2014/2557 Thai Holidays

Wednesday 1 January - New Year’s Day
Friday 14 February - Makha Bucha Day
Monday 7 April - Substitution for Chakri Day (Sunday 6 April)
Monday 14 April - Songkran Festival
Tuesday 15 April - Songkran Festival
Thursday 1 May - National Labour Day
Monday 5 May - Coronation Day
Tuesday 13 May - Visakha Bucha Day
Tuesday 1 July - Mid Year Closing Day
Friday 11 July - Asarnha Bucha Day
Tuesday 12 August - H.M. the Queen’s Birthday
Thursday 23 October - Chulalongkorn Day
Friday 5 December - H.M. the King's Birthday
Wednesday 10 December - Constitution Day
Wednesday 31 December - New Year’s Eve

Cold Spell To Continue - with some improvement

By the end of the week nighttime temperatures are forecast to only fall to about 16C.
Meanwhile 36 provinces have been hit...

Thirty-six provinces have been declared as cold disaster zones, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Tak, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Lamphun and Uthai Thani in the north.
Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Nong Khai, Si Sa Ket, Bung Kan, Yasothon, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Surin, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast are in the zones. Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, and Kanchanaburi in the central region complete the list


READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

Where Next???

Election Commission pleads for govt to postpone polls

READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

Din Daeng residents slam use of tear gas

READ MORE AT THE NATION

Baht falls to 4-year low

READ MORE AT THE NATION

Price of diesel set to soar to 40 baht - Excise tax subsidy due to expire this month

The pump price of diesel may reach 40 baht next year if the caretaker government fails to seek cabinet approval for the extension of the fuel's excise tax subsidy, which expires at the end of this year.

READ MORE.

Muay Thai - Lords of the Ring

By Patrick Cusick

Muay Thai - World Champions and Greatest Heroes
The chronicles of Muay Thai from ancient battlefields to 21st century warriors

available from smashwords

About Patrick Cusick

Patrick Cusick is a journalist, editor and specialist writer on Asian cultures and human nature. During a 30-year career in mainstream media he edited newspapers and magazines in Australia, Hong Kong and Thailand and became a popular presenter for lifestyle programs on cable television networks including CNBC and Star TV. As a scholar of naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine he spent several years travelling the world researching and writing while studying ancient cultures including alchemy and cosmology, as well as interviewing the leading scientific pioneers of new physics and quantum mechanics.

New Year Offers At Crystal Hill Garden Resort

No Snow....

There is no chance it will snow in Thailand soon, as meteorological conditions and the low altitude of most of the country would not permit it, experts said yesterday.

Their prediction came in the wake of speculation that the Kingdom could see snow following a sharp drop in temperatures across the country, and snowfalls in Egypt and Vietnam in the past few days.

READ MORE

Temperatures in North, Northeast expected to fall further

WITH DOI INTHANON in Chiang Mai blanketed with frost and temperatures at -2 degrees Celsius early yesterday, the weather bureau issued a warning of thunderstorms with gusty winds and hail as well as an 8 to 10-degree Celsius drop in temperature until Sunday in upper Thailand.


READ MORE

It's getting Cold

Night time temperatures set to fall to 9C midweek,.  Next they'll be forecasting a white Christmas

Thailand targets 50% reduction in Road Fatalities by 2020

A good idea, if there were any specific plans.  Maybe enforcing current laws on seat belts and wearing motorbike helmets would start.

First on the list of ideas is to get all agencies to work together to get a better estimate on the number of fatalities...

According to TTR

Thailand will introduce measures to cut road fatalities by 50% by the year 2020, as part of a road safety campaign that has been placed on the national agenda.
In theory, national agenda status means all ministries must co-operate and coordinate efforts to reach the objectives of road safety projects or campaigns.

Ministry of Interior deputy permanent secretary, Panadda Diskul, said Thailand, as a member of the United Nations, needed to push harder to promote road safety to lower road accidents.

READ MORE

e san food

House dissolved

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday morning announced that the House of Representatives has been dissolved to pave way for fresh elections.

READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

Thai Lion Air makes maiden flight. To add Udon Thani next year

The two cities represent the TLA's first international foray, and scheduled services bound for Kuala Lumpur at one daily and to Jakarta twice daily were confirmed to commence on Dec 18.

On the Thai domestic front, TLA has decided to begin flights to Hat Yai and Krabi in February and March next year, to be followed by Udon Thani and Ubol Ratchathani.


Read more at Bangkok Post

Democrat MP's to resign en masse. D Day set for tomorrow to oust the 'Thaksin Regime'

Democrat Party MPs to resign en masse : Abhisit  - More at The Nation

All roads lead to Govt House, Democrats resign en masse - More at Bangkok Post

Also..

Passengers advised to reach Suvarnabhumi Airport four hours earlier - More at the Nation

Thailand plans to overhaul English Teaching in schools

REGULATION WILL CAP CLASS SIZES AT 20, DITCH FOCUS ON GRAMMAR

The ministry also wants 40% of English-language teachers who do not hold a degree in English to pass B1, or intermediate, level next year, 60% in 2016, and 80% in 2018.


READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

When shots rang out and five were killed around Ramkhamhaeng University last weekend, police were nowhere to be seen during 17 hours of terror.

Spectrum has learned that there were bloody confrontations in Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24 behind the university and stadium as red shirts, at least half a dozen believed to be armed, and students carrying bats...


READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

Introductory fare from Nok for the Krabi route

Nok Air offers an introductory fare to support its newest route,  Bangkok -Krabi, due to start 1 January 2014.
The Bt1,299 one-way fare, inclusive of airport taxes and surcharges, is on offer for passengers departing Bangkok directly to Krabi including a Fly ‘n’ Ride option to Ao Nang Bay.

READ MORE

Happy Fathers Day

Thais will celebrate a public holiday today to honour His Majesty the King, Bhumibol Adulyadej, on his 86th birthday.
Thai people will wear yellow a show of respect  because yellow is  the colour for Monday, the day the King  was born.

All public offices and homes will fly the national flag to signify respect and the deep loyalty all Thais feel for the monarchy.
READ MORE

The Bangkok Writers

The Bangkok Writers: Tales from the other City of Angels. There is another City of Angels apart from Los Angeles. It is Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Its Thai name, Krung Thep, means City of Angels. For many visitors Bangkok lives up to its name far better than LA. It is with great pleasure that I can introduce some of the best English language writers based in Bangkok . 

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE NOW

There is another City of Angels apart from Los Angeles. It is Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Its Thai name, Krung Thep, means City of Angels. For many visitors Bangkok lives up to its name far better than LA.

It is with great pleasure that I can introduce some of the best English language writers based in Bangkok over the last thirty years. Many of you will know of them already from their columns and articles in Bangkok’s English language press, the Bangkok Post, The Nation, the long gone Bangkok World and the many English language magazines that come and go.

Roger Crutchley was for many years the sports editor at the Post. On top of that he has had, and still has, a humourous Sunday column called PostScript. Over the years two collections of these columns were published. We have one available now as an ebook and another coming soon.

Staying with humourous columnists we have as ebooks the previously published books by Roger Beaumont and S. Tsow.
But the collection is more than this. In here you will find stories from S.P. Somtow who writes when he isn’t conducting orchestras and writing operas. You will come across Jim Newport, the leading expert on the vampires who live in this fascinating city. He has written a story of the Vampire of Siam exclusively for this anthology.

Excerpts from the published novels of Colin Cotterill and James Eckardt are included along with a story from William Page’s collection, The Nirvana Experiments. Not to be missed is a chapter on Thai proverbs from Mont Redmond’s recently republished in both print and as an ebook, Wondering into Thai Culture or Thai Whys and Otherwise.

You will find in this book both humour and pathos, so please sit back and enjoy.

All of the authors now have their ebooks available on the leading retail sites. Check at the end of the book for the titles and details.

