Regular features from June 2002 78th Issue

Dear sir
While returning from the driving range I took a turning from Petchkasem road onto Poolsuk road to get to my hotel(City Beach) and was stopped by a policeman and informed that this was a “one-way” road and I had to pay a fine as I was going the wrong way. Sadly I do not speak Thai and the policeman did not seem to know much English other than “one-way” and “you pay police station” and managed to give me vague directions to the cop shop. Luckily (for me) I got talking to an equally perplexed farang who seemed to be a local resident (thanks again for your help Tony) who explained that this was indeed a one way street but the only sign post was located at the other end which explained why he and all the other Thai people were arguing with the police as they had not entered the road at the sign posted end. Again luckily my new friend took me to the police station which was located just around the corner within walking distance and showed me where we had to pay. It wasn't the fine but the inconvenience that annoyed me on an otherwise trouble free(no rain on the courses again this year)holiday so perhaps you could print my letter as a warning to any other people hiring motorbikes and staying at one of the hotels or guesthouses in this area.
yours faithfully,
Alvin Harmston

Signs have now been placed all along Poolsuk Road, there was confusion when the one way system was introduced. If the traffic rules are followed this idea will be a good one as the congestion caused by traffic moving in both directions was a headache. One wonders if it is possible to carry the idea through to the fishing pier along past the Hilton?

Dear Editor,
I'm a first time visitor here and have enjoyed my stay very much, lovely hotel (Dusit), excellent food all over town and very friendly people. But I had one problem - crossing the road! What are the rules here? When I wanted to cross at the lights I consistently had the feeling I was in danger from cars flying round the corner! We'll be back though!
Jon Brigam

Crossing the road here causes major worries for many people, especially first time visitors. Be aware that traffic can turn left against a red light! There have been accidents and many near misses because of this.
You can tell an old hand in Thailand - when crossing the road they look left first, then right, then left again. Believe me vehicles come at you from all angles.

This month we'll bring you a few more essential phrases and words to make your stay here less frustrating and a little more 'sanuk'. If you missed last months introduction to the Thai language you can find it HERE. Want to get around with out getting a headache, here are a few directions to keep you on track.

Which Way?
way taang ทาง
on the left taang sai ทางซ้าย
on the right taang kwaa ทางขวา
this way taang nee ทางนี้
that way taang nun ทางนั้น
that way (further) taang non ทางโน้น
which way taang nai ทางไหน
way out (exit) taang ork ทางออก
way in (entrance) taang kao ทางเข้า
turn right leeo kwaa เลี้ยวขวา
turn left leeo sai เลี้ยวซ้าย
side kaang ข้าง
in front kaang nah ข้างหน้า
in the back kaang lung ข้างหลัง
which side kaang nai ข้างไหนWhere?
where tee nai ที่ไหน
at dtrong / tee ตรง / ที่
overhere dtrong nee ตรงนี้
overthere dtrong nun ตรงนั้น
straight dtrong bpai ตรงไป
before gorn ก่อน
after lung หลัง
inside kaang nai ข้างใน
outside kaang nork ข้างนอก
upstairs kaang bon ข้างบน
on bon บน
under dtai ใต้
between rawang ระหว่าง
with gup กับ
Questions
question mai ไหม
(this word usually follows the verb to turn it
into a question eg: bpai mai (are you going?)
mee mai (do you have?) chai mai (isnt it?))
why tum mai ทำไม
where tee nai ที่ไหน
when meua rai เมื่อไหร่
who krai ใคร
what arai อะไร
how yang rai อย่างไร
which un nai อันไหน
whose korng krai ของใคร
(korng is a word meaning belonging to eg:
korng pom (mine) korng khun (yours) korng kao (his, hers))

Dog rescue news

The good folks at the Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre received a message from staff at Springfield Royal Country Club, that they had a big problem with stray dogs pestering golfers. - "Can you help?" Was the plea, "we are happy to pay their way, just find them a good home."
Jean Claude and Christine set off on their rescue mission, and found the friendly little fellow pictured below, Pumpoui was the name and the homeless animal had become a friend of the caddies at the course.

Pumpoui was found a new home, however, he was not a happy little pooch, he destroyed the fence and ran away. Three days later he was back at Springfield. He had travelled more than 20 kilometres, crossed all sorts of terrrain including the main Bangkok to the south highway and found his way home.
The Springfield management have decided to let him stay, as long as he's a good boy of course.
The Dog Rescue is a non profit making centre for sick dogs, for more details contact Christine or Jean Claude on 032 513 664. Or check their website: www.dogrescuecenter.com

The Phuen Guesthouse now has upstairs dining, very good it is too. The owners are pictured above.

Anthony, white shirt center, celebrates the opening of his new KOC office.

 
Shots from the pineapple festival in Pranburi, confectionary for sale and this is how you make it.

Chris 21 years old and still going strong.

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