|
How is this gonna play (26/02/2009 11:17:47)
|
|
Author: Michael taylor
|
|
Guys like me who kinda planned to call it quits in Europe and live in Thailand tread softly these days.The shares I have are not worth much.My home has gone down in value and the small business I own is not quite what it was. If I had sold up already my money is worth alot less in Thailand.What to do? I will be out again in april for two months and i will have a good look at whats going on. The free and easy days of spending are over. The high price bars and restaurants will be low on my list to visit.I will still have a wonderful time I'm sure. Their are plenty of people I know who live on a smaller budget than me and manage ok. Pattaya, I think sadly is in for a rude awakening. Another G and T.Make it a double. Thank god its happy hour.
|
|
|
Critics Choice (23/02/2009 04:57:21)
|
|
Author: Louise Emery
|
|
Sir It is with complete incredulity that I read the letter entitled 'Sexpats' in last week’s paper. To quote the writer ...Perhaps, if the trade was legal, there would be more quality writing that would show up and help overcome the obsessions of the sexually juvenile adults that illegitimacy creates. I would be very interested to know which sociological study the writer is referring to when he suggests that illegitimacy creates sexually juvenile adults. Sadly, this section seems to have been taken over by a few people who take it in turns to criticise each other. Let's have some comments good and bad about life and living in Pattaya and/or Thailand in general and use this section in a positive way. Regards
|
|
|
CIGGY CAPITAL OF ASIA? (23/02/2009 04:56:22)
|
|
Author: Clean air enthusiast.
|
|
After spending nearly 3 years in Pattaya, one of the strongest impressions I have is of the incredible level of smoking, particularly in the touristy areas of the city. There is hardly an outdoor bar, coffee shop or restaurant that doesn’t offer full facilities to casual and chain smokers alike, while blithely ignoring those who might wish to avoid passive smoking. Indeed on the few occasions I have enquired of the possibility of a non-smoking area being available, I was looked on as if I was slightly deranged. This, despite the recent “legislation” on outdoor smoking, which has effectively become a dead letter! It’s ironic to see people puffing away at outdoor bars and being surrounded by non-smoking signs put up shortly before this “legislation” came into effect. I don’t think Pattaya will ever achieve its potential as a resort until an attempt is made to provide good outdoor provision for non-smokers that’s genuinely backed up by law. At present the air quality verges on the foul due to smokers being given full rein to indulgence, regardless of the impact on others. To reply that non-smokers have the protection of indoor air-conditioned restaurants and shopping malls is hardly balanced given that we live in a warm tropical climate. Signed,
|
|
|
Tighe....Crossley......And Others..... (17/02/2009 18:00:58)
|
|
Author: Amused
|
|
All One & The Same..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Guy Must Be Wetting His Pants, Everytime Another Contributor To The Top Class Pattaya Press Posts His Opinion! Great Fun In The City Of Wannabes.....
|
|
|
In Memory (14/02/2009 10:08:32)
|
|
Author: Ron Fleitman.
