Baerboxer

If the Thai government has that much money that they can afford to purchase land in the Euro Zone, then they should have enough money to help Thai citizens who are in need of economic help. I wonder who will reap the benefits of these purchases

I guess this is a rhetorical question !

Quite simply, the Thai government should not be speculating with the peoples money.

They're not. Once the taxes are collected it's the government's money not the peoples anymore. You elect a governmant and they can spend the government's money. Of course, it might be easier, just for all the red tape you understand, to buy the land in the name of trusted members of government. All above board.

Thais are forbidden to buy and own land in Europe especially in France.

คนไทยเป็นสิ่งต้องห้ามที่จะซื้อและเป็นเจ้าของที่ดินในยุโรปโดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งในประเทศฝรั่งเศส

Does that include politicians?

We all know politicians lie. There was a time when being caught ment removal to the back benches or resignation. Now it's accepted behaviour.

Yingluck would not know if someone was lying or not. She has no idea of the realities of government. But, enjoys the overseas shopping trips and nice dinners.

One would hope that the oil or electricity produced using the oil (if this goes ahead) be free or heavily discounted, because the tax payer has already paid for the rice which the government holds. Using the taxpayers money to but rice which they trade for oil and then sell back to the taxpayer seems a tad unfair on the Thai taxpayer.

In essence your buying X for us which we swap for Y and you buy back. Brilliant - What a scam!!

Nice one! Your're right with your shrewd observation. But what a wheeze of a scam for the gang in control!

What about when you get in in Rangsit and ask to go to Bang Na when the guy has to return his taxi to Klong 3 by 3 o clock or get charged for the extra time?

There are legitimate reasons why they can't take you sometimes, I think. When they are polite about it I don't mind. It'd would be pretty bad to arrest these people - anyone?

Agreed. I have never had an issue with the taxis refusing a fare. I would rather see a crack down on motorcycles driving the wrong way and weaving in and out of traffic.

You have been very lucky then. I and most people I know have.

Looks dangerous, the Government trying to run the Armed Forces, coup on the way?

The armed forces either have to react - or allow the current "government" to put their pupets in all postions of power. Sadly, it seems only a question of "when" rather than "if".

I speak Thai fluently so it usually makes for pleasant exchanges. Once in a while there is one who wont use the meter - without fail it is at the airport. I lean forward and push the button for him and we both laugh like hell.

I have a heart for these guys. The govt has raised flag fall and rates only once (couple baht) SINCE 1996 !! These humps make 400 Baht a day avg. And the city allows thousands more on the streets than there should be, thereby reducing their possible fares. Its a shit job, but easy.. which means perfect for many.

I would accept a raise in fares if they could control numbers, driver street knowledge, and get rid of all the old small cars. Give the guys more money, limit the number and get better service. Plus fewer cars on roads. That would be an improvement.

You must have been very lucky to have good natured taxi drivers, in a good mood at the time to allow you to switch the meter on and just "laugh like hell".

They ain't all like this and I know quite a few who would kick you out the car with a few smacks, or slash with a knife,

There are many places at night >20:00, where it is impossible to get a taxi who will use the meter resulting in having to walk some way to an area where you can find one. As far as refusing a fare is concerned they are not like Black cab drivers in London, often not knowing where it is that you want to go or no idea how to get there. Some are looking for a fare in the direction they're going as it's end of shift time. However, I've also come across some who have used the back roads during the 'rush hour' to get to my destination or have dropped me off at a BTS station part way due to traffic problems. If you get in a dirty taxi it's your choice. Win some lose some.

I agree that the taxi drivers here are very variable. I find some amazing - take short cuts and really get you where you want to go quickly; I've had some who really astonished me by not wanting a tip. One guy recently paid an express toll, whilst we were all dozing, and never asked for it back! Others either don't know where they're going or are dishonest. Fiddle the meter, take you the "scenic route". etc etc; and saddly thieving out your bags too. It really is a lucky dip - you never know what you're going to get (sounds a bit Forest Gump), until you get inside. Any enforcement that favourably reduces the variability appreciated.

What about when you get in in Rangsit and ask to go to Bang Na when the guy has to return his taxi to Klong 3 by 3 o clock or get charged for the extra time?

There are legitimate reasons why they can't take you sometimes, I think. When they are polite about it I don't mind. It'd would be pretty bad to arrest these people - anyone?

That's very understanding of you. Taking the taxi back, shift finishing, just off to lunch................... all refusing a fair! Do you really believe what these guys tell you?

