Another day in Paradize

I had received an invitation to an event at a local school (S-BAC).
The best translation of the event I received was 'New Student Introduction Day.'
You might better understand it simply as Open House Day. A few dozen parents participated.
Buddhist religious ceremonies generally start the day of activities.

The opening ceremonies conclude with traditional thai dancing by students.

I am supposed to sit on the stage with the dignitaries and teachers. I can't sit still that long. I always politely decline, pointing at my camera. My excuse, I want to take pictures.

The guest speaker apparently had his audience's full attention. Students were laughing, answering questions, or even blurting out comments. It wasn't just a speech, rather almost a community discussion at times. Even though I have no idea what was said, the presentation was just superior.

Students present teachers and dignitaries with local flower arrangements.

Quite a few awards were handed out to students with perfect attendance records. I also departed with a number of gifts which I always cherish.

A perfect day concluded later in the evening watching a Bee Gees concert on local Sakon Nakhon TV (STV)

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Thai VIP

Thai gentlemen of high esteem must stand tall.
High heels are therefore important.

Talking about VIP. I was one of those my first year here, VIP.
Talk about butchering my name "Hans. "The sign read "VIP Mister Hung."
I'm not making that up, I have a picture of that sign somewhere.
Come on Tony, let's hear your wise crack on that one.

I know you're just itching with one.

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Visit to the Toon

Stopped by Toon bar yesterday. Apparently the place was quite busy the night before. They were still cleaning.

The owner rushed off to get me some herbal medicine which will surely take care of my medical condition.
So here I am alone with this new somewhat cute lady... wait a minute.. adams apple...
Well, she/he was still cute,,, but... after all these years I'm still not quite used to... T&D

I looked across the field.
Why is it every time a cow or buffalo sees a camera, they look like they are posing for you.

The big story here is that Toon is continuing a tradition of providing prospective customers a free ride.
Yes, it you're stuck in a local hotel, just give them a call and they'll gladly provide transportation to the bar.

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Grasping for straws

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that the Thai government will exempt fees for tourists visas effective June 25 until March 2010.

Tourist visas must be applied for in Thai embassies or consulates and are good for 30 or 60 days.

They can be extended by 30 days while in Thailand

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My view of the world

Come to church, the bar is open.
UK church tempts fathers to attend church (on fathers day) with free beer
I'd like to see some of their missionaries open a local annex.

Meanwhile I'll say my prayers at Toon Bar.

Thai Ginger pleads innocent to Green Card marriage scam.

US tax money at work:

$423,500 grant to the Kinsey Institute for research:

"Why men don't like Condoms."

The return of the swastika. Occasionally I see one in Thailand.

It brings back bad memories to most westerners.

But keep in mind, it's really an ancient religious "lucky charm," dating back to the New Stone Age.
In Thailand, A New Party Tries to Take Back the Swastika

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Phuket is getting ready for the BIG SHOW

If your travel plans include a visit to Phuket during the next four months,
be prepared for frequent security checks and closer scrutiny.

The province is making preparations for the October 23-25 ASEAN summit.

A safe and successful summit will improve Thailand's somewhat tattered image,
and may be a step to revive an ailing tourism industry.

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Blasts are most likely isolated incidents

Local Elections are over.

Results won't be official for another week or so.
I generally do not involve myself in local politics.
This post is in response to a few safety concerns after news of two explosions.

If you want to read more;

The Nation

Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post Editorial

Khok Sila (Khoksila) is 87 km from the city of Sakonnakhon
The explosions seem to have been timed to scare voters an hour before a scheduled rally.
The rally was cancelled

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Travelers be aware

Bangkok ACS (American Citizen Services) in a message dated June 19 states in part:

. . . American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Thailand
cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or
quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal
authorities, and cannot attempt to influence the terms or duration of
quarantine.Quarantines in Thailand, however, have generally been of short duration. . . .

Thailand uses thermal scanners to monitor passengers arriving at international airports.

In Other travel advisories:

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And that's my opinion

Swine Flu

Thailand's Health Department has muzzled provincial health administrators from talking to the press. Bangkok Post
At one end of this directive is of course that only one agency should gather the data and release information, to avoid confusion and duplication/
On the other end, this may delay vital information of regional outbreaks.
Keep in mind, the Swine Flu (H1N1), is simply another flu which has been getting more press than any previous flu.

David Carradine
My condolences to all the friends and relatives.
Investigations are incomplete, the media frenzy intensifies;

Murdered By Transsexual Hookers? Read that article at starpulse,com

Death by Masturbation Sect. Read that article at NOT THE Nation

Thailand's Tourism Industry is in despair. They need to pull a rabbit out of a hat.

More pressing than tourism is the increasing unemployment

Massive jobs programs are needed.

Unemployed tend to resort to criminal acts, just to survive. Crime is up.

Tourists tend to stay clear of known high crime areas,

unless may be criminals themselves.

Phuket Wan reports that Visa runs are way down

I suspect that the recently enacted four trip limit has many tourists going elsewhere.

The nations airport arrivals are one third of last years (June) arrivals.

Last years wasn't such a great year for tourism either.

Local arrivals (Sakonnakhon) do not seem to suffer as heavily.
I am receiving almost daily mails asking for information, indicating immediate travel plans.

The person considering a side trip to Vientiane, I recommend some time in Nong Kai with a trip to Wat Keak

From the USA: PETA Insanity (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

PETA has made a complaint to President Obama for killing a fly while on camera.

PETA suggests humane capture and outdoor release.

I wonder what they consider appropriate treatment of Thailand's mosquitoes and ants

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