Sunday, 31 March 2013
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Sexy Asian #35
Don't they normally hand those out on airlines when you want to sleep......
via X-Room
via X-Room
Thai 2 Trillion Baht Infrastructure bill approved
After two full days of heated debate, the House of Representatives last night voted to approve the first reading of the government's 2-trillion-baht infrastructure loan bill.
Mr Kittiratt also said the calculation of the interest payments for the 2 trillion baht in borrowing, estimated at 3 trillion baht over the next 50 years, was based on a conservative approach with a rate of about 5%, higher than the rate now.
Mr Kittiratt also said the calculation of the interest payments for the 2 trillion baht in borrowing, estimated at 3 trillion baht over the next 50 years, was based on a conservative approach with a rate of about 5%, higher than the rate now.
Democrat MP for Phitsanulok, Juti Krairiksh, also questioned why the government had increased the cost estimates for high-speed railways from about 300 million baht per kilometre to 600 million baht.
He said high-speed railways in Spain cost only about 300 million baht per kilometre to build, even though daily wages in Europe were more than 10 times those of Thailand.
Read the full article at the Bangkok Post.
Comments:
Laurence - The high speed rail will never happen given the amount of taxis buses private taxi etc that service Pattaya Bangkok and the airport their buddies certainly won't let it happen just take a look at the recent Phuket airport bus service that tried to get off the ground and the local pollies asked the taxi boys for permission
Tibo - The mafia of public construction and government loans is much stronger than any mob of whatever they sell. Plus if it cost so much, they will put the fare at a so high price that taxi may still be competitive
The Nation - The train project "will only benefit the rich."
Ally - Thailands GDP is $365 Bilion US (11.3 trillion Baht) and they want to borrow 2 trillion Baht, so they basically want to borrow a 20% of that......very risky.......
Dan - The loans are being provided by lenders within Thailand, so....someone somewhere *cough*, has 2.2 trillion laying around which will take 50 years to pay back, including interest to the value of around 5.5 trillion. If the government defaults for any reason the lender then owns Thailand!
Dan - Say for example that a government had some policy where it paid substantially more for a product than its market value, which it then sold at a substantial loss, for a a long period, it pushes all kind of alarm buttons this lending bill, but unfortunately too many people will get rich on both sides to stop it. They want 2.2 Bn but can't even tell the senate what exactly it will be spent on!...and because it will be a loan it bypasses checks and balances normal state funded projects undergo...licence...print...money....TAXI !!!
Tibo - The mafia of public construction and government loans is much stronger than any mob of whatever they sell. Plus if it cost so much, they will put the fare at a so high price that taxi may still be competitive
The Nation - The train project "will only benefit the rich."
Ally - Thailands GDP is $365 Bilion US (11.3 trillion Baht) and they want to borrow 2 trillion Baht, so they basically want to borrow a 20% of that......very risky.......
Dan - The loans are being provided by lenders within Thailand, so....someone somewhere *cough*, has 2.2 trillion laying around which will take 50 years to pay back, including interest to the value of around 5.5 trillion. If the government defaults for any reason the lender then owns Thailand!
Dan - Say for example that a government had some policy where it paid substantially more for a product than its market value, which it then sold at a substantial loss, for a a long period, it pushes all kind of alarm buttons this lending bill, but unfortunately too many people will get rich on both sides to stop it. They want 2.2 Bn but can't even tell the senate what exactly it will be spent on!...and because it will be a loan it bypasses checks and balances normal state funded projects undergo...licence...print...money....TAXI !!!
Friday, 29 March 2013
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Chonburi Golf Courses
I'm having a bit of a golf week here at the Rag.
If you check the tabs across the top of this page you will see a new tab entitled, 'Chonburi Golf Clubs.' Click on this tab to view an interactive map of golf clubs in the Chonburi area.
You can zoom in and out of the map using the '+' and '-' symbols at the bottom right corner of the map.
If you click on one of the blue markers on the map a pop up window opens with the following details:
Now it gets interesting. If you click on the icon, (highlighted in yellow), at the bottom right corner of the pop up window, then a new tab opens which gives you two options for obtaining directions to the course of your choice.
