Ajarnbrian

Those selfish individuals using visa-free entry for working have spoiled things for longer term visitors. Get the right visa if here for work!

Good, decent Americans would not stoop so low. The office of president has been diminished further in this latest act and refusal to apologise.

Naive, highly selective, sensationalist view. Soi Cowboy in Bangkok, Soi 6 Pattaya, Soi Bangla in Patong are obviously notorious places that you don’t stumble on by chance. In any country you don’t get involved in drugs and prostitution unless you’re ready for the consequences. The presenter said she had no backpacking experience, said many visitors pay the ultimate price and that she is scared of Thailand. Well, 933,000 British visitors to Thailand last year but she gave no context, no research and little understanding in this weak BBC programme.

Menacing, threatening leading to jail? perhaps so. Criticising, not at all!

You’re confused. VAT is a sales tax, not a tariff. It’s imposed on all British made or imported goods. Tariffs are a tax on imports

Tariffs will hurt American consumers and components importers. Brings inflation, retaliation and possible trade wars, reduced economic activity and breaking of trust with trading partners. Terrible misreading of basic economics.

Politicians should expect this, especially those who are controversial. Well said Brian.

“We need competent people. We need smart people.” Absolutely right, sensible conservatives realise this.

Are you an attention-seeking lawyer looking for work? What ‘evidence’ do you, or indeed any reader here, actually have?

It would be hard to find those in British politics who like Trump, other than the opportunistic Farage.

Mandelson should be a good appointment. He has been a slippery schemer in British politics. Well suited to the role.

In the American political system Donald Trump won by a clear majority of votes. Now many of those voters may be uneducated, naive or feeling left behind and they saw the Democrats as hopeless but that is still clear support for Trump and a mandate to govern.

For those who imagine UK lacks free speech these days, remember the level of hate speech and dangerous misinformation being spouted by extremists online these days. Also remember how much worse it is for free speech in China, Russia. Despite its faults, UK is preferable to most countries,

Good that JK Rowling calls out this. Nothing against transgender people who get on with their lives without harming others. But for Edinburgh City Council to celebrate the life of a violent criminal who happens to identify as transgender is an insult to all victims of violence.

Laos is a beautiful country. The tragedy happened in Vang Vieng, where other young travellers have died over the past decade or so. Avoid the place, go to other destinations in Laos, stick to a bottle of Beer Lao.

Most candidates in US presidential elections have many shortcomings. Trump has more than any other in living memory. He is ethically and morally unfit to be president.

UK State Pension is frozen, meaning no annual increases ever, living in Thailand, Australia, Canada etc. However, it is not frozen, meaning you do get annual increases living in USA, Philippines and EU countries. Of course this is grossly inequitable as State Pension is based on number of years of NI contributions, to a max of 35 years for full pension. Without the annual increases it loses value in real terms. UK governments have been lobbied for years to change this inequity but all have refused to do so.

Demand-driven pricing for airlines these days. As more tickets are sold for a flight, the price goes up. And using attractive headline price to grab attention, with lots of extras like bags, seat, card payment fee then added. Bangkok Airways have higher prices, fewer add-ons, better level of service and lounge to use at BKK if you are transferring to another flight with them. For cheaper domestic flights at times others don’t want to fly, eg Tues late evening in low season.

Long time Republicans rejecting Trump, whose adherence to the democratic process, selfless serving of the nation and outstanding ethical and moral leadership qualities have captured the imagination of highly educated middle America. Wonder if Cheney has noticed something all those Americans have missed?

Serving the nation? As a model of ethical and moral leadership? Putting the interests of the country before any possible personal and business gain? Showing true adherence to the democratic process? Is this what you mean, or something different?

“Revolutionise Thai logistics”, that’s quite a claim. No evidence of that.

“Drops bombshells”. Even with journalistic hyperbole, it’s hard to see this. A bit of a non-event really.

Both are unfit for office. One due to age and clear cognitive deficits, the other is ethically and morally bankrupt.

‘Move down inside the train, please’ in a polite but confident voice is enough. No need to use f word to others or the response may be different. Not that hard.

Not hard to find the types 123Stodg describes, or to hear their loud, over confident voices. But the case is overstated, most Westerners spending more time here show more wisdom and respect, don’t need to shout their mouth off and happily avoid the bars those ignorant types inhabit.