wwest5829

I am surprised that no one has commented on the report yesterday in the newspaper, which cannot be named (shades of Harry Potter).

The report was on China's comments to Burma concerning the unrest in the Shan state and neighboring area. Sounded very much like the comment

here by U.S. Of course, the Chinese do have a vested interest as their oil and gas pipeline is running through that area. The article was interesting as

it also discussed some unhappiness by the locals with the Chinese conditions.

Funny how a 2000 yr old civilisation can't flush toilets or respect other people's customs and heratige .

Most of us will be well versed in Chinese history

Hmmm, think that would be over 5000 years.

It's all been said before.

So many innocent deaths for the right to bear arms.

How many deaths and what is that as a % of the US population and the US gun owning population?

In China nutters kill innocents with knives and hatchets. It's their habitual weapon. There is no right to bear arms in China.

Nutters are nutters and will find a way to kill if they wan't to.

Banning weapons deprives the vast, by far the vast, majority of normal law abiding citizens of a means of protecting themselves and their families from attacks by nutters, criminals and extremists. It puts the onus on the police and law enforcement services, who response rates are governed by manpower, policy and procedures.

Only the naive think banning crime will deter or stop criminals or extremists.

I agree with your idea that there are nuts everywhere. Just a couple of points brought to my mind. Along with manpower, policy and procedures, while it might be implied, funding through taxation is critical.

The larger question for the U.S. is, why the populace feels more threatened that citizens in other countries so as to feel the need for parsonal weapons? If the crime rate is higher, why is that in one of the leading democracies? Other world democratic citizens do not seem to be so fearful of government power, why is there so much distrust of their fellow citizens who have been elected? Or is it fear from the U.S. military? Sorry, just got me to thinking.

Most people own guns either for personal protection, hunting, or target practice. If a person happens to live in a crime ridden area, then owning a firearm for protection makes good sense. People who served in the military and law enforcement tend to make up a large percentage of gun owners in America.

As to your comment regarding "nuts are everywhere," there seems to be a large percentage of nuts that come out of the woodwork every-time a shooting news article is posted on Thai Visa. If you don't like guns, then don't purchase one. Your post is beyond naive.

Hey! I was agreeing with the statement that there are nuts everywhere. Part of the post pointed out that in China they use knives or axes. Why attack that? As to being naive, your judgement. If your view is reality then the United States is, if fact, lost. Any amount of shooting will not save the foundation of the country as the scenario says that the bad guys have won.

-snip-

We can compare with the northern neighbors Canada, where guns are prohibited, there is no comparison. The country is safer and number of crimes is a way less.

Same thing apply for more civilized countries such Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark. Police should be the protectors, if not you can consider living in jungle.

No, those countries aren't safer. They are in real danger. That includes the rest of W. Europe.

Police should be the protectors? How's that working out in W. Europe where the PC governments and police don't protect the natives? How did that work out for the parents of 1400 children molested in the UK with no one stepping up to do anything about it?

What are the native citizens of these countries going to do as this gets worse and the killers and rapists outbreed them as they continue to immigrate? Are the police going to stop that, or stop the consequences of it? What are Europeans going to do when they are no longer safe in their own countries? That day is coming and they are sleeping while their countries begin to burn.

People in the PC countries don't have a long view. They aren't thinking of their children and grandchildren.

The first thing any government does when it wants to control its population is to disarm it. It's happened too many times. Now Europeans are completely controlled not only by their governments, but by bigger international groups which they have joined and the people have lost all power.

The days is soon coming when I will be able to say that I told you so and that I warned you, but then it will be too late for you. Go ahead. Drink a toast to your feelings of superiority. They will do you no good when your country and culture are soon overrun by outsiders, encouraged by your governments.

Rapists?? What is the link to guns? Immigrants?

Really lost....

I don't know where you live and where you get your information from.

Canada is thousands times more safer than US and same for all European countries.

Rapists and molesters are most of time very close people to the victims.

There is no plot from nobody, it's only in your head and in fox news headlines and we all know that those who propagate the plot theory are really totally irrational.

