I can be contacted at: JohnGaltThailand@gmail.com

 
 

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We are moving into a new mode of operation here.   I have pulled my older articles from the web.   I felt that they didn't speak as accurately about my current state.  Those topics were getting a bit stale.  I want readers always have a sense of the current "Galt".

So my new policy will be to publish articles for about 2 months and then put them aside.  For now, all the older articles are still on the web site in place, but in time they will be completely concealed.
 
 
 

There are no current full size articles...

 

 

 

Stickman Has a Conscience June 28th...

J. D. Stickman was sure laying it down heavy today with his version of Catcher in the Rye.   It would have been a nice touch to just say the girl's name was "Phoebe"...

People, I live in the country and I have been here a fairly long time I see what happens here in real Thailand.  When I compare life here to life in the big city, I don't see a huge downside to girls launching out to try their hand at the bar industry.  All things being equal, life in the country is not that much more of an opportunity.  There are girls who do stay at home for many years, perhaps they do the college thing, perhaps work in the family business, but in the end they are bored and have little chance of forward personal growth.   We have those who marry, have a child and try to do the family thing and are unhappy (I personally have seen a handful of girls go through this transition young sexy bouncy girl->married->married with child->ultimately unhappy over-weight wife).   I don't see a very good reason for a girl not to launch out and try her hand at a new opportunity and the chance to see the world and make a few dollars if she feels that she is not making progress back in her home town.   Whatever road is Stickman is worried about these girls crossing -- they going to cross that road somewhere; either in the city or the country.   There is no "catching them".

Sure, we are going to hear of these tender hearts who by most accounts are under-educated and simple in their ways, coming into a business where fast times brings some fast money, and if she is unlucky perhaps some bad luck.   True, she is jumping into the deep end of the pool, but chances are she may also know more about what is going on than you think.  And this particular story that Stickman writes about sounds like the bar business was one of her last choices, not a first choice.

Life is unfair.   It's very unfair.   And its unfair for a reason.  It's unfair to challenge us and to make us think and to question our values.  And it's unfair so that we are forced to make choices and takes leaps of faith, and to believe in ourselves and strengthen our resolve...

I rather like people who are bold enough to battle down their fears and step out to take on the impossible mission...

If Stickman is so very concerned about these girls.... perhaps he should shut down his web site and lobby with other Thai nationals to have the bar industry closed down?   Would that be the honest heart felt response?  Or is this piece just a "shake you up" article?  Is this piece just a Stickman device to endear you to the Stickman web site?  "Oh Stickman you are such a great guy for caring so much for these innocent girls"...Who Ha

Now, I'm wondering if the article is really true at all?  Maybe he just made up this "Phoebe" story to pull on your hearts strings so that you're want to visit Thailand.

I think Stickman knows on what side his bread is buttered.

Nice Bar Pictures...

I like seeing the bar pictures (although I would not take up with the girls as they are a bit below my standards...).   Stickman has been given unprecedented access to one or two establishments.   I say unprecedented because typically, bars don't like to bring attention to themselves and generally will shy away from allowing professional photos taken inside a working bar.  These photos can call attention to Thailand's NNL and if there is negative international press, we then we'll see a backlashes of public opinion which in-turn cranks-up police crack downs.    The  risky photos only affirms what we know - the bars are in very bad shape and their income is so low that the club owners are hoping that Stickman's covering is going to help bring rowdy customers back to the country....   Fair deal -- I certainly understand their need.   (and by the way, the photos could have been much more risqué... we didn't see any nudity)

Stickman has a normal job...

Hey, we saw Stickman admit he has a 9 to 5'er job.  In the final paragraph of today's column he was explaining why he can't meet with more of his readers....  He says:

It has got to the stage recently where after a day at work I want nothing more than a quiet night at home.

So, he has "days" at work.  Ok, great.   Nice to see that he has a job and a steady income with which he can afford that monthly budget of 65k baht. 

So what kind of job does he have?   It can't be teaching English because he clearly published his statement saying that he doesn't teach anymore..... So, does anyone know for sure what Stickman is currently doing?  Care to share that with the readership?  (you can email me hear to share if you wish)

Tell you what people, we'll give Stickman a few months to tell us what he is doing.  If he doesn't come clean and fess up --- I'll take it upon myself to do the research, get a copy of his work permit, and publish photos of him going to work, etc.  We make it a point to pull Stickman out of the closet on this say... 6 to 8 months from now?    That gives him plenty of time to bring that information forward on his own...... Really now, what is there to hide?   Right?

Thailand is Blocked...

For those of you who may not know yet -- I have block Thailand from most of my (this) web site.   The root address www.NotStickmanBangkok.com is blocked inside Thailand, but Thailand can see the default.htm and the GaltWeekly.htm pages (this page).   All other pages with all my other articles are not allowed to enter Thailand.

I did this to counter problems from litigation.   Technically, if I have lied about anyone, and you import that information and expose it inside Thailand, the person who displays anything that is a lie may be guilty of a crime.  I don't publish anything that I know to be false and I qualify every comment.  But, authorities can still grant trials .... in some cases not knowing that the plaintiff has submitted false evidence.  (did you guys follow that?)   It's true.  Undiscovered lies are offered into evidence and accepted as fact on a frequent basis.   This mainly occurs when judges are lax about rules of procedure.  I've been in front of 4 judges now and some are sharp and others are ambivalent.  So, I'm going to keep my articles out of Thailand for now so litigation can so easily take place for what I have published.

However, I also have to tell you that at least one girl who I wrote about found my web site.  She was fine with what I said about her.  I had no problems with her at all.   It may be a better policy to keep the site hidden so I'm more free to dig deeper into the Thai culture and write honestly about it.   So, I expect future articles to be more revealing.

My writing is not primarily for those inside Thailand anyhow.  Most guys who are here in the Kingdom, who are "bar stool sitters" don't have any reason to look at what I write about.  So, let them read the BS at the Stickman site.  Stickman caters to their egos and their habits with story lines that are almost fantasy anyhow.  And I also don't want to come off rude... there are plenty of good expatriates here as well.  I'm grateful to know a number of them.   The kind who don't hold to Stickman's position --the kind who get involved for the good of the community.   The kind who will step out and help and do help when the need arises.  The kind who don't hide their faces even when the going get tough.  

Jackson ...

We lost Michael Jackson this week.   The news flew around world at record speed.   I was 25 when Jackson was in his hey-day.   We partied to his music on a regular basis so I was certainly saddened to hear of his demise.   But, he is now in a better place.  I know that sounds very cliché, but it's true.   Michael was locked in a world of pressures and troubles.   And we all have troubles, but his were always on a super star scale.   For all the money that he had, he obviously was not happy, because every year he out-spent himself.   It probably drove the Jackson family crazy.   I would not be surprised to hear that family pressure and stresses from his upcoming concert tour, drove him over the edge.  I'm guessing we'll hear that he was over-medicated and unhealthy.   Funny thing -- and perhaps the sad thing about all this is now the Michael estate can finally get it's debts paid off and become profitable.  Joe, Katherine and family will now have greater access to the wealth and the pressures that Michael endured are now over.   My guess is that his family killed him (for you Thais who are reading this - look up the definition of "Figure of Speech") by just doing what families do when money is at issue.

It's sad.... life is unfair.   Very unfair.   And it up to us to step up and step out and make it more fair for ourselves and the others around us.   No one is going to give you a free ride, and if you had a free ride, you wouldn't appreciate it anyhow.   So, we must strike out and challenge ourselves, and endure, and appreciate what is most important.

Thanks for stopping by people.   Those of you who are in the west, I hope you're planning a trip over when you can.   The bar industry could use a boost.  And you don't have to feel guilty about pairing up with a young beautiful girl either.   Treat her nice.   If you're a "grab ass" kind of guy, take up with a feisty vixen who is just your speed.  Or if you're just looking to vacation with a partner, then seek out someone on the tame side... in either case, just treat them right and it will be a pleasant experience ... not just for you... for her as well.  And this is going to sound corny, but you will not be forgotten when you return...

The Galt

 

 

Sunday June 21st...

(finger tapping on the table...)....  (nose wiggle).... (look to the right....  look to the left...).... And here I thought that Stickman was having the orgy with the Secrets people last week..... 

This week, he's gone a bit further.   Whipped cream, toe sucking, buggy whips? 