|
|
Eddie Gibson (The Dog Man) of U.K. Kennels has just passed away. Back in America, Will Rogers commented that a man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child. Eddie was that way with dogs. People would leave dogs with him knowing that he could never put them out. Running a dog kennel in Pattaya is not the most successful endeavor one can get involved in. It takes a very special person to devote himself to this 24/7 task. The rewards financially were poor at best. It comes from the heart of a special being, realizing that we all have an obligation to care for those that have been put on this Earth and cannot speak for themselves. And as the sign in the pet shop window said “Buy a puppy, it's the only love money can buy”. I will miss Eddie. His friend,
|
|
|
Thailands Ahead (14/02/2009 10:07:40)
|
|
Author: another
|
|
I recently returned to the UK for a short holiday where I wanted to renew my UK Passport. What a carry on, as I stayed in Edinburgh I had to make my way to Glasgow to the Passport office. I was told by phone when I enquired, that you had to feed a parking meter as no parking places were available, which was most inconvenient to my mind as I was there at 8.45am. Although I thought I had the correct non smiling photos, I was informed that I had to have a brand new set taken by a special booth that cost nearly five pounds sterling. I was not amused. Then I had to fill in forms in front of the assistant and sign various papers. Albeit I had filled in forms prior to my arrival. To save time I decided to have my passport issued within the same day, and was told to pay one hundred and forty eight pounds for the privilege. I was then given a ticket and told to come back after 3pm, and indeed when I returned I was given my new 10 year UK passport. What a HUGE pleasant difference at the Bangkok Passport office, as when I accompanied my friend, who is a Thai national to have his passport renewed. We went to the main Bangkok Passport office (no appointment necessary) where there were loads of helpful ladies at information desks offering advice to all and sundry. We were pointed in the direction where he had to wait in a small queue with his Identity Card. The assistant swiped his card on a machine similar to that of a credit card machine, and gave him a number and told him where to sit. There were actually 250 people in front of him. I thought it would be hours to wait especially as it was 11.45am. However, thankfully that was NOT the case; a sign told everyone that the passport office closed at 3.30pm. Lo and behold it was only one hour before my friend’s number was brightly displayed on umpteen machines in the passport waiting lounge. I must also admit that I was pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the place and that there were several restaurants, shops and modern toilets. Plus fully air conditioned and comfortable seating. He was away no more than 10 minutes and was told his passport would be sent and should arrive within two days to Pattaya. They took his picture on a camera that was all set up, and all he did was to sign a paper as they had all his details there when his identity card was swiped. The total cost including get his photo taken and postage was 1,035 Baht. What an amazing difference to the UK Passport office, especially with even loads of parking FREE. There has recently been for and against the UK having identity cards produced, but believe me in this sort of case it is more than worth it, don’t you think?
|
|
|
Connections (14/02/2009 10:03:59)
|
|
Author: Bob, Pattaya.
|
|
Editor: In a recent letter to Opinion of Readers, titled "Sexpats", Mr. Personality Jack Tighe left Koto alone and made his typical attack on another innocent person. A Dean Barrett was invited to and spoke at a recent Pattaya Expat Club meeting and whose presentation was liked by all in attendance. Dean Barrett is a well known, respected, and successful writer of 4 mystery novels and other books. Tighe did not like comments that he read, did not hear in person, that Barrett made about "sexpats". Tighe thinks Barrett's books are trash novels about the sex scene in Thailand and stated that this writer was "mostly at the bottom end" in writing about Thailand. This is typical of Tighe and his crusade against numerous popular writers in Pattaya. Recently, Tighe attacked two, again well known and respected, writers at another local newspaper, over what they wrote about the "Pattaya Sex Scene". Before that Tighe also went after two other well respected and read writers of a Local Pattaya magazine, again over the "Pattaya Sex Scene". Jack, a non citizen and guest in Thailand, is on a crusade to legalize prostitution in Thailand, and takes exception to how he thinks these writers portray the Sex Scene in Pattaya in their Satire and Fiction Mystery writings. Jack again, over and over, has used Tony Crossley's cute paperback books as his expert source of the sex scene in Pattaya. I wonder what the connection between Tony and Jack are and what relation Jack Tighe has with Tighe Publishing Co., the publisher of two of Tony's paperbacks. Is this merely a friendship Jack or is there a money connection between you and Tony and his book sales? It sounds like your campaign to legalize prostitution in Thailand includes legalizing sex between male and female, gay sex, and sex with minors, since you are dead against "abstinence" in sex education as would be taught to minor children. I found it quite amusing that you used a well known Thailand hero, Mechai Viravadya, and used a 9 word quote that he had used to justify your argument that sex is normal and prostitution should be legalized. Maybe Jack Tighe, you should look a little more into that person’s background. Mechai is a champion of safe sex education, use of condoms to prevent the spread of diseases and unwanted pregnancies, and not for pushing legal prostitution in Thailand as you infer. Mechai once said in a CNN interview “I find it disturbing that men who are products of highly developed economies come to a developing nation solely to exploit their women and children”. Mechai also called these people ‘Sex Tourists’. Does the name fit, Jack and Tony? Mechai said "Teenagers need to know that sex is natural, but to master it rather than to let it master you”. After proper education if “you still want to fly before your time, have a parachute”, he says of condoms. Mechai believes "Abstinence has a place in sex education" in its efforts to raise the age of Thai youth before they have sex. He said "the use of condoms is the only way to save lives from HIV, except from abstinence." So Jack, "your source" shoots down your BS over legalizing prostitution in Thailand and your Recreational Sex. You know the sort of irresponsible sex that you are pushing, much like the dogs do in the streets of Pattaya. Jack, there is an old saying for you, "I do not know what makes you so dumb, but it works."
