Burma Bill

"Mister Concrete" trying to save face after his marijuana debacle???

Yes indeed. I can only relate to Cambodia where I now live in Siem Reap. My landlord with his extended family and friends regularly cross into Thailand at the O'Smach border crossing to get tests and treatment in the Government and Private hospitals in Ubon Ratchathani - but, I can assure you, not at 35,000 baht!!

To my knowledge "no" but that was pre-pandemic. Living near Chum Phae, I regularly shopped in MAKRO (Khon Kaen) and never saw craft beers on sale. Even Beer Laos (light and dark) wasn't a regular stock item. I seem to remember BIG C down the road stocked some interesting bottled beers and opposite the main Bangkok Bank there was an off-licence (beer and spirits shop) that also stocked interesting bottled beers. As another poster suggested, pop in and have a look. Good luck to you.

Thank you for the photos and what an interesting coincidence. Am I correct in saying your rice is "Royal Mongkut Cambodian Premium Jasmine Rice"? This is the rice I use here in Siem Reap and purchase from my local supermarket. It is sold in a yellow bag rather than a pink one and has the small holes - never noticed them before!

From the OP:- "Thong Supachai, a friend of the couple" (possibly?)

With respect, the fall was in Patong (Phuket)!!

A very sad and tragic road accident, like so many others we read about. Despite their sexual orientation and age difference, may they RIP together in Paradise (Sagga).

Amazing Thailand!!

Yes indeed - current temperature in Brussels (13/12/2022) is 1C (33F)!!

Corruption - yes (possibly). When I lived in Northern Thailand, myself and other local ex-pats used an agent - our friendly local Immigration Officer and many thanks to him!! I now continue my retirement in Cambodia where obtaining a visa, or extending a visa, is totally hassle free with no financial requirements and other associated bureaucratic paperwork - not even a bank account!!!

Cambodia is there as well - plastic bags galore in shopping malls, supermarkets, street food/take away food vendors etc. etc. BUT in todays Khmer media (13 December 2022): "If all people together do not use plastic bags a day, we can reduce the use of plastic bags by 16 million bags per day and let this be a movement.................." https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501201296/seminar-sheds-light-on-policy-to-reduce-plastic-use/

Not at all, especially if you entertain guests/customers and do not want "bugs" in your rice. I find this interesting compared to the regular boring news about entertainment hours, marijuana, Covid in Thailand and road accidents!

I have the same problem. Before cooking, I first give the rice 4 or 5 washings/rinses with fresh water in a saucepan. The tiny black insects will float to the surface. Decanter the water with the insects to leave clean rice ready for cooking.

found with no legal license - bingo!!!

A very intriguing story indeed, also involving an Australian ex-boss. The so-called "accused" had met the victim on a previous visit to Cambodia. This is the current media report in today's Khmer press (12 December 2022) - click to read full report. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501200930/cambodian-assault-victim-case-gets-more-complicated-with-ex-wife-of-australian-boss-denying-involvement/

Action.....................................and cut!! (ouch!)

Wishing a speedy recovery to all the injured students and teachers.

or maybe Cockermouth (Cumbria)??

Interesting - a well travelled man. Narathiwat, Chiang Rai, Samui!! On the run????

Yes indeed, just another 16 years to go for me.

My apologies for the misunderstanding. When I arrived, no pink document was handed out.

Oh really??

What a laugh - I do like the "no helmet" foreigner's registration plate - 555. Coincidence or not??

Yes, 5th shot (3rd booster) is recommended - well, here in Cambodia! I have had mine, Pfizer, for free, with no adverse reactions.

This may shed some light on the accident - planned or not! Maybe the elderly gentleman was taken ill and lost control. Very sad. RIP elderly couple.