Gaybutton

Thank you for the information, but why didn't you ask? Also, I'm pinning this topic. Obviously this is now a requirement, so everyone who needs to report his address needs to be aware of it.

A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares? George Carlin

I now have confirmation that is acceptable to me. The Birdcage bar has closed.

There is a long thread on the Baht-Stop forum about this subject. I've stated my opinions on that thread, so I'm not going to repeat them here. But I will say that a friend and I went through most of the Sunee Plaza bars this evening. Between the dim lighting and the strobe lights I doubt that the CCTV cameras could pick up a decent image of anyone. To my mind, it's all very simple. If you have misgivings about the CCTV cameras, then don't go into the bars. We can post back and forth from now until Kingdom Come our opinions about it, the intrusion on privacy, the potential for blackmail, and God-knows-what, but meanwhile the cameras are there to stay. The bar owners are not at fault. They had to comply. So, to me the bottom line is: If you oppose the CCTV cameras, then what do you think can be done about it?

The latest information I have is that Birdcage has indeed silently closed. I cannot confirm that yet, but my information is coming from highly reliable sources. At this moment, that's the best I can tell you.

The Bondi hotel and bar, in Jomtien Complex, has closed. I'm very sorry to see yet another gay establishment close its doors.

I'm guessing you are talking about the Residence Certificate. Assuming this requirement is being applied universally, it's something new to all of us. I've seen nothing about it on other web sites and have not heard anything other than what has been posted here. It's too early to know what is going on or what is and is not acceptable. It's going to take several people going and reporting their experience before that question can be answered. For the moment, I would say to take it with you, along with other documents that are likely to be acceptable and ask. I would first try to report my address as I always have and see if they even ask for any proof. If they do, try the Residence Certificate. If they accept it, you have your answer. If they don't, then we'll know that alone is not enough.

For the past few nights, the Birdcage bar has been closed. Recently, rumors were rampant about the imminent demise of the Birdcage. I haven't heard anything. I'm wondering if anyone knows whether the closings over the past few nights is something temporary or whether the Birdcage has passed into history.

There's always one jerk who manages to make things difficult for everyone else. To tell the truth, I'm surprised they didn't always require documentation. If you are living here legitimately, it should be no problem, as long as you don't forget to take the documents with you when you go in to submit the report.

If you are staying at the Tarntawan, I think the best thing for you to do is check with them personally when you get there. They have all the latest information and they will be able to give you the best advice. Also, Utopia Tours operates from the Tarntawan. They are the best for showing you around and their guides speak English.

Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18 mark two major Buddhist holidays in Thailand. July 17 is Asalaha Bucha Day. July 18 is Khao Pansaa, the more important of the two holidays. Khao Pansaa is the beginning of Buddhist Lent. On both days banks and government offices will be closed. Alcohol sales will not be permitted. I have no word yet as to whether the bars will be allowed to remain open if they serve only non-alcoholic beverages.

U.S. Citizen Consular Outreach Visit to Pattaya Friday, July 18, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dusit Thani Hotel The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Bangkok is pleased to inform you of the addition of a consular outreach visit to Pattaya. Please come if you can! Consular staff will be available to provide consular services at the following date and location: Friday, July 18, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya. Please look for signs in the hotel lobby pointing to the location of the outreach. The following consular services will be available during our reach visits. Please bring exact change. * Passport renewal applications ($75.00 or Baht 1550 for adult passports, and $85 or Baht 2890 for a child’s passport) * Notarial Services and Certified Copies ($30.00 or Baht 1020) * Absentee ballot application and voting abroad information * Social security, VA or other federal benefits question will be limited, but we will try to provide forms and answers NOTE: Unfortunately, we cannot process extra visa pages during our outreach trips. We can accept applications, but the passports will have to be brought back to the Embassy for final processing the next day. The passports will then have to be picked up in person (or by a friend upon presentation of a letter of authorization signed by the applicant) at the Embassy. We regret any inconvenience caused by this change in procedure, and we are still working on gaining authorization to begin mailing passports back to applicants. Additionally, Consular Reports of Birth cannot be processed during consular outreach trips. If you have any questions, please e-mail: acsbkk@state.gov or call the American Citizen Services Unit at: 02-205-4049. We look forward to seeing you in Pattaya on July 18, 2008.

Not me. I say bring him on! I think it would be wonderful if he gets caught fondling a boy on the CCTV cameras or, better yet, gets arrested for having sex with an under-age boy. Now that's something I'd love to see . . . . . I think it would be poetic justice if he ends up on a shit list because he is a middle-aged male who visited Thailand. Come to think of it, he's already on a shit list or two, isn't he? He certainly made it to the top spot on my "I Don't Get It" list.

Deed poll? That is a term unfamiliar to me. What does it mean?

