SteveCNX

Does anyone know if ThaiVisa.com has ever been forced to reveal a poster's real name to Thai authorities under some "court order" (a la Yahoo in China)? What is ThaiVisa's policy on this?

I would concerned about the potential for retaliation if a comment were to hit a little too close to home and actually impacted the outcome - especially if it supported the side that doesn't come out on top of this power struggle.

Their mobile app works great - it's easy and reliable.

Has anyone found a source in Thailand for good metal or plastic leaf rakes? The only one's I've located are crude welded metal ones that are too small to work with efficiently and too heavy. It seems a shame to have to import them from China or the USA.

Good point El Jefe, opportunities to experience disappointment are abundant but we can be too cynical at times - quick to criticize and slow to praise our hosts. Thanks for adding some needed perspective without being Pollyanna-ish.

This could be a good thing. Banks that have failed to ramp-up their accounting standards may not be as helpful to Americans needing international transfers and other services. Once QE-III is over the dollar will regain strength and straggling banks will scramble to hold onto market share.

I can add information from the other side of the coin. I posted some freelance work on one of those sites and was peppered with "proposals" by eager freelancers who obviously hadn't even bothered to read my RFP. I hired none of them and haven't returned to those sites. They seem like a waste of time from this would-be employer's perspective.

"I will be lucky if capital gains are an issue if I can actually sell for a profit...." As mentioned above, your sale price may be irrelevant. You will more likely be taxed at the valuation on record in the local tax office. This has been my experience.

Someone posted among these comments, "Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently." Tell that to any cyclist run off the road by a spoiled 'hi-so' Thai teenager in daddy's BMW! Lesson here: never say never!

Inconsiderate roadside manner isn't limited to the realm of the rich. As a wise friend recently quipped, "Thais aren't half as friendly as they think they are...or they wouldn't drive the way they do." I suspect large chunks of the legendary Thai hospitality may have been supplanted by prosperity.

As for the issue of patronage, while it comes with the benefit of stability, this is vastly more beneficial to the 'haves'. The current system ensures they retain the lion's share of wealth and power. Meritocracy would be a better way forward for Thai society in general. After all, if there is no incentive for self improvement then who would bother?

Don't look now but, "37% object to broadcast by Thaksin" means 63% do not object.

Silver-Gold Garden Hotel (http://www.silvergoldgarden.com/rates.htm). Free shuttle. Book online to save money and get the ฿690 rate. Can't sleep? This is Thailand - there's entertainment available.

This stupid marketing idea did not originate in America. Of course, they're probably laughing it off at their Thai HQ to conceal the underlying self-serving greed. Someone should be fired (or at least slapped). Is ethics part of an education in Business here?

Talk about below par food, how about the crap they're serving up on Thai Airways! White bread mystery meat sandwiches? Not exactly what I came to Thailand for.

Anyone thinking of a trip to Hanoi to escape the senseless smog should think again. Apparently the Keystone Cops have been put in charge of this issue.

Anyone who engages in human trafficking has failed to develop into a real human being and therefore doesn't deserve humane treatment. This is the lowest form of sloth, greed, and self-centeredness all rolled into one contemptible beast. Draw and quarter the lot of 'em, I say!