JingerBen

Too easy.

If you dislike or disagree with a post then refute it with a kickass reply.

8 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

This is just one of many ways that Trump is destroying America.  The US already spends way more than any other country on defense and has by far the strongest military in the history of mankind.  And Trump wants to spend even more?  To do what?  Start more wars?  And of course, this money has to come from somewhere.  So senseless.  Another example of the stupidity of Trump.

It's not just the stupidity of Trump - it's the stupidity of those who voted him into office.

Although it could be argued that Hillary Clinton and the interests that she represents was a far worse alternative.

The recent election was a classic no-win situation for the American people and for the world.

10 minutes ago, Morch said:

@JingerBen

 

The situation was not solely created by Israel, nor is it solely maintained by Israel. There's another side, namely the Palestinians - and it is an undeniable fact that they contributed to their current and ongoing predicament. Ignoring such facts, and favoring drivel like the post above is not contributing an iota to the conflict's resolution.

Blaming the Palestinians is a familiar propaganda ploy.

Israel stands condemned by the whole world.

What country supports the occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza?

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

I wonder if Trump will offer the West Bank in the same deal for Crimea to Russia - 50 to 100 year lease to Israel?

No international force necessary.

There is no telling what Trump might do - the man is totally unpredictable.

Israel has itself created a terrible situation which it is incapable of solving. That is why it has always been the case that the United States must pretty much dictate a solution, but it is unable to do so, paralyzed as it is by the heavy influence of Israel and America's own apologists and lobbyists.

So, in effect, the world just goes around and around on this terrible problem, never doing anything decisive. The macabre dance of Israel and the United States we've had for decades yields today's de facto reality of Israel as nothing more but nothing less than a protected American colony in the Middle East, one in which all kinds of international norms and laws are completely suspended, one where millions live with no rights and no citizenship. But, after all, colonies have never been places where the rule of law and human rights prevail.

23 minutes ago, kenk24 said:

 

If you do not like some of the things they talk about, being able to speak the language will enable you to sometimes direct a conversation to some of the things you are interested in... conversation does not always have to be trivial. 

 

And Thai3 - that is not true for everyone. Some people can learn to speak so they can be understood by most. It takes time and effort and desire, which you can easily brush off with silly excuses/comments about subject matter. I find most Thai very genuine and quite willing to confide their concerns in life. They can also be quite funny and light hearted. 

 

Not being able to speak, I think you miss out on many of the joys of living here. It does take time and effort to learn. If you don't want to make that effort, that is fine, but don't blame your inability to learn a language on an excuse that you think Thai people are shallow and have nothing to say when you can't even talk with them and confirm that... 

Excellent post that sums up the topic very well.

1 hour ago, Gecko123 said:

A timely reminder. Generations have passed since the rise of the Third Reich and people forget. It can happen again. It may already be happening again. Vigilance, resistance and speaking out are the orders of the day. 

Nothing was learned from the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany.

Many of the countries who fought against them - and those who were persecuted by them - went on to make the second half of the 20th century one of the bloodiest periods in world history.

2 minutes ago, mamborobert said:

 

 

Still active in CM at lifeevents dot org.

 

5000 Baht for 1.5 hours......i sh*t you not.  Now with that amount of money even in Chiang Mai I could DIY make my future very pleasant for a few hours on a Friday and Saturday night (Sunday night being for rest).

 

Posters should not mock this profession, as positions itself as an important occupational baseline..   Without clairavoyants, occupations such as meteorologists, astrologers, and economists would not look so reliable

 

 

5000 baht for 1.5 hours was what she was getting back in 2011.

Maybe she's holding the line on price because business is slack these days.

Russian Shaman Woman In C.M. - Chiang Mai Forum, 23 Dec 2011.

Interesting thread with some good posts, both pro and con.

This woman - Diana Manilova - still seems to be active in Chiang Mai.

Is there any recent information about her?

3 hours ago, bandito said:

 

And Hamas complies?

Murdering and torturing any captured Israeli.

That's in the International Convention according to you Jew haters?

