suzannegoh

On 12/18/2024 at 3:51 PM, impulse said:

 

Does that have to be a Thai bank card, or can it be a card from back home?

 

No it doesn' t need to be a Thai card, I use a Chase card from the US.  I've never seen any official documentation about this but Singapore uses that system so when I saw the wifi emblem on the Thai turnstile I gave it a go and it worked the same as in Singapore.   And since Chase is very good about reversing fraudulent charges (as required by US law) so I'm not especially worried about the security aspects of this.

22 hours ago, HermesHermes said:

OK, I get it, non-Thai residents are no longer eligible for discount on the metro. No problem, let's move on with changing reality. But how to transition to normal card pass?

 

I don't understand enough Thai to comprehend what to do. It sounds, from the explanation of the helpful MRT kiosk staff, that the balance (not insignificant in my case) has to be refunded to a Thai bank account. But I paid cash. And I do not have a bank account anyway (it involves jumping through hoops for tourists) . Anyway, it seems unreasonable that I have to have my credit sent to a different form of payment than I made to pay for it.

 

So, I suggested that he transfer my balance to a new normal pass. If I understood him correctly, no can do.

 

And what is this tying of identity with transportation passes for some years. Are jihadis using their real passports to travel via subway? It all seems just a little bit ridiculous to me. Next you won't be able to pass for taxis by cash, because some criminals use them as getaway cars (not). 

 

BTW, this kind of surveillance is not unique to Thailand. By contrast, in Vancouver, Canada (Montreal and Toronto, I do not know) it is optional whether you register your Skytrain card or not. There are pluses and minuses to doing so. But even in BC (when long distance bus service existed) after a crazy man not inspired by religion but mind altering substances or psychosis cut a fellow passenger's  head off, they started demanding gov't-issued ID to travel intercity. I don't mind this when I get a discount, but in order to get regular fare, I do resent this. I saw a lot of this transportation monitoring in PRC. I think Singapore does not require it unless crossing a border.

 

Is this the new normal for Thailand? But more imprtant, how do I get my money back since I no longer qualify?

If you're not concerned about getting a discount, you can skip the lines at the MRT station and pay for each trip by swiping your credit card at the entry turnstile at the start of your journey and then swiping he same card again at the exit turnstile at the end of your journey.  I've verified that this works well on the MRT but don't think that you can do it on the BTS.

1 hour ago, Taboo2 said:

Sad and tragic.  As a parent, I warn my kids as much as I can, but no matter how much you tell them to use common sense and be careful, <deleted> happens.  Most likely the <deleted> they got was spiked with Fentanyl. 

 

 

Of they were knowingly snorting Fentanyl. 

5 hours ago, villageidiotY2K said:

Hi folks, these days i notice when im near the router i get this tingling headache.

And when i distance myself from the router i feel way better.

Ive google some cases and seems its the cause of electro magnetic field? 

Have anyone have similar cases as mine and what do you do to solve it?

because in case of my home, wifi is set up infront of the tv and quite difficult to switch locations 

 

It's psychosomatic.

23 hours ago, 123Stodg said:

When forming romantic relationships in Thailand, you could consider the option to choose from either cisgender or transgender women. But which makes a better partner? This isn’t about “which is better” in a general sense, or a question of homosexuality, but more a question of suitability for a meaningful, long-term relationship.

 

It’s well known that many Thai cisgender women looking for foreign husbands come from troubled family backgrounds. Often a background of broken homes, financial struggles, abuse, and limited education can lead to immaturity or a lack of emotional stability needed for a serious relationship with a foreigner. Does this mean that transgender women could be a better option?

 

There’s an argument that transgender women, particularly in Thailand, could demonstrate greater resilience and determination in life. Many have faced adversity, from societal stigmas to familial rejection, and have had to find their own way in life. This could perhaps result in them being more mature, independent, and possibly even better educated than some of their cisgender counterparts. Would this then make them more understanding, empathetic, and/or suitable as a partner?

 

In terms of what makes for a fulfilling partner, there are also other factors to consider. Some foreign men may feel that transgender women can be more emotionally supportive and attentive in relationships, perhaps due to their own life experiences. Some transgender women might approach relationships with a more unique sense of generosity, care, and loyalty from having worked to overcome societal barriers in their own lives. This all may make them more appreciative of a supportive partner and more dedicated to creating a harmonious relationship.

 

Cisgender women, though, may be more traditional in their attitude towards relationships, which could appeal more to men who prefer conventional gender roles and want to avoid any stigmas. Cisgender women would also place more emphasis on creating a family, which would be more fulfilling for men who seek raising children. However, for some men, this traditional Thai mindset also usually comes with expectations of financial support and encompasses a lack of emotional depth.

