swissie

None in Thailand,

Good heavens, we have gotten old. In November 2002 I met my future wife in Pattaya (yes, no kidding). Married her in March 2003 with conviction. Pretty and slim she was, as I was. Some 20 years later she has accumulated several rings around her belly, rivalling my Beer-Belly. No, we don't have sex anymore, as far as "bondage" is concerned. We have expirenced all the "up's" and "downs" as a mixed couple can experiance over 20 years on European soil. Having gone thru it all. That's what true "bondage "is made of. Having nothing to do with "original sexual attraction", some 20 years ago We do not enjoy the fact that both of us are getting older by the day. We should have done "more" together when we were younger. When the clock was ticking a bit slower than now for the both of us. Sounds familiar in some sort of way?

Having been cut off from international trade, "online " work must have been reduced to "domestic-russian" commerce. Involving a "shinkage" of online work. - Given the fact that 50% of russian refugees can pay their way by "online-work" (optimistic assumption), how will the other 50% or russians earn their living in Thailand? PS: Granted, there are some "computer wizards" originating from russia. Not advancing computing capabilities for the benefit of the world, but rather focusing on the Art of "hacking". - Not sure if the stern Thai Government would welome a bunch of talented "hackers", especially not if they expand their "hacking" activities to (Thai) domestic issues.

Russians not welcome in Europe. Ukranians can receive "wellfare-benefits" in Europe. Russians in Thailand have to "self-finance" themselves. For how long can they "self-finance" themselves? Once their financial reserves are exhausted, how are they going to support temselves in Thailand? a) falling back on the non existent "Thai Social Security Network" or b) engage in criminal activities as the only remaining option? Likely.

Yep. Soon Thai Immigration will have to deal with a lot of "overstayers". "Refugees" = First class overstayers (can stay), or Second Class overstayers (get the h*ll out of here).

Thai Banks are not major players in international "Investment Banking" (that's where the major risks lurk). Their Domestic Risks are manageable. If in doubt, not deposit more than 1 million Bht in a single Thai Bank. The magic word: "diversification". At any rate, the situation is not comparable to 1997.

Like Italy? Italy: No economic growth. Thailand: Have nice economic growth. That's the difference. It's all "relative".

6 Months after REZUM operation. After every urination a few drops follow, causing a burning sensation. After 5 Minutes this burning sensation goes away, without me doing something about it. My "ejaculate" consists of a few drops. Not knowing where the rest goes (probably back into the bladder, where else?) Felt bad before REZUM, but worse after REZUM. Conclusion: A REZUM Operation will not re-juvenate elderly farangs as far as sexual capabilities are concerned. Although highly recommended and promissed by the medical community (=follow the money). Missing the main aim as promissed before (sexual normality), my health insurance has been charged with US$ 7000 for an aim not fullfilled, leaving me with pain and anger for the last 6 months. Not knowing how I would explain to a "willing-woman" my deficiancies below "the belt". Conclusion: Currently the REZUM operation resembles a sitting at a Las Vegas Roullette Table. As the "surgical operators" dont't really know what they are doing. Sometimes it works, sometime it doesn't work. But as long as they can charge US$ 7000 for an experimental "procedure" they will gladly accept the usual US$ 7000 per case. Clearly, for me it diden't work and my health insurance is US$ 7000 poorer than before.

ONE DAY LATE, ONE DOLLAR SHORT. All those "counter measures" should have been implemented 30 years ago. Too late now, as certain "pivot-points" have been surpassed already. Ramarkably, the thawing of the permafrost (releasing incredible amounts of Methane), have not found entry into climate forecasts. (!!!???!!!) To implement "counter measures" is expensive. Forced to make a choice, the "voters" will vote for defending their live-style instead of accepting a necessary reduction of their life-style. We have jumped off the 15th floor of a high rise, by reaching the 10th floor on the way down, exclaiming "so far so good, why worry"? - The 68 generation protested against everything, outside of any "main-stream" constellations. Compared to this, young folks of today are amazingly "docile". Considering the fact, that their (bleak) future is at stake and is made TODAY. Or is it so, that todays young folks are perfectly content as long as they can exchange text and pictures with the help of their 2 thumbs with their 200 "global-friends"? Due to the lack of true and meaningful protest, I must assume that this is the case.

