richard_smith237

I think that was 'answered' - 1 building collapse (due to corruption). Despite the considerable distance from the epicenter, Bangkok experienced significant shaking due to seismic wave amplification caused by the city's deep, soft alluvial soils - we all know that by now. Remarkably, the city's infrastructure largely withstood the seismic event. only major structural failure was the collapse of a 30-story building under construction, intended to house Thailand’s State Audit Office. This tragic 96 confirmed fatalities, with several individuals still missing. Investigations into the 'State Audit Office Building' collapse that resulted in 96 confirmed fatalties have uncovered significant structural deficiencies, including the use of substandard materials and design flaws, particularly in the building's lift shaft. These issues have led to criminal charges against 17 individuals, including prominent construction executives. In contrast, Bangkok's extensive expressway network and other high-rise structures remained intact - I think this demonstrates the effectiveness of modern engineering practices and that there was adherence to updated building codes, older buildings also seem well built. Considering the localised magnitude of the quake in Bangkok – estimated to be roughly equivalent to a 6.0 on the Richter scale – one could reasonably argue that the city and its infrastructure withstood the event remarkably well. A quake of that same localised intensity could have been far more devastating in other major cities such as London, Paris, or Barcelona. Their older building stock and codes. Fortunately, the lack of proximity to fault lines or susceptibility to seismic amplification naturally renders these area's far less vulnerable. Thus - I think there is a strong argument to suggest that the durability of Bangkok's Buildings and infrastructure, was tested, and it passed - Yes, cosmetic damage but no major structural damage or collapses - arguably, thousands and thousands of lives saved.

Polite face saving terminally for corruption and graft to such a degree that it could be classified as criminal negligence causing death and even Manslaughter.

Exactly where he needed to be... doing his job. Thailand had already adjusted building code to accomodate the risk. Are you suggesting is is not the professors job to be a civil engineer and building inspector too ? Of course, as others have said - this is not new information, he's merely reiterating measures put in place before the earthquake, what has been said post earth quake... many of which people on this forum are well versed in. They did - thats why the building codes were changed a few years ago. Now What ?? - a little learning for you perhaps instead of shooting from the hip.

Outstanding input - the forum is by far better off for knowing what you are not into.... -------- Another facet of where to live in BKK is access to transport. Some prefer being close to the BTS which adds excellent convenience, but once more than a few hundred meters away becomes a hot and sweaty trek to get there. We find it essential to live with easy access to an expressway as we use the car so much and this helps us circumnavigate traffic. Asoke is potentially one of the worst places to live if you drive and tend to go places after 4pm . Bangkok is expanding rapidly and there are better and better places to live with decent amenities and also access to the centre for those who want it.

It isn’t just a sexual or money thing. It is genuine connection with many of them. This month I have helped 5 with school uniforms, books etc. for their kids. The Thai school year starts in May unlike back home. April is the hottest month so they have their summer holidays then. Sounds like monger Malcy is grooming them... pretty creepy behavior

I'm always a little amused when threads like this resurface each year. There’s invariably a flurry of comments along the lines of “I avoid all farang,” which strikes me as rather strange. People are people; diverse, individual – and how we engage with others surely depends on the specifics of each situation. There's no need to go around greeting every stranger, but equally, no need to shun everyone either. Sometimes a conversation arises naturally – if you’ve the time, let it unfold. And if it starts to veer into awkward territory, simply extract yourself. That principle holds true regardless of nationality – Thai, Westerner, or anyone else.

Says a guy who calls himself a bogan... Just glorious for those who've managed to avoid you then, you mean ?

That alone highlights how little you know - It's why I won't bother to entertain your comments seriously.

Speaking of idiots .. it is often said that every village has its idiot, yet some villages seem to be missing theirs entirely. Those very idiots must surely gather in a village of the “missing idiots” - a place that, ironically, is itself lacking its own missing idiot. And here you are, alive and well, polluting this thread with your anti-vaccination drivel....

