Presnock

May 18

For anyone interested, Dr. William Li, a noted Harvard trained heart specialist and food researcher, wrote two best sellers on the value of different foods readily available in Thailand too. His books tell on what foods are good for different reasons, some to prevent disease, some to control the disease and some to even cure the disease. His research have provided proof that one's diet is in most causes disease and poor health and therefore how changes can provide one with good health. The two books are available in Bangkok as I purchased both and have read them and use them regularly as I alter my eating habits. As he touts the value of different foods, he also provides how the testing was done and where it occurred. Olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil are mentioned many times in the books. We are lucky to be in Thailand as so many healthy fruits and other foods are readily available at rather cheap prices compared to many countries. Best of health to all.

May 18

On 1/15/2025 at 6:24 PM, MikeandDow said:

They will have to be knocking on my door before i fill out any of there BS

I agree totally and haven't yet nor do I plan to read anything about Thai taxes of my US civil government pension and my LTR exemption from Thai taxation of foreign income unless I am told that "assessable income" since by definition, I read that I am totally exempt since I don't have any assessable income. If Thailand plans to break their treaties with 61 nations concerning DTA's, I will think about it but until they also change the benefit advertised in the LTR visa, then I will be able to read all "the handwriting on the wall" so to speak and then believe that due to the large numbers of retirees fleeing this land, plus the fact fewer tourists are coming now, that they will rethink their increases in the income tax base within the country. Anyway, I do wish all good luck with this issue as it appears to have a lot of concerned expats. Happy rainy season!

May 17

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump Criticizes France Over WWII Commemorations, Urges Greater U.S. Recognition

Former President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy during a speech at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by mocking France’s recent commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. Speaking to American troops, Trump downplayed France’s role in the war and insisted that the United States deserves far more recognition for its contributions.

“We love France, right. But I think we did a little more to win the war than France did, do we agree?” Trump said, drawing laughter from the audience. He continued, “You know, I don't want to be a wise guy. But when Hitler made his speech at the Eiffel Tower, I would say that wasn’t exactly ideal.”

Recalling a conversation he had with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump claimed he had been surprised by the extent of the European celebrations. “Good guy, by the way,” Trump said, before imitating Macron’s accent and words: “‘Donald, we are celebrating our victory over the Germans.’” Trump added sarcastically, “Oh, that’s wonderful. Now, we don’t take credit for what we do. And I said, what the hell? Every country I’ve spoken to in the last week is celebrating the war but us. Isn’t that terrible?”

Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day, is observed on May 8 in France and the United Kingdom, marking the date in 1945 when Nazi Germany formally surrendered to the Allied forces. Russia observes the occasion a day later, on May 9, due to time zone differences and the treaty’s late signing.

Trump expressed frustration that while other nations mark the day with ceremonies and national pride, the United States seems to downplay its own pivotal role in the Allied victory. “Russia was celebrating, France was celebrating, everybody was celebrating but us. And we’re the ones that won the war. We won the war,” he said emphatically.

He went further, asserting that without American intervention, the outcome of World War II might have looked very different. “And they helped, but without us they don’t win the war. We’re all speaking German. You know that, right? Without us, they’re speaking German, maybe a little Japanese too. We won the war. And we’re the only ones that didn’t celebrate.”

Trump’s remarks underscore a long-standing theme in his public speeches, in which he frequently criticizes allies for what he sees as a lack of acknowledgment of American leadership and sacrifice. His tone, often sarcastic and provocative, has previously caused tension with international partners, and his comments about France's war-time efforts are likely to attract renewed scrutiny.

As of now, the French foreign ministry has not publicly responded to Trump’s statements. Newsweek confirmed it reached out to their press office via email for comment.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Newsweek 2025-05-17

IMHO, Trump should be the last one to criticize anyone about participation in any war - after all he is well known as MR. Heel Spurs so he could avoid the US draft and then played the major sports in College. And over the years numerous comments of disdain for US military especially POW's and wounded.

May 17

On 5/14/2025 at 9:48 AM, ignore it said:

Hmm.

Seems I've missed the ranting posts abut the corruption of the prior president.

I have to go and check prior posts made during the Biden's administration.

