jdlancaster

Hi, I'm a brown belt in bjj and former pro MMA fighter living in Chiang rai. There is a small bjj gym called crt gym in Chiang rai. It's a small adult following but I'd love to see more people come. The owner is also a brown belt and often has black belts come from Brazil. www.crt-gym.com I think is the website. I'm not always there as I often travel as an army reservist but the owner Adam should be able to help you. 

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2014/08/mapped_sex_offender_registry_laws_on_statutory_rape_public_urination_and.html

Here they have the laws mapped as the law is different in every state. Kids ruined for life when they got on this, can't keep a job. Even have teenage kids who grow up and marry each other, have kids, then can't even see their own kids... all for consensual sex with another teenager.

https://www.hrw.org/reports/2007/us0907/5.htm#_ftn108

it is also interesting that in 5 states being arrested for being with an adult prostitute also makes you a registered sex offender. .. I wonder how many tv members are just as guilty as those "sex offenders" .... these laws morphed into something far different than protecting kids from pedos.

People support it until one of their teenage kids gets caught sxting photos to their bf/gf and gets caught.... a google searcg brought up many cases of teenagers facing felonies .... even if it is a pic of themselves. ...

I will be shortly looking for an embassy or consulate to go to for a multiple entry ed visa. I spent the last two years teaching, but want to study the language for a year at a language school. I need to go to Korea often for army reserve duty so would prefer the multiple entry. I am American, what are my embassy/consulate options?... if not local... maybe Korea?

You will not get one anywhere nearby. It would be a maybe for Korea.

You might have to go back to the states to get. There one of the honorary consulates would be best to get it.

Thanks for the reply. I figured I would have a hard time getting it nearby. I checked out the Seoul consulate website and they show only a single entry for "private education Institute." A "government education institute" has the option for multiple entry. I am guessing this means the multi-entry ed visa is a no-go from Korea. http://www.thaiembassy.org/seoul/en/services/2532/31167-Studying-In-Thailand.html

Are honorary Thai consulates in the USA issuing multi-entry ed visa's for "private education institutes?" For those that enter on a single entry ed visa, I believe they are making people get an extension every 90 days up in Chiang Rai. It seems I may be stuck getting many single re-entry permits per year.

What makes you believe that " many single re-entry permits per year" would help your situation?

Which visa(s) do you anticipate using ?

I go to Korea many times a year (8-10 times). If i could get a one-year extension from a single-entry ed visa... no problem.... or just get a multiple entry ed visa from a consulate... no problem. But, they are only giving 90 day extensions from a single-entry ed visa(from what I gather in chiang rai) and many consulates are reluctant to give multiple-entry ed visas (for private language schools)... it's not the end of the world... just a pain...

I will be shortly looking for an embassy or consulate to go to for a multiple entry ed visa. I spent the last two years teaching, but want to study the language for a year at a language school. I need to go to Korea often for army reserve duty so would prefer the multiple entry. I am American, what are my embassy/consulate options?... if not local... maybe Korea?

You will not get one anywhere nearby. It would be a maybe for Korea.

You might have to go back to the states to get. There one of the honorary consulates would be best to get it.

Thanks for the reply. I figured I would have a hard time getting it nearby. I checked out the Seoul consulate website and they show only a single entry for "private education Institute." A "government education institute" has the option for multiple entry. I am guessing this means the multi-entry ed visa is a no-go from Korea. http://www.thaiembassy.org/seoul/en/services/2532/31167-Studying-In-Thailand.html

Are honorary Thai consulates in the USA issuing multi-entry ed visa's for "private education institutes?" For those that enter on a single entry ed visa, I believe they are making people get an extension every 90 days up in Chiang Rai. It seems I may be stuck getting many single re-entry permits per year.

