Retiredandhappyhere

Wonderful phrases used in his speech by Macron and by other world leaders, but does anybody know what they mean in practice?

They make it sound as if even the cleaner can transfer money if they want to, without anyone noticing. Still, the fact that this incident was noticed fairly quickly is an improvement, as usually certain people are able to acquire unusual wealth over many years, without anyone in authority ever (apparently) noticing.

No doubt, Thailand would expect other countries to support them if they were invaded by a neighbouring country?

I would just love to sit on a beach being patrolled constantly by police and other officials, supposedly to keep me safe. In fact, all it would do is make me realize that the beach is clearly not a safe place to be, once the police return to their normal occupations.

Will the panda be sending a "Thank You" card?

How many times is this same subject going to be discussed by the Government? In most countries, the Government makes up its mind on a particular subject and then makes an announcement of its decision to the public. In Thailand, we are initially led to believe, from a Government announcement, that a decision has been made but then later on it emerges that the plan has been delayed for a certain or indefinite period and the saga then goes on and on, leaving the public in the dark. A few recent examples: Entry fees, seat belts, wearing of masks and bar opening times. This must be one of the most indecisive Governments in the world, particularly when we consider the real power they have.

Many years ago, I rented out a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Thailand to a Thai husband and wife, who signed up for one year at a nominal rent, which was increased by 1000 baht per month, providing I installed a 30000 baht air con unit, which I duly did. They paid no deposit, but paid the rent for two months and then disappeared. When I went in to inspect the apartment, they had banged several 4 inch nails into the kitchen and bathroom tiles on which to hang their towels. In all, 16 tiles were broken and I was unable to replace them, as the designs were discontinued. Otherwise, the place was fairly tidy and in reasonable order, except for a cup-size hole knocked through the exterior concrete wall to bring in a TV aerial, even though there were TV sockets in the walls of each room. As the rents in that area were so low anyway, I decided not to re-let at all.

What do they expect us to do? Buy reinforced umbrellas? Dig big holes to create new ponds? I guess I am braced for it up to a point, simply by staying indoors, but I suppose I might still get flooded. I have no idea what these sorts of warnings are supposed to achieve.

Agreed. Anutin must have an enormous vested interest in all this for him to put so much energy and political prestige at stake.

I have been reading many of Stephen 100's recent posts and I have to admit that I am beginning to warm to him gradually, although it has taken a few years. A far as 2Long's post above is concerned, I wonder if he has ever heard of the saying that "a dog is man's best friend, especially if you are starving"?

Does this news mean that "Big Joke" will be virtually retired again soon?

I agree with AsianAtHeart's conclusions that foreign tourist's spending was about three times that of the Thais, presumably increased largely due to higher hotel costs. Seriously though, how do they know how foreign tourist spending differs from Thais? Do they follow them into shops and restaurants? Or is it just a predetermined rule of thumb fed into their computer, or perhaps their abacus?

You cannot really blame them, as I like to dream as well.

I am 81 so my greatest concern is dying.

Queen Elizabeth 11 was an example to us all, both in her devotion to duty and the way in which she carried it out.