Gaybutton

That's a very good question, Patexpat. Several farang friends have expressed anxiety over what may happen. Some who reside here, but are currently out of the country are delaying their plans to return. My own feeling is I'm not feeling any anxiety at all. Here in Pattaya you would hardly know any of this is happening without reading about it in the media or watching it on television. I don't feel that I am in any danger and so far I have no reason to believe it will come to that even if things escalate further. I know of no indication that this unrest includes any of the opposing parties having any ill feelings toward farang. Indeed, from what I have read farang who do venture into those areas have been treated with great courtesy. I have seen no reports of farang being intentionally mistreated in any way. If anything, I feel inconvenienced because I think despite the orders to crack down on the Red-Shirt roadblocks and illegal searches, they're going to defy that and block roads and force searches anyhow. They seem to be defying just about everything else, so I think there's a good possibility of them defying that too. The inconvenience for me is delayed travel plans because I don't want to get stuck in the traffic jams. Other than that, I feel fine and other than delayed travel plans, my life hasn't been affected one iota. I'll start getting nervous if and when something occurs to cause it.

Then I'll help you. It means the sentence I quoted in my post above. I felt that was totally uncalled for and I am offended by it. You wrote that is still my "favorite saying." I publicly and sincerely apologized to you for it July 29 of last year. I asked you when the last time I used that "favorite saying" was. You did not answer. Now I'll carry it a step further and ask you how many times I've ever used it. Why, nearly a year later, are you throwing it in my face now?

Is it? When was the last time I used that saying? DanT wants to compare what I do on this board to what I do on Baht-Stop. Baht-Stop has a different set of rules from this board and I do use very cutting terminology on Baht-Stop, but I'm not violating their rules. They freely permit it. In most, I grant you not all, but in most cases my cutting posts are responses to completely unprovoked personal attacks directed at me. I'm criticized for using those kinds of terms when I post on Baht-Stop, but I have yet to ever see those same critics chastise the other people who do precisely the same thing and usually are the ones who start it. Just me in the wrong, but the others who post flames and start those kinds of posts . . . that's perfectly ok? Who is the real hypocrite? This board has its own set rules and they are enforced at the discretion of the moderators. If some of these posters get their jollies through shitting on me on other boards, that's up to them and the moderators of those other boards, but I'll be damned if I'm going to let them shit on me, or anyone else, here. They love to dish it out, but when it comes to taking it . . . well, you really don't need me to finish that sentence, do you? You think I owe an apology? You're entitled to your opinion, but I decide for myself when to apologize. You may recall when I publicly apologized to you. I decided that for myself because I felt I owed you an apology. So now here you are making uncalled for remarks directed toward me. In DanT's case, I think he's the one who needs to apologize to me, but I already know that will never happen.

Wouldn't it be great to know? BoT says the reason the baht is maintaining such strength is money is still flowing into Thailand, but not flowing out. If money starts flowing out, then the value of the baht will decrease. I think the main question is why money isn't flowing out. The only two reasons I can come up with is that investors still think Thailand is a good investment or that investors would like to sell their assets and move their money out, but can't find people who want to buy, which means they're stuck.

My preference is this one: Siam Commercial Bank Currency Exchange Rates

Several stories have emerged today. In brief, the government has vowed that the protesters will no longer be allowed to infringe on the rights of others and will no longer be allowed to break the law at will. Protesters setting up roadblocks will be immediately arrested. Several have already been sentenced to 15-day jail terms. The Skytrain (BTS) has resumed service, but only operate from 6:00am to 8:00pm until further notice. CRES (Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation) has authorized use of live ammunition if soldiers feel threatened or if mobs approach within 30 meters. _____ Skytrain Ruled Out to Transport Troops Blockades ordered to stop protest spreading Published: 28/04/2010 The government is denying accusations that it plans to use the skytrain to launch a crackdown at Ratchaprasong intersection after a group of red shirts paralysed the service by blocking the rail track at Chidlom station yesterday. Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn yesterday said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) had not considered accessing the rally site by the skytrain, which runs above Ratchaprasong intersection. But a source at the CRES contradicted Mr Panitan's remarks, saying there was a plan to use the skytrain to bring in soldiers to disperse the crowd. Skytrain ruled out to transport troops __________ Gov Warns of Tough Action By The Nation Published on April 28, 2010 PM: We won't allow demonstrators to leave Rajprasong site and cause confusion in city The government yesterday warned of tough action against the red-shirt protesters, saying the authorities would no longer tolerate mobs wreaking havoc by illegally setting up road checkpoints and causing unrest in many areas of the country. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who heads the government's Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, said police and soldiers would take action against red-shirt supporters violating the law at will. "The government has intensified measures against the red shirts, because they have created a situation of unrest by setting up checkpoints that infringe on other people's rights," Suthep said. "We cannot talk to these people any longer." He warned that any protesters found setting up illegal checkpoints would be arrested immediately. Gov warns of tough action __________ Red Shirts Get 15 days in Jail Published: 27/04/2010 The Thanyaburi Court on Tuesday sentenced 11 leaders of the red shirts who blocked Phayon Yothin highway on Monday evening and checked citybound vehicles to prevent police and soldiers from entering Bangkok, to 15 days each in jail without suspension. Red shirts get 15 days in jail __________ CRES Okays Live Rounds against Protesters By The Nation Published on April 28, 2010 The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, in preparation for dispersing the anti-government protesters from the Rajprasong area, yesterday said security forces could fire live bullets if they felt threatened at close range. "If an attacker comes within 100 metres, officials will fire tear gas first, but if he comes closer, within 30 metres, guns may be fired," said spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd. CRES okays live rounds against protesters

