My Blog by Chris Parker

Diary of a Snowy day

2012-02-04T20:08:00.000Z

4th Febuary 2012

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Thailand Battles with itself

2012-02-04T14:51:00.001Z

Thailand once again seems to be torn between factions of the old elite and new thinking generation. This time the topic is the divisive Lese Majeste Law, or article 112.

I have explained several times that this law exsists to protect the Thai Monarchy from criticism. Recently there have been several high profile cases that have resulted in people of all nationalities being imprisoned for either critcising or allowing other people to break law 112.

Now the intelligency of Thailand are asking for reforms to #112, Academics and students at Thammasat University have formed the Nitirat Group to call for the wholesale amendment and hopefully the end of #112. To tow the line, the University as distanced itself from this group and as banned all debate on the subject. In all fairness you can't blame them. In the 70's. dozens of students were massarced by Government sponsered gangs, the crack down was savage and there are plenty of footage on Youtube that is very gruesome.

I, however do wonder. Is all this commotion that seems only to be between High level Thai's and foreigners living in thailand is filtering through to the public at large? I believe they have more to be bothered about, plus the establishment is deliberately not discussing the subject in the media. I say "Not discussing", I really mean, they can't discuss it. If an Editor dare show any sort of support for the Nitirat Group they could expect a black bag visit at best.

This lack of debate is really sad. I think that Thai people are more than capable of having a reasonable debate, but like most things in Thailand, its the Elite who decide who discuss's what.

Derwent Valley World Heritage Site

2012-02-04T14:23:00.001Z

I'm so used to and take for granted where I live. In fact, I only live 200M from a World Heritage Site. I can see it from our living room window.

Below is the description on the World Heritage Web Site:

"Derwent Valley in central England saw the birth of the factory system, when new types of building were erected to house the new technology for spinning cotton developed by Richard Arkwright in the early 19th century. There was large-scale industrial production in a hitherto rural landscape. The need to provide housing and other facilities for workers and managers resulted in the creation of the first industrial towns.

The valley contains a series of 18th- and 19th-century cotton mills and an industrial landscape of high historical and technological significance. The industrial-scale production and the workers' housing associated illustrate the socio-economic development of the area. The construction in 1721 at Derby in the English East Midlands of a water-driven mill to manufacture silk thread was a very significant event in the Industrial Revolution. This was the work of Richard Arkwright, who in the 1760s successfully developed a machine for spinning cotton. He formed a partnership with silk manufacturer Jedediah Strutt. They selected Cromford, a village upstream of the river Derwent from Derby, for his first mill, work on which began in 1772. Arkwright also made provision for his workforce, mostly children. In order to attract them and their parents, he developed the village of Cromford. Weavers were invited to live in the houses that he built, their children working in the spinning mills and the parents weaving calico from Arkwright's cotton on the topmost floors.

The Evans brothers began building a cotton mill at Darley Abbey, just north of Derby, in 1782, in the beginning in partnership with Richard Arkwright. It was completed around 1786, but burned down two years later. Its replacement was constructed immediately and was considerably enlarged. The company diversified its production, eventually giving up spinning, and it is now the home for a number of small businesses.

Like Arkwright and the Strutt brothers, the Evans family provided a community for their workers. The late 1820s saw the beginning of a progressive decline in the fortunes of both mills. In 1979 it had suffered two fires and much alteration. It is now home to a range of small businesses, as well as a popular heritage attraction. The Masson Mill, by contrast, was modernized in the late 1880s and was in continuous operation until 1992. Now the complete property consists of a continuous strip 24 km long, from the edge of Matlock Bath in the north almost to the centre of Derby in the south.

Belper is located halfway between Cromford and Derby and is formed by Belper North Mill (1804) and East Mill (1912). Its houses are built from gritstone or locally made brick and roofed with Welsh slate. They are laid out in rows, largely on an east-west alignment and in various forms as the company experimented with different designs. There is also the Chapel and Chapel Cottage (1788)."

If you ever visit the area, drop me line....

Scotland

2012-02-04T14:02:00.000Z

This week I went to Scotland for the first time ever. I seemed to have been to dozens of countries all around the world, but neglected to visit this one on my doorstep!

I was there with work, being shown by Lenny at our Grangemouth Depot. During the full day that I spent on the road I got to see alot of mid Scotland and Glasgow.

It did seem different to to England, the acsent was amazing! With everything ending with the word "PAL" eg. "See you Pal". At one appointmentin the sticks, I really had to strain to catch what was being said. I also had a lengthy discussion about Irn Bru. It seems, that in Scotland, Irn Bru is drunk like we drink Coca Cola.

I stayed at Airth Castle Hotel, I was surprised that I stayed here! It was a four star Hotel well above my pay grade, but I didn't knock it.

I visited Park Head, the home of Celtic Football Club, and went through such notorious neighbourhoods as Govan and The Gorbals. Both looked pretty smart to me.

One thing I noticed was the lack of any non white people. During my whole stay I only saw one Black lady pushing her baby and that was in the heart of Glasgow. I was told "We don't have many Darkies up here"!

I would like to re-visit Scotland, but when the weather is better and of course with Nuch and Elizabeth.

Bullshit Car Insurance

2012-01-23T20:54:00.000Z

Its that time of year again when i have to renew my car insurance. Like every year you have to jump through the same hoops and wade through the bullshit the Insurance companies lay down.

Its all a trick that Insurance compnies hope that the less interested person will just renew without checking out the new inflated renewal.

My last premium cost around £35 per month. Hastings direct, my insurance company quoted a renewal at £45 per month. They seemed a little bit taken a back when I told them what they could do with that offer. I then told them I had moved. Straight away the guy told me that would make a great deal of difference, maybe my new postcode would be better and the premium lower. I then told him my postcode was the same. Despite this he managed to get my premium down to £39 a month.

I told him I would think about it and for him to give me a call back later. In the mean time I went on the confused.com web site and put in all my details. Amazingly (but, not surprisingly) I found an all singing and ancing policy for onl £31 per month, it even had better cover than my present policy. The company that was offering it to me?

You guessed it- Hastings Direct.

When the sales guy phoned me back, I told him I'd found a policy at £30 per month on a comparison site, but wouldn't tell him who. He went away to ask his Supervisor a question and came back with a matching policy for £28 per month.

Why do we have to go through this crap every year? Just give me the best price and I'll not bother checking the internet. I guess they work that for every person who questions a renewal, one person will just sign it and pay full whack.

Thai Politics 2012

2012-01-22T17:27:00.001Z

First off, I know that foreigners are never welcome participants in Thai politics! Thai's believe that their politics is there business. Right fully so, however it still doesn't stop people from having an opinion.

Last year the PTT of thaksin Shinawatra came to power under the guise of his Sister, Yingluck. Obviously Thaksin is still a fugitive and wanted on corruption charges. This isn't a healthy start really.

PTT were elected with about 50% of the popular vote, they promised the world to the poorer of thai Society. In all fairness, if I had of been able to vote it would have been for PTT, the Democrat Party alternative were never a viable option.

Since the election, PTT have returned to standard form for Thai Government. Behind the scenes strings are being pulled by the powerful and this is to the detriment of the normal person. Populist moves like freezing Diesel duty, whilst popular, miss the point that to improve the lot of normal people a good stream of revenue is needed. Never mind that corruption is at an all time high and those who should be paying tax get away with it.

PTT have increased the crack down on free speech with a Department set up purely to moniter the internet for any person breaking the laws on Les Majeste. This is a law which prohibits the critism of the Royal family. High profile cases have included a US citizen, a Web master and a 70 year Grandad being sent to prison for years at a time. The Thai press are very careful what they write so tend not to bother reporting many stories.

Recently the US Ebassy issued a terrorism warning based on solid info, The Thai foreign ministry went beserk and amazingly found a suspect the same day. The guy looks like more of a patsy than a criminal, but providing face as been saved in Thailand then that isn't a problem.

In a recent cabinet re-shuffle, one of the ministers is on a US black list for financial dealings with Zimbabwe and another is on a murder charge dating back to 2010. It seems, its not what you know, but who you know.

Finally, one of the back bone pledges of PTT was the raising of the minimum wage to 300 baht per day (£6), this as since been shelved. Add this to the terrible handling of the recent mega floods and the corruption on going without punishment and it seems that its business as usual in Thailand.

The latest is talk of another Military Coup. There hasn't been one for over five years, so one is due.

Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra

Supatra restaurant Hua Hin

2012-01-22T16:47:00.000Z

We have been to the Supatra Restaurant several times now and it as got to have one of the best settings for a restaurant going.

You can see by a stone wall over looking the beach and in the shadow of Khao Tikiab in the south of Hua Hin.

Whilst it is probably more expensive than a lot of local restaurants, the quality of the food is outstanding and the service is also excellent.

This place is definately worth a visit.

Address:
Supatra by the Sea Restaurant
122/63 Takiab Rd.
Nong-gae, Hua Hin,
Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110

More Shocking News from Bangkok

2012-01-22T11:16:00.001Z

I seem to be a little behind current affairs in Thailand. The above picture first appeared a few days ago as a viral going round the Thai web sphere.

It shows a group of 13-14 year old thai girls in a state of un dress and in provocative positions. Thai opinion is split, with most of the population going off in their usual explosive tirade of public lynch mobbing, whilst most Thai male teenagers are using it as their PC wallpaper.

In my opinion, what do you expect? Every day these young girls see their idols in various states of undress and models avertising everyday products using their female form as the selling point. Modern life Thailand, get used to it.

Shocking News from Bangkok

2012-01-22T10:33:00.002Z

In a shocking development over the weekend, Bangkok as been plunged into a state of near panic!

It all stems from photos coming out of several illegal Casino's showing dealers topless!!!

I'm not sure what people are so alarmed at. Illegal Gambling or Topless ladies in Bangkok? Like everything in Thailand, it needs the occassional outrage just to keep certain people in check.

Bangkoks top Copper said he is shocked to see topless ladies in Bangkok. WTF!

Chances are that its one of his Officers who is running the Casino, not withstanding even I know where there are illegal Casino's in Bangkok and i don't even live there. Has far as topless ladies go, he will only need to walk down any entertainment area in Bangkok and he'll get to see a bit more than topless girls!!!

I think that the biggest outrage is that the pictures put online are pixelated!

That was the year that was 2011

2012-01-21T14:58:00.002Z

2011 started as 2010 end, very snowy and cold. I was still only working part time, but we were more than getting on fine. At the end of the month I got a full time job. Working for a National company at their local Depot.

In March, Elizabeth and I went to Disneyland Paris. Not my cup of tea, but obviously Elizabeth looved every second. It was good to get back to France and I made the most of our visit to the Hypermarket near Calais to stock up on goodies.

Over Easter I took Elizabeth to Matlock Bath and a visit up to the Heights of Abraham via the cable cars. The cable cars never fail to impress and the pictures you can get looking down the Derwent Valley are truly spectacular.

In May and June we went on Holiday to Thailand. We did Bangkok, Koh Samet and Hua Hin. All of these are personal favourites of mine. We stayed at several excellent Hotels and visited some excellent beaches. We met the In- Laws who were all fine. Although later in the year they were severly affected by the floods that hit Thailand.

One of the lasting memories were the Zoo's we visited in Thailand, we were able to get up close and personal with Dolphins, Orang Utan, Deer, Sharks, Elephants and baby Tigers.

Elizabeth continued to grow both in height and personallity. She is becoming a proper little person. There are good days and bad days, mostly good days. She is in The rainbows, goes to Karate and is having swimming lessons.

In August, Elizabeth and I went to Zante for a week. Despite loosing our original holiday to Turkey because of the holiday company going bust we had a great time. I really like Europe and hope to get there again this year.

The last quarter of the year as been taken up by my re-introduction to cycling. It as bought alot of memories and I'm meeting up with alot of people who I've not seen for years. I bought the bike through the Cycle to Work scheme, which means I got a top bike and I get at least 40% off and only pay for it weekly. I'm still searching for the downside of the scheme.

2011 was definately better than 2010. I can only hope that 2012 is as good.

Concordia Disaster

2012-01-18T20:27:00.002Z

You wont have failed to have seen pics and reports about the Italian Liner "The Concordia" sinking off the coast of Italy.

Some of the images have been amazing, sadly the price paid looks like around 30 people have lost their lives.

The reason appears to be that Captain Schettino was impressing a lady friend with his handling of the 60000 tonne super liner and hit a massive rock, The ship soon took on water and listed to where it settled.

By all accounts, it was absolute chaos! All semblance of civilty dissappeared and panic took over.

Below is the conversation btween the Italian Coastguard and the feckless Capt. Schettino. This conversation is not painting the Capt in very good light. He is currently under house arrest and is facing severe charges.

Coastguard official, Captain Gregorio De Falco (CG): “Hello. This is De Falco from Livorno, am I speaking with the captain?”

Captain Francesco Schettino (FS): “Yes, good evening Captain De Falco.”

CG: “Am I speaking with the captain? Please tell me your name.”

FS: “This is captain Schettino.”

CG: “Schettino? Listen Schettino, there are people trapped on board. Now you need to go on your lifeboat, under the bow of the ship on the side. There is a ladder. You need to climb up the ladder and board the ship. Get on board and report to me how many people there are. Is that clear? I am recording this conversation, captain Schettino.”

FS: “Captain, let me tell you one thing...”

CG: “Speak up!”

FS: “The ship, at this moment...”

CG: “Captain, speak up! Shield the microphone with your hand and speak louder, clear?”

FS: “At this moment the ship is tilted.”

CG: “I understand. Listen, there are people who are coming down the ladder on the bow. Go back in the opposite direction, get back on the ship, and tell me how many people there are and what they have on board. Clear? Tell me if there are children, women and what kind of help they need. And you tell me the number of each of these categories. Is that clear? Look, Schettino, perhaps you have saved yourself from the sea but I will make you look very bad. I will make you pay for this. Dammit!”

FS: “Captain, please...”

CG: “There is no 'please’ about it. Go back on board. Assure me you are going back on board!”

FS: “I am in the lifeboat, under the ship, I haven’t gone anywhere, I’m here.”