The authors -
William Page
Roger Crutchley
Jim Newport
James Eckardt
S.P.Somtow
Colin Cotterill
S.Tsow
Mont Redmond
Roger Beaumont

By DCO
Published by Proglen
Rating: Not yet rated. 
Published: Dec. 02, 2013 
Words: 43,240 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9786167817224

British Ambassador Mark Gooding today launched 300 “GREAT” British tuktuks onto the streets of Phnom Penh.

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Gooding said:

I am delighted to launch our GREAT British tuktuks today to raise awareness in Cambodia of GREAT Britain, a country that is both familiar and surprising, a small island with big ideas. Each tuktuk carries a vibrant image representing GREAT Britain’s diversity, its heritage, its innovation and its creativity.

GREAT Britain: a country that is both familiar and surprising

What do you see when you think about Britain? Our Royal Family and our love of pageantry and tradition? Iconic London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament or the Tower of London? The outstanding beauty of Snowdonia, the Scottish Highlands or the White Cliffs of Dover? Or one of our 28 World Heritage sites, such as the ancient monument of Stonehenge?

Or do you think of a modern Britain? Vibrant London with new additions to its iconic skyline such as the Gherkin, the Orbit Tower or the Shard? Modern artworks, such as the Angel of the North? The latest attractions, such as the making of Harry Potter Studio Tour?

This juxtaposition of old and new permeates every aspect of British life. The country that gave birth to Elgar and the Beatles remains at the forefront of the music scene with Adele and Tinie Tempah. Our national museums and art galleries, which are free to enter, now hold some of the world’s famous old masters and antiquities, as well as the latest works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and even Banksy. The country that produced Shakespeare is also the country that lays claim to Irvine Welsh and Danny Boyle. Our famous universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, are some of the oldest centres of learning but lead the world in producing new ideas. It’s no surprise then that 10% of the world’s international students come to the UK to learn at our universities.

As a trading nation, Britain has embraced other cultures, quickly absorbing foods, traditions and words from overseas. We’ve always thrived on the exchange of goods, ideas and people. Our people are diverse, warm and welcoming. English is our national language, spoken by more than 600m people worldwide, but we’re also home to over 160 nationalities speaking over 300 different languages. They are united by a genuine passion for life – just visit any football, rugby or cricket stadium to see for yourself.

GREAT Britain: a small island with big ideas

Britain may be steeped in tradition, but we rarely look backward when it comes to business. We are a world-leading nation of innovators; from DNA to MRI to IVF, the UK has won 77 Nobel Prizes in natural and physical sciences and has the largest life sciences sector in Europe.

We are a trading nation and play a key role in the global marketplace. Britain today is the world’s second largest exporter of commercial services. Our business-friendly, stable political environment attracts investment from around the world – from 58 countries in 2010–12. Businesses come to take advantage of our thriving home market as well as using the UK as a springboard into the US$ trillion EU market. Entrepreneurs are attracted to the UK too, as it takes as little as 13 days to set up a business here.

Our successful business people are interesting, passionate and at times eccentric and subversive; we embrace Sir Paul Smith, Dame Vivienne Westwood and Sir Richard Branson. All iconoclasts and quintessentially British.”

For pictures of the launch, please go to our Facebook page UK in Cambodia

Note: The British Embassy Phnom Penh is advertising this GREAT campaign on 300 tuktuks, but these tuktuks do not belong to the Embassy.

Prepare for increases in Diesel Prices next year

The Energy Ministry plans to hike prices for diesel and natural gas for vehicles (NGV) gradually next year in preparation for the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Prime Minister says she will resign if it wil solve the problems

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has rejected the anti-government group's demand she hand power to an unelected "People's Council", but insisted she will do anything else needed to restore peace in the country.

Read more at the Bangkok Post

No more teargas: Metropolitan police chief promises

Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Khamronvit Thupkrajang promised Tuesday that police guarding his bureau would no longer fire teargases to fend off protesters.

He said he would allow the protesters to reach and seize the bureau.

The supreme protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, vowed to have protesters "seize" the bureau Tuesday.

Khamronvit said he has not been removed as the commander in charge of forces dealing with the protesters.

He said he had instructed police to open the line and clap to welcome the protesters when they arrive.

Thai Rath reported that Khamronvit inspected the police line at the First Army Division Intersection.

