Gaybutton

If you are going to be in a taxi, wouldn't you be better off leaving the routing to the taxi driver? The driver won't want to be stuck in traffic nightmares either and he'll know the best route to take. It remains to be seen, of course, but I'm not so quick to jump on the "it's all going to be chaos" bandwagon. I think everything is going to run surprisingly smoothly. Thailand has a lot riding on the reputation the airport will have and quite a bit of planning has gone into it. They are well aware of the difference first impressions will make. I don't think it's going to be a nightmare at all, and that includes traffic getting there. I know a lot of people just assume that no matter what it is, Thailand will screw it up. That's not always the case and I think the airport operations are going to be just fine. Getting into Bangkok from the airport is a different story. If you arrive during rush hour, then you're going to be stuck in the same traffic jams that occur every day once you are outside the airport area.

If I recall, you are going to be in Bangkok. Is that correct? As far as the best bars to go to first, there's really no way to answer that. Different people are going to have different opinions as to what constitutes the best bars or which ones to start with. Just try them all. You don't have to be stuck in a bar you don't like. There's nothing wrong with going in, looking at the boys present in the bar, and if you don't care for what you see, turning around, walking out, and moving on to the next bar. Besides, you don't really plan to just walk by a go-go bar without at least having a look, are you? Then you'll have to wonder what you missed. In Bangkok, the greatest number of bars are on Silom Road (pronounced "SEE-lom"). Try Soi Twilight. That's the most popular area. When you ask what time of day you should see, I'm assuming that means what are the operating hours of the bars. They open at 8:00 PM and close at 1:00 AM, if they are operatring legally. I'm always happy to personally help out people new to Pattaya and I have a car to do it with. If you are going to be in Pattaya and would like to contact me personally, send me an E-mail at gaybutton@gmail.com . I'll be glad to get together with you when you are here and show you the whole thing, including the venues that are not so easy to find or get to. Perhaps someone who is in Bangkok and is familiar with everything will make the same offer to you and personally help you when you are there. I recommend doing that, if someone is willing. That way you won't end up spending your first night or two just trying to figure out where everything is. Personally, I think you are far better off finding someone experienced to personally help you, at least during your first night out, but if you prefer to "work alone," then have a look at http://www.dreadedned.com . Look at his "City Guides" section. He has listings of most of the gay venues. When you arrive in Thailand, look for "Spice Magazine." It's free and most gay venues will have copies on hand. There are maps of the gay areas inside that include listings of where all the different venues are. When will you arrive and how long will you be in Thailand?

One aspect of all of this that is not going to change, but confuses me, is the 90-day Type "O" visa. I have never understood the logic of forcing 'visa runs' on holders of that visa. Since a holder of that visa has to do essentially the same thing a holder of the 30-day visa-free has always had to do, that is exiting the country, obtaining a new visa, and then returning, then why force holders of that visa to leave the country at all? If you hold the one-year retirement visa, you don't have to leave Thailand to renew it. Why do people who hold the 90-day visa have to leave in order to renew it? Why can't that be taken care of at the Immigration Police office? All it would take is to have holders of that visa fill out the same paperwork at the Immigration Police office that they would fill out at a consulate in another country, and then check the holder's passport to see if there is any reason to deny a renewal. If there is no reason, then the holder could pay the fees and be granted a new visa at the Immigration Police office. Why force him to go over the border to do the same thing? I don't get it.

A whole group of us used to go to that Wednesday buffet when he had the Ol

Isn't that the best time . . . .?

With all the new restaurants opening lately it's getting tougher to choose where to dine. There are so many marvelous choices at every price range. Now yet another new restaurant is going to open soon. It's called 'Flamboyant - Creative Cuisine,' located in the Jomtien Complex, right next door to the 'Hot Stone Grill' and directly across from the blind massage institute. The restaurant is under construction, but from what I can see it looks like it will be a beautiful restaurant. I have not seen anything yet that announces when it will open. Based on the construction progress, it looks like they are at least a month or two away from being able to open.

