Burma Bill

1 hour ago, Seagull Sam said:

Fantastic, just as the youngsters are turning up to spend their hard currency on weed the business is brought to an upbrupt halt. Thousands of shops and untold acres of unsold crops out of business at a stroke.

Another shot in the foot for the Thais and another good reason to take your holidays elsewhere. 

And no, I don't much like the smell either.

I suppose one could say they have all gone up in a puff of smoke!!

8 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Ya-ba. Very bad drug. There will be more of it around now thanks to Thaksin.

 With the greatest respect, I disagree.

I lived in Lanna when Thaksin was Prime Minister and he had a shoot on sight policy to eliminate the drug mules, both Thai and Burmese, smuggling Ya-Ba across the border from Burma.

I once met one of his Border Guards at a function and this man boasted about how many mules he had shot by summary execution. No figures were made public.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

and support smaller breweries.

 A step in the right direction IMO.

Perhaps a wide range of Thai craft beers will now be on display and available for purchase and consumption, like here in Cambodia.

Thai Bev and Singha Corporation get stuffed!

Photo of selection of Cambodian Craft Beers:

18 minutes ago, BusyB said:

 

What I find notable about this whole ballyhoo is that the Thai army simply decides to close a border with all that that entails diplomatically, economically and socially. Just like that. 

 

Surely that's a government decision. 

 

For reference Google  - 

The Thai government is increasing the military's role in managing border issues with Cambodia, particularly in controlling border checkpoints and enforcing restrictions. This decision comes amidst rising tensions and a dispute over undemarcated border areas. The Thai military has established a Special Operations Centre to coordinate these measures.

On 6/29/2025 at 1:53 PM, DaLa said:

I'm a Yorkshireman, since when has $300 been easier than 1,900 Bath ? I hope Thailand win.

You probably do not understand, $300 is the total cost for an annual retirement visa - no hidden extras! No 800,000 baht in a bank, multiple re-entries included (in Thailand another 3,800 baht!), no bank account needed, do not have to show a bank book and other bureaucratic paperwork and no 90 day reports.  I know what I prefer for a hassle free life in retirement and it is worth the extra 125$ per year. I hope Cambodia wins - peacefully through negotiations and the ICJ (which Thailand does not recognise)

1 hour ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

Saving Preach Vihear(name of the disputed temple).

 

 With respect, Preah Vihear Temple is not the currently disputed Temple. In 1962 The International Court of Justice ruled that this temple belongs to Cambodia and is on Cambodian land.  The smaller temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei temples, located in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, are also points of (current) contention.  (ref. Google)

Preah Vihear Temple (Cambodia)

Ta Moan Thom Temple (disputed land)

Poll If war breaks out with Cambodia what will you do?

As a UK citizen living in happy retirement in Cambodia, crack an Angkor Beer and relax on my verandah!

Modern day Cambodia is committed to peace, so if there is a war, it will be due to the idiotic Thai Nationalists backed by a sabre rattling and aggressive Thai Military! Let us not forget, it was the Thai Military that started this conflict by shooting dead a Khmer soldier on Khmer land! So, up yours Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the Second Army Region. 

4 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

"Joe Ferrari" knew "too much" he was a danger to powerful people, and thus the threat had to be neutralised.

With respect, please expand on these powerful people to whom he was a danger

6 hours ago, thesetat said:

How about the immigration going after the owner of the online platform offering such services? There are many (agents) offering services that seem too good to be real online and should be checked to make sure they are providing legal services rather than using fake stamps.. 

Yes indeed.

When I lived in Thailand my local Immigration Office was my agent for a fee!

Very helpful and genuine stamps in my passport.

I now live in Cambodia where retirement visas are so easily obtained through official agents.

No further comment.

On 6/29/2025 at 3:39 AM, Georgealbert said:

licence plate number, 82-9124,

Looks good to me! 

I have won many times with 82 and 28, both in the official lottery and in the local village (mafia) lottery when I lived up north in Thailand.

My Nissan pick-up was 2816.

On 6/29/2025 at 6:10 AM, jacko45k said:

Wondering exactly what type of work they were doing that required all this ammo?

Preparing covert plan to assassinate the Burmese Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing?

On 6/29/2025 at 9:49 AM, MalcolmB said:

That’s what happens when you close the Ganga shops.

 

An Australian national. 
Let’s see if he he is a real indigenous Australian or from those illegal boat people or descendants.

No, that is what happens when Ganga shops stay OPEN! 

No further comment from me.

On 6/29/2025 at 10:29 AM, Georgealbert said:

a popular area for nightlife and bars.

 

If you go out in Pattaya for this entertainment, then expect the GBH if you do not pay money and insult Thais - no sympathy from me!

No further comment.