Option 1 - The course is shown in Box B and all you have to do is enter your starting location in Box A, hit the 'Get Directions' button, (blue background) and you will be given step by step directions along with a map from A to B. You can click on the printer icon at the top of the page to get a print out of the step by step directions.
Option 2 - Box B contains GPS co-ordinates for the course, (you may have to scroll the text in the box to see the co-ordinates). You can enter these co-ordinates in your smartphone or GPS device to get 'voiced' directions to the course.
Sample print out from Option 1.
Of course if you can access the Pattaya Rag blog on your smartphone then you can just take the directions directly from my map, (Option 3?)
However you do it, I hope the map helps you enjoy more of the brilliant courses in the Chonburi area and within easy driving distance of Pattaya.
If you check the tabs across the top of this page you will see a new tab entitled, 'Chonburi Golf Clubs.' Click on this tab to view an interactive map of golf clubs in the Chonburi area.
You can zoom in and out of the map using the '+' and '-' symbols at the bottom right corner of the map.
If you click on one of the blue markers on the map a pop up window opens with the following details:
Now it gets interesting. If you click on the icon, (highlighted in yellow), at the bottom right corner of the pop up window, then a new tab opens which gives you two options for obtaining directions to the course of your choice.
Option 1 - The course is shown in Box B and all you have to do is enter your starting location in Box A, hit the 'Get Directions' button, (blue background) and you will be given step by step directions along with a map from A to B. You can click on the printer icon at the top of the page to get a print out of the step by step directions.
Option 2 - Box B contains GPS co-ordinates for the course, (you may have to scroll the text in the box to see the co-ordinates). You can enter these co-ordinates in your smartphone or GPS device to get 'voiced' directions to the course.
Sample print out from Option 1.
Of course if you can access the Pattaya Rag blog on your smartphone then you can just take the directions directly from my map, (Option 3?)
However you do it, I hope the map helps you enjoy more of the brilliant courses in the Chonburi area and within easy driving distance of Pattaya.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
The Ultimate Golf Fail Compilation
Some of the cart crashes are amazing but the very last fail is the funniest.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Thailand, a Mecca for Golf
Thailand has such an array of top quality courses that it attracts golfers from all over the world. Within a 40min drive of Pattaya there are 18 championship courses alone.
It's possible to play a top class course, with a cart and caddie for as little as £30.00. If you play Monday to Friday it's also possible to play without queuing. Millionaires golf for all.
So, given the popularity of the game here in Thailand, I thought I'd share the following golf related articles with you happy golfers out there.
Firstly, '6 Golf Gadgets to Tee Off With'
Secondly, '8 Mobile Apps for Golf Season'
I hope you find something in the articles that help you shave a couple of shots off your handicap. Snows forecast for Pattaya too..........
It's possible to play a top class course, with a cart and caddie for as little as £30.00. If you play Monday to Friday it's also possible to play without queuing. Millionaires golf for all.
So, given the popularity of the game here in Thailand, I thought I'd share the following golf related articles with you happy golfers out there.
Firstly, '6 Golf Gadgets to Tee Off With'
Secondly, '8 Mobile Apps for Golf Season'
I hope you find something in the articles that help you shave a couple of shots off your handicap. Snows forecast for Pattaya too..........
On Saturday 30th March the Blues Factory will be celebrating its 12th year anniversary!
Several bands will be performing e.g., "The Engine Band", "The Rock Machine", "Slow Ride" and of course their resident superstar The “Guitar King” of Thailand, Lam Morrison.
It's also hoped that a number of well known Thai musicians and a few local faces will join the bands on stage.
There will be a free buffet and also a lucky number draws with some great prizes.
Doors open at 9.00pm with all drinks (except Remy, Breezers or cocktails) at 100bht except draught beer which is 50bht until 10.00 pm. Get in there......Soi Lucky Star, off Walking Street, (opposite Marine Disco).
Miss Thailand World 2013, Swimsuit Video
The 20 finalists of Miss Thailand World 2013 pose for a swimsuit photo shoot at the Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket.
Read the full article at the Bangkok Post.
Read the full article at the Bangkok Post.
