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A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand
- Thread starter Leongsam
- Start date
Jiak bah leow later kena blown apart!
A fatten lamb to the slaughter!
Thailand is so unsafe. Last night I have seen a HD drone video of some awesome and beautiful Thai resorts beside the sea. I was wondering if there will be suddenly a group of militiamen touting machines guns taking familes hostages in some luxury hotels.
Then my aspirations for holidays in Thailand immediately disappeared.
A fatten lamb to the slaughter!
Thailand is so unsafe. Last night I have seen a HD drone video of some awesome and beautiful Thai resorts beside the sea. I was wondering if there will be suddenly a group of militiamen touting machines guns taking familes hostages in some luxury hotels.
Then my aspirations for holidays in Thailand immediately disappeared.
Last edited:
New cabinet re-shuffle, with ex Taksin's man for DPM and head economic team
CABINET RESHUFFLE
Somkid to take over from Pridiyathorn as head of economic team
THE NATION August 20, 2015 1:00 am http://www.nationmultimedia.com/pol...-from-Pridiyathorn-as-head-of-e-30267032.html
PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-ocha confirmed yesterday for the first time that former finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak would become his deputy and head the government's economic team tasked with spurring economic growth in a Cabinet reshuffle.
While some business leaders were delighted with the news, as they believed he could help promote confidence in the business sector, many said they would closely watch for policies that could drive economic growth.
The premier decided to swap the posts of Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula and Somkid who is currently an economic adviser to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
"I have shifted Pridiyathorn to be an adviser and let Somkid take over instead. Somkid has helped me from the start, so there is no problem. Everyone is willing to be my adviser," Prayut told reporters.
Prayut submitted the new Cabinet list for Royal endorsement on Monday. He said more than 10 Cabinet positions had been "adjusted".
"Several people have been made advisers and will still work with me. I believe the new Cabinet will have to work harder than the previous one because I will get them to look at reforms," he said.
He said Deputy Prime Minster for social issues Yongyuth Yutthawong will be shifted to PM's adviser.
The premier revealed that apart from Somkid, General Prawit Wongsuwan, Wissanu Krea-ngam and General Tanasak Patimapragorn would continue as deputy prime ministers. Tanasak will, however, lose his post of foreign minister, Prayut said. A source said Tanasak's deputy Don Pramudwinai is expected to be elevated to foreign minister.
Somkid had also served as deputy prime minister and commerce minister under deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra government and was a key proponent of the populist policies known as "Thaksinomics".
Vallop Vitanakorn, vice chairman at the Thai National Shippers Council, said the new economic team led by Somkid should promote confidence in the business sector and come up with policies that would drive stronger economic growth.
However, Vallop foresees a stiff challenge for the new ministers, as many problems both internal and external are affecting the Thai economy. He said the private sector would keep a close eye on the new economic team and see whether they will come up with measures that could stimulate economic growth. Yet, he admitted that it will not be seen in short as many negative factors.
Among the urgent issues the private sector would like the new ministers to tackle are: Stimulate domestic spending and increase the low income of the grassroots; continue measures to promote economic growth; increase investments and boost investor confidence; solve issues related to the country's image on air transportation, labour and employment, and fishing industry; as well as increase the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.
Pornsil Patchrintanakul, adviser to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said he was not excited about the reshuffle as only a few ministers have been changed. He said the previous team has done quite well in drawing up many economic policies, but some measures need more time for the results to be visible.
He said to promote more confidence, private enterprises want to see more long-term strategies to promote economic growth in the long run but the government is currently focusing on short-term strategies in order to handle the present problems.
Pornsil added that Thailand might need to draw up a 20-year plan to promote economic growth in several sectors mainly agricultural, manufacturing, investment, and service.
Some feel that Pridiyathorn could be upset about the swapping of positions with Somkid.
Before Prayut's confirmation of the change, Pridiyathorn had said the prime minister had never spoken to him about it hence he had no idea which post he would take.
"It doesn't matter actually," said Pridiyathorn. "During the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he didn't say anything. He just mentioned about the reshuffle, but we didn't have a one-on-one conversation between us," he said.
Pridiyathorn said there is only one chief adviser to the NCPO, which is General Prawit.
