Burma Bill

Appears to be the case. I recently flew as a tourist into Thailand on an international flight from Cambodia with Air Asia. At the Immigration desk in Bangkok DMK, the lady made no mention of cash. All I presented was my passport and boarding card. After the biometrics, I was allowed entry to Thailand.

Correct, as I experienced pre-pandemic, after visiting Battambang in Cambodia for the third time within one year. The Immigration Officer in Aranyaprahtet was quite understanding when I explained I was unaware of the rule and that there was no airport in Battambang (only a military one). I had a current annual retirement visa extension with multiple re- entries. I was allowed re-entry to Thailand by land for the third time but with a warning to travel by air next time. I now live in Cambodia without all the Thai hassle.

Very much so. I used to live near Chumphae and know this road well (major Route 12 from Tak (west) across North Thailand to Mukdahan (east). Despite being a well surfaced road, from Lomsak to Chumphae most of it becomes an ordinary 2-way road which ascends and descends, also twisting and turning among the hills of the Nam Nao National Park. The photo below shows the Huai Tong Bridge which has steep approach roads either side and is curved itself. A good view point.

Does not appear to contain jars of chicken essence!

Yes indeed, as I have quoted in several posts. During my 20 years in Thailand, I learnt this at an early stage, especially when dealing with local Immigration in "country bumpkin" territory!

Possibly now American investment in the completion of the High Speed Train between Vientiane and Bangkok ditching the Chinese "belt & road" project with its land grabs????

And how about nicotine? Are you a smoker?

Pre-pandemic, I flew with both airlines. Air Asia on domestic routes within Thailand and short haul international routes from Thailand, VietJet on domestic routes within Vietnam. Both more or less the same, offering basic budget airline services using A320s with no "frills" - ideal for me on short haul flights. IMHO Air Asia was more acceptable due to its international "Fly-Thru" facility avoiding all the hassle at Bangkok DMK, despite a change of planes. The airline had its own Immigration desk and avoided all the long queues at the main Immigration desks. Baggage in the hold is transferred directly from flight to flight without any personal involvement. Since the pandemic, last week I flew back to Siem Reap from DMK after a short holiday in Thailand. Same service with Air Asia and, surprisingly, after 3 years I am still registered as a "discount (air miles) member and received a