wwest5829

1 hour ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Is this a new phrase that doesn't mean what it says? It's hard to keep up with changing language, such as bad now meaning good, wicked also meaning good, and so on. Words meaning the opposite of what they used to. Who even begins these changes? 

The phrase caught me also. I was not familiar … after a bit, it dawned on me … equals “caught sleeping”, not being aware of the sudden change. Then it made sense.

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Every right, but why ?

 

Obvious to me ... but hey, I'm not anti CH ?  They aren't there to 'keep the peace', more to disturb it ... IMHO

Every right but why? Hmm, by extension I would think you might support international shipping respecting the unilateral claim by the PRC covering most of the South China Sea? Peace at any price, or all expected to conform to international agreements, in the case the Law of the Seas and the International Court declaring China as not conforming to international law? I count myself an old friend of China but I support all nations sailing freely in international waters ... China is not immune to overstepping.

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

An aerial shot would have been better.  Was the US ship even moving, or how fast.

 

Near collision - 150 meters ?

 

USA is playing a dangerous, provoking game.  How would the US react to an Carrier Strike Group off Wash. DC's coast.

 

There is no need for them to be there, except to provoke the Chinese.  USA & UN doesn't even recognize Taiwan as a country, and only a 12 countries do, and have diplomatic relationships with Taiwan.

 

Those 12 countries are;  Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini and Tuvalu.

 

USA reaction to a... I assume you mean Chinese, Carrier Strike Group, off the coast of Washington, DC? First would be dismay that US intelligence did not pick up that China even had a Carrier Strike Group. 2nd reaction? International shipping along Bothe USA coasts takes place all the time conforming to the Law of the Seas agreement. You have an issue with free international waters navigation?

6 hours ago, Suphawk said:

Retired here in Thailand. 

Does anyone have a bug out plan ready if the <deleted> hits the fan? I don't have much doubt about which side Thailand will take if war starts.

Wouldn't want to end up in a farang concentration camp.

I do hold some cash should I need immediate exit. Hopefully, it will remain untouched and will pass to my Thai Wife upon a peaceful passing ...

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Massages do make you feel good that's the idea, for me foot massages are best, i use to have 2 hour thai massages or oil but it's too long now, you can get injured easily so be careful, i avoid strong massages

I confess to being a foot massage, "addict". Now over 12 years. For a Thai massage, I too would find most too much ... maybe an oil massage needing the muscles but not stressing them nor having sussed strong twists.

2 hours ago, loong said:

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

The only reason that you feel good after a Thai massage is because the pain finally stops!

Ha! Some truth there!

Dear Kingdom of Thailand, You still consider me a "tourist". OK, min. 65K baht transferred in from the USA each month for over 12 years thus far (actually $316,800.00+ USD). And for the last 7 years supporting my Thai Wife and Stepdaughter. So, how does that compute for your sustainability? No more than two traffic fines (minor) in all that time. How about recognition as a Foreign Long Term Resident without the need for 90 day Reports (report only when changing residents)? No need for other foreigners to point out that I am dreaming or that it will never happen, like I said I have been here over 12 years ... but a guy can still hope ...

28 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

Looking deeper into the numbers, just 15 people were “nabbed” for overstay.

 

the rest were not at their reported accommodation, or had already left, or had visa applications pending, and, 109 had died! So no nabbing those 109 unfortunate souls.

 

the headline is just ridiculous and bears no correlation to the actual facts reported.

My first thought ... hmm, new math.

14 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Actually, it looks weird. When your with someone that looks like your daughter it looks weird in public. There’s no way of avoiding it. You need to overcome the feeling of people staring and gossiping.

Only interpreted as such due to the culture you are in or the observers outlook. My Thai Wife is 26 years younger but ... don't get excited at my 76 years of age, it means she is 50. Still, on a recent visit to the USA, there were a few observations interpreted by me as a bit envious.

8 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Ha, yes sure until some conflict starts then they will beg the U.S. and others to help them.

Reason I do not get entangled. We saw in history what happens to Thai "neutrality" when push comes to shove. I do not fix blame on Thailand for wanting to preserve their nation  ... and I recall how they were able to do that in the past, in all its aspects. I believe there are a number of retired US military personnel around Udon Thani who can tell many a story. Sorry, currently rewatching, "Air America'.

10 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

The right call.

We don't need foreign military facilities here - especially American.

Agree as an American. Also agree with not selling the latest US fighter aircraft to Thailand. Maintain your balance ... Thailand has its hands full in suppressing Chinese inroads into Thailand.

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

I got a booster yesterday.. offered 3 choices.

Moderna, Moderna or Moderna.

Watching for this free booster in Chiang Mai ...

2 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Biden cooking his own $ golden goose. Just wait for those foreign $ flow back and inflate US inflation as no country wants them

Biden? The current holdup was very publicly initiated by a US Republican minority. Clean vote on debt ceiling (to pay for already Congress approved spending). Then, absolutely a knock down ...  drag out budget debate. What spending do Americans want ... military, social programs benefitting the working middle class upon whom any hope of a participatory democracy depends. and how to tax ourselves to pay for what we want the government to support.

Used up my lifetime beer allotment in college so I leave this to others. Now, if oenophilists become involved let me know.

I fear dealing with the ignorance is the price of attracting the tourist dollars/pounds/yuan/ etc.

19 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Holding Biden to account for his fiscal ineptitude is not terrorism.

 

Or fascism, before you drop that little chestnut in...

Good to know the 2017 Republican tax reduction primarily benefitting the wealthy and corporations did not add to the income shortfall.

The greatest privacy protection most of us have is that no one cares about us … because they cannot make money off any reporting about us.

Ha! My Wife was 37k when we met … yikes! 41K 6 years later. Then again I arrived in Thailand 12 years ago at 66K and now clock in at 80K!!! Fat and happy.

4 hours ago, sambum said:

Thank you for your eloquent explanation of the situation, and just to raise a point from your last comment:- "..... more consistent national policies."

There is nothing consistent about the way that the British Government choose to pay annual increments on pensions to expats! There was a well publicised situation a few years ago where 2 ladies from the UK decided to move to the USA many years ago, and one ended up living on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, and the other on the USA side - literally a few miles away from each other. One gets the annual increments to her Government Pension and the other one doesn't, with the result that a few years down the line there is a difference in their monthly pensions of hundreds of £'s! All down to "reciprocal agreements" between countries apparently, and nothing at all to do with common sense! Similarly, if I lived in the Philippines, I would get the increments, but as I live in Thailand, I don't! 

You have an ally in wanting equal treatment of the retired working middle class.