mfd101

Noone - including the individual concerned - can predict how anyone will perform in the top job in any organisation, large or small, public or private. The timid pussy of a deputy turns in to a raging tiger. The raging tiger of a career aspirant turns in to a timid incompetent ... We can all think of examples. Always fun to watch, but only from afar.

Noted, thanks. I agree. The key point is that the Oz federal government CSS issue is DIFFERENT from age pension matters. It is a particular issue arising from the long-closed superannuation CSS which was not taxed going in, so is now taxed coming out. And now complicated for me as a 'non-resident for tax purposes' in Oz. Which doesn't mean that I'm not taxed there; it means I'm taxed at a higher rate (32.5%) than age pensioners. There's also the difficulty that arises from first reading of article 19 of the DTA ['Government Service'] which seems to have a bob each way. Careful reading & rereading clarifies this: My CSS super is taxable ONLY in Oz [at the confiscatory rate of 32.5%] and will continue to be so & there's nothing I can do about it. I will nevertheless follow up with my Canberra accountants when I'm preparing inputs to my 23/24 tax return.

Yes, a classic problem for all governments in democracies: The People are nearsighted. (And - because of the constant need to get reelected - so, mostly, are their governments.)

Seems like a sensible ruling. The lower courts will work out over time the details of what's 'official' and what isn't. The world changes, events happen, and the law evolves. Just as it should.

The only times I ever had tummy upsets was when we lived in BKK for a year or so a decade ago. With the sewers you can smell just a metre beneath the street, and occasional large rats scurrying around, I eventually made the connection and stopped eating street food in Bangers. Never had a problem since then, including with street food here in Isaan.

Thanks for that. I will take it on board as I head towards taking out a Thai TIN in January next. Meantime I will talk to my current (Canberra) accountants re the DTA - it may be news to them(!).

I hope someone somewhere is actually thinking about Usofa's future and its place in the world ...

OK. That's not an unreasonable list.

The obvious question (but it may be a silly one in the Thai context) is: Where does Anutin sit on the political spectrum of Left to Right? reform to dinosaur? Or does he belong only on the spectrum of self-interest?

And your favoured military dictatorship was any different?

Yes, looking grim I'm afraid. Unless one or more of the potentially high-quality alternative contenders have enough guts to organize an alternative course. I wonder where Jill Biden is in all of this. Noone must be more aware of the stress on her husband than she is. You might think that an approach thru her would be the way to go ...

Shapiro is impressive in the Pakman extracts above. So the Democrats' problem isn't a lack of talent (and I suspect that that's not the Republicans' problem either) ...

They both look potentials. The problem now is to get Biden to step aside (can his wife achieve that?) so there's time for a proper process for choosing a new candidate.

Yes, Buttigieg looks good with plenty of potential. Age 57 about right. I have thought in the past he had a way to go to prove himself but his time in the Biden Cabinet will have been a growing experience. Anyone else? (remembering that other Presidents - eg Clinton & Carter - basically came from 'Nowhere' and made it to President through their campaign performance and facing weak Republican candidates).

Clearly the Dems need a new credible and effective candidate. Apart from Newsom, who else have they got?

Unfortunately, in just about every government and every bureaucracy in the world, the notion that 'Less is better' is an alien concept.

Well, most of the ones mentioned above look positive (university types) but of course the real question is what the balance is going to be among the 200. That may take some time to become clear as groups form and deform ...

Yes, and it's not just at school. The 'Don't ask questions' barrier is everywhere. I notice this in my peasant family (mostly illiterate) and with my b/f. No intellectual curiosity and you have to choose your moment (which I'm not good at). Because I ask questions my b/f says I always 'blame' him ...

https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=0296ea42-d69b-4ee2-a0f3-eadc31a931d0 I already posted this on another OP yesterday. A Times article. Worth reading.

Yes, though I can't help noticing that their average age looks to be about 25.

Not obvious to me that it's bad. If he gingers things up, keeps everyone on their toes, forces people to actually switch on their brain & think occasionally ... Can that be bad in a feudal society obsessed with status & hierarchy?

How very dare you ask a question! Are you implying I haven't taught you properly? Get out of my class I don't want to see you again.

I enjoy my 5-weekly visit to the barber here in Prasat. My b/f keeps the barber and any other customers falling about with his jokes, while I get shorn. 100฿ including tip.

The Times has a good summary. https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=0296ea42-d69b-4ee2-a0f3-eadc31a931d0

Oz government paying, though they claim they'll get it back from him. Which, if you believe ... Also on board the Oz Ambassador to Washington & the Oz High Commissioner (= Ambassador) to UK. You couldn't make this stuff up. Wonder what our friends in the US defence & intelligence system think of that.