CG: “What are you doing?”

FS: “I am coordinating...”

CG: “What are you coordinating there? Get on board the ship and coordinate the rescue on board. Are you refusing?”

FS: “No, no I am not refusing.”

CG: “Are you refusing to go on board? Tell me the reason why you are not going.”

FS: “I am not going because there is another lifeboat that has stopped.”

CG: “You get on board. This is an order. You need to continue the rescue. You called the evacuation, now I am in charge. You need to go on board the ship, is that clear?”

FS: “Captain.”

CG: “Can you hear me?”

FS: “I am going.”

CG: “Go. Call me when you are on board. My air rescue team is there. He is at
the bow. Get going. There are already corpses Schettino. Move!”

FS: “How many dead are there?”

CG: “I don’t know. One I am aware of. One I’ve heard of. You need to be telling me this. Christ!”

FS: “But you are aware it is dark and we can’t see anything?”

CG: “And what do you want? To go back home, Schettino? It’s dark and you want to go back home? Get on the bow of the ship and tell me what can be done, how many people there are and what do they need. Now!”

FS: “I am here with the second commander.”

CG: “Excuse me?”

FS: “I am here with the second commander his name is...”

CG: “So both of you, get on board, both of you. What is the name of the second?”

FS: “Dimitry.”

CG: “Dimitry who?”

FS: “Dimitry... “ (Unclear)

CG: “You and your second commander, go and get on board now. Is that clear?”

FS: “I want to get on board the ship but the other lifeboat has stopped its engine and it is drifting and I called other rescuers.”

CG: “It’s already one hour you are telling me this. Now, get on board. Get on board! And you tell me how many people there are.”

FS: “OK, Captain.”

CG: “Go, right now!”

After a short break and with rescue workers struggling to evacuate the remaining passengers and crew from the ship, the exchange between Capt De Falco and Capt Schettino continues:

CG: “Captain, I am De Falco from Livorno.”

FS: “I have called the company and they told me there are hundreds of people on board the ship. I think.”

CG: “Captain can you not give me an exact number?”

FS: “It seems like it’s 100. Captain, I am not able to give you the exact number. Earlier we were carrying out the evacuation of all the passengers and now all of us officers are here.”

CG: “Where are you? You and your officers are all on the lifeboat?”

FS: “Yes, me and the second commander...”

CG: “Excuse me but earlier it was just you and your sailor and now you are telling me that you are there with the officers. So you could have continued the evacuation? Why don’t you go back on board and see what is happening and then tell us?

FS: “At the moment...”

CG: “Get back on board! Send someone back on board to coordinate.”

FS: “I am coordinating at the moment.”

CG: “I am giving you an order captain. You must send someone on board.”

FS: “We are going on board to coordinate.”

CG: “Exactly, you have to go back on board to coordinate the evacuation. Is that clear?”

FS: “But we can’t go back on board now.”

CG: “Why did you get them off Captain?

FS: “They abandoned the ship.”

CG: “One hundred people still on board and you abandoned the ship?

FS: “I didn’t abandon any ship because the ship turned on its side quickly and we were catapulted into the water.”

CG: “We will see later what happened. OK. But from now you let me know everything that is happening. You stay on the life boat and don’t you go away. Is that clear?”

FS: “We are here, we are here.”

The feckless Capt. Schettino

Annual Apology 2012

2012-01-17T20:54:00.000Z

Its the time of year were I begin by apologising for not posting in over four weeks.

It seems to happen every year at about this time. No excuses...

Well maybe?

We moved house over the Christmas holiday and have only just got my broadband connection back and the PC set up. Certain items of furniture only turned up, which is more of a comfort thing.

The main reason seems to be the time it takes me to get back in to a routine after the Christmas break.

Has usual, here comes my promise to keep this blog going! This year I need to do another complete another 268 posts to bring up my 1000th post on this blog. Number 1000 will be posted on the 31st December 2012, providing the end of the world prophecy doesn't come to fruition.

So, Happy New Year everyone....

Like it or lump it

2011-12-20T21:03:00.000Z

Thailands Army chief Prayuth Chano-cha has urged the public to refrain from discussing the possibility bombings during the New Year holiday, and the issue of the lese majeste law.

If people aren't happy with the situation with the Lese Majeste law they are quite welcome to leave Thailand.

The Lese majeste law is a law in Thailand that makes it illegal to criticise the Thai monarchy or the institution of monarchy. Recently a 61 year old was sentenced to 20 years for sending 4 text messages, an Thai born American was sentenced to 15 years for putting a link to a book that defamed the Thai King and a web board editor as been sent down because people posted adverse comments on her web forum.

The US Embassy in Bangkok as been allowing comments on its open Facebook page. Some of the comments left were definately in breach of the Lese Majeste law and the Embassy faced protests by ultra right groups that even posted pictures of a beheaded Ambassador on the page.

Ultra right wing shit like this really scares me, we are currently in the process of booking next years trip to Thailand, I will be monitoring the situation closely and if there are any further problems and Malaysia here we come.

McDonalds cross the boundry

2011-12-07T21:48:00.001Z

In the local paper today and on advertising boards outside 2 McDonald Restaurants in Derby. McDonalds have annouced that they will be opening on Christmas Day. Even the whore monger giant Supermarkets have left this day as a holiday.

I can't believe any one at 9am on Christmas morning will think, "I know, we've opened the presents, now lets nip down to McDonalds". I really hope no one turns up and this will be the last time they do this stunt.

Lets make Christmas, Christmas again....

Shameful

2011-11-29T21:12:00.001Z

This is the latest viral video doing the rounds in the UK. It shows a possibly drunken or drugged up Bitch of a woman on a tram in London hurling racist abuse at any non-white person on it.

One of the saddest parts is the fact that she as her Toddler child sitting on her knee and is giving it several rounds of Fucks in front of him without a care.

In America, she would be described as Trailer Trash. In the UK, she would be called a Chav, but I belive that description is being disrestpectful to Chav's.

Since this video as been posted online, the woman as been arrested for spouting racism, similar to the charge John Terry may have to face. The lady is also recieving some support online, but this is very, very small.

Don't get me wrong, even though I'm married to an Immigrant and have a mixed race Daughter, I believe that the UK does havean Immigrant problem, but in my view it's nothing to do with skin colour, but with people entering the country illegally and not putting anything back into society.

Watch the Video and judge for yourself.

Old House Flood

2011-11-28T16:09:00.001Z

I came across this video on You Tube of the housing project we used to live on.

As you can see, the flooding is staggering, these video's were taken after the worse was over, but still the devastation is beyond my comprehension.

When I think of all the people we know who live on the Project and the livelihoods they earnt from their houses, I really hope that they recover soon.

New Phone

2011-11-26T08:43:00.001Z

Well after 3-1/2 years of using an iPhone, I have finally changed phones.

I have just bought a Samsung Galaxy S2. It seems to have everything that the new iPhone 4S has and is far superior to the iPhone 3GS that I was using. Sadly the main reason is the expense, at nearly £200 cheaper than the new iPhone it was pretty much a no brainer.

I really like the 4.3" screen and the brightness of the screen, the 8mp camara is outstanding.

It will take a bit of time to get used to the new Android operating system, but first impressions are that it does the things I need it to do and alot easier.

Also no "iTunes", heavens be praised from being tied to something that is the only way your phone can operate with.

Gagged

2011-11-24T22:41:00.001Z

Thailand seems to have plummed a new low in the sphere of free speech.

This week a 61 year old Thai man, Ampon Tangnoppakul has been jailed to 20 years in prison for allegedly sending four SMS messages to the secretary of the former PM in which he is said to have broken Thailands strict Lese Majeste rules.

Lese Majeste is a law designed to protect the Thai royal family from critism and abuse. In itself that is maybe not a bad thing. Some of the things that are said about our royal family really gets on my nerves sometimes. However if the critism is deserved, then an adult discussion is a good thing.

Unfortunately, in Thailand, a group of elite, ultra royalist who run the country have taken the law to its enth degree. Anything negative or not towing the official line will see you in court. It is used as a political football and every party has to be seen to be cracking down on any one that breaks the law.

In the Bangkok Post today, it was reported that anyone who puts anything on Facebook or likes anything that is considered to be a Lese Majeste offence on facebook will be tracked down and prosecuted.

It seems that in this present world of instant news and social networks, I can only see Thai jails becoming full of people who have broken the law, maybe even people who weren't even aware that they had broken the law.

Thai Floods in Pics

2011-11-07T15:59:00.000Z

As the floods in Thailand move slowly from the north down to the north, west and central Bangkok, below are a few pics of the flood so far....

Hopefully the waters will start going down soon.......

Goals Goals Goals

2011-10-30T21:33:00.001Z

Today I ticked off another of my cycling goals.

Since I got my new road bike I have set myself five goals:

1. Ride to Matock 35km
2. Ride to Bakewell 60km
3. Ride the Chatsworth-Bakewell circuit 72km
4. Ride the Chatsworth-Bakewell-Winster circuit 88km
5. Ride to Buxton 125km

I would like to think I can acheive these goals by the end of the year, however this will more than likely depend on the weather, which if its anything like today will make things tougher.

Bangkok Flooding 2011

2011-10-29T09:03:00.003+01:00

Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra as annouced that the worste is probably over in this years monumental flood! This is Thai Elite speak for:-

Bangkok City centre as survived again, so we'll be able to go shopping later in the swanky Shopping Malls!!

Unfortunately, for the Northern and Eastern parts of Bangkok, the normal Thai people have had to sacrifice their homes, livelihoods and in some cases their lives so the Central part of Bangkok can go on as normal. Whilst I wouldn't wish the floods on anyone, maybe if the central part of Bangkok had shared a bit of the pain, then maybe it wouldn't have been as bad for others.

It also means, that be the so called important bits of Bangkok have stayed dry there will be no need to do anything about future flooding. This is going happen year after year until Thailand as a country do a few of the following.

Stop cutting down more forests and Jungle
Have a proper flood and irrigation plan that will protect the population
Stop building Das in very sensative areas
Stop all building on flood plains (Including Airports)
Do something about it now, not when its too late

A couple of these pictures were taken less than 2km from our old house in Pathu Thani, God knows what that Soi is like....

Bangkok Floods get worse

2011-10-20T18:57:00.003+01:00

The floods in thailand this year have been terrible. However in Bangkok at the moment things seem to be coming to a head.

The run off from the North of the country are slowly, but surely moving towards the capital and then the sea. Unfortunately, not everyone in Bangkok will be worried about getting wet feet. The Government is sacrificing the Northern and eastern parts of the city to save the central part of time. (Strangely were most of the rich folk live)!

Pathum Thani were I used to live as been inundated for the last 48 hours, the Express Way is closed and several major Industrial Parks that employ 100,000's of workers have been sacrificed in order to keep the water away from the centre.

People we know have had to move belongings up to the second floor and one of Nuch's friends as been trapped upstairs now for several days with 2m of flooded water down stairs.

The Government have handled the situation so poorly that no one is listening to them and are fending for themselves. This as bought out the best and worst of Thai society. Profiteering is rife and the "I'm all right jack" mentality is as strong as ever. 1000's of car drivers parked their cars on the Express way to keep them dry, this being at the expense of normal folk trying to get back to their homes.

I' m seriously worried for the people that I know in Bangkok, I only hope the next week will see some respite from the high water and that people can get back to living their normal lives without having to repair to much damage to their houses.

Diabetes, me and cycling

2011-10-16T18:51:00.002+01:00

Since I started riding my bike and enjoying taking excercise, I've noticed that I have to really watch where and when I eat or drink and also what I eat and drink when I'm the bike.

Today was a classic example. I went on a 1-1/2 hour ride which I was really pleased with my performance. I got back home qabout 11am. I felt hungry, but I got ready to go out. WE went shopping and at around 12.30pm as we were walking around Westfields in Derby I suddenly lost proper vision and had a mild blackout. Luckily in "Build a Bear Workshop" there was a seat for bored adults and I gladly took it.

I'm coming to know the symptons and what to expect when I have a Hyperglycemia attack, feeling dizzy, blurred vision, sweating and being irritable amongst others. It occurs when your blood sugar drops below 3.8mmo/l and can cause many more problems.

A quick visit to the food court sorted the initial dizziness, but even now, 6 hours after it happened and an hour in bed I still don't feel myself.

Tonight I'm going to have a good high carb and protein meal and drink plenty of fluid before bed.

This isn't going to go away, so I'm going to have to be ultra careful when I do another hard workout. Look what I eat before, during and after excercise.

Bad Thai Flooding

2011-10-09T14:42:00.001+01:00

Over the past four weeks, Thailand has been experiencing some of It's worst flooding in living memory. Heavy monsoon rains and several Super Typhoons in the China Sea have added to the deluge. All this seems to be heading for a Perfect Flood in Bangkok with two King tides coming up in the next two weeks.

The flood surge as slowly, but surely heading south from the North of the country. The main Chao Prya river that runs through Bangkok as burst the banks of all the Towns and Cities to the North and several Dams have been forced to let water go. This as of course made the situation worse.

However, everything will be fine for Bangkok! Bangkok's Govenor "Sukhumbhand Paribatra", seen in the picture took a bhuddist statue to a Temple to pray for the water to subside. So thats OK then! Other loon schemes include having a convoy of Tugs to push the flood water out to sea.

I've been in Thailand during a flood and there is a lot of water about, also componded by snakes trying to find dry ground and even alligators causing trouble. Lets hope that the predicted flood yet again leaves Bangkok largely unscaved.

Next Smart Phone

2011-10-04T21:53:00.000+01:00

I don't much like referring to my new phone as a "Smart Phone"! After all the phone is only really as smart as the person who is using it, which doesn't say alot for the phone when I'm using it.

For the past 3 years I've been using the iPhone, first the original and for the last 2 years the iPhone 3Gs. Just lately the competition have caught up and even surpassed the Apple product.

Today, Apple were set to unvail the latest iPhone, everyone was ready for the iPhone 5! Unfortunately, what was presented was the iPhone 4S. This new phone only seems to be matching the features of their competition. Features like 8mp camara, HD video, dual core processor. Catch up, catch up.