"There will be no clash today. If the protesters want to seize the Metropolitan Police, let them," Thai Rath quoted Khamronvit as saying.

"I've told my subordinates not to fire teargases. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."

READ MORE AT THE NATION

Off the tracks - again

A rail trip by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Prapat Chongsanguan to show off the safety of the reopened northern track, following major repairs after a spate of derailments, instead became  a huge embarassment on Monday when the train carrying him derailed in Lamphun.


READ MORE

The latest on Thailand

US, UK raise rally concerns


 Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Sunday night gave Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra an ultimatum of two days to return power to people.

Descent into chaos

Rival groups clash in Chiang Rai, minor injuries result

December Special deals at Crystal Hill Garden Resort

Keep yourself up to date with the latest on the Bangkok Demonstrations

UK updates foreign travel advice for Thailand following shooting in Bangkok


One killed as 'V-Day' eve violence erupts SHOTS FIRED AS THOUSANDS OF RAMKHAMHAENG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND RED SHIRTS BRAWL - Bangkok Post

Soldiers enlisted to assist police - The Nation

The Latest From The Thai Papers

Government House seizure next

Three more countries voice fears

Protesters storm Army HQ

Suthep set to paralyse govt

Complaints by Tourists to Thomas Cook

1. “I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local convenience store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.”

2. “It’s lazy of the local shopkeepers in Puerto Vallarta to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during ‘siesta’ time — this should be banned.”

3. “On my holiday to Goa in India , I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don’t like spicy food.” 

4. “We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our own swimsuits and towels. We assumed it would be included in the price.” 

5. “The beach was too sandy. We had to clean everything when we returned to our room.” 

6. “We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure. Your brochure shows the sand as white but it was more yellow.” 

7. “They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax.” 

8. “No-one told us there would be fish in the water. The children were scared.” 

9. “Although the brochure said that there was a fully equipped kitchen, there was no egg-slicer in the drawers.” 

10. “We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.” 

11. “The roads were uneven and bumpy, so we could not read the local guide book during the bus ride to the resort. Because of this, we were unaware of many things that would have made our holiday more fun.” 

12. “It took us nine hours to fly home from Jamaica to England. It took the Americans only three hours to get home. This seems unfair.” 

13. “I compared the size of our one-bedroom suite to our friends’ three-bedroom and ours was significantly smaller.” 

14. “The brochure stated: ‘No hairdressers at the resort’. We’re trainee hairdressers and we think they knew and made us wait longer for service.” 

15. “There were too many Spanish people there. The receptionist spoke Spanish, the food was Spanish. No one told us that there would be so many foreigners.” 

16. “We had to line up outside to catch the boat and there was no air-conditioning.” 

17. “It is your duty as a tour operator to advise us of noisy or unruly guests before we travel.” 

18. “I was bitten by a mosquito. The brochure did not mention mosquitoes.” 

19. “My fiance and I requested twin-beds when we booked, but instead we were placed in a room with a king bed. We now hold you responsible and want to be re-reimbursed for the fact that I became pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room that we booked.”







from http://www.natureknows.org/2013/11/its-enough-to-make-you-cancel-your.html

Cold Snap For Northern and North East Thailand

The Meteorological Department on Thursday issued an advisory notice warning people in the North, Northeast and Central regions to brace for temperatures to drop 5-7 degrees Celsius over the weekend.

The advisory said a high pressure weather system from China will move over Thailand until Dec 3, causing cooler temperatures and windy conditions over the North, Northeast and Central regions.
Temperatures below 16 degrees Celcius are expected in some areas of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Bung Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom.

People are advised to take extra care of their health due to the weather change.
READ MORE

Thai Air Domestic Offers For December

THAI Airways offers discounted domestic fares, 1 to 25 December, linked to Father’s Day that is celebrated 5 December in Thailand.

Weekday and weekend fares to the northeast are: Bt1,700 and Bt1,950 to Udon Thani; and Bt1,800 and Bt2,050 to Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani.

