[Phuket tourist murder: Suspect has admitted everything, police chief thanks private sector for 200K donation]

If the cops had any decency they would donate the money to the family. Oops- I spot the flaw in that argument.

 

Paid to do their job- Tit!

[Kamala at night?]

14 hours ago, Espanol said:

Thanks for confirming that Kamala is muslin zone.

 

The west coast north of Patong is a 'Muslim Zone'- got a problem with that? As pointed out above they are not radical sword wielding zealots but pretty mellow for the most part. 'Westerners' in Kamala have no issues assimilating with them and vice versa. Have you ever actually visited Kamala? You seem to have issues with Muslims, best you keep away then.

 

As for the Phuket Bashers I see them as FipLiks and FipLips (Failed in Phuket, lives in Korat and Failed in Phuket, lives in Pattaya). There are some extremely bitter people out there who seem to think the whole island is Patong, when in reality its a very small part of the place. Ballon chasers are welcome to their B49 instead of B50 breakfasts elsewhere.

[Kamala at night?]

17 hours ago, London Lowf said:

 

The last time I was in Kamala (March 2020) there was one "7" (the one closest to Kamala Regent) that didn't sell alcohol. They also didn't serve whatever meat it is that Muslims consider dirty. I would guess that it was because it was close to two mosques?

 

No sympathy for the fool who bought a condo without doing the most basic research.

 

 

I concur- pre-COVID there were 8 7-11s  (and a number of Family Marts) within Kamala. Currently 3 out of the 4 7-11s open, along with 5 supermarkets are selling alcohol during permitted hours. There are a number of bottle shops as well. Only the 7-11 you pointed out does not sell alcohol and has a restricted line of goods. 

 

I also agree about the condo purchase- this place is 300m from the nearest mosque- how difficult is due diligence. Funny how its always a 'friend' that gets caught out. If the prayer cycle is so upsetting its simple- just don't come here.

 

The Muslim community in Kamala is very tolerant, most of the properties that are bars are owned by muslims- its funny to see a 'penguin' quite happily conversing with the bar girls, they don't have the angst that Westerners seem to. 

[Kamala at night?]

On 8/9/2021 at 6:50 PM, HansumFarang said:

 

Thanks for the posts from the people who are currently in Phuket, very helpful.

 

I know Kamala isn't "party central", a few hours of pool and beer is more than enough for me most of the time.

You seem to have exactly the right concept of Kamala and should enjoy your time here. What's not to like- its quiet, for you accommodation is cheap even for top end hotels and despite some comments you can buy alcohol for private consumption. Kamala is NOT Patong (even when Patong is open) and that's what people like about it. I saw a comment that the beach is <deleted>- what more does someone need than two km of sand? On top of that you have several smaller beaches. Yes there's been debris on the surfline the past week but that always happens with the storms.

 

There are, as you can read a number of Phuket haters here- why they bother to post ad nauseum baffles me. They hate the place but love commenting about it. Some things about Phuket do leave a lot to be desired but the pros outweigh the cons. Even within Phuket you have the Kamala haters- personally Rawai does nothing for ME, give me Kamala any time. If it was carp I wouldn't live here. 

 

At present there are 6 western type restaurants open on the main road- AP is opening weekends for sports but closed the rest of the week. Until the next review on 16 Aug they are prohibited from selling alcohol and are closing at 9pm. AP would be the only one of them with a pool table, when open. A couple of bars are operating under the radar but its pretty sad to see people that desperate that they are using their cellphone lights to drink by, (I kid you not!) may as well stay at home and watch tv with a beer.

['Devastated' Lady Gaga holes up in 5-star hotel in Rome as LAPD continues hunt for her dognappers]

If dog-walkers are now 'heroes' there is something wrong with society.

[Thailand to increase speed limit to 120kph]

4 minutes ago, keith101 said:

We can sit back and watch the road toll at least double with this increased speed limit .

On the two or three roads in the entire country where it will actually be applied?

[Alcohol sales to be banned on Makha Bucha day]

 

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Ridiculous.... 

 Yep- how dare a country celebrate a religious holiday that's been going on for centuries.

