HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Re: About respect and rules

Hunkering down for Songkran

Traffic lighting system change

Thai traffic rules

Put pole wielding transvestites to work

Re: About respect and rules

Sirs,
Once again we hear from a farang on permanent vacation complaining about having to deal with the reality of life in Thailand. “Dutchie” wants the people at the immigration office to show him respect even though he showed them the disrespect by showing up in their workplace wearing some sleeveless 100 baht T-shirt. He acts surprised when they ask him to leave and try again. I wonder if “Dutchie” would wear the same shirt to conduct official business in his own country. No, probably not. Even though there would be no published dress code requirements he would have the common sense to know better. The only respect that was lost in the immigration office “Dutchie” was your self respect.
Patrick Lane
Japan

Hunkering down for Songkran

Editor;
As a 4 year “retired visa” holder I fill my refrigerator, buy non perishable food items, water (to drink), movie videos, and sit out this out dated, over rated, actually childish, non “holiday”, in my residence.
As a global traveler I have witnessed/been a participant in many unusual, unique, interesting and, yes, even strange and weird ceremonies, but this one is just silly, dangerous, and a waste of the water Thailand says is in short supply.
If enough of the “money” stays home maybe the business people will hurt, financially, sufficiently enough to modify or end this distorted tradition.
Don Aleman

Traffic lighting system change

Editor;
What a joke! I read the front page of the Pattaya Mail and couldn’t help but laugh. Pattaya council changed the traffic lighting system on Sukhumvit to improve the roads. But it didn’t work because everyone, mainly motorcycles, ignored the changes. So they think the best way to solve the problem is to just give up and go back to the old system.
Hello! Haven’t they heard of law enforcement? If they want it to work, why not get the boys in brown to do something about it? Why can’t they stand there, and every time someone does the wrong thing, fine them? It’s their job isn’t it? Instead of harassing motorists for driving on the road doing nothing wrong, except for being in the designated wrong lane for the day, maybe they could converge on intersections and improve things. Gotta start somewhere boys.
Don’t change the lights back, stick with your plan, and just enforce the damn thing, instead of giving up.
Signed,
Mad Mick

Thai traffic rules

Dear Pattaya Mail;
When I am riding my motorbike with my Thai lady on the back, I notice that the traffic laws in Thailand, according to my Thai lady, are different to Europe. Maybe this is what causes the high number of accidents.
Red light. For me this means stop and wait in they queue with the other traffic until the green light appears. My Thai lady says: Can go. Never mind. She gets angry when I sit and wait in the queue, saying motorbikes are allowed to push to the front of the queue and turn onto Sukhumvit / other road, regardless of the light / traffic.
Thick white line in middle of the road - no crossing this line to overtake in Europe. My Thai lady says: Can overtake - never mind.
One way streets. In Europe these are one way. Other way cannot use. My Thai lady says never mind, motorbike can go.
Beach Road: motorised food vendors - Not allowed in Europe. Here an absolute pain in the butt. They stop anywhere, drive slowly, slow the traffic.
Priority - Is it Priority to the right, to the left, to the oncoming traffic. Not very clear. Especially the intersection of Thepprasit and Thappraya road. Police take note.
Helmut - Europe. Need helmet every journey. My Thai lady says: Never mind, not far, no have police check, not need.
I think what is needed is more education of motorists and driving lessons in schools before age of 16 (many leave after that), and more stringent controls of people who break the rules.
Maybe these differences between Thai and foreign motoring laws are what cause the accidents.
Best regards,
Matthew
Ed’s Note: We assume the above to be a parody, as none of these differences actually exist, legally. You must stop at red lights, you must wear a helmet at all times when riding a motorcycle, etc., and just because a few local riders choose to put their lives in danger by ignoring both common sense and the law does not mean everyone should do this. Matthew is correct in stating that more education is needed.

Put pole wielding transvestites to work

Dear Editor,
Re “Pole wielding transvestite comes to the rescue of 16-year-old girl…” (PM March 28, 2008) - It is articles like this that put Pattaya on the short list of places for an interesting holiday. Why don’t the city fathers learn a lesson from this heroic act of bravery and enlist pole-wielding transvestites to guard the streets and entertainment venues? This special undercover force could help reduce crime and become a tourist draw.
Regards,
Bill Turner
California, USA

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