Prepare a Safety Plan to Let Your Child Enjoy His Vacation Safely

By DVikas Dubey

Spring break is always full of delights, especially for teenagers who focus on revelry during their vacations. However, it may turn into a nightmare both for them as well as their parents due to their irresponsibility. It's therefore advised for the parents to develop a safety plan before letting their teens to go anywhere on vacation. Following are the things you can do to ensure your lovely daughter/son returns home safely.

• Don't try to be a cool parent. Encouraging your children to drink or act out sexually is definitely a wrong stuff. Always remember, if your underage child is caught breaking law, you could be held criminally liable.

• Be involved in planning of their trip. Encourage them to have fun, but at the same time advise them to follow rules and regulations. Help them in reservations and other arrangements, and put it all on a paper. Remember, if you're in planning, the situation would be more in your control.

• Gather information about the hotel your child will stay, his friends who are travelling with him and local authorities of the place they are going for vacation. Find out maximum possible information like the laws regarding alcohol and drug use, language and local customs. Doing this, you can guide your child in properly.

• Use technologies to be in constant touch. Ask your child not to switch off his phone at any cost, and call him on regular intervals each day. May be it is irritating for her, but that's highly important to know the exact status on their tour. Most of the hotels have internet connectivity, so have a video chat on daily basis and discuss him about the day.

• Ask your teen not to act against law, and tell him about the consequences if he does so. Proper guidance is really helpful. Tell your child not to separate from his friends and go off with someone he doesn't know. In case he gets separated, advise him/her to go to his hotel room.

• The best way to ensure your child a safe vacation experience is to plan their trip through a reliable travel agent. Nowadays, various companies offer tour packages for all major destinations, and let the people enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable tour. So no matter whether your child is planning for holiday at Goa beaches or an international trip to Thailand, tour packages can help them enjoy their spring break. These tour packages are easily available over internet.

Considering all above points, you can ensure a safe holiday for your child. Be a smart parent, do your homework well in advance and get your child involved in your safety plan. Keep in touch and let him enjoy.

The writer of this article is associated with Hungry Bags, a leading tour operator that provides the best in tour packages like package for Bangkok and Andaman packages etc. You can buy customized deals for holiday at Thailand package too.

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Miss Tiffany, a Good Son

By William Sparrow

Although still old fashioned in many ways, Thai society has long accepted - even embraced - its lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered (LBGT) communities.

And unlike many Western or allegedly more modern nations, Thais rarely discriminate or ridicule. People who have chosen alternative lifestyles are acknowledged, some might say cherished, by their country. This is the story of one such Thai.

In yet another crowning achievement for the LBGT set, 21-year-old Kangsadarn Wongdusadeekul, better known as Nong Noeng, was last month crowned Thailand's Miss Tiffany - the title bestowed on the kingdom's most beautiful and elegant male-to-female transvestite, transsexual or transgendered woman.

The 2008 Miss Tiffany pageant, now in its 11th year, was held in the boisterous seaside resort city of Pattaya, some 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. The 30-contestant competition, held at the Tiffany Cabaret, was spilling over with more than 2,000 spectators anxious to applaud the winner.

Cameras flashed, the crowd roared and feminine beauty shone bright. Days later the pageant was broadcast on prime time Thai TV, drawing millions of viewers. And it was Nong Noeng, demure and articulate, who stole the show.

"My family never stood in the way of me trying or wanting to live as a female even when I was young. But it was harder for them then. Time has made it easier for them to accept my lifestyle as a ladyboy," she told Asia Times Online in an exclusive interview, using the word commonly used in Thailand to describe people such as her. "They see me as a good son, no matter what."

Nong Noeng grew up in a military household, but even in a strict environment found acceptance. When it came time to enter the Miss Tiffany pageant she sought the advice of her mother. "She said 'Are you sure? Do you think you can compete with the other guys?'" said Nong Noeng, who also took home 100,000 baht (US$3,200)and a brand new Honda sedan. "I was more excited than nervous and I was very happy that I decided to do the pageant."

Although her mother was eventually supportive, Nong Noeng is quick to note the impact her victory has had on her family. Sure, Thailand has less social stigmas than other countries, but becoming a national - even international - symbol of transgendered beauty has been a daunting experience for all involved.

"Everyone thought I was a real girl before Miss Tiffany, but after that everybody knew me as I am, a ladyboy," she told Agence France Presse in a post-pageant press conference.

