| Your Mail
We get mail from time to time. We get questions, comments and suggestions.
Some of them are entertaining, some of them we pass on to you.
Check
our mail below: |
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Most recent mails at the top of the page...
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Worthy of note...
STE KITCHEN
writes: "Just to remind anyone who briefly overstays
on their visa....the cost has now increased to 500 baht
per day, a 300 baht increase on previous years. Ouch...an
extra night\'s accommodation!! I did overstay to attend
the full moon party and wrote off the extra costs but
the Thai authorities are clamping down so think twice
before you do it." Nice one... |
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| Entering the Monkhood...
Jens
Voigt writes: "I have a question regarding
the monkhood in Thailand. From what I hear, almost every
young Thai male becomes a monk in a temple for a short
time, perhaps 3 months, but some just 2 weeks or so.
I have meditation prior practice from Buddhist temples
in Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam, and studied many books
about Buddhism. I would like to know: can foreigners
(non-Thais) do the same and become a buddhist monk for
a short time ? What would one have to do for that ?
Which temples would be willing to accept a foreigner
as a monk for a time, in the same way as a Thai? Or
would a foreigner have to spend a very long time in
the temple as a layman first ? I hope you can help me
with my request and are able to answer me soon. Thank
you very much in advance already, Jens Voigt" Well,
good questions... we know westerners enter temples but
we don't know the details. If anyone knows, let
Jens know, and let us know,
too because I am sure other people might be interested
in this. |
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| Bo Bae...
Paul writes:
"Most people know about Chatuchak and Pratunam
markets, but if you're looking for cheap clothing Bo
Bae market's the place. It's wholesale so you'll have
to buy at least three items from a stall. Cargo shorts
which are 700 Baht on Khao San Rd are no more than 200
Baht here. T-shirts are no more than 70 Baht each. Also,
it sits beneath the Prince palace hotel - take the lift
up to the top floor for some good views of the city."
Cheers Paul... if you have a couple of pictures why
not do a write up for our Travel
Guide? A much underutilized technology! |
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Comments from a
Thai Tourist in Thailand... A
Thai Tourist writes: "I am a Thai who lives in
Europe. March, 2006 I went to Phi Phi Island for a
week with my friends. I was really enjoying it. It
was very beautiful and peacful. It seemed like all
travellers were really enjoying themselves and relaxing
as well. I hate to say this but I think I will make
a few comments on some western tourists and locals
that somehow make us Thai tourists feel quite uncomfortable
(just some of them not everyone).
Since Phi Phi is popular among westerners you can
hardly find Thai tourists. Everyone was staring at
us and saying something that was not in English and
laughing. My friends and I felt like "Are we in Thailand
or what?" never mind that perharps they were drunk.
The next day we decided that nothing was not going
to ruin our trip so we went to the beach and, you
know, just hanging around like others, reading books
and sunbathing, then some big mounth starting to comment
on us again, and now it was English "Don't they know
this is not Pattaya Beach?" and this time I felt like
I was being slapped on the face. I wish I can tell
you how I felt.
Being in Europe for studying from time to time I
got that kind of thing like "hey how much?". I can
take it as a joke because it hurts if I take it seriously
even though I am not part of those conflict of Thai
prositution but i guess i have to take it since I
am thai. Even in my homeland I still can not avoid
it. But anyway, my friends and I managed to ejoy the
rest of the trip.
The next comment is why are Thai tourists treated
differently from westerners by the local staff? We
were completely ignored by the locals in Phi Phi which
was very disappointing. I always want to bring this
issue up that I think is important. I have talked
to many Thais who live overseas when we go back home
we feel bad about the service from Thais to Thais.
I remember one time I tried to get taxi at the airport,
the one that you don't have to pay for the fees on
the top floor. Taxi driver refused to take me but
took western tourists next to me instead. What's going
on here? I know that Thailand is a tourism country
and it is good for the economy but don't you think
something needs to be fixed here?
You don't have to post this I just want to share
the experience to Khoasanroad.com because this website
is for tourists and I consider myself as one of those
tourists. I hope some of the coments I have made will
be helpful for those who run business in tourist attraction
like Phi Phi island, etc. We might not be rich like
westerners but we're your customers and pay the same
rate as others. Word of mounth get going among Thais,
I was told before I go because I love to see Phi Phi
island once. The beach took all the bad time away
I have to say that.
I love Phi Phi Island.
