JaiRai

Used Bangkok Bank New York branch before (to transfer from a credit union into bangkok bank account), no issue. Funds made available within a few days, in Bangkok. http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/TransferingFunds/TransferringIntoThailand/ReceivingFundsfromUSA/Pages/ReceivingFundsfromUSA.aspx

sayjann wrote those insanely long and funny trip reports. i thought they were both annoying and intriguing. yeah. will definitely miss him. sorry we never met sir. for some fucking strange reason reason this song springs to mind. i ain't gonna fight it or try and explain it

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2016/08/19/heres-experts-believe-brn-behind-attacks/ "BANGKOK — A number of security analysts said the evidence now suggests beyond a reasonable doubt that insurgents fighting for independence in the Deep South were behind the bomb attacks in southern Thailand last week. While the authorities continue to insist that the ethnic-religious conflict had nothing to do with the bombings which hit on the Queen’s birthday, the scholars point to methods and motives they say leaves the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, or BRN, the only viable perpetrators. “It’s likely the southern insurgents,†Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a researcher who focuses on the Deep South violence, said at a panel discussion held Wednesday. “But of course they do not call themselves insurgents. They call themselves juwae, which is a Malay word that means fighters.†Speaking at the same panel organized by the Foreign Correspondent’s Club of Thailand, security analyst Anthony Davis said other possible candidates such as the Redshirts or a military faction can be ruled out, because the former couldn’t plan such a large-scale attack under intense surveillance, and the timing of the attack – just after the junta’s charter draft was endorsed by a landslide – ruled out the latter. “In my opinion, it’s just common sense,†said Davis, who works for IHS Jane’s. “It doesn’t require expertise at all. All I did was simply to connect the dots.†In a separate interview on Wednesday, Srisompob Jitpiromsri, director of Deep South Watch, also said he’s convinced the Deep South militants are the ones to blame. “It’s clear quite clear. The evidence point that way,†Srisompob said. Rungrawee, Davis and Srisompob went as far as naming the group that’s most likely responsible: the BRN, which means National Revolutionary Front and is often described by the authorities as the most active and well-armed southern separatist cell. The military driving the investigation seems to disagree. On Thursday it announced the arrest of 15 Redshirt supporters, mostly in their 60s and 70s, and accused them of having ties with the bombers. The army backtracked on its claim a day later....."

Associating supporting Brexit with following Trump is patently absurd logic. How about this - Kanye West loves his dogs. My friend loves his dogs. My friend must share Kanye Wests views and be influenced by him. I'd better make sure I condemn dogs so people don't conflate me with Kanye. A lot of the genuine liberals I know (not talking about regressive leftists) fully supported the Brexit and consider Trump a buffoon (no offense to Trump supporters). But yes, the media along with an army of social media goons have gone on a full blown drama queen extravaganza "Oh, those simple peasants that voted leave, they're so unsophisticated and ignorant... THE SKY IS FUCKING FALLING" Please. No doubt there will be consequences. Your last statement is gratefully cogent and accurate - nobody, including everyone here, knows exactly how this will pan out. What we do know is that a vote was cast to leave the EU. Couldn't agree more that an honest assessment should be made in a couple years on exactly what the consequences are. I think it should prove very interesting. Similar arguments to yours were made when Germany unified circa 90. "The economy will collapse, it's the end of Western civilization, etc.", What happened was a stress to the markets and the economy -- but also a much better situation in the long run. Funny how things pan out when people decide to own the outcome, despite the preaching otherwise.

Note: There is also the elephant in the room, the conspiracy of silence around Islam on the left and the fear of criticizing it lest you be labeled a racist. Initially around the time of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 I was very sympathetic towards Muslims (and in many ways still am), but I've slowly come to the sobering conclusion that there needs to be a frank and honest look/discussion at Islam as a large scale ideology with enormous influence. One can't deny that there are large chunks of populations that hold some pretty pernicious ideas around it and are fueled by it (death to apostates, death to gays, extreme oppression of women, literal jihad [kill or convert non-muslims], etc.). There are also reformers within it trying to prevent this (thank god - no pun intended). Maybe forcing countries to accept large volumes of Muslim immigrants (whom you know nothing about) and then pretending there are no problems with compatibility is a really fucking bad idea (e.g., the gang rapes on NYE in Cologne). Having the EU force members to accept large scale immigration of Muslims without thinking through the consequences = ???. A true WTF.

As an outsider I've noticed a trend in the EU of over-reach and centralization/consolidation of power (the drive towards a central treasury, talk of an Army, the fact that representatives from member countries cannot overturn policies set by the EU commission -- once they're established you're screwed). Constant proposals and expansion. If you're one of the smaller poorer countries you essentially can't leave or they'll cripple you. Look at the austerity forced on Greece and even what is happening in Italy. In the short term there will certainly be a loss of EU perks and economic instability - but I certainly think Britain made the right decision - in the long run - with the path of self determination. (and I'm not right wing)

Being a foreigner with no influence in Britain my opinion carries the exact weight of dog doo, with that caveat -- I support the Brexit 100%. Would like to see Britain reattain it's influence in the world and not be subsumed into the EU. It is missed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtDKfd-pEGw

try the quasi freelancer clubs if you're out that late nasidai -- bangkok beat, climax, etc. A little more relaxed and enjoyable and a little less feeling like you're in an assembly line with female workers coming up to punch their ticket and collect a drink.