Dr. Robert Redfield, publicly expressed concerns about the side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the implementation of vaccine mandates. He criticised the broad application of vaccine mandates, suggesting that vaccinations should have been prioritised for older and more vulnerable populations rather than mandated for all, including healthy individuals and children. In interviews, Dr. Redfield discussed observing patients who are ill without having had COVID-19, implying that their conditions may be related to vaccine side effects. He has emphasised the need for transparency regarding vaccine side effects and has advocated for more systematic research into vaccines . However, while Dr. Redfield has raised concerns about vaccine side effects, there is no verifiable evidence that he has claimed "Long Covid" is a cover-up for mRNA vaccine injuries. Reports making such claims often originate from sources that may not adhere to rigorous journalistic standards. Mainstream scientific consensus maintains that Long Covid is a legitimate condition resulting from COVID-19 infection, characterised by a range of symptoms persisting after the acute phase of the illness. In summary, Dr. Redfield has voiced concerns about vaccine mandates and the need for transparency regarding vaccine side effects. However, attributing statements to him that Long Covid is a cover-up for vaccine injuries lacks substantiation from credible sources.

Indeed - who can say what heartbreaking circumstances led to this moment? Whatever the case, the mother is clearly in urgent need of help. This may be a vulnerable young woman suffering in silence, or perhaps a stillbirth - we do not yet know. But even if it is not, the desperation that drives a mother to such an extreme act is undeniably tragic. Yes, it may be illegal, and many will judge harshly, with no attempt at understanding. Yet for a mother to act in such stark opposition to every natural instinct suggests that something has gone profoundly wrong. Something that demands compassion before condemnation perhaps.

Oh, absolutely.... even though the woman apologised, it’s obviously all the tourist’s fault for daring to accept life jackets from her boat..... Because, you know, that single act was just so outrageous it unleashed that worthy tirade..... Those life jackets? Practically national treasures- disgusting tourists... Animals !!! In fact, the police should just go ahead and arrest and deport all foreigners for simply daring to be in your Thailand. Problem solved. Really, you should be the only non-Thai left in Thailand. Although, that would open the conundrum as to who then you'd obsess over with your delusional bile.

Just open a second account with BKK Bank... One for 'Visa holdings' the other to use. Keeps things simple.

It’s the contagion effect – the more exposure it gets, the more it seeps into local pop culture. There's also a rather theatrical wave of faux-offence being flung about, which only adds to the absurdity.

No, "getting into hot water" indicates something more serious and consequential than a bit of online critique. It's a metaphorical way of saying you've landed in a situation that's uncomfortable or difficult to get out of - like being scalded by hot water.... thats all... It's astonishing how the most inconsequential remarks are seized upon and dissected with a level of pedantry unmatched by anyone else on this forum.

Wholly valid points, every single one of them... But the "I waited behind someone who took too long using their QR Code" crowd, or "I had a fraudulent transaction" crowd will always rely on some flawed emotional anecdote to rationalise either a degree of paranoia or a simple unwillingness or inability to evolve. Some of the comments here seem as if they are written by Victorians... "Oh I don't trust those electric lamps that turn themselves off"......

