OlRedEyes

I wonder how Icelanders who have gold are doing these days? A lot better than most I imagine....

Exactly.

Seeing the woods from the trees comes to mind. Acting on very short term fluctuations in a major bear market that's just started is suicide, unless you're shorting. A quietish week and everyone turns into a buyer, quite funny if it wasn't so shortsighted. The last decade has made people forget that we are not supermen, that can wriggle our way out of disaster in a few short weeks. Everybody is straining at the leash to lose their money..... since the first day of the crash.

Excuse me but I do not understand either post. It is genuine or sarcasm? I am just curious.

Cloudhopper

I personally would guess the Icelander with gold would be doing very well if like most he physically held it & now could sell & get cash. Where all others who trusted paper in a bank are lost? True? Is that what you meant?

OlRedEyes

How do you mean? Do you mean good idea buying gold now or bad?

I know its a bear market but now I see a slight pull back in Gold but not sure how far it will drop. Again just curious

Thanks

Anybody who confidently states that markets, gold, oil or whatever will go up or down should be far too busy trying to spend his billions to be posting here on TV. He'd be lounging on the beach of his private island, surrounded by employees and sexy hangers-on.

The markets are in turmoil. Bernanke has got his begging-bowl out again at Congress. Toyota is struggling. GM is in crisis. Taxpayers (non-existent?) money is being thrown around like confetti worldwide. Chinese factories are closing. We are simply at the beginning of the recession (optimistic term).

Nothing goes up or down in a straight line. Charts are only useful in a stable market, where speculators act in tandem (concert?) to resistance and support points. Once panic sets in and nervousness is universal, charts simply reflect history.

I simply believe that gold's downside is limited. Something which cannot be said for stocks, or even cash. If things get worse, which they very well may, gold could rise substantially. In this worldwide scenario if you can limit your losses you're doing well.

Pronouncing on daily or weekly price fluctuations in a confused and nervous market is folly. Those that want to make a reputation declaring where gold was a week ago compared to today are simply gambling. Gives them a heads/tails chance of being able to say they are right, and doesn't in any way reflect intrinsic skill or knowledge.

You either pays your money and takes your chance, or you look at all the factors and pays your money and takes your chance. Second option gives you a little better odds.

With a nic like VegasVic I'd be careful There are only two options, up or down, a 50% chance of jackpot. Enticing odds for anyone who loves Vegas.

One man's blaring propaganda,

is another man's truth to be silenced at all costs.

<etc>

Wall plaques are normally half-truths. You'd do better discussing things than to try and make great pronouncements like a guru on a hill. These wide 'great truths' only impress the gullible.

Dreams of the villagers bringing their maidens for your 'blessing'?

One of the main polarizing factors today is TOC., or whatever their Thai channel is called. It has a following that ONLY gets their news from them. Pure propaganda, worse than Fox news.

My MIL falls asleep every night with them blaring out their propaganda. The Thai population would be well advised to balance their news sources.

And for the record - for those that are so feverishly partisan - I do not support the idiotic govt., or the idiotic PAD.

I wonder how Icelanders who have gold are doing these days? A lot better than most I imagine....

Exactly.

Seeing the woods from the trees comes to mind. Acting on very short term fluctuations in a major bear market that's just started is suicide, unless you're shorting. A quietish week and everyone turns into a buyer, quite funny if it wasn't so shortsighted. The last decade has made people forget that we are not supermen, that can wriggle our way out of disaster in a few short weeks. Everybody is straining at the leash to lose their money..... since the first day of the crash.

Discussion of the monarchy is strictly against forum rules, either by implication or outright. Please refrain from needless speculation or suspensions will have to be handed out.

!00% right. For that reason news articles such as these should be locked at posting. Positive remarks are also discussion. The rule should be applied both ways.

People trying to do business in an unstable country really should not make fools of themselves with hysterical performances when the international media reports on incidents. If you cannot accept that Thailand is not the best country to grow a stable and dynamic business, then surely you are no businessman.

The ridiculous statements that the press are always 'sensationalizing' incidents shows the speaker's blinkers. Statements like 'we never saw anything here, therefore it's not serious' are laughable.

I grew up in South Africa, and never saw a black man shot or tortured by the police. Should the press therefore have ignored it?

'Sensationalizing the Tsunami'

This is cool. How is it Thailand related? I think her handbag was made inna hills.

Why not think about getting a "OA" (retirement visa) in the US prior to coming. This way your have one year to deposited the needed funds in a Thai bank or if on a pension you can use the 65K per month method using a letter from the US embassey ??

Hi - i read that obtaining in the US is more difficult. It ties up the money longer. I DO have a tellecommute job now that I will keep. It is not a pension.

Applying for a multi OA (retirement) from your home country is not more difficult. The advantages are that the 800 000 Bht can be in your home account, and the visa is in effect valid for 2 years. The money is not tied up at all.

Wasn't Hollywood Group the biggest bar owning "group" in Nana a few years back? They were even more successful that the King's Group, or the Crown Group (what is it with the Group thing?).