99.99% txt opposed to voice. 70%txt opposed to video (facetime/skype). Last time had a voice only conversation was a month ago (outside of work).

Note: a basic grasp of the language (if you're working in a local or international environment where the work is done in English) is crucial in healthcare or else you're totally fucked. If someone can't communicate and understand basic points - they need to go, and that is not negotiable. But once you have that - a high vocabulary doesn't always translate into impressive or worthwhile accomplishments -- it can often be the opposite (the person is a more skilled bullshitter). Like anything else in life... it depends. Greater fluency will give you an advantage in selling yourself and getting promotions, but doesn't necessarily make you the best. And on the flip side, to argue in favor of eloquence -- one of my favorite people is a billion times more eloquent than myself (Christopher Hitchens, RIP) and I admire his combative style of discourse and ability to slice through erroneous presumptions (like 'intelligent design') as if a ginsu going through soft cheese. alright sorry back to the OP, all you lazy whiny retiree geezers go fill out the fucking forms.

I work in healthcare -- the physicians I work with are kinda split between traditional 'usa' and asia (eg, india, china, korea) - same with the nurses. If anything, the ESL folks work twice as hard to prove themselves. If I personally were to be hospitalized I'd much rather it be under the competitive care of southern california opposed to the traditional WASP midwest. And even further -- my own personal experience at University (IU, UCLA) taught me that probably the most worthless majors were English, Sociology, Political Science, etc. So maybe some folks who favor the best English speakers - well, you know - maybe you're not that smart. All I know - it's a crazy mixed up world. Ps. - The OP is pretty eloquent.

Here's an email thread I had with a couple friends in 2013, just after getting pickpocketed by a katoey (and no, not into katoeys, [nothing against those that are]). shared this with KS at the time -- not quite sure if there's a lesson here - other than my ignorance. the thread is a bit funky being in reverse chronological order, but too lazy to move it around. ------------------------------------------ From: jairai Date: Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 12:40 PM Subject: Re: seriously - this is the weirdest fucking week i've had in bangkok To: n Cc: V I figured you were passed out last night and sleeping - not a problem sir. This all happened late enough where us meeting up earlier wouldn't have made one bit of difference. Hell, it might've been worse - I might've brought more money hahaha. The thing is - this doesn't bother me that much at all. In some twisted way it almost makes me happy. I got pickpocketed, I got played by a con on the street - it's a nice slap in the face and a wake up, i'm not that fucking smart or cool or above it all. Always good to be brought down to earth in a way that isn't too harmful. Fuck it, I chose to came here solo and live a little risky, not a lot - but a little. So be it. It was actually pretty nice having you in town, made me realize that one thing I do miss is a certain level of conversation and directness. This may sound weird, one of the things I miss the most in LA is going to BCD Tofu house with V and shooting the shit about life. Have a good trip. jairai ---- On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 8:13 AM, n wrote: Shit. Maybe I'm a jinx for you and it's best that I'm moving on I was dead last night. Fell asleep at about 8ish on the sofa. Next thing I know it's 3am and I made my way to the bed. Is there anything you might need from me that I can help with?? ---- On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 5:44 AM, jairai wrote: No, but I lost about 8k baht, driver's license, and a card that was about to expire. It was pretty weird. I was at Climax and a little drunk so I wanted to walk around and get fresh air. I walked down to Soi 7 and over the overpass to the other side of the street and was going to talk to my friends at Big Dogs. There was a Katoey who was alone and very very drunk, came and practically fell on me with "I go with you..." I was like NO. Funny thing is I felt pity for this person. Before i got to soi 4 I reached for my back pocket and the wallet was gone, turned around and hauled ass back but it was too late. God damn, I was literally pickpocketed. Really???? Holy fuck.Anyway - the worst thing is now I need to get a new key card to access my apartment, and after going through the 'losing my key' fiasco today security is going to think I am falang dipshit #1. Of course after all this happened I came back to the room, grabbed some money, and went back out. And it was well worth it. Going to sleep now. -jairai ------- On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 2:35 AM, V wrote: Damn, what a week!. I think you should write this one up. I don't think the katoey was drink, he was just playing drunk. Be careful. ----- On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 1:41 AM, jairai wrote: they just closed the card. i was walking alone and some drunk katoey was trying to fucking grab me and shit and i pushed her/him away - several minutes later i realized my wallet was fucking gone. this past couple weeks - lost ATM, lost room key, lost card key to use apartment, wallet stolen. almost 2am. i'm def going back out. ------ From: Date: Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 1:33 AM Subject: seriously - this is the weirdest fucking week i've had in bangkok literally - my wallet was just stolen by a fucking katoey on suk. wtf. anyway - didn't lose too much but damn they got my schwab card and my key card for the apartment, the security at my building must think i'm a royal dipshit by now. i'm waiting on hold to cancel card then going back out. fuck this shit.

interesting it was the 808 club (though it was shut down prior for a public bj or something along those lines). have you ever been there? i was pleasantly taken aback when i went, the place is BIG and they threw a lot of money into it. standing room only on a tuesday and weds night last month even though pattaya was not that busy. btw - i hate pattaya, it just grinds on you - but there's a place for it. did have fun at 808 when i found a spot where i could breathe and have a conversation. was surprised at the high volume of gorgeous women populating the place. the beefcake pseudo-hip-hop dudes trowling were an annoyance... but so be it. ps. if you don't like hip hop music (i do), do not go.