I'm not going to pass. It doesn't have to be nearly that expensive if you forego the appetizers, drinks, wines, etc. I don't even want any of that. When I finally get there, all I want is a prime rib and I'll save all my room for it. It will still be on the pricey side, but I have a feeling it will be worth it every so often.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Economy Flyers Get a Lounge at Airport Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) will provide its first economy-class lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport, consisting of entertainment facilities, shower rooms, e-service and resting corners. At the new airport, passengers will be surprised with several new services never before available in the Kingdom. The economy-class lounge is rare among airlines, most of which operate only first- and business-class lounges. But THAI is following a trend at other new airports which have started offering economy-class lounges. Charnchai Singtorij, vice-president of the cargo and mail commercial department of THAI, said the airline faced tough competition in the aviation industry, forcing it to find new ways to please customers. The lounge, he said, would include televised entertainment such as films, music videos, sports, documentaries and world news, in addition to Internet services. Passengers will also have a rest area that includes plenty of seating and showers in 18,000 square metres of space. Apart from the economy class lounge, the airline will offer first-class and business-class passengers a traditional Thai spa, private movie theatre and shower rooms. "We hope that all the lounges will convince passengers to use THAI," said Charnchai. Although there is reason to feel excited about these innovations in Bangkok, Singapore's Changi Airport already has them. THAI hopes to solicit feedback from travellers on how to improve services. The carrier predicts that the number of transfer passengers going through Bangkok will increase 20 per cent in the first year of operation. Each year, Don Muang Airport receives three million transit passengers. To reach that projection, THAI plans to add more international flights, such as a Bangkok-Johannesburg route, by the end of the year. The airline also plans to start operating more flights to India and long-haul destinations. THAI will operate a few international flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 22 to Seoul, Beijing, and Guangzhou. The company begins domestic flights from the new airport on September 15. All other international flights will officially operate on September 28. Today THAI will start flying from Suvarnabhumi to Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani. Not only will THAI start using the new airport today, Australian budget airline Jet Star will commence flights to it from down under. Suchat Sritama The Nation

There is a way to know if the boy is at least in his hometown. Cities have city codes as part of the land line telephone number. If they boy's home has a land line, call him on that number instead of a mobile phone number. If he's there, then he has to be in that city. If the home has no land line, but you are still suspicious, you could always do a Google search, find a hotel phone number in his hometown, and specify a time and day you are going to call the hotel. You can tell the boy to be there. You call the front desk and ask to speak to the boy, making it clear that they boy should be waiting for your call at the front desk. If he's there, fine. If he's not, then you get to be even more suspicious.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ SOUTHERN BOMBINGS Hat Yai Weeps, Fears Worst Published on September 18, 2006 Canadian teacher killed, 14 foreigners among 70 injured n Business leaders expect to lose millions of tourist dollars The fatal bombings on Saturday night have cast a grim shadow over this vital economic and tourist hub of southern Thailand. In the space of a few hours after the bombings, thousands of visitors fled the city and many more cancelled hotel bookings. Community business confidence has also been rocked. Six bombs exploded almost simultaneously at a bar, department stores, a hotel and a massage parlour at about 9pm on Saturday. Downtown Hat Yai was crowded with tourists at restaurants and entertainment venues. The blasts killed four including 29-year-old Jesse Lee Daniel, a Canadian teacher, the first Westerner to die in the protracted deep-South insurgency. More than 70 people were injured, including 14 foreigners, Health Minister Pinij Charusombat said. Among the foreign injured are six Malaysians, three Singaporeans, three Britons, an Indian and an American. Internationally-known Hat Yai is popular among foreigners - particularly Malaysians and Singa-poreans. Bargains and entertainment attract locals. It is the transport and finance centre of the deep South. Almost all business in Hat Yai, however, relies on tourism. Hat Yai is no stranger to violence. It was a target during the first term of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra before the insurgency shifted to Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani after January 2004. The latest major attack here was in April 2005 when a series of bombs exploded at Hat Yai Airport, a Carrefour and a hotel. One man was killed and several injured. However, the explosions this weekend are expected to have a harsher impact on the Hat Yai economy. It was the economic backbone of the deep South, said Songkhla Professional Tourist Guide Asso-ciation chairman Songchai Mungprasitthichai. "The bombings took place in the heart of the city, leaving no sense of safety and security for visitors. It's going to be very difficult to re-build confidence within a short period of time," Songchai said. He said as many as 7,000 tourists had been expected to visit the city over the weekend. All had cancelled their bookings or left the area. That had cost the city millions of baht. "They witnessed everything that happened because it took place right in the downtown area. We don't know how to explain what happened right in front of their eyes," Songchai said. Hat Yai would now suffer from a slowdown in tourism over the coming three months. Normally, the city would expect about 100,000 tourists in that period with the average person spending Bt10,000. "We are losing billions of baht," he said. "We are waiting for the day our businesses go bankrupt. We have been trying hard to cope ever since the violence spread to Hat Yai. But, after these bombings it is doomed," Songchai said. Retailers have experienced an immediate impact. Nearly 2,000 downtown shop owners depend entirely on Thai and foreign visitors. "After the explosions there were virtually no customers. Everyone fears for their safety," said Hat Yai Retailers chairman Nopporn Prakijwatanakul. Deputy chairman of the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce Kawitpong Sirithananonsaku said the bombings would have a great and deep consequence on the Hat Yai and regional economy. "Since violence re-emerged in the deep South in 2004, investment in Hat Yai has been low. So has the confidence of the private sector. The bombings this past weekend have simply made the situation worse," Kawitpong said. The Nation Hat Yai

