richard_smith237

12 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

Before the Big C trip we were on 3 very real dates and you know it. 

 

You thought they were real....    It was simply a fishing expedition for her.

46 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

First of all I have every right to ask who this man is to her. She went on 4 dates with me. Four. She pretended she was single and available and looking for a relationship. She knew how much I liked her. 

 

I already asked her. She can block me all she wants. At this point she would be the lucky one if I give her another chance. But obviously that depends on what is going with this guy. Is he a client? Is he her ex? Who is he? 

 

I have every right to know. I just want to know what game she is playing with me, who she is and what is going on. 

 

She's not playing a game with you - you are simply not on her 'radar' which is why she can be so brutally direct about flying to Pattaya to be with another guy - there is no downside for her to tell you this - the only reason she is accepting continued contact is the very slim possibility you suddenly offer her a load of money.

 

... Offer to fly her back to CM... and 20,000 baht cash - then you'll see her colours.

 

 

 

 

Just now, Cameroni said:

Yes, but I sent two long texts asking her to say if she is free for lunch or dinner on Friday, if not on Saturday or Sunday. And all she did was send me two heart emojis. Not a word.

 

This is not good.

 

Not a good indicator - she's keeping options open. 

 

Defo sounds like a 'friend zone'...  well, not even that really...    Is this the 'Thai' way of saying 'no' without actually saying 'no' ???

 

 

13 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Yes, she spoke to the mother in front of me.

 

She was a little embarassed about it. No idea why she even took the call. 

 

I suppose if the mother is so sick, you always take the call as it could be the last. She never moved out of ear-shot ever. Also texted in front of me without hiding it.

 

Those are good indicators... 

On 11/25/2025 at 9:55 AM, hereforgood said:

On 11/24/2025 at 3:00 PM, richard_smith237 said:

The Pink Card is handy IF stopped and the BiB want to See ID - but the same Police may also be fine with a Driving License - but at one stop, they wouldn't accepted my DL or my Pink ID - they only wanted a Passport - but, then I could see the stop was nothing but  shake-down.

That's understandable they need your passport because your driver's license while it has your passport number doesn't have your status of your visa when you have to leave the country or when you arrive. You may have the driver's license with your passport number on it but you could still be in the country illegally on overstay.

 

The Regulation in Thailand is to be able to provide 'Government Issued Photo ID' within a reasonable time frame.... 

 

The passport suffices for this. But, the requirement is not to be able to prove immigration status. 

 

Only Immigration officers can requires your immigration status.

At check-points etc - IF the BiB are specifically requesting your passport an Immigration Officer needs to be present.

Of course - the BiB are a law-unto themselves - so trying to argue those finer points with barely educated non-commissioned police officers through a language barrier is going to be a challenge.

 

Nevertheless -thats thats the regulation: Carrying a Thai Drivers Licences, Pink ID or photoCopy of your passport, even a Photo on your phone will suffice in 'nearly' all situations. 

 

 

 

 

 

On 11/25/2025 at 2:45 AM, flexomike said:

On 11/24/2025 at 12:41 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

I understood it otherwise - You cannot get a Pink Card without a Yellow Book.

 

Yellow Book requires a lot of Hoop Jumping & documentation.

Pink Card requires just a yellow book and a few hours.

pink card took me fifteen minutes

 

It took me 14 !!! - with a Yellow book. 

 

Did you manage to get the Pink ID card without a Yellow Book ?

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Maybe she even resents the person who controlled her life for so long, she said even in secondary school she was not allowed a boyfriend. Even now TWICE on separate dates the mother called her to control her, and she felt compelled to take the call even though she was with someone.

 

Did she speak to the mother on the phone in front of you ? or, did she make an excuse to move somewhere quieter ? (where you were out of ear-shot ?).

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The 'Mother thing' - its total BS...   until you actually see her Mother at the house - don't buy it.

 

Richard, I understand an abundance of caution. But you didn't talk to her yesterday. I asked her outright, "Is there any problem, any issue in your life, anything that concerns you". And she thought for a minute then said "Mother asked me to nurse her. She really wants that. But I don't want to give up my life for that, it would mean having to move to Chiang Dao".

