cpofc

I get a sense of nostalgia here.  Seems nothing much has really changed in the past 40 or 50 years.  After all the crackdowns, drugs wars and executions,etc., etc..

I am surprised that large scale bulk shipments of marijuana from asia to the West still exist.  Given this new generation's preference for synthetic 'party', designer drugs and the advancements in hydroponic technology producing up to 3 crops per year of Super Dope.  Not to mention the specific logisitcs problems associated with such large cargo..  Not that easy to move a house full of dope around.

In my young days in the LOS the 'Thai Buddha Stick' was rated as the No.1 El Primo in the world and was much sought after.  It was imported into Australia by the container load and fetched obscene prices.  In fact, in its day at the height of its popularity, was more expensive, per ounce, than gold.  Thai Buddha stick hasn't been seen in the Kingdom for probably 30 years or so.

My bet would be that this stuff probably came out of Cambodia or Laos.

What is the drug of choice and the marijuana situation in the UK?  What are the going street prices and availablity?  With the way things are there I guess its no wonder there has been an increase in trade.

unanimosity, on 2011-12-21 15:44:46, said:

Much to the chagrin of the French.  And the more enlightened Thais know this too, that is why this learned lady is pressing for reform in the Ed System.

Utley, on 2011-12-21 15:35:50, said:

I would doubt that very much, considering should you ever wish to claim Thai Residency you would need to provide proof you have helped and benefited their society in some way or another.  In Thai culture you would be revered for giving your time freely to contribute to the betterment of the country and its people.

But I would stand corrected.

Some time ago I was 'conned' into attending an all volunteer, after hours english language class, at a high school in Lad Phrao.  

The Teacher was devoting her free time to teach anyone who wished to attend. (the Buddhist thing).   She was most excited to meet me and we talked a bit before the class went in. (in English).  The class was made up of complete mixture of Thai Society and Social Classes,  The old and the young, from street sellers to businessmen, and all very, very eager to learn the most difficult language on the planet.

I had no idea at the time that I was about to be ambushed!   From the beginning, sitting at a desk in a Thai HS Classroom, the teacher introduced me to the class, handed me the whiteboard marker and said they would have the pleasure today,  of me taking this evenings English Class.

Jesus!  No lesson plans, no training aids, save for a whiteboard and marker, no nothing except for my wits.   Fortunately my last job in the Navy was as an Instructor Course Instructor at the RAN School of Training Technology, so calling upon my dim distant memory, up I got.  Let's get started.

What is it that the Thais could really do with getting a handle on, I asked myself.

I drew a large circle on the board and numbered it as a clock face.  Lets us learn to tell the time in English!  Even learn the difference between AM and PM maybe.  Those who have lived here for any time at all will know how difficult it is for many Thais to get the time right in English, as foreigners do with telling it in Thai

I must admit, it was a great pleasure to teach people who are really, honestly keen to learn.

Like Robin Williams in the movie Good Morning Vietnam.  Teach 'real' English language, everyday stuff - and MAKE IT Fun/Sanook!

Meanwhile Hi Powered think tanks in Australia have recently been calling for urgent action in teaching Asian Languages in Australian Schools.  It is a first class priority they say.   Especially given the Island Continent's location and admitting that this is 'The Asian Century'.   If it weren't for Asia Australia would be where the Yanks and Europeans are right now.  Bankrupt and facing Recession/Depression.

Thailand is certainly not the only country in the world that has problems with its Ed System.  Look at the USA

Unfortunately many TV Narks will just use this article to futher ridicule and kick the Thais.

When I went to High School (in Aust) French was compulsory for the first two years.   Alot of good that did me.  Not.