swissie

I have read the above with interest. Amazingly, few Farang investors will ever get the chance of reading this. The urge to invest something in Thailand would be greatly diminished. (the obstacles for "safe investing" in Thailand for a Farang are too numerous to mention here). For starters: An investemnt in a country where the currency is not "freely convertible" represents a fundamental weakness of an Economy.

Few really wealthy Farangs settle in Thailand permanently. Mostly elderly Farangs that have realised that the cost of living in Thailand is lower than in their home country. The British would call it "lower class citizens". Of course they bring along their upbringing, their mode of communication and the way one behaves in public. To Thais, this is often perceived as "rough and uncivilised behavor". Accepted 20 years ago as the Farangs wallet was the only deciding factor. But not anymore. The general "discruntlement" of Farangs may find it's roots in the fact that "Female Companionship" costs 200% more than 20 years ago. In the meantime, nobody believes that the Thai Temples are the reason to settle in Thailand. PS: By citing "lower-class" is not limited to the UK, as every country has it's "lower-classes".

Next time around: Any presidential candidate in the futue will have to nominate a vice president with hispanic roots. As a pre-requisite for success.

The Democrats wanted an additional 5% of "the black vote".

Ahhh, the "swing states" and the "voting district hokus pokus" etc etc. I have tried to explain the "voting mechanism" in the US to Europeans. Nobody understands it. Still based on "Electorates" arriving by pony-express in Washington D.C.

I used to live in the US for almost 20 years. Current polls show, that it will be a close race, meaning that about 50% of voters will vote for Trump (otherwise it could not be called "a close race").

I venture to say that I know more about them than the average American voter. No, I don't like Trump at all. The problem is that close to 50% of American voters like Trump. The rest of the world wonders "How is this possible". Americans must be totally "fed-up" by the political/financial elte that has governed them since WW2. Wanting to extort the Devil by the Beelzebub.

Yep. None of them have what it takes.

Finally: The Democrats have failed to "build-up" a charismatic (populistic) antidote to Trump. Not enough time left to rectify this. The Democrats have been committing political suizide for years.

"The Bull is well supported by earnings" I hear. Major players are down to 4% cash. Where does the "fuel" come from to keep the party going? Mostly overlooked: The Chinese "Locomotive" is having serious problems, with global ramifications

Just received an alarming phone call from my clairvoyant Romanian gypsie lady this morning: "Institutonal Investors are only sitting on 4% of cash". They are fully invested, where does the fuel come from to support the party"? Got me thingking, as all industrial commodities have failed to rally after a significant decline before. The worst "bull trap" in years. Those commodities hovering slightly above major support lines, if broken on the downside, stock markets will not remain "unaffected".

I never said that buying a condo or a bar today is a good investment. Unless the Thai Government realises that an increasing number of wealthy Chinese Nationals are in desperate need to "shelter their money". Adjusting legislation accordingly, opening certain "floodgates". In such a case there might evolve a drastic undersupply of condos in Pattaya.

It was a small investement, keeping me busy and yielding 35% annually for almost 5 years. Believe it or not. I am not going to elaborate any further, concerning "Thai Work permits". If you are on the "radar" of the local officialdom, you are on the radar, rectifiable only by exchanging brown enveloppes. I refused to be pert of this game.

Every time some economies tried to "self-clean" (eradicating exesses) the central banks turned into Fire Brigades, supplying water (liquidity). On every such occasion, adding to "the national dept". In some countries, Bond holders/buyers are starting to use their pocket calculators. In short: While the central banks still will act as the Fire Brigade, bond buyers will increasingly ask for a higher price for their water (interest). Accelerating the upward spiral of an ever increasing National Debt further. The final word will have the Bond-Buyers and not the central banks. If the central banks should compensate the "bond-buyers-strike" by printing more money, the result is inevitable: Massive inflation. Finally: The "magic-potion" of the central banks over the last 70 years is not endlessly repeatable. Because to pay the "fire brigade" will become unaffordable. Cheaper to let the house burn down than to pay the fire brigade. Or simplyfied: Let the world economy "sweat-out" the accumulated excesses of the last 70 years. Long overdue, there will be no "soft landing".

Shortly before the end of his presidency, Eisenhower remarked that after this war, there is now a military/economical complex in existance, that will not go away anymore. But: Without this US military/economical complex, Eureopeans would all speak Russian as a second language in the 2nd generation.

Holy smoke, diden't know that clocks are still at 4. Must be exports as my swiss friends wear 20$ watches, made in China. PS: Private Banking still available, but must disclose "where the money comes from", everything over 10'000 CHF. If I were "a foreighner" wanting to hide some money, Switzerland would be the last place I would choose. Much better the British Channel Islands, Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Panama etc etc etc. The list is long. Something like a Norwegian "smorgasboard". Switzerland no more part of the "smorgasboard".

Oh no, not again. There is a sub-forum "marriage and divorce". I find that the OP should read the posts of this sub-forum carefully. Very educational. A must for everyone contemplating any "linkage" with any Thai National.

The debate usually stops, when an individual realises that he can not afford to live in Palm Springs. Folks, seeking cheap living in combination with a high cultural level should not look for a domicile in Alabama or Gary Indiana. Many famous Indian Gurus have proclaimed that in old age one must keep it's feet on the ground, as to "soar like an eagle is the privilege of the youth of the world". For you and me, our "soaring days" are over. Only remedy: Adjust in a fast changing world. Or better: Stay in Thailand.

"The USA is the only game in town globally". So it seems. Much optimism priced in. Insurance anyone? Amazingly PUT OPTIONS are cheap, especially the ones that are "out of the money". Relatively cheap downside protection available (currently).

He He. Clocks are only a minor part of our exports. Same with cheese. Some stereotypes never die. Some people think that the main export from the Netherlands are still "Tulips from Amsterdam".

Well, here it is: Blood Panel consists of 2 pages: Everything ok. I may need to go stationary to a hospital for a truly big check up. If inconclusive, I may want to consult a Haitian Woodoo Priest.

Also: Tablets for mild diabetes and cholesterol. What specialist should I consult for "chronic unexplainable weakness"?

No change of lifestyle or diet. On the package it reads "can cause sleepyness". But if does not mention "weakness". The constant state of "weakness" concerns me most. To operate a vaccum cleaner for 10 minutes causes "exhaustion". Routine blood tests show no negative results in any way and my Doctor claims: "For your age you are in good shape, see you next year".

Your choice. Still, a zillion of senior Americans like this lifestyle. =snowbirds. Usually "happy campers", not having to pay horrendeous rents.

My first blood pressure medication made me dizzy. So I switched to: AMLODIPIN-VALSARTAN 5mg/80mg. Works fine concerning blood pressure. BUT: After a good nights sleep I wake up tired and weak. This condition prevails during the whole day. Is this medication the "culprit"? If yes, what other medication should I try?