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It might seem like a strange piece of advice, but if you’re visiting Thailand a set of foam earplugs can be one of the best things you have in your bag. Thailand is a wonderful country for all number of reasons, but as I’ve said before it’s also a country of contradictions and what you might experience in the daytime can be the exact opposite at night-time.

If you’re staying close to bars or entertainment venues you won’t be too surprised if it’s noisy at night. But it isn’t just the sound of loud music or wailing karaoke that can keep you up at night. …continue reading Don’t Forget Your Earplugs

I went to the hospital in Chiang Mai last week because I’ve had an ongoing problem with my eye. I’ve had a stye for ages and I’ve been saying to myself for months that I had to get it properly sorted out. I was also well aware that as the stye still hadn’t gone away (despite using warm compresses) then there was a good chance that it would have to be cut out as it was starting to affect my vision. All the Thai people at my apartment in Chiang Mai kept telling me I should go to the Ram hospital. The Chiang Mai Ram Hospital is one of the main hospitals in Chiang Mai and has an excellent reputation with both locals and expats.

The thought of having a sharp instrument inserted anywhere near my eye was filling me with dread. I read up about having a stye removed and discovered it was supposed to be a minor procedure with very little pain. So I finally plucked up the courage to get myself off to the hospital and what an experience it turned out to be.
…continue reading Chiang Mai Ram Hospital

Thai prime minister, Samak Sundaravej and seven members of his cabinet have survived a no-confidence vote brought by opposition MPs. It will be some consolation for the embattled Samak, but his future still remains uncertain.

Even by the extraordinary standards of Thai politics, some of the antics in the last week have been remarkable. Opponents of the government and anti-Thaksin demonstrators have forced road closures and occupied land in front of Government House. Whilst the demonstrators camped outside Government House, the Thai prime minister was inside displaying his origami skills during the no-confidence debate. That’s right, origami whilst his political future is on the line. …continue reading Thai PM Survives Vote of No Confidence

Following yesterday’s anti-government rally in Bangkok, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have claimed victory after protesters forced there way past police blockades and set up camp outside Government House. The demonstrators say they will not leave until PM Samak and his government step down from office.

Thailand’s newspapers say the PAD supporters have ‘laid siege to Government House.’ There were a few minor scuffles as marchers confronted police and some police officers were injured, but in general it was a peaceful rally. …continue reading Thai PM Vows not to Quit

The political situation in Bangkok, which has been boiling under for some weeks, could come to a head tomorrow as anti-government demonstrators prepare to march to Government House. The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) anticipates that 100,000 people will join the march scheduled to begin at 1.p.m. on Friday. Schools in the vicinity of Government House will be closed tomorrow and non-essential government workers are being told to take the day off. It’s being described by some local observers as a make-or-break attempt to bring down Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his government.
…continue reading Bangkok Prepares for Anti-Government Showdown

The seaside resort of Pattaya is recovering from the flash floods which hit earlier on today. A combination of heavy rain and garbage-filled drains created a situation which saw flood levels reach up to 2 metres high in some areas in the middle of the city, such as Soi Buakaow. Pattaya residents have been complaining for a number of years about the increased incidences of flooding caused by the poorly maintained drainage system. This most recent flood had tragic consequences for a British tourist who died following an apparent electric shock he received whilst wading through water on the way back to his room.

Photo from Photobucket
More images of the Pattaya floods >>

From glitzy, designer malls to second-hand stalls and flea markets, Bangkok has it all and then some. Knowing where to go is half the battle and with this guide to shopping in Bangkok, you’ll be one step ahead of the game. Some of the local markets offer the authentic experience that some people crave whereas the air-conditioned malls and stores provide a great excuse to escape the heat and humidity of Bangkok.

Banglamphu

Banglamphu is a district that has long been associated with budget travellers, but it’s also a part of Bangkok that offers a diverse choice of shopping.

Banglamphu Market sells a variety of goods particularly clothing, jeans and shoes. The market is in between Phra Sumen and Tani roads, opposite Wat Bowoniwet. Just south of the market is Khao San Road which is lined with shops and boutiques of varying quality. Khao San Road has retained its backpacker image, but in recent years has seen an influx of trendier shops that also appeal to Thai youngsters. As well as clothes, there is an assortment of shops selling silver, art and giftware and the area is worth a visit just for the experience even if you don’t end up buying anything. There are more shops along Tanao, the road at the end of Khao San Road which leads back up to Banglamphu Market. This is quite a good area for wholesale silver shops and also for wedding dresses.
Getting to Banglamphu
The nearest Metro station is Hualamphong and the nearest Skytrain station is National Stadium, but neither is within reasonable walking distance so you may have to rely on your negotiating skills with a taxi-meter or tuk-tuk. The nearest boat stop on the Chao Phraya River is Tha Banglamphu (N13).

Central Department Store

Central is a chain of department stores found throughout Thailand with Bangkok home to 8 outlets. The stores are modern and well set out featuring international brands for clothing, luggage, electrical goods, beauty products etc. Probably the easiest to get to is the branch at Chitlom in the central shopping area (see below) which is next door to Chitlom Skytrain station. Unlike some of the local stores which often just have smaller sizes suitable for the average Thai, Central department stores also stock larger ‘foreigner-friendly’ sizes.
…continue reading Bangkok Shopping Guide

To quote a line from an Irving Berlin song, ‘there may be trouble ahead’ for the Thai government as a wave of protests sweep the length and breadth of Thailand.

Recently, thousands of Thai fishermen have been forced to keep their boats ashore because of the high fuel costs and some have resorted to burning their boats in protest at the government’s failure to help with fuel subsidies. It isn’t just the fishermen who are suffering and yesterday saw numerous demonstrations in Thailand, from Mae Hong Son in the north right down to Songkhla in the Deep South as farmers, truck drivers and taxi drivers all took their own separate grievances to the streets. The common denominator in the protests is the rise in the cost of living caused by ever increasing fuel and food prices and the perceived lack of government action. With more demonstrations being planned for next week, some roads to Bangkok could be blocked by trucks as haulage companies and lorry drivers seek a fuel subsidy and help with loans to convert vehicles away from expensive diesel to cheaper natural compressed gas.

This all comes at a time when Bangkok is experiencing a prolonged anti-government protest from the People’s Alliance for Democracy. Much of the flak is being aimed at Prime Minister Samak who is also facing criticism about his leadership from within the coalition government and his position is looking increasingly weak.