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The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: for photos, see: http://www.pattayaone.net/news/2009/june/n...8_06_52_3.shtml _____ Thai Man arrested Following Allegations of Lewd Acts in Public Park On Sunday Afternoon, Police from Huoy Yai arrested Khun Songkran aged 30 at a public park in Soi Chayapreuk 2 following allegations of an indecent act involving three children aged 6,8 and 9. The suspect was taken to a Police Box in the area after a parent of one of the children was informed of the problem inside the park and went to investigate. At the Police Box the children explained that the man approached them and offered them 40 Baht for some drinks. In return, the children must touch the suspect in his genital area. The children refused to comply and at this point the suspect is alleged to have masturbated in front of the children who were told to stay and watch. Khun Songkran confessed to the indecent act and was arrested and charged with the offence and is set to appear in court later this week.

I received the following information today: _____ Mick the night manager of the Cafe Royal Bar was taken to Bangkok Pattaya hospital a few days ago with uncontrollable shakes and very high blood pressure. Yesterday the doctors there said they believe that whilst there he has now suffered a stroke and appears to be paralyzed down one side it doesn't look very good for him they say. As they don't have a Neurosurgery department or surgeon at Bangkok Pattaya hospital he was transferred overnight to the Bangkok Medical Center in Bangkok. As you know Mick ran the Soho bar in Pattayaland Soi 1 for some years.

If that describes you, I think I found a web site that can help quite a bit: http://www.learningthai.com/tones/

Maybe I should have said "activity" instead of "construction." I have seen cement trucks going in and out of there. Maybe you're right about what's going on.

There is construction going on at the site, so they're building something. Whether it will really end up being that 95 story structure remains to be seen.

First, it's the Boat Bakery, not Boathouse. Take a baht bus north to the Dolphin Roundabout. If you're lucky, he'll turn right and go up North Road (Pattaya Nua) to the bus terminal. If not, you'll have to get off the bus and take another one that goes up Pattaya Nua. You could also just hire a baht bus to take you there. It should cost about 150 baht.

Please let us know the outcome and if you found our information to be accurate.

Maybe not a fake after all, according to AP. Nevertheless the family made it clear that they are quite upset over publication of the photo, so I did remove it to avoid being caught up in a lawsuit and out of respect to the family's wishes. _____ Carradine Family Takes Action on Probe, Photos By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES – David Carradine's family members, dissatisfied with Thai investigators and "profoundly disturbed" by the publication of a forensics photo in a Bangkok tabloid, are seeking help from the FBI and an independent pathologist and have threatened legal action against any media outlet that reprints images of the actor in death. Keith Carradine has filed reports with the FBI that could lead to the agency's involvement, said Mark Geragos, attorney for the "Kung Fu" actor's half-brother. The FBI confirmed that Carradine's family had contacted the agency. The family will also seek an independent autopsy by famed forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden to determine whether another person could have been involved, Geragos said. Results of an autopsy performed Friday in Bangkok were not expected for at least three weeks. A chambermaid found Carradine's body Thursday at Bangkok's Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel. Thai authorities said they have all but ruled out foul play, based on surveillance footage and interviews with hotel staff that indicate no one was in Carradine's room before he died, said Col. Somprasong Yenthuam, who is heading the investigation. A grainy photo published on the Saturday cover of the tabloid Thai Rath shows a naked body suspended from a clothes bar in a hotel closet, hands apparently bound together above the head and feet on the floor. The face is blacked out and other areas are obscured. The paper did not indicate the source of the image, but Thai police said they believed it was a picture of Carradine's body taken by a forensics team. Keith Carradine said in a statement that the family was "profoundly disturbed by the release in Thailand of photographs taken at the scene of David Carradine's death," and threatened legal action against further distribution. "The family wants it understood that, per attorney Mark Geragos, any persons, publications or media outlets will be fully prosecuted for invasion of privacy and causing severe emotional distress if the photos are published," the statement read. The actor's family hopes the body will arrive in Los Angeles by Monday, Geragos said, but he did not give specifics. Geragos said the family decided to intervene because of conflicting information about Carradine's death and a lack of direct information from Thai authorities. "All we really know is not much more than what the public knows, and that's disturbing," Geragos said. Agents were checking with the FBI's legal attache at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to see if Thai authorities "are requesting or would welcome FBI assistance in this matter." FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said the agency generally only gets involved in death investigations overseas if a crime is suspected. Investigators initially said Carradine's body was found "naked, hanging in a closet," causing them to suspect he had taken his own life. But his family, friends and representatives have said they doubt the 72-year-old actor would have killed himself. Police later said the actor may have died from accidental suffocation or heart failure after revealing that he was found with a rope tied around his wrist, neck and genitals — leading to speculation that Carradine may have engaged in a dangerous form of sex play known as auto-erotic asphyxiation. But Geragos said he expects the examination by the New York-based Baden, a celebrity among forensic pathologists who frequently consults on high-profile cases, will clear up many unanswered questions. "It's an amazing thing what a good pathologist can accomplish," Geragos said. Carradine flew to Thailand last week and began work on a film titled "Stretch" two days before his death. His friends and associates told CNN's Larry King he had a happy marriage, recently bought a new car, and had several films lined up after he finished work in Bangkok. A martial arts practitioner himself, Carradine was best known for the U.S. TV series "Kung Fu," which aired from 1972-75. He played Kwai Chang Caine, an orphan who was raised by Shaolin monks and fled China for the American West after killing the emperor's nephew in retaliation for the murder of his kung fu master. Carradine also appeared in more than 100 feature films with such directors as Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman and Hal Ashby. He returned to the top in recent years as the title character in Quentin Tarantino's two-part saga "Kill Bill." Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