Group things are wilder, more exciting and better? (if using quality condoms)

Someone was arguing that what we have seen on the markets is a 'lurch', not a 'nosedive'. I agree totally. If it was the nosedive, the US admin wouldn't still be scrambling around to save the market, trying to put together an acceptable rescue package. it would be over. They'd be looking at a recovery stimulus package. It ain't over by a mile. The nosedive is yet to come.

NOW we're into the nosedive

Parachutes anyone?

Can not say for sure yet if we are at the end of the V THAT'S Timing who knows when we will reach the end of the V.

Nikkei now at 7840

Asx down 330

Dow fut down 3%

I belive if you buy now you will have to wait at least 5 years to see any real return

Better to go to casino and put all your money on 0. Buying now is a reckless gamble. We're heading into a long period of economic disaster.

Someone was arguing that what we have seen on the markets is a 'lurch', not a 'nosedive'. I agree totally. If it was the nosedive, the US admin wouldn't still be scrambling around to save the market, trying to put together an acceptable rescue package. it would be over. They'd be looking at a recovery stimulus package. It ain't over by a mile. The nosedive is yet to come.

NOW we're into the nosedive

Parachutes anyone?

In yesterday's edition the Bangkok Post reported that, "Doctors at Chulalongkorn's Faculty of Medicine, led by Suthep Kolchanwit, said they would take a "social position" against the police by deciding not to treat officers wounded during the bloody crackdown on supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). They asked doctors at medical faculties at Thammasat, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Ramathibodi, Siriraj, Srinakharinwirot and Prince of Songkla universities to follow suit and they had agreed, Dr Suthep said."

Putting aside the violation of professional ethics, this position now strongly suggests that medical reports as to the cause and extent of injuries sustained by rioters cannot be accepted at face value. If the people responsible for providing the data and information are biased, then in all likelihood, the information and data obtained from them will be tainted. Conclusions made about injuries offered by these people cannot be accepted as factual, because of the overt bias stated.

As an aside, I note that the Red Cross moved quickly to address the lapse in judgement and violation of duty by the implicated health professionals. Unfortunately, serious damage has been done to several hospitals' reputations. I anticipate stern emails and notes will be sent by the medical research organizations that fund some of these hospitals' programs. As well, it now damages all researchers' reputations even though they have not have individually allowed their political views to seep into the workplace. An absolute disgrace and the people that support such an action should be ashamed of themselves.

That's been properly addressed here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2263963

As far as what has been published, that was the action of one doctor at one hospital...although there are many plurals used in your post.

To say it suggests misrepresentation by all doctors at all hospitals as well as the central coordinating center on injury reporting is a bit stretched.

Edit: Upon review, I see now the link supposedly reflects the actions of an unspecified number of other doctors, but there remains no definitive words of anyone other than Dr. Suthep.

If this doctor is not barred from the profession, it reflects on the Thai medical profession as a whole. If it is just swept under the carpet as so many totally unacceptable actions are here, it implies tolerance for a view diametrically opposed to the hypocratic oath and shows a lack of morality which seems endemic in this society.

It is shocking, and lack of real action is more shocking. People coming here for treatment on 'medical tourism' must then be made aware of the dangers in the face of a lack of moral standards and accountability in the Thai medical profession.

That's hardly the point is it Ol Red Eyes.

The point is many people come here not even semi-affluent, on the basis of having a few good holidays fueled by cheap beer. They think they are masters of the universe and don't take into account what it is like living here. It's not about being financially solvent; it's about having the foresight to be able to take care of yourself HERE, away from the security of western nanny states.

True, sometimes they come with plans and funds/business. Sometimes there's no potential income to go back to, for various reasons, not just burning bridges. The point is everyone's story is different, and cannot be neatly boxed.

The plans of mice and men. Careful of ANY judging, even if you are a great planner.

The ability to see the abyss while you're on top is surely one of the most useful abilities a man can have. Unfortunately, not many seem to have it; easily, smugly and arrogantly sitting in judgment of others' perceived poor planning, bad decisions etc.

It doesn't take a lot of brains to make money in this world, if it did most of us would be stone broke ALL the time. There are a myriad of factors at play determining where you currently find yourself on the financial ladder, and pumping yourself up smugly about your CURRENT financial success is both stupid and dangerous.

I have encountered this smugness followed by disaster many times in my life. Some of them were successful friends.

Father kills family and himself, despondent over financial losses

By Richard Winton, Evelyn Larrubia and Kimi Yoshino, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

October 7, 2008

Karthik Rajaram had fallen hard.

The 45-year-old Porter Ranch financial manager who once made more than $1.2 million in a London-based venture fund had lost his job. His luck playing the stock market ran out.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/c...0,7721919.story

This is not unique, nor is it the only scenario.

This report says 20 police injured, some with gunshot wounds? At a peaceful protest?

Woman dies of internal injuries? Seems like war from both sides.

Troops on Thai streets as protest leaders vow to fight on

1 day ago

BANGKOK (AFP) — Security forces patrolled Bangkok's streets Wednesday in an effort to maintain calm a day after deadly clashes, as Thai protest leaders vowed to seek revenge for those killed or hurt in the violence.