State Enterprose employees free to join protests

​

The State Enterprises Labour Relations Confederation (SERC) has agreed that all of its members are free to take a two-day leave to join the anti-government protests on Nov 28-29, reports said.

SERC has 45 labour unions under its umbrella.

The confederation said its resolution is compliant with Sections 69, 70 and 71 of the constitution.

Union members throughout the country are free to exercise their right  to protect the nation, religion, the King and  democratic administration under the constitutional monarchy by taking a two-day leave to participate in the ongoing protest, wherever they feel convenient, throughout the country, the SERC said.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) labour union also issued a statement showing it intention  to join the protest by people seeking political reform.

The statement accused the government of unconstitutionally trying to amend the constitution and lambasts the 312 legislators who backed the move, as well the Pheu Thai Party, for not accepting the Constitution Court's authority.

The government's gross violation of the constitution had caused more than two million people to protest throughout the country, the statement said.​

From The Bangkok Post

Keep up to date with the local press on the developing situation in Thailand

Anti-government protests spread to provinces

The Nation

Protesters welcomed as they move on ministries

The Nation

PM calls meeting on ministry sieges

Bangkok Post

Fourth friendship bridge opens 11 December

The fourth friendship bridge spanning the Mekong River that will link Laos and Thailand’s far north will open 11 December.

READ MORE

UK Government updates Thailand Travel Advice

UPDATE 26-11-2013

A number of political demonstrations have taken place in various locations in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand since the start of November 2013. Further large scale protests are taking place, with little warning, at various locations in Bangkok. The main ongoing protest area situated along Rachadamnoen Avenue including Democracy Monument in Bangkok has now expanded to include protests at a number of government buildings in central Bangkok.

On 25 November the authorities in Thailand implemented the Internal Security Act in all districts of Bangkok and Nonthaburi as well as the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan and the Lat Lum Kaep district of Pathum Thani, which will lead to an increased security presence and possible disruption to traffic. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

Internal security Act imposed across Bangkok as Protesters storm Government Ministeries

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has imposed the Internal Security Act (ISA) across the capital and in nearby areas after protesters stormed key ministries in a bid to topple the government.

READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

North east Residents Enjoy A Party

 Khon Kaen a major commercial town in Northeast Thailand is promoting family entertainment during the festive season 25 to 31 December.
Tagged Happy Family Party the event will capitalise on Christmas celebrations leading up to a countdown party on 31 December.

READ MORE AT TTR

Bangkok faces paralysis

Huge marches in city today

READ MORE IN THE NATION

Protestors to march on state offices

READ MORE IN THE BANGKOK POST

EATING IN THE UK IN THE FIFTIES

* Pasta had not been invented.

* Curry was an unknown entity.

* Olive oil was kept in the medicine cabinet. Bought from the Chemist.

* Spices came from the Middle East where we believed that they were used for embalming

* Herbs were used to make rather dodgy medicine.

* A takeaway was a mathematical problem.

* A pizza was something to do with a leaning tower.

* Bananas and oranges only appeared at Christmas time.

* The only vegetables known to us were spuds, peas, carrots and cabbage, anything else was regarded as being a bit suspicious.

* All crisps were plain; the only choice we had was whether to put the salt on or not.

* Condiments consisted of salt, pepper, vinegar and brown sauce if we were lucky.

* Soft drinks were called pop.

* Coke was something that we mixed with coal to make it last longer.

* A Chinese chippy was a foreign carpenter.

* Rice was a milk pudding, and never, ever part of our dinner.
* A Big Mac was what we wore when it was raining.

* A microwave was something out of a science fiction movie.

* Brown bread was something only poor people ate. Way more fun than prunes !

* Oil was for lubricating your bike not for cooking, fat was for cooking

* Bread and jam was a treat.

* Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves, not bags.

* The tea cosy was the forerunner of all the energy saving devices that we hear so much about today.

* Tea had only one colour, black. Green tea was not British.

* Coffee was only drunk when we had no tea….. and then it was Camp, and came in a bottle.

* Cubed sugar was regarded as posh. Still is !

* Figs and dates appeared every Christmas, but no one ever ate them.

* Coconuts only appeared when the fair came to town.