The following appears in the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS: http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.p...NEWS=0000009421 _____ VICE PRESIDENT OF PATTAYA CONDO PROJECT “THE BEACHES” ARRESTED ON FRAUD CHARGES On the morning of 5th June 2009, police arrested a Thai-English national, Mr. George Carl Morgan (40), on fraud charges. He is accused of issuing fake documents to customers of “The Beaches” condominium project in Jomtien and embezzling deposit payments to the tune of 100 million baht. The arrest was confirmed at 11:20 am by officers of the Crime Suppression Division under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, Police Colonel Supisal Pakdee Narunart, and Police Colonel Pornsak Surasit. The half-Thai, half-English suspect, who resides at 45, U-thong Nok, Susit District, Bangkok, was arrested at Arina Gerden Village, Soi Samakki, Pak-Glet, Nonthaburi with warrant no. 1094/2550 on charges of issuing fake documents. He had managed to evade arrest until now by moving from place to place. Mr Liakat S. Dhanji [40], the Canadian director of the development company behind the project (Triple Eight Property Company Limited) has issued separate proceedings against Mr. Morgan who, since 14th January of this year, has been the vice-president and marketing manager of the condominium project, claimed to be the biggest of its kind in South-East Asia. Police said that Mr. Morgan had presented himself as a respectable person and had used his privileged position in the company to offer customers half price deposit deals. The value of the paid deposits is believed to be about 100 million baht. Most of the customers affected are from Sweden and Russia and police have announced that anyone who has deposited money with Mr. Morgan should check to see whether their payments have been registered in the company records. Should anyone discover that their reservation has not been registered, they should contact the police immediately. The 800 room, 20,000 Million baht project started in 2005 and is located at the Najomtien area of Jomtien Beach. Prices for apartments are between 5 and 20 million baht and construction is expected to be complete by 2012. The project has been popular among speculators, both Thais and foreigners.

<!--quoteo(post=26352:date=Jun 7 2009, 06:45 PM:name=lvdkeyes)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lvdkeyes @ Jun 7 2009, 06:45 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=26352"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I can explain it for you. T I T<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Unfortunately, that's probably the best explanation we'll ever get.

Ok, pic deleted. Besides, that picture looks like a fake to me anyhow.

Between the bank charges and document requirements for visas, it seems that many of us are having entirely different experiences when we're doing exactly the same things. Lord only knows why this should be, but apparently that's what's going on. In another thread, when this sort of thing was brought up, I said this may be my newest item on my "I Don't Get It" list. Now, it's definitely made the list. I can't come up with anything to explain what's going on.

Did you also give them some sort of proof of address? If you did, then that means whether they ask for the credit card or not is a matter of whim. All I can tell you is I have never been asked, although last year when I went to renew my retirement visa I gave it to them voluntarily with all my other documents. That's because that's when that rule first came out. But they didn't ask for a foreign credit card. I gave them a copy of a Thai ATM card, one that has a VISA logo on it. Also, they did black out that three-digit code on the back. I don't know what good that does them, though, because Thai ATM cards do not have your name imprinted on the front. This year, however, I did not give them a copy and I was not asked. When I do my 90-day reports, all I have ever been asked for is something to substantiate my address. I give them a bill, in my name, that had been mailed to me. They always readily accept it. I've used my MaxNet bill, my TOT bill, and that sort of thing with no problem at all. Sounds like the next item for my "I Don't Get It" list.

