raybal5

Portion of sticky rice or steamed rice from my local rice shop is still 5bht.

About twice as much as I can eat.

No excuse for changing cooked rice portions, rice has been the same price for the last 5 years.

BUT

Rent

Labor

Water

Packaging

Electric

Cooking gas

No excuse for someone not taking into account the entire cost of their product.

'nuff said

~

Yes, some people have no concept of the total cost of an item. They seem to focus on the core ingredient and totally forget or do not realise all the related costs of getting it on the plate and then cleaning up after them. Imagine their reaction if they went to their boss asking for a payrise and the boss said, you are the same person doing the same work so why should I pay you more than when you started. 5555555

getting bored after retirement is a potential problem with all retirees, no matter whether they retire in their homecountry or abroad. Retirement needs preparation and planning, so that you know how you can / will / want to fill your days. Of course, retiring to a foreign country needs even more of such planning, as you will not anymore have your usual social environment around you (i.e. no more social clubs, no more grand-kids, no more friends) and have to rebuild your new life.

Now, having said all that... maybe for the expats you met in the bar, this might be EXACTLY what they had in mind when they retired to Thailand and they feel neither bored nor lonely and it IS their favorite hobby to drink and bicker around with their friends... who knows...

I live in Melbourne Australia and I see this sort of behaviour in many places. The oldies sit around together and talk over coffee (I don't go to bars so I guess it happens in there too). It seems more common amongst people from Europe who are residents of Australia, Greeks and Italians especially.

Forgive my ignorance and holier than thou approach, but why on earth would you think you would be entitled to live in a foreign country without a visa? and use all loopholes possible to avoid a fee for visa?

Can understand those for short few months to 1 year holiday, but there is absolutely no excuse for those living in Thailand full time

Yes it was a cosy loophole that now has been closed, and you want me to feel compassion for you? I pay for my visa yearly and i jump through all the hoops, why should not you?

Errrrrm. Whatever you are on Pralaad, maybe you ought to take less of it. You have launched into OP with a comment about the issue of visa vs visa exemption but I have read OP 4 times and can see nothing about either of these. What am I missing here or are you as ..ummm .....dis-connected as you come across as being? I hope you were just trying to be funny by being so hasty with scathing and vile retorts or act so quickly to pounce upon anyone as if their life depended on it. (hint: those words from the OP). Maybe you are one of the many people who think they’re immensely superior to others (another hint)

My daughter, aged 29, never lived in Australia all her life but moved there a few months ago. She is an Australian citizen by birth and travels on an Australian passport, so no residency problems. Her 3 year old son (a NZer...and for those that don't know, all Australians enjoy free medical care and all other benefits that NZers enjoy in NZ) hurt his elbow. She took him to the public hospital where a nurse treated his elbow by manipulation. The visit took half an hour. Because she had only just landed in Australia, she had not registered for anything, and so despite her Australian passport, she was landed with a $480 bill. Hard, but in a way fair enough as she has never paid tax there, yet had an Ozzy mum landed in NZ and her son got hurt, there would have been no bill at all....and my daughter is Ozzy in Oz!

Don't understand this one, a pommie relative of mine, on holiday, went to hospital in Qld.,and got free treatment. I did the same whilst on holiday in the UK and got free treatment. Because UK and Australia have got a reciprocal agreement which i believe, as does NZ and Australia.

It sounds like she took the kid to a private hospital.

If you are an Australian living in Thailand you might be interested in the following:

a test case in the Constitutional Court is planned against Centrelink policy of withdrawal of Health care benefits for Expats on basis of Residence.

Interested? Don't just sit there and wait.

Contact me on Messenger.

We don't have a "Constitutional Court" in Australia, at least the last time I looked.. Challenges to the constitutionality of policies gets tested in the High Court.

Health Care benefits? Do you mean Medicare? Or the PBS? If it's to do with Centrelink this would be about residents living overseas claiming a pension of some sort, no?

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

If he is talking about Centrelink then it can only be in reference to the issuing of a Health Care Card. All it does is identify the holder as being eligible for concessional rates on things, primarily discounted medical, pharmacy and transport costs but also covers things like energy concessions, telephone concessions etc etc.

I don't really understand what the OP is on about. If you rocked up at a Thai hospital or docter and showed them an Australian Health Care Card I am sure they would be met with a blank, bemused, or confused look. The HCC itself does nothing unless presented in Australia for services provided in Australia.

We have been informed from our General Post Office in the UK that Thailand has now add new or used clothes and shoes to the list of items that are now not allowed to be sent into Thailand by post.

That does not sound at all correct to me so I looked on the Thailand Customs website and no mention of clothes being a banned or restricted item. Ask the UK Post to prove what they say.

http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/traders+and+business/prohibited+and+restricted+items/general+prohibitions+and+restrictions/generalprohibitionsandrestrictions

Here is a free navigation software for Android phones:

http://wiki.navit-project.org/index.php/Navit_on_Android

You can donwload every map you´ll need here:

http://maps3.navit-project.org/

I just installed it, so I dont know how it works. But the screens looking good: http://wiki.navit-project.org/index.php/Main_Page

I'm going to test it with the map for Italy, if there is one.