 

1 hour ago, grumbleweed said:

Expect an avalanche of:

If you can't live a day without...

or

If you're too dumb to plan ahead...

Less than one page of indignation so far- disgraceful. You really must try harder. 

[Drunken Phuket police officer shoots noodle vendor on Bangla Rd]

1 hour ago, PatOngo said:

Further enhancement to the reputation of the RTP!

Phuket police having a bad week publicity wise. First urinating off a Maj Gen, now this.

 

Pretty poor shot though- 9 rds fired and one hit! Seems his card was already marked for something as he was already being transferred. Kicking him after shooting him shows a particularly nasty streak.

 

Anyone remember Constable Savage? ????

[Foreigners should be FORCED to have a Covid-19 vaccination - and they should pay for it, Thai poll]

8 hours ago, law ling said:

The use of the word "forced" is a little unsettling.

It was done on purpose to create (so far) 18 pages of Thaigeezer indignation and frothing. ????

[Hunt Continues for Red Bull Heir]

It is all a plot by QAnon and the Deep State to cause apoplexy amongst Thaigeezers by resurrecting  'Boss' with a new thread every 2 months ad nauseum. ????

 

Should he ever be caught what will they do with their lives?  The will to live and go purple will wither and die.

[Kasikorn ATM/Conversion]

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

NEVER accept the conversion (you will still get the cash) the exchange rate is far better.

 

How will he still get the cash- the ATMs only have baht. He will pay the US debit card company's rip-off exchange rate.

 

 

1 hour ago, dddave said:

A Kasikorn ATM is handiest to my apartment.  Whenever I withdraw Baht using my US based debit card, before completing the transaction, it asks do I want to convert to Thai Baht or Dollars.

I think this has something to do with conversion rates but I don't have a clue which option is better to select.  Anybody know what I'm asking about?

I don't understand why an ATM would offer the option- are you sure you are reading it properly as it doesn't make sense.

[Please recommend me a good family resort in Phuket.]

I'd contact Sunwing Kamala or Impiana Hotel in Patong direct for a rate, don't bother with booking agents.

 

Impiana was doing a suite for 1.5k a night when a friend stayed there last month- 5  rooms were taken up in the whole complex. Sunwing had 3 (!) ccupants the other day when I was talking to a member of staff as I passed along the beach.

 

Sunwing is the better choice IMHO as there's a bit more life to Kamala than Patong at the moment. Both places are on the beach (well, not ON the beach but right next to it ????).

[Regional Court of Appeal, costing B366mn, opens in Phuket]

5 hours ago, PatOngo said:

I wonder what the actual building costs were? ????

I've noticed travelling around the country that one comes across these edifices in the middle of nowhere.  One at the main junction in Phang Na comes to mind as does one on the main highway past Prachup Khiri Khan and another near Chiang Khan up north. Massive buildings with hardly anyone in them- the judiciary does seem to feather its own nest (remember the housing fiasco in CM as well?

[Russian man narrowly misses Heroines Monument in early morning accident]

I like that he was not tested for alcohol as he 'appeared' not to be intoxicated. (Well- I don't like it to be honest. Its about time people were tested on the spot as a matter of course). 

[Raid halts illegal construction in Phuket national park]

STOP Press: Local story causes indignation amongst Thaigeezers around Thailand again. ????

[Britain's Captain Tom Moore received online abuse in weeks before death]

Some will take umbrage at this but I personally think the word 'hero' is overly and incorrectly used in this day and age.

 

Capt Tom, as did many others, did his job during the war and we are grateful for what he did. Was it 'heroic' I would suggest not- many others went above and beyond and do not regard themselves as 'heroes' as I expect he would have agreed.

 

Capt Tom was a rare example of what is missing in a lot of people today- a decent bloke who did the right thing at the right time- be it either during the war or setting an example to others by his magnificent achievements last year. I personally see him more as a 'role-model' than a 'hero'.

 

Anyone who denigrates his achievements should hang their head in shame.

[Netanyahu acknowledges differences with Biden, but confident he'll call]

On 2/16/2021 at 7:21 PM, EVENKEEL said:

Antisemitism seems be rampant on this forum, sad.