That's a good question. I mentioned the concern about taxes because the articles include mention of taxes as one of the concerns. I haven't spotted an article that specifies what kinds of taxes they mean. I too am not sure what taxes they're talking about or how much Thailand is losing as a result of the 30-day rules. My best guess is they may be referring to the amount of money Thailand receives when foreigners pay for tourist and non-immigrant visas and visa renewals. Most visa renewals cost 1900 baht a pop. Under the 30-day rule, people don't pay anything at all unless they pay for an extension or pay over-stay fines. When they make a visa run under the 30-day rules, they still don't pay Thailand anything. Perhaps that's what they're talking about.

You'll find everything you want to know on this link: http://www.thaiticketmaster.com/events/wes...e-story_eng.php

The DVD of Westside Story is available in Thailand and it has Thai subtitles. I watched it with my boyfriend to see if he would like it and he really enjoyed it. I told him about the production in Bangkok. Now that he's seen the movie version and can understand what's going on, he wants to see the show, despite the fact that it will be in English.

What an excellent review! Finally, a truly great steak house in Pattaya! I want to get there too. The prime rib sounds fabulous and that's just what I've been waiting for!

2006 U.S. Elections Notice - - - Registration, Absentee Ballot Request Deadlines Approaching U.S. citizens who plan to vote in the upcoming mid-term elections on November 7, 2006 are urged to submit their voter registration and/or absentee ballot requests without delay. Use the Federal Post Card Application, available on-line from the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at http://www.fvap.gov <http://www.fvap.gov/> . Each state has its own regulations and deadlines for registering and requesting absentee ballots. Your state may require receipt of your request as early as 30 days before the election. Check the FVAP website for guidance. Many states now allow overseas voters to fax in their registration and absentee ballot requests. Some states will fax out blank ballots to overseas voters, and a smaller number of states allow overseas voters to fax back the voted ballot. A few states allow the use of e-mail. See your state's rules for use of fax or e-mail at http://www.fvap.gov/ivas/fvap_state_menu.html. Some states will begin mailing out absentee ballots to overseas voters by the third week in September. Voters should pay careful attention to their state's ballot receipt deadlines, and must comply with any post-marking, witnessing or notarization requirements. Overseas voters who are required to mail in their voted ballot should plan to allow up to three weeks for delivery via U.S. diplomatic pouch or international mail. Some express mail companies may offer special rates or services for U.S. overseas voters. Voters who fail to receive a ballot from their local election officials may be eligible to use a federal emergency write-in ballot. The federal write-in absentee ballot, or FWAB, is available on-line from the FVAP website. However, most states will allow you to use it only if your initial ballot request reaches local officials by October 7, 2006 (30 days before the election). For additional resources about absentee voting, including links to non-partisan sources of information, see the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/law/info/info_2964.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * To subscribe or unsubscribe to this list, go to: < http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/acsemaillist.htm > The U.S. Embassy Consular Section is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (Nearest BTS Skytrain station: Phloen Chit) American Citizen Services Unit Window Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 11 AM and 1 - 2 PM Note: The ACS unit is CLOSED on the last Friday of every month. Tel: +66-2-205-4049 Fax: +66-2-205-4103 E-mail: acsbkk@state.gov < mailto:acsbkk@state.gov >

Another way is to simply go to individual schools and ask if they need a native English speaking teacher. Many do and they will help you through the paperwork and obtaining a work permit. Most schools offer a salary of between 20,000 to 25,000 baht per month. They will require quite a bit of paperwork and now, in the aftermath of the John Michael Karr affair, the standards are far more stingent than ever before. It is my understanding that they will require police reports, college transcripts, proof of prior teaching experience, a letter of recommendation from the school at which one was previously employed, etc, and it all must be verifiable.

If you are traveling to or from Thailand, via Japan or Korea, between now and about September 20, travel advisories have been issued due to Typhoon Shanshan. That same typhoon has been the major factor causing the torrential rains you have been reading about (or experiencing) in Pattaya and the rest of Thailand. BANGKOK, Sept 16 (TNA) Travelers flying to Japan and Korea during the next couple of days are warned to check weather conditions before their departures as Typhoon Shanshan is approaching the two East Asian nations, while Thailand should brace for more downpours, with torrential rain forecast in some areas. The Meteorological Department warned here on Saturday that Typhoon Shanshan is moving toward Japan's main island and the Korean Peninsula, from China and Taiwan. Travelers should, therefore, beware of the new typhoon and check updated weather conditions prior to their departures to either of the two countries. Meanwhile, the weather bureau said that all parts of Thailand--the North, the Northeast, the East, the central region and the South--would be influenced by a low pressure ridge covering the country's lower northern, northeastern and upper central regions, as well as the southwest monsoon in the southern Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand over the next few days. These will cause torrential rain in some areas, and high waves at sea. Residents should prepare for further rainfalls, including possible floods and landslides, while trawlers should be more careful at sea. (TNA)--E002

You're right about the banking. I know plenty of stories about a "farang" being told one thing in one bank and being told something entirely different in another branch of the same bank. I've had that happen to me too. In my case, I wanted to open an account at one particular bank. I was told that a foreigner cannot open an account there without holding a work permit. I went to another branch of the same bank and was told the same thing. I went to a third branch and walked out fifteen minutes later with a new bank account, ATM card, and online banking. The branch manager wanted to know which branches were telling me that a foreigner can't open an account without a work permit. He said he was going to inform the main offices in Bangkok about that. I loved what he said about what I was told. He used an American phrase and it came out as, "They tell you bool-sheet."

