wwest5829

Retired to Thailand in 2011. No plans to return to USA even if I won the lottery and could afford to do so. Certainly not under this administration.

Certainly not so quickly. FDR’s New Deal helped but it would be the buildup and the war itself that got the USA economy really going. Which would also drive the US global predominance during the decades of Asia and Europe rebuilding/retooling.

Yep … 1929, started recovering within a decade . No worries.

Sorry, but I ask you to reread your post. “… nobody in their right mind … Except Trump” This implies Trump is in his right mind, does it not? I am motivated only to be helpful, not to attack..

I wish you well, can’t identify as I have now been retired here for 13 1/2 years and am quite happy. A line from “Six Days, Seven Nights” came to mind. “If you didn’t bring it with you, you’re not going to find it here” (might be a bit paraphrased). My experience with Pattaya is long over but very fond memories. And I do understand the Lopburi experience might well have affected me the same way.

I also would not mind the US company selling a bag of more than half air with a few chips smacked across the head. Right, the rest of the globe will buy American so those corporate officers can “earn” the outsized salary and bonus. OK, you are right, I am biased … I cannot afford to live a sustainable working middle class retirement in my own country. Fortunately, Thailand has allowed what I have earned in a mutually beneficial relationship. I am spending my earned US retirement funds here in Thailand. Don’t tell The Donald, there are millions of us economic refugees subsidizing other countries.

Yes, perhaps because we were making money off the rest of the world and there were other considerations taken into account. Those are now dismissed as more important than, the motivation to maximize profits. Popcorn at the ready.

Possibly but really only so my Thai Wife and Stepdaughter could have the experience. Yep, taking a chance on creating a monster limited up to now to losing on the lottery.

Speak loudly and extort from everyone. Show them who is the boss! Dear Global Citizens … this American opposes vehemently what is being done to my country and by extension to all of us whether a U.S. citizen or not. I cannot apologize as I absolutely dis not help bring this about.

Most certainly the USA is being, “stress tested” on many fronts. That is the reason to have serious doubts it will continue in a recognizable form.

Or as history documents, turn to other market development. Wish to investigate a bit? Napoleon cuts off all British trade fro Europe. That will show them! What was the result?

Wow! How amazing, all those years of the poor USA being “ripped off” by all those other countries “taking advantage” of the USA through Republican and Democrat Administrations and how many elected members of representative bodies. But, along comes Trump and he, and only he, is smart enough to Dec are unilaterally that there is an economic emergency giving him greater Presidential powers to declare the need to raise these tariffs. The wealthiest country on the globe after decades of being financially taken advantage of … wait, what?! And Americans are silent in allowing this … if not they would be in the streets. OK, OK, being slow on the draw concerning international affairs, they will not react until they personally feel the pain. If you voted for Trumpband his Project 2025 ilk, the results are entirely your responsibility.

That was number three for me. First in Western Kentucky 1970. Second here in Chiang Mai 2015 and third current. Death toll reported is rising.

Just following up on my original post. I found that I can use a direct toll free number to Fidelity, it seems to work fine (after remembering to dial 001 before the 1 801). So far, so good for my question answer.

My Aussie friend passed in December. Yes, after securing the Police Report and a death Certificate, as the named Executor in the Will, I needed to contact the Australian Embassy which in turn contacted the next of kin in Australia. Next of kin confirmed that I was to be Executor. Statement issued by the Embassy allowed me to proceed with the release of remains and carrying out cremation. Working with the Attorney who drew up the Will (in Thai and English), a Provincial Court date was requested. That took place the beginning of March (do keep in mind the Christmas and New Year holidays). The Attorney was also a notary so all documents were prepared and stamped. Testimony was given along with the documents and I was approved that day. However, it will take an additional month or two to receive the Court Document which is required by the bank for the release of funds(understandable as protecting the bank from being defrauded). Upon death, I had previously gone to the bank and informed them of the death so accounts were frozen. Today marked the 100 Day Mourning Period. Next to wait for the document so I can proceed to authorize sale of the Condo and remit residue of funds to kin, named in the Will (in Australia). I only recommend acting as Executor for a friend here if one has full knowledge of what to expect and … the ability/willingness to forward spending your own funds to pay necessary bills until the deceased person's funds can be accessed. Being who I am, having lived here 14 years, I agreed to do this for an aged friend. In the future? Not without some change in the way financial preparation should be arranged. There is a bit of time and effort involved … oh, I am in Chiang Mai.

Knowing it would be a “challenge” to retire in the USA on my sustainable $2400.00 a month income ($1604.00 of that from earned Social Security)I started looking for lower cost countries. Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, Philippines, Thailand. In the end … Thailand. I lean Buddhist and, yes, attracted to the Asian female looks and being petite (I am vertically challenged. Fourteen years and counting.

Agree that is important to differentiate between criminal acts … I certainly had that brought into foucs on Jan. 6, 2021 at the US Capitol. Just sayin … I agree.

Threatens them with cutting all federal grants and federally sponsored programs. Consistent with the economic treats being used in international commerce and Ukraine.

Obviously, in Trump’s mind, just part of the plot to abuse the USA. He is hypocrisy personified … (OK, among other items personified).

Availability not an issue here in Chiang Mai as it is locally produced. Might want to check out availability to you.

Waxing a bit philosophic, glass of Cabernet in hand. I thing the scene in “Noble House” handled the subject very well. Here in Asia, not having had the Puritan sexual guilt thing as part of the culture … sex is no more abnormal than eating, or breathing. Why should one not just enjoy the pleasurable experience for what it is. Much more normal treatment of a human experience. Thank you, St. Augustine … I have outgrown your outlook.

He may have to explain Thailand is not Taiwan …

Just 555. Should be charged with working a job reserved for Thai native population?

Like WW I and WW II?

Would that reality saw anyone overpowered by a bigger bully could defend themselves. That said, I do not oppose a stronger Europe. Do you have refl3ction on Orwell’s “1984” where there is three regions of the world … ?