Gaybutton

If you have a Thai boyfriend, chances are that you are driven crazy by his mobile phone. If he's not losing it or selling it, then he's using it . . . constantly. Have you ever been jolted awake at 3:30 AM when your boyfriend receives a call? When you made it clear that you don't want calls coming in at hours like that, did he seem surprised that you would object to that? Have you ever been with a boy and at the height of, shall we say, the most intimate moments a call comes through and he actually stops to have a conversation? Does he place and accept calls right in the middle of dinner? Does he somehow 'forget' to turn off the phone in a movie theater? Have you ever seen him driving a motorcycle and using the mobile phone at the same time? Does he whine and pout if his prepaid phone card runs out or the battery runs out? Does he try to get you to buy him the latest model, with every bell and whistle imagineable? Sometimes it seems like the world will end if the boyfriend doesn't have his mobile phone with him. If his use of the mobile is driving you nuts, you're not alone. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Mobile Phones 'Warping Cultural Values' Thai cultural values have been warped, with half the population "dependent" on cell phones, the National Culture Commission said yesterday. Teenagers and others who have become addicted to instant tele-communications showed six symptoms, said Amornrat Thepgum-panat, NCC spokesman, who studied use of mobile phones - particularly by youngsters - for an article on the subject. Firstly, people were victims to constantly changing mobile fads, she said. Mobile phones had become status symbols, with many users, especially youths, always seeking the latest models. The second symptom was poverty, as users go into debt to buy new and expensive handsets. The third "disease" was impatience and hot tempers caused by getting used to a instant connections and a response to orders. People become irritated over other things, even trivial events, in life. Some callers ignore social etiquette and buzz others at any time, even during office meetings, late at night, meal times or vacations. In business, some call strangers to sell insurance or other products or invite them to apply for credit cards, which annoys many recipients. Social contact is sacrificed as most people use cell-phones to call those close to them instead of engaging with others. Youngsters seclude themselves to call friends instead of talking to parents, and worsen family relations. They can leave youths feeling lonely and hooked to their phone. The last "dysfunction" was insincerity resulting from the nature of phone conversations, which are not face-to-face dealings. Users are prone to use overly sweet words or lies to convince the other party that they care about something, when they do not. Amornrat said overuse of cell phones was also causing other problems. Ear disease, severe headaches and nerve disorders have become more common due to long exposure to the cell-phone's electromagnetic field. Also, more and more peeping toms or exhibitionists are using phone cameras to shoot nude pics to be published on the Internet. Driving while on the phone caused many car accidents, while expensive cell phones attracted criminals and thieves, she added. Ladda Tangsupachai, director of the Culture Watch Centre, said the use of mobile phones among youngsters was out of control with many operators launching promotions targeted at them.

BOT Continuing to Intervene in Baht Movement BANGKOK, Aug 17 (TNA) Bank of Thailand (BOT)

BANGKOK, Aug 16 (TNA) - Thai government agencies led by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) Wednesday agreed with the country's leading department stores, to ban all sales of pirated products within department stores and concessionary areas, according to DIP deputy director-general, Banyong Limprayoonwong. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covers concessionary areas rented or permitted in areas adjoining department stores, including mall corridors and sidewalks, as well as smaller agents within department store areas. Deputy Commerce Minister Preecha Laohapongchana presided over the signing ceremony at the ministry among the Department of Intellectual Property, the National Police Bureau, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Ministry of Interior and the executives of department stores to join together to crack down on the sale of illegal products. Under the agreement, the department stores will help supervise the shops and vendors inside and in front of the department stores to ensure that they would not sell products in violation of intellectual property agreements in effect, including CDs, DVDs and any other kinds of pirated products. "If (the independent shops and vendors) are found selling the pirated products, the department stores will terminate their contracts and inform the authorities to prosecute the violators," the deputy director general said. The Ministry of Commerce would ask for close cooperation from customs offices at border crossings to strictly prevent the influx of pirated movie VCDs and DVDs from neighbouring countries, he said. He noted that international film producers gave a 'thumbs up' to Thailand as the authorities were successfully crack down the pirated products. (TNA)-E003 __________ How many times over the years have we heard that one? It seems like every few weeks there is always going to be a major crackdown on pirated products. Good luck. That would be one way to weaken the baht, though. So many businesses would fold up that three quarters of Thailand would be unemployed. The only places I have ever even seen in Thailand that carry legitimate DVDs is CD Warehouse in the Royal Garden shopping center and a few small outlets here and there such as the one in the Big-C on South Road (Pattaya Tai) . I have yet to see any software shops that carry only legitimate software. It's hard enough to find software shops that carry any legitimate software. As for other pirated products, such as clothing, luggage, colognes, etc, I wish them luck with that too.

