richard_smith237

Many of the stories in the Old Testament can be seen as powerful allegories or fables -narratives passed down through generations, often orally at first, and later transcribed. Like many ancient traditions, these stories were likely shaped by the values, cultural norms, and imaginations of those who told them. Over time, they may have been elaborated upon or mythologised, with each retelling contributing to their richness and complexity. Eventually, these oral traditions were committed to writing, compiled into what became the Hebrew Bible. Centuries later, further writings; including the accounts of Jesus and the early Christian community, were added to form what is now known as the New Testament. The process of canonisation; the decision about which texts to include, was itself complex and driven by theological, political, and cultural considerations. Take, for instance, the famous story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with a few loaves and fishes. While traditionally interpreted as a miracle, some scholars and theologians have proposed symbolic or alternative readings. One interpretation suggests that the "miracle" was one of sharing rather than supernatural multiplication - that people had food with them all along but were inspired by Jesus’ example to share it with one another. In this light, the story becomes a profound lesson in generosity, rather than a literal defiance of natural law. In the end, whether one reads these stories as literal truth, metaphor, or myth, they continue to hold significance - offering insight into the human condition, moral questions, and the spiritual aspirations of those who first told them. The choice to take these ancient stories literally often reflects a form of blind faith, one that prioritises unquestioning belief over historical context, symbolism, or critical reflection.

Doubt that with that stupid bridge you're gonna spend three hours a day in traffic jams and finding parking space. Those who know the island will understand. Best if you read the whole comment...

Its a smart move and a natural process in the development of a country / area. This effectively knocks an hour or more off the Journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang. Turning what can be 6 hour car journey unto a 4.5 hour car journey. The wait for the ferry at key periods - longs weekends etc is a key decision making factor for us (our family) in going to Koh Chang or not, we don't want to wait 1-2 hrs for the ferry - as it adds too much to the journey. I'm sure many others are making similar decisions - from an economics point of view this infrastructure development potentially provides a massive longe term economic boost the local economy of Koh Chang - although, there needs to be improvement in local infrastructure if the Island is to welcome more traffic as an express way onto 'narrow single lane roads' is going to cause gridlock on the Island, this the main road infrastructure also needs major development. "Bye bye Koh-Chang" as one poster put it - This certainly would change the character of the island, but, not everywhere can remain the same, development and growth is natural everywhere as the world gets smaller... ... and, as the world gets smaller it opens up greater access to further Islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Mak etc... which again, some people won't like... ... then again, we'll always have the people who comment "Pattaya was a nice fishing village 50 years ago"..... or "Phi Phi was once a paradise until mass tourism"... Their comments won't matter in the slightest in 30 years time... everywhere grows and develops.

He did show restraint - it’s only in his delusional imagination that he smashes women (both contexts)….. 🤫

This post is evidence that you’re ‘nearly’ as unhinged as the attacker…

Its not about the money - and In the Ops shoes, I would hope the rumours do travel far and wide... People respect a firm hand here... and the Op showed that. I don't see any loss of face on his part - I didn't lose is temper, get angry or upset - he just put a busy-body in line, someone who'd stepped outside of her responsibility. Perhaps one of the other Mums should have told her to calm down and take a step back - but it appears this woman was behaving without any respect or regard for the Op... he has no reason to try and 'maintain face' in the face of such behavior. No face lost - respect earned by other others around... That might night be the case, but whenever I've experienced similar behavior, thats what I have witnessed.

I'm not a condo seller and live in a house - no vested interest in such rhetoric etc. There are no significant plate boundaries close enough to Bangkok to cause an earthquake significant enough that it manifests itself with a localised amplified magnitude greater than we witnessed on Friday. Liquefaction would play a factor in monsoon season due to a raised water table, particularly if a longer duration quake were to happen, however, the actual localised magnitude (ML) is very unlikely (Geologically improbable) to be higher than we saw on Friday. We can 'argue there is / there isn't' but we're going round in circles. For the purposes of interesting debate, I'm interested in is why you think 'why there is'... (I'm open to interesting debate particularly in this field). I've explained that the Sagaing Fault, is not a direct boundary between two major tectonic plates, it forms part of a broader plate boundary and the stresses varies along it - This is why this boundary has never caused a a major quake as far south as Bangkok - closer to Bangkok the slip rates are not significant enough to cause a quake powerful enough to be greater than the quake experienced on Friday (from the perspective local magnitude in Bangkok). Thats not to say, other 'similar' sized quakes from the Sagaing Fault complex can occur in the future (usually a major quake very 30-50 years or so - the stress / energy takes time to build up based on the slip rate (of the strike-slip fault).

