Misterwhisper

1 hour ago, webfact said:

“Rambo Isan”

...who is frequently confused with "Lambo Isan", notorious for wrecking expensive Italian cars on potholed provincial roads to impress rice farmers' daughters; and "Layn-bow Isan", president of the Northeastern LGBTQ+++++ Association.

As they say: If you're fed up with your job... QUIT!

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

It's the new buzzword. Even Thai colleagues have been telling me how Thailand's new found 'soft power' is so great, and that people will aspire to be Thai just as Thais aspire to be Korean (and worship everything about Korea from K-Pop to Korean fashion to the Korean series on Netflix). 

 

I gave up telling them what the world really thinks of Thailand years ago. It's a bit like being released from the Matrix, once they reach a certain age it's too dangerous ????.

 

 

They really should've taken the blue pill!

Only no. 7? Does that mean that SIX other producer countries are AHEAD of you, Thailand? Ooh, that's got to hurt the ego and face. 

20 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Anyone have any idea how the insurance element works for those on a Thai extension of stay and a re-entry permit? Will the insurance have to cover until the extension of stay runs out?

Yes, edwinchester. The regulation says that the insurance policy must cover the ENTIRE VLAIDITY PERIOD of the visa. In your case that would mean that you need to get a policy that covers you until your current extension of stay runs out. In other words, a cheap travel insurance valid for 2 or 3 weeks is NOT sufficient.

But there are options that you should check:

> your current general health insurance may actually include treatment for Covid-19 (and satisfy the minimum $10,000 coverage requirement)

> some credit cards include comprehensive insurance, provided you pay your tickets with them

> there are several Thai insurance companies that offer quite affordable insurance for Covid-19 only (i.e. excluding any other health issues) for up to 1 year; for example: https://www.tuneprotect.co.th/en/product/coronavirus-covid-19-insurance/ONCOVIDL

Why were neither Patpong University nor Nana Plaza College mentioned in these rankings??? I've always found them of very high educational standard. Even the tuition fees they nowadays charge for a single evening class could easily get you through Harvard for a whole week. They MUST be good. 

Most of my local girlfriends had earned master's degrees in performing arts, judging from the splendid tantrums they all were able to throw at a whim.

My maid most likely holds one, too. After all, her pre-Songkran performance once again was magnificent in assuring me - for the fourth time since last October! -  that another one of her grandmas had kicked the bucket and that she needed a week off. She never seems to run out of grannies.

By the way, I am desperately looking for an agriculture & forestry cum-laude graduate. My mango trees require pruning. 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand Pass will also be paused temporarily to update the system for the new rules, set to start on the first of May. Those who have already booked will need to inquire individually with hotels/Thailand Pass about potential refunds or “grandfather” clauses after May 1st. Before May 1st, all current rules will apply.

So... everyone whose arrival date (and pre-booked travel arrangements) falls between now and May 1 is basically screwed. Once again.

Or has to jump through hoops to sort it out and fight for refunds or re-bookings. Once again.

I was supposed to visit a southern European country for a week-long business trip in mid-May. My company then reconsidered and canceled the plan. They said they would rather not risk it as the Thai government has repeatedly changed the entry rules in the past and it might well happen again while I am abroad, which could potentially make it difficult for me to return to Thailand (with the company having to pick up the bill).

I don't blame them. I was actually hoping they'd scrap the travel plan. 

10 hours ago, internationalism said:

the prime minister said several times "software" instead of "soft power", before being corrected by journalists.

His previous language lapsus was mispronouncing names of different vaccines (even if he read text from the script). At the same time he was responsible for contracting them from producers. 

 

and not a year ago the government sued her (and the other 20 musicians) for defaming government, when they criticised failed vax program.

Change of events.

"Teen Rapper Milli Fined In Social Media Crackdown On Celebrities Who Criticise Govt"

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003616 

Now THIS is a more honest and objective account than this utter piece of obnoxious ultra nationalism from the usual culprit, NNT.

Oh dear, oh dear, I am sure she is shaking in her (Burberry) boots now.

17 hours ago, Iamfalang said:

Everyday I get those looks

I don't know... but I've been getting these looks since the very first day after arriving in this country some 3 decades ago. I therefore don't think these looks are necessarily tied to Covid-19. Try waving around with a bundle of 1,000-baht bills and see how those looks miraculously change in an instant. Works every time, I swear! 

How curious.

You mean you can no longer identify with the ideology that PPRP was actually founded POST-coup (by YOU, no less!) for the sole purpose of creating a political platform for all these generals that usurped power in the first place and then desperately needed a vehicle for themselves and their sycophants to continue holding on to it?

Well, good luck, Mr. Wichian. I am sure you'll find a new party very soon given the incorruptible moral backbone that you have already proven by hooking up with the 2014 coup leaders. 

And that extended before&after window, ladies and gentlemen, will serve as the cue for TAT, the Sports and Tourism Ministry OR BOTH to inevitably issue an announcement that several million foreign visitors are to be expected streaming into the country within the next couple of weeks.

Wait for it. It surely is coming. You can bet on it!

By the way: What happened to these "1 million foreign arrivals" that were supposed to rush in over the 7 Songkran days?

Songkran is now over... and you know, I didn't notice any marked increase in foreign tourists anywhere. It would be difficult to overlook a million people. So where are they???? (I know it's a moot question.)

Okay, so it is April 18 today as I am writing this and Songkran is officially over.

May I therefore follow up on AOT Director Nitinai Sirismatthakarn's enthusiastic announcement:

So, Mr. Nitinai... where WERE those 1 million foreign arrivals? I surely didn't see any large increase in foreign visitor numbers in Bangkok or Phuket, where I spent a few days over the holiday. A sudden influx of 1 million foreign tourists over a short 7-day period should have been noticeable, right? What I DID see was a few crowds of local vacationers, though... 

Was that part of the "Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebration" events touted by TAT?

I once saw a dog who took a motorcycle rider away, leaving only his shoes behind.

20 hours ago, webfact said:

and the reasons behind the injuries of fatalities are always the same – drunk driving, speeding, and not wearing helmets.

Ah... I see it's exactly the same reasons as during the entire rest of the year. The truth is that Thailand actually is in a perpetual state of "dangerous days" as far as road traffic is concerned.