As far as I know they are not. I just renewed my own retirement visa last week and was not asked for that.

I'll try to make it easy for you: If you have not held 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for 3 months or more: 1. Your passport 2. Copy of your main passport page. 3. Copy of the oldest retirement visa in your current passport, if you are renewing a retirement visa. 4. Copy of your most recent retirement visa, if you already hold one. 5. If you do not already hold a retirement visa, a copy of the visa you currently hold. 6. "Letter for Immigration" from your Thai bank. 7. Bank passbook, updated the same date you are applying for the retirement visa (no more than a very few days old. Best to update the same day you intend to apply) 8. Copy of your bank passbook's main page. 9. Copy of your bank passbook's updated page, showing your account balance. 10. Proof-of-Income statement from your embassy. 11. One passport photo 12. Evidence that shows where you live and whether you are renting or buying. You do not need to provide copies. They simply want to look at what you have. 13. 1900 baht to pay for the visa. If you do have 800,000 baht in your Thai bank account, and it has been there for a minimum of three months: You need everything listed above except the proof-of-income statement from your embassy. At the Pattaya Immigration office, if they want additional copies or additional documents, there is a little copy shop right next door. They'll make whatever you need. You can even have your passport photos made there. If you still feel uncomfortable, then if you're going to apply for your retirement visa in Pattaya, feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to go with you personally and walk you through the whole thing.

I just did. That's wonderful if you were someone who watched a television comedy, "Home Improvement," which I never did - not even once - and I also never heard that phrase. Now that we know "I don't think so, Tim" really is a phrase (next time put quotes around it and next time don't assume anyone else is familiar with obscure phrases, especially since non-Americans also read this board), I don't suppose we can get off this and actually get to the subject of the thread at some point before the Internet becomes obsolete, can we? Because I'm starting to give some thought to adding one or two more to that "tourist attraction" . . . . . . . . . .

Who's Tim? By the way, does anyone have anything to say about the article that started this thread? Here we have an article about someone being beheaded and then put on display, and all anybody wants to talk about is whether Saudi Arabia is geographically considered part of Asia. Alright already. I concede that Saudi Arabia is part of Asia.