Can you please post the URL's?

The baht buses can get you as far as Central Road (Pattaya Klang) and Sukhumvit Highway. From there, you're going to have to use a motorcycle taxi. You can also contact me. If you want to eat with me, I'll be glad to meet you somewhere along Central Road, or I'll even come and get you where you're staying if you don't mind chipping in a little bit for gas. Not that I'm a cheapskate (some would disagree with that), but gas is awfully expensive these days and I would have to drive from where I live all the way into the city to get you, then drive all the way back out here again, and after dinner I'd have to drive all the way back into the city a second time, and then all the way back out here to go home. In other words, folks, I don't usually ask for contributions to the fuel fund, but at these prices and the number of people who ask for rides, since I'm one of the few farang who has a car and is also willing to take people where they want to go, I'm all through being a free chauffeur. It's just too expensive anymore.

I find that a little difficult to believe. Where did you read this?

I agree. Fascino is a reliable pharmacy that isn't going to give you counterfeit pharmaceuticals. There is another Fascino pharmacy, a small outlet, located in the small Lotus store, east of Sukhumvit Highway. If you know where the Bangkok Bank is on Sukhumvit, just north of Central Road (Pattaya Klang), simply enter the soi that leads to the parking lot, but keep going. It takes you right to the Lotus. When you go to Fascino, ask for their membership card. It's free and with it you get a 10% discount on meds.

I think you are talking about the Maela Seafood Restaurant. That's actually on Soi Siam Country Club. That restaurant is also listed in the Door-2-Door menu.

The Lek Hotel, across the street from Villa Market, has an inexpensive breakfast buffet. The quality had gone downhill, but I'm hearing it has become good again, although I haven't tried it myself yet. The Diana Inn also has an inexpensive breakfast buffet, but it's been a good three years since I last tried it. The breakfast buffet at the Hard Rock Hotel has gotten good reviews. I understand the Areca Lodge, on Soi Diana Inn, also has a good breakfast buffet. Other than those and the major hotels, I'm not aware of any.

I just discovered that the Sure Park restaurant has an online menu, photos, etc. Here's the link: http://www.sureparkpattaya.com/menu1.html

I don't think that's an aside. I think it's a major issue. I didn't know that. I had no idea that a person who has no intention of entering the USA has to do so, technically, anyway just to change planes, even when the plane on which he arrived came from another country and his destination is another country. What happens if the arrival plane is also the destination plane, and there is no need to change planes? Do other countries operate like this? For example, when I would come to Thailand from the USA, I clearly recall having to go through an inspection of carry-on luggage in Japan, for a second time, and having my passport checked at the departure gate. I guess essentially that's the same thing, since somebody is checking, but you don't have to clear customs or passport control. Personally, I think all these rigid checks and controls have gone way over the top. When I returned to Thailand from the USA just a few months ago, they confiscated a tube of toothpaste, for crying out loud. A tube of toothpaste! What did they think I could be hiding in it, Dirty Harry's .44 magnum? They said a smaller tube would be permissible in carry-on luggage, but not the size I was carrying. I even asked if I could squeeze a little out into a small container so I could at least brush my teeth en route. Of course, the answer was no. These days you are lucky if you can travel by air at all. No liquids. Take off your shoes. No, you can't have this or that in your carry-on luggage. Stand over there for a pat-down. Tell us about everything you've done and everyone you've ever met since birth. We're going to start charging for carry-on. You have a camera? A flash disk? Give it here. We're going to check it. Aha, you have a computer. We're going to check it to make sure you don't have any porn or plans for building a neutron bomb. Well, now we're going to keep your computer, but don't worry, you'll get it back a few days before it becomes totally obsolete. Hey, are those pirated DVDs you've got there? What's that, a mobile phone? Any porn on it? Is that Bin Laden's phone number on your speed dial list? Tickets are getting so expensive that you can hardly afford to travel by air anyway. Ok, you're clear. Now go on board, strap yourself into a seat that's half the size you are, get some sleep in a seat that reclines just enough so that you're not quite completely upright anyway, and enjoy a dinner consisting of the most miserable excuse for food since your gourmet dinner at Al's Greasy Spoon and Car Wash. What fun.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Bush to Visit Again BangkokPost.com US President George W. Bush will visit Thailand next month to celebrate the 175th anniversary of diplomatic relations. US officials confirmed on Friday that Mr Bush will visit Thailand and South Korea on his way to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The exact date of the visit is not yet set, but it will be within the first week of August. According to an official White House press release on Friday, Mr Bush will first visit South Korea. "The President will then travel to Thailand to celebrate 175 years of the US-Thailand relationship and to discuss issues bilateral and regional issues with Prime Minister Samak," the statement said. After that he will proceed to China for the Aug 8 opening of the Olympics. Mr Bush visited Thailand and also attended the Apec summit in Bangkok in December, 2003 His stop in China will come as part of what may be his farewell trip to Asia, with stops in South Korea and Thailand, though the White House has yet to announce the dates for his departure from Washington or his return. The White House had said earlier this week that Bush would be in South Korea August 5 and 6, but Perino later retracted that announcement as "premature" but "not inaccurate" while offering a "little bit of an apology" to Seoul. In South Korea, Bush and his counterpart Lee Myung-Bak will discuss efforts to get their respective legislatures to ratify the US-South Korea free trade pact, amid violent protests in South Korea against a deal to resume US beef imports, said Perino.