Nong Noeng, a first-year mass communications student at Dhurakij Pundit International College in the capital Bangkok now moves on as Thailand's representative at the 2008 Miss Queen International, also to be held at Tiffany's Cabaret in Pattaya. And even if some may view her as a pioneer in LBGT openness and pride, she has more pressing matters at hand - not the least of which are her duties as model, presenter and tourist ambassador for Thailand and Pattaya.

"I am very excited about the Miss Queen International. I have been shopping, looking at dresses and working on my English language skills, not only for the pageant, but also to help me in my studies," Nong Noeng told Asia Times Online.

This is Nong Noeng, who in another culture or time may have found it impossible to be the light-hearted young Thai woman she is today. Still, she's not afraid to tackle the serious issues that come with an LBGT lifestyle.

For one, she's candid on Thailand's world-renowned transgender and gender re-assignment surgeries. Thai surgeons are among the best in the field and are often called on by Western doctors for insight and guidance. The domestic professionalism, as well as a booming medical tourism trade, have been a direct result of Thailand's acceptance of alternative lifestyles. Nong Noeng doesn't want to miss out.

"I haven't had [gender re-assignment surgery] yet, but I do plan to. I hope to be able to have the surgery soon after the Miss Queen International competition," she said.

And it was Nong Noeng's comments on Thailand's mandatory conscription for males - based on a lottery and sexuality at birth - that brought down the house during the Miss Tiffany question-and-answer section. Asked "whether she would be happy to join as a man", she drew guffaws and applause by responding: "Last year, I went to register as a soldier but my figure had changed, so the government did not let me. We are beautiful - so we don't need to be soldiers."

In fact, the government seems to agree. In March, Thailand adjusted its military law that had said transvestites were too "mentally disturbed" to serve to less harsh wording that recognizes their status and exempts them from service. And just this week, British newspaper The Telegraph reported that a Thai school had built a "transvestite toilet" after 200 students said they considered themselves to be transgender.

Such young people should listen to Nong Noeng: "Everything is up to the individual themselves. Me and women like me can be good or bad examples. I want to say to young people that if you want or feel you need to live this type of lifestyle, then you need to be good to yourself and those around you. This will help family, friends and society accept you for what you are."

Nong Noeng has won her competition and women and men like her share the victory. Nong Noeng, and also Thai society, are helping to define and accept alternative sexualities at home and across the world. For this, she should be celebrated - just as Thailand does - as a woman willing to push the limits of gender rights, equality and, ultimately, freedom.

See Asian Sex Gazette ( http://www.asiansexgazette.com ), where William Sparrow serves as contributing editor, for a wide range of news on currently lifestyle, health and social issues of human sexuality in Asia.

Liking my Facebook Author's page would also be highly appreciated. https://www.facebook.com/william.sparrow.69 Thanks!

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The Legal Aspect of Gift Giving in Thailand

By Yehlen Sanchez

Acts of generosity are not uncommon in Thailand. Grateful farangs (foreigners) almost always show their appreciation by giving gifts or promises thereof to their lucky and worthy beneficiaries. Problems occur however, when the amiable relationship between the donor (giver) and donee (recipient) turns sour. This, more often than not, is followed by the following query from the party concerned: Can I demand the return of the gifts I have given?

Fortunately, Thai law has specific provisions governing this very-likely-to-happen quandary. Gift giving is a contract. This means that both parties have mutual rights and obligations and the breach thereof can be a ground for termination. I know you are interested on whether or not termination will result to the restitution of gifts. Since we are talking about legalese, the answer of course is: it depends.

A gift can be revoked and withdrawn only in special circumstances. These circumstances share the basic concept of ingratitude. Unfortunately, the law only considers three specific instances of ingratitude as a ground for revocation. First, the donee has committed against the donor a serious criminal offense punishable under the Penal Code. Second, the donee has seriously defamed or insulted the donor. Lastly, the donee, capable of providing assistance, has refused to help the donor who is in need of the basic necessities for existence.

If you are certain that the recipient of the gift has committed any of these acts of ingratitude, you have to act at once because time is of the essence. The law only grants you six months to revoke and withdraw the gift from the time the act of ingratitude has come to your knowledge. Also, it is imperative that you have not manifested absolution to the donee otherwise revocation is no longer viable. If ten years have passed since the time the act of ingratitude was committed, the law will tell you to just forget it.

However, in cases where gifts are purely remuneratory, encumbered with a charge, made in compliance with a moral duty, or made in consideration of marriage, revocation is not allowed. I know that the "betrothed" fellows, whose betrothals have gone awry, are interested on whether or not they can take back the betrothal gifts they dispensed, however this matter is governed by a separate legal provision and needs another article for its discussion.