Monday, 25 March 2013
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Friday, 22 March 2013
Pattaya International Fashion Week, 5th - 7th April 2013
This year’s event runs from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th April. Over 20 shows and 50 models will showcase Thai and International brands in 2 stages. Fashion Chic stage at Central Festival Pattaya and sexy beach wear at Royal Garden Plaza. Opening and award ceremony will take place at 7pm on Friday the 5th.
Read the full article at Pattaya Daily News.
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Bangkok bondage
Thailand's BDSM clothing and accessories industry
Black Dog Industries Ekamai Road showroom is home to hundreds of bondage and fetish accessories including gladiator suits, shiny leather corsets, paddles and masks.
Read the full article at the Bangkok Post.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Sugar Ray Leonard coming to Thailand for charity parties
American boxing hero Sugar Ray Leonard will travel through the Bangkok and Pattaya areas on a whistle stop charity appearance tour starting April 5th.
For full details, go to Coconuts Bangkok
For full details, go to Coconuts Bangkok
Sunday, 17 March 2013
The Avenue Mall, Pattaya
Strange times at the Avenue.
Pizza Pizza and the fast food and coffee establishments fronting 2nd Road seem to be doing well, along with Boots Pharmacy, Villa Market and Bolton's Estate Agents. However, many of the other units are empty.
New to the Avenue since I was last there are the VIP Pool Hall, Car Park and Roxy's Live Music. Only VIP was open in the afternoon so I can't say much about Car Park and Roxy but VIP was impressive and not overly busy, so you can walk in and play without delay on top quality tables. More on the others when I catch them open.
Pizza Pizza and the fast food and coffee establishments fronting 2nd Road seem to be doing well, along with Boots Pharmacy, Villa Market and Bolton's Estate Agents. However, many of the other units are empty.
New to the Avenue since I was last there are the VIP Pool Hall, Car Park and Roxy's Live Music. Only VIP was open in the afternoon so I can't say much about Car Park and Roxy but VIP was impressive and not overly busy, so you can walk in and play without delay on top quality tables. More on the others when I catch them open.
Saturday, 16 March 2013
Road death toll in Thailand among highest in the world.
Of the 26,000 killed a year, up to 70 or 80 per cent are motorcyclists or their passengers.
Rag - Nothing will change without education. Also, it's important that tourists are aware of the lower standards. Racing about on big bikes is not the smartest thing you can do.
Read the full article at The Nation.
Rag - Nothing will change without education. Also, it's important that tourists are aware of the lower standards. Racing about on big bikes is not the smartest thing you can do.
Read the full article at The Nation.
Friday, 15 March 2013
Bangkok, love at first sight
The NY Times carried an article yesterday by Thomas Fuller entitled '36 Hours in Bangkok.'
Newley Purnell published an extract from this article on his site which I shamelessly share below. Why? Well in just a few words the extract sums up exactly why I first fell in love with Bangkok and why it's still one of the world's greatest cities.
Quote:
Bangkok has hit the sweet spot. It’s modern but far from antiseptic, filled with luxuries, pampering and great food — but still affordable. In the glare of the tropical sun it can be an ugly sprawl of tangled wires and broken pavement. Yet amid the chaos, visitors find charm and, above all, character. Somehow extremes coexist: skyscrapers and moldy tenements; high-end, cloth-napkin dining and tasty street food stalls; five-star hotels and fleabag guesthouses overflowing with backpackers; libidinous hedonism and Buddhist meditation. To travel across Bangkok is to see several worlds at once. Increasingly it is also convenient. The city of paralyzing traffic now has ample public transportation options ranging from boats to an expanding subway system. But if there is one reason visitors return again and again to Bangkok, it is the people. The anonymity and daily grind of urban life is slowly wearing away at the legendary Thai smile. Yet Bangkok remains one of the friendliest cities on the planet, still infused with the Thai village traditions of hospitality and graciousness.
:Unquote
Is this why you fell in love Bangkok?
Newley Purnell published an extract from this article on his site which I shamelessly share below. Why? Well in just a few words the extract sums up exactly why I first fell in love with Bangkok and why it's still one of the world's greatest cities.