Well, PapaDavid, I'm sorry you had so much trouble obtaining the visa. How much trouble there is in obtaining a visa seems to depend on where you are trying to get it. Since I lived in south Florida, I always obtained my visa from the Miami consulate. I never had any trouble at all. I never even had to put in a personal appearance. All I ever had to do was download the application form, fill it out, and send it in by mail along with my passport, photos, and a money order for US $50. My passport was always returned to me by mail within a week. Meanwhile, everyone else in the world who applies for the same visa either has an easy time of it or a terrible time of it, and yet it's the same visa. So, this time I can agree with you about the difficulties of obtaining it. I also agree with you about Thailand's dependence upon tourism, and yet they seem to do everything they can think of to alienate tourists . . . the 1:00 AM bar closings are a perfect example. However, I think the reasoning that prompted the rule change is valid. There are a great many people taking advantage of the current rules and circumventing Thailand's ability to collect fees taxes from them, along with keeping track of where they are. I agree with the reasoning for the rule change, but I don't agree with the methods they have come up with to equitably put it in place. As I said above, this simply hasn't been thought through and it doesn't seem as if all the implications have been intelligently taken into consideration.

Vegetarian steak? I don't think so. And where are you getting the idea that Buddhists don't eat steak? That's almost as nonsensical as continually trying to pass yourself off as two people.

That is an excellent point. As far as I can tell, a great many new laws and regulations are written and imposed primarily on the whim or "bright idea" of very few people without being completely thought through first. I very rarely hear anything about hearings or solicitation of ideas from the public before the announcement of new rules. Most of the time it seems that they just do it without even an attempt to consider all the ramifications. Many times, after regulations are imposed, public protest follows and the whole thing ends up changing. There are so many examples, the most recent of which was the taxi issue at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. As soon as they realized that forcing people to have to take shuttle buses to catch a taxi would be a big mistake, the rules changed. I don't recall reading about any hearings prior to the announcement that people would have to take shuttle buses to catch a taxi. If there had been hearings as to how things would run at the airport, I doubt that such a regulation would ever have been in the picture at all. I have a feeling that problems with the new 30-day rule, such as the one you brought up, were never considered. If the regulation goes through as the article states, then I don't think it will be very long before the powers-that-be end up saying, "Whoops! Now we have to make some changes."

Note from GB: We have had a couple of threads already discussing what is about to take place regarding visa runs. The crackdown will apply only to those who come to Thailand under the 30-day 'visa-free' regulations. It does not apply to those holding visas. I believe this article from THE NATION merits a new thread and will make the whole thing clear: _____ Big Impact Expected from Tougher Visa-Free Entry Rules Published on September 16, 2006 The days of foreign visitors doing endless "border runs" in order to live - and often work - in Thailand are over, the Immigration Police announced yesterday. The Kingdom will tighten its immigration rules for tourists who exploit visa-free regulations, starting from the end of the month. The move will affect tens of thousands of visitors from 41 countries who have been allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa - often for