hyperHowie

On 5/26/2017 at 9:05 AM, NancyL said:

And, there's the "VA Agent Orange Program" for vets who served in Vietnam, parts of Thailand and Korea while agent orange was used by the military.  The vet doesn't have to prove that they were actually exposed to agent orange, just that they served in the area at the time agent orange was used.  There is a presumption of exposure.

 

If they are diagnosed with any of a rather long list of diseases, some fairly common in older men, then they can claim VA compensation.  The list includes prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes.

 

http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-postservice-agent_orange.asp

 

It's my understanding that the care can be received here in Thailand with expenses reimbursed by the VA, although I've not guided anyone through this process.  At the advice of the local VFW, I filed a claim for Hubby who was in Vietnam at the time agent orange was used and has stubbornly high PSA readings.  So far, no biopsy has shown cancer, but the VFW person recommended opening a claim, even without filing any expenses, just so there is a case number on record.  He said the claim will be kept on file for five years and will reduce the time of getting reimbursed for payment in the future by about three months if we do actually have to submit a claim for reimbursement.  Don't know if this is true, but I've submitted VA claims for Low Income Pensions for other people, so it wasn't a big problem to submit an Agent Orange claim for Hubby.   (Yeah, right.  Nice hobby, filing out gov't forms.)

Also, there was an incident where a Vet @ the Perry VA Medical Hospital, Maryland (USA) got Y-E-A-R-S of compensation for a legit condition they had filed some 20+(?) yrs ago. Not sure if his Appeals finally worked, the condition he was applying for were added recently or they overlooked something. Nice check. What would he have received if he had filed that very day 5 yrs ago?  Only from the day he filed -- NOT retroactively!

I spent 3 years With the US Army as s member of the "Golden Knights" (freefall) Parachute Team (or as my father said. "That's not the Army -- that's Hollywood.)  We trained often with the British "Red Devils."

   So during the Vietnam war I narrated air shows in 110 different US cities in 42 states. My training had been as a photojournalist. After an 8 yr break, I spent 23 yrs in the Reserves ("territorials") -- one weekend per month and 2 wks during the summer -- with one VOLUNTARY yr in Bosnia as part of a NATO Peacekeeping force. Then 5 yrs as a full-time Active Reservist.

   Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY!!!

   You can retire as a Reservist or on Active Duty after 20 years. Immediately 50% of your base pay (or age 60 as a Reservist), free Space Available flights on military aircraft anywhere in the world, nearly free ($250 yr) medical care, including OVERSEAS (or free at Veterans hospitals), 4 yrs paid college WITH housing & textbook allowance, ability to buy a home with no money down, access to resort stays at $250/wk per ROOM (not per person), access to military commissaries (30% off on most groceries), 30 days annual paid vacation (while on Active Duty) and sooo many other bennies. You must join reserves or Active Duty by age 35. Must retire by age 60 (65 for officers). 

   Others have said it: Comradery, service, sense of purpose, a disciplined workforce, etc.

   If you have a youngster, tell them to serve at least one tour (3 yrs.)

1 hour ago, Sydebolle said:

Again a North Korean assassination fç%*k-up!

The little pig, meanwhile in third generation, manages to keep the entire world at bay with the Kims way of doing things. 

Get the American troops off South Korean soil will result in PR China breathing easier which means that there will be no support to North Korea anymore. Kim's little empire will implode, South Korea will mop up the mess and life goes on. 

You move Americans off South Korean soil and the South Koreans, and possibly even Japan, will begin to consider nuclear weapons. They're already edging towards that decision.

On 2/16/2017 at 7:49 PM, OttoPollmann said:

Just this line is the only informative part of this report.

This could be an indication to a heart attack and maybe if somebody was around could have saved his life.

Sometimes it's already enough to calm the person down to get the heart back in rhythm.

I don't know about that but you should immediately take a regular aspirin & call for an ambulance (any chance a non-Thai speaker can get one?)

9 hours ago, janejira said:

From what I know, it is very difficult to get a work visa in the US. More info on work visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/employment/temporary.html#overview

 

What about an English language school? There are usually a couple schools in most major US cities that can help with the student visa process. Most language schools are more affordable than university tuition.

One language school in Washington, DC area costs about $650/month with daily classes running from about 9am-3am,

However, if you are a student, you cannot legally work in the USA,

Just hope your gf doesn't bolt, could happen esp. when they have a Green card.