Firstly, from an informational standpoint, the upper graphic (focused on isolation) is quite effective when it comes to respiratory viruses in general. I sometimes catch colds while travelling on aircraft - hardly surprising given the close proximity to others. Some people claim they're fit, healthy, and never get sick. Frankly, that’s just bluster - usually said to win an argument, not based on reality. I take more than 20 international flights a year, so it's inevitable I'll be exposed to respiratory viruses. Most of the time, it’s just a mild cold and nothing more. That said, I’ve had the occasional run-in with a proper flu, and when that hits, it can ruin half a holiday in the process. So yes, taking sensible precautions is... well, sensible. I don’t wear a mask, but I do apply basic common sense measures. If I’m aware of a flu outbreak, I’ll absolutely reconsider my local plans etc. And in the past, I’ve taken the influenza vaccine - especially ahead of winter holidays - just to try to avoid being laid up with the flu while everyone else is out on the side of a mountain.... --------- As for the second graphic - the one featuring Doug Little - all I can say is that the man comes across as a complete ayhole. That kind of dictatorial, quasi-fascist rhetoric needs to be shut down, not amplified. If we genuinely want to encourage people to get vaccinated, we need to focus on facts, open access to information, and, as you often point out - unbiased, transparent studies. And the reality is, those studies already exist. The data is out there. The science is clear. But anti-vaxxers ignore it. So, if pro-vaccine advocates in the US (or anywhere) want to achieve the kind of vaccination rates that ensure herd immunity and safer communities, the solution isn’t coercion - it’s education. The problem, as I see it, is that for a certain group, it simply doesn’t matter how solid the evidence is, how credible the source, or how transparent the research. There will always be those who latch onto the rare 1-in-a-million adverse event and weaponise it to spread misinformation. They’re so deeply entrenched in their anti-vax worldview that they’ll reject science and reason outright and double down when confronted with facts. I’ve said it before: even with flawless, peer-reviewed studies and clinical data laid bare for all to see, some people will remain wholly anti-vax. No amount of clean, clear, and unequivocal evidence will sway them - because they’re not searching for truth; they’re defending an identity. -------- And finally, let me be absolutely clear - I'm not claiming vaccines are perfectly safe. Nothing in life is perfectly safe. Some people are allergic to water or apples. Others can’t sleep lying down. There are even those with severe reactions to direct sunlight. So yes, there are individuals who are allergic to ingredients found in certain vaccines. But these rare cases do not invalidate the overwhelming public health benefits of vaccination. The adverse effects experienced by a tiny minority should not outweigh the protection afforded to the vast majority. The truth is simple: the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks - by any rational measure, and against any argument. .... Of course, the core issue now is that “any argument” often involves irrational, emotional claims built on incomplete or misleading data. Take, for example, a tragic case where a young girl dies within 12 hours of receiving a vaccine - an immediate assumption is made that the vaccine caused it. But correlation does not imply causation, especially in isolated, highly emotive incidents like this. Unfortunately, objectivity is the first casualty in such cases. Emotion takes over, and these anecdotes are rapidly weaponised into anti-vax rhetoric - spreading fear through sensationalism rather than fostering understanding through evidence.

I think thats still 'older thinking' there are loads of Apps available for cash and budget managements. Thinking of this 'only from our own perspective' is not a valid argument IMO. Cash is great as an emergency but not as convenient. How much cash are you keeping - US$500,000 under your mattress ? - IF the government want control over your life, they'll have control over your bank do - you won't be able to withdraw cash... So, Keep Gold in the safe ? - its a rather a doomsday prepper kind of approach (and what if you get robbed etc). The 'Farage' argument has also been used - however, for the Average Westerner, this is not a concern whatsoever.... But, I agree with you, no government anywhere should be blocking our accounts. Its why I will welcome wider adoption of Crypto - where even 'digital cash' (in a fiat base) as we know it may soon be a thing of the past we we pay with a decentralised currency (Crypto) without exchange rates without fee's (thats at least one idea of where this could all be going). We need all options - I'd hate to see cash disappear, but it is by no means 'king'... Gold would be a 'better King' if we had to chose one. The reality of these discussion is that they always become 'binary' - as on Pro one thing, and Anti Another... When in reality... ... being specifically Pro-Cash and Anti-Digital (Card / QR / Digital Trx etc) is a fundamentally flawed approach.... ... Just as being Pro-Digital and Anti-Cash would also be a fundamentally flawed approach. We here the strongest arguments from loudest voices at the extremes of the spectrum of this debate, whereas, in reality, anyone welcoming both cash and Digital payment options are sitting the most comfortably in a world of combined convenience and financial safety. - Credit Card Fraud - it happens - the Banks take the risk. - Monetary theft - it happens - We OR in larger Sums, the Bank takes the risk. - Crypto-Fraud - it happens - We or the Exchange, takes the risks. There are Solid precautions for all of the above - but from a day to pay perspective - I find Credit Card usage to provide a combination of being the most convenient and the safest.