The laws of Malaysia are inhuman and inacceptable.

So don't go there. It's their country, their views, their laws and legal system. We all need to be aware of the laws of any country we go to and the punishments for offences. This guy new the risks, got caught and may pay the ultimate price. I've lived in countries with much more oppresive and draconian laws (to me) than Malaysia - but that was my choice and I obeyed the laws whilst there.

Remember during last year's floods. Hilary Clinton said on TV than America would support the Yingluck government, especially in re-building poilce stations to maintain law and order - a clear message of where America stands

Imagine that. The US coming out in support of a democratically elected government. So if such a government asks to grant Thaksin a visa, with the obvious understanding no extradiction would be asked for, why wouldn't we? The whiff of politics surrounding 'git Thaksin' is obvious. Sure, the charges were legitimate, not politically trumped up, and the conviction was solid. However, all the extra effort to get this indictment --or any indictment -- doesn't quite pass the sniff test. And the aroma of politics allows the granting of visa waivers -- not that we wouldn't have granted the visa otherwise. Did we piss-off the government out of office? You bet. But better than annoying our current best-buddies in office.

But a couple of years back, Thaksin also wanted a US visa. But the government in office, the one with the asterisk on its democratic bonafides, asked that he not be granted one -- and if one were granted, Thailand would ask for his extradiction. Easy decision. No visa. Asterisk or not, our best buddies at the time.

So, Thaksin's 'coming to America' had what "bearing" on Thai politics? As the lady said, "no bearing," as both sides' posturing hasn't seen any change.

However, that he was met with catcalls and rotten tomatoes -- well, I hardly believe the US just accidentally contributed to building up Thaksin's buffoon image.

A political decision by the US? How about a realpolitikal decision.....

Good show, US.

You sum up the scenario quite nicely. Support a democratically (just) elected government, regardless of how corrupt they are, or a non-democratic government when it suits, providing it supports the bigger picture and strategic aims. Yes sir, that's politics for you.

Of course you really need to be carefull not to piss-off the country that you're up to your eyes in debt too. Other than that, who cares.

Good show US indeed - show this administrations true colours. Lie when it suits - don't worry if they're 'white' or not. Of course, most politicians behave like this, but not all continually claim the moral high ground.

Does she reveal the true motive for Thaksin's US visa?

Why must there be a "motive"? Thaksin now has a Thai passport, he not a threat for illegal residency in the US, thus he qualifies for a visa. Why do people make it more complicated? What would be the grounds for denying his visa? If you say, "Because he is a criminal," I would comment that most western nations do not recognize "political crimes" as an impediment to granting a visa.

Has Thaksin been convicted of any "political crimes"? Or has he only been convicted of criminal charges, the same as any other common criminal. Being a politician does not mean crimes that you committ become "political". Ask the UK politicians jailed for fiddling their expenses.

I think the US only has to say/consider that Thaksin's convictions were politically motivated (Whether they are or not) then as far as they are concerned isuing a visa is not a problem.

Do they give everyone this consideration or only if you have a few billion stashed away somewhere?

One country cannot arbitarily ignore the laws, constitution and judicial systems of another. However, if you're a billionaire and the behind the scenes ruler of another country, well that's different. Obviously, the criminal charges that he was found guily on were politcally motivated, trumped up fabrications .

The US doesn't hold themselves accountable to anybody and couldn't care less. They will do what suits their policy and future plans and that's it.

Remember during last year's floods. Hilary Clinton said on TV than America would support the Yingluck government, especially in re-building poilce stations to maintain law and order - a clear message of where America stands. More to be gained from Thaksin than his political oponents.

Since his conviction successive Thai governments have shown no real interest in doing anything other than let Thaksin run around the world with impunity.

So why should the Americans be bothered?

Because America has self assumed the mantle of the world's ethics, moral, and justice leader; and is willing to police this (but apparently only when it suits).

I am not anti-American, infact have always been very pro-American, but the current administration seems intent on forcing it's views and laws on everyone, whilst ignoring other countries laws when it suits "policy".

If she said the decision had 'no bearing on pollitics' then either she is flat wrong, or the person who told her to say that is wrong. The decision had everything to do with politics and the fact that T has truckloads of money, and his sister is in the power seat. The ambassador must know who calls the shots for the current Thai government. So, no matter how you look at it (unless you want to say it was all about money), .....the decision to grant a visa to the troublemaking scoundrel was 100% political.

Please madam Ambassador, don't talk to us as if we're brain damaged 4 year olds. Stand up and tell the truth. I say this as an American, whose father was a US ambassador.

