Join Early Retirement Today
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Happy letters to Bangkok Post
Old 07-07-2007, 08:28 PM   #1
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: No Where for Very Long
Posts: 769
Happy letters to Bangkok Post

From the July 8 Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post: Top Stories


After you read these happy letters to the editor, you might just decide you prefer the whining ones better.
Last week in our Postbag section, a reader complained that the Bangkok Post published too many whining letters and should in future carry only happy letters, full of the joys of life. I am in complete agreement and getting into the spirit of things offer a taste of things to come in our happy letters section.

Adventures of the blob

Dear Sir: I would like to congratulate the Thai television censors for their introduction of the exciting "blob" in their efforts to help us from succumbing to the perils of cigarette smoking. They have added a new dimension to the word "entertainment" as the blob dances around the screen in search of rogue cigarettes.

I no longer have to bother listening to the dialogue or following the plot, but instead find myself caught up in the adventures of the blob. It gets particularly entertaining when there are several smokers on the screen at the same time and we are treated to all sorts of blobs bouncing around. This a particular challenge for the blob operator and sometimes he misses the odd fag end.

No longer do I feel alone when watching the TV at night because I know somewhere my friend the blob will be there to keep me company. It is also a useful reminder when I'm running out of cigarettes.

Happy Viewer



Red-light district

Dear Sir: I would like to express my appreciation of the traffic policeman who saved me a lot of money yesterday. When he stopped me, he explained that I had gone through a red light further down the road, although admittedly I didn't recall any red light.

He said that according to the law, I would have to accompany him to the police station and pay a 2,000 baht fine. When I explained I didn't have 2,000 baht, he kindly agreed to reduce the fine to 500 baht and offered to take the money to the police station himself, saving me the journey.

This is what I call acting above and beyond the call of duty. I feel so grateful to him for saving me 1,500 baht and a trip to the cop shop. If it happens every week I can save 6,000 baht a month.

Happy Motorist


Welcome to Thailand

Dear Sir: I have just received a most wonderful welcome at Suvarnabhumi airport. When I entered the arrivals area, admittedly a little weary after walking five kilometres through a shopping mall to reach the immigration counter, dozens of gentlemen in white shirts and dark trousers rushed over to greet me and offered to drive me to my hotel in a luxury limousine at a "special fare". They kindly explained that the ordinary taxis were a "rip-off" and saved me from all sorts of problems.

It was nice to feel so popular. Some were so helpful they even ran off with my suitcase. I think they must have got lost because my suitcase hasn't arrived at the hotel yet. I think the driver also accidentally took me to the wrong hotel. It's a sort of drive-in with lots of curtains and there are huge mirrors on the bedroom ceiling. Every hour a young lady knocks on the door and asks if I would like "some company". These people are so considerate, they are even afraid I might be lonely.

Happy Tourist


Pedestrian paradise

Dear Sir: I am from England and would like to say what a great experience it is being a pedestrian in Bangkok. Unlike London, where the pavements are flat and rather boring, in Bangkok there are all sorts of exciting things to experience. I love the challenge of leaping over the holes in the pavement, while at the same time avoiding being strangled by overhanging wires.

It's so exciting, especially dodging motorcyclists who have accidentally strayed onto the pavement. Occasionally someone even plunges into a hole, and I love the way everybody laughs, especially if the hole is full of water.

Another exciting challenge is crossing the road. I tried it a couple of times at pedestrian crossings but unfortunately the traffic never stopped. However I received some useful advice from a fellow pedestrian who explained that the best technique is that you simply dash across the road when you "feel lucky". What fun!

A kind police officer who saw me struggling to cross the road explained that if I get run over on the pedestrian crossing the motorist would get the blame and would have to pay for my funeral, which made me feel much better.

Happy Perambulator (RIP)


Not sounding off

I would like to thank my fellow Bangkok citizens for sharing the sounds of the city. My next-door neighbour daily turns up the volume on his stereo system so that I, too, can enjoy the full blast of Tata Young, even at three in the morning. Sometimes they even put on some heavy metal to make sure I can hear it.

Then the fruit vendors come around at dawn in the pick-up trucks with those lovely crackling loudspeakers so I don't need an alarm clock. On my way to work I love riding on the BTS Skytrain and listening to all the colourful mobile phone ring tones of the fellow passengers. Some of their conversations are quite entertaining too, especially when a young lady is having a blazing row with her boyfriend. I love it when they start shouting at one another.

Happy "Deaf" Doug


Double delight

Dear Sir: I have just toured Thailand and really feel like I am someone special. At all the national parks and other facilities I find I am privileged to pay 10 times more than local people. What an honour that is.

I asked a Thai tourist, who had just parked his Mercedes-Benz nearby, and he kindly explained the reason for the price differential is that foreigners have more money than Thais. That was a very fair explanation and when I get back home I will tell all my friends about it so they will bring more money so they can too experience that special treatment and feel really "different".

Happy Long Nose


So that's what it would be like with happy people writing in all the time. I think I prefer the whining letters.
__________________

Lancelot is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 07-07-2007, 08:50 PM   #2
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 945
Very cut Lancelot. Gives a good word picture for the country.
modhatter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2007, 09:49 PM   #3
Moderator Emeritus
Nords's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oahu
Posts: 26,856
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lancelot View Post
I am in complete agreement and getting into the spirit of things offer a taste of things to come in our happy letters section.
Sounds like the novelty of Bangkok is wearing a bit thin on you, Lance... what's next, a Magsaysay residence?
__________________
*

Co-author (with my daughter) of “Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence.”
Author of the book written on E-R.org: "The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement."

I don't spend much time here— please send a PM.
Nords is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2007, 11:45 PM   #4
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: No Where for Very Long
Posts: 769
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nords View Post
Sounds like the novelty of Bangkok is wearing a bit thin on you, Lance... what's next, a Magsaysay residence?
Hey Nords,

Nah, I feel priveledged to be scammed and abused in the "Land of Smiles"

I do like the Philippines though and I've toyed with the idea of an extended visit to Madagascar...
__________________

Lancelot is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
"Hi, I am" needs a "Read this first" post? HobbyDave Forum Admin 3 05-17-2007 09:39 AM
Vanguard Diehards-- dot org! Nords Other topics 42 02-22-2007 10:01 AM
Updatable CD post? MooreBonds FIRE and Money 5 10-02-2006 12:09 PM
Can I Post Here or Not? hocus FIRE and Money 40 03-11-2004 08:57 AM

» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:33 PM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.