marriagewiththai

One true story.!!!! Late me say one story to you...

2011-11-15T16:29:00.000+02:00

To Telefteo S"Agapo.. The Last i Love You..

2011-11-14T20:36:00.000+02:00

Το Τελευταίο Σ' αγαπώ- Notis Sfakianakis 2011

2011-11-14T12:01:00.000+02:00

Notis Sfakianakis - To Finale Tis Kardias..

2011-11-14T11:56:00.000+02:00

ΘΕΛΩ ΝΑ ΖΗΣΩ ΤΩΡΑ ΑΛΛΙΩΣ -ΝΟΤΗΣ ΣΦΑΚΙΑΝΑΚΗΣ

2011-11-14T11:53:00.000+02:00

Getting a Tattoo in Thailand

2011-05-18T23:21:00.002+03:00

Getting a Tattoo in Thailand

A man being tattoed in the traditional Thai style.

I’m not sure what it is about Thailand that tempts so many people to get tattoos done during their stay here. It’s probably cheaper than having it done in other countries and then there’s the mystical, spiritual element that clearly tempts people to get Buddhist-inspired designs. However, it isn’t just foreigners undergoing the needle.

The Sak Yant is usually performed by monks and is believed to bestow certain powers on the person receiving the tattoo. The Sak Yant is a serious Buddhist ritual and many Thai men undergo the pain of the ink being pricked onto the skin manually with metallic rods rather than by the usual machine associated with tattooists. Even that is a slight nod toward modernity; originally nails from coffins were used. The ink used in Yants is a mixture of Chinese or Indian ink and whiskey. Snake or scorpion poison and ashes from a cremation may also be added to the ink.

The Magical Power of the Tattoo

Many Buddhists believe in the power of the Yant. Some Yants are meant to protect against physical harm (Kong Grapan Yant) whilst others are meant to bring good luck (Maettha Yant), but it isn’t quite as simple as that. If somebody receives a Yant and does bad things then they will receive bad luck. The rules of the Yant are supposed to make people live their lives in a better way.

For the true believers there are numerous tales and evidence of the power of the Yant. There are stories about corpses where the body has rotted away except for the area where the Yant is inscribed. Old Khmer designs and patterns are all meant to have their own meaning and to become a Sak Yant master involves years of dedication.

Having Tattoos Misspelled – True or Urban Myth?

Many of us have probably heard a variation of the story about the backpacker who went to Thailand and got a tattoo done at the Full Moon Party on Ko Phan Ngan. The tattoo which he thought was Thai script for his name turned out to be the Thai words for ‘stupid foreigner’.

Whether that particular story is true or not, even Sak Yant masters have admitted they have deliberately misspelled the lettering for people who were believed to be getting a Yant without good intentions. If a Thai person can receive a misspelled tattoo then there’s every chance that some Westerners have also been on the receiving end.

Honey – The Perfect Natural Beauty Product

2011-05-15T03:08:00.000+03:00

Honey – The Perfect Natural Beauty Product

Find out how honey is great for your body, inside and out

Nutritional value
Honey may well be one of nature’s most perfect products. It has nutritional value, containing lots of vitamins and minerals including B6, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, sodium, thiamin and zinc. It is packed with antioxidants and assists the human body in absorbing and retaining both calcium and magnesium, which can be helpful in building a strong immune system.
Honey as medicine
Many cultures have used honey for medicinal purposes. Some use it as a healing paste for dealing with the pain of arthritis. Some oriental cultures use honey in their tea to help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol. Some believe in its ability to soothe sore throats and treat common head colds, and others that it can help with upset stomachs, indigestion, and even gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. There is also evidence that honey has cleansing properties to keep the human body healthy and in tip-top working order all year round.

Honey for your hair
Honey will also have a positive impact on both hair and skin. It contains natural humectants to help attract moisture to the hair, making it a very valuable tool in treating dry and damaged hair. Adding honey in with any hair conditioner can increase the efficiency of the conditioning product, allowing it to better penetrate into the hair shaft to both moisturize and soften it.
To improve the elasticity of the hair, mix honey together with buttermilk for a luxurious rinse that leaves hair feeling soft and looking beautiful. Another hair treatment involves honey mixed with olive oil; used in that way, it adds incredible shine to tresses and makes the hair much easier to manage. A mixture of honey and lemon juice can also be used to naturally lighten hair over a period of time without damaging the hair.

Honey for your skin
Honey is equally good for the skin. It wasn’t uncommon in ancient cultures for it to be used in bathing, Cleopatra often mixed honey in with her milk baths to keep her skin soft, supple, and beautiful. She also used honey on her face for its natural moisturizing qualities, sometimes mixing it with nuts in order to produce a natural facial scrub to remove dead skin. Mixed with certain fruits, honey is also a great toner, leaving skin glowing and looking its healthy best. Mixed with cornstarch, it works as an astringent to get rid of pimples and subsequent minor infections.
Anti-microbial
Because honey has anti-microbial properties, it can be used to treat sunburn, rashes, and other minor skin irritations. It not only helps to heal the irritations, it also soothes skin while fighting against the signs of aging, all the while leaving skin with a beautiful, healthy glow. Honey is even good for treating cuts and skin punctures, aiding in tissue regeneration and reducing scarring. Because it inhibits the growth of bacteria as well as fungus, honey makes a great product to use for athlete’s foot as well.

These anti-microbial qualities also make it useful in dental care. When mixed with cinnamon, honey helps to combat bad breath and is even used to help treat minor tooth pain. On its own, honey combats the growth of plaque, naturally reducing acid production and killing other forms of bacteria that can inhabit the mouth.
The perfect natural beauty product
Universities and science labs continue to explore honey’s ability to ward off or cure hundreds of different ailments, so in the future we may have even more uses for this fantastic natural substance, a near perfect beauty product for the human body both inside and out.
Credit by: www.thebeautybiz.com

Pregnancy After Breast Cancer

2011-05-15T02:08:00.002+03:00

Pregnancy After Breast Cancer

According to recent studies at the European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona, pregnancy may have a protective effect against breast cancer, so women with a history of breast cancer can now have babies without increasing their risk of recurrence.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women wait up to five years after treatment depending on how aggressive the cancer was, before getting pregnant. This is to allow for assessment of long term survival.

