Human Trade

Just watched an American movie titled: "Trade". The story span between 2 countries, Mexico and America. It is about the human trafficking for illegal trade such as sex or adoption. This story touches on human need of the rich Americans rather than the Mexican poor. No doubt, the Mexican towns bordering the US are somewhat more prosperous due to opportunities in the US. However, it is the needs of these americans for cheap sex that is the root cause of the problems. I am sure there are many similar cases around the world especially Asia. What is more disturbing is the use of technology and communications network being used as the medium of trade. Most of these victims after being kidnapped in their home town were enslaved. Their pictures were posted on a secured website to entice interested bidder to secure a trade. Their faith were more or less the same. Either being used as sex slave or sold into the sex trade.

Even though Singapore had a very safe living environment, most of us do not see such things as kidnapping and enslaving of people so much in the news, however, we must still be aware and vigilant when we visit places around the world.

I found a dear friend

It's a wonderful feeling when you lost and found something very dear to you. It's like having relieve yourself after controlling your bladder for many days...just kidding. A matter of fact.... it is more than that.

Family planning is very important so is surprises. I believe, when someone from your past lives are fated to be with you, they will be with you as someone close to you. Be they wife, sons, daughters, etc.

Sadness fall

It was sad news that over 22000 deads and hundred thousands Burmese were left in desperation from the trail of the cyclone Nargis that had hit Myanmar's Yangon and it's delta region. And that the rice producing region were also heavily laden with salty rain water made the recovery more difficult. Imagine half of the myanmar population relied on these supplies and their lives are going to get very tough. Asian countries are already feeling hard hit by the exorbitant price of rice, commodities are also more expensive, one wonder how it's gonna work out.

I still remember someone said this: " It is not difficult for a poor man to adapt to poverty"
I think this is going to be true to many burmese after all they had gone through for the last 50 years. I think and sincerely hoped that life will be better for them soon since the worst had arrived.

I still remember those days when I was in Yangon waiting with my wife-to-be for her passport to be ready. When we were free, we will visit the Shewdagon temple which was a walking distance from the hotel we had put up in. It was a magnificent building and that you had to take more that 100 flights of steps to reach the temple compound itself. It was the cleanest place you find in Yangon. Most of the streets in Yangon are mostly flooded when it rains. I can imagine how it looks like now.

So much had happened in Myanmar in these couple of years, I really hoped that the Burmese can recover from all these disastrous events and move on to fulfil their dreams of a democratic country.

Lose sleep over.....

Recently, been losing sleep quite often, the mind just cannot stop thinking and calculating. I think this is the burden of a young father with young children and a non-working, non singapore-born wife. Everything that concerns myself or my children and wife will be under my belt.

First and foremost is my 5rm flat. Almost a month since the decision to sell and yet still no firm offer from a buyer. Downgrading is the utmost and best decision to make if you only have one sole breadwinner in the house. Although my agent had brought a few buyer/viewer couple of times, no price was offered. "Sign........."

Secondly, in order to have more loose change, I may decide to sell off my vehicle, a Kia picanto. I reckon if i make full settlement, i may only loose less than 10k. Over the long run, I may had actually saved a lot on petrol, insurance, road tax, interest and maintenance fee, etc.

Thirdly, in the foreseeable future, the cost of living will be so high that even a cup of tea will cost 1.50sgd in a non airconditioned coffee shop. Thus, a second income is the second best thing to have.

Compare the life in singapore and kengtung, sometimes I maybe better off living in the latter. In Kengtung, things maybe hard to get, but consider that the hard work you put in the fields and the returns are totally worth it. The basic necessities are there, just need to sweat it out. Take for example our staple food, rice. Work for 2 to 3 times a year for 1 month on average will yield a year's supply of rice for a family of 10. How much do you think you need to pay for a year's supply of rice in singapore?

If I had the chance, I shall build myself a solar powered house in Kengtung. No need to wait for the power to come from the local authorities at night. Then, sell some wares in the local plaza or maybe set up a shophouse or some other business.

Well, so much for the crazy dreams from a nut head.

Dos and dons in land of thousand smiles

Called a friend in Maesai, is the chief executive of an NGO called Child's Dream in Chiangmai. Got first hand informations for the dos and dons for a farang(foreigner) in thailand.

Firstly, visa runs are restricted to 3 times in a row only. ie after 120days and getting 3 re-entry stamp, a farang is required to leave thailand for 90 days before he/she can return again.

Secondly, it is illegal to purchase land by a farang however, it is legal to lease the land for 30years renewable and have a title deed or document from the relevant authorities. Useful when the land is being sold. You still get to stay in the property on the land.

Thirdly, if a farang wish to get a long stay in thailand through means of work permit, think again, because, the authority requires the loacl company to pay the farang approx.USD3k monthly and also have a capital of not less than 1million USD. Furthermore, the company also has to employ thais as well.

What a load of inconvenient. Think 1st and 2nd option still viable.

So many things to do, but $$ so.......

Still no news from my housing agent who is overseeing the sale of my 5rm flat. 'Sign.......' needed the sale proceeds urgently to pay off some debts. Was told that the cash portion of it will only be given once the house key was transfered and that I reckon should be some time in June or July. Such a long time to wait. Furthermore, company hold up our bonus til July too. Wah lau......!