 

Translation: "Yes, you haven't offered me a monthly stipend... I'm tredding lightly to figure out how to get the best out of this situation financially"

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

If you had seen the look on her face, how she said it, you'd know the mother is very real.

 

As is figuring out how best to play you.

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

She also went to the pharmacy asking for a pill box for her mother. i saw it. Again, this sick mother is real. 

 

Or she wants one for her vitamins !

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The tea-cup is a daft red-herring - something that came into her head

 

She was looking for 30 minutes for this tea cup in Big C. It was a real issue.

 

Great acting.

 

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

She didn't believe you about Bali - she's been strung on by punters too many times - its not happening until it happens.

 

That could well be. Also the way I said it seemed almost jokingly, that didn't help my case.

 

I hope you were joking - because if she says yes, then you plan the trip, pay for hotels, flights etc then she drops you for a higher paying plan a - you be back here confirming what you already confirmed on page 60 !!!

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

There is no 'family' birthday party, she'll just be hanging out with her housemates - probably going out to a club or a bar - she wants to keep her options open = no plan with you.

I am almost 100% certain she will be going out at night, and partying with friends. She is a local who studied at Chiang Mai university, and it's totally unbelievable she'll just sit at home with her mother. She's going out with her sister and friends for sure. Maybe she didn' tmake firm plans yet, but it will happen.

 

Sure it will - and if she has registered any romantic feelings for you - she'll be inviting you.

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

She moved away from the kiss - because a kiss is romantic - she's not romantically interested in you.

I don't know, she was keen to get inside because she was holding heavy boxes and her mother had called her and chastised her being late. But yah, her interest is very low. To be honest I had the hope since she asked me to go to Big C that her interest was coming back up, but as she hasn't written at all today, until I did, it's clear her interest is still rather low.

 

Rather low ??? - romantically non-existent - even dodging a peck on the cheek now - read the signs.

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

she thought you'd pay for her shopping.

Yes, not paying for the shopping was a mistake. But it didn't feel right to pay.

 

It wasn't a mistake - it showed clear boundaries - if you pay for her shopping, you'll be paying for everything for months, and on page 250 of this thread - you'll finally admit you've wasted a lot of money on a girl who lets you peck her on the cheek when she wants something.

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

She'd cancelled a previous date, then just offered Big C. And those things were all for her mother, didn't feel right to pay. She never agreed to be girlfriend/boyfriend or be exclusive, so why would I take care of her that way?

 

The mother is a 'sick buffalo' not literally of course - but this is a very convenient excuse for having to 'not be available'... visit other areas... Soon there will be a 'hospital bill that needs paying' - and this is why you are kept in the picture - you'll be hit up soon enough.

 

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Is she an 'escort' ?? not in the strict sense - but she very likely has sponsors and you are being evaluated fro that perspective.

Interesting theory.

 

You were convinced she was an escort a few days ago - and a tea-cup and pill box is all it took to change your mind !!! 

7 minutes ago, xylophone said:

I bought a refurbished iPhone SE (launched in 2015) a few years back and it's been great although now with a cracked screen and the operating system not being able to be upgraded, I'm thinking of changing it to the 2020 or 2022 SE model and am looking online at the moment to see what is available.

Any tips from someone like yourself who appears to know more about these things than I do!

Thanks in anticipation......

 

If you just want a new screen - there are loads of repair places around Thailand - any Big C usually has such a place.

Just now, xylophone said:

I bought a refurbished iPhone SE (launched in 2015) a few years back and it's been great although now with a cracked screen and the operating system not being able to be upgraded, I'm thinking of changing it to the 2020 or 2022 SE model and am looking online at the moment to see what is available.

Any tips from someone like yourself who appears to know more about these things than I do!

Thanks in anticipation......

 

The 2020 or 2022 SE models will be decent enough.

 

Just ensure they have a good battery health (i.e. > 80 % for the 2020 and > 90% of the 2022 models).

 

Depending where you are impacts where you buy from.

 

i.e. in BKK - you'll get one from one of the phone shops in MBK on the 4th floor.

