Paul Catton

Cannot see any evidence of offence here, seeing discussion, and rightly so. Faux outrage at its finest.

"How racism, xenophobia and religious discrimination were woven into the fabric of the UK" Faux outrage. IMO, the UK doesn't have this type of behavior woven in, perhaps a little bit of fluff lingering in a pocket from a bygone era. However, voicing disapproval and taking action over illegal immigration is a completely different topic.

Too date there have been simple facts released by the media and Police. Apparently edited footage being aired showing a Thai person hit in a "fight" and striking the pavement, statements released by certain persons, and a record of the fighting Thai person ending up unfortunately in ICU. None of these "facts" show the truth behind this "incident as a whole". Presently these facts are being strung together to form an either correct or false assumption. Before donning my Salem witch burning costume, I would wait until the Police have gathered all the evidence available to them and successfully presented it to a Court securing convictions.

Women multi-task better than men, possibly correct, results are usually border-line adequate at best. Men usually focus on a singular task and in the words of Hillary "Knock the <deleted> off"

Has anybody been able to open a bank account in Chiang Mai, recently, travelling to Thailand under Visa exemption? Back in the day, the "Thai Military Bank" facilitated this service for anyone wishing to deposit funds who arrived in person and made a monetary deposit. The world has changed since then, Money Laundering from Criminal Activity or financing Terrorism Operations has provided the stumbling block for. I am going to try and open an account solely in "my name" when Opal and I are there, over the Xmas / New Year period for our vacation. Solely groundwork to funnel excess funds from NZ, being almost stagnant in a "Fast Saver Account", to another stagnant account that would provide the "current" requirement 400.000THB being parked for any "Extension of stay" for the future. Please no referrals to agents, neither Ponzi schemes for Investment strategy. Kind regards Paul

Dear Jerry, Opal is on the left of the photo, my daughter Antonia on the right. I'm the ugly old coot in the centre.

Would likely call it lust on-line, My love is my darling wife Opal.

Feet on the ground, beats any projection, similar expectations by the OP in December?

Almost, falls into the category as "How long is a piece of String". Depends upon many variables. The actual day. December has an average of daytime temperature around 28 degrees and a nighttime temperature that can drop overnight to 10 degrees in places. Exposure from the Sun to the "Swimming Pool". This will determine the ambient heat being retained by the water. I most always stay in accommodation with a "Swimming Pool." Have been disappointed only on a couple of occasions from our choice of stays in Chiang Mai Hotels regarding their pools.

The point is most "Airline" regulations deem it necessary to validate your travel to the country they are conveying you to. Thailand requires proof of onward travel from the validity of proposed stay being granted. Visa's or an exemption doesn't give automatic entry. Days of being a "Cavalier" on one way tickets traversing the globe ended back in the early 1980's.

@stamentThanks for the recommendation regarding the previous CEC - Christmas Meal, nothing to date posted on the website CEC Calendar. Just a "General Meeting" at the Duangtawan on 24th December where we will be in residence. Xmas Lunch/Dinner. Any other recommendations are most welcome, inclusive of Turkey Rolls with Cranberry Sauce being served at 7/11's New Years Eve. Should Opal and I be able to remain awake until the striking of midnight, what venues can you recommend as a place to see in the New Year 2023. Maya was a bit of non event, quite a few years ago, when I was last in Chiang Mai for a New Year. Likewise, Phuket City was a similar non-experience.

Wish you all the best Gonzo. You have been a stalwart of the Expat community.

Perhaps need to start a new thread. "Xmas day 2022, New Year 2023", What are our options in Chiang Mai? The big name hotels used to advertise special functions for both "25th December' and the 31st of December. There used to be threads on trying to obtain a Turkey for Xmas from the major supermarkets, Which restaurants put on the best traditional Xmas dinner for transients like Opal an Myself. etc.........

Update:"Mr Stament with family" have bookings for the same flight back to Chiang Ma from Hua Hini.

"Air Asia" have rescheduled our flights to Vietnam from Chiang Mai , due to "Operations" the flight is scheduled a day later., Now, being a day later, Opal and I will be able to attend the CEC breakfast on the the first Friday for January.