 

Sexual fulfillment is another aspect where perspectives could vary. Some men find transgender women more open-minded when exploring intimacy, while others feel cisgender women offer a more natural heterosexual dynamic. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preferences and expectations in this area.

 

Another factor to consider is family dynamics. Cisgender Thai women are often under pressure to support their families financially, which can complicate relationships with foreign male partners. Transgender women may involve less of this expectation, depending upon individual family circumstances, but their familial relationships could also be strained, adding an alternative layer of added complexity.

 

What do you think? Could transgender women be more mature, generous, and emotionally supportive in a relationship, or is the background of an individual always more important than their gender identity? Is either group more suitable as a partner, or is it impossible to generalize? Also, would choosing a transgender woman as a partner only possibly be suitable for a man who is seemingly bisexual?

What a bizarre analysis.  Have you ever been to Thailand?

I wonder what the job description of a Thai Wife For Hire is.

Aren't Neta EVs selling for closer to 400k Baht now?

Kamala's videoed Thanksgiving message had more joy and vibe. Apparently not on her first glass of wine of the day, she bragged about her campaign spending almost $1.5B in just over 100 days.

22 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Except that if the popular was what mattered, campaigning would be much different, and popular vote margin would be wider. 

Most likely that's true.  Trump didn't really bother campaigning in California,  That alone might have cost a couple million popular votes.

4 hours ago, jippytum said:

By aeroplane is recommended

Statistically that is the safest way.

On 7/27/2024 at 9:25 PM, Jingthing said:

Harris has the joyful energy and communication skills to both communicate a positive Fresh freedom vision of democratic leadership and painting the dark dystopia truth of a second term for the felonious dotard.

 

 

Unfortunately that joyful energy only excited people who would never vote for a Republican anyway.

sfdgsdfg

On 11/22/2024 at 10:03 AM, KannikaP said:

What is this PRON you mention. I'd like to try it! 555

I use my NORD VPN to be able to watch UK TV channels, and to protect my Banking activity.

The VPN will allow you to make it appear to your bank that your are not abroad and it will prevent your ISP from knowing what you are doing online but it's superfluous in terms of security against hackers when using financial websites.  By now every bank is using SSL encryption so even without a VPN nobody short of the NSA is going to be able to do intercept your communications with the bank.  For that matter, GMail, Facebook,and even Aeannow are SSL encrypted too.  The most common ways that people get "hacked" is by  someone looking over their shoulder while they are working in public or by clicking on things that they shouldn't have clicked on, and a VPN isn't going to fix that.

On 11/21/2024 at 1:25 PM, Captain Disorderly said:

Ive been using PIA ( Private Internet Access ) for a few years now and not had any problems . Its nearly time to renew my PIA yearly 12 month package and Ive just seen this ..

 

We would like to inform you that as of Oct 15, 2024, the price of our yearly plan will increase to USD $49.99. This was not an easy decision. We have always tried to keep our prices as low as possible for customers whilst operating a globally leading VPN service. However, in order to continue to provide the most reliable and competitive service possible, we must now increase our prices.

 

In the past the same yearly 12 month package cost was ..... USD $29.00 . 

 

I know that if I subscribe to a different plan with PIA  ( 2 years or 5 Years ) I could possibly get the cost down , but I would rather just keep a yearly plan .

 

I use a VPN mainly for torrenting and privacy .

 

I was hoping to locate another VPN provider for a better yearly package cost .

 

Any recommendation , suggestion or advice please. 

 

 

 

 

On PIA's website it shows the price as being $39.95 for one year or $79 for 40 months.   I know you said that you don't want to commit to longer than a year but I think that I'd just fork over the $79  and not worry about it again until 2028.

13 hours ago, Caldera said:

Not sure what the purpose of this topic is. You need to stop blaming Trump and start blaming his voters for what's about to happen, it's not like he's made any effort to conceal his plans - and they voted him in again anyway.

 

Democracy is failing not because of the bad things that Trump will do, but because enough people voted for him anyway, for a variety of reasons (not least the painful process of swapping out Joe Biden last-minute).

Indeed.  Democracy is a threat to democracy.

On 11/23/2024 at 1:23 AM, swissie said:

Trump and his followers.

Mostly, US presidents originated from elite universities and/or from financial/political elitarian circles so far. = Known as the "Finpol-Elite".Now, "the masses" had the chance to vote for a guy that TALKES LIKE THEM, BEHAVES LIKE THEM, THINKS LIKE THEM.  Mirroring the "heartland" of America.

