JemJem

I have a feeling that it is just a matter of time before several other countries recognise the Palestinian state, on the 'No Hamas' condition. Fair enough but there is a problem. A major problem. Suppose there comes a point when Hamas leadership calls it a quit and announces that they will no longer be ruling Gaza in any form (either really meaning it or as a deceptive tactic). Okay, then, many countries will do the recognition thing. Then, what if for example next year or the year after, Hamas regroups and takes control of Gaza (either totally or partially) again ?! What will be the response from especially the countries who will have newly recognised the Palestinian state ?!

I am surprised at the choice of Sri Lanka. I mean, nothing against Sri Lanka, but I am pretty sure there would be tens of thousands of Myanmerese and Laotian people who could take the place of Cambodians. It would be easier for them to travel to Thailand, and possibly some of them who could do such work are already inside Thailand and available. The only reason I can think of for the choice of Sri Lankans is maybe the Sri Lankans have better skill and expertise (than Myanmerese and Laotians) for the types of work that needs to be done in Thailand.

This should have been done long ago !! I ain't gonna say 'Better late than never' because a good chance to put early pressure on Hamas was missed.

Don't we all love the various misunderstandings due to Austria versus Australia, Sweden v Switzerland, and Thailand v Taiwan 🙂

It seems like this thing is being done almost only by Kuwaitis (I mean amongst foreign nationals. Probably, lots of young Thais do it too). I mean we hardly ever read about other nationalities doing this racing thing in Pattaya. I wonder why.

I have noticed that, especially in the last decade or so, about half (or maybe the majority) the foreign people caught smuggling drugs in Thailand are well past 40 or so years old. Interesting and sad, taking such a big risk at such a mature age.

I think we all know that there is very little (if anything at all) that the UN can/will do to be able to prevent such an atrocity. The UN is useless when it comes to many things.

I know. Sad. It is quite the same thing when it comes to for example accidents. For instance, a train accident in a Western European nation that results in a dozen casualties gets a lot more media space in international media than a train accident in Africa or Asia that results in over a hundred casualties. We can think of many other such examples. Will this inequality change in the foreseeable future ? Sadly, most probably no.

I think the world overall should have this discussion. I feel that the punishment for the sexual abuse of children is not severe enough in most countries. Okay, I mean I am not suggesting the death penalty, but it is really sad and upsetting that sometimes the offenders get away with light sentences. So, I think that such a crime that often destroys the life of kids in many ways (often having an effect throughout their lives, and sometimes driving them to suicide) should lead to heavy jail sentences for the offenders.

I won't be surprised if the venue gets closed for only a week maximum and then re-opens, and then similar incidents happen again in the future. Actually, I am pretty sure that in most of the overcharging incidents, the guy just pays up (especially if the overcharging amount is not too excessive) and chalks it up to experience, and the stuff never makes it to the media/social media.

Yep, possibly the only option in their case. Unless he applies for a job and gets one which can get him a work permit ,and the wife and kids cann then also get long term stays as dependants. Or, they could leave the country and enter again every 3 months. But, that is always risky. Especially after the second or third time in a row.

So, what the heck is going on with the latest ceasefire negotiation stuff ? Many sources had been saying a deal was likely by week's end. The week's gone already. Enough is enough. Israel should be demanding ALL remaining hostages (dead and alive) to be returned in one last step, and just stick to that demand. I mean, of course, sadly, some unpleasant Hamas demands in return would have to be accepted, but the main thing for Israel at this very late stage in war should be to demand ALL hostages back in a single go. Those folks have suffered enough. It is not even clear how many of them are still alive. Sad.

What kind of comment can one make on this incident ? Gees.

Thanks a lot.

Hi, folks. I am asking this, hoping that someone knows about these for sure, and so I can plan accordingly. I have decided to do my master's in Thailand. I have 2 questions : 1) I will be arriving in Thailand on visa exempt. Would it be possible for me to change my visa status to student visa (Used to be called 'non-immigrant ED' type. I guess it is probably the same) within Thailand (Once I have the acceptance letter from the university of course), or would I be required to leave Thailand and do it at a Thai embassy? Note : Visa exempt will give me 2 months. And, I will have 1 month of extension. So, I will have 3 months to apply for the university programs and then, if successful, handle the visa process. 2) If I must do it outside Thailand, would I be required to do it at the Thai embassy in my home country or would for example a Thai embassy in a neighboring country like Cambodia or Malaysia be fine? It would be a hassle and also costly to have to go back home for that. In case you are wondering, the reason I am not applying for the universities before flying to Thailand is because I want to see the various universities myself and then be able to decide among them more efficiently. Also, the university application etc. process would be more straightforward in person. Thanks a lot.