Thank you - here is my response: Keep on posting your nonsense comments. Anybody with a any of common sense will discard your comments as biased hysterical BS by a rabid anti-vaxxer with a anti-Pharma agenda. You and a few others continually pollute these pages with ill-informed drivel, confusing causation with correlation, sharing links to discredited quacks, and repeatedly misquoting respected doctors and virologists. You lazily copy and paste nonsense from neurotic anti-vax websites that thrive on paranoia and ignorance, designed for the gullible to repost without thought..... And when challenged, your only fallback is the tired cry of “mainstream media” and “Big Pharma” conspiracy, without the faintest grasp that without the pharmaceutical industry you’d either be dead or never have existed in the first place.

1. I click on the Chrome 3 dots, drop downs appear but the font is tiny. How can I increase the size of the font? >> 3 Dots on right hand side - Drop Down appears: Select <Settings>. >> Adjust Zoom... or >> On left side: Select <Appearance> >> <Font Size> 2. In a string across the bottom of my screen numerous icons etc. But each 'icon image' is tiny, how can I increase the size? This maybe improved by adjusting the Zoom - as per above instructions....

Sounds like you don't understand how vaccines work. One child died, which is tragic, but if people didn't vaccinate, a lot more children would die. Your logic is extremely flawed. Child dies in house fire within hours of smoke alarm being installed and causing an electrical fault. Do not install smoke alarms in houses with children.... ........ This is the kind of interstellar-grade stupidity we're up against in these anti-vax threads. A child tragically dies after a vaccine, and the brilliant solution? 'Let’s bring back polio for everyone!' - Brilliant...

I just restrict the use of cards. Sorry if that offends you. big yawn. The last car I bought was a bankers draft. and motor bike was with cash. is that ok with you. Bet the last time i was in Makro, the knob in front of me trying to pay using his phone and could not do it, then handed it to the cashier to do the transaction , was not you . Of course - no offence.. but there are so many similar anti-digital comments on here from people who have either failed to adapt or reject it and use flawed excuses to justify that... ... its not the 'anti-digital' aspect that amuses me, its the lack of critical thought in the 'justification' to remain so one sided... The anecdotal 'slow guy in front of me couldn't use his phone' is a tired and worn out boomer excuse... you wont see the person in front of you who pays in a split second with his phone, because he's gone in a flash... Touch and tap... or a quick QR scan... for me its a lot faster than cash... So, flawed excuses aside - lets get real.. Cash is great - we need it... but its not king, and neither is digital... both are important. ... and so block-chain and crypto-transaction may will supersede that.... As far as credit cards are concerned - the right card is always protected.... Bankers draft ?... cashiers check... ?? my last car was paid for using my phone... the last car I sold was also paid for (by the customer) in the same manner.... no need to call up the bank and conform the cashiers check is real...

Good luck buying your next, car, motorcycle, computer etc with cash.... Always amused by the Cash-is-king comment.... then we read the news of someone getting robbed !!!

Yep - Had UK fraudulent payments made on my UK Card a few times. They always return the money. They know where and on what device the money was used (even know if its a Mac or PC etc or other sales mechanism). Also in Thailand - myself and my Wife: The notification of use always pops up and if its fraudulent, we contact the bank (always get the money back, or rather, not deducted). I reckon it happens at least once per year - more commonly to my Wife for some reason. I think its mostly from online payments. We use Credit Card payments for everything - and the reason we do is because of the protection they offer.

True - but it’s in their interest to make sure you have everything on order…. … so they usually ask for more than is required. My Wife has dealt with them a lot for various Schengen visas over the years & knows the requirements in detail. They always try to get her to buy extra insurance etc & threatens my wife that she’ll be rejected if she doesn’t go with the insurance on their list (we have good insurance already - never an issue).