On 2/24/2017 at 5:55 AM, whatawonderfulday said:

Oh right, so it was secret ?  BS.  You can get cell signal blockers anywhere so I am sure the military/police/boy scouts/government buffoons could have bought them on ebay without asking AIS.  Just AIS trying to justify their crap, usual service, by blaming it on others, a traditional Thai trait.

Perhaps its time to go home ... where everything is so perfect ... and you won't have to put up with any "traditional Thai trait."

3 hours ago, redwinecheese said:

I'll be glad to punch you in the face

It's sad that you don't seem to want to even attempt the language. I'm not moving to Chiangmai until Jan 2018, so I have no right to judge others. I also realize I'll be 70 then too, but so what? I'll try ... even though with six years of middle school, high school and college French, I'm still nonfluent (though I can get the general idea when reading the language.) However, when talking to the diverse international population in my city of Wash., DC, I have found that speaking bits of words and phrases in French, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Amharic (Ethiopian), Spanish, Serbian-Croatian, Vietnamese, German, Greek, even Thai & some sign language, I've got pleasant responses and generated goodwill from those I meet, even if I've butchered the pronunciation. Most of the time it's just greetings or a few words. However, they appreciate my trying. Maybe the Thais won't and will quickly reply in English, if they can. But like an acquaintance who only wanted to eat western style food when he traveled, I think he loses something by not attempting to at least TRY it. After all, its NOT cheap living or easy sex why I'm going to Thailand, I want to experience as much of the culture I can as well as the sights, sounds, tastes, touch and even smells of a culture that intrigue me. Else, why -- in my case -- should i travel.

On 2/8/2017 at 5:46 PM, mcfish said:

Wrapping a garbage bag around your head and securing with tape is almost a pleasant way to go. Jumping is just plain messy.

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using Tapatalk
 

A 70 yo friend developed cancer. It came back a 2nd (or 3rd) time.  They later found the MRI results in his bedroom.

He had told a neighbor, if the day ever came, how he was going to end his life: As an ex-Marine, he'd shoot himself with a military handgun.

He didn't want to do it out in the woods where animals might scavenge the body. But neither did he want to leave a mess in his house for family to discover and someone would have to cleanup.

So he DOUBLE-BAGGED his head before shooting himself there.

On 2/10/2017 at 10:39 AM, ilostmypassword said:

 

I have some exciting news for you. You don't have to judge the truth or falseness of a statement based on how it sounds to you. You can actually use something called the internet to look up information and then make an informed judgement.

 

Of course, you can believe everything you read on the internet. 

On 1/30/2017 at 7:23 PM, nottocus said:

Legal age in my country.

You're not in your country

On 2/11/2017 at 3:08 AM, Srikcir said:

Tillerson is doing a "squeeze play" on Bannon who has grandiose ideas about the US becoming the exclusive world super power. Either we'll see Bannon leave the White House or cause a major disruption in conflicting foreign policies that will paralyze Trump or cause him to strike out in an irrational way.

Bannon, the former editor of a extreme right wing website -- with a couple of his henchman in the White House -- is a serious deterrent to any real politic solution. And now a member of the US Security Council. OMG.

On 2/11/2017 at 1:51 AM, spidermike007 said:

I am trying to keep an open mind about this guy. I was hoping he might have some constructive proposals for the economy. But, he is so bogged down with his immigration extremism, and refuses to acknowledge that extreme vetting has been in place since 9/11. All of the people who got visas and green cards in the past decade were extremely vetted. So, there was no risk in letting them in. He could have established the program, allowed all existing visa and green card holders in, but denied any new applicants, and few would have complained.

 

The fascinating thing about the megalomaniac, is that he seems to enjoy digging his own holes. He started a war with the media. He created this extreme immigration program, etc. He seems to love a battle. Hope he does not start a major war. Lord Bannon seems to be itching for a war with Iran. I think they would find Iran to be a far worse foe than Iraq, as they have very deep pockets, and it could very well turn into a 40 year war, costing the treasury tens of trillions of dollars, and possibly even bankrupting the United States, leading to major terror attacks on US soil, and destabilizing the planet. My guess is that it would lead to his impeachment. But, I see that coming anyway. I seriously doubt, especially after this ridiculous Nordstrom scandal, that this man will last four years. He will either be impeached, resign, or have an aneurysm. 

 

As far as the immigration debate goes at least half of the judges that are ruling against Trump, were appointed by Republicans. He is continuing with his Orwellian Alternative facts campaign. Anytime he does not like what happens, or a decision that is made, or a news account, or anything else, it instantly becomes alternative facts. He simply cannot fathom the possibility that it is happening for a good or logical reason. It is an attack against him personally, if it is not in lock step with his wishes. He truly has the mindset of an adolescent, who has always gotten his way. He is ill equipped for his present position, and is not a good give and take sort. Not sure how he is going to be able to negotiate with our allies, much less our enemies, with this attitude of entitlement and his inability to ever express any humility. 

