bamnutsak

But if you spend that down under 400k, or below 800k in the pre-ext window, you lose your permission to stay. If Elon had wielded a scalpel at CPAC I'd be less concerned. However, he brandished "The Chainsaw of Bureaucracy". Chainsaws can be imprecise. And Elon's impression of foreign males who live in Thailand is not flattering. Hopefully he's distracted caring for his 14th child (XIV?), but any tweet can set him off. I would never direct deposit my SocSec benefit into my Thai bank account. I have it deposited in the U.S. and then SWIFT some to Bangkok Bank monthly. This provides more flexibility for me in case I relocate back to the U.S., or elsewhere where the funds are more easily accessible.

This is finished cannabis flower, right? Interesting. When you say "massive", can you bound that? How is this transported? Other drugs (meth, crystal, ketamine) - given that Thailand is a major transshipment country for these - would seem more profitable given the cost/price per weight/volume. And the odor, of cannabis, would be another challenge. Drugs dogs can probably smell a big haul before the ship has gotten within a few Km of docks. Yes, this would definitely affect local supply, and thus, local prices.

Yes, my success rate with 2FA SMS via GV is 100%. I use it on ~ 25 sites/apps. Used twice this morning, Amazon and Experian. Also accepted one inbound voice call from family in the U.S. A lot of people say it doesn't work but they rarely share any details. I will note that unusual network configurations can stymie a Google Voice connection. So using a VPN, or a remote PC, will not work as GV cannot 'find' you. Check your connection where possible with an outbound and inbound SMS and call, perhaps to a friend/family still in the U.S. After I made my most recent transfer from Fidelity (Friday evening) I did receive a call back from the Fidelity rep. (in Utah, where they have a large call center, I'm told) reconfirming my identity (asked to repeat my name for their verification system. They call back ~ 20% of the time, probably a fraud prevention script. These call backs come within ~ 10 minutes or less.

You mean cannabis which is grown in Thailand and shipped to another country (ies)? Is there a lot of this, in your estimation? What are the three largest export markets? Other than a few odd ducks transporting a few kilos in their baggage to the U.K. I have not heard about this activity. But certainly a limit on available electricity to steal.

Quid Pro Quo.

I think you mean "imports"? Right. BTC mining, and scam call centers are probably more profitable if you're going to steal electricity. Given that licenses cost very little I'm not seeing a big impact on COGS due to licensing. But yes, there have been articles about a farm or two getting busted.

Can you share any of this shady activity? And by market, you mean here in Thailand? I think folks need to be a bit more precise about "the market", especially source (Thailand only), customer segments (Thai, tourist) type (indoor, outdoor, greenhouse, light supplement) and real average prices, not just the lowest.

Trump Only Had Three Cards He Could Play - And He's Already Blown Them All Great thread title given the subject managed to bankrupt six casinos.

More like "Useful Idiot". Trump got bagged on his first trip to Russia in 1987. Best honey-pot ever for the Russian intelligence Services.

Thank goodness Musk doesn't have to pay Social Security Tax on his earnings above $ 176,100 this year. Trump's past tax cuts added $ 10 T to the debt. The proposed tax cuts will add another $ 4 T to the debt (conservative estimate). But do go on. DOGE savings are estimated to be ~ less than 10% which Elon "claims".

On the original long thin routes, SIN-EWR for example with the A345-500, SQ did have a morgue/cupboard for deceased. QR904 is a longish flight, 13:25 block time, usually a 777W. Most 2-Aisle jets have a crew rest area nestled above the main deck, but no way to hoist a body up there, so not much choice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCe0bvs1ME8

Did you transfer funds to an account here in Thailand, in your name? Do you make similar transfers often? Do you have a Schwab ATM card? Do you use it here?