 

If buying privately - i.e. from Facebook Market place ONLY buy face to face (too many scams to buy remotely). 

 

When checking the phone there are limited things you can check with a new phone. 

 

1. Physical Condition

- Screen & Body: Check for scratches, cracks, dents, or water damage.

- Buttons: Test volume, power, mute switch, and home/touch ID buttons.

- Ports: Inspect charging port and headphone jack (if present) for dirt or damage.

- Camera & Sensors: Test front and back cameras, Face ID/Touch ID, proximity sensor, and flashlight.

 

2. Battery Health

- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.

- Look for Maximum Capacity (ideally >80%) and check if Peak Performance Capability is normal.

 

3. Software & Activation

- Make sure it’s not iCloud locked:

- Go to Settings → General → About and check “Activation Lock” status.

- Ask the seller to erase the device and set it up in front of you.

- Ensure the phone can update to the latest iOS compatible with its model.

 

4. IMEI & Serial Number

- Find in Settings → General → About.

-Check online at Apple’s coverage page for warranty status: https://checkcoverage.apple.com 

- Verify the IMEI isn’t blacklisted/stolen using a site like IMEI.info.

 

5. Carrier & Network

- Confirm the iPhone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier.

- Insert your SIM and test calls, texts, and data.

 

6. Functionality Check

- Touchscreen: Make sure all areas respond properly.

- Speakers & Mic: Test calls, voice memos, music, and videos.

- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Connect to networks and devices.

- GPS: Open Maps and check location accuracy.

 

7. Accessories & Box (if you are bothered about that)

- Original charger, cable, and headphones?

- Original box and documentation are nice to have for resale value.

 

8. Price vs. Market

Check the going rate for comparable models and conditions.

Remember: a too-good-to-be-true price is usually a red flag.

 

5 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

I almost feel as if she is testing me. Like "Let's see if we just go to Big C what will that be like, if he'll still be interested then.".

 

But after I didn't pay for the shopping and we went to KFC I really noticed a change in demeanour. It's not as if the shopping in Big C was so great, but things got a bit quiet after KFC. I really wonder what that was about.

 

If it was her "emergency" message, that I didn't pay for the shopping, or because I talked of flying with her to Bali. It did seem like something turned a switch.

 

Maybe she's just under a lot of pressure at home. I don't know. But she's not texting a lot now either.

 

The 'Mother thing' - its total BS...   until you actually see her Mother at the house - don't buy it.

Odds are she's living with a group of others girls (she calls sisters) - all playing the same game with guys or who are friends with a 'real job'.

 

She was using you instead of paying for a taxi to Big-C to get some supplies.

The tea-cup is a daft red-herring - something that came into her head that you clung onto.

 

She's doesn't care for the umbrella - it means nothing to her, its not something expensive. 

 

She didn't believe you about Bali - she's been strung on by punters too many times - its not happening until it happens.

 

There is no 'family' birthday party, she'll just be hanging out with her housemates - probably going out to a club or a bar - she wants to keep her options open = no plan with you.

 

She moved away from the kiss - because a kiss is romantic - she's not romantically interested in you.

 

She let you give her a kiss earlier on because she thought she might get more out of the evening - you were a taxi and she thought you'd pay for her shopping.

 

 

And you are right - she is testing you - but not from a relationship point of view - she's testing how much you'll pay out - are you worth keeping on as a plan B - covering costs... if you will be her 'sugar daddy' the end game here is for her to get an allowance and she's very likely on allowance already from other guys... 

 

Is she an 'escort' ?? not in the strict sense - but she very likely has sponsors and you are being evaluated fro that perspective.

 

 

 

11 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

She hasn't even mentioned the umbrella gift at all. She must have been so disappointed, she was speculating so much what this gift might be. When she found out it was an umbrella, it was probably a cold shower. She's not texted a word on it. Not thank you even. Nothing.

 

I think as we left it that she will get in touch with me about how we meet on Friday or Saturday, and it's her birthday, I will see how that works out. If she makes definite plans to meet with me, I'll take that as a sign of interest and may write something nice with her birthday gift. But if she doesn't come back, and I hear nothing about getting together Friday or Saturday, then I suppose she's basically saying "I'm really not interested anymore". Then a letter may not make sense.