Who started socking rockets and granates at Israel, right  the lovely Hamas.

Any country bombing your country?

What would your country do if so?

Retaliate? probably send the attacker flowers.

International Convention, my a...

 

 

Demonizing people as "Jew haters" isn't very effective at persuading them that you're correct. It can, in fact, even push people who are on the fence over to the other side because it is ugly. It evinces the same lack of respect for the basic humanity of one's opponent no matter which side in an argument does it.

It's a kind of bullying and engaging in it further erodes what semblance of civility we have left on this forum.

11 minutes ago, dexterm said:

Netanyahu's reaction is ridiculously over the top.

 

There is nothing in the UN resolution that has not been well publicized as US foreign policy over the last 8 years and beyond. To boot the resolution does not even pack follow up sanctions anyway.

 

The text of the OP UN Resolution is well worth reading. http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.761030

 

Settlements and the occupation are illegal.
Calls for an end to settlement building.
A two state solution based on the 1967 lines
Calls for restraints on provocation and incitement to violence.
Reminder of Israel's obligation to protect civilians under the Geneva Convention.
Urging a return to negotiations based on previous UN resolutions and peace conferences.

 

I can't understand why Netanyahu should be so upset, except that his bullying tactics (getting Trump to lobby Sisi) to have these facts silenced did not work this time, and his ego has been bruised.

Spot on.

That sums up the topic very well.

Concise and to the point.

2 hours ago, Morch said:

 

Well, I do know better, so in this sense, yes. Then again, not much into pitchforking, a bit of damper for some.

 

Actually, not so many countries were involved in serious attempts to solve the conflict. To put the nonsense in perspective,  and fact oriented footing - neither Arab countries, nor the Palestinians were very keen on peace overtures. Painting it as a one way street is the usual drivel. Same goes for Israel always saying "no" - unless one believes that the existing PNA came about as a result of such a "no". The US use of veto right with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in explained here - Negroponte Doctrine. As observed in the past, some posters seem to have difficulties coming to terms with the idea that the US does not necessarily see things exactly as they do.

 

With regard to my views on conflict resolution: having, supposedly, joined the forum about a month ago, do feel free to browse posting history, you'll find what you're looking for there. Would serve you better than posting obvious untruths regarding my positions on these topics. Not sitting in any ivory tower, for quite a while now, thanks. And not too impressed with a newcomer anonymous poster pontificating, or claiming to speak for the "world". We've had many of these on the forum over the years.

 

There is no boycott nor international sanctions the way some posters fantasize about, and nothing along these lines in the making. Yet, for lack of any original thinking, some keep banging about it on and on. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. There was very little support suggested, in any of these topics, that such a hypothetical boycott would actually advance the Palestinian cause. More like the wishful thinking of posters who cannot or will not address the complexity of the situation. The same goes for the view that such a hypothetical boycott would be effectual without government level participation.

 

The last bit is evident from your ongoing referral to Israel as a whole.  Anyone not on the pitchfork brigade would know that there are multiple points of view, and that public opinion is split, if not fragmented, on a whole range of topics. Including issues pertaining to the conflict with the Palestinians. So when you post nonsense which amounts to asserting all Israelis support this or that, it leaves your previous claims of having a clue under some doubt.

 

Allow me to express further doubt with regard to calling your own question an honest one. First, I myself do not side with the policy of the Israeli government. Second, there are no short term or immediate solutions to the conflict in its entirety. And anyone who claims otherwise is basically a snake oil merchant. Anyone not discussing things as they relate to both side of the conflict - another snake oil merchant.

 

The illegal settlement of Amona ought to have been evacuated years ago. This is an ongoing affair within the larger context of the conflict. Pretty much what's happening now was posted on previous topics. While the current Amona episode seems to be a done thing, what with evacuation looming, it is rather a side show compared to the related over-reaching suggested legalization. Amona is but one settlement. If the coalition succeeds in passing the new bill, and if it will survive the scrutiny of the Supreme Court - then the situation will be royally screwed up. That's for the benefit of those thinking things cannot get worse.

