wwest5829

When I first arrived I know to buy the Mamasan a drink when I ordered for myself and then look at the bill as soon as it was placed in the cup. Then you know to walk or better what to expect. I was shocked ... shocked I tell you that the dancers were so poor they could not afford panties! Ah, memories in my old age ...

Agree with your last sentence (been there). The extra people thingy is usual, although in this case the friends should have appeared upon first meeting. When we met 7 years ago, yes it was out to a Thai restaurant, three of her girl friends and 11 year old Daughter came so ... a meal for six and as is culturally expected I knew I would be paying. As I had done my cultural reading, I knew what to expect and what to be watching for .... Fine experience as I was approved by her group. In fact one cute friend leaned over to her and said, if you don't want him ... I do. Ha! She is 26 years my junior (OK, I am ancient but still!), traditionally raised, no tattoos, etc. Married for several years and happy camper.

To chill for a short time with friends. https://www.panviman.com/ I a not in anyway associated with them but, had I funds, I would consider a short chill stay. I live in Chiang Mai so this is a domestic recommendation. Air has cleared, place is up on Doi Suthep. For a 50th, I think I would be tempted to visit Nam … beach or up in the cooler hills. Happy mid-century mark!

Love my Aeros. At age 76 I figure driving here is a sure test for Alzheimer’s as all brain cells must be functioning or you are dead meat. Twelve years driving here and counting. Ironically, was involved in an accident during recent trip to USA. A bus, turning clipped my front fender when he entered my turn lane.

Always exceptions but I tend to agree with you. My Thai girl (registered marriage) is 26 years my junior … but then at my age of 76 she is no teenager.

Agreed. There has been some writing as to the result of the online, independent business folks becoming more and more isolated socially. In business the American Chamber, Rotary, Expat groups (not all are oriented to bar stools). Your recommendation is valid.

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Claim the South China Sea ... "in a bid to maintain stability in the region". Dictate to Hong Hong, "in a bid to maintain stability in the region". See stability and peace. None of this democracy instability ... far too messy. Thomas Hobbes ... as long as the government provides social stability and peace the citizens have no right to institute new government (see it is not just the PRC that has this philosophy). Now contrast with John Locke's outlook ...

So stated when Germans, and Irish and Italians and, etc. immigrated to the USA. Each new wave was met by resistance. The KKK, some forget, stood firmly opposed to negroes, Roman Catholics and immigrants.

Agreed. We all have our role in society. mine was as a history educator. Thus, I became aware of this previous statement on immigration from even before the founding of the USA. Anti immigrant attitudes and laws are part and parcel of US History. Sad so few know some of their countries history ... it leads to repeating mistakes.

SAme here. I am in Chiang Mai. Just had compressor, dryer, hoses, radiator fan replaced. Flushed and recharged coolant. Also driver door lock fixed, 2002 Honda CR-V. Great mechanic, fare prices and speaks fluent English.

Thanks. Read through definitely not applicable. Total annual income about $33K before deductions (includes SS). So, there is a reason to have joined millions of working middle class Americans retired in a lower cost country. As confirmed by a recent visit to the USA, I cannot afford to be retired in my own country (OK, maybe a rusted out trailer in Arizona or Florida).

Thanks for that knowledge. I have only been effected by the FBAR requirement. I do not anticipate ever being effected by the higher limits by I was not clear on the amounts until you posted here.

Perhaps of a more recent note for US Expats might be the decision this past week of SCOTUS to refuse review of the FBAR annual filing requirement. The lower court decision is upheld to take 1/2 of a woman's wealth as a penalty for not filing. With the Kingdom of Thailand requirement to keep 800K (retirement) or 400K (marriage) in a Thai bank, any US citizen who does, exceeds to $10,000.00 USD FBAR annual filing requirement. (Yes, I am aware of the alternative combo or monthly income method).

Just an observation ... sounds like rural USA. Around the globe, I suppose. Causes problems if they push their ethnocentric thinking on others.

The world over in all time periods …

Easiest is to ask the Embassy. They deal with this regularly.

Ironic to see your comment as coming from Canada … irony? Because many in Canada and Eastern USA are wearing the masks due to forest fire pollution … You are correct, in Asia there is more of a prevalence of mask usage. True in Japan even before COVID and in China due to air pollution.

“Bangkok Dangerous” came to mind …

Old enough to remember owning a Nokia Bag phone ...

Blue Planet bag ... easily seen in the malls. Back pocket, iPad, paper for jotting things down. Inside this pocket is a zippered pocket where I keep my Passport, bank books. Outside back pocket holds my keys. Large inside pocket, wallet with credit cards, medical cards and cash, reading glasses, iPhone, small card holder for Makro, BigC, 1Card, etc., small flashlight, phone/iPad charger, earphones. In front of the main pocket is another, tissues, camping roll of TP, cloth kerchief, folding Japanese hand fan. Ha there is another zippered pocket on the front where I keep a couple of bandaids, toothpicks. What can I tell you ... Be Prepared was the Motto ... OK, OK but I am not in danger of leaving it and I do not frequent dicey places ... anymore. B9921 looks close.

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.

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.

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?

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 ...