Pattaya – the Best of the City’s Wining and Dining Scene

The city meets this demand admirably with a plethora of venues dedicated to satisfying the needs of the hungry and thirsty. A large number of establishments are aimed specifically at tourists, while others continue to provide the same fare to the same Thai clientele that they always have.

For lunch, fast food lovers will find the City Grill restaurant on Walking street a good call, with its excellent selection of burgers, hot dogs and similar fare, while Bob's BBQ & Grill makes some pretty awesome Wagon Wheel burgers and tasty barbecued ribs. In addition, a branch of the famous chain Subway is located on Pattaya Klang road and sells the usual impressive selection of hearty sandwich creations.

For a lunch with a distinctly English flavour, Pat’s restaurant on soi 3 is well -known for its fish and chips, pie and chips and Sunday roasts, while the Queen Victoria Inn on soi 6 has favourites like shepherd's pie, ploughman's lunch and Cumberland sausage with mash.

Come sunset, hunger will be creeping up on you again and it’ll be time to find an evening dining destination. The selection in this category is a good deal wider than that of lunchtime venues, with many establishments only opening their doors for evening business including many Thai eateries of the roadside variety.

The stalls of Thai food vendors are ideal places at which to find cheap and authentic local cuisine. As long as you don’t mind the absence of competent English speakers and the grit and grime of the roadside setting, these stalls are great places to enjoy an evening meal.

If you still want Thai food but in a more pleasant environment, then Somsak on soi 1 offer authentic cuisine at affordable prices, while Baan Thai on Central road presents a nouvelle cuisine approach to Thai food (and its prices reflect this). For dining alongside live performances, head for PIC Kitchen on soi 5 or Adam & Eve’s at Sabai Jai Village, Sukumvit road.

International options in Pattaya are plentiful and include French, Belgian, German, English, Italian, Mexican, Japanese and Indian. While international establishments are invariably run by Thai staff, the proprietors are generally foreign and on hand to oversee operations.

Pattaya has a good selection of French eateries among which is Mon Ami Pierrot on Walking street and Au Bon Coin on soi 5 (the latter having the better reputation of the two). At Klein Vlaanderen on the Pattaya 2nd road customers can enjoy authentic Belgian cuisine, as they can at Patrick's Belgian situated at the Diana Arcade. Italian food is best enjoyed at either Duilio's on Central road or at Little Italy situated opposite the Royal Garden Plaza. Pattaya’s finest restaurants

For a good curry of the Indian variety, Ali Baba on Central road or Sher E Punjab on Beach road should fit the bill, while Yamato on soi Yamato is a safe bet for Japanese cuisine. Daidomon at Big C and the Royal Garden Plaza also offer Japanese food although they have a chain-restaurant feel. Finally, if it’s tacos and chili you are after try out the Mexican cuisine at either the Tequila Reef on soi 7 or the Blue Parrot on soi 2.

After dinner, the appeal of an ice cold beer or wine cooler at one of Pattaya’s watering holes may well encourage you to set off in search of the best spot at which to enjoy a pleasant drink. Depending on the kind of character you are after, you may want to take advantage of the city’s abundant girly-bar selection, a booming scene which dominates the main drinking area known as Walking street.

It is however possible to avoid the venues associated with this scene. Kilkenny's Irish Pub, for example, is a great little place to enjoy a drink with likeminded individuals, as is the Bamboo Bar on Walking street. On Beach road, the Hard Rock Café, Hopf Brew House and Rosie O'Grady's offer pleasant ambiences with no skin trade associations. For a pub with a traditional English atmosphere and beverages to match, try the Queen Victoria Inn on soi 6 of the Pattaya 2nd road, while Shenanigans, located on the same road, is a cheery Irish style venue.

To be entirely sure of avoiding the riff-raff and not having to be accosted by flirtatious young Thai ladies, visitors are advised to seek out the bars at the city’s respectable hotels such as the All Seasons on Pattaya 2nd road, Sheraton in Pattaya Hill, Royal Orchid Resort in North Pattaya and Marriot on Beach road. Best Pattaya bars While these venues are unlikely to raise the roof, they do offer quiet and upmarket settings where drinks may be pricey but the atmosphere is anything but cheap.

These hotels and others of a similar rating all have their own restaurants and it’s worthwhile considering enjoying a high quality meal of either Thai or international food in one of their dining suites before retiring for a relaxing drink in the bar.

Krabi Holiday At The Pimalai Resort And Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand

A Krabi Holiday at the Pimalai Resort and Spa Koh Lanta, Krabi really begins at Krabi pier after your long international flight when you catch the hotel's cruiser that will take you to Lanta Yai.

After a short but comfortable trip of around 50 minutes you will arrive to find a waiting buggy at the pier. This will gently wind its way up the hill, stopping to allow you to enjoy the view.

Pimalai is spectacular and the view of Ba Kan Tiang Bay is simply amazing, and you will already be glad you have picked this hotel in Krabi for your Thai Holidays, and that will be even before properly arriving!!.

Reception at the Pimalai is behind a small lilly filled pool with fountains, you will find reception and a cold towel, a cool refreshing drink and a garland of jasmine will greet you, before you will be escorted to your accommodation

Luxury is the keyword here which is why the Pimalai has a reputation as one of the top resorts and spas to be found in Thailand, and absolutely right for a Thailand Honeymoon.

There is a variety of accommodation available from the superior rooms in sixteen clusters of two storey buildings, each room has 48 square metres of living space, followed by the Deluxe Rooms with views of Ba Kan Tiang Bay and has more than 70 square metres of living space.

There are a number of one bedroom suites, and these Pavilion Suites have 110 square metres of living space, and then there are the two bedroom Pavilion Suites measuring 170 square metres.

Finally the luxury extends to one, two, and three bedroomed Beach Villas , the two and three bedroom villas having their own infinity pool.

All accommodation units are beautifully furnished with the TV/DVD/CD systems you would expect in a world class resort.

When it comes to eating the main restaurant the Ban Pimalai offrers breakfast lunch and dinner overlooking the infinity pool and the bay, and you can choose Thai or western.

Spice and Rice restaurant is very elegant and air-conditioned, offering Thai cuisine.

The Rak Talay Bar & restaurant is open from before lunch to almost midnight and offers everything from snacks, pizzas, to grilled seafood.

As you would expect there is a pool bar and a lobby bar, and food in the restaurants is good, plus the fact there is enough variety not to let you get bored

It is fair to say that the prices for food and drink in the hotel are high, but then you expect that when you are in a top five star Thai hotel. If this is a problem to you there is a nearby solution in the beach restaurant Same Same but Different, or the Baan Lanta, and the laid back Why Not Bar all within walking distance of the hotel.

The Spa is a great experience, not to be missed and is especially geared to couples which is one of the reasons it is such a great place for a Thailand Honeymoon.

Some people might find the Pimalai too isolated, but it really is a Thai Krabi Holiday Paradise. The staff are helpful, and friendly if you are friendly. Some people seem to get a status attack when they go to luxury hotels, and then complain the staff are not obliging, and wonder why!!

10 Ways to Spot a Katoey in Thailand

Have you heard the term katoey or ladyboy before? These creatures have been encountered by many first timers (and even some second and third timers) in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, much to the chagrin of the unsuspecting mark. What is a katoey? It is quite simply a transsexual or transvestite and they are quite common in Thailand.

The thing is that many of the Thai ladyboys are actually quite beautiful and unless you know what to look for can be easy to miss, even if you are close up and personal with them. Of course copious amounts of alcohol doesn't help matters, so here I've put together the top 10 ways to spot a ladyboy or katoey when you're in Thailand. Avoid reading this list at your own peril.

1. Look at your new friends hands and feet. Thai girls typically are small and their hands and feet are very small and petite to match. If the girl has lumberjack hands or size 12 heels on there is a distinct possibility she is a he.

2. Look for an Adams apple. Girls don't have them, not ever.

3. Too much makeup. Thai girls generally wear very little if any makeup. If the girl has a thick layer of foundation on and enough makeup for a Vegas dancer then she is probably a ladyboy.

4. Tall. Thai girls are generally short, 5' 4" or less. If the girl is near to 6' tall then either she is a model or a katoey. If she's flirting with you (a foreign tourist), then the odds are she is NOT a model (unless you look like Brad Pitt), you are very likely being targeted by a ladyboy.

