wwest5829

So, I a bit confused. I would think the correct English term is "polyglot" as it pertains to languages. Or is it another case of my being an American English speaker?

23 hours ago, orang37 said:

Hi, Khun Justfine,

 

I am sure that for me BKK would be much more costly; but, my diet, here, is almost totally fresh food from local markets within easy bicycling distance. I suspect my monthly expenses for food (way under 3k baht per month, which includes eating at a restaurant maybe 4~5 times) ... would put me in the lowest 5% of the general expat population's spending range.

 

The 3-bedroom house I rent here in the Nong Hoi area for 7k per month (yes, I am very lucky !) would, I am sure, set me back 30k++ in Bangkok  ... if I could find one.

 

"Tour" ?  What's a tour ?

 

cheers, ~o;37;

Good price on the rental. I figure one can find an unfurinished 3 bed/3 bath house from 10-15,000 baht. I am happy having found such a new house in Sannameng for 13, 000 baht per month. The 3 of us spend substantially more for food.

The idea of a 5 year Visa is attractive to many of us who have made Thailand our home in retirement. Like a large reason for my being here finances means I am priced out of this market. I use an “expensive” option of having my annual retirement extension and 90 day reports taken care of by an agency. So, 10,250 babt a year (1 re-entry stamp included) versus the Elite Card cost. Not cost effective for myself and many who are retired here because we can not afford the same level of living in our home countries.

1 hour ago, Boon Mee said:

Venezuela is the poster child for failed Marxist Socialist policies and Pence is 100% correct to warn other countries to avoid going down that road. 

Unfortunately, as has been true in the past the USA has not offered nor demonstrated an alternative which fairly deals with the mass of population. The US, with its huge income/wealth gap clearly demonstrates the extreme of following its lead. That is exactly why, historically, the peoples have felt they have needed to turn elsewhere for help and leadership...

39 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

Whether it be immigrants or a different issue, when the President starts calling for action that is in flagrant breach of the Constitution, something is seriously wrong. This is not about the man himself, this is about respect for the most basic laws that govern the country, and if the President has no respect for them, the country is in trouble.

He took an Oath of Office to uphold the Consitution of the U.S., he is now advocating ignoring the Constitution. A clear breaking of his Oath of Office and I would think more than enough reason to begin Impeachment Proceedings by Congress. Unless, of course, the majority political party thinks the American people will tolerate continued offenses by The Donald.

Yes, I have recognized this also in the stores. I figure Thai with western companies would fire most of the staff, people have to eat so .... We have more extensive welfare programs. (I’ll leave off commenting on paying working, middle class employees a minimum wage while the company draws the corporate welfare).

3 hours ago, phantomfiddler said:

Whatever Trump says, there will be hordes of detractors, but he is still the best president U.S. has ever had ?

Fortunately history will be judging him on his words, policies and actions. The judgement will be fair...thus harsh judgement on The Donald an his ilk.

18 hours ago, VBF said:

You beat me to it!!!!!  ?

 

It's like paying for a shirt or hat that advertises a business - if you want free advertising, fair enough but give me the item - don't expect me to pay you for the privilege of providing the advertising. That has long been a "peeve" of mine.

We do have to give credit to how Adidas, Nike, etc. have buyers promoting their brand. The Donald is using the same tactic to enhance his brand by utilizing his political position.

21 hours ago, Lamkyong said:

ask mr costco multi billionare

Or Sam’s Clubs in the US....

13 hours ago, ThaiBob said:

My insurance from my home country covers me for emergencies overseas. I would buy insurance here but insurance companies here are permitted to exclude pre-existing conditions in their policies and/or age restrictions. That doesn't work for me or many other expats here. If you have a work permit perhaps you have more options. 

Agreed. I have a retirement benefit policy that will pay up to $5000 per year overseas. I continue to pay US Medicare premiums in case of need to return to US. Otherwise, I self insure as insurance policies here exclude anything to dowith pre-existing heart issues (my biggest risk) and now eaching an age exclusion....

First two months in Thailand after retiring it was either chest cold or stomach issues. After that, only occasional intestine cleaning out. But then, its a bit more involved. Retired = no job stress weakening the immune system. Hmm, come to think of it, I do believe my immune system is stronger now. 

I used to be able to see quite a few differences between my native country and other countries. Increasingly, I find more and more irony....

On 6/7/2018 at 6:20 PM, Dazinoz said:

Sheet!!. Looks like I am in trouble.

 

Get my trusted iPad navigation aid out I guess.

I have made the drive a few times as I like taking my time, visiting Bangkok on the way to and fro. But I am retired in Chiang Mai and so make break the trip up. First drive Nakon Sawan, then Bangkok to shop/eye hospital/ the sites. I have my iPhone on GPS around Bangkok. Find the roads very fine except where they are resurfacing and so one lane detours for a few miles. I enjoy driving so not an issue.

On 6/7/2018 at 6:20 PM, Dazinoz said:

Sheet!!. Looks like I am in trouble.

 

Get my trusted iPad navigation aid out I guess.

I have made the drive a few times as I like taking my time, visiting Bangkok on the way to and fro. But I am retired in Chiang Mai and so make break the trip up. First drive Nakon Sawan, then Bangkok to shop/eye hospital/ the sites. I have my iPhone on GPS around Bangkok. Find the roads very fine except where they are resurfacing and so one lane detours for a few miles. I enjoy driving so not an issue.

Expeted. He still does not get it that he is not the supreme boss of a private business but answerable to all American citizens, even those of us who disagree with his worda, policies, actions. It has to be hard on him to have this forced upon him ...

11 hours ago, AlexRich said:

I guess you would be okay as long as you buy at a Mac dealership. But do you really want a keyboard with Thai script on it? Perhaps they will sell you one with an English keyboard.

I've brought a MacPro in 2011 with the English keyboard and Thai Script both. Motherboard got fried in electrical storm surge and so replaced with MacBook Air in 2017. Both bought fro Studio 7, authorized Apple reseller. No problems and they assist if I have any aftersale software or logistical questions.

3 hours ago, YetAnother said:

presidential pardons are an abomination to real democracy; totally undermines the judicial branch

As The Donald has used the pardon power politically, I take your point and agree. In recognition that the justice system is fallible and later evidence (new DNA availability, for example) has shown innocent people have been found guilty by the system, I want this Executive Branch power preserved.

2 minutes ago, Toscano said:

Thai wives seem to be nearly all the same , they have never learned or been taught temper control .  If there is a difference of opinion you cannot have a reasoned discussion with them , they are right and you are wrong .  It is a mistake to get angry and shout , next you will be Thai boxing ; it is best to shut up and go silent and let it pass . My wife orders me to go back to my country ; I tell her that if she doesn't want to live with me , she has another house up the road to go and live there with her son .  Usually after about half an hour she is all sweetness and wants a loving hug .  If foreigners saw the evening soaps on TV channel 7 before coming to Thailand , they would never consider marrying a Thai woman .  Thai women are often very pretty and alluring ; there are exceptions of plainer diminutive women who may not make arguments all the time . 

How's the song go? "If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, go and make an ugly woman your wife"!? Fortunately, I have not had to resort to such...