Small groups of soldiers and police stood guard near state buildings including parliament -- the focus of Tuesday's clash between police and anti-government protesters which left two people dead and hundreds injured.

Troops were largely monitoring empty avenues in the historic district, with few signs remaining of the unrest, when police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters and angry mobs retaliated with gunfire and fighting.

Leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) said they would continue their rallies until the elected administration steps down.

"We will fight with our wits to reach our goal, to get justice for the people who were injured and died," PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul said at the prime minister's offices, which demonstrators have occupied since late August.

The health ministry said that 455 people were injured on Tuesday, including eight who had to have damaged limbs amputated. Twenty police were among the injured, some suffering gunshot wounds, while 84 people remained in hospital.

A man identified by police on Wednesday as PAD organiser and retired policeman Metha Chartmontri was killed in a car bomb near parliament, while one woman died of internal injuries she sustained during the clashes.

Full article:

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ju5Oib...1wwFXOOPmZP6T2w

I can't even imagine the frustration I would feel being a Thai living under such a bent system.

An astute succinct observation. In one sentence you have explained why the protests in Thailand can be so full of rage. You have also explained the motive for actions that many foreigners see as irational (e.g. disrupting HKT). Congratulations on demonstrating Occam's razor.

A bit like a wall plaque, true, ignoring half the facts though.

So, here we are: unless we have buried gold bricks, we face losing house, job, savings &/or pensions. Even if the current bailouts work, that will only incur more debt, so making the next financial crash even bigger.

Frozen methane gas in the Arctic is defrosting. This is the beginning of runaway global warming – The End.

If the first two don’t get us, my paper today forecasts that the earth’s resources will run out by 2050 (& now for the sports results - - - - ).

Our present political system has failed us spectacularly. It is rotten & incompetent from top to bottom (dynamic young Barack is proving as effective as a limp dick in a knocking shop). Either we replace it with a real democratic system – a revolution – or as Tom Lehrer used to sing, “We’ll all go together when we go”.

Nature is hard but fair. Species too dumb to adapt to change go extinct.

Sad but true. We're past 'culling the herd' stage. We're to the point where the herd itself is about to be culled. In geological terms it's a second away. Climate change affects Thailand and all the world, and over-arches the financial tectonic shift we are doomed to.

Good post but it will not find the deaf and blind who need to wake up and see the forrest from the trees.

In the mega-cut&paste there was this reference to the fact that millions dying in a pointless war was much less important than average-joe's bank balance being affected.

This is true of the dumbest species ever to inhabit this planet. Witness the number and length of threads just here on TV re the financial crisis, against 1 (only) inane thread re the mother of all crisis, global warming. I don't even post in there, what's the point? People are too shortsighted (even the self-styled 'intelligent' ones that are so concerned with the markets - and we wonder how 'intelligent' people can believe in religious hocus pocus) to see anything until after it has run over them.

Sadly, my estimation of the human race is forced to fall daily. As a species we richly deserve to become extinct.

My Dad's penis is bigger than your Dad's penis.

You guys are all crazy to be kissing during cold and flu season.

Aloha

it's OK as long as you use a dental dam.

Useful, I believe, for safe sexual activities as well.

Excuse my ignorance, I sure ain't no farmer, but wont' the garlic permeate the product, and leave a taste??

Garlic flavoured mango's

Nice to read a post by a belligerent farmer Makes a great change from the standard whining about the Thai chicks.

Sounds like you are soon gonna strip and give those Lam Yai a double dose before sending them off to market just to get us And with a Q certificate.

Hey, this is Thailand. Most posters on here are pretty cynical farang, who ain't gonna put much faith in any Thai quality seal.

What with all the hormones, pesticides et al, we just pays our money and takes our chance. &lt;deleted&gt; can we do?

Wonder if they have picked up some useful tips re milk lately

Sorry, but 'almost everyone' did not profit in some way from the cash sloshing around the system. Most of the worlds population got no advantage from it. I fact, it probably disadvantaged them.

I agree, things have to change seriously. Don't think they will though, just some tinkering around and maybe some token prosecutions to quieten the masses. Then onto the next bubble.

There should be some form of help to try and stabilize the system, no action will surely drag us all down into the pit, whether we profited from it or not. But then the system must change, forcing cash to become productive. If this is done then poverty may at last begin to be addressed. Unfortunately, too many howls from the rich and, yes, the middle classes (who are now up in arms) will prevent serious change to the system as it will lower ROI.

The big losers are the dying middle class. Their days are numbered. The are so deep in debt and commitments that there is no way out anymore, even if there is no collapse.

Started working for Burroughs on mainframes in early '70s.

Good times. Them days you were walking on water if you were a computer engineer.

But you really had to know your stuff. No board swap shortcuts available on hardware. No loading progs into mem and let 'em run. Had to swap pieces in and out of mem as needed. Tricky stuff.

Well this should get P_D's panties in a twist.

Isn't there a physical limit to the amount of twist panties can hold? Pretty tight in there already.