The competition, HTC Sensation and Samsung Galaxy S II both have all these features and have been around for several months. They have a bigger screen and currently cost the same as the iPhone, the bigger screen is a definate advantage. Although the bigger screen means less battery life.

The biggest single thing that is making me want to change will be not having to use iTunes to upload my music or pictures. something i'm looking forward to.

My New Bike

2011-10-03T21:25:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, I took possession of a brand spanking new Road Bike.

Too those people who don't know me too well, I raced bikes of all disciplines from 14-34 years old. Mostly at a very pedestrian rate, but towards the end of my time I strung a couple of good seasons together. Due to ill health and my move to Thailand I've never been able to get back riding seriously, I've tried several times, always with the view to start racing again, now I've come to the conclusion that I'll probably never race again, but I'm determined to get fit using my bike and aim to be an enthusiastic Sportif Rider. A posh name for someone who rides a lot, but doesn't race.

Through to Christmas I want to get something like fit and then maybe get out to Mallorca next spring for a week riding the best road and routes in Europe, before spending a good summer riding both my Road Bike or my MTB. Maybe!!! I have just bought a Boardman Team Comp. Before anybody asks which Bank I robbed? I got it through the "Cycle to work Scheme". A brilliant scheme which at the end of the day gives you at least 45% off a bike. This bike is the lightest I've ridden at just over 8kg, a massive change from when I ride in the 80's and I spent more on a bike that weighed over 10kg. Technology and Far East production rule.

Today I ride up to Matlock and back, only 22 miles, but in my current form it could have been a killer. I must admit I found it easy and next week plan to double the amount. Although the riding conditions today were perfect! This week I also plan to try and cycle to work a couple of times.

Hopefully on a few months I'll be thin enough to wear Lycra and not give anyone who sees me nightmares.

Here comes summer..

2011-10-01T09:19:00.001+01:00

Today in the UK the temperature is set to hit a massive 27C and be sunny. This is a record temp for the UK in October, sadly three months too late to be called a summer.

I'm not complaining, I love hot weather, especially when my new bike is due to be picked up today!

However on a seperate weather forcast, it is also predicted that we will see some snow by the end of October, and people from other countries wonder why the British have a fixation with the weather..

Thailand is also experiencing some saviour weather, they have nearly a month of flooding that as claimed over 150 lives and with no rest in sight, things look set to get worse until the rainy seasons run off from the North reaches the sea.

Poor Taste

2011-09-27T22:27:00.002+01:00

Many foreign and thai media outlets have picked up on a story coming from a catholic school in Chang Mai.

At this weekends school sports day the students paraded in their annual themed fancy dress costumes. Unfortunately this year the students paraded in full Nazi gear, SS guard uniforms and a young girl at the front dressed as Hitler.

It would be easy to condemn this parade out of hand as a right wing Nazi fest, but give a little bit of thought to what the Thai students know of the era?

Without being critical of the Thai school curriculum, the history covered by Thai students deals more with Thailand history. Has our history lessons deal more with UK's history, the big difference being that the UK as been involved with more of the world events than what Thailand as been. Thailands WWII history involved capitulation to Japan, then towards the end of the war, Thailand tried to declare war on The allied powers. After the war, Thailand was occupied by the UK and US for a few years. That was it really. Many Thai's risked their lives to help keep allied POW's alive in the Burma rail death camps.

Obviously the UK's WWII was very much more expensive and as a country we bore a massive suffering, sadly many european and other countries around the world suffered more. All this goes to say that we were on the winning side so we like the history.

The students of the Sacred Heart Preparatory School in Chiang Mai were totally unaware of the distress that this parade was likely to cuase. I just hope there isn't the usual over reaction that is a thai trait and people are fired and lamnasted. The best thing that could happen is a series of lessons and lectures for the students on the Nazi's the holocaust.

5th Anniversery of Thai Coup

2011-09-19T21:30:00.000+01:00

Thaksin, the biggest looser in the Coup

On 19th September 2006, I was watching TV in our house in Thailand when I received an sms asking me about how the tanks on the street were affecting my life in Thailand?

I didn't have clue what was going on. The Thai TV channels were all playing patriotic music and showing pictures of the Royal Family. BBC Worldwide was broadcasting and telling me that there had been a military coup in Thailand whilst PM Shinawatra was speaking to the UN.

It all went off very peaceful thankfully and due to some incredibly biased reporting from Thai News agencies, Thailand was told it was for the best and the evil that was Thaksin was now over. The BBC was taken off air for several days and I had to get my info from western based news agencies.

For the first time I saw propoganda in action, The Thai's were being shown pictures of Thai soldiers being greeted as heroes and having flowers put in their guns, they didn't realise that several taken for granted freedom's were being lost, freedom of speech as it was, was now significantly worse. The constitution was torn up and replaced with one that would eventually lead to problems down the line.

It was an interesting time to live in Thailand and will add it to my list of life experiences, how no one was killed or injured still amazes me to this day!

I Remember 9/11

2011-09-11T09:40:00.002+01:00

On the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks on the US, I can remember exactly what I was doing 10 years ago.

I was at work and had just had my lunch when the driver came into the office and said that a plane had crashed into the World trade Centre. At the time it was suspected to be an accident, by the time we got on to the internet to look at the BBC website, the second plane had crashed into the other Tower and then everyone knew that this was no accident.

The web kept on crashing and getting realistic correct news became a problem. We ended up getting an old portable TVout and getting the news on TV. Then the Pentagon was hit and the closure of the sky began. The rumours soon started that a planes were crashing into high rise buildings all over the world including London.

The utter state of shock was amazing, thinking about the poor people on the planes, not knowing how many people had been murdered in and around the crash sites.

Two weeks later, I flew to Cuba. When we arrived the Cuban's didn't have the feelings we did. They were in a state of party, no one was unhappy with 9/11 and there were plenty of T Shirts and memorabilia of the bombing on sale. Just goes to show that depending on your relationship with USA all depended on how you saw 9/11.

This last 10 years have been a very savage decade, the invasion of Afghanistan which at the time was very succesful. The invasion of Iraq which was a travisty, one which I hope the leaders who ordered will be bought to book and the numerous terror attacks reeked all over the world seem to have grown. The last 10 years have definately been the decade of death and destruction. It doesn't look like the next 10 will be a great deal better!

Ten Things I Miss About Thailand

2011-09-06T21:10:00.001+01:00

This is an idea I got from "Thailand Musing", one of the people I follow on Twitter. So I must apologise for the lack of originality and swiping someone else's idea. However, I feel I've been left Thailand now over four years and there are definately things I miss.

In the next coming weeks, I shal do a post "Ten Things I don't miss about Thailand".

The choices are in no particular order, just as they came to me.

1. Wildlife. It was always great to see wildlife that would never see in the UK, Animals such as Monitors, Crocs, Monkeys, Snakes and Elephants. I've seen all of the above whilst on my travels in Thailand. It always amazed me as you were driving along and come across an elephant on its way home from a days graft, or seeing a Monitor cross the road in front of you. Don't see that very much in the UK

2. Cheap Prices. Obviously all prices are relative! For a foreigner living in the Thailand, day to day life is cheaper and if you go go native then life is very cheap. This does have a down side, but I'll go into that in the don't miss post.

3. Nightlife. Whatever your views on the Thai Nightlife scene, it is such a part of Thai life that to embrace it seems the natural thing to do, don't get me wrong, when you live in Thailand, the Nightlife offered in the flesh pots of Bangkok does become boring. You canthough, have a fantastic night out without even touching those areas. Some of the best nights out I've ever had have been in Thailand. In fact, Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok 24/08/2004, best night ever.

4. Beaches. Thailand is famouse for its coastline, from the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui through to Hua Hin and Cha Am an and on to the not so good beaches of Pattaya. Some of the Islands you can visit are outstanding. Koh Samet is only 2-1/2 hours by car from Bangkok.

5. Weather, This one will also appear in the don't like post, but you can gaurantee wam/hot weather all year round. The coldest temperature I had in my time in Thailand was 18C.

6. People. Thai people at their best are without doubt some of the kindest people you will ever meet, hard working and reliable. My Wife's family are second to none, they are very down to earth and I consider them normal people.

7. Street Food. At any time in any part of Thailand you will be able to find a street vendor selling some kind of food, usually freshly prepared and always very cheap. Sadly Health & Safety and social behaviour get in the way of this type of thing taking off in the UK.

8. Restaurant Chains. I know that the UK has its fair share of good restaurants, but in Thailand they have the likes of MK, Fuji, Sizzler and Black Canyon. They all are very distinctive and offer excellent value and food.

9. Tradition. Although Thailand is coming out of the back of their "McDonalds Revolution" on the whole Thai people still respect tradition. The respect for the elderly and the Royal Family can be only be aploreded, I respect the fact you still have the national anthem at the cinema, you do give your seat up for elderly and pregnant women on buses. Family values are excellent. There are cracks appearing and it is sad to say that Thailand will probably end up the same as the UK in the future, but not yet.

10. Difference. Thailand as not only a different lanquage, but they write differently, Driving is different, courtship is different, the way people look is different, the food is different, the weather, the style of houses, breakfast, TV is all different. I love the difference!!!!

First School Day

2011-09-06T20:03:00.002+01:00

Today my daughter Elizabeth started Primary School.

She as been looking forward to starting school for the last six months. She is attending St. Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School in Belper, I know we are not Catholic! Elizabeth isn't even Christian, however I do want her to have a christian up bringing and a very formal (strict) education. This school has this kind of reputation.

She looked so cute in her brown uniform and I felt very proud of her. We only live 200M from the gates of the school, so we won't have to take part in the school run with all the mothers in their Chelsea Tractors.

I will periodically keep this blog up to date with how she is getting on under a new "Education" tag.

Not Paradise in Phuket

2011-09-05T22:28:00.001+01:00

On my visits to Phuket in the past, I have always succumbed to the beauty of this paradise, whether the hustle, bustle of Patong Beach or the tranquility of the neighbouring Islands.

However, over the last year I have seen so many bad reports coming out of Phuket that my image of the place is being distorted. Daily, on Twitter there are reports by very credible sources about the goings on of the local Taxi Mafia. This as seen in recent times, US warships having to negotiate with local taxi firms to allow personnel to travel into Phuket for R & R on condition that taxi drivers got equal rights to the debarking sailors. If this parity was not given then they would not allow any personnel to leave the Port.

Recently, an Australian couple were in a authorised tour car when it was attacked by 6 taxi drivers angry he was taking potential customers on a trip. The driver was nearly beaten to death and the passengers were verbally abused and threatened.

Last year, the series Big trouble in Thailand painted Phuket as a place full of scammers and drug takers. One Jet Ski scammer as become famous around the world. He pulled a rifle on a Brit Marine when he complained about being ripped off.

Westerner on westerner crime is also a big issue on Phuket. Today the UK Government confirmed the extradition of a Brit back to Thailand for the murder of a US Marine. This coward beat to death the Marine whilst on leave and will hopefully he will see big time in a Thai Prison.

Hopefully, these stories are a few bad ones among 1000's of excellent holiday experiences and Phuket remains one of the most popular destinations in Thailand.

For more info check out this website

Scary Man Chuwit

2011-08-29T10:17:00.001+01:00

When I lived in Thailand there was a particular politician who at the time I always referred to as "The Scary Man" Khun Chuwit was a very outspoken, loud and aggressive fellow who always spoke at 3 times standard decibels.

His past is very colourful! One time being known as "King of Commercial Sex" in Thailand, he owned and ran several of the biggest commercial brothels in Bangkok,his cliental included all the movers and shakers in Thai society. Even though the industry skirts legallity in Thailand a brilliant network of bribes and paid police networks kept the business's going. He used to be an MP, but in 2005 he lost his seat and I remember seeing him flooring a reporter who was asking the wrong questions on TV. All this and a very public eviction of squatters next to his HQ on Sukhumvit 10 and 2 failed attempts to become Bangkok Governer made him take a back seat for a few years.

Now everything is different, or so we are made to believe, the brothels have been sold and business is of the legitimate side. He is now trying to launch himself as a bastian of anti corruption. Give this guy his due, his recent antics in the Thai election that saw his party ( Rak Thai ) win several seats. His election posters were by far the best, showing him frustrated in traffic, in despair and with his favoyrite trusted English Bull Terrier "Moto Moto". He promised to end the endemic corruption that prevades the whole of Thai society. Up until now he as kept his word, more so than any other of the political parties that were contesting the election.

His latest crusade is against illegal casino's. He made a video of a massive gambling den which was operating right under the nose of the local police. The Police denied the casino existed, so Chuwit showed a video in Parliament with pictures showing were the Casino was. Low and behold, the next day the police raided the place and found the remains of a Casino, it seems they had had a tip off of a raid and had moved. It seems it was in the interest of the local Police to let them know, it seems they were running the Casino. No matter, Chuwit had a video of the Casino being moved and were it had gone, it took the Police three days in which they denied the existance of thenew Casino to raid the new location, only to find yet again it was gone. Things were going to far, The Bangkok Police Head Office had to act, but instead of suspending 3 high level Officers and 5 Juniors whilst the crime was investigated and possible charges against them, they have been moved for 30 days to Inactive Posts! Which means in 30 days, they'll be back at their day jobs, running Casino's. Only in Thailand!!!!

So its hats off to Chuwit, this type of actions are earning more respect than scorn. His goal of making Thailand graft free are probably three generations off ever happening, but if this poacher turned gamekeeper is serious in his new quest, good luck to him.

He's still a bit Scary!

Zante 2011

2011-08-28T18:25:00.000+01:00

Last week, Elizabeth and I found ourselves on the Greek Island of Zante or Zakynthos, which ever takes your fancy. We were due to go to Turkey, but as I explained in a recent post the holiday company went bust. The holiday on Zante cost £200 more than the original and sad to say, it was worth only £200 all in...