I still enjoy walking in most Canadian or Europeans cities without fear of being shot anytime, I can not do it in Los Angeles and many other cities in states.

Please, you all, do not judge all Americans by our rather paranoid folks. We all have those in the family who, occasionally, cause us concern. Unfortunately, it appears that there are far too many. I am (in the words of Dr. Jones, Sr. - Indiana Jones movie) a pilgrim in an unholy land.

Is Shinzo Abe really a lover of civilian rule, or is he some other country's sock puppet?

Surely he'll demand free elections and democracy in Saudi Arabia next. No double standards, or?

To all those who have noted double standards...well, you are correct. However, the U.S. is not the only one that appears to do this. For example, where is Thailand's voice, as a potential leading country of ASEAN, opposing the unilateral declaration of China owning 80-90% of the South China Sea? Quiet because of needed political and economic support?

Here is a point to consider. The U.S. Is rightfully criticized, in part, because the world expects and hopes for better from the U.S. I would submit that the U.S. expects and hopes for better for Thailand, than it does some other countries that make no claim to being a democracy. We need be careful with surrounding ourselves with only those who will not advise against some actions we might take. True friends will speak up, at first privately, and then public ally to argue against what they feel are wrongful steps.

Did I miss the memo? Just returned from Makro, Superhighway, Chiang Mai. It was between 4:00-5:00pm. Had three 5 liter boxes of boxed wine in the cart. Previously, as long as I purchased over 10 liters, alcohol sales were allowed between 2-5pm. Today, I was told new law cannot buy until 5:00pm. Being a skeptic, I checked with the customer service desk...same story. New regulation requirement?

More likely a Chinese "knockoff", IMHO.

I guess this is yet another push to Thailand into China's arms. The USA is acting like a child with their self serving interests.

Hmmm, guess this time, after reading the statements made by the U.S. government representative, I have to agree with my government's statements. I see nothing earth shattering nor overly critical here. As to Thailand embracing closer relations with China? Thailand is a sovereign nation free to make its own choices in its own interests. China is very consistent in denouncing any attempt to call for changes in what it considers its internal affairs. Hmmm, my mind did just reflect on Tianamin, Hong Kong and the claims to 80-90% of the South China Sea. I would advise caution. As a student of history, I note that there is danger in surrounding yourself with only thiose who agree with you. A wiser tact is to, at least tolerate and note, friends who raise opposing points of view. I kind of like the British view of a "loyal opposition".

I guess I should have phrased the question differently.

.

Maybe … what about Thailand makes it a first-world country?

That would cut down on the confrontational posts.

Of course, it would also cut down on posts altogether.

and... it would stop the majority of expat to live here, since they could not afford to live in a first-world country anymore...

Hmmm, true that the lower cost of living was one major reason for making Thailand my home in retirement. More comfortable than I could have lived in the U.S. Call it developing nation or third world but I have all I desire here. I confess to referring to Thailand being the 3rd world with folks at home in order to "tweak" them that I have so much product and service availability at a much more reasonable cost.

Bangkok Post has an editor criticizing this policy in today's paper.

i suggest you try tylenol PM. not available here in thailand any more but you can probably find a source that can send it to you from the USA or Europe. you'll get very drowsy after an hour. not sure if will carry you through the night but definitely worth a try. the so called experts say that it is actually minor pain that sometimes keeps you awake. hence the development of tylenol and excedrin PM.

I am a soft touch for any medications. Over the tears I have had few, but severe sinus headache. I found that if really bad and I take two Tylenol PM, it knocks me out for the night. I'll be looking to replenish my "just in case" stock on my next trip to the U.S.

Banned here because? Anyone know the rational?

When I move to Thailand in 2010, my goal by medical advice, was to lose at least 20 kilos..and after the first 3 years I achieved it. After getting married, I found out that my Thai wife likes to shows me love cooking and feeding me more than I need...and I got back all the weight in the last 2 years. When I tell her that now I do not look so good like when we met, her response is that she do not like for me to be in better shape because I may look for another woman....a gik. Only in Thailand!

She is 48, slender and beautiful, and I am 70... and now fat. I want and need to lose weight, but my wife's jealousy keep my self stem in its high....Not good for dieting.