|
|
|
CARRY ON SEXPERT (14/02/2009 10:01:40)
|
|
Author: Bob, Pattaya.
|
|
Editor:
In the Jan 24 issue of Pattaya People, Tony Crossley continues to show how ill informed he is about "Sex Education Programs" by saying that teaching of "Abstinence" as part that programs undermine the primary message. Hmm, got that wrong Tony! The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association and the American College of Obstetricians all support Comprehensive Sex Education programs that encourage abstinence while providing adolescents with information on how to protect themselves against disease, which includes the use of condoms. The present U.N. HIV Prevention program has abstinence as part of its comprehensive education program in Africa which has as one of its goals is the raise the average age that African adolescents become sexually active. So Tony, it is you who is misinformed as to "Comprehensive Sex Programs" and the experts I show in this field are far more reliable than a quote from your own book that you use to try and qualify yourself as an expert. Wow, what an ego! When it comes to your rants on Bush and Palin and Sex Education in the USA you continue with your misinformation. In the USA, the President and other US Government leaders do not control what is taught in the schools across the USA. The USA school system is not run by the US Government as in England, but by 50 individual States and that is guaranteed under the US Constitution. The local school boards of each state dictate what is taught in the classroom, not the US Govt. Bush and others can only provide funding for some programs and that money equals 0.0001% of monies spent on education in the USA. Many of your letters, Tony have you pushing for the legalization of Prostitution as being desirable in your mind. What is desirable Tony? As a non citizen of Thailand, what in your letters published in Thailand are you pushing for legal Prostitution in Thailand? You want Pattaya to be the sex capital of the world where one can come and enjoy "Recreational Sex" with another of the opposite sex, or with someone of the same sex, or sex with a minor, or sex with an animal? Why are you pushing for having no legal limits on sex involving minors (no abstinence), 11 year olds, to oppose those moralistic laws that keep such activity illegal? The paedophile's world wide will love you for that achievement. Then in another recent letter, you tried to show your hate for the Catholic Church and said that Catholic priests being celibate is what led to priests being part of the largest paedophile ring in world history. Quite a statement Tony, claiming celibacy leads to one becoming a paedophile, and thus saying many Catholic priests and thus also Buddhist Monks are paedophiles. To quote another expert as to your stupid argument that prostitution should be legal in Thailand. Richard Poulin, PhD, Professor of Sociology at the University of Ottawa, wrote "The Legalization of Prostitution and Its Impact on Trafficking in Women and Children. Although there was a belief that legalization would make possible control of the sex industry, the illegal industry is now 'out of control'. Police in Victoria [Australia] estimate that there are 400 illegal brothels as against 100 legal ones. Trafficking in women and children from other countries has increased significantly."
