Gaybutton

That's because, from what I understand, the old board will be left in place as an archive. You need a new bookmark to get to the new site.

Rhinestones? Among my purses? Are you a madman . . . ?

And bosses, supervisors, and anyone else in a position to require you to make your whereabouts known any time they want to check up on you. I don't think I would want to be on that tight a leash or give up my privacy as to wherever I choose to go. I can just picture it. You take a "mental health" day from work. You tell the boss you're going to your doctor. Just what you need . . . the boss tracking you right into the adult book store. Talk about Big Brother watching! Now anybody can be watching! This is progress? You can have it. They might be trying to make it sound like something positive and fun, but I sure don't see it that way. The only personal advantage I can see for something like this is if I find myself in some sort of emergency situation it would be easy for someone to locate me, assuming I can get to the mobile phone and activate whatever it is that needs to be activated. Other than that, I can't come up with any reason at all why I would want anyone else to know where I am. I also doubt it would make a hit with the Thai boys. For those of you who can understand some Thai, have you ever noticed how often they call each other and the first thing they do is ask, "Where are you?" This little device would use up half their conversation . . . In any case, unless someone comes up with a very convincing reason to let people track your whereabouts, include me out.

Let's hope that doesn't apply to Chiang Mai's governor. The fact that these people petitioned him doesn't mean he is going to comply. We'll have to wait and see what he does. I hope he just ignores them or tells them to get lost.

Quite often these stalls are owned by the same people. Have you ever seen the series of about 15 or so fruit stands, one after another, out on the highways? All owned by the same people. That's the most likely reason why all three CD stalls disappeared overnight. Just why they disappeared is anybody's guess, but you definitely lucked out . . . for the time being.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ No Place for Gays in Chiang Mai Culture? By Pongthorn Chanlearn Published on February 5, 2009 Conservative groups in Chiang Mai have petitioned the governor to ban the second Chiang Mai Gay Pride parade planned for February 21, arguing that such an event undermines the city's age-old culture. As director of MPlus, one of the event's organisers, I believe that cultural heritage and the expression of sexual identities are not mutually exclusive. A flowing current brings fertility from upstream to downstream and prevents the decay that comes with stagnation. Likewise, culture, without being held hostage, renews itself in time and nourishes subsequent ages. This is true of all cultures, as they withstand the passage of time and pass on the legacy of previous generations. For a culture to bear the passing of time, it needs to evolve alongside the people in that culture. It can't be frozen like a dead entity, because like life itself, culture goes through the cycles of creation, change and evolution. Should it stand still and fail to enrich itself with new values, decline would immediately set in. We should remember that all cultures are social constructs that are born, exist and pass away, according to the Buddhist principle of impermanence. It is simply untrue that local cultures are completely distinct and separate from other cultures, as no cultures exist in a vacuum. They evolve through interaction within the culture and with other cultures. As a result, no individual or group can claim exclusive ownership of the culture in question. What exactly is a culture? How did it come to be? Who owns it? For whom does it exist? These are questions that must be asked about any culture, including Chiang Mai culture, rather than accepting exclusive claims and definitions imposed by powers-that-be such as the nation state. Culture is the total sum of the ways of life for various groups of people. It is not a sole property of the government, or capitalists, to be conveniently put in a neat package and sold for monetary gain, Every Chiang Mai citizen is entitled to dignity and the right to contribute to their own culture according to their life being lived, not for other incentives. The capitalist culture or the authority culture is obviously not the same as the people's culture. However, even in terms of people's culture, Chiang Mai culture today is not the same as it was 100 years ago. The differences reflect the inevitable changes in society. It is neither possible nor desirable to stop new elements flowing into Chiang Mai culture, just as it's impossible to stop tributaries pouring into a river. A more constructive way to preserve Chiang Mai culture is by recognising impermanence and the changes to social and cultural constituents rather than categorically blocking all new elements without any guiding principles or sense of direction. The latter will become a dead weight that inhibits the regeneration of culture. It is time to expand the ownership of Chiang Mai culture to include all subgroups of people with different ways of life and who are ready to share with and learn from others. A society and culture of diversity is more adept to cope with adverse social issues. To resist change and hang on to outdated images of culture will only cause conflict and alienation, both mental and physical. The question should be how to happily exist in a society with great diversity in sexuality, ideas, religion, politics and history. Most importantly, every individual has a unique way of life, often in contradiction of an imaginary "golden age" of culture. The simplistic value judgement of good versus bad is an obstacle to the flow of the cultural stream and the recognition of the inherent diversity within culture. Gay Pride is the expression of a group of people who exist in our society. Notwithstanding the negative portrayal of gays and lesbians often fed to society at large, it is important to remember that homosexuals exist in all professions; that they are our colleagues, friends and relatives; and that they make no less a cultural contribution to society than any other group. When we talk about gay pride, some people conjure up the tired image of "improperly dressed" marchers. The truth is, Gay Pride parades in various countries also vary in character, depending on the issues being presented. Some Gay Pride participants in the West may be scantily clad, but that's to attract the attention of the public and not to sexually arouse. (This writer also believes that anyone who is so easily aroused by such images needs professional help.) Intelligent viewers can recognise the message that any parade intends to impart, whether its human rights, HIV prevention or anti-discrimination. Nobody seeks out a Gay Pride parade for sexual pleasure, which can be found much more easily and abundantly elsewhere. On the contrary, Gay Pride is a form of social expression by sexual minorities who, as citizens, are entitled to the right to freely express their identities and sexualities - so long as that expression does not infringe on the rights of others. Such rights of expression are also afforded to heterosexuals. But Gay Pride has another dimension for gays and lesbians. In addition to allowing people to "come out" on an individual level, Gay Pride is also a "coming out" on a social level, because it opens up not only a physical space but also a conceptual space in the minds of others to recognise sexual minorities. Gay Pride is thus part of the natural cultural evolution, a reflection of the river of social change and diversity. It's hoped that people in our society will think further than the simplistic binary system of what's sexually explicit or sexually arousing, polite or impolite, good or bad. This will be a learning process that takes us beyond the superficial attitudes that can only increase social conflict. Let us all hope for peace based on the understanding of the inherent diversity in all areas of life. MPlus is an NGO working in HIV prevention among men who have sex with men, in Chiang Mai since 2002. Pongsathorn can be reached at mplus_msm@hotmail.com

