Thailand

  • Most Topular Stories

  • Gold prices down 100 baht

    Bangkokpost.com : Breaking News
    16 May 2012 | 4:13 am
    The Gold Traders Association this afternoon set the buying price at 22,512.60 baht per baht-weight for gold ornaments and 22,850 baht per baht-weight for gold bar.

  • Crackdown on gambling ahead of Euro 2012

    Bangkok News latest RSS headlines - Big News Network.com
    16 May 2012 | 3:52 am
    Police nationwide have been instructed to reinforce prevention of gambling before and during the upcoming UEFA European Football Championship or Euro 2012, which starts next month. Police ...

  • Crackdown on gambling ahead of Euro 2012

    Bangkok News latest RSS headlines - Bangkok News.Net
    16 May 2012 | 3:52 am
    Police nationwide have been instructed to reinforce prevention of gambling before and during the upcoming UEFA European Football Championship or Euro 2012, which starts next month. Police ...

  • U.S. targets South Asian drug gang

    InsideWorld.com - Local News, Worldwide! www.insideworld.com
    15 May 2012 | 2:15 pm
    Visit our website to read more www.InsideWorld.com.Or if you are already subscribed hit this Story Link.

  • Islamic deletion leader condems South violence

    BKKOK.COM
    10 May 2012 | 1:00 am
    The head of a delegation of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference yesterday condemned the violence in the Muslim-majority South and urged the government to
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Bangkokpost.com : Breaking News

  • Gold prices down 100 baht

    16 May 2012 | 4:13 am
    The Gold Traders Association this afternoon set the buying price at 22,512.60 baht per baht-weight for gold ornaments and 22,850 baht per baht-weight for gold bar.

  • Car sales up 30.5% in April

    16 May 2012 | 3:21 am
    The total number of vehicle sales in April was up from last April by 30.5 per cent to 87,788 units, Wuttikorn Suriyachantananont, executive vice president of Toyota Motors (Thailand), said on Wednesday.

  • BoI: FDI up 44% in first 4 months

    16 May 2012 | 2:33 am
    Foreign direct investment (FDI) over the first four months of the year (Jan-April) was up 44 per cent from the same period last year, Hiranya Sujinai, an investment adviser to the Board of Investment (BoI) said on Wednesday.

  • Korkaew: "S" behind Songkhla arson

    16 May 2012 | 2:26 am
    A national level politician from the South whose name begins with the initial "S" is thought to be behind the torching of a roadside shelter at a newly established red-shirt village in Songkhla's Chana district, Pheu Thai list MP Korkaew Pikulthong said on Wednesday.

  • Jakarta promoters fight for Gaga gig

    16 May 2012 | 1:48 am
    Lady Gaga's Indonesian promoters have vowed to fight to save her show, despite police denying it a permit and Islamic hardliners threatening "chaos" if she comes to the mostly Muslim nation.
 
 
 
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Phuket Gazette - Daily News

  • Weather warning for Phuket, Andaman coast

    16 May 2012 | 5:27 am
    PHUKET: With heavy downpours causing traffic tailbacks and minor flooding across Phuket roads this morning, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a “

  • PHUKET GEM HEIST: B5mn in jewelry still missing

    15 May 2012 | 6:18 pm
    PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul this afternoon confirmed that 173 items have yet to be recovered from the jewelry and gem heist in Phuket yesterday morning, despite police having three foreigners in custody.The missing valuables are estimated to be worth about 5 million baht, he told a press conference at Phuket City Police Station today.Presented to the press today were Mexican national Ruben Dario Zapata Gonzalez, 40, and Roslina Binti Abu Bakar, 42, from Malaysia.

  • Mexican, Malaysian suspects named in Phuket gem heist

    15 May 2012 | 10:47 am
    PHUKET: Phuket City Police have released the names of two suspects arrested in connection with the

  • No drugs, no phones, Phuket Prison to gain 'White' status

    15 May 2012 | 5:34 am
    PHUKET: Phuket Prison is to be awarded “White Prison” status after regular inspections of the provincial detention facility declared it free from drugs and illegal mobile phones.Department of Corrections Deputy Director General (Administration) Somsak Rangsiyopas announced the news at Phuket Prison yesterday at the opening ceremony of a scout training program for young inmates.“We have had many inspections for drugs and mobile phones smuggled into the prison and all results have been negative.

  • Police arrest three foreigners for B30mn jewelry heist

    15 May 2012 | 4:41 am
    PHUKET: Police have arrested four people in connection with the theft of 30 million baht of jewelry in Phuket yesterday morning while they were heading for the Malaysian border.Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that the suspects were arrested by Trang Highway Police officers at a checkpoint in Sikao District, in Trang province.The three switched getaway cars after fleeing the scene in a Toyota Vios rented in Phuket, Maj Gen Chonasit said.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Thai Photo Blogs by Richard Barrow

  • Monks and Alms Bowls

    Richard Barrow
    14 May 2012 | 7:27 am
    In the old days, it was almost certain that young men would take three months out of their life to ordain as a monk. Even HM The King did it. However, these days men tend to go straight from university … Continue reading →

  • Sand Pagodas on the Beach

    Richard Barrow
    20 Apr 2012 | 6:19 am
    One of the most artistic festivals that I keep attending every year is Wan Lai Songkran on Bangsaen Beach, Chonburi. This take place a few days after Songkran, usually on the 16-17 April. One of the highlights is building sand … Continue reading →

  • US Ambassador Kristie Kenney on a Harley Davidson

    Richard Barrow
    19 Apr 2012 | 7:58 am
    The USA Fair 2012 got off to a good start this morning when US Ambassador Kristie Kenney arrived at the opening ceremony on the back of a Harley Davidson. The fair features many top products from US suppliers and is … Continue reading →

  • Umbrella City on a Thai Beach

    Richard Barrow
    4 Apr 2012 | 6:37 am
    If you are coming to Thailand to sunbathe on a beach then you might need to think carefully which beach you head to. The Thai people don’t like the idea of sunbathing on a hot day even though they do … Continue reading →

  • Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram

    Richard Barrow
    28 Mar 2012 | 6:16 am
    One of my favourite weekend escapes from Bangkok is Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram. It is a popular place for Thai people though an increasing large number of foreign tourists are finding their way there. It only takes place … Continue reading →
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Asia News - Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent » Bangkok Pundit

  • Suan Dusit polls on the minimum wage increase; cost of living problems

    Bangkok Pundit
    15 May 2012 | 12:32 pm
    BP has previously blogged about a poll on the number of people who have received the minimum wage increase and whether it has helped their lives. Other polling suggests that the cost of living and the cost of goods is a concern although people don’t necessarily blame the government or think the government is doing a bad job compared with the previous government. Below are 3 Suan Dusit polls over the last month or so on the minimum wage increase and the cost of living 1st poll: Suan Dusit surveyed 1,206 people between April 5-10 (HTML, PDF) in Bangkok and surrounding provinces which…

  • Insults, defamation and threats: The Uncle SMS case

    Bangkok Pundit
    10 May 2012 | 9:00 pm
    Andrew Marshall (AKA Zenjournalist) has posted contents of 4 SMS messages in the Uncle SMS case. The contents were surprising. Based on what BP had heard and all reports, previously there was only mention that the SMS messages were offensive or insulting. See below: AP: The court said Amphon had sent offensive text messages in May 2010 to a personal secretary of then Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Amphon denied the charges, saying he was unfamiliar with the text message function on mobile phones and did not know the recipient of the message. AFP: A THAI court yesterday sentenced a man…

  • Thailand: Why did the court not grant Uncle SMS bail?