But it is nice that there are trivial events for the left leaning types to focus on.

but imho as I have stated many times, too many of the elected officials are basically corrupt in nature - they see an easy way to obtain riches even though they only get a meager salary i.e. for over 4 years the Congress has not even been able to floor a bill outlawing insider trading for the congressfolks. But we saw some of Ms. Green's doing some insider trading during the Trump tariff back and forth. And, now we learn that the new attorney general sold over a million dollars and then later bought 1 to 5 million dollars on the stock market during one of the latest back and forth Trump tariff schemes. If still unsure, figure how Trump's family in the first 3 months of this year had their finances increase by 3 billion dollars - now after the 3 visits in the middle east I wonder how much they gained. And everyone who has followed politics the last few years should remember the clamor about Hunter Biden and gains by the Biden family that never totally proven true. That is why IMHO they are all corrupt and beholding to the rich in hopes that they can ten become richer. Meanwhile, the congress is busy looking for changes to the pensions and benefits of the govt workers to cut their benefits, and looking to cut benefits from medicaid and other benefit programs for the poor, young and sick. Also IMHO if Trump had lost the election things may also have tanked as they might sooner!

On 5/13/2025 at 8:03 AM, amexpat said:

Yep, all those Americans. Except for the 75 million who voted for Kamala Harris, and so many of those who couldn't or didn't vote.

May 16

I have my pension check auto deposited in my USA bank account at sdfcu.org (don't need a US address or phone number) and whenever I send a wire transfer to Thailand, as long as the bank receives the transfer request by 0800 Eastern Standard Time USA, it goes out that same day is therefore the day following is received so 1 day only from request. I have done this for 5 years without any problem or change. I am charged a standard bank fee for transfer but they do advertise that their bank customers can ship funds via WISE as possibly cheaper. I figured out the cost for what I normally send and while it may be a few dollars cheaper, I still prefer to use what I have found to be trustworthy in my mind. Best of luck to all.

May 16

10 hours ago, scorecard said:

That's not what I said or alluded to.

"Might as well flip a coin because it really doesn't matter either way, right?" I didn't suggest that and I never would suggest that.

Like any human being I would prefer to live in a country which has a low accident / injury / death toll/ from traffic accidents.

duced too.

The problem here as far as road accidents go is that 70-80 percent involve motorcycles and the reason IMHO for that is that Thailand makes excuses for motorcycle drivers (of all ages although there are restrictions) and then IMHO local motorcycle drivers "graduate" to automobiles and their motorcycle driving techniques and habits interfere with car driving , i.e. cutting of corners even though it means changing lanes to the incoming traffic, etc, no helmets 4 or more on a motorcycle, etc and the local police ignore these violations of safe driving.

May 15

what colleges acceot the majority of foreign students - say in the US? Just asking for future reference

May 14

2 hours ago, flexomike said:

I'm at the age where I can't handle much more stress. Just turned 78 this month

I too am 78, use to do the 12 monthly deposits - was easy to work with the officer at the Bangkok Bank as I told him what I needed as I was doing my yearly extension - he corrected me and told me to come back in 3 days and he would have all the necessary copies for immigratoin and then I could deposit 100 baht and update my bankbook on that day I was going to the immigration - same thing each year, he recognized me and gave me all the necessary bank papers needed. The all I needed to do was make a copy of every page of my bank book - CM immigration.

May 14

On 5/12/2025 at 7:55 PM, spidermike007 said:

Many of us knew Trump would cave in to China. They had all the cards and he over played his hand to such an embarrassing degree. He is such an ill informed goon. He is in so far over his big head.

all those months with the Republicans laughing about the old-age acts of Biden - did you catch the videos of him falling asleep during the welcome ceremony in Saudi?, Then he gets up when announced to make his speech and he goes the wrong way and had to be hand-held to the correct spot where he stumbled on his speech embarassing his advisers that joined him on his trip to check out how much money they will give his family? IMHO a true joke for sure and know the Saudi's ae still laughing

May 14

2 hours ago, frank83628 said:

What a load of nonsense that was.

