I think that Angstrom, while generally correct, is overstating the negative aspects of the situation there.

I haven't heard about any foreigners being drugged and robbed by tuk-tuk drivers in years. No independent travel resource (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, etc.) has ever recommended that visitors avoid tuk-tuks. Riding a tuk-tuk is part of the magic of just about everybody's Thai vacation.

One thing one may encounter in Bangkok with regards to tuk tuks is being told by a tuk tuk driver that your destination (the Royal Palace, Wat Pho, etc.) is "closed for the afternoon" or something silly like that. They may try to talk you into seeing some attraction for which they get paid a commission instead. There are also semi-honest tuk-tuk drivers who agree to take you somewhere for free or almost free, but you have to be willing to visit their [brother's/uncle's/cousin's/auntie's] gem or souvenir shop. You poke around the shop, the shopkeeper gives the driver a coupon for free gasoline somewhere and there is little harm done.

Finally, Angstrom's "Kii Nok" means "birdshit."

Viva Thailand!

Save comments like that for Michelle Malkin's site, BelchSpeak.

I loved so many of Coupland's novels back in the 90s - pre and trans tech-boom. This one sounds like a downer, however.

Feichang cool!

Hao ji le!

There'll be no "duhs" in any of my threads, thank you very much.

SuperGreg is missing - they got Ill Mitch, though.

The Technoviking was the great new discovery for me as a result of this video. What a remarkable and strange video that is. If it hasn't already been posted on Neatorama, I'll post it.

If I'd been there, I would have cut the snake up with a shovel.

Cock brand fish sauce!

http://flickr.com/photos/astanhope/1499393857/

Wooo!

Nice, Sniperman! Thanks again!

Diego:

Yes, this is Peruvian talent but cumbias originated in Colombia. That's what I meant.

Jamie:

How much does the album cost at emusic?

Very cool - thanks, Sniperman!

It is a counter.

Blah blah blah. Ah yes, if only Western Civilization hadn't evolved beyond "vanquishing" other peoples - THEN the world would truly be a perfect place.

Wow - check this out from the Talk: page of his Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Frane_Selak
One man dreamed all his Life about been Famous...Couldn't make it as a musician...Then he won a lottery!

He had found local "journalist",who published a story of little truth and lots of fantasies in the local newspapers.Naive western "journalists" have transfered story in their newspapers (without checking the facts in the archives or talking to witnesses!) and the Lucky Star was born...

Now,they should go back to Mr.Selak and ask him about his 5 marriages and his sons that he never cared about.Or,at least-check the archives and try to find reports of all these "incredible survival-stories".You finally made it,Dad!

Selak Z