I have not tried any Gps apps for my android phone, but i heard possitive review about Navfree which is completely free and it has pretty good features.

Pity it does not have maps for Thailand. This list from the apps store

Maps available: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.

I haven't used it but wasn't Google Maps for android supposed to fill this requirement? I heard it was didn't consume ISP time and offered navigation turn by turn?

Yes, if U don't mind paying for every map being downloaded. Mobile internet isn't unlimited here.

it isn't?

I wonder what i used the last 4 years? AIS unlimited 500 bath a month (now 600 i think)

Unlimited data but the download speed is throttled back (slowed down) once you reach 2Gb per month

why not chiang mai. things are very quite here. it will not be a problem to remove the curfew in chiang mai!

why not chiang mai. things are very quite here.

Quite what?

I love all these comments about sex tourism in Pattaya. Don't people realise that the main visitors to Pattaya are Chinese and Russian and these nationalities are not usually seen in beer bars or go-go bars, they're in Pattaya for other reasons. Of course there is sex tourism, the same as there is in Bangkok where the "Holier than though" preach from, but the vast demographic are not here to get their rocks off.

Yes "oddly" the Holier than thou types seem to only know about the bars and gogos in Pattaya. Their extensive knowledge of this one small aspect of life in Pattaya is somewhat suspicious. Haven't been in or near a bar here in many years of living here and don't know anyone else who has. Apparently they're only frequented by people from out of town who've come here to gather "facts" in order to complain about the bars and gogos.

It's because the Holier than thou types are totally fascinated with other peoples sex habits and can't stand it that other people might be having more pleasure than they are.

How is 10,000 Quid for three weeks a luxury trip?

Because 10,000 quid is a damn lot of money is why.

547,731THB

How about they also offer more sub-elite levels at lower prices. Who the hell has a spare 2,000,000 Baht to throw around?

So where on the list is the order that KFC must close at 7pm hey? Not had a Kentucky for ages (you know how it is when you have the urge for a certain something and nothing else will do) I turned last night at 8pm Jungceylon licking my lips and - sign on door Closed 7pm

<deleted>?? What bearing do KFC have on Thai politics...

The KFC banner contains too much red.

If this is the case, the General will be also be closing McDonalds down just in case the red and yellow start fighting.

Disappointing to see so many TV members support the removal of the constitution, human rights, freedom of speech, press and protest, in the face of world wide condemnation.

Extreme conditions require an extreme response. Are you seriously saying that just on principle, you would like to see the continued raping of the country by the Shinawatra family and friends and the continued corruption of police and others? Also the continued chaos, injuries and deaths caused by the warring political factions? And do you really believe that human rights and the constitution were being upheld by Yingluck and her cronies?

Do try to keep up all the major players had their assets posted a few months back. Suthep was the only one with less assets than money he owed.

Try to stick to the reality not your misguided biased sense of politics. Or what you think happened in the past. The records clearly show he is in the hole.

Hahaha. The records more often than not, do not reflect the reality. There have been countless instances of corrupt people hiding assets. Do you really think people keep their corrupt income in their own name and easy to find? I laugh at your naivety.

600,000 baht is petty cash to Suthep. It's amazing how low the bail is for the 'hi-so' Thais no matter how serious the charge is. Whenever a Farang has to post bail it's several million..

There are probably legal maximums and guidelines for bail. A foreigner is a greater flight risk, and often impossible to extradite if they go to their home country - hence the greater bail amount. A Thais passport can be cancelled and their assets frozen, and family/friends used for relocating a run away. Common sense really.

Really? Common sense? How do you think the families of the victims feel?

A person's life in Thailand apparently has a value. This value for a life has been set by the court to be 600,000 / 98, or approximately 6,122 Baht (US$200) each.

So go tell each of the families that their deceased loved one is worth a mere pittance. Let's see how common sense is greeted then.

IMO, the court erred (again, as usual) by granting bail.

Oh Gumball. I suppose you are going to tell me that the American court system is perfect and would never grant bail to a person with similar charges. Your argument about the worth of a life based on the bail amount is without merit. Bail is merely a method of incentivising the defendant to appear in court. The judges will then hear the evidence, make a judgement, and if guilty, determine a penalty. Then you could correctly mount a case for 'what is a life worth'.

By commenting that the court has erred is to prejudge the final outcome. I am sure the authorities in Thailand would welcome your detailed advice on how perfect the USA legal system is.