Silver has always been "more volatile" than Gold. Mostly a "Industrial-Metal" these days. With a global recession a possibility, Silver may underperform versus Gold. The old story: The "fear-factor" has always supported Gold/Silver. Until the "Fear-Factor" subsides. Better: When stocks drop because of "fear", a good time to buy "beaten down" stocks instead of Gold. Just financially more rewarding in the long run. Worked fine over the last 150 years.

It is always possible to "talk a Bank down". Credit-Suisse has problems, but not because of a lack of "liquidity". Besides, the Swiss National Bank has alredy assurd to provide liquidity if necessary (too big to fail). More to worry about smaller US Local Banks, as far as "snowball-effect" is concerned. Food for thought: Interest rates have gone up, meaning that Bond prices have gone down. Banks have those Bonds at 100% in their books. (Upon repayement). Should someone/something force them to sell their Bonds at current market value, half of the Banks (globally) would have to be declared "insolvent".

A re- ocurring theme. After a lot of scuabble, they will raise the budget once more. It could turn the world economy in great turmoil. But it will not happen. Why not? a) Congressmen don't want to be held responsible for a global financial meltdown. b) They want to be re-elected. Strong recommendation: If the "squabble" heats up some more, and T-Bill yield jumps to 6% as a result of it (knee jerk reaction), buy some more T-Bills. You will thank me for this advice, should this scenario unfold.

That sums it up nicely. In a nutshell. Plus some inflation took place over the years. Unfortunately the inflation rate concerning "Nightlife/Party/Ladies" has doubled or tripelt. Something like this I call "hyper inflation". Sad, as Pattaya visitors can not live "from bread alone".

I use the streaming service of 4 Media Librarys, all TV stations. 2 of them still work fine. The other 2 constantly try to start streaming (re-trying every 3 to 4 seconds). But the stream just won't start. What could be the problem?

Cutting down Social Security benefits is a trend that has started. Not only in France. But sending money to the ever growing community to "failed states" is on the upswing. - The most FINANCIAL help for the Ukraine has come from 3 countries. The US, Germany and FRANCE. Under these condidions, I wonder how long it will be before the French will put their "Guillotines" back into action.

Yep. No matter what the Ukraine or we do, it will always be 10:1 in favor of the Russians. The Donbas and the Crimea will remain Russian. In the Donbas most people speak Russian and feel Russian. The Crimea was Russian Territory since Katharina the great. Given as a gift to the Ukraine by Nikita Chrustschow in 1954. That is the best the Ukraine can hope for. To regain all "the lost" terrain is an Ukrainian illusion. Only bringing us nearer to the 3rd WW.

a) The Hungarians of 1956 and the Hungarians of 2023 is a different crowd. Them having re-elected their favorite despot (Mr. Orban) time and time again. Gladly supporting Mr. Orbans strict anty EU stance. Mr. Orban has successfully managed to steer Hungary away from "Western Values", nudging Hungary closer and closer to "Russian Ways". They will still gladly accept the annual EU transfer payments, but they will shoot at Russians only hesitantly, if at all. b) Old clichees die hard: "Every Swiss makes watches in his spare time, All Swiss cheeses have holes, Switzerland is perfect for money laundering". Since the mid 90ties, legislation makes money laundering difficult. For example: Every account movement exceeding CHF 10'000 must be reported to authorities. Even for Swiss citizens. "The Bank Secrecy Law" has long been abolished for foreighners. Instead, for money laundering purposes, I rather recommend places like some Caribbean Islands, the British Channel Islands or the State of Delaware in the US.

