http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/blog.php We can answer your questions about Thailand for free 24/7. These forums are family friendly and safe for students. en-USA Sat, 25 May 2013 15:14:22 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/blog.php http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?1137-Lost-amp-Found-in-Translation Fri, 24 May 2013 09:01:51 GMT It all starts when I was a young chap and a first time visitor of Thailand and as I remember it was the Summer of 1988 when I arrived at the old Don Mueng airport . There was a huge crowd just out side of arrival lounge pushing and dragging... It all starts when I was a young chap and a first time visitor of Thailand and as I remember it was the Summer of 1988 when I arrived at the old Don Mueng airport .
There was a huge crowd just out side of arrival lounge pushing and dragging every single passenger and offering them all types of decent and indecent services. I needed a taxi to get to my hotel but most of the taxi drivers were trying to talk with me in a strange language a mixture of "hey you...then a long speech in Thai ..some finger signs...dragging...ok " In those days there were no meters in taxis and most of them were non air conditioned Nissan blue birds and you literally have to bargain with the taxi driver in some sort of language which could be understandable for both parties, so me and my driver chose sign language it was more like a single sided bargain because I was unaware of the distance from airport to my hotel so I trust the driver and my instincts and get in his taxi. There were no over head highways at that time so we took off from airport towards the main city.
The radio was on and a song of Mr. Bird called "SABAI " was on and the word was used repeatedly in that song which pushed me to ask the driver what does it mean. After a lot of singing and head shakes he gave me my first lesson of Thai language...Happy, this was the beginning of a new chapter in my life . ]]> skyaslimit http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?1137-Lost-amp-Found-in-Translation http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?1136-Sid-Leonard-From-California Mon, 20 May 2013 21:35:07 GMT :hello:I joined in 2007, but have not used this wonderful site until recently. As a retired school principal, I served as a volunteer English teacher with WorldTeach at a teachers college in Bangkok many years ago, where I met my Thai wife... :hello:I joined in 2007, but have not used this wonderful site until recently.

As a retired school principal, I served as a volunteer English teacher with WorldTeach at a teachers college in Bangkok many years ago, where I met my Thai wife (then an instructor at the college). After residing in the U.S. for the last 20 years, my wife and I intend to move permanently to Thailand. So, I have been working on learning the language for all these many years - not so easy for one my age, but it keeps the synapses firing.

We spent several weeks in Thailand recently, traveling to many locations to get an idea as to where we would like to reside when we make the move.

I look forward to many informative exchanges with other members of this wonderful forum. ]]> sidleonard http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?1136-Sid-Leonard-From-California http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?883-Please-assist-I-want-to-install-a-Internet-Dish-at-my-House Fri, 11 May 2012 10:22:46 GMT Can anybody please assist me...........I live in a Village- Non Kho- 10 km from Muang Samsip (Ubon Ratchatani-Thailand) and are having difficulties with my internet connection. I am currently using a CAT CDMA internet 3G mobile modem and the... Can anybody please assist me...........I live in a Village- Non Kho- 10 km from Muang Samsip (Ubon Ratchatani-Thailand) and are having difficulties with my internet connection. I am currently using a CAT CDMA internet 3G mobile modem and the connection seems to have deteriorated since we bought it. We had excellent reception in the beginning (One and a half year ago). I have enquired at several places, but all just want to sell me a new modem with no guarantee that it will work at Non Kho Village. I am thinking of getting a dish installed, but are having no luck in even getting a quotation for such a internet system and I was told that it would be very expensive? Can anybody assist me in getting in touch with a decent Internet provider that can help us get back online? The other option is to install a antenna........I also have no luck in getting hold of anybody willing to install/supply such an antenna. I got a name of a guy who is suppose to sell these antennas, from my Service provider but his phone is permanently switched of?? I am now more adamant to have a dish installed at our house..........if anybody can please give me some guidance/contact number for having this done? ]]> Deon http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?883-Please-assist-I-want-to-install-a-Internet-Dish-at-my-House http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?851-Where-to-buy-electric-guitar-in-Bangkok Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:29:43 GMT Can somebody please tell me where I can buy great electric guitar in Bangkok??
Well, I'm moving to Bangkok on June .
And I'm really really dying to buy an electric guitar.
Can somebody tell me the location of the music shop in Bangkok?? Pls??
If it's possible...
Pls tell me all the Music shop location in Bangkok....LOL
Thanks .:blush: ]]> jmj321 http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?851-Where-to-buy-electric-guitar-in-Bangkok http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?670-Can-it-be-done Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:33:01 GMT The first day of trying to make something from nothing. I have access to 6 rai of undeveloped land on an island close to Klongdan, 3 of which are ponds. The project is to build a farm and later a camping resort on a very, very limited budget using... The first day of trying to make something from nothing. I have access to 6 rai of undeveloped land on an island close to Klongdan, 3 of which are ponds. The project is to build a farm and later a camping resort on a very, very limited budget using as many materials on the land as is possible.
I'm already running out of money and have yet to buy a boat and grass cutter, hopefully there are plenty of fish in the existing ponds, I should know better today.
Wish me luck. ]]> Degradable http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?670-Can-it-be-done http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?616-Can-anyone-help-Looking-for-Meditation-centers-for-beginners Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:36:24 GMT I have traveled extensively and i would have to say that Thailand is the best place i have ever been to. I love the people the culture the food and of cause the simplistic way of life. I Ive been fortunate enough to have traveled up Nth and Sth of... I have traveled extensively and i would have to say that Thailand is the best place i have ever been to. I love the people the culture the food and of cause the simplistic way of life. I Ive been fortunate enough to have traveled up Nth and Sth of Thailand and now wish to endeavor on a spiritual practice in Thailand.