    Bangkok Pundit
    10 May 2012 | 12:50 pm
    The below is from BP’s post the other day. Prachatai has more details on that: According to the lawyer, Ampon has been suffering from stomachache for months, but he was first transferred to hospital around noon last Friday and was admitted around 3.40 pm. He did not immediately receive diagnosis as the hospital lab was closed on weekend. His blood was taken for testing on Monday, but before the results were made known, he passed away around 9.10 am today. “If Ampon was granted bail and could go see doctor regularly, such incident might not have happened” said the lawyer. Prior to…

  • International media comments on death of Uncle SMS

    Bangkok Pundit
    8 May 2012 | 6:30 pm
    BP has already blogged on the death of Amphon Tangnoppakul/Uncle SMS, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sending four SMS messages deemed to be lese majeste (also see companion post at Siam Voices which has a chronology of the case). AP: A Thai man in his 60s who became known as “Uncle SMS” after he was convicted of defaming Thailand’s royal family in mobile phone text messages has died while serving his 20-year prison term, his lawyer said Tuesday. The case of Amphon Tangnoppakul, a grandfather who had suffered from mouth cancer, drew attention to Thailand’s severe lese majeste…

  • Thai grandfather sentenced to 20 years for lese majeste dies in jail

    Bangkok Pundit
    8 May 2012 | 6:40 am
    BP has already blogged about the 20-year sentence given to Amphon Tangnoppakul/Uncle SMS for sending four SMS messages deemed to be lese majeste, but today comes the tragic news he has died in jail. AP:  A lawyer for a man sentenced to 20 years for sending text messages deemed insulting to the monarchy says his client has died. Amphon Tangnoppakul was in his 60s and became known as “Uncle SMS” when a Thai court issued the verdict in his case in late 2011. It was the heaviest sentence ever handed down in Thailand for a so-called lese majeste case. Amphon’s lawyer Anon Numpa said…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    B I S E A N

  • NEW SPECIE: The Philippine Purple Crab

    Pisanu for BISEAN
    24 Apr 2012 | 11:24 pm
    Just when we thought we humans knew and conquered anything and everything, still our region reveals new species almost yearly! In 2010-2011, 200 new species was discovered in Southeast Asia. Four new species of colorful crustaceans have been discovered in the Philippines. The crab's brilliant hues may simply help the species recognize its brethren, said study author Hendrik Freitag, of

  • Nyepi Day -Balinese New Year

    Pisanu for BISEAN
    24 Mar 2012 | 3:55 pm
    Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isaawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar (in 2012, it falls on March 23rd). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New year. Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning. Balinese children carry an Ogoh-ogoh effigy, symbolizing the evil spirit

  • The Intersection

    Pisanu for BISEAN
    12 Mar 2012 | 2:05 am

  • Worldwide Accent Project | Hanoi, Vietnam

    Pisanu for BISEAN
    24 Jan 2012 | 7:52 pm

  • Worldwide Accent Project | Kuching, Malaysia

    Pisanu for BISEAN
    24 Jan 2012 | 7:50 pm
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    FACT - Freedom Against Censorship Thailand

  • FACTproposal: Common sense on lèse majesté

    facthai
    15 May 2012 | 6:57 am
    Twelve lessons from Akong’s death   Public transparency, accountability, freedom of information are protected in Thai law, including some organic law attached to the Thai Constitution. However, in practice, these have simply been ignored at every level of Thai government. It will therefore come as no surprise that Thai govt and courts make no apology for the death of Amphon Tangnoppakul in custody. Not only do they think their hands are clean, they are too devoid of an active conscience to know the meaning of shame or regret. If Akong’s death is to mean anything, now is the time for…

  • Amphon’s first and last letter to his lawyer-Prachatai

    facthai
    15 May 2012 | 6:54 am
    Prachatai: May 5, 2012 http://www.prachatai3.info/english/node/3209   Amphon Tangnoppakul sent a letter to his lawyer Anon Nampha from Bangkok Remand Prison on 11 April.  The letter was published on the lawyer’s Rassadornprasong Law Office website on 1 May. 11 April 2012 Dear Mr Anon First of all, I have to apologize for never having written to you before, because I’m not good at writing, not quite knowing what to think and with poor eyesight, so I’ve not been keen on writing.  To my grandchildren, I’ve rarely written to them, although I’m missing them so much.  That may be…

  • Ah Kong is Dead,-Prachatai

    facthai
    15 May 2012 | 6:51 am
    Liberty is Less Swift than the God of Death Phiengkham Pradabkhwam Prachatai: May 14, 2012 http://www.prachatai3.info/english/node/3215   In the end, freedom is slower to arrive than death Justice can wait        can make way for a tranquil homeland They honeymooned on a day of love        a truce The war is not over yet        However many corpses, let it be! “Come back to us, they have finally let you go.” Citizens at the end of the line        once dead, catch a scent of dreams The freedom of the poor        grit your teeth when it becomes too…

  • Event: L-M panel discussion, June 7

    facthai
    15 May 2012 | 6:47 am
    “Rhetoric and Dissent: Where to next for Thailand’s lèse majesté law?” Thursday, June 7, 2012 7:00pm until 10:00pm LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED https://www.facebook.com/events/115539918582639/   A panel discussion featuring:   PROF. BENEDICT ANDERSON Best known for his celebrated book Imagined Communities and scholarship which has been translated into over 20 different languages in some 400 publications globally, Prof. Anderson is widely regarded as an senior authority on the questions of nationalism, authority and society. Prof. Anderson serves most recently as…

  • Event: May 27 – 10,000 signatures collected to amend Article 112-CCAA

    facthai
    15 May 2012 | 6:39 am
    10,000 signatures collected to amend Article 112 Prachatai: May 11, 2012 http://www.prachatai3.info/english/node/3212 The Campaign Committee to Amend Article 112 (CCAA) has already collected over 10,000 signatures to propose the Nitirat bill to Parliament to amend the lèse majesté law. The group, which consists of academics, activists and writers, will hold an activity on 27 May to conclude the signature-collection campaign, which started earlier this year, and discuss the issue. The activity will take place at the Sriburapha Auditorium at the Tha Prachan campus of Thammasat University.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Jamie's Phuket Blog

  • Phuket Webcam at Patong Beach

    15 May 2012 | 9:39 am
    This Phuket Blog has been online now for 6 years. At about the same time I started the Phuket Weather Blog, which was born when I realised that a lot of people search online for weather information. People are obsessed by the weather. Is it raining? What will the weather be like in mid-July? If it rains, does it rain all day or just showers? When is the best weather in Phuket? Well, the weather blog aimed to show what the weather was really doing rather than relying on averages and seasonal generalisms. It gets updated about once a week with weather news, photos and often some Phuket gossip.

  • The Big Buddhas of Phuket

    10 May 2012 | 9:36 am
    Buddhas? Surely there's only one "Big Buddha" in Phuket? The big white one on the hill? Yes, that's the one known as THE Big Buddha, and it certainly is impressive. We've been driving up that hill for 10 years since before construction began. It's not just the 45m high statue, but we love the great views over much of southern Phuket. Thailand is of course mostly Buddhist, so there are lots of Buddhist temples here, though Phuket also has large a Muslim minority and many Thai-Chinese families. You'll find mosques and Chinese shrines all over the island too, and even a Catholic church, a Hindu…

  • Best Hotels in Phuket 2012

    30 Apr 2012 | 5:00 am
    Last year I blogged the Top 10 Hotels in Phuket, the list being based on TripAdvisor ratings, which can give you (if there are plenty of ratings) a decent idea of quality. Sure there may be occasional odd reviews - some sound like advertising and you hear rumours that some reviews may be written by people connected with a hotel, or by competitors, but if there are enough reviews I think you can see through the fog and figure out what are the best hotels in Phuket. There is some controversy about TripAdvisor now and then. Anyone can log in and leave a review even if they never stayed at the…

  • Nguan Choon Tong Herb Shop in Phuket Town

    16 Apr 2012 | 9:05 am
    There's a place on Thalang Road in the heart of Old Phuket Town that always turns heads. If you walk past this place, you are bound to notice the smell. And certainly not a bad smell. Something kind of ancient and magical. I can't help but walk in. Outside is a sign that says "Oldest Herbs Shop". The name of the shop is Nguan Choon Tong. Stop outside. Inhale deeply.Thalang Road is my favourite street in Phuket, I like the old town, there's history here, and a very different kind of Phuket exists here away from the beaches. Tourism does have some influence, there are more little cafes and…

  • Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) in Phuket Town

    12 Apr 2012 | 8:38 am
    Phuket, as I keep trying to say on this blog, has lots of history and culture, lots of festivals, a wide variety of people and religions, which is not surprising when you look on a map. Phuket is on the Andaman coast, would have made an ideal stopping off point on sea journeys with sheltered anchorages on the east coast, and then there was the tin mining boom and finally, in the last 30 years, the tourism explosion. All manner of people live here, work here, travel here. I am happy to say that Phuket is melting pot of different peoples and different religions. Most of the local people are…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    OakMonster®

  • OakMonster Rises

    oakmonster
    21 Apr 2012 | 12:45 pm
    I’ve been keeping busy since we last discussed about how my creativity has been stoked. I’ve played with Instagram a lot now that it’s available for Android. And I’ve been making some fun stuff. Kind of like found object art in a way. Whatever image strikes my fancy or something someone just said, I just whipped up something. My Tumblr account hasn’t seen this much activities in months! And guess what? I’m having so much fun it’s ridiculous. Pin away, interweb. Pin away!  

  • Freeing My Creative Mind

    oakmonster
    12 Apr 2012 | 12:07 pm
    It’s  been over 10 years since I worked in a truly creative environment. I had given up on being creative professionally.  When I got home, I didn’t do much either except for the costuming for Halloween/Renaissance Faire, food gift labels for the holidays, and the now-tradition Christmas e-card. Oh, and occasional alcohol-fueled rock star moments at the piano. It only took three months working with and for these guys at Ignited to get me to WANT to be creative. All. The. Time. I was tasked with reviving the company’s social media presence. So, for the next month, I read…

  • Taking a Leap: One Year Later

    oakmonster
    1 Apr 2012 | 11:28 am
    Got this from a Bella Honey Art Pinterest board. Today is the first anniversary of my not having a full-time job. And what a year it has been!  I started it with 2 weeks in New Zealand, connecting with my cousins and traveling with my dad. (And I still don’t have all of the pictures up online yet!)  Then for a few months, I tried my hands at being my own boss and found that I had much to learn.  A few odd jobs later, with a lead from my friend Matt, I landed at Saatchi LA and found a workplace I have been searching for.  That 4-week contract turned into very memorable 4 months. Then…

  • It’s All Happening At Once

    oakmonster
    16 Mar 2012 | 3:11 am
    Got this from Despair.com Today through Sunday, I will take my first step toward one of my bucket list item. I’m volunteering at WonderCon, a pop culture/comic convention that usually takes place in San Francisco, but it’s just down the way in Anaheim this year.  Pam got me involved in this because a) I’ve NEVER been to a Con of any kind, and b) If I do well, I might get a chance to go to volunteer at San Diego Comic Con in July. SDCC is on my bucket list. Nerd Mecca must be experienced once before I die. Some people have Paris and Tuscany…well, I actually have those…

  • Social Media Purists Are Unicorns

    oakmonster
    26 Feb 2012 | 12:15 pm
    Recently, I found myself cursing at how corporate social media playing field has become. Folks are talking brands, driving sales, being all business-like. Nobody is actually interacting any more. Whatever happened to the SOCIAL part of “social media”? I believe in the SOCIAL in “social media”. I believe in connecting with people and sharing my ideas online. I believe in building relationships that lasts and engaging people in what I do and/or am interested in. I’m a Social Media Purist. There, I said it. However, today it seems the real relationship is being…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Phuket Weather Blog

  • Yes, the low season can be quite nice!

    14 May 2012 | 8:59 am
    OK, so we had a bunch of wet, windy, rather cr*ppy days when the low season started about 2 weeks ago, that's quite normal, a burst of wet weather and then it all settles down. Low season is a mix of sunny days, rainy days and in between days. It's very rarely terrible weather, much more often you get sun, some quick showers and the sea might be a bit bouncy sometimes. Here's what you need for the low season in Phuket : Factor 30 sun lotion and an umbrella. It's not that often that the weather will stop you from enjoying the day. Don't hide when a few drops of rain fall, it hardly ever lasts…

  • Low Season in Phuket

    7 May 2012 | 8:09 am
    Yes, without a shadow of a doubt, it's now low season, also called the wet season, rainy season, or the scary MONSOON SEASON! My home rain gauge, which I've now had for 2 years has recorded more than 250mm of rain in the last 2 weeks. From April 21st - 29th I am not sure of the daily figures, as we were not in Phuket. Most of that time was spent in Chumphon, my wife's home town about 400km from here on the way to Bangkok. The weather there is different to Phuket, as Chumphon is on the east coast. While Phuket was getting some west wind and some occasional heavy showers at the end of April, I…

  • April in Phuket

    19 Apr 2012 | 8:52 am
    Advance warning, there may not be any updates on this blog for about 10 days, since I have a little holiday. Will have laptop with me, so will most likely post now and then on Twitter (follow me @JamieMonk) and Facebook (please join the Jamie's Phuket Blog Page) PLUS you can always check the latest weather by looking at the webcams on this blog ...• Patong Beach Webcam - NEW! Just added this today!• Karon Beach Webcam• Surin Beach WebcamEnd of the season is coming, we've had some rain this week, mostly at night including a big storm on Sunday night which dropped about 100mm of…

  • Patong Beach Webcam

    18 Apr 2012 | 7:17 pm
    There's already a Karon Beach webcam and a Surin Beach webcam on the blog, and now we can add a Patong Beach webcam, with thanks to my friend Wes who has set up a webcam company (Sawadee Cam). Hopefully there will be more online soon! The picture updates every few seconds. For hotels in Patong beach, check my list of Patong Beach Hotel Recommendations on Jamie's Phuket Blog or check for a full list of Patong Beach Hotels at Agoda.com - you can book online here. <p>Loading...</p> The webcam looks out to the west over Patong Bay from the 15th floor of the Patong…

  • End of the Season. Not End of the World.

    12 Apr 2012 | 7:26 am
    A quick, oh so quick summary of the Phuket weather since the last update on April 5th (last Thursday). Friday - hot with some rain in the night. Saturday 7th was HOT and I spent lots of money. New camera, Canon EOS 60D to replace my 20D. And I've hardly had time to use it this whole week! But it's lovely. Then spent time in the garden and painting the wall around our garden, and by 6pm I was parched. Headed to a friend's restaurant - The Lunch Room - for dinner, a few beers and English football on TV. We had a BIG thunder storm roll through with very loud thunder and lashings of rain. My home…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    tea stains

  • Songkran Silks

    23 Apr 2012 | 12:24 am
    During Songkran, Daughter appeared at my door looking wan and I knew immediately she'd hit a brick wall with her revision. I HAD to get her out of the apartment before she went mad. I thought for a few seconds before working out what would lure her away from her books: a tour of the stationery department and a cup of tea in Starbucks. (She's like her mother!)THAT meant braving the outside, where people were armed and shooting water guns. It was exactly what she needed; even before we got there we were hysterical with laughter, hanging onto our taxi doors to prevent anyone from opening…

  • The end of an era or the start of a new one

    21 Apr 2012 | 10:39 pm
    The days have been whizzing by disproportionately fast here at The House. I think it’s because we have exams approaching: the hours have telescoped and May is hurtling towards us whether we’re ready or not. The giant kids will have one last week in school (from tomorrow) and then BAM! Exams. Gulp. Then Son will venture out into the world (with any luck) and Daughter will never wear school uniform again. Really, it’s the end of an era; or perhaps it’s just the start of another.We holed up at home during Songkran (Thai new year.) The kids were (hopefully) revising. I was hiding from the…

