spent a peaceful long weekend with my laptop, a stack of History Channel documentaries, and some smoke...... lovely weekend.
I get smarter....they get dead.
Chalk one up for Mr Darwin says I.
Songkran. Same bloody thing.
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sandman67
- Rock Star
- Posts: 4398
- Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:11 pm
- Location: I thought you had the map?
Ive just emerged from my bunker......seems to be quiet again now.....
spent a peaceful long weekend with my laptop, a stack of History Channel documentaries, and some smoke...... lovely weekend.
I get smarter....they get dead.
Chalk one up for Mr Darwin says I.
spent a peaceful long weekend with my laptop, a stack of History Channel documentaries, and some smoke...... lovely weekend.
I get smarter....they get dead.
Chalk one up for Mr Darwin says I.
"Science flew men to the moon. Religion flew men into buildings."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
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Vital Spark
- Legend
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- Joined: Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:34 pm
- Location: Arcos de la Frontera, Spain
We decided to venture out yesterday to our favourite watering hole - 8kms away. At the first road block we were asked ever so politely if they could put some chalk on our face. OK. Lots of 'chok dees' and wais. At the second road block they did the same, but asked for a bit of money - a kind of toll gate. Mr.VS gave them 20 baht and they presented a mug of whiskey! A couple of slurps each and we were allowed to proceed.
We then went round to Grandma's shop (she's our landlady), and she had a bowl of water with flower petals floating in it. We poured water over her hands, and she did the same to us, and we wished each other good luck, health, etc. When she asked us to wish her daughter (40 yrs old, and 95 kilos) a husband, we did the thing. Anyone looking for a wife?
It was fun in a quiet, gentle way.
VS
We then went round to Grandma's shop (she's our landlady), and she had a bowl of water with flower petals floating in it. We poured water over her hands, and she did the same to us, and we wished each other good luck, health, etc. When she asked us to wish her daughter (40 yrs old, and 95 kilos) a husband, we did the thing. Anyone looking for a wife?
It was fun in a quiet, gentle way.
VS
"Properly trained, man can be a dog's best friend"
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bluezephyr
- Professional
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- Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:15 am
- Location: Norwich, Norfolk, England
wednesday
I need a report on today . .wednesday!
I usually walk up bintabaht to the Hilton.
I do NOT want to get wet. What is that area like today . .anyone?
I usually walk up bintabaht to the Hilton.
I do NOT want to get wet. What is that area like today . .anyone?
Well, outside HH, they are still in full swing, friday will probably see only the die hard baffoons carrying on. You all are lucky in HH that it's only one day.
I agree that it is a Thai celebration etc
but there are many, including countless locals that want nothing to do with it.
It's really for the children, drunks, idiots and tourists etc to take over the country for a few days and terrorise all and sundry. I stayed in for a few days but also ran out of beer and money today so had to go to 7-11 and the ATM. 7pm tonight where I am they are still at it and had to take the pickup, it was a blinking circus. The only thing missing was trapeese artists on the electricity lines.
I don't mind the celebrations at all, it's just not for me after seeing about 10-12 Songkrans, but what gets me is the assumption by the ten year old scrote that I'm fair game when I pass.
BTW everyone, when they come out with the accident/death rates in the newspapers later, remember that those figures are only the ones that died "at the scene" and not those that later died in hospital, so you can double them really.
I agree that it is a Thai celebration etc
but there are many, including countless locals that want nothing to do with it. It's really for the children, drunks, idiots and tourists etc to take over the country for a few days and terrorise all and sundry. I stayed in for a few days but also ran out of beer and money today so had to go to 7-11 and the ATM. 7pm tonight where I am they are still at it and had to take the pickup, it was a blinking circus. The only thing missing was trapeese artists on the electricity lines.
I don't mind the celebrations at all, it's just not for me after seeing about 10-12 Songkrans, but what gets me is the assumption by the ten year old scrote that I'm fair game when I pass.
BTW everyone, when they come out with the accident/death rates in the newspapers later, remember that those figures are only the ones that died "at the scene" and not those that later died in hospital, so you can double them really.
