News

• Flash flood warning for 16 provinces - Sixteen provinces, mostly in the North, are on alert for possible flash floods and mudslides as early as Saturday through Tuesday as tropical cyclone Nargis moves towards Thailand from Myanmar, according to a warning issued by Thailand's Meteorological Department. [via Bangkok Post]

• Couple held for UK human trafficking [via Bangkok Post]

• My Thai bride doesn't love me and I feel such a fool [via Daily Mail] So I'll write to a national newspaper and tell the world....... Don't feel a fool, you are a fool!!!

• Fall in love at your own risk [via The Star] More cautionary tales of the perils of mating in Thailand

• Had a look at the new Pattaya Beer Garden last night and was very impressed. It's much bigger than I expected with a central bar that must be close to half a basket ball court in size. A good number of flat screen monitors are dotted around the bar and last night they were showing classic rock videos at a volume that made it easy for me to converse with my escort. Radical!

It's prime objective is clear, to match up mongers and freelancers and there were a few of both in the bar when I called in at 10.00pm last night. The thing is, the place is much more than that. I reckon it's a great place for couples. It has large tables placed round the perimeter of the bar with unobstructed views of the bay and nearly all these tables were occupied when I arrived. Food is on offer with Thai dishes well represented so the next time your temporary partner is feeling hungry, drag her/him/it into the Beer Garden and enjoy. I'll certainly go back.

p.s. I was there during the 9 - 11.00pm promotion so 2 Heinekins, 1 Tiger and 1 red wine cost the grand sum of Bt120. Yes Bt120. Thank eff it was my round. p.p.s. To get in to the Beer Garden you have to run the gauntlet of the bars in the Siren Beer Bar Complex which for me was a plus. Always happy to view new prospects!!!