 

Next time you buy her something, give her a choice...

 

"would you like this exepnsive necklace, or should I go fv<k myself ?"  -   because thats the clear message she is sending you.

 

By this stage - in your shoes I'd plan to meet her at the top of Doi Suthep for an amazing surprise and just not bother turning up...  She's playing you for an absolute mug and her indifference is not only innocent ignorance of the situation, its actively rude.

 

 

 

I had a mate who played the game well..

Had an absolute stunner stringing him along… 

They planned a date, she cancelled, planned another and she was over an hour late and didn’t even apologise.  The date went well and she ended up staying together.

She called the next day they planned another date – something came up and he cancelled, they planed another date he was an hour late.

She gave him two barrels – You f** me then cancel the date then turn up late to the next ?..  he smiled and walked away and caught up with his mates in the bar.
 

 

3 minutes ago, dddave said:

I am an Android user. Since the demise of SKYPE, I have been unable to call friends in the US who are I-Phone users and won't download messaging apps such as LINE & WHATSAPP.  I'm considering buying a 2nd hand I-Phone so I can call on FaceTime.  Taking into account battery health, OS reasonably up to date and ease of support, how old is too old?  What iteration of I-Phone would be the oldest you would consider?   Camera and gaming ability are not considerations for me.  Are the smaller SE versions decent phones overall?  I would hope to spend less than B10,000.   Suggestions?

 

The iPhone SE (2020) is probably your best choice given price point etc if you must use FaceTime and have no other options. 

 

My Son has an iPhone SE - its works every well (and we can call him etc - WhatsApp / Line / FaceTime - and the systems work well.

 

Ensure when you do by that the battery health is greater than 80% and you should get some resonable longevity from it.

 

 

Completely separate point - are they really friends if they won't use WhatsApp so you can keep in contact ?? - thats just odd.

 

 

35 minutes ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Oh please stop the nonsense already, you talk things that were relevant years ago and even if talking about this, a mac mini is way faster and better performing to run your Linux or Windows on as well. Guess you never realized that you can run dual boot on apple products as well, aka if you want windows or ubuntu, you just boot that. A windows however can not do that, let alone smooth or functional.

 

Same you can still run windows only applications using Wine or similar in macOS too. Mac is basically the same as linux to begin with.

 

I don't know what you are getting so emotional about - but yes, dual boot is also an excellent option that MAC's offer.

 

But companies using software that requires windows - generally use PC based systems and not Mac - and for most of us who work, we don't get the choice of which system to use which is why I isolated the difference between personal choice and work use.

 

Hope you can calm down now.

13 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

possession of a pink card or driving licence does not prove that one actually  lives here , anymore than having a non o visa or a yellow book.  

Why should foreigners who live here pay the Thai rate ? 

 

Because its discriminatory - something that would also be discriminatory on in our home countries.

 

If one can show 'residency' (which a Yellow House Book / Pink ID does - has does a Non-Immigrant Visa, as does a Work Permit) - then a local rate based on local residency removes that discrimination based on Nationality.

 

13 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

they are not Thai and none of them are impoverished due to working here for Thai level  wages.  No different from long stay tourists 

 

Differentiation based on nationality alone is discriminatory - and the argument about wealth is flawed.

The vast majority of  Thai's I know are rather wealthy - this argument to support dual pricing based on perceived impovrishedness of Thai's is flawed.

 

The 'only' non-discriminatory way to deal with dual pricing is based on residency - and that counts everywhere, in any nation.

 

The long ongoing 'Dual Pricing debate'... 

 

There is a difference between dual pricing based on Nationality and Dual Pricing based on Residency...

 

This new Trump Policy (suggestion) will not be based on Nationality - the reporting is lazy in its use of 'foreigners'...  

 

USA / Local Residents of 'any nationality' will receive a local 'discount' it is those unable to prove residency who will face higher fee's.

 

Meanwhile 'dual pricing' in Thailand is based on Nationality - thus, a foreign resident in Thailand (someone on a Non-Imm Visa, or a work permit etc) will be discriminated against based on Nationality. 