Quote:
Bangkok has hit the sweet spot. It’s modern but far from antiseptic, filled with luxuries, pampering and great food — but still affordable. In the glare of the tropical sun it can be an ugly sprawl of tangled wires and broken pavement. Yet amid the chaos, visitors find charm and, above all, character. Somehow extremes coexist: skyscrapers and moldy tenements; high-end, cloth-napkin dining and tasty street food stalls; five-star hotels and fleabag guesthouses overflowing with backpackers; libidinous hedonism and Buddhist meditation. To travel across Bangkok is to see several worlds at once. Increasingly it is also convenient. The city of paralyzing traffic now has ample public transportation options ranging from boats to an expanding subway system. But if there is one reason visitors return again and again to Bangkok, it is the people. The anonymity and daily grind of urban life is slowly wearing away at the legendary Thai smile. Yet Bangkok remains one of the friendliest cities on the planet, still infused with the Thai village traditions of hospitality and graciousness.
:Unquote
Is this why you fell in love Bangkok?
Miss Thailand World 2013 contestants
20 Miss Thailand World 2013 contestants paraded in bikinis on the beach at Phuket's east coast Cape Panwa.
For more photos go to Phuket Wan
For more photos go to Phuket Wan
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Volare Italian & Thai Restaurant, Pattaya
I ate lunch today in Volare's Italian & Thai Restaurant at the corner of Soi Buakhao and Soi 15, (the soi that runs behind The Avenue Mall).
I ordered, Tea, (Bt50), Bruschetta Pomodoro (Bt85) and Spaghetti Amatriaciana (Bt190).
The first thing I noticed was the portions were slightly larger and priced slightly less than the competition.
Take the pot of tea for instance. It cost Bt50 but I got 3 full cups from the pot and the cup was more a mug than a cup. The Bruschetta was also large for Bt85 and tasted delicious. Finally, the spaghetti dish. It came with bread and Parmesan cheese, was again large for the price in my opinion and oh so filling.... and oh so tasty.......
At Volare, you have the option of sitting indoors in A.C. or outdoors on the deck at shaded tables. Al fresco seemed more popular whilst I was there and judging by the number of Farang/Thai couples eating there, the Thai food must also be good.
This restaurant is a keeper for me. I will definitely be eating there again which is all you need to know. Get in there, you won't be disappointed.
I ordered, Tea, (Bt50), Bruschetta Pomodoro (Bt85) and Spaghetti Amatriaciana (Bt190).
The first thing I noticed was the portions were slightly larger and priced slightly less than the competition.
Take the pot of tea for instance. It cost Bt50 but I got 3 full cups from the pot and the cup was more a mug than a cup. The Bruschetta was also large for Bt85 and tasted delicious. Finally, the spaghetti dish. It came with bread and Parmesan cheese, was again large for the price in my opinion and oh so filling.... and oh so tasty.......
At Volare, you have the option of sitting indoors in A.C. or outdoors on the deck at shaded tables. Al fresco seemed more popular whilst I was there and judging by the number of Farang/Thai couples eating there, the Thai food must also be good.
This restaurant is a keeper for me. I will definitely be eating there again which is all you need to know. Get in there, you won't be disappointed.
Want to be a movie extra in Pattaya?
DE WARRENNE PICTURES are shooting a German movie in Thailand with the working title, "Patong Girl".
Scenes will be shot in the Pattaya area on the 13th March - 1st April and continue again on the 7th - 12th April and western extras are needed. Extras will be paid 1000 thb/day
Contact Jackey by email at jackey@dewarrenne.com or phone on 081 626 4554 if you are interested.
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Monday, 11 March 2013
a la Turca Restaurant, Central Mall, Pattaya
I ate in 'a la Turca' Restaurant in Pattaya Central Mall today for the first time and really enjoyed it. The restaurant was full when I got there, (good sign), and the service was still good.
I was too late for their kebab plate promotion, (finishes at 2.00pm), so had an Aubergine Salad, (Bt90) and a Shish Kabab, (Bt190). All very good and I would definitely eat there again.
You can find the restaurant on the 5th Floor of the mall. It's the first shop on the right as you walk out of Central Dept. store into the mall. If you like Turkish food, check it out.
I was too late for their kebab plate promotion, (finishes at 2.00pm), so had an Aubergine Salad, (Bt90) and a Shish Kabab, (Bt190). All very good and I would definitely eat there again.