Trials, carried out by researchers from Belgium and Italy between 1970 and 2009 and involving 1,417 pregnant women with a history of breast cancer and 18,059 of non pregnant women with a history of breast cancer, have now found that pregnancy is safe for breast cancer survivors It is said that the findings did not support any notions that hormonal changes associated with pregnancy could prompt a cancer to recur or become more aggressive, but it did suggest that a patient who became pregnant after diagnosis of breast cancer had a reduction of 42 per cent risk of death compared to those who did not get pregnant. Although it is well known that oestrogen was linked to breast cancer, the apparent protective effect of pregnancy could be explained by the higher levels of the hormone inhibiting cancer cells or the way the body boosted its immune system.
The findings showed that pregnancy in women with a history of successfully treated breast cancer is safe, and strongly argues against the perception that women with a history of breast cancer should not get pregnant for fear of increasing any risks of recurrence by means of hormonal stimulation. Women were being analyzed in groups to gauge the effects and timing of pregnancies after diagnosis of breast cancer. There is a trend at the moment for delaying pregnancy and more young women are being cured from breast cancer, so it is important to provide as much evidence as possible to help physicians in counseling these patients.
Maria Leadbeater of Breast Cancer Care welcomed the research stating that to date there has been insufficient evidence on pregnancies after breast cancer treatment and the risks involved, if any and is very reassuring for the younger woman who has had breast cancer.
An artist and film director Sam Taylor-Wood gave birth after surviving two types of cancer. Colon cancer was diagnosed in 1997 after giving birth at the age of 29. She turned down drugs that would have made her infertile when treated for breast cancer in 2000, giving birth again in 2006 after being given the all clear. Now at 43, she is expecting her third child.
It has been said that chemotherapy can pose harm to a developing baby by some cancer charities, but during a discussion presented by the University of Frankfurt, Sibylle Loibl stated that chemotherapy given whilst the baby was still in the womb did not appear to cause any significant problems at or after birth.

Patty Brown

Νι jumping because is bored...25/04/2011

2011-04-27T18:39:00.000+03:00

Monks on Alms Round by Boat

2011-04-18T21:34:00.002+03:00

Monks on Alms Round by Boat

September 8, 2009

By Richard Barrow | Posted in Samut Prakan, Thai Buddhism

In the olden days in Thailand, most people lived along canals and the only way they could travel around was by boat. At major intersections farmers would come together to create floating markets. With the building of roads and modern houses, many of these markets and riverside villages fell into a state of disrepair. People would drive their cars to supermarkets and monks would walk along roads on their alms round.

I took these pictures recently at the Old Bang Phli Market in Samut Prakan. They have special activities going on every weekend from now until early October. The idea is to both recreate and preserve the practices and culture of days gone by. Although it is still sometimes possible to see monks going on alms round by boat, it is a rarity. I am glad I was able to witness this at the weekend.

I have also shot a video which you can see in our Paknam Video Blogs. For more information about this market festival, please visit www.paknam.com.

Parade of the Centipede Flags and Swans

2011-04-18T21:32:00.002+03:00

Parade of the Centipede Flags and Swans

April 14, 2011

By Richard Barrow | Posted in Samut Prakan, Songkran

Some of the most beautiful parades that I have photographed are ones organized by the Mon people of Phra Pradaeng. They originally came from Southern Burma where they were once rulers of their own kingdom. Due to persecution and wars, they have fled their homeland and can be found in neighbouring countries such as Thailand. It is estimated that 30 provinces around Thailand have Mon communities. Many of them seem to be in the Phra Phradaeng District of Samut Prakan, Pak Kret district in Nonthaburi and Samut Sakhon Province.

Photo Album of the Parade >>>

The Mon people have integrated into Thai society so much that you don’t really notice them much these days. However, this week, the Mons of Samut Prakan have a number of cultural activities. The first big one in Phra Pradaeng was on 13th April. This was the Swan and Centipede Parade Festival. I was over there yesterday and it was really good to see so many Mons wearing their traditional clothes. A rare sight these days. The next big event for them is Songkran on 22-24 April 2011 which they always celebrate the first weekend after the rest of the country.

The parade through Phra Pradaeng yesterday reminds the Mon people of their homeland. According to legend, Buddha once went to Burma where he saw two swans swimming next to an island. He named this land Hongsawadee. Over the years the island expanded and eventually the Mon people settled there. The word “hongsa” means swan. The Buddha also predicted that Buddhism would prosper here.The Centipede Flag represents that Buddha’s teaching. The claws of the centipede show that the Mon people will never be afraid of their enemies.

Attending the parade were hundreds of Mon people representing a number of local temples. Each of them carried an image of the “swan” as well as the centipede flag which was hoisted up the flag pole once they got back to their own temple. The parade first went along the waterfront before turning right at Phra Pradaeng District Offfice and then up as far as Wat Klang where it did a u-turn and then back to the start. On the return trip, people representing each of the temples broke away from the parade in order to go back to their respective temples.

I am always worried taking pictures during Songkran parades that I might get my camera equipment wet. Most people respect the fact that I am working. However, it is quite easy to get hit in the crossfire or someone to throw water on you from behind without seeing your camera. However, there was no real cause for concern. Not many people in Phra Pradaeng were playing water fights. This is because they play the week after the rest of the country. This year Songkran here takes place between 22 and 24 April 2011.

Muay Thai Festival in Ayutthaya

2011-04-16T22:28:00.002+03:00

Muay Thai Festival in Ayutthaya

Wednesday, 16 March 2011 00:00

Muay Thai is truly an international sport these days as people all around the world compete in this ancient form of boxing. However, the spiritual home is definitely here in Thailand with the home base being in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Yesterday, 350 boxers from 35 different countries came together at Wat Mahathat to take part in the Wai Khru Ceremony. They came to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom.

Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and Ayutthaya, the home of its legendary hero is the stronghold of Muay Thai. According to legend, Nai Khanom Tom was captured by the Burmese after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. Along with other prisoners, he was taken back to Burma. During a Buddhist festival he was selected to fight in a tournament that was put on to see which forms of boxing were the best; Thai or Burmese. Nai Khanom Tom fought ten Burmese boxers in a row without pause and defeated them all.

The Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony is the most important date on the calendar for Muay Thai boxers from around the world. They come together in the days leading up to National Muay Thai Day, which is on 17th March, to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom. This takes place during the annual three day Thai Martial Arts Festival in Ayutthaya which is now in its 7th year. The aim is to preserve the Thai martial arts.

The Wai Khru Ceremony took place at Wat Mahathat on Tuesday 15th March 2011. Highlights of the event included Muay Thai exhibitions as well as demonstrations of Thai handicraft and cuisine. Over the following two days, 16th-17th March 2011, there is a Muay Thai tournament with international boxers contending for the Nai Khanom Tom belt with a cash prize for the weight divisions of 60, 65, 70, and 80 kilograms. There will also be a Wai Kru competition for Thai students. This takes place at the stadium in Ayutthaya.

Education Visa the Perfect Way to Long Stay

2011-04-13T22:45:00.000+03:00

Education Visa the Perfect Way to Long Stay

Siripun Sinbuathong 31.08.2010 15:14

If you are under 50 years of age, not married to a Thai national and financially independant there are few options if you want to live in Thailand.If you are over 50 you can easily qualify for a retirement visa providing you have 800,000 baht in the bank, however you must be at least 50 years old. If you are under 50 and don't want to work or run a company or constantly have to do visa runs then an education visa may be the solution for you if you want to reside here long term.

This is the method of long stay actually recommended and endorsed by the Thai government. The requirements are very easy and you only have to attend school for four hours a week, usually two hours two times a week and if you want time off to visit your home country or take a holiday then this is not a problem either. You simply go to immigration and obtain a re-entry visa.

CTLS language school in Pattaya is regarded as Pattaya's leading language school. They offer 180 hours school for only 22,000 baht which is spread over a year.The only additional cost is reporting to immigration every 90 days where you have to pay 1,900 baht to Immigration. After factoring in the money saved from not having to leave the country to do visa runs this way works out to be a very reasonable way of staying in Thailand long term. On top of the money saved there is the added benefit of being able to speak, read and write Thai and all the advantages this brings to daily life in Thailand.

For more information on Education Visas and learning Thai call CTLS on 038 416 891.

30% of Drinking Water Fails Quality Standards

2011-04-13T21:41:00.000+03:00

30% of Drinking Water Fails Quality Standards

Wanarapa Boonsu 12.04.2011 04:36

Heavy metals and other contaminants have been found in water samples taken from vending machines and bottled water.

Only 70 per cent of bottled water and drinking water from vending machines passes quality standards set by the Department of Health, director general Dr Somyos Deerasamee has revealed.

"The problem lies with contamination. Contaminants include heavy metals and bacteria," he said.

Contaminated water causes various diseases including diarrhoea and typhoid, he said.

Even more alarming was the fact that only 40 per cent of water from water utility services, artesian wells, rain and shallow wells passed the department's quality requirements.

Somyos advised people to boil or add an appropriate amount of chlorine to water before drinking it. "Keep drinking water in clean containers. If the containers are large, you still have to clean them every six months."

He said people who use water purifiers should regularly replace the filters.

The safest way to ensure your bottled water is up to standard is to stick to products certified by the Food and Drug Administration.

How to get a Thai work permit

2011-04-13T21:09:00.003+03:00

First, check some basics about the commercial company by which you seek to be employed in Thailand. This is the most important thing and the lawyers at Sunbelt Asia can assist you through each and every step in the process! If you are applying to be a teacher or journalist, please don't read further. For such occupations different regulations and requirements are followed. For other occupations, please continue...
1. REGISTERED CAPITAL. The minimum amount of registered capital required per work permit in the company is dependent upon the status of the company and the work permit applicant. If your company requires one work permit and the applicant is married with a Thai national, then the required amount of registered capital is 1,000,000 Baht. If your company is registered with BOI (Board of Investment), you can obtain multiple work permits without needing to increase the registered capital, depending upon the agreement reached with BOI. However, it is important to note that BOI companies need to be set up with a minimum of 1,000,000 Baht of registered capital. If your company does not have BOI approval and your foreign employees are not married with Thai nationals then you will require 2,000,000 Baht of registered capital per work permit holder.
2. THAI EMPLOYEES. There are requirements for minimum numbers of Thai employees per Work Permit for foreigners working in Thailand; this is dependent upon the status of the company. BOI approved companies usually have a relaxed ratio of Thai employees to foreign work permit holders. However, other companies will require 4 Thai employees for every work permit. It is important to note that there is an exception to this rule. If the company was formed less than one year prior to submitting the work permit application, the officer will accept 2 Thai employees per work permit. However, when coming to renew the work permit, the usual regulations will be enforced and the company will therefore require at least 4 Thai employees per work permit. Whereas, when applying for the visa Extension of Stay, the immigration requires the company to have at least 4 Thai employees (listed in Social Security Fund 3 months prior to the application). This is a compulsory requirement from the Immigration.

3. TAX, VAT AND SOCIAL FUND. Your company is paying tax and VAT and has the paper work in order. If your company address is in Bangkok, you will also need to ensure that you have paid the first month’s social fund for your Thai employees, keeping the receipt as evidence of this. In other locations around Thailand, you may be required to show more than one month’s social fund receipts, dependent upon the regulations in your province. This is very important. Shady companies with "office in the pocket" are not eligible to apply for a work permit for you!
4. Prepare all the paperwork for work permit application (as outlined below). Having a Thai lawyer assist you in getting your Thai Work Permit is essential to having the most up to date information on the requirements and minimizing the likelihood of delays and multiple trips to the Labor Department. Sunbelt Legal Advisors are the most up-to-date in Bangkok on current regulations in securing your Thailand Work Permit.