  • A Tiny Titanic Tale

    14 Apr 2012 | 11:49 pm
    Nanny ElsieWhen I was little, my maternal grandparents, Nanny Elsie and Granpop, came to live in our village. Some days Sylvia, who shared pickups with my Mum, dropped me at Nanny’s little cottage after school. I loved spending time with Nanny Elsie; I learned to dunk digestive biscuits in tea and we watched television together. Nanny reminisced a lot and at 9 or 10 I loved her stories and old fashioned photos. I didn’t realize how important they were though and I wish that I’d written them down because I can only remember a few. This is one I haven’t forgotten.Elsie was born in 1903…

  • R & R

    13 Apr 2012 | 1:38 am
    I'm a tad tightly wound at the moment. Life, in many areas, is a little bit difficult.However, last Monday Husband and I set off for a three night break in the mountains. We left the giant children in Bangkok. (We've always had a family joke that we couldn't leave them home alone until the younger one could look after the older one...)Khao Yai National Park is about three hours away from Bangkok. The main attraction for me were the mountains but in the end it turned out to be our little garden that relaxed me. We arrived just after lunch and were shown to our unexpectedly upgraded villa. It…

  • Sunday Photo

    8 Apr 2012 | 7:42 am
    I missed Friday Photo because of a heavy schedule and a three day migraine so here's a Sunday photo.I spotted this in Siam Paragon. It's nothing unusual to see a car in Siam P; one of the floors has showrooms full of top end cars and sometimes there's an exhibition in one of the lobbies decorated with 'pretties' but this one was in the wrapping paper, cards and gifts section. Perhaps that's a bit odd.But not as odd maybe as a car having eyelashes...
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Thailand Land of Smiles

  • Asia International Guitar Festival 2012

    Talen
    11 May 2012 | 12:01 am
    June 14th – 17th If you are a guitar lover such as I am then you won’t want to miss the annual Asia International Guitar Festival sponsored by the Thailand Guitar Society in association with the Conservatory of Music Rangsit University and the Siam City Hotel, Bangkok. The Festival will take place from June 14th through the 17th at the Siam City Hotel in Bangkok. This competition really is a treat for the guitarists out there or just those that love the instrument.There will  be many special guest guitarists from around the world as well as famous luthiers holding workshops and…

  • Baan Gerda Children to Perform in Bangkok

    Talen
    4 May 2012 | 1:13 am
    It’s been some time since I’ve written about Living with the Tiger & the children of Baan Gerda and as luck would have it I received an e-mail from the director of Living with the Tiger, Mike Thomas, Yesterday, to update me on the kids and invite me to a special performance they will be giving in Bangkok this Saturday ( tomorrow ). For those of you that don’t know or don’t remember, Living with the Tiger is a documentary that followed the Thai children of Baan Gerda and told of their heartbreaking plight of not only being HIV positive but also suffering the cruel…

  • Pattaya Music Festival 2012 Highlights

    Talen
    30 Apr 2012 | 12:55 am
    Pattaya Music Festival 2012 The Pattaya International Music Festival 2012 is over but what a great time it was. A lot of great music, tons of great food and every kind of trinket you can imagine on sale. The streets were jam packed with music lovers, food lovers and families enjoying the beautiful weekend. There can be no doubt that this is Pattaya’s largest festival and I would bet attendance this year topped half a million people. Well, enough with the words, time for the pictures and videos. Enjoy! Pattaya Music Festival 2012 Related Articles of Interest:Pattaya Music Festival 2011…

  • The Women of Songkran 2012

    Talen
    24 Apr 2012 | 1:21 am
    Related Articles of Interest:And so it Begins…Songkran 2012Songkran 2012: The Final Day in PattayaEverything’s Better When Wet…Songkran 2012Songkran 2011 Day 3 : The Ladies of PattayaSongkran 2009…Amazing!Copyright © 2007-2010 Thailand, Land of Smiles.This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. The use of this feed on other websites without express permission by Thailand, Land of Smiles breaches copyright. This content is for use in your news reader and certain pages where Thailand, Land of Smiles has given express permission for it's use, any other uses…

  • Pattaya International Music Festival 2012

    Talen
    21 Apr 2012 | 3:21 am
    Pattaya International Music Festival 2012 April 27, 28 & 29 It’s that time of year again for the Pattaya International Music Festival; taking place all along Beach road starting the weekend of April 27th and going through the 29th. With the crowds of  Songkran still fresh in our memories, Pattaya will hurriedly reading itself for thousands of music lovers. Over a half a million people are expected this year! The festivities will begin at 6pm each day and go straight through midnight with stages strategically placed all along Beach road featuring reggae, rock, hip hop, pop, blues…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    My Thai Village Life in Chiang Rai, Thailand

  • Problem Solving Village Style ...

    16 May 2012 | 1:50 am
    With the wife off to Chiang Mai with her sister for a couple of days, I am left with time to review recent events.  By building our house far out into the fields we have no next door neighbors to speak of, yet others do own the land on either side of us and try as we may, it has still proven impossible to avoid all disputes.Now in any dispute there are various views and opinions as well as different styles of engagement.  Without getting into the details of who said what to whom, clearly something I find distasteful, lets just say the parties on either side of us wanted different…

  • Fire and Rain ...

    8 May 2012 | 2:45 am
    Trusty fire-stick in hand our neighbor, along with many others, was setting his field alight in anticipation of plowing the earth before the forecast rains.  Perhaps he noticed me taking pictures, though I somehow doubt it made any difference to him.  Whatever the reason he only burned part of the field, leaving the remainder to be finished off the next day while we were conveniently away in town.  I noticed the gardener had the presence of mind to turn on our sprinklers to keep our plants wet and singe free.  Though annoying, we have suffered no more than sore eyes and…

  • Mekong River and Rai Saeng Arun ...

    26 Apr 2012 | 12:21 am
    The heat has been oppressive lately and yesterday was no exception.  Still my wife thought it might be nice to take a drive along the Mekong River.  From our house we headed Northeast along the mountains toward Chiang Khong, then we stuck to the river all the way to a small resort called Rai Saeng Arun, a drive of 78 km.It is not the best time of year for sightseeing but still it was a pleasant drive with my wife at the wheel.  The resort was deserted and their gardens were not at their peak but I took a few photos anyway.  They grow their own strawberries so we had fresh…

  • Anonymity and Blogging ...

    23 Apr 2012 | 12:40 am
    Replying to a comment about anonymous blogging, I soon realized the subject deserved something more than a throwaway answer in the comments section.  I have been busy and distracted by other things but the idea for this post continued to linger on the periphery of my thoughts until now.I began this blog five years ago, with a good dose of trepidation.  Who would I be, what would I write about, would I enjoy it, would I be any good at it and how would people respond to what I wrote?  Perhaps there would be lynch mobs sent to track me down or hackers trying to steal my…

  • Photos from Today’s Mt. Bike Ride ...

    22 Apr 2012 | 5:38 am
    I was going to write something today but by the time I returned from another mountain bike ride my body and brain were just too tired to think.  Decided it might be best just to upload some pictures from my ride and leave the heavy lifting for a later date.Today marked only the second time on this dirt track and the first time to return home the long way via the main road we normally use when returning from town.  It gave me a chance to stop along the way, something one just doesn’t do when commuting, and get some more photos of the roadside trees that bloom this time of year.Up…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Bangkok Jungle

  • Tokyo Joe’s Other Side of The Coin

    Inside Bangkok Jungle
    12 May 2012 | 12:18 pm
    The man and the money behind the latest incarnation of TJ’s responds to Big Jeff’s goodbye. “Dear all Thanks Jeff for the update of Tokyo Joe’s history. We can share names and shed some light just to avoid rumors. Tokyo Joe’s was my favorite place to go during my expatriation in Thailand. It was almost my second home. When it closed I felt having lost something. Accidentally I learnt gradually more and more about the background, which is not to be discussed here, I decided to give it another try, spent some substantial amount of money out of my pocket and…

  • TONITE! Funk on 8 – Det 5 Jive!

