wwest5829

I was aiming at the middle, neither high end nor the bottom market (perhaps Dollar Store could have been used). Yes, many decent law abiding citizens but with the sheer numbers …. well there you are

So, good for you. I am retired on USA $1526.00 a month Social Security, matched with retirement investments for my sustainable total of $2400.00 USD a month. Sadly, in the financial sense, I chose to be an educator. Yes, there were non-financial rewards and serving justice, a happy retirement in Thailand.

I agree … while reflecting on not wishing to attract the Walmart low end of mass marketing?

I wish them well attracting in the rich and famous but I am priced out of the U.S. market for a working middle class retirement and so … Thailand was attractive as a lower cost country. Like you, I have been here over a decade bringing in the required 65K baht + a month which is permanently sustainable for me (baring disaster). I would love to see a long term Visa for those of us retired to LOS having demonstrated not being a cause of trouble and sustaining Thai families. Add up the 10 year extension fee, add on a year or two extra charge for including a Senior Nat’l Park Pass, and additional option of joining the national healthcare program at a Thai reasonable cost and you can match other countries to attract responsible long term sustainers for Thailand. (Yea, yea … well we can dream!).

On my first visits I was surprised by the idea that porn and sex toys were illegal while sex was freely (if also illegal) available. The only rationalization I could figure out was that porn and sex toys might lessen the demand of the “evening stars” who were much appreciated in my earlier years.

I wore glasses since 5th grade for nearsightedness. 2017 I went to Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok (Asoke area - all they do is eye related). Had both lense replaced with corrective lens. No need for glasses except for reading/computer (less than an arm's length). Unfortunately, at age 76 I am now dealing with "floaters". 2017 price for variable lens was $1800.00 USD for each eye. My insurance covered the cost.

We both are very well aware that heads of organizations all use the expertise of the best advisors they can attract. Some chose to ignore the expertise and some time the expertise is faulty ... sadly.

Just curious, which is a simple task? N. Korea? Ukraine? Domestic economy? The Peoples Republic of China? (Related to that, keeping the international South China Sea lanes open under international law, trade, spy balloons, Taiwan ...). I am told that there are those who see the world around them as just simple yes/no, right/wrong answers. Guess I am not one of them, my reality is complex and filled with the need, at the Presidential level for many subtleties that are above my pay grade (Ha! given that I am retired).

Some folks are capable of multitasking.

Does a "physical" in the US include what you cite?

Quite correct and I apologize for replying to the post regarding Germany. I fear my feelings reacted from my background rather than recognizing the post was off topic.

I am all in favor of an agreement wherein Russia acknowledges that Crimea is sovereign Ukraine territory, in exchange for a 100 year lease (Lease payments as reparations), in exchange for Russian energy supplies for the Ukraine.

Recently ordered tickets for the end of March as I am timing to coordinate with a Bangkok international flight. As Thai Rail will not allow booking more than a month in advance, I thought it best to use a business to order the tickets. Wish me luck that the reasoning pays off in getting the tickets.

It has been awhile since I recall this being addressed. What does the annual road tax required insurance cover? would the bike, being insured not come into play?

Knew someone "investing" in the Chiang Mai Forex scheme. When they told me that the return was !0% a month ... run Forrest run! I'm fine with my investment dollars returning about $5 K a year in dividends (plus stock value growth).

That is my bet also.

My US cards inform me immediately when any charges are made. I would know if any false charge is made.

Hmm, raise the contribution on income caps to match the rise in inflation since Social Security and Medicare came into being. No, not all at once but demonstrate raising the cap is long overdue and the reason is the wealthier citizens influence with politicians dependent on campaign contributions. A groundswell of support is needed from the American working class upon which any hope of continuing a participatory democracy depends. Loose their belief in the country and the USA is lost.

As opposed to the Republican Party which always pays for the spending? Reality is that both parties are responsible for spending and being unwilling to tax to cover the spending. Yes, there is a difference as glaringly shown in the 2017 spending when the Republicans additionally cut taxation, primarily for the corporations and wealthy.

I do believe some critical thinking is sorely lacking in your analysis.

I have been in Chiang Mai for over a decade and on the motorbike most days. I usually get waved through. They don't want to practice their English skills and/or bother with this old American.

I’m thinking you are correct. Otherwise the official Republican response by Gov. Sara is not the subject either.

So, OK got it … you did not listen to it and so you do not know …

This may only be of interest to Americans or others wanting to schedule being allowed to do a public tour of the White House. It appears that the only way to request being allowed on a tour is to make the request through the American's elected representative's office. OK, did that and was given the White House Visitors Office website link in order to enter the required background information for confirmation on the day of the tour (name, county of birth, Passport #, etc.). But the website will not allow me to enter my Thai Wife and Thai Stepdaughter's information. Anyone else run into this issue? It appears foreign nationals have to make the request through their Embassy and that is self defeating as some Embassies refuse to do this and it would not allow for us to participate as a family. Advice of cutting through this issue?

Learned the lesson in 7th grade. repeated something I was told by a mutual acquaintance, ... I ended up without a gf. ah, well ... we live and learn.