Good comments sir!

There won't be widescale flooding this year. There will always be some local flooding somewhere in Thailand. For the pedantic among you, Yinluck was referring to widescale flooding, and she is correct in what she said.

ermm.. and how the <deleted> would u know?

Perhaps he writes Yingluck's scripts! He seems to know what she "really" means when she speaks.

There won't be widescale flooding this year. There will always be some local flooding somewhere in Thailand. For the pedantic among you, Yinluck was referring to widescale flooding, and she is correct in what she said.

ermm.. and how the <deleted> would u know?

Perhaps he writes Yingluck's scripts! He seems to know what she "really" means when she speaks.

Listening to the advice of a Thai Lawyer who stated catergoricaly that I could buy a house in my own name!

I thought you could buy the house but not the land.

Yes! on a 30 year lease,which is not the same as ownership,Or in your Company name,which is still not the same as your ownership.And you are correct you can't buy the land.

Not correct but they have you thinking that

Go to BOI several programs where you can buy. Some developers only build for expat buyers

1 way is transfer over 30m baht. can buy up to 2 rai land and home

Welcome to Thailand Mr. Rothschild!!

Haha, yellows do this to Thaksin in US and you sing praises. Double standards all around and they are all equly bad including Abhisit.

Is Abhisit a convicted criminal fugitive on the run too?

The reason the sentence is so big is due to a heavy previous (cannabis selling again) and not paid any tax in 20 years.

They are claiming he makes 500,000 a year, which is crap of course.

A tax for illegal activities? Are they trying to tax his "income" from selling drugs?

Illegally gained wealth and assets can be siezed. If he proves he got them legally then he is liable for unpaid tax, plus interest, plus fines and/or imprisonment. He's in deep deep brown stuff if HRMC are after him. They won't forget or go away.

Thanks for the info guys, yes I agree about couch thing, not a chance, I got a work permit and a life of my own.

2 final questions:

Can you renew from Thailand if it has only 2 years on it?

It's confirmed, if you got money and you have been living illegally in Thailand, you won't go to jail if you can afford a ticket, fine and or bribes?

Thanks guys, feel like have all the info we need now.

You can renew a British passport at anytime. If the current passport has not expired extra time will be added onto the new passport expiry date up to a maximum. My old passport had 6 years left, but all the pages were full. I received a new passport 2 weeks after applying to HK.

HK complete the checks, take the payment, and then send off to London where the passport is produced and sent back to Thailand. I suspect that somewhere in this process there will be a flag that your relative is bailed to appear in court on a certain date. Applying for a new passport with 2 years left on the old one may raise warning bells. Also, bear in mind that the existing passport will be cancelled as soon as the application for a new passport is received, regardless of whether a new passport is issued or not.

Jumping bail will just cause bigger problems, and I think an extradtiton request will be made and acted upon. Always better to go back and show remorse.

Agree with KerryD - I spent over a decade working in the Mid east and yes, $75 -100 USD was the going price in Dubai for a short time. I left there in '96. At that point there was a large influx of Russians & Ukrainians, we generally lumped them under the heading "ex-Black Sea port military hookers". I've heard since that the Chinese were also moving into the market.

Oh yes, the sex trade is still alive and flourishing in the mideast.

Absolutley agree - go into any hotel bar in Dubai and you'll see plenty, like Bahrain. Abu Dhabi is a bit more discreet but there are still plenty of Chinese, African, Lebanese and former USSR hookers plying their trade. I haven't seen any Thais or Pinays openly there, so guess they've been out muscled.

After living in Saudi Arabia for 10 years and traveling in other Persian Gulf countries one must realize that woman are on the bottom of the social scale. Most likely the man's camel would get better treatment...and when you think of a "TCN" (an Arab's word for third country national class) there is no fair treatment. Yes,many locals claim to be practicing their religion faithfully; yet, it is just meeting the rituals, not practicing it from their heart.

No - wives and mothers are treated very differently to migrant workers. Maids, shopgirls etc., particularly from Asia or the Indian sub-continent would be right down on the social scale. You can't generalise that all women are treated the same - in these countries the difference in treatment is polarized.

From all accounts Swedish prisons are classed as good as your 5 star hotels he will enjoy a life of luxury without having to worry about paying any bills filling his belly with food to me that is not punishment !! R.I.P to those he killed and my thoughts and prayers to those who still suffer from this mad madmans actions .

I think he will be in a Norwegian prison.