aussienam

It's usually always the rogue corrupted states that abstain from voting against Russia's continual war crimes. The developed nations with free and open democracies and low corruption are the ones who point out the wrongs of others. Unfortunately Thailand is not one. It sits in rogue state territory. No surprise to anyone that Thailand is willing to turn a blind eye for their friend dictator Putin.

$1 AUD to the Thb has ranged between 20 to 25 baht for around the last 5 years. From 25 down to 20 baht that was a 20% increase in the cost of living here in Thailand. That 5 baht range makes a 1000 Baht cost from $40 to $50 AUD. If it drops to previous lows of 18-19 Baht to 1AUD, it becomes expensive here (for me). Wasn't fun with 25-30% cost increase. Lot of boring months spent indoors then (felt like I was back in Oz LOL). I suppose it's possible it may cycle back down that way and test the March 2020 COVID low if there are more major negative macroeconomic hits. It has been in a nice uptrend since the COVID crash.

Especially the ones that are adjacent to the roadside kerb, and vehicles park over the top, something I have not ever seen anywhere else before.

Wasn't criticizing the wealthy retirees. I agree that many are enjoying the spoils of a financially successful life because they studied, worked hard, worked smart, sacrificed some things in life perhaps in order to enjoy life later. Others were perhaps just lucky or fortunate to have inherited fortunes. Others retired here off the back of drug dealing, fraud, stolen property rackets, etc. I have heard it all here from the mouths of many individuals. It is the show-offs I criticize who can't help themselves, but boast about their wealth to others obviously less fortunate. Especially the crooked expat community who don't deserve having gotten away with their crimes and should be sitting in prison cells back in their countries. Also I've heard the hard luck stories of those who have had unfortunate experiences whether self inflicted by bad choices, or through bad luck. Know of a couple of guys now dead from suicide. Sad. And those in-between (most of us) who are doing okay albeit not wealthy.

Overall Thailand is not a bad place to live as a retired expat. Wealthy expats of course can still live like 'kings'. Many of us cannot live like kings, but still can have a better quality life (Cannot stand those bragging expats that feel the need to let others know how well off they are and what they can buy, what women they can have, etc). Just as long as we aren't struck with a permanent medical condition that won't be covered on the next insurance policy renewal (preexisting condition exclusion clause). Hospital costs for serious matters can be financially ruinous for most if you need to self insure. Those of us on lower budgeting living, generally avoid Thai women relationships where women don't have steady normal jobs, careers. Avoid those with baggage (kids, sick parents etc) that will empty your bank accounts. Staying single here is the most affordable way. Many expats have lost their way from women here. There is no doubt over the last 20 years, I have noticed Thailand is no longer the same 'cheap' country. Not saying it's bad if Thai people's quality of life has improved. Thailand is still reasonably inexpensive on the whole - some things like street food are cheap, other goods and services are not so cheap, like specific medications, imported items can be very very expensive. I'd guess over time Thailand will price out a lot of expats as no longer an affordable destination and need to find a new place to settle instead.

Wondering how many Russians here will be walking around with 'Z' shirts/banners and Russian flags? And how many Ukrainians will try to protest (doubt there are too many here) who will show photos of dead babies, kids, teenagers and adults from the many targeted civilian strikes, murder and rapes by Russian soldiers? Mass graves. Human rights war crimes stacking up. I feel very uncomfortable thinking Putin would be on the same soil as me in Thailand. Like allowing the devil into your home.

Something I have noticed and commented on (and I am sure many others). Also lack of specials as well (compared to where I am from). Drill down to the products sold too and you notice limited variety on the shelves for various in-demand products (monopolies of certain companies allowed to sell in supermarkets and reduced competition). I am used to a lot of variety of choices. At least there is the option for fresh produce at local markets supermarkets and the discount variety shops that are cheaper than supermarkets.

As an aside .... shows just how lucrative the medical industry is in Thailand. Over 4 Million Aussie dollars. Shows how accepting citizens are in paying police too, even though in this case it was a scam A scam where the scammers purported to be extortionate police. Wow. TIT.

Future massacre possibility from an enraged psycho who has a gun in Pattaya. What could go wrong? Maybe a shooting spree on cannabis sellers, shop keepers and customers?

If farangs were having sex with 12, 14 and 15 year old girls and the operators of the bar were facilitating this, then throw the pedophiles in jail and expose them to the public. Child sex tourism is the lowest of the low and anything that helps dissuade foreign pedophiles coming here is a good thing. Yes, there are Thai pedophiles too, but that's something police locally need to deal with (hopefully do). Age of consent I know here is 15 - with permission of parents I believe. And am sure a 15 year old wouldn't want to be fornicating with middle aged men. I hope the net is cast wider and more people are identified and charged.

You'd hope the evidence and other verified information in the hands of the police investigation would either confirm or deny his claimed legitimacy. Forensic analysis by qualified accountants and the fraud investigation officers would likely be the guys to have a chat with!

Little kids stabbed to death, pregnant teacher shot, others shot dead. Horror. Parents, survivors, witnesses all traumatised for life. RTP turned a blind eye on the illegal and atrocious behavior of one of their own. Intervention a very long time ago and sacking this junky psycho (even better - never giving him the job) could have at least averted yesterday's massacre. How do you fix this broken system? So entrenched.