Last time Opal and I were back in Thailand, prior to the Covid 19 pandemic, an invitation was sent out to have a meet and greet of the "Chiang Mai Forum Members" at the "No.1 Bar". Hospitality is what a person reads into it. A couple of drinks, finger food platters with replenishment upon In-House consumption. "Anonymity" for freebies is not an option, If @Gweiloman wants to be a part of of an expatriate community. I will then know you are. My focus is the well being of the ex-pat community that I am currently unable to attain.

Hi Nancy, hope all well with you and Mr L, glad to hear the cat hasn't been held to ransom of late. Poster of the Year seems to have fallen away. Thanks for the update regarding CEC. Thought it might be the case after the Covid-19 epidemic. I do check the"Chiang Mai Expats Club", CEC website from time to time. Our Itinerary has us arriving on the third Friday of December in the afternoon and leaving for Vietnam very early on the first Friday of January, so Duangtawan breakfasting will have to suffice.

Be great to see you and family again. We will also be in Hua Hin after the initial first two nights in Bangkok, before flying up to Chiang Mai for "Xmas and New Year". Regrettably, Opal doesn't want to relocate back to Thailand just yet, I would have parked myself there a decade ago, tending the family lands down in "Hot". (Ooops, work permit brigade will be up in arms). Late 2023, will have to draw the line in the sand, else it might never happen.

I have been an Expatriate from the UK since 1977 when aged 14.. I spent 6 years in Saudi Arabia within my formative years, before becoming a permanent resident of NZ, via Marriage in 1983. Neither Opal.being a Thai / NZ citizen (second marriage) and I have guaranteed a pension from NZ, yet we are investigating possibilities. Liquidating our NZ assets would give THB 20.000.000 spending money to advance to the economy before our demise. I am 60, Opal is 57.. "Khun Manop" ( High Wai ) Opal's Father, a dignitary, wants me to take over the family holdings down in Amphur Hot. I would take it up tomorrow. Not a monger since the early 1980"s, blasted it out respectably in my teenage years. Back in the day, expatriates in Saudi Arabia, looked after each other regardless of origin. Working alongside the US Military, Pork roasts were readily available for banqueting if connected, Exposure to a workforce being Filipinos and Thais, with representation from South Korea. Local hires were from Yemen, Lebanon, Pakistan and India. UK is not my home, NZ still seems transient to me although I have roots. I have throughout the decades always been drawn back to Thailand for better or worse. Also a member of the Chiang Mai Expat Club, however don't believe the breakfast will be available for our next visit. @NancyL@roo860@stament@CMKiwi@Chiangmai and many others, we will be staying in the Duangtawan Hotel over Xmas, pop by and enjoy our hospitality.

Pretty sure the Royal Grand Suite at what was the "Imperial Mae Ping" (now InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping) was the favored pied-à-terre. Have been wrong before though.

The "Imperial Mae Ping" had Royal patrons whom traveled the route from the Palace beyond Wot Doi Suthep, back in the day for diversion. "Black Cat" was the pub to go to. Jungle Curry, was snake in sauce with local veggies. Boat Noodles had "Thai Ganja" subsequently removed from the recipe as it was deemed illegal, How I miss the past, yet look forward to the future.

Concur with BritManToo. Hang Dong is a large area. An easy access at the starting / return point in Hang Dong would determine between Highway 108 and 121 for transportation, My knowledge of options along Highway 121 (Canal Road) is non-existent. However have used a scooter between San Patong and the City along Highway 108 on a few occasions. Highway 121 (Canal Road) has developed significantly South well beyond the Airport to San Patong, presume Yellow Songthaews are plying this route. Highway 108 is a "breeze in the park" if you stick with the pack. City Bus 11, isn't really an option, it has a governing speed of 30-40 kph but has redeeming features of being an undiscovered "tour bus" with locals hopping on and off throughout the snail pace. One of the best bus rides I've been on. Chiang Mai - Hot, 3 hours.

Yellow Songthaew for the Chom Thong route

All fiat money should revert to being backed by the "Gold Standard" making all currencies equal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_external_debt Everything else is, Manipulation, War Mongering, Governmental Creative Accounting that suits the 1% and appease the 99%, at times. Perhaps this was too simplistic, until mankind deemed themselves smarter.