Despite the report about the upcoming reshuffle, Pridiyathorn continued his work yesterday at Government House, chairing two meetings.
Suvit Maesincee, who is tipped to be the Deputy Commerce Minister, said he had submitted his resignation as a National Reform Council member as he was going to join the Cabinet. However, he declined to reveal his portfolio.
CABINET RESHUFFLE
Somkid to take over from Pridiyathorn as head of economic team
THE NATION August 20, 2015 1:00 am http://www.nationmultimedia.com/pol...-from-Pridiyathorn-as-head-of-e-30267032.html
PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-ocha confirmed yesterday for the first time that former finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak would become his deputy and head the government's economic team tasked with spurring economic growth in a Cabinet reshuffle.
While some business leaders were delighted with the news, as they believed he could help promote confidence in the business sector, many said they would closely watch for policies that could drive economic growth.
The premier decided to swap the posts of Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula and Somkid who is currently an economic adviser to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
"I have shifted Pridiyathorn to be an adviser and let Somkid take over instead. Somkid has helped me from the start, so there is no problem. Everyone is willing to be my adviser," Prayut told reporters.
Prayut submitted the new Cabinet list for Royal endorsement on Monday. He said more than 10 Cabinet positions had been "adjusted".
"Several people have been made advisers and will still work with me. I believe the new Cabinet will have to work harder than the previous one because I will get them to look at reforms," he said.
He said Deputy Prime Minster for social issues Yongyuth Yutthawong will be shifted to PM's adviser.
The premier revealed that apart from Somkid, General Prawit Wongsuwan, Wissanu Krea-ngam and General Tanasak Patimapragorn would continue as deputy prime ministers. Tanasak will, however, lose his post of foreign minister, Prayut said. A source said Tanasak's deputy Don Pramudwinai is expected to be elevated to foreign minister.
Somkid had also served as deputy prime minister and commerce minister under deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra government and was a key proponent of the populist policies known as "Thaksinomics".
Vallop Vitanakorn, vice chairman at the Thai National Shippers Council, said the new economic team led by Somkid should promote confidence in the business sector and come up with policies that would drive stronger economic growth.
However, Vallop foresees a stiff challenge for the new ministers, as many problems both internal and external are affecting the Thai economy. He said the private sector would keep a close eye on the new economic team and see whether they will come up with measures that could stimulate economic growth. Yet, he admitted that it will not be seen in short as many negative factors.
Among the urgent issues the private sector would like the new ministers to tackle are: Stimulate domestic spending and increase the low income of the grassroots; continue measures to promote economic growth; increase investments and boost investor confidence; solve issues related to the country's image on air transportation, labour and employment, and fishing industry; as well as increase the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.
Pornsil Patchrintanakul, adviser to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said he was not excited about the reshuffle as only a few ministers have been changed. He said the previous team has done quite well in drawing up many economic policies, but some measures need more time for the results to be visible.
He said to promote more confidence, private enterprises want to see more long-term strategies to promote economic growth in the long run but the government is currently focusing on short-term strategies in order to handle the present problems.
Pornsil added that Thailand might need to draw up a 20-year plan to promote economic growth in several sectors mainly agricultural, manufacturing, investment, and service.
Some feel that Pridiyathorn could be upset about the swapping of positions with Somkid.
Before Prayut's confirmation of the change, Pridiyathorn had said the prime minister had never spoken to him about it hence he had no idea which post he would take.
"It doesn't matter actually," said Pridiyathorn. "During the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he didn't say anything. He just mentioned about the reshuffle, but we didn't have a one-on-one conversation between us," he said.
Pridiyathorn said there is only one chief adviser to the NCPO, which is General Prawit.
Despite the report about the upcoming reshuffle, Pridiyathorn continued his work yesterday at Government House, chairing two meetings.
Suvit Maesincee, who is tipped to be the Deputy Commerce Minister, said he had submitted his resignation as a National Reform Council member as he was going to join the Cabinet. However, he declined to reveal his portfolio.
Here's the erawan shrine site of a deadly bomb blast on monday
rest in place indeed
All quiet now
The 4 faced buddha was undamaged
rest in place indeed
All quiet now
The 4 faced buddha was undamaged
central westgate at bangyai
Wagyu chok chai burger
Wagyu chok chai burger
Finally you're at Central Westgate the one you've been talking about. How's it?