You can find the restaurant on the 5th Floor of the mall. It's the first shop on the right as you walk out of Central Dept. store into the mall. If you like Turkish food, check it out.
Rio Ferdinand's cowardly pop at Torres
What's his defense, he didn't see Torres...., he was adjusting his beads......., he was worrying about giving a urine sample..... Whatever, he is one player who won't be missed when he retires.
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Barricade on Soi Skaw, Pattaya,
For a while now, I've used Soi Skaw Beach as a short cut between Soi Buakhao and 2nd Road but yesterday, found the entrance to Soi Skaw, from Soi Buakhao, fenced off.
I'm guessing this has been done by Soi Skaw residents who want to stop through traffic. If so, I wonder if they have police/City Hall approval to do so. Time to find out.
I'm guessing this has been done by Soi Skaw residents who want to stop through traffic. If so, I wonder if they have police/City Hall approval to do so. Time to find out.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Pattaya Traffic Police get tough on unroadworthy motorbikes
Pattaya Traffic Police get tough on unroadworthy motorbikes.
Rag - I can hear the boos and hisses starting as I type this but what about the feckin' food carts that always seem to be on the road during rush hour(s) and crawl along at 5mph so as not to spill their carcinogenic sauces. Many are wonders of science but roadworthy they are not.
Footnote: Pattaya One also point out the the spot checks are inspecting paperwork and if your's is not correct you'll feel the open palm of the law, (last 8 words mine, not Pattaya One's.)
Read the full article at Pattaya One.
Rag - I can hear the boos and hisses starting as I type this but what about the feckin' food carts that always seem to be on the road during rush hour(s) and crawl along at 5mph so as not to spill their carcinogenic sauces. Many are wonders of science but roadworthy they are not.
Footnote: Pattaya One also point out the the spot checks are inspecting paperwork and if your's is not correct you'll feel the open palm of the law, (last 8 words mine, not Pattaya One's.)
Read the full article at Pattaya One.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Manchester Utd v Real Madrid
Fergie's tactics lost the game not the red card.
Many 10 man teams win games particularly if they are in front when a player goes off. Chelsea played Barcelona with 10 and won. Thing is, when you go down to 10 it's normal for a manager to pull off a forward and put on a def-mid or defender. Fergie chose to take off a forward and replace him with a forward, Rooney. Manchester Utd lost the game cause Fergie tried to be smart tactically and it back fired. He got the tactics wrong and is now hiding behind a red card smokescreen.
Hope UEFA take action. It's time Fergie was shown he's not bigger than the game. As for Ferdinand, ban him from not showing the required level of respect to the officials. Forget that, ban him for just having no class.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
2013 FIM Motocross World Championship of Thailand
To be held at Pin Thong 3, Si Racha from 8 - 10 March
For more info and the provisional program go to the Grand Prix web site
For more info and the provisional program go to the Grand Prix web site
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
I'll take the I-ROAD to Pattaya
Toyota, the world's largest automotive manufacturer, looks set to create
a competitor to the motorcycle, but with greater comfort, stability and
safety.
Seating two in tandem and under cover, i-ROAD is an electric vehicle with a range of up to 30 miles (50km) on a single charge. Using ‘Active Lean’ technology, it is safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet.
Rag - would have to see how it copes with floods before splashing the cash......
Go to Gizmag for more info/photos.
Seating two in tandem and under cover, i-ROAD is an electric vehicle with a range of up to 30 miles (50km) on a single charge. Using ‘Active Lean’ technology, it is safe, intuitive and enjoyable to drive, with no need for driver or passenger to wear a helmet.
Rag - would have to see how it copes with floods before splashing the cash......
Go to Gizmag for more info/photos.
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Friday, 1 March 2013
How do you tell which Chrome tab is eating up all your memory?
How do you tell which Chrome tab is eating up all your memory? It's certainly not possible to find out using Windows Task Manager as all you see is a list of identical chrome.exe entries. So what do you do?
If you are running Chrome on a Windows PC, hit the hotkey Shift+Esc to see Chrome's own inbuilt task manager with each tab clearly identified along with memory usage. Click on any task you want kill to highlight it and then click on the End Process button at bottom right of pop up window to complete the kill.
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