MAJIC

If you are looking at a better exchange rate here then hope that this Euro mess can be sorted out but Greece is like an engine that just keeps burning fuel as much as you can throw at it. They are unable or unwilling to take the pain for their rash lifestyle that continued unchecked even when they joined the Euro. They were always a suspect entrant and they are not alone.

I think Greece will default, and wouldn't be surprised to see Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ireland to follow.

Germany will join up with Russia and China.

Of course they will default,why else would these Bankrupt Nations join the EEC Gravy Train in the first place?

It's like Expensive Rich Mens Clubs,they never admit Paupers as Members,because they would never pay for the Membership either!

I don't see what her problem is either,or your's come to that.

it's quite simple,you take out your money each month,and then you give her the remainder.

now that's not too hard,is it?

<deleted> are you arguing and pleading about your own money for,or are you having a laugh? Troll Style?

And if she doesn't like it?.................. tough luck!

But, is there a better method, than just transferring money from your bank in the UK , to a bank in Issan?.

Yes there is a better method than just transferring money from your bank in the UK, to a bank in Isaan,

Dont!

MAJIC

did you read the title? do you know what we are talking about? or are you just a bit defensive maybe?

My point is that a kid of 18-20 is vulnerable, you take them out of their culture away from their family to the other side of the world with some older bloke who they have nothing in common with and you think this is OK because you have an agreement? well sorry I dont think that is right and you know what, that will never change no matter how old and desperate I get

No need for me to look at my subconscios mate and I certainy aint jealous, if it is wrong it is wrong. I have absolutely no issue with old blokes having younger wives but I will always have an issue with old blokes taking advantage of 18-20 year old kids and using money as a weapon for sexual kicks and it is always interesting to hear someone like you try to justify this and talk like everyone is the same as you and because your older it is suddenly alright

You want to live in LOS with a 20 year old no issues, when it goes wrong she can go home and take you to the cleaners, not really an option on the other side of the world especially if you dont understand the language or the culture

ps MAJIC I dont know if you have kids but if you do would you think it was OK for yours? I wouldnt but maybe its because I am not as old as you, then again maybe not

Yes Mark! I did read the Topic Title,and did you read ? in the Thread, that age discrimination with the relationships that has been discussed here,has now been overturned by the European Courts as illegal Discrimination.

To be perfectly honest my wife's age is nowhere remotely near the age group under dicussion and what you consider vulnerable,and still there is the narrow minded Bigots,with their Moralistic viewpoint ,that everbody should adhere to what they decide is acceptable in Society,and their Judgemental outdated views. i.e the Male ideally should be only 2 or 3 years older than the Female,that idea is just as ridiculous as expecting people to get Married and stay together into a ripe old age,in often a loveless Marriage.

From my observations,the Young women are in general treated very well by the Older men,as the old adage goes "Better to be an old mans Darling than a Young mans Slave" (of course there are exceptions to that)

some people are very strait-laced, and can't accept that within the law,people should be allowed to make their own personal choices,without being Pilloried,by ancient rules of an outdated Society.

As for my Daughter i'm sure she will make her own choice when the times comes,whether I like it or not? which is usually the case! with Youth.

I take your point that a Young woman may be out of her depth on the other side of the World,but that also applies to immature older women.

My view on this is very clear, I am neither narrow minded nor bigoted, I accept every thing that I see in Thailand some things I don't agree with but live and let live, I have no problems with old guys having young wives but it becomes a different issue when it involves potential for abuse

I mentioned my repulsion at seeing old men with young girls, open your eyes you sound like you have been here long enough, take a trip down walking street where you will see some repulsive old perv with a teenager and I do not mean 20s and able to make their own decisions, for me it is wrong pure and simple but in LOS this happens and in the worst case the kid can get out so I have no issue with this

The point of somebody especially an old male saying that it is OK for an 18-20 year old kid probably from the most vulnerable group in society with very little education to be taken half way around the world to a totally alien culture by some older male, essentially for his own self gratification is not right no matter which way you dice it. Its all about money and peer pressure and scum bag families and at 18-20 many, not all, are not equipped to deal with these decisions, so as far as I am concerned its wrong and the powers that be have got it wrong

As for our daughters, well I think we are both probably lucky enough that this will not be an issue but not everyone's children are so well looked after or lucky......I think we will have to agree to disagree on this subject

just thought of another thing, this is probably the first time I have ever heard anybody on Thai Visa arguing that the Human Rights laws are good for modern society, stranger and stranger?

