KhunHeineken

The sad thing is, some of those charges could be fabricated, along with the evidence that convicts certain individuals. That would basically mean they are in fact political prisoners, not criminals, in order to silence them and mislead the public.

Could you imagine all the rice farms in Issan being converted into Cannabis plantations because it was way more lucrative? 🙂

Thanks for the informative post. Do the Jewish people revere King David in the same way as Christians do Jesus? Was David just leader, or a religious figure also? You have explained that the Jewish do not believe Jesus to be the Messiah, but to Christians, he was somewhat of a leader. Was David looked upon as a messenger of God back in the day?

For members who are not Australian, Centerlink is the government's welfare department.

Interesting post. Stalin and Pol Pot killed millions of their own people, and it had nothing to do with religion.

If only they had a "Cannabis Pledge Policy" like they did with rice. 🙂

War does tend to make one late for the party. 🙂

Yes. They are certainly opening up the cheque book. Vietnam is developing rapidly. Huge new airport opening this year just out of HCMC also.

Probably because most have no money to buy drugs, and there are no clinics to treat drug disorders, for those who have money. It equals lowest use of drug use disorders globally. 🙂

Nothing an injection of disinfectant can't fix. 🙂

if you don't remove your mask, you can't eat, so the mask protects you. 🙂

Sounds like the UAE are trying to implement a three state solution, not a two state solution. 🙂

The speed in which Vietnam is developing, after such a devastating and reasonably recent war, is truly amazing. In relation to developing their tourism industry, the boarders only opened in 1990. Their tourism industry is effectively only 36 years old and is already in major competition with Thailand. In 5 to 10 years time it's Vietnam that will be getting the smart money from tourism, whilst Thailand will be more and more reliant on sex tourism. Yes. I have been to a few microbreweries there. It's not a gimmick. Nice beers, professionally brewed, in nice bars, and at a great price.

You are correct. Apologies. I am in error. Taken from Siam Legal. Wealthy Pensioner Age 50 or older and retired status Pension and/or regular personal income of at least USD 80,000 per year at application If income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 per year, must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property Investment of at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, or Thai property Health insurance covering at least USD 50,000 in medical expenses in Thailand, or social security benefits covering treatment in Thailand, or deposits of at least USD 100,000 held for 12+ months No employment requirements When I initially looked into the visa some time ago, I thought all the above criteria had to be met. Obviously, I rushed through it. Revisiting the criteria just now, I can see if you have an income over $80,000USD, there is no need to meet any other of the other criteria. It does seem a little odd because a retiree could have a share portfolio, for example, returning great dividends, and over $80,000USD a year, then a crash happens and they earn well under $80,000USD a year. I still stand by my point for those in the $40,000 to $80,000 demographic, and the others. That's a big call to move $250,000 into Thailand just for a visa.

That's interesting. I thought the Star of David (as shown in your avatar) what the official symbol of Israel, and the Menorah was the official symbol of Judaism, as in, the religion. A little like the cross, or crucifix for Christianity. Interesting. I had no idea. Sounds similar to The Holy Grail for Christians. 🙂 Do practicing Jewish people have a Menorah in their home and light a candle on the appropriate day in the order of the Menorah? Or is this only in a Synagogue? Also, you mentioned the original was made of gold, but in documentaries and movies etc, I've only ever seen them in silver. Thanks for your post.

There's always some anti farang sentiment near election time. 🙂

I disagree, and I have posted my reasons in a recent post. The criteria needed leaves more of one's funds exposed, as they must be invested in Thailand. For me, the safest way of residing in Thailand is the method that requires NO INVESTMENT in Thailand. Currently, that is the retirement visa / extension, using an agent for the 800,000 baht. For the record, I can meet the criteria for the LTR. I can understand the view of those that are interested in the LTR, but I chose not to chase the carrot on a stick that Thailand is dangling in front of expats.

I consider it a scam because I don't trust the Thai authorities. I do meet the criteria, but I don't even move the 800,000 baht here for my annual extension. I use an agent. Not only does it make economic sense, because the 800,000 baht back in Australia is earning 5%, which more than covers the agent's fee, but the money is is not in a 3rd World Country. This is the criteria for "wealthy pensioner." That's someone over 50 years of age, which would be most retired expats here. In case of pension and/or personal income below USD 80,000/year but not less than USD 40,000/year, applicants must have evidence of investment in Thailand in the applicant’s name that has a value of not less than USD 250,000, in any of the following: • Thai Government bonds with over 5 years of remaining maturity • Direct investment in a Thai limited company or a Thai public company or investment in a company which operates as a venture capital company or a private equity trust under the Thai SEC or certified by the relevant Thai government agency • Real estate Who would $250,000USD into a country that does not even have a reasonable pathway to citizenship???? You can't even own land in your own name here. They could "pull" the visa at anytime, or freeze the accounts / assets. Is a Cyprus style "haircut" not possible in Thailand? What about another Asian Financial Crisis? What about a war with Cambodia? What about another military coup? Etc, etc. I don't want ANY of my money tied up in a country where I have no rights. I could go on, but it's not for me. I don't have anything that I can't leave behind and head straight to the airport and leave Thailand within 2 hours, should I have to, or need to, and my losses would be minimal. This is by design.

I hope they can afford to repatriate the body back to the UK and a UK coroner perform an autopsy, similar to what the parents requested for their deceased Canadian daughters that died in a hotel room some years ago. If the body is cremated, all evidence, and any chance of the truth will be lost. Thai authorities initially blamed it on food poisoning or drugs. https://www.cbc.ca/news/deaths-of-quebec-women-in-thailand-may-have-been-caused-by-pesticide-1.2569434 "Now, for the first time, a Thai official is admitting that the sisters were probably killed by pesticide."

Maybe it was these guys, on another mission. This time, in Thailand. 🙂

You should hold an interest in everyone's experience with bar girls, then you will realize your girl is not "different" after all. 🙂

The Bible also mentions paying taxes. "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" - (Matthew 22:21) 🙂 Loosely translated for expats in Thailand in 2026 it reads: "Give unto Albo the taxes that are Albo's, and unto Thailand the baht that is Thailand's." 😂

Here's another couple. "dumb as dogsh*t." 🙂 Also, said by former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, "you silly old bugger." 🙂

Is it possible that it could cause another military coup, and the Thai military junta control cannabis. Never say never, in Thailand. 😂

The answer to the real question is that it's a rip off, bordering on a scam.