 

Your final point is thought provoking.

It may be that the publicity surrounding the evacuation of Amona is a smoke screen for the legalization of many other illegal settlements.

The end result of this policy - a one-state reality - will be a disaster for Israel.

How will they live with the millions of Palestinians in the West Bank?

Grant them full civil and voting rights and Israel ceases to be a Jewish state.

Keep them confined to bantustans and the civilized nations of the world will do to Israel what they did to apartheid South Africa.

1 hour ago, DavidVincent said:

Well Your answer show clearly you think you know better than anybody who does not express the same view as you are.

I am not a newcomer, and being an "old chap" in thaivisa does not give you much credit, it tends to show the opposite in fact.

Lecturing me like you try to do is more amusing than offending. One more time you think you are right, because you're probably Jewish and therefore you should have some kind of better understanding of the situation. Unfortunately History proved it is wrong most of the time, and being too close from a subject, make you nonobjective..

I do not want to have an original thinking, I am quite glad to sidee with the majority of the world opinion on this subject. (just have a look at the percentage of countries who recognized Palestine as a state pis kind clear I think).

The situation is not so complicated : Israel still continue to settle, still do not want to have the help of other countries (and yes most of the time it is because of Israel refusal that nothing advance in peace treaty).

Regarding settlements in general, I am sorry to say it, even if you think it is wrong:settlements are a major problem for peace.

A boycott is easy to put in place without a government level participation, it has been proved numerous times and with the expansion of social media, it is even easier).

Allow me to express further doubt about you position on the conflict. Looking at your post history is useless, you are "against the settlements" but will never allow anything who can corner Israel as wrong. You proving my point by refusing to answer a simple question : what to do to force Israel to stop settle and steal land?

Many opinion among Israeli about the conflict? I am quite sure of it. A majority voting for a government clearly pro-settlements, approving a guy like Lieberman in it show also a lot about the mentality in this country.

How comes we could joke and pity trump voters and yet not say the same about Israel government or any government?

Most of your posts are about how the people are wrong, how uninformed we all are, while pointing a couple of links which are clearly not impartial neither..so long for a guy who pretend to lecture the "pitchforked, haters,..or worse", but nothing about YOUR view.

As you re quite quick to point OT things I will not put the Palestinian side of the problem, even if they are no angels and this is an euphemism.

Amona is one settlement among many others, lists are freely available on the web, videos of bigots living in them are also quite clear about their thinking.

So let's agree to disagree, but keep your judgments on posters for you if you don't want to be judged!

 

 

Exceptionally good post.

3 hours ago, cornishcarlos said:

3 hours ago, fruitman said:

Wow, the tourists must be flocking to sit in a train for 100 meters...If it drives at walking pace it will take a whopping 1 minute i guess, awesome! Another new super-idea from the TAT ?

 

3 hours ago, cornishcarlos said:

 

Could well be a mis print there, don't you think ?
It says that it links several tourist attractions in the area, so more likely 100km :)

 

Obviously a misprint... but don't let it get in the way of a little gratuitous Thai-bashing.

Nana Screw - 2 locations in CM.

Their website has contact information and a map.

Great source for hand and power tools plus hardware of all kinds.

They would likely have grinding wheels.

Good Luck.

6 minutes ago, Strange said:

18 minutes ago, nodomino said:

There is no need to rely on news filtered through the hugely corrupt global media propaganda machine. Go to YouTube. Duterte is there explaining his positions and rationale in very easy to understand English.   Make your own decision.  You don't need the AP, CNN, MSNBC, or ANY explanation.  Also, try to become aware of narco- politics as it has been payed out by the western powers for almost two centuries.

 

12 minutes ago, JingerBen said:

Agreed.

 Narco-politics started with the Opium Wars in China during the early 19th century.

 

6 minutes ago, Strange said:

 

So what? Kill them all? All the "bad" drug addicts? Never mind the fact that a vast majority of them are doing it because of the incredible amount of corruption and poverty going on? 

 

Seriously, Duterte is justifying the killing of thousands of drug addled countrymen who are a product of the corrupt, filthy government. 