I will be shortly looking for an embassy or consulate to go to for a multiple entry ed visa. I spent the last two years teaching, but want to study the language for a year at a language school. I need to go to Korea often for army reserve duty so would prefer the multiple entry. I am American, what are my embassy/consulate options?... if not local... maybe Korea?

she had not demonstrated a compelling reason to return to Thailand

Seems pretty cut and dried to me, especially if you were counting on the grand child as being an "anchor" baby, since I am sure the interviewer was aware that the whole family could pitch in and take care of the child

Where you made your mistake, IMHO, is all the emphasis was on YOU, and you were what the interview was all about, not her

Next time minimize your part in the process since if I were the interviewer the first thought I would have was that YOU were trying to get around the fiancee visa process via a Tourist Visa

I think this hits it perfectly. I'd ignore the childish trolling posts. The Consular Officer's questioning says it all. Many people do try to circumvent the fiancee visa process this way to save time since a fiancee visa can take 6-12 months. Even if she had all the assets I think it'd be difficult because of this. If I was the Consular Officer, I'd probably deny it too. I know it's not your intent to go to get married... it just looks that way, and would look even more that way had he/she seen all the documents.

Not sure if this is still correct. I was stationed in Thailand in 1973/75 with a dual citizen US/Thai. He had been drafted by the Thai military and was allowed to op to do his service with the USAF,,,

I don't think people can do that anymore.

As for UK forces you may not be accepted as an example but I know what your saying

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Leadership has a lot of leeway in letting people out of their obligations... If an active duty/active reserve member of the US military was a Thai dual national, I'm sure the two governments would work it out should it come up... If it's a country with less of a relationship... maybe a bigger issue.

Thopon you are 100%

Pay someone else, and people say my post was stupid.

Tell the boy to man up & see if he's selected, if so, go & serve your country as you want the passport but don't want to give anything back

People like the op's make me sick

They're takers but when it comes to the less glamorous things they think bribery or other ways is acceptable. Disgusts me.

Before anyone starts on me I volunteered in the Royal Navy at 17 & served 22 yrs.

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Good for you that you VOLUNTEERED.

And did you miss the part that he doesn't have an issue with "doing his part voluntarily in the EU country", he has actually mentioned it several times to me about volunteering... what he does object to is the "doing his part in a shitty backwards redneck corrupt third world nations armed forces".

But he wants to keep his passport for this, as you say 'shitty backwards redneck third world nation'???

Why would that be?

Your argument is totally flawed!!!

Re read what you've said and see if it's credible

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I could see one reason of not wanting to join the Thai military is that you may not see the government and the country to be one and the same. It's not like this is a western country where one has a voice/vote and plays a role in writing the social contract. It means a lot for some to have a vote... even if one loses... You may have a deep affinity for the country... but may object to being an instrument of the government. I'm a US Army Officer... and if our form of government changed every few years and there wasn't a vote.... and there was conscription... I would avoid conscription too... I say this even though I enjoy the military.

If he volunteers for service in the eu and then remains an active member of a reserve component (maybe have to train once a year?)I would surmise that would exempt him as he is in a foreign military... but I think being a jrotc cadet is easiest. I live here and fly to korea for us army reserve training a few times a year... if a us thai dual national did the same as me... I don't think hed be eligible for conscription.

Hardly any restaurants with old men and their prostitute wives? Sounds bitter to me... I am a young man who lives in a provincial capitol... phrae... I rarely even see a farang... nevermind all the restaurants filled with them and prostitutes. ..

I'm interested in anyones experience learning some of the neighboring languages after learning thai... I know about lao... I find it pretty similar and can understand a bit but I have no experience with the other languages.

In my village in the north many of the houses aren't much more than shacks... and many aren't prepared for the cold. A plank of wood provides no insulation. .. its the same temp inside as it is outside... I'm sure many will drink due to the cold in an effort to feel warm... even if it might kill them

Also, the herpes varicella-zoster virus can only survive for a few hours in the environment except for extreme conditions... then at most a day... (http://macroecointern.dk/pdf-reprints/WaltherEwald2004.pdf) So no point in warning the barber of your infection at this point. Also, I looked up the incubation period of the virus.. and it takes on average10-14 days before symptoms (references may vary).

I just got back from the doctor. Both the nurse and the doctor immediately diagnosed my rash as herpes zoster.

While my rash is nowhere near as severe, its characteristics are very similar to the below downloaded image of herpes zoster.

