CharlieH

Check out some rental properties right here on the forum...... https://aseannow.com/forum/455-property-for-sale-rent/

Renting property in Thailand is generally straightforward and accessible for both locals and foreigners. In large cities such as Bangkok and the coastal city of Pattaya, there is a wide range of accommodation available, from basic studio apartments to modern condominiums with shared facilities. Compared with many Western countries, the rental process in Thailand is usually faster and less formal. However, there are still a few practical points tenants should understand before signing a lease. Rental PricesRental prices vary depending on location, building quality, and facilities. Typical monthly price ranges include: Basic studio or older apartment: about 7,500–10,000 THB Standard one-bedroom condominium: about 10,000–25,000 THB Modern condos with facilities: roughly 20,000–35,000 THB Larger or luxury units: 35,000–50,000 THB or more In Bangkok, units close to BTS or MRT stations usually command higher rents. In Pattaya, properties near the beach or in central areas tend to cost more. Types of Rental PropertiesMost tenants will encounter three main types of accommodation. Condominiums The most common option for foreign renters. Condos typically include facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and 24-hour security. Apartment buildings Usually owned by a single landlord or management company. Some offer serviced apartments with reception and cleaning services. Houses or villas More common outside city centres. Pattaya in particular has many houses available in residential developments. A Simpler Rental ProcessOne of the biggest differences between renting in Thailand and renting in many Western countries is the lack of formal screening requirements. In most cases: Credit checks are not required Employment verification is rarely requested Personal references are usually not needed Landlords are typically more concerned with receiving the deposit and advance rent. Because of this, it is often possible to view a property, agree on terms, and move in within a few days. Lease Terms and DepositsMost residential rental agreements follow a simple structure. 12-month leases are the most common 6-month contracts may sometimes be available The typical upfront payment is: Two months’ security deposit One month’s rent paid in advance This means tenants normally pay three months’ rent upfront before moving in. Deposits are intended to cover damage, unpaid rent, or utility bills when the tenancy ends. In practice, disagreements about deposits can occasionally occur, so tenants should keep copies of their contract and take photos of the property when moving in. Hidden Costs to CheckThe advertised rent is not always the full monthly cost, so it is worth confirming a few details before signing a lease. ElectricityElectricity is supplied by government utilities such as the Metropolitan Electricity Authority in Bangkok and the Provincial Electricity Authority in most other provinces. The official residential rate is usually around 4–5 THB per unit (kWh) depending on usage. However, some landlords charge a higher fixed rate, sometimes 6–10 THB per unit or more. The difference effectively becomes an additional form of rental income. Always ask what electricity rate will be charged and whether the bill comes directly from the electricity authority. Water and Drinking WaterWater costs themselves are normally low. However, tap water in most residential buildings is used mainly for washing and cleaning rather than drinking. For everyday drinking and cooking, most residents rely on sealed bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available throughout Thailand. Check the Building EnvironmentWhen viewing a property, it is worth spending a few minutes walking through the building and the surrounding area. Construction quality can vary, and in some buildings noise travels easily between units. Walking along the corridor can give a quick sense of how much sound carries between apartments. It is also useful to visit the area at different times of day. Traffic, nearby businesses, or nightlife can affect noise levels, particularly in busy areas of Bangkok and Pattaya. Spending a little time observing the building and neighbourhood can help avoid surprises later. Practical Tips for Daily LivingDaily routines in Thailand can be slightly different from what many newcomers expect. Laundry Some condominium units include a small washing machine, often located on the balcony. However, local laundry services are widely available and inexpensive. Many residents simply drop off their clothes to be washed and ironed and collect them later the same day or the next day. Cooking Most rental properties include a small kitchen area, but many people use it less than expected. Thailand is well known for its affordable street food and local restaurants, so cooking at home is often limited to breakfast or occasional simple meals. Immigration Registration (TM30)Foreign tenants must be registered at their address with Thai immigration through a report known as TM30. This notification is usually submitted by the landlord or property owner shortly after the tenant moves in. The registration confirms the foreign resident’s address and may be required when applying for visa extensions or other immigration services. Final ThoughtsRenting property in Thailand is usually simple and flexible compared with many Western markets. With minimal paperwork and a wide range of available properties, tenants can often find accommodation quickly. Monthly rents in Bangkok and Pattaya can start from around 7,500 THB for basic accommodation and rise to 50,000 THB or more for larger or luxury units. Taking a little time to confirm the real monthly costs, understand the lease terms, and check the building environment can help ensure a smoother rental experience. For those who prefer professional assistance, experienced property companies such as FazWaz can help guide tenants through the rental process and answer questions about available properties. The members here on ASEAN Now are also a valuable resource and are often happy to share their own experiences and point newcomers in the right direction if problems arise.

