GarryP

I stayed on Samui back in 1982 and remember a number of restaurants serving magic mushroom (het kee kwai) milkshakes and omelettes on Chawaeng beach, so it appears things haven't changed that much. Thai sticks were cheap too, back when they were illegal.

I think you'll find that big pharma is making profits from drug sales regardless of where those drugs are being sold. The problem is that they are able to charge so much more in the US and get away with it. I doubt the reasoning for the higher prices in the US is to compensate for lower profits from overseas. Much more likely that they can get away with it in the US, so why not. Price gouging and perhaps more importantly abuse of the patent system resulting in the blocking of generics for much longer is rife and the number one reason for expensive prescription med prices in the US. Big Pharma is evil.

Thaksin will just say that he believed that the doctors were honest and also their diagnosis of his health. Not having studied medicine himself, he had to rely on those who had. 😉

But Farage has been clear that he will not kick out all the illegal immigrants that are already in the UK. He'll just try to stop more coming in. He won't be taking action on the grooming gangs either. He's just a gobby <deleted> who can't be trusted on anything. Having said that, Labour and Conservative are a disgrace, so what alternative is there? Another party forming? I don't see that working, just taking away votes from Reform which could result in another Conservative government.

.........interspersed with convicts and North Koreans.

That is scary if you applied based on marriage, rather than PR. I think most people applying based on marriage understand that they are not required to sing the anthems. Had that happened back during my interview, I would be screwed as I can't sing either and even if I knew the words, my singing would have been a pain to the ears of all who had to listen. On the other hand, it is my understanding that if you are applying based on PR, then whether or not you are married to a Thai, you will be required to sing the anthems.

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.