Two dolls or no5 pencils?? ..... lifes essentials!!

well you sound like the president - that is what he said when they cited him and he said that it was just cheap junk anyway and a waste of money. Yeah if you heard his original comment, mr rich guy says he remembed a young girl with 30 dolls - probably his daughter at a young age as they were rich and I am sure he bought whatever she wanted for Xmas. IMHO but who is he to determine what one would buy as a Xmas present for their kids - what everyone is trying to wake him up to see that people instead of having great jobs and lots of money, they won't have any money to buy anything or that the shelves will be empty to begin with. IMHO typical rich guy could care less what the economy does as he is rich and can afford whatever he wants anyway so who cares about the poor, as they are nothing but losers in his mind.

May 14

2 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

How many times have you seen servicemen in other countries dig up the rd. and replace a water main, then 2 weeks later dig it up to fit a fiber optic cable, and so on why cant they plan to do the lot with one dig, it happens regularly in NZ roads dug up time and time again and it happens here, some one is just greedy, collecting money on each contract.

I asked the civil engineer on one job why they don't get their act together and she said its just politics.

too true. I used to jog every day at lumpini park and lived down the street from there so I would be walking on nothing but patches on a road that had been re surfaced within the past six months and like mentioned here, after being re-surfaced, here comes the first on with water pipes to replace the old ones leaking, then next month here comes communications lines, electricity etc so that the road is covered in patches which never seem to last very long so no smooth ride either.

May 14

31 minutes ago, stevenl said:

I think he is correct here. But will he be able to do something about this? Many vested interests will oppose drastic but necessary measures. And if measures are taken, will they be followed?

Well he may not be 100% correct in everything he says, but some things are definitely correct - the food industry in the US has actually created the 40% plus obese plus and additional large group of Fat people that need pharma to remain lucid and active IMHO. We know that the food industry has for decades accepted certain cooking oils definitely dangerous for one's health, trans fats have been know for many many years yet it took 20 years of proof before the govt decided it was bad for us. Chips and foods like this are made with additives that actually "hook" people just like drugs can be addictive. IMHO the pharma industry and food industry have worked together to make an industry for themselves at the health expense of the citizens. They don't really seem to be interested in an immediate cure though! IMHO.

May 14

On 5/8/2025 at 2:20 PM, notrub said:

08 05 2025

I have been living in Thailand for a number of years with a non 'o' retirement visa. I am married to a Thai woman and we live in the rural Isaan village of her family. I had some cash so I bought land, gave it to wife and have use of it via an usufruct contract. On this land I built a house, a pool and other buildings for our use. We have no children from this relationship. Everything we have is paid for and now we live on my (very) small pension. I have enough funds on deposit to renew my retirement visa but that is it as far as money goes.

My question is about the level at what level my income becomes taxable, please? Would 'windfall payments' of 100,000 THB be taxable if this money had been taxed at source already? I speak about accumulated tax refunds (over payment) from the country where my pension comes from.

Thanks in advance for any comments🙏

Basically would need to know from what country your pension is from - civil govt or public company or what. You can go on the Revenue Dept web site for the chart on earned income deductions, etc. https://rd.go.th oh, I forgot add "/English" after that

May 14

On 5/11/2025 at 7:01 AM, henryford1958 said:

If i send to my Krungsri bank it comes almost immediately but if i send to my Bangkok Bank it comes at 2.13pm the following day !!

Yeah, I send from my bank in the US to BB also and they wait I think till the PM exchange rate comes out so that then they can use the AM if lower or PM if higher for them. This is strictily MHO as I have been sending the money to BB for years and this is the impression I have gotten about it.

May 14

On 5/12/2025 at 9:05 AM, Lewie London said:

So now Trump’s gettin’ gifted a bloody $400 million jet by the Qatari royal family, yeah? A gold-plated sky palace with leather seats, diamond bog handles, and a minibar that probably stocks MAGA-branded champagne. And the bloke wants to use it as Air Force One. You what? That’s not diplomacy, mate. That’s FIFA levels of grift. At this point he’s not just runnin’ for president for a 3rd term, he’s auditionin’ for the next season of Dubai Bling.