Maybe it can be done if the venue itself specifies that what they need is a foreign drag queen or foreign musician, or whatever. I don't know if it can be done that way or not. From what I understand, obtaining the work permit is not really all that difficult, but without one, you can't work, especially if you are in Thailand on a tourist visa, retirement visa, or something similar. It would require a change in the type of visa you might be holding and I have no idea how you would go about making any changes. I can only repeat . . . that and all the other complicating factors is why I keep saying that you should check all this out with a Thai attorney. The last thing on earth I would do, if it were me, would be to rely solely upon guesses made on message boards. The bottom line is so simple - if you don't have a work permit, then don't work.

Some of you might not be aware that it is a crime, under Thai law, to take certain religious items out of Thailand without permission from the Fine Arts Department. If you are caught doing so, then fines and imprisonment can be the result. Many are not certain what is illegal and what is acceptable. For clarification on this matter, click the following link: http://www.expatsingapore.com/buddha.htm You might be interested in the following article from THE NATION: _____ 'Priceless' Buddha Images Seized En Route to the US A container carrying more than 100 Buddha images and artefacts that were about to be smuggled to the United States was impounded yesterday. Makkasan railway police officers and Bangkok customs officers broke open a container carrying the artefacts belonging to 45-year old Jack David Porter, said Customs Department director-general Sathit Limpongpan. Inside the container, officers found 58 Buddha images, two Buddha head images, 63 images of Buddha's great disciples, 14 images of Thai traditional guardian angels, three sacred bookcases and a bag of holy beads, which were hidden among furniture and home decoration items, Sathit said. The investigation found that the items - allegedly bought from the North and Bangkok by Porter - were falsely declared as jewellery boxes, lamps and dolls that were to be transported by ship to the US. Sathit said an initial examination by the Fine Arts Department showed the items were authentic, adding that ancient Buddha images - be they authentic or copies - were prohibited from being exported without permission from the Fine Arts Department. Since the items were wrongfully declared, authorities had seized all the property, said Sathit, adding that the items were priceless. Smuggling prohibited items out of Thailand is punishable with a fine worth four times the item's value, or up to 10 years in jail.

Baht Slightly too Strong, says BOT BANGKOK, Aug 15 (TNA) Bank of Thailand

The well known Ol

Liam's Gallery in Pattaya is now presenting an art exhibition entitled "Absent: The Asian Male, Concentration on the Nude." The newspaper write-up is as follows:

The telephone number at the Ambiance is 038-424 099. You could always call him and ask. Whether his work permit covers the shows or not, I'll bet my bottom dollar he made sure to check with his attorney first.

Thai Baht May Further Strengthen this Week BANGKOK, Aug 13 (TNA) The Thai baht may continue rallying against the US dollar this week after rising to a six-and-a-half-year high of Bt37.28 late last week, according to a report issued by the KASIKORN Research Center (KRC). The Thai currency may pass through a long-standing psychologicl barrier of Bt37.00 a US dollar this week. Last week the Thai baht stayed at Bt37.43 a US dollar on average, compared with Bt37.85 on average the week before. A key factor behind the sharp rise of the baht last week was a decision by the US Federal Reserve not to hike its interest rate, the first time in more than two years. Also, remarks by Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula on capital inflows and the central bank's mapping out measures to cope with the situation make currency traders believe that the Thai baht may continue to strengthen this week. This week, the Thai currency is anticipated to move within the range of Bt37.00-37.60 a US dollar as traders are monitoring several key US economic reports, including the inflation rate and industrial production in July, according to the KRC report. However, the expected strengthening of the Thai baht may be limited due to worries over a possible intervention of the BOT, especially if the Thai currency moves near the strong psychological level at Bt37.00 a US dollar, the report added. (TNA) E111, E002