I've got no instinct to look at some white man's ass while he's being smacked with a paddle.... Doesn't appeal me in the slightest.   No interest any exotic fantasies either...   (a simple pair of coeds between the sheets floats my boat just fine)...

Well, this just goes to show that when money is low, Thailand and those who live off Thailand gear up by selling sex.   I wouldn't necessarily call it the low road, but its a far cry from the high road.

When money is riding high -- so many local farangs call the night life "far below them", but when "Thrifty Charlie" needs to hustle up some extra scratch, then it's time to hawk the flesh industry and stimulate the economy and openly embrace the dark side.   My god what does the "wife" think?

Who is to say just how honest this report is....it is obviously a paid attempt to bolster trade at a very low time in the industry.   There is certainly no picture taking normally going on inside without management direction.   Evidently the risks for this company of exposure to the Thai public are far outweighed by the threat of doors being closed due to lack of income.

These places are not exactly like "Ripley's Believe it or Not".   They are kind of a-kin to over-indulgence.   What alcohol is to bars, S&M and fetishes are to sex.   There comes a point where you just can't get that itch scratched and you end up stuck in a miserable rut.   For those of you who like an oddity, then this might be something to see but don't be terribly disappointed if it doesn't come off as Stickman has described it.   He frequently promotes dead establishments who are hurting so badly that they'll pay him for a few kind words. Never mind that you may be completely disappointed at the results.  He doesn't care about the readership that much.

I had an unusually high number of visitors come to the site last week... this is especially strange because I haven't really been publishing any articles.

I'm still very busy with work, and the Wade law suit has diminished my desire to "stir the pot" as it were.....

I'm going to get back to it....   I have to wrap up a few more things in my industry (LED lighting) and I have to reorganize the web site in a way that allows me to speak more freely and directly yet reduces my liabilities.

Not much new this week.   I'm been writing software to integrate my business processes and to automate email, inventory control, etc.  Next week we finish up a new product....   I know, I know -- this is all very boring stuff to you readers out there looking for a weekly "Thailand" fix.

I got up this morning and walked over to my windows and looked out over the mighty Mekong river and took it in as a majestic sight... It felt great to be alive...now how do you package that for distribution?

Thanks for stopping by

The Galt

 

 

 

 
New Hope For Whisky Drinkers

I have to extend out a gracious thank you this week to the Great Stickman for discovering the formula for making whisky drinking safe and healthy.   Here is what Stickman had to say this week about good health:

When I was young and had little money, money was important to me.  Then as I got older, I realised that money was not as important as time.  And now I realise that as important as time is, it can only be enjoyed if my health is good so these days my health is my top priority.  So when I go out drinking, I like to make the best choice for my health.  I went off Jack + Coke because Coke really doesn't do you any good.  I then realised that beer has a fair few calories and my other choice, Gin & Tonic has even more still, so I reverted to an unusual drink - Jack Daniels and Diet Coke.  You can't tell the difference but it is a much better choice, health-wise.

Yes, got to love this logic...   Coke just isn't any damn good for you.  You can get diabetes from it and perhaps tooth decay.   And the calories -- well, those are just over-whelming to the system.   Everyone -- you're far better off consuming your Johnny Walker Neat.   Never mind that liver thing - just squash those sugar calories.....

 

I had some email this from a few sources.  Here is one of them.

I was reading stickman this past week where he writes about living on
One Million Baht per year, and then proceeds to break down his
expenses.

My question: What about income tax? Most people start by listing
their gross income and then taxes paid is the first item off the top.
If you net 80k baht a month then your gross income should be 105 or
110k THB a month. Seems pretty high for an English teacher.

If you don't pay taxes then you can't keep your work permit I believe.

Anyway, just something that raised my eyebrows.

This reader has a point.   If you are working here you must pay taxes on an income.   Stickman neglected to mention if he paid taxes, but then again, he neglected to say if he was working.  He only described his monthly expenses.  

I for one - strongly believe Stickman is working a steady job.  And I believe he is teaching again.   Let's say that Stickman spends all his money every month (and of course with ad revenue from the web site and private investigation work -- he certainly doesn't spend all his money), but lets say that 64,200 baht is all that is left of his pay each month.  Now, we'll calculate backwards taxes and extrapolate his full income.   First, he is over 60k, and that requires that he pay the full 1,500 baht in social security.   So, his new gross is 65,700.   Also, at over 60k, the tax bracket is 20%.  So his final income figure for working in Thailand has to be at least 82,125 baht.    A good teachers salary in Bangkok at the schools where Stickman can sweet talk himself into - they are paying probably 90k or a bit better.    So, Stickman isn't making a killing off teaching.  It is a means to and end for Stickman.  What his end is -- is anyone guess because Stick doesn't share why he here and what his long term plan is.

Here are more interesting thoughts from an email:

Please keep up the sterling work! Your site is a breath of fresh air! I had the misfortune to find myself in a bar full of 'stickmanites' last evening. They were quoting stickman as though his word was law! I invoked your name and the results were hilarious!
May I make a couple of suggestions?
1) Could you raise the point as to why 'the one million baht a year man' is continually whining about paying a satang over 100 baht for a drink.
2) Why is he continually obsessed by 'the right kind of expat'? The man is a wannabe English teacher who stayed here to be close to the whores. Judging from what I saw yesterday his followers are just the same - a load of middle aged expat wannabes, teaching to stay here, clustering around every 65 baht happy hour in town!
Mate, please continue in your good work! If I hear the phrase 'stickman said....' one more time I'm going to go crazy!

Stickman does study Thai laws.  He knows them just well enough so he can get away with breaking them. 

As for his budget -- I think his article last week spelled it out fairly well.  At 90 or 100k baht a month, you may not be living very well in Bangkok.   

When I, the Great Galt, was last living in San Diego (2001), I was clearing the equivalent of 200k baht a month and I didn't have a lavish lifestyle.  (and incidentally very little babe action).

 

Ok, let's get to the most important mini topic today... the passing of a well known actor, David Carradine.   I was a young teenager when Kung Fu was the hot TV show and "Kung Fu Fighting" was a popular song on the radio.   I have to admit, that this character was a cult hero figure and everyone wanted to emulate him.  I remember on TV when asked -- "What is your name" David's character would whisper very slowly "Kwai" "Chang" "Caine".    Thinking back to those words I notice something peculiar.   Most people know that Shaolin Monks are from a monastery deep in China, but what is interesting is that I now see that "Kwai Chang Caine" are not Chinese names.  In fact, most names in Chinese don't translate over to English very well.    Moreover, not only are these names not Chinese, they appear to be Thai based.    We all know from our travels here that Kwai is the work for Buffalo, and Chang is the word for Elephant.   So, this week, I asked on of my workers if the name "Caine" meant anything in Thai.   And sure enough, with a slight change in the accent and tone, the word Caine is very close to a word that means, "Pulling a load" or "To carry a burden".   So, I think the Kwai Chang Caine name  is pulled directly from Thai to fit Carradine's character.  The Kwai Chang Caine character was an exile from China wondering around the US set in the time period of the 30's and 40's searching for the one who killed his master to clear his name.  All the while avoiding the law because he was the one accused of the murder.

My personal belief is that Carradine died accidentally as he was working up an auto-erotic asphyxiation episode.   There he was, probably stuck in his hotel room.   He was on location shooting a movie and probably by contract not allowed to have any late night fun in the local community.   No wife around to distract him.  No friends nearby.   Not at home.... So, he got an itch to stimulate himself.    I can't say that I don't know the feeling.  We all have been in those shoes once or twice.   You just don't know what to do with yourself sometimes and you climb the walls. 

 

I can't say I understand the and the hand tying part.   It is possible to tie your own hands but it's challenging.   Perhaps part of the process is making it difficult to save yourself from unconsciousness, but then how does the masturbation part get done?   You know people -- sometimes I feel like I'm just a newbie at all of this.   A few weeks ago in Pattaya I was being informed what it meant for a girl to be "Air Tight".   So, obviously there is plenty out there in the sexual realm that flies under my radar.

Regardless of how it happened, it is a sad loss ... but we all have it coming.  So lets make everyday count for something important.

People, take it easy.  I will catch you for another mini-update next week.

The Galt.

 

 

 
The Bangkok Budget vs. The Country Budget

I enjoy reading feedback on what people are paying for accommodation and sustenance in Thailand.   We all have different levels of comfort.  We all have different ideas on what we can live with and what we can't live without.