* Salad cream was a dressing for salads, mayonnaise did not exist
* Hors d'oeuvre was a spelling mistake.

* Soup was a main meal.

* The menu consisted of what we were given, and was set in stone.

* Only Heinz made beans, there were no others.

* Leftovers went in the dog, never in the bin.

* Special food for dogs and cats was unheard of.

* Sauce was either brown or red.

* Fish was only eaten on Fridays.

* Fish and chips was always wrapped in old newspapers, and definitely tasted better that way.

* Frozen food was called ice cream.

* Nothing ever went off in the fridge because we never had one.

* Ice cream only came in one flavour, vanilla.

* None of us had ever heard of yoghurt.

* Jelly and blancmange was strictly party food.

* Healthy food had to have the ability to stick to your ribs. Porridge the only effective breakfast for northerners

* Indian restaurants were only found in India .

* Cheese only came in a hard lump.

* A bun was a small cake that your Mum made in the oven.

* Eating out was called a picnic.

* Cooking outside was called camping.

* Eggs only came fried or boiled.

* Hot cross buns were only eaten at Easter time.

* Pancakes were only eaten on Shrove Tuesday – and on that day it was compulsory.

* Cornflakes had just arrived from America but it was obvious that they would never catch on.

* We bought milk and cream at the same time in the same bottle.

* Sugar enjoyed a good press in those days, and was regarded as being white gold. Mixed with lemon for use inside crepes ie proper pancakes.

* Prunes were purely medicinal.

* Surprisingly muesli was readily available in those days, it was called cattle feed.

* Turkeys were definitely seasonal. Still are in a lot of households

* Pineapples came in chunks in a tin; we had only ever seen a picture of a real one.

* We didn't eat Croissants in those days because we couldn't pronounce them, we couldn't spell them and we didn't know what they were.

* Garlic was used to ward off vampires, but never used to flavour bread.

* Water came out of the tap, if someone had suggested bottling it and charging treble for it they would have become a laughing stock.

* Food hygiene was only about washing your hands before meals.

* Campylobacter, Salmonella, E.coli, Listeria, and Botulism were all called "food poisoning."

Is that all?

Eight per cent of Thai motorists (8 per cent) drive without a license and most of them are in the 18-24 years age bracket, according to a Nielsen survey.

Only 8% - it just seems like more

The Festive Season officially arrives tomorrow in Udon -

Central Plaza Decorations - Getting Ready For the Show

Just For Fun

After flights Qantas Airline pilots have to fill out a form called a 'Gripe Sheet' which tells the mechanics of any problems with the aircraft. The mechanics then correct the problem before adding their solutions to the sheet, and then the pilots review the gripe sheet before their next flight.

The ground crews obviously have a great sense of humour as reflected in their gripe sheet comments and solutions.

P) Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S) Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P) Test flight ok, except auto-land very rough.
S) Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P) Something loose in cockpit.
S) Something tightened in cockpit.

P) Dead bugs on windshield.
S) Live bugs on back-order.

P) Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S) Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P) Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S) Evidence removed.

P) DME volume unbelievably loud.
S) DME volume set to more believable level.

P) Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S) That's what they're for.

P) IFF inoperative.
S) IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P) Suspected crack in windscreen.
S) Suspect you're right.

P) Number 3 engine missing.
S) Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P) Aircraft handles funny.
S) Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P) Target radar hums.
S) Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P) Mouse in cockpit.
S) Cat installed.

P) Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S) Took hammer away from midget.

MG Cars to be made in Thailand

SAIC will start production of MG cars in Thailand next year targeting domestic and export sales to RHD markets including Britain.

READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

Where is Thailand Heading

The constitutional court have started reading their verdict.


So Far...

The court says it has the authority

It says the amendment process violates section 291 of the constitution

The second reading had violated the meeting rules.

The Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that the voting for the senatorial charter amendment bill was illegal because coalition MPs were seen on a video clip to vote for their peers.