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
We had a real nice one this year (so far) Monday we went to a Thai house party and my little 3 year old learned how to do it properly, pouring fragrant water over the fingers of the elders that were there. At least she learned something before she poured a bottle of cold water on to my crotch, of course with a huge smile and giggle! The actual water throwing days are the 17th where I am and the 19th in Pattaya. 
Pete 
Monday we went to a Thai house party and my little 3 year old learned how to do it properly, pouring fragrant water over the fingers of the elders that were there. At least she learned something before she poured a bottle of cold water on to my crotch, of course with a huge smile and giggle! The actual water throwing days are the 17th where I am and the 19th in Pattaya. Pete Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Songkran road accidents' death toll rises to 272 after five days
A total of 272 people were killed in road accidents from April 10 to Tuesday, the Road Accident Centre announced Wedeneday.
Chaliew Yusimarak, a member of the Road Accident Committee, said 3,375 other people were injured during the period.
On Tuesday alone, 638 accidents occurred, killing 52 people and injuring 717 others.
Source - The Nation
Well, that's basically the conservative figures for "the trip home", Friday to Tuesday, as it will be a while before they can reasonably "speculate" or "calculate" about the final total. All of these figure are, as said, only the ones that perished at the scene of the accident, they don't include the ones that died at the hospital later, a way to massage the figures and make it look half as bad as it really is.
If you are driving around, look for the chalk lines and drawings on the roads, that gives a good idea as to what's been going on.
A total of 272 people were killed in road accidents from April 10 to Tuesday, the Road Accident Centre announced Wedeneday.
Chaliew Yusimarak, a member of the Road Accident Committee, said 3,375 other people were injured during the period.
On Tuesday alone, 638 accidents occurred, killing 52 people and injuring 717 others.
Source - The Nation
Well, that's basically the conservative figures for "the trip home", Friday to Tuesday, as it will be a while before they can reasonably "speculate" or "calculate" about the final total. All of these figure are, as said, only the ones that perished at the scene of the accident, they don't include the ones that died at the hospital later, a way to massage the figures and make it look half as bad as it really is.
If you are driving around, look for the chalk lines and drawings on the roads, that gives a good idea as to what's been going on.
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
However, they have never given what the daily statistics are on ANY given day. Those wanting to abolish booze sales this year didn't even see fit to publish them as a comparison reinforcing their campaign. Perhaps because they are close to being the same, especially minus the large truck traffic now, and plus the truck traffic over a non-holiday period. 
I'm not trying to downplay the severity of what's happening over Songkran or over traditional New Year's as well, only put it into perspective, and I can't find any numbers!!
Pete
I'm not trying to downplay the severity of what's happening over Songkran or over traditional New Year's as well, only put it into perspective, and I can't find any numbers!!
Pete Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Well, maybe some truth in that Mr Pete, but I think "putting it into perspective" might be a non starter as we don't exactly get the truth that often about anything anyhow, reliable figures are not something to be expected on any subject, I reckon, hence my cynicism on the death figures about "at the scene" or not.
Maybe booze is not the problem, perhaps it's just how much personal responsibility, or lack there of it, an individual can exercise at times such as these. I am cabable of having fun, even with drink inside me, without invading the personal security of others. They seem unable to confront the obvious demons on this sort of stuff, I could go on, but won't. This point reflects culturally systemic realities and reveals much.
The problem lies with how this event is viewed, it's a couple of days of total exess and to hell with all. It seems a high price to pay for the luxury of throwing some water around. I know the Yada Yada Yada about "it's their new year" etc, just interesting to diagnose a little rather that accept the default answer/expanation.
If you really want to see the character of a culture then observe them when they celebrate and observe them in conjuntion with how they treat those that need their help or assistance.
You may be right about the figures, just a spectulative question, but when was the last time they conducted an effective census or something? If they can't do that then road accident rate stats are surely a wishful hope.
Hmmm. There is much to contemplate and consider here.