Stickman provided us a run down of his expenses and living choices, I thought that perhaps you might like to see a few of mine and how things in the country may differ a bit.

I have to tell you though, I live bare bones.  I rent a larger building but it came empty, unfurnished and many would consider it unfinished.  But before I go into that area, let me give you the basics:

I will pare up my line items as best I can to Sticks.... 

Rent 15,000 baht
Power 2,500 baht
Internet 700 baht
Satellite TV 0 Baht
Telephone 2300 baht
Water 250 baht
Mobile phone 400 baht
Gasoline 400 baht
Groceries (Food) 7,500 baht
Miscellaneous 1000 baht
Daily allowance (30 x 30) 900 baht
TOTAL 30,950 baht

My building is large.  It's approximately 10,575 sq foot or 982.5 sq meters.   4 of those floors are covered and I include in these numbers my open-air roof-top patio.    I rented this building right on the river because it has a great view and the building was large enough to contain my working space as well as my living quarters.   It's a very simple building.  The 3 and 1/2 baths are tiled but all the remaining floor space is bare concrete.    It's simple living and I could care less about the walls and floor coverings right now.   I rarely entertain guests (outside if my bedroom) and I don't have a regular female here to please.  It's a wash-n-wear kind of place.  In my thoughts -- the more I pay for unneeded luxuries, the less money I have for investing in new product development.   So, the key to my future is living simple, cheaply and using the extra money for more powerful purposes.

I have to laugh about Stickman mentioning that one of the problems with cheap housing in the loud neighbors... because here I am the loud neighbor, but there isn't anyone living close enough to me to hear it.  So for renting a larger building I get to really drive my TV system with impunity.

Incidentally, my first townhouse rental here in Nakhon Phanom was only 3,000 a month and I understand that decent houses can be rented for 5 to 6 thousand baht per month.  This is what it's like in the country -- low cost.

My power consumption may look high but that is because we run our entire operation on that 2.5k and my bill is taxed heavily as a business.   If you are in a residence and have one AC unit, you could see bills close to the 800 baht level.   Out of this 2,500, a larger portion of this is my AC consumption.  I have one unit (see below) that I run to ice cold levels while I'm enjoying a little TV or sleeping.

Internet is provided by the TOT phone company.  I have ASDL service at 700 baht a month.

I have a satellite dish on my roof that I paid for when it was first installed several years ago, but I must admit, I don't have a monthly nut on this item (rolling my eyes here...)  The equipment was about 15,000 baht with installation.

My telephone usage is high because I make a fair number of calls in country and out of country.  Most are for business purposes.   This cost would be much less .. say 1,000 baht if I not running the company.

Water usage seems to always be 249 baht and some number of satangs.  This bill was almost exactly the same when I had my smaller townhouse 5 years ago as well.

Mobile Phone.   I buy one or two 300 baht cards a month.  I stay off the phone for the most part.    People up in the country don't make a habit of being on the phone for long.  This is quite different in the city as folks use their mobiles extensively.

I drive a motorcycle (the Honda CBR 150).  It get terrific gas mileage and I can go an entire month between tanks if I'm only tooling around town for that month.   I typically travel 250 kilometers in a month in town.   Additionally, I buy the premium gas; not the cheap stuff so I spend about 400 baht a month on gasoline.

I eat out exclusively for main meals.   However I do purchase large quantities of milk.  I consume no less than one liter of milk a day and I eat cereals and fruit and sometimes pastries at night.   For the most part, I eat simple foods that are low cost:  Guyanne and Kowneow, Common Guy, Gwintheou, Pud-Thai Guy, Mamie MooDang.  Each of these are 25 to 55 baht a serving.    I also optionally grab a hamburger and French fries for 80 baht, or Pla Taap Tim (nice size fish) 160 baht.   We have no McDonalds, no Burger King, no KFC, no Pizza Company here.   I tend to buy the higher quality versions of these foods.  I ask for "no fish sauce" and "extra Red Pork".    On the whole I'm paying out a higher than average daily allowance around 250 baht a day.  I think you have to bite the bullet and spend more on good food to keep yourself healthy and strong.  I'm exercising almost everyday and I have to plan on consuming a good and well balanced diet.

Would you believe that I have never drank a cup of coffee in my life?   Just never liked the taste.   I also have not been inebriated in several years.... so my budget for alcoholic elixirs is very small.   I think Stickman conveniently omitted his beer and wine allowances - or was that tucked into his miscellaneous section?....  (guess he didn't want to come off looking like a lush)

My miscellaneous expenses are small and include the occasional DVD or perhaps some laundry detergent, etc.   I buy clothes about 3 or 4 times a year and I get the cheap 140 baht shirts and 250 baht jeans.

I made all my larger purchases of refrigerator, furniture, motorcycle, AC unit, washing machine well over 5 years ago.   If those are amortized over 5 years, I have paid about 2,500 a month to own those.

I have not included money that I give to the girls in my monthly figures.   I'm going to keep that secret for now.   Stickman didn't include that figure .... I'm not going to either.

So, lets over-estimate my current monthly "nut" at 35k.   If I didn't have the business here, those figures would drop down to about 20k a month.   So, I'm feeling pretty lucky that I'm here rather than in Bangkok.

Now -- I'm going to show you exactly where I live.   Here are the photos of interest.  I took these very recently.   No Buffalo Shit here.  This is not where I used to live -- this is exactly where I live now and have been for the past 5 years.

 

 

 

 

 

I have a large dark cloth cover over my sleeping area.  I need this because I like to sleep in most mornings and I don't want to be disturbed by sunlight.   This cover also serves another purpose in that it reduces the area that I need to cool.   I can run the AC fairly hard and pull the temp down to bear hibernation levels.   Love that "have to get cozy" feeling when in mix company!   There are really no girls who come here who have AC at the house to sleep under.   So, the girls that end up spending the night are enjoying what they consider a special treat.

What I can say... there is Dr House right on the TV.  Love that series.  

I sleep on a queen sized air mattress.  It's simple to clean and comfortable.  I've had this particular comforter for about 7 years and it just doesn't wear out.   I wash it about every 2 weeks.  Pure cotton and just delightful next to the skin (it's hard to find cotton bed linens up country).  I have an assortment of pillows and pillow cases - so I chose the feel and firmness that I want based on my mood.   I also laid down a thin layer of simple carpet for comfort and ease of cleaning.  You can't use anything like a vinyl here or you may have trouble with mold and mildew.

The rest of the room is fairly simple.   I have a few pieces of nice furniture.  Some basic clothes hangers and steel racks.   Few throw rugs on the floor and me and any possible company are delighted.   (You gotta love these country girls -- they live in a more rugged environment generally and they find my bedroom to be quite sufficient.)   What more do I need, right?

Here you see the rest of this floor.  During the working days I have an engineer who occupies the other side of this floor.  The walls are kind of faded but I'll get around to painting them someday.

 

 

 

 

 

Now people -- why couldn't Stickman show you where he lives today?   Why did he have to show you where he lived 10 years ago?   Is it because he has a new 200k baht plasma TV in living room and is concerned about a possible burglary?    Or is it because he doesn't want his customers (those who buy ads on the web site) thinking that he is living too high on the hog?

Or is it perhaps that he fears that his new boss will find him out?    It is because Stickman is once again teaching English (and lying to you about it), and a picture of the inside of his place would be evidence against him should his boss ever come over and see his apartment?

My guess would be that as long as StickmanBangkok.com is running illegally, and Stickman is teaching English that you will never see his face, his name, his current living quarters, his car, or any other identifying pictures on his web site.  This is further evidence that suggests that all is not what it seems with Stickman.  I feel like I'm coaxing Stickman out of the closet on this.... of course he has out rightly lied through his teeth before (remember the TwoFatFarang.com interview where Stickman says that he "actually gave that [part of his business] away". (said like Richard Nixon)... 

Like him / dislike him / remain indifferent, just keep these things in mind when you have any thoughts about trusting what he says.    This is Thailand -- this is Bangkok (and sometimes the country).   Many foreigners are NOT to be trusted here -- and for good reason -- because they are hidden, masked, or otherwise non-disclosed when it comes to who they are and what they want.   Moreover, they seem to revel in it as if they get an extra thrill out of suckering people with the little apparent chance of getting caught.  Is this just a shell game for the Great Stickman?

