mfd101

Given how Europe has shifted politically & economically since 2022, this is all rather embarrassing. The Nord Stream incident was a damned nuisance for the Europeans depending on Russian energy resources, but Europe has now greatly reduced that dependence & is now close to open warfare with Russia & in any case tied in to fully supporting Ukraine with money & weapons of all kinds.

I've had no problems with monthly transfers from Oz using Wise. Until today. First the monies I ordered up yesterday would normally arrive in my account here at just after 1400 today. But this morning they sent me an apologetic message (the first I've ever had from them) saying they were snowed under with work and my monies will arrive tomorrow at the usual time. This didn't bother me though I did think: Just as well I'm not counting on that particular order for urgent delivery today! But then, a few minutes ago, I got the never-before request for proof that my address here in Thailand is my permanent one. I've given them the preliminary response on their site as requested but in expectation of a further request I have listed my p/p front page + current renewal-of-stay stamp, my Pacific Cross insurance receipt which shows my address clearly, and my Thai driver's licence. Should be enough, I think, and will despatch them when the expected follow-up arrives. I have other docos that could also do the trick eg front page of my Oz will & enduring power of attorney ... The important thing for AN users is not to get all distressed & start shouting at Wise. They are merely doing what all financial organisations worldwide are being forced to do by governments everywhere because of increasing scams in all countries.

So what about your passport with the relevant Thai Immigration stamps inside? (All in English language.)

Um, well that does seem to be the case with their invasion of Ukraine. Currently going from bad to worse for the Russians and from OK to better 'n better for the Ukrainians.

My MIL was 45 when my b/f popped out unexpectedly in the rice paddies where she was helping with the harvest ... She having produced some 10 or 11 other children (noone knows exactly, least of all her) previously in 3 marriages ...

Yes, same in Oz. People buy land that's cheap because it's flood-prone. They build their house on it then expect the government to bail them out when the inevitable flood arrives.

Yes, important. In my family's village - and every other one, I guess - 'information' travels at lightening speed, irrespective of its accuracy.

Good for you, but had you already eaten?

Greed is the main problem.

When I was a child in the NZ of the 1950s 'England' was the centre of the universe, the Queen was on her throne and "We won The War." Seems like a long time ago. MEGA? I don't think so. Everything that happens in Britain now just confirms its mighty fall. Somewhere between laughable and disastrous.

Poor man. He thought he was above the law ... Just think what would happen if such laws existed and were actually enforced in Thailand! Chaos!

Preparation for invading Ukraine.

A nice summary of much that's wrong with Thai government and enterprise.

Yes, my family in Phanom Dong Rak in a panic every couple of days. I told them to calm down: If it's just small arms fire or a mine blowing off a soldier's leg, that's not their problem. Only pack & ring for car & floor here in Prasat to sleep & eat on when the shells start coming in ( as a few weeks ago).

And 3 months for election & new Constitution campaigns.

(1) Half of Isaan is made up mostly of Thai Khmers. My own family here in Surin are Khmers from a Khmer village in Phanom Dong Rak. My FIL (2.5 years older than me) barely speaks Thai, the rest of the family including my b/f with a heavy accent. They go to Khmer temples. But they are not amused when Cambodian shells start landing on their village yet again (the Khmer Rouge used to arrive 4 or so decades ago to steal the villagers' livestock). (2) If all Khmer temples are to become Cambodian then the west-east border will have to move at least 100kms further north ... Dream on!

I take it you're not an Antipodean. Very common in Oz, slightly less so in New Zil - but also no doubt occurs all around the world - is the use of a variant name for people and places as a sign of affection. It has nothing to do with abbreviation. If I wanted to abbreviate 'Bangkok' I would - of course - use 'BKK'.

And your point is?

Just a bunch of masbators.

Words of peace from the man who started it all.

Can't say we've ever had any problems with the taxis, both when we lived in Bangers and now when we visit a cupla times a year. Spontaneity is fine, don't have to think ahead ... Never used the Grab etc lot. Not sure what their supposed advantage is.

Fascinating. And on the basis of comments above more of the same could could happen any day almost anywhere in Bangers. Must make sure my b/f has his video operating properly when we visit the national capital for 11 days in December. Gotta keep the folks back in Oz & NZ entertained.

Oh yes it does. Why else are they emptying the prisons to bribe prisoners to lose their lives at the front? why else are they using Little Kim's untrained boys to head in to battle?

Ukraine will win because of the courage and ingenuity of its soldiers & engineers & drone builders. Drones by the hundreds are now attacking Russian strategic targets daily and across most of Russia - fuel depots, arms storage, tanks, military airports and on & on. Ordinary Russians are now suffering from fuel shortages - gas stations empty - and a Russian winter not so far off. Airports closed. Hard to see how Russia can withstand all of that for much longer. Latest news has Putin sacking more and more generals and government ministers either because they're incompetent or because he no longer trusts them. Replacing them with members of his own family (eg the new deputy Defence Minister is a woman with no military knowledge or background but just turns out to be a half-sister of Putin) ...

Security arrangements not settled in advance. NY Police not used to Heads of State doing a walking tour ...