Because of the lateness of tthe booking, I could only get a B &; B holiday in the lively resort of Laganas on Zante, you hear the horror stories of the 18-30 brigade stripping the resort and Island of any dignity. Well, its true. The behaviour of the young british holiday makers is true, they seem to have lost all respect and inabitions that I would have considered a bare minimum 25 years ago. Sadder still is that alot of the young girls are behaved worse than the lads.

You can see how the Greek economy is suffering, there are plenty of business's either closed or not even bothering to open, Restaurants, shops, car hire, bars and clubs. Nothing seems to be spared. The Hotel we stayed in was ok, if the louts hadn't been there, then it gave you exactly what it says on the Tin. The one outstanding feature of the Hotel Perkes is the Night Porter, Tony takes no shit, male or female are treated the same, up to 2am he is understanding, after that, any major hassle and he takes the keys off the trouble makers and goes and gets their suitcases. He did it to two sets of revellers, they weren't impressed, however neither was the 2M tall Tony....

Towards the end of the week, we hired a car for a couple of days, we saw the interior of Zante and this made up for Laganas. We saw the famous Shipwreck Cove and travelled to a small Island connected by a wooden walkway. We saw some Loggerhead Turtles and the sea was so clear.

Overall, I'm struggling to recommend Zante, there are a lot of better places in the Med, if you do go there, avoid Laganas at all costs.

WTF

2011-08-10T17:15:00.000+01:00

Over the last four nights in England there have been major riots and to be quite honest with you, I can't remember such lawlessness.

I remember the riots in Brixton, Toxteh and St. Pauls in the 80's, These riots were down to the shocking social injustice that were being faced by the communuties were facing at the time and whilst not justifiable they were seen as a sign of the times.

This new set of riots were supposedly set off by the killing of a gang member in Tottenham and the protest outside a Police Station by his family. I don't know exactly what went off but this turned into a night of rioting and looting. This spread the following nights to other boroughs in London and culminated on Monday night the level of looting was at a level never seen before.

This is were I get labelled a racist because from what I've seen, a majority of the mob seemed to be of black (Not sure what the current PC term is?) background, although due to them not wanting to show their face they wore scarfs over their faces. The news coverage as been wall to wall, which I firmly believe as fuelled the copy cat trouble in other cities in England as avoided this side of the argument so far.

The Police have been conspicuous by their lack of profile, politicians have done their usual and not answered a question properly and the media is getting a hard on about the whole thing.

The situation seems easy to me, let the Police force be a force and not a comunity service. Sometimes you need to fight fire with fire. Their are several sayings tht spring to mind,"Spare the rod, spoil the child", "You reap what you sow", "HE who lives by the sword etc...". You get my meaning.

This is making England look even more stupid, Countries are wondering why we haven't used force to quell the troubles? So have I!

The most troublesome thing to me is that the Ferule Rats of yobs are not scared of the police or rule of law. They also seem oblivious to the consiquences of their actions, people could have been killed, but then again they wouldn't care anyway!

Yingluck Shinawatra

2011-08-09T06:26:00.002+01:00

Thailand awaoke this morning to its first woman Prime Minister.

Yingluck Shinawatra was endorsed yesterday by the King of Thailand, it seems winning the election was the easy part!

Most people except the Yingluck is a mere puppet of her brother, Thaksin and this is just an attempt to get him back to Thailand. The scenerio goes that national reconcillation will be negotiated and Thaksin will have charges and crimes dropped against him, he'll probably get his seized money back too. On the other side of the political devide, the Generals and politicians who were involved in the savage crack down last year will have the slate cleaned, AGAIN!

Then there is the list below:

Rich poor divide
Looming financial turmoil
Mending Thailand damaged image
Maintaining the growth of industry
The troubled south

Don't get me wrong, I really wish her well, however I lived in Thailand during the last populist Government. While most ordinary people seemed happy with Thaksin, the Army and the institution were'nt and all this resulted in a coup.

If Yingluck rattles too many cages?????

One thing that does remain, Yingluck is pretty hot still!!!!!!

Diabetes and me Day 365

2011-08-04T19:18:00.000+01:00

I've just got back from the Doctors with the results of tests and the first anniversary of me finding out I was type 2 diabetic.

The results were on the concerned side of OK! My average MMO levels came in at 7.2, this better than a year ago when they were 12 so this as got to be good. Unfortunately it seems that only the medication I'm taking are keeping things at bay.

I got the expected lecture about loosing weight and trying to watch the amount and type of sugars I eat.

My cholesterol levels were ever so slightly raised, so the nurse were going to ask about putting me on Statins. She actually just phoned back and told me that my liver results were again slightly high so I've got to go for another test and a scan on my liver before they'll prescribe statins. Great!

I have been told to increase the amount of Metformin I take, I now have to take 3 x 500mg a day. I don't mind this.

I will knuckle down and try to eat better, I will watch what I eat as well. So here we go again.....

No Holiday

2011-08-03T21:29:00.000+01:00

(TOSSERS)

I had a phone call this afternoon to tell me that the holiday I booked last week is not going to happen.

The company Holidays4U have gone into administration and this is who our flight to Turkey were booked with. There is a ATOL bond, but we are'nt going to get our money back overnight. We have been quoted any time between 2 days to 1 year to get the money back. So in the mean time we'll try and pursue the money through Visa.

The company I booked with "Sunshine.co.uk" have done as much as they can, they have refunded the cost of the hotel and transfer.

What as been a downer is the large travel company's have taken advantage of the situation. A flight this morning from Manchester to Bodrum on the 15th August was £255 per person, when I last checked this evening the price was £464 per person! This is just taking the piss, yes people need to make a profit, but that sort of increase is a little obscene.

I'm going to wait till this time next week, see if there are any bargains, if not its hello N. Wales...

Diabetes and me Day 363

2011-08-02T06:58:00.000+01:00

In a couple of days I've got my first annual diabetes check up and boy Am I dreading it.

I Since the new year I've slowly but surely dropped off the wagon. I do try and eat better and look after myself, but it just isn't happening. All the weight I lost last year, I've put back on and more. I feel bloated and horrible and my face feels very flushed. I can tell in my self that things are getting bad again, I'm hoping that the visit on Thursday will look at help rather than advice.

On Sunday I went out on my bike for nearly two hours and felt great even though I went on a hard route, I'm sure if I can loose some weight things would get better.

I took my MMO/L reading last night, it came out at 11.0MMO/L, which isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. These prick tests are only a snap shot, the blood test I had last week is a more overall picture.

I'll let you know how I go on later in the week.

The Prince and the Plane

2011-07-16T20:59:00.000+01:00

This as got to be one of the strangest tale from Thailand to date. It involves the Crown Prince of Thailand, a defunct German building company and certain members of the Thai Government. Strangely due to the lack of press freedom in Thailand, very few people in Thailand know that anything as happened.

For several years there as been rumours about the Prince and a ir Hostess Mistress in Munich, I don't know the facts but if you check out Wikileaks there is plenty on the subject.

Well the Prince landed in Munich in his 737 and the plane was immediately impounded by administrators for a now defunct German construction company. They claim that they are still owed $30million from the Don Muang Express Way, despite several attempts to get the money out of the Thai Government they had to resort to drastic measures of impounding the thai Air Force jet.

The Thai Government has gone ape shit. Anything to do with the royal family then they react. Sadly over react! The Foreign Minister as flown to germany to help the Embassy sort this out. The german court will rule on the case monday. Sadly for the Thai delegation, Germany is ruled by the law and who you are as no bearance on preceedings. The FM as told the German Government not to risk a diplomatic spat with Thailand, Germany quaking in its boots as said bring it on.

The sadest thing about this affair is the fact it began on tuesday and it didn't break in Thailand until Thursday evening, and then only in a small way. Twitter and the net have been on top of it all the time. The bangkok Post ran a small story about it, but let no one comment on the forum. The Thai Press need to grow a pair....

They should use some of the 100's millions taken from Thaksin to pay the 30 million or prove they don't owe the money.

Bangkoks Top 50 Food Stalls

2011-07-16T20:40:00.000+01:00

This book is a must for anyone visiting or living in Bangkok. I've been to Bangkok dozen's of times and lived there for several years and I could only say I've tried two out of the book. Nuch, who as lived in Bangkok for 30 years didn't know many of the places to eat either.

The book is set out in geographic sections, from Sukhumvit to China Town to Silom to Hualampong. The introduction and the beginning of the book describes the different type of food you will get and their thai pronunciation, also drinks are explained.

Layout is very simple, excellebt graphcics and the pictures are stunning. You could easily find a picture and show the food stall the picture and you'd be away. This book takes the panic out of eating on the streets in Bangkok.

I got the book from the Book Store in the Silom complex, I think it was 399baht (£8.00). You can also get it from Amazon.
Going to Bangkok, get this book!

A note for the Author. Maybe a study of the Shopping Malls Food Courts. The food always looks good, but how do order it and what is it?

Hard times are a comin

2011-07-02T21:50:00.000+01:00

Over the past few months I've seen the state of the UK go from bad to worse.

This isn't scare mongering, you only have to look outside your window and the High Street is failing, In Belper alone we have loads of closed shops and branches of Focus and Haldanes have closed down, with maybe Thorntons to go.

The state of the pound abroad is shocking, at the moment it is at a 15 year low, mainly because of our high inflation and no interest rate. This is supposed to be good for our export business, unfortunately no one is buying our products anyway so that's a waste of time.

Elizabeth's 2nd day of introduction to her new school was cancelled because the Teachers were on strike over the government cheating them over their pension.

Local train manufacturer Bombardier as just lost a huge contract to German firm Siemens. Who is the buyer? The British frickin Government. I can't believe they are so short sighted to think that was a good idea. The 3000 staff at the derby works are set to loose their jobs. Camoron and his cronies don't give a flying fuck! Their rich!!!!

All the current Government is bothered about is reducing the deficit at break neck speed! Yes, the deficit does need reducing, but why in five years when it could be done easily over 10 or 15 years. If you have a problem with a loan you speak to the bank and extend your repayments. You end up paying more back, but its easier week to week. Obviously, members of the cabinet have no concept of everyday life so I doubt this concept registers with them.

I really hope things get better by the turn of the year, for every ones sake.....

Koh Samet

2011-06-28T20:59:00.000+01:00

Koh Samet is my favourite destination in Thailand. It is a small island off the coast of Rayong District about 250km west of Bangkok.

You have to catch boat over to the Island at Ban Pean, this is a small port town. The pier for the Island is a shit hole and sadly gets worse every time we visit! You can either catch the public ferry at 50baht which takes 45 mins to get to the main pier on Koh Samet, you also have to pay a pick up to take you to your resort nad pay 200baht each to enter the National Park that covers most of the Island. Or you can catch a speed boat which costs 1500baht each way. The boat can hold at least 10 people, so the more you fit on the better the price will be. One thing to be aware of is that the speed boats do it in 15mins and boy do they go fast, the crossing is very bumpy. Another advantage of the speedboat is that it takes you directly to your Hotel so no Parke or taxi fees.

We stayed at the Samed Villa Resort, we have stayed there before, the last time about five years ago. I was very keen to go back and take advantage of the excellent position Aoh Phau beach. The Hotel didn't dissappoint, from the easy check, through to the Sea View Bungalow with 2 bedrooms. There is Air Con, TV and a mini bar in each room.

The view from the room is outstanding, there is alot of improvement work being carried out at the moment, but th is is very low key.

The breakfast is very good and the menu during the day is very varied and something for everyone. Nuch was very impressed with the Thai food, her and her friends ordered. Prices of food and drink is very reasonable, despite you being a captive audience. Plus you get all this for £44 per night in low season, this is for both rooms....

On this trip Koh Samet didn't let me down. The mixture of white sandy beaches, warm clear sea and a friendly layed back atmosphere all go in to making this a super getaway place.

We will definately be going back to Koh Samet on our next visit.

Courtyard by Marriott Cha-Am

2011-06-23T21:19:00.000+01:00

The Courtyard by Marriott resort Hotel at cha Am is without doubt one of the best hotels that I have stayed in.

Cha am is about 200km from Bnagkok on the coast in the Gulf of Thailand. The hotel is set between Cha Am and neighbouring Hua Hin. The hotel is well sign posted and parking spaces in abundance, Reception is a super airy place, no air conditioning, instead relying on the breeze coming off the sea which is about 100m away.

First impressions are super modern and clean, the rooms don't dissappoint either, our room was a large affair with one huge super king size bed, flat screen TV, DVD player, coffee, fridge and of course air con. The bathroom is superb with a massive walk in shower. What also sets this Hotel from others is the plugs are suitable for UK 3 pin....

The view from all the rooms is the same as in the picture and is worth the 4000baht a night on its own.

Breakfast is very good, probably not up with the Dusit we stayed in, but better than most.

The pool is outstanding, with a slide, several different depth pools and a pool bar. Elizabeth was more than entertained with the pool and the Kids Club kept her occupied for a couple of hours.

We will definately be going back again and would recommend this hotel to anyone.

Thailand 2011

2011-06-18T22:37:00.000+01:00

Its been two years I have been in Thailand and I've noticed several major changes.

The main thing is the cost of living as shot up, not only for the locals but as a tourist, everything as gone up big time.

Prices in Thai baht

2009     2011
70         125 Small bottle of beer in a pub
45         55    Large bottle of beer in the Supermarket
295       385 Pizza at Pizza Hut
45         65    Express Way charge to Don Muang
23         35   1 Ltr unleaded petrol

Other things have stayed the same, like eating out Thai, Taxi rides, in fact anything that local Thais buy everyday.

Unfortunately the exchange rate between the Baht and the Pound is shocking at the moment. So had the average 20%ish rise in the price anyway and then factor in the 20-30% loss due to the exchange rate and the prices are more than noticeably higher.

Bangkok, certainly seems to be a more modern place, many more high rise buildings and professional people walking about, there seem to be more new cars on the road and some of the High tech stuff Bangkok is way ahead of us.

I was very disappointed to see the measures that some people were going to to make a buck, stuff like pimps coming up to me and asking if I want a soapy massage, even though I have Elizabeth with me. Being tapped on the shoulder in Burger King by a young lad and asked if I want a good time! Child Porn DVDs, Sex toys and drug taking equipment openly for sale on Silom, Sukhumvit and in Chinatown.