Could you please clarify the location of this 'closer' major plate boundary? Friday’s earthquake was not a mere precursor; it was as intense as it can realistically get in Bangkok in terms of localised intensity. While the onset of the monsoon season might raise the water table and potentially influence liquefaction, this would only occur if the earthquake were of sufficient magnitude. Thailand's geological landscape is marked by numerous minor faults, but these are generally inconsequential. The most significant earthquake to have originated within Thailand was the 2014 Chiang Rai earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.1 (equivalent to VIII on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale). The closest significant fault structure to Thailand is the Sagaing Fault, which runs approximately north-south through central Myanmar, where last week’s earthquake was centred. Although not a direct boundary between two major tectonic plates, it forms part of a broader plate boundary region situated between the Indian Plate and the Southeast Asian (Sunda) Plate. From an earthquake risk perspective, the most hazardous major plate boundary affecting Thailand is the Sunda Megathrust. This boundary, located between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, is relatively close, particularly to the southern and western regions of the country. It was responsible for the 2004 tsunami. However, major earthquakes from the Sunda Megathrust have not affected Bangkok, as it lies too far from the city. Conversely, major earthquakes originating from the Sagaing Fault, such as the recent 7.7 Mw quake, have had an impact on Bangkok (as witnessed Friday). The largest recorded earthquake from the Sagaing Fault was a magnitude 7.9 event in 1912. Other significant quakes affecting Thailand from this fault include a 7.3 Mw earthquake in 1930 and a 7.1 Mw event in 1956. To summarise, while longer-duration earthquakes might be possible, the localised intensity of the tremor experienced in Bangkok on Friday is as severe as it gets. It is unlikely for the city to experience a magnitude 9 earthquake due to its geological setting. Any event of that scale would indicate a catastrophic occurrence elsewhere, rendering the impact on Bangkok a side story by comparison.

The epicenter of this quake was 10km deep on at 1200 km fault line…. Fill it with concrete ? Seriously.., There’s a fundamental flaw in your understanding of tectonics, plate boundaries & faults…. There’s nothing to be filled. This strike slip fault is shear - no gaps - just two masses of land sliding / trying to slide past each other (layman’s terms)…. … But, even without that understanding… filling one bucket of cement at 10km depth is rather impossible (due to geothermal gradient alone).

No there cannot. This is about as strong as the Local magnitude (ML) in Bangkok could get as it sits too far away from any major plate boundary. Soft sediment / basin amplification was a major factor in the Magnitude experienced in Bkk, nevertheless this was as high as it gets (reasons explained in other threads I can link to later) The Sagaing fault hit hits highest ever magnitude - previous to that was in 1912 when 7.9 Mw was recorded.

Correct, however the article also says that. It’s just the headline that’s somewhat alarmist.

The expertise in this warning is paramount. The headline is completely misleading & alarmists. The article itself, accurate & factual and paints a very different picture than the headline implies. Facts: Minor aftershocks & tremors will occur & typically decrease in strength. Other faults exist but are not major on plate boundaries & present low intensity ‘seismic risk’.

it’s not nonsense - it’s quite the norm. Two hours at Bowling or at Top Golf, 3 or 4 lanes, food, a couple of beer towers for the Dads etc…. All normal… Unless someone takes the pish & stats ordering cocktails & topshelf etc… B’day boy usually gets some decent presents !! Not as I’ve seen at all - but thus seems to be the op’s experience from a single person.

He's probably trying to type on his phone and drink drive at the same time.....

All of it perfectly exemplifies what a wombat you are. ... and then you shoehorn in the 'pro/anti Thai-farang' accusation when this is about someone being an odious cretin... something you again exemplify with outstanding consistency and perfection.

Erm... look at that 'magic link' again...

It never ceases to amaze me how some people can condense their entire essence of being a hopeless, brainless waste of oxygen into just one pathetic comment and so consistently out themselves as complete and utter......

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Rest in peace, Val Kilmer – the ultimate "Iceman" who flew higher and cooler than the rest; he's someone else's wingman now !!...

I must have missed them. Was it concluded if there was any foul play? https://aseannow.com/topic/1353967-update-horrific-details-emerge-on-gene-hackmans-death/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1353119-death-of-gene-hackman-and-wife-now-investigated-as-suspicious/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1353068-gene-hackman-wife-and-their-dog-found-dead-in-their-new-mexico-home-authorities-say/

True - Thai's like all people can see the reality of something like this... Those who were there certainly saw this womans behavior and understood - others outside of the circle may not and only have that womans 'gossip' to go on... they may believe it, but they'll be gossiping about the next thing in a few days.

You mean... Apart from the three separate Gene Hackman threads that ran at the time ?

Was literally 10x quicker to google for the answer than to ask on here !!!...

'tight', 'stingy', 'not good'... You're surprised about that? Probably perpetuated by the woman herself... most people (Thai's) will ignore stuff like that and it will quickly pass.... No one really cares - they're too busy getting on with their own lives.

Nope... If this lady is as described, the other Thai's will see it too... Thai's are very astute. Op did well not to cave to any pressure because it was his son's B'day. He didn't lose any face from the perspective of the other Thai's... but the loudmouth won't like him, but most every will have already had the measure of her character by now. ------------ We were just on holiday with a group of Thai's.... similar experiences, one busy-body leaving a trail of chaos and disorganisation behind her and leaving others to pick up the pieces. Others saw how firm I was and responded well to my decisions. Wife is excellent, always supporting. Interesting part is - since this surfaced, lots of people (other parents at the school) have gone up to my wife and mentioned they feel the same !!!... ... The woman in question, is in fact lovely, friendly and I like her - but she just has no comprehension of the wake she leaves behind - she's super-smart, but utterly chaotic. ... It seems the other Thai parents who know us have a very good comprehension of why I am firm - no loss of face, quite the opposite in fact.