Its only strange to your blinkered way of thinking,

I said or implied nothing of the sort,

Human rights issues are a collection of seperate issues on their own,and would require a new Topic for discussing them individually,blanket coverage on any subject,does not make one totally on the side of so called Human Rights,as you seem to assume.

Please try and stick to the facts!

but as you say:best to "agree to disagree".........

MAJIC,

I am at a loss with this one I am struggling to see how that comment has got you to spit your dummy?

Are we or are we not arguing about a ruling that has been overturned by the UK High Court because it may breach human rights law? I will give you a clue I am not agreeing with it as it stands right now and you are saying it is a good thing...you know what this really is the first time I have heard arguments about this subject where lots of posters are saying it is a good thing it is usually the opposite about immigrants ruining the UK sort of stuff... <deleted> never mind

It is plain to see you and me have a whole different set of values, that's OK, I can live with that

By the way I haven't been keeping a track of what you have called me but I do recall being blinkered, narrow minded, bigoted, jealous, moralistic and judgemental..fair one I must have hit a nerve or something.. you have also said that I should examine my darkest thoughts and subconscious as all the pretty young girls should be looking at me..I cant see how thinking that 18-20 year old girls or boys, I am not sexist before you pin that one on me!!, should be protected from a small minority of older predatory males got that response

never mind have a good one

MAJIC

On the contrary I have not "spit my dummy" and I am not in the least angry or wound up, the thrust of my debate with you,was not about human rights,as you claim,it was/and is, about personal choices,the choice of who you choose to be with.Not your choice and Not mine either.

The age difference should not come into the equasion,so it was a ridiculous ledgislation by the UK Government to bring in a stupid law,of which the UKBA followed the law,and banned Young women up to the age of 21 being admitted to the UK with the older man of their choice.a Law that was sure to be overturned,in the European Courts.

It was such a ridiculous law,that it was wrong when the Young women was 20 years and 364 days old,but miraculously they suddenly became mature,worldly, and knew what they were doing' and wisdom came the very next day,on their 21st Birthday.

How I wished the World was as Black and White as the one you seem to live in,from my view if people must judge others and lay down their preconcieved ideas and notions on them,at least,judge every case on it's own merits i.e it's what they want,and Sod all to do with any one else.

And Age Discrimination is just as objectional as any other form of Descrimination.

Whilst I would say, if the Older mans objective is not honourable or obusive,then we are talking about a different subject, i.e certainly Black and White!

Have you ever considered the difference of future prospects some of these young women have in Thailand,compared with the Western World ?

Well I think they would be mature enough to make the right decision on that score,given the choice,and as I have previously stated,it was also a bad law for the young as well as the old. e.g a young man of 29 could not bring his 20 year old GF or Wife back to his Country either,or is he also too old ???

I also think that you probably have not much experience of UK Visa Spouse Applications,it is a fallacy that many believe that you can have a months holiday in Thailand and come back with the woman of their choice.

This is far from the truth,there is a strict Visa vetting process in the UK and indeed,most Western Countries,in which the applicant and Sponsor,have to prove a genuine long term relationship,and many other stipulations,at this stage the Sponsors with ulterior motives will I suspect get unofficially weeded out/..........Visa refused.

There may be a tiny amount that slip through the net,but that should not mean that every male should be judged,as having evil intensions,or being perverted,predators.

I know quite a lot of Thai females in the UK (there is 30,000 living there) ,and they all talk to each other and explain the system there,and they all know:any problems in the UK,just walk into a Police Station,and the full weight of the law,will sort it all out!

Oh by the way? are your views also the same for women, with young men? because I have seen quite a lot of older women with young men in Thailand too?

Or doe's it have to be Male Age Discrimination only thing?

Sorry Mark? I can't agree with your rigid rules. I'm a Free Thinker,not a Black and White one.

