Eric Loh

1st generation is getting long in the tooth. Not running the latest software adds a second reason to replace. I'm thinking that would be the best especially if you have everything on iCloud anyway. It would all be available on the new device.

Recently cracked the glass on my iPad 2, purchased in 2011. Apple repair here in Chiang Mai said they just send it in and a reconditioned replacement is sent at a cost of 8800 baht. Too steep for me. Went to another generic repair shop and they said, one hour at a cost of 2000 baht. So, that is what I did. I can squeeze a little more time out of it although the wife is waiting patiently to inherit when I buy the new replacement this year.

Wise of you but still not cheaper than Seer along Vivawardi Rangsit Road which did my screen change for 1,800 in less than an hour. Checked with the official iPad service center and same screen change will cost about 4,000B. In conclusion, if OP wants to repair, suggest get down to Seer.

Let me guess, you're struggling to make ends meet from a measely income from outside of thailand, looking for someone to blame. So you decide to blame the exchange rate and convinced yourself the BoT is manipulating exchange rates even though you have no evidence whatsoever and clearly it would be in their own interest to do the opposite of what you are accusing them of doing.

Here's the truth. Thailand is a net importer of oil in the amount of about 12% of it's GDP. 12months ago they were paying $110 a barrel for oil they import. Today, they are paying half that amount. Effectively, saving the country 6% of GDP by money that is not flowing out of the country to pay for imports. Simply put, thailand is saving about $1bln to $1.5bln each month on their Balance of Trade. So even if thailand's exports flatline, the fact their imports costs less will add to the appreciation trend for the Baht.

Because of this, BoT may in fact be intervening in the currency. But not trying to make it stornger, they could possibly be doing the opposite, slowing down the appreciation. ]

So please stop your garbage talk about how it's a conspiracy that BoT is trying to make the Baht stronger (trying to kill their own economy perhaps?). You just sound like a pitiful conspiracy nutter.

Just that simple - right ?

it might be of interest to note that Thailand is primarily an exporter, tourism alone which is in fact an export accounts for more than 12% of GDP - then there's the rest

also using words like garbage and nutter when referring to other peoples input on this forum is far from constructive

as for myself it matters not a jot what the exchange rate is as I have a choice of using baht or my home currency

Yes, using those words is not constructive, I agree. But let's consider the facts. Here are 3:

1. There is no evidence whatsoever that they are intentially trying to make the Baht stronger

2. There is no motive to make the baht stronger, becuase it would simply damage the Thai economy by doing so.

3. There is a perfectly rational explanation explaining why the Baht could have a bias toward appreciating - which I outlined in my post above.

So, No evidence, No motive, and a simple explanation for the Baht's current level. What do you have except crazy conspiracy theories?

1. There is no evidence whatsoever that they are intentially trying to make the Baht stronger

never said there was - it was an opinion based on the fact that some of the richer Thais could benefit

2. There is no motive to make the baht stronger, becuase it would simply damage the Thai economy by doing so.

it is damaging the Thai economy, I thought that was obvious

3. There is a perfectly rational explanation explaining why the Baht could have a bias toward appreciating - which I outlined in my post above.

In your opinion

So, No evidence, No motive, and a simple explanation for the Baht's current level. What do you have except crazy conspiracy theories?

yours is a theory too

and look I replied to your post without the inclusion of one personal insult (no need for it), insults and personal attacks have no place on these forums - all it takes is one person to start and the thread goes down a meaningless pit

I'm not going to insult you Smedly because you normally post sensible stuff. But not here.

You posted your conspiracy theory about the BOT and Prasarn and other posters have asked for some evidence. You have provided none.

Yes the strong Baht is not good for many expats and some tend to post unverified accusations because they are hurting personally, with the country being of secondary (or worse) importance.

Thai At Heart posted a very sensible take on the issue which I agree with. Remember AFAIK the Thai Baht rate is based on a basket of currencies with the US$ obviously being the largest.

Finally a sensible post. Totally agreed with the point that Baht based on basket of currency of which USD is the most dominant and their movement influenced Baht immensely. Technically the BOT can manupulate the Baht with the large cache reserve Thailand has built up but doubt the junta government will allow that move. It will bring undesirable consequences like inflation, higher payment for foreign currency loans and confidence to the people. Things the junta trying to avoid.

"Democratic Path and What we can Learn from Nuamthong Praiwan".

Maybe the lesson to be learned is not to mob up and barricade themselves in the main commercial district of Bangkok and fire M-70 grenades at BTS stations, invade hospitals, burn shopping centers, etc., but instead, just go home and hang themselves in protest. It would send a lot clearer message and wouldn't negatively impact a lot of folks just trying to earn a living.

Of course, the best way to follow the 'Democratic Path' is to just wait for the next scheduled election and vote in their Dear Leader peacefully

Get a grip. That was in 2006 and the mob up was by the PAD who wanted a coup. They got one and this lone brave man was a true soldier of democracy unlike the fake one now.

Anupong has no qualms about sacking officials as long as they are not military officials. Now I feel better.

Go tell this to the south and they probably roll on the floor with laughter.

If not for the coup, elected PM and ministers will be actively travelling and engaging in trade talks to find and expand new export markets. Unfortunately, junta PM and ministers are not welcome in many countries.

