mfd101

So permission was granted, of course it was, we know who this military government supports. Allowing them to land isn't the same as (1) allowing them to stay, or (2) deciding what to do with them whilst in Thailand (eg intern, refugee camp, hand over to international authorities ... ).

Thailand stands for dithering in the middle of every international problem - looking left & right and up & down simultaneously.

Just about sums it up.

So, at least one nasty dictatorship on the verge of collapse. Only another hundred or so to go ...

US4 million? Generous?

I think there's a POSSIBLE 6th category: Opportunity. At least for an Australian like me who brings in roughly 2 million Baht a year, income entirely from OZ Federal Govt superannuation (ie former public servant, NOT OAP), and has been declared non-resident for tax purposes for the last 3 or 4 Oz tax years. The Oz Tax Office (ATO) now in effect confiscates 32% of my income. Calculating the Thai alternative suggests I may well be better off paying all Thai & no Oz tax. Particularly if I can also get refunds on the Oz tax paid for the last several years. Working on it.

I have had no sense of taste for the last 12 months, since catching Covid for the 3rd time last April in BKK. And no sense of smell since (I think) the bout before that some 3 years ago. Neither sense has ever been very strong in me, since childhood allergies and the appalling diets of the time in Anglophile NZ (inter alia gallons of full-cream milk every day). I notice now with food that I still have the same favourites here and I enjoy the look & feel ... Nothing to do except wait and hope.

Thais are very sensitive to language and have - at least where I live here in Isaan - what to a Westerner looks like primitive superstitions in regard to language. So you can't say of Uncle Somchai lying on his bed groaning: Mmmm, he's not looking too good, probably won't be with us by Xmas. Horror! horror! you've just condemned him to an early death ie words can kill. Similarly, asking a question - particularly what we would think of as a 'pointed question' - will very easily be received as a challenge to authority, that is, STATUS. Are you questioning my authority to make this statement? Can't you see the uniform I'm wearing?

Yes, I made 2 transfers this week via Wise with the xrate showing at 23.936 and 24.274. At least the trend line is pointing in the right direction.

Time is not money here, which is one of the main reasons why productivity is low, which is in turn one of the main reasons why most Thais live in poverty.

'Nuff said.

Yippee! Two for the price of one! It's a deal!

The proof of the pudding is ... Or will be ...

The logic is that the 2014 coup & its military government lasted till 2023 before the restoration of at least the appearance of some democracy and more certainly of civilian control. On average then we might expect the next coup shaping up around 2028 or 29. An average is indicative. It's not a fixed date with destiny.

Too early for the next coup. Since 1947 there have been 15 coups or attempted coups including 2014. So, on average one every 4.5 years. Besides, why stage a coup with all its risks if you can rely on the EC and the CC? Who needs soldiers when lawyers & bureaucrats will do the job much more reliably and tidily?

A sad day approaching fast ...

US12B doesn't really cut it these days. Old money ...

So why do 'reactors' have to be anonymous? Comment writers - such as me at this moment - are expected to have the courage of their own convictions. Why does that not apply to 'reactors'?

Wonder how that'll work during the annual monsoon blackouts ... If you can't keep the lights on with the current demand levels, how are you going to manage as demand surges across the whole country?

At least he's got the guts to return and argue the case, including re LM.

Well, clearly law enforcement in this country isn't what it should be. And Yes, they should enforce the law equally on everyone. But they don't. Inequality is a characteristic of feudal societies. In any case, we don't really have grounds for saying they shouldn't enforce the law on misbehaving visitors including us. Do the deed, take the punishment.

Yes, I just received my fortnightly transfer (organized thru Wise last night). Best xrate against AUD since Nov 2022.

Wow! I think you'll find that the investigating people will want to talk to you about your information & its sources ...

Gosh, um, hadn't thought of that.

She's clearly already expert in these fields.