Documents to be Supplied by the Employee:
Required documentation from the individual

Application form (W.P.2).
For non-permanent residents: A valid passport containing a Non-Immigrant visa.
CV or Resume showing application’s educational qualifications and describing in detail the applicant’s past position, duties, performance, and place and length of employment.
A recent medical certificate from a first-class licensed physician in Thailand stating that the applicant is not of unsound mind and not suffering from leprosy, acute tuberculosis, elephantiasis, narcotic addition or habitual alcoholism including Syphilis.
Copy of front page of passport and visa.
Three 5x6 cm. full-faced, bareheaded, black and white or color photographs, taken no more than six months prior to the filing of the application.
If the job applied for is subject to a license under a particular law, in addition to the Alien Occupation Law, a photocopy of such license, (e.g. teacher’s license, physician’s license, press card from the Public Relations Department, certificate of missionary status from the Office of Religious Affairs, etc.) shall be attached.
If the applicant is married to a Thai national, the original and photocopies of the following must be presented: Marriage certificate, spouse’s identity card, birth certificates of children, household registration, as well as photocopy of every page of the applicant’s passport.

Documents to be Supplied by the Employer
All documents must bear the company seal and the signature of the company Director with signatory authority.

Certificate issued by the Commercial Registration Department showing that the organization for which the applicant is going to work, has been duly registered as a juristic person, giving the name of the managing partner and/or director, and its objectives and capital (issued within the past 6 months).
A Copy of the list of shareholders of the applicant’s prospective company, certified as correct by the Commercial Registration Department (issued within the past 6 months).
If the company maintains a factory, a factory license and/or license to operate a factory, renewed by the Factory Department, Ministry of Industry.
If the company maintains a restaurant, a food license. A Bar requires an alcohol license. A hotel a hotel license.
Copy of VAT Certificate (Phor.Phor.20)/application for VAT registration (Phor. Phor. 01)
Map of place of business.
Photos of the office inside and outside, with outside showing the company name and address.

Applying for the Work Permit
Check, check and double-check! Recheck all documents needed. Your Thai employer will say that everything is in order, but may not be!! So have the lawyers at Sunbelt Double check!
Apply for the work permit at the Labor Department covering the province in which the Company’s Head Office is located. (Employees working in a Branch office in other provinces must still apply in the province where the Head offices is located).
Most people get refused because they forgot to include a map in Thai showing the location of the company. Some other people get refused because they were not wearing a necktie in the photo. The photos of the office must also show clearly the Company name and address. Double check the requirements! Sunbelt Legal’s attorneys know the requirements and thus you will not need to make several unnecessary trips to the Labor Department.
The application will take 10 days from the day of submission to the collection at the Labor Department.
Collecting of the Work Permit
Pick up your work permit.
You will need to pick up your blue work permit book in person at the Labor Department. You will be issued with a work permit valid for either 90 days, 6 months or 12 months; this decision is at the discretion of the officer. In line with new regulations, your visa and work permit are no longer tied together. Therefore, you can have a visa that expires on a completely different date to the work permit.
NOTE: Be sure that you do not overstay or travel out of the country without a Re-entry Permit, because then your visa will be invalid upon your return.
There are a number of grounds upon which a work permit can be granted (this is on a discretionary basis and will take into account usual considerations such as suitability and qualifications of the foreigner for the position):

The company must have a fully paid-up registered capital of 2 million Baht to hire one foreigner, plus one person for every additional 2 million Baht (to a maximum of 10 people).
If the registered capital of the company is less than 2 million the company can hire one foreigner if its total corporate income tax payment had been at least 5 million Baht for the past three years. The company can hire one foreigner for every 5 million Baht paid in tax.
The employer has engaged in export which has brought into Thailand revenue of 3 million Baht in the previous fiscal year. The employer can hire one foreigner for every additional 3 million Baht up to a maximum of 3 people.
The employer has at least 50 Thai employees per foreign employee up to a maximum of 5 foreign employees.
A foreign employee must have paid personal income tax of at least 18,000 Baht in the previous personal tax year or if the foreign employee has not worked in Thailand previously, documents for potential employers confirming that, the foreign employee will obtain income in Thailand of at least 50,000 Baht per month for an employee who is single and 60,000 per month for a married person, must be presented.

The Labor Department may also issue or renew work permits regardless of the above criteria when the foreign individual falls into one of the following categories:

-employed as an international trade representative inspecting product quality, purchases or conducting market surveys
-employed as an investment or management technology adviser or internal auditor
-a tour representative bringing foreign tourists into Thailand
-employed in an international financial institute endorsed by the Bank of Thailand
-employed a non-profit organization on a temporary basis
-employed as a contractor on projects for state agencies or public enterprises
-employed in a business that mainly required the use of local raw materials
-employed in the Thai export sector
-employed in a business introducing and transferring technologies to Thailand
-employed in a sector where qualified Thai employees cannot be found
-married the cohabiting with a Thai national and has an honest employment.

Still have a question for Sunbelt Asia? Ask the experts at Sunbelt Asia here .

