daveAustin

Quote

Thailand will buy submarines "not for battle, but so that others will be in awe of us," Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha,

 

 

Who is others: North Korea, Burma? Stroll on. That one phrase right there says everything that is wrong with this part of the world. I would be quite surprised, not awed, if you could build your own Vanguard-class nuke subs, let alone making do with the Chinese's poxy diesel-powered cast-offs. 

Derrr. Surprised you have to ask. You'll see this all over the world. They are generally wonderful on the face of it, and yes, there are also scummy people in those non tourist places. They are just more visible when they get together with the other opportunists in your hotspots. In answer to your question: both.

Do em, Don, and drop one on Mr Kim while you're at it. That would certainly take the focus off the feminists and dogooders at home. [emoji6]

I totally agree. I view the popular-vote LOOSER (Trump) a threat to U.S. democracy, and the entire world.

Trump is a vote 'looser'? Doesn't make sense. Looser than who, Hillary? That'll be the day.

Tusk is just an out of touch Eurocrat. Aside from Germany and the 'receivers', his harping on about further integration is just what will further divide the eu. Carry on.

Nope, and certainly not for a tourist. That would only be for new, boxed items. Everyone has a smartphone nowadays. Folks just came through with four iPads / iPhones between them, lots of other goodies + cash etc. 

It's amazing that when a white Christian kills Muslims, it only garners a handful of comments, most of which are pretty bland.   When a Muslim kills white Christians, there are pages of vitriolic comments.  

Not amazing. Quite logical really. I guess for most people it is such a rarity or one off. This guy was also a nutjob as opposed to the ongoing hatred of the entire West by swathes of Muslims. And, no, I don't condone this attack.

The snowflakes will soon change their tune when slayings of western folk en masse kick off again... or will they? Who cares.

A simple retort by the lady should have been, 'that's all I think you're worth'.

Just a (likely feminist) lefty loon trying to make a name for herself. Go Donald! 

Oh gawd, one can't even start a civil, benign thread without dogooder snowflakes infecting it. It's sad to see this carry-on in Oz. The indigenous populace have never had it so good and do not own the land. They are merely lease holders like the rest of us.

'Merkel says'. Sorry, I didn't get beyond that.

In his view, Bangkok should be able to compete with well-known niche cities of the world such as New York, London, Paris or Tokyo.

Niche cities? lol.

In his view, just how does he think his fair capital can compete with the alphas? Should be more realistic and look closer to home; KL or Singapore for instance. I guess it's easier to be pie in the sky when something is unattainable.

The terrorist have sleeping cells in many other countrys also within USA. The ban has nothing to do with terrorism but with raceism.

Dear me, change the tune, it's getting really boring. If the bloke were racist he wouldn't hire black people or have married his immigrant wife. At least he is doing something tangible to try to throttle ISLAMIC terrorism to his country. It might have the opposite effect and inconvenience some, but it was a campaign pledge and is worth a try. Should probably have included Saudi and Pakistan though. The likes of Jeremy Corbyn and their dainty left tripe (when is his party going to boot him out!) are sickening to listen to.

Never understood the fascination behind them celebrating Chinese New Year outside China. If it's that important, why not all go back to china and celebrate it?

Quote: "Funny that such a pretty girl would have such an ugly boyfriend".
 
Great statement do you think they say that behind out backs about farang / thai couples. ...

They say worse than that.

10 hours ago, sioux2012 said:

wow ...after reading only the first page of comments, we TV posters have become, so pathetic on sensitive topics that it is impossible to find words to describe ourselves. Somehow, somewhere posters will find a way to quickly turn forums into their own playground with inferences to other topics either about themselves and comparisons. Many do this as a windup to bait other TV posters, and sure enough,  hook, line and sinker swallowed within minutes bringing in 3 or 4 others to defend their opinion on a completely different topic from the original headline and posting.. Granted, there are 1 or 2 postings that slip in between the boyish and immature bating that try to bring the forum back on course, but are sadly ignored by the selfishness that appears to ooze from the same group of adults. Is this what we have all become?

Lack of empathy, not affecting them, internet is not real, trying to generate laughs or likes; you name it. And bearing in mind that many on this forum are sad old sandal/wife-beater-wearing so & sos.

I don't dabble but can't see the big deal, oldest professional in the world. As long as they make the effort, give good service and everyone is happy. Doesn't do much for the 'image' or stereotype of Thighland, though, granted. 

Ignore the bickering and bias views op. You might come across that type of carry-on if you associate with the lower classes, esp in work -- and I have in the past, it ain't pretty -- but in general I found most people to be decent. I think the main thing to make a go of it is to avoid constantly comparing it with life over here (and it will keep popping up, from having to wait two weeks to see the GP to sitting in very orderly traffic ) and just get on with it.

 

Yes, we should have all absconded and left Blighty to the bread thieves in the 18th century, but we're stuck with it. The positives outweigh the negatives and it'll be so much easier than if you had a family to worry about too. Stuff like pricier fuel is put into perspective when you're earning multiple times what you were here, groceries as said is same or cheaper (and choice/quality vastly superior), and lots of menial paperwork stuff can be sorted online.

 

It is a grind, I know, but if it's just a short time, it's a means to an end and you can have one eye focused on the out to keep you sane. I'll just leave you with this: what would we do if we didn't have the luxury of the backup of the UK?

More relaxed (AND CHEAPER) in the early days and certainly before he was in, though I guess could be partly down to the way things are going in the world in general + rise of the internet as to why it's changed so much. I preferred it back then. 

Sure thing, but how about China grasp the importance of other countries' territorial rights. Problem with arrogant, egotistical, xenophobic politburos (especially Chinese ones) is there is no compromise, they must have it all. Urging, telling, begging Trump to do this or not ain't going to get them anywhere. They're better off keeping quiet.

On 8/31/2014 at 5:06 PM, JoeLing said:

Decades ago, when i crossed to Malaysia with a couple of Thai friends, they gave
a couple of baht to the custom officer behind the window. They told me it's custom
and it's to say thank you to the spirits* for [surviving] your stay in Thailand.

Since then, I always give 10 baht, ocasionally even a dollar - after I got my exit stamp.
It's just tip, a micro-tip. Nothing to do with corruption.

Have a tip - have a coffee - have a nice day - - - get's you a long way

No different if I leave 10 baht under the pillow after a good nights sleep in a hotel or at
a friends place. It's for the "ghosts*" to thank for a good nights sleep.

* Ghosts and spirits come in all kind of forms. Uniforms, waiters, nurses, cleaners, etc

They told you it was for the spirits to save face for their bent brethren. Why perpetuate it, do you also tip customs in your own country?

Waste of time and the lords will not put up a fight lest they want to become obsolete. Talking of obsolete, I see Sturgeon is bleating on about independence again. Yawn, please do.

1 hour ago, Bulldozer Dawn said:

If you are rich enough to own a Porsche in Thailand, don't move here.

Move to a country that has rule of law.

Don't fall victim to Thainess.

I think that's a crock of s...! If anything, by being moneyed here you will likely garner respect than in most places of the world. It is how you get that money that is the issue and if there are dodgy dealings -- as I believe the OP alludes -- or you've stepped on toes, then it it not one of the best places to be. 

Went with less safe. While WWIII with Russia is no longer imminent, he is going to severely pee off the Chinese (it's inevitable - one only has to look at them wrong and there's a problem) and exacerbate 'relations' with IS. As for domestically (US), I think everyone can guess which way it's headed there.

I must be one of the few who thinks this is a nice gesture from a decent bloke.