FrogBlogger

Everyone who is thinking of travelling to Thailand, vacation, to retire, or to work, the Thaivisa forum is the number 1 source of information on the internet, with 78,000 members, mostly Thailand-resident expats, posting advice regularly on all issues from obtaining the right visa, to life in the Land Of Smiles.

For the first time since Thaivisa was set up, its founder 'George' has agreed to an interview. Here he details the goals, problems and general admin and moderation issues faced in running one of the world's biggest and busiest on-line communities.

In the article, Google Analytics stats print-offs confirm the figures, the millions of hits Thaivisa receives annually.

A fascinating article that gives a real insight into the running of a forum of this size...

Bloggers play a significant role in raising awareness of social issues. Should expat writers, with their on the ground experience, be doing more? This article discusses the 'dumbing down' of the West, with a complicit media feeding us a diet of trivia.

Some great photos of via ferrata from a Switzerland -based blogger

You won't get the facts from the media, or from official tourist outlets. Want to know what's really going on? Read a blog that tell's it like it is. This article lays bare the real situation in Thailand, the risks involved in travelling to a country where eating a donut queueing at the 7/11 store checkout can get you 2 years in prison!

The Not the David Carradine death photo article. What's with our ghoulish addiction to sensation, sex and violence? Time reappraise our values?

Thinking of moving to Thailand? There are many different Thailands to suit different desires and personalities. Which one is for you - the glitz and nightlife of Pattaya? The Big Mango, Bangkok? The culture and more laid-back lifestyle of the north and Chiang Mai? Or do you want to escape from it all, to rural Isaan? Take your pick...

Those dreaming of moving abroad, a lifestyle change, an idyllic existence in the south of France, might think again after reading this story! How many families give up stability for the fantasy of renovating an old farm, living off bed and breakfast income, in sunny Provence. But so many dreams turn into nightmares...

Expats heading for the 'dream' life in Thailand would do well to reflect if they are cut out for such a challenge. Cultural differences, language barriers, all obstacles awaiting the unwary Western guy hoping to find his ideal match in the Land Of Smiles. Many end up failing, treating their Thai hosts with disdain, unable to adapt to another lifestyle that is so different from their own. But whose fault is that?