Purdey

To be honest, paying journalists to attend a news conference used to be common (I haven't been involved with journalists personally for a few years) as it paid for travel and lunch. I put a stop to it in one region, and yes, fewer journalists turned up but the ones that did just wanted the story and that's what they got.

I would rather not have this.

I had thought the GOP wanted the government out of people's lives. This is an opportunity for states to do without federal assistance, yet the Republicans are not jumping at this chance.

"They need us more than we need them." Seems they are doing well without British help.

For some reason there was no announcement of what was found in BJ's home. It's as if it didn't matter.

It would be interesting if his taxes and other financial documents were used as evidence in court.

Historically, the North was the center of Britain's industrial powerhouse. Since the end of cheap cotton (via the colonies), coalmining and the steel industry it has deteriorated. The problem may be that creating transportation infrastructure for a region that has lost its traditional industries doesn't level up if the government doesn't encourage new industries to establish themselves there

It is unlikely that Thailand will ever have a corruption free head of police because the system won't allow it. Paying for promotions and the lack of decent education prevents anyone "good" rising to a position of power.

As usual, the Thai phallus is smaller than the average in the west

After he is free, he will still get pestered by foreign journalists asking about his conviction and entry back into politics. His reputation will be that of a slippery eel

Fortunately, as you say, it isn't that frequent. .

Prinn is an especially obnoxious individual who was rude to most people. I had to send my female staff to the other end of the room when he was around.

Paetongtarn is 37. Old enough to enter politics.

My point was that the voters are disenfranchised in that they can elect Hilary with a majority of votes but their votes count for nothing. You may have read about the rampant gerrymandering taking place which is often meant to ensure colored, poor people and even Democrats cannot win a majority in the state. With one man one vote, redistricting would have no effect on the result. The majority vote part is still rigged against the majority of people.

Reciprocal agreements are good but the EU maintains standards to protect human rights. If only Thailand had not had a military junta for so many years the EU might look kindly on the idea. Anyway, not a lot of rice farmers clamoring for entry. Too many Pattaya ladies though. If only Thailand could focus more on industry than tourism.

I tend to spread my money into as many banks and bonds as I can so as to lower risk. I believe the government savings bank here is a bit more reliable than most banks as it is backed by the government and guarantees 100% of my money, unlike commercial banks. Having seen banks collapse in the past, I don't think any are particularly secure, in whichever country you deposit it.

Doesn't bother me. I use it on rice instead of salt.

Great idea.

So, after the unemploymemt caused by COVID, people found a way to make money using a natural plant that is not addictive. Clearly, there are drug lords who are very happy to hear they can control cannabis once again. I just wonder what the government will do to increase employment.

It seems people are increasingly found guilty without entering a court of law.

I remember that Hillary had 3 million more votes than the Orange One, but that didn't count.

I send them proof of address in Thailand, not the UK. It seems to satisfy them. The evidence is signed by my lawyer in English. It included my bank statement and a letter from my Singapore Bank. Had the account over 40 years and been in Thailand over 36 years. They always write to my Thai address if they need to contact me. If Halifax ever decides to close the account, I will get them to send the money to a Thai bank.

Halifax send me mail regularly. They asked me to confirm my address a few times and I did. I could bring all the money to Thailand but the interest here is cr*p.

If only America wasn't a two party system, at least people would have more choice. Like in a democracy.

This doesn't sound right. The government just invited Microsoft to set up a data center here. I can't imagine how they showed Microsoft what a great IT hub we are.