5. She is more beautiful than you can believe. If the girl is tall and beautiful and is NOT a model then it's a good bet she is a ladyboy. Katoeys work very hard to make themselves as beautiful as possible, even going to the length of having surgery done. Eyes, lips, breasts, and even the cut and tuck, though from all accounts most katoeys are cross dressers without the final surgery.

6. If she has facial hair she is a katoey. Don't laugh, I've actually seen guys dancing with girls that have a 5 o'clock shadow. Thai girls are for the most part hairless, even on their arms and legs and certainly on their faces.

7. Thai girls are very feminine, quite likely some of the most feminine women on the planet. If your girl is muscular or has a hard athletic body there is a chance that she is a katoey. This can be sometimes confusing because Cambodian girls are typically more muscular than Thai's, but they are also generally very short and dark skinned.

8. If the girl has a penis (not TOO hard to figure out is it) then she is a ladyboy. Many katoeys will go for a grope of your crotch shortly after meeting you and this is the perfect chance for you to return the favor. Sometimes it isn't as easy to tell if there is a bulge there or not as some ladyboys will go as far as to tuck or even tape their privates up underneath their crotch.

9. If she won't undress in front of you or wants to have sex in the dark all the time she may be a katoey. Thai girls are shy in public, but can be quite forward in private and most have very little shyness when it comes to sex. I've heard stories of guys who had no idea they were with a ladyboy until the next morning which is actually believable if the girl wants to suck you off all night or do it from behind or if you're that drunk. If there is a question in your mind do a quick grope or throw some surprise light on the subject, it may be YOU who ends up with the bigger surprise.

10. Take a look at her friends. Ladyboys tend to run and hunt in packs like wolves. If her group of friends are obvious katoeys themselves then your little lady may be one as well.

I'm sure this list isn't comprehensive and there are other ways to tell if your prospective hookup is a katoey or ladyboy. Please leave a comment if you have other ways that you use to figure out if she is really a he or if you have some interesting or fun stories about the katoeys and ladyboys of Thailand.

Ladyboys of Phuket

When I first told my friends that I was planning an extended stay in Thailand, it is amazing how many times I heard the same stupid reply - "watch out for them ladyboys!" Again and again, I heard this inane comment until it really started to grate. Everybody making the same stupid joke as if it was clever and original. What a ridiculous stereotype of Thailand, I thought. As if there are ladyboys everywhere you go.

The funny thing is, once I moved to Thailand, I soon discovered that ladyboys, or katoeys as they are known in Thailand, really are everywhere. It is not just a handful of them working the tourist resorts. You will see them working in shops and restaurants. Even if you go out into the country, you will find katoeys. They really are everywhere.

In fact, I had not been here long before I had a personal acquaintance who was a katoey. One of the things I noticed was just how comfortable other Thais were in her company. Straight Thai men were quite happy to give her compliments such as telling her how beautiful she looked. They all called her 'she' as it is polite and made her happy.

Personally, I was initially a little uncomfortable in her presence. I wasn't scared she would jump on me. She was a pleasant and well-balanced person. I was just a little unsure how to deal with her. It was the charming way the other Thais treated her that soon put me at ease.

What is a Katoey?

What exactly is a katoey? I had this discussion with a couple of western friends recently. They both live in Phuket and both said that you can only call someone a katoey if they have had gender altering surgery; otherwise, you should use the term ladyboy. This I feel is a western invented distinction. Katoey is a Thai word and that is not how it is used.

Thais use the term much more loosely. They use the term for any man who acts like a woman. Transgender male is probably the closest English term. Men who have gender altering surgery are katoeys. So are those who take hormones to create female attributes such as breasts. So are those who dress up like a woman. In fact, even gay men who put on a bit of make up and flounce around are referred to as katoeys.

Why so many Katoeys in Thailand?

By this definition, there certainly are plenty of katoeys in Thailand. So why is this phenomenon so much more common here than in other countries? It seems unlikely that there is a genetic reason for Thailand to have more transgender males than other countries. I think the reason is much more to do with the tolerant attitude of the Thai people.

There are many katoey TV stars, singers and models. They even have katoey beauty contests. There have been several katoey movies such as 'Beautiful Boxer' which is the true story of a katoey who became a champion Muay Thai fighter. She would often kiss her defeated opponents.

Katoeys seem to be a widely accepted part of Thai society. This is probably partly to do with the Buddhist religion and its preaching of tolerance towards others. However, other countries with a strong Buddhist influence (Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Laos, Japan) are not known for their ladyboys.

There must be something else at work. I think one strong factor is the Thai belief that life should be fun (sanook). When they see a katoey, they think it is fun. They will laugh and joke about it but not in a nasty way. They certainly will not hurl abuse or threats as might happen in western countries.

So the main reason why there are so many katoeys in Thailand is simply that Thai society is open and tolerant to them. It makes you wonder how many transvestites there might be in western countries if our societies were a little more forgiving.

How Many Katoeys Work in Phuket?

In the wake of the tsunami tragedy and the media feeding frenzy that followed, a friend sent me an article from a British newspaper. The reporter was in Phuket and obviously struggling to compete for attention with reporters at harder hit areas. So he did what a lot of reporters in Phuket did and started focusing on the seedier side of the local nightlife. Quite what this had to do with the tsunami tragedy I am not sure.

This particular reporter seemed to be fascinated with the ladyboy scene. He made a few sweeping generalisations about Phuket's nightlife, suggesting the whole island was truly a cesspit of debauchery. He then claimed there were 5,000 ladyboys working in Phuket's sex industry and a huge demand for their services.

Where did he get this figure? It seems like a very bold claim. Is there a census? Do the authorities make a ladyboy count? I really doubt there was a reliable statistic available to this reporter. Like most of his report, I think he just made it up but he obviously saw enough ladyboys around to think it was a reasonable guess.

Phuket's high season population is estimated to be around 500,000. If 5,000 of them are ladyboys then that would be 1% of the population. That would seem very unlikely but not totally inconceivable. But he said 5,000 actually working in the sex industry. Where was this army of available ladyboys?

At Soi Katoey in Bangla Road, Patong, there are always a few dancing at the front of the soi. There is another katoey bar at the back and Moulin Rouge ladyboy show. But surely even at the highest estimate, there could not be more than 50 ladyboys working in Soi Katoey. There are maybe another 30 performing at Simon Cabaret Ladyboy Show - does that even count as the sex industry? For the sake of argument, let's say it does. Then there is the gay area around Soi Paradise. There are quite a few ladyboys around this area but I think an estimate of 100 would be very generous.

There are a few ladyboys freelancing along the beachfronts where they annoy passing drunks. But really, they are not there in very high numbers. Let's be generous again and say 100. Have I missed any? Maybe there are a few dotted around other sex establishments.

So even if we round up my figures, we have a very generous guesstimate of 300 ladyboys active in the sex industry. I actually think that is probably extremely generous. A lot of the above figures are probably the same katoeys moving from location to location and I think I have overestimated all my guesses. The total figure could be as few as 100.

So I would say somewhere between 100-300 katoeys working in Phuket's sex industry. Certainly not 5,000 but then a figure of 100 would not make good press.

Men and Katoeys

So what about the demand for Katoeys? Are there really lots of men looking for their services? Since their most common approach seems to be trying to fool very drunk men, I would guess that their services are not massively in demand. I have met a few men who have had sexual encounters with katoeys. Most of them claim it was a drunken mistake.

I did meet one guy who happily proclaimed he had just been 'blown off' by two katoeys in his hotel room. He was rather proud of himself and certainly not claiming it was a mistake. You do meet some funny characters in Patong.

I guess there is some genuine demand for katoeys. Although they are active in the gay area, I do not think it is strictly a gay thing. Although they are made-up as women, I do not think it is a straight thing. But there is a hard-to-define group of men who do find katoeys attractive. Certainly, there is a lot of curiosity about them. Every month, the word 'katoey' is in the top 20 list of search keywords that have led people to our Phuket website. And we only have a small section on katoeys.