 

 

Your answer shows that you misunderstand the term narco-politics.

3 minutes ago, nodomino said:

There is no need to rely on news filtered through the hugely corrupt global media propaganda machine. Go to YouTube. Duterte is there explaining his positions and rationale in very easy to understand English.   Make your own decision.  You don't need the AP, CNN, MSNBC, or ANY explanation.  Also, try to become aware of narco- politics as it has been payed out by the western powers for almost two centuries.

Agreed.

 Narco-politics started with the Opium Wars in China during the early 19th century.

1 minute ago, Strange said:

 

Trash post clearly spoken by an america hater. 

 

The only thing we think about Duterte and the political turmoil going on is that its "Unfortunate" for the Filipinos. All about the money. 

Have another Kool-Aid.

Duterte Harry's days are numbered.

The Empire likes its thugs obedient. This guy is anything but.

Furthermore, he has a visceral hatred of America and its appalling record of crimes in the Philippines during the early years of the 20th century.

The first attack on Duterte will be a negative and sustained media blitz with the objective of bringing about his downfall by the Filipinos themselves.

If that fails - as it probably will, due to his popularity - other means will be used to eliminate him.

2 hours ago, Henryford said:

Just show her your bank book - works with ALL women.

37 minutes ago, YeahSiam said:

 

And how did that work out for you back home?

Probably not very well.

Like so many other things, it works better here.

8 hours ago, mania said:

 

 

Also known as the bend over & spell run method

1 hour ago, evenstevens said:

 

yes ,one can put it that way,

but 15 yrs plus full time living here in C/mai, have encountered far worse hitches,then this storm in a tea cup

and  looks as if  a  1600 baht fine is on the cards, if that is the case to deal with it, E/S will  bend over, and pay with a smile, to get on with my happily self funded retired life in Cmai,    from reports, presently there is only one winner in the T.M. 30  Stakes,and thats the Immgr Dept, pay up ,or get out, as you have done

do hope you are in good health,and your shelia as well

its a lovely cool morning to all

 

 

A cool reply, and good advice on how to deal with this situation.

Replying to the car wash question only...

I've had experience with many here over the years and if I was you I'd forget the petrol stations and check-out the place in Nong Hoi.

It is located on a soi off the CM-Lamphun Rd. at the intersection opposite the Holiday Inn.

They do an excellent job - inside and outside for 120 baht [I include a 30 baht tip].

Very good service and courteous people to deal with.

1 hour ago, cardinalblue said:

So what you are saying is every Felix Jose and Tom who travels away from their Thailand address for more than 48 hours whether domestically or internationally must report/notify immigration by the airport upon return?

 

thailand does not have the IT to effectively manage this regulation. If everyone complied they would be over run by volume...

 

got my 90 day and retirement extension at P last week and no one asked me about TM 30....

Same here...

I did my 90 day report at Promenada yesterday and no one asked me to show the TM30.

But maybe they will next time... the goalposts are always moving.

Just now, boomerexpat said:

'What about the expats without families? Do most end up marrying Thais? I encountered a lot in Bangkok and Chiang Mai who didn't.

In Chiang Mai the aged expats without families can get some help from the CEC and Lanna Care Net.

26 minutes ago, boomerexpat said:

I imagine there are old Thais in the villages but that wasn't my question. 

 

I lived in Bangkok and spent time in Chiang Mai and Phuket. As I mentioned, I can't remember seeing any very old expats.

Thai families take care of their own, and that would include a farang who has lived among them for many years as a husband and father.

Family means everything here.

Your position in the family defines who you are.

Without one you are nobody... farang tao-nahn eng.

1 hour ago, chiang mai said:

I sense a book in the making perhaps, "A Critical Review of Chiang Mai Parking Lots", author, Parker Carr, a right riveting read!

Just what I've been waiting for,  A Critical Review of Chiang Mai Parking Lots, by Parker Carr.

It would take pride-of-place on my bookshelf alongside The Ruptured Chinaman by Won Hung Lo.