Reality in the mirror

What if the Syria crisis were happening in the UK? BBC

me DO SAME:

Late 1940’s Meppen, Germany:

Every Saturday I accompanied my Uncle to a bombed out smaller town. My Uncle would chisel off the cement from the red bricks, I stacked ‘em and cleared the rubble, think that was around age 6.  My uncle built a two story, four bedroom house with the bricks

Sakon Nakhon

Celebrations have begun

Watched the entire celebration live on local television yesterday

Trooping the Colour parade in honour of the King - Thai PBS English News

Sakon Nakhon

American Citizen Services Outreach

There is an outreach event in Khon Kaen scheduled for  January 23. Additional details, including time and place, will be available on the US Embassy  closer to the event at the following link: 

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/consular_outreach.html

Sakon Nakhon

Value Added Tax to escalateNon-performing consumer loans soar

Thailand may raise VAT next year, have bigger budget deficit: finance minister, - THE BUSINESS TIMES

Currently the rate is 7%.  VAT applies to "Any person or entity who regularly supplies goods or provides services in Thailand and has an annual turnover exceeding 1.8 million baht (US$54,878.076"

Thai banks chase regional dreams as domestic lending boom fades |GMA News Online

Sakon Nakhon

Typical school day in Thailand

Memories from my teaching days (2003-2011)

No one seemed to have brought a textbook. I put up the text from the song 'Hotel California' on the screen for everyone to read. It's a very popular song in Thailand, even today. They like the song, but no-one knows the words.

Little surprises me anymore in this country, so I was not surprised when I attempted to explain 'Tiffany' and I heard the class in unison say "Ladyboy Show." 

Luckily I had Google Photos at the rescue to show Tiffany windows and Tiffany jewelry.
Smart Aleck kid blurts out "Thai Tiffany also have jewelry!"
Took me a while to regain my composure

Sakon Nakhon

December 5 Possibly a Coffee Cup Day

His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day. National Holiday, 

• Banks:  closed
• Bars: I have heard of no public announcement to date. There have been years when alcohol sales were allowed ( 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006) and other years when it was not allowed (2010, 2009, 2007),  There have also been times when it was up to local governments.
• Immigration Office Closed

Sakon Nakhon

Can the War Elephants stop the Street Dogs

Philippine point of view

Azkals seen to break 40-year drought vs Thailand in Suzuki Cup semis | Sun.Star | .ph

My point of view

For 40 years the The War Elephants, Thailand's national football team, have kept the Philippine Azkals (Street dogs) under control.

In a friendly game in September the Philippines lost to Myanmar 2:3. 

Thailand beat Myanmar 2-0 in a game on Nov 29.

For me this game on Dec 6,  7 p.m.  is too close to call.  Both teams have shown vast improvements recently.

This should be a thrilling match.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 Standings

Internet Streaming    Bangkok Broatcasting ch7

CTH Fox Channel 47HD in English

Sakon Nakhon

It's the law in Thailand, not mentioned in travel brochures

Police Stop & Searches Around Sukhumvit / Asoke On The Rise

Let’s get authoritarian | Bangkok Post: Post Bag Opinion

Everyone is required to carry identification.  In case of foreigners, the only acceptable identification is the passport.  The few times I have been stopped while driving a motorcycle, a Thais drivers license was sufficient.

Thai law gives the police the authority to stop vehicles and pedestrians and demand identification, ask to see the contents of pockets, and bags.  They can also demand a urine sample.

Drug use in Thailand, especially yaba (methamphetamine) is quite rampant. 
The reasoning for these searches is to apprehend drug users and dealers.  Besides apprehending drug transporters, stopping vehicles also leads to discovery of unregistered vehicles, unlicensed drivers, and stolen vehicles.

The best thing is to be aware of these laws and carry proper identification and follow the police officer's instructions.  Don't give the police a reason to arrest you or 'fine you.'

Urine tests are most prevalent in areas predominant with bars and clubs.
It was about 15 years ago when I had to submit to a urine test.  It was done at a disco, the place was shut down and about 200 people had to submit to a urine test.  I wrote about that before on January 8, 2011 Amazing Thailand: Enjoyable Recollections

Last year I heard of random urine test being done on the Phu Phan highway. 
You can also expect vehicle searches for drugs on highways and streets near Thailand's borders.
Sakon Nakhon

Monday Funnies

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