50 minutes ago, thesetat said:

I am not saying he is a good leader

Irrespective of his past life, he and his Government have certainly provided a relaxed and hassle free life in retirement for this old ex-pat.

So easy to get a retirement visa, no financial requirements like having the equivalent of 800,000 baht in a bank account, in fact one does not need a Cambodian bank account, no bureaucratic paper work, no 90 day reports, slightly cheaper cost of living (IMO), a foreigner who has lived permanently in Cambodia for two years can get a free annual pass to visit the Angor Wat Archaeological Park, renewable each year,  no restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol (only on polling days), more friendly Khmer people compared to Thais (again IMO). The growing, selling and consumption of Cannabis is officially ILLEGAL. 

20 hours ago, Schoggibueb said:

So I can't see any new restrictions.

And the small shop around the corner out in the nowhere sells you a can Leo for 35B anytime.

 

No difference IMHO

Yes indeed.

Where I used to live up North, out in the sticks in rural Khon Kaen Province, there were mom and pop shops where one could purchase beers on any day, despite so called restrictions, religious or otherwise! The shops also had decorated concrete tables and chairs where us ex-pats could relax and enjoy a chilled beer.  We never saw a policeman. 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Lampang and Mae Hong Son are popular destinations, and these routes are crucial for both local residents and tourists

Perhaps not enough passengers?

Lampang Airport currently has just four flights per day - 3 Bangkok Airways (with International code share) from BKK and Mae Hong Son  and one Thai Air Asia from DMK. So, in the future Lampang Airport will only have one flight per day and Mae Hong Son none? So much for "crucial for local residents and tourists"!  

On 6/26/2025 at 9:04 AM, geovalin said:

powerful alliance between ultranationalist Buddhist monks and the country’s ruling military junta

Undesirable monkey business!!

5 hours ago, Thumbs said:

Not safe in a car on thai roads, nice idea but think this is an accident waiting to happen 

Maybe he his horse is fitted with tail lights at night?

51 minutes ago, Galong said:

Here's the thing: cannabis gives people the munchies, and that usually means more business for restaurants. Plus, a lot of tourists love that they can enjoy cannabis in Thailand, making it another reason for them to visit.
 

So, if Thailand bans liberal cannabis use, it could make things even tougher for Thai restaurants. It’s a bit of a double whammy, potentially cutting off a source of business and taking away a draw for tourists who come here partly for the cannabis.

I would certainly NOT eat at a restaurant serving Cannabis in my meal! Perish the thought! I prefer fresh fruit and vegetables, not weed, from local farmers!

On 6/26/2025 at 1:03 PM, Georgealbert said:

carried out a controlled detonation of a suspected explosive device found near Patong Beach

 Well I never!

A BJ on the beach!

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

With military personnel and select prisoners stepping in to fill the labor gap

What a laugh! Thailand has shot itself in the foot again - no more cheap Cambodian labour. The Thai fruit farmers must be rubbing their hands with glee by not having to pay cheap wages The soldiers will get their normal military pay and the prisoners f.. all! 

Cambodian workers who have returned home are being offered jobs. Reference -

Joint teams from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) and the National Employment Agency (NEA) are offering a detailed briefing on local job opportunities across various provinces to citizens returning from Thailand.

The initiative aims to support the citizens returning from the neighbouring country (Thailand) in terms of finding new opportunities and earning consistent incomes to support their families.

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501706271/govt-offers-jobs-to-workers-returning-from-thailand/

On 6/24/2025 at 11:05 AM, newbee2022 said:

Years ago I went there occasionally for a sumptuous brunch. But also to meet nice people for a chat.

My experience: 

The food was quite ok, but the people there were a bit too loud, a bit too narrow minded, a bit too self centered, a bit too much bragging, a bit too just"strange" and exhausting.

Too many Americans.

Is there any change now?

Did someone made friends there?

Comments appreciated.👍

When I lived in Lanna several years ago and pre-covid, I was invited on two occasions to present illustrated lectures on the UK Police Forensic Science Service, with particular reference to high profile cases I had worked on. I was never a member but knew several others that were. The meetings were always enjoyable and very well attended. A spin-off was a similar lecture to the Chiang Rai Expats Club. I do remember there being many Americans in the audience. I lost contact when I moved across to Issan and then to Cambodia. The Club is still active so please check:

https://chiangmaiexpatsclub.com

Police Set to Flood Streets for Saturday's Protest at Victory Monument

Will they be using water cannons?

1 hour ago, FritsSikkink said:

Should have stayed in his own country.

He was in his own country and treated as a hero for defending it!!!

1 hour ago, ericbj said:

Countries and corporations that continue to supply weapons and other war matériel to the illegal military regime that seized power in Naypyitaw must be arraigned internationally as accessories before the fact to murder and other human rights abuses.

Yes indeed, China and Russia for starters!