Wondering if this was a drug induced psychotic episode further fuelled by the deranged murderer's loss of face, loss of career from his termination from the police as well as facing yabba possession charges. Sickening to think about the horror of all the victims involved being ripped open by bullets from this evil act. Why involve random and innocent people, especially small children? Trauma for life for the survivors.

I feel sorry for the guy. It's easy to judge, we don't know his life and circumstances. Heartbreaking and very stressful, difficult situation for family. Sadly for those pushing past 70 years of age, health insurance cover becomes more unattainable. Self insurance is the only option - i.e. having enough spare cash. A lot of guys I meet here have been enjoying life for 20-30+ years in Thailand and now in that zone of life whereby they are uninsured (uninsurable), but have no ability to return to their country without being destitute or burden to relatives. So they decide to run the gauntlet and hope. Some have accepted they will just die, unable to be treated. It seems this man ran the gauntlet and even though he tried to prepare return in time, with fortunate family support overseas, serious illness struck first. Many guys here are on pensions without the financial buffer if they need expensive surgery/treatments. Triple tiered pricing with most farangs charged the top price here in Thailand means lots of us will not be able to afford it uninsured if we remain here. That means being left to die untreated on a hospital bed/ambulance gurney. Sad reality we all cannot live here till our last breath without extreme risk unless we are the younger and/or wealthier expat community. Otherwise we need to accept we should be allowed to die untreated. Maybe for those of us in this situation, a card in our wallets such as "Do NOT resuscitate. I cannot afford treatment. Let me die".

Rip off mafia taxis. Yeah, walk out of the airport with your bags and get picked up outside. But I am sure if too many tourists do that there will be some shootings and murders.

Very sad and a traumatic period ahead for the two kids possibly seeing their father dying in front of them. Also lost income support. Poor kids.

Same deal in Australia, vehicles stolen and shipped out in containers to various places around the world at around 70 per week (40% of those stolen). It's a global problem run by several organised criminal syndicates. No surprise Thailand criminals involved. Lots and lots of unexplained wealth here.

Thailand was coined the 'Italy of Asia' for that reason.

WWII comes to mind .... Side with the Japanese and made a formal declaration of war against UK and USA but quickly flipped to ally with them when the tables turned. Russian statement of 'objectivity' ... not so objective! : "we are grateful for understanding the true causes of the current situation" I believe Thailand has formed their own opinion, but choose not to get involved for trade/economic reasons. Russia can spin this as much as they want.

There are a lot of grubs in Pattaya (surprise surprise!). Seen it all. Even in bars with girls, you don't go grabbing private parts from behind, unless you know them well and it's okay and in good fun between the two. To do it to a stranger from behind on Walking Street is predatory. A sense of sexual self entitlement to anyone they want attitude seems to be the mindset for some. Their 'off limit' boundaries eroded by their perverted and exaggerated egos, as well as their perception of what they believe Thai women think of them. And for the posters who obviously didn't read the full article - the man was identified, his actions captured on CCTV that confirmed her version of events. He freaked out most likely at being reported to police, hence the money offer to try to stop her. But a sexual/indecent assault victim has a right to report it to police. It acts as a deterrent for most idiots. Maybe her actions saved a future rape victim? Plenty of Thai women who are actually not hookers do go clubbing in places like Walking Street. It's a fact! And clubs go to 4am. Being on the walkway at 3am doesn't automatically mean you are a hooker up for random groping. Plenty of women up for your groping - they are prostitutes and you pay them.

Would this Brit have done the same in the UK? Seems many here choose to drink drive because 'everyone' does it. But don't consider potential consequences. Running over people then driving off is the epitomy of being a complete lowlife. Drunken fool. Prison, huge fines, massive compensation claims and deportation.

The Land Traffic Act modified in 2008 prohibits drivers from using mobile phones while driving, except in cases where a supplemental accessory such as a Bluetooth headset is used. (grabbed this off a site linked to Bangkok Post). Seems laws already exist. It is an enforcement issue with police. As everyone who lives in Thailand already knows, many traffic breaches are ignored by police or just not discovered. Traffic enforcement blitzes happen but the intended message does not deliver across the community. Penalties are not too high. No demerit points or loss of licence, no serious outcomes for unlicensed driving as well. Seems we just all need to keep our heads on a swivel here when driving/riding/walking on roads and footpaths. I see drivers and riders all the time on phones in motion. Even expats do it. Is dumb and stupid but only way to learn is crash, injury, death and/or financial repercussions. Sad but true.

I'd be keeping a close eye on the abuser. The possible makings of a psychopath. Poor young kid. Probably will have PTSD as a result.

'Feel good' story but had one of the usual showoff to##ers revving his bike through the tightly packed and built up Soi Buakhaow recently. A farang desperate for his daily attention and advertising his wealth. Usual narcissist. The sound on the Harley so loud (decibel levels way above safe limits) instant pain and tinnitus in the ears. The idiots don't realise that revving it like that (especially in areas where sound reverberates) hurts ears, can cause permanent hearing loss (acoustic damage). And those with hearing loss issues, they can worsen already fragile conditions.

He'll be dead for sure. Casino hired hit men, plus possibly BIB involvement in illegal casinos too means that he won't even get protection from the law! And if imprisoned (casino won't be reporting crime, so only evidence would be him!) Only safe place would be to flee the country. And out of South East Asia.