29533tn.jpg

According to both my doctor and the website http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1132465-overview#a3 it is entirely possible for this virus to be transmitted through barbering tools.

I can't say for sure whether I picked this virus up at the barber but going forward I am definitely going to pay more attention to this and plan to discuss this with him on my next visit. I'm also giving serious consideration to buying a pair of clippers and having my wife cut my hair.

Do not go and tell the barber it is his fault. You may indeed have Herpes Zoster without pain. The virus is dormant in in your nerve cells, and depending on where it is re-activated(not skin, which nerve) you may experience extreme pain, or nothing really. The virus may be transmitted through barber tools, but the barber didn't give it to you.... You would be giving it to the barbers tools and then to other people. If anyone comes up with chicken pox from there... you are patient zero. Zoster is very common as you get older... You got this virus a loooooong time ago... likely in your home country. Initial Varicella-Zoster infections give you the chicken pox... not shingles.

An off-topic post has been removed. Let's please stick to the Chinese army. Comparisons with other country's military is acceptable.

So be it. The USA has its military foot in and on islands all over the globe. Less than before after being required to exit and still arguing legitimacy of presence on others. How more or less legitimate is China's claim to territory that has artificially been created rather than occupied whether it is 1 kilometre or 100 kilometres from the mainland?

This is rather simple, China is a signatory to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). That definines what is and what is not legal. So UNCLOS says they have no claim. Every issue before UNCLOS is irrelevant. Doesn't matter if it is the US, UK, or any other country including China.

Irrelevant? I am confused. But relevant yes. ONLY if claim is (allowed) to be challenged.

Yes, your issues with the US are irrelevant. The USA having military footprints on natural islands all over the globe is irrelevant to the issue of the legitimacy of the 9-dash line or the legality of China's claims. There is a distinction between everything before and after UNCLOS. (China agreed to this). The whole point of the islands is to press claims on territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (and for military use). I get you don't like US foreign policy... but it's irrelevant to the legality of China's claims.

"Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty (UNCLOS), artificial islands are not considered harbor works (Article 11) and are under the jurisdiction of the nearest coastal state if within 200 nautical miles (370 km) (Article 56).^[10] Artificial islands are not considered islands for purposes of having their own territorial waters or exclusive economic zones, and only the coastal state may authorize their construction (Article 60); however, on the high seas beyond national jurisdiction, any "state" may construct artificial islands (Article 87)"

That means they can create islands but they don't allow for territorial waters or exclusive economic zones. Imagine if the US started to create islands off of the Chinese coast? UNCLOS was made to prevent such provocative behavior. And at least one claim is going to be heard so far... and more will come... Freedom of navigation is important to the world economy...

An off-topic post has been removed. Let's please stick to the Chinese army. Comparisons with other country's military is acceptable.

So be it. The USA has its military foot in and on islands all over the globe. Less than before after being required to exit and still arguing legitimacy of presence on others. How more or less legitimate is China's claim to territory that has artificially been created rather than occupied whether it is 1 kilometre or 100 kilometres from the mainland?

This is rather simple, China is a signatory to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). That definines what is and what is not legal. So UNCLOS says they have no claim. Every issue before UNCLOS is irrelevant. Doesn't matter if it is the US, UK, or any other country including China.

Modernizing is important for force projection. Force projection is all about offensive power. This gives more political clout in international diplomacy. They are waiting for the day they can more strongly push their claims.

Though I don't think anyone wants to start a war... the 9 dash line issue and Taiwan is going to go from a spark to fire one day when China thinks it's strong enough. I think the war will be over those two issues, and I don't think anyone's objective would be to conquer China, but rather to try for regime change or renounce claims on Thailand and the 9-dash line. China has an anti-secession law (2005) for Taiwan saying they will invade if they claim independance. What happens if a political group gains power in Taiwan that wants that?

I think a major issue is I don't think any regional powers will be strong enough to stand up to China and may have difficulty working well together. Also, not sure if the US will have the stomach or strength when that day comes. Not really sure what other powers would be willing to step in. Would Europe commit militarily?