What hasn't changed is the friendliness and character of normal day to day Thai people, whether business people or the working class. I enjoyed meeting a very diverse set of people on this trip.

I now have an appetite to go back to Thailand for another holiday.

Dusit Thani Bangkok

2011-06-18T08:48:00.000+01:00

On our recent visit to Thailand we stayed for nine days at the Dusit Thani in Bangkok. It is billed as a five star hotel and picked our rooms up on line for around £100 per night.

On arrival at the Hotel, there is everything you would expect from this level of class hotel. The service is second to none. There is a little bizarre checking in ritual which takes you to a small area where you check in, maybe to get people staying in our wing away from the busy reception. he check proceedure is very complicated and they also charged me £50 per day as a deposit and took the cost of the room as a deposit on my credit card. This pretty much wiped a load of avaliable balance of this card for a week. They also didn't charge the deposit upon departure and charged the card again for the room, this did kill the credit card for a week....

The Hotel is located next to the busy Silom area of Bangkok and is right next to the Sala Dang BTS Station and the Silom MRT Station, so getting to most points in Bangkok is very easy. Across the road is Lumpini Park, a great place for kids with a load of wildlife including a 2M monitor, which Elizabeth loved.

The Hotel as many Restaurants and facilities. The pool is excellent and the Gym looked great. There are Thai, Vietnamese, Australian Steak House food and a big Night Club. Unfortunately the cost of these is prohibitive! A glass of beer and a coke around the pool cost £8.50. For me that is too much........

The rooms are the biggest let down. If I had paid half the cost of the room, then the room would have been just adequate, however the room did not meet my expectation. We have stayed at the Dusit Thani in Hua Hin and the rooms are 100% better. The room was clean and tidy, but old and tired.

There were nice touches like milk and cookies for Elizabeth and on our second stay they left us baby shampoo and shower gel.. Breakfast was fantastic! Beans and bacon everyday, aswell as all the international dishes you would expect including great coffee.

The check out was a real pain, both times they messed up the total of the bill, on the second occassion the overcharge was nearly £80.

So as far as an overall score goes, I can only give the Dusit Thani 6/10. I so wanted to love this Hotel, unfortunately not even spending £1000 over nine days could do this.

Thai Election 2011 (part 5)

2011-06-15T18:56:00.000+01:00

On our recent visit to Thailand we were greeted by every lampost, tree and telegraph pole being festooned in election posters.

Most were the regular run of the mill picture of the candidate and which party they support. However some really caught my eye and imagination:

The above poster is from the PAD, they want people to vote no in the upcoming election. They are using posters of monkeys, water buffalos, dogs and monitors dressed as politicians. Many parties are very unhappy with the posters and there is a campaign to get them banned.

This poster is of the PTP leader Yingluck. She is the sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, she is ahead in the polls and is a pretty foxy looking chick.

The geezer is called Chuwit, he is a self made millionaire, making his money from brothels and massage parlours. He as a bad temper, but appeals to peoples sense of right. His posters are pretty good at getting his message across, he also speaks his mind on TV. He as also caught the imagination of the press by putting some posters up in english and advertising his facebook and twitter accounts.

I wonder what will to these 1000's of posters after this is all finished?

Thai Election 2011 (part 4)

2011-05-16T21:37:00.000+01:00

The Royal Thai Police yesterday issued the list of gunmen they believe are most likely to cause trouble ahead of the July 3 election. The 112 include 43 hitmen whose names are new to the list, as well as those from previous years who have yet to be caught. The list was issued as part of measures to curb political violence ahead of the election.

The list has been distributed across the country to crack down on the gunmen and ensure influential people do not support or protect them.

Last Tuesday, former Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan Pracha Prasopdee was injured when a man shot at his car in the province's Phra Pradaeng district . Deputy national police chief Panupong Singhara Na Ayutthaya said yesterday political conflict is heating up with the use of violence and weapons to get rid of political rivals. He said most violence stems from conflicts among candidates in fiercely contested areas, such as Samut Prakan. Pol Gen Panupong said a centre to manage violent incidents has been set up to crack down on hitmen on the blacklist to prevent them from committing politically-related crimes.

Police have blacklisted 112 professional hitmen across the country. They also have details of another 126 new hitmen who have just joined the criminal underworld. Police have also blacklisted people suspected of supporting these hitmen, Pol Gen Panupong said. In 2005, police arrested 25 hitmen or about 50% of those on their blacklist. In 2006, 18 hitmen were arrested (36%). The next year, seven of 31 hitmen (8%) on the police blacklist were captured.

This year, 50 hitmen are wanted on arrest warrants. Six of them have been arrested. One has died. The remaining 43 are still at large, Pol Gen Panupong said. A police source said the six gunmen who have been arrested are Paisarn Pangleng, Narong Hemdecho, Wutthichai Maspin, Sawaeng Suwanwong, Somjit Paedsura, and Paisarn Klatae. A 100,000 baht cash reward will be offered to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of each hitman on this year's blacklist.

Among the wanted hitmen are Sgt Somchai Bunnag and Sgt Maj Panya Srihera, the hitmen accused of attacking Sondhi Limthongkul, People's Alliance for Democracy leader, in 2009. The lists of the wanted hitmen can be seen at gunman.police.go.th. A reward of 50,000 baht will be given to anyone providing tips leading to the arrest of hitmen named in previous blacklists, Pol Gen Panupong said. The lists have been distributed to police across the country. "We are not waiting to respond to the crime," Pol Gen Panupong said. Police would visit areas of intense political rivalry and act as go-betweens for rival politicians to clear the air. Officers would also crack down on hitmen on arrest warrants.

Pol Gen Panupong said police are also keeping a close watch on some provinces in the central region, in the North and the Northeast where intense competition between candidates is expected. However, Pol Gen Panupong said there is no evidence to suggest that any of the hitmen on the police blacklist were involved in the shooting of Mr Pracha. Meanwhile, Pol Maj Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, deputy chief of Provincial Police Region 1, yesterday met Mr Pracha at Praram 9 Hospital to ask him to provide further details of the attempt on his life. Investigators handling the case will meet tomorrow to discuss how to proceed with it.
A source said a witness has fled for fear of attack by Mr Pracha's rivals if he gives information to police.

(Courtesy of Bangkok Post)

Thai Election 2011 (part 3)

2011-05-16T21:25:00.000+01:00

Outspoken politician Chuwit Kamolvisit has launched his own party, aided by a bull terrier.

When I lived in Thailand I always referred to him as the 'Scary Man'. Chuvit is one of the main players in the massage parlour business.

Mr Chuwit launched his Rak Prathet Thai (Love Thailand) Party at his home in Sukhumvit Soi 10 yesterday. His home will also serve as the party's headquarters. The massage parlour tycoon-turned-politician who has tried to portray himself as an anti-vice and corruption crusader said his party would work on the opposition benches to monitor the government. In the July 3 election, his party will field only 10 candidates on the party list. The party will kick off its campaign on Wednesday.

This is old style Thai politics, power is everything.

Thai Election 2011 (part 2)

2011-05-10T21:08:00.000+01:00

Today the House of Representatives in Thailand as been disolved, making a General Election a formallity on Sunday July 3rd.

Already the fur is beginning to fly with the PTP (Red Shirts(Thaksins party)) seeking assurances that when they get an overall majority, they will be allowed to form a Government. This is in reference to the last time this party had a majority they were ousted on a technicality and the time before that a military coup got rid of Thaksin.

They will also be naming the person who will be PM should they get, the two front runners are an ex Police General and the younger (quite fit looking) sister of former PM Thaksin.

The Democrats (yellow shirts, Royalists, Military) seem very confident of winning, whether they get a majority or not. In the past few weeks they have been throwing money at everything in a bid to win hearts and minds.

Reliable polls put the two parties neck and neck, I shall be in Thailand during the campaign so will see first hand how things go.

Osama Bin Ladin DEAD!

2011-05-02T22:09:00.000+01:00

I awoke today to the news that the world public enemy No. 1, Osama Bin Ladin is dead.

So much as I never rejoice in the death of any person, I must admit that the events of 9/11 are still fresh in my memories. OBL was directly responsible for this mass murder of civilians and needed to be bought to book. The sad thing that one action [9/11] have cost the lives of probably a million people in Iraq, Afganistan and Pakistan, the highest number by far being Muslims. Was it worth all those deaths OBL?

he was killed in a US Navy Seal raid on a compound in Pakistan not far from Pakistan's main military Academy. Although, hiding in plain site is always a good option, you have to question the role the Pakistani authorities are playing in the role of anti terrorism!

However, now what?

Probably revenge attacks by Muslims terrorists, which will mean the murder of lots of innocents......

Good bye Osama. No one in their right mind will miss you....

Nearly War - Nearly Coup

2011-04-27T20:01:00.000+01:00

Thailand is in the thick of it at the moment, what with a severe border clash with neighbour Cambodia and lots of rumours of a new coup.

The latest clash between the neighbours started last week and has seen five straight days of fighting. The fighting started a distance from the Phra Vinear Temple which has been the focus of clashes in the past. Thailand claim Cambodian troops moved into an area which hasn't been officially demarcated. The cambodians say that they were only defending their territory from advanced patrols sent out by Thailand.

Like every conflict it is the civilians who suffer the most, with casulties and evacuations on both sides of the border.

Unfortunately, Thailand is reluctant to have any independent troops on Thai soil, a condition that cambodia is demanding. This as given Cambodia the moral high ground in the eyes of the world and they are making full milage out of it.

All this is going on in the back drop of a rumoured coup in Thailand. This week two Regiments have paraded in Bangkok to express their loyalty to the generals and the Monarchy. The same thing happened the last time their was a coup (2006).

The Army has instructed the courts to charge several opposition MP's and intellectuals with Lese majeste. This is a law which forbids any critisism of the Monarchy and the Royal Family and is sadly used as a political toy to beat undisirables with.

The Electoral Commission is using the border conflict to say that the proposed election planned for june may have to be put on hold until later,

Finally, a least a dozen Red Shirt radio stations in bangkok have closed down and earlier this week the thaicom satalite went down for several hours. Some say as a rehersal for a coup, the official line is that a computer filure caused the downtime.

I hope there isn't a coup because this is the last thing Thailand needs. Thailand needs a coalition unity Goverment and the needs of its people should come first and the greedy rich need to let go of some of Thailands wealth.

(Never happen)......

Songkran 2011

2011-04-16T00:02:00.001+01:00

Songkran is the Thai new year and involves a week long nationwide carnival, were Thais really let their hair down. If you don't want to get wet or join in the party spirit then this is not the time to visit Thailand!

I've done a couple of Songkran's and after the 'TH time if getting wet the enjoyment dissipates quickly and the yearning for a quiet life takes over. It's definately a Thai thing! This is by no way a criticism but how hard Thais work in their normal life, this is one of the few chances they have to blow off steam.

This years festival will be more poignant due to many of the celebrations being called off last year due to the political protests in Bangkok. So it's double thus year!!!

Hopefully not double the deaths that occur over the holiday period. Over 500 people are routinely killed in road accidents alone over Songkran, it's carnage.

Happy Songkran everyone......

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Thai Election 2011 (Part 1)

2011-04-04T20:48:00.000+01:00

At any time in the next few weeks, the timing of the next General Election in Thailand will be known. With all that Thailand as been through in the last 3 years, this election is eagarly awaited by all parties and colours and will decide which possible road Thailand will go down.

The Democratic Party are in control of the Government at the moment and are associated with the Yellow shirt PAD movement who bought about the demise of the last Non Democratic Party government. However over the last few months the Dem's and PAD have grown apart, the Dems haven't played ball over a border conflict with Cambodia. In all fairness the more distance between the PAD and the Dem Party, the better the chance of re-election for them.

On the other side of the coin is Puea Thai, PT are closely related to the Red Shirt movement in Thailand. The red shirts are the mouth peice for the outsed former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The Red Shirt were the group involved inlast years street demonstrations in Bangkok that saw nearly 100 people killed. The Red Shirts and PT have done a good job since then re-inventing themselves as a peaceful protest group.

What ever happens I only hope it passes of in a peaceful and fair manner, all the polls that have taken place put the Dems and PT in a 50-50 shootout. It will also be interesting to see if the looser will except the outcome, not a Thai political trait.

Also going by the trend in Thailand for the easy flare up of political tension I hope the main activity of the campaign is after the middle of June and we are safely back home.

Disabled space (Grumpy old man part 1)

2011-04-04T17:16:00.000+01:00

This is a very left field post, but I'm sick and tired of Disabled parking spaces!

We went to Derby Westfield shopping centre this lunchtime and the main car park level was chockabloc. All 12 of the parent and toddler spaces had long gone and we got the last avaliable space in the normal parking. This left around 50 disabled parking spaces. Of these there were only 3 being used and the rest were being marshalled by a real Jobs worth threatening people with a fine if they park in the disabled spaces.

When we arrived back from shopping an hour later the car park was still full apart from the 40 or so disabled spaces that still no one had used. Someone really needs to review the number of spaces that are allocated to disabled drivers.

The only parking spaces outside Elizabeths Nursery are disabled, I use them when I drop them off at 7.30am in the morning. I'm only in the space for a few minutes. last week when I came out of the Nursery one of the new style Hitler storm trooper traffic wardens was in the process of writing me a ticket. There were four spaces left and I'd been in the Nursery about three minutes. I told the idiot this and he said I would have to prove how long I'd been parked there. Unfortunately for him I could prove it, my Van is tracked by my employee, so all it would have taken was a quick phone to show him. Amazingly he backed down.

Also, why is it that at many car parks, disabled drivers get free parking? I'm sure they probably have more money than me, but I have to pay.

Part 1 of the moan over.

Naturally bad in Thailand

2011-04-02T12:24:00.001+01:00

Over the last two weeks, Thailand has experienced two savage natural disasters.

