sambum

"Woo back"? The place is crawling with them already, and SpiderMike hit the nail on the head. I have never come across a Russian with what we would call manners - I don't know what they would call it because it seems to be such a rarity.

I agree with your post, but is it not a repeat of one you posted a while ago? I seem to remember the account about your grandmother?

So you catch an underage kid with booze - it's an easy enough job to find out where they got it from and then hit the small shop owner with a big fine/closure?

Some "kids" can look way past their actual age - especially the girls - as one or two farangs found guilty of underage sex with a minor have found out to their cost!

"seems like every week, there's a story on alcohol sales, restrictions, bans, and times." Shows the strength of feeling that people have about silly outdated laws that help to keep Thailand "third world countryt"!

School kids - easy - ID!

Yes, the proposed (50%?) reduction of import taxes on wines and spirits seems to have been swept under the carpet (AGAIN!) Seems like someone doesn't want any competition?

Exactly what I said!

Very useful indeed! Which is why the Constitution was altered (democratically - not) by the junta and they were put there in the first place!

Thaksin didn't put 250 army Senators in place to support his Government?:- "In accordance with the 2017 constitution of Thailand, the Senate is a non-partisan legislative chamber, composed of 250 members. There are no elections for the Senate – all 250 Senators are appointed by the Royal Thai Military."

The main word to note here is "appeared"! Maybe it's a performance/play where the script has already been written months ago, and already vetted by the Censors Board?

Really? Where "democratic" elections are pointless, and the Military led Government can make up their own rules and regulations as they see fit?

The trouble with Insurance is that basically they are in the business to make money, and not to pay it out! Even before I left the UK, the Insurance companies I looked at had so many "pre existing conditions" not covered, that it seemed pointless to pay out a lot of money for insurance that would not cover me for the eventualities that I needed covered. A few years ago when I was a "tourist" and spending a few weeks here every year, I had what I thought was good Insurance cover, so I used the same company for a few years. Unfortunately, I lost a tooth, and had to have a root canal filling and a porcelain crown fitted. They paid out, but a couple of years later, I had a similar problem which was more complicated and had to go to a special Dental Hospital in Bangkok for treatment. I had the treatment, but the Insurance company wouldn't pay out because "We've noticed that you have made a similar claim before" So you are only allowed to have a tooth problem once in your lifetime?

He'll have to get rid of the sling first!

For "Confused" :- " Pita resigned as leader of Move Forward in September 2023. He was succeeded by Chaithawat Tulathon, but continues to be active in the party. On 24 January, the Constitutional Court cleared him of wrongdoing, securing his status as a Member of the House of Representatives.'

Well said!

Thailand IS a country, not "a country in Thailand"! Millions visit every year, but how many of them opt to not come back after their experiences in "Amazing Thailand"? I know quite a few personally! Hence, the PM so desperate to get the tourist figures back up he is resorting to begging well known musicians to give concerts here in order to "boost tourism"! 🙂

Again? They never left!

Not exactly what you said in your post though is it? :- "Everyone lies, everyone takes money that isn't theres." ("theirs"!)

Glad you're wrong!

Many of these sad old farang realise what their treatment would be if they did as you suggest. After all - we are all "aliens" subject to the whims of officers of the Immigration/Government! And slightly off topic, how many people took to the streets to protest about the last "democratic" election where the leader of the party who won was barred for his ownership of shares in a defunct TV company? - a decision which has now apparently been reversed in the land of U - turns, but obviously too late!

Depends on how you interpret "the best"!

Yes, all part of the actor's accoutrements! How many times have you seen (especially in the States) the sight of someone hobbling into court on crutches/Zimmer frame, in a neck brace and covered in bandages, being assisted in their walking by a nurse or family member in order to emphasise their state of ill health as a result of a minor accident, only to be seen a few hours later minus crutches, bandages, and neck brace celebrating with friends after a hefty payout?

I am living here on an extension by way of marriage to a Thai national, but likewise am too old to get insurance. I would willingly pay a reasonable amount for insurance, but the last time I checked (when I was 70) the price was astronomical - about half of my pension, and now it is no longer actually an availble option. How about a fund to help us "oldies" who can't get cover at all?

"Whingeing Pom" I may be, but only stating facts - for instance, why did the Chief of Immigration promise to make things easier for expats, and the next week make them harder? And getting back to the point of my post - "Prorities?" - From last year:- Friday, 7 July 2023, 14:16" Within the next three months, the number of overstayers should be reduced to zero, as they are more likely to engage in criminal activities, which can adversely affect Thailand’s tourism industry, Pol. Lt. Gen. Pakphumpipat said." So why are they still hounding overstayers when there are supposed to be none? And since when are overstayers more likely to engage in criminal activities? And your definition of not being wealthy does not concide with mine, I'm afraid - in the same way as people expect everybody to make savings for their old age. A lot of people (Poms) in my country have to struggle to make ends meet every day and in my particular case, had to pay my ex wife off, take out a new mortgage, pay Child Maintenance way past the legally required limit by helping to put my daughter through University, all on a lowly Clerk's wage - which by the way was way below your $80,000 US, (£63,484 GB Sterling) even accounting for inflation over the years. And thanks to the British Government, my pension is frozen at the amount that it was when I moved here, so yes, that's something else I whinge about, especially as if I lived in the Phillippines I would get annual increments inline with inflation (And don't say "Well, why don't you move to the Phillippines? I don't want to!) At the end of the day, I love being here, and would not relish the thought of having to return to the UK. However, I reserve the right to complain about some things which I believe are wrong, and possibly why this is still, as you put it "a third world country", but that doesn't mean that I expect it to change anything - after all as far as the Thai Government and Immigration is concerned is :- "I AM AN ALIEN"!