Does Chiang Mai have any areas like Patpong or Walking Stret

^ I was dumbing it down for a guy who obviously needs to get the basics before the meat and potatoes.

The OP is very serious. He saw that this approach didn't work, so posted a genuine OP today again.

Wayne, as I need the basics can you let me know what the contry was called before The Union of Burma gained independence? As far as I was aware it was called Burma which was the name given to the country by the British Colonail administration. The junta changed the name to Myanmar which is actually a derivative of Myanma Naingngandaw which had been used as far back as the 12th century. In comparison the first reference to 'Bamar' was only found in artifacts and buildings dating from the Konbaung Period in the 18th century!

As far as I am aware this decision by the Junta was to reflect the many ethnicities of the country and not just the Burmese majority even though these minorities have ironically come under persecution from the ruling party. Now, if you want to call the country by the name given to it by a foreign colonial power that raped and pillaged the country for 100 years then fine. I just prefer to call it by the name it was known as before long then and embraces all the ethnicities of the country. Even if it was the decision by the Junta to do so. I suppose you still call Yangon by the British name Rangoon? Guess what it was called before the British changed it? Yep, Yangon.

Anyhow, since the United Nations has recognized Myanmar by her original name, it is the obligation of all the U.N. member countries to accept it, whether they approve it or not. If the situation has been reversed certainly these same nations will be urging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to impost sanctions and embargoes on countries not recognizing and implementing the U.N. resolution or mandate.

Kananga, if my pithy comments can inspire you to research an issue you were previously uninformed of, I'm a happy man. Aren't you? Know we both now more.

While the UN chooses to sit comfortably in its offices while the people of Myanmar suffer at the hands of it's Chinese-backed military junta, I'll continue to give the bird the UN's pathetic policy. BTW, I support the UN.

If it comforts you to think I was previously uninformed then I'll let you have that. It doesnt bother me as I know you dont believe that.

However here's a link to the photo gallery of pics I took there back in 1999. Meat and potatoes. Yes, I know they arent very good but this was pre-digital.

To be fair Wayne, I used to call it Burma too. That was before I gained an informed interest in the history of the country pre 1989 and my first visit there 8 years ago.

A poster with thick skin. Me likey (Where's that clapping hands icon?).

Sorry to have totally threadjacked this one but, the dude did make another post.

You call it Myanmar; I call it Burma; let's call the whole thing off. Either way, that country is beautiful.

Suits me. Next time you do call ithe country Burma though at least spend a little time to think abolut why you call it Burma and the reaons that became the name for a while.