The Water Fights Continue

2011-04-13T11:25:00.000+03:00

The Water Fights Continue

April 14, 2005

By Richard Barrow | Posted in Festivals, Road Trips, Samut Prakan, Songkran

The water fights in Thailand are continuing unabated. This is now the completion of the second full day and there seems to be no let up in energy the Thai people display when they are having fun. If anything, there were far more people on the roads compard to yesterday. I spent most of the today at the Ancient City (which I will talk about later). On the way back I thought I would cut through to the Crocodile Farm and then come back along Taiban Road. I wanted to get some pictures from the safety of the car. But that turned out to be a mistake. It took me about three hours to travel 800 metres. It was dark by the time I got home.
There must have been hundreds and hundreds of pickup trucks. I have never seen so many. It looked like everyone that owns a pickup had come out to celebrate Songkran. Each truck had several barrels of water on the back and usually a dozen or so people armed to the teeth. As the traffic was hardly moving they were just running around attacking anyone in sight. It was mayhem. The politeness I was talking about yesterday was thrown out of the window. To be honest, there were a few people smearing the paste on each cheek in the traditional way. However, many of them just jumped up onto the songtaew buses (see above) and just grabbed the people from behind and rubbed paste in their eyes. Now, that isn’t fun.
A recent public survey revealed that the greatest fear for women this month wasn’t the threat of a terrorist strike in Bangkok. A whopping 42.8% said they were more worried about physical sexual harassment during the Songkran festivities. Many women complained that men took advantage of the mayhem to grope them while rubbing paste on their faces. About 11% said they had suffered this kind of harassment in the past. I could see it going on around me while I was stuck in the traffic jam. People on the back of pick-up trucks and alongside the road were heavily drinking. It was obvious that they were intoxicated. It is a shame that a minority of people are spoiling the fun for the rest.
What about the police you might ask? The majority of victims don’t complain. This is partly because in the confusion they barely see their attackers before they are gone. Also, the police are no-where in sight. That doesn’t mean they are all on holiday. They can’t because all leave was cancelled. They are out manning checkpoints trying to cut down on the number of deaths on the roads. On an average day in Thailand about 35 people die on the roads. During Songkran, that more than doubles. Most of the victims are motorcyclists. And many of them are under the influence of alcohol. In the above picture you can see the police stopping anyone riding without a helmet. Well, they were trying to stop them as some managed to escape. The ones caught ended up with a ticket if they were lucky. If they were riding without a license or registration then their motorcycle was confiscated. When I drove by there were about 20 motorcycles by the side of the road.
It is not like this everywhere in the city. Many people were having good clean fun. However, I don’t think so many were celebrating in the traditional way. I wonder how many of these went to the temple in the morning to make merit. I also wonder how many of them went to visit their grandparents to pour scented water on their hands. When I went to the temple early yesterday morning it was true that there were many people there. But it was mainly young families and the older generation. There weren’t many teenagers.
Another Songkran tradition is building sandcastles and honouring dead ancestors. Actually these are not the kind of sandcastles you build on beaches. I am going to visit a local temple tomorrow and I will tell you more about this event later.

Songkran at Ancient City

2011-04-13T00:23:00.002+03:00

Songkran at Ancient City

April 14, 2005

By Richard Barrow | Posted in Festivals, Road Trips, Samut Prakan, Songkran

I spent the majority of my time today at the Ancient City here in Samut Prakan. For the first time they were holding a major Songkran Celebration with lots of things to do for all the family. By now you should know that I love going to the Ancient City. I have been there literally hundreds of times. Sometimes by myself or with friends. But often as a tour guide for visitors to my school. I know the place inside out. But today was the first time I ever got stuck in a traffic jam inside this park. There were hundreds of cars. It was packed with families.
One of the aspects of the festival at the park was to show how Songkran is celebrated in different parts of the country. But also to reveal Thai culture. In the above picture, you can see someone bathing a Buddha image with the Sanphet Prasat Palace in the background.
This is showing the Rub Bua Festival, or lotus Throwing Festival which takes place in Samut Prakan in October. Basically, people are showing respect to the Buddha image by throwing lotuses onto the boat. I will be talking more about this later in the year.
This is a kind of water boxing competition. There are three rounds and the person who manages to stay on the most is the winner! The guy on the left is about to fall off!
This lady is making a wish just before she releases some fish into the water.
Here is some traditional Thai dancing from the north of Thailand.
The final picture is of a game of blindfold boxing! This is much the same as kick boxing though the two boxers are blindfolded!
I hope you enjoyed those pictures. There was enough to do and experience to keep me busy all day. If you are in Thailand at the moment then I suggest you pay Ancient City a visit. The festival continues until Saturday. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pattaya City Hospital 99% Complete

2011-04-10T17:33:00.000+03:00

Pattaya City Hospital 99% Complete

By Visith pinpawong 09.11.2010 22:28

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Weerawat Khakai at Pattaya's newest hospital.

The construction of the Pattaya City Hospital is fully finished and now the interior is being decorated and medical equipment is being purchased.

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Weerawat Khakai said, “After the 177 million baht budget spent on the Pattaya City Hospital we are now 99% complete. At the moment we are doing the interior designing and the purchasing of medical equipment for which we have set aside 200 million baht. We have also constructed an accommodation area for the doctors and the nurses. The accommodation building has 80 rooms over eight floors which cost 30 million baht.”

“The car parking building is nearly done as well. Once completed, the building will hold 260 cars. The hospital is expected to be fully operational at the beginning of 2012,” added Pattaya Deputy Mayor Weerawat.

The Pattaya City Hospital has 5 floors with 82 beds altogether. The first floor will be contain a primary check-up area, a medical room, an emergency room and the payment area. The second floor will house the special medical units such as the Ophthalmologists,the dental clinic and the small and large operating rooms. The third floor will be a mixed patients’ room which will have 54 hospital beds and six rooms containing the isolation ward. The fourth floor is the VIP ward consisting of 22 beds while the fifth floor will be an office area.

The Pattaya City Hospital is located in Soi Buakaow. For more information visit their website www.pattayahospitalproject.blogspot.com.

Tiffany’s Show Pattaya

2011-04-10T11:37:00.000+03:00

Tiffany’s Show Pattaya is “The Original Transvestite Cabaret show in Pattaya and Thailand: Originating as a one man show performed for friends on New Year’ Eve in 1974. Tiffany’s Show grew and grew, moving into its own custom built theatre which before long had to be extended up and out to accommodate the growing audiences and its popularity among Thai people and foreign tourists from all corners of the world. Tiffany’s Show was voted no.4 in the TOPTEN BEST SHOWS to see around the world. The incredible, talents of the transvestite, transgender community, all drawn from the provinces of Thailand are showcased in a show full of exotic spectacular scenes playing 3 shows nightly every night of the year.

