peter48

Is it common for over 75's farangs to have swollen feet only in Thailand not UK. I did at Songkran when over & temps were very high. I got water tablets but they were not a great solution although the 3rd Pharmacist gave me some better ones to take. Likely I need to talk to my GP before coming over for several weeks next month etc.? My bedroom had no air con but very big fan. Thanks

One thing's for sure the damage Trump is doing to the world is massive. Globalisation raised all boats particularly for countries like Thailand with cheaper popular exports to USA and China. Thats falling now although I think its being hidden a bit. . Thailand is going to get poorer like most developing countries as World bank are predicting. When trade is reduced and exports prices rise ppl suffer. That's started. And 9 yrs ago the Brexit idiocy hit UK and now they are poorer as their trade, exports, inward investment, and growth has sunk. As always the very rich suffer far less than the average family who have less assets. It's happening already.

The moral of the story always let someone close to you ( son, daughter, family ) know where your going in Thailand. Most especially if you are new to Thailand, travelling alone,going to remoter parts. I think this applies, young or old. If it's a new online person you're meeting do so in a busy town or resort. Most Thais are great people but as everywhere large scale inequality makes life tough for some.

To lose your daughter in these tragic circumstances demands sympathy, empathy and support. Clearly the roots of this are criminals who sell harmful dangerousl drugs. Tourists need protecting wherever they are in Thailand & these deeply sad stories need police investigations, local solutions not finger pointing. I hope the mother can help stop these serious problems somehow.

Yes but I think we can infer that a significant drop off in exports to USA will affect Thai economy,factories,jobs, incomes. Or perhaps I am wrong and I have missed something.

Am I missing something but not a single reference to Trump imposing some of the highest tariffs on Thailand? In most countries even with lower tariffs this is the hot topic.

Covid hits the elderly far more seriously than others. Brits over 75 have had a Spring booster earlier this year. It seems down to so many factors like your immunity, respiratory system, possibly weight, vitamin D etc., But one thing for sure its serious. Never forget it was under Trump ( 1,219,487 to date) and Johnson ( up to 230,000 deaths) that some of the highest deaths figures globally were recorded because they were late to take it seriously. India and Peru and Mexico too. Generally what happens is that at its height the hospitals never have enough intensive care facilities ( that's why Germany came out far better) . Advanced Covid more or less 'drowns the lungs' in the most worst cases. How come? Fluid builds up in the lungs Airflow is restricted The person can't get enough oxygen

Just down from Hua Hin and in Hua Hin there is lot of infrastructure appearing over last 2 years or so such as the new Railway now overhead, better and newer roads, further down big changes on the coast side, brand new dual carriageways taking you quickly to places like Pran Buri, Sam Roi Yot coastine, and lovely little quiet country park beeches like Samphraya beach and then further down to beaches close to Prachup Khirikhan. Brand new fast roads - impressive. You can avoid the very busy main road going southwards

I think your correct on that, noticed this year service can be variable with some restaurant lady staff looking quite miserable at times ( by know means all). Of course the best places are where you are made to feel welcome, plenty of smiles, attentive bright staff, food suggestions, reasonable English, and those are the busier places, making more money, where visitors will return.

But there are loads of places to go in Thailand where what you describe is not true, loads of gorgeous beaches, loads of historic places, family places, student places, walking areas, country parks, sea sport places ….maybe you just go where there are lady bars no problem with that, but don't assume all lovely Thailand is like mad Phuket or the wild west of Pattaya

I guess compared to UK/Europe not as expensive but that's just 2 Thai drinks with an early night. But I think if you are not on some 2 week splurge yes prices in Thailand have crept up after all its not a first world country. If your here for longer several weeks or month or so etc its noticeable and taxi trips in and around at 200 baht for 1 short trip.

Not sure on that, kids or students on gap year are not the poor of Europe. Generally middle class kids before or after university from wealthier parts of UK or Europe and whose parents can afford for their off spring to travel for some months often not just Thailand but Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia which as we know are cheaper and reportedly some say friendly too.

In the earlier 2000s Farang / Europeans/ Aussies flocked to Thailand because you got for example 55 baht to £. Now its too expensive often in tourist places well over 550+ baht for just two drinks and a basic meal for two. You can be charged 100 baht for a Leo in some bars. Decrease the Baht's value and tourists would flock back. Even now as Trump threatens the Thai economy and Thai exports with massive tariffs on its goods exported to USA ( where poor Trump voters will pay a lot more for everything imported) we only get circa 43 baht to £, lower rates at most Thai ATMs and ATM charge on Tourists every time is 230 baht ( circa £5.30)

Come on any of us can have an accident. As we age we are more careful but we may slip, fall or stumble. Our senses are less astute, our eyesight less focused, hearing too. Insurance companies need charge more for Thailand visits like US. Sorry that's reality. All age groups too. Would UK hospitals charge so much for our visitors from SE Asia. Are Thai hospitals over charging ? It's time UK authorities and Thai authorities sorted out these huge bills. Holiday insurance is all about things like accidents. Journalists should follow up the Holiday Insurance companies abandoning tourists in LOS

Lads are lads but this is sad. Be interested to know which insurance company this is. Often things happen to any age group. Motor insurance will cover our mistakes when driving surely. Accidents happen. It's time these holiday insurance companies are exposed and must surely know if customers go to Thailand you could face big bills. Something seems not correct with his insurance company.