I tried your friend's recommendation. The surgeon took one look at me, left the office, and became an accountant.

The local news media is reporting several stories about the rise in the number and frequency of these crimes, along with more stories about pickpocket teams that plague baht buses. Regarding the gold chains, to me it defies logic as to why anybody would want to wear them here with so many thieves out there ready to try to snatch them. Some of them stop at nothing to make a grab. On the baht buses, be especially alert for anything suspicious and keep your money and wallet where the pickpockets can't get at them. The usual M.O. is for the pickpockets to work in teams. One or two of them will do something to distract you while another uses the opportunity to pickpocket you. If you have any reason to be suspicious, then get off the bus and alert the driver. For whatever reason, most of the pickpocket gangs that get caught are usually females, working in groups of three or four. Unfortunately, due to drug use and difficult economic times, more and more people are resorting to crime. Please use common sense precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

I see that as similar to customs officials deciding whether to pass you through or give you the third degree. There are probably profiles they have been trained to look for. What I don't know, and maybe someone can tell us, is whether they have actually had the authority to ask for further documentation all along, but have simply chosen not to ask for it. I seriously doubt whether it is any secret to the Immigration officers that the USA embassy, at least, gives out proof-of-income statements without anyone having to prove a thing. I don't see anything particularly upsetting or frightening about this at all. First, let's see if we start getting reports from people that they have indeed been asked to provide further documentation and what kind of documentation the Immigration officers want before the usual panic over nothing begins. _____ Steve Randall: "Experts in the field from all over the world have gone over the scrolls with a fine toothed comb and have declared all of it to be genuine." LeBrun: "Anything can be forged." - Irving Wallace, "The Word"

"Making someone cum is hardly the worst thing you can do to anybody. So, what's the problem? Selling is legal. Fucking is legal. Why isn't selling fucking legal?" - George Carlin

Consider yourself lucky. I didn't have a youthful appearance, even when I was a youthful . . .