On 2/11/2017 at 1:51 AM, spidermike007 said:

 

I'm an American and am embarrassed by this INSECURE, EGOMANIAC with low self-esteem, I'm praying you Brits do NOT welcome him into your country. I pray for a heart attack or stroke. He's not Pres.Trump to me: He's "Hair spray Donnie" to me: more concerned about his image than diplomacy & with so much "gold" in his interior decorating it looks like a whore house. 

What about Vietnam, particularly DaNang (central VN next to the ocean.) I found a $6 VERY CLEAN Hotel room run by a family w/ kids. It's blocks from China Beach and both air & streets are clean. Allegedly the cleanest city in Asia. Foid was good as were prices. Seems like Thailand bsck in the day.

What am I missing?

1 hour ago, phantomfiddler said:

Isn,t democracy wonderful ! I am surprised that it has not been adopted by all clans of animals that can walk on 2 feet :)

It sure beats whatever's in 2nd place!  What communism? Or a dictator who never steps down?  No thank you. At least in a democracy we have the chance of getting rid of a bad or incompetent ruler and can speak our minds in public or print as well as organize and protest.

I'm an American so my answers will probably differ from those of you from the UK or EU, who seem to make up the majority of responses.  Additionally, I have never lived there, having only visited for several weeks with years intervening.  However, despite my naiveté, perhaps some of you can also set me right before I move to CM in 2017/18.

I was an Army brat, so I went to an international middle school in Tokyo and an American high school in Seoul. My parents wound up living in Korea for over 20 yrs. I'm 1/4 Japanese but you never could tell. I currently mentor two 27 yo Chinese students and as a result have spent the equivalent of several months in China.

Thailand & Vietnam intrigue me because of the imprinting I received hanging around with my Asian friends as a kid. My parents' extensive experience in Asia also is an influence. I have no desire to live in China for multiple reasons and I'm not interested in Laos nor Cambodia (though limited exposure.)  BKK might be too "big city" for me, CM seems a fit. I don't even think I would be interested in rural life as of yet. Danag, VN is another option as that country isn't as developed as Thailand nor as undeveloped as Laos/Cambodia. Japan is too westernized by Asian standards. I'm NOT looking for Thai women, bar life nor even beach life -- I have sun, sand & sin here if that's all I want. I'm hoping to experience a culture that's different from mine: sounds, sights, smells, tastes (food), touch, et al. Yes, I know they'll be irritating noise, not just music, awful smells not just fragrant ones, irritating noise not just Thai music. Add in bureacracy, politics, traffic, headaches ad infinitum, so what? I can afford to live anywhere comfortably, but I do NOT want an easy chair in front of the tv nor traveling my country nor even (westernized) Europe (backpacked in my 20s).  Australia, maybe. Africa, South/Central America & the Middle East hold little intrigue other than as tourist destinations.

SO WHAT AM I NOT SEEING? WHAT DO YOU THINK I NEED TO KNOW? WHAT UGLY SURPRISES AWAIT (good ones too)?

I don't think giving out personal details about a Thai military officer is necessarily a good idea. You posted his military position, age, education, current posting, next scheduled posting, etc.

Maybe my 26 yrs in the US military (before it was legal to be out & gay) is NOT a good standard for measurement vs Thailand openness to gays & ladyboys, but you never know in any country's military. I might ask the moderator to edit those details about your friend, unless LOS is truly a we-dont-give-a-damn even if you are going to teach at our military academy, etc.

It's okay about being open ourselves, but you might run this by your Thai friend or veteran expats here can tell you if I'm off base on this topic. Apologies if I am.

My name is Bob and I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I will retire at the end of February. After graduating college I entered the Air Force during the Viet Nam era and served a tour in Viet Nam which was my first exposure to Asia. Visited Bangkok on leave in 1972 at the end of my tour. I was not out yet and still quite closeted being the the military. Served 8 years but gradually came out and decided at 30 the military was not a great career choice for a gay man. Travelled for 9 months throughout Asia after leaving the military and really let loose when I met some great guys in Kuala Lumpur (not Thailand as one would think). I had a few different jobs after returning home but ended up in the family manufacturing business for the last 20 years. We manufacture electronic heat exchangers and chassis (to keep it short) for military aircraft, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. It's a small business and it surely has taken its toll on my brother and I. I am not out at work (macho atmosphere is too much for me to handle) and will be happy to be totally out once I retire. Immediate family and friends know of my lifestyle. Spent many years clubbing in West Hollywood in the days of Studio One. I have had a few long distance relationships (some with Thai working boys) and a couple here in Los Angeles. I still enjoy clubbing, particularly at DJ Station where I celebrated my 60th birthday in grand fashion dancing on the stage with the guys.

