mfd101

Were you drunk when you typed this nonsense? And where was your tail at the time?

So as usual the Russians can send bombs and missiles across the border from hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away, but if the Ukrainians reply in kind the worrywarts of The West get the shivers and can't sleep at night ...

No, but one day China may - one way or another - kill Xi.

Apart from 2 minimalist 'showers' a week ago (barely noticed), we haven't had a drop of rain here in sth Surin since November.

Useful perspective on 'Where we're at'. Worth reading the full article.

If achieved, that might almost be worthy of the description "strategic move" ...

I am shattered. My whole image of wunnerful passive peaceful Buddhism destroyed. What will my prayerful peasant family make of this? Heavens, it could lead to revolution! Even democracy!

Well I don't mind Srettha and he does tower over everyone else in this country, but I'm not sure that 'beautiful' is quite the right adjective.

Sounds like an item for Dutton to add to his list to consider when he moves on nuclear power for Oz after the next federal election.

A beautiful animal. Magnificent.

The same ignorant & contradictory criticism is made everywhere in the world (eg Oz) about leaders jetting hither and yon. The fact is that today's connected world requires countries to meet together regularly to agree on joint action on any of a huge number of areas. Some of these meetings - whether 1-on-1 or collective - can be done now using modern technology without leaving home. But many important annual or other meetings require face-to-face. It goes with the job. Would the People Who Complain be happy if Thailand wasn't represented at the various ASEAN meetings? or only a junior clerk was sent for the grip 'n grin with all the Heads of Government?

My attitude is that, at age 74 and 'rich' by local peasant standards, I should give as I can to others among my large extended family & friends because there are those who slave away every day and are almost always available to help out here 40 kms away when we need help but, despite their efforts, they still can't make ends meet (no education) so they can't cover all costs including medical. When they come to work here I pay them way over the minimum daily rate, feed & water and fill the truck tank, and to one BIL who's particularly hard-working I give a large donation each December for him and his family & to improve his small farm. But the drinkers & the lazy good-for-nothings don't get a cent from me. If they ask, my answer is always a variant on 'pull finger'. So the lesson is: Choose carefully who you give to.

If you drive in to the back of a vehicle in front, you must automatically be at fault whatever the particular circumstances. At least that's how it is in any sensible Western country ...

1 Ukrainian in charge. Russian clients ... How drôle!

So, no safety belts? Or not being used ...

A few months ago my b/f bought a ticket in the local (illegal) village lottery. On the morning of the draw he was rung up and told that his number was 'no longer available' (ie ticket cancelled) ... A few hours later that number was the winning number in the draw (some 30 or 40 thou). My conclusion: He is known to be 'rich' (married to 'rich' Falang, lives in big house), therefore dispensable. Which is not necessarily a bad way of approaching matters in the village.

AND he did some good things for the poor people of Isaan. A first in recorded history. They were slaves and then serfs (is there a difference?) until 100 years ago. None of which they have forgotten.

And arm around his mate. How sweet! Touching even. (Only in Thailand.)

'The Weather' keeps passing us close by here in south Surin but doesn't quite manage to land. Have had 1.5 VERY LIGHT showers in the last 2 weeks. We watch with envy the storms pass to our west.

The problem at temples is that there can be so many pairs of shoes or sandals and the occasional problem of theft ... My b/f once told me his shoes were stolen outside a temple. I asked him what he did. He said he looked around for another pair that fitted him, put them on and walked away ...

My experience here in Surin province is that it's a fading practice for shops. Where 10 years ago I would remove my sandals before entering the barber's shop, now if you did that he would indicate to you not to bother. Increasing population, pressures of work, old customs dying. But still strictly applied on entering your house or someone else's. A nice custom, I think, in the tropics - bare feet on cool tiled floor. I impose it on any of my friends visiting from Oz and they enjoy it too.

Title of his lecture: "Democracy: How to get around it".

In the democratic parts of the world, when one sees a headline about 'Student Activists', one can pretty safely assume they're of The Left (mild or extreme). But here in Thailand things are not so clear ... Being 'anti-corruption' could cover any part of the political spectrum depending on how the money's flowing, who's paying, which particular clan you were born into, how old you are and which side of bed you got out of this morning.

Legal drafting in Thailand seems to allow for all possibilities. Vagueness is very useful when politics and money come in to play.

AI: The answer to all life's problems.