Definition of Marriage in Thailand

2011-04-10T11:31:00.002+03:00

Ask Drew Noyes, Definition of Marriage in Thailand

Drew Noyes 03.03.2011 00:09

Managing Director of PAPPA Co., Ltd. Law Office Drew Noyes.

Hello Drew, I got your email contact address from your newspaper (very good read btw) and would like your expert advice. My Thai girlfriend and I had a Thai wedding ceremony in her village about 8 years ago but we are not legally married - i.e. not registered at any Amphur. Just had the Thai wedding ceremony only.

We have been together for nearly 10 years in total and lived together in my condo for the last 8 years. We have no children at all.

As of now there is no problem, but I realise not all things last a lifetime and either party may decide it's no longer working down the road, so this is a request to just get myself better informed and aware.

I would like to know what would happen if we were ever to split up after such a long relationship, which is akin to a common law partnership in the West, I guess. What, if any, obligations or legal requirements might be sought from me were we ever to go our separate ways?

In that circumstance I am sure I would want to financially help her, but I would not want to do that and then find out later that I was being legally forced to additional payments, provisions or obligations - what is the law/rules in this regard please?

Thanks for taking the time to reply

Kind regards

Mark, UK

Dear Mark,

Thank you for your fine question. This is a common question and deserves a full answer. Thailand has a system of possible multiple, concurrent wives, with only one, if any, being the “Legal” wife, call Mia Luaeng, or main wife.

Since you were not legally married to another woman at the time the parents and the village have reasonable expectation that you consider her your wife and will someday legalize the marriage by registering the marriage at a District Office, or Amphur, like the Banglamung District Office on Sukhumvit Highway in Pattaya.

Because of this under the Thailand Civil and Commercial Code, Book V, Family, Title 1 Marriage, Chapter 1 Betrothal, Section 1437 states, “Betrothal is not valid until the man gives or transfers property which is Khongman (stuff you give the intended wife) to the woman as evidence the marriage will take place.”

So if you gave the usual gold and money to her you are betrothed.

However, and this is what you and all the other Pattaya Times readers are waiting to hear, Section 1438 goes on to clarify, “ Betrothal does NOT give rise to an action for compulsory performance of the marriage…”

In other words, you are not obligated to marry her. If you do not marry her and she asks for compensation the most she can expect to receive is what you gave her (Khongman) and what you gave her parents (called Sinsod). i.e. buffaloes, money, a house or repairs to the family house, motorcycles, etc.

But the provision that sums it all up is Section 1458 “ A marriage can only take place if the man and woman agree to take each other as husband and wife, (as you did in the wedding party upcountry), AND such agreement must be declared publicly before the Registrar in order to have it recorded by the Registrar.”

The added security on your part is to be legally married in Thailand, all foreigners must show proof of their “Single” status received from the Embassy of the country of their passport issuance and certified by the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. Without this certified paperwork no legal marriage can take place.

Since no property is in her name, there can be no fight over ownership. There are no children so no child support is necessary. There is no alimony payable since the marriage is not legalized.

Thank you again Mark for your excellent question.

Best wishes to a long and happy life with her if that is your destiny.

Yours,

Drew Noyes

Managing Director

PAPPA Co., Ltd. Law Office

Anyone wishing to ask a legal question in the Pattaya Times concerning Thai law or Thai Immigration please send your request by email to drew@pattayalawyers.com. Please include your first name or if you want your last name published include it also. We would like you to add your nationality, too. Like Mark from UK for example.

New regulations for new and renewal of non-immigrant "B" Business visas issued in Thailand

2011-04-03T20:57:00.002+03:00

Business Visas Now Undergo Scrutiny Regarding Tax Payments and Thai Staffing

Visith Pinpawong 17.03.2011 05:31

New regulations for new and renewal of non-immigrant "B" Business visas issued in Thailand by the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police make it much more difficult for foreigners to do business legally in Thailand; especially if the books of the company and the income of the foreigner are not properly documented and all taxes are not paid up to date.

Effective immediately, all business visa applications must provide proof that four Thai staff work at the company full time and pay into both the social security fund and insurance fund and those staff members must be present when Immigration comes to inspect.

Also, the company limited must update its company documents at the Department of Business Development in Chonburi within one month of submitting the business visa application. Both an original and a copy of the certified update must be submitted to Immigration.

The foreigner applying for a renewal of the business visa, regardless of its issuance in Thailand or out of Thailand at at Royal Thai Consulate, must also show proof of paying personal income tax in Thailand to the Thai government. This does not absolve him or her from declaring the income in their home country.

The new regulations mandate submission of original documents and updated proof by the Revenue Department showing the company limited income tax por ngor dor 50, and the year end and six-month taxes under por ngor dor 90 and por ngor dor 91 have been paid for every year and a certification from the Revenue Department must be attached to the business visa application.

Additionally Immigration also requires proof that the monthly taxes of the Thai company employing the visa applicant are paid up to date and a certification from the Revenue Department must be attached to the business visa application.

The por ngor dor 3 monthly income taxes must be paid for the three months prior to the application date and a certification from the Revenue Department must be attached to the business visa application.

The foreigners’ income tax por ngor dor 1 must be paid for the most recent year and a certification from the Revenue Department must be attached to the business visa application.

As always, the salary income tax for staff must be paid for the three months prior to the visa application submission and a certification from the Revenue Department must be attached to the business visa application.

Now applicants also have to show three months of payments to the workers' government insurance fund for at least four Thai staff and also the payments into the social security fund.

The withholding must be paid by the company and the staff for the three months prior to submitting the application and a certification from the Revenue Department must be attached to the business visa application.

The records must match showing both social security and insurance are being paid by and for the same four Thai staff. Four Thai staff is required for each foreigner working at the company.

Pictures of the outside of the business, the inside of the business and pictures with all Thai staff working (or at least the four used to get the visa).