Insightful piece, even if bit cheem 
ANALYSIS
Bangkok attack is deepening THE DIVIDE in Thai society
TITIPOL PHAKDEEWANICH. SPECIAL TO THE NATION August 21, 2015 1:00 am http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opi...eepening-THE-DIVIDE-in-Thai-soc-30267105.html
HOPES OF RECONCILIATION AFTER MORE THAN A |DECADE OF POLITICAL CONFLICT ARE WANING FAST
Four days on, Thailand is still reeling from the carnage caused by a bomb that ripped through central Bangkok's iconic Erawan Shrine during Monday rush-hour.
Amid the constant flow of reports - not all of them reliable - it may be premature to make claims about who was behind the attack. But it is not unreasonable to surmise that this was a terrorist act. As such, it will likely have unforeseen ramifications for Thailand well into the future.
The blast took the lives of at least 20 people, but its after-effects may now be felt by all Thais as they endure life amid a seemingly irreconcilable societal divide. Thailand is a country already on the brink, and any additional stress could catalyse a descent into further disintegration and, ultimately, chaos.
Returning to Bangkok on Monday from a trip abroad, I followed a path to the shrine beaten by countless others, Thais and foreigners alike. Less than an hour before the blast hit, the street was full of unsuspecting Thais and foreign tourists busily going about their day at the Ratchaprasong intersection.
Things were calm, with a business-as-usual feel despite the current state of Thailand's fraught political scene. A steady stream of people were arriving to pray at Bangkok's most famous Hindu shrine. None could have suspected what was about to occur.
But beyond the immediate and terrible impact of multiple deaths and injuries, this tragedy reveals much about Thailand. The public blame-game now being played out on social-media sites such as Facebook says a lot more about what lies beneath the Thai illusion of superficial calm, safety and notional reconciliation.
After more than a decade of "colour-coded" political conflict, the coup of 2014 brought renewed hope for some citizens that schism-riven Thailand could now somehow be reunited. Yet at this time of national tragedy, the gap between those in the colour spectrum has grown rather than narrowed, mainly because of a dearth of much-needed critical thinking. The political divide has fuelled an escalating mentality of self-righteousness and impetuosity within Thai society, as citizens fall prey to a reflexive belief in the rumours that routinely condemn the "other side", while ignoring more challenging facts or uncomfortable realities.
It is well understood by those who live in sharply divided societies - and especially by those that are repeatedly and continuously subjected to terrorism - that the consequences reach far beyond isolated incidents and their victims. Moreover, this fact is all-too-well understood by terrorists and reflected in their calculations.
Already, much of the response to Monday's attack has moved to concern about the likely impact on Thailand's tourist industry. Tourism has become an increasingly important source of revenue amid an economic downturn in the months following the sudden and arbitrary "suspension" of the Thai democratic experiment. As such, the attack on the shrine, a tourist landmark, suggests a sophisticated approach aimed at further damaging the Thai economy.
Recognition of a confluence of critical factors may well indicate -not only to the various potential Thai dissident groups that may be increasingly prepared to act violently, but also to all those who are disaffected with the current social-political impasse, and, of course, to the Thai authorities - that the already-high stakes are only likely to get higher.
An immediate key concern for Thai tourism is that the influx of Chinese visitors that authorities had been banking on will dissipate dramatically. The shrine was popular with foreign visitors generally, and ethnic Chinese in particular - a fact tragically reflected in the list of casualties from Monday's attack.
All of this was likely well understood by those who perpetrated the bombing.
Before any serious attempts were made to identify the perpetrators, the Thai authorities were quick to claim that the attack was connected to the socio-political schism and turmoil. Most Thais would understand such statements as alluding to the involvement of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his alleged proxies. A determination to insinuate such connections to the political schism now permeates thinking in Thai society, as both sides of the divide bid to legitimise their position and its pre-established conclusions. It is dismaying to witness such a disregard for more measured responses that rest on determinable facts, due process and genuine justice.
But the framing of events according to the prevailing social-political narratives has become the norm for most Thais these days. That norm holds whether they are well-rehearsed spokespersons of Thai authoritarian officialdom, opportunistic media pundits seeking an audience, or the millions of ordinary citizens who continue to react reflexively as they find themselves caught up in the tumult.