You know something, that's right! And that's one of my peeves, now that you mention it. It seems that whenever I go to a restaurant, if I want a waiter's attention they don't even look my direction. On the other hand, if I don't need them for anything, that's when they're hovering over my table. How do they do that?

Better still, tell us where you get them. I understand you get them at Boots. Have you seen them for sale elsewhere too? I have a feeling more than one person would benefit from these.

If that is the case, then you're stuck. Legal or illegal, all you're likely to accomplish is ending up with enemies who, in the long run, won't change a thing. The best suggestion I can think of is to invest in having at least your bedroom soundproofed. I read so many stories about people trying to deal with similar situations. Letters-to-the-editor appear quite often in the English language local newspapers too. I'm one of the lucky ones. I live in a quiet neighborhood and I'm never plagued with noise at night. I think I'll stay put.

Well, you could always have your name, address, and passport information tattooed onto yourself . . .

Here are a few more of my little peeves: 1. Opening a bank account. The stories I consistently hear about farang trying to open a Thai bank account. Why are some banks very restrictive about it and others seem to welcome farang without any problem? Why is it that one bank branch often will give you one answer and another branch of the same bank will give you an entirely different answer? 2. Mobile phone accounts. Farang can only open an account, at least with DTAC, if they hold a work permit. If you are retired, have a residence certificate, and can show you have lived in Thailand long term, you still can't open an account. You have to get a Thai to open an account for you instead, in his own name. Why? Who is least likely to pay the bill, a Thai or a farang? The strange thing is a farang can get a telephone land line in his own name with no problem at all. You get a monthly bill for that. A farang can subscribe to Internet service providers under their own name. You also get a monthly bill for that. So, what's the problem about mobile phone accounts? Do they think they're going to get a lot of farang skipping out on their bill? That's another one on my "I Don't Get It" list. 3. Potholes. There are few streets in Pattaya that fail to sport at least one or two potholes. Many have plenty more. My first peeve is that very few of them ever have any kind of a hazard marker. There have been many accidents, even deaths, when someone hits one of the more dangerous potholes and simply didn't spot it until it was too late. When they do mark them, half the time it's just a cut small tree branch that was stuck in the middle of the pothole. On the rare occasions when they actually repair the potholes, as soon as there is a heavy rain, there's the same potholes again, usually with a few nearby brothers. 4. Thai time. I've gotten used to it, but it can still be very annoying, especially when you are expecting a repairman or service technician. I can't even remember how many times I would be promised a "show up" time, but nobody shows up. Sometimes they do show up . . . hours later. Sometimes they don't show up at all. Of course, there is almost never a phone call telling you they will be late or can't come that day. Also, if you're with a Thai boy and he tells you he'll be back in an hour, be grateful if he shows up within three hours. 5. Junk. How many times have you purchased a small appliance or some sort of electronic device that breaks down or falls apart within three months or so? Wall electric sockets are notorious. They work fine and hold the plug beautifully for a month or two. Next thing you know, the plug simply falls out of the same socket or you have to jiggle it around to get it to work. And since nobody seems to believe in grounded electrical outlets, how many times have you received an unexpected shock? 6. The Bum's Rush. Often, in restaurants the waiter just can't wait to remove your plate. Too often they don't ask if you're finished. They just grab the plate and off they go. I've had several times when I haven't finished, am looking away toward someone I talking to, and when I look back, surprise! The plate is gone! Now, I know I can certainly stand going on a diet, but let me be the one who decides when it ought to begin, ok? Overly attentive waiters can be a little annoying too. It does tend to make me a little uncomfortable when a waiter, sometimes two or three of them, are just standing there, practically hovering over me, staring at me trying to eat. Then, of course, when they bring you your change, they love to stand there waiting to see how much of a tip you're going to leave. 7. Bottled water. My peeve is the prices many restaurants charge for bottled water. I buy bottled water in six-packs. Usually I'll buy a dozen six-packs at a time. The price? 210 baht. That works out to slightly less than 3 baht per bottle. I would imagine the restaurants buy their bottled water in wholesale lots. So, what are they doing charging as much as 30 to 45 baht for the same water? 8. Tree trimming. Every so often there are crews of workers that go around town trimming the trees. It's perfectly obvious to anyone that these people have had absolutely no training whatsoever in pruning techniques. Most of the time they simply butcher the tree. The branches are cut literally anywhere. Often, instead of at least cutting the branch correctly, they just cut from the top down. When a heavy branch falls, it takes huge portions of tree bark with it, leaving ugly large gashes in the tree. Many trees end up dying as a result. Those are a few peeves that came to mind while I was sitting here thinking about it.

