wwest5829

And cut off receiving any foreign aid from all countries. Right ... that is not going to happen. Does this aid equate with meddling in elections? I am thinking it does not rise to that level. The conservative accusations, in this case, are simply their refusal to face the reality of their rejection by Thai voters.

As a Professor Emeritus of History, I am very aware of US involvement in other countries internal politics ... the history is well documented but ... "always", nope. The Thai conservatives attack is due to the fact that they were rejected by the Thai voters and are looking to blame an outside source for their loss rather than facing that it was their policies that were rejected.

We took Train #10 Chiang Mai to Bangkok at the end of March (I think it is #9 that runs BKK to CM). 1st class joined two compartments. Comfortable space, toilet and shower available on the hallway. Plenty of luggage space under the lower seat. Only issue for us was the air conditioning was set on high and evidently not adjusted ... froze! Overnight train arriving early morning and then we flew out of Thailand the next evening (rented a lower cost room during the day to freshen up and the hotel provided transport to the airport).

Possibly the debt she owes, as well. Begs the question as source of the debt ...

And if it happens this way … for all the world to witness. Talk about discrediting the nation …

Mental illness ... depression causing irrational behavior?

Agree that rates are influenced by many factors but a country's national politics is certainly one factor. The market does not favor instability.

Thanks. I agree after having introductory study in 7 languages, I would have used different terminology. As you point out, the French, Spanish, Italian translation lean more toward "my love" than "I love you". Ha! One of the first phases I learned in other languages ... that and how to order a glass of red wine!

I focus on the totality as it signals to opposers to start to rally political power in opposition. As the Zen Master said, “we’ll see” ( stolen from the movie “Charlie Wilson’s War).

You might “google” this article headline, “Move Forward Party to Submit 45 Bills for Amendments and New Laws”. Well, any discussion on speed is currently moot as there is no formed government as yet. Currently building the coalition on who, what, when and where.

Yes, either the home owner or the government. I have been pleasantly pleased to see the increased number of curbs at street crossings being made wheelchair accommodating.

First, I hope you are not misreading me. I certainly am not discouraging reform. I only caution dumping too many promises to reform too many things too quickly. Agreed there is pent up frustration/anger. I have witnessed this in the U.S., as well. Yes, as a retired Professor of History, I could go back to the books a cite specific reformed minded Popes and national political leaders who failed as a result of moving to do too much, too quickly and causing various interest groups to join together to bring down the reformer but then you are capable of researching this by asking the question on the internet. Much quicker to get references than my going back to the books … being long retired the specific names no longer pop readily into my head. Currently, I am occupied with reading Michener’s book, “Caribbean”. Great historical novel of the area and the social reforms, much of them racial, that were to come about. Drag your feet and resist change and you face the distinct possibility of revolt. Move too quickly and the greater the chance for major push back from those facing a loss of power/money from the current conditions slowing or stopping the reforms.

Agreed. I could see trouble and possible personal injury if on the motorbike and hitting the sharp end of that ramp. The proper fit is getting rid of the ramp and designing the drive to exit level to the street.

As an American somewhat knowledgeable about US history, I acknowledge the wrongheaded active political interference in other countries, the same as I would condemn other countries actively trying to throw US elections (yes, tip of the hat to recent US elections). That said, I also support US national assistance through cooperative programs. Do tell, did the USA providing the COVID vaccines influence Thai citizens view of the U.S.? I certainly hope so as, in my view as a citizen, this was the best of American ideals at work. Was it done primarily for interfering in Thai internal affairs? I think not, so if you see accusations, put on your thinking cap. Is it possible? Yes, and history bears this out but … Is the specific allegation valid … hmm. I have no involvement in Thai political affairs but I do hope to see a Thai citizen directed democratic government serving the people.

Just a personal observation. My first flight to Thailand was in 2009. The affect of those Thai traditionally dressed stewardess’ was meaning ful to me. Thai Air should be viewed as a great potential asset in tourism. Of course that relies on being competitive in the market place and unique in the travel reflecting on Thai culture. Thailand, my first trip to SE Asia and now my only global residence.

A cited mistake throughout history has been reformers moving too quickly before bringing the stakeholders along at a moderate speed after doing a lot of educating as to the reasoning, need for the change. Alienate too many in the beginning and good luck with the desired/needed reforms.

Next month marks 12 years retired in Chiang Mai living along the 3rd ring road. During 2009 & 2010 I came 4 times, a month for each visit. I traveled around Thailand to see where I might settle. CM had 5 universities and I thought I might want to continue working with students (western history or conversational English). There are other Thai areas I think I could be happy living but CM seemed to check all the desires. Raised in the Philly metro area, I prefer to live outside Bangkok and am partial to the mountains over the beach for “home”. Granted, either stay in or leave the area during a month of the smoky season.

Raised the same question in my mind. Could it be that the police arrived without a Search Warrant?

When I first retired to Chiang Mai in 2011, I knew an American who had a business. I wanted help in arranging a new car purchase, getting the necessary bank account, etc. He allowed me to ask one of his bi-lingual employees to help. This came down to arranging a specific time so as not to interfere with his business. No problems and I paid her a "tip" of 1000 baht for each time I needed her (usually no more than half a day).

Wise App on my iPhone. After initial setup with security needs satisfied, then the banking info. once set up ... once a month they take directly the amount I request from my US bank and transfer it directly into my Bangkok Bank Account. Matter of minutes. I have used the monthly income method since retiring here in 2011.

Hmm, AI is a promising, evolving technology but it is not there yet (never mind the inherent dangers being pointed to currently). I use Google translate for a rough idea of what is being said in print but it too is still developing. I would lean toward a very well educated human translator knowledgeable in the two languages being translated if important. That is someone very familiar with not only words but also the cultures of both languages. That, currently, is still the edge over AI (while it is increasingly "learning" to do much the same. But, I say ... rough and ready, ... Google works. Anything needing critical translation ... well that is where I make my recommendation.

Retired 12 years here in Chiang Mai. Love the city but ... last year we spent the month of April in Koh Samui. This year we spent the month of April in the USA. I am voting "with my feet" resulting in lost revenues for the Chiang Mai region. Next year ... perhaps Vietnam. lao Cambodia as my This Wife and Daughter have never been ... and we need to escape to cleaner air.

Much as the idea of, "Big Brother" with eyes on us all the time is an offense to me ... Well, here you go. We read of many instances where CCTV has shown what really took place. Altercations, like this one, robberies, police malfeasance or outright abuse. It's a mixed bag, as is much in life, I suppose.

I eat breakfast then between around 14:00 - 16:00. I fear the sipping of red wine in the evening and a sedentary retirement may may have something to do with the weight. Retired at 66k, now close to 80k. Exercised 3 times a week before covid, now naught. have been looking for exercise room with pool available but have not come across a place at the price I can afford here in C.M..

I would suppose metabolism plays a part. My digestive system in very slow.