The other week an earthquake centred on the Thai - Burmese border near the city of Chang Rai. Luckily for the Thai's this happened in a sparsely populated area and there was a report of only one death. On the Burmese side 100 people sadly lost their lives and 100,000s of people were made homeless. The quake was felt as far south as Bangkok

This week the south of Thailand, they experienced an early monsoon with some areas getting there years rainfall in less than 48 hours. On some islands the Thai Navy had to be called in to rescue tourists off them and the Airport and ferry services to Koh Samui were cancelled due to bad weather. This stranded 1000s of holiday makers. Sadly several village's were washed away in flash mud slides, the death toll could be as high as a 100.

Thailand will get over all this, after the 2004 Tsunami, things will have to get bad to beat that.

Thailand Bound

2011-03-29T21:42:00.000+01:00

We have at last booked to go to Thailand again. This time we are going for nearly 3 weeks and I'm looking forward to it this time around.

Usually our Thai holidays involve me hiring a car for the whole holiday and being a Taxi for Nuch, so she can go and see her friends and family. We also stay at our house which is a good journey from Bangkok and the main sights. However we have just recently sold the the house so we be stopping in several Five star Hotels and resorts.

We will be flying to Thailand with Emirates Airlines via Ebookers from Birmngham via Dubai, hopefully flying to Bangkok in the new A380 Airliner.

We'll spend the first four nights at the Dusit Thani in Bangkok, this is a five star Hotel near the centre of Bangkok. We like the Dusit group of hotels and can't wait for the excellent service you get at the hotel.

After this we shall be driving to Koh Samet. We have hired a small Nissan Micra to drive us to the port across from the island and catch a speed boat over to the Island. We'll be staying at the Samed Villa resort. Again we have stayed there before and love the fact it is right on the beach. Two of Nuch's neices will be going with us, I hope this means I will get some time to myself and get the chance to relax for more than a few minutes whilst the girls look after Elizabeth.

It will be back to the Dusit for a five night stay before we hire a big Toyota Fortuner to drive down to Cha Am. Cha Am is a beautiful resort with a superb beach, we are staying at a Courtyard by Marriott resort. I know the Hotel and are looking forward to staying there. We'll keep the Toyota for the last week and try and get in plenty of day trips. I want to take Elizabeth to the Tiger Zoo and maybe Koh Yai National Park for a walk in the jungle.

The last part of the stay will be at the Dusit again, although I may have a look at another hotel, just to see what other Hotels are like for the next visit.

I will try and update the blog as I go in Thailand, can't wait...

Weather

2011-03-23T20:34:00.000Z

This week the UK and Thailand and are experiencing bizarre weather patterns. Hot and humid Thailand is being besieged by very wet weather and even cool temperatures. Last week an old man died in northern Thailand from the cold.

In the UK this week the temperatures have been up to 17C and the sun as been out in glorious fashion. Hopefully this weather lasts in the UK.

However the weather in Thailand can get hotter and drier by the end of May....

Poverty Britian

2011-03-23T20:10:00.001Z

I can honestly say that living in the UK is the worse I have ever known it!

Everyone seems to be cutting back and it doesn't look like things are going to get better any time soon.

Today George (Not in touch with the common man) Osbourne gave us a give and take take Budget. That man is so out of it, he seems to have given business a little, the normal bloke an even small bit and the rich wont notice a few £1000 missing.

Just lately I've noticed:

Food pricing rising at over 10%

Petrol over £6 a gallon

Electricity and gas up double digits

Insurance up

Anything with transport costs up

All this is not good.......

War on Libya

2011-03-21T23:04:00.000Z

Justifiable = Barely

Double Standards = Definately

Bad taste cartoon

2011-03-17T22:28:00.001Z

The cartoon on this post was posted in 'The Nation', a Bangkok based English newspaper.

It shows a sumo wrestler holding Deaths sythe and riding a tsunami on a surf board. In hindsight, any cartoon about the disaster in Japan is poor taste, but coming the day after and using such inappropriate stereo-typing and you can see why the cartoon was pulled so quickly and why it's difficult to find a copy.

Very poor 'The Nation', maybe a weeks profit should be donated to any Japanese charity and the cartoonist being fired.

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Disneyland Paris

2011-03-11T21:45:00.001Z

Last week I took Elizabeth to Disneyland Paris in France.

She was so excited, and to be honest so was i. I was also looking forward to doing france again after eight years away.

We dove down there via Dover and a P & O ferry and then drove to Disneyland. The drive was ok, but there is a severe lack of signs for DL. My Garmin SatNav didn't have DL on its database and after a brief loss of direction (getting lost) I sparked up my iphone GPS and guided myself in.

We were there fairly early and soon got in to the Disneyland Park, there were alot of rides for lizabeth and at first the que wasn't to bad, but they soon muilt up to 30-45 mins per ride. This sort of que also applied to any que for food. When you did finally find something to eat, the cost was staggering. I can safely say that it was a rip off, Disney have yet to learn that if they reduced their prices I'm sure they would sell more and people would go home feeling less ripped off and want to go back.

We went to a show show, which Elizabeth loved. Lets face it, this visit was for her. After six hours in DL we left before the main crowd came away. Good move!

I would give Disney 4/10, Elizabeth probably 8/10...

Now it's War

2011-02-04T17:37:00.001Z

More turbulent times in Thailand! Yellow shirts demonstrating and making mischief on the streets of Bangkok. In the south, insurgents are stepping up attacks on the army and civilians and prices fir food going through the roof.

Then today there was a violent skirmish on the border with Cambodia at the disputed Preah Vihear temple site. At last reports 2 Cambodian soldiers had been killed, 1 Thai soldier and a civilian had died. The fighting escalated into to exchange of artillery fire.

Political games I think! Shame people gave to die.

Related story

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/219886/thai-cambodian-clash-on-border

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Very Strange Slavery Case

2011-01-23T13:13:00.000Z

In today's Bangkok Post there is the weirdest story I've come across in a long time, even by Thailand standards.

A Ukrainian National "Anatoliy Vdovychenko" age 57 claims to have been held captive in a Factory at Rangsit in Bangkok for the last 14 years!

He claims to have come over in the mid 90's to work as a specialist for an oxygen company "Combitex Corporation Ltd". Whilst he was working there he suffered an accident and this is were the story becomes a little jaded, he couldn't return home. The company offered him a position with them with a very nice package. After a few months everything went pear shaped and Mr. V was confined to the factory and received no wages. From then on he was guarded and spyed on by other employees. He was only allowed to leave the Factory to buy food from a food vendor across from the site.

His family struggled to find him because at the time Ukraine did not have an embassy in Thailand. However, a recent letter was received a letter from a Burmese worker arrived at the new Embassy and an investigation was launched and the Embassy went directly to the Factory and confronted the owners. After a confrontation, Mr. V was released in to the custody of Embassy officials. Mr. V is in a poor state of health and can hardly speak his native tongue.

All this is being investigated by the DSI, which is the Thai version of Special Branch. This begs another question, why aren't the Police involved? In short, the local Police were probably aware of the situation and were receiving a cut back to turn a blind eye.

Thailand Immigration has granted Mr. V leave to stay in the country till the end of next month. (That's kind of them). Others are telling him to pursue the company for the very least payment of un paid salary. There is something underlyingly strange about this story, it will be interesting to see if any international news groups pick up the story, and if that will have an affect on the out come.

Ex Italian Ref runs Right Wing Thai Movement

2011-01-19T23:11:00.001Z

Yet another right wing nationalist movement as reared it's ugly head in Thailand.

Hot on the trail of the Thai Patriot Network (TPN), we now have the Sonti Asoke Sect. This Bhuddist group with bases along the Cambodian border wants the Government to step down over the way it is handling the border confrontation with Cambodia and the lack of help given to the Cambodian 7.

Together with the TPN, they are camped outside Government House protesting in a makeshift camp.

What really caught my attention was the head mans uncanny likeness to Pierluigi Collina, the famous bald Italian Referee who made a name for himself with his "The Hills Have Eyes" stare and no nonsense approach to refereeing in the 2006 World Cup.

It's good to see he's keeping busy

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Shining Cliff Woods

2011-01-19T14:03:00.000Z

I'm really trying hard to get fit. The bike is still the best way for me to do.

Today I went on a pretty hard but short ride. Has you can see from the graphics below, there was a lot of climbing just to get to the top of Shining Cliff Woods.

Shining Cliff Woods is a large woodland area between Alderwasley down to Ambergate in Derbyshire. It's always been a huge playground for us, we even played in there when we were at School. However, it comes in to its own when you give it some going down from top to bottom. Its a fairly wide trail, but full of rocks and wet in places. I had forgotton how much I enjoyed Shining Cliff and can't wait to do it again.

I say that, but there is the small matter of the long climb from Belper up to Alderwasley to cope with. You can see what the elevation is like from the graph.

Still in Prison

2011-01-18T18:49:00.000Z

The fate of the seven Thai's in a Cambodian Prison became a little bit clearer today.

All but one is now out on bail and staying at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Phen. The only one left in the comfort of a Cambodian Prison cell is the leader of the Thai Patriots Network Veera (TPN) Somkwamkid. This guy has been arrested before for illegally entering Cambodia, he was released last time after he wrote a letter promising to not do it again.

In developments in Bangkok, the TPN has set up a camp next to Government House. They are going to stay there until the Thai Government is thrown out because of the lack of help for the Cambodian seven. Today they marched to the Grand Palace and handed over a petition to the King.

All this is not to shabby when you remember that there are only a few dozen protesters!

This is getting very sicky and in some ways playing in to the hands of the right wing TPN. Like all extremist groups they thrive on any publicity.

There as been a lot of talk about the Thai prisoners appearing in blue prison pyjamas, The TPN is outraged by the indignity. From what I've seen, this is only the same treatment that foreigners get in Thai prison. In fact you mostly see foreigners shackled and bound.

Diabetes and Me Day 164

2011-01-18T12:15:00.000Z

Well! I've survived my first week on the Weight Watchers Diet.

I won't pretend it has been easy. At times I've felt really hungry and my meals hve been a little boring. I'm spending more money on special meals and food, but less on take aways and shitty un-healthy sncks.

I lost 7-1/2lb (3.4kg) according to their scales, in all fairness I'd expected to lose this amount of weight and want to loose the same amount next week.

All this can only be good for the diabetes!

Thai Patriots Network

2011-01-13T11:36:00.000Z

Sadly a new group is beginning to rear its ugly head in Thailand. The "Thai Patriot Network" (TPN) is currently in the news because its leader is being held in a Cambodian Jail. The TPN is an off shoot of the yellow shirt movement or (PAD). Pad were the group redponsible for the take over of Government House and the Bangkok Airports in 2008. They support the Democratic ruling party, although recent events have strained the relationship.

I think that the TPN is a dangerous group, any group that tries to whip up nationalist further by having a go at another people is trouble. We have it in the UK with the BNP and the EDF. I hope the TPN aren't as extreme as those two, but recent events seem to indicate that they like controversy.

Two of the detained are the leader of TPN and his Secretary, whilst they were detained with five others on Cambodian soil just after Christmas, the two TPN activists have been charged with espionage as well. This is a serious offence. Yesterday day in court the leader, Veera Somkwamkid would not give evidence in court because he wanted an interpritor from the Thai Embassy. He seems to like pissing the Cambodians off!

The Thai 7 on Cambodian soil just before the arrest!

Today the TPN is marching on Government House to demand action from the Government on the preceedings. They have also threatened to close the Border at Sa Kaeo. (A crossing I know well). This immediately bought a protest by locals against the TPN.

Everyone is waiting to see what strength the TPN can muster today, estimates from 50 to 5000 have been bandied about, they need to show a BIG show of strength to gain any credibility, especially after the Red Shirts fielded 30000 at the weekend.

One thing the TPN should remember is a saying the Americans use. Don't get Cambodian on my ass! The Cambodians might not but up there with Thailand as a 2nd world country, but they've gone through a lot in the last 50 years to get were they are. They are a tough people who when enraged won't avoid confrontation, but will go mental. Be careful what you wish for TPN.

Diabetes and Me Day 156

2011-01-12T10:44:00.001Z

I finally got round to visiting the Doctor to find out the result of the blood test I had before Christmas.

It all came about because my eyesight is all over the place and the Optician was concerned that my sugar levels had gone up.

Well the result was great news! My average has come down from 11.8mmo/l to 6. This us what you'd expect from a healthy normal person. All very good news, also the Doctor took me off the Ziclazide tablets and will see how I go with just 2 x 100mcg of Metformin. This is also good, Ziclazide is a strong weight gain tablet, so cutting it out and going on to Metformin should help me loose weight.

Talking of loosing weight, I've enrolled at Weight Watchers. I went before in 1995 and lost 7 stone in 7 months. Too much too quick! I want to loose about 6 stone by the end of the year, this works out at roughly 2lb (800g) per week. I'm up for it and know I can do it. I'll keep this blog updated weekly with how it's going.

Red Tide Rising Again

2011-01-10T10:33:00.000Z

Yesterday, the centre of Bangkok came to a standstill because of a new rally by the UDD (The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship).

Over 30000 people turned up at two rallies which later converged at Rachaphrasong Intersection, the site were 92 demonstrators were shot dead last year. What marks this rally out from the rest of the rallies is that the Reds were very well organised and did exactly what they needed to do without incurring the raith of the authorities.

This has really paniced the Thai Government who had secretly hoped that the Red and even the Yellow shirt movements had burnt themselves out. Certainly the Yellow shirts seem to be on the wain and if an upcoming rally by them doesn't have large numbers then their influence in the political arena will be very much lessened.

The rally was also addressed by former Thai PM, Thaksin Shinawatra. He is the de facto leader of the Reds despite having to live abroad because he is wanted on several corruption charges.

My only concern is that the political troubles don't kick off again, we want to really go back to Thailand this year, but if there is going to be street troubles then I'm not putting my family's safety at risk.

Thailand Air Fares

2011-01-07T14:11:00.000Z

We are looking to go back to Thailand this year, around the end of May, beginning of June. Notice I don't say "Going back to Thailand for a Holiday". The last two times I've been back, I've ended up being an unpaid Taxi Driver and baby sitter. This year we aren't going to hire a car the whole time we are there and we'll stay in Hotels being as our house is almost sold.

