2007-12-12 - buried in the Bangkok Post

Thai coup leaders intervening to block Thaksin's popularity at polls, rights group says

Thailand's coup leaders have restricted campaigning and abused laws to block ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's influence on voters ahead of Dec. 23 elections, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.

Thaksin was deposed in a bloodless coup in September 2006 but his presence looms large over upcoming elections. He remains popular among rural voters, who benefited…

Hi hannahpeacekeeper,

Here's a list of books I've enjoyed while travelling.

Tequila Oil: Getting Lost In Mexico Hugh Thomson (Hardcover - Feb 5, 2009)
Lost Cosmonaut: Daniel Kalder (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
The Wrong Way Home: Peter Moore (Paperback - Apr 22, 2005)
Are You Experienced?: William Sutcliffe (Paperback - Jun 4, 1998)
The Gringo Trail: Mark Mann (Paperback - Mar 15, 2006)
Chasing the Monsoon: A Modern Pilgrimage Through India Alexander Frater (Paperback - 6 May, 2005)
Bangkok To…

keirsek he is not a troll just another of many lost souls just waiting to get taken to the cleaners. Yea head for Khao San Road , Pattaya, Koh Samui , Phuket or any other tourist slum. i am sure they will take good care of you and all your money. also will provide you with all the answers you will need to learn about real dangers and scams. but dreamsignals is right on one point be respectful to the culture, don,t act as if this is a 24/7 party like so many do that visit here. This is amazing…

Hello folks,

I'm going to travel a couple of weeks in Vietnam next year April, since the didving there is supposed to be not very spectacular, I wanna spend 2 more weeks after in Thailand for diving and relaxing.

I did some research already, but find many different opinios. What would be the best place for diving in Thailand in May? Heard the monsoon time is beginning in the Gulf of Thailand, is it still ok or would it be better to head for the west coast?
I have around 60 dives, wanna take it…

hi lucky
i just wrote a long answer to your post and pressed the wrong key on my laptop and it was gone. frustating...

so here for the short version: you have 3 weeks and a good budget to visit thailand, which is great.
some suggestions for cultural sights - bangkok, chiang mai, mae hong son, sukothai, ayuthaya.

i would also include a beach / island destination. not because you will find much of cultural interest there, but because thailand has the most beautiful beaches in the world (in my…

RE # HONEYBADGER.

With respect you seem a bit fixated on the age issue , its not like you are going to an age segregated playground. At the end of the day whether you are 19 , 32 , 62 whatever Thailand is still Thailand is stil Thailand . All the islands have a mixture of ages , and the majority of travellers are aged 21 and over . Don't forget there is individuality , not everyone in a given age group is going to think the same way . There are some 19 year olds who hate the full moon party at…

Hi!
I am wondering if Thailand would be great to visit in either June or September? I have read/heard about the wet season, but also that it depends on where you vist.
I am considering Krabi and the islands on the west of South Thailand, but would not mind the East of it either (Koh Samui, Phangan and Koh Tao).

We are a couple which is aiming for a relaxed vibe, and admire the nature of Thailand. So party is not essential, but would definitely try it out in Thailand too.
So the trip is 2 whole…

If it's not clear I don't mean genuine motorcycles but scooters (50-125cc). My travel insurrance doesn't cover the rental of scooters, it does however cover me against injuries regardless if this is caused by driving a scooter or not.

I rented a scooter in Chiang Mai once and I think it involved signing insurrance papers but I just can't remember anymore. I do know that if you rent a scooter in Holland it is insured by standard.

So:
Do the scooters you rent in Thailand come with insurrance?
Does…

I really like the sound of Thailand and heard of many people it is a place to visit so I hope to go soon.

I will tell you what I hope to get out of the holiday so you can help me more:

I hope to go for 2 weeks and do lots of activities (I get bored sunbathing). Activities? That is for you to tell me what is available? Renting a scooter? Do you need a licence? How dangerous? Not into partying too hard or getting involved with the prostitutes. Wan't to stay away from there if possible. I don't…

Hi Guys,

I will start my trip through thailand in dezember and I´m wondering if it is possible to go by boat from Koh Tao to Koh Phagnan on NYE? First I wanted to stay on Koh Phagnan and go to full moon party, but now I saw, that I have to book at least 5 nights in a hostel there. That is too much for me. But as I want to start a diving course on Koh Tao in January I´m planning to stay there for NYE. So I just need a boat to take me to full moon party on 31st Dec and take me back on 01st Jan in…