Draining our meager military arsenal in the West quickly. Maybe, Putin drinking Coffee in Paris is not so far fetched. The russian friendly Hungarians will not fire at any Russians. And then they are at the Austrian border. = in the middle of Europe.

Human loss on the battlefield was never an issue in Russia. Not under the Tsars, not under Stalin. Plenty of "cannon fodder" available. What we call "cannon fodder" are declared "National Heroes" in Russia after every war.

It takes years to ramp up weapons production in a meaningful way.

Make a will regardless. The "sleeping partners" may come alive quickly once your gone (doing some fast footwork with the help of an alert Thai Lawyer. With a will, your Lady can always fall back on it. As a last insurance, in case your partners become "creative". This is Thailand.

Sorry, double post.

Please tell me. Has the "Ukraine fever" reached Thailand also? In Europe, it's the main news event for a year now. An Army of "Military experts" have popped up, sharing their expertise freely, having taken over the "Talk Show Circus" completely. = What does Putin want, what should he do? What will our wise Western Politicians do? (blessed with wisdom but short of arms) etc etc etc etc Has the "Ukraine Fever" reached the shores of Thailand same same? (Mediawise/the Thai populace?). ------------------------ Naturally, I consider myself as a premier Military Expert. My favorite theory: Putin is fighting this war "on a low flame", way below his military capabilities. But enough war, so that the West constantly has to send arms to the Ukraine. Problem: The West has downsized their Armies to a degree that we don't really have anything to spare. Example: The German Bundeswehr has ammo for 2 "fighting days"!!!!!! Could it be that Putin only waits for the day when the West has sent all the remaining weaponery to the Ukraine? Mobilising 1 million reservists and start marching toward Paris? Slurping Café Crème and eating Croissants in Paris, 4 weeks later? PS: Is there a chance that Thailand would take in "Western War Refugees"? If yes, (as a matter of caution), I would prefer to already book a room at "Lulu's Bar and Grill" in Pattaya.

Come on GG. Never mind Shakespeare. Even dark winter days in Europe can be survived by reading Mark Twain. His mastery of the english language and his humor are unsurpassed. Delightful ! Mark Twain works better on Thai Ladies than Shakespeare. Although a lot may be lost in translation. Thais like it "bombastic". Not Shakespearian bombastic but rather something like "Lick it up" by "Kiss". Full blast of course. Getting tired of a certain Thai Lady? Take her to a Wagner Opera. Have her sit thru it for 4 hours. She will never call you again.

Due to health reasons, for the first time in 22 years, I have not been able to spend part of the European "Winter Months" in Thailand as I used to. Instead having to enjoy all of the "Winter Months" in Europe this year. The sky mostly grey, the facade of buildings mostly grey. The facial expression of people in public mostly grey. A world having been taken hostage into 77 shades of grey, lasting for months. Everything grey in grey. Year after year. At the extreme: I don't know how Swedes and Norwegians can live year round in the North of their country. - Therefore, blessed are the ones, having found an escape route from the horrible European Winters. May it be on a seasonal time frame or on a more permanent basis. Conclusion: Thai Burocracy is more cumbersome than in Europe. A Farang, stepping out of a Thai "Government Institution" (granted that his paperwork is in order), will experiance mostly warm temperatures and warm smiles and a blue sky. Very much opposed to an European "Grey in Grey" scenario lasting for months. Recommendation: Enjoy more and complain less while in Thailand.. ----------------------------------------------------- PS: While staying temporarily in Thailand, your European health insurance offers you protection in form of a "Travel-Insurance" at extremely low premiums. Example: 100'000 $ hospital coverage for a monthly premium of 5 $. * Of course, all of this will stop when you declare official residency in Thailend instead of your home country. Therefore not fit for "Permanent Farang Residents". Unfortunately. * Depending on your "home-country". Just "food for thaught" for Farangs enjoying the very pleasant "Summer-Months" in Europe. Nothing wrong with the Summer in Europe. But wanting to escape the "grey in grey" surroundings (come european fall) remains a very attractive escape route from the European "grey in grey". May it last.