Emdog

They forgot to mention & supply stats regarding exodus of expat retirees such as myself that have gotten the heck out of Dodge for the duration of this festiveness

17 hours ago, darren1971 said:

No problems were found with the documents and none were missing, she said we had all the correct documents. But now they send all documents to Bangkok and have to wait for their return before they will marry foreign/thai couples... She didn't say where she was sending them. My Thai gf has been on the phone and apparently, this will be the norm at all amphurs going forward with only Bang Rak and Don Muang using the old system.

 

We are trying to get in at her local amphur in Bo Thong, Chonburi but the boss man is not available.

Surprised your bride didn't pick up on implied "solution" (had similar situation in 2016): wheels need to be greased. My now wife went in and made a contribution and voila! "problem" solved. Wife told me about her solution later, probably a wise thing to do. I was frustrated but keeping it together. Extortion requirement might have blown my cork

Now expect a threat: "We're going to ask really really strongly to remove illegal construction! Pretty please too."

1 hospital for 7 million potential patients. There you go

Recall 1972 US presidential race when McGovern's running mate forced to drop out because he'd seen a psychiatrist.

Odd human trait that when our home culture changes we expect the rest of the world to tag along and change too.

3 hours ago, LomSak27 said:

"Chauvinistic"  looks more like you are blaming the victim.  However, by being low key and diplomatic about certain things the knowledge about the world and its dangers is not there. Some of those famous guidebooks backpackers use, spend a good deal of time, papering over dangers. It's in thier self interest to do it this way. No doubt countries might threaten to prevent sales of their book in their country IF they were a little more realistic.  It's win win for them but might not be in the best interests of the backpacker traveler types.

Not just guidebooks, but some websites with traveler's  boards too. Years ago I posted what I thought were reasonable & prudent suggestions for staying safe while touring in Thailand. Got a message from admin complaining about my "wet blanket" attitude and less than Pollyanna view. I thought "F'em. They can't handle the truth" and never posted there again

"Road safety measures prepared for Songkran"

So get crashing now and beat the rush.

Any election here is "abnormal", so I reckon abnormal is normal.

I go in with all that paper work but also assumption they will ask for copy of something I didn't foresee. Luckily they now have copy facilities in house. Attitude keeps me from blowing a gasket

I much prefer my hospitals to overcharge "reasonably"....

"Police said Seree previously was imprisoned three times on drug charges, once for gambling and once for theft"

And how much punishment did he get for those crimes? Couple nights in jail, nominal fine ad wais all around?

Love Helen Mirren, and that love came from watching years of "Prime Suspect"... which was on TV, don't know of any theatrical release. Hmmm

RIP. I hope he has no children. If he did, Darwin natural selection wouldn't apply.

Recall from years ago regarding twilight being very dangerous time to drive. Elements like low sun on horizon, some have lights on, some don't, etc. Even if you don't need the lights on to see, turn them on so others can see you my advice

".. exams to test their knowledge about the new traffic laws."

While they are at it, how about exam covering old traffic laws too?

Will it be "multiple guess" format? Something like:

a) it is illegal to drive cement truck into rivals house

b) driving on sidewalk is illegal

Tough choice....

Another hack hack job

Hopes for a speedy full recovery. Guess time eventually switched sides. Don't let it break your heart. Be strong as stone!

I thought God promised "The Fire Next Time"

I've resorted many times over the to my internal mantra "This is Thailand. This is Thailand. This is Thailand."

Haven't strangled anyone... yet