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Norrad

‘To Return to a Democratic Thailand’

by Norrad September 22, 2007 Thai Politics

I recieved this email a few days ago and thought I would share it with all of you. I can’t guarantee it’s authenticity but it makes for an interesting read. ——————————– ‘To Return to a Democratic Thailand’ By: Thaksin Shinawatra One year ago today I was in New York , preparing to address the United [...]

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Beggars can be choosers

by Norrad September 10, 2007 People

Bangkok is awash with beggars; they usually crowd any of the countless passenger bridges that cross Bangkok’s streets, Sky train stations or other well-known areas of the city. I don’t usually give anything unless their situation seems exceedingly desperate. Young children, old folk and the odd disabled person will get a few Baht from me, [...]

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Life without YouTube

by Norrad August 18, 2007 Thai Politics

While Thailand claims to be a beacon of free speech and democracy (cough, military coup, cough) in South East Asia, it’s all just really propaganda. The military has such a tight grip on everything that goes on in the country. The newspapers and TV stations are all pro government. You can’t even purchase a VHF [...]

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The pervasiveness of Buddhism

by Norrad August 7, 2007 Religion

Being an Atheist myself and seeing Thais going about their daily routine and all the respect they show towards their religion, it peaked my interest and so a quest was born to find out more about Buddhism in Thailand. After a few visits to the National Library I have decided to share a few of [...]

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Thai Family Pressure

by Norrad July 7, 2007 Thai Culture

A Thai family can place enormous pressure on their children. This is a fact of life, but it can have a serious impact on any relationship the girl has. I’m sure I am not alone in noticing this. Most of this pressure has to do with saving “Face”, but it can lead to untold stress [...]

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Tones Are Hard

by Norrad July 7, 2007 Thai Language

As anyone who has tried learning Thai knows, it is a very difficult language, the basics are easy enough but the tones are the real killer. Thai is a tonal language, the same word can have up to 5 meanings depending on the tone used. Tones are a completely foreign concept to westerners, we simply [...]

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Tuk-Tuks Are Evil

by Norrad July 7, 2007 Transport

I consider Tuk-Tuks to be one of the worst aspects of Thailand. The drivers are often rude, they are noisy, they think they own the road and they try to rip you off for everything you have. Most foreign ex-pats in Bangkok will tell you the same thing, yet the Tuk-Tuk remains a symbol of [...]

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Living On A Teachers Salary

by Norrad July 5, 2007 Expat Life

Some of my readers have requested more information on living in Thailand, especially if it is possible to live on the average teachers salary. In this post I will outline my average monthly expenditure. Please bear in mind that I am involved with a steady girlfriend and I don’t drink or smoke. Thailand is, arguably, [...]

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