Yes, the opportunity . . . if he wants it. But some well-meaning farang just about force it even when the boy makes it clear that he doesn't want to go. That's when the trouble starts and the boy and the farang usually both end up miserable. I would offer him the opportunity, but let him make his own decisions. If he says he doesn't want to go, then I wouldn't try to browbeat him into it. I think a major consideration should be taking an honest look at who it's really for - the boy or one's self.

Baht's Ok but Tourism Suffers Published: 27/04/2010 The escalating political crisis has not affected the value of the Thai currency, Bank of Thailand (BOT) deputy governor Bandit Nijthaworn said on Tuesday. "The baht's value has not been hit by the political turmoil as there are no capital outflows at this time. "In contrast, the Thai currency has appreciated as a result of continuous capital inflows to the Thai stock and bond markets," Mr Bandit said. Thailand's credit rating had been recently downgraded but it should not affect the interest rates of foreign loans to the country, he said. "But the interest rates could rise if the country's credit rating continues dropping because of higher risk," he said. The central bank will evaluate the overall economy along with the effects on this year's economic growth and will announce its economic projection on Friday. Baht's ok but tourism suffers

Before you can even think about taking him back with you, first he has to be able to get a visa. I'm not Canadian, so I don't know how difficult it would be for him to even be able to get a visa. Assuming he succeeds in getting a visa, your main issue seems to be food. Are there any Asian grocery stores near you where he can get the foods he likes? Are there any Thai restaurants? Another problem is what he would do with himself all day if you're not around. In Thailand, as a farang life is much easier. So much is in English and plenty of people speak English. Even a lot of television is in English and movies in English have Thai subtitles. Being an English speaking farang in Thailand is not very much of a problem. But how about him? It must be far more difficult to be a Thai in Canada than it is to be a Canadian in Thailand. How difficult will it be for him to go out and do things? What about friends? And if you have experience in Thailand then you are probably aware of how important being within range of the family is. He may love it or he may hate it. If it were me, if he is able to get a visa I would take him for a month, making sure he has space to try doing things on his own as well as with you. That ought to tell the tale and a month should be enough time to see how well he likes being in Canada. Another thing for you to think about - are you sure he really wants to go? Over the years I've heard many stories about well-intentioned farang taking their boyfriends back to their home country. In many cases the outcome was the boyfriend was back in Thailand within a few months, broke and disillusioned. Not that such a thing would necessarily happen in your case, but something you should really think about is whether taking him to Canada is truly for his benefit or for your own.

There are several of these stories appearing. Here are links to some of them: Red shirts block highways University lecturer complain red shirts try to search students' test papers Red-shirt checkpoints arouse anger in provinces Abhisit has ordered the police to break up these illegal roadblocks within three days and supposedly the police have agreed to do so. Of course, it remains to be seen whether anything really will be done or whether Thailand degenerates further in a direction toward anarchy and civil war.

It's hard to know what a different outcome might have been, but I can understand someone bringing along a friend the first time until he gets to know you better. I have a feeling that he may have had previous frightening experiences and learned not to take any chances with someone he doesn't know all that well just yet. If you were wrong about anything, I would say you were wrong to take it personally. I think he would have done that with anyone. I would also say he was wrong for not having asked or informed you first that he is coming with a friend. Looking at it from another perspective, did you consider the possibility that he may have been interested in a threesome? I'm not joking about that. Maybe that was the reason for bringing along a friend. However, under any circumstances I think he was wrong to bring someone else along without letting you know that was what he intended to do. I would have given him another chance and would have told him this time I want to see him alone. Several months ago I had somewhat of a similar experience. A boy from Bangkok with whom I had been chatting online and by telephone said he would like to come to Pattaya and spend the weekend with me. He brought along a friend too and I had no idea he was going to do that. I met him at the bus terminal and nearly told him to take the next bus back, but instead I decided to go for it. It turned out to be a great weekend. We had a lot of fun together and I'm glad I did it. You know who was the one who came on to me? The friend!

I hope you're right, but things keep getting worse every day. I have been reading news reports that now in several areas the Red-Shirts have set up road blocks and are forcing people to stop and have their cars searched, which is completely illegal. Only the police have the right to stop and search vehicles. The reports say that the Red-Shirts can be sued for such actions, but I don't know how practical that would be to do. Who would you sue? What it amounts to is use of illegal intimidation tactics. If you are traveling by car and are subjected to one of these searches, I don't know what you could really do about it. I don't think I would be afraid of being physically harmed, but I can certainly envision the possibility of having valuables stolen. It is certainly making me think twice about planning trips by car any time soon.