They’re callin’ it a “gift to the Air Force,” which is like sayin’ your mate bought your missus a necklace “for the family.” Nah bruv, we all know who’s wearin’ it. But course, Trump’s out here screamin’ “IT’S FREE! A BEAUTIFUL GIFT!” on that bin fire of a social media app he runs, like that makes it less dodgy. Mate, the U.S. Constitution has a thing called the Emoluments Clause. Bit of a clue there. Says you can’t be takin’ gifts from foreign governments unless Congress gives the nod. And last I checked, Qatar weren’t on the PTA.

Now I’m no lawyer, but even I know if you’re swannin’ round in a foreign-funded flying mansion while makin’ policy, that’s what we call bribery. You don’t need a Harvard law degree to clock that. It’s like lettin’ a geezer buy you a pint and then pretendin’ it didn’t affect your opinion when he asks for your Netflix password. Except instead of a pint it’s a 747, and instead of Netflix it’s access to the leader of the free world.

And don’t think this is just a cheeky perk. This is Trump basically auctionin’ off the White House parking spot. Qatar donates a jet, and what, they get to pick who runs CENTCOM next? It’s corruption in first class. It’s Article II of the Constitution meetin’ Qatari air miles. It’s him doin’ international law violations with in-flight snacks.

Bloke down the pub last night, MAGA hat wearin' plonker, bald eagle tattoo on his calf, thinks NATO is a brand of breakfast cereal, tells me, “This just proves how much world leaders respect Trump.” Respect? Mate, they’re takin’ the piss. They’re butterin’ him up like a Christmas turkey with five-star freebies cos they know all you gotta do is flatter him and he’ll give away Alaska. Say he’s got big hands and next thing you know, Qatar’s got a missile base in Florida.

And the worst bit? His fans lap it up like it’s the Sermon on the Mount. “It’s a gift! He deserves it!” No mate, he deserves a criminal inquiry and a bus pass. This ain’t leadership. This is what you get when you let a timeshare salesman run a superpower.

But fair play, if Trump ever does rolls up to the G7 in his Qatari jet, don’t act surprised when the in-flight safety briefing includes “how to dodge subpoenas while inflight.”

from all that I have read about the "presidential aircraft" he would never be able to use it as AF1 anyway as it would need to be given a complete overhaul, new electronics, all kinds of upgrades for security, etc. Even today, Boeing has not been able after 4 years to finish the upgraded AF1 plane as they are too busy so how could they ever find time to complete a new upgrade on the Qatari gift? But, it is only worth 400 million while these three visits each have about a billion or more funds for the Trump family. Until the Supreme Court chanes their ruling on his criminal activity, he will continue to try to push the envelope evey further IMHO. He is exactly like the old Mafia Dons of yesteryear - which is the era he learned how they got awary with anything they wanted but got super rich and that is all he cares about anyway IMHO

May 14

9 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

All good, but where's the money going to come from, power lines very dangerous in this country, very tragic deaths RIP

need to stop passing out 10K to all the poor folks when the coffers are already empty. Time to ensure that all working tax residents pay any owed taxes, local or foreign. IMHO

May 14

23 hours ago, Searat7 said:

Jill is pushing him out there because they probably need the money with Hunter’s gravy train long gone. You don’t hear anything about a presidential library for him which is most unusual and I think few would buy his book if he is actually able to write one. Fade off into the sunset and take Pelosi and the other seniors with him.

well, he continued to win his local elections but having worked in Delaware I never met any fan of his though I met a lot of anti-fans!

May 14

19 hours ago, Presnock said:

Yes, and you can safely bet that all of them were able to use those few dollars that they didn't have to pay to the tax man where as the rich people are not really hampered by and tax savings while they go about their spending. a totally different game for the poor and not so well off. Just like Trump learning about a possible recession - IF one does occur then it will not affect him nor the other rich people as they will still have money to spend wildly if desired but the lower paid people may be out of a job as their small business might be forced to close or even some big businesses are having problems too and while they are talking, nothing has been put in writing as to finished details of a new trade agreement - exactly like that with the UK, they claimed to have settled but then said it would be months probably before the finall writiten agreement was done and signed by both countries.

Yes as an American taxpayer for over 60 years, I am well aware of any tax cuts when it comes time to fill out the 1040's!