Thai tourist
Please direct your comments to us here at KhaoSanRoad.com
and we'll pass them on...
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| FMP or
Burning Man... Michael
Weldon writes in with ths: "I reccommend that
the full moon parties follow the idea used by Burning
Man and move farther away from regular tourist areas.
Also create an organization to be responsible for the
party and have them sell tickets to the party. Teach
the people that they are responsible for their actions
and to keep their areas clean. Extend the length of
each party to a full week so people will have time to
stop and see the area. This will help avoid pollution
problems." Any thoughts on this? Let
us know if you have... |
| James
writes: "Great idea, Move the party away from one messed
up place to an unspoilt spot so that we can all enjoy
messing that up and turning it into another 7/11 paradise!
Might be some good intentions but anyone who really
knows Thailand knows that there is no place that is
accessible that would be suitable for such an event
unless it has already been exploited. Or, if it is as
yet unexploited it would soon become an environmental
disaster if people were left 'in charge' of selling
tickets for a week-long party. 1 day every party is
enough but doing a week long party is just inviting
mayhem. My suggestion, move the party to the burning
man location and kill two birds with one stone!" |
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| Old
Dribble... Steve
Savage "Hi, I have just returned to Khaosan
road after 8 years. I first stayed there nearly 15 years
ago. I just want to make the point,that there is too
much talk about how great Khaosan road used to be. I
think it is great now. Yes it was good 15 years ago,
but you cant live in the past. The atmosphere & vibe
is brilliant and I enjoyed quite a few good afternoons
there, just hanging out watching the whole thing unfold.The
only thing that I wish was the same is that the street
vendors seemed to be moved on by the police around 8.00pm.
Khaosan road is always going to something different
to every body, so people coming here for the first time,
don''t listen to the old dribble of how good it used
to be. Enjoy it now!!" Agreed! Do
you have another view? |
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| British
Embassy Blues... "It seems that
every time I renew my passport I live and learn a little
bit about how to approach the task. About three years
ago I arrived at the embassy building on Wireless Road
and they were closed because of a Thai holiday. Oh well…
I should have called ahead. I didn't and I was caught
out! I wouldn't make that mistake again." Click
here to find out what happened next... |
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| The
best place... Where? Clinto Joyce
writes: "Myself and girlfriend visited Thailand
in January 05. We had seen Vietnam, Cambodia and other
countries over a 2 month period and the most unforgettable
place we visited (which for some reason is rather hard
to get to?) was Kaeng Krachan National Park!!!! This
place was incredible, we have told many other people
about it and they say, “what?”, “where?” We stayed overnight
in the park - heard tigers roar, saw wild elephants,
monkeys and countless other wild animals it was amazing.
It’s only 2 hours from Bangkok and yet most tourists
don't know about it!" Click
here for more... |
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| Money,
money, money... Tori writes: "I just
wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for your website.
I'm heading off to Thailand for 2 months (my first trip
to SEA!) at the end of this month, and I'm going solo!
Its so hard to find reliable sites, which actually tell
you what the people who went there think. The only thing
I couldn't find (sorry if I was being blind) was advice
on money. i.e. do you take travellers cheques/only cards
or cash? Other than that your site has been invaluable,
and I'll be sure to share my findings as I go!!! Thanks!
- Tori" Thanks for that, Tori... But we need as much
feedback as we can get! What is the score on money,
etc.? Let us know your views... |
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| The
Farang Show... One
for the expat community and frequent tourists here.
Russell at the Farang Show wrote to us. The Farang Show
is a TV show directed at foreigners in Thailand planned
for the near future. Russel writes: "If possible could
you put a notice on your site asking Farang residents
and tourists what they would like to see in a programme
directed towards them. It's a weekly magazine-style
show to be recorded from a different destination around
Thailand every week, its to be broadcast on Thai TV,
as a guide there will be an element of news and what's
on etc., it's a lightweight entertainment show NOT heavyweight
hard news. It has a very wide demographic as our viewership
will be about 20% to 30% Farang (foreign) the rest will
be Thai, so we have had to find that middle road, so
basically its aimed at everyone. Regards RUSS"
Here's an opportunity not to be missed... recommend
what there should be on your own TV programme! |
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| Who pays? Sompan
wrote regarding the ongoing debate about who should
pay when you are in a restaurant with a group of (older)
Thais... "Usually the oldest person is the one
who supposed to pay. It's not a big deal for Thais at
all to pay for your meal if you're invited. Food in
Thailand is not that expensive and it's a Thai custom
to pay for the guests in order to make friends. For
Phi-nong game, it basicly means brothers (or sisters)
game. It's like they're trying to make you feel like
you're not just their normal guest, but their brother
or sisiter. It's just a custom to get people together
and become closer. There's no expectation for you to
pay them back or take them back out or anything like
that. Just simply smile, say thank you, and don't worry
about it! ^______^ " Thanks for that! |
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| In
search of relative... Angela White
writes: "I am writing in regards to the whereabouts
of my birth father. It may be that he was or is still
within the Thai prison system. His family has not heard
or seen him for 32 years after he travelled to Bangkok.