Maybe booze is not the problem, perhaps it's just how much personal responsibility, or lack there of it, an individual can exercise at times such as these. I am cabable of having fun, even with drink inside me, without invading the personal security of others. They seem unable to confront the obvious demons on this sort of stuff, I could go on, but won't. This point reflects culturally systemic realities and reveals much.
The problem lies with how this event is viewed, it's a couple of days of total exess and to hell with all. It seems a high price to pay for the luxury of throwing some water around. I know the Yada Yada Yada about "it's their new year" etc, just interesting to diagnose a little rather that accept the default answer/expanation.
If you really want to see the character of a culture then observe them when they celebrate and observe them in conjuntion with how they treat those that need their help or assistance.
You may be right about the figures, just a spectulative question, but when was the last time they conducted an effective census or something? If they can't do that then road accident rate stats are surely a wishful hope.
Hmmm. There is much to contemplate and consider here.
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
Yes, true, but as they're doing death and carnage statistics now via local official reporting into some kind of central information system, I'm sure they have it for each and everyday of the week, full moon, no moon, low tide and high tide....they just don't publish it. Why? If they did it would show the stats are close to constant. That says it's not a drinking issue at all, but a mentality and education issue. I believe this is the same reason the government dismissed the petition to ban sales this holiday, they knew it would make little difference. Of course they're not going to say the population on average is what...less than learned?:shock:
Very,very frustrating SPF. The same 'head in the sand' approach used for so many other things here hoping it will go away.
They have an immediate but fleeting opportunity at this moment in time to put many things right. If Abhasit doesn't grab the reins, I give up, simply give up....although I've done that before but still here.
Pete
Very,very frustrating SPF. The same 'head in the sand' approach used for so many other things here hoping it will go away.
They have an immediate but fleeting opportunity at this moment in time to put many things right. If Abhasit doesn't grab the reins, I give up, simply give up....although I've done that before but still here.
Pete Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
I think that hits the nail on the head well, very true, not just on this topic but many. However, the truth would never do and an admission of imperfection would be totally out of hand.....so.....they will just keep their heads in the sand and stick to the "tried and tested" form of denile. It doesn't hurt anyone if they don't know.prcscct wrote:..That says it's not a drinking issue at all, but a mentality and education issue..........
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
Natural attrition, law of the jungle, survival of the fittest - pity they take innocents with them. How they can allow utes with 10+ people sitting and standing to be driven by gods gift to the world who is dangerously quick in a straight line and who thinks weaving in and out and overtaking on blind corners is an acceptable tactic is unimaginable to me.
Bangkok drivers display apalling road manners when driving up country - Sakdina at work.
Overloaded utes/trucks not being pulled up (and dealt with) by the MIB is also curious.
Spotted 1 that had overturned on main drag near Phetchaburi that was higher than it was long. Blown rear tyre and broken axle with some smiling fool scratching his head standing nearby.
Drrh!!!
Bangkok drivers display apalling road manners when driving up country - Sakdina at work.
Overloaded utes/trucks not being pulled up (and dealt with) by the MIB is also curious.
Spotted 1 that had overturned on main drag near Phetchaburi that was higher than it was long. Blown rear tyre and broken axle with some smiling fool scratching his head standing nearby.
Drrh!!!
Pracharaj Party leader Sanoh Thienthong has long term interests in the trucking industry here. He lobbied long and hard years ago to abolish road weight limits for trucks. I don't think he succeeded, but he was successful in getting the MIB to look the other way more often than not. Everyone can thank him when a bridge collapses, which will happen.charlesh wrote:Overloaded utes/trucks not being pulled up (and dealt with) by the MIB is also curious.
Spotted 1 that had overturned on main drag near Phetchaburi that was higher than it was long. Blown rear tyre and broken axle with some smiling fool scratching his head standing nearby.
Drrh!!!:tsk:
We have many trucks over this side also that are higher than they are long. They're carrying cassava and sugarcane to the processing plants. Many over here overturn also, law of gravity when cornering. Then of course there's the 10 year old Toyota 1 ton scraping it's tail on the road locaded with cages of live pigs stacked 3 high.
Pete Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source