Take care!

MAJIC

The only thing that's strange, is how often the younger men ,start playing the Jealousy and Moralistic Claptrap,

Because an Older man and a Younger woman have an arrangement that suits them,it's wrong, seems to me you want everyone to think like you!

Perhaps you need to examine your subconscious motives,and darkest thoughts, and admit to yourself,that Vanity dictates that the younger pretty Girls, should be exclusively gazing in your direction!

Anyway <deleted> has it got to do with anyone else,except the couple concerned,if they are happy with the situation,then what's your problem? if the sight of the couple offends you,then don't look.simple really eh!

Would you say the same thing about a 30 year old women and a 55 year old man?...... World History is full of Young women and Older men Relationships.

And if you are lucky enough to have a long life, you will also be an old man one day.

Your argument crops up on Thai Visa regular as clockwork,it's become a boring cliche!

No wonder the EU Courts have ruled: The Ban on Foreign Spouses under 21 years old is unlawful. That doesnt give the Young men a chance to bring their Spouses in either.

MAJIC

did you read the title? do you know what we are talking about? or are you just a bit defensive maybe?

My point is that a kid of 18-20 is vulnerable, you take them out of their culture away from their family to the other side of the world with some older bloke who they have nothing in common with and you think this is OK because you have an agreement? well sorry I dont think that is right and you know what, that will never change no matter how old and desperate I get

No need for me to look at my subconscios mate and I certainy aint jealous, if it is wrong it is wrong. I have absolutely no issue with old blokes having younger wives but I will always have an issue with old blokes taking advantage of 18-20 year old kids and using money as a weapon for sexual kicks and it is always interesting to hear someone like you try to justify this and talk like everyone is the same as you and because your older it is suddenly alright

You want to live in LOS with a 20 year old no issues, when it goes wrong she can go home and take you to the cleaners, not really an option on the other side of the world especially if you dont understand the language or the culture

ps MAJIC I dont know if you have kids but if you do would you think it was OK for yours? I wouldnt but maybe its because I am not as old as you, then again maybe not

Yes Mark! I did read the Topic Title,and did you read ? in the Thread, that age discrimination with the relationships that has been discussed here,has now been overturned by the European Courts as illegal Discrimination.

To be perfectly honest my wife's age is nowhere remotely near the age group under dicussion and what you consider vulnerable,and still there is the narrow minded Bigots,with their Moralistic viewpoint ,that everbody should adhere to what they decide is acceptable in Society,and their Judgemental outdated views. i.e the Male ideally should be only 2 or 3 years older than the Female,that idea is just as ridiculous as expecting people to get Married and stay together into a ripe old age,in often a loveless Marriage.

From my observations,the Young women are in general treated very well by the Older men,as the old adage goes "Better to be an old mans Darling than a Young mans Slave" (of course there are exceptions to that)

some people are very strait-laced, and can't accept that within the law,people should be allowed to make their own personal choices,without being Pilloried,by ancient rules of an outdated Society.

As for my Daughter i'm sure she will make her own choice when the times comes,whether I like it or not? which is usually the case! with Youth.

I take your point that a Young woman may be out of her depth on the other side of the World,but that also applies to immature older women.

My view on this is very clear, I am neither narrow minded nor bigoted, I accept every thing that I see in Thailand some things I don't agree with but live and let live, I have no problems with old guys having young wives but it becomes a different issue when it involves potential for abuse

I mentioned my repulsion at seeing old men with young girls, open your eyes you sound like you have been here long enough, take a trip down walking street where you will see some repulsive old perv with a teenager and I do not mean 20s and able to make their own decisions, for me it is wrong pure and simple but in LOS this happens and in the worst case the kid can get out so I have no issue with this

The point of somebody especially an old male saying that it is OK for an 18-20 year old kid probably from the most vulnerable group in society with very little education to be taken half way around the world to a totally alien culture by some older male, essentially for his own self gratification is not right no matter which way you dice it. Its all about money and peer pressure and scum bag families and at 18-20 many, not all, are not equipped to deal with these decisions, so as far as I am concerned its wrong and the powers that be have got it wrong

As for our daughters, well I think we are both probably lucky enough that this will not be an issue but not everyone's children are so well looked after or lucky......I think we will have to agree to disagree on this subject

just thought of another thing, this is probably the first time I have ever heard anybody on Thai Visa arguing that the Human Rights laws are good for modern society, stranger and stranger?

