HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Unscrupulous developer managers

Exposed pipes on the beach

Be a little bit less critical of the chicken industry

Poor tourist figures

Thai Proverbs for Farangs

Unscrupulous developer managers

Editor,
I sympathize with R.E.S.’s recent letter re: “Longing for condo law oversight”. At least he/she has the Condo Act to assist if lucky enough to get a lawyer to act in this scenario of blatant abuse by condo developer/managers.
Some owners of houses in “exclusive” village developments have exactly the same problems whereby the developer/manager refuses to account to the residents for the expenditure of the annual maintenance fees collected.
When local lawyers are approached for assistance and learn of the developer involved, they decline to take on the case of complaint. We do not have an Act to fall back on, so really are at the mercy of the developer, who also insists on increasing the annual maintenance fee each year without any explanation.
Why is it that these people (farangs) are untouchable?
Thank you,
(Sign me as) V.T.V.

Exposed pipes on the beach

Editor;
I was amused to read the article in today’s (June 5) edition about two large black drainage pipes that your reporter suggests “recently became exposed on Jomtien Beach.” It might surprise your reporter to know that those ugly pipes have been sitting there exposed on Pratamnak Beach for almost a year now, with no action taken by the city.

November 2008

If you don’t believe me, here (below) is a photo taken during a rain storm in early November, 2008, in which you will note the large brown stains spreading across the water from one of the same exposed pipes during a rain storm. Just how much of that stain represents the mixed run-off of sewage and heavy rains carrying Lord-knows-what from the streets, I will leave to your imagination.
The fact that this deplorable beach condition has been left unattended for so long shows why tourists have stopped coming to Pattaya’s pristine beaches!
Dan Bishopp

Be a little bit less critical of the chicken industry

Editor+ADs-
In response to a recent letter about McDonalds chickens, I would like to point out the following:
1) McDonalds produces many of its chickens in Thailand, through a joint venture with GFPT, McKey foods.
2) The low cost of production ensures Thais and other people have access to good value protein. Chickens are a very good converter of feed into protein. In an economic downturn, this high protein, low cost food source is especially welcomed by consumers.
3) The chickens are kept in specially controlled and air-conditioned environments, so preventing the spread of diseases. Chicken rearing is a high tech industry these days.
4) The chicken processing industry employs thousands of people in Thailand.
Perhaps your readers could be a little bit less critical of the chicken industry, and a bit more understanding.
Best Regards,
Matthew J.W. Montgomery

Poor tourist figures

Editor;
I too have not been back to Thailand for many years. I used to go to Pattaya twice a year for 2 months, but the big problem was the packs of dogs, barking all night.
Then, when I saw a farang attacked and bitten, in the Jomtien area, that was enough for me.
I still read Pattaya Mail online, and see this still is going on, as there are many letters on this subject. Nothing is done, and the Tourist Board wring their hands and wonder why tourists stay away. Hello, are they on the same planet? If so, they certainly aren’t listening!
I now go to Nicaragua, overlooking the beautifully clean Pacific, unlike Pattaya Beach, and Jomtien. It was us farangs who used to wade in the water to fish out rubbish. No dogs, or at least, roaming packs.
The answer is so simple. Email when this is done, and I will come back. I think I will have a long wait!
Alan Pittam

Thai Proverbs for Farangs

By Thai-lish
Are you one of those who are interested in Thai culture, mentality, and language but find it hard to understand and get to the hearts of the people?
Learn these Thai proverbs and you’ll have a deeper understanding of Thais and even impress a few.
Thai proverbs are centuries old, and are widely used among the Thai people in order to explain the situations and matters so that the others can have a clear picture about what they are saying.
Some of the proverbs have words that usually rhyme the end of the first clause with the beginning or the middle of the second clause.
It is an artistic and fun way and to communicate. Try it.
Adage 5

สามวันจาก..นารีเป็นอื่น (saãm-wan-jaàk… naa-ree-bpen-uèrn)
Saãm = three
Wan = day
Jaàk = leave
naa-ree = woman
bpen = become
uèrn = other

Meaning: “Three days of absence makes the woman’s heart change”

It’s the same as ‘Out of sight, Out of mind’, so be sure to email or call her and say your name every three days or you may lose her for good.
See you next week.
Sawat dee.

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