I've been looking around various web sites looking for some good deals on Air Fares, Hotels and Car Hire.

As far as Air Fares go, I tend to use e-bookers.com . They always seem to be in the ball park with regards to the best price and service. Prices for the time of yer seem to come in four brackets. The cheapest way is by using the Airlines that use their hub to get you to Bangkok. These include Etihad, Kingfisher, Gulf Air and Emirates. These type of flights tend to be around the £1300-£1400 for the three of us. The airlines are usually excellent service and have the most up to date planes. Time to Bangkok is about 14 hours with the stop over at the hub.

The next is the direct flight by private company, EVA is the best of these and comes in at £1500-£1600 for the three of us. EVA use new 777 planes and the service is good. Flight times are 12 hour.

Next come the National flag carriers such as BA, KLM, Quantas and Singapore Airways, these big companies use 747 planes and usually offer a direct flight with OK service. The price comes in at £1600-£1800 and again take 12 hours to get to Bangkok.

The last method is to use Thai Airways. For some reason this is one of the most expensive modes to get to Thailand, Anything from £1900 - £2100 for the three of us. They use some of the oldest 747's still in operation and the service is OK. Nuch and all of her friends love to travel by Thai Air, maybe they feel more secure flying with people who speak their language.

My personal choice would be EVA at a good price or if money was the end of it, then probably a middle eastern airline with a stop over in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. A three hour longer flight, but superior planes and service.

I will use Fast Car Hire for my car rental, they use Budget in Thailand. The reason why I use Fast Car rather than going direct is that I buy the deal in British Pounds which makes the deal cheaper.I plan to rent a Toyota Fortuner for four days at a cost of £140, whereas the Budget price is £190, a no brainer.

Hotels are very good in Thailand, even when I've had a bad experience of a Hotel in Thailand. Its still been better than anything of the equivalent price in the UK. My favourite site for booking Hotels is the Asiaroom site. They list most good Hotels in all areas of Thailand and at a competitive prices.

When I've booked, I'll follow this post up and tell you who I booked with.

Ted Williams

2011-01-07T13:12:00.001Z

Its very rarely that supposed good will stories have any effect on me other than a passing interest. For me to write a post they must have sparked an interest.

The story of Ted Williams as been picked globally this week and shows that the power of the Internet is vast.

For a in depth story click here

In a nut shell, Ted Williams was a down and out in the US. In a previous life he had been a radio voice over personality, he fell in with the wrong crowd and got in to drink, drugs, robbery and forgery. He was spotted by a local reporter doing voice over impressions by the side of the road, he posted the encounter on You Tube and rest is history.

I hope things work out well for Ted and lives the rest of his life in comfort.

Follow up on Teen Crash Death 1

2011-01-06T12:28:00.001Z

The following is from the beginning of The Bangkok Post:

"Orachorn "Praewa" Thephasadin Na Ayudhya was released yesterday after being questioned by police and officials at a juvenile detention centre.

Authorities had no grounds to detain the teenager. She had contacted police to turn herself in to face charges after the Dec 27 crash in which nine people were killed and several others injured".

Despite the fact that the young girl in question is connected to Thailands Elite, the whole case is being handled very well. Last week she visited the injured people from the crash in Hospital. That must have taken a lot of bottle. Yes, maybe it was a publicity stunt, but it came off well.

The University were most of the victims were from have started a fund for the victims and have promised to use their legal Department to its fullest to ensure the case is processed correctly. I hope that happens. One peice of the report does make me think that Praewa will never have to face full justice:

"Pol Maj Gen Amnuay said the girl's parents were willing to negotiate with the victims and their families over compensation"!

In short, a load of blood money is about to be paid out......

Super Hero?

2011-01-06T12:09:00.000Z

I saw this story today and I'm not quite sure what to make of it.

The man, called Phoenix Jones, wears a bullet proof vest, and also has stab protection as well as being armed with a taser and tear gas. He says when he walks into an area, criminals leave because they see the suit and do not want to take him on.

Uummm? My first thought is that he is making himself a prime target for some one to make a name for them self by taking him down. It would be great to think that this gimmick will make a difference to the streets of Detroit. If it does then hats off to him. It appears that Phoenix Jones is one of nine people in the city walking round in superhero costumes.

If I was to walk around the streets of Belper dressed in this outfit, I would reduce crime by making people laugh so much that the thought of committing a crime would be at the back of their mind!

Annual Road Carnage in Thailand

2011-01-05T13:45:00.000Z

The Annual carnage on the roads in Thailand got even worse over this new year period. Last year 347 people were killed in traffic accidents. This year the figure rose to 358. Injuries were slightly down, but the number of accidents were up.

Most of the accidents happened to the under 20 year old age bracket and drivers of pick up trucks and riders of motorbikes. Drunk driving is the scourge of Thailand, it is a national pastime and not taken seriously. The government is trying to address the problem, saying it will suspend the license of people caught drink driving. A good start, except most Thais I know don't have a license! Maybe the confiscation and sale of the vehicle would deter people better.

This debate rages every year, it will be an issue next year for sure. Until people take notice of the drink drive laws and the Police enforce these laws then people are going to die on the roads of Thailand.

Please be a good year

2011-01-05T00:14:00.000Z

At the start of this year there as been a series of depressing financial figures and statements, and I'm not talking about my bank balance!

Even though I don't own a house in the UK, when the house price falls it will have a direct effect on most people. Last year house prices fell an average 6.5%, this means that if your house was worth £150k , its now worth £140k. These falls vary throughout the country, but with a mortgage of £500 a month. It means you also paid £6k to loose £10k. Renting in these times is a good option.

VAT as gone up to 20%, this doesn't a great deal in the great scheme of things, but it will have a direct effect on inflation. Inflation isn't under control and this extra burden could mean a rise in interest rates. As a non mortgage payer this will only mean my small savings will be worth a little more, but for mortgage payers who are index linked to the base rate, it will mean an increase in monthly payments. Higher interest rates may also help the pound become a little stronger in the currency markets, which will be nice.

I've only got a part time job at the moment, I'm looking for a couple more part time jobs to keep me going. But there is about to be a large number of people loose their job from the public sector. This will mean more people chasing jobs. It will also mean less people providing services, this will be noticed!

I hate tempting fate, it has a habit of biting me in the arse, but if I can find a couple of jobs to give me 20-30 hours a week and Nuch keeps her job, we should be OK, but who knows? My motto is "Never knowingly thinks ahead"

2010 The year that was

2010-12-31T21:33:00.001Z

Over all 2010 has not been a bad year, the high was finding out that I had Type 2 diabetes, I know people may think that this is a strange high to choose, but finding out what was making me depressed, tired and unwell in one stroke was great and since then I've felt a lot better about life.

The low wasn't loosing my job back in October like most people may think, but it was having to take Elizabeth out of full time Nursery and because of their intransigence having to find her a new Nursery. Luckily I have a very stable daughter and as usual, she as taken everything in wake.

Rather than go through the year month to month, I'll talk about the things I remember. April saw Elizabeth and I go to Mallorca. Mallorca is one of my favourite destinations and I haven't been there since April 2005. We stayed in customers Apartment (Which got me in a load of shit at work, but that's another story). The weather was OK, Elizabeth was great on the plane and she was happy just to be on the beach all day. I will definitely be going back next year.

It was also this time of the year when the latest round of political troubles began in Thailand. They very nearly resulted in a revolution. Sadly it culminated in the deaths of nearly 100 protesters and today the problem hasn't gone away. We plan to go to Thailand next year, but we shall be monitoring the situation very carefully!

Facebook has played a big part in my life this year, this social network means I have been able to keep in touch easier with Friends and family. Also the ability to find friends from my distant past. Like this photo sent to me from Karl Gamble, a guy I went to school with. This photo was taken in 1981 up at the High School. I love it. I also went on a ride organised by my old bike club in memory of one of our mates who was killed out on a bike whilst I was in Thailand.

In August Elizabeth and I went away to N. Wales, this part of the UK is one of my favourites, Alot of my childhood and a big percentage of my adult has been spent in Snowdonia. It was great to get back to some of the old haunts and camping with Elizabeth was a blast. In september we went back to Barmouth, this time Nuch came with us. I'm not sure Nuch appreciated the outdoors, but me and Elizabeth will be going back in 2011.

It was whilst I was on holiday that I was informed that I was being made redundent. In all fairness I had been expecting for some time, so it didn't come as a shock. This meant that I had to pull Elizabeth out of full time Nursery. She loves Nursery, especially the social side of it. She still see's some of her old friends and in the new year will be starting back full time at a different Nursery. In 2011, we'll also find out which Primary School she will attend.

In August I found out that I was a Type 2 Diabetic. No real surprise, the life style I lead means that I'm a ripe candidate. It something I have to learn to live with. It as made me change my lifestyle and hopefully it will be more controllable.

Overall this year as been OK, I'll give it a firm 7/10. Last year I rated the year 6/10 just.

I don't look forward anymore, because if I do, then things never happen the way you want them to. In fact the further I think ahead the more wrong things seem to go. I have set three goals for next year.

Definately get fitter and cope with Diabetes
Visit Thailand
Find a job that suits me

Lets see.....

New Year Traffic Horror

2010-12-31T13:58:00.000Z

The run up to New Year in Thailand always involves an incredible number road accidents, usually averaging out at 45 a day over the period. Nothing to unusual in that because due to the lack of safety enforcement across the whole of Thailand and the poor way vehicles are driven then this number is pretty low.

This week a serious accident on the Tollway going towards our house as made front page news across many parts of the world, not because of the tradgedy of 9 people being killed in the crash, but because of the driver who caused the accident.

The driver was 16 year old girl called Orachorn Thephasadin Na Ayudhya was driving a new car given to her by her very rich and powerful family. She had no license, no insurance and by the looks of the crash, not alot of driving sense either. Her Father is a top man in the Police or something and the family is part of the HI-so brigade, A group of super super rich Thai's who are above the law in thailand. They run the country through big business and political clout. A photo taken after the crash shows the young girl using her mobile phone, there are alot of rumours going around that she was updating her facebook page! I hope for the sake of human spirit she was calling or texting for help.

Another major factor in the crash was the minibus that she hit was carrying medical staff from a local Hospital including several doctors who are royal scholars. some of the poor victims were ripped from the van on impact and landed 20m below on a busy road. This loss of brain and experience as shocked Thailand. Within hours a Facebook page had been set up demanding justice (Lynch Mob). All the girls Facebook, Myspace and internet pages have been taken down and her family has asked for public calm.

The girl didn't turn up at an agreed meeting with the police yesterday and as been officially asked to report next wednesday. If she doesn't turn up, a warrant for her arrest will be issued. Probability is that she is already in the US were she is studying. Even if she does face the law, which I doubt! She won't have to face any responsibilty for what she as done. A case from the other year when a Hi-so boy had a disagreement with a bus driver and then drove his car into a que at a bus stop killing one person. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, however bail was posted and he has never seen the inside of a jail. Probably a bit of blood money will be paid out and everything swept under the carpet. Even the press are scared to report any details. In the latest case, The Nation newspaper hasn't even printed the girls name!

I believe the explosion of hatred on social sites (Which can't be controlled in Thailand) is the frustration that Thai's feel at the moment. These social sites are giving Thai's more of a view of the outside world. One they don't normally see!

Diabetes and Me Day 148

2010-12-31T10:42:00.000Z

This morning I received the results for Retina exam. Thankfully everything came back as normal! This means that I won't have to go for another year.

Happy New Year every one......

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T21:27:00.000Z

Christmas this year was a very quiet affair and very organised. We were ready for Chrishmas a good week before the day, which meant the whole lead up was a bit boring.

I had to work Christmas Eve up until about 9.00pm, in bed for 11pm. Elizabeth was already in bed when I got home, she had left some mince pies and milk for Santa and a carrot for one of the reindeers. In the morning we got up around 6.30am. Elizabeth had loads of presents to un wrap and this year she went at it with gusto. Although its amazing that people wrap the presents up so tightly that she needed help to take the paper off.

Elizabeth had a Nintendo DSi and games, loads of cloth's and shoes, two Barbies, books and a zuzu pet. Nuch recieved a G Star and Hollister Hoodie, a Super Dry T Shirt and some money. I got a new Netbook, a really excellent pair of Timberland boots.

Only New Year to go now.

Diabetes and Me Day 143

2010-12-26T10:37:00.001Z

Warning - Contains frank discussion of bodily functions......

or REVENGE OF METFORMIN

As part of the treatment for my Diabetes, I take Metformin. This drug lowers your blood sugar and helps you to regulate your condition.

Unfortunately one of the side effects is severe flatulence and or diarrhoea! In the time I've taking it the effects have been mild. However I have noticed that the more rich the food you eat the more severe the end result. Unfortunately at Christmas you tend to eat a lot more rich food, and after a day of Christmas dinners, Christmas pudding, cheese and biscuits and dips my insides began to bubble just before I went to bed. During the night the noise and smell woke everyone up. Despite minus temperatures outside, I had to sleep with a window open just to get some fresh air in the room.

Then the runs kicked in! I can honestly say that I thought I was going to suffocate on the smell of my own body!! About an hour later I emerged from the toilet a lot lighter than when I entered and a can of air freshner lighter.

Today I'll take it more steady on the rich food!!

Diabetes and Me Day 140

2010-12-23T10:32:00.002Z

A picture of a good retina

Yesterday I went for a Retinal Scan at the DRI in Derby. Because of the effect that diabetes can have on your eyesight, you need to have a detailed photo taken of your retina at the back of the eye.

First of all you have to take a rudimentary eye test, something that I will deal with later in the post. After the test the Technician puts a special drop in your eye. She told it would sting a little and then I would have to wait for twenty minutes for the drops to take effect. Well the little stinging sensation turned out to be more like having diced Spanish onions put under my eyelid!