Negatives

Although katoeys are generally well accepted in Thai society there is still a negative side to their reputation. They do have a reputation for being spiteful and untrustworthy. I have personally met a few during my years in Thailand and I have to say that on the outside they all seemed well adapted and happy. However, I have also heard plenty of stories of katoeys involved in criminal activities such as pick pocketing and other thefts. They have also been known to harass and threaten passers-by late at night while looking for customers along the beachfronts.

These things certainly do happen but the scale of the problem is not clear. Whether katoeys really commit crime on a scale greater than other Thais is hard to judge.

They also have a reputation for being emotionally unbalanced. As I said, all the ones I have met have seemed fine. However, I think it is fair to say that the strains of their lives are very demanding and it is not surprising that many of them lose emotional control easily.

The tolerance of katoeys in Thai society is not absolute. Their families, particularly the fathers, sometimes reject them. Men who in most other ways are tolerant of katoeys, can still find it shameful to father one.

And the authorities' tolerance also has its limits. When a katoey volleyball team won the national championship, two of the team were selected for the national team. The government stepped in and blocked their selection. They did not think it was good for the country's image.

Saving Private Tootsie

In 2002, there was a Thai movie given the English title 'Saving Private Tootsie'. In this movie, a plane crash strands a group of katoeys in the jungle of a war torn neighbouring country. A group of macho Thai soldiers is sent to rescue them. The story revolves around the personality clashes between the flouncy katoeys and the macho soldiers as they try to escape this neighbouring country.

In the end, they all pull together to make the final crossing back to Thailand. The soldiers put aside their dislike for the katoeys and their leader returns home to finally accept his son, who is also a katoey.

The movie's message is one of tolerance that is typical of Thai society. At the end of the movie there is a nice quote from one katoey. "I may have been born in the wrong body, but at least I was born in the right country."

What Is So Special About Thai Girls ?

Thai girls are more conservative than women in many other countries and observe different customs.

You will gain a lot of respect and avoid embarrassment in Thailand if you follow Thai social rules and customs.

Be careful not to embarrass your lady. Holding hands, hugging or kissing in public, for example, are not permitted. Never lose your temper or speak out of line in Thailand.

Always show respect for Buddhist monks, temples and statues of the Buddha. Never touch a child's head and never point at anything with your foot.

Just a few simple rules to remember. Thailand is called the land of smiles so smile a lot and enjoy the wonderfully positive atmosphere around you.

Thailand is in the tropical zone. It is quite hot there from April through October but from November to March the climate is very enjoyable.

Compared with city dwellers in western countries, city residents in Thailand dress conservatively. Casual dress is acceptable in resort areas but sandals and shorts are not allowed in the cities, temples and in some restaurants.

Always remove your shoes before entering a temple (wat) or someone's house.

When traveling around Thailand, it is a good idea to use private transport and ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. Such transport is very affordable and travel arrangements can be made through a travel agent or at your hotel.

Traveling in comfort is an easy way to see the country and it will give you time to get to know your Thai girl.

Let her be your guide and show you the sights. The locals are usually very helpful and you can make friends easily.

Thailand is a great country to visit so relax and enjoy the atmosphere, the food and, of course, the company of the beautiful Thai girls.

Is Your Thai Girlfriend on 'the Game' (cheating on You)?

As soon as I arrived in Thailand, I came across her. The real treasure, the one I had been waiting for; the one who could see my real qualities. She was young, charming and interested in my welfare. She showed me love like I had never experienced before.

It has happened. You're hooked and the reel is spinning.

You love her, and you are sure that she loves you. She has told you and even demonstrated to you many times during your short stay in Thailand.

Unfortunately, the chosen one, the love of your life may very well be very different from who you think she is.

Something is for sure: If you have met her in a beer bar, go-go or a massage parlor, it is more likely that despite her immature behavior and her sincere responses that deeply touch you, she is in fact an awesome manipulator.

She will know how to string you along to pity her and to make you feel guilty, until you feel miserable.

Move you to pity her:

When she starts to talk about her financial problems (or those of her family) - her mother or father being sick in Isaan; the son or the brother who has to go to school in Bangkok; the roof of her parents' house that is leaking and need to be fixed…. Some time ago, the best excuse was the sick buffalo….

Make you feel guilty:

Asking you to give her this money in a devious way. Claiming that if you cannot help her, she will either have to return working in Pattaya (or where you met her), or she will have to find another farang. And placing the responsibility for all of these bills on you.

Some people call it 'The Game'. And it is played in many various ways with the rules continuously changing, so that she will be the only one to know what they are.

In most cases, you will help her to come out of 'hell'. Hell for you, but for her it's often a paradise together with a gold mine. She will promise to you that she will stay in her room or even in her family home in Kon Khaen (Isaan), waiting for your calls or your SMS's while watching TV. Once this affirmation has made its way into your brain, and together with all the evidence of her love for you during your stay, you will be able to return home, sad and depressed but confident that you have found, the right girl for you !?

Unfortunately, for you, this word, she has already promised it to one or two other farangs who were both as gullible and as madly in love with her as you are.

She will then ask you to send money to help her, calling on your pity, as we said before (the motives given here are only examples, but there are many more variations…). You will send money happily on her first requests (like the other two, three or four farang, and each of you will do this at the same time, and this will make her a good income to add to her regular job).

Then there will come the time when doubt and suspicion pop up between the two of you. Two or three phone calls unanswered, or a strange noise (for a room or a home in the country…) in the background; like the din of Thai disco or the noise of a go-go. Or another surprise, the "brother" who answers the phone.

And here comes the time when you will feel guilty. If you can't or don't want to pay anymore, the blackmail will start. It will be because of you (because you don't give her 'the little money' she asks you for - all farang are so rich!) if she has to return to work in 'hell' with all those bad farang who will abuse her. And if it is not enough she will tell you that she will be forced to find a (rich) farang who truly loves her - and her family.

But in that case, you will have already spent a lot of money and your heart will be wounded. You will have spent many sleepless nights, and your telephone bills will have jumped sky high.

"Thailand Private Investigator" is here to help you avoid these types of situations.

The danger for you, starts just after you leave, so get in touch with us while you are still in Thailand, or as soon as you arrive home, in order to keep the damage, both monetarily and emotionally to a minimum.

We have teams of Private Detectives whose specialize in this field, and we will be able to tell you very quickly if your sweet girl friend is on 'The Game' or not.

We have the skills and facilities to investigate (fidelity checks - Background Checks - Surveillance) and we are able to quickly ascertain if she is sticking to her word or if she has gone back to work, or even if she is lying to you in any other way.

We will be able to tell you if you are the sole farang in her live or if there are others.

Our "Private Eyes" will then be able to help you avoid all the heartaches, the expenses, and this bad taste that stays after the strange feeling of having been taken for a ride (one more).

Nobody wishes to take place in a game where the dice are loaded, so take action right now and get in touch with us.

Don't put your heart and money into the hands of the woman who really isn't the woman you thought she was during your stay here. These would be the wrong hands, so it is better to be sure first.

Contact us now by e-mail to: michelm@thailand-investigation.com and visit our web site http://www.thailand-investigation.com - so that we can help to put your mind at ease

The Special Characteristics Of Thai Women

Thai women are very beautiful and, unlike many Asian women, they usually don't gain much weight as they age. They are delightful companions.

Thailand's economy is booming, but there is still a wide gap between rich and poor. Many people in Bangkok live in slums and many people in the North and Northeast are poor peasants.

They have traditionally sent their daughters to massage parlors or allowed them to be the second wives of rich men.

Yet many prostitutes in Bangkok are well-educated and relatively affluent.

Some work regular jobs during the day and simply supplement their incomes by working parttime as escorts or hanging around certain coffee shops late at night where foreigners know to come.

Educated Bangkok women who aren't prostitutes are among the `nice' women of Asia most willing to go out with foreign men on a date.

They're relatively sophisticated and exposed to Western ways. Yet they retain the traditional virtues of honoring their husbands and being faithful.

They have a nudity taboo, but are not inhibited physically, because they're not taught by their religion that the body and sex is evil. They know men need and want sex and their role is to give is to their husbands.

Even when they don't like it as much as you, they don't have headaches. English is taught in Thai schools, so educated Thais speak it fairly well.

One thing to remember if you start to stay with one for a length of time, even a bar girl, is that they are jealous.

Many Thai men do have mistresses. They keep them apart from their main family.

Many Thai men go to massage parlors and many Thai women even encourage this, but only because there's no emotional entanglement.