I never was so healthy like in Thailand, and I live every day like it is the last day of my life. I know that some day, that will be true..

I agree! My wife says a fatter man is more attractive. Women would look at a thin man as not having enough money to eat well! I suspect the same thing as you point out, not wanting for me to be attractive to other Thai females. So, she keeps feeding me and I keep going to exercise every other day...thus far her plan is winning!

Bangkok Bank, New York Branch is in compliance with U.S. banking regulations. I do an Elecrronic Funds Transfer from my retirement account holder (my Social Security is deposited there every month) to Bangkok Bank in NY. It is available to me here at any Bangkok Bank location in two business days.

I set Social Security up for direct deposit and an automatic monthly EFT monthly to Bangkok Bank. Works without any issue. As I have maintained a U.S. Mailing address, I have had no issue using my U.S. Issued credit cards. Works for me.

If you use your debit card, you can get your SS monies at any Thai ATM the day it is posted to your US account; why wait two days?

I draw more than the SS amount from my financial account and I do not use any debit cards. System works well for me.

I hope the courts block this as unreasonable entanglement between church and state. Why should 1 religion be given a governmental platform to preach nonsense? Are you going to give the same opportunity to every other religious faith? And, no, the Pope is not a politician or political figure, he's just the leader of an incredibly corrupt organized crime scheme.

Exactly & if Church wants to mix/dictate/influence State then off with their tax exemption

That's actually the law. Churches which take tax exempt status can't promote anything in politics.

The other issue is the one we call "Separation of church and state." The Constitution doesn't actually say that, but it says that the government "shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion." The Supreme Court has always come down on the side of requiring the government to maintain neutrality regarding religion.

Allowing this guy to speak before Congress doesn't sound neutral to me.

I am a strong advocate of separation of church and state but having the Pope or the Dalai Lama speak is not establishing religion. If we want to look at that issue we can discuss the Hobby Lobby case. Or discuss should pharmacists be able to refuse to dispense medicine to customers on the basis of their personal religious beliefs. I am curious if the Congressional invitation was in accord with accepted protocol or if it again ignored informing the Chief Executive.

Bangkok Bank, New York Branch is in compliance with U.S. banking regulations. I do an Elecrronic Funds Transfer from my retirement account holder (my Social Security is deposited there every month) to Bangkok Bank in NY. It is available to me here at any Bangkok Bank location in two business days.

I set Social Security up for direct deposit and an automatic monthly EFT monthly to Bangkok Bank. Works without any issue. As I have maintained a U.S. Mailing address, I have had no issue using my U.S. Issued credit cards. Works for me.

Maybe could cut the Americans a little slack if you take an historical view. The U.S. has held sway since WW II. Europe and Japan having been decimated in the war, the American industry had a distinct advantage, not unlike our British mother country following the Napleonic era. Now Japan and Europe have long since rebuilt and are on an equal playing field (allowances here for ongoing trade arguments). So, like the British Empire before the U.S., the French before them, and the Dutch before them...the U.S. Is slowly adjusting to the new reality. Don't expect the status reduction to sit well, but it is reality. The only mitigating circumstances that stand out is the sheer might of the American economy and the military might. That too is a reality. Too bad so much power is in the hands of a populace hugely ignorant of the rest of the world.

I will present my Thai Driver's license as usual. Told the wife, sorry, if they try to charge me this "foreigner" price, I will say no I will pay nothing then and turn around. I live here as my only residence. We still have a choice to say no thank you.

Followed closely by this statement from the Obama White House...

Obama says he won’t accept budget that doesn’t raise spending

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/2/obama-wont-accept-budget-doesnt-raise-spending/

I guess $18 TRILLION USD in debt isn't enough to break the back of the country...

When Obama took office just a little more than 6 years ago the US debt, from all time, was just over $10 trillion. Today it is $18 trillion and some wonder why some of us are "up to here" with him?

Since across the board spending cuts were instituted, I am just wondering if war spending has anything to do with that debt?

Why doesnt Megan Kelly ask the white house what happened to the $800 billion they had for shovel ready jobs.

