MrY

Naturally most supernatural events take place not here, but are observed within the United States. This prevalence of paranormal activity is a humanly observable side effect of an exorbitant amount of extraterrestrial traffic within the country. While to the uninitiated it may seem there is an unusually high number of such observances compared to the population, one must understand there is a whole nation on the lookout and hare-brained hair-triggered to explain every supermundane event by world unexplainable. America, I salute you standing tall in the face of science!!

(I apologise for being slightly OT, but I could tele-pathetically sense a large number of the enlightened reading this thread. It's just that I'm physically too far right now to teleport a personal message onto each one's desk.)

I am not an eye for an eye guy but they h are on death row because they have taken at least one life most likely in terrible circumstances

That is not true.

Just look at the Joe Dick trial in Florida, or the West Memphis 3. With Damien luckily freed from death row after 18 years.... there are likely thousands of innocent people on death row in America.

There's 3000 people on death row. So according to you they are pretty much all innocent..? (That's what they all say!)

This is just an example that not all Israelis are bloodthirsty warmongerers. There is at least one organisation in Israel (can't remember the name) that seeks peace and opposes the oppression of the Palestinians.

FYI, not all Israelis are jews either. 75% are.

Water level in tank, every 10 meters above tapping point gives 1 bar. 2 bar is acceptable.pressure. so water level in tank should be 22 meters above ground level. Be sure you use sufficient diameter tubing., and remove inside burrs!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I think 1 bar works for a normal home, unless there is a rain shower...lol.

water heater won't work with 1 bar!

You can opt for a "boiler" instead of an instant water heater. It will also give you hot water for a few showers during a power cut. I bought one with a thermostat for 6xxx baht and set it so one couldn't get a skin burn even at full hot (still quite hot). I was also advised by the salesman that the full hot setting would eventually deteriorate the insulation. It's on it's 6th year now. I get my steaming hot showers and the wife loves the hot water for cleaning dishes and all.

Thailand confident tourist arrivals will hit revised 2014 target

There, fixed it for ya.

In Dec 2013 [even with the ongoing demonstrations] the TAT target was 28.0 million (5% up). Then when things were looking more serious it was 24.x million (~10% down). Now it's 26.1 million (still down from 26.7 million of  2013). If you keep on moving the target to meet the numbers, you will always hit your target.

Years ago when Thailand first got their much desired 10 million arrivals they even demolished the 90 day visa exemption rule to get a few hundred thousand more arrivals (That more than doubled the number of visa runs overnight), inconveniencing thousands of people in the process. Before that nobody paid any attention to how and how long you stayed in Thailand (I've got old passports to prove it) and visa service agents were openly handing over stacks of passports at immigration checkpoints. They just didn't care.

 

official here either don't talk to each other or just want to confuse everyone so no one question them.

 

I just read that the Malaysia airline downing will effect the tourism an now everything should be ok

Plus the boss of Swampy said only a few days ago that he expected arrivals to be down 7.7% for the year.

Each of them lives in their own little world and none of them are in the same real world as the rest of us.

 

7.7% down seems just about correct. Don Muang and other airports international arrivals are up and TAT tourist arrivals 'target' is down from 2013.

Not to worry. My boy started at 3 years in pretty much complete sentences. It will be like flood gates opening...

Just make sure you speak the kind of English you want your child to learn, don't simplify [even when talking to others]. And your wife should stick to Thai only with the child, unless you don't live here the year around.

The silence will pass. Enjoy the conversations.

Court should do right decision of this case.

Every court in every country should "do right decision" in every case every time. Or am I missing something here..?

VAT is added to a product's price at every stage until it lands in the hands of the consumer

Could someone who is more knowledgable about this than I am elucidate this statement for me? It seems that the same goods are being taxed over and over again at a static rate which doesn't make any sense. Does that mean the ingredients used to make a product are taxed at the wholesale level when sold to a manufacturer. Then, they are taxed again when a final product is sold to a retailer. Then, tax is paid again when the consumer buys the final product? As labor becomes increasingly specialized, small firms begin to produce smaller components and parts with greater efficiency than one large company. With this VAT system, it removes the incentive for specialization of labor. Therefore, it seems arguable that it goes against market principles in terms of efficiency. Furthermore, manufacturers and big business will certainly not absorb any of these costs. They are all built into the price and passed on to the consumer. So, consumers are paying all of the business tax. It makes sense from the perspective that the tax is only paid for products that are purchased and therefore in demand by the economy. However, it does go against specialization of labor.

Do I have this all wrong?

It's all in the name, Value Added. VAT registered businesses pay VAT on the price increase of the merchandise they're selling only. This applies whether they are re-selling a product or manufacturing it.

Some of the agriculture and small businesses may be VAT exempt, but if the goods are sold to a VAT registered company, the taxes end up paid in full at the end.

Consider an example of a company buying a product for 50 baht wholesale and selling at 110 retail, 10% VAT included. In every case the company collects 100 baht of the price and the tax is 10 baht.