Its only strange to your blinkered way of thinking,

I said or implied nothing of the sort,

Human rights issues are a collection of seperate issues on their own,and would require a new Topic for discussing them individually,blanket coverage on any subject,does not make one totally on the side of so called Human Rights,as you seem to assume.

Please try and stick to the facts!

but as you say:best to "agree to disagree".........

I guess the democrats didn't get to past stage one

and you show respect to Thaksin by intimating he can achieve 6 further stages.....

Maybe he should be running the country

Sorry to disappoint you geo,there is no respect for Thaksin from me,never has been,and never will be,

A weak propaganda effort!

Apparently no room for appreciation of flippancy either......

The subject,of a Meglomanic,Despot,Criminal,inflicting more damage,on Thailand,which will no doubt continue with extreme vigour on his return,is much too serious a subject for jest or flippancy!

I guess the democrats didn't get to past stage one

and you show respect to Thaksin by intimating he can achieve 6 further stages.....

Maybe he should be running the country

Sorry to disappoint you geo,there is no respect for Thaksin from me,never has been,and never will be,

A weak propaganda effort!

Judging by the First 3 Stages, the follow up Possibilities ,may not be so far fetched?

After the 2006 "Coup" whilst Caretaker PM Thaksin was out of the Country,having relinquished his Mandate,it probably would not be surprising,that the thing most likely to be a hindrance,to his quest to a return, to Absolute Power,would be the Military,a unpredictable element! at the very least.

Stage 1.Having bought a Party (PTP) and the voters at the last Election,the Party was duly Elected,with a fairly modest majority.

Stage 2. It was then simple to install a Puppet PM (as named by Thaksin),and a close Family Member in Yingluck,together with, alledgedly hand picked MP Cronies in Parliament.

Stage 3. Create Red Villages of Supporters the length and Bredth of Thailand,and install a large Picture of self at every village entrance (Chairman Mao style)

Stage 4. No Villages to tolerate Dissenters,with other Polititical Allegiances or leanings ????

Stage 5. Install Ammunition Arsenal in every Red Village????

Stage 6. Obtain Amnesty????

Stage 7. Return to said Homeland in a Blaze of Glory, with no possible repeat Coup potential.

,

Welcome to Democracy,

Red Style!

Thanks for this. May I suggest your relative was a bit weak-minded and naive...there are thugs like this in every political crowd, even the government and the military.

Your relative should have moved on up the line in order to get the ID returned, rather than staying on for additional weeks or months. I sympathize with this scenario but somehow I find it hard to believe in full.

Perhaps I'm being naive but I also doubt that staying and participating for an extended period was the only option remaining for your relative.

In the grander scheme, yes, there are thugs like this in every crowd - even the US has them now during "Occupy Wall Street". There are lots of people who go to those things with the primary purpose of venting their cruelty, with the political ideas being secondary or simply the 'kindling wood' for inflaming their cruelty. Sounds like your relative met some of those folks.

This is hardly a good reason, though, to demonize an opposition group whose elected government was stolen by a military coup.

It is possible to be intolerant and right, but it is not possible to be intolerant and a democracy.

Red shirt villages are a living oxymoron the same as "jumbo shrimp" and "military intelligence" are verbal oxymorons. This government sactioned and increasing polarization is scary. I fear for the country and I fear for the very people whose niavete is being used to enslave themselves.

This can only happen because there's a huge difference between what is being said and what is being done. If I could rely on the words alone, I, too would be a staunch Red Shirt. But I have been here long enough to see the actions. I was there when things happened, and I am now listening to the reports of those events and I can see that there is very little connection. The Red Shirt leaders talk a good story, but they live a different one.