I have travelled to Thailand off and on since that first trip in 1972. I have seen the changes particularly in Bangkok and Pattaya over the years. I remember the great times at the first Rome Club and then after its rennovation. Harry's Bar and the Garden Bar on soi 2. Pattaya did not have much in the way of a gay scene when I first went there other than one or two bars I vaguely recall one being down walking street somewhere near the Siam Bayshore. The road along the beach was not built up like today and I met a guy in Dunkin' Donuts of all places. In the last 5 to 10 years I have made 2 to 3 trips a year to Thailand. Love the beach at Patong much better than Pattaya and it has, in my opinion, a more relaxed gay scene than Pattaya so I tend to like going to places like James Dean and the Boat Bar versus the go go bars of Pattaya. Just personal preference.

I have been involved with a number of working boys (freelancers) and have enjoyed the relationships a great deal. Although they have not been without turmoil, these guys really have formed a genuine liking for me beyond the money. I still keep in touch and they with me. Unfortunately I am a little burned out on the scene as it seems like every guy I have become involved with has become infected with the dreaded HIV. I have sat in the doctors offices and hospitals and am tired of it. I had a bf here in Los Angeles and dealt with his HIV status for years. Fortunately all are still healthy but I have also lost a couple of great guys and numerous friends to the virus. All that being said I met a Thai student about 1 1/2 years ago here in Los Angeles attending graduate school. He is a Thai military officer on a scholarship. He just started in the PhD program and it looks like he will be here for at least two (more likely three) years. I have not been to Thailand for over a year now but yearning to get back and enjoy the beaches and nightlife (socially not sexually). I have a special friend in Thailand that I call regularly but don't want this to go to far and need to kind of set him "straight" on where I stand. He knows I don't consider us boyfriends but think he is somewhat dependent on me. Fortunately I have faired well and can afford to help him now and then but have explained that I can be doing this the rest of my life. So I am happy and content with the current relationship (he knows about the guy in Thailand and is understanding of my not wanting to cut this off over the phone). I know in the future if the current relationship makes it we will return to Thailand where he has an obligation of military service and he will be teaching at the military academy. He has a good career ahead of him and although he would like to remain here I have tried to discourage this as he will have status (something very important to Thais) in Thailand and very little here. As we both age (I am 62, he is 27) I know that he will need a life that gives him the security and status afforded by a military career.

I am very fond of Thailand and I hope to be able to split my time between Los Angeles, Honolulu, Thailand and traveling. Think I got a little long winded here so I had better cut this off. Enjoy reading the posts here as the discussion tends to be a little more civil than on some of the other gay Thailand sites.

Conning people out of money, pornography, private car?

They should make him the head of an order somewhere.

He sounds ideal.

Pity he hasn't a plane, but I'm sure he could work on that.

I bet you've never spent time in the monkhood.

He's a FAKE monk. Real monks don't do this.

I assume you are trying to make a poor joke?

Yes, and real Catholic priests don't molest young boys. But a very Senior Monk in Chiangmai was arrested several years ago for his predilection towards young boys. So, YES, even REAL monks -- and those of other faiths -- DO, DO THAT sometimes. Get a life!

My brother, an attorney, once said that many ppl get into trouble with their mouths after an event.

I cannot speak for Thailand, but he said if I was ever questioned by the police, to simply say that I would love to answer their questions, but my brother, an attorney, told me to talk to him first (or words to that effect.)

Might not work with Thai police but it sounds like replacing the word "attorney" with "my insurance agent" might work here.

What to expect from an uncivilised country. This is a common occurence in thailand roads everday....stupid ignaorant people who just becuase of easy credit, are allowed to own and drive cars and motorcycles and have no clue how to drive them in a civilised manner.

And where you came from was soooo utopian that you moved here ... and stayed?!

Oddly, I had an American on a Click try to do the same to me about ten months ago, in Chiang Mai on the river road, seems he thought I was driving my four door Toyota pickup to fast. Mrs CM solved the problem without being prompted, having watched his antics for several minutes she opened her door a few inches, just as I tried to skirt around him, a few more inches and he would have been gutter fodder and he got the message loud and clear.