    Inside Bangkok Jungle
    10 May 2012 | 11:56 pm
    Funk Fanatics, SUPABAD, the 11-piece James Brown tribute band, will be playing one of their final concerts in Bangkok (before disbanding) at Det 5 Saturday  evening (12/05), commencing at 21:00. For those of you who missed it, they played their first gig at Det 5 on March 24th this year and, in approximately 60 minutes, completely changed the musical firmament on Sukhumvit Soi 8.  As tomorrow is one of their farewell performances, they will be playing their complete James Brown oeuvre. In order to whet your auditory senses, and get your dancing vibe kickin’ in gear at your office…

  • Steely Dan: Aja

    Inside Bangkok Jungle
    8 May 2012 | 10:07 am

  • Tokyo Joe’s Inside Story

    Inside Bangkok Jungle
    6 May 2012 | 8:40 am
    Former manager and the man behind the bar’s singular reputation as a full on blues destination – Jeff Thomsen – had this to say about the end of his relationship with the blues bar’s latest and final incarnation: “Dear Friends, Fans and Aficionados, Tokyo Joe’s – past, present and done. The original Tokyo Joe’s was founded in Soi 24, back in 2003 by Jay, Iggi and I after we took over Ken’s faltering business. Scott also played a large part in making the club what it was, and although Ken stayed on for a while it wasn’t long…

  • Floyd Moment – Gilmore on his tone

    Inside Bangkok Jungle
    5 May 2012 | 6:04 pm
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    TIT - This is Thailand

  • A Foot Massage From a Katoey in Bangkok

    webmaster
    28 Apr 2012 | 1:29 pm
    We're back after a 2 month break from the excessive heat. And man is it excessive this year. 100 degrees every day and humidity that seems like it's 200%. Well, I wanted to lose weight after eating so well on this trip and I am getting my wish. I think I've lost about 10 pounds back in the 4 days we've been home. You don't get too hungry when you're in this kind of weather. I'm also laying off the sauce for now. I'm saying 3 months. Nobody believes I can do it and I may be one of them. If anyplace can drive you to drink, it's Bangkok. My buddy is coming out…

  • Another Example of the Police In Bangkok

    webmaster
    5 Feb 2012 | 2:13 am
    My last post was about our local "officers of the law" and our experience with them recently. By the way, the guy still hasn't been brought to the police station to our knowledge.  He's back out there selling food like nothing happened after a couple of days off.  But he is leaving my wife alone, which means he's learned his lesson (hopefully). I just saw this piece in the Bangkok Post.  It's a good example of what the police here do and don't do, especially in Nana, which has lots of crime: NANA THUGS STRIKE FEAR INTO ELDERLY STORE OWNERS A family…

  • The Police In Thailand

    webmaster
    2 Feb 2012 | 2:01 am
    While I hesitate to address this topic, for fear of retribution, I'm going to anyway. We live in an area that has we have found to be progressively low end.  That's why we will be moving in less then a month.  We are in a beautiful townhouse at a great price, but the neighborhood is in a word, shit!  More on that in a subsequent post. Last week there was a stray dog (in Bangkok, no you say!) in front of our house that one of our dogs was barking at.  So my wife went in front of the house and tried to shoo the dog away.  Across the lane we live on the food…

  • Hospitals In Thailand

    webmaster
    1 Feb 2012 | 10:47 am
    Since I moved here to Thailand I had pretty much always gone to Bumrungrad Hospital for my medical care.  It's a beautiful place and has very good care.  Unfortunately I lately came to the realization that it is ungodly expensive.  And since I now have a health plan with a $5,000 deductible PER CONDITION, it's pretty much all on me.  So I've been re evaluating things. Recently I tried Samitivej Hospital.  I went for an issue with my hip and they were excellent.  So I went back for my annual physical and again I found the prices rather outrageous. So…

  • A Bad Experience At a Salon In Bangkok

    webmaster
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:57 am
    If you've read my blog for a while, you have never heard me mention an establishment by name before. Well, I'm about to break that rule, just because the experience was so bad. There's a place I used to get my hair cut at. The name is Vana Spa and Salon. It's on Sukhumvit Road near the Phrom Phong BTS. I never really liked the attitude of the manager, who turned out to be the owner, I started out getting my hair cut there, but the young kid did a decent enough job, so I kept going there for many months. I also started getting some waxing done there as well as massages. But I…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Thailand Golf Holidays, Phuket Golf Packages, Hua Hin Golf Vacations

  • Thailand Golf Gloves

    Mark
    15 May 2012 | 2:49 am
    One of the most important but overlooked pieces of golf equipment in Thailand is the glove.  With hot and oftentimes sweaty tropical weather conditions the only thing stopping a golf club from flying out of a Thailand golfers hand is the glove. If the glove is wet or slick, it will not grip the club and a mishit is very likely.Moreover, one of the most important parts of a good Thailand golf swing is the grip. That comes as no surprise. If a Thai golfers grip is off, then the swing will probably be off.  I see many golfers in Thailand slice, hook, and otherwise mishit the ball.

  • Hua Hin’s Hidden Golf Gem: Kaeng Krachan Country Club

    Mark
    7 May 2012 | 4:53 pm
    Everyone knows the best regarded Hua Hin golf courses are Banyan Golf Club and Black Mountain Golf Club.  How about other Hua Hin golf courses for the more adventurous?Located an hour north and 40km inland from Hua Hin in the Thai Kaeng Krachan Estate lies what might just be Hua Hin’s least known, most under rated and best valued golf course? The 27 hole Kaeng Krachan Country Club is hardly known by the locals, no less Thailand golf holidaymakers. After travelling due north from Hua Hin and leaving the main highway, the road to Kaeng Krachan deteriorates into virtually a dust path.

  • How To Judge Green Speed Of Thailand Golf Courses

    Mark
    1 May 2012 | 6:45 pm
    Recently I have seen green speeds on Thailand golf courses run from a slow 7 on the stimpmeter at Majestic Creek Country Cub in Hua Hin to a speedy 10 at Red Mountain Golf Club in Phuket.  At other times, like after a professional event, green speeds can run as high as 11 or 12. Siam Country Club Old Course was like this in February after the Honda LPGA.With such a great variation in green speed and importance on distance in lag putting, how can the visiting golfer in Thailand be successful in judging the green speed at each Thai golf course?Well fortunately all of the golf courses in…

  • The Best 18 Phuket Golf Holes

    Mark
    23 Apr 2012 | 2:08 pm
    Golfing in Phuket is great from May until July as the courses are not crowded, accommodations very reasonably priced, and the weather is generally overcast with little other than a late afternoon shower to cool things off. Therefore it is timely that Ian, our semi-pro Phuket resident, has for a bit of fun put together his Phuket “Dream 18”, which when you take time to think about the golf options, it’s not that easyHole 1, Blue Canyon, Canyon Course – Not the easiest opening hole and a fairly tight tee-shot. Hitting the fairway is a must if you want to get your second close on this…

  • 3-4-5 Star Hotel Or Villa For A Thailand Golf Holiday

    Mark
    16 Apr 2012 | 3:58 pm
    It’s not always easy to recommend the right accommodation for a golf holiday. For example, there are many excellent value-for-money hotels that can make a Thailand golf package very affordable. Great deals can often found from May to October on the beach resorts of Phuket and Hua Hin where hotels sell at less than half their normal cost during the high season. However, for some, luxury is more important than price. At the other end of the spectrum there are some 6-star properties that are truly luxurious luxury and will create an once-in-a-lifetime Thailand golf holiday memory. These…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    thailand « WordPress.com Tag Feed

  • Anantara Sathorn Bangkok

    muffin
    15 May 2012 | 8:34 am
    Just went to Bangkok last week for business and stayed at the Anantara Sathorn Bangkok. I was so tired that I was able to get photos of the front of the hotel before and after. We stayed at the 20th Floor and the area is mostly residential I think plus when you get to the intersection, its where all the Embassies or Consulate are located. On the left side is where the refrigerator is. There’s complimentary water and of course coffee and tea. An ice bucket is there but if its not don’t worry you can call the front desk and request for 1. They would call you up and ask you if you…

  • Monk

    fabianvs
    15 May 2012 | 8:13 am
    Buddhism in Thailand is largely of the Theravada school. Nearly 95% of Thailand’s population is Buddhist of the Theravada school, though Buddhism in this country has become integrated with folk beliefs as well as Chinese religions from the large Thai-Chinese population. Buddhist temples in Thailand are characterized by tall golden stupas, and the Buddhist architecture of Thailand is similar to that in other Southeast Asian countries, particularly Cambodia and Laos, with which Thailand shares cultural and historical heritage.