If anyone is out there that could recommend a good temple for meditation and learning the teachings i would be most grateful. I have done meditation for years but not Buddhist meditation so i guess i'm a beginner.

Can anyone help? ?
:blush: ]]> cupcakes10 http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?616-Can-anyone-help-Looking-for-Meditation-centers-for-beginners http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?614-Seeking-advice Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:46:41 GMT Hello to All, I would like some advice from locals in Thailand or visitors having been there knowing which area/places would most benefit from the following idea of mine: I would like to send a box of goods (clothing and so on) to an area... Hello to All,

I would like some advice from locals in Thailand or visitors having been there knowing which area/places would most benefit from the following idea of mine:


I would like to send a box of goods (clothing and so on) to an area where this would benefit. Either from reselling for those in poverty or remaking into something else.

I know it sounds crazy, and perhaps it's just so much easier to send money. And how would I ever know that it's been put to good use? But, it's worth a shot.

If anyone has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate them.

Thanks :) ]]> MDM http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?614-Seeking-advice http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?558-Silly-Fools… Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:24:40 GMT Image: http://want2speakthaijarvis1000.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/sillyfools-juicy.jpg?w=350 Who would have ever thought that I would love Thai rock music? I still remember the first Rock song I heard was by a group called Black head! Not long... Who would have ever thought that I would love Thai rock music? I still remember the first Rock song I heard was by a group called Black head! Not long after that I was introduced to Loso, Taxi, Palmy, and many others. Loved them!

I haven’t been in Thailand for 10 years now (Man that’s a long time!), so I am not up to date with all the current fads. However, when I was there, my favorite Band was Silly fools. My favorite album would also have to be Juicy! Their music was entertaining and fun to sing too!

You can learn so much Thai when you learn to sing it. Words in songs don’t help you learn how to order a plate of rice, but they are words or phrases that can and do come up in a regular conversation believe it or not. It’s amazing the usefulness one Thai song can have

An example

Lets take for example a song by Silly Fools called Khii Heung(¢ÕéËÖ§). Right there is a useful phrase. It uses the Thai Grammar point of ¢Õé(khii), which by itself means to defecate or the defecation itself, and adds it to the word ËÖ§ which means to be jealous, like a lover would be jealous of a potential rival. Together make the descriptive word: ¢ÕéËÖ§, which means a tendency to be a jealous partner.

Believe it or not, after hearing this song and looking that word up in the dictionary, the very next day someone was telling me about their friends husband and she refered to him as ¢ÕéËÖ§. It was so excited I didn’t have to say, what does that mean? In fact I almost stopped listening to what she said because I was so proud of myself.

I could go on and find more examples in this one song, but I don’t have to! You can go on YouTube and not just watch the video, but read the lyrics at the same time! This is the other fun part about Thai culture They love Karaoke! Every Thai album comes out with a Karaoke version of it! How great is that!

Anyway, here is the full song and video for you viewing pleasure. See what you can learn from it.