The electorate spoke loud and clear just Say no to obama on everything. Whats 2 more years? -------

Ha! Yes, the national electorate spoke twice as the President pointed out in the State of the Union, he remembered he won both national elections. Yes,

those who voted certainly elected Republicans. Looking a bit closer, what do you know, Democrats garnered more overall votes and the total electorate turn out was the lowest since the 1940's. So, the supposition that the majority of the people supported the Republican Party is not a truthful view.

However, I am more interested in seeing what the new Republican Congressional majority does to govern. What laws will be proposed? What government programs will be funded and at what level?

Take from people who work and give to the hood !

Well, the budget proposal has been made. We all know that Congress will now weigh in to the issue. The question I have is, what counter proposals will Congrss make and what will they do about funding. The majority in Congress seem to agree that, across the board cuts are not workable. Note that a large part of across the board cuts deal with the need for greater military budgets. So, do we increase the taxes on the wealthy, to say the level of the Reagan administration, to pay for this or should we cut Social Security and Medicare payments as some Republicans have proposed? I am sorry if you have reduced the country's needs to simply taxing employees to give to welfare recipients. Its a bit more involved.

"A few actions need to be taken urgently to patch up and move forward in the mending of Thai-US ties."

The only patch that's needed is across the mouth of individuals who insist on meddling with another country's affairs. Not so long back, the US was suggesting that Scotland should not vote for independence. <deleted> has it got to do with America? (For brevity, I'll forego all of the other examples of Uncle Sam's interference). In Thailand's case....the meddling and interference has nothing, repeat NOTHING to do with what is best for Thai people - the US doesn't give a rodent's rear end for them - it's all about what is best for America. Me...me....me...

Again I say I recognize the shortcomings of the U.S. Government policy many times in history. I also recognize a few positive things the U.S. policy has been able to achieve for the good of more than just ourselves.

But here I hope to give some better understanding of the American psyche. While I am only one American speaking for myself I can state clearly and without reservation...I give a damn. It matters not to me which continent, which country (some more than others) I care about what happens, what affects other humans. Whether it be natural disaster or political trials and tribulations, I try to read and understand a bit about what is happening. And then, for what it is worth, I form my opinion as one citizen of the planet. Sorry, I have a bad attitude, I actually think I have a right to my opinion and a right to express my opinion...allowing the reality that, in some countries, my freedom is restricted or does not exist.

You just might have won the award for the most confusing, evasive post of the year, but fortunately for you we have 10 months to go for someone else to put the dunce hat on, just what exactly are you saying?

======================

Sorry if you were unable to comprehend my writing. Bottom line...some Americans care about other world inhabitants, read and are free to form opinions.

Simple enough? Your dunce hat comment is sophomoric. Congratulations you proved your thinking.

"A few actions need to be taken urgently to patch up and move forward in the mending of Thai-US ties."

The only patch that's needed is across the mouth of individuals who insist on meddling with another country's affairs. Not so long back, the US was suggesting that Scotland should not vote for independence. <deleted> has it got to do with America? (For brevity, I'll forego all of the other examples of Uncle Sam's interference). In Thailand's case....the meddling and interference has nothing, repeat NOTHING to do with what is best for Thai people - the US doesn't give a rodent's rear end for them - it's all about what is best for America. Me...me....me...

Again I say I recognize the shortcomings of the U.S. Government policy many times in history. I also recognize a few positive things the U.S. policy has been able to achieve for the good of more than just ourselves.

But here I hope to give some better understanding of the American psyche. While I am only one American speaking for myself I can state clearly and without reservation...I give a damn. It matters not to me which continent, which country (some more than others) I care about what happens, what affects other humans. Whether it be natural disaster or political trials and tribulations, I try to read and understand a bit about what is happening. And then, for what it is worth, I form my opinion as one citizen of the planet. Sorry, I have a bad attitude, I actually think I have a right to my opinion and a right to express my opinion...allowing the reality that, in some countries, my freedom is restricted or does not exist.

Everyone keeps harping on the US wanting a democratically elected government. I am sure that Salvadore Allende would love to hear that.

Guilty as charged and certainly not proud of this.