MartinL

My cat's 15 years old, born in our kitchen and has always been a house cat. She's suddenly gone downhill; won't eat, drinks a little water, sleeps much more than usual but still loves her hugs. She has no diseases, isn't in any pain, AFAIK - she's just starting to look worn out. She went to the vet yesterday and was given a number of medicines. I know, from past experience, that giving her medication is a battle. At 15 y.o., I don't want to fight her and maybe upset her in what is looking like her last days. Should I fight to give her her medication - and maybe extend her life a little at the expense of our relationship - or just let her pass peacefully? My instinct is to let her go - upsetting her at the end of her time is cruel, IMO. What has been your experience in these circumstances?

I was wondering exactly the same thing. Then I remembered that my own UK DTA (and, probably, others) includes a 'non-discrimination' clause - Article 24 - that UK citizens tax-resident in Thailand cannot be treated differently to Thais, if I understand it correctly.

Most importantly, my wife's list of 'People I want around me' and the list of 'Quiet, unobtrusive foreigners'. Not interested in whether or not I'm on any other lists.

Death - the best thing for him.

The phrase "stuck with" implies that you've got something you don't really want. Perhaps your wife would be better off if you upped sticks and left, going somewhere you'll never find all those people you deem too 'low class' for your sensitivities. BTW, I don't come into either of the two lists of 'undesirables' you've posted here. I doubt the majority of quiet, unobtrusive foreigners (a category you obviously don't fit into) in Thailand do either.

Unexpected comment about the 'lightness' of the RE Interceptor 650 because many commentators I've read say it's heavy at about 200+ kg. In fact, REs in general seem to be viewed as 'heavy' machines. I've had a 650 CGT for 4 years now and that's apparently slightly lighter than the Interceptor. Coupling that with my own light weight should mean it's even more susceptible to wind gusts yet I've never found that to be the case. Maybe I just have a higher tolerance level for wind effects.

This is interesting. A local woman at a clearly peaceful protest in east London, having her say about the influx of undocumented migrants to her local area with no aggression, no sensationalism, just her honest feelings on the situation. https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/XiCBTWl5 Note what she says about the local Bangladeshi residents at 1.39 and her comments on the reactions of the migrants at 5.50.

"The protest in Diss ... remained peaceful". That's great - and will probably remain so until the local plod decide to escort in some pro-immigrant opposition, as they've apparently admitted to doing in Epping, despite earlier denials.

Bike voluntary insurance - Bail Bond. I've had bikes for all of my time in Thailand. No insurance claims have been made at any time in my 16 years here on any of my bike insurance policies. No accidents at all. No speeding fines - nothing. Maximum NCB was gained on all vehicles. For one of my bikes, from 2017/18 to 19/20, BB was 300k฿. It rose on renewal to 1.5m฿ (+400%) for 20/21 to 22/23. All with same insurer, MSIG. In other respects, premiums were good. In 21/22 bought another bike and sold the old one in 22/23. The new bike's BB started at 610k฿ in 21/22 and rose to 1.08m฿ (+77%) in 25/26. The BB on my car has remained at 300k฿ from 15/16 to 25/26. There have been 2 small claims in that time. We have maximum NCB. Can you give any insight into just how the BB level works? I know it's a legal requirement but it doesn't explain the discrepancy in BB levels for my bike and car at the present time, 25/26. It seems to be just a scheme to allow extra charges. I'd be happy with a 300k฿ BB as for the car but insurers won't allow that level, it seems, for bikes. Am I more of a risk of being held, or absconding, as a bike rider as compared to a car driver? I've asked insurance brokers to explain in the past but have more-or-less been told "It's the law. Take it or leave it", which isn't really satisfactory. Thanks.

Strange, although it might be due to the passing of time, but when I renewed my 5-yr. DLs in 2021 in KK province, the Yellow Book/Pink Card were acceptable but they then said the licence would only be valid 'within the local area' and if I wanted one covering the whole of Thailand (which I did, of course!) then a CoR was required. That 'local area' sounded ridiculous then and still does but the renewal criteria with PC seem to have done a 180 so that the card is now preferred.

You could try this place:- https://www.smckku.com/smc-respiratory-clinic/ Screenshot from Google Earth attached with dropped pin for building entrance location. If you know Srinagarin Hospital, you'll be familiar with the 2 roundabouts shown. SMC is on the ground floor of the building, on the right as you enter.

Kukri snake. Very sharp teeth but not venomous. Just let it go on its way.

I took these pictures of a scooter in our local park some months ago. As far as I can tell, it's a 1960s Vespa 125 Primavera but I know little of scooters. The condition of the bike suggests it might be that old but the number plate is a very recent one. Good to see it still in use and looking pretty original, if it IS 60 y.o. .

+1 - but MY wife, same number of years and hope for many more. I don't know yours - honest!

That's lovely!! Does she call you 'daak ling' too?