I don't know why khaolakguy is making such an issue of trying to convince people that you can work in Thailand without a work permit. I also don't know what makes him think that these deportations are going to appear in newspapers in the first place or that we have to prove something as if we are in a courtroom. Regarding the arrests of Tsunami volunteers who had no work permit, that was all over the newspapers when it happened. But I'm not going to waste my time trying to find those articles just to be able to prove it to khaolakguy or anybody else. What for? There is such a thing as common knowledge and it is common knowledge that "farang" are not allowed to legally work in Thailand without a work permit. When you apply for the one-year visa they tell you that while you are sitting there in the immigration police office. What do we have to do, record the conversation? Also, you are not going to be issued a work permit under any circumstances if you are in Thailand on a tourist visa. This is a pointless debate. What is going to be accomplished by it? Anybody who plans to work in Thailand would have to be nuts to rely on the word of what is posted on any web site at all. The thing to do is to personally check with a Thai attorney and/or the immigration police. It doesn't matter what is said on a message board. The only thing that matters is what the law is and what kind of visa you must have. The only truly reliable information is going to come from Thai attorneys and the immigration police. I don't understand why the logic of that is being disputed.

If he is, then we've all had it. However, if he's the guy in charge of fining helmetless motorcyclists, then we're in great shape . . .

The following appears in the Pattaya City News: _____ Pattaya Police Review Security around the City after Foiled Terror Plot in the UK Reports from the UK over the past two days suggest they have just foiled a major terrorist plot to explode planes over the Atlantic Ocean which would have led to huge loss of life if the plot was successful. As we recorded this story there had been a total of 24 arrests mainly in the London area and 19 of those have had their assets seized. Pakistan officials have also made a number of arrests including two British Nationals. This event has sent shockwaves throughout the World and here in Pattaya, the local Police have been told to review security procedures around the City, especially at shopping centers and hotels which are potential targets for terrorists. We joined Police Colonel Somnook at the Royal Garden Plaza in South Pattaya as he conducted a review of security at the Plaza. He was satisfied that the security guards were conducting inspections of vehicles and were on high alert for anything suspicious. The Colonel will visit every major center and hotel over the next few days to ensure that their security procedures are up to an acceptable level.

Here's the latest. The following article appears in THE NATION: _____ EXCHANGE RATE Baht Hits a 6-year High Against $ Reaches Bt37.27 as Greenback Weakens The baht rose to a six-year high of Bt37.27 against the dollar yesterday despite Bank of Thailand intervention. The rise was mainly caused by a weakening greenback after the US Federal Reserve earlier this week left a key interest rate unchanged for the first time in two years. Dealers expect the baht to shoot up to Bt36.50 by year-end. The baht opened at Bt37.46 to Bt37.50 per dollar yesterday before hitting a peak during intra-day trading at Bt37.27, its highest level since 2000. The currency closed at Bt37.36 to Bt37.39. Central bank assistant governor Nitaya Pibulratanagit said there was more than US$100 million (Bt3.74 billion) of short and long-term capital inflow yesterday. She said, however, the bank had yet to verify the objective of these funds and that it would continue to "oversee" the unit in the currency markets. "The BOT has overseen the baht in the foreign exchange market as needed. Otherwise, it would be much stronger than this," said Nitaya. The baht was relatively stronger than other regional currencies yesterday. Nitaya said, however, that the foiled terrorist plot in the United Kingdom had not affected the pound, which weakened slightly. There was not much capital inflow to the United States either as investors were still concerned about terrorist attacks. But Nitaya believes that once the euro and yen become weaker and the US dollar stronger in the near future, the baht will finally weaken. Songpol Chevapanyaroj, head of the treasury products marketing department at Kasikornbank, said the baht had risen in line with the regional currencies against the US dollar. The baht is expected to be stronger but it is likely to swing from profit-taking from investors, he said. The unit will be about Bt37.20 to Bt37.80 against the dollar next week, while it may climb to Bt36.50 by the end of the year, he said. Bank of Ayudhya executive vice president Tak Bunnag said the baht had also been supported by heavy trading volume yesterday, which partly came from the selling of the greenback by exporters. Besides, foreign investors made a net-buy position in the country's stock market, pushing the baht to become stronger, he said. "Once the country's political situation is clearer, overseas investors will have higher confidence," he said. He said he believed that central bank intervention had weakened the baht slightly before the market closed, but that it would strengthen further when trading resumed. Anoma Srisukkasem, Somruedi Banchongduang The Nation

