GarryP

Had that been proposed by any other person in the government, I would have thought it a good idea. However, I would not trust Anutin as far as I could throw him and on top of that, there have been a number of instances where he has come across as xenophobic (to put it sort of politely). Not really the person you would want in control of establishing a new PR and citizenship policy.

If you are going to be means tested and as a result don't qualify for a pension, then your contributions should be reimbursed. Otherwise, that would amount to theft by the state. I know they would claim that your payments also covered healthcare, but that is a bit disingenuous.

My mum retired and pegged it. Never got much chance to draw on her teachers pension or the national insurance one.

A workplace final salary pension sounds great. I would be laughing if I got that. Alas, my only pension until I hit 67 is my Thai Social Security pension of Baht 5,250/ month and my old git 600 Baht benefit. In other words, I am living off savings.

I think location plays a big role. My dad only waited two weeks for his cataract surgery.

I can't anyway. I've been here since 1982, with only a 6 month break back in the UK in 84 . I've 23 years on record (18 of which were back paid) and can only pay for the next 5 years, which will bring me to 28 years. Then I will be entitled to 184.20 quid a week according to the latest update.

I think you mean whiner.

There are ways to get around the paywall. I use one way on both my PC and smart phone.

After checking the https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record website, I learned that I could back pay 6 years. I then contacted HMRC and submitted an application to back pay. However, when I received the approval and detailed letter on amount to be back paid, I was allowed to back pay 17 years. Definitely worth it in my case. Now paying annually and only for a few more years. Definitely worth the investment in my case, as it is a great return on investment frozen or not.

And all three look like bellends. "You" are excluded.

If I had to choose between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, I'd chose the former despite the fact that I hate PT. Never thought I could hate a party more than PT. But then these parties probably deserve each other as they are both focused on self interest and don't seem to be doing much for the country.

“Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... If that makes me racist, so be it.” Is that encouraging others to burn a hotel? You could kill a mosquito for all I care, you could @#$% a sheep for all I care. Are those classed as incitement to do such acts? No.

My house is Bahn Farang.

And a few frying pans.

Denmark introduced a very strict immigration policy which has resulted in a considerable drop in asylum seekers there. The work requirements and integration policies are good. Very different to the UK. Comparing apples with oranges.

A large majority are not coming for work. They are coming for benefits. But that is a good idea of yours. Provide compulsory employment, such as road sweeping, emptying bins, cleaning services, etc. If they refuse to take on compulsory employment, then they will be repatriated. I think the numbers coming in would decrease considerably.

To rephrase @James105 's answer: Should an illegal immigrant be able to claim free money and housing from Thailand to fund their stay here? If they arrived illegally should Thailand fund their legal battle to stay? If they commit a crime should Thailand provide legal aid to defend them and pay again for this to fight their deportation? If your answer to one or more of those questions is no, then why do you think that western countries like the UK should have to provide these services to those who rock up on its shores illegally? Obviously, they aren't going to come here though because they won't be given these benefits. That is why they are going to Western countries - the benefits. While I do have sympathy for genuine asylum seekers, the vast majority are economic refugees aka illegal immigrants looking to line their pockets without giving anything in return aka scoungers.

In that case if anyone clicks the play icon the embedded video would not play. How do you post so that you can click on the play icon and the video in the Twitter post will play?

How do I post X (Twitter) posts in Assean Now? I've tried several times but only the link appears, yet I've noticed that other members are able to post the full X post. Any suggestions appreciated. FYI, I'm using a PC but tips in regard to smartphones would also be appreciated.

That was not a triumph. Those in Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai were never going to vote against her anyway. It was never about getting her out. It was to air a lot of nasty stuff in public and make the government look bad, as it so deserves.

This is an interesting thread on X. https://x.com/MaralSalmassi/status/1904202066945257527 Gives some perspective as to Islam.

To protect an important part of their voter base. This will, however, come back to bite them in the arse when the number of muslims is enough to establish their own party, at which point Labour will lose the muslim vote anyway.

Exactly. While a lot of burning is still taking place in the NE of Thailand, it is much less than it used to be. However, across the border in Laos, burning continues at crazy levels and the wind is bringing it over to Thailand. Things won't improve much until Thailand and surrounding countries get together to take serious action against burning, which isn't going to happen in my lifetime.

And no or very limited public transport in the sticks. Motorbikes are essential for the majoirty of upcountry families. Having said that, there does seem to be a problem with parental control or lack thereof.

If they put novels on TikTok or Instagram then more people would read them.