People -- thanks for stopping by.   I have to say -- my numbers are down from 2 years ago, but they hold strong at about 350 on Sundays.   Then I have about 150 visitors on each of the other days... so conservatively I'm thinking that 600 to 800 are swinging by for a visit each week.  Those are really large numbers for the limited publishing that I'm doing here.   This is really a cult following and I have to tell you that I'm flattered in many ways... maybe even mystified that you feel that my little slant on Thailand is all that terribly interesting.     I haven't done what I need to do here yet.  I have not achieved my goals in business yet ....  But, if I can pull the rabbit out of the hat and make a success of this, then the story may end up being very interesting.  I'm here to succeed or fail - there can be nothing in the middle for me.  I'm here to make something happen and propel myself into places that I would never been able to achieve clocking in and out for someone else back in the states.   The burning question is "Am I going to quit or make good?"   Can I hack the trials and tribulations?   Will the sagging economy put the squeeze on me, or will an infamous Pattaya Real Estate mogul pound me into submission and break my spirit?   For now, the saga will continue.

The Galt

 

 
Stickman Misses One - May 25th

There is a sad Kiwi who ponders the merits of returning to his home land after being in Bangkok 10 years.  But he continues to teach English and run an on-line web site.   In his home country he is nothing special.  Here in Bangkok he considers himself a celebrity but without a face....  

He thinks he knows who the weirdoes are -- but chances are fairly good, he is at the front the pack when he is running a private investigation or pretending to be an English teacher.

The final kicker in all this is that this Kiwi publishes a web site that is directly geared to sex-pat life, replete with articles on naughty night life, go-go bars, account of Katoeys, opinions of sexual habits, and then in his supreme intellectual self-styled attitude the author boldly claims that Bangkok and Pattaya are full of good x-pats gone bad.   One has to wonder just with what eye glasses he is using to take that measure.

Yes people, Bangkok has a few strange x-pats.

 

OH my goodness..  Mr. Stickman is asking me a question almost directly (see the very end of this weeks Stickman column)....    Certainly he would know that I hold some good answers to this question as I have been a runner for most of my life.

I'd like to ask a favour of the readership, namely advice on how to deal with dogs that mistaken my legs for their next meal.  I run most days and in central Bangkok there are many obstacles, none more so than the dogs which not just chase me, but try to bite me.  I had a nasty incident recently when a really vicious beast came at me.  I swing the big Stickman number 10 and hit the bastard flush on the nose.  It was a more than decent swing of the boot, one Dan Carter or Steve Gerard would have been well proud of.  The problem was that it stopped the beast for all of about 2 seconds before he came snarling back at me again!  This was as good a kick as I could give and it was useless!  If it had not been for a courageous scavenger nearby who came to my assistance, well, who knows what might have happened.  So my question is this: What options do I have to repel these foul beasts.  I am looking for something that I can hold or put in my pocket while I run.  Spray?  Whistle?  What's the best means of keeping these disgusting pests out of my way?  I'm specifically looking for something I can buy in Bangkok.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

There are about 3 good techniques for handling an attacking dog when you are empty handed.    Once has to understand that serious runners never really take pepper spray with them.    Carrying much of anything is just not done.   We carry a key perhaps but anything more than and a watch on our arm kind of spoils our running experience.  So, consequently serious runners face dogs empty handed most of the time.

Technique #1 (least serious).  I use my arm and hand extended like a machete and cut a path down through the air in front of an approaching dog who is almost inside my reach.   That swiping motion done sternly typically is enough to dissuade their approach.  I don't even have to stop running to apply this technique.  In some cases I do come down across their noses and make contact -- in most cases they never get that close when I raise my arm.   I use this technique most of the time.

Technique #2   Stopping temporarily and reaching to the ground to pick up an imaginary item will typically stop most approaching dogs.  I get low to the ground and I hold there as if I have my hand on a rock and I'm ready to raise it up.  For some reason that stance seems to scare dogs.  I have never had one continue an approach when I hovered at the ground level, arms stretched out, looking like I was ready to attack.   I few aggressive moves to throw the imaginary rock seems to scare them off.  Dogs will typically give you a wider birth at this point.

Technique #3.  (most serious) Punch to the mussel.   In rare cases where the dogs is coming on strong and I feel that I can handle it, I will take either a single fist or I will clench both hands together and swing both arms in tandem.   I will apply that right to the side of their face.   It has to be applied aggressively with some seriousness and perhaps a yell. (is there any way to give a non-serous punch).

In each of these cases, you are communicating that you are the alpha male so you can't be a pansy about it.   It's serious business.

Dogs in public are much more prevalent here in Thailand, but they tend to be more acclimated to people than in the west.  Most will not bother you.  However, if you seem to be getting a greater than equal share of attacks, then follow these suggestions:

1) Don't run past 6pm in the evenings as dogs are more fearful at night.

2) Run further around the dogs "home turf".

2) Stay away from areas where packs of dogs hang out particularly in during the dogs mating seasons.  The get real howdy when girls are in the mood. (Stop it you guys, I'm not talking about Pattaya)

3)  Don't run with Stickman as he tends to attract hungry dogs on a regular basis. (I think they are honing in on his Nokia radio waves).

If you are thinking about carrying mace or pepper spray, and perhaps a leather buggy whip, and your telephone, then you're going to get bogged down with all that equipment.   Running is hard enough without loading yourself down with these things you almost never need.  Running should be an experience of freedom and wind and travel not a back-packing military hike.  You need to run light and keep it fun, and prepare yourself to improvise with the items that are on the road.  (the buggy whip needs to stay next by your bed anyhow, Ouch!) LOL.

What is more interesting here in this topic that that Stickman wrote that someone came to his assistance.  I have had the same thing happen to me in my home town during a dog attach.  This is something very nice about the Thai people, they will jump in give you a hand as best they know how.   It's very touching and darn right nice of them.

Oh Stickman, (big smile here)... so you're a serious runner huh?  I don't believe yet.   Especially if you really haven't formulated your dog control program before now.   Well.  Good luck to you. 

The Galt

 

 

 
May 17th: Stick-fomercial This Week... 

Stickman going to the Bank is all about Stickman going to the Bank...

I hardly even glanced at it.  What's a point?   More biased and slanted reporting that can't be trusted in it's entirety because it's paid for....   "Stick has a meeting at the bank" 

This is another piece on night venues with very little commentary on the cultural connection (spanking the monkey motion here...).  If Stick is so damn married, what's up in being so interested in the ladies?

On another note:   School is back in this week.  The new term starts this week or thereabouts.  Stickman claims he quit teaching English, but I think you'll notice that in weeks to come he'll be traveling less.... for reasons that are obvious to most of us.

Moving on....   I was in Pattaya last week.  Things are beginning to change there.   I have a number of pictures and stories to tell you about, but I'll do that in a full article at a later time.

 

I want to comment on a question that "Mrs Stick" (whoever she really is) answered last week.  The answer was as much hilarious as it was - lame.  Here is the question:

Question 1:  I've had a Thai girlfriend for about 6 months.  It started off very casual for me, but she has gotten serious very fast.  Now she thinks I'm serious about her, but I don't love her.  I'm not into her too much, but she doesn't seem to get the message.  I want to end the relationship, but I fear that there will be too much drama, so I've just let things continue.  She posts love messages and our pictures on Facebook for everyone to read and it's really embarrassing to have my friends and colleagues see that.  I want to delete her from my friends list too, but that would also create drama.  What is the best way to break up with a Thai girl like this?

Mrs. Stick says:  When we introduce our boyfriend to our parents or our boss or our professor or when tell all of our friends about him and introduce him it means we think he is the man we are going to marry.  If we do these things and then we do not marry him then it is very terrible for us and we will be looked at in a bad way.  Everyone who is close to us will think we did something very bad or we were not good enough to keep him.  Maybe you don't understand our culture and how much shame she will feel.  There is no easy solution.  Only God can help you now.

 

This response is pretty much a lie.  "Mrs Stick" knows exactly what you need to do, but she can't really recommend openly a solution...

Personally, I would just make it an honest confrontation and tell her straight up nicely that there has been a miscommunication....  However a Thai would do it differently....

Here is the solution... You have to create a false story that is wild and serious enough to give the girl a way out of the relationship that saves face.

Thai Style Story # 1: You explain to her that you have stomach cancer and that you'll need to go through extensive chemotherapy.   Explain that you'll loose your hair and it will likely render you sterile.   And then simply explain that it would be better for her and her family to not be exposed to this and regretfully she would do much better to find another partner because she deserves have children in the future.   Just say that you're terribly embarrassed about it all and that you'll need to stop seeing her.  