Would you know of any Thai prison databases that could
help in my search? My fathers full name is Raymond James
White and he would be 54 years old. I'm predicting he
travelled to Thailand between 1972 -1975. I would appreciate
any advice or information that you could provide."
If anyone has any ideas, let Angela know. |
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Problems
ahead...
Jay Parker writes: "I would like
to point out something. I was on Phi Phi when the wave
hit and there's one thing I noticed above everything
else. Everyone that survived the aftermath had huge
deep lacerations caused by corrugated iron used in the
building of most houses. This terrible material caused
havoc when mixed in with the waves. I then noticed that
the new building are being constructed with the very
same material??!! Has no one seen this? Can someone
tell somebody?" Thanks Jay - we are passing your
email around. |
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Changing
the landscape...
Tom Morrow writes: "Hey, I just changed
the landscape of Khao San Road a little by adding some
public chairs. It's kind of a prank but I'm hoping people
will have fun seeing them. Please see the pics at: http://www.tom-morrow-land.com/chairs/index.htm
What about some tables? |
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Can you take the tattoo challange?
Chris writes: "Dear Sir, Are
you able to identify the name of the tattoo artist
in this picture and where I can find him. Kind regards,
Chris" Answers on an email to Chris... The winner
gets heaps of thanks... Chris - let us know what happens...
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Lovin' it...
Dennis writes: "In our late 50's, we
decided to try guest houses on KSR. Khaosan Palace
and then D and D. Also tried the new and clean Rambuttri
Guest House in Rambuttri Village across the road
from KSR and near the temple. These guest house
rooms have TV, AC, good showers / western toilets.They
are small, clean and very sparse; any more sparse
and you'd think your in a clean jail. That goes
for their best doubles priced between 500 and 750
Baht. Had to buy plastic cups and leave our clothes
in our back packs on the floor. Defintely functional
when your dead tired, hot and ready for a shower
or drop dead asleep. The beds are firm, one pillow
and the terry cotton bed spreads are your covers.
Look elsewhere if you want better linen, clothes
closets, chairs/table, dresser and a mini fridge
for things like beer, milk, yogurt, fruit, water.
Also a cupboard, chairs and blankets to fight chilly
fixed temperature AC and in the morning a Thai and
western breakfast buffet. Try the New World Lodge
at 800 to 1000B. It is a 7 minute walk north of
KSR, east of Samsen Rd. on Soi 2. The "klang" or
canal is the only eye and nose sore point. The building
is concrete and a bit old, but the folks and the
buffet are great.The rooms are well furnished and
cleaned daily."
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Lovin' it, too...
Gilbey writes: "Hey, I think you
guys are doing a great thing with this website.
I recently stayed in Bangkok, for 31/2 months in
june of 2004. I loved Khoasan Rd. I ended up staying
in Bangkok, on Khoasan Rd for almost a month and
a half. Although the street is small, it was always
so alive, & was a great spot to meet other travlers
& speak English. I really think you should include
DR-us resturant. I ate there at least once a day
if not more. The international food is great, thai
food great, awsome atmoshpere, Chang massage right
up stairs, TV's with the newest DVD's, Futball games,
& the best service. The staff, super freindly, always
happy to chat, always smiling, quick to serve, but
let you chill out after your meal up until closing,
as I did all the time. Seeing this website has brought
back so many wonderful memories & has filled a desire
to go back very soon. I miss the Showshan Isreali
resturant a lot too. The Shrwarma is amazing & damn
cheap. The Rambuttri Village HOtle is also a highlight
from my stay on Khosan. Very comfertable, nice rooms,
great views of the Temple. I am glad you have this
website up for travlers to see. Awsome. Good idea,
& good for you, Khoasan Rd, & Bangkok."
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Bad fag break...
