TorquayFan

Hi. To clarify, I booked with EVA air direct, (evaair.com) (EVA fly direct to LHR). 🙂

I booked with EVA this week for June and the price was unchanged from last year, B33000. I will be expecting to pay a substantial 'fuel surcharge' at some point. That's understandable no problem.

Hi Giegolo, thanks for asking this question. I have learnt more from the answers you received. For a few years I have been told by 'Specsavers' in the UK that I have a growing cataract and whilst it has not yet become a problem - it might need doing later. To get your own view, I suggest you Google 'cataract eye surgery' for a summary. I didn't realise before that there was a lens inserted, (learn something every day!). I would definitely choose a monofocal lens NOT a bifocal myself - I don't fancy the change of image as I move my view ! In fact, I wear glasses all the time atm, but both are monofocal. If you need two eyes done, they should do then separately with an interval of weeks. Good luck !

Yagoda - 'your side' ? Is that what it's about? Whatever your political leaning, you should still be able to assess the rights and wrongs of what's going on! Get back to your playground. Childish stuff from you.

Thanks to those helpful replies on topic, but Yagoda, as always, I find your contributions trite and foolish . . . E.g. the 'pinpricks' comment - well let's hope the'pinpricks do not affect you and yours in any way, I doubt any of the bereaved will see it that way. And, 'sick martydom fantasy' is a foolish characterisation of one of the World's leading religions. The 'gung ho' attitude behind the USA/Israel's action in Iran/Lebanon is deplorable and those on the receiving end are being treated in a murderous uncaring way. How does Trump escape this madness now that Israel has been unleashed and Iran is NOT just rolling over, in the style of Venezuela? There's NO room for complacency as OUR World goes to hell in a handcart !

"As airstrikes pound Iran and the war escalates, some Iranians say the country’s civilians are being crushed between an authoritarian regime and a foreign assault claiming to bring liberation." Childish squabbles aside, I think this para from Bannork's original post is spot on. What's going on is an unconscionable crime from this 'America Last' President. Absolutely shocking. God help Iran. Let's hope President Netenyahu and Trump can stop this madness before Iran looks like Gaza . . . .

President Trump's hopes for a regime in Iran that is easier to deal with, are heartily misplaced. From a Telegraph report, behind a paywall, some more bad news for him. Iran's new Leader !! "Few Iranians have more intense personal reasons to loathe America and resist any surrender or compromise than Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been named the Islamic Republic’s new supreme leader. The opening air strikes of this war on Feb 28 killed not only Mr Khamenei’s father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but also his mother, Mansoureh, his wife, Zahra, and probably one of his children. Having assumed the leadership in personally tragic circumstances, it seems unlikely that Mr Khamenei will be prepared to do America’s bidding or retreat in any way. Donald Trump described Mr Khamenei last week as “unacceptable to me”, adding: “We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.” Instead, Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the group of senior clerics charged with selecting supreme leaders, has sent a message of defiance by choosing the supposedly “unacceptable” candidate. The crucial test will be whether ordinary Iranians now come on to the streets to demonstrate against the elevation of the younger Mr Khamenei. If the transfer of power takes place without a popular uprising, then the outcome of Mr Trump’s war may be that Iran’s regime survives under a still more extreme and obdurate leadership that could, for example, decide that only a nuclear weapon would assure its grip on power." https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/09/new-iran-supreme-leader-folly-trump-iran-war/ The omens are not good. I just hope Trump/Netanyahu will find a way to stop this madness before Iran has the same landscape as Gaza !

The USA military are fully extended hammering Iranian military but with wide and vast collateral damage in Iran. Yet there remains, apparently, very little support for Trump's decision to go to war, among the citizens of the USA at home. The Iranian regime lives on. Talk of the USA putting 'troops on the ground' seems to me, to be a fantasy. The IRGC have 150,000 armed militia and a lot of wider support too. A massive deployment of troops would be needed. Does Trump envisage say, 100,000 troops being deployed in Iran? That'll go down like a lead ballon with the wider Republican Party and Americans at home. The question remains - when and how will Iran attack the USA direct? The Mullahs are notoriously determined, vengeful and ruthless. The USA homeland has been so far largely untouched by war, (whilst Iran itself looks increasingly like Gaza). Iran will surely, somehow, sometime, take it's revenge on the USA itself. What a bag of worms the dreadful Trump has so brainlessly unleashed on the World!

Ah thanks. But I think they already have 'the opportunity to serve'. I believe c. 500 already do. Good on them and all the others !

I started reading this thread with trepidation - but it's pleasing to see that the comments and the icons ticked, reflect clearly the minority of support for this action both in the USA and the UK populace. Personally on this front if no other, IMO Starmer has played a blinder! Got it spot on ! I'm happy that Starmer has now allowed the USA to use bases where it helps, (whilst restricting UK action to the defensive atm). Spot on again "Starmer says special relationship is not 'hanging onto Trump's latest words". Anyone actually interested in the topic than simply venting their kneejerks, might enjoy this from James O'Brien on LDC https://youtu.be/hs7YzJraI8I Would be 18 minutes well spent

Purdey you don't quite make clear what you are implying. I daresay there are Muslims in the UK Armed Forces already. But a 'call up' ? A bit early to predict a call up or conscription ? Or were you saying nothing and simply taking an opportunity to make a slur on Muslims ?

