The Fugitive

Can only speak for U.K. Calling a Freephone number was always free from a telephone landline but, until recently, the call was chargeable from a mobile 'phone. Skype permits free calls to Freephone numbers. It follows that your call will be totally free if made via WiFi (or using your cellular data connection providing you have an unlimited/unmetered plan).

I've used 'Vyke' for three year's. Main advantage is that unlike most VOIP services you can receive SMS. Calls and SMS are both free to receive. Virtual mobile telephone numbers can be rented for; Canada, France, United Kingdom, Poland and United States of America. Cost $16 USD per ANNUM only. Cost of outgoing calls to landlines, mobile phones and sending SMS of course varies (considerably) depending upon which Country you are contacting.

Wow! a bank that actually permits you to speak to them and also offers to allow you to do so for free. Australia sounds like a great place!

Love Portugal! Was visiting several times per year for 20+ years before retiring and moving to Thailand. Been to all the regions and most of the Cities and larger towns.

I'd agree on Spain. Railway is great! Particularly like Avila and Ciudad Rodrigo.

Children and friends are most definitely a consideration. Being from UK I thought immediately; 'Iberian Peninsula' for 90 days then the nearest/warmest non EU Country for 90 days. Then repeat. Unfortunately, too far from Thailand!

You are quite correct of course. Everything paid for out of public funds. Plus prosecution and jailing costs too (12, 9 and 3 months) for the three who attacked me.

Good to know, thanks! 'Means tested' free hospital treatment for all has to be humane. In U.K. no means test would apply. As the 'accident' was Road Traffic the National Health Service would (attempt) to bill the responsible person as his motor insurance should be paying for the hospital treatment. We also have something known as the 'Criminal Injuries Compensation Board'. The police advised me to make a claim when three youths played football with my head. My hospital treatment was covered by the NHS and I received reasonable compensation for injuries as assessed by a Queen's Counsel Barrister.

You need to be reporting this to Agoda.

Can recommend; 'Avatara Resort'. Stayed there with Mrs 12 months ago. Very spacious rooms. Excellent breakfast choices and bar on the delightful Sai Kaew beach.

Thank you for your report. Colombia obviously is the place to go! When you were in Thailand, did you go to a general dentist or ever see a specialist? Did you receive treatment in the dental dept. of your local Community Hospital or in a High Street clinic or elsewhere?

Canadian Government must be incredibly generous!

When I absolutely have to call landlines in U.K. for such as Utility Companies and Inland Revenue etc. I sign up for one months unlimited calls. It takes all the stress and frustration out of queuing for 40 minutes then to be transferred onwards then cut off! Here is your equivalent for Australia; https://www.skype.com/en/international-calls/Australia

https://www.skype.com/en/international-calls/Australia

https://www.skype.com/en/international-calls/Australia

Very good value!

Isn't that test for those who don't already hold a current moto riding licence in their home Country?

Many people have the unshakeable belief that the person responsible will (somehow) be forced to pay, or, failing that, their treatment will be paid for out of public funds. But we're not in the U.K. A relative was on holiday in Germany, walking on the pavement, when a crazy taxi driver mowed her down. It took several years of metalwork reconstruction to restore her mobility. Fortunately, she had taken out good travel insurance.

Agreed, the fault is definitely that of the bone-head who runs down the predestrian on the pavement. The problem is that the bone-head has no money or insurance. The unfortunate victim has to pay his own hospital bills. If the victim has no health cover, personal accident insurance or travel insurance (if applicable) and his injuries are severe he has a big problem. Only two solutions I can think of; 1) Compulsory all-risk travel insurance, 2) Universal free healthcare provided by Government hospitals.

Maybe fearful too. Some of us hold no licence or insurance either. In addition we ride moto's with no registration plate and smooth tyre treads. Tyre pressures never checked. Nobody in my Thai family can remember when oil was last changed or anything checked over on our five machines. They say; 'Thai people not worry'.

Exactly! What would happen in practice is similar to gunshops. Two prices; lower one for those with valid documentation. Higher for those without. Product (or moto rental) still continues to be available.

With no training or experience beforehand let alone moto licence, insurance and crash helmet. Applies to tourists, ex-pats, digital nomads plus Thai's of course.

Top comment! Unfortunately, the 20 year old's will continue to do so. Even those with appropriate licences and insurance will invalidate their cover by this behaviour. They will wind up in the ITU. Who should foot their bill?

Definitely. Hard to think of the benefits derived from covering yourself in tattoo's.

Thanks for the tip! The specialist had suggested a denture or implant. The general dentist who did the extraction only mentioned implant. However, the tooth was the rearmost top and I don't think I'll miss it too much.