Nope- not even a flicker of it so far. Netanyahu, along with the lobbyists in AIPIC, has worked hard over the past two years to link 'anti-Israel' with 'anti-semitic'. Unfortunately too many are buying into it even though its blatant disambiguation.

 

Disliking the actions of a country and its politicians is far from being against a religion or a general population. Any criticism of Israel  the COUNTRY is quickly followed by 'anti-semitic'- its complete BS.

 

Its like dragging out the events of the late 30s and early 40s to justify how they behave now. Yes, it happened- we all know it happened, and abhore what happened. No- it is not an excuse to continue to behave atrociously and maintain an apartheid state that acts as it please attacking sovereign states and conducting assassinations with top cover from the US.

 

I echo spidermike007's comments above as well- he's nailed it.

[Newbie here... Acceptable MSM Sources?]

Non according to the MAGA brigade on hrere- they are all commie liberal leftist vegan liars????

 

On a more serious note I personally find Al J to be the most unbias  national network at present- they do tend to do Yemen and a couple of other stories to death though.

 

 BBC has lost it and I have no time for the sensationalism and slickness of agenda driven US networks.

[Good tv series]

On 1/4/2021 at 12:39 PM, madmitch said:

The Serpent. Started January 1st and second episode last night on BBC1. Set in Bangkok in the 1970s so added interest for those of us in Thailand. Based on a true story about a gem dealer/serial killer.

Thought it was a great series- got a huge shock at the end when I realised I have known one of the people involved for over 25 years. He was very lucky not to have been killed himself. 

 

A Perfect Planet, Attenborough's latest Natural History series is superb, absolutely stunning photography and I was hooked on Money Heist. Burned through series 3 and 4 back to back. Series 5 will be the last.

 

Having seen some of the youtube videos of the CQB training I have just got through the first 3 John Wick- nearly binned the last one as it was getting (even more) silly towards the end. The CQB bits are pretty good, the best being with Halle Berry and the dogs (now wouldn't that make an interesting 'alternative' video!) but I got a bit hacked off with him just dumping mags on the floor. I know its Hollyweird but dumping mags on the floor and constant unnecessary cocking of weapons winds up this purist! Some of the best CQB since Val Kilmer in Heat IMHO and he'd certainly put some time into the training.

[Red Wine bargain in Phuket]

22 hours ago, JetsetBkk said:

 

From their website":

 

"STONE'S ORIGINAL GREEN GINGER WINE

Once you try this delicious elixir you will be hooked…for life. Stone's Original Green Ginger Wine is a unique, and some may say "cult like" beverage. Our Ginger Master selects the finest quality ginger roots which are harvested and sent to the Stone's winery where the magic really happens. (We can’t tell you our special secrets, but we can say the result is pure and unique ginger goodness.) Stone's Original Green Ginger Wine is rich golden brown in colour with a powerful pungent ginger aroma. This spicy character follows on the palate where its zing and zest are quite noticeable, moderated by a softening sweetness.  Warming you on the inside from the tip of your tongue to the bottom of your toes it is perfect on its own or in one of the many recipes and cocktails. Alcohol - 13.9% alc. vol."

 

I'm hooked.  

 

You would have thought, with all the available ginger grown here (which I love with Esaan sausages), that someone would make some local wine from it. Maybe they do and I just don't know about it. Time for some googling...

 

PS. JJ McWilliams Shiraz is 420 at Villa Market. If it was a good buy at 399 in Big C, it's a better buy for Rawai locals at 420! 

Continuing the thread-jack I make Ginger Beer (before the white knight's start about brewing being illegal don't bother- I don't care!)- its very simple and only needs a few ingredients. Takes 2-3 weeks.

 

Wine would be a bit  more finicky given the temperatures here but its probably doable. The ginger beer has a bit of a kick (the hydrometer sank????) and its quite refreshing when chilled down. 

 

A number of the items needed can be sources within country, others can be easily adapted (think 6 litre water bottle with a hole cut in the top for an airlock).

 

 I'm considering making some Mead next as I have access to good Thai honey at a good price. If it doesn't work so what- trial and error is the way ahead.

