attento

The President was promoting his view of American political self-interest. And so he should ! So all nations leaders should !

As for the USA/ EU trade deal, it is not the UK who is holding it up. The French are concerned about the invasion of Hollywood, the Greeks are worried about American erstaz Feta cheese, many countries are concerned about the "liberal" use of antibiotics in American meat production, and so it goes on.

The UK is the USA's largest export market in Europe, being greater then that of France,Spain and Italy combined. Has the President consulted American industry about his idea to make life more difficult for American exporters ? Just maybe, the President believes that with the UK inside the EU, his trade deal stands a better chance of success.

Maybe, American politicians have a different understanding of the word Democracy. That is their right.

But, the UK has it's own values, and they are not consistent with the lack of democracy and the corruption that is evident at the heart of the EU bureaucracy. Nationals from other countries may snigger at this British view, but that is to misunderstand the British sense of fair play. (That is not dead)

Is it really true that the USA administration is so short of competent staff that they can only manage one trade deal at a time. If not so, then why the threat of snubbing the UK for a separate trade deal. That stinks of the worst form of politics, not common sense.

" Has the President consulted American industry about his idea to make life more difficult for American exporters ?"

I think you are misunderstanding the issue. The American president is not threatening to "make life for American exporters difficult" if the UK leaves the EU. He is stating the obvious. IF the UK decides to leave the EU , the trade situation with Europe will become much more difficult.

With respect Sir, the opposite may indeed be the case. There is far more opposition to the trade deal in continental EU, than in the UK. The USA and the UK talk the same language in trade terms and in national economics, The UK and the USA would be far more likely to strike an amicable deal, than that envisaged with the EU. Difficulties usually arise when mere politicking gets in the way of commercial good sense. The Trade deal as it is proposed (by the USA) is totally outside most Europeans concept of "open and fair trade". However, the British and Americans, operating 1 to 1, would be capable of reaching an acceptable deal.

There is a great deal of opposition to the TTIP in the UK,especially how it could effect the NHS,as it could force the privatization of the NHS. This could lead to the American health care providers gaining control of the NHS and leading to an American health system. However one notably supporter for TTIP is the Secretary of State for Health mr Jeremy Hunt.

There is some opposition to TTIP in UK, but hardly a "great deal". for the simple reason that the terms have not been widely aired. The best chance of making a fair and open Trade deal which is in the best interests of both parties would be between the UK and USA, 1 to 1. A deal arranged by Brussels would (must) ignore the best interests of the UK., in favour of a "least common denominator" type of arrangement. Fine for the USA, but potentially damaging for many European states.

The money transferred to Brussels every year from the UK would certainly help the NHS in the UK.

The President was promoting his view of American political self-interest. And so he should ! So all nations leaders should !

As for the USA/ EU trade deal, it is not the UK who is holding it up. The French are concerned about the invasion of Hollywood, the Greeks are worried about American erstaz Feta cheese, many countries are concerned about the "liberal" use of antibiotics in American meat production, and so it goes on.

The UK is the USA's largest export market in Europe, being greater then that of France,Spain and Italy combined. Has the President consulted American industry about his idea to make life more difficult for American exporters ? Just maybe, the President believes that with the UK inside the EU, his trade deal stands a better chance of success.

Maybe, American politicians have a different understanding of the word Democracy. That is their right.

But, the UK has it's own values, and they are not consistent with the lack of democracy and the corruption that is evident at the heart of the EU bureaucracy. Nationals from other countries may snigger at this British view, but that is to misunderstand the British sense of fair play. (That is not dead)

Is it really true that the USA administration is so short of competent staff that they can only manage one trade deal at a time. If not so, then why the threat of snubbing the UK for a separate trade deal. That stinks of the worst form of politics, not common sense.

" Has the President consulted American industry about his idea to make life more difficult for American exporters ?"

I think you are misunderstanding the issue. The American president is not threatening to "make life for American exporters difficult" if the UK leaves the EU. He is stating the obvious. IF the UK decides to leave the EU , the trade situation with Europe will become much more difficult.

With respect Sir, the opposite may indeed be the case. There is far more opposition to the trade deal in continental EU, than in the UK. The USA and the UK talk the same language in trade terms and in national economics, The UK and the USA would be far more likely to strike an amicable deal, than that envisaged with the EU. Difficulties usually arise when mere politicking gets in the way of commercial good sense. The Trade deal as it is proposed (by the USA) is totally outside most Europeans concept of "open and fair trade". However, the British and Americans, operating 1 to 1, would be capable of reaching an acceptable deal.

The President was promoting his view of American political self-interest. And so he should ! So all nations leaders should !

As for the USA/ EU trade deal, it is not the UK who is holding it up. The French are concerned about the invasion of Hollywood, the Greeks are worried about American erstaz Feta cheese, many countries are concerned about the "liberal" use of antibiotics in American meat production, and so it goes on.

The UK is the USA's largest export market in Europe, being greater then that of France,Spain and Italy combined. Has the President consulted American industry about his idea to make life more difficult for American exporters ? Just maybe, the President believes that with the UK inside the EU, his trade deal stands a better chance of success.

Maybe, American politicians have a different understanding of the word Democracy. That is their right.

But, the UK has it's own values, and they are not consistent with the lack of democracy and the corruption that is evident at the heart of the EU bureaucracy. Nationals from other countries may snigger at this British view, but that is to misunderstand the British sense of fair play. (That is not dead)

Is it really true that the USA administration is so short of competent staff that they can only manage one trade deal at a time. If not so, then why the threat of snubbing the UK for a separate trade deal. That stinks of the worst form of politics, not common sense.

There is absolutely no chance of the EU problems being resolved JUST because UK stays inside.

They will be resolved or not, whatever the UK decides.

And . . there is no agreement amongst the member states as to the definition of either the problems or how they could be resolved.

The real conundrum for Brexit voters is . . Are there any competent politicians of adequate conviction, who are capable or governing the country, after so many years of accepting imposed legislation and social direction. ?

( I do know that "competent politicians" is something of an oxymoron)

No surprise that Turkey wants to join the EU, where freedom and democracy are essential pre-conditions. . Turkey meets the standards set by the Germans.

Not sure that a failed test means so much. Many countries have had failures when developing missiles. Kim Jong-un will have a way to spin the facts anyway, and the rocket scientists should have learnt as much from a failure as from a success.

There is scant evidence that K J-u terminates the truly indispensable workers, but contents himself with "thinning out" the sycophants and "hangers on" who become surplus to requirements.

what sort of Secret Service operative wouldn't lie if they believed it was in the best interest of their country ?

A mark of a real University should be teaching and encouraging research, with impartiality. The students may wish to draw their own conclusions. There are many examples of "Universities" around the world where this ethos is not maintained, for various reasons.

When did the Polynesians invade Australia ?

Is this a case of "my invasion good - your invasion bad" ?

If Germany allows Turkey to join the EU, that will be just one more reason for Brexit.

What sort of Church encourages, or worse, actually pays people to steal ?

What sort of Church would consider displaying a Communist propaganda poster ?

Fairly safe to assume it is not a Christian church.

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Something very strange about this report

This unfortunate woman is dead in this way because CCP China began to industrialise 30 years ago and as a consequence all of 'em have yet to begin to think about safety measures or precautions. There apparently had also been no alarm system independent of the main power source.

Industrial or consumer safety in the CCP is almost completely lacking or hardly a thought in literally all respects to include in the home. China emerged only one generation ago from the Age of Agriculture which Mao had done nothing significant to surpass.

It's a culture that remains ancient and in many ways pre-industrial. CCP China has modernised rapidly but its culture is not yet modern. CCP Chinese have no clue of modern or advanced economy or society in the way it is lived in Europe or in North also South America, Australia/NZ or even in Dubai and much less in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore.

Even the USSR industrialised when China did not. Consequently our socio-cultural awareness and values are absent from mainland China. Size matters to the CCP as the focus has been on big GDP numbers ("man made" as they are). Quality comes later if ever. The environment there is a catastrophe. The government remains a dictatorship that in fact hasn't any idea of a modern economy or of its impact on people in 21st century society.

Yet the CCP Chinese believe 100% they remain the center of civilisation and are its primary agent of advancement. The contact with global realities is wholly absent. No clue whatsoever.

In Europe, Industrialisation started some 250 years ago, whereas the social aspects of this development were very slow in recognition. These social reforms, including safety of personnel, only started to become serious issues within the last 150 years. The facts about China's rapid move from an agrarian society are plain to see, but the reforms of working practices (whilst never fast enough), are likely to be implemented much sooner than they were in the West.

The German Chancellor very kindly invited them all to Germany, but ......... forgot to offer them transport to get there.

Does the Luftwaffe have any transport planes these days? Does the Deutsche Marine have any ships?

60k. Not too clever to leave it in an overhead locker. Surely the passenger had pockets in his trousers and shirt.

His pockets were full of the other 100k winnings, Only the small change went in the locker . .

Crime must be rampant in China , One of Chinas greatest exports, criminals.

Gun crime is rare in China. No easy access to weapons.

But, there are "chancers" everywhere.

This will attract the TV conspiracy theorists and the TV "expert" police investigators, lawyers an forensic scientists, who will argue that accusing Cambodians of a crime is a deviation/denial of "real justice"

ThaiVisa explanation:

The Cambodian fishermen ran out of petrol and swam ashore to buy petrol for the boat. As they were arriving ashore, a gang comprising some of the wealthy landowners on the island attacked the French tourists. The tourists were then told they had better say it was the Cambodian fishermen who did it or they would never leave the island alive.

DNA evidence ?

The French might be "sensitive" but they cannot interfere with the Judicial process of another Sovereign Country.

The French State has "form" when it comes to illegal action in other countries. Some may remember the French security services blowing up a ship in Auckland harbour, NZ Murdering a crew member in the process. Leopards and Spots ?

Meanwhile, the value of scrap metal on world markets has been falling lower and lower.

Would the considerable cost of safe removal to a scrap metal yard be justified ?

It will be interesting to see how many of these Company Executives will appear in the Honours lists next year, as compared to the names of executives whose Company's have not signed up to this political stunt.

No comment about the interesting remarks of the police spokesman ?

"""......... shooting at old folks should be off-limits ............""

Does that mean that shooting at anyone else is within-limits for criminals ?

Those of you who are saying a young woman shouldn't go backpacking alone clearly never did much backpacking. Just because you set off alone doesn't mean you'll be travelling alone and vulnerable - pretty much everyone ends up meeting up with some likeminded fellow travellers more or less immediately. That's one of the joys of travelling alone - meeting new people.

Exactly, and getting drunk with new people, having your belongings stolen by new people, having your drink spiked by new people, etc.

I've met plenty who've experienced all those as a result of meeting new people

My view is that it's better to travel with a companion and watch out for each other, particularly if you're young and inexperienced. It doesn't prevent meeting new people, but there's safety in numbers.....numbers you know, not your new best friends.

. . the young and inexperienced, do not appreciate the depth and breadth of their inexperience . . that is what defines youth.

Pleased of course....and no doubt she has had a time .... of sorts.

However, it's stupid of her parents to condone such utter idiocy as to let a girl ( without worldly experience ) Backpack ALONE.

Causing Panic after only a few days in which she was high on something or someone!

She's a 21 year old woman, not a child. It's not a case of her parents letting her do anything.

. . . and there is serious discussion in the UK about lowering the voting age to 16. Promoted as the new "age of responsibility"

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Is there not a difference between age and maturity ?

Krabi Local, could you contact me privately, I'd like some more information if I may to use (anonymously) in my ebook about tips for traveling to and living in Thailand.

Any place is dangerous, and Thailand is on-the-whole one of the safer destinations if you keep your wits about you. The problem is that any place you're not familiar with can be deadly and, especially when you're in a holiday mood you tend to relax your guard and do stupid things sometimes.

I'm extremely relieved that Grace was found. Contrary to what many posters here have written (many of which are unnecessarily cruel comments), disaster can strike anyone at any time. My daughter (same age) got struck with encephalitis when in Malaysia (probably picked it up on the plane!), luckily she got home in time Actually, I found her catatonic, outdoors, and rushed her to hospital. She ended up in hospital on her next trip overseas, she passed out in a shopping center and was rushed to the local A&E. Very unlucky. I thought it was a relapse of encephalitis. Similar symptoms but completely unrelated. It turns out she'd been drinking too much water (just water, can you believe it!?). Low sodium levels in your blood causes disorientation and seizures. It can be deadly if not treated correctly.

I've also had some close shaves that could easily have ended up in disaster. And I know several friends who've ended up seriously ill (in one case dead) for anything from a stupid lapse of judgement to water on the road to some other idiot driving too fast on the road to a dog coming out of nowhere to bite you on the leg.

And we're not all psychologically balanced either. Going on a trip can bring things to the surface that is kind of manageable at home (because of routines, habits, familiar surroundings, etc.) Heck, I'm a stable person, but I've occasionally flipped and got into potentially dangerous (or illegal) situations. Sometimes it could just be a bad day. Sometimes it's a case of 'male' pre-menstrual disorder. So imagine how difficult it must be for a young woman (or guy) on an exciting adventure in unfamiliar surroundings (in a language you can't read or understand), and when things go wrong and start to unravel...?

Sadly, e-books or any form of guidance is likely to be ignored. Most (young) people believe that these things always happen to someone else. They know better. Their 'friends' have related enchanting stories of "freedom" and a "do-as-you-choose" life.

It was ever thus.

This ship belongs to RCL (Regional Container Lines) which is listed on the SET. Singapore flag but thai owned. A pilot would certainly have been on board but as per rules of navigation, the Master still remains responsible. The Singapore Maritime Authority does a thorough enquiry of all accidents on their ships and publishes the results, so we can hold back the thai bashing till then. Could have been a loss of steering or an error of navigation.

This is the only intelligent replay I see here,good for you.

Agreed.

But TVF would be decimated if intelligent replies were to become a requirement

I'm sorry,it's not only emerging markets who subsidize their farmers.Farmers in Europe are heavily subsidized by their governments...

Half of the EC budget goes to agriculture, helping depressed areas, etc., etc. That's 75 billion EURO.

Mind you that's half of the 1.4% of the 28 member states' GNI. The European Community has a wee bit more money to spend on this apart from having a proper administration and auditing system.

mmmmmmmm, I am sure you meant that as a joke. I could see the funny side, anyway.

The EU accounts have not been passed by the auditors for nearly 20 years !

The EU shambles ( which you describe kindly as "proper Administration" ) is totally incapable of producng a legal set of accounts, yet have the temerity to interfere in the running of legal businesses throughout the EU. No other business or organisation in the EU is permitted to exist in that illegal manner.

And yet, so many of our fellow contributors laugh at corruption in Thailand.

p.s, do you know any more good jokes ?