"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix" - Dan Quayle

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Korn: Strong Baht a Concern Liquidity to be Used on Raw Material Imports By: PARISTA YUTHAMANOP Published: 6/06/2009 A strengthening baht due to problem-solving measures in the US and the rising price of crude will be new challenges for economic recovery in the near future, according to Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij. The US dollar is likely to weaken in the near future as the Federal Reserve continues to inject cash into the economy to resolve credit constraints and offset declining demand in treasury bills from abroad, he said. Crude oil prices yesterday rallied to $70 per barrel due to increased demand. Thailand would be affected as it is a major importer of oil, said Mr Korn. "The Fed needs to keep injecting cash for a while. One positive from this action is that demand will be sustained. But it is unavoidable that it will lead to upward pressure on prices, and increased manufacturing will also affect oil prices," he said. The government's 1.4-trillion-baht investment plan, mainly for small and medium-scale projects, should stimulate the economy for the medium term. Screened projects for investment are the ones ready for use, he said. "We will use domestic liquidity to import raw materials. This will reduce pressure on the baht. The government's position is clear: when the private sector is not ready and there is plenty of liquidity, it will spend," said Mr Korn. "Public debt will rise to 60% of gross domestic product over the next two years, which we think is acceptable." Speaking at an economic seminar, he said the government plans to embark on Southern Seaboard development to create a seaport and transport link between the eastern and western coast, as well as building a dual-track train network stretching from North to South and West to East, as long-term economic restructuring measures. Olarn Chaipravat, a former deputy prime minister, said the government should ensure foreign exchange did not hurt export revenue when other currencies were converted to baht. A weak currency helped South Korea's growth in the first quarter of the year, he said. He asked the Finance Ministry to push special financial institutions to lend to businesses. Mr Korn, however, rejected the idea, saying lending should target boosting consumer purchasing power rather than helping firms. Dr Olarn also said the government needed to rethink its automobile industry strategy, in light of greater focus from China and the US in the future. Meanwhile M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula, a former deputy prime minister, urged the government and local investors to be cautious with the global economic recovery as increasing consumer demand is not yet firm. One factor is that an increase in US manufacturing in March offset a huge rundown in inventories from the fourth quarter of 2008. Another is that its retail sales remain weak. "Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea have benefited from China because its economic growth was driven by final demand rather than exports," he said. M.R. Pridiyathorn said purchasing power in rural Thailand could decrease in the second half of the year as merchants expect the government to sell paddy from its inventories at a cheaper price than it paid farmers.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Cops Top Graft List, Study Finds Of State Agencies, Police Voted 'On the Take' Most Published: 6/06/2009 The police force has topped the list of the most corrupt state agencies, according to a study funded by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The study was revealed at a two-day seminar on corruption suppression and prevention which ends today, organised by the national anti-graft agency. NACC adviser Sirilaksana Khoman, a seminar panelist, cited a study on corruption by Saowanee Thairungroj, vice-rector at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The NACC-commissioned study looked at the attitudes of businessmen who came into contact with state agencies and politicians. The study showed about 40% of businessmen who had experience doing business with government agencies said the police force, including highways and traffic police officers, was the most corrupt state agency. The top five state agencies and officers that businessmen had to pay "extra money" to during the past five months of this year were the Land Department (72.22%), followed by tambon administration organisations (68.52%), provincial administration organisations (60.52%), highways and traffic police (59.08%), and local politicians and influential figures (44.76%). State agencies where most respondents said they experienced graft include the Customs Department (12.2%) followed by tambon administration organisations (7.8%), and the Land Department (4.8%). About 17% of respondents said they had come into contact with corrupt politicians. According to the study, 19% of corrupt practices in the state sector involved officials thinking up unnecessary projects, 14% involved abusing inside information for personal benefits, particularly to buy land, and about 9% was related to bid collusion. The respondents viewed that corruption in state agencies stemmed from the culture and mindset of giving and receiving kickbacks and working environments in government agencies which are conducive to graft. Mrs Sirilaksana said that loopholes and inefficiencies in the administration of the state sector were to blame for the endemic corruption. "The NACC has funded many studies aimed at pointing out the causes of corruption and coming up with suggestions to close the loopholes," Mrs Sirilaksana said. The best way to combat graft was through prevention supported by the government, NACC commissioner Methi Krongkaew said, adding that research into corruption would support the anti-graft agency's preventive measures against graft. Speaking at the seminar, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stressed the need for all sectors of society, particularly young people, to play a part in monitoring and fighting graft. He said the government wanted state agencies to adopt good governance in their organisations.

This is exactly why I keep recommending that everyone who comes to Thailand gets a Thai bank account while you still can. Every two minutes the rules change, and I haven't seen any change to our benefit. They keep making things more difficult. So, at least get a bank account at all while you can. Once again I fail to see the logic. When I first opened my Bangkok Bank account, many moons ago, there was no problem opening the account on the 30 days and no problem getting online banking. Try it now. But WHY? Why on earth would they care whether you have a work permit or not in order to get online banking? I don't have one. I never did. Thank goodness they didn't grandfather in that one. But since I don't have a work permit, obviously my online banking isn't causing them any problems. Who comes up with these kinds of nonsensical rules, anyway?

But how does forcing someone to go into the bank instead of using the cash deposit machine, with that 60 baht fee deducted from his deposit, make more money for the bank?

It's also bizarre. When I was being charged that 30 baht fee, I only had to either accept it or reject the transaction. I wonder why they don't do the same thing for him. Instead of that option, which would take about two seconds, they make him go into the bank and stand on line? That alone would inspire me to find another bank. And even then, he has to be there during the bank's opening hours to make the deposit. Why on earth a bank would want to make deposits a pain-in-the-ass for its own customers, and an expensive one at that, goes beyond me. There must be some form of logic in there somewhere, but it sure escapes me!

Living out here on "The Dark Side," I'm all too familiar with that bypass. So far all it's done is cause traffic problems. It was supposedly going to relieve the traffic congestion on Sukhumvit. I don't see any less traffic on Sukhumvit than before. The problem is not the north-south traffic flow. The problem is the intersections. That's where things get jammed up when people are trying to turn. Of course, Thai drivers simply come out into the path of oncoming cars, block the lane, and then make their turn when they get a traffic break. There are flashing traffic signals at the moment. I hope they convert those to standard traffic signals. That may solve some of the problems.

I'm sure you can. Just ask him. thomasohlson@hotmail.com