JimHuaHin

Will "political" convicts and former "government officials" be included?

Unfortunately spidermike007 you are correct. Too many people seem ignorant of the long dark history of the CCP. Exporting the Chinese revolution was a important objective of Mao's China. This involved not only supplying material military support to "developing countries", but also sending CCP cadres to help/advise local revolutionaries and proving free scholarships to students from these countries to study at Chinese universities. A recent book by the Australian academic Clive Hamilton entitled "Silent Invasion" details the CCP's recent activities in Australia. Very scary stuff.

Yes, indeed. I read an academic article last year which stated that CP was the first foreign business allowed into China after the 1949 revolution and that CP had factories and other business interests in almost every province in China.

As noted, some full and part scholarships are available at many universities for highly intelligent students. Students loans are also possible. But, apart from the university fees, there are accommodation and living costs, and many degree programmes require students to go on work placement (for which they are generally not paid) for 3-4 terms/semesters during the degree. Generally these placements are not close to the universities and the students have to pay all costs.

Unfortunately, all too common. I have heard similar stories over the years, where people have gone to hospitals with "minor" symptoms, given some basic medications, then going back to hospital a day or two later with severe symptoms, given a more thorough examination, and finally admitted for treatment. Part of the problem is a lack of medical staff at many hospitals, and too many medical staff being required to work double shifts. A related problem is a lack of hospital beds.

This is despite many Thai media outlets having recent articles on how Taksin was selecting for ministerial posts. As an aside, we all remember last year when Taksin was at death's door, having to spend 6 months in hospital, and now .....

Agreed, but some powerful Chinese-Thai business families essentially control Thailand, and some of these families also have large business interests in China and are close key CCP officials.

Agreed, as I posted on another thread, many deep wais and a substantial amount of compensation. However, if that is enough to satisfy his "brothers" at Fort Thanarat (who, from some very emotional Facebook posts, are rather "angry") is another question.

In rather poor/bad taste, which I am sure his family and colleagues at Fort Thanarat would not appreciate. "Punch" is a male/female nickname, like "Lek", but not as common, which he had since childhood. A reasonable successful young female singer of 10-15 years ago also had the nickname "Punch".

Who is the real Prime Minister?

The de facto PM speaks.

Thailand has already shot itself in the foot again, the only questions are how much damage has been done and will Thailand "walk" again? From the post's heading we can guess that many countries recognize the advantages of having a vital largish expat retiree community, and the importance of maintaining that community through minimal bureaucratic burden - keep the customer satisfied. Although Thailand is willing to adopt modern technology to advance and make life easier, there is a strong xenophobic nationalistic under-current which keeps Thailand rooted in a mythical "glorious" past.

Part of China's plan for global dominance, which dates back centuries. Of course, this plan, in Thailand at least, is assisted by corrupt local officials who will do anything (including selling out their country) to get extra cash, and local Chinese-Thai business families wishing to curry favor with the CCP and/or seeking to enter China or expand their operations in China. Why are not the ultra-conservative ultra-nationalist Thais complaining about this Chinese "invasion" and destruction of Thai businesses? Their silence is deafening. At least Rama VI was very vocal in his concern about this "invasion".

I have been informed by a close friend at Fort Thanarat, that the deceased soldier was a local man, having attended schools in Hua Hin, and having family in Hua Hin. The name published in the above article may not be a correct transliteration of his name.

Agreed on the luck. I doubt lawsuits initiated by farangs would work in Thailand.

Another international slap in the face for Thailand.

Short answer is no way. About 12 years ago I lent Baht 30,000 to a Thai female friend (university educated, former nurse, who at the time was employed as a Municipal health officer). She said she had an urgent bill to pay, and would pay me back at the end of the month. At the time she owned (no borrowed money) a new Western-style house with a large swimming pool and a 1-2 year old Honda Civic (money from her parents and her ex-husband). As she had driven me around Prachuap, helped me find a good hotel to stay in for a few weeks in Pran Buri, and provided me a lot of local information about Hua Hin and Pran Buri districts, I thought fair enough. 12 years later, not a single Baht has been returned. During that time she has married and divorced 2 farangs (according to her they initiated the divorces). I occasionally "bump into" her a local mall. She tells me she thinks about the debt every day, and will pay me soon. The last time I saw her (last year, with her then new farang husband (number 3+)). I told her I am waiting for my money plus interest. She rushed away, dragging her husband behind her. Do not lend money, unless you are willing to count it as a loss.

I cannot but agree with rumak. About 6 years ago I had an inflamed prostrate impacting urine flow. My then gf (a Thai nurse with 25 years experience) took me (in pain) to the local hospital. The doctor gave me a 5/7 days course of ciprofloxacin tablets. I asked her if the medication was safe, she replied "yes, good song medicine" (my first mistake!!). The medication had little impact on my symptoms, so I was admitted to hospital for a five day course of IV ciprofloxacin. All good. About 3 years later, the same problem returned. Now separated from nurse gf, I took myself back to hospital, was admitted to the ER, and given the same medication. This time, I was better after 3-4 days, and then I did what I usually do with new medications, went to MIMS website and checked the medication. The US FDA issued an urgent warning about ciprofloxacin about 5 years ago, warning of potential permanently disabling side-effects and that the medication was contraindicated for those over 65 (I am 68 now). A few months later I started having problems with both my knees. Luckily the problems disappeared after a few weeks, but periodically return for a few days.

A well known pub frequented by numerous local influential groups; I suspect some deep wais and money changing hands will "smooth" things over quickly.

Totally agree. The Shinawatras are the past, they are part of the problem. Most Thai people want change, they, especially Thai youth, want to move forward into the future.

Agreed. But one key position (which cannot be named) has changed. The Thai people have also changed over the past decade or so, and the Thai economy is going south. Although the military leaders may support the status quo, many of the rank and file do not. Many many Red Shirts are angry at Taksin and the Pheu Thai leaderships' getting into bed with the military who killed so many of their supporters, family members and friends.. Interesting times ahead.

Financial hub? With a massive corruption pandemic across Thailand; a convicted international drug dealer in government; and more marfia groups and families than you can count on your fingers?

Dedication to her father first, and only.

"16 more years?" Surely a typo - 116 years maybe.

Has anyone in the Hua Hin area recently renewed their Driver's License in Pran Buri or Cha Am DLT office? Was it busy/crowded at the time you renewed? How long did the process take? Many thanks in advance.