 

 PM me for details to avoid any accusations of colluding in doing something naughty on the Forum if you want to know where to source the bits from a well-known online site. 

[Does it bother you being labelled as a "Farang" when in the company of Thais?]

2 hours ago, WineOh said:

I'm sure this topic has been done to death on here before, but as of yet I haven't seen one.

My question is, when you are in the company of Thai people, say at a dinner, wedding or whatever, does it bother you when you are constantly referred to as the farang?

 

For me it happens quite a lot,

as I spend lots of time with thais I hear the term regularly.

When I first moved here it didn't bother me at all, but now it kind of does.

It wears you down when you hear it constantly,

like it or not but the word Farang is a label.

It creates an 'us and them' mentality amongst the locals.

The word itself may pose little harm on its own, but after years of being constantly reminded that you are a foreigner, an outsider, it gets to you.

 

Why is there a deep distrust among Thais with the farang?

I recall one recent episode that happened a few weeks ago.

one of our neighbours had just had a baby, the grandmother was there to stay.

she was more than happy to let my wife come and see him but she asked specifically not to let the farang in.

when my wife asked why, her response was 'farang mai dee. covid yer.'

this is just one example of hundreds I have experienced over the years.

Some days it doesnt bother me at all, other days like today it gets on my t*ts!

 

How about you lot?

does it bother you always being labelled a foreigner when in the company of locals? 

 

 

Yes it has. You don't like Chinese New Year, you don't like a non-derogatory term, you don't like this about Thailand, you don't like that about Thailand 

 

Why are you here? You clearly are not suited to the place. Methinks your id does you justice.

 

By the way when it comes to the locals you ARE a foreigner by the way. Tis not Rocket Science.

[With Republican firewall, U.S. Senate acquits Trump of inciting deadly Capitol riot]

Even McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao  had the moral turpitude to resign her position as Secretary of Transportation following the events of 6 Jan. He and his ilk are an absolute disgrace. If I was an American I would do my level best to rid the Senate of these self-serving parasites whos only goal is to remain at the trough come the mid-terms.

 

Trump walks away from this with the blood of at least 5 people on his hands, notwithstanding the divisions and hatred he leaves in his wake.  

 

Trump will trumpet his acquittal and not give a toss about the deaths he was DIRECTLY responsible for. Shame on him and shame on the cowards in the Senate. Hopefully civil suits connected with the deaths will pursue him. He is pure toxicity.

[What's with the sudden fascination over Chinese New Year?]

13 minutes ago, WineOh said:

Not for me.

 

That plane ticket back to the west is looking more appetizing by the day!

Let's see how bad it gets, once I reach my threshold i'm outta here.

Back to the west? You may want to check this list before you go.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese

 

We wouldn't want you to be traumatised by the sound of firecrackers in wherever it is you hail from. 

[What's with the sudden fascination over Chinese New Year?]

14 minutes ago, WineOh said:

errr, correct me if i'm wrong but this is THAILAND.

Last time I checked I wasn't living in CHINA.

 

Why on earth is chinese new year now a public holiday in Thailand?

what the hell is going on!

Err the Chinese community in Canada is not in China. The Chinese Community in the US is not in China. The Chinese community in Australia is not in China. The Chinese community in Malaysia is not in China. The Chinese community in Singapore is NOT in China. those countries and many othrs embrace the culture and encourage it,

 

Apart from your seemingly bigoted view why should the Chinese Community (and those of Chinese descent- also known as the Merchant Class) in Thailand not celebrate?

 

I guess Christmas, Orthodox Christmas, Hannukah, Valentines Day, Easter, Thanksgiving  (both the real and US ones), Halloween and  and other cultural days should be off the list for those that want to recognise them in Thailand in your world.

 

It may also have escaped your notice that the Gov't is encouraging one long weekend every month to enhance domestic tourism. It just works out that this month its Chinese New Year. Gung He Fat Choi.

[Phuket Poll: Would you take a COVID vaccine?]

1 hour ago, beechbum said:

Depending on the manufacturer of it I'd have no problem getting jab.

How dare you be the first person from PHUKET to comment on a PHUKET poll. That's the naughty step for you my boy! ????