Thai Style Story # 2:  Sit her down and explain that you have a fiancée in your home country a few year back and that previously she had a car accident that left her in a coma.   Then explain that miraculously that fiancée emerged from her coma and you must now take time to reconsider the old relationship and decide how to handle it.   Tell her you need to part ways with her for a few months so you can properly take care of this old business.

There you go.   Both of these are made up stories that allow the girl to save face and break the news to her friends and family that you turned out not to be the perfect choice.  She moves on after some time, and you have an option out of the relationship.    Next time -- get things clear up front and don't be in any rush to meet family -- especially mother and Dad.   Just this weeks the Galt was "hit up" by a beautiful young 18 yr old girl who flirts with me (ok, so I flirt with her too)... She suggested that I go and meet her mother -- (and this is a girl who I have not had any physical intimacy with) and I gave her my canned response "meeting your parents is serious - let's wait 6 months".    The girls intentions were fairly innocent and she is in college (going back to classes this week).   A meeting of this type would be just to get some "clearance" from her mother to perhaps become romantically interested in me.  But, of course, a meeting like this can also being on a sense greater seriousness very quickly.

 

 

What's up with Stickman?   (the following was printed in this week's Stickman Weekly)

Now I have a theory that may be completely wrong, but it relates to unprotected sex and contracting STDs.  From talking to many people over the years it seems that the concept of safe sex is lost on many young Thai women.  I also believe there is a lot more casual sex taking place than we suspect and a big reason for this is that many Thai women associate condoms with prostitutes and NOT good girls!  With this in mind, I am surprised at the somewhat low incidence of STDs and I wonder if there is somehow a correlation between the frequent prescription of antibiotics and STDs.  Could these antibiotics knock out an STD which the carrier didn't even know about?  Remember, some STDs are asymptomatic in women.  Might she never have even known that she had contracted something?  Just a theory...

Why would the Great Stickman, married man, above all nefarious activities included whore-mongering, be expending precious time and energy to postulating theories about sex and contagions?   Not like any of that really concerns him first hand right?   Nor the underage girls who are somewhere in some club making themselves available ....Nor condom usage (unless you have some really strange relationship with your wife)  How do these things catch the mind of someone "on the outside"?    Sorry I must be a bit slow to see the relevant connection where Stickman would be boning on the possibilities that are outside the scope of his own life ..... 

 

People -- I got to tell you.  I'm very uninspired lately to write on the web.   I'm just feeling like hibernating a bit.   Business is slow and I'm really enjoying my personal time.   Exercise, sleep, riding around on my motorcycle and chatting with the locals.   It's good to be home and back in my routine and relaxing and I dabble with my chores.....   I'm just out of the publishing grove.

But, then again who knows, there can be an eruption at any time and mountains can move and we'll have a hot topic hit the wires and I'll be back in full force with something hard hitting and provocative.

Until then, don't believe a word you hear.   Don't accept the face value of any buffalo shit about "how it's a great time to buy real estate in Thailand".   Don't listen to guys who are appealing to your greed.  Don't consider an opinion as anything more than just an opinion.    Don't stumble on the words of any single man (or woman) who thinks they know more than you about Thailand.   You can not -- will not -- understand the full and true picture until you see and hear and smell and taste it for yourself.   The best advise is from strangers you pass on the street who don't know you and have no personal agenda.  And you only believe advice that you hear several times from several independent sources.   Even then, you check further for yourself.   That is the way -- the only way to keep yourself on the best side of deals and opportunities in the land of smiles.   All else is buffalo shit until proven correct.  That's just how it is.

 

OH -- one more thing... I was stalked last week in Pattaya by someone claiming to be working for Stickman.   I'll present the evidence next week and show you what I'm taking about.   It's good for a few laughs.    I guess that Stickman is right, he a few team members to help put his work together and has at least one who is gathering "Intel" on my activities.     I should feel so honored to be followed around.   I must be someone important.  And here Stick and crew were crying about me "stalking" Stickman on the Internet some time back.    It points to a mind set people... Stickman -- private investigations, stalking ....   People think in these terms for very specific reasons.    I suppose the same could be said for my focus on beautiful Thai girls.... but I certainly don't hide from owning up to it.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Galt

 

 

 

May 2nd...

I'm on the road traveling to Pattaya.   I have very specific plans to spend a week there and take care of some business.  

Don't forget people, I'm issuing an open invite to all to bar-hop with the Galt on Saturday night May 9th at 10pm sharp.   Meet up with us under the new sign on Walking street right there at Beach road and Walking street.  I'll be easy to find.   For those of you who arrive late -- call me on my cell 089-541-8274 and you can join us when you arrive.   We plan on going around checking out the ladies on that fine evening.   I don't know where we will end up quite yet.

Stickman is invited, although he tends to not care for A&T activities.?!?!!...   But, should he change his mind and feel the itch to be naughty, he is welcome to come along.   I do believe there is enough naughty to be spread around....

When it comes to mongering, there should be a universal rule that states that men put all differences aside and just embrace the pure art form of pursuing fair maidens....

I should have an update for you in the mid to late week from Pattaya....

Take is easy people.

The Galt...

 

 

 

 

 

Stickman; In The Great Down Under?

The Great Stickman this week is obviously down-under -- perhaps in his home country of New Zealand....  A few things struck me funny this week -- since when did Stickman having difficultly lying?   He wrote several years back that "he's changed".   He's more Thai now that farang and he made it pretty clear back then that he can dodge a question now and then.   I would say he's very skilled at making up stories to cover himself -- so what's the stretch on reporting to the foreign females about Thai bars?  Not like those girl don't know about the bars already (they have probably already checked it out on the Internet) -- they just wanted to see if Stickman was going squirm in his seat and foolishly lie about it.

Another thing that I have to laugh about is how he is always making comments about how guys in Thailand should always be hanging their hat with a girl with sufficiently beautiful standards.  He is always implying that anything less then top scale physical looks is not acceptable.   That part that is funny is that I have been told that his former wife wasn't the big catch in the looks department.     Perhaps Stickman is saying that your mistress should be a knock-out but if you marry her looks could be a bit under scale?   Isn't a sign of a person who is insecure about their mate cheating?    The concept being that if you marry a person who is challenged in the looks department they are less likely to cheat?    Or is it that if you marry down with looks -- that give you a greater excuse to cheat?  Maybe Stickman should make a clarification on that someday when he finally breaks down and explains to you that he isn't married anymore.   Perhaps I have it all wrong -- so I'll Stickman make the final clarifications on that topic.

However, Stickman is being completely honest in his writing as it reflects his uncertainty about being in Thailand.  He's torn about staying and leaving all the time.  I can understand that.  Not everyone is up for being away from the land in which they were raised.   I am probably one of few odd ball types of people who feel that Thailand is a great place to be..... but most probably don't cope very well over long periods of time here.  Does Stickman have a exit strategy?  Or will he just stay and become a Bernard Trink and retire here?

Laughing at you - Scared of you...

I had an interesting series of emails this week from someone who reads Stickman and follows my ranting here.   This person first pointed out the ad on last weeks Stickman Weekly which said "Do you look older than you are".  This is an ad for a farang who had been around a while who practices hypnotherapy.   I told them that I didn't think that Stickman ran this ad with any specific thought in mind for me.   They thought otherwise because I posted a fair number of pictures of myself in recent weeks (see below)...  They though Stickman was poking a little bit fun at me.   Is it possible?  Who knows....

Anyhow, during the course of our email back and forth - they identified themselves as being part of a husband and wife team managing a bar -- and I said -- "Hey, I may be in your area next week.  I can stop by and say hello"...  To that the response was no, and that "frankly I scare" them -- they went on to say that their spouse thought I was a "ticking time bomb".  They finished up the email saying "Sorry if I upset you".

To this reader I said -- "no, you didn't upset me".   And I told them that they have bought into some of the popular disinformation that the "Galt must be a whacko".    In how many bars is the Galt the topic of conversation?  Hum...

Well, you know I am pretty mean with a bucket of water....

Calling All Fellow Whoremongers...

So, I tell you what people.... I think its time I put out the call all whoremongers far and wide.... I will be in Pattaya kicking around and having fun.... and I hereby call a meeting of the Pattaya local chapter of fellow whoremongers -- together for a night out on the town -- Saturday May 9th.   Let's make a plan to meet at the head of Walking Street under the new sign at 10pm sharp!    Come a few minutes early so you won't miss the group.   