 More at The Nation

To stress the advice from various governments, stay well away from the protest areas.  The Government have said they won't accept the ruling.  Theb Red Shirts will announce their plans at 8pm

Air Asia Price reduction

Thai AirAsia discounts fares on its domestic and international destinations through to next March, but booking must be made by November 24 for travel between Dec 1 and March 1.

The all inclusive one way fare between Bangkok and Udon is 520Baht


READ MORE

My Road to Mandalay

Description

A personal diary of luxury independent travel in south-east Asia, over three months during 2013, exploring Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia in style and comfort, yet still finding time to enjoy the fairways and greens for a few rounds of golf along the way. Illustrated with over 30 colour photographs by the author. 

US$3.15 at Smashwords

By Elaine Jones
Rating: Not yet rated. 
Published: Nov. 15, 2013 
Words: 14,440 (approximate)
Language: British English
ISBN: 9781630414597

Thai Discounts - But Not The Cheapest

THAI Airways International cuts economy class fares for the remainder of November on selected domestic routes.
It will suit THAI’ loyal customers who need to make a last-minute trip before the end of the month, but the fares are still considerably higher than Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Nok Air has frequent discounts campaigns with one-way fares of around Bt1,200 to Bt1,400.

Read More

Loi Krathong

Happy Loi Krathong 

Loi Krathong festival is a Thai tradition which has been conducted for a long time ago. Loi Krathong has been held since the middle of the eleventh to the middle of the twelfth lunar month, which is a great flood season- especially on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. When the moon shines at night, it makes rivers clear. It is very beautiful scenery which is suitable for floating krathong.

In the past, we called Loi Krathong as Chong Pa Rieng- floating lantern of royal ceremony. It is a Brahman festival to worship Gods- Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma. When Thai people adopted Buddhism, they adapted this ceremony to honor the Buddhas cremated bone- the original Buddha at the second heaven ruler. They floated lantern to worship the foot-print of the Buddha on Nammathanati River beach in India.

Floating krathong along the river was created by Nang Noppamas; the most favorite concubines Sukhothai king. She made krathong as lotus-shaped. The king of Sukhothai floated it along the river. According to Sri Chula Lucks treatise, Phra Ruang (Sukhothai king) said From now on, on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, kings of Siam have to make floating lantern- like lotus-shaped- to worship the foot-print of the Buddha on Nammathanati River for ever after.

READ MORE

Police raid

Well it had to happen...

Police raid, well sort of.  Undercover operation entered the resort and are currently interrogating the customers at two units for drug offences.  The drug paraphernalia was clearly visible when the police showed me what our customers have been up to.  One obviously tried to flee and was later led back by the police.

At least the customers had paid in advance.

It was obviously a result of some tip off, or undercover operation as the police are here in unmarked cars.

A marked car with uniformed officers has just arrived...

Wonder if we'll make the news

It's all fun in Thailand

Save Money When Drawing Cash

Most banks in Thailand charge you 180Baht [approx GBP 3.50] as an ATM fee for the privilege of drawing cash using your non-Thai debit or credit card.  This is in addition to charges levied by your bank or credit card company.

An easy way to avoid this, if you know where there is a machine, is to use an AEON cash dispenser.

In Udon there is on at the AEON branch in Tesco UD Town.  I am sure there are others.

The Completed Road To No Where

It stops before the neighbours or the next road junction....

Some minor repair work needed to the house entrance, at least resort access isn't affected

Mu-tan, aka Big Ears, surveys the new road

Thai Travel News

Bangkok Airways sells a promotional start-up fare on its new service to Udon Thani due to start 29 November.
The airline will operate two flights daily to Udon Thani, an important commercial town, just 80 km short of the Thai Lao border at Nong Khai. Travellers fly to Udon and then board mini-bus for transfers to the Thai-Laos Friendship bridge to pass through immigration. Vientiane the Lao capital is just 20 km up river from the checkpoint.

READ MORE AT TTR

Cathay Pacific Airways and regional wing Dragonair are strengthening their operations in Thailand, seemingly undeterred by political tensions and China's new tourism law that clamps down on substandard outbound tour packages.

READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

The no-frills carrier Thai AirAsia (TAA) is joining the fray on the Chiang Mai-Hong Kong sector with the launch next January of its second international route out of the northern Thai capital. TAA will become the third airline to ply the route, already serviced by the Hong Kong carriers Dragonair and Hong Kong Express

READ MORE AT BANGKOK POST

The New Road Is Almost Here - Work started as it got dark

Express train derails in Udon Thani

A Bangkok-Nong Khai diesel express train derailed at a railway crossing in Udon Thani province early Tuesday, causing injuries and about 70 million baht damage, police said.

Pol Lt Bodin Panyaso, the duty officer at Muang district police station,  said the accident occurred about 5.15am at the Nong Dae railway crossing in tambon Mu Mon of Udon Thani's Muang district. It involved diesel express train No 77 which departed from Bangkok on Monday at 6.20pm heading for Nong Khai.

Read More at Bangkok Post

Verdict In from the ICJ

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s verdict on the Preah Vihear territory requires Thailand and Cambodia to sort out their differences though "peaceful means."

The ICJ unanimously found that Cambodia’s interpretation of the sovereignty over the whole monastery "admissible" and Thailand is under the obligation to withdraw military troops from that territory.

However, it did not mention the sovereignty of Phnom Trap, urging both parties to solve the dispute by peaceful means. The area, part of the 4.6 square kilometre, is the centre of this dispute.

Read More At The Nation

Progress at last on the road

So we've made progress on the new roadway

The New Road

just when we wondered if they forgot to finish it, they returned this afternoon.  It started with a water spray and now the scraper is back, seemingly deepening the gulleys at each side.  One guy looks as if he means business - just walked down the road carrying a tape measure.  We'll see if they finish the job today/this week......

A Busy Day of Decisions Affecting Thailand

From The Nation

9am: Protesters of The People's Army Against the Thaksin Regime rallying at Phan Fa Lilat Bridge will march to three undisclosed locations

9am: Four Regions Slum Network will gather at Bang Na intersection to protest against the controversial amnesty bill



10am: The Senate will convene a meeting to vote to reject the amnesty bill



10.30am: The former leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, will hold a press conference at Baan Phra Arthit on the political situation.



Noon: Four groups of newly formed communities, rallying their calls through the social media, will gather at Silom, Asoke, Ratchadaphisek, and Saphan Khwai and Aree areas before marching to Rajdamnoen Avenue.



4pm: The International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, will begin reading the verdict on the Preah Vihear dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.



5.30pm: The Businessmen for Democracy Club will call on people nationwide to blow whistles in front of their offices and at major shopping malls



6pm: The Democrat-led rally at the Democracy Monument will announce their next move after the deadline they set for the Pheu Thai-led government to annul the bill expires.



7.30pm: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will address the nation on the verdict in the Preah Vihear case.

Where the Boat Sinks--Every Day

Where the Boat Sinks--Every Day is a traveler's memoir from a journey Phuket, Thailand--and the surprising outcome of an event involving a sinking boat. It was thought that the language barrier could be in full play, but it turns out that all was understood--and with a humorous ending. 

US$1.99 at Smashwords

By Shannon Hoffmann
Rating: Not yet rated. 
Published: Nov. 07, 2013 
Words: 1,300 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781310197123

Traders of the Golden Triangle

During the latter half of the twentieth century the little-known and often lawless region where Laos, Burma, Thailand and China meet has become known and widely romanticised as ‘The Golden Triangle’. Originally a Western designation applied to the region because of its wealth in jade, silver, rubies, lumber, rare animal products and, above all, opium, the name has stuck and is today accepted both in Chinese and in Thai. By reputation, by very definition, the area is off the beaten track. The home of drug warlords, arms dealers, insurgent armies, latter-day slave traders and plain, old-fashioned bandits, it is also the home of an extraordinarily wide range of colourful ethnic minorities, many still only partly known and understood, and a veritable Tower of Babel linguistically. 36,500 words, 70 historical images, 46 contemporary images, 5 maps, Bibliography 

BUY NOW AT SMASHWORDS

By Andrew Forbes
Rating: Not yet rated. 
Published: Nov. 03, 2013 
Words: 39,910 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781311394996