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Yes. I knew three who never made it back. All three like myself were in the National Guard. Part time soldiers who made permanent sacrifices.

? I was deployed twice to A-stan and do not understand your last comment. I spoke to several mid level officers and they believed the US commitment to A-stan was to be like another Germany or S. Korea. Of course this was during the Bush and Obama administrations and as always things change.

I believe the two countries critical for the US in terms building or strengthening alliances are: Vietnam and the PI. Along with the large military bases in S. Korea and Japan China will be covered on this side of Asia and SE Asia. I had thought Afghanistan would be a long term commitment because it has a small border with China and the long runway at Bagram Air Base but Joe Biden had other ideas.

" I have no clue". Ok I will not argue on that point. But many say the US is also on the decline as well. The only real strength that the US has on the world is military power and military industrial complex. Presently which call is answered first: Chinese Ambassador or the American Ambassador? Robert Godec might have to wait. Which country is closer? China. Which country has cultural and historical ties? China. China is allegedly "neutral" on the Ukraine and Russian war. Which side does Thailand support? Thailand is one of the few countries where Aeroflot flies into and out of. In terms of Thailand America is in charge of nothing. Very soon Thailand is set to be the biggest market in the world for Chinese EV's. Declinig birthrate is critical in countries like S. Korea (50 million and declining) and Japan (100 million and declining) but when country has over 1 billion then it will be a while before the negative effects of a declining birthrate will be impactful. In the recent past China was concerned about overpopulation and hence the one child per family was enforced. I doubt the Chinese government will bring back the one child policy anytime soon. Yes, I have no clue and you know so much more than I. I will not disagree with you.

As an American and a vet this sounds like desperation for the US Government to stay relevant in the eye of the Thai Government. BYD just opened an EV manufacturing plant in Rayong. This will generate over 10,000 jobs for the Thai people. The reality is this: Beijing won the battle over influence a long time ago. The US Government should stay focused on it's new best friend in the region Vietnam. How can a government that has over 34 trillion (and growing by the minute) in debt finance any deal?

Might depend on where one is flying from? Europe, Australia, North American or East Asia? Each region has an airline that could be considered good. I am from CA and have been in CNX for years. For many years Singaopre Airlines was great(CNX to SIN to LAX), Then SIA went down the crapper by having Scoot (SIA's budget carrier) fly from CNX. I have also tried Cathay Pacfic and EVA from CNX to LAX. Now the best for me has been Korean (CNX to ICN to LAX).

Locks? A great tool to prevent unwanted intrusion. That is if used properly. She is lucky that all he did was "sleep" on the same bed with her. Worse things could have happened. In all she is lucky.

Thanks. Is the Thai Government aware of this?

Would it be a blanket or all encompassing exemption regardless of the income? I only used 50K but some have pension that are much higher. Some have pension that are not taxed by the US Governemnt because some have been declared disabled up to 100% and are not subject to US Income Taxes. Per Thai SOP: Do first and think later. This could be a pandara's box for the Thai Government that is looking to raise money to cut it's budget deficit.

I hope this scenario does not come true about foreing pension incomes from countries that have double taxation agreements with Thailand: 1. American living in Thailand with a government pension and let's say the annual income is $50,000. 2. American pays US federal income tax at 12% of AGI (Adjusted Gross Income). Do not know what the Thai Government uses as taxable income(maybe someone knows) 3. Thai Government tells the American because his pension income is high his Thai Tax amount is 30%. 4. The American then owes the Thai Government 18% tax on his income inspite of the double taxation agreement because he has already paid 12% to the US Government. If this actually happens then I have just one thing to say "Houston I am out of here".

Civil War if we lose an electioin? I think I heard this before. Where was that?

He will get a heroes welcomes in SF, LA, SEA, SD, NY, BOS, CHI and DC but in others places I doubt it. This is a problem with the former mayor: He does not play in the flyover states.

I think some would say the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He is the current secretary of transporation and wolud be the first openy gay presidential candidate. This would at least get the LBTG Q vote (did I say this right and did I cover every community?).

As a California resident(for a couple months a year) and taxpayer I know he has some big problems in Sacramento. He turned a 61 billion dollar surplus into at least a 40 billion dollar deficit in less than 3 years. That is some accomplishment. For the next year CA will have significant budget cuts and my CPA has told me to expect a small or no return from my 2024 state income tax filing. . I guess this makes Gavin more than qualified to be a Presidential Candidate. Good luck Gavin on whatever you decide. Either way he has nothing to lose because when he is done he can just back to his mansion in Napa.

Gavin Newsom was asked by the media mob "Are you going to replace Biden?". Gavin replied "that is a tough question to answer". Did not watch the debate but I guess Joe did really, really well.

HIs $500,000 private jet ride from England to Siapan stopped to refuel in BKK. He was never allowed entry into hailand. The private jet did not have the range to fly nonstop from the UK to Siapan. He was on the ground for about an hour. Now if had taken a tuk tuk to Hooters for a beer then it would have been newsworthy. Also, Assange was on his way to the US Federal District in Saipan to sign the plea deal so technically he was not a convicted felon yet. So I guess he could gone for a soapy massage?

On #1 choose wisely because $ could become the issuse. On #2 settle down first as a solo act and see "do I want to stay for the long term'. In 7 years in Chiang Mai I have spoken to many long term foreigners and have learned from what they have told me. The most im;portant lesson was have a plan B or have the means go back home on short notice. One could be here for 10 years or 10 months but most are treated the same. No benefits for being a long term and loyal resident of the Land of Smiles. Unless one pays for the LTR or even the Elite Visa most of us live on a 1 year Visa extension cycle.

Favorite hotels were Marco Polo and Traders (don't know if both are still there). First time in DXB was eye opening to what "money can truly buy".

Isn't Birmingham bankrupt?

Dubai, where anything and everything is possible(literally). When I was there about a decade ago snow boarding and sking was possible at Emirates Mall(of course it was man made snow but the indoor facility was impressive). I worked iin Kuwait for two years and Dubai was the closest place to go for joy, happiness and fun. It is expensive like Singapore but food from all over the world is available and the choice of adult beverages was unlimited. Met friendly ladies from Ukraine, Romania, Nepal, Bhutan, the PI (many from the PI) and yes Chinese ladies as well. A day or two in DXB will be an eye opening experience. Maybe I will go back next year.

They should aim hgher. At least Phenom Penh or maybe even Yangon.

He had no choice but the float this idea. The neighboring countries have and will allow foreigners(especially those with the money) to have equal access to property ownership. Of course LOS will never be anything like Singapore( where the only language that matters is $$$) but at least this PM understands LOS mut stay competive. Next idea might to offer citizenship or at least PR for any foreinger that invests a large amonut money(at least millions of $$$) into property ownership. For instance Jeju S. Korea has program that a who foreinger purchases a property with at least a value of $500,000 can be granted 10 Residency that is renewable.

I look at the photo and this comes to mind:

Sgt O Rourke and Corporal Agarn will take great offense to the comparison. F Troop is one of the classic shows that I still catch once in a while. It had a great theme sone.

1) No casinos in mainland China 2) Chinese have to leave the country to gamble at Casinos(Macau is the closest) 3) In South Korea some casinos only allow foreingers in and others restrict the number of times per month a Korean national can enter. Why? Gambling addiction is many Asian countries is very common. I doubt LOS willl be any differernt. Good luck with the ecoonmic boom that casinos will bring to LOS.