If I understood your premise -- and I might not -- what could have happened was the guy would've taken your door off its hinges as he drove by. I've seen that happen to someone opening their door on the side of the door.

Pedestrian crossings here are a joke. No lights and a total lack of respect for pedestrians by motorists.

I agree but really nothing to do with this story. Hard to say who was at fault although my feeling is Russian on a big bike was speeding.

'Who was at fault'???? In the UK, among other civilised countries, the PEDESTRIAN comes first! Never mind the DELETED get out clause 'jaywalking'. You are a 'soft machine'. Other road users, whether it be bike or car, should ALWAYS be looking out for YOU

I cannot believe your xenophobic comment. For one, you're not in the UK. Second, in "some" civilized societies the DRIVER has the right of way because in THEIR -- not my -- thinking pedestrians are seen as more nimble than a driver and are expected to look first anyway. I could be just as culturally biased and say in some "civilized" countries, ppl drive on the RIGHT. But then, that would be my bias.

A better example I found on the internet:

"People who read English often assume that it is natural to scan a visual field from left to right and from top to bottom. In the United States it is typical for the "on" position of a toggle switch to be "up", whereas in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand it is "down." Also, in these countries, North is the top of a map, up is usually the larger quantity and better, as well. As another example, Japanese do not place an X in a check-box to indicate acceptancethis indicates refusal."

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

- Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

Moral justice if he was guilty. Should be extended to all freaks of nature.

Who decides who's a "freak of nature"?

Jews in Nazis Germany?

Wrong tribe in Rawanda?

A Muslim in Bosnia?

Gays in Russia or Iran?

Catholics or Protestants in Ireland?

Farangs by Thais?

There's a famous WWII quote from a Nazi resister about those not defending the rights of others by just standing by. It ends poignantly with the phrase "...and then they came for me!"

Wow. Guess I better not lurk behind the keyboard and just come out to my brothers in Thailand, since I will be moving there (or Vietnam) within the next 18 mths.

I'm an American living in Washington, D.C. As a military brat, I was born in Germany, attended a Tokyo international school & an American HS in Seoul. Bachelors degree w/ some grad work. My parents lived for over 25 years in Asia, most of it doing international work. I'm 1/4 Asian.

I served 3 yrs on Active Duty before joining the Reserves. I spent 13 years in corporate marketing with Fortune 10 companies until I realized that I wanted more out of my life than peddling computer hardware (especially since I'm not a techie). A deployment on a NATO peacekeeping mission to Bosnia helped me break out of my midlife crisis. When I retired from the Reserves, the very next day I served as a contractor helping troops (& families) returning from a combat zone; a sort of military social worker: Homelessness, job assistance, financial aid, education benefits, medical & mental referrals, including some Asian-Americans who fought in WWII.

Even though that was the most personally enjoyable work experience at that point, I realized that international charitable work was closer to my heart (the 'international' overrode the 'charitable' TBH.)

So, I'm making my 2nd trip to Thailand late FEB 2016 to CM, but I'll probably visit Pattaya, Phuket et al just to see a different side of Thailand talked about on here. I am open to any suggestions (other than go-back home.) BTW: I'm open to ALL parts of Asian and FEEDBACK from expats who've explored or lived elsewhere would be most helpful. Just send a private message if you prefer.

Lastly (sorry for the long monologue), but after hiding my sexuality during my corporate & military years, I've ditched the rest of my macho merit badges (martial arts, motorcycles and skydiving) and am in the final stages of scraping off the last 'protective layers.' It just takes longer for some of us.

I'm not really a bar person and enjoy writing and nonfiction reading more than slugging down beers in bars (having worked in US bars & restaurants & my time in the military, I did enough of that. It was never a primary activity even then.) However, I'll surely succumb to bar boys or whatever until hopefully, a more caring relationship might develop. Advice welcomed haha.

Oh, yeah, white middle class upbringing, healthy, active 60s with time spent at both Protestant & Catholic prep schools (but not religious, although I'll explore Buddhism, if only for cultural reasons.)

Talk to me and let me hear YOUR experiences, good or bad, Thailand or elsewhere. I'm open to any tips, warmings, suggestions & other unsolicited advice.

Your Blocking

Other nations take POW's and put them threw their criminal justice system? ! Not on this planet. However yes, on Planet Troll, things indeed may differ.

NOT true. Do you think (to include every nation nearly) that we tried all the POWs that were captured during WWII or Korea for that matter? Not unless they were war criminals: Remember the Nuremberg Trials?