Traditionally, Thai women picked out their husband's second wife when he could afford one, but the first wife's status was guaranteed.

Learning to Speak Thai

The main problem with learning to speak Thai is that the basis of the language is not European-based. English and the other Euro languages have Latin, Greek, Viking, etc., roots; Thai does not, so you have to memorize hundreds, if not thousands, of strange and unrelated sounds. This is difficult, unless you use some sort of memory trigger.

Speak Easy Thai is a low-cost (about US$25) CD-ROM that helps solve this problem by presenting a picture and a sound file; all words are spoken by a native Thai speaker, so you hear the correct tone.

If you see a Thai word printed in a book, such as a travel guide, chances are you will not remember the word because there is nothing to hang your hat on.

But when you see a picture of something and hear it spoken properly in Thai, your brain will find it much easier to remember the word because it seems to set up more associations (hypertext links, if you will) in your brain.

It’s a fact that most people learn better visually and aurally than they do by simply reading and trying to memorize. This is, in fact, how children learn. They hear the words spoken by adults and other children, and repeat them. Young children learn to speak a language well before they can read.

Thai uses its own alphabet, rather than pictograms like Chinese, which makes it much easier to learn than Chinese. You just have to get over the hump of reading the Thai characters. The alphabet contains the same letters as English, but they are drawn differently. For example, all the common consonants and vowels exist in Thai, but a Thai G (or P or M) does not look like an English G (or P or M).

But the best part of learning Thai is the grammar, believe it or not, because there is very little to learn. There are no, absolutely NO verb conjugations, which will please anyone who has ever tried to learn one of the Latin-based languages like French, Italian, and Spanish. Future tense is handled with "ja", meaning "will", or by adding an adverb of time, like "tomorrow". Past tense is handled by putting "already" at the end, or by adding an adverb of time, like "yesterday". For example, instead of saying, "I went to the market", you use the present tense ("go") but add "already" at the end, as in "I go market already". Easy peasy.

Also, adjectives do not change form, you don’t have to worry about the sex of a noun because all nouns are neuter. Adjectives always follow the noun, without exception; you say "house big" rather than "big house".

General plurals are done by doubling the noun: "house house" instead of "houses". Specific plurals use the same construction we use in English for groups, as in "The farmer has three head of cattle". You can’t say "I have three children" in Thai, you must say "I have child three person"; "child" is the noun, "person" is the group word, also known as a "classifier".

Adverbs are easy too, no variations. You can add emphasis by doubling the adverb: "He runs quickly quickly".

The most difficult part of learning Thai is that it is a tonal language. English uses tones on sentences. Compare these three statements:

"You’re going to the party."
"You’re going to the party?"
"You’re going to the party!"

They all use the same English words, but the tone (flat, rising, falling, respectively) gives an entirely different meaning to each sentence.

Thai uses tones on words, but not on sentences. For example, "seu-ah" spoken with a flat (mid-range) tone means "clothing"; "seu-ah" spoken with a rising tone means "tiger". So you must be careful to learn the correct tone for each word, otherwise you might be saying "my tiger is dirty" when what you meant is "my clothing is dirty". There is no doubt that this is the hardest part of learning Thai, and the only way to learn the correct tone is to listen to a native Thai speaker saying the word.

Thai Food for Health

Dining in the UK is, like so many aspects of modern life, sometimes a compromise. In days gone by, when gender roles conformed to long-established stereotypes, a housewife would prepare a full, cooked meal for the family to share in the evening. These days, when it is more likely that both partners in a relationship will have careers, time is at a premium and many begrudge time spent cooking after a busy day at work. Consequently, takeaway food and restaurant meals account for a larger part of our diet then ever before.

While many of us avoid the kind of fast food that we consider to be junky American imports, such as burgers and greasy fried chicken, we do not seem to be so aware of the health aspects of other cuisines which, although established, are also relative newcomers to our shores.

Health in diet and lifestyle is a modern obsession. We shy away from overdoing the very obvious unhealthy foods. We limit our intake of cakes, sweets, chips, but we are less wary of eating Indian and Chinese restaurant meals or takeaways – perhaps several times a week – even though, at the back of our minds, we know that these are often as full of fat, sugar and salt as the more obvious junk foods.

Of the imported cuisines popular in the UK, Thai food offers one of the most consistently healthy and well-balanced diets available. Its various techniques and components are a fusion of contributions made by the Asian, European and African cultures that, at various periods, took advantage of the trade routes upon which Thailand was so well placed. It is almost as if it has embraced all the best elements from the many influences that played parts in its evolution, while leaving out most of the things which we now know are not healthy to eat.

An article in the health section of the BBC’s website stated that the popular Indian dish chicken tikka masala with pilau rice typically contains around 47g of fat, while a similar Thai food choice, stir fried chicken with plain steamed rice (phad khing hai) has just 13g of fat of which only 3g is saturated fat. The difference is striking, and the more dishes one compares, the greater the contrast one sees between the two cuisines so far as healthy eating considerations are concerned.

As well as a healthy, balanced overall diet, the individual ingredients used in Thai cooking are well known for their benefits and, in many cases, they are actually used in Southeast Asian medicine.

Turmeric, for example, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, both of these qualities are known to play a part in preventing the development of cancer.

Lemongrass, a lovely, fragrant, lemony herb is used in Chinese medicine in the treatment of colds and flu-like bugs. It is also known to help maintain good digestion.

Galangal is a variant of ginger and, as such, shares many of its properties. Galangal is particularly renowned for its effectiveness in relieving digestive problems and gastric disorders. It is also reputed to assist in the reduction of pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.

Chillies, cayenne in particular, have recently come to the attention of western researchers. Indications are that chillies and their extracts may be beneficial in maintaining a healthy cardio-vascular system, and in supporting the body’s ability to produce insulin. Some researchers have also found positive impact on certain skin conditions, and on digestion. Another, quite unusual, benefit of chillies is that they are known to combat insomnia, so your delicious Thai meal will also help you to sleep soundly at night!

Coriander is well known throughout Asia and is one of the most vital ingredients common to most cuisines from that region. Like many of the other herbs used in Thai cooking, it is known to aid good digestion, and is reputed to encourage a strong immune system, thus helping to defend against common minor illnesses.

Coconut milk is believed to assist in the lowering of LDL, a form of cholesterol which is harmful at high levels. It also helps to raise levels of more desirable fatty substances that the body needs in order to function optimally. Like coriander, coconut milk is known for its immunity boosting properties. Some of its components are also known to inhibit some of the effects of aging.

Kaffir Lime Leaves have antioxidant properties like several of the ingredients we have mentioned already. Kaffir is said to purify the blood and assist digestion, while promoting dental and oral health. Kaffir is one of the main flavours used in Thai cuisine.

But there is more to the healthy eating aspect of the Thai diet than the individual properties of its ingredients: one should not underestimate the importance of the freshness of Thai herbs. Where many Asian cooking styles use a lot of dried spices and extracts, Thai cooking tends to make use of fresh herbs in their natural, whole state rather than extracts. Whole foods of any kind are now widely recognised, even in the west, as being the healthier option, and should be preferred over processed or powdered derivatives.

The popularity of salads, fish and seafood mean that there are plenty of alternatives to red meat. That said, body builders and macho traditionalists who don’t consider a meal to be a real meal unless it contains a decent helping of red meat would find that a Thai menu caters for them too.

As with all cuisines, there are some things best enjoyed in moderation. If one ate only dishes rich in coconut milk, for example, then one might reasonably expect to add a few inches to one’s waistline. Similarly, someone on a diet may decide to opt for plain or fragrant, rather than fried, rice dishes in order to keep the calories down, but the great thing about Thai cuisine is that meals are generally composed with all elements very well balanced, so it is most likely that a full meal would contain all these marvellous ingredients in just the right proportions.

Few dietary experts would dispute that the Thai diet is one of the most intrinsically healthy in the world.

Think Seriously Before Sending Money to Thai Girls

Thai Girls Dream

Back in the days when I taught English in Bangkok, beautiful 19 to 21 year old Thai girls dominated all of my classes. One of the topics my students enjoyed was “describe your perfect partner”. On the top of the list of attributes that their partner must have is “a load of money”.

