Interior minister Chalerm Yubamrung has offered his full backing for the legalization of casinos in the country. On Sunday, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said he approved of the idea during his weekly programme on Channel 11 during a live phone-in.
The announcement was slammed by critics who fear legalized gambling will lead to greater social problems.
Mr Chalerm backed the idea of legalizing casinos by expressing readiness to go ahead with the plan if given the green light by the prime minister.
“The move will not go against the sufficiency philosophy economy if Thais understand how it works. Malaysia, for example, is already doing it even though the majority of the population is religious.”
He elaborated: “Mr Samak thinks in an international way and I agree with him. Those who oppose of the plan will need to be enlightened on how it works,” he said. “The idea needs to be put before a national referendum.” [via Bangkok Post]
Ed. I'm probably being a bit naive here but I can only see positives for Thailand from legalising casinos. For one thing, underground casinos are part of the black economy, so taxes never reaches the government coffers. Hopefully, this would change with legalised casinos. Secondly, many gamblers travel to the border casinos and contribute to the economies in neighbouring countries. With Thai casinos this money would stay in Thailand. Finally, many tourists like casinos so why not give them an additional attraction right here in Thailand.
The oft quoted concern that casinos will encourage Thais to gamble is a bit wide of the mark, I reckon. There are already more than enough ways for a Thai to lose his shirt be it in illegal casinos, at border casinos, on the lottery or by betting on football results. I don't see how casinos in Thailand make the situation any worse, particularly if the casinos have a door policy for Thai nationals.
Sierra Tangos
- The Pattaya Bridge Club meet at The Bowling Green, Soi Fuenga (Soi Xyte) in Central Pattaya, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon at 1.00 p.m. in a private, air-conditioned room.
- A launch party took place recently for two new magazines which have been produced in conjunction with Pattaya Today Newspaper.
The first magazine, Siam Living, is the brainchild of local journalist, Duncan Stearn and will be a bi-monthly publication featuring interesting articles relating to life in Pattaya and around Thailand. For more details on this magazine you can visit their website www.siamlivingmagazine.com which also features a full PDF download of the Feb/Mar magazine.
The second magazine launched at the gathering was the Food Lovers Magazine which was created following the success of a column of the same name featured in the Pattaya Today Newspaper. The Magazine will feature comprehensive reviews of restaurants from Pattaya and beyond.
For more information on both publications you can call 038 410 077. [via Pattaya City News]
- 10 Sync Tools every Office Worker Should Know About - Want to have identical browser settings on every one of your PCs ? How about keeping documents on your office and home PCs synchronized? For these and several other ways to sync your data read further. Enjoy!
1. Google Browser Sync - Sync Browser Bookmarks, History, Settings, etc. between different PCs
Google Browser Sync is a Firefox extension from Google that can auto synchronize your browser bookmarks, history, persistent cookies, and saved passwords – across multiple computers. It even lets you restore open browser tabs and windows across different machines so you can always pickup from where you left. It’s completely automated, all you need to do is to install it on all computers that you use on a regular basis.
2. SyncToy - Synchronize Files Between PC and USB Thumbdrive
USB drives are great for backups. Want to automate backup to USB process and make sure that files always remain fresh? SyncToy is simple Windows program from Microsoft that provides an easy way to sync files between the hardrive and USB Flash Drive. Check out our step by step guide to sync files between PC and USB thumb drive here.
3. DocSyncer - Sync ‘My Documents’ Office Files with Google Docs
Are you a Google Docs user? If yes, then make sure to give DocSyncer a try. This web/desktop application allows you to automatically synchronize Microsoft Office files in ‘My Documents’ folder with your Google Docs account.
Why would you want to use it?
Not only it enables you to edit your Office docs (on all of your PCs) through Google Docs but also keep documents that are stored on multiple PCs (work, home etc.) always synchronized with the latest version.
4. FolderShare - Synchronize Files Across Multiple PCs and Mobile Devices.
Another free utility from Microsoft. This one lets you synchronize different folders between multiple computers. There are also remote access and file sharing features. Windows only.
5. IM History - Sync chat conversations from multiple IM clients to Web
- IM-History is a pretty cool desktop application that stores and syncs IM conversations from multiple instant messengers in one place. Whether you’re on Skype, MSN, AIM, ICQ, at work or at home, you can have all chat conversations securely stored online. Access and search them anytime from anywhere. Read more.
6. Nutsie - Sync your iTunes Music Library to Web and Access it from Mobile
Nutsie brings your iTunes library to your mobile phone. It creates an identical online version of your iTunes library and makes it accessible from mobile phone or some other computer. The only problem with it is that it may take a up to 2 days to generate your library.
7. ShiftD - Sync Notes, Links and Places between Multiple Devices
ShifD is a newly launched service from NY Times. It’s one of a kind service that can be used to synchronize stuff like notes, web links and addresses (map locations) between multiple devices (mobile, Blackberry, PC, Mac etc.). For instance, if you post a note from one of the devices it will appear on all other synced devices as well. It can be used from the website, desktop client or mobile phone.
8. Mobical - Backup Mobile Contacts, Address Book, Calendar, Bookmarks and Settings
Simple and straightforward over-the-air mobile backup and restore service to automatically backup your mobile phone. Mobical creates an online copy of your mobile contents. You can edit contacts, add appointments, and save notes online and it will sync changes with your handset. Similarly, all edits you make on the phone will be synced with the web copy. Simple and convenient.
9. OggSync -Sync Windows Mobile Phone and Outlook with Google Calendar
Oggsync a two-way sync between Outlook (or Microsoft Exchange) and Google Calendar(s). That is to say, you can view Google Calendar entries in Outlook and vice versa. For a two-way sync between Gcal and default calendar on your mobile phone see GCalSync.
10 Mozy - Backup Files to Web
Unlike anything above, Mozy is backup tool. It’s a simple, quick, and highly automated program that lets you securely backup important files online. Install it, specify which files you want it to backup, and let it do the work. No need to worry about keeping backup files up-to-date, Mozy keeps them synchronized. See demo video here. [via MakeUseOf]
- Encrypting an USB Drive with True Crypt [via gHacks]
- WiFi Dish boosts your signal by 300 percent
I’ve never been too concerned about the wireless signal in my house, as it’s not the biggest place in the world. It’s not small by any means, but by simply placing my router near the center of the house, I can get a strong signal everywhere. However, there are plenty of situations where you need to get a signal from really far away. It’s during these times that this WiFi dish would come in handy.
The Hi-Gain Wireless-G Dish Adapter from Hawking will give you a 300 percent boost in your wireless signal. I live in the Midwest, so when I used to work at a big-box electronics store, I would constantly be asked how someone could get a wireless signal in their barn. I’m not sure why their cows would need to surf the net, but who am I to judge? If we carried this dish, it certainly would have helped them to achieve their gaol.
The dish hooks into your desktop or laptop via USB, so it should be fairly easy to setup. I wouldn’t recommend it for travel use, but if you need a cheap long-distance wireless signal, this $62 gadget would be perfect. [via Coolest Gadgets]
- NUTS “100 Sexiest Footballer’s Wives”
- Angel and April at Drunkenyeti
- A man and wife were celebrating their 50-year anniversary, so the man bought his wife a $250 see-through nightgown. Later that night she was getting ready for bed and realized the nightgown was still in the box downstairs. Walking naked through the house, she passed her husband who said, "My word, for $250 they could've at least ironed it!"
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