]]> Jarvis1000 http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?1085-new-Auris Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:54:00 GMT The first thing Toyota tried to address with the new Auris is its predecessor's bland looks with a sharper and more distinctive styling that borrows the new “face” of the brand as seen on the Prius C and the Yaris models. Whether or not it succeeded is something we'll let you decide and tell us in the comments section below.

According to the Japanese brand, the Toyota Auris 2013 has the distinction of sitting lower than any other mainstream C-segment model. It's also worth mentioning that its overall height is 55mm (2.2 inches) less than the outgoing model while it sports a lower front end design, both of which help it achieve a Cd0.28 drag coefficient.

The new Auris rides on a modified version of the previous model's platform keeping the same 2,600mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase and 1,760mm (69.3 inches) width, but is 30mm (1.2 inches) longer at 4,275mm (186 inches).

The interior of the compact has been completely redesigned with Toyota promising higher quality materials and a more detailed attention in the use of lighting, colours and finishes throughout.

Toyota says that smart packaging has improved the driving position and added 20mm to rear seat knee room and 90mm to the loadspace length, with all hatchback versions providing more luggage space at 360 liters, up from 350 liters.

The repositioning of the battery pack beneath the rear seat on the Auris Hybrid allows the latter to boast the same load capacity as the regular model.

Another highlight of the new model is the attention paid to weight management, with greater use of high tensile steel, particularly in the upper part of the body structure.

According to Toyota, this contributes to a 10 per cent increase in body stiffness and an overall vehicle weight saving of up to 40kg / 88 pounds, depending on the version.

The European model, which will be manufactured exclusively at Toyota's Burnaston factory in the UK, will be offered at launch with a 1.4-liter turbo diesel as well as 1.33 and 1.6-litre petrol engines.

In Hybrid trim, the new Auris will use a development of the current 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor setup with a nickel-metal hydride battery.

Toyota says that it expects each powertrain type – petrol, diesel or full hybrid –to represent around 1/3rd of Auris sales overall.

A BMW-sourced diesel is expected to join the range down the line.

In Japan, the new 2013 Auris will be available through "Netz" dealers with a 1.5-liter petrol engine and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive and a 1.8-liter petrol engine with front wheel drive and either a CVT-I or a six-speed manual gearbox.

Toyota said it will announce details on sales introduction, specifications and prices at a later date. ]]> traka http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?1085-new-Auris http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?554-Chonburi-Buffalo-racing-festival Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:07:00 GMT Something I'd not seen before ... Buffalo racing ... Held around October time in Chonburi town.

]]> hoistman http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?554-Chonburi-Buffalo-racing-festival http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?552-How-did-I-do Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:58:44 GMT In my last post I set several goals as I was getting ready to get through my weekend of Thai. Now I thought I would let people know how I did. It was a very interesting journey, but one that I think helped me a lot to know where I am and how much... In my last post I set several goals as I was getting ready to get through my weekend of Thai. Now I thought I would let people know how I did. It was a very interesting journey, but one that I think helped me a lot to know where I am and how much further till I get to where I want to be.

Input Goals

First of all I had an input goal to read the first book of the Mannii reader. This I did in a about 10 minutes. That is about what I expected. I had hoped to come back and read the 2nd Mannii reader book, but I didn’t get the chance. Either way I did complete the minimum of my goal.

The second part was I wanted to complete several Audio lessons of the Intermediate Thai and Colloquial Thai audio companions to the books of the same names. Just to clarify how I judge my ability to complete an Input activity. If I can understand at least 80 to 90 percent of what is being said, then I feel I have mastered that activity. I don’t judge myself on my ability to speak Thai during input activities. These are two different skills and they must be judged separately. I wrote a whole post about it on another blog

I had a problem with the colloquial Thai audio in how I put it on my Ipod(it had no albums and so all the ‘tracks’ got jumbled together). I decided I would just focus on the Intermediate Thai Audio. Read more ]]> Jarvis1000 http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?552-How-did-I-do http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?542-Get-ready-Get-set-Go! Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:48:17 GMT This picture is of the Thai Long Boat races. The first time I saw this was in Pitsanulok. It was one of the most interesting things I have ever seen. It is interesting to me because it seems like it would be so easy for it to go of course. But they race these boats all the Thim and go pretty much straight. If you watch each person on that team is paddling with all their mite! They have one goal and they go as hard as they can.