Easy to see that Prayuth just don't have the distinct expertise to be a PM and he is struggling to adapt. In fact non of his cabinet ministers have the range of skills to achieve anything of significance. It will be a loss year before an elected government clean up the mess left behind by the coup.

Phillipines received similar warning and responded positively and now EU has lifted the threat. Thailand is bundled with Cambodia over poor and inadequate regulations to thwart illegal fishing. Shame that a minister made such remark. Doesn't help. If Philippines can take responsible action, amended their system, switch to proactive approach against illegal fishing and impose tough penalties on such activities, Thailand can do the same if the have the political will. They now have article 44 and they can clean up the mess unless there are uniforms that reaping benefits from illegal fishing. The military will never go against their own kind.

Nothing wrong with the old law; even the new law. Problem not the law but enforcement of the law.

Regain it's lead? That would mean at some stage Thailand was indeed the region's economic leader. When?

Yes indeed between year 2001-2006. Our reserve double, stock exchange outperformed regional, budget balance and fiscal surplus achieved, income inequality was the narrowest and debt to GDP declined from 51% to 40%. Thaksin was the PM then.

Similar situation soon to come for Thailand if CDC adopt the MMP election system. No majority means coalition which spell loose cohesion and horse trading and corruption. More political instability expected with MMP.

Unlikely if we looking at a 3 years horizon. We are suffering from 10 years of political volatility which has left a serious dent in our competitiveness. It also left a inconsistent and non cohesive long term toll on businesses. Our productivity has not improved that negates our low employment. Export has stagnated and that is 70% of GDP. Tourism numbers may be up but we are not attracting premium travelers who are scared by the political events. So far, the current government rhetoric are not backed by consistent actions and investments.

To be economic leader, we need to move from current neutral ground to a GDP of more than 4%. Also need to move out of the middle income trap. We need to produce more high value products and that will mean a revamping of our education system and investment critieria. We also must rely less on foreign workers which will decline when their home countries begin to develop. Lastly we need political stability and an elected government for the next 10 years.

Post #192 by SoilSpoil was by far the best comment posted on this site for a long time. Thanks for taking the time to do that SS.

Why? Because it said the things that you want to hear? Anyway if the reason for coups are because of corruption, then Thailand will have a coup just about every day. Perhaps a coup to rid military corruption too.

Blinkered conclusion with Sansern already pointing fingers without evidence or proof. Just don't made sense for the Reds perpetractor to steal a pick up in Yala, evade all the tight checkpoints and hired the south insurgents to hook up the bomb. Wouldn't it be easier to steal a car in Surat and hook up a relatively simple gas cylinder detonator. The north accent is also very distinctive from the south and people can differentiate and provide information to the law. Well unless the south have red cells and that is a game changer.

Don't surprise me as there are much less people traveling for Songkran when economy sucks and money tight.

I think we all have to keep slowing down a bit.

1) Could be the Southern Insurgents

2) Could you be the Red Shirts

3) Could be a business conflict at least for the storage facilities that is owned by Suthep

I put my money for the moment on 1) the Southern insurgency.

Just a few weeks ago I posted in TV that it is just a matter of time before the insurgents will target tourist destinations.

As for the stories that some ill intentioned groups are hiring the insurgents, I don't believe in it.

4) could be disgrunted ex-PDRC rubber farmers who are well schooled in violence not happy with the government respond to their hardship after all the heavy lifting to invite the coup. Also angry with Sutherp for not doing enough and abandon them to become a monk.

Take your pick.

First order of the day for Prayuth is to change his spokesman Sansern. He needlessly putting self opinionated blame on one side without proper investigation and evidence. That's very unprofessional. As ex- spokesman of CRES, perhaps he has already taken a prejudice stand and view.

Prayuth loose lips did it again. Really unnecessary remark which are thoughtless and careless. Why dont he engage his brain before he talk. Perhaps drunk with absolute power. The damage from his unnecessary remark will made reconcilation harder as he try to exonerate the military from the 2010 atrocity of overwhelming civilian casualties from excessive and indiscriminating fire power and poor command of the situation.

Gutless to call for military reform.

Seen a news report of a memorial prayer meeting at a temple in Patumthani province.

Really feel for those who lost love ones. Hard enough they don't have closure; now denied to mourn by the Government. I hope the government will not stop the Patumthani memorial prayer gathering or place soldiers in the temple.

The junta government may wish to cherish friendship with many countries but many countries are not reciprocating until we have an elected government. Don't they get it.

This Canadian MP is clearly out of his intellectual depth. His country is a revisionist Theocracy under the rule of a Christian Fundamentalist Fanatic in service to the Zionist masters. Their nut case Prime Minister most certainly does not represent the people of Canada. He hangs with the Jews instead of attending UN meetings. He is so ill informed he donates Canadian taxpayer dollars to the Ismaelite Assasins Guild in nice photo op with Aga Khan IV.

Hang your head in SHAME. Go back where you come from, Boy! We live under the benevolent rule of a gentle Monarchy. Dump Harper and restore Canadian Democracy such as previously managed by great leaders Diefenbaker, Pearson and best of all The honorable, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

Ain't he an elected MP since 2006? That's what count.

Next time have an exclusive invitation for Chinese and Russian journalists only.