richard_smith237

Why would the water flow down the hole ? what force attracts it ?... why is the underside a mystery ? can't we get there ? IF we can fly, what is the barrier that prevents us 'going on the other side' ?

If mass were not attracted to mass (gravity) why would water 'want' to flow down the hole in the first place ? what attracts it ? - would the water not float off into space ?

I completely agree - Its strange how there are those who I have never met, yet their every comment, and slightest of inputs to any thread presents such a void of any redeeming quality I've learned to utterly despise them - then as equally as my dislike for them surfaces, I'm doing something else and have forgotten them until I read another comment of theirs ! Perhaps a necessity for a handful of posters who express extreme delusion. Agreed... A change of scenery, nature is particularly cathartic... I find great peace and serenity in the mountains.

I know it's somewhat of an oxymoron considering the subject, but we have to at least try and keep this somewhat 'intelligent' lest we go down the rabbit-hole of complete absurdity. So... given your question... If the Earth were flat and had a hole, ignoring temperatures and all the other physical science - for the sake of discussion only.... water would initially pour through due to gravity. However, with equal gravitational forces pulling from all directions, the water would start to pool and form a hemispherical shape around the hole. This would occur because gravity would act symmetrically, pulling water equally from all sides towards the centre of mass... Now imagine that all the 'hard stuff' rocks, the earths mantle, the core is either molten or *plastic... those same symmetrical gravitational forces naturally pulls matter into the most stable, energy-efficient form due to equal attraction in all directions. This self-rounding process is why celestial bodies above a certain mass, including planets, naturally form spherical shapes, the earth is no different. (*in the deformation sense, not petrochemical - That I need to highlight this is a testament to the staggering level of ignorance I'm presenting an argument against here).

Actually - thats exactly what refraction 'over water' can do... Key Principles of Refraction Over Water Light Bending Due to Temperature Gradients The atmosphere is not uniform; its density changes with altitude. Over water, air near the surface is often cooler than the air above (especially in warm conditions). This creates a temperature gradient. Light bends towards the denser (cooler) air, which means it curves downward, allowing us to see objects that would normally be below the geometric horizon. Superior Mirage Effect When the air near the surface is cooler than the air above, light rays bend downward, making distant objects appear higher than they actually are. This is called a superior mirage, and it can make ships, landmasses, or even celestial bodies (like the sun) visible when they should be geometrically below the horizon. Looming A specific type of refraction where objects below the horizon appear lifted up. This occurs when the temperature gradient is strong, and light follows a curved path, making the object visible despite being "hidden" by the Earth's curvature. Ducting & Fata Morgana In extreme cases, strong temperature inversions (where warm air sits above cool air) can trap light in a curved path, creating a "ducting" effect. This can make objects appear stretched, distorted, or even duplicated. Real-World Examples Ships appearing to "float" above the horizon. The sun setting later than expected. Distant islands becoming visible in conditions of strong refraction. This diagram below illustrates how refraction can make an object below the horizon visible. The curved light path (in orange) bends due to atmospheric refraction, allowing the observer to see the object that would normally be hidden.

As short sighted as the 20% VAT addition to private schools. This government seems to take every policy step in the opposite direction of 'sense'.

I've rejected 1.7 Million Baht in the past after being approached (30 years transfered). I don't really need the Visa any more, but the convenience of membership given frequent travel is something I'd miss.

Bang on the money there Rattles. Of course there will be some AN members who think differently. But you must press on in your crusade. Its more basic science that you both seem to be ignoring... I come back to this thread from time to time and its quite depressing to see the depths of mediocrity that are being discussed. Brace yourselves for the breakthrough: light refracts. Incredible. Truly earth-shattering. Apparently, this phenomenon; so rudimentary that it barely warrants discussion, is the explanation for why at when viewed from a distance over water ships seem to float and buildings appear to be the wrong height. This phenomenon is an optical illusion caused by superior mirages. This occurs due to the refraction of light in layers of air with different temperatures. I'll return later and become more depressed at the depths of mediocrity humanity is capable of reaching as evidenced by many comments in this thread already.

I think you should go back and tell them how to run their own business...

Where are you ??? I don't see any of what you describe in Bangkok ? Pattaya ? - and you mean 'Westerners'... they're no way to can tell they are Europeans... & I may be mistaken, but 'flipping the bird' (middle finger) is that not more a USA thing than a European or Australasian thing ?

This is surely a troll... no one is this daft.... right ????

I think your membership is the same as mine - I think it was the 'second batch' or whatever we want to call it. Lifetime Membership: If transferring over to someone else 30 years can be transferred. The Op was one of the very first 'takers' and it seems his membership is the 'first batch' and lifetime membership is transfered across.

That e-mail was somewhat odd, SIXT has been the transport provider for a while now. There is no notable change in service other than the colour of the cars !

Sure about that ???... The first British Embassy in Constantinople (Istanbul) was set up in 1583 for several key reasons, primarily focused on trade, diplomacy, and strategic alliances - shortly afterwards the Embassy gradually transitioned from a purely diplomatic mission to one that provided assistance to British nationals closely tied to the activities of the Levant Company and growing English trade in the Ottoman Empire. Although consular services remain essential, they do not shape Britain’s influence, which is why they are not considered as important as embassy services. Exactly, how does having an understanding of this, and how do 'People like me' contribute towards the demise of the consular services ?...