 

There is a big difference and thats why people complain about dual pricing.

 

But, in these discussions a lot of people miss that simple nuance. 

2 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I switched to a Mac 4 years ago and have never regretted it.  

 

For personal use its different than work use - because software often dictates which machines a company use... So - regarding personal use 'only'... 

 

Is that a general 'thing' when people switch to MAC they don't go back to PC ?? (windows based or other).

 

So - after using MAC for a few years - does anyone ever revert back to a PC / Windows or Linus based ?

 

--------

 

Also - the type of person who would use a Linux would never get on with a MAC as they require far more control and freedom over their system - whereas when using a MAC you are limited, which I guess is also why its just more reliable (or appears more reliable) - its becasue we can't screw it up so easily !!!

 

The same can be said for the Phones - we can't 'change' too much on an iPhone and it works seemlessly.

With Android we can do a lot more, run Macro's etc - but some of those are glitchy.

 

I like the fun of messing with my Android phone - which I use for Work Based only (and can run 3x different accounts on WhatsApp etc and have my overseas work Apps running etc) - but I wont run my Crypto or Banking accounts on my Android - the iPhone remains 'within that sealed walled eco-system' where there is less digital risk.

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, NorthernRyland said:

Sadly a bad time for this. macOS 26 sucks. The first OS that really made me think the company is going backwards and I've been using macs since the mid 90s.

 

Thats a good point - I've have no issuse with the computing side of Apple - and think they are the best.

 

From the phone point of view....  I have both Android and iPhone - and think the price point of the iPhone is just too ridiculous...    a very good phone can be had at one quarter of the price and that is significant.

35 minutes ago, parafareno said:

apple computers is not for gaming...for pc you get everything you need for free. Why switching to mac??? that is insanity...you will only rack your bills

 

I use both....    the Windows LapTop (HP) from works, is just not as reliable as the the MacBook Air.

 

Been using Mac's for 15 years for personal use and PC's / Windows for work for 40.

 

There's a very solid reason I don't use a Windows machine and chose Mac.

 

 

 

 

Where's Malcy when you need him ?...   3 hits !!! 

7 hours ago, Free the 115 said:

Wow! All of a sudden a post on AN about how caring Immigration is. 
Normally the responses is 

“As usual the new rules and information provided by immigration is ambiguous and varies on interpretation”

akso, Etihad is a business, and will know more about the vagaries of Thai immigration than you or I, and if there’s a strong chance that they have to fly them back for free, then why send them out in the first place?

 

A) there are no 'new' rules - the rules regarding damage to passports are fairly universal and also down to 'discretion' of the immigration officer.

 

B) Etihad may be aware of the rules - but they certainly do not know more than 'us' (the forum collective to who travel to 100's of destinations each year) and its certain the forum collective know a great deal more than a check-in staff member - thats why check-in staff often have to 'ask us to point out our Thai Visa' because they are not trained to identify the 100's of different visa types from many different countries.

 

C) 1000's of passports will enter Thailand each day in worse state than this - Thai Immigration are not being benevolent about this - its just not an issue for them unless the ID page is damaged an appears either tampered with or parts illegible. 

 

D) IF entering 'visa exempt' as they likely were, the honey-mooning couple would have had a return ticket already - Etihad would not have been on the hook. Additionally, if in double airlines have wavers to cover their liability in such situations (I know - because I've signed one in the past for a passport gaving less than 6 months validity).

 

---------

 

The reality is - this was a non-event. Thai immigration were never going to flag this passport - it was not an issue at all until someone started being a power hungry d!<k....

 

Now - for anyone being 'sanctimonious' about this - go and check their passports - ensure there are no micro-tears, that the pages aren't dog eared, that there are not staple holes, and that none of the stamps are slightly smudged.... 

... My passport is not perfect - some stamps are smudged (by the Immi-officers themselves), previous passports have had tears from taking out the TM6 too....

 

Preventing travel for such insignificant cosmetic blemishing on a passport is fortunately not an existing precedent or many of us would be flagged and face frequent issues.