CCP know that before they could become a global superpower they must first become a regional power. This is the core of the CCP's belligerence and bellicosity in the waters and seas around it, most notably in the South China Sea, but also the East Sea against Japan.

The USA "Pivot to the Pacific" announced in 2011 at an Asean conference by then SecState Clinton is to refocus the US to the Pacific-India strategic region. The rebalance is in trade such as the TPP, in economics with investments, and militarily with 60% of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force relocated to the overall strategic region by 2020. The Navy and Air Force have already moved into the SCS.

CCP with its failing economy and financial system would find it challenging in even the best of times to become a regional power. It is checkmated by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the majority of very nervous Asean countries, Australia, NZ, India. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe calls this vast area the "Democracy Diamond" from Hawaii to Australia, to India, back across Asean to S Korea and Japan.

For all the focus on Taiwan, the island country is a CCP diversion. There won't be any war over Taiwan.

Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party which advocates independence is poised to win the January 16th election by an expected decisive result. No one should expect a revolution as a direct result or consequence, but the CCP Dictators in Beijing already are getting serious indigestion over it.

Taiwan's coastline consists of rocks, mountains, crevases, ridges, not welcoming sandy beaches. Taiwan is well prepared to defend itself if its strategy of deterrence proves to be unsuccessful. Deterrence by Taiwan means to convince the CCP and its PLA that it will be much too costly to them to attempt a cross-strait amphibious invasion. (In 100 years of modern warfare China has never attempted a large scale amphibious invasion.) Further, CCP Dictators in Beijing know an invasion of Taiwan would provoke a regional and global reaction a hundred times more severe than the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989. It would explode the powder keg, which is why CCP will not undertake to do it or any such thing. If the CCP would have its PLA invade Taiwan, then Japan would need to accept it would be next....South Korea...Australia. So there won't be any invasion of Taiwan.

These three new commands under the CCP Central Military Commission are a merging of existing elite units, to include the already existing Second Artillery Corps which has almost all the PLA missiles right on up to nuclear warhead missiles. The PLA itself is a lethargic political force commanded by doctrinaire CCPs. PLA is incapable of defeating Russia on the Asian continent. Vietnam could once again give the PLA a run for its money, as it did when PLA invaded briefly in 1979. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (navy) is smaller but better than the bulky and slow PLA Navy (PLAN).

CCP have for 20 years focused on (stealing) high-tech warfare which is what these units are about. Cyberwarfare to blind satellites and to by all electromagnetic means to darken the Pentagon. This is the focus and these units are the key. CCP has spent a score of years working on a weapon to counter each and every weapon the United States has, and then some. CCP believes its elite units can take it where it wants to go, much akin to how the SS led Hitler's conventional Wehrmacht to victories. Twenty-first century CCP mode.

All of which confirms that nothing good to humanity has ever come from a one party state.

All great comments...I don't know too much on chinese politics, How much control does Xi have over his party? Is he strong enough to dictate policy or start wars? Is he irrational enough for them to start something, or what do you think they will do if the TCPP calls for independance? What are CCPs options?

Modernizing is important for force projection. Force projection is all about offensive power. This gives more political clout in international diplomacy. They are waiting for the day they can more strongly push their claims.

Though I don't think anyone wants to start a war... the 9 dash line issue and Taiwan is going to go from a spark to fire one day when China thinks it's strong enough. I think the war will be over those two issues, and I don't think anyone's objective would be to conquer China, but rather to try for regime change or renounce claims on Thailand and the 9-dash line. China has an anti-secession law (2005) for Taiwan saying they will invade if they claim independance. What happens if a political group gains power in Taiwan that wants that?

I think a major issue is I don't think any regional powers will be strong enough to stand up to China and may have difficulty working well together. Also, not sure if the US will have the stomach or strength when that day comes. Not really sure what other powers would be willing to step in. Would Europe commit militarily?

"...the lower court failed to split up decisions about guilt and whether Gonzalez should get a harsher penalty for gang involvement..."

"...saying the district court abused its discretion by not answering a jury question about a conspiracy charge..."