An accurate map must be submitted identifying the business. Immigration Inspectors will go to the business to verify and often take their own photos of the staff present when they inspected and check to see if they are the same staff as in the pictures submitted with the business visa application.

American Managed PAPPA Co., Ltd. Law Office on Pattaya Thepprasit Road offers visa services as do many other agencies. It is best to use someone at the agency who speaks English.

New Immigration Chief Allows 90-Day Reporting by Mail

2011-02-22T22:59:00.000+02:00

New Immigration Chief Allows 90-Day Reporting by Mail

Visith Pinpawong Pattaya Times newspaper and website 15.02.2011 06:38

New Immigration Chief Pol. Col. Chusak Panutumpon agreed with Drew Noyes to allow 90-day reporting by mail.

According to the Pattaya Times, of today, foreigners who were issued their six-month or one-year visas by the Chonburi Immigration Bureau no longer have to go to the immigration office to report in person every 90 days.

Visa holders wishing to stay legally in Thailand more than 90 days and hold valid visas now have two other choices. The first choice is to sign a Power of Attorney form and let someone else submit the form.

The second and easiest choice to report is by mailing the “Form for Alien to Notify of Staying Longer than 90 Days,” form TM. 47 to the immigration office before the due date of reporting which is 90 days after the last entry into Thailand and is stamped in the passport.

Police Colonel Chusak Panutumpon, age 50, is the new Chief of Chonburi Immigration located in Pattaya on Jomtien Soi 5. On his second day in office the new chief, as is customary, was introduced to the Pattaya Times newspaper Publisher, Drew Noyes and Editor Wanrapa Boonsu to clarify his role and discuss his objectives for his new assignment in Pattaya and ask for suggestions.

Most recently Pol. Col. Chusak was the Chief of Immigration for the Ubon Rachathani station for three years. Last year Pol. Col. Chusak was awarded a trophy for his excellent work in developing his immigration police station into becoming a citizen-friendly police station. His trophy was granted by the Royal Thai Police Chief Police General Wichian Potphosri. Now his goal is to make the improving Chonburi station even more accommodating to foreign residents and tourists.

In Thai, the new Chief said, “I am very happy to meet you both. My goal is to find solutions to improve customer service and improved ways to operate this busy immigration office and I would like your help.”

The new Immigration Chief told 14-year Pattaya resident, American Drew Noyes and his Thai wife “Kung” who is from Ubon Rachathani that on his first day the office was open until 7 pm because of all of the foreigners needing services and he was amazed at the number of foreigners his staff deals with per day. At his last posting as Chief in Ubon Rachathani there were only about 1,000 foreigners - mostly married to Thais – and some tourists his office serviced.

Drew Noyes, who also owns PAPPA Co., Ltd. Legal and Visas Services, suggested that many of the foreigners go to Immigration simply to say they are still in Thailand by submitting a mandatory 90-day notification form to an officer and having it processed while they wait.

The expat continued to explain that most foreigners are troubled to go to the office in Jomtien because it is far from central Pattaya and the Immigration officers are overwhelmed with the crowded waiting area every day and sometimes understandably become annoyed by being overworked.

Drew Noyes said this situation is a burden to all and a solution would greatly improve the service to those having to submit the form, the foreigners waiting for visas or extensions of stay while lightening the work load of the new chief’s officers.

The two new friends worked to find a solution to the mandatory 90-day reporting situation by using the internet to get the form and the Thai Post Office to send the form to the Immigration Office.

“All foreigners, regardless of the number of days or months remaining on their visas, must appear to complete the 90-Day form 90 days after their most recent entry into the kingdom and this is unnecessary if it can be done by mail,” stated Drew Noyes, who with his company PAPPA Co., Ltd. has helped more than 4,000 foreigners with legal and visas problems and was the founding chairman of both Pattaya Expat clubs and the Optimist International Club of Thailand and also sits on the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) law board in Bangkok.

Drew Noyes suggested that registration on the internet had been proposed last year was one solution, but since there was no system approved yet, the chief could approve submission of the 90-day reporting form by mail. This would also be easier than having to appear at the Immigration Office in person or send someone to notify immigration the foreigner is still in Thailand, Drew Noyes added in his conversation with the new Chief.

The seasoned Chief immediately called for the officer-in-charge of 90-Day reporting and asked him, “How many foreigners come here each month only to submit the 90-day reporting form?”

“Between 4,000 to 6,000 foreigners come here just for this reporting, sir,” was the reply.

Drew suggested that the form could be uploaded to the www.Pattaya-Times.com website with instructions. The foreigners who get their visa from his immigration office could mail the 90-day reporting form.

Pol. Col. Chusak agreed to the request and now allows the form to be copied and mailed to his office. The two men shook hands and were delighted with their agreement as it benefits both the foreigners and the overworked immigration officers.

Now the new, approved alternative process for 90-day report of stay, TM. 47is as follows:

1). Download the TM. 47 Form for Alien to Notify of Staying Longer than 90 Days at http://pattaya-times.com/a6847-90-day-immigration-reporting-form-by-mail or use a form obtained from any Thailand Immigration office.

2). Completed the form in block print letters making sure it is easy to read and sign it on the “Signature” line. No photo necessary, but copy your passport photo page and the passport page with the most recent entry stamp.

3). Put the form and passport copies in a regular business envelope

4). Simply affix a 5 baht Thailand Post Office stamp onto the envelope and mail it before your 90-day reporting is due.

5). Mail it to: Chonburi Immigration, 74/265 Moo 12, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260.

Complete instructions and the ability to complete the form online are available on the Pattaya Times website.

If anyone would like to submit their 90-day reporting by using a Power of Attorney form and having another person go to immigration to submit the form on their behalf a form can be obtained from PAPPA Co., Ltd. 448/21 Moo 12 Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, or by requesting by email to Drew@PattayaLawyers.com.

Pol. Col. Chusak is not new to Pattaya as he was formerly a Royal Thai Police officer serving at the Pattaya Police station on Soi 9 holding the rank of Inspector before he was transferred and began serving as a Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau officer serving duty on the border of Cambodia and then the border of Laos.