That's right people -- met me in the flesh and let's go press some flesh..... I'm talking about some serious bird watching and possible philandering.   I hear from my Pattaya sources that "anything goes" right now in Sin city.  I'm hearing that there is plenty of skin showing and "special" shows are plentiful.  

Come one -- come all.  I'll make a point to invite Stickman.....  Don't know if he'll show though because he is not all that interested in the bar scene anymore.   He may also a bit paranoid about his picture being taken.... so, he may not show.   I don't know if Stickman likes to meet with readership anyhow.... 

But, if you have the nerve to run with the Galt, I'll be there to head the party.    I don't know where we will go yet.  I'll scope the bars and have some ideas in mind but we can go with the group consensus.    You can email me here if you have any questions about the meet.

Thanks for stopping by people,

The Galt

 

 

 
The Galt Spreads a Little Angst & Consternation..

The bulk of the water festival activities happen on the road right in front of my place.  I take advantage of that and heave buckets of water from my 2nd story balcony to those unlucky enough to pass within my throwing arm.   It's unfair to the extent that those receiving can't as easily send that water back up....  So, for a time I'm enjoying the festivities from my perch with almost full impunity.  However, that is only 1/2 of the fun.   During these days I also suit up and move among the crowds.  

I dust off and pull out and dawn my 3/2 wet suit.

I enjoy mixing it up with the people, but when it comes to Songkran, a single farang is a juicy target and without the wet suit I would be pummeled without any protection.

The weather is warm and I don't mind normal water, but some of these water stations are buying ice and chilling the water -- and even with a wet suit on - you can really get covered in ice water.  It's quite a shock to the system - not the most pleasant feeling in normal Sonkran garb.   With the wet suit, I just need to take care of my faces and eyes.   

In most places around town, you move very slowly -- you stop when there are groups of kids -- and you let them all take a crack at you and they splash you and rub talcum power on you.   It's a very nice way to see all the people and say hello.  Many family members who are normally not in town are here during the celebration.  Two or three times I had to stop and clear my eyes so I could see again, but with a little patience, you learn to roll with with celebration.  Living in Thailand can be viewed as one large exercise in patience.   It is.  Ask anyone from the west who lives here.   But patience really does have its virtue.

The picture to the right was taken late in the afternoon on Wednesday and as you see the revelers are still at it full bore.  I didn't take a lot of pictures this year.   I was too busy having fun with the people.

You can down load this picture in full size and study it more closely if you like.   It's large though -- so wait for it.

One thing that is notable this year - there was much less drinking than last year.   I'm a bit surprised.  Drinking is typically a big part of Songkran.  The celebration tends to be a dangerous mix with alcohol.   I suspect that deaths from driving fatalities will be markedly down this year.

Want to see things for yourself?   Just last night a local guy posted a handful of videos to U-tube.  He started out late in the day, but you can get a taste of what Songkran is like here --> Galt Does Songkran    I have no first hand knowledge of who the author is.   His is a Thai guy in his twenties.  It looks like he went around town and captured items of unusual interest like the Katoey who was dancing on table wearing a bra.  Nice for me to be added to his collection of interest - I think...  We both really missed the better moments earlier in the day with the sun was fully out and people were packed in the roadways.

Thanks to a reader for pointing this out these videos clips to me.

Thanks for stopping by.... The Galt

 

 

 
Stickman in Koh Chang

Stickman is certainly making the rounds this year.   I don't think we've not seen him travel this much in years past...

I had to laugh to read that we was "wigged out" by seeing over-sized white females pairing up with young Thai studs.   So what?   Good luck to those ladies and let all parties involved make their own willing choices....  The men do have the choice to be there don't they Stick?  Gosh, you know maybe these guys are being taken advantage of?   Did you check to see if there were any under-age guys in that group?  Shame, I would appreciated seeing an "age-check" in your article this week.

Anyhow -- you have to appreciates Stick's fabulously expensive camera.   I've never seen one so light sensitive to capture a depth of field for the entire picture.  I'm guessing 3 or 4 thousands dollars for that equipment?   Not cheap that is for sure..... something is amiss when Stickman says he is a Cheap Charlie -- not for technology, that is for sure.   I guess this only literally applies when he's out with friends and it's his turn for a round of drinks?

Stickman also dropped another note this week about running everyday.... That's got to be hogwash... he's just setting you guys up to add more advertising to the site.   He lacks health and fitness income so I guess he'll start pushing gym memberships or places that sell health food...  What a phony -- he is a beer/wine connoisseur and runner too?    Stickman is all things to all people..?    I guess readers are generally weak minded in that they see what they want to see.

 

I initiated some contact with Stickman this week.   I expressed an interest in burying the hatchet and coming to some agreeable accord.   We had some spirited exchange in email, I needled him, he patronized me....  Net progress - big fat 0.  He keep insisting on meeting at the airport (if I was coming through that way).   He said he likes the idea of the security there.   Personally, I don't like to hang out a the airport -- I'd rather meet him in some public place in Pattaya.  (should I call a party and invite all our friends?)    We may still meet as some point.   Schedules didn't allow a Pattaya meet (I'm planning to be down that way next month).    He probably wants to give me the once over to see if I'm half the man in person as let on to be on-line.   Then he'll likely give me some subtle non-verbal warnings to back off through body language / something that can't be documented....  Hey -- who knows?   I imagine at some point that meet will take place.   No immediate plans though.  Oh -- yes, he made me promise not to repeat our conversation so I likely will have to agree not to divulge the particulars....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was looking through old photos today and I came across these....   I was funning around with my "then" Laos girlfriend in Pattaya as she was snapping these....   Photo number 5 is the "Q" sign.   Any of you know the "Q" sign?  Well, chances are you will at some point.  She made me buy this hat in the last photo.   She said is was to "make me look younger".  Those photos were taken in December 2001 not long after my arrival here.   Now... compare those to these taken very recently.

 

Picture in Pink was taken Jan 2006 and in black was Dec 2008.   What do you think people?   So these two groups of pictures were taken around 7 years apart.  I'm more grey now (I occasionally die my hair) and I have had a few moles removed from my face....but I think "The Galt" still "has it".   I lost 20 pounds of fat between these 2 time periods.

 

This is part of what Thailand does for me.   I'm afforded the time to exercise and sleep well, and I eat better.   I think I'm happier here because I feel thankful everyday.   This is our greatest advantages of being in Thailand.  If you're retired -- you have time.  If you run a business and hire employees -- you have time.  Take that time to invest in yourself and for god sakes put that beer down!

And speaking of time.....

It's that time again!   I typically enjoy the Songkran celebration.   In my heart I think that if I can't get into it and have some fun, that I've lost my edge on youth.   I want to always be able to mix it up with the younger people and laugh and be part of the community.   Every year, I splash and get splashed.  It's a time to meet perfect strangers and be a little silly and remember what it's like to laugh at yourself.     Never taking yourself too seriously is good medicine.   This photo was taken at my first Songkran celebration here in Nakhon Phanom back in 2002.   Funny, even today, I have no idea who these people are - All I know is that they wanted to take a picture with me.

Thanks for stopping by people.

The Galt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Stickman in Cambodia

Does Stickman always have to take an "under-age" working girl poll everywhere he goes?   What is his fascination with newly pubescent girls selling some skin?   He claims that he's vehemently against the practice, but good golly miss molly - if doesn't he ring the dinner bell on that topic.  Its almost part of his check-list that he runs down so his constituency can take note of where to shop.....  The well known saying is -- "Sex Sells" and I can't think if a slicker way to sell it without taking ownership of selling it.  He is starting to sound like a Jimmy Swaggart... I just wonder if Stickman is going to get his hand caught in that cookie jar someday....  It wouldn't surprise me.

Gordon sounds like an interesting person.   It's not everyday that you boldly lay out an opposing opinion about another business on the Internet.    Gordon certainly has more balls that I do, because I tend to shy away from the idea of criticizing locals.   My take on that is that I'm a guest in someone else's county and if I don't like how the Thais do it here, then it's not my place to raise the issue.   Although I'm perfectly happy with taking on a follow farang -- as I feel this is part of my duty to help protect my other follow "western" countrymen.

