toho

What has Covid to do with this? Do some research before you come up with this nonsense. Putin and his inner circle are very busy for years already trying to bring back the old USSR. Spreading fake news, hacking, trying to influence political situations abroad, etc., etc. Yes, other countries do the same. But Russia and China, both with a Dr. Evil as head of state, lead the way at this moment.

If you did not see one report, then I suggest you to do some homework first before you are commenting this issue. Maybe your opinion will be more balanced then.

Yes, Pratamnak area, Jomtien are (still) not the same as Pattaya. Fortunately. And yes, the population also has well to do inhabitants. In general polite people, not causing any trouble, people who appreciate this area and like to keep it that way. Caming back to my condo after long 1,5 years (Thai Covid measures) I noticed that the quiet atmosphere has suffered a bit from several things. I hope this not a trend. More bars, some with loud music, a brothel, a few guys on incredibly loud big bikes (probably to compensate for a very small penis) going to or going away from a fitness centre to manufacture some muscles with or without doping. Still good public in restaurants, but also see a few guys now, that I will never call my friends. It still is a very nice place to live, a place where you wake up with birds singing. Hopefully it can stay that way. So please keep out these idiots, who will never understood how to behave in public, giving normal farang and our beautiful Pratamnak area a less positive name. And yes, I have been young, i also drank a bit too much sometimes then, but never fought or lay unconscious in the street.

Russians can go home through China. Russian embassy executes Russian policy: let them have the consequences and let them assist their own comrades abroad. Why help this aggressive bunch? Thai government helps Ukraine with 2 million THB: wow, could they miss it?

Putin = POO TIN

Not "Putin" but "POO TIN"

Imperialistic Russia, run by billionaire dr. Evil and some oligarchs. Russia invaded a democratic neighbouring country. Russia has an embassy here, that has to follow the policy of its leaders in the Kremlin. Let these criminals sort it out themselves how to help their beloved citizens. I help enough people here, but will not assist any Russian or buy from a Russian shop. I know, also good Russians, but I have had it. Everybody gets the government, they deserve. Let them feel the consequences.

Yes, you are right. A neutral zone without nuclear arms would be a good one, I agree. Also Russia should maintain a neutral zone in its own country then: no nuclear missiles close to neutral countries. But Ukraine should have the right to join NATO, which is a defensive organisation. The (big) problem here is, that Russia still wants to dominate like the former USSR. It tries to overthrow neutral countries in Western Europe and wants to replace democratically elected leaders by Russian marionettes. Divide and rule, fake news, murders (novichok), fake elections. Putin and his friends trying to rebuild the USSR again, a small group hungry for power and money, forgetting democracy and their own people.

"For me Money = God" according to a Thai teacher, whom I met in a bus years ago. This principle is a sign for not having a high morale. Like the Romans said: "Pecunia non olet": money does not stink.

A nice gesture, partly. Ukranians absolutely deserve our empathy. They did not ask Russia to invade their country. And not every Russian is a fan of war criminal Putin. But personally I would have told the Russians to find assistance from their own embassy, their diplomats are representatives of their leader Putin; so let these persons handle the consequences: also financially; they can pay for visa extensions themselves. Is it compassion? Maybe. Or is Putin's Friends-list more important?; all for the money, hoping for instant gratitude and more Russian tourists later.

Once I was sitting in a bus, next to a teacher. He was serious when he said: "for me, MONEY IS GOD". And money plays a big role here. Tourism = money. And normally many Russians visit Thailand. Thailand does not like to upset their customers. This attitude may be good for business, but is it morally correct? This man's attitude differs from millions of other people, especially Europeans, who are threatened and indoctrinated for years by war criminal Putin. If some country might invade Thailand, Thailand expects the same attitude from other countries?

Som nam na. Girl power, the guy just deserved it. Good lesson. Very sorry she got fined.