Lots of foreigners (falangs) fall in love in Thailand. Newcomers to Thailand should never attempt to find the girl of their dreams until they have become familiar with Thai culture and the ways of the girls. A high percentage of foreigners choose bar girls for their partners. In this article I will discuss sending money to bar girls.

Financial Support

If you really have met the love of your life in Pattaya or another part of Thailand then you will probably ask her to stop working in the bar and will feel obliged to give her some financial support while you are slogging away earning more money in your own country. If you don’t feel obliged then she hasn’t done her job.

Think Seriously Before Sending Money To Thai Girls

Before you enter into any such agreement with your Thai lady consider this. She has stopped working in the bar but she misses her Thai mates in the bar. If she remains in Pattaya when you return to your country then it will be very difficult for her to stop working or even visiting her friends at the bar.

Thai Girl Sex and Money

She might say she loves you and maybe she does but these girls have a different slant on sex and love. Sex is just a way to make money and if she can make more money on top of the cash that you send her then she is a real winner.

She also gains face with her bar girl sisters and employer. She becomes the one who can sustain a relationship while still working in the bar. This gains her “face”.

There are too many foreigners in Pattaya ready to open their big fat wallets for the services of a pretty lady. I highly advise you to read "After the Rush" before sending money to your Thai girl in Pattaya Thailand.You will find it here http://www.thaigirls.pattaya-bar-girls.com

The report exposes eight money sending issues you should carefully consider. It will guide you through the important steps you should take before you send money to a girl in Thailand..

The Loot

If you have decided to send your sweet honey some money here is something to consider before handing over the dosh (money).

You might count up the number of months you're going to be with out the apple of your eye, say 4 months, and decide to give her a lump sum for the whole 4 month period to save messing around with bank transfers.

That might be a total of 40,000 baht if you are feeling generous and a lot of falangs give more than that. Or it could be less say 30,000 baht.

Why You Should Not Send One Large Sum

Whatever the amount I highly advise you to think again. Unless you have tons of spare cash and you don't give a hoot, don't give your honey the lump sum unless you are planning not to see her ever again.

Why?

Because it will cause her pain and it will probably frustrate you. Here is the Scenario

Her Pain

Darling has 40,000 baht cash in hand. She of course must tell her family of her good fortune.

It is then guaranteed that someone in the family chain will concoct a better reason for he or she to have that 40,000 baht rather than your deserving sweetheart.

Emotional Blackmail

Your sweetheart will be placed in a compromising situation. I've observed the stress of a Thai honey that has been emotionally blackmailed to hand over the loot. She cried and fell into a sad state for two or three days before parting with her pot of money. That's her pain.

Your Turn Another Hand Out

Now you will have to cough up those lousy bank transfer fees you thought you were avoiding and send her some more loot.

Now will you use your logic mind and send another 40,000 baht or will you put the brakes on and organize your brain. Think how you will feel if the loot slips through your honey's fingers a second time.

Realise this, most Thai bar girls have completed just 6 years of education and do not have money management skills.You must step in and do it for her.

They are bogged down in the monthly. "I've got 40Gs I'm OK for this month". To save frustration and pain send honey the money monthly or even fortnightly.

Send her enough money to cover her living expenses, plus 3000 baht per month for her baby if she has one. A girl living in the province should be able to live comfortably on 7,000 baht per month (plus baby).

That's 10,000 baht per month. No more than that or you will cause more confusion.

You have to preempt and take control if you don't have unlimited funds.

Even if you do have unlimited funds it would be advantageous for you to give her some money management advice. Help her to understand why foreigners have budgets to manage their spending.

If your Thai lady has just enough to live on for two weeks she might think twice about giving her money away.There is a cheap way for you to transfer funds to Thailand. You can investigate that at your bank.

Thailand Women Dating for Marriage at Thai Dating Services

Thailand women dating for marriage at Thai dating services have been popular on the internet. Many Thai women dating online who are seeking for their life partners. There are free Thailand dating services and pay ones so online singles can select which one they need to register to. Most of Thailand online agencies provide free registration, then charge members a fee to contact with members. There are some free Thailand singles services that offer 100% free to their members because they really want to help Western guys with Thailand ladies. We have seen many Thailand dating services online which help Western men to meet with Thailand girls and get married through a Thailand agency or by themselves. Many Thailand girls have come to America by getting married with Western men through these Thailand dating sites. These free dating sites usually have some ads on the web site to pay for the host and domain. Thailand dating services are means for Western men to get married with Thailand brides effectively.

Many Thailand women register their profile with beautiful photos so that singles can contact them. Generally speaking, Thailand women are very beautiful and hard workers, as well as educated. They want to change their lives by getting married with Western men. Some Thailand girls can speak and understand English, but some have the language barrier. The most important reason that Thailand women like getting married with Western guys is because they are treated and respected better than Thailand men do. Statistics in recent years show that online Thailand dating services generate thousand of marriages a year. There are some Thai scams who take this advantage as a means to scam Western men's money. But this rarely happen now because Thai women are screened for any criminal background before selection through Internet agencies. Free Thai dating services just provide free dating services for members and you will be on your way after you get the other information, such as email address. Thanks to this modern electronic world, we can meet each other online just as a matter of minutes, through instant messenger or chat rooms or web cams.

The matter is that you need to be careful when dealing with specific members. Care is always the first policy that we all need to pay attention to. Not every profile on these Thai dating web sites are good profiles. Nobody guarantee this. Website owners do not have time to review each profile that is posted on their on line dating services. Also, some Thai females who just want to get married with Western men to come to that country. They will get divorced right after they get green card. So, you must be careful to learn from your Thai female before making decision to bring her to America. Tips for Western men and Thai brides: before deciding to get married with a Thai lady or Western men, please think about it carefully. Getting married is a big thing in your life. Thai women really need to make sure that you love the Western man you will be living with the rest of your life. Western men should pay precaution about your future Thai bride before bringing her to live with you.

Seeking Thailand women dating for marriage is easy and simple. So, are you ready to find special Thai girl? Do not wait. Take action now. Join these free Thai dating services to find that special soul mate of your dream.

Example

www.thaidarling.com

www.thailovelinks.com

www.aperfectwife.com

www.thailadies4you.net

www.siammatch.com

www.thaiwebsites.com

www.thai-professional.com/thaidatingservices

www.thaipromote.com

www.rakatook.com

Thai Girls And Thailand Travel In 5 Easy Steps

If you've hit an age where meeting attractive younger (than you) girls or women seems to be a wicked challenge, maybe it's time to consider opening your mind to new horizons. Yes I'm talking about Thai girls and Thai women here. And doing it from a guy who has lived in Thailand for the best part of four years.

But before we meet the perfect Thai girl, why Thailand? Maybe it's the attention. It's hard not to be taken by people who seem to be always smiling, welcoming and friendly. And with a great 'not too serious about anything much' attitude and the Thai Buddhist qualities, well, it's all quite compelling.

Anyway, Thailand is a world in itself, so be prepared to be amazed and have all your normal 'logical' thinking replaced with ongoing illogical and strange behavior. In other words, Thailand is a completely weird place. Just remember that when you travel to a foreign country, after you get there, you become the foreigner...

Amongst all its differences, the pleasures are true and fascinating. There's no doubt Thailand is a crazy world. But strangely enough, it seems to hang together well. And the proof is in the pudding... having thrown myself into this lifestyle, I now feel somewhat 'apprehensive' about having to travel to a Western country and meet Western people. Why would I feel that way?

Maybe because I've been immersed in smiling, polite Thai people who always welcomed me and wanted to know about me. Maybe because I've been surrounded by Thai food that is always so important everywhere you go. Food that... "shows how we delicately care about feelings of people." And then there's the Thai girls...

Let's talk about Thai girls and the Thai world through these 5 simple steps:

Step one: Go to http://yourthaigirl.com and read the downloadable ebook, (and while you're there sign up to the Thai Girl, Thai Life newsletter). In this ebook you'll learn all about Thai culture, lifestyle, and of course, Thai girls.

You get savvy on what to do, what not to do, when to do it, and where to go and do it. You'll know what it all means, and the ebook will give you the 'inside picture' to the world of Thailand.

Step two: Book your ticket to Thailand as soon as you can. When you arrive, prepare for the slam... the heat... an invisible hammer that hits you with its mighty force... rushes to greet you with the power of a thousand simmering angels...