The pain did wear off a couple of minutes and slowly my vision began to get blurry. It turns out that the drops dilated your pupils, when I looked in the mirror it looked like I was in the effects of a morphine trip, very weird. Anyway the picture was taken and I'll know in a few weeks out it as turned out.

Earlier in the day, I had been to Babington Hospital for blood test, the test was one that shows an average for your blood sugar levels over the last three months. The reason why I had to test was that since September 2009 I have been wearing glasses full time, this was when I believe the diabetes started to kick and with the rise in the level of sugar in my blood, your eyes expand and this effects your vision. Once my diabetes had been diagnosed in august this year I went back to the optician because my vision had become worse. I was given stronger glasses and told to monitor the situation. This last few weeks, I've noticed that my eyesight is getting better and I'm currently trying out a new set of contact lenses at a low strength. My reading sight is no better, maybe worse but my distance vision is outstanding. The Doctor as said that this is probably due to my diabetes starting to control itself and that is why I went for a blood test.

I've been a little bit better on the diet and have been out on my bike a couple of times, despite the shocking weather. The pin prick tests are averaging out about 9mmo/l which is still a little high. I really hope that when I get the results it is positive news. I'm still taking 80mg of Ziclazide and 200mg of Metformin a day.

Thai Bureaucracy

2010-12-21T13:11:00.000Z

I've had several run ins with Bureaucrat's in Thailand, from the Immigration Department to Banking through to the local Umpur Office (Like our Registry Office, but with power).

We are currently trying to sell our house in Thailand and we have come up against an unusual amount of red tape. This as resulted in Nuch having to go down to the Embassy in London. First time she had to get some paperwork signed, obviously it's something that can't be done at the time and she was forced to go down again last week to collect the paperwork. Now we have found out that the local Land Registry office near the house wants even more paperwork meaning Nuch will have to go down on Christmas Eve to the Embassy, not a day you want to be travelling!

I have raised the issue of "How much does the official want"? Sadly things tend to get done a lot quicker in Thailand if palms are greased or crossed with silver. Anyway the question as been asked. When a foreigner is involved, the illusion of lots of money are like pound signs in the eyes.

Thailands Bureaucracy is very much paper based, sometimes seems that it is a job creation scheme, why put information on a computer when three people can type it!

Like all bureaucracy, you have to grin and bear it!

Can it get colder?

2010-12-20T17:07:00.000Z

Since the beginning of November the UK has been in the grip of some serious cold weather. Looking at the long range forcast things aren't going to get any warmer!

At the same time Thailand is also being gripped by an ice age. Temperatures are set to fall right down to 19C, I think the concept of cold weather as been lost somewhere in translation.

The UK is really struggling in the cold weather. All day today the highest temperature outside as been -6C, thats a good 12C below the normal average temperature. Obviously this means that the country has groud to a halt! All the London Airports are struggling to keep open, the railways are freezing up and the M25 is one big ice rink! The Bookies have stopped taking bets on a white christmas for obvious reasons.

Yesterday alone, I had to defrost my car three times, this is something you will never hear of in Thailand! Over there the cars don't even have red on the climate control!

I hope things warm up soon, My bike needs cleaning, work is very uncomfortable with the sub zero temps. Roll on summer!!

Thaksin's Back!

2010-12-08T21:54:00.001Z

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra has been asked to address the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe about Human rights issues in Thailand.

This has caused a big too do in Thailand, mainly because It's put Thaksin back in the news. He has been conspicous by his absent in recent months. The Thai government is desperate to get Thaksin back to face justice with regard to a dodgy land sale to his wife whilst he was in power.

It's also interesting that no member of the current Thai government as been asked to attend the human rights meeting, the reason for this is any one's guess? I don't think the US is happy with Thailand regarding the Military coup in 2006 or the direction Thailand is headed down the democracy route (Going the wrong way). There is also talk that this all an elaborate plot to get Thaksin into the US so he can extradited back to Thailand. I can't see this being the case, some of the people that have invited him to the US are congressmen, they wont stand for stuff like that. (or will they)?

The Thai foreign minister "Kasit Piromya" said he will request the extradition from the US should Thaksin step foot there.

I find it strange that Thaksin has been asked to sddress this committee, his record on human rights whilst he was in office was the best, so why he is going to give a talk on the current state of affairs is strange.

Lets wait and see.

Inception

2010-12-07T14:15:00.000Z

I've finished watching the movie "Inception". To be honest it as got to be one of the best movies I have ever seen!

The general plot is easy to keep up with, what isn't are the finite plot details. The story evolves around trying to gain or in this case plant thoughts into the minds of people you are trying to influence. At the end of the action the plot in a dream of dream of a dream of a dream.

The effects and music are outstanding and much as I hae to admit, Leanardo de Caprio, who I associate with the dreadful "Titanic" is outstanding.

A must see DVD!

The cold!

2010-12-07T11:21:00.000Z

For nearly two weeks now the temperature has been below freezing. This morning our thermometer read -11.5C. This is very cold!!!!

The inside of the car was frozen and the roads and pavement are covered in snow and ice. The forcast for the next few days is to get warmer. I hope is does because I just can't get warm.

This morning Elizabeth and I went with Nuch by train to Derby, Nuch was going down to London to the Thai Embassy. Predictably the train we should have caught back to Belper was cancelled so we had to walk into Derby to catch a bus. The bus we caught was one hour late and the countryside we came through on the way home was very snowed up and icy.

My bike is still covered in ice, I haven't a clue what it will be like to ride once all this cold weather has gone. Hopefully it will still be rideable.

England World Cup Bid 2018

2010-12-05T11:26:00.000Z

England much publicised bid for the 2018 World Cup has come to a tradgic end.

In Zurich on thursday, England received only two votes despite the English bid coming top of the technical and security risk assesment by FIFA. The country that came bottom of both lists was Russia, bizarelly won the competition!!!

It got even more wierd when Qutar were named as the host of the 2022 World Cup, a country with a population of a few million and summer temperatures into the 50'sC. What both of these bids have in common is oil money, obviously I'll leave the rest to your imagination.

England has begun to retaliate, their proposed friendly with Thailand next year as been cancelled, the Thai delegate promised his vote to England and being as he didn't deliver that vote, England have recipricated. He isn't worries, his money is in the bank. The Thai football fans now won't get to see England.

England and other nations that felt cheated in the bid are now circulating messages that they want the voting proceedure changed. Rather than 25 rich men vote every time and make their pockets bigger, they believe the vote should go out to all 208 member associations of FIFA.

We'll see, FIFA think they are beyond reproach...

Early snow

2010-11-27T21:24:00.001Z

All last week the temperature has been dropping across the UK, and this morning we woke up to about 150mm of snow.

I can't remember seeing this much snow and cold temperatures this early in a winter season, the leaves have only just fallen of the trees.

Elizabeth doesn't mind, she loves the snow and we have bought a sledge for her to play on. So tomorrow we'll be off to the hills to get some serious sledging done.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Diabetes and Me Day 111

2010-11-24T10:30:00.000Z

Sorry I've not posted for the last month or so, but being out of work as been a little depressing and I've not really felt like writing anything down on this blog. This attitude as sadly crossed over to the way I've been handling my diabetes.

My cycling come back as gone right down hill and I'm back to square one with my fitness. My diet as all but stopped and the amount of food that will affect my blood sugar has gone up in consumtion.

The latest test that I did the other day was only 7.8 mmo/l, which is a very good reading. Unfortunately, these tests are only a snap shot of my level at the time. An hour after the test the reading could have been double that!

I will knuckle back down and I'm sure when I get a new proper job, I'll get back into a routine and get back on the diet and take this whole thing alot more serious.

Tragedy in Cambodia

2010-11-23T12:43:00.000Z

Cambodia has declared Thursday a national day of mourning after at least 378 people were killed in a stampede in the capital, Phnom Penh.

Hundreds more were injured when people were crushed on a small island on the final day of the Water Festival. The stampede took place on a bridge, which eyewitnesses said had become overcrowded. Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered an investigation into the cause of the disaster. Hun Sen described the stampede as the "biggest tragedy" to hit Cambodia since the mass killings carried out by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. He ordered all government ministries to fly the national flag at half-mast.

The bridge crosses the Bassac river, which is being searched for more bodies of people believed to have drowned after falling into the water. Government spokesman Phay Siphan said the death toll could rise further, adding that 755 people had been injured. Officials said most of the deaths were as a result of suffocation and internal injuries. No foreigners are said to be among the dead.

Authorities had estimated that more than two million people would attend the three-day festival, one of the main events of the year in Cambodia. Panic broke out after a concert on Diamond Island, which followed a boat race on the Tonle Sap river regarded as a highlight of the festivities.

Thailand and Abortion

2010-11-22T00:51:00.001Z

Big news in Thailand this has been the discovery of several thousand foetuses at Wat Phai Ngern Chotanaram. Several locals had been paid by local illegal abortionist to dispose of the small bodies for quite considerable sums.

Abortion is illegal in Thailand despite there being an estimated 300,000 carried out every year. The current PM as ruled out any change in the law even though a bill is being discussed in parliament.
Thailand in many ways is a male society and if a woman gets pregnant, the man as no legal obligation to bring the child up, emotionally or financially. So the outcome is an unwanted pregnancy and child! Abortion is seen as a sin....

A twist in this tale is that a woman as been accused in the despising of the bodies and it turns out her Mother has bought up four children who at the time of disposal were seen to be alive and taken home and bought up in what seems to gave a loving environment.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Digital Photography 1

2010-11-17T15:24:00.000Z

Here are a few snaps taken with my Sony DSLR:

Chatsworth House

2010-11-15T14:50:00.002Z

This weekend and old friend from the US came over. I met Jonathan in 2001 when I went to New York for a holiday. Jonathan acted as a guide for the day, I have kept in touch with him and was pleased when he told me he was coming over and would be staying for a few days.

Today we went to Chatsworth House, one of the better known of Britain's stately homes. Even though it is only about 15 miles away, I have never been around the house and looked forward to taking this opportunity.

An outstanding Place that is a must visit, see some of pitures attached:

Thailand could be Burma

2010-11-10T10:10:00.000Z

This weekend has seen the first elections held in Burma for 20 years. Burma is ruled by a very hard ruling military dictatorship which is near the bottom of the list for human rights.

The election was a total farce, because most of the seats were already allotted to the governing Generals and the seats that were contested were so difficult to stand in that only parties sanctioned by the Generals could afford to stand. So basically the result was known months in advance.

On Monday near the border with Thailand at Mai Sot a regional guerrilla force made up of the local Karen tribe tried to take over a Burmese town. Heavy fire between the Karen's and Burmese government forces spilled over into Thailand. At least a dozen Thais were injured by gun fire and shrapnel. 20000 Burmese fled to Thailand to avoid the shooting. They have since gone back to Burma after the Government regained the town.

Link to story

Sadly Thailand recently changed their constitution so that about a third of seats in Parliament will be decided by an elite panel, the rest being made up of elected representatives. This is starting to sound very similar to what is happening in Burma. Don't get me wrong, Thailand is no way like Burma in the technology, welfare and openness stakes, but the fact that the current defacto Thai government is only really a mouth piece for the Army and the electoral system is going down a very dodgy road, comparison's will be made. Tag this with fact that Thailand [or its neighbours] hasn't really commented on the election, were as the rest of the free world has condemned the election as nothing more than lip service to democracy, then the embarrassment the Thai government must feel is obvious.

Artic Thailand

2010-11-07T15:58:00.000Z

It's the time of year in Thailand when the temperatures dip below 20C.

The fir coats and hoodies come out and everyone complains about the cold. The lowest temperature I saw when I lived in Pathum Thani was 18C, for me that was still warm enough for shorts and I found the whole experience to be very enjoyable.

As you can see from photo, right up in the northern part of Thailand the temperatures are due to be around 14C. In this part of the world temperatures can get down to 5 or 6C. This is cold for Thailand and not to be jokey, people do die from the cold.

Has I write this in a barmy 11C in the UK I may have to put a jacket on when I go out later. We have decided to go back to Thailand next summer when the temperature will be 30C plus, so I suppose I will have to learn how to cope with the heat and humidity.

I'm not a peedo!!!

2010-10-29T17:51:00.001+01:00

Elizabeth is attending a new nursery as of last week. When I enrolled her I gave them a password in case anyone else other than Nuch and I pick her up.
Last week my mum picked her up and even though she had never been before a woman who was picking her child up let her into the nursery. Once she found Elizabeth she gave them the password and took Elizabeth home, no probs!
This week when I picked Elizabeth up, I was waiting to get in the front door, later I'll be given own key fob to get in. A real snotty woman came to the door and just said "I can't let you in, I don't know who you are, you could be anyone!" you can imagine how this made me feel?
I got through the door about 5 seconds after she had gone through and made sure she held the four doors open to Elizabeths room, hoping to make her feel uncomfortable. I wanted to say "can you prove who you are?" however I remained silent.
Once I got to Elizabeths room, the nurses in the place wouldn't let me take her out because know one knew me. I gave them the password, but this didn't help. The manager had to be found who was the only person recognised me. Last week my mum wasn't recognised but because she was a woman, she was allowed to take her. Because I'm a bloke, I was treated like a potential pedophile until I was given the all clear.
Yes, I know security has to be paramount, but it as to be standard for men and women. Have people already forgot the extreme case of the female nursery nurse taking porno pics of 2 month old kids in her charge?
Anyway, that's my rant for this week....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Future direction

2010-10-28T12:39:00.000+01:00

Whilst I'm off work, it's been a struggle to keep Elizabeth occupied with activities that are worthwhile. She as started at a new neursery due to the intransigence of her old one. This only takes up one day per week, so I've been thinking what pastime she will do in the future.

Bend it like Beckham

This raises another question, the pastime or hobby she takes up, will it be her chioce or one influenced by me? I would like to think it is one she chooses that I like!!!!

I would like her to get into any of the following. Golf, cycling or Hiking. At the moment she seems to be more in to wanting to dance! This is not on the menu, if it's what she wants then I will help her out, however the phrase last resort springs to mind.

At the moment she is bugging me using a drum stick on anything in the living room and making a mess which I will have to clean up.