I retired 2 years ago and since then I have been asked for copies of EVERY page in my pasport when doing my tax returns in order to prove that I have been here more than 180 days. Anecdotal: People still 'may' need to prove non-Tax domicile in their home country and in many countries a passport is not sufficient for this.

Given a lot of the comments, I do wonder. It seems a lot of people are under the impression that just because they are 'British' the British Embassy will be able to negotiate their way out of trouble (or any Embassy and nationality for that matter) - ultimately, in many of the legal situations a foreign national may get themselves in, there is very little that can be done - this is very often translated as 'there is very little that they [Embassy] can be bothered to do'.... Hence all the comments. I'm not 'sticking up for the Embassy' but I've never expected anything more of them other than the limitied resources they are permitted to provide.

Not quite - thats just 'part of the responsibilities' of an Embassy: like others, you seem to be under common misconception that these missions exist primarily to serve as a safety net for their citizens abroad.... The key responsibilities of the British Embassy in Thailand and many other locations: Diplomatic Representation Strengthens bilateral relations between the UK and Thailand in areas such as trade, security, education, and culture. Engages with Thai government officials to discuss political, economic, and social matters. Promotes British values and interests in Thailand. Consular Services for British Nationals Provides assistance to British citizens in distress, such as those facing legal issues, medical emergencies, or loss of passports. Issues emergency travel documents if a British passport is lost or stolen. Supports British nationals in cases of arrest, imprisonment, or repatriation. Offers guidance on local laws and customs. Visa and Immigration Services (outsourced) Processes UK visa applications for Thai nationals and residents wishing to travel, work, or study in the UK. Provides information on UK immigration rules and visa requirements. Supports UK businesses looking to employ Thai nationals. Trade and Investment Promotion Facilitates trade relationships between UK and Thai businesses. Supports British companies looking to invest in Thailand and vice versa. Organises trade missions and networking events to boost commercial ties. Cultural and Educational Cooperation Promotes educational partnerships between UK and Thai institutions. Supports British Council initiatives in Thailand, including English language programmes. Engages in cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding. Security and Defence Collaboration Works with Thai authorities on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and law enforcement cooperation. Supports UK-Thailand defence partnerships and military cooperation. Location and Contact

You go to the Amphur Office - you will need two Thai witnesses, you may need to book an appointment. If choosing to undertake the legal Marriage in Bangkok, Bang Rak is perhaps the most 'foreigner friendly' Amphur office to go through the process. One thing I'm not sure of is if 'Amphur offices' take walk-ins for legalising a marriage, they used to, but at some point within the past 10 years that may have changed.

Wherever possible in Thailand... No Minivans, No Busses.... Take the train or fly. Every week there is a Bus down a ravine and a mini-van spun off the road... the frequency is astonishing.

To avoid disappointment and the daft comments above, you should understand that the primary role of overseas missions is not to provide direct support for British citizens but to advance and secure trade and diplomatic interests for the UK. This has historically been the case for every nation’s foreign missions. However, it is a common misconception that these missions exist primarily to serve as a safety net for their citizens abroad, which is most certainly not the case, but often the basis of such comments as your above, Bob.

Sadly sounds like it... I know a lad who died last year at the FullMoon party under very similar circumstances... ... A partier... so knew what he was doing, but something in something he took pushed him way over the edge - A tragic loss of a young life.

Nothing to do with that - sometimes there is no other option... i.e. I sold my car a few years back (3 Million Baht)... The guy who purchased the car was unable to 'increase' his transfer limit to a 3rd Party Bank Account (different bank) to that amount. We went to the bank together asked then to make a 'direct transfer to my account' - but was told it would take a few days to 'actually transfer' (and in a car transfer I wasn't going to wait 3 days to receive funds). So, the other guy withdrew the cash, we drove to my bank and paid in the cash into my account.... for those 5-10 mins between banks we were vulnerable. I can't recall why he didn't get a cashiers check made out - but for some reason that was not an option.

Of course - there was 1.5 Million baht... $$$ in their eyes !!!... It it were a poor female Burmese labourer who'd been attacked, they would not have moved from their seats.

I'm honestly surprised we do not read of such news more often. Watch any Bank and we see people carrying large amounts out.... I myself have carried 3 Million Baht out of a Bank (car sale) and on numerous other occasions carried more than 1 Million Baht - as per the article, in a brown paper bag... I was somewhat paranoid and alert on each occasion ensuring I wasn't being 'watched'... It wouldn't be too hard for criminals to watch the banks and see who's carrying out a 'brown envelope' thats all it takes. The same with Weddings at large fancy hotels - Watch were the envelope money goes... usually 3 or 4 boxes and a few Million Baht... (left in someone's car or put in someones room and they go back to the party).

"High on being a Toxic Bigot" is more accurate. Your vapid post once again highlights your complete lack of class... a lad died doing what many young and naïve travellers from all over the world do... Your only comment is about his nationality, both toxic and deeply revealing of your own narrow-minded prejudices.