It bears stressing however, that any legal dilemma should be consulted first with licensed and reputable lawyers in Thailand before you take any action: a prudent course of action in all jurisdictions.

The above discussion is intended for general guidance in matters of interest only. Nothing contained herein shall be construed and/or understood to be legal advice. A conference with your lawyer with respect to any issues or problem is indispensable before taking any action or decision.

Yehlen Sanchez works as a Legal Consultant for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Visit Siam Legal on the web at http://www.siam-legal.com

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Buddhist Impact on Thai Life

By Shiroona Lomponi

Although the goal of Buddhism is enlightenment, in practical terms Theravada Buddhists do not regard it as possible for laypeople to attain this state of perfection. The best a layperson can hope for is a reduction of suffering through the doing of good deeds and the avoidance of evil.

One way to gain merit is to enter the monkhood (buat pra). It is customary for around 50 percent of young Thai men to take this step for a minimum of three months during the Buddhist Lent. It is a rite of passage, so to speak, and may well take place when they return from studies abroad or before they get married. In this way they earn merit not only for themselves but also for their parents or benefactors. Others, including high-ranking figures, may also spend time in a monastery. One high-profile example is former Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn, when he returned from exile in 1976.

The avoidance of evil involves taking the Middle Way between an existence of extreme asceticism and one of sensual indulgence. A person's conduct should be governed by the five basic precepts of Buddhism.
To abstain from taking life.
To abstain from taking what is not given.
To abstain from sensuous misconduct.
To abstain from false speech.
To abstain from intoxicants that tend to cloud the mind.

In daily life some of these precepts tend to be more honored in the breach than in the observance. The Thais eat meat, tell lies, drink alcohol, and may also indulge in illicit sex. In this they are perhaps not so different from the adherents of other religions who, while paying lip service to the precepts of their religion, continually fail to live up to them.

Apart from offering moral guidance, Buddhism also plays an important social role. In villages and towns throughout Thailand the temple is the center of community life. Festivals and fairs take place on the temple grounds, and it is quite normal for the whole village to turn out for an ordination ceremony. At one time they were the only organizations offering schooling, secular as well as religious, to boys only, of course.

In some areas this educational role continues. Another Buddhist influence is the use of the Buddhist calendar in parallel with the Gregorian (Western) calendar. In Thailand this is 543 years in advance of the latter, so 2000 was the year 2543 BE (Buddhist Era.)

The writer is a florist and flower shop owner in Thailand. She is a Buddhist and her two brothers have both been Buddhist monks in the past.

She loves her job working with Flowers in Thailand and looks after all aspects of her flower business both online and working in her florist shop in Bangkok. Customers often order flowers from overseas in the middle of the night Thailand time, to every morning she receives orders for flowers which get delivered the same day to recipients in Thailand.

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Muay Thai Training - Tips For Beginners

By Trevor Mimano

These tips to do Muay Thai Training Safely will allow you to start the training right and end it with amazing results:

1. Professionals: seek the guidance and supervision of professional Muay Thai instructors for all aspects of your training session: warm-up, pad work, heavy bags and cool-downs.
2. Basics: Start slowly, get a good grasp of the fundamentals and the proper Muay Thai techniques so that you can train intelligently and improve progressively.
3. Patience: Muay Thai as you may have already realized is intensive and demanding, there will always be something new to learn and mastering this art takes time. Be patient, take it one day at a time and keep moving forward.
4. Discipline: As obvious as this may sound, a level of discipline is necessary. Results will come through consistency, consistency comes from perseverance and determination, both are a product of your focus. Focus on your goals, start today and do not stop until you have achieved your objective.
5. Enthusiasm: Another way to say this is lighten up and enjoy it. The process of moving from a newbie to a master is a roller coaster, you will laugh, you might cry. Keep an open mind, give it your best and enjoy the results.
6. Relax: However, you must allow your body to have at least one day of rest every seven days. If you are brand new to the sport, a recommended initial one day interval between sessions is adequate, as you improve, you will be able to train up to 3-6 days consecutively. 

Bearing these tips in mind you will kickstart your  Muay Thai training without a doubt.

Yours

Trevor Mimano

[http://realmuaythai.com/]

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Is Starting a Business in Bangkok Difficult?

By Jeff Molenda

When it comes to doing business in Bangkok, there are many factors which must be considered. Thailand is an attractive place to start a new venture, or to create a subsidiary firm for tasks such as manufacturing. Many investors are drawn in by cheap labor costs or the desire to expand the market for their consumer goods. Thailand has been open to foreign investment since 1997, when the country experienced a depression and began looking for ways to help their struggling economy regroup.