May 14

3 hours ago, frank83628 said:

Prices have dropped. All over.

The rest of your comment is just libtard whining.

Obviously you have been listening to the wrong/incorrect news clips - I have relatives and friends in different states and NONE of them indicates and lower prices ..yeah some say that gas is now lower but that usually happens as an economy starts dragging down and people no longer are doing a lot of driving - why? because of the lack of funds to just waste on driving around or on vacation. Some things as they become more scarce (as the eggs did at first after culling the hens) then prices go up and that is what is happening already. Now no ships delivering many items so girls won't even be able to get two dolls or no 5 pencils available either But el presidente will have a 400 million dollar plane that won't allow him to fly on it as the president must use an "official" US presidential aircraft!

May 13

5 hours ago, JonnyF said:

I'm sure The Taliban were all sticking to the rules.

Absolutely! But unless all those leaders at all levels understand what a particular war or area within a warring country before they send in probably a small force, then I believe that people just don't understand what these engagements are about nor the condiitions that "civilized" soldiers are raised in and then exposed to these other totally different worlds and are expected to follow ALL the rules. When an enemy can fight using rally relaxed laws while we are required to be Mr. Nice guy while those bad guys are shooting at you then one wonders what the F$%k are we doing here?. Been there, exposed to that crap. Doesn't make for a happy nor "peaceful" chap. IMHO

May 13

On 5/12/2025 at 9:15 AM, KhunBENQ said:

Yes thats what I remembered.

I have a US credit card, on my 2nd one with this bank as a couple of years ago had someone hack it and they tried to use the card for two charges. However my bank fraud office knows where I have used the card with no problem but as soon as they saw two charges as a strange store, they withelld the paying of those two charges, contacted me and asked if they were valid and since they weren't they didn't pay out. But, they then cancelled that credit card and I had to wait for a new one. I still get occasional contacts from the fraud people but no fake charges since that one time.

May 13

54 minutes ago, TedG said:

Do you know that the lower end also had a tax cut? The increased standard deduction was helpful for them along with the changes in the 12 and 22% brackets?

Yes, and you can safely bet that all of them were able to use those few dollars that they didn't have to pay to the tax man where as the rich people are not really hampered by and tax savings while they go about their spending. a totally different game for the poor and not so well off. Just like Trump learning about a possible recession - IF one does occur then it will not affect him nor the other rich people as they will still have money to spend wildly if desired but the lower paid people may be out of a job as their small business might be forced to close or even some big businesses are having problems too and while they are talking, nothing has been put in writing as to finished details of a new trade agreement - exactly like that with the UK, they claimed to have settled but then said it would be months probably before the finall writiten agreement was done and signed by both countries.

May 13

13 hours ago, TedG said:

I'm glad the left is getting on the no-tax bandwagon. Maybe the left will now support budget cuts at the federal level.

just so the left doesn't bail out on the increased debt ceiling! I do feel for those less well off people that are going to have benefits cut for the rich tax break but maybe that will be cut out too.

May 13

2 hours ago, bubblegum said:

First they need to decide what they actually stand for. Another Biden or Bernie. So far the "golden middle way" does not work so go for AOC, Jeffries or Newsom

I personally feel that a Jeffries/Crockette team would be the best bet for the Dems though I also realize there might be a couple of others but I have listened to these two speaking and while I am nowhere near a fan of the Democratic Party, at least these two know how to carry on an intelligent conversation which is more that some favorite Dems are. IMHO - Hell who knows, the KING may just take over and no elections either as the Maggots will support him no matter what he does to make them sacrifice

May 13

On 5/11/2025 at 6:29 PM, AnnaBanana said:

It sounds like you've "gone to the dogs" in every conceivable sense of the term.

While I might feel sorry for you uh I don't. Man up ! either find a place where you can re-locate the dogs and move away from this person that sounds like a real taker without any giving, the sooner the better for both of you and the dogs I guess.

Sign In

Events

Forums

Downloads

Quizzes

Gallery

Blogs

Posts posted by Presnock

ASEANNOW

MORE INFO

POPULAR AREAS

CONTACT US