This is no way to honour the memories of those who lost their lives at the Erawan Shrine this week. Neither does it address Thailand's all too apparent collective failings.
DR TITIPOL PHAKDEEWANICH is a visiting fellow at the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation at the UK's University of Warwick. He is based at Ubon Ratchathani University.
ANALYSIS
Bangkok attack is deepening THE DIVIDE in Thai society
TITIPOL PHAKDEEWANICH. SPECIAL TO THE NATION August 21, 2015 1:00 am http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opi...eepening-THE-DIVIDE-in-Thai-soc-30267105.html
HOPES OF RECONCILIATION AFTER MORE THAN A |DECADE OF POLITICAL CONFLICT ARE WANING FAST
Four days on, Thailand is still reeling from the carnage caused by a bomb that ripped through central Bangkok's iconic Erawan Shrine during Monday rush-hour.
Amid the constant flow of reports - not all of them reliable - it may be premature to make claims about who was behind the attack. But it is not unreasonable to surmise that this was a terrorist act. As such, it will likely have unforeseen ramifications for Thailand well into the future.
The blast took the lives of at least 20 people, but its after-effects may now be felt by all Thais as they endure life amid a seemingly irreconcilable societal divide. Thailand is a country already on the brink, and any additional stress could catalyse a descent into further disintegration and, ultimately, chaos.
Returning to Bangkok on Monday from a trip abroad, I followed a path to the shrine beaten by countless others, Thais and foreigners alike. Less than an hour before the blast hit, the street was full of unsuspecting Thais and foreign tourists busily going about their day at the Ratchaprasong intersection.
Things were calm, with a business-as-usual feel despite the current state of Thailand's fraught political scene. A steady stream of people were arriving to pray at Bangkok's most famous Hindu shrine. None could have suspected what was about to occur.
But beyond the immediate and terrible impact of multiple deaths and injuries, this tragedy reveals much about Thailand. The public blame-game now being played out on social-media sites such as Facebook says a lot more about what lies beneath the Thai illusion of superficial calm, safety and notional reconciliation.
After more than a decade of "colour-coded" political conflict, the coup of 2014 brought renewed hope for some citizens that schism-riven Thailand could now somehow be reunited. Yet at this time of national tragedy, the gap between those in the colour spectrum has grown rather than narrowed, mainly because of a dearth of much-needed critical thinking. The political divide has fuelled an escalating mentality of self-righteousness and impetuosity within Thai society, as citizens fall prey to a reflexive belief in the rumours that routinely condemn the "other side", while ignoring more challenging facts or uncomfortable realities.
It is well understood by those who live in sharply divided societies - and especially by those that are repeatedly and continuously subjected to terrorism - that the consequences reach far beyond isolated incidents and their victims. Moreover, this fact is all-too-well understood by terrorists and reflected in their calculations.
Already, much of the response to Monday's attack has moved to concern about the likely impact on Thailand's tourist industry. Tourism has become an increasingly important source of revenue amid an economic downturn in the months following the sudden and arbitrary "suspension" of the Thai democratic experiment. As such, the attack on the shrine, a tourist landmark, suggests a sophisticated approach aimed at further damaging the Thai economy.
Recognition of a confluence of critical factors may well indicate -not only to the various potential Thai dissident groups that may be increasingly prepared to act violently, but also to all those who are disaffected with the current social-political impasse, and, of course, to the Thai authorities - that the already-high stakes are only likely to get higher.
An immediate key concern for Thai tourism is that the influx of Chinese visitors that authorities had been banking on will dissipate dramatically. The shrine was popular with foreign visitors generally, and ethnic Chinese in particular - a fact tragically reflected in the list of casualties from Monday's attack.
All of this was likely well understood by those who perpetrated the bombing.
Before any serious attempts were made to identify the perpetrators, the Thai authorities were quick to claim that the attack was connected to the socio-political schism and turmoil. Most Thais would understand such statements as alluding to the involvement of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his alleged proxies. A determination to insinuate such connections to the political schism now permeates thinking in Thai society, as both sides of the divide bid to legitimise their position and its pre-established conclusions. It is dismaying to witness such a disregard for more measured responses that rest on determinable facts, due process and genuine justice.
