Old Croc

Can't say he wasn't warned of probable outcomes. Have to laugh at his choice to pitch his tent on Patong Beach after seeking advice on a quiet place to go. Seems to be towards the north end of the beach. Of course toilets are available on such a major tourist beach. It's a bit like camping on Bondi. Complaints most likely came from beach venders or resorts, not many residents living there.

Were you taking photos in the arrival hall? That could set them off. Were you disrespectful when questioned, many have a fragile ego. I'm not right up on procedures, but I think you have an appeal right, others may know more. To refuse for lack of funds without checking would be grounds.

No surprises that you didn't understand the humor of my post, Louisiana Lou.

Really! Sorry, I cant agree.

Obviously, you are free and entitled to quote anyone anytime. However, when you make an argumentative comment to me alone, despite other earlier posts in similar vein, I will question your motives. Regarding the guy's occupation, I don't agree that my "correct response" to your post is to simply agree or "explain why" just because your ego thinks you get set the agenda. Calling me antagonistic and a crybaby is classic projection.

The difference between a Marine and a soldier (starspangledflags.com)

If you have a thing about the use of a subject's former occupation by news outlets, including AseanNow, in articles and headlines, take it up with them. Don't quote me nor seek my assent for your views. It could lead to me incorrectly assessing your motives.

Why quote me to make your point? Perhaps my sensitivities stem from others who do stalk my posts and attack my opinions because of personal dislike.

Perhaps you should address your feelings on that issue towards the people who placed that fact in the OP and the topic title, or the members who felt the need to so describe him in their posts. I'm sure there's no personal rancor in singling me out for petty censure.

In the OP he was described as a soldier. This is why I wondered why posters here referred to him as a marine.

Others here have hinted at it, but there could be a racist element in the assault or also likely, jealousy regarding a female. Small query - is a US soldier a marine, I understand marines hate being described as a soldier. They are part of the navy.

I'm genuinely interested in what your version of "fully open up to the world" is, and what other countries fit that description. As far as I'm aware, most countries have immigration legislation that covers visas and rules for the entry and stay of aliens which addresses work rights among other matters.

Perhaps they may have caught the miscreant in the act if they hadn't worn their uniforms while pretending to be customers.

If you had a little more acumen, you may have noticed the bit about the reaching for the stars, and by reading my initial posts on the topic you may have picked up my parody of the new multi layered title structures. Perhaps for those a little slow with comprehension I should have put up a video clip of "Stairway to Heaven". Pomposity! There's a word for people in the habit of accusing others of doing what, in fact, they are doing. Projection.

Bit slow on the uptake as usual Lou! and: Considering most of your posts on the forum consists of quoting others and censuring them, a massive hypocritical comment!

I missed the joke!!!

I have Mitsubishi fans throughout the house. Five speed, from very slow to very fast plus an intermittent setting if required. Remote control. No complaints, work very well. You asked about cost in a subsequent post. Not the cheapest. MITSUBISHI Ceiling Fan Remote Control Type 56 inch C56-RA5 ( New Model Year 2021 ) Classy Grey (Dark Gray) / Mist Gray (Light Gray) | Lazada.co.th

Where to retire on places named in this list for penniless Americans - Bulgaria, Albania, Pattaya? A pity Pattaya is not also named in this web company's next list "The most christmassy places on earth." I presume once Pattaya transforms into a 'Smart City" prices will skyrocket.

In 1976, I was in a work syndicate that won a "Prizes Galore" lottery run by my State's Lottery Commision. The $125,000 prize divided 6 ways meant I received $20,833 (AUD). Doesn't sound like much now, but it was about the price of a modest house back then, which is how I spent most of it. The other members had their picture on the front page of the newspaper, but I was on an overnight fishing trip and didn't find out about the win until the next day. Interestingly, the second prize went to another syndicate of guys from a govt dept and I personally knew about half of them. One of my mates on the fishing trip, worked with them.

An update for those who thought it a good idea at the time. If anyone bought a cabin, good luck getting your money back. Miray Cruises - Wikipedia

I'm glad you found my offerings "interesting". I have no problems with the Brits retaining their traditions even though I find it astounding that a nation would fete unelected descendants of thieves, plunderers and slavers. My rancor stems from the fact that my country retains the inherited leader of that family as head of state. A referendum for a republic was skewed by people with strong British ties who dominated the process. I don't believe plunderer's families should be allowed to retain the spoils of their crimes just because it is historic. Tell that to the Greeks who are again trying to regain their "marbles" from the accumulator of stolen goods, the British museum. The Egyptians would also like their priceless artifacts returned. America. I'm not going to engage in debate about their guns for reasons related to insanity. I will point out the ludicrous inaccuracy of your "world's lowest gun fatalities" statement. By deaths per population the US sits at about 20th. Better than places like Brazil or Mexico, but nothing to boast about. A long way from the best of the 200+ countries in the world. I understand the suicide and child mortality rates by guns probably do lead the "world". You would never convince me that battle scared veterans armed with weapons of war in their homes equates to safety, particularly involving themselves! The reason I specifically mentioned "mass" shootings is because America is the world leader in that genre by a massive margin. I feel I would be much more likely to be mowed down by an automatic weapon there than anywhere in Thailand, including Phuket.

Perhaps he had an attitude of anxiety and contrition and was relieved to be able to depart without incarceration. Many lawbreakers in this situation believe themselves to be the victim when it's time to face the consequences of their actions.

Firstly, a few years ago the government retrospectively added a criterion for extensions to the O-A visas to include bogus health insurance payable only to a select few Thai insurance companies. This stemmed from complaints from Vachira hospital that foreigners had departed leaving a few million baht in unpaid bills. The govt was unwilling to seek compensation from short term visitors so unfairly placed the burden on a small proportion of non-immi long stay residents. Does any of this money flow back to the hospital? Secondly, it's reported this man has a low platelet count, an immune system problem that results in a thinning of the blood. As the treatment requires many transfusions it would not be at all unusual for this thin blood to soil the sheets. I have a medical condition that requires me to undergo regular bloodletting. Occasionally, during the process, blood gets on the sheets even in top level facilities. This huge, very busy, public hospital wouldn't be able to constantly change bed linen. If you want 5-star treatment, go to the excellent private hospital a short distance down the road. If the sight of poor Thai people dying in your crowded ward offends, at least pay for a private room. Thirdly, if your lifestyle choices (see pic of huge beer gut) result in medical problems which you probably ignore, but instead go on a hedonistic holiday without travel insurance, blame yourself, not that country's health system. If you want dunny paper, buy some, poor Thais generally don't use it. Any of the staff or other patients' family visitors, would be happy to assist for a couple of baht. Don't turn such an idiotic thing into an international whinge or form part of your fund raiser!

To me it seems this tourism safety exercise is more about tourist control and overwatch than their personal safety. You mentioned a couple of the great cities of the world, I too would love to return to Paris and Vienna to spend more time exploring what they offer. My travel through Europe previously was too hurried. London, been there done that, and as a strong Australian republican, I have no interest in viewing the accumulated chattels of a family about whom I cannot understand the adulation. America, safety? Over 2000 confirmed suicides from your bridge, more than 520 mass shootings so far in 2023. Pass.

Mixed feelings. It's good to see one of the Bangkok political elites actually visiting the country's tourism cash cow rather than just counting the money as it fills the coffers in the Capital. However, the reasons given for the visit seem silly and paltry compared to the real problems there that require massive remedial action from government to restore Phuket to again be one of the great tourism destinations of the world.