wwest5829

7 hours ago, KhunLA said:

To the topic ... been on all sides of the 'union' discussion;

... wanting one

... needing one

... for them

... against them

... was hired during a strike (scab), then became the union rep for contract negotiations of a new (abusive) union, which actually contributed to the bankruptcy of same company 

 

They have their place and are a necessary evil at times, along with being a business within themselves. 

 

It's good some states ban mandatory union membership to work at a company.  Freedom of choice is always a good thing.

Except if I decide I should not support, for example, US “defense” spending through my taxes, or public education or … Which is not to say, I disagree with your statement as to the good and bad.

8 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

I want your opinion on trade unions representing workers in the workplace,are they relevant nowadays?

I know they were strong in the UK once representing miners etc

 

I did hear in the USA some States have banned Unions representing workers .

 

Anyway the reason I ask is because last night during my shift as a hospital cleaner I had a Union person middle-aged bespectacled uni type nerd  turn up to ask why I had left the Cleaners Union several years ago.

 

I immediately told him I had been "locked up in Thailand" the last 6 weeks,he was in shock as I went into a long rant about the Zimmer frame old people and the Manila Subway story and how I walked up and down the subway at night.

 

Being in Australia he had no idea what a farang was and never been to Thailand 

 

I hadn't even finished telling him about the farang drunks at the mini mart before he excused himself saying he had to go to the toilet ,

 

About 5 minutes later I then noticed his car speeding out of the car park !

 

He hadn't bothered signing me up and I would of refused 

 

He was going to leave me his business card but he left without giving it to me otherwise I would of rang him to finish the story about the farang  drunks at the mini mart at the Nirun condos 

 

Are Unions relevant?

Was you or are you a Union member?

 

 

Understand why he left .. figured you as a lost cause. Thing is, I retired to Chiang Mai 13 years ago so, my experience is dated. Also,  American, so I can only address my experience there but, I have a few moments right now to reflect so … I was raised blue collar, union. Dad was a union welder for the Texaco Oil refinery in S. Jersey. My DNA is heavy working class with only old historical ties to the upper crust.  I do recall a strike, Dad was not pleased but he abided by the union strike. In partial result, my Brother and I grew up in my parents mortgaged home, with car, paid holiday and vacations living a Baby Boomer secure upbringing. My children should be so lucky now that they are grown and independent. I was a career educator, fought for better working conditions/pay in public education in Kentucky (no union membership is not forbidden Ather they “whoodoo” workers declaring they live in a “right to work” state (feel free to guess - Republican state). Teaching undergrad history courses the last 27 years of my working life, I listened to administrators declaring there was no such thing as “academic freedom” and that tenure should end. I will not take off on why these things need protecting but a result led to helping form a union to hold back those attacking. As a result, I was elected to a university level committee and later was elected to the Board of Regents as I was known to defend  the academic faculty best interests. When it came time to be elected to a 2nd three year term, I declined the honor … my head was tired of running into brick walls as the other Regents were from industry with the accepted mindset of controlling their “employees”. Ha! You understand that we were evaluated annually, even with tenure and that salaries reflected the evaluations … and so, my Social Security is lower than the US average and I cannot afford my sustainable working middle class retirement in the US. Compensation … end run, I am very happy retired, along with millions of other Americans in a lower cost country. Yes! I am pro union!

18 hours ago, Terrance8812 said:

I’m from Canada and I’ve been in Thailand for about five months now. As I continue to immerse myself in the Bangkok way of life, I’ve also been contemplating dipping my toes into the dating scene here after recently breaking up with a long-time girlfriend from back home.

However, I must admit, I feel a bit out of my depth. While I’ve heard countless stories about the charm and allure of Thai women, I’ve also heard about the complexities and nuances involved in cross-cultural relationships. One concern that weighs a bit on my mind is the stereotype about Thai women and their financial aspirations. I want to ensure that any potential relationship I engage in is built on mutual respect and understanding, rather than purely on materialism or expectations.

 

Another aspect that I’ve heard a lot about is the importance of family in Thai culture. While I deeply respect these values, I can’t help but feel a bit intimidated by the prospect of meeting a partner’s family early on in a relationship. How can I navigate this aspect with grace and sincerity, while also ensuring that I’m setting the right tone for the future?

Additionally, I’m keen to learn more about the language to help form a relationship. While I’ve been making efforts to learn Thai, and can speak a bit, I wonder how crucial fluency is going to be in building a meaningful relationship.

 

Well, I may have already some general stereotypes and misconceptions about dating from others in Thailand, so I’m eager to gain a more nuanced understanding now. I do want to approach this with an open mind though as I have a genuine desire to connect with a woman in the right way.