Neither one of these two items have anything at all to do with a fair trail and his guilt. A prime example of the US justice system getting bogged down in unimportant minutiae. What a complete waste of time and money.

Both items are about a fair trial. The first is grouping two charges together... You can be guilty of one charge and not the other. An example would be tax evasion and insider trading... If I'm guilty of one should I also automatically be guilty of the other?

The second is more straightforward. The jury didn't understand the charges and wanted clarification. How can the jury come to a fair verdict if they don't know what they are deciding on? This is huge... compare the differences to 1st to 3rd degree murder, homicide, or manslaughter. These are just examples, but there are many crimes that have huge sentencing differences based on strict legal definitions relative to each state. Imagine having some marijuana for personal use and then being charged with intent to distribute... definitions matter and they are different in every state.

This guy is guilty... but the question is of what? The higher court decided the lower court failed to properly instruct the jury and this may have added years onto his sentencing. I don't know about you... but several more years in prison would not be unimportant minutiae to me.

Thanks for the replies. Ya, I'd say motivation has gone down, especially since I can handle all my basic needs and anyone I speak with regularly is used to the way I speak... book wise, I've mostly just read pratom stuff, kinda boring. I'll check out the flash cards and books suggested. Hopefully the books can keep me interested.

Hi,

I've been in Thailand for 2 years. I can speak, read and, write (spelling is an issue). I live in a small village in Phrae province, my exgfs don't speak English, and am self-taught. I generally speak thai except for when I teach, but I feel like I have plateaued.... I can speak my way around any problems, but I would like to get that next level... but the last 6 months I feel like I haven't improved much. After teaching this school year might consider just studying... anyone have any experience with university Thai studies... or advanced Thai studies? Level wise, I would consider myself a speaking B1+ (CEFR)... I studied French in France at a university and was considered B1. I feel more comfortable speaking Thai than French, but I'd say French is easier to write due to spelling. Thanks for your feedback.

Let's face it...many, if not most...young Thai women are exploited for sex from an early age...do not view sex as Christians and Muslims do...are freer to explore their own sexuality...and generally speaking...are not unwilling participants...

That being said...as far as I know...there is no gage for measuring the emotional toll it takes on a young women being used and discarded by her suitors...not to mention the number who get pregnant and spend most of their adult lives trying to provide for their children...by themselves...

Students should be off base for teachers IMHO...teachers are an authoritarian figure...students are impressionable and vulnerable...pressing a student for sex is definitely taking advantage of your position...

There are guys I've taught here who turned out to be some of my best friends in Thailand. We are close in age. We chat online, get together, get drunk together, etc. Is that wrong? Im pretty sure none of em see me as an authority figure. They know I live here to experience life abroad and only teach to make extra money or when Im between jobs.

Have taught or are teaching? If graduated... not an issue... if they are students... then it depends... The military is a good parelel... often they drink together... but it is within the context of the group... Lieutenants/Captains aren't meeting single privates to go out and hit the town even if they are the same age.... but drinking within a group for team building.. perhaps... Senior NCOs/Officers are not the same as a private regardless of whether or not they are the same age.... regardless of how much they like you... You don't like it... you quit the job... nothing wrong with getting a different job... I've met up with my old soldiers and became good friends... AFTER they left the army(or became NCOs/Officers)... in the same way... once they graduate... fair play... maybe you meet them again when they become teachers

It's absolutely unethical... student teacher... police prisoner. .. psychiatrist patient... military officer and young enlisted soldiers. ... all wrong. It's also wrong to assume it's all male teacher female student... it can go the other way... or male-male female- female. I understand that some subordinates may try to goo down that road but it part of the job to say no.... I can't imagine banging students fits into best practices

But what if you really liked the girl? And she liked you? And your ages were close? Wouldn't you want to know if it could work?

The answer to that is simple... quit your job. If you quit your job there is no ethical issue, and can pursue it as you wish. If you aren't willing to quit your job... then you don't "really like her." Age and your feelings are irrelevant. It doesn't matter how much I want something.. It doesn't make it right.