It seems to me that 'maxmooney' and everyone else reading this thread now has our views and opinions and should now have enough to make their own decisions. I think 'A Rose By Any Other Name' is right that it is now more than enough from both sides of the issue. At this point all we can do is repeat ourselves or rephrase. I think all that's left to do now is to wish best of luck to 'maxmooney' and express hope that whatever decision he makes, it will be the right one.

Attention American Citizens: CIVIL AVIATION ALERT 1. This public announcement alerts Americans to the Government of the United Kingdom's August 10, 2006 announcement that it has heightened security at all U.K. airports due to the arrest of several terror suspects, who were reportedly planning to place explosives on commercial air flights. Information periodically is updated by the UK Department for Transport (www.dft.gov.uk) and the British Airport Authority (www.baa.co.uk). The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at http://london.usembassy.gov/. Americans with immediate travel plans into or out of the United Kingdom should contact their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. Due to the delays and flight cancellations, U.S. officials have been cautioned to avoid transiting through U.K. airports at this time. This public announcement expires August 31, 2006. 2. The government of the United Kingdom announced on August 10, 2006 that it has heightened security at all U.K. airports due to the arrest of several terror suspects, who were reportedly planning to place explosives on commercial air flights. As a result of these arrests, the threat level in the UK has been raised to critical, reflecting the belief that an attack may be imminent. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has also raised the threat level to high for all commercial flights operating in or coming to the United States. The situation remains fluid and is being covered widely by British and international media. Information periodically is updated by the UK Department for Transport (www.dft.gov.uk) and the British Airport Authority (www.baa.co.uk). The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at www.london.usembassy.gov. 3. Americans with immediate travel plans into or out of the United Kingdom should contact their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. Heightened Security in other countries may cause delays in other flights from Europe to the United States. American Citizens are advised to anticipate stringent security measures and cooperate fully with authorities. For the latest travel and safety information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor local media and the department's Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at travel.state.gov. Homeland security website also provides information at www.dhs.gov. Travelers should also check the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov. 4. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov. 5. U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 6. As the department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 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

It doesn't matter what I think it is. It only matters what the law is. That's why I am saying to consult a Thai attorney rather than drawing your own conclusions based on the fact that you see ads or haven't heard about any arrests. If foreign DJ's can work legally without a work permit, or they can get work permits, fine. But what on earth is wrong with checking first to make sure?

BANGKOK, Aug 11 (TNA) The Thai baht is likely to further strengthen and touch 37 a US dollar by the third quarter of this year due to a foreign capital inflow into the country, according to a senior economist. Usara Vilaipich of Standard Chartered Bank, said on Thursday foreign capital had continued to flow into Thailand, particularly in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the bond market. The capital inflow, if continues unabated, would probably make the local currency appreciate to 37 a US dollar by the end of September. She said the strengthening of the Thai baht would benefit importers and exporters. For instance, importers will enjoy lower costs in importing of products, particularly fuel whose prices have continued to rise. The appreciation of the Thai currency will help ease impacts of the inflation rate hike upon higher fuel prices. Local exporters will benefit from lower costs of importing raw materials and machinery, which represent up to 40 per cent of production costs, if the baht strengthens, she said. (TNA)

Nope. That's really the time the buffet is opened for serving.

Because I don't consider it to be a dead horse. But relax. I intend no further 'preaching.' I've already made my point as far as I intend to take it.