I like u fiery jack. I also also like alcohol (and rain on a hot day, and scantily clad women. And watching 'the wire' on tv). Whatever works sir. Just don't become boring like all these other miserable fucks. Understand?

In the past I've found you (Wendella) to be one of the more thoughtful posters I've seen on any Thai forum. But think you're off the mark here. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. This is a personal anecdote, but illustrates the point: I was at a dinner party last week with several Thai transplants here in Los Angeles (I'm kinda their mule when i travel, except it's not illicit contraband, just boring stuff I carry over). The lady who cuts my hair, her family, her friend's families, blah blah blah. About > 20 thais there and one falang. These people are all against Thaksin. Not a single redshirt supporter in the bunch. They went to the Flashermac school of appropriate Thai politics and etiquette. (I think Thaksin is an enormous douche but am sympathetic on several levels with the redshirts). Anyway - so we're at this function and of course the bombing comes up. One old lady wonders out loud if the redshirts were behind it. I never comment on politics with this group and am keeping quiet, curious. To my surprise several folks shut this woman's argument down as basically... incredibly fucking stupid. And the premise is an obvious one -- the Erawan shrine/spirit house is sacred to the Thais, regardless of political affiliation. Attacking this kind of target will enrage all Thais. Redhsirts have nothing to gain and everything to lose by attacking it, further the vast majority of them would be passionately against it. The equivalent in the US would be like accusing Evangelicals of bombing christian churches to disrupt the government and further their own cause. Anyway - am very curious to see how this pans out and what information comes to light. Once again, I could be wrong and this could be some sort of really diabolical Thaksin plot, but am skeptical. Right now it's a bonafide whodunnit.

i'm beginning to see the old boy's club can be a bit sensitive at times. u don't have to quit because of me - i'm only here periodically. plus i'll buy you a drink or two and chuckle with ya over dumb people, though you'll never get me to ignore the genuinely cruel and vicious people in the world. not everything can be chucked up to stupidity, naivete, or whatever. at some point we'll all encounter something we're not prepared for. and i pity the people who don't - because it's those experiences that spark genuine growth. i stand by my point - being drugged is nothing to trivialize or take lightly. no offense to anyone, and especially not you DS - you always struck me as one of the rather reasonable and funny people hanging around from time to time. but no apologies either.

whaaaaaat are you talking about mekong? god bless your soul son. my suggestion to you -- listen to this song profusely over the next few days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLZvJ_rtZO8

word. hope nobody takes my dissenting opinion to heart. i'm grateful for you, coss, and a whole bunch of fellas here who taught me a lot (in a kinda indirect manner). ks is an interesting person who became a friend over time and helped me out like... a ton, though he doesn't realize it. good stuff here - i just can't help putting out a counter-point, it needs to be done. whatever happens in this crazy world - don't quit your happy go lucky ways mr male. cheers.

never seen that before. awesome. just had some fun when a few of my co-workers went to lunch and were foolish enough to leave their laptops up and running. nothing like irritated and confused project managers to put me in a good mood. thank you.

alright - mr male made a point and defined his position. and it's a good point. but now we got the boys club jumping in to wax nostalgic and boast of their youthful prowess with alcohol or whatever. note: was never talking about being intoxicated to the point of silliness and then the next day wondering 'gee, somebody could've drugged me or something - i passed out.' have the suspicion that if you guys were beaten, left laying out on the street bloody in public after REALLY being drugged -- you may not be waxing nostalgic for it. if you made it home that is and didn't end up another unfortunate 'suicide.'

Note: when I say I don't fuck with people, I'm not talking about pulling pranks or Mr Male's example of pulling a joke on stickman. I definitely am guilty. I'm talking about there's people out there who have ill intent... and will prey on the vulnerable. Fuck them.

Being drugged against my will and unconscious out in public is not something I would take lightly. Being exposed to whomever and whatever and incapable to do anything about it makes my skin crawl... my reaction would be ugly. Sorry for whomever this happened to -- it's a shitty thing. Now voluntary intoxication... that's on me. That I can live with. Of course I don't rob or fuck with people either.

I tentatively plan on buying or renting a small motorcycle or even scooter to get around in CM. Wasn't sure about the international license. Appreciate the input guys, thanks.

Question if anyone knows. A little over 14 months from now will do a yearlong stay in the chiang mai / chiang rai area. If I show up with one of the international driver's licenses you can get from AAA, will that suffice (in combination with a valid US license)? Can I just use that for the year without running into problems?