I have a relative who joined the red shirt Bangkok rallies. He was politically disinterested, but temporarily unemployed due to the season. He planned on taking the free bus to Bangkok, spending a few days having a good time, and making some money. What could be wrong with that? Weeks later when he asked for his identity card back so he could go home to his family, he was told that if he failed to show up for his daily pay in the evening, his family would all be killed. The red leaders were convincing enough that my relative continued with them and was still there when the army arrived. The leaders, however, were not.

Talk is cheap, and the political leaders evidently feel the gullible are worth about the same. Organizing into permanent polarized settlements is a dangerous escalation.

"......... an opposition group whose elected government was stolen by a military coup."

I hate to tell you this, but there was once a man named Samak. There is also a lady named yingluk. Both were elected since the coup. But at the time of the coup, the PM's mandate had expired. Please take this into consideration before making remarks like the above.

Yes that was perfectly true,he was merely the Caretaker PM, and it must have been said a Thousand times on tv,but Thaksin Supporters have no wish to hear the truth,it weakens their cause somewhat!

MAJIC

The only thing that's strange, is how often the younger men ,start playing the Jealousy and Moralistic Claptrap,

Because an Older man and a Younger woman have an arrangement that suits them,it's wrong, seems to me you want everyone to think like you!

Perhaps you need to examine your subconscious motives,and darkest thoughts, and admit to yourself,that Vanity dictates that the younger pretty Girls, should be exclusively gazing in your direction!

Anyway <deleted> has it got to do with anyone else,except the couple concerned,if they are happy with the situation,then what's your problem? if the sight of the couple offends you,then don't look.simple really eh!

Would you say the same thing about a 30 year old women and a 55 year old man?...... World History is full of Young women and Older men Relationships.

And if you are lucky enough to have a long life, you will also be an old man one day.

Your argument crops up on Thai Visa regular as clockwork,it's become a boring cliche!

No wonder the EU Courts have ruled: The Ban on Foreign Spouses under 21 years old is unlawful. That doesnt give the Young men a chance to bring their Spouses in either.

MAJIC

did you read the title? do you know what we are talking about? or are you just a bit defensive maybe?

My point is that a kid of 18-20 is vulnerable, you take them out of their culture away from their family to the other side of the world with some older bloke who they have nothing in common with and you think this is OK because you have an agreement? well sorry I dont think that is right and you know what, that will never change no matter how old and desperate I get

No need for me to look at my subconscios mate and I certainy aint jealous, if it is wrong it is wrong. I have absolutely no issue with old blokes having younger wives but I will always have an issue with old blokes taking advantage of 18-20 year old kids and using money as a weapon for sexual kicks and it is always interesting to hear someone like you try to justify this and talk like everyone is the same as you and because your older it is suddenly alright

You want to live in LOS with a 20 year old no issues, when it goes wrong she can go home and take you to the cleaners, not really an option on the other side of the world especially if you dont understand the language or the culture

ps MAJIC I dont know if you have kids but if you do would you think it was OK for yours? I wouldnt but maybe its because I am not as old as you, then again maybe not

Yes Mark! I did read the Topic Title,and did you read ? in the Thread, that age discrimination with the relationships that has been discussed here,has now been overturned by the European Courts as illegal Discrimination.

To be perfectly honest my wife's age is nowhere remotely near the age group under dicussion and what you consider vulnerable,and still there is the narrow minded Bigots,with their Moralistic viewpoint ,that everbody should adhere to what they decide is acceptable in Society,and their Judgemental outdated views. i.e the Male ideally should be only 2 or 3 years older than the Female,that idea is just as ridiculous as expecting people to get Married and stay together into a ripe old age,in often a loveless Marriage.

From my observations,the Young women are in general treated very well by the Older men,as the old adage goes "Better to be an old mans Darling than a Young mans Slave" (of course there are exceptions to that)

some people are very strait-laced, and can't accept that within the law,people should be allowed to make their own personal choices,without being Pilloried,by ancient rules of an outdated Society.

As for my Daughter i'm sure she will make her own choice when the times comes,whether I like it or not? which is usually the case! with Youth.

I take your point that a Young woman may be out of her depth on the other side of the World,but that also applies to immature older women.

mark131v' timestamp='1318582712' post='4764873']

Not for those for whom the ban was designed to protect perhaps.