Most daytime outages in Thailand are planned maintenance by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), not unexpected failures. Crews shut power during daylight because it’s safer to work on poles and lines, faults are easier to locate, and it avoids sending workers out at night. Utilities also try to avoid scheduled cuts in the evening when household demand is highest. When power goes out at night it’s usually an unplanned fault (storm damage, equipment failure, vehicles hitting poles, etc.) and those tend to be fixed quickly, so fewer people notice them.

Unless the missile entered the opposite side ? Then you have the internal explosion and the metal pushed out the pictured side 😄

And lets not forget the traditional Thai "sniff kiss" - now that had to be mentioned 😄 Anyone ever been on the receiving end of one of those ?

rude offensive personal attacks removed= if you cant control your comments your ability to post will be removed.

Looking for Walkable Cities in Thailand? Here's 5Thailand's reputation for traffic gridlock and motorbike chaos is well-earned in most places. But five cities buck that trend with pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods where retirees can walk to markets, healthcare, restaurants, and parks without needing a car or motorbike. Each city on this list offers pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, quality healthcare within walking or short transit distance, and infrastructure that supports staying active. Here's where you can realistically park the car for good and live well on foot. Bangkok: Sukhumvit Corridor Bangkok seems like an odd choice for walkability, but several neighbourhoods are genuinely pedestrian-friendly. Ari sits along the main BTS Sukhumvit Line with everything fitting within a compact radius. Cafés, traditional Thai markets near the BTS station, and family-run restaurants are all accessible on foot. Pavements are wider, cleaner, and tree-shaded, an advantage in Bangkok's heat. One-bedroom condos run 10,000-15,000 baht monthly (US$285-430). Phrom Phong and Thong Lo, further down the Sukhumvit Line, offer more international atmosphere with higher expat concentration, Western restaurants, and international grocery stores. Phrom Phong centres on major shopping centres and Benjasiri Park. Thong Lo concentrates Bangkok's best restaurant and bar scene into a walkable strip. Both sit directly on the BTS with MRT interchange at Asok. One-bedroom rents start around 15,000-25,000 baht monthly (US$430-715). Two stations southeast, the Green Mile elevated walkway connects Lumphini Park to Benjakitti Forest Park, creating a continuous green corridor for running and cycling. Lumphini Park's running track fills every evening with office workers and retirees. Bangkok offers Thailand's highest concentration of JCI-accredited hospitals. The Sukhumvit corridor hosts multiple facilities, including Bumrungrad International and Samitivej Sukhumvit, both with multilingual staff and direct international insurance billing. Downsides: Year-round heat and humidity, dangerous road crossings as drivers ignore zebra crossings, periodic PM2.5 spikes affecting air quality, and the highest cost of living on this list. Chiang Mai: Old City and Nimmanhaemin Chiang Mai's walkability depends entirely on picking the right neighbourhood. The Old City is approximately 1.5 square kilometres, bounded by ancient walls and a moat. Everything sits within a 15-minute walk: over 30 temples, the famous Sunday Walking Street Market, cafés, and street food. Nong Buak Hard Public Park is the place to be once the skies turn amber, with yoga sessions, jogging loops, and local sports. Accommodation runs 8,000-15,000 baht monthly (US$230-430). Nimmanhaemin (Nimman), between the Old City's western moat and Chiang Mai University, is the polished version. The main road packs in artisan coffee shops, stores, shopping malls, and restaurants. Condos run 12,000-30,000 baht monthly (US$340-850). Canal Road features a dedicated 5-kilometre running and cycling lane separated from traffic. Chiang Mai University's Ang Kaew Reservoir offers a scenic, vehicle-free running loop. Healthcare is solid with Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, both JCI-accredited with English-speaking doctors and international patient departments. A comfortable retirement budget runs 30,000-50,000 baht monthly (US$850-1,430). Major drawback: The burning season from February to April fills Chiang Mai's valley with smoke. Air Quality Index (AQI) during this period averages 150 (unhealthy for all groups) with regular spikes to 200-300 (very unhealthy) and peaks exceeding 500 (hazardous). In March 2024, Chiang Mai ranked as the world's most polluted city for over a week. Phuket Town: Historic Quarter Most expats in Phuket head for the west coast beaches and accept needing a car, but Phuket Town offers a compact, historic quarter with pedestrian-friendly streets. The Old Town covers a tight grid centred on Thalang Road, Dibuk Road, and Phang Nga Road. Colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses now house cafés, galleries, restaurants, and hotels. Every Sunday, Thalang Road closes for the Walking Street Market. Three new electric bus routes (15 baht flat fare) connect key points through Old Town. The Phuket Smart Bus (100 baht) runs from the airport through beach towns. Saphan Hin Park offers 3 kilometres of jogging and cycling paths, outdoor gym equipment, and a public swimming pool (1 baht entry). Rang Hill provides a 4-kilometre round-trip running route with views. Bangwad Dam in nearby Kathu offers a car-free 6.4-kilometre reservoir loop. Bangkok Hospital Phuket is JCI-accredited with over 160 physicians and a dedicated International Patient Centre offering interpreters in 10+ languages, handling