As of the moment of this post, the US dollar to baht exchange rate has slipped to 37.22. Two years ago, if you exchanged US $1000, you would have received about 45,000 baht. Today, in comparison you will receive 37,220, a difference of 7780 baht. That's a loss of nearly US $200 per thousand. Taking inflation into consideration, it's even more of a loss. This has been very much in the news lately. Here is the latest information: _________ FTI to Seek Baht Intervention to Ensure Smooth Business Operation BANGKOK, Aug 10 (TNA) The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plans to call on the government to supervise the movement of the Thai baht to ensure that it stays steadily in a range of 38-39 a US dollar so that entrepreneurs will be able to do their businesses smoothly. FTI

Guys, I'm sorry, but I disagree with you. I think it is dead wrong to tell people that immigration laws are largely ignored. They are not and I see no validity in suggesting that they are. Thailand may play games when it comes to enforcement of certain laws, such as prostitution laws, but they play no games when it comes to immigration law. I might agree with you if it was general practice in Thailand to disregard immigration law, but I and many others here, know of too many instances in which people working without a permit were arrested and deported or at least went through some very rough times. In my opinion, suggesting that people can come to Thailand and work without a work permit, and in the process causing them to think it's common practice and something that everybody does with impunity, is misleading and can result in very serious consequences. If people are working without permits, then the only reason they are still in Thailand doing so is because they haven't been caught . . . yet. As a moderator of this message board, I think it would be totally irresponsible of me not to dispute that. I also think the immigration laws and rules about foreigners working in Thailand are indeed as black and white as I represent and it is too great a risk to try to circumvent those laws. If the guy wants to try it after we do our best to make sure he understands about the Thai laws, that's his affair, but I don't think he should be encouraged to do so.

The second Tuesday of every month is when they have it, so the next one is September 12. I'm afraid you'll have to mark your own calendars to remember. I'm lucky I can remember this morning, let alone trying to remember to post an alert about the dinner a month from now. I'll try, but I can't promise that I'll remember to post about it. By the way, dinner is served at 6:00 PM.

That's fine. You've convinced me. Now all you have to do is convince the immigration police and the Thai courts. If you really think it is worth taking the chance and not worth bothering to consult an attorney to make sure of the legality, then go for it. I'll save a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card from my Monopoly game in case you need it. Are you actually trying to tell maxmooney that he is pefectly safe and should just go ahead and do it without first making sure he is complying with Thai law? My understanding of the Thai law is that "farang" cannot work in Thailand, period, without a work permit. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But I'm not a Thai attorney and something tells me you're not either. I have no idea how many "farang" are working as DJ's or tutors. It doesn't matter how many are. If the law permits them to do so, fine. If not, then they are taking their chances. You say "I guess that they all had work permits. Yeah, right." Do you know that they don't? Do you know what kind of visas they hold? Also, you you are implying that there are a great many "farang" working as DJ's in Thailand. I've never seen any and I've been to all those places. Maxmooney said he wants to work as both a DJ and a tutor and wants to do that work for a year. If you are trying to advise him that there is no reason to consult a Thai attorney first, then what do you say to him if he follows that advice and ends up arrested? Sorry?

Before you get too excited, I don't need to burst your bubble, but I do need to point a pin at it. You are not going to be allowed to do any of this sort of work without a Thai work permit. You did not say whether you have investigated about getting a work permit, but I have a feeling you are going to have a big problem getting one. Since you did not say anything about a work permit, I'll write my response as if you do not have one and did not realize that you need to check into this. Work permits are not usually issued to "farang" unless they own a business or Thai citizens can't do the same job. There is no shortage of Thai DJ's in Thailand willing to work in the bars. The same applies to being a tutor. You'll need a work permit for that too. If you have done this sort of work in Thailand before without a work permit and did not end up arrested, then you've been lucky. I advise you to consult a competent Thai attorney before even approaching bars or anything related to this sort of work and tutoring work, even if you are willing to work on a volunteer basis. Thai law would consider that as taking a job opportunity away from a Thai citizen and you could end up arrested and deported. Thailand is very strict about allowing foreigners to work. Whatever you do, please make sure you talk with a Thai attorney first. If you don't know any, I'll be glad to put you in touch with mine. Just send me an E-mail at gaybutton@gmail.com if you want the contact information. He does respond to E-mail, but you would be much better off springing for a phone call. I would also advise, if the attorney tells you that you would indeed be eligible for the necessary work permits, to ask about what kind of visa you will need prior to your arrival in Thailand. Believe it or not, there was actually a problem after the tsunami. Many foreigners who were voluntarily trying to help were actually arrested because they did not have a work permit. Welcome to Thai logic.