HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Re: J. Cole’s Letter

Guaranteed 50% crime reduction

Gangway falling down

Puzzled

Pattaya’s finest?

Stay away

No seagulls

Even more Songkran

Re: J. Cole’s Letter

Dear Sir;
I don’t think the walkers on Beach Road or the shoppers in the adjacent shopping malls are going to appreciate being giver the dreaded Greek pedo name should they linger a minute too long in those locations. Personally I have never seen any such goings-on in these places and I am a pretty savvy observer. Is it all a figment of his/her imagination? Such correspondence tells us more about the mental state of the writer than anything constructive or factual. As for being locked up for half a century, well that really does show up a Schadenfreude streak in his/her character.
It may well be in order to print comments of abuse in sections of the Western popular press (or perhaps in J. Cole’s case the mid-west Bible belt), but such a tirade of vindictiveness is distinctly inappropriate in your host country. I am surprised you allow such sententious rhetoric to reach the pages of your journal. Intolerance in any form is pitiful. Happily in Thailand displays of hatred of minorities are definitely not a part of rational behavior. For goodness sake let us try to learn from our hosts.
Yours faithfully,
A. Doctor

Guaranteed 50% crime reduction

Dear Editor;
I live in one of the most violent crime ridden cities in America, Los Angeles. I still feel safer walking in the tourist areas of Pattaya after dark than I feel walking in daylight hours in certain areas of this city. Pattaya does have an edge, but if you keep your wits about you (don’t get falling down drunk), and take precautions (run from Katoeys that try to hug you), you should be fairly safe.
After reading your fine publication a number of years, it is apparent that the majority of crimes involve the theft of gold. Either through chain snatching or home break-ins. To eliminate these crimes, sell your gold and put the money in a bank. If people stop wearing and flaunting gold, thieves will have to find a new way to make money, such as selling drugs or pirated DVDs. I urge all falangs visiting or living in Thailand to save themselves a lot of trouble by ridding themselves of the idiotic gold bug.
Regards,
Bill Turner
California

Gangway falling down

Editor;
The gangway around the outside of Dusit Resort is falling apart. I like to walk very often to Wong Amat, but now I feel it’s too dangerous to use the gangway and I am afraid nothing will be done until an accident occurs. Have a look at the photo!
Jan Dalvang

Puzzled

Editor;
We are in an economic world crisis. Markets are at a 2 year low. Oil is $140 a barrel and rising. Diesel last I looked 42 baht a ltr. World shortage of rice/grain. Mothers with children begging on the streets. Roads/walkways in need of repair. Water supply unreliable. Garbage littering the town and countryside. The businesses and people that provide the taxes are all cutting back. Yet Pattaya City is providing 600,000 baht to feed stray dogs. Are these the same stray dogs that try to bite me on my bicycle? Are these the same stray dogs that keep me awake? From what I see some are in need of a Vet. It would kinder to put them down.
Help me and tell me there is some sense to this?
Matt Jomtien

Pattaya’s finest?

Editor;
I have been holidaying in Thailand for a number of years now on a regular basis and am in Pattaya at the moment.
I was stopped by police behind Big C supermarket, near Subway, for no apparent reason. They asked, “Where you come from and licence?” I presented my international licence which was kept by the police and I was given a ticket. I asked what the ticket was for and was given no reason, the police then suddenly “no speak English”, but could tell me “go Soi 9 for pay”.
The following day I went to Soi 9 police station, waited in line along with many other farangs, when I was eventually called to the desk to face my fictitious traffic misdemeanour. The desk clerk pointed to the board behind him what my offences were! Reckless driving and no pink slip. 600 baht was asked for. I protested to no avail and was pointed in the direction of one of the English speaking police volunteers, who was about as much help as an ashtray on a motorbike. I realised I was not going to get my licence back without parting with 600 baht.
Surely the police in Pattaya could spend their time in a more productive manner rather than targeting westerners at the end of every month to boost their revenue. If they can make up fictitious driving tickets, it just makes me wonder what else goes on.
They say “crime does not pay” seemingly not the case for Pattaya’s finest.
John Erthwaite

Stay away

Dear Sir;
Regarding the mail you receive from non Thai people about getting ripped off by baht bus drivers, food vendors, police and all the double pricing that continues to thrive in Thailand: why don’t people just stay away for a month or two. The people in question will be begging you to come back. Don’t let them forget that without us they would have nothing.
Regards,
Andrew Brand

No seagulls

Dear Editor,
I have been going to Pattaya for over 13 years, and have always wondered why there are no seagulls. Perhaps your readers could help in answering this query.
Regards,
Mario Sambucci

Even more Songkran

Dear Editor,
It’s nice to know that Wayne Hobson agrees with me: if you don’t like Songkran, stay away, choose another time to come to Thailand. What’s wrong with a designated area for Songkran? Well there is one; it’s called Thailand, and who said I was a man?
Mickyfin Burnley

Letters published in the Mailbag of Pattaya Mail
are also published here.