The Fugitive

There definitely was regular ice and quite deep snow around in the UK during the 60's. Then, we went for a decade or so and never saw any snow. After that I remember the coldest ever temperature of -26.1 C recorded in England in Shropshire in 1982. Colder than Siberia apparently!

There's so much (conflicting) information and so many predictions around. Not too long ago the question was whether global warming is permanent, reversible or that it doesn't even exist being 'cyclical'. The World seems to have accepted that it is real and we have cause to worry.

Never mind the UK! When the temperature becomes equal at the poles and equator where would people go for a sunny holiday? Or would The Arctic and Antarctica become tourist hotspots?

They 'SHOULD' be able to move you on from pending over the telephone. However, I was once told (Not Korat) that there was a problem and I needed to attend their office. This, as I was later advised, is to force me to attend in the hope that they can get a tip out of you.

If your Mrs were to take your pick-up to our bodywork repair man you would have change out of 1,000 baht. Very good job too. Important for you keep out of the way though!

Good advice thank you. Something to think about. My Mrs lends her Pajero to her son and his wife for long distance trips because they only have an old pick-up. I very much doubt they have other than the basic insurance (if that).

Thanks for your honesty. May it serve as a warning to others. My Mrs recently agreed to obtain a motor car driving licence. However, she doesn't feel there is any need to obtain one for riding her moto's (we have several which are shared by family).

Last evening we were driving in unfamiliar territory, my Mrs at the wheel (as always) and myself in passenger seat. After my head had hit the roof 4 or 5 times I asked my wife if she could slow down for the speed humps and possibly try to steer around the potholes? She replied; "I would, but I can't see the road ahead". I have to admit I couldn't see anything in front of us either. Only then it dawned on me; we were driving on sidelights! I suggested she switch to dipped headlights and things then improved. Have to take 50% of the blame for not noticing myself!

That is a fact! He fell at the first fence, an easy and cheap requirement. I can understand Thai Immigration having no sympathy. However, if he has developed physical and/or mental problems since entering Thailand then it would be the decent and human thing to make some allowance.

Good tip! Many thanks.

I don't think this was the reason, rather that the bank staff are under instructions not to process transactions for anyone who hasn't got valid ID. Same happened to me in South America, a ticket office sales person checked every page in my passport before advising that as I wasn't stamped into the Country, I didn't have valid ID and consequently he wasn't permitted to sell me a ticket. He didn't care at all about me being in his Country illegally and, in fact, helpfully suggested I go to another seller who doesn't bother to check ID validity. This I did and the other company sold me a ticket.

Wow! Have they got a special IT department?

Maybe next time he's in Thailand?

Just told my Mrs she should move her car, it's parked on the right-hand side of the road, facing the wrong way. She replied; "It's a one-way street". Plus, she is facing the direction of permitted travel. Only problem is many people disregard the signs and use our street in both directions. A policeman lives opposite and he too treats the street as two-way. Anyone know how we stand?

Health plans are unavailable for me. Mrs has already taken out this Life Insurance. Premium 32,000 baht per annum. No payout in first two years. If I survive the 20 year term all premiums refunded in full. Pays out 300,000 upon death. Worked out if I die in less than two years = Total loss. If die within 2 to 9 years = Make a profit. If die between 10 and 19 years = Make a loss. If I live over 20 years I have given the insurance company an interest free loan!

Might have to stop working in my Mrs's shop!

I can believe that! My Mrs has a friend whose falang husband recently died having destroyed his stomach and liver with alcohol. His widow had to find the cost of his funeral (150,000 baht) because he had literally drunk every penny of his savings and was living (or rather drinking) from day to day on his pension(s). That's why my Mrs has taken out Life Insurance (20 year term) for me.

When in UK I have to use a dual SIM phone because I have no telephone land line anymore (or cable service) to provide WiFi. One slot used for the UK SIM providing unlimited calls, SMS and data and the other for the Thai SIM for OTP's only.

MIL died in August and there was a photograph of the insurance company with a giant cheque for 100,000 baht. Mine pays out 300,000 in the event of my death. People here can't find that sort of money when it's needed. It's easy for us to say they should save up and be disciplined. I sympathise on the electricity bill. We had two funerals on the trot (BIL in July and MIL in August).

Correct, no charge to receive SMS anywhere, need to turn off mobile data and don't answer voice calls. However, I find that the vast majority of SMS and voice calls (that I do recognise and want to answer) come from UK. Therefore, I need unrestricted service with no cost to receive either. A virtual UK mobile 'phone number suits me. I buy a UK SIM with unlimited calls, SMS and data for £16 GBP per month when in UK. Therefore, I only need one SIM (Thai) which is used for receiving OTP's from Thai banks. When in UK enable roaming, turn off mobile data and don't answer voice calls.

Especially with another 'Winter of Discontent' looming!

ThaiLife.com (Insurance) seems popular around my area. We have a local lady agent with whom my Mrs took out Life Insurance for my mother-in-law and also myself.

On the face of it he's a harmless simple soul. Why didn't the police suggest he applied for a job with the Thai Tourist Office?

A few months ago I had a porcelain over metal crown supplied and fitted (no root canal was required). Total cost 8,000 baht. Khon Kaen Province. Specialist dentist was very experienced having qualified in the 1970's and obtained a Master's Degree during the 1980's.

Still working. 5 baht processing fee. If you select card payment on the PEA app you are directed to CounterServicePay. I have an email from them (only last month) stating that they don't accept foreign cards. However, my UK debit and credit cards go through just fine!