In Case 1 the company buys in the product at 50 baht, VAT not paid. Cost 50, tax 10, profit margin 50 baht.

Case 2, the price is the same, 50 baht wholesale, but with VAT already paid (4.55 baht) and included in the price. The re-seller pays tax on the value added only. So in this case the cost is 50, tax 5.45 (10% of profit margin), and profit margin 54.55 baht.Confusing, eh? The consumer the price is still 110 baht, and the government still gets their 10 baht.

It is true that currently [and traditionally] a lot of the fresh produce is sold directly to the customer at markets across Thailand without paying VAT. Can you see why the government isn't exactly rushing in to protect the traditional way of doing business and to stem the tide of Tescos and Big Cs? It's all about tax revenue. Those big players can't skip taxes.

"The reason is that it wants to boost domestic consumption and economic growth."

Can't see it! Other factors may, but increasing tax isn't one of them.

The answer to your confusion is right above the line you quoted:

"These comments came after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) announced that it would maintain VAT at 7 per cent for a year from October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015, after which it would be increased to 10 per cent."

They are delaying the VAT increase in the hopes of not throttling back the feeble economic growth. You're welcome.

Considering the highway traffic by-passes Hua Hin town, they've managed to maximize traffic congestion with a minimum amount of vehicles. It's a model alright, to make your village seem like as big city with traffic jams and all...

Suicides with multiple shots been fired are very suspect, and mostly not what they seem to be, not a suicide I mean, I hope there has been an extensive forensic analysis started on this one, before Mr Suthi's body has been 'cleaned', and the pick-up truck has been cleaned up thoroughly too by friendly helping hands... A 'shadow' in the spread of blood stains inside the cabin could prove there was some helping hand at work already, for instance... Very strange, weird, and so 'convenient' for the powerfull, ruthless, people he was opposing!

The BKK Police Chief Inspector just called...he wants you to lead the investigation.

He has requested you bring your 5-season collection of CSI:Miami starring David Caruso along with you.

;-)

Very careful wording, not claiming to know any actual facts about the case. Jab undeserved.

That aspect - the racism aspect - is what defensive responders focused on. They IGNORED the larger points, which I think says a lot. My post was largely about the sex industry being utterly ignored (which is something that truly destroys lives), and how education is utterly ignored as well (which is the only solution to the first problem). I did notice, that no one thought to comment about that. Instead, they literally came back with statements about how 'lazy' Thai people are - and yeah, that does smack of racism.

My point, was that the actions of the Junta do not address Thailand's real problems. And to answer your question, what people could DO here, which is at least one small step, is to stop buying the empty propaganda that what people need in Thailand, is to crack down on English teachers who only have a tourist visa. The way people here go on and on about it everyday, it's as if they actually believe that that is some kind of national emergency - and YES, they DO ignore the real problems by doing that. THAT is your answer, right there. You make mocking statements about Jesus, to avoid looking at it. And, I don't find it intelligent or admirable.

John1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10, I don't even know you, but take a chill pill! You've already resorted to calling people "racist" and "sociopathic" for no good reason. I don't know which John you are today, but it's not working real well for you.

3 shots indicates a struggle and the mother ruling out foul play indicates fear.

...and the stab wound in the back indicates an attempt to dispatch himself earlier in the day. The zip-tie around his neck is just proof of his masochistic tendencies. And the suicide note dropped off at the local police station three hours after the suicide indicates he had an accomplice...

Honestly, a three shot suicide and foul play is completely ruled out? Probably it's just because he was a nice guy not bothering anyone so there's simply no possible motive...

You're utterly blind to say you need 'proof' of that. They are working all around you, every day. They are your maids, the gardeners who manicure your environment, your security guard, the people reparing houses across the soi, cooking your food, bringing you your beer....I could go on and on. Sociopahtic of you, in fact, to not have noticed their struggles behind those smiles by now. Or, do you actually believe they find it a pleasure to serve you?

When you characterize 'lazy Thai people', is speaks to your racism. And is a justification you make for taking advantage. And, you conveniently overlook the salary aspect, I notice. Let me guess, you blame the poor for their own low salaries, as well.

I also must confess to this 'sociopathic' and 'racist' inability to spot the legions of overworked Thais (but maybe it's just me as I use my time Africa as a yardstick as to what constitutes 'overworked'). Underpaid, for sure, but rarely overworked. Having contracted various work to the locals over the years, it is my experience that even doubling the going (poor) rate will not make them productive. 20,000 baht will not get you a security guard that will not sleep on the job. The expectation here is that they are supposed to pretend to work and you then pretend to pay them. If you need more done, hire more of them at the piss-poor rate they expect and accept.

Thailand, one of the "pearls of the east". It is practically self sufficient...

...and Ceylon, Goa, Hong Kong, India, Java , Philippines, Shanghai, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and that stunning stripper that used to work at Suzie Wong's make the rest of the "Pearl Chain".

