly, if these goings-on really do prevent and expose terrorist plots, without anyone innocent getting tortured, then I'm all for it. If these animals who don't mind killing and maiming dozens of totally innocent victims can be stopped, then if the only way to extract information is via torture, then I don't see where the government has much choice if it really works, if there is no other way, and if innocent people are not victims of it. But all three of those 'ifs' have to be there as far as I'm concerned. It all reminds me of a scene in the film "Conspiracy," which was a dramatization of the Wansee Conference in which the Nazis formulated their plans for death camp gas chambers: Dr. Kritzinger: "That we have undertaken to systematically annihilate all the Jews of Europe has been personally denied to me by the Fuhrer!" Heydrich: "And, it will continue to be."

Actually, I do get it. At least I think I do. It took a while, but I think I figured it out. On Level 2, for example, there is an entrance to the shopping mall. On level 2 1/2 you either have to walk up a flight of stairs or down a flight of stairs to be on a level that has an entrance to the mall. So, I think the half levels are those that have no direct entrance to the mall. Of course, if I'm right then it's still an oddball way of numbering parking levels. If I'm wrong, then yes indeed it would get a place on my "I Don't Get It" list.

Asia - Thailand - Southern Sometimes you'll see it spelled 'Koh Samui' or sometimes just 'Samui.'