Immigration through arranged/forced marriages (whether for religious or financial reasons) can lead to suffering and abuse, and I can see why the Government was trying to do something about it.

so... forced marriage is ok from 21 and up??

putting a ban based on age was nonsense.

Er, No, and as far as I am aware no-one has said or inferred that. The ban was to try and protect the most vulnerable - and I agree that better legislation is needed. Read the dissenting judgement of Lord Brown.

All bans and restrictions based on age can be criticised, and often are by interested parties.

Contractor I couldn't agree more,

even in Thailand there is something strange about seeing a young girl with some old fallang, you get used to seeing it but that doesn't make it right, they obviously have nothing but her lack of money in common.

You take that and take it out of Thailand and unless the couple are within a few years and look reasonably normal together then it turns into a bit of a circus.

How can a teenager move into a completely alien culture with some middle or old aged foreigner and be expected to have a normal life when everybody is looking and sniggering

I know there are exceptions to every rule but waiting for a couple of years and giving the youngster time to mature and make sure that they know what they are letting themselves into should not be a major issue, its all about protecting the vulnerable isn't it ?

MAJIC

The only thing that's strange, is how often the younger men ,start playing the Jealousy and Moralistic Claptrap,

Because an Older man and a Younger woman have an arrangement that suits them,it's wrong, seems to me you want everyone to think like you!

Perhaps you need to examine your subconscious motives,and darkest thoughts, and admit to yourself,that Vanity dictates that the younger pretty Girls, should be exclusively gazing in your direction!

Anyway <deleted> has it got to do with anyone else,except the couple concerned,if they are happy with the situation,then what's your problem? if the sight of the couple offends you,then don't look.simple really eh!

Would you say the same thing about a 30 year old women and a 55 year old man?...... World History is full of Young women and Older men Relationships.

And if you are lucky enough to have a long life, you will also be an old man one day.

Your argument crops up on Thai Visa regular as clockwork,it's become a boring cliche!

No wonder the EU Courts have ruled: The Ban on Foreign Spouses under 21 years old is unlawful. That doesnt give the Young men a chance to bring their Spouses in either.

name='serenitynow' timestamp='1318600909' post='4765436']

name='rubl' timestamp='1318600443' post='4765427']

Robert A. is very clever in his choice of words.

"Amsterdam continued: "These are serious matters which require serious dialogue between all parties. The last thing that the Thai people need is to feel frightened and intimidated when they are speaking out about what happened on the streets of Bangkok in April and May 2010. As far as I know, there is no law in Thailand against requesting justice and urging accountability of the Army.""

http://www.marketwat...land-2011-10-13

As far as I know there is no law in Thailand against requesting justice and urging accountability of the UDD leader group

Nature has a way of making the affairs of man seem rather small and petty by comparison. It is not by coincidence that this piece of filth was flown in this week. It's important for those that are nearly drowned and destitute to be reminde to focus on what's (who's) really important.

And isn't it also odd, that the most ghastly lying creeps on the Planet,

have always got the right ugly features to fit their slimy trade?

sorry if i have mistaken on the number but i thought i read yingluck was worth 400 odd billion and abhasit was worth even more ,regardless of the figures

theres no chance any of them are going to buy food for the poor or the homeless ,it will be another excuse to take more from the people who have the least and the greedy fat cats at the top will feel good about themselves when they are shouting for donations to help their flood afflicted countrymen

Abhisit in terms of wealth, compared with Yingluck or Thaksin is a non starter,

his wealth on leaving the office of PM.was a mere 54.3 Million Baht,and no Billions in sight. quote: Wikipedia

I think the best part is escaping the neoliberal capitalist mechanisms of producing the docile, productive, fearing subject. Its inanane architecture points out the winners (the docile, productive ones) and the losers (those with lives).

I feel privileged to have escaped it since becoming an adult. But it still amazes me that TV members go to inordinate lengths to big up their-- neoliberal-defined-- status. Their full-time jobs since retirement are status anxiety and reputational damage control.