 

I truly appreciate any wisdom, long term experiences, or advice you can share or offer.

Repeat after me … Sabai, sabai … jai yen, yen. Then go read, “Thailand Ferber” to aid in the cross cultural background. Take your time above all else. If you can do it psychologically, rent the need for company until you have been here for a year. Date but allow no commitment to attachment until a long period passes … that is no different from home, eh?

18 hours ago, MJCM said:

I was for many years on a extension of stay based on Marriage, and then I switched to extension based on Retirement. (Both extensions done with Money in the BANK)

 

Now if possible I want to switch back to the Marriage Extension. Is that possible at Immigration or should I leave Thailand (without a Re-Entry Permit) get a Single NON-O (basis of Marriage) and start again?

 

TiA

I switched from my O-A retirement to an O for marriage, one year ago in Chiang Mai just previous to our taking a trip to the USA for the month of April 2023.

4 hours ago, riclag said:

 funded in part by a liberal umbrella group!

 

https://en.wikialpha.org/wiki/Fix_the_Court

And if I criticize corruption, it also would be accurate to point out my being left of center. But then, that would have nothing to do with the validity of the criticism.  

On 6/8/2024 at 10:56 AM, Liverpool Lou said:

...and in the US.

In my case, true as I could have afforded a working middle class life in the USA but, at half that amount, I have the same here in Thailand.

Rats! I was hoping that as there are some saying I was “fragile” due to being “woke” that I would be eligible. Ah, well … (said tongue in cheek, only to bring a smile to your face).

I might get shot for suggesting this from C.M. but, how about tiring this idea to developing those second tier Thai cities where further tourism development is being promoted. Yep, I’m suggesting not having a placement in C.M.

21 hours ago, DavisH said:

My Bangkok Bank app stopped working last month, as the app now requires android 8 or higher. I had to get a new phone and go to the bank to reset it. But if your atm / debit card is not working, that's another issue. 

Both Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank mobile apps stopped working. Went to Bangkok Nank, girl Sai system upgrade needed information re entered. App did not take the info. She used the ATM and her computer to update. Kasikorn … girl deleted app and downloaded app again, entered info and that fixed it. My suspicion? Tied to the recent announcement of banks needing to check account names and Passport/phone names all agreed. Chiang Mai.

On 5/28/2024 at 4:07 PM, wensiensheng said:

And if the victim is dead with no relatives to complain?

Yes, an instance where charges are brought as an offense against the law (in the citizens’ interest). Looks like a moot point as appears a complaint is being filed.

9 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Looks good, might be an alternative to a retirement VISA/extension.

Stay 180 days, extend once (assuming 1,900bht), border hop, rinse and repeat.

Averaging 3,900bht/year.

Around the same cost as a retirement extension with multi re-entry, but 300kbht less in the bank required.

Somehow I doubt if this is the way it will work out, in fact. 

I did watch the video. Over the top response by the guards. Here’s the thing about Thai law, evidently. Need to have the offended party bring a complaint against someone. OK, I can understand this although … I come from a heritage where if this had so publicly taken place, the legal system would move to arrest and prosecute the perps in the name of the citizenry. The thought being that the disturbance and affront was made to all citizens in an orderly society. I think a bit of irony as many of us feel such an action as done here certainly has caused harm to the country’s reputation and citizens of Thailand. One might even say the actions taken reflect on the head of the country … an insult under Thai law?

4 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

Wife parks car in a temple near school in city as do a lot of parents. Calls me on video chat about battery being flat. Showed her where jumper leads were, open bonnet, flag anyone driving nearby, busy car park. Sad to watch her being turned down by about a dozen parents. “Sorry can’t”, “sorry busy”, to name a few reasons. Where’s the spirit in the temple? 😂😂😂 School bus driver came to her rescue. Thanks mate! 
I always lend a helping hand in these situations especially if a lady asking. Do you?

I was in her situation a few months ago. Tuck Tuk driver stopped when he saw I had raised the hood. He walked across the street to borrow jumper cables from a motorbike shop. Cables not long enough, I thanked him. Gave a tip and the auto roadside insurance service guy soon showed up (I was in Chiang Mai city). My “Do a good deed daily” usually equates with busy traffic allowing someone else to go first.

16 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Others don't seem to have similar problems .

You can use an agent if it's too difficult. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1316179-american-passport-renewal-process/ 

 

For Passport photos you need to get from expert photo shops. 

Agreed. It has been awhile but not too much of a bother for me once every 10 years.