And yet, before you know it, you'll be slipping down the long passageways inside the cool air conditioned airport. Get your bags, your bearings, your Thai girl book and prepare for your biggest journey. (Hey, Thailand is not as hot as you think :-)

Step three: Get out and meet and greet people. Prepare your name card, your few words of Thai, a nice hotel or resort with a funny name, and your best clothes. In this country, it pays to look good. Thai's like to be clean, fresh, and attractive. No kidding.

Step four: Just be you. Expect lots of questions. The Thai's want to learn English... speak English with you. You'll have a great, precious, remarkable time. Be adventurous. Be a tourist. Learn new things. Travel on the sky train.

Step five: That's it, all done. Remember though to keep light-hearted. The Thai's like to have fun, not be 'too serious' and will appreciate it if you show respect to the things that are important to them. The key word is enjoyment. Have fun.

Actually, there's really nothing to it. It's so easy (once you're here!) The main thing is to keep your calm, appreciate the beauty of Thai girls, seek out quality relationships, and let me know how it all goes, okay.

Key to Success in Dating Thai Girls?

Thai girls are considered one of the most beautiful women on the planet. No wonder many men want to date them. It is a well known fact that places like Bangkok or Phuket draw thousand of men each year in search for a Thai girl. No matter is you decide to go overseas to meet your match or want to date Thai girl next door there is a number of things you should know before you do the first move.

- First of all, remember that no matter what you’ve heard or seen, Thai girls are by nature shy and conservative as far as man/woman relationships are concerned. There are places in Bangkok and Phuket where these rules don’t apply but we’re assuming that your not there.

Taking this into account do not insinuate or expect getting laid after the first date.

- If you care about the girl, start off by inviting her for a coffee or lunch. This way you will gain trust and have a chance to meet the girl before you suggest ‘a real date’.

- Avoid bringing up her Thai origin at first date. It won’t do any good. Stick to neutral topics, ask her general questions about her likes and dislikes, family etc.

- If the family subject comes up tell her that you have a lot of respect for your parents and would love to meet hers at some point in the future. But beware - if you don’t plan to be with the girl long-term, don’t let her introduce you to her parents. It is a commitment and a humiliation for the girl if you leave her soon after. In Thailand family bonds are really strong and children are always full of respect for their parents.

- Thai women look for independent, confident man that can give them a sense of security. Look sharp, presentable, but don’t overdo it.

- Don’t try to impress her too much at the first date. Most of those women have been exposed to western culture before and have heard and seen it all.

- Show up on time. If you can’t, let her know in advance. This way you show your Thai lady respect.

- Never talk down on her culture. Remember that Asians generally are proud people and will not appreciate this kind of remarks. Keep in mind that you deal with an individual not a nation. If you have certain political, economical or social views, my advice would be to keep them to yourself at the first date. Many men make this mistake and fail, time after time, after time.

- It usually doesn’t hurt to buy your date a small, inexpensive gift. Thai women like this kind of gestures as long as it does not mean an obligation.

- If you have bad habits like smoking, drinking, burping, first date is not a place and time to let that show.

What do you get in return?

First of all you have a privilege of dating one of the most beautiful women in the world. They are also great, fun company to the man. Thai women are traditionally faithful, honest, take great care of the home and know how to please their man. If you read this you probably already know this anyway. Be respectful, kind, make sure to keep in mind these simple rules that we discussed earlier and you will be successful in dating Thai girls.

Secrets of Meeting a Thai Girl

If you've come to the point in your life where meeting and dating young sexy girls is a huge challenge maybe it's time to consider other options. I'm referring to your thinking of looking for a great Thai girl or Thai lady. I married a Thai girl over 2 years ago and I haven't looked back since.

Now you might be thinking why Thailand girls? Well there are many reasons to look for a Thai bride, including the fact that they are gracious, welcoming and always ready for fun. You see, Thai's have a great attitude where they are always laid back and always trying to make things sanook (Thai for fun).

Thailand is not only on the other side of the world from us, it's like a complete opposite of our western world. People there don't rush about, the weather is great and the women are thin and beautiful. When you arrive you'll definitely think you've landed on another planet, but give Thailand a chance to grow on you. You may even come to think of it as home.

Along with all the differences you'll find in Thailand you'll also find many fascinating pleasures. Thailand is a crazy place to western thinking, but the Thai's keep it all running smoothly (in their eyes at least). Once you immerse yourself into the craziness known as Thailand you'll find that maybe we in the west are the crazy ones.

I've found the people in Thailand to be welcoming, helpful, friendly and ever smiling. They are always interested in me and want to know more about me. You'll find the food to be equally as welcoming. Nowhere else have I found a cuisine that is as diverse and delicious as Thai food.

And then there's the welcoming attitude of the Thai girls. Let's look closer at how you're going to meet a Thai girl and possibly end up with a beautiful sexy Thai bride.

1. Search a bit on the internet and find sites dedicate to life in Thailand.

Read and ask questions to learn more about the fascinating culture of Thailand and the best ways to get along in Thailand. It should be fairly easy to find out the best places to go, how to behave as a courteous guest in Thailand and what to expect.

2. Plan a trip to Thailand right away.

Book your ticket and hotel as soon as possible. Once you arrive you'll be greeted first by the heat. It's like stepping into a sauna and after the controlled temperature in the airplane will hit you like a ton of bricks. Don't worry though, soon you'll be slipping into an air conditioned taxi and you'll be off on one of the greatest adventures of your life...into the heart of Bangkok.

3. Once you get to the hotel and get settled go out and meet people.

Be prepared with a few phrases of Thai and dress nicely and you'll have no problem at all. Yes, Thai's consider appearance VERY heavily. With a clean and attractive look you'll go far. Add in a sprinkling of their native language and you're gold.

4. Be yourself.

You'll get asked lots of questions and most Thai's will want to practice their English with you. Talk, laugh and enjoy the attention. Travel around and see the sights of Bangkok. Take a ferry boat on the Chao Phraya river and eat at the numerous street vendors.

5. That's it, that's all you'll need.

Remember not to be too serious in Thailand as Thai's like to have fun in everything they do. If you're respectful and lighthearted you'll have a wonderful time and you'll meet some very wonderful people, many of them the beautiful Thai girls I mentioned earlier.

There's really nothing to it once you've made the leap and gotten yourself to Thailand. You'll find that Thai's are very welcoming and friendly and as long as you maintain a sense of fun and adventure. Take your time and get to know several Thai girls, look for good relationships and mostly have a great time.

How You Can Date Perfect Thai Girls

I know that many men have a hard time meeting the perfect woman. In my case I had a picture in my mind for a long time about my perfect woman. By letting the universe work out the details I was finally able to match a real woman to this picture. You may want to try doing the same. Of course when I met the lady of my dreams it was in Thailand. Let me tell you why Thai women can make the perfect brides for western men.

As you may or may not know, Thai women are very accepting and laid back, have gracious personalities and are quite relaxed about most everything. This is just the way Thai culture is, thanks to their Buddhist tempered teachings they live with a very simple and uncluttered attitude towards life. They enjoy life and try to live in the present in all ways.

Because of this simple approach to life Thai's have a way of making everyone around them feel relaxed too and it's no surprise that Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. Better yet, many Thai ladies and Thai girls really want to meet and form relationships with western men. To Thai girls we are seen as mysterious, exotic and fascinating. Add to that the fact that Thai's prize white skin very highly and you'll find that it's easy as pie to meet a Thai girl.

I can't tell you the number of times I've had these beautiful Thai girls approach me and want to learn more about me. They are very straightforward and open and if you're not careful you may find yourself overwhelmed. It's really amazing even after over a dozen trips and countless months spent in Thailand it never ceases to amaze me.

Even though I am married, when we go out with my wife's friends it's inevitable that I get asked which girl in the group I prefer. Even my wife wants to know! It's amazing that they are so open and unselfconscious about discussing this especially with what we men are used to from western ladies.

If you begin talking with some Thai ladies you'll soon see exactly what I mean about their attraction to western men. And by going to visit Thailand you can see it for yourself first hand. It will be a huge awakening for you to what exists outside your own sheltered world at home, trust me. And trust me too when I tell you that it's easier than you think to meet a beautiful, gracious and sensitive Thai woman.