direct billing with major international insurers. Trade-off: Living in Phuket Town means the beaches are 20-40 minutes away. You gain walkability and affordability in exchange for daily beach access. One-bedroom apartments run 15,000-20,000 baht monthly (US$420-560), roughly half what beach areas cost. A comfortable monthly budget sits around 40,000-70,000 baht (US$1,140-2,000). Hua Hin: A Retirement Hub Hua Hin doubles as a beachfront retirement town with a walkable centre, established healthcare, and Thailand's largest concentration of retirement-age expats. The walkable core clusters around Phetkasem Road and the beachfront. Daily errands, malls, restaurants, hospitals, and the night market are all within walking distance. Hua Hin Beach stretches approximately 8 kilometres south from the town centre, offering uncrowded morning runs or evening strolls. The most walkable area is Hua Hin's Old Town/city centre, where condos, restaurants, the beach, and hospitals are all within a 15-minute walk. Living near BluPort or Market Village malls puts supermarkets and cinemas within walking distance. Khao Hin Lek Fai, 3 kilometres west, offers a steep 1.5-kilometre climb to viewing platforms 162 metres above sea level, popular with cyclists and runners. Hua Hin is Thailand's premier golfing destination, with Royal Hua Hin Golf Course (established 1924, Thailand's oldest) just five minutes from the centre. Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin is JCI-accredited, opened in 2006 specifically to serve the growing expat and retiree community, offering an International Patient Services Department with direct insurance billing. San Paulo Hua Hin Hospital has strong cardiac and orthopaedic departments with English, German, and Filipino language support. The expat community leans heavily toward retirees from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia, with golf societies, walking groups, wine tasting, and many more community events. A central one-bedroom condo with pool and gym runs 18,000-25,000 baht monthly (US$500-695). Downsides: The hottest months (March-May) regularly exceed 35°C, making midday walking uncomfortable, though sea breezes help. Weekend traffic spikes when Bangkok residents arrive. Chiang Rai: Quieter Northern Alternative Chiang Rai offers a walkable centre, JCI-accredited healthcare, and a cost of living roughly 13% cheaper than Chiang Mai. The walkable area covers approximately 1-2 kilometres around the Clock Tower and Night Bazaar. Within this zone, streets are flat and well-maintained, with temples, cafés, restaurants, and markets all within walking distance. The Saturday Walking Street on Thanalai Street (4pm-midnight) offers street food and hill tribe goods. The Jetyod Road corridor has become a speciality coffee district. Northern Thailand is a major Arabica-growing region, and Chiang Rai has become a hub for third-wave coffee roasters, many within walking distance of the city centre. A fully furnished one-bedroom condo runs approximately 8,000 baht monthly (US$237), often including pool, gym, and security. Local restaurant meals cost 50-65 baht. A comfortable retirement budget runs 35,000-42,000 baht monthly (US$1,000-1,200), among the lowest for any city on this list with comparable healthcare. Overbrook Hospital, founded in 1903, was the first hospital in Chiang Rai to achieve JCI accreditation. Bangkok Hospital Chiang Rai has an international patient department with direct insurance billing. Singha Park (10 kilometres south) features dedicated walking and cycling paths through tea plantations and flower fields. The cool season (November-February) drops temperatures to around 13°C at night, perfect for outdoor exercise. Downsides: The same burning season caveats that hit Chiang Mai apply here (February-April), though severity varies by year. Public transport is limited. The walkable core is pleasant but compact; step outside the 1-2 kilometre radius, and you'll need transportation. Cigna Coverage for Walkable City LivingCigna Global's international plans offer lifetime renewability, critical for retirees, as local Thai plans typically drop coverage at 70-75. Plan structure: Close Care℠: US$500,000 per year for Thailand, plus your home country Silver: US$1,000,000 annual maximum, essential hospital and emergency cover Gold: US$2,000,000 maximum, adds cancer screenings and specialised treatments Platinum: US$2,000,000+ with comprehensive coverage Direct billing at JCI-accredited hospitals means no upfront payment or claim submission, as treatment is cashless. Securing coverage earlier typically locks in better rates for life. Choosing Your Walkable City The right city depends on what matters most. Bangkok gives you world-class healthcare and transit connectivity at a higher cost. Chiang Mai works for active retirees who can leave during the burning season. Phuket Town appeals to those wanting walkable character without needing the beach daily. Hua Hin caters to expat retirees with beachfront, golf, and a well-established English-speaking community. Chiang Rai offers the quietest, cheapest option with surprisingly strong healthcare. All five cities share one reality: Thailand's heat makes midday walking uncomfortable from March to May. The rhythm everywhere is the same: early morning activity, air-conditioned midday retreats, and sunset walks when the city comes alive. The difference between expats who thrive and those who leave within a few years comes down to three decisions: picking a neighbourhood you'll actually walk daily, securing international health coverage before age prices you out, and accepting that Thailand won't adapt to you. Get a quote from Cigna Global for Thailand retirement living. A single emergency without coverage can wipe out years of cost-of-living savings. Sponsored

