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I was in CNX when he was the Consul General.  I would have thought the CNX Consul General Lisa Buenzas (who just completed her 3 year tour) would have been a strong candidate as well. Ms Buenzas is half Thai and is fluent.  

20 minutes ago, novacova said:

CNX—>ICN—>SEA is usually most fitting, though SEA airport is pretty much a third world dump anymore, much like ONT.

Agree. I have done CNX-ICN-LAX numerous times with KAL.  Initally I picked this route because the flight arrives at LAX early in the morniing.  Use to fly Singapore Airlines (CNX-SIN-LAX) but did not like arriving late at night.  LAX is not exactly in a great neighborhood.  

Thai Airways International has no plans to resume direct flights to the United States, despite the US upgrading Thailand’s air safety rating this year to permit them, CEO Chai Eamsiri said on Wednesday
 

I never thought it would actually happen.   Not worth the cost of upgrading it's fleet.  Also, way too much competion even from CNX (Korean, EVA, China and Starlux have US flights with one stop).  Scoot, the Singoapor Airlines, budget carrier flies directly to SIN and then onto the US.  

Some liberal minds might be offended but this was funny.  

1 minute ago, Knight Rider said:

How does one show proof of income. Is it ACH deposit to an account (e.g. from Social Security or a pension fund). I get $3400 ACH deposit every other Friday to my Ally Savings account from my 401(K) held at Fidelity. I also have $30,000 deposit in my Welathfront savings account. I will use the 30K savings account to avoid confusion. I am still debating if I apply form my Social Security this year or wait one more year. 

Do you get a 1099 from SSA?  For the 401K can you get an annual stattement that summarizes the monthly deposits.  For my past O/A Visa application i have been able to obtain a letter from the agency that issues the payments.  This type of letter has been accepted by the LA Thai Consulate.  

Just finished the Netflix limites series.  It was very interesting:

3 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

Stupid <deleted>

it was serious questioin and I asked a Thai girl in her 30's in CNX and she said "it's weird" .  This is just one opinion from a city girl.

This is an offensive weapon.  Is this bound for the Cambodian border? Just wondering.  Maybe the Ukranians would be interested and Thailand can start a defense industry? 

What do rural Thai residents think when they see a 70+ year old foreigner with a bride in her 20's and a baby? 

3 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

Hopefully someone will ask and get an answer re: the status of the 2025 7162 firm.

 

I wouldn't want to take up a slot for those who have more pressing requirements (enrolling, sorting out a stoppage of benefit payment, etc.)

 

 

How about this: Rent out a hotel conference room and ask all SSA reciepients who are able to attend to answer "Are you alive" question in person?  Of course this is the Federal Government and something that direct and possibly efficient would never happen.  It looks like the appointments are in the morning so I do not see a lot of slots available.  

Don't know how appointment slots they have but if one has a pressing SSA issue might be worth a trip to BKK:

The Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit (SSA/FBU) will provide services on Thursday July 24 at the American Citizen Services Section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok. We have a limited number of appointments, so sign up now to secure your appointment. Please sign up via the link below. Closer to the date of the event the American Citizen Services section will provide more specific information via email to those who register successfully. https://forms.office.com/g/1Uypg7twD5

My guess is the appointments will fill up. Maybe a flight to BKK is in the works for me:

The Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit (SSA/FBU) will provide services on Thursday July 24 at the American Citizen Services Section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok. We have a limited number of appointments, so sign up now to secure your appointment. Please sign up via the link below. Closer to the date of the event the American Citizen Services section will provide more specific information via email to those who register successfully. https://forms.office.com/g/1Uypg7twD5

Air Asia was the only nostop from CNX to KUL so I have taken it several times.  Otherwise I would not fly with them.  

1 hour ago, jeffandgop said:

Mine was certainly sent via EMS.  However, the Post Office just placed the package on the wall at my home; never alerted me that they had a delivery nor obviously was my signature required/requested.  Anybody could have picked the envelope up and walk away with it.....

Exactly same for me.  Was delievered on a Wednesday but did not find it among the packages in front of the apartment offcie until Satudarday.  

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

Trump made a ton of money on that bankruptcy. 

The best casino owners are Native American Tribes.  I guess they got even for the Trail of Tears. 

  Read about a Japanese guy who ordered one and held a marriage ceremony with it.  He looked happy.  "Different strokes for different folks" and "whatever floats you boat".  

5 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

In the long run, but that does not mean everyone that plays loses. 

Yes. Many have some winning days  But more have losing days, Casinos and lotteries  play the long game.  For every big winner in both there are 1000's of losers. That is how the numbers work out. 

2 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

No one goes to Vegas to lose. 

"house always wins".  

20 hours ago, Callmeishmael said:

Most of the 'painful' provisions of the BBB won't take effect until the end of 2026 - after the midterm elections. So the Republicans will be insulated from the consequences of the bill.  Also the fiscal ill effects - the increased deficit - won't be felt until there is another president.  

 

The BBB is basically an economic time bomb that will hit the US hard in the coming years.

Exactly. I looked at it and really nothing in it for me as a 62 year retired guy from CA.  I am not medicare, medicaid, I do not own an American car that is financed,  I do not have gig job through an app that people can leave tips and my income taxes do not go up or go down.  The Democrats in DC look pitiful.  They look like Republicans in CA where Dems have a super majority. Elections have consequnces and in 2026 if people have more money then I see the Repuclicans keeping the majority. I did notice that professional gamblers might suffer because a provision in this bill reduces the deduction on gambling losses from 100% to 90%.  Sports betting has exploded in the last few years and I'm interested to see if "Vegas" suffers?

One of first Thai Phrases I learned was "no sweet". I still cannot believe so many of the drinks have added sugar syrup.  I mean even fruit smoothies have added sugar syrup not to mention many of the coffee drinks.  One can even overdue healthy foods like fruit.  I stopped eating most Thai foods years ago because I suspected there was added sugar.  

Just finished Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers.  Very interesting series.  I forgot that there was a second attempt on July 21 Currently on Netflix.