Anticipating retirement, I did what I was educated to do and read some three dozen books about Thai history, society, culture in general and books just set in Thailand to gain a bit of “flavor”. One of the things I read was that in the Thai culture I might well be asked my age (age generally, is more respected in Asian culture), my occupation, my income, and education. Other things that would come into play was skin color (as darker skin was equated with working manual labor outdoors), and nationality. What was advised was not to get upset at this probing as Thais would be trying to ascertain where you fit in the “pecking order”. Reflecting on this before retiring, I was feeling rather secure … retired, so I would have some age, being an educator, holding an M.A. + additional study in six countries, Caucasian, and American (remember this was pre-Trumpism). I do point out that I am retired in Thailand, in large part, due to having worked as an educator on Kentucky so … not wealthy (I count myself able to have a sustainable monthly income at $2400 usd).

Raised in the multiethnic Philadelphia metropolitan area. Drive the highway and the sign reads “leaving …”, close by is the sign saying, “entering … “, virtually no break in the houses, buildings. OK … college in Western Kentucky, never mind the culture shock of moving to the agricultural middle of the county culture shock. I lived in the 3rd (now 4th) largest city in Kentucky. Including the county, afterall we Americans oft live outside the city and drive in. I had 18.4 acres about 9 miles out of town. Lake, woods, deer, raccoons, coyotes, etc. Loved it. Retiring to Thailand … no Bangkok but on the fringe of Chiang Mai has met my needs (which include world class healthcare). Yea, yea smoke …

9 hours ago, sumongkhwai said:

Nothing ever good happens at 4:00 am. I'm sure the Brit was pissed and then got into it with a local or two. One thing I learned long before my wife taught me is that when you fight a Thai you are fighting 9 not just one. Keep your head down, ignore the comments and keep moving. I can swear rightly in Thai but, my wife has always told never to do so and I respect her advice (aside from the fact I'm getting to old to scrap with people a third of my age although I could probably take them but with knives and guns and what not, just stay quiet, plus we're pretty much done with the past 12:00 am bar scene, nothing but trouble- mostly for me!)

Agreed. My eldest Son was in Thailand for a year in CM. Out in the wee hours, 3 Thai boys wanted his bag. His journal of experiences, past ravels was in the bag, as well as Passport, mobile, etc. No way was he giving it up. One of the Thais had a piece of wood or metal (I don’t know which). Thai went t strike my arson, he raised an arm to block … hospital with a broken arm needing a metal reinforcement surgery. What he was doing out? What was said? What exactly happened? I have no ides but he was diagnosed as having PTSD as a result. His decision to be out and about … his resulting problem.

25 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

It still crosses my mind ... 

 

Then I come back to reality    Hotels are just too cheap here, or a reasonably priced, decent spec'd electric van would be my next purchase. 

Part of my selling all in the USA included the sale of my paid for 38 ft. Diesel pusher. Contemplated working Disney type park in the winter, maybe forest campground host in the Noth during the summer. Your obervation of associated costs made a stronger argument for Les troubles retiring to Thailand.

Anticipating retirement in 2011, I did the background reading for retirement in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, the Philippines and Thailand. I was familiar only with Mexico. Language would have been easier in the Latin American countries. Cost of living was a major consideration as I thought my sustainable monthly $2400 usd would not allow a working middle class life style in the USA. On the academic year, so I had unemployed time to make two trips in summer and winter months in 2009 & 2010. (I certainly would recommend exploratory trips no matter which country someone is considering for retirement). I traveled around Thailand and continued my background reading in the US (history, society, culture … language, I waited to take classes here). Medical care was a major consideration as I had already had 5 by-passes in 2005. While I found that, I think, I could live in a number of Thai cities (no Bangkok), I found Chiang Mai a comfortable fit where I could find anything I needed, plenty of English spoken (I did hire someone to help me in a potential car purchase). And being single since 2007, well … damn Nancy Kwan for my attraction to the Asian female look. Sold all in the USA, shipped 5 pallets (1 of 298 books donated to CM Univ. Library, 1 of books retained in my library, 3 of personal items including collectibles gathered in my previous international travel). Been here ever since, married to a Thai girl 26 years my junior (yo! Do try and remember I was already retired when we met so … no chippy). Still quite happy to be here going on 13 years in July. Driving comments … sure test for Alzheimer’s … no accidents = no dementia as your brain must be firing on all cylinders. Threatened Thai taxation? We’ll see … I read the Treaty = SS not taxable nor is other government retirement … I am advised by my tax preparer not to worry (keep in mind I am an economic refugee (IRS Tax Return = no U.S. tax owed). So, as the Zen Master said … we’ll see (quote from movie, “Charlie Wilson’s War”).

I seem to remember that during the Vietnam War, Soth Korean and Thai soldiers were very tough fighters?