Finally, for the first time in their living memory. No wonder, that the "neglected-masses" are convinced that their "messiah" has finally arrived.

 

Talks like them maybe but Trump went to Wharton.

5 hours ago, Upnotover said:

I think you don't really know how Pattaya baht buses operate.

Perhaps not, but he pretty accurately described how Tuk  Tuks operate

19 hours ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

 

Thanks, @JimTripper, for those comments about digital nomads.

I've observed similar, but can't quite explain that "odd manner".

 

Would make a most interesting discussion topic here, if you (or anyone else) cares to start a thread.

Perhaps a title something like:

   "Digital Nomads vs. Long-stay Expats".

 

 

This is largely a generational thing.  Older people have always complained about younger generations.

On 10/30/2024 at 10:30 AM, BritManToo said:

Well overpriced IMHO.

You must be on a very tight budget.

11 hours ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

 

+1 to @suzannegoh

 

Based on recommendation here from @FolkGuitar, I ordered for delivery from Gekko Garden.

Bah!

Not worth eating.

No more Gekko Garden for me.

 

This thread asks for suggestions of independent restaurants in CM that offer home-style farang food, not detailed restaurant reviews.

So I won't post details.

Another one that might qualify as home style (though not a hole in the wall) is Food4Thought.  They have two branches now with identical menus and the same quality.  However I'd recommended eating at one of those branches, at least the first time, rather than judging on the basis of a Grab Food delivery.

Part of the reason for the strange answers is that it's an unnatural setting, it's an ideologue with a TV crew accosting random people on the street and putting them on the spot.  Do the same in anywhere in Europe and you'll get strange answers too.

On 10/25/2024 at 7:46 PM, Old Curmudgeon said:

 

"Home-Style" farang food ... here's more, especially for my fellow Americans.

 

In my opening post, I emphasized "hole-in-the-wall" garden-style restaurants.

Well, the food is more important than the surroundings, right?

 

I think so, too, so I'm going to add another restaurant to this topic.

Not hole-in-the-wall.

Not garden-style either.

But excellent, home-style, farang food, mostly American, including Tex-Mex, but also a full-English, complete with a bottle of HP brown sauce.

 

Newly opened, just 3 months ago.

And apparently independent, owner-operated ... NOT a chain.  NOT in a mall.

 

Route 66 is an American diner-style restaurant.

On the outside, a non-descript building on the edge of the highway behind Payap University.

On the inside it looks like a real diner from 60-70 years ago in the USA.

(I'm thinking of Mel's Diner in San Francisco and countless others scattered along the highways of the USA in those days.)

 

But who cares about the decor?

I certainly don't.

Let's get to the food!

 

And that will take some explaining ...

 

When Thai cooks try to replicate Western food, they usually get the appearance right, but, they almost never get the taste or the texture right.

If pastries, too sweet or not sweet enough.

If meat, over cooked, or not cooked enough.

If bread, too soft and squishy.

etc., etc.

Would be a similar result if I tried to make som-dtum.

 

But Route 66 gets the tastes exactly right.

And I mean, exactly.

That tells me there's an American with lots of restaurant experience in the kitchen.

He gets it right.

 

Plus, whenever I walk into any restaurant for the first time,

I'm looking for indicators of quality and careful management.

Is it clean? ✓

Are things generally neat and in order? ✓

Is the place free from any bad smells? ✓

 

And there's another way I look for indicators of quality: the brands of products.

At Route 66, ketchup was Heinz. (NOT Rosa).

Butter packets were Anchor. (Not Imperial or Allowie).

My tea bag was Twinings (English). (Not some anonymous food service label).

 

So we're off to a good start at this new restaurant.

 

I'll let you dig through the menu yourself.

I ordered American-style breakfast: pancakes, link sausage, eggs.

Generous servings and arrived at the table hot.

 

Well, whether they know it yet or not, our venerable favourite, The Duke's, is in for some serious competition.

Except for location -- Route 66 is far out on the Eastern edge of town.

But plenty of parking right in front.

And motorcycles welcome.

 

In the opening post, I mentioned a Thanksgiving dinner at the old Garden Cafe near Thapae Gate.

What do you know:

On the table at Route 66 was an advertising card for their Thanksgiving dinner!

And a Christmas dinner, too.

 

I'll put a map and several photos below.

(Seems there's another branch in Pattaya, but I don't know anything about that.)

 

I have no connection with this restaurant in any way, other than as a satisfied customer.

 

(Photos below stolen from Google maps.  Not my photos.)

.

Agree that Route 66 is Excellent.  Currently the best option inCM for farang “comfort food".