Saturday, September 30, 2006

Living Life September 2006







Up until mid morning on the 29th, this monthly post was going to be a very down beat affair. As you can see from the excerpt below that I received from the British Embassy, living in or visiting Thailand at the moment is not everyone’s first choice.
If you don’t get blown up, shot or catch bird flu you’ve been lucky. There is a definite anti foreigner vibe coming out of the government at the moment, Visa’s being cracked down on or not even issued. Western Business’s, such as Tesco and Carrefour told to scrap plans for expansion and any one buying a Condo can no longer get a residence visa, so what is the point in buying property in Thailand?






We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where there is continuing violence due to insurgency and civil unrest. Since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. There were a number of explosions in August 2006. The Thai Government has declared a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. You should also maintain high levels of vigilance when traveling to, or through, the neighboring province of Satun. There have been reports that Thai military presence in Satun is being increased due to insurgency fears.
· There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against places frequented by foreigners.

· On 19 September 2006 the Thai Army Commander, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, announced that he had established a Reform Council to take over the administration of the country. A nationwide state of martial law has been declared. The situation in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand remains calm, but the British Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
· If you are currently in Bangkok, you should use discretion when travelling around the city and refrain from approaching military vehicles and personnel. If you intend to travel to, or are currently in Thailand, you should monitor all available information on the local situation and keep in contact with your tour operator. You should also avoid the areas surrounding Government buildings and locations where large crowds appear to be gathering, as well as any demonstrations.
· Since December 2005, there have been a number of small explosions in Bangkok. The motives for these attacks are not clear.
· Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.
· Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Thailand have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. For further information see Health section below and also read the Foci’s
Avian and Pandemic Influenza Fact sheet.

Then on the 29th, Elizabeth made her long awaited appearance, Nuch was supposed to go in on Oct 4th for a suzerain, but Elizabeth had other ideas. An hour long labor later there she was. I was the third of four fathers waiting, and the first to see their child. I was not allowed in the delivery room, and to be honest I’m not that bothered. Things are done very differently in Asia, up until 9pm on the 30th I still haven’t held her. Looking forward to going home tomorrow.

Other stuff this month includes the late start to the rainy season, it as caught up with a vengeance, several inches of rain in an hour most days, the garden loves it. Next month I will be visiting my Uncle Steve and Auntie Paula in Perth and staying seven days. This brings back good memories of when I used to stay with them when they still lived in the UK, the highlight of the month, going to stay in Long Eaton and one of my first outings to a Pub. The Tiger.




I’ve put a few pictures on of the effect the water as had on a couple of bushes in the garden and of course a few more pictures of Elizabeth, I’m sure there will be more to come.

Thank you to everyone who sent Nuch and me good wishes, and lastly my condolences to the Family of Leslie Howells who passed away on Oct 28th after a short stay in a Hospice.
She was a good friend, a great colleague and will be missed by everyone who ever knew her…..




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