Since that time, new foreign businesses have only grown, as the government offers some nice tax incentives as well. However, doing business in Bangkok can be a complex maze of red tape and regulations, and sorting through it all can be difficult. To help give you a clearer understanding of what is involved, let's take a closer look at this topic below.

Getting Started

Before moving forward, it is important to take stock of your goals and resources, and whether or not you are prepared to jump the regulatory hurdles involved with starting a business in Bangkok. All new companies must comply with the Foreign Business Act, which strictly limits what types of businesses foreigners can own. Certain industries are closely protected, and if you wish to enter these, you will be required to give up majority control. The law states that only a citizen of Thailand can own the controlling interest in these restricted fields.

However, other areas are open to entry, and manufacturing is likely the most popular choice. Under the FBA, foreigners can manufacture goods and sell them in the country, with little or no limitations. Thus, Thailand is a good place to locate a manufacturing subsidiary for a larger conglomerate, as the savings can be significant. Yet, other sectors like service industries (such as installation, maintenance, leasing and banking) are strictly off limits for foreigners.

Getting Help

Most experts recommend that you hire professional help, if you are planning to start a business in Bangkok. Why is this? Not only are the regulations in-depth, there are submissions which must be made to obtain a Foreign Business License (FBL). These forms must be filled out in Thai, and bringing in a competent local attorney or other consultant is the wisest course of action.

They will be able to guide you through any potential obstacles, and ensure that your new company is properly registered. Failing to comply with the regulations, even unknowingly, comes with stiff penalties - and it will result in your business being shut down! Clearly, hiring a professional who is knowledgeable about the process is a worthwhile investment, as it will give you peace of mind.

Other Considerations

There is one loophole to the current law, requiring foreigners to take on a majority Thai partner in certain fields. The U.S. and Thai Treaty of Amity, exempts American citizens from this limitation. This created excellent conditions to start a business in Bangkok, which many U.S. entrepreneurs have taken advantage of. However, a more recent World Trade Organization treaty has made the future of this Amity Treaty uncertain, and it is unclear if this preferential treatment will continue. There is a risk that the laws will change, which is one factor to consider before entering these areas of business within Thailand.

Is It the Right Move?

Navigating the regulatory waters in Thailand can be tricky, especially without professional guidance. The laws are rather strict, and the penalties for breaking them can be severe. That being said, with experienced help and a solid plan, starting a business in Bangkok can be a successful venture. It affords owners a chance to broaden their markets and the potential to cut down on labor costs. These factors must be weighed on a risk versus reward basis, which will allow you to make the best decision possible, and to move forward with confidence.

If you need an office in Bangkok, visit Office Space for Rent in Bangkok.

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Enjoy Your Holidays at Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand Hotels

By Pasit Kapilakan

If you are feeling jaded and worn out, the best prescription to good health would be a Krabi vacation. A week long stay at a Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand hotel can bring back spring in your step and sparkle in your eyes.

Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand hotels are a peaceful paradise situated in the lush green landscape of Krabi's Ao Nang beach. Snuggling on the hillside amidst the 16 acres of landscaped garden, the resort is a perfect getaway for city folks.

Far away from crowds, yet close to beach and central beach area - this exactly describes Tipa Resort. The beach is located at a walking distance of 5 minutes. The beach area has restaurants, bars and shops for those who want to get a feel of the local scene.

Tipa Resort has 66 Deluxe rooms, all of them in the ground floor and affording spectacular views of ocean and surrounding landscape. The 21 bungalows offer more privacy and is built in wood to give a rustic finish. Baanmai is a recent addition, located higher up on the hillside. Thai decor, spacious bedrooms and private balcony are its highlights.

The resort facilities include swimming pool, poolside bar, Thai traditional massage and room service. For business travelers, Tipa Resort offer wireless internet access in the lobby. Safety deposit box, open-air car park and laundry service are its other attractions. The resort also has a playground and separate pool for kids.

Guests are provided with limousines for airport transfer on request. For moving around Krabi province or beyond, the resort also has car, bike and boat rentals. Tipa Resort has a tourist information desk to provide guidance to their guests.

Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand hotels offer special packages to guests until 15 April 2010 - 'Special Last Minute Deal' and 'Tipa Hunsa Package' for 3 days and 2 nights. So, what are you waiting for now?

Paisit Kapilakan owns and operates the website My Krabi Holiday that provides more than just information and reservation for hotels in Krabi. My Krabi Holiday offers a comprehensive travel guide to Krabi, Thailand and the best discount for hotel reservations in Krabi. For more information on Krabi Tipa Resort, visit http://www.mykrabiholiday.com and avail the fabulous offers.

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