How to Express to Look in Thai

In Thai, when you want to express that
you're looking or watching at something or someone
you can use the Thai verb duu
which means to look, to see or to watch.

Using the Thai verb duu is really easy,
all you have to do is to place a noun
(something or someone that you're looking at)
right after the Thai verb duu

Using duu to express "to look" and "to watch"

Note: Be sure to practise writing the Thai script
of each examples below on a piece of paper
to strengthen your understanding and
recognition speed of the Thai script.

Here are some examples that show
you how to use the Thai verb duu:

Kor duu roop noi daai mai
May I see the picture?

Kor is a Thai verb that is used for asking or making
a polite request which sounds something like
"May/can I...". Roop means picture. Noi is
actually Thai particle that is used to soften
a request.

Dton nee chan gam-lang duu nang yuu.
I'm watching movie right now.

Dton nee means now, right now or at this moment.
Gam-lang is a Thai auxiliary verb for indicating
the present participle. Gam-lang is actually very
similar to the English suffix "-ing" which means
"in the act of".

Nang means movie. Yuu is a Thai
adverb for indicating the progressive tense
or perfect tense.

Koon duu arai yuu?
What are you looking at?

Khlik tee nee peua duu raay-la-iiat
Click here for details.

Khlik means "click". :-p It can be either a verb or a noun.
Tee means at. Peua means for the purpose of or
simply "for". Raay-la-iiat means detail, price list or brochure.

Raay is actually a Thai noun meaning list of items,
record, story, case or statement. La-iiat is a Thai adjective that
describes something as detailed, exact, fine, meticulous,
careful or thorough. Literally translated, it would mean
"thorough record" which means details. :-)

Duu nan poo ying
Look at that lady.

Poo ying means female, lady or woman in Thai.

You can view the original article here at
(http://mythaisensei.com/thai_phrases/learn_thai_look.html)

Some Thai Girls Aren't Girls

Anyone who has ever visited Thailand will know about the beauty of Thai women. In their twenties, they are striking. In their thirties, they are looking more mature, but still most are very attractive.

The women working in the ubiquitous bars and massage parlors of Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket are mostly former housewives, believe it or not, married but separated, with two kids they left back in their village with their mothers. Most are from Isaan, the North-East corner of Thailand, which has a large amount of poverty. Some are from other parts of the country, especially Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and a very few are from Bangkok or central Thailand.

But about 1 in 100 is not a female at all, but a "ladyboy", or katoey in Thai. Quite often, they appear more feminine than the real women. I have seen many a farang ogle and lust after a very sexy woman, not realizing that "she" is a "he".

Like the women, most ladyboys are from Isaan. I have talked to a few on a one to one basis, and asked them when they first knew they wanted to be a female. All said they knew at an early age, around 5 or 6 years old. They said they liked the female manner, didn’t like rough sports, were partial to art and music.

Katoeys are an accepted part of Thai culture, considered to be a third sex in Thailand. Several are movie stars and TV announcers. One is a national kick-boxing champion. You will find ladyboys everywhere, working as waiters, store clerks, hairdressers, couriers, etc.

In North America and Europe, a sex-change (also called a gender re-assignment) operation is considered to be a big deal, requiring many months of psychological counseling before the operation to make sure the person is committed to the change.

In Thailand, a sex change operation is quite common. There are several clinics and hospitals which perform it, and the cost is a fraction of what the western charge would be, typically US00-7000. Nevertheless, for a poor person from Isaan, 00 is a huge amount of money.

There are three main areas in Bangkok where ladyboys are present in large numbers: Nana Entertainment Plaza (on Sukhumvit Soi 4), Patpong Road (off Silom), and Soi Cowboy (close to the intersection of Sukhumvit Road and Asoke Road, which has both BTS SkyTrain and MRT Subway stations).

At Nana, the majority of ladyboys are "pre-op", meaning they still have a penis. At Patpong and Soi Cowboy, most are "post-op", meaning they have had the operation to create a vagina. The operation involves cutting out a section of intestine, which will become the vagina. The penis is cut open and inserted into the intestinal tube; typically some of the scrotal sac is used to increase the length of the new vagina. The tip of the penis becomes the new clitoris, and is normally still sensitive after the procedure is finished and everything has healed. The ladyboys I talked to said they could still have an orgasm, but did not ejaculate.

Scar tissue is visible if the post-op ladyboy retains his/her public hair, but if it is shaved off, it is difficult to tell an artificially created vagina from the real thing.

However, this is typically not the end of the story in sex reassignment. The male body is typically larger than the female, even in Thailand, where many people seem to be 80% the size of western people. The ladyboy has to take hormones for a couple of years before the operation; these hormones help him grow breasts and reduce his facial and body hair growth. Thai men don't usually have much body hair, compared to Western men, but they do have some; hormones or another treatment are needed to reduce or eliminate it. However, hormones have a side effect of reducing the ability to ejaculate.

Males typically have a protruding Adam's apple, so that is yet another operation: it can be shaved by a surgeon to reduce or eliminate the protrusion. And many have electrolysis to eliminate body hair, especially in the armpits.

If you visit Nana Entertainment Plaza after 7PM (which is when it opens), you will find several hair-dressing establishments located on the decks that run around three sides of the structure. The ones at the front cater to the bar girls; the ones at the rear cater to ladyboys. You can watch some of the ladyboys preening and preparing their makeup.

Some of the bars are exclusively ladyboys. If you enter one such bar, you will find that most ladyboys are more than passable and some are strikingly beautiful. I don't think I have ever seen an ugly ladyboy.

As far as relationships go, ladyboys are just like Thai women. They want a long-term relationship, and they will try hard to make the relationship work. Many speak some English, but you really need a product like Speak Easy Thai to help you learn some basic Thai vocabulary. If you can communicate better, you have a much better chance of a lasting relationship.

A part of Bangkok's nightlife that should not be missed by any visitor, ladyboy cabaret shows are professionally done, with spectacular productions (lots of feathers and glitter, good music, and some comedy as well). You can see them at the Calypso Cabaret (Asia Hotel, Ratchathewi SkyTrain station), Golden Dome Cabaret (15 minute walk from Sutthisan subway station), and Mambo Cabaret in the former Washington Theater between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and 24.

Nice Thai Girls Versus Thai Bar Girls

If you search the internet for stories of foreign men falling in love with Thai girls you're bound to find hundreds of posts articles and stories that have been written over the years. The funny thing is many of the stories you'll find end badly. The reason for this is pretty apparent.

Typically you'll see in the story that the writer has been warned about Thai bar girls and yet they continue on thinking "it will never happen to me". Every month there are stories to be found about Americans, Australians and Europeans either being bankrupted or even committing suicide in Pattaya and Patong over Thai bar girls. We may never know the entire truth about these tragedies, but they carry a similar theme.
What is it that makes men ignore the fact that many relationships with Thai bar girls end so badly? Why do they think that they are different and that their Thai girlfriend will work out as a romance or marriage, even though she's come from the type of life lived in the bars?

Would these men behave the same way, with the same expectations in their home countries? Would they shack up with a prostitute and expect her to be loving and faithful? I don't really think so, and it makes me scratch my head to think they have these expectations simply because they are in Thailand.

Maybe they only do this in Thailand because they can't afford it in their home countries. Or maybe they somehow lose their minds in the craziness that is Thailand. Perhaps it's their own way of coping with culture shock. Whatever the case, if you're in a relationship with a Thai girl take a look at this list of questions you should be asking yourself:

1. Does your wife or girlfriend hide her phone calls? Does she get calls at all hours of the night? Doesn't that make you suspicious? It should.

2. Is your girlfriend or wife always asking for money to send home? Is it the same amount each month? Not definitive, but could indicate a boyfriend or husband back in the home village that she is supporting.

3. If your Thai girl has piercings besides her ears or tattoos it a big warning sign of a bar girl or former bar girl. Good Thai girls don't do this. This is changing somewhat for the younger generation however so may not be conclusive if your wife or girlfriend is under 25.

4. The biggest indicator of all. Are her friends involved in prostitution? As with any other profession or lifestyle, like types tend to be drawn together because of similar experiences.