Trying to reform the police force is an admirable gesture, but fails to address deep-rooted corruption that resides in the bowls of this institution. Furthermore, the point of moving an officer of the law to a redundant position in cases of either not enforcing the law, or being implicated in impropriety, should also be also abolished. Unless a system of complete transparency and accountability is introduced, then one can only assume that not much will change within the ranks of the force. Afterall, repackaging or rebranding a product doesn't necessarily change it's content. However, these are early days, and significant reform could be adopted, one can only hope !

I disagree with your comment about it being an admirable gesture, but fails to address deep-rooted corruption that resides in the bowls of this institution

Starting at the top will over time, certainly change the prevailing culture of corruption. The best place to start is by removing those at the top who have allowed the corruption to persist and benefited from it. When they are gone and replaced by honest leaders, the corruption in the lower ranks will be identified and removed. To start at the bottom would perhaps satisfy you in the short term, but would not create the long term solution needed.

The whole idea of removing corrupt police chiefs from active command to a nothing job in Bangkok serves multiple purposes. It takes them away from their power base so that their underlings are not influenced or forced to participate. In fact the mere removal of the boss could be all that is required for the underlings to clean up their behaviours. Second, with the protection of the bosses, the criminals will find themselves exposed. Without protection, the honest cops can actually do something about them.

You say Unless a system of complete transparency and accountability is introduced, then one can only assume that not much will change within the ranks of the force and I agree with you. However, such a change cannot happen overnight. It is a long process which may take years to accomplish. But at least celebrate that a start has been made and a decisive message has been sent to all police and their protectorates.

Lets make Jet ski operators into garbage men while we are doing all of this FANTASY POLICE RESHUFFLE.

Nothing will work if people /police/ taxis/jet ski scum are not punished beyond belief.

I'm not sure you have a reasonable view of how things work. Firstly, any sort of reform takes time and not everything can be done all at the same time. In order to reduce or eliminate corruption you have to start at the source. By starting with the fat cats at the top, the underlings see this and will toe the line. Eventually they will be exposed by their bosses and they too will face the music for their corrupt ways. Eventually, this will filter down to the crooks who previously had the protection of the corrupt police and if they try the same shit with scams and bullying and whatever, they too will eventually have their day in court. Any sort of structural reform takes time and the courage of people in charge. People being what they are will try to find ways to continue their wicked ways and crime can never be fully stopped but I am encouraged by what I have seen so far.

"redshirt infested provinces"

What the ****?

The word ' infested' reveals the political leanings of the Thai PBS broadcasters.

Thaksins boy for rent is going to have to take one for the team

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Ah he was the one that brought the box of money to bribe the judges.. I can't remember if he did any time for that ?

Anyway its good to see all the PTP liars and cheats rounded up. He is a big liar.. so is Kittiratt and so is Surapong, bringing out false news all the time.

But where's Chalerm? He's the one I want to see most rounded up...

Who is Chalerm? What is the full name and what was the role?

From what I hear the 4th Annual International Naturist Conference is still going a head with plans for the 6-8 JUne.

I guess they are a bit braver lot...

I just hope you don't get caught with your pants down mate

I hope you DO get your pants down at an event like this!!!!!

I wonder how many tourists and some expats know that their travel insurance could be void, due to the coup.

I am glad you said "could" because many will throw their hands in the air and think they are not covered for anything any more.

Here is the clause on my policy (Underwritten by Allianz Australia) . We will not pay under any circumstances if: 17) your claim Arises from any act of war, whether war is declared or not or from any rebellion, revolution, insurrection or taking of power by the military

I would expect most exclusion clauses with other underwriters to be similarly worded. So if you are in Thailand on this policy and your claim has nothing to do with anything connected to the martial law, then you are still covered.

What you all should be doing is reviewing your own policy and making your own decisions on what is and is not covered. Give your company's customer service line if you are unsure.

bolllox

i have friends who direct the operations of an International hotel chain in Thailand ..a massive 90% drop in bookings, plus cancelations of pre made bookings are over 60% …this is just the start, and anyone who believes the Army will give back power anytime soon is deluded

So now is a good time for people who aren't scared to get some pretty good deals on Bangkok accommodation

Anyone know where there is up to date info on this curfew and the current situation? Wondering if it will still be in place tonight?

Today I spoke to my friend in a village outside of Lampang. The army there is applying a daytime curfew as well. Nobody is allowed to leave their village. So they can't travel 20 km to Lampang to go shopping, visit a market, or do any banking. What is that all about? At first I supported what the army was doing but they have now gone beyond what is reasonable and I feel strongly they need to stop the curfew

I support what the army is doing EXCEPT for the curfew. It is quite wrong to impose a nation-wide curfew when the troubles are only in a few locations. This will cause undue financial hardship on people that are hundreds of kilomtres away from the troubles.

Does the general think he may be better served if he keeps faith with the majority of Thais by not screwing their lives up any more than totally necessary?

As far as I was aware the fighting and demonstrations were confined to Bangkok. So why punish the whole country with a full curfew? Surely only the areas with the unrest need curfews. The army is going too far and will quickly lose the support of the Thais if they treat them badly like this.