Global oil prices surged above $110 a barrel on Monday while stock markets across Asia tumbled, as the escalating war involving Iran triggered fears of a prolonged disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East. The conflict — involving strikes by the United States and Israel — has heightened concerns about shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. With tanker traffic through the strait largely halted since the conflict began, markets reacted sharply to the possibility that global supplies could remain constrained for weeks. Get the latest headlines in your email Oil Prices SpikeBenchmark crude prices rose dramatically in early Asian trading. Brent crude climbed nearly 24% to about $114.74 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude — traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange — jumped more than 26% to roughly $114.78. The price surge happened rapidly. Oil first jumped about 10% within minutes of markets opening before climbing another 10% shortly afterward. Analysts said the sharp move reflected a sudden shift in sentiment after markets had previously appeared relatively calm about the risks posed by the conflict. Scenes of damage to energy infrastructure across Iran and the wider Gulf region over the weekend increased fears that supplies could be severely disrupted. Some analysts now warn that if the shutdown of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues until the end of March, prices could climb above $150 a barrel — potentially reaching record levels. Stock Markets SlideThe surge in oil prices coincided with steep losses across Asia-Pacific stock markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell more than 7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped over 3%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 lost more than 4%. The sharpest fall came in South Korea, where the KOSPI index plunged over 8%, triggering a 20-minute trading halt under the market’s circuit breaker rules — a mechanism designed to prevent panic selling. It was the second time the safeguard had been activated in recent days after the index fell 12% earlier in the week. Economic Ripple EffectsHigher oil prices threaten to push up costs for consumers and businesses worldwide. Petroleum products such as jet fuel could become more expensive, and rising energy costs may also increase the price of key industrial materials including fertiliser inputs. Much of the oil shipped through the Gulf is consumed in Asia, meaning the region could feel the immediate impact of supply disruptions. There are already signs of shifts in global energy flows, with some liquefied natural gas shipments originally bound for Europe reportedly being redirected toward Asian buyers willing to pay higher prices. Political ResponseResponding to the market turmoil, Donald Trump said temporary price increases were a “small price to pay” for eliminating what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat. Meanwhile, Iran signalled political continuity during the crisis by naming Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to his father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Analysts say the move suggests that hardline leadership remains firmly in control of the country as the conflict enters its second week. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · ·Source 09.03 2026 View full article