You didn't finish the story. You left out the best part. Was it the teller or the Thai lady who said "sorry"? And, did the teller then serve you or the Thai lady? If you were served first, how did the Thai lady respond? I hope she was pissed!

That happens to me too. What I do in that case is wait until he gets off the stage and then call him over.

I'm glad. I'd hate to be on the road alone . . .

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Thaksin Talks of a Comeback Declares Readiness to Fight for Justice By: AEKARACH SATTABURUTH Published: 3/02/2009 at 12:00 AM NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Thaksin Shinawatra is in a fighting mood. The former prime minister says he is ready to fight for justice and make a comeback as the country's political leader. The move is a turn-around. Thaksin earlier said he had washed his hands of politics. "I earlier announced that I would wash my hands of politics," Thaksin told members of the opposition Puea Thai party and former MPs of the now dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) on Monday in a phone-in. "But as there are so many politically motivated cases being filed against me, I want to tell you now that I am ready to return to the political arena once again. "If I give up the fight, people who used to benefit from policies initiated by the TRT will be badly hurt." The former prime minister said mounting persecution by his rivals had forced him to change his mind. He also denied allegations he was not loyal to the monarchy. The allegations were "pure nonsense", he said. "I will fight on no matter what happens. I'm ready to be prime minister again if people support me. If people voice their call that they want me, I will come back to carry out my duty [as prime minister]." Thaksin said he would not always remain on the run in other countries and went on to criticise the Democrat party-led government for failing to tackle the country's problems. He urged the opposition party to be patient and wait for its turn to administer the country as public confidence in the present government was eroding. Thaksin's 20-minute phone-in started shortly after politicians loyal to him joined a seminar organised by Puea Thai at a hotel near the Khao Yai national park in Pak Chong district of this provincial gateway to the northeast. The seminar, co-hosted by Thaksin's younger sisters Yaowapa Wongsawat and Yingluck Shinawatra, was attended by banned executives and MPs of the two dissolved parties - TRT and the People Power party (PPP). Former prime minister and PPP leader Somchai Wongsawat, PPP deputy leaders Yongyuth Tiyapairat and Sompong Amornvivat, former PPP secretary-general Noppadon Pattama, former TRT executives Pongthep Thepkanchana and Sermsak Pongpanit were also there. Thaksin, who fled the country in August before being sentenced in October to two years in jail for abuse of power in a land purchase deal, was toppled by a coup on Sept 19, 2006. The coup-appointed Assets Scrutiny Committee froze 76 billion baht worth of his assets. "Please feel at ease that I will not abandon anyone. Be assured that I will stay near you [MPs] to give you support," he told his loyalists. Puea Thai MP for Nong Bua Lamphu Chaiya Promma said the phone-in had helped raise the party's spirits. ____________________ EARLIER REPORT Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday declared his readiness to fight for justice and make a political comeback as prime minister. The convicted former prime minister's made the U-turn during his phone-in speech to members of the opposition Puea Thai party and former politicians of the now dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT). He had earlier said that he had washed his hands of politics. "I earlier announced that I will wash my hands of politics. But as there are more political prosecutions against me, I want to tell you now that I am ready to return (to politics) to fight. If I give up the fight, people who used to benefit from policies initiated by TRT will be badly hurt,'' he said. The former prime minter said mounting political prosecution used by his political opponents forced him to change his mind and denied allegations that he was not loyal to the monarchy. The allegations were ''nonsense,'' he said. ''I will fight no matter what it will happen,'' he said. ''I'm ready to come back to be prime minister again if people support me. If people voice their call that they want me, I will come back to carry out my duty (as prime minister),'' he added. Thaksin vowed that he would not stay in other countries until his last days and criticised the Democrat party-led government for failing to tackle problems in the country. He also called for patience from the opposition party to wait for their turn to come back to administer the country after the failure of the present government which was eroding public confidence. Thaksin's 20-minute phone-in speech started shortly after politicians loyal to him entered a seminar organised by Puea Thai at a hotel near the Khao Yai national park in Pak Chong district of this northeastern province. The seminar, hosted by his younger sisters, Yaowapa Wongsawat and Yingluck Shinawatra, included banned executives and MPs from two dissolved parties -- TRT and People Power party (PPP) such as former prime minister leader Somchai Wongsawat, PPP deputy leaders Yongyuth Tiyapairat and Sompong Amornvivat, former PPP secretary-general Noppadol Pattama, former TRT executives Pongthep Thepkanchana and Sermsak Pongpanit. The former prime minister, who fled the country in August last year and was sentenced to a two-year jail term in October for abuse of power in a land purchase deal, was toppled by a coup on Sept 19. 2006.The coup-appointed Assets Scrutiny Committee ordered a freeze on his assets worth over 76 billion baht.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the same police officers return as customers, if they're not customers already . . .