  • Need Them Pipes Please, and the Forks if it's not too much Trouble......................

    Mac
    15 May 2012 | 8:06 am

  • The Naive American

    Jeannie
    15 May 2012 | 8:02 am
    We all know what the ugly American is, correct? Tune into any season of the Amazing Race, and chances are there will be one team member that exemplifies that. Jaime from season 14, anyone? Travel for long enough, and I’m sure you’ll run into one as well. Today I want to introduce to you another type of American, the “naive” American. Jerry said it wasn’t fair to call the delightful young woman we met today an ugly American, because she wasn’t rude or pushy, so henceforth, she will be known as the naive American. Alright. So today we went on a tour of an…

  • Şimdi Hayatta Olmayabilirdim; Buda’ya Sigara İkram Etmek.

    evrimelifyigit
    15 May 2012 | 7:58 am
    Bazı olaylar insanın aklında çok kolay kalır. Bunların çoğu insanların başından geçmiş olan kötü olaylardır. Mesela zamanında discovery canel’da izlediğim bir belgesede anlatılan acı verici olay, hayatta kalma mücadelesi, bir defa izlemiş olmama rağmen hafızamda saklanıp durdu. Belgeselin anlattığı olayda belkide, ben olsam ne yapardım, diye düşünüp durduğumdan, belgeselde ki insanlarla kendimi özdeştirdiğimden konu tüm detayları ile aklımda kalmış. Şimdi hayatta olmayabilirdim isimli belgeselde ki olay şuydu; Avusturalya’da iki kişi ormanda…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Changwat, Amphoe, Tambon

  • TAO Non Khom, Khon Kaen upgraded to municipality

    Andreas Hörstemeier
    11 May 2012 | 6:00 am
    The subdistrict administrative organization Non Khom (องค์การบริหารส่วนตำบลโนนคอม) in Phu Pha Man district, Khon Kaen province was upgraded to a subdistrict municipality (เทศบาลตำบลโนนคอม) with the announcement published in the Royal Gazette yesterday. As it was signed by the Deputy Minister of Interior Chuchat Hansawat (นายชูชาติ หาญสวัสดิ์) on April 17, this is probably also the date by which the upgrade is effective. Interestingly, as of now the only weblink for…

  • Thai Fail blog

    Andreas Hörstemeier
    10 May 2012 | 6:00 am
    In a special issue of my Thursday linkage, this time I link with three posting from the Thai fail blog. The Thai fail blog featurs more-or-less funny photos from Thailand - however most of them not understandable without a very good knowledge in Thai language. I even could contribute once myself. Recently, there were three postings there related to the topics I write about. Somewhere in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, there is a road named ถนนผู้ว่าฯ นายกฯ 2555) - Province Governor, Mayor Road 2555. If reading the year number in a Thinglish way, it…

  • Board meeting transcripts are back

    Andreas Hörstemeier
    9 May 2012 | 6:00 am
    After more than a year without the board meeting transcripts, and thus no early notice about the municipal changes, now with another redesign of the website of the Legal Affair Bureau of the Permanent Secretary for Interior (สำนักกฎหมาย สำนักงานปลัดกระทรวงมหาดไทย) I finally discovered that the transcripts have reappeared. There were two changes - first they are now in PDF format instead of WinWord, which has the drawback that in some of the files the copy-and-paste does not work. The second change is that for this year…

  • Tambon word cloud

    Andreas Hörstemeier
    7 May 2012 | 6:14 am
    As I just found a nice word cloud creator, I have done the word cloud for this feed. Not sure how many of the nearly 1000 posts were included, but seems like province, district, municipality and subdistrict are quite prominent terms here - well, not really surprising.

  • 9 Province governors transferred

    Andreas Hörstemeier
    4 May 2012 | 6:00 am
    In the May 17, the transfer of 9 province governors was approved. Bunchoet Khithen (นายบุญเชิด คิดเห็น), province governor of Lampang to become director-general in the Land Department. Tawatchai Thoetphaothai (นายธวัชชัย เทอดเผ่าไทย), province governor of Rayong to become governor of Lampang. Seni Chittakasem (นายเสนีย์ จิตตเกษม), province governor of Trang to become province governor of Rayong. Thirayut Iamtrakun (นายธีระยุทธ…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Women Learning Thai... and some men too ;-)

  • Please Vote: Top 100 Language Learning Blogs 2012

    Catherine
    15 May 2012 | 11:08 am
    Please vote for the Top 100 Language Learning Blogs of 2012… Each year the Top 100 Language Learning international competition put on by bab.la and Lexiophiles has gradually gotten tougher. But this year the quality of the sites have taken a noticeable leap, meaning it’s a win win for anyone interested in learning languages. It also means that you have even less excuses for not learning a second or even a third language. Yeah, I’m bad. Which reminds me… if you don’t want to read all the way to the bottom of this post before voting, just click on the button to your right.

  • More Learn Thai by Speaking Your Language

    Justin Travis Mair
    14 May 2012 | 7:26 pm
    Learn Thai by Speaking Your Language… Over a decade ago I learned Thai by using a method called Speak Your Language. I wrote a post on what Speak Your Language is, but to summarize: I learned to speak Thai by starting with what I knew about English, slowly converting it into Thai one word and one grammar point at a time. By using the Thai I knew, filling in any gaps with English, I was able to communicate right away, and at the same time focus on what I needed to know next. Times have changed over the last 10 years and so have I. I am now a father of four children living on the opposite…

  • Thai Chili Pepper Scale: A Spicy Secret to Ordering Thai Food

    Catherine
    9 May 2012 | 7:30 pm
    Thai chili scale: A spicy secret to ordering Thai food… I’ve been eating Thai food for like a gazillion years now and while I can order เผ็ดเผ็ด /pèt-pèt/ just fine, what arrives is almost never “up to me”. Tom Stephan has the same difficulties, only in a slightly different direction. Tom: I wish I knew how to say “I’d like to order the Pad Thai, but moderately spicy. Not bland, but not number 5 on the scale. Maybe a 3?” Me: A new one on me… I have the opposite problem – getting Thais to believe me when I say I want super spicy…

  • Thai Language School Review: UTL Unity Thai Language School

    Tod Daniels
    7 May 2012 | 7:00 pm
    Thai Language School Review: UTL Unity Thai Language School… Review: UTL Unity Thai Language School Website: utl-school.com Address: 18th floor Times Square Building, 246 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlongtoey, Khlongtoey, Bangkok Thailand 10110 Telephone Number: 02-653-1538 Email: info@utl-school.com Location: UTL Unity is in the Times Square Building. The school is easy to get to by either the MRT (Sukhumvit Road Station), or the BTS (Asok Station). From the MRT, go up to the sky walk to the Sky Train and follow it around until you walk directly into Times Square, and then up to the 18th floor.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    The Thai Pirate - Thai Blog and Travel Stories

  • Road Carnage at Breakfast

    The Thai Pirate
    30 Apr 2012 | 10:02 am
    For a while I've been having breakfast at the same place on Phetkasem Road, just outside of Hua Hin town centre on the way to Pranburi. Despite the glorious setting (sea on one side, mountains on the other) this road is a dangerous place. You have the treacherous combination of fast moving traffic, heavy goods trucking, and motorcycles (many travelling, at speed, in the wrong direction). So anyway, we've all witnessed road accidents in Thailand. In this instance, I was chasing my two year old around the outdoor restaurant, trying to feed him, whilst my missus got stuck into her…

  • Koh Larn - 30 minutes off Pattaya Beach

    The Thai Pirate
    15 Feb 2012 | 11:47 pm
    There's a little island off Pattaya called Koh Larn, around a 30 minute boat ride from Pattaya Beach. I'd heard of it but only recently had a chance to check it out. The anticipation of the journey, and the ferry journey itself are fun. Although its a bit of a squeeze, once everyone is on board, its not usually a problem to get comfy and enjoy the ride (travel light). And it's only 30 baht one way ... For those in a hurry, there is the option of taking a speed boat for 300 baht return per person, although I didn't take one myself so don't know the exact deal. There…

  • Health and Safety in Thailand (part 1)

    The Thai Pirate
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:46 am
    Brave, or stupid? The guy is balancing on a single bar, well over 100 ft up in the air..... The other guy (on the second floor) looks as though he's about to do a nose dive into the ground below (he didn't, thankfully). No wonder there are so many deaths on building sites in Thailand. (but they can build things, very quickly).