Evidently Gordon had a gripe with a female Khmer and voiced his opposition to her in his column.   He could have very well be on the right side of the argument, but seldom is there fairness in developing countries.  Still, it's takes nerve to make a stand and I certainly related to his story to that of my own...   Sounds like he wiggled out of possible trouble.   Good for him.  Sadly, it's not worth it over-all in the end.   I wish Gordon good luck....

On another note, I wanted to share with you that Stickman claims that many are his friends... I had a number of people in recent weeks talk to me about how they were NOT his friend anymore.  It was explained to me that Stickman makes an acquaintance, there is some friendly exchange, the other party gains a distaste for the Stickman duplicity, cheapness, and social-climbing, etc, and the friendship kind of dissolves.  Stickman and Stickman's X have burned some bridges.   He is not all that well connected as you might think that he would be.....

For that matter, I'm not that well connected either but there are a few in high places that at least appreciate that I'm genuine.   I'll take genuine over popular any day of the week.

It happened today;

This happened today Sunday April 5th.   I had just started out on my run for today, I must have only been on the road for 30 seconds, it was slightly dark, 7:30ish and I hear a motorbike rolling up behind me and a girl calling out my name "Keet", "Keet".  I stop, turn around and there is someone I know.   She is the older sister of an X-Galt Squeeze -- and low and behold she has a baby in tow.   One hand on the handlebar working the gas and the other strapped around her baby.   And she stopped and I immediate take notice in surprise because I had not seen her around town pregnant prior to the birth.   She no sooner gets that bike stopped next to me and her arms winch that baby up in the air for me to hold...  He has a shirt on but no bottoms.....  Hum....   I stretch out and grab up the little porker.   And I fumble a bit like I'm play Mr Mom for the first time.  I haven't hade a baby in my arms for well over 10 years.   So, I'm calling upon all my instinctive reflexes to get this 30 pounds of "ballistic gelatin" situated just right.   And I'm worried he is going flinch so I'm making effort to secure this little giant so he doesn't get away from me.   She tells me he is only 4 months old.  He has got to be on of the most chubby babies that I've seen.   He doesn't cry.  Seems quite happy to be held by a stranger.    But, that moment didn't last too long as I was less comfortable than he was.  I carefully handed the little giant back to Mom and now I'm good for another 10 years.   The older sister told me that her younger sister is down in Australia singing right now and that she would be home for Songkran that I should give her a call or otherwise be available.... and I'm thinking -- hum... what have those two been talking about?   Her younger sister starting to make headway in the music business recently.   She has been featured in a music video that I'm told plays on the TV stations in  Bangkok and she is putting together CDs, etc.   This may end up being a rags to riches story for a girl who is best described as perhaps a real Cinderella story.   I remember the her breaking down and crying in front of me a few years back and telling about how she was adopted and how father really loved her but the mother was partial to her older sister.   The story was a tear jerker of sorts....   But, she has a fabulous singing voice.   Everyone loves to listen to her and perhaps she is on her way to a much better life.  As to what is ahead for Songkran - I have no idea....

Final thought for you....

I'm going to offer up to you one more observation.   In case you haven't figured this out yet, Stickman is generally down on foreigners helping out with the Thai authorities for a very important reason.   It's only with foreigner's help that Thai authorities can crack-open some types of law breaking activities.   Now, you might be asking -- "Why is Stickman so down on the idea?  Stickman is a morally conscientious person right?  He condemns underage girls on the strip, etc. Right?"

And I would say to you -- Stickman likes to give the impression that he is on the right side of the law.  He wants you to think that he is clean and neat, and law abiding in all respects.  However, (let me borrow his words here) "Truth be told"... Stickman runs one of the largest illegal on-line operations in all of Thailand.   It may in fact be the biggest illegal operation.  And the one serious down side to his endeavors is that fact that a foreigner can (as the Brits would say) "suss him out".  Thais would never get close as he would shut down the site at the first sign of trouble, but foreigners could make inquires and track revenue flows and document evidence about who pays Stickman for advertising.  They could even hire Stickman for a bar girl investigation.   So, you can bet that Stickman feels a certain trepidation to think that foreigners would possibly help the Thais to tear down his illegal operation.

I've said this before and I'm going to say it again -- He is a "John Karr" incident waiting to happen.  It's a Bangkokpost Photo-Op.    It will be a minor landmark case where some greedy Thai politician is looking for a hot opportunity to respond to public outrage ... and the politician is going to have remarkably handy a new bill ready that will be fast-tracked into law that will somehow increase the level of restrictions against foreigners inside the kingdom.   This is not some far-out dream that I have, this is quite likely going to happen.  Right now you can believe that are a dozen concepts floating around about how the Thais are going to clamp down further on foreigners, and the establishment is looking for an opportunity to shake the apple cart.  They won't do anything without some stimulus.  They can't.  People will bitch if a new law is passed without due cause.   The law makers need a reason, and the Stickman web site is one that is almost made to their order.  It's just a matter of time before someone pulls the switch, under-cover officers are assigned to the case, evidence is collected, indictments are typed up and Stickman is in a world of shit... and then, we are all put on notice that publishing for profit inside the kingdom will be punishable by fines and imprisonment.   For those who are not making money -- we'll still have to register our blogs.  Who knows what else may be the result.

Yet, again, another change that would not surprise me.

OH -- one more think..... I forget to tell all you people that I'm not the original Galt.   No - not at all.  Several months ago, this site was turned over to another "Galt".

I am the Galt Mark II.

Sorry for the subterfusion but I'm dealing with some court issues right now and the Galt must service up the Thai dish of "plausible  deniability" (made with lots of salt and lots of sugar).

Take is easy people.

 

 

 

 

 
Nothing terribly important to comment on Stickman this week.... 

Short Update on the Clayton Wade Slander Law Suit dispute:  I believe my next court date is on Monday April 20th.  That is 4 short weeks away.  This may end up being the show down date.   Clayton will be there trying to explain how I have violated my probation from the previous court decision.  That is his strongest position.   I'm sure he is going to ask the court to put me in (as he calls it) the "monkey house".     Hum.... will he prevail or will other higher powers weight in?   Clayton does have other formal charges pending against him for falsifying evidence against me in the first case... Will that trip him up on the second?   Is his credibility with the court shot?

All I know is that I won't be backing down and doing a "Stickman like" runner...   I'm there to face the situation.   If they throw me in jail, then so be it.   That doesn't change my position.

People, thanks for stopping by -- business has been up.  We had a shaky start to the season, but sales are starting to come around.   My LED business is begining to take shape too.  I can't complain.  I'm not getting rich, but we are holding our own at this time perhaps more importantly we are developing a fair number of new products. 

 

This is one of those new products.   A company from the US sponsored the development of this smaller micro-processor controlled LED lighting unit.  This unit is designed to work as a solar powered window lighting unit.   We should be going to full production on this shortly.

 

 

 

This is another unique development.  We placed 36 high power LEDs together on this small board.  This product is about 45mm wide.  It can produce 3 1/2 times the light of a normal 100 watt light bulb.  Currently, we have a demo of this product at a leading aquatic facility in the US.  They are testing it over their marine tanks and if we are lucky, we may gain a contact from them to build their next generation solid state lighting system for their fish aquariums.

 

 

 

This is a small demo control unit that supplies power to an LED lighting system.   This unit is computer controlled or programmable.  We make units like this to help demonstrate our products.     It has taken us several year to develop the software for this product.  But now that we have it ironed out, we should be able to reap some rewards for our efforts in the years to come.

 

So, people when I say we have been busy here -- I kid you not.   This is why I really haven't been able to bring you any significant content on Thailand in several months.   I haven't even been down to Pattaya to whore around in a while -- now that just wont' do!    I need to tear away here shortly and get this situation remedied.

Thanks for stopping by,

Keith (The Galt)

 

 

 
Stickman Fesses Up -- Happy or a Sad Change?

This week and great Stickman finally admits that he had previously departed from the teaching profession.  This is something that I have known for a while.   My publishing here put the wedge in between himself and the classroom.   One of Stickman's inner circle ratted him out to me, and I published the information.   There was a big hoopla - feathers were flying - Stickman was on the phone threatening me - smearing my name on MangoSauce.com and a lot of other nasty little things.

