wwest5829

Cannot give self defense advice to a 62 year old. Last time I thought about this, I was 32 and planning for a year of travel so … A year of intense Takwando. 130 pounds and no fat, best shape I have eer been in. Still, I knew my limitations … I could deliver a solid hit … and run like hell! Now, 75 and twice the man I was (OK, not quite but quite heftier), I might get in one lucky strike (pun intended) and stride/stroll quickly  way … Post only meant to bring a smile to those of a certain age.

On 10/10/2022 at 11:32 AM, Jingthing said:

Well yes I do think about Vietnam.

I knew some draft dodgers but all were active dissenters (but the penalties for that were mild compared to Russia). 

I was an active dissenter myself, sorry, Okies from Muskokies. 

 

About Russians fleeing. Come on man. Can you name one time in world history where there has been such a dramatic and large wave of "draft dodgers" fleeing any other country? 

I do not take issue but counsel restraint as we do not have the facts and figures yet. As for a dramatic and large wave of draft dodgers, I feel guilty as I would have to research this. My suspicion is that: 1. current media coverage may be influencing our thinking and 2. I do seriously suspect we would find previous wars around the globe where we would find substantial numbers of me fleeing military service ( yes, just an educated guess based on my reading of history).

On 10/10/2022 at 11:26 AM, plus7 said:

Yes, yes.... I but it happened in US history and Vietnam war. Do you want to discuss it too ? I doubt, it is such an obvious topic.

Don't you know that even Ukranians try to escape draft too ?

About russians, some flee, but much more go to the war. With fears, but go.

 

I have not seen the documented numbers so I would be hesitant to make this determination.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

True but will eventually be caught.

Hmm, Jimmy Carter pardoned, I think in 1977.

On 10/10/2022 at 10:50 AM, Jingthing said:

The thing about these Russian "draft dodgers" is morally ambiguous.

In general most people in most countries don't exactly exalt people evading military service when their country calls. 

Most of the Russians escaping now didn't have a word to say in opposition to the evil war chosen by their dictator UNTIL the war came to them. Not exactly profiles in courage.

Of course, I don't blame them, but if this war lasts a long time, many are going to find it impossible to stay abroad because of visas and expenses.

Maybe they can apply for political asylum in some countries. I seem to remember Canada as a destination in earlier wrongful political decisions.

14 hours ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

It was about Thais generally , not the minority  those who work in the sex industry .

   What made you think about girls working in the sex industry , rather than those working in legitimate jobs ?

Not a criticism, just an observation from my perspective, that the sex industry, existing since time immortal might well be considered legit, as it is in various cultures.

9 hours ago, Boomer6969 said:

If you accept to live like a native, it is OK. But on the other hand this is a lower/middle management salary in Bangkok.

Yes, out priced from retiring in the USA (unless a rusting trailer in Florida or Arizona). Here … a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house on a double lot, my own furniture, 2 cars, motorbike. For a family of three we are comfortable. In my retirement years, I don’t think this is, “living like a native” as the 82,000+ baht just arriving (I transfer $2200) is above the average Thai monthly income.

4 hours ago, ed strong said:

I don't think any studying occurs, just look at restaurant hygiene and service techniques.

 

As a foreigner you cant buy land in Thailand and if you want to step on some of it, the price increases rapidly.

 

Sound to me like you are certainly going to pay for the privilege of living in Thailand.

 

 

If one choses. I am doing fine on my $2400 USD monthly budget.

25 minutes ago, Chris.B said:

...and she went with you because of your looks?  ????

 

Who knows what it is exactly that attracts one person to another. From long experience it seems to be a combination of many things, not just one thing. Some are attracted by a smile, an easy going nature, my wife upon meeting, said the first thing was my photo, as we met online (we were lucky, as "there be dragons! For both foreign men and Thai girls). Are you are thinking money? Sure that plays in the world round ... in "developing countries" without social safety net for females ... economic security is certainly a consideration. I did background reading before coming. Part of Thai culture is wanting to establish where you fit in within the "social pecking order". How old are you? (Asia - age gains respect). What is/was your occupation? (Professions get more respect). How much do you make? (Wealth holdings gain respect). Do you have a steady source of income? (Economic security in a lower cost country is judged important).

I cannot see foreign nations' embassies becoming involved in another nation's business dealings short of the foreign nation owning the companies involved or if there is a threat to the foreign nation interests.

Hillsborough Country House, Chiang Mai

Ah, but is the latest Pfizer vaccine available in Thailand?

On 10/4/2022 at 3:14 PM, Mavideol said:

did you try a crystal ball or the tarot cards, there are, also,  some fortune tellers at the corner of some street, just kidding ????  many of us on the same position/situation, as of now it's not looking good as it dropped, last night 38.13

1.00 US Dollar =

37.562206 Thai Baht

My monthly transfer came in at 37.68 today. $2200 USD, minus about $20 in Wise fee.

9 hours ago, DrPhibes said:

Anybody know if any roads closed due to flooding?  Have to get the daughter to the airport from Raumchok Plaza taking the 2nd ring road to the road to the airport at Promenada intersection.  Thanks in advance!

Limited view but Today, just avoid roads next to the Mae Ping. I did read that one road near the airport had drainage issues.

Yes, greater rail connectivity. Maybe not so much with internet with China where access is controlled (for the public good, of course).

On 10/2/2022 at 9:55 AM, KannikaP said:

Are you suggesting that the Air Con will blow WARM air?

Some units come with a “heat strip” providing warm air.

Here over a decade. Some years ago really “nippy” and I went to Global House and bought an electric fireplace looking el3ctric unit. Have not used it last year but it is on hand if needed.

7 hours ago, IamNoone88 said:

What a critcally foolish decision to enter the sea - that stretch is super rough and very deep, very quickly. The hotel employee deserves massive recognition for his act.

I recall my GF at the time (later my Wife) going into the surf South of Acapulco, Mexico. The beach tree also dropped off steeply and the surf pulled mighty strong. I had to throw my GF up on higher ground (she only weighed about 85 pounds) and fight my way back to the higher ground. Scary!

Ha! Yes, it is hard to remember back to a time when .I first got a Nokia “bag phone”. And now, well GPS has taken the place and need for maps, compass, and ruler to measure the approximate distances. Not to mention currently sitting in a cafe with coffee and reading posts on FB from folks on 6 continents … and replying here. I do love the advances in technology. Certainly makes my retirement much easier … currently planning a visit to USA … hotel reservation, car rental reservation. Entrance tickets purchases … indeed what did I need to do previously …

19 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Both parents needed to get a passport.

So he will fail well before immigration.

Both needed to agree but not need to be present. At least that is what worked for us in Chiang Mai (letter of agreement from Thai father).