Gentlemen, I'd like to steer this thread back to the topic - the Central shopping mall, remember? If you wish to discuss foods Thais like, no problem, but please start a new thread and discuss it there.

Why can't you get them at a bank?

Well . . . I have a screwdriver you can borrow.

I'm not modest. The two good friends were RichLB and myself. First, we're sorry you had the accident, but we were both happy we were able to help you. You bring up several important points: One is that it is nice, as well as important, to have friends upon whom you can rely, especially here. A bad situation can only become worse if you find yourself alone and in trouble given the language difficulties that can arise. It provides tremendous peace of mind to know that you can depend on friends coming to the rescue when something happens. This time it happened to you, but we are all aware that something can go terribly wrong in anyone's life at any moment, especially since we aren't getting any younger. Another important point is the quality of care available here. The hospitals here are excellent, with competent, caring staff. Sometimes I hear about people who return to their home countries for treatment. The only reason I can think of to avoid health care in Thailand would be if insurance won't cover you any other way. When I have had to be in hospitals, or take friends to hospitals, the care given is far better than anything I ever received in the USA, that's for sure! Granted, Pattaya is not exactly noted for being 'handicapped friendly,' but it's slowly, but surely, improving. At least you can get around at all. If I have to be confined, I'd much rather be confined here than where I came from. Here in Pattaya, whenever you need help from your friends we're only a phone call away. I wouldn't bet the farm on being able to depend on the same thing in the USA. Regarding the age of the orthopedic doctor, yes he was young and good looking, but I wouldn't let that throw you: In the film, "Flight of the Phoenix" (the 1965 original with James Stewart - not that lousy remake) during one argument Dorfmann is reminded that Captain Towns is a highly experienced pilot with many years under his belt. Dorfmann responds by saying, "That is precisely the problem. He has remembered everything and learned nothing."