Due to other commitments I don’t study Thai during the week, other than that which is required to help me write my course. Now that the weekend is almost here, I need to set some tough goals for getting things accomplished this weekend. Once I set them I will go as hard as I can!

Input Goals

I will complete at least one Manii reader book. I hope to do two. I also be listening to Intermediate Thai Podcasts and colloquial Thai Audio that comes with the colloquial Thai book. I know I said I would start at the beginning and maybe speaking I can get away with it, but it’s too boring to listen to basic Thai audio.

Output Goals

I want to do One or two lessons on Typing in Thai. I also want to complete at least 4 episodes of Pimsleur Thai. The FSI and Pimsleur will be done at, 4 episodes at a time. This will hopefully challenge me.

There they are. My goals for this weekend. I will report on Monday how my goals went. Wish me luck! ]]> Jarvis1000 http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?542-Get-ready-Get-set-Go! http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?540-how-is-it-done Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:58:58 GMT my 6 year gf came to usa and we married now 9 mnonths later she returned to thailand and i was to follow several weeks later, now to my surprise she twlls me she wants a divorce, how do i do this now she is in thailand and we married in californai my 6 year gf came to usa and we married now 9 mnonths later she returned to thailand and i was to follow several weeks later, now to my surprise she twlls me she wants a divorce, how do i do this now she is in thailand and we married in californai ]]> rjsadman http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?540-how-is-it-done http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?539-Thoughts-on-creating-a-course Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:24:53 GMT Recently I have decided I would resurect my Thai and bring it from fluency to professional level. I also decided I wanted to try and make a Thai Course Since I only study Thai on the weekend, during the week my only exposure would be to my... Recently I have decided I would resurect my Thai and bring it from fluency to professional level. I also decided I wanted to try and make a Thai Course

Since I only study Thai on the weekend, during the week my only exposure would be to my introductory Thai course that I am creating. I thought this would be an interesting way to revive my dormant Thai, by not just studying from the beginning, but creating a method for others to follow me into fluency as well. The hardest part is to not putting too much in my course.

Wouldn’t more be better?

Have you ever been to a buffet? It’s all you can eat and there is a huge variety of food. The choices are endless. You are allowed to choose and no one stands in your way. The interesting thing, for me anyway, is that even though there is a large variety, I typically go to the same things each time. I may grab a couple of other things for variety, but I get the same food every time I go to that same buffet.

Same thing goes for Cable/satellite. You buy all these 300 channel packages and where does most of your time spend? Watching 3 or 4 channels. half of those are the free ones you would have without cable.

Why is that? I really have no idea. There are probably many things going on that keep me and probably others from straying to far away. I think one part of it is that we want a lot of a little instead of a little of a lot. We don’t want to just sample, we want to partake. Of course we could try to get a lot of a lot, but then that creates indigestion. Ok I am done with the food analogy.

What does that have to do with your course?

After you are further along in a language, you now have this all you can eat buffet of knowledge you want to share.(sorry I can’t help it, I think maybe I should eat lunch). The thing is that if I was to put all that in one course, your mind would explode after a few seconds. So yes I have cut a lot of what most people would teach in a basic Thai course. What is left is what I consider the most important part for one starting a new course, that is how to make the sentences You want to say. You will learn how to say chicken and you will learn how to say matches later, but learning how to say one hundred or so words that are used in almost 90 percent of the conversations you will have. And then learn how to manipulate them and move them around so that you can improvise your own sentences is the most important skill to have in Thai or any language for that matter.

So the plan is that now I will use this blog as my outlet for all things that I love about Thai. Thai culture from my point of view will become a regular topic. Of course Thai food has been my favorite since I was there. The more complex and more subtle things about Thai is what I will talk about. And of course I will also talk about my evolution from someone who has Fluency in the language, but is lacking in-depth and breadth, to someone who is very proficient at a professional level. Thats the plan. I hope I make it. ]]> Jarvis1000 http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?539-Thoughts-on-creating-a-course http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?341-Phuket-Vegetarian-Festival-an-amazing-spectacle Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:32:28 GMT This was something that I attend every year - wonderful, but do I understand it all no - but do you need to? http://timinphuket.blogspot.com/ This was something that I attend every year - wonderful, but do I understand it all no - but do you need to?

http://timinphuket.blogspot.com/ ]]> timinphuket http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/entry.php?341-Phuket-Vegetarian-Festival-an-amazing-spectacle