A New War Revives an Old PatternThe latest conflict involving Iran has revived a familiar debate about the long history of American military intervention in the Middle East — and the risks that come with it. Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has acted as the dominant outside power in the region. Yet time and again, US presidents have promised to reduce involvement there, only to find themselves drawn back in. The current conflict, driven by military action under Donald Trump against Iran’s leadership, is widely viewed by analysts as the third Gulf war. And many warn it may prove the most dangerous and unpredictable yet. For decades, attempts to reshape governments across the Middle East have produced consequences far beyond Washington’s expectations. Critics say the pattern is clear: interventions aimed at removing regimes often trigger instability that is harder to control than the governments they replace. The First Gulf War: A Limited SuccessThe first major Gulf conflict came in 1990 when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, triggering a US-led coalition response. Under President George H. W. Bush, coalition forces launched the Gulf War to push Iraqi troops out of Kuwait. The campaign was swift and decisive, with the ground war lasting just 100 hours. Crucially, Bush chose not to advance on Baghdad or attempt to overthrow Saddam’s government, limiting the war’s objective to restoring Kuwaiti sovereignty. The decision helped preserve international support and maintain a broad coalition of Arab states. Yet the conflict left important lessons. Kurdish and Shia groups inside Iraq were encouraged to rise up against Saddam but were left exposed when US forces stopped short of intervening directly. Both uprisings were violently crushed by Iraqi forces. The war also marked a turning point in the region’s military landscape. Hundreds of thousands of US troops deployed to the Gulf, and in the years that followed, American bases spread across the region — forming what analysts later described as the infrastructure of long-term US military dominance. The Iraq War: Ambition and MiscalculationMore than a decade later, the Iraq War launched by George W. Bush would dramatically reshape the region. The invasion was justified largely on the claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. But no such weapons were ever found, exposing a major intelligence failure that damaged US credibility internationally. Supporters of the war believed removing Saddam Hussein would transform the Middle East politically. Advocates argued that a democratic Iraq could inspire reform across the region. Among those who publicly supported the removal of Saddam was Israeli political leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who predicted the fall of the Iraqi regime would have “positive reverberations” throughout the Middle East. Instead, the collapse of Saddam’s government unleashed forces that US planners had not anticipated. Sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia communities escalated into violence. State institutions weakened or collapsed. Iran’s regional influence expanded significantly, particularly inside Iraq. Former British intelligence chief John Sawers later described the situation after the invasion as “total chaos,” arguing that little preparation had been made for governing the country once Saddam was removed. The war’s human and financial costs were enormous. Estimates suggest the conflict may have cost the United States roughly $2 trillion and contributed to the emergence of the extremist group Islamic State. Analysts say the experience highlighted a deeper flaw in the concept of regime change itself: removing an authoritarian government does not automatically produce a stable political system. Building the Case for WarBefore the Iraq invasion, the US government made extensive efforts to justify military action. In 2003, Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered a dramatic presentation at the United Nations Security Council, using satellite images and intelligence reports to argue that Iraq had biological weapons programs. The claims later proved inaccurate, but the presentation illustrated the effort to secure international legitimacy for the war. In contrast, critics say the current confrontation with Iran has unfolded with far less public explanation. Inside the Trump administration, officials have offered multiple justifications for military action. Some cite Iran’s nuclear ambitions; others point to missile development or the threat posed to US forces and allies. Key figures including Marco Rubio, JD Vance and Pete Hegseth have each presented different rationales for the campaign. One argument advanced by Rubio suggested that the United States acted pre-emptively because it expected an Israeli strike on Iran would lead to attacks against American forces. Critics counter that Washington could instead have attempted to restrain Israel, highlighting the complex political relationship between the two allies. The Dangers of Regime CollapseOne of the biggest uncertainties surrounding the current conflict is what might happen if Iran’s government collapses. Iran is a large and diverse country with numerous ethnic minorities, including Kurds, Baloch, Arabs and Azerbaijanis. Analysts warn that weakening central authority could open the door to fragmentation or internal conflict. Such a scenario would echo fears raised during earlier wars in the region. After the fall of Saddam Hussein, the collapse of Iraqi state institutions helped create a power vacuum that armed groups quickly filled. Similar risks now loom over Iran. If the country were to fracture into competing regional authorities, it could become a hub for terrorism, smuggling and organised crime. An Unanswered QuestionThe history of US involvement in the Middle East suggests a consistent challenge: military victories do not necessarily translate into political stability. During the Iraq invasion, US commander David Petraeus famously asked a question that captured the uncertainty surrounding the campaign. “Tell me how this ends,” he said. More than two decades later, as conflict with Iran escalates, that same question continues to haunt policymakers in Washington. Based on original article