The best thing to do is just practice common sense. I know it's easy to lose your bearings when seeing all the beautiful available girls in Thailand, but try to maintain a sense of normalcy. You may not be used to so much attention from beautiful girls, but get used to it, it's just like that in Thailand for a foreigner.

Try to think with your higher brain, not the one between your legs. While your new life in Thailand may seem surreal at times try to maintain a sense of reality amongst the insanity. Keep your usual filters about what is right and wrong in place. Too many men seem to deal with the newness of Thailand by setting up a new category in their brain called "This is Thailand". Anything new or strange gets put through this filter and passes simply because "This is Thailand"" and not the same as your homeland. Some things really are the same dude.

The same evasive behavior from your girlfriend that would set off alarms in your home country should be setting off alarms here in Thailand. Just because all else is different around you doesn't mean that it's normal for your new girlfriend to hide things from you or fly off into abusive rages at no provocation.

Listen to your inner voice and if it's telling you something is wrong then get away. Things may be different in Thailand, but girls are girls everywhere and Thai girls are not that much different from the girls at home. Girls at home lie and cheat and guess what, so do Thai girls. It's still not the norm, but it is common, especially for the girls that tend to be attracted to foreigners in the first place. Take your time and find a nice Thai girl and you'll be much happier in the long run.

Top 10 Must-not-miss Thai Food

Thai cuisine is one of the best gourmets in the world. It is well known for the diversity of ingredients, outstanding spiciness and ample medicinal properties. Most of Thai food is cooked and refined with more than two types of herbs or spices which are beneficial to health.

The (mostly unconscious) principle Thai food is the balance of five flavors which are spicy, salty, sweet, sour and bitter. The one indispensible ingredient which is generally used in seasoning a majority of Thai cuisine is fish sauce. Thai food is eaten either as a single dish or with rice. Steamed rice is the staple food although sticky rice is more popular in the north and northeast of Thailand.

Thai food is one of many things that you should not miss while you are traveling in this beautiful “Land of Smiles”. Since there are numberless delectable Thai dishes, I am writing this guideline for you to select the most distinctive and authentic ones out of the plethora of Thai signature dishes.

The following list is a top 10 rank of Thai food that you must not miss. The consideration and ranking is based on the popularity, uniqueness and authenticity of the delicacies. Here are the winners.

10. Kai Pad Med Mamuang Himmapan (Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts)
Even though Kai Pad Med Mamuang Himmapan does not represent the overview of Thai food but it is a very nice treat to your bland taste buds. Since it is by no means spicy or hot, this slightly sweet and salty chicken fried with crunchy cashew nuts is aptly satiating for children or beginners who are not used to spices.

9. Por Pia Tord (Fried Spring Roll)
Fried spring roll is one of the most popular appetizers among foreigners because it is not spicy and comes with sweet and sour dip. Spring rolls are crispy pastries with fried vegetable fillings. Though spring rolls are commonplace in many Southeast Asian countries, Thai Por Pia is different in flavors with a special dip prepared from Japanese apricot.

8. Panaeng (Meat in Spicy Coconut Cream)
Panaeng can be cooked using either pork, chicken or beef. Panaeng tastes like Thai red curry but the coconut milk sauce is relatively thicker and richer. Compared to Thai red curry, Panaeng is mildly spicy and sweet. Paneang is best served with warm steamed rice. There is nothing to dislike about Panaeng expect the fact that it can be too greasy or fleshy for some people.

7. Som Tam (Spicy Papaya Salad)
Som Tam is one of the most popular foods among Thai people for its fiercely spicy and sour flavors. Som Tam, which literally means “Sour Pounded”, is a spicy salad made from a mix of fresh vegetables including shredded unripened papaya, yardlong beans and tomato. Som Tam is unique that the spicy dressing and salad vegetables are pounded and mixed in the mortar using a pestle. Somtam is usually served with grilled chicken and sticky rice. Som Tam is good for your health that it contains no fat, low calorie and high vitamins. This is a truly authentic Thai dish that will make a great impression. The only reason why I’m ranking Som Tam at No.7 (though it deserves higher rank) is its strong spiciness that might leave your tongue burned and swollen. Just say “Mai phed” (not spicy) to your waiter if you really want to try.

6. Moo Sa-Te (Grilled Pork Sticks with Turmeric)
This tantalizing sweet-flavored grilled pork sticks are refined with rich, juicy sauce made of turmeric and curry powder. Moo Sa-Te makes a savory hors d'oeuvres that will appease any taste buds. These juicy grilled pork sticks are usually served with two saucy dips – one is a mildly spicy thick sauce with ground peanuts, coconut milk and curry powder and another one is a sweet and sour vinegar sauce with chopped shallot, pepper and cucumber to mitigate its oiliness.

5. Tom Yam Kai (Spicy Chicken Soup)
Chicken soup is very good to eat when you have a cold but Tom Yam Kai or spicy chicken soup is a yummy treat that you will fall in love with just in a first sip. Tom Yam Kai is a clear chicken soup seasoned with a blend of chili, lime and fish sauce. The broth is simmered with Thai herbs as lemon grass, shallot and galangal which give it a unique and satiating aroma. My foreign friends order this tasty soup anywhere they go so you should not miss it by any means!

4. Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Milk Soup)
Although Tom Kha Kai is another variation of chicken soup, it deserves the No.4 because of its unparalleled taste and popularity. Similar to Tom Yam Kai, the broth is prepared with many types of Thai herbs with the special addition of coconut milk that makes this soup unique. Though the soup is seasoned with chili, lime and fish sauce just like Tom Kha Kai, thanks to the coconut milk, the broth is milder and less spicy. This is probably more liked by non-spicy eaters.

3. Kang Keaw Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)
Since we are having three dishes in a row made of “Kai”, you would have guessed that it is chicken in English. Not that chicken is particularly popular in Thai cuisine; it is usually used in most curry and soup. Kang Kiew Wan, literally translated as “Sweet Green Curry”, is nicely sweet and slightly spicy and tastes very delightful with a proper blend of the spiciness from green curry chili paste, blandness from coconut milk, sweetness of sugar and saltiness of fish sauce. It is usually eaten with steamed rice or served as a sauce to rice noodle known as “Kanom Jeen” likewise to how you eat Spaghetti.

2. Pad Thai (Fried Noodle)
This national dish prides itself for its long history traced back in previous centuries. Pad Thai flaunts the authenticity of Thai culinary arts in using only fresh and best ingredients and the well-balancing of the five fundamental flavors. The stir-fried noodle becomes popular because it tastes yummy and comes with a choice to add in a set of seasonings to suit your appetites. Through history, Pad Thai has evolved into two different styles: the classic and the variation. The classic Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle with eggs, fish sauce, tamarind juice, red chili pepper plus bean sprouts, shrimp and tofu and garnished with crushed peanuts and coriander while another style is relatively dry and lightly-flavored. The latter is easily found in street vendors and dominant in Thai restaurants in the West but the having classic Pad Thai freshly cooked in its original country is a way to go.

1. Tom Yam Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
No other dishes can defeat this renowned Tom Yam Goong as the optimal representative of Thai gourmet. Tom Yam Goong is truly one of a kind with its fierce spiciness and sourness and a blatant use of fragrant herbs including galangal, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, shallot, tamarind and chili pepper. There are two styles of Tom Yam; the clear spicy soup and thick spicy soup. The latter is cooked by adding coconut milk or milk to the broth in order to thicken the stock and give the dish a milder flavor. Tom Yam is very versatile and can be made with prawns, chicken, fish and mix of seafood, and mushroom. Tom Yam Goong is the most popular variety of Tom Yam since Spicy Shrimp Soup is the original. Though not very surprising, Tom Yam Goong is definitely a signature dish of Thailand.

Even though it is commonly known that Thai food utilizes many health herbs and spices, there have always been debates whether Thai food is really good for health since they tend to be somewhat greasy. It is important to note that it depends on each dish; some can be highly caloric but many dishes make a good use of herbs. Garlic, for example, is very good healthwise because it can prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cancer.

No matter what the food is, the same old concept of moderate intake comes into play. From Mcdonald’s burger to Japanese Sushi, a key to optimal fitness is to avoid overconsumption. Thus, a claim that Thai food is mainly coconut-based and fattening should never be an adequate reason for you to still order a Big Mac. Ravish your taste buds with Thai food - tasty and healthy!