Click www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm47.doc to download the above form to your computer.

Complete the form by filling out where the form was written, the day, month and year follow by printing your name and surname in block letters. Fill out your nationality and tick which type of visa you have (tourist or non-immigrant). Put in the day, month, and year that you entered Thailand and how (plane, car, etc.). Then put in your passport number and the arrival card number. Finally fill out your current address then sign your signature.

You do not need to attach a photo.

Write this address on the envelop along with a 5 baht stamp:

Chonburi Immigration

75/265 M.12 Nongprue Banglamung Chonburi 20260

or in Thai

ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองชลบุรี

75/265 หมู่12 ตำลบหนองปรือ

อำเภอบางละมุง จังหวัดชลบุรี 20260

ที่ ตช 0029.43 (2)/.

On the other side of the envelop write the return address (your address).

Shum Kao Restaurant Thai Food at Pattaya!!!!

2011-01-01T12:01:00.000+02:00

Hey, Sexy Man

2010-10-09T14:48:00.000+03:00

Thailand the best place to find cute girls in the world.

2010-07-08T08:31:00.000+03:00

single girls looking for fun ads... if they could talk

2010-07-08T00:31:00.000+03:00

Cute Thai girls 2009

2010-06-29T18:43:00.000+03:00

HOT ! Thai Girls in Thai University Uniform

2010-06-29T18:42:00.000+03:00

Cute Thai girls in Bangkok Thailand

2010-06-29T18:41:00.000+03:00

Thailand the best place to find cute girls in the world.

2010-06-29T18:40:00.000+03:00

Farang and Isaan Girl in Maha Sarakham Rice Field

2010-06-29T12:50:00.000+03:00

An Isaan Wedding

2010-06-29T12:49:00.000+03:00

Isaan Wedding

2010-06-29T12:48:00.001+03:00

Isaan Marriage Udon Thani - 01

2010-06-29T12:48:00.000+03:00

2010-06-19T18:06:00.001+03:00

Wan and Alex - Christ Wedding Ceremony on the beach from littletimecapsule on Vimeo.

2010-06-19T17:57:00.001+03:00

Thai ceremony Neung+Nampung Part2. from littletimecapsule on Vimeo.

2010-06-19T17:47:00.001+03:00

Thai ceremony Neung+Nampung Part1. from littletimecapsule on Vimeo.

2010-06-14T01:03:00.000+03:00

Nana...
Personal Details
Age: 25
Astrology sign: Aries
Region: Bangkok, Thailand
City/Town: Bangkok*
Seeking: Marriage
Height: 5'3" (159cm)
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Brown
Appearance: Average
Religion: Buddhist
Ethnicity: Asian
Smoker: No
Drinking: Yes on special occasions
Marital Status: Single
Children: No
Education: College Grad
Employment: Full-time
Income: 41 - 60k.

Describes herself as Easygoing, Romantic and Warm hearted. Her outlook on life is Optimistic, Independent and Idealistic and her goal is her Family. She likes to hang out with Creative people, Intellectuals or Average and she enjoys eating Thai, Italian and Japanese food. She prefers to listen to Easy listening, Jazz and R & B music. Her main hobbies include Travel and Music and her favourite sport is Swimming.

2010-06-14T00:50:00.000+03:00

Piya...
Personal Details
Age:26
Astrology sign: Pisces
Region: Bangkok, Thailand
City/Town: Bangkok*
Seeking: Marriage.
Height: 5'0" (152cm)
Eye color: Black
Hair color: Black
Appearance: Cute
Religion: Buddhist
Ethnicity: Asian
Smoker: No
Drinking: No
Marital Status: Single
Children: No
Education: Post-Graduate
Employment: Full-time
Income: 21 - 40k.

Honest and faithful and looking forward to be a family woman one day with the right man.

2010-06-14T00:18:00.000+03:00

Sup...
Personal Details
Age: 24
Astrology sign: Gemini
Region: Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand
City/Town: Mueang*
Seeking: Marriage
Height: 5'4" (162cm)
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Black
Appearance: Happy Looking
Religion: Buddhist
Ethnicity: Pacific
Smoker: No
Drinking: Yes on special occasions
Marital Status: Single
Children: No
Education: Some College
Employment: Full-time
Income: 41 - 60k.

Describes herself as Easygoing and Playful. Her outlook on life is Independent and Ambitious and her goals are Career, Family and Fame. She likes to hang out with Average and she enjoys eating Thai food. She prefers to listen to R & B music. Her main hobbies include Computers and Reading and her favourite sports are Bicycling and Walking.

2010-06-14T00:16:00.000+03:00

Jiran..
Personal Details
Age: 20
Astrology sign: Scorpio
Region: Khon Kaen, Thailand
City/Town: Ban Fang
Seeking: Occasional
Height: 5'2" (157cm)
Eye color: Black
Hair color: Black
Appearance: Cute
Religion: Buddhist
Ethnicity: Asian
Smoker: No
Drinking: No
Marital Status: Single.
Children:
Education: Some High School
Employment: Other
Income: 00 - 20k
Pretty quiet sensitive honest faithful intelligent romantic caring strong easygoing responsible loves family good health.

2010-06-14T00:10:00.000+03:00

SARIN.
Personal Details
Age: 19
Astrology sign: Cancer
Region: Phrae, Thailand
City/Town: Mueang Phrae*
Seeking: Long-term
Height: 5'3" (159cm)
Eye color: Black
Hair color: Black
Appearance: Cuddly
Religion: Buddhist
Ethnicity: Pacific
Smoker: No
Drinking: No
Marital Status: Single
Children: No
Education: College Grad
Employment:
Income:

I would sincerely hate to lie .. honest .. trick .. nature .. love to travel..Who is giving the honest .. I..Thank you for everything..

MarriageWithThai...

2010-06-13T00:10:00.001+03:00

Any girl want too marry with good Greek man or man from any plays of the world send me photo and information. Speak too your friend.