many months or years. The 41 visa-exempt countries include Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. Tourists have been able to extend their stay by travelling to neighboring countries - Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos and Burma - and returning with a further 30-day entry stamp. But new rules have been issued because an increasing number of tourists have stayed for extended periods - without paying proper amounts of tax. This has also helped them avoid close scrutiny by authorities here and in their homeland. (They don't have to report their address, obtain documents from their embassy, or anything else . . . GB) "We are trying to make it more difficult for bad people to get in," Immigration Police chief Lt General Suwat Thamrongsrisakul said at a press conference yesterday. "I don't think it's going to hurt good people because they can apply for a tourist visa (in their homeland)," he said. The move is expected to have a big impact on the foreign community and some sectors such as teaching and diving, plus places where there are many bars run by foreigners, such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai. From October 1, tourists from the 41 visa-exempt countries may still enter Thailand without visas and stay for up to 30 days, but they will only be able to extend their stay here two times - that is, for a maximum of 90 days. And tourists who stay for 90 days must leave the Kingdom for at least 90 days before being permitted to re-enter Thailand. Suwat denied the crackdown was related to the arrest in Bangkok last month of John Mark Karr, the American teacher who was thought to have been involved in the high-profile JonBenet Ramsey murder case. He said there were many reasons that extended back for a long period. Suwat conceded the move may cause some problems, but said "maybe we have to do something to make it better (later)". However, if foreigners wanted to work here they should get a work visa, he said. A source added: "Under the current rules, people from these countries can stay in Thailand for as long as they want. Some even stay here for one year. Many work illegally in Thailand." Instead of sightseeing, these tourists have taken advantage of the visa exemption by getting married to Thai women "for reasons other than love", and have conducted business here. Many of them have not paid tax. The immigration move is a hot topic among foreign residents, and comes at a time when many are fearful about possible changes in regard to firms with local nominees. Hundreds of comments were logged on local Web boards within hours of the Immigration Department press conference. Some said foreigners should abandon Thailand for neighboring countries, while others predicted it might force school bosses to pay foreign teachers a proper wage or cause a boom in men wanting to marry Thai women. Most believed the move could cost Thailand a small fortune. Meanwhile, plans are under way to simplify the process for foreign teachers to work here as the current system requires 13 separate steps, which take many months to complete. Heads of international schools have been meeting with the Immigration Department to try to simplify the process. Thailand recently simplified the process for foreigners who want to become permanent residents. The amount of paperwork required has been slashed and the time involved reportedly cut from more than a year to about four months. Last year Thailand tightened its immigration rules for South Asian tourists, who were allowed to apply for visas on arrival that permitted them to stay for 30 days. Many of them took advantage by travelling to neighbouring countries and returning to get a new visa on arrival at the airport. Under the new rules, they are allowed to obtain a visa on arrival only twice from neighbouring countries. They are then required to return to their country of origin to obtain an entry visa to Thailand. Jim Pollard The Nation

