AlexRich

To the guy that wants to ally with Putin, get educated. Putin wants to destroy the West, not ally with it. He could never achieve that by military means so he put resources into undermining democracies from within. And Trump is his greatest success. A corrupt idiot who will do anything for money and is compromised up to his neck. The KGB financed extremist groups, left and right, to cause chaos in democracies, and used oligarchs to corrupt politicians and political parties around the West. We are all paying the price for that now. Mike Johnson, like Trump, takes Russian money. It is not about “the deficit”, that increased under Trump, it is about helping Russia … and in doing so destroying American democracy. 
 

Money spent in Ukraine defeating Putin is well spent, and may prevent the next trouble maker from starting … China’s Xi. 

2 hours ago, HK MacPhooey said:

Classic case of Trump Derangement Syndrome

Unfortunately it is his supporters who are deranged. Think about that the next time you see a Muppet holding a “We are Q” sign.

I think Thailand is a great place, but this is the one aspect that puts me off staying here full time. 
 

I am not entirely sure what the impact is on a persons life, but my guess is that you shorten your lifespan living here. It’s like taking up smoking in your twilight years … not recommended.

I'm not sure that Thailand is a place to grow old, whether you have sufficient funds or not.

Perhaps if you have married a Thai lady and have a family there are at least children who will make sure that you are okay. In that respect you are in much the same situation as anyone at home. 

However, if you have came to Thailand as an older person and simply hitched up with a girlfriend or got married then you might not have the support when you need it. They might view you as a liability that has served their purpose. And you'll be found on Beach Road Pattaya, not knowing your own name, and wearing an adult diaper.

11 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

It would take a hell of a lot to convince me to visit Chiang Rai, even for a day. 😉 

I spent some time there and thought it was a great place for anyone that wants a peaceful life. Nice coffee shops and food places, a night market that is not too big, and a pretty sizeable shopping mall on the edge of town. People really friendly.

The main downside is pollution, so the place is not really habitable all year round. 

Filmed by Mr Denis Krungtep, otherwise known as Peeping Tom.

13 hours ago, steven100 said:

is Putin aware of this

His mafia ties go way back to his KGB days … Russia is a mafia state.

Good for him, he’s already proved his resolve by surviving a fall from six floors, no mean feat. I hope he gets what he is due. 

Bullying is bad enough, but hitting girls is a cowardly act. 

38 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Putin was, in the days of the Soviet Union. I don't know what his position in the political spectrum now.

Putin is an autocrat and Russian nationalist. That’s how the communist dream ends, in dictatorship and oppression. He’s no more far left than the National Socialists in Germany were under Hitler, or the CCP is now.

He’s systematically enriched himself and his cronies by plundering the nations wealth. And he’s  trapped - if he ever loses power that will be taken off him and he’ll be suicided or dumped in the Gulag. He can never give up, and will never survive a loss in Ukraine. if he does survive expect more wars, in Europe.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

I call speaker Mike Johnson ordered by Trump.

Works for Russia to block aid to Ukraine. 

Correct. The border issue has been linked to Ukraine funding in order to stop it. They couldn’t care less about the border, it’s a red herring to disguise their underlying objective … help Russia by denying Ukraine funding. 
 

Mike Johnson takes Russian linked funds. 

Amazes me the state of the USA at present. In days gone by a Russian shill like Carlson would be ostracised and condemned. Putin’s war against the West began when he took over as President, the KGB never stopped whilst we were all under the illusion that the Cold War was over. The book “Putin’s People” by Catherine Belton is the best researched out there, and I’d recommend it to anyone. 
 

Trump met Putin, and left the room looking like Putin had him on a leash. Head bowed, like a servant. Carlson is on that same team. It’s a sad spectacle to watch … and a danger to our world. Kompromat at work would be my guess. The MAGA crowd have been brainwashed, it won’t end well.