Very well said. You should be member of the TAT, your common sense would really help to solve many problems. I had to renew my expired retirement visa this week. Rather unpleasant experience: unknown demands (my question: "why Immigration not write down everything?" with answer: "I tell you now!!") so go back home, extra set copies of copies (almost 180 THB, so 36 copies), stressed personnel without fuses. Days later a call from Immigration: they forgot to make picture ( i gave them 2 already, paper sad only 1 was sufficient), so go back again into a long line of persons, waiting like cattle. The Immigration officer who could "pave the way" for me (a way that i did not follow up). In the bank I changed my fixed account from 1 year to 3 months, it took me 1 hour. How they love papers and signatures and stamps. Why ask again and again for details, that are in their computer systems for many years already? Just some examples of missed hospitality chances. Take it easy, keep cool: "chai jen jen". Why make life so difficult in this climate?

Mentioning amounts on an insurance statement is a NO-GO for insurance companies in The Netherlands. I have a basic state health insurance as well as an excellent additional insurance. This basic insurance already fully covers Covid-19. Moreover I have an extra travel insurance, which also covers medical assistance. But all of theses insurance companies do not mention amounts (50.000 USD, 400.00 THB, etc.)!! So now Thai authorities force me to buy another insurance. Completely unnecessary!! And the older you get, the higher the premium. I asked my insurance companies for a statement several times, but they just give me a general statement without mentioning any amount. I can understand that Thai authorities do not want to pay hospital bills for some stupid foreigners who think they can travel around the world without any health insurance at all. But it would be a big help if Thai authorities would approve that every visitor can enter Thailand if they can show a statement of their health insurance company, including the clause that Covid-19 is covered, but WITHOUT the required amounts.

This is almost a luxury problem for Thai authorities. Their system can not handle this many applications. Approvals done by persons. So I suggest: open a big can of extra personnel. And GUARANTEE!! that handling is 110% done within 5 days. They like our money, so come on, be customer friendly. Test and Go hotel packages are non-refundable. Who like to take the risk to lose money? I already do not like that I must have booked and paid hotel booking in advance before even having the permission to go to Thailand. Because this includes a financial risk. Proof of having health insurance should be enough to get approval from Thai Pass. Immigration at Bangkok airport can check if person has been vaccinated or not as well as the relevant quarantine hotel booking. Thai authorities must confront and solve this problem fast and adequately.

Fundraising in order to support him?

I own a condo in Thailand for 17 years. Bought cars, motorbikes, spent money in shops. Like many other expats / retirees. Due to European regulations I had to return to Europe last year. My Lao partner could not come to Europe or return to Laos as borders and means of transport were closed for several months, so she stays in my Thai condo alone. We have daily Line-contact since more than 1 year now. She having to wait like cattle in dangerous Covid lines at Immigration regularly and pay, pay, pay, return, return, return for visa extensions. Several Thai and Lao persons are supported by me for years already; even more now as they have no income due to Covid-19 and general lack of social security. Costs me many thousands of EUR each year. (I am not a rich guy but feel I have to share, till some point). I have no criminal record, have 2 Pfizer injections plus QR code, have an excellent health insurance that covers everything for an unlimited amount. And like to be reunited with my partner in Thailand. However it is not easy any more to feel at ease and welcome in this country, reasons enough. So considering to go elsewhere, unless many things change for the better quickly, I keep hoping but have my fears.

I own a condo in Thailand for 17 years. Bought cars, motorbikes, spent money in shops. Like many other expats / retirees. Due to European regulations I had to return to Europe last year. My Lao partner could not come to Europe or return to Laos as borders and means of transport were closed for several months, so she stays in my Thai condo alone. We have daily Line-contact since more than 1 year now. She having to wait like cattle in dangerous Covid lines at Immigration regularly and pay, pay, pay, return, return, return for visa extensions. Several Thai and Lao persons are supported by me for years already; even more now as they have no income due to Covid-19 and general lack of social security. Costs me many thousands of EUR each year. (I am not a rich guy but feel I have to share, till some point). I have no criminal record, have 2 Pfizer injections plus QR code, have an excellent health insurance that covers everything for an unlimited amount. And like to be reunited with my partner in Thailand. However it is not easy any more to feel at ease and welcome in this country, reasons enough. So considering to go elsewhere, unless many things change for the better quickly, I keep hoping but have my fears.