Yesterday I was in the immigration office with a friend. He had been ill and had a statement from his Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital doctor. He had actually already over-stayed by a day or two, but had been too ill to go to the immigration office. He produced the statement and was granted the 15-day extension. They did not fine him for over-staying and did not place an over-stay stamp in his passport.

It isn't limited to Pattaya. Much of central and north Thailand is experiencing torrential rains and severe flooding. That happened last year too, while the Pattaya area was going through one of the worst droughts in recent history. A drought is not exactly Thailand's problem at the moment. I still receive occasional E-mails asking if Pattaya has enough water. Trust me . . . Pattaya has plenty of water! _____ PHITSANULOK, Sept 15 (TNA) Flooding troubled wide areas of the northern provinces of Phitsanulok and Phichit Friday while thick morning fog blanketed the far northern province of Chiang Rai. The water level of the Yom River in Phitsanulok has continuously increased, causing flooding in 58 villages in Bang Rakam district. About 20 schools were forced to close. Chumsaengsongkram sub-district has been cut off from the outside world. A shortage of food and drinking water occurred as flood caused difficulty in transporting necessary supplies to affected villages. There was a report that Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan would visit flood prone areas in the province Friday to find a solution to the flood problem. In nearby province of Phichit, the increased water in the Yom River has triggered flood in five low-lying sub-districts, affecting about 100 homes. Meanwhile, in the far northern province of Chiang Rai, thick morning fog caused poor visibility. The Meteorological Department said that a dense fog formed during the seasonal climatic transition from the rainy season to winter. It warned people to be careful in travelling. (TNA)-E004 I like the statement, "It warned people to be careful in travelling." Good tip . . . .

I'm very glad to see that the police intend to 'clean up' Beach Road. Tourists are too often harrassed by prostitutes, thieves, pickpockets, gangs, etc. I am, however, skeptical. This is not exactly the first time we've heard all about how the Beach Road situation is going to be cleaned up. The usual thing that occurs is all of the problems really are cleaned up. The trouble is, it never seems to take long for the momentum to subside and everything to return to its former state. We'll see what happens this time and how long it lasts. The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: _____ Tourist Police to Provide Increased Security for Pattaya Beach Khun Ronagit, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya chaired this further meeting regarding safety for tourists on Pattaya Beach, following recent high profile cases of violence against foreigners and further problems with prostitutes who base themselves on Pattaya Beach around the clock. Police Captain Chirawat from Pattaya