So, while the OP, vaguely speaks of the "relaxed people", I think this is what he might be grasping at. As an economist recently said: manufacturing is not an area of competitive advantage for the Thais. Or in my language, the Thais don't behave as the neoliberal capitalist demands. Or on the other hand, maybe he just means they really are relaxed people...

I feel privileged at my lengthy time in Thailand.

Any chance of a English Translation,of the above?

The UK is (or was?) very different - you used to have to attend a job centre every two weeks for an interview and to sign that you had not had any paid work in the interim.

You also had to be available for work so anything other than a standard couple of weeks holiday and you would be unllikely to be paid.

The same is still true,to claim "Jobseekers Allowance" in Britain you must be available for work and Resident in the UK,and certainly would not be paid,if one was Resident in Thailand,or any other Country outside the European Union. and it is illegal to collect any form of Benefit while living in another Country apart from State Retirement Pension.

However I'm not sure if Seeking work is also covered for British "Jobseekers Allowance" and payable if the intended jobs are based in EEC Countries,as well?

European legislation changes so quickly these days?

I think the best part is escaping the neoliberal capitalist mechanisms of producing the docile, productive, fearing subject. Its inanane architecture points out the winners (the docile, productive ones) and the losers (those with lives).

I feel privileged to have escaped it since becoming an adult. But it still amazes me that TV members go to inordinate lengths to big up their-- neoliberal-defined-- status. Their full-time jobs since retirement are status anxiety and reputational damage control.

So, while the OP, vaguely speaks of the "relaxed people", I think this is what he might be grasping at. As an economist recently said: manufacturing is not an area of competitive advantage for the Thais. Or in my language, the Thais don't behave as the neoliberal capitalist demands. Or on the other hand, maybe he just means they really are relaxed people...

I feel privileged at my lengthy time in Thailand.

Any chance of a English Translation,of the above?

Nisa #28

I did 2 terms teaching at local high schools voluntary , and later received 2 certificates for my work and the sacrifices I made to help, This was from top Education in My Udon=Jangwat. So I could be deported for giving service---Education verses Immigration.:jap:

Good (and lucky) for you because your situation "could have" been different if it was "perceived" you were filling a position which would have been a paying position to somebody else or you were somehow being compensated. These kinds of perceptions or realities are the reasons countries include volunteer work as requiring a proper visa/permit as well as many volunteer organizations do take in money. With all the exaggerated stories of Farang mistreatment in Thailand, I cannot recall a deportation or arrest over a farang, on an occasional basis and as an individual, helping out Thais or Thailand without a work permit. In fact, I believe you need a letter from a recognized organization (just like a real work permit), to show you as a volunteer, to even get a permit. So, if expats don't want to help their fellow people in a crisis, they should just say so and not make excuses.

Again, nobody is getting deported or hassled for doing volunteer work such as filling sandbags in an emergency.

I fully understood the Thai situ before agreeing to help, Their situ in the area had no one to fill or were capable , the experience was brill, and the kids loved it too. BUT as I said Chief Education .v Immigration.............As you say there are BENDABLE situations when it suits. As for emergency work....It's all hands on deck-and in this emergency no one even immigration are not going to stop anyone helping. ANYONE hear of any person being deported for saving lives when the Tsunami struck. The intent to deceive for personal gain, is really what Immigration are more interested in--BUT I wouldn't bank on it 100%

No!

But wasn' the Foreign Aid workers asked to leave Thailand,because they didnt have work permits,

and wasn't that after they spent six months cleaning up the devastation of the Tsunami ,down South?

As I recall PM Thaksin stated at the time "Thailand dosn't need Foreign Aid"

Agreed, i flew in August with Etihad BKK to LON via Abu Dabi 28000bt return.

My mate is also flying with them in Nov LON to BKK £478 return.

Cheapest i've seen for a few years.

Indeed they are,

the ironic part is that for those Travel Agents,that quote the price and show the Taxes,which have now become more than the actual Fare cost.

All this and the Government will not declare a state of Emergency. Quite strange really.

Could it be that if they called a SoE? at some stage they might have to call in the in The Army to help out in various ways?

I don't think the Government would like thousands of troops on the street and in the villages (especially official Red villages),it would make them too nervous,after the last Coup!