The east side of Sukhumvit Highway is known to the locals as the "Dark Side." I've never posted about the restaurants out there because I know most of you will never get there. After all, within Pattaya City there are plenty of wonderful restaurants and you would have to stay in Pattaya for months before being able to try them all. However, they're not the only restaurants. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants out on the "Dark Side" too and perhaps you might like to get out there some time for a change of pace. Several of these restaurants border the Lake Mabprachan reservoir. You would have to go out Soi Siam Country Club to get to those. If you are heading south on Sukhumvit Highway, Soi Siam Country Club can be a little difficult to find if you're not familiar with the area. About 1/4 mile before you get as far as Central Road (Pattaya Klang), from North Road (Pattaya Nua), there is a Bangkok Bank branch on Sukhumvit Highway. The trouble is, you have to make the left turn onto Soi Siam Country Club just before you get as far as the bank. However, if you miss the turn, just enter the soi that enters the bank's parking lot. You won't miss that one. Follow it past the bank and you'll find yourself in the parking lot for a small Lotus store. Go to the end of the parking lot, turn left, and the soi dead ahead is Soi Siam Country Club. Turn right on that soi and go on out to the lake. Continuing past the bank, still on Sukhumvit Highway, but just before you get to Central Road, is Soi Neurnplabwan (that means 'sweet plum,' but I have yet to ever find a plum tree on that soi). Some of the restaurants are located on that soi. Continuing south, after Central Road, the next left you'll come to is Soi Khaonoi. Some of the restaurants are located on that soi. Continuing south, the next major intersection, left turn, is Soi Khaotolo and several of the restaurants are out there. If you are coming from Tepprasit Road, you turn left onto Sukhumvit Highway and then make an immediate right. That's Soi Khaotolo. If you click on the link below, you're going to find 19 pages of posts about these restaurants on the Thai Visa web site. 19 pages, and that's just so far! Start with the 19th page and work backwards. The last page is the most recent. I live on the "Dark Side" and have been to a few of these restaurants. Actually, I haven't been to very many because everybody lives in the city, so when I go out with friends, we usually go somewhere in the city. But some out my way are so good, I think I'll be eating in the city a lot less often. Two "musts" if you decide to go to any of these restaurants, are the Sure Park Steakhouse and Ann's Garden. You don't want to miss either of them. They're inexpensive too. I doubt that you'll spend more than 250 to 400 baht for dinner unless you are ordering drinks or wine. If anyone wants to join me at any of these restaurants, all you need to do is contact me. Ok, here's the link. Get set to spend some time reading: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Dark-Side-t172786.html

If you are looking for a good, and very inexpensive buffet, you might want to try the LK Kitchen on Soi Buakao in Pattaya. I've been there with friends several times, and we really like it. There is a small salad bar, a fresh fruit bar, two soup selections, garlic bread, five or six Thai food selections, five or six 'farang food' selections, spaghetti bolognese, and even a barbeque grill where you can order large prawns, all you want, along with various satays and kebobs. The 'farang food' dishes usually include beef, chicken, pork, and fish selections. The selections change nightly. They also include potatoes, white rice, and fried rice. There is even a wonderful coffee machine that dispenses choices such as cappuccino, cafe latte, cafe mocha, hot chocolate, a couple other coffees, and even plain old coffee! The coffees are good too. I don't know how they do it. How much for all this? Would you believe 189 baht? Incredible. They also serve a breakfast buffet for 125 baht, although none of us have tried it yet. Getting there is easy. As you can see from the map below, the restaurant is located at the LK Suite hotel, very close to the Central Road (Pattaya Klang) side of of Soi Buakao. Probably the easiest way to get there is to take a baht bus or motorcycle taxi down Soi Buakao (That's the first intersection past Center Condo, heading toward Sukhumvit Highway. Left is the only direction you can turn.) You won't miss the hotel. It will be on the right side. Their trees and shrubs are decked out in an array of small lights that resemble Christmas lights. On the other side of their soi, heading toward Central Road, there's a Family Mart. If you get as far as Central Road, you went too far and will need to backtrack by a block or two. We really enjoy it there. For 189 baht, you can't beat it!