Regional news is no longer available - all news is in the Thailand news forum- Just click on the "tag" for the area you want and all the news for that area is listed for you.

Judging by the doors in the picture thats "The Sportsman" bar ?

So what has happened this last week as the events of the last 7 days of war are reviewed by BBC A look at the defining moments of a week at war.

Not correct! - they need to be toasted properly - microwave turns them to mush

Microwave is soggy and awful - use a Toaster (sandwich maker) then you are eating them properly and not degraded mush

About This CondoThis property is a 76 SqM condo with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom that is available for rent. It is part of the Axis Pattaya Condo project in Nong Prue, Pattaya and was completed in May 2014. You can rent this condo long term for ฿30,000 per month. 1 Bedroom for rent at Axis1 Bedroom for rent at Axis Basic InformationDate ListedFeb 26, 2026 Updated1 day ago Property TypeCondo Floor19 Bedroom1 Size76 SqM Price per SqM฿395 Min. Rental Duration1 Year Available FromMar 3, 2027 PetsNot Allowed Furniture Fully Furnished View(s)N/A MORE INFO ON THIS PROPERTY

About This CondoThis property is a 29 SqM condo with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom that is available for rent. It is part of the Copacabana Beach Jomtien project in Nong Prue, Pattaya and was completed in Dec 2022. You can rent this condo long term for ฿22,000 per month. Copacabana Beach Jomtien🏖 Condo for Rent – Copacabana Beach Jomtien 📍 Located near Jomtien Beach Unit Details 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom Size: 29 Sq.m. 39th Floor – Zone E Sea View 🌊 Fully Furnished More Info on this property

About This CondoThis property is a 41 SqM condo with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom that is available for rent. It is part of the Laguna Beach Resort 3 - The Maldives project in Nong Prue, Pattaya and was completed in Jun 2017. You can rent this condo long term for ฿14,000 per month. Laguna Maldives PattayaCondo for Sale – Laguna Maldives Pattaya 📍 Located in the popular Jomtien area 📏 Unit Size: 41 Sq.m. Room Details: 1 Living Room 1 Bedroom More Info on this property