Lili writes: "I am writing
about how the police took 1,000 Baht from me for
throwing a cigarette on the floor... Now I don't
have any money and I am waiting to receive money
by Western Union... Can you just let people know
that they shouldn't do this? Thanks a lot - Lili."
Yes, Lili... You broke the law twice I am afraid...
the fine for littering the streets is 1,000 Baht,
as is the fine for smoking in the street... you
got off lightly!
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More common sense...
TC writes in response to 'A plea
for common sense'... 'There are a few things
that can be done to minimize these effects. Events
for more than a couple of dozen people (nevermind
8,000+) should never oganised without the following:
1) security 2) public toilets 3) waste disposal
(bins etc.). Although it might be cheaper to pay
people to clean up after the event, it's important
to facilitate preventative features. It's all very
well having lots of people at a huge party, but
(as we've all known since our early teens) you also
have to be prepared for the effects of such an invitation!"
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Party animals!
Jeremy Woods writes "Red
Alert to all people trying to balance the scales,
between being a raging party machine, and a part
time english teacher. You will run out of money
loooong before you get paid, slow down on the drinking,
and try to become a better English teacher. I ended
up broke, and starving but employed, and had to
quit my job and come home." Sage advice... He adds:
"Just wanted to say whats up to all the staff
at Gullivers Pub on Khaosarn Rd. I think it would
be a cool idea if they were to paint one wall all
white and charge people 100 baht or so, and let
them sign the wall or write something cool on it.
Just an idea. Sawasdii Khrap." Chill...
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Leave 'em be!
KIM REARDON writes: "Hi,
after many years of living in Thailand I am still
amazed at the amount of tourists that continue to
get in close contact with stray dogs! I am a animal
lover but these dogs have no owners and can carry
numerous diseases. There are otherways of helping
these dogs such as giving donations to the various
dog rescues around Thailand. I have had a number
of occasions where we have had to take tourisrts
to hospital after a dog bite from a beach dog!!!!
Dont be-friend them and respect the owners of resorts
that do not encourage beach dogs in their resort....they
have to take care of many guests not only one...."
Ruff!
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We've been here
before...
On another note, Chantana
writes: "John, would you or anyone there know
how to transport a dog from Thailand to other countries
such as the US, Australia, New Zealand, or the UK?
What paperwork is required and quarantine, etc.?
I remember seeing a flyer on Ko Samui that said
it was easy to take a stray Thai dog back to the
UK with you but all my research finds a minimum
of 6 months in quarantine that you must pay for
yourself, which is just unacceptable. One of these
days we will move and are taking our dog with us,
based upon which country is most accepting of a
dog from Thailand. Thanks, Chantana." This
issue has been discussed before... Anyone got the
definitive info.!
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A word from the wise...
Dan Sprouls writes: "I
am from Indianapolis, Indiana, America. And I feel
this is a cool ass website. I understand why you
don't want people just hanging around Khao San Road.
I went there after meeting a girl at my college
in Indiana, she was from Bangkok. When I went there
and experienced Koh Samui and several other places,
I definitely loved it. Basically, I'm just sayin
every part of the country is an experience, definitely
incuding Khao San Road, but you will need to travel
much more throughout the country to truly understand
where you are at. Sincerely, Dan Sprouls" Good advice,
Dan... Thanks...
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Chalker...
Chalker writes: "Love
your site. Take a look at my small journal web page,
about life as a Canadian high school teacher. Link
is: http://chalker.conforums.com/index.cgi
Check it out!" Why not - do it!
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It's our lucky day!
More kind words... Peter
writes:
"Hi - I'm a Danish guy, who has been in Thailand
for nearly 3 years (I lost my heart to Thailand!).
In 'Tips & Hints' I
just agree 110% when it says: 'The more time you
spend in Thailand,the less you know' : ) That is
very true, and may be that's the reason why we keep
coming back. We have stuff to learn. Both about
ourselves and about Thais. Thais are great people.
Great homepage you've got here! Peter Rak Thai :
)" Thanks, Peter!
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Mossies?
Kaj Hellbom writes: "Dear
John, we are travelling from Bangkok to the island
of Koh Chang. Do you know if you need to take malaria
medication whan you go to Koh Chang? Best regards,
Kaj Hellbom, Helsinki, Finland." David Tayler from
Asia Buddha (asiabuddha@khao-san-road.com)
knows the area well. He says: "Hi John Very small
risk and the big thing is to make sure that you
use propellant when the mossies are out and about."
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