You can use the Fidelity app for 2FA. Google Voice also works for 2FA. Google Voice also works for myVoice for auto routing of calls, and account pre-verification. They even call you back if you get cut off. I do have UltraMobile as well, and GV and UM numbers are registered with Fidelity. SWIFT wire transfers are free, but I had to set up a first party standing wire transfer (to my Bangkok Bank and SCB accounts) order, in person at a Fidelity branch in the U.S. With a MSG (Medallion Signature Guarantee). I have to call in a transfer, even though both BBL and SCB accounts show up in my transfer options.

The links I posted? Where is "here"? They're from The Nation https://www.nationthailand.com/ My guess is that an influential family is involved in this project, based on the vague references the Transport Minister makes, and they are part of the Networked Corruption which is the backbone of commerce here in the Kingdom. Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) is the primary contractor. Not sure if Panther Man still runs things day to day?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA3CHy4EoIk Update(2/21/25): In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, Apple filed 1512 LCAs for H-1B visas, 696 labor petitions for green cards, and 145 requests for prevailing wage determination. Founded: 1977 - Main Office: Cupertino, CA - NAICS Industry: Manufacturing H-1B Dependent: No - Willfull Violator: No Apple, Inc. filed 12,680 labor condition applications (LCAs) for H-1B visas and 3,662 labor certifications (LCs) for green cards during fiscal years 2022 - 2024. Apple was ranked number 9 among all visa sponsors. Additionally, 95 LCAs and 85 LCs were denied or withdrawn during the same period. https://www.myvisajobs.com/employer/apple/

Hua Hin tourist officials have been complaining to the government about the slow progress on the Rama 2 project, and its negative effects on tourism. Suriya orders contractors to speed up work on Rama II extensions After the meeting, Suriya told reporters that since taking office, he has been regularly discussing the issue with the Highways Department chief. He said the Rama II highway construction has been dubbed a “seven-generation” project due to specific reasons. https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40036100 Just a few weeks ago the Transport Minister said the project would be completed "this year". There are also a record number of accidents on this stretch with many attributed to the construction. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/general/40043729

I think Grimace would have made a better VP for 47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4QNXnNftWk

Sign in CW...

Based on the photo it must not have been "Bring your Dad to Work Day"?

If you have to ask what "honesty" means maybe you should step down.

I'm sure the PM will be along shortly to explain her decision to forcibly return these 40 Uyghurs to China. Troubles on the Myanmar border, the restive south, and Cambodia. She's in a bit over her head.

Ouch... https://th.usembassy.gov/on-thailands-forced-return-of-uyghurs-to-china/ On Thailand’s Forced Return of Uyghurs to China Press Statement Marco Rubio, Secretary of State February 27, 2025 We condemn in the strongest possible terms Thailand’s forced return of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where they lack due process rights and where Uyghurs have faced persecution, forced labor, and torture. As Thailand’s longstanding ally, we are alarmed by this action, which risks running afoul of its international obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture and the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. This act runs counter to the Thai people’s longstanding tradition of protection for the most vulnerable and is inconsistent with Thailand’s commitment to protect human rights. We urge all governments in countries where Uyghurs seek protection not to forcibly return ethnic Uyghurs to China. China, under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party, has committed genocide and crimes against humanity targeting predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. We call on Chinese authorities to provide full access to verify the well-being of the returned Uyghurs on a regular basis. The Thai Government must insist and fully verify continuously that Chinese authorities protect the Uyghurs’ human rights.

My guess, Nigerian Air

Well these are abnormal times with regards to the government's crackdown on financial misdeeds. Sharing my experiences from years ago would hardly be relevant today. You can look/ask reddit and facebook (and pantip) where you might find more recent experiences, but that will hardly fix your issue. That said, there is/was a member here who works for BBL and has been helpful in the past. Unless someone sees this thread and remembers it, you'll have to search for his handle.

Have you ever consumed cannabis before? What prompted this desire for "exploration"? Is cannabis available in your home country? Do you have any cannabis-savvy friends, here or at home, who could introduce/monitor your initial forrays?