But the framing of events according to the prevailing social-political narratives has become the norm for most Thais these days. That norm holds whether they are well-rehearsed spokespersons of Thai authoritarian officialdom, opportunistic media pundits seeking an audience, or the millions of ordinary citizens who continue to react reflexively as they find themselves caught up in the tumult.
This is no way to honour the memories of those who lost their lives at the Erawan Shrine this week. Neither does it address Thailand's all too apparent collective failings.
DR TITIPOL PHAKDEEWANICH is a visiting fellow at the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation at the UK's University of Warwick. He is based at Ubon Ratchathani University.
Oh crap. Anyway Huay Khwang is best - good food and happening especially after midnight.
Bro... Open on 28 August..
Do you know the entrance way is still in bare concrete and cement? The overhead bridge linking it to the 2nd level entrance still hasn't had the finishing touches added in and some structures still are showing the bare skeleton. It will be a miracle if it will be totally completed 6 days later. I think it will be like emporium during april where it's open but heavu construction taking place everywhere.
Yup hway khwang is the place to go if you need to eat and drink after 1am since most places i know are closed during that period.
Visited ampawa floating market. Arrived around 5pm
The bridge
The river market
old man karaoke
Lots of seafood
curry crab
curry fish
fried crabs
fried shellfish
colored keatupats
fried prawns
fat lady seller
old uncle seller
dried fish
salted fish
wtf is this nigger doing sleeping there?
fried squid egg this wasn't bad
this looks similar to the sinkie kweis
don't know wtf is this
dates
small girl helper
drinks seller
The bridge
The river market
old man karaoke
Lots of seafood
curry crab
curry fish
fried crabs
fried shellfish
colored keatupats
fried prawns
fat lady seller
old uncle seller
dried fish
salted fish
wtf is this nigger doing sleeping there?
fried squid egg this wasn't bad
this looks similar to the sinkie kweis
don't know wtf is this
dates
small girl helper
drinks seller
Thanks froggy.
It was yy that intro this place to me. The maeklong train market and railway are both down the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market closes very early but thank god for this market. Thank god i took the night boat ride to see the fireflies too. Last bus back to bkk around 8:30pm.
Charming, rustic place. Pity you missed the iconic Maeklong train market. Good thing you did the boat ride with fireflies and klongs.
Only down side if you stayed at riverside resorts, the bloody long tail boats doing fireflies thing are a constant racket. Disturb the ambience, so best behind closed doors :p
Amphawa is only open from afternoon till night Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Here's my ampawa night boat ride. We saw fireflies but they were too small and flashed too fast to be taken. Thankfully i got a few good shots
Visited ayutthaya yesterday. Arrived pretty late around 5:30pm so could only see 2 temples before dusk sets in. The tuk tuk guys start to hassle non thais for visit to the tourists sites. Unless you know your way around and have transport like say a car it's hard to go to each site as the temples are spread all over. Negotiated 200bht for 1 hour and it was a smart deal cos he wanted 2 hrs and the entire place is dark by 7pm so it's pointless going for 1 extra hour and most of the temples are closed.
Forgot the name of this temple. It's in ruins. 50 bht for foreigners, 20 for thais.
you can climb up there
from the bottom
destroyed statues
buddha
Later he took me to phra mongkong baphit. Temple was closed and stray dogs roam the temple grounds.
Anyway i take the van back to bkk and eat at this eatery near my hotel
I think this is pork floss
tom yung goong
pork dish
beef dish
Forgot the name of this temple. It's in ruins. 50 bht for foreigners, 20 for thais.
you can climb up there
from the bottom
destroyed statues
buddha
Later he took me to phra mongkong baphit. Temple was closed and stray dogs roam the temple grounds.
Anyway i take the van back to bkk and eat at this eatery near my hotel
I think this is pork floss
tom yung goong
pork dish
beef dish
Anyone know where to go in Bangkok if I want to visit a gunsmith
Are they located in one area or scattered throughout the city.
In Manila there was a gunsmith in Megamall & they were selling AK 47, Czech Skorpion smg,...
Curious to see what one can get in Thailand:o
Are they located in one area or scattered throughout the city.
In Manila there was a gunsmith in Megamall & they were selling AK 47, Czech Skorpion smg,...
Curious to see what one can get in Thailand:o
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