So I suggest Tony that you take your ideas about recreational sex and regularization of Prostitution in Thailand and go back to England with it. In closing Tony, a big question comes up in my mind. Why do you Tony, and your buddy Jack Tighe, keep on writing letters to the various news publications in which the both of you plug your books? Why does Jack, in his letters, keep mentioning your books? Is there any connection beyond an obvious friendship that is not being told? Do you or Jack have any ties to "Tighe Publishing", the company that is listed as the publisher to your books? Why don't you two cheap Charlie's reach down and pay for advertising of yo
|
|
|
Highway of Death (14/02/2009 09:59:19)
|
|
Author: Adam
|
|
As most people who stay in Pattaya for any period of time will be aware, the number of traffic accidents that occur on the roads here is incredible. Not a day goes by without some poor unfortunate who is seriously injured or killed, usually on a motorbike. The police and City Hall must be aware of the scandalous statistics and apart from holding a regular meeting to discuss the issue, nothing ever appears to be done about it. I am referring specifically to the "new" road adjoining the railway line on the East side of Sukhumvit highway. Although this road has been open for a number of months there have been no attempts by the authorities to set up proper controls at the junctions, there are very few overhead lights and there are not even any road markings along most of it. Inevitably, as far as I can ascertain, this has led to at least one major accident every day in addition to numerous minor incidents. I use the road quite often and have witnessed countless near misses and collisions are a regular occurrence. In almost every case, the incidents are happening at the crossover junctions, usually the quieter and darker roads and seem to involve drivers travelling too fast who are unaware of roads crossing their path. I understand that City Hall may be short of funds and cannot provide full traffic lights at every junction, but surely the budget would stretch to some painted white lines to show who has right of way? I am also sure that flashing orange lights, that seem to be used at every other junction in Pattaya, would also help to warn drivers of an approaching hazard. These are just two relatively cheap options that I believe would help to reduce the number of casualties along what is fast becoming "The Highway of Death". I would appreciate it if perhaps you could pass on my concerns to the relative person in charge at City Hall. Adam.
|
|
|
ILL BE BACK (10/02/2009 04:05:02)
|
|
Author: Scotland, Beryl M Beattie
|
|
Sir. Two years ago, on the recommendation of one of Pattaya's most celebrated expat's, I visited Pattaya and stayed at the idyllic, five star Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, an experience I can heartily recommend to anyone who wants a splendid suite, unbeatable sea view, pool, private beach and superb restaurant choice. Last year, I returned to Pattaya and once more found the city provided everything I could have wished for in a holiday. The Royal Cliff Beach Hotel was my chosen base once again and as ever, the charming staff made me feel most welcome. However, when one returns to chilly Scotland, it is often rather nice to remember Pattaya and the eternal sunshine and the fact that you can purchase freshly gathered orchids and the best pineapples for just a few Baht. Especially on a chilly wet winter's night when the central heating is on at full blast! So imagine my delight at discovering Pattaya People's newspaper on line. Next best thing to actually being there, the coverage of news and social events is excellent. Your eloquent restaurant reviews and tasty pictures tempts the discerning palate and have given me a basis on where I might wish to visit if I am fortunate enough to return this year. By the way, all due thanks to the afore mentioned Scottish expat for recommending Pattaya and singing the city's praises to everyone in Scotland. There can be no finer ambassador for Pattaya and Thailand. His name happens to be Somsak Martin, your intrepid roving reporter who has lived in the city for over forty years and only commutes to Scotland in order to pacify those of his friends and relatives who miss his amusing presence. So, thank you Pattaya People for sharing Pattaya with readers throughout the world. The topical video clips bring it all to life and give an insight into what is happening today in Pattaya where it is also interesting to view your own great Dane, Niels getting out from behind his executive desk and handling exclusive interviews. Well, who does not enjoy "a Danish?" I found the Somsak Martin interview at the expat's club especially amusing and will look forward to hopefully being able to access his forthcoming new programme which was mentioned. And in the words of Arnie "I'll be back." Best wishes from Livingston, Scotland, Beryl M Beattie.
|
|
|
|
|