But what's so diabolical about their objections isn't that the Army will assume power; that's just not going to happen under these circumstances. PTP's main objections are that the Army might be humanized and seen as benefactors to the citizenry. PTP has alot invested in demonizing these folks and they'd rather people die than have that illusion they've worked so hard to create debunked.

Agreed ! either way they can't let be let loose on the peoples side,and given any chance to win the people over.

All this and the Government will not declare a state of Emergency. Quite strange really.

Could it be that if they called a SoE? at some stage they might have to call in the in The Army to help out in various ways?

I don't think the Government would like thousands of troops on the street and in the villages (especially official Red villages),it would make them too nervous,after the last Coup!

He sounds like a terrific Fella,and too good to lose at such a young age!

RIP to a friend I never met.

its probably worth 12,000- 15,000 thb if its 2006-2007 ex rental honda click in crappy condition as you say it was .......the only problem is ,getting the owner to agree on your valuation

thai people dont understand depreciation ,she probably paid 40,000 thb for it and it will cost around that much to buy a new one so thats probably what shes basing her fiqures on

you can check the prices on the classified adds and they are usually a bit higher than prices it actually changes hands for

the police might be able to "find" it for cheaper than replacing it especially on an island

i know a english guy who paid the police to get some very expensive photography equipment and 2 laptops back after a condo theft but in the end he got it back for 10 or 15k to the police and that was in central bangkok

who said the thai police were lazy ..........they can move extremely fast when they want to are bribed to

It might be an idea to checkout the price of a new Honda Click nowadays.

I bought a Brand New Honda Click 120 cc in 2008 for 46,000 Baht from a Honda Dealer,I can't see it would have gone up considerably?

Perhaps also you could ask 2 or 3 Honda Dealers for their opinion of the value of the missing rental Bike.

SORRY THIS POST WAS COMPOSED BEFORE I SAW YOUR LAST POSTS!

I'm sure there are some bad ones out there

Bad in what sense?

as well as some excellent ones,

Excellent in what sense?

but if someone wants to use an agent, pays their money then that's up to them.

I agree completely. Though why would someone use an agent?

Your post offers no explanation, rather, it just raises questions.

Well I will try to explain some of the reasons,some people are not good at writing and spelling,and reading intricate paperwork.

And there are those that become overwhelmed with paperwork, and some will be scared stiff of making a mistake and having it rejected.

And others do not have the time.Some prefer to pay Agents while they work some overtime to pay the fees,and even more have more money than sense!

Personally I have stated before on Tv on another thread ,that I would never pay an Agent to do what most of us are capable of. The worst part of it is: when you walk into a Agents Office,they know nothing about you,or your circumstances,or even your name,you have to physically sit there while you are asked the questions necessary to fill out the application,

shouldn't the alarm bells start ringing at this stage? and then you have to provide all the documents to add to your application,Utility Bills,Birth Certicates,Telephone Bills,yours and the GFs Bank Statements,translations etc etc,the list is large. The Border Agency Website tells you that employing Agents to deal with the application, carries no more advantage of success than if you had done it yourself (or words to that effect)

Fact of the matter is even though i'm sure Agencys do a very good proffessional job,in obtaining the necessary Visa,at the end of the day it's a business,for them, and they need you more than you need the Agency.In short personal choice. UP2U.

So much hatred for the redshirts and the way thai's are trying to live thier lives in thier country. What have the thais done to you people personally to breed such hatred? If you have such destest and hatred of the country and the people why are you here?

+1

This is a democracy and we are guests here. They vote and we can like it or not. But the bottom line is: Leave if you you will!

I wish most of you would!

Tiger

Redshirts = democracy? I feel ashamed to come from Sweden when I read your comment!

Likewise + 1

So much hatred for the redshirts and the way thai's are trying to live thier lives in thier country. What have the thais done to you people personally to breed such hatred? If you have such destest and hatred of the country and the people why are you here?

+1

This is a democracy and we are guests here. They vote and we can like it or not. But the bottom line is: Leave if you you will!

I wish most of you would!

Tiger

Anyone can dream Tiger!