Here's some reading on the Thai utopia about 'self-sufficiency'. It's a model, not a fact. I've got no views about this politically, but they are nowhere near reaching this worthy goal. Just saying.

Localism in Thailand

My country,U.S.A. only supports countries that are a democracy. Thailand is not currently a democracy.

The U.S.A does not support any country that permits slavery. Thailand permits slavery.

What's left to explain?

Oh yeah...come to Thailand and spend your money...but good luck getting a visa!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mother of God, we have another live one!!!

Off the top of my head just SOME of the "democraticisms" the Good Ole US of A has sponsored, past and current:

Chile junta

Egypt junta

Taleban

Greek junta

Argentina junta

Contras

Paraguay junta

Noriega

South Vietnam

Cambodia

El Salvador

Persia

Marcos

Saddam Hussein (pre-Kuwait)

Apartheid

Haiti

...and that's just some of them openly admitted and easily verifiable.

You've got an 'F', back to school....

That magnitude wouldn't be noticeable by anyone unless you were in a quiet environment and expecting it. It's about what you would get from a heavy truck driving by your house. Must by a slow news-day. There will be another one of this strength somewhere in about 30 seconds from now...

As one other poster stated - Why bother her pretty mind with all that.

Anyone who has gone through a divorce knows it's best to error on the side of caution.

I went through a divorce (in Canada) and it was fair. When we met we were poor ass students, when we divorced, we had quite a lot of things to split, and everything was split in half. Each of us could have tried to rip each other off, but we just split everything in half without much lawyers' involvement.

My new wife knows everything about my assets and the money I make, and why not? We trust each other and take care of each other.

In reply to one of the comments, then his wife asked for a raise... what sort of relationship is that? Rent-a-wife type of relationship?

Dude, she asked for more money for family expenses, not an increase in an effin' salary! I would expect my wife likely to use similar wording if the monthly allotment wasn't covering the expenses. It's not like he's paying for a live-in hooker (check his avatar for a reality check). Some do. It's the ho-made food they're craving for....

Sure the laws haven't changed, in 1998 they started using breathalyzers around town in CM. The first effect was that all the drunks driving cars switched to motorcycles as the police had admitted to only targeting car drivers since they posed the most danger to other traffic and the police did not have enough manpower or machines to check everyone. Then it all fell apart as someone figured out that refusing to take any kind of alcohol test was a (I recall) 3000 baht fine, but the consequences for taking and failing breathalyser (and subsequent blood test) was loss of license, over 10,000 baht fine, plus community service (I don't know how the last one falls within the Thai law, seems more like an American thing, and I've never seen it mentioned in any news since).

Mine surprised me by telling me not to tell her any details. Says she worries she would spend too much if she knew...

 

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>
 

One less rockspider on the planet.  A feel good story.

 
Comment from an ex cop who you would expect would be pushing for fair & balanced judicial process, not lynching.
 
Given many of your comments I wonder how you carried out your daily work as a cop.

 

My football coach forced me to touch him when I was 10 and I have lived with it all more life, I hate these slimy bastards with a passion and if they are murdered in prison then I rejoice.
 
The problem in Australia this filth is put into a special wing away from the general population where they are pampered and cared for with love.

 

...but he was NOT CONVICTED! I'm in the same opinion as most here, but please!, investigate first. How'd you feel if your wife/gf and you had a fight and she went to the police with this kind of a fictitious claim..? Not saying it happened here, but it does happen. And death penalty is not even needed, in many countries any sentence for sexually assaulting a minor IS a death penalty unless you're separated from the other convicts.

ClutchClark post # 3

I travel by rail frequently and aside from this horrible crime, I don't see any issue with the rail service.

Its an inexpensive means of transport serving many locations throughout the country.

It is popular amongst Thai and farang alike. It offers an economical means of transport.

This was a horrible incident. The entire country is rightfully in shock; however, the outlet for that anger should be directed at the assailant and not the SRT.

One presumes of course that you would let your daughter(s) ( if you have any ) travel without any thought at all concerning their safety based upon your somewhat naive comments.

The supplier of the service has a duty to its clients i.e passengers personal safety.

They (S.R.T) failed to carry out their obligations with tragic results

How dare you bring my family into this argument.

Wow. I truly hoped CC was being sarcastic and not just demonstrating the limitations of out-patient care...

Thais are oblivious to dogs barking, huh? I wish.

I've got two 80kg imported "monsters", and even though their barking just seems somewhat loud to me, they seem to sound very upsetting/threatening to the locals. I guess if you don't feel physically threatened by a dog, then the barking is easier to tune out too.

They're out in the yard daytime (they're not very active in the heat) with bark collars on and bark a few times a day (briefly) when people come close to the fence. Nights they spend in an enclosure by the side of the house and never alert us without reason. They are completely oblivious to local dogs barking and never join the chorus.

5 mill..., no, 50 million..., eh, 500 million baht! Yeah, that's the ticket. 500 Million Baht worth pirated goods!