But wasn't the war mostly described by the Trump Admin, as a 'military operation', (in the style of Trump's dear friend Putin !) IMO even MORE important to continue progressing matters Epstein, given that this shadow too lays squarely over this wild President !

Returning to the thread, (thanks very informative), myself I'm glad the UK have agreed to allow the use of UK bases by the USA. But that's as far as we should go atm. Maybe that will change if there are direct attacks on 'us'. BTW, I think it long overdue that the IRGC was banned in the UK - so wake up Sir Keir !

Rubbish Henry - sorry but that's a simple kneejerk at an opportunity to be rude about the elected PM. Have a listen to James O'Brien on LBC on this subject - it'll be worth your time - https://youtu.be/vKxIff4iqI0 Starmer has been spot on in his attitude to this Iran war, (even if NOT spot on about anything else).

Today I booked and paid for a return flight BKK-LHR leaving in June, on Booking.com who accepted the booking and payment. I have just been advised the booking has been cancelled and money returned . . . . . . . Went to the EVA site and after inputting the dates, could go no further, "Access Denied" ! Any idea what's going on Guys ? My guess is the site is overloaded with Etihad, Emirates and Qatar passengers desperate to get back to Europe. Stymied for now - will keep trying lol. Comments welcome !

Has anyone seen any comment about the likely effect of the US/Israel war with Iran, on tourist numbers coming in to Thailand ? It seems the major carriers of the Middle East won't be bringing tourists atm - the airlines travelling to Europe direct will be better placed, though subject to redirected demand. Which airlines are flying atm ? What's the likely increase in fares ? Comments/news welcome . . .

We travelled from the Chang Mai area over 2 days, about 11 hours on the road altogether, 800km. On the main roads between towns and cities everything appeared normal at 'petrol stations' but we noticed small queues in urban areas. I'm planning to keep a minimum of 50% in the tank from now on. As I understand it, the price of diesel will be put up in about 12 days. No problem. But IMO we can't predict what is going to happen to fuel prices during the next few months or longer - obviously this depends on how this bl**dy war progresses. Good luck Guys !

Apparently, a South Park writer has started a campaign to the effect that Barron Trump should be drafted into the US Military to serve in his Dad's war against Iran. This is to honour his Father's exemplary attitude to such matters. Barron may be a great Lad despite his Parent's bringing him up. It seems a bit unfair to me. But what a good idea ! Yahoo NewsSouth Park writer launches ‘DraftBarron’ campaign to send...A satirical website calling for Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, 19, to be drafted into the US military has been created, as the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The hashtag #SendBarrGo Barron !

Thanks Khun LA.

As I understand it, the Govt. have put a 14 day cap on vehicle fuel prices so the prices today were as before. I think the queueing may also be due to concerns about emerging FUEL SHORTAGES due to disruption of supplies from the Middle East. Travelling from Chiang Mai area in BKK direction today, I noticed that in urban locations the Petrol Stations are crowded and queueing but en route between town locations, they are as normal - but I did take the precaution of topping up at each 'comfort' stop ! I have heard of excessive queues and some 'run out' closures in Chanthaburi as it happens. Concern today is IMO for an emerging fuel shortage.

I'm generally in favour of vaccines and indeed, have been invested in cancer vaccines, (better thought of these days as immunotherapy), for some 15 years now ! I don't follow Campbell anymore but instinctively share disdain for mRNA vaccines. I haven't taken the covid vax for 3 years now, although it is routinely offered to me in the UK. A 50% dose as a booster years ago made me feel quite ill. Have noticed reports of fit young people dying suddenly much more frequently since the covid mRNA vax binge. (BTW, have a look at Scancell, a UK Company, with a SOC dna immunotherapy for stage 3/4 melanoma, Stage 3 trial commencing now. Amazing results. It's imo the right time to buy the share!). ATB

Yes my youngest Son and his Wife are currently holed up in Boston due to flight cancellation - perhaps they should have holidayed in Florida where they live !

Yes Bewster - I know that. But it IS arguable, as I said. Whether Andrew actually paid Giuffre is not known - she looked to be enjoying the high life to me. I guess the point would have to be decided in Court, and that's not gonna happen.

Yes Ray I can understand that position. However, the UK has a ruthless style to hound and persecute individuals whenever possible, a new sport. So far it appears that Andrew is a sleazebag but not much else. He's been extremely foolish - the picture with 'old enough for sex' Giuffre is actually a defence, (insofaras she looks perfectly happy and enjoying the fun of the high life she has chosen). Andrew was mistaken in denying that shot, as in so much else. However, we are turning into a Nation of media led vultures under 24 hour multi-media overload. Yes Andrew should be condemned and prosecuted where he HAS broken the Law but until then, let's take it easy . . . And let Justice have it's day, both in the UK and then in the USA one day !

Yes Giuffre was arguably above the age of consent . . . the alleged matter happened in UK jurisdiction - but Andrew has not admitted to it, (yet).