About This CondoThis property is a 27 SqM studio condo with 1 bathroom that is available for rent. It is part of the Water Park project in Nong Prue, Pattaya and was completed in May 2015. You can rent this condo long term for ฿8,000 per month. Water Park 5-Star codon Long-Term Rental discount (owner) More on this property

Supposed to bring foot up not go down to it 😄 but dont fall and break a hip doing it 😄

The sock test is good - go get a pair of any socks you have- now put them on your feet and then take them off again without support or sitting down.(or falling over) That'll tell you how your balance really is. 😀 the One‑Leg Balance Test. How it works Stand on one leg. Hands on hips. Time how long you hold the position without putting your foot down. Quick guide Time What it suggests 30+ sec Very good balance 20–30 sec Good 10–20 sec Average <10 sec Weak balance Age pattern (approx.) 20s–30s: ~40+ sec 40s–50s: ~35–40 sec 60s: ~20–30 sec 70+: often under 20 sec Simple rule: the longer you hold it, the “younger” your balance system is.

Why Falls Become Dangerous After 60 — And What You Can Do About ItMany people in their 60s still feel capable and active. That’s good. But there’s a mistake a lot of people make: assuming their body still reacts the same way it did twenty or thirty years ago. It doesn’t. Falls are one of the biggest causes of injury for older adults. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. For people over 60, they are a major reason for hospital visits. The key point is simple: your body changes with age, even if you feel fine. What changes after 60 Several systems in the body slowly decline. Muscle strength drops. From around age 50 onward, people lose muscle every year unless they actively maintain it. Weaker legs mean less ability to recover if you trip or lose balance. Balance becomes less reliable. Balance depends on your inner ear, eyesight, and nerve signals from muscles and joints. All three become less precise over time. Reaction speed slows. When you stumble, your body has less time to correct itself. A younger person may recover instantly. An older person often can’t react quickly enough. Bones are more fragile. Bone density decreases with age. The same fall that would cause bruising at 40 can cause a fracture at 70. Why a single fall matters Many people say, “I’ll be fine if I fall.” Unfortunately, that’s often not true. A broken hip can mean: surgery weeks of limited movement muscle loss from inactivity long-term mobility problems Many older adults never regain the same level of independence after a serious fall. This is why prevention matters. Practical ways to reduce your risk The good news: falls are not an unavoidable part of aging. Many can be prevented with simple habits. 1. Strengthen your legs Leg strength is the single most important factor for stability. Focus on exercises like: squats step-ups walking on hills light resistance training Even short daily sessions help. 2. Train your balance Balance can be improved at any age. Examples: standing on one foot for 10–20 seconds heel-to-toe walking Tai Chi or gentle balance exercises Just a few minutes a day makes a difference. 3. Keep moving Regular movement keeps muscles, joints, and reflexes active. Walking, cycling, swimming, or light gym work all help maintain stability. 4. Pay attention to your home Many falls happen at home. Reduce risks by: improving lighting removing loose rugs installing grab rails in bathrooms keeping walkways clear 5. Review medications Some medications cause dizziness or lower blood pressure. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist if you notice light-headedness. Don’t rely on luck Feeling confident is good. Ignoring physical changes is not. Your body at 65 is not the same as it was at 35. That’s normal. What matters is how you respond to those changes. Stay active. Train strength and balance. Pay attention to your environment. A few small habits today can greatly reduce the chance that a simple slip turns into a serious injury tomorrow.

I had similar, replaced with "soft close" purchased on Lazada Slot straight in- use the same holes etc, very easy swap. Example:

absolutely- two browser windows - cut n paste into the bot- then cut n paste the response- easily done and probably faster than actually typing a response yourself/ YES Ive seen such posts here, some with more time on their hands paste the post into an AI checker which will give you a percentage possibility its AI contructed. Assuming you can actually be bothered to go through all that, but there are those that do.

Love to know what these "shady things" are? please report them - just hit the flag and we'll look at it.