Don't leave us in suspense . . . after you got it back did you make any "arrangements" ?

I am well aware of that, but I'm talking about if soldiers refuse in massive numbers to obey. I don't know whether that has even a remote chance of happening, but if they receive orders to start shooting their own people, I can see it as a possibility. I have no idea whether there is any truth to this, but I have heard rumors that one of the reasons Abhisit has not yet actually called in the military is because he fears the possibility of something like that actually happening.

I've been around long enough to realize I'll never know how everything works . . .

I'll give him just a bit more to remind him that name calling is against posting rules here. "You bloody hypocrite." Gooooooooood. With that he gave me license to put him on moderated mode any time the whim strikes me, or strikes any other moderator for that matter. Just think, if any of us do put him on moderated mode he'll never know which one of us did it.

Yep. That's me. Absolutely right. A bloody hypocrite . . . with real blood too. How dare you write something positive about me! DanT won't like it. Come to think of it, he won't be alone in that . . .

I'm not so sure how well that would work if hundreds or even thousands of soldiers refuse to obey the orders. I don't see how the military could punish large numbers of soldiers. That would be a hell of a lot of courts martial. Still, the military obviously does something to convince soldiers to obey. I think about the past situation in Burma, when soldiers attacked their own people people who tried to rise up against the government. My thoughts were those soldiers have families too and it's hard to imagine that loyalty to a few fat-cat military leaders would supersede their feelings about the suffering of the poor, which probably includes their own families and they themselves. Maybe fear of courts martial plays a part, but I just can't imagine that in itself is the only factor that motivates them.

I think I prefer somewhere in between. I dislike bars at which you wait forever for more boys to get on the stage, but I also dislike bars at which they change positions so quickly that you really don't get enough time to give them a good looking over, make eye contact with a boy who catches your interest, and have at least a couple minutes to decide whether you want to call him over. For me, three or four minutes is just about right before the boys shift positions.

Now they're getting smart. I'll bet Happy Boys will have plenty of customers while other bars that won't budge about their policies and fees will continue crying for customers. Maybe Happy Boys won't make as much profit per individual customer, but sheer volume will most likely make up for it and then some. It will be interesting to see if other bars start offering promotions to gain customers.

I just tried it. It worked fine for me. It was probably a temporary glitch.

I hope I am speaking for all the moderators when I say your post is very much appreciated. A post like yours doesn't come very often and it makes all the crap we put up with worth it when we know at least some people appreciate what we do. I, for one, have tolerated years of complaints, put-downs, accusations, flame posts, hate posts, name calling, hate Email, hate PMs, threats, and even blackmail attempts. Meanwhile I'm still here and I don't plan on going anyplace. If some people dislike this board, my moderating style, or me personally, tough shit. Go elsewhere.

Last night I was chatting with some of the boys working in the Jomtien Complex bars. Several of them said they are working only temporarily, from between the end of the rice harvest season until the beginning of the planting season. The boys with whom I spoke said they do this every year. It's a way to make some money when there is little or nothing to do back at the rice farm during the "between" season. And "Every boy want to have farang" one said. They made it clear that their goal is to make some extra money and the lucky ones will hook up with a "good farang" during that time and possibly even hook up with someone who will take them away from the rice farm life entirely. A couple of them said that a common problem is the boys do find someone to "take care" them and that person sends money to them every month, but then it stops without warning. One boy said he really did love the farang he met, but the man stopped communicating with him seven months ago. He said he had no idea why. He said he never asked for anything more than the man said he would send each month. He said it lasted for a while, but all communication simply stopped. He said that happens to many of the boys. They were also complaining about the lack of customers. Some said they come to Pattaya and work the bars like this every year, but this year is the worst they've seen with regard to customer numbers. "Customer not come." The rainy season normally begins not long after Songkran. When I was a kid I used to love when my grade school teachers would read the same children's stories to us every year. We could count on 'Stuart Little,' 'Charlotte's Web,' and 'Mary Poppins.' Mary Poppins would tell the children she would stay until the wind changes. The boys say they will stay "until rain come." That's when many will go back to the rice farm. That's the beginning of planting season - when the rains come. ____________________ Tracking the Asian Monsoon Analysis by John D. Cox In the bestiary of powerful climate regimes -- El Ninos, La Ninas and other oscillations of one kind and another -- the Asian Monsoon is in a class by itself. Its rainfall feeds half the world's population. Its failure can bring down dynasties and, in a stroke, remove several million people from the rolls of living humanity. Beginning with the British mathematician Sir Gilbert Walker in India in the 19th century, scientists have devoted great time and energy trying to understand what makes the summer rains come and go -- or not. http://news.discovery.com/earth/tracking-the-asian-monsoon.html