  • Invite to the swanky Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

    The Thai Pirate
    9 Dec 2011 | 10:56 pm
    Anyone who has yet to have experience the gorgeous Mardarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel really should make a beeline for it ASAP, if only to go in for a drink in one of the very nice bars spread around the hotel lobby and surrounding halls. (pic above: the Royal Ballroom) Sutiya and I were invited by the folks at the Embassy of Finland to celebrate their 94th Anniversary of Independence (from the Russian Empire), as we've done some work for them in the past (and very nice people they are too!) Anyway, what a place! The service and general atmosphere are sublimely relaxing, and if you do go,…

  • Scary Croc Feeding at Million Years Stone Park - Pattaya

    The Thai Pirate
    20 Nov 2011 | 5:53 pm
    Wow, if you're in Pattaya one day and fancy trying something interesting, head down to Pattaya's Million Years Stone Park for an afternoon. You may have to fight your way through crowds of Russians, but the feeding of the crocadiles is a must see.. The 'thunk' sound made when the croc's snap their jaws shut is quite thought provoking, ..... sounds just like two cricket bats slamming together. Some of these crocs are h-u-g-e... The rest of the park is good as well, with a live croc show (mad thai fella putting his head in croc's mouth, etc) plus other animals.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Wise Kwai's Thai Film Journal

  • Apichatpong-a-rama: Krasue in Mekong Hotel, jury in Locarno

    Wise Kwai
    16 May 2012 | 12:00 am
    In just a couple more days, Apichatpong Weerasethakul's latest film, the 61-minute Mekong Hotel will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Across the Web, much about the mid-length movie from the Uncle Boonmee maker remains a mystery, but here's a description from the festival website: Mekong Hotel is a portrait of a hotel near the Mekong River in the northeast of Thailand. The river there marks the border between Thailand and Laos. In the bedrooms and terraces, Apichatpong held a rehearsal with his crew for a movie that he wrote years ago called Ecstasy Garden. The film shuffles different…

  • Nonzee is back with Distortion

    Wise Kwai
    15 May 2012 | 12:00 am
    Veteran director Nonzee Nimibutr is an ever-present fixture at most film-industry functions in Thailand and around the region. Fellow "Thai new wave" filmmaker Pen-ek Ratanaruang commented as much when Nonzee handed him his Best Director trophy for Headshot at the recent Subhanahongsa Awards. "Phi Oui is always at these events!" Pen-ek quipped, referring to Nonzee by his nickname. Nonzee was even among the industry figures who were guests at the recent wedding of martial-arts star Tony Jaa. But it's been awhile since Nonzee, director of such films as Daeng Bireley's and Young Gangster and…

  • Ban upheld on Shakespeare Must Die

    Wise Kwai
    13 May 2012 | 2:42 pm
    Ing K. and Manit Sriwanichpoom's appeal against the banning of their movie Shakespeare Must Die (, Shakespeare Tong Tai) has been rejected. The details are from the movie's blog: 12 May 2012 Dear cast and crew, family and friends, You’ve probably seen yesterday’s bad news: our appeal was rejected. The ban on Shakespeare Must Die “permanently” remains. Yesterday afternoon around 4pm, the National Board of Film and Video, chaired by General Yuthasak Sasiprapa, Deputy Prime Minister on political affairs and former Defense Minister, who presided on behalf of PM Yingluck Shinawatra, agreed…

  • Industry to celebrate at Cannes Thai Night

    Wise Kwai
    7 May 2012 | 12:48 am
    Apichatpong's Mekong Hotel screens on May 18 With the only Thai film in the Cannes Film Festival's official selection, Mekong Hotel by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, screening on May 18, the Thai film industry and government officials want to celebrate with their annual Thai Night, set for that Friday night in the Grand Salon at the InterContinental Carlton Cannes. More about the function is explained in the press release that follows: Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, Thai Night 2012 will be the occasion to celebrate another banner…

  • Review: Venom (Asorapit)

    Wise Kwai
    1 May 2012 | 7:05 am
    Directed by Jarunee Thammayu Starring Nonpichet Wongchanoksirikul, Preecha Ketkham, Chayutpol Bampen Limited release from April 26-29, 2012 at the Lido cinemas, Bangkok. Wise Kwai's rating: 3/5 Cheesy special effects involving a giant cobra with red glowing eyes put the bite on an otherwise poignant social drama about religious and class conflict in Venom (, Asorapit). Supported by the Culture Ministry’s Thai Khem Khang (Strong Thailand) fund, the indie feature is based on a novella by Dan-aran Saengthong, a.k.a. Saneh Sangsuk, a famous Thai writer who was awarded the Ordre des Arts et…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    milkblitzstreetbomb

  • Photo Series: SAVANNAKHET, LAOS

    ldf
    13 May 2012 | 11:14 pm
        Savannakhet, Laos, 2012     Savannakhet, Laos, 2012     Savannakhet, Laos, 2012     Savannakhet, Laos, 2012     Savannakhet, Laos, 2012     Savannakhet, Laos, 2012       Related Posts No related posts were found, so here's a consolation prize: HOW TO TRAVEL LIGHT FOR MODERN NOMADS, TOURISTS AND THE DISCERNING MINIMALIST WEIRDO. Part 1 of 3.

  • Officers

    ldf
    10 May 2012 | 11:32 pm
      Please note, for the sake of the privacy of all people involved and my own personal safety, I have omitted names and cities and will not respond to any emails inquiring about either.   My dealings with the police in Thailand have been as varied and seemingly random as most other things here, which lends both to the country’s beauty and its instability. The Thailand I know is not as systematic as Western countries I’m familiar with and the accountability of one’s actions is often overlooked. This is dependent on, but not limited to, one’s connections, social…

  • MBSB Interview: Chicky Net Creator Berthe Mandaat On Social Networking And Being A Female Expat In Thailand

    ldf
    6 May 2012 | 11:07 pm
      Chicky Net Creator Berthe Mandaat Chicky Net is the only expat women’s online community in Thailand. With over 2,000 members, Chicky Net is a valuable resource for women living and staying in The Land of Smiles. The site offers classifieds, interest and location specific groups, interviews, a list of women bloggers in Thailand and Chicky Net scheduled events. Networking is made easy, with a general forum and destination specific forums (i.e. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket). I thought I’d touch base with Berthe of Chicky Net to learn more about Chicky Net and…

  • Visa Runs In Thailand And Why I Now Fear Them

    ldf
    3 May 2012 | 11:04 pm
      From Buriram Overlooking Cambodia, Buriram, Thailand, 2011   The stress, frustration and rage that I felt this passing week in regards to my upcoming visa run to the Cambodian border exasperates me. I’m confused by my response to it. I judge my inability to be impartial to it. I wonder if living in Thailand has made me stronger or it has broken me. I will not leave this country the same as when I arrived.   To be brief, visa runs essentially fall on the dates Thai immigration deems you must leave the country. You are allowed back into Thailand on the same day without…

  • On Chicky Net

    ldf
    29 Apr 2012 | 11:30 pm
      Hey MBSB readers!   I was recently interviewed for Chicky Net, a social network for expat women living in Thailand.   If you want to check the interview, you may do so here.   Thanks Chicky Net!   Stayed tuned for an interview with Chicky Net creator Berthe.   Related Posts No related posts were found, so here's a consolation prize: Photo: PHANOM RUNG II.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Gecko Villa Thailand

  • Gecko Villa's Vodka & Mango Sorbet Recipe

    4 May 2012 | 11:47 pm
    The mango trees at Gecko Villa are currently yielding plump, soft yellow mangoes in overwhelming abundance. Some we have turned into mango chutney, and others into mango pickle to help preserve them, but a cold, smooth mango sorbet is another way to enjoy this perfumed fruit in the current heat. A refreshing sorbet also makes a change from the traditionally Thai - but equally delectable - mango and sticky rice. 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of water Zest of one large lime 3 large, ripe mangoes (peeled and stoned) 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice A…

  • Thailand Villa Holiday Offer

    3 May 2012 | 12:59 am
    Book any seven nights in May or June at Green Gecko, and pay for only five nights. Your holiday includes complimentary transfers from Udon Thani airport, all meals taken at the villa, and free maid and laundry services. Simply mention Gecko Villa's blog when booking to take advantage of this special offer!

  • Travel to Thailand - Thinking Out of the Box

    6 Apr 2012 | 6:52 am
    The Tourism Council of Thailand recently noted that less than one in a hundred vistors to Thailand decides to foray into the northeast of the country, suggesting that man-made attractions may act as an anchor to the development of tourism in the region. If the northeast of Thailand, Isan, has a particular strength, it is its authenticity. Addictive, spicy food. Quilted rice paddies. Wizened, smiling faces. A genuine sense of fun. Indigenous traditions. And a truly warm welcome that stands proudly apart from any anodyne welcome or "have a nice day"  dictated by corporate…

  • Windows on the World at Green Gecko

    6 Mar 2012 | 9:57 pm
    A big "Thank You" to recent guests, Yolande and Pascal,  at our second Thailand holiday villa Green Gecko, who very kindly donated a laptop computer to a local village school...after a drive to the school in the villa's own samlor, along some rather dusty tracks.  Both the head teacher and the English teacher at the school, who were present for the donation, were delighted with the notebook, and saw the fact that the keyboard was in English rather than Thai as an extra incentive to the pupils to learn English... Such generous donations can have a huge impact, Whilst…

  • The Recipe for a Thai Massage

    7 Feb 2012 | 10:02 pm
    What has come to be known today as "traditional Thai massage" is often said to have been derived from the practices of the Budhha's pysician 25 centuries ago. Yet it would seem that the concept of Thai massage, like that of Thai food, has evolved through a careful  and considered blending of influences from China, Southeast Asia and India. Just as "Thai food" varies considerably from region to region within the kingdom, so too does "Thai massage". The underlying themes however remain constant, with a focus on well-being and health built onto a backbone of…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    Beyond The Mango Juice

  • Things To Do in Udon Thani – Udorn Sunshine Orchid Farm

    Martyn
    16 May 2012 | 2:23 am
      Udorn Sunshine Orchid Farm is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Udon Thani and is a place worthy of a visit for anyone with a passion for orchid flowers, and for those whose hobbies include photography of … Continue reading →

  • Language Bricks – My Top Ten Thai Words to Take to Thailand

    Martyn
    8 May 2012 | 3:30 pm
    I think learning a new language is a bit like building a wall. Building a wall around yourself. You start with a few bricks (words) which you place around you and slowly but surely you accumulate more bricks which you … Continue reading →

  • Western Food in Thailand – Bar Burgers or Barbecue?

    Martyn
    3 May 2012 | 12:38 pm
    This is one of my favourite pictures from the thousands I have taken in Thailand. Strange and rather ordinary you may think but let me explain. I love cheeseburgers so that’s a good start and the photograph was taken in … Continue reading →

  • Hotels in Udon Thani – The Ruysuk Hotel

    Martyn
    27 Apr 2012 | 3:59 am
    The Ruysuk Hotel was opened towards the end of last year (2011) and has already established itself as being one of the best value for money hotels in Udon Thani. A room for two with cable TV and en suite bathroom … Continue reading →

  • Silk Purses and Pigs Ears – Thailand’s Supermarkets and Village Shops

    Martyn
    15 Apr 2012 | 3:43 am
    Silk purses and pigs ears are the perfect way to describe the huge contrast between Thailand’s big supermarket chains and the Kingdom’s humble village shops.  Chalk and cheese would seem too simple a phrase to represent the dissimilarity between the two … Continue reading →
  • add this feed to my.Alltop

    American Expat in Chiang Mai

  • The Spiritual Significance of the Leaves of The Bodhi Tree

    Greg
    15 May 2012 | 11:09 pm
    As someone born and reared in an American Christian family, and having lived in that environment nearly all of my adult life, I consider myself fairly ignorant about Buddhism, but now in the autumn of my life living in a Buddhist country surrounded by Thai Buddhist culture, I have become very much a student of the religion exploring new elements of it that I discover every day.  I find new questions all the time that I must explore and try to find the answers as I wander about the countryside. One question that came up for me was about the beautiful tree leaves that I see in most Thai…

  • Is Thailand a Good Place to get Cosmetic Surgery?

    Greg
    9 May 2012 | 5:43 pm
    Medical Tourism to Thailand is getting a lot of attention, and elective cosmetic surgery in Bangkok is getting large numbers of American clients.  Is this a good solution for you? Not many years ago, cosmetic surgery was quite a luxury reserved for celebrities.  It has become more widely available and accepted in the US over the last few years, as more people realize that a little cosmetic surgery can positively affect their career, how you feel about yourself, and generally give an uplifting, better lifestyle.  Unfortunately, in the US, rarely is cosmetic surgery covered by medical…

  • Another Video from Buck: EVERY LAS VEGAS TOPLESS BAR IN 1 DAY

    Greg
    9 May 2012 | 1:51 am
    OK, so my good buddy in Las Vegas, Buck, is into making videos, and this is the second entry he has given for us to run on this website.  I think I am lucky to be able to offer them to my blog readers.  Buck’s videos are educational and enlightening, and this one about Vegas Topless Bars might prepare you for your next trip to Vegas.  He gives you a pretty good tour of the town. Please NOTE:  This video is probably not appropriate for children under the age of 30, and not appropriate for women that are sensitive about this issue.   Forewarned. 0 comment(s)

  • TripAdvisor Puts Chiang Mai as one the Top 25 Cities in the World for a Holiday

    Greg
    5 May 2012 | 6:22 pm
    TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site that reviews for travel destinations, tours, hotels and other venues.  It gets 41.6 Million visits per month world wide.   That is an amazing feat considering the site is only 12 years old, and started by a Masssachuset’s  traveler seeking some real advise about an upcoming trip to Mexico from people that had actually traveled there.  He had a great idea for a traveler review site, and has done very well. Each year, TripAdvisor comes out with their Top 25 Travel Destination Cities, and this year, Chiang Mai is one of those 25.  It is…

  • Thailand Shuts Down Multi-Million Baht Enterprise in Marijuana

    Greg
    4 May 2012 | 6:29 pm
    28 April 2012 – In an effort to show support for America’s failed drug war and destroy money making Thai enterprises benefiting eager customers in foreign countries, Thailand has seized the entire inventory of a major business in the city of Saraburi, Thailand, and have jailed some of the low level employees of the business.  Police seized Thailand’s biggest ever haul of Marijuana (a made up word for hemp with Cannabis used for smoking to relax and cure major diseases). This was the largest haul confiscated by Police in Thailand ever, weighing in at about three and half tons (3000…
 
Log in