animalmagic

4 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Only well-connected people would think they can get away with that. Follow the money! 

Follow the money?  They are probably the ones collecting it!

7 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

Funny thing is the reports I hear say NATO officials are alarmed by Joe's decline. 

Can't be alarmed by 45's decline.  He's hit rock bottom and started to dig!

Trump's Potential Cutback on NATO Intelligence Sharing Sparks European Concerns - 

We have all the funding/intelligence we need out of Russia.

On 7/10/2024 at 8:09 PM, susanlea said:

Born naked with nothing. When you die you don't get to take stuff with you. So why do people accumulate so much junk? 99% of everything you own is junk.

Most men take their junk with them!

42 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

I hope this post does not violate any forum rules - if so, Moderator, please remove (apologies for my ignorance; so many fora so many rules, hard to remember them all).

 

"As Justice Sonia Sotomayor said in her blistering dissenting opinion, the Supreme Court majority just made the president "a king above the law." She wrote, "[W]hen [the president] uses his official powers in any way, under the majority's reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution. Orders the Navy's Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune. Organizes a military coup to hold onto power? Immune. Takes a bribe in exchange for a pardon? Immune. Immune, immune, immune."" ("TRUMP v. UNITED STATES," U.S. Supreme Court, July 1, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/194359?t=18&akid=396381%2E4700055%2E8YM7PE"

Look at the Confirmation hearing for Kavanaugh where, under oath, he stated repeatedly that no one is above the law.

On 6/29/2024 at 5:23 PM, 123Stodg said:

I can't help but notice all the negative aspects about many of the expats I've come across in Thailand. It's disheartening to see that so many foreigners seem to fall into one of several categories: unpleasant, criminal, or otherwise problematic.

 

Firstly, the number of rude and disrespectful expats is staggering. It's as if some people left their manners at the airport. From obnoxious behavior in public to a complete lack of respect for Thai culture and people, these individuals don't add anything positive to the backdrop. It's also embarrassing and frustrating to witness. How hard is it to learn a few basic phrases in Thai, be a bit more polite, or follow simple cultural norms? Instead, we see loud, self-entitled behavior that screams, "I don't care about your country or your customs."

 

Secondly, the criminal element among some expats is alarming. Every other day, it seems like there's news of another foreigner involved in drugs, fraud, violence, some form of exploitation, or other illegal activities. It's as if Thailand has become a base for these unsavory characters. This not only tarnishes the reputation of the expat community but also undermines the safety and tranquility that many other expats came here seeking. Why should locals trust us foreigners when they see so many of our compatriots behaving so disgracefully?

 

Another troubling aspect is the noticeable lack of respect for local laws among some expats. Whether it's overstaying visas, working illegally, or engaging in shady business practices, these actions show a blatant disregard for the rules and regulations of the country that's hosting them. This kind of behavior only serves to alienate foreigners further from the local community.

 

The arrogance and superiority displayed by some expats is also deeply troubling. Many act as if they are better than the locals, displaying condescending attitudes and constantly complaining about Thailand and its people while refusing to adapt. This creates a toxic environment and further damages the relationship between expats and locals.

 

To add to the negativity, many expats seem perpetually angry, unfriendly, and dissatisfied with their lives in Thailand. It's baffling to see such resentment and unappreciative attitudes in people who have chosen to live in a foreign country. They complain endlessly about everything from the lack of safety to the frustrations with local customs, creating a cloud of negativity that affects everyone around them. Instead of appreciating the unique experiences and opportunities Thailand offers, these individuals seem to be stuck in a loop of dissatisfaction and bitterness, making it harder for other foreigners, who genuinely respect the country, to maintain good relations with locals.

 

Finally, there's the issue of health and hygiene. Some long-term expats neglect their health, often seen as very overweight, poorly groomed, and suffering from lifestyle-related illnesses due to poor diet, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption. This not only affects their quality of life but also perpetuates negative stereotypes about expats being unhealthy and unkempt.

 

Why is all this happening? Is it the lax visa regulations or the perception that Thailand is an easy place to hide that draws these types in? Whatever the reason, it's just sad and very disheartening.

Dunno, which category do you fall into? Are you unpleasant, criminal or problematic?

29 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

If I make money gambling I guess I will have to pay taxes on it?

It is also a good way of allowing taxation on money laundering.  A win-win for the crooks and the government.

Understanding money laundering in casinos (complyadvantage.com)

6 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Is anyone surprised?

Continuing the British upper class tradition of exploiting the peasants, IMO.

 

The family are Indian and 2 of them managed part of the business from UK.

The employee abusing member of the family lived in Switzerland and committed the crimes there.

The staff were recruited by the Indian arm of the group in India.

Please explain how we get to a broad attack on the British upper class?

15 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

 Wars... The USA loves war - especially proxy wars where others die, and they pick up the paycheck. Ukraine has NOTHING to do with the USA - let Ukraine fight if it wants to. What if Russia supplies money and intel to Mexico is that ok?  or Hawaii?  or, CUBA, your hypocrisy is mindblowing. 

For me to be hypocritical would require that I say something in favour of USA and the actions you refer to, which I have not done by the way, but derogatory to Russia.  The simple fact that you now choose insults without justification weakens any valid point you may have made.

2 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

 Some of what you say is true - but you leave out the good 'ole USA and its many wars after WW2? Want me to list them? My point is that the other large countries will not let USA hegemony continue unchecked. If the USA minded its own business and looked after its own people many problems would stop - and don't try and claim the US is the 'leader of the world' and has a duty to interfere in virtually every country in the world.

All of what I say above is true!  Now who is using deflection? You continue to use to deflection with complaints about USA without acknowledging the current wrongs of Russia today in Ukraine. 

Interfering in virtually every country in the world is why every country in the world has embassies!