Ok, so I did the dirty to him.  He upped the ante on our little exchange and I responded.  I have always taken fair credit for it.  What I didn't know until this week was that another Stickman co-worker used that information in the office to have Stickman called on the carpet in front of his employers...  Stickman writes:

"...<the co-worker> had been working on the side for years earning a considerable amount.  The school has a clause in all contracts that states that any "outside work" was not allowed.  This fellow got nervous that his lucrative sideline would somehow be affected by what had been written about me.  So what did he do?  He put the fear of God into another teacher and had her approach the school management about me!..."

Does this make sense to you?    Would it be a smart idea to turn a teacher in for extra-curricular activities because you thought it would effect your own?    Wouldn't it make sense that IF you turned in a fellow teacher that the chances of your own activities being discovered would increase?   Something tells me that Stickman published dirt on his co-worker previously perhaps without mentioning his name (for a little Stickman Weekly pizzazz about who he works with) and I'll bet you this co-worker had been trying to determine who Stickman was for some time.   When the covers came off and Stickman's identity became known -- the co-worker (who was following the hunt for Stickman) was as hot as a bull on fight night.   That co-worker didn't care so much at that point about being found out -- he went for revenge.   Does anyone really think that Stickman was on the receiving end treatment for no reason?  He did tell us there there "backstabbing was extreme" in the office.  Typically that doesn't happen for no reason.

What Stickman didn't tell you in his article was that his contract to teach was not renewed.   He said that he survived the disturbance at work, but really - he didn't.  He didn't have the choice to stay accept to end of his term, so Stickman is BS'ing you a bit when he says that he made it through the conflict at his job.   Out of respect for the kids and their learning - Stickman was allowed to complete the school term.   He is dressing "being fired" up to make you think that he had the choice to stay, but in fact, he did not "Walk Away" from that particular classroom.

How do I know this?  Because when the police were called to Stickman's school -- the police called over to me as well.  And I received some feedback from a police colonel.  It was he was the one who told me about Stickman's fate (his English was excellent).   Of course, at the same time, he requested that remove any references to the school so as not to call any more attention to Stickman's situation.   I complied.

So, Stickman -- who do you blame for the job loss?   Do you blame me?   Do you hold your co-worker partially responsible?  Or do you consider it any fault of your own?  Or, are you not blaming anyone?....

Perhaps you should thank us for giving you a push in leaving such a "lucrative and cushy" job behind to focus on your true primary goals?   Are you happy now?   Or are you less happy?  What is the message?

People, I pulled the covers off him (on-line about 3 years ago), mainly because he was screwing around.    No only was he unethical about his publishing but when I cornered him, he threatened me.  Then he went to lengths to smear my name and reputation so it would discredit my message.   And not long ago he has gone further and coached a Pattaya business man on how to sue me.   Stickman is deep into breaking rules for fun and profit and I just wonder if he really has any lines that he won't cross.  Do those lines move on a regular basis?

On one hand, the weekly column and the quality of publishing has improved.   I think that is a better service for the public.  On the other hand, I'm wondering if being outside the teaching profession removes all fear of regulation from him and lowers his restraint against questionable endeavors.    What happens if in the near future "The Galt" is in jail and there is little opposition for him on-line?  Does Stickman's mission in life rest on just doing bar girl investigations and taking ad revenue moneys?   Or does he evolve?   How soon before we see Stickman booking girls on-line for travelers looking to spend a few days in Bangkok?    Or does he begin to broker information between local businesses with his private investigation work?  What about peddling influences over Pattaya bars and go-gos?   At what point do we say that Stickman has in fact become "The Mob".  The guy who pedals influence between English schools and foreigners.  The guy who for a price will advertise highly inflamed stories about trouble that breaks out at your competitor's night club?

This week Stickman writes:

"Despite my pleas to bar owners to let me know what is happening in their venues, few take up the invitation to provide me with news or promotions at their venue for inclusion in the column - which is essentially free advertising."

Perhaps these night clubs realize that there is seldom anything in this pseudo-underworld that is in fact "free"...

 

A little funny this week...

Stickman writes:

"Last week's picture was taken of the clock tower in Nakhon Phanom at night.  Very few got it right.  I guess no-one in Nakhon Phanom reads me." 

The Galt says, "I read you Stickman, isn't one person in Nakhon Phanom enough?   I even submitted the correct answer this week but I did it anonymously --- and then you report that no-one is reading you here?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(by the way people, the clock tower doesn't really look quite this nice.  This is wide angle photography with a little bit of "Miami CSI" color trickery mixed in.)  What you see in this picture, doesn't exactly look like this in real life.

I won the condoms this week, but I'm one of those guy who doesn't exactly care for them.  Don't get me wrong, I like what they do, I just don't like how they feel doing it.

Gotta go people.  I have company scheduled for tonight and hordes of work waiting for me in my queue.

This is the Galt saying --- for now, I'm still here!

 

 

 

 
Stickman Comes for a Visit but Misses Tea Time... (March 8th)

I have to say that I was a bit surprised to see the current Stickman Weekly feature an article on my home town.   He (someone) was actually watching me in my own building working at my desk and posted a picture in this week's column....  

This is where we work....  this picture as taken within a hour after closing time.   I can tell you for a fact that I was in my office on the second floor (the Brits would call it the first floor).    I know for sure that I was right there because I don't leave my windows and glass doors open when I'm not in the building.   So, there are the door open and my office lights on.    All the other building lights are off and I'm sitting at my computer on this day.  Based on the picture and the changes to the paint (we are scrubbing the old paint off the building) I and can certainly verify that he was here within the last three weeks.

So, did he snap any shots of underage girls coming to my place for their weekly rounds?   Or, did he notice any mysterious non-descript bails of vegetation being smuggled across the river from Laos and dropped at my front door?  Somehow, I doubt it.

IF Stickman was really here - he was here for possibly two reasons:

1) He is gathering up pictures and evidence to write up a column about me being thrown in jail.   Does anyone really think that he won't break his silence on me to cover that kind of story?   He'll gloat for sure.   Personally, I think it will raise an awareness that will bring unwanted attention in his direction.   The same for Wade.

2) He is here to do some detective work to help out Clayton Wade.   Clayton is in a bit of jam with what he has done in the cases against me.   It would help Clayton to discredit me.   So, it would not shock me to find out that people have been asking about me.   At this point -- no one said anything to me.  So, I can not confirm that anyone has been asking around about me.

Stickman writes in the column, "A little after 8 PM on Tuesday evening I saw someone I recognised coming down the road.  I waved and said hello but he ignored me and kept going.  Perhaps he was in a hurry?  The next day I saw him again on his motorbike, cruising along the waterfront.  And then I saw him again, later that day.  I started to wonder if he was he stalking me!"

This is Stickman writing about seeing me.  I doubt that he called out to me because I would have stopped to talk with him.  I typically keep to myself and I don't go around chatting up strangers in town.  I tend to leave them alone (as that is how they typically want it).   I didn't see Stickman's face.   Perhaps someone else was here in his place?

I'm flattered that he thinks this is a great place - real Thailand...  The people here are simple, hometown people; salt of the earth.   These are people worth standing up for.   And little do most of you know -- but these people will stand up for you as well.  I was told the story about the time Thai citizens from Bangkok were on the their way here to protest the US troops during the Vietnam war.  The town people here drove out of town a few miles and set up a road block and kept the protestors' bus from getting into town.   I was told they turned those protestors around and sent them home....   It's a close knit and friendly community and I have never felt more at home anywhere else in the world.

Sadly, my days will be reduced here...  Soon, I will either be spending a long period of time in a Thai jail or I'll be traveling more around the world .... 

Did you guys see this article in the BangkokPost?  How in the hell does a country progress forward if good citizens (or foreigners) are being arrested and charged with a crime for putting the spot light on criminals?   How does the executive and judicial branch of the Thai government not see how this hurts the country?   I was thinking to myself today that if all negative discussion were banded under law (calling every dissenting opinion slander), that it would be impossible for the police to keep up with all the criminal activity that would result.... The point being that protest and criticism are fundamentally more effective at keeping people following the rules in a society, rather than just the law itself...

I think Thais take the Internet waaaayyy too seriously.   No doubt some of them will be asking each other - "What is the thing Galt is talking about with girls coming by his house and drugs being delivered to his front door".  It think the problem is that they can't really understand what we intend to say with the English language.    it appears to me that they somehow believe they have a right to twist what they read into what they believe it to say...  Or it is that they twist what they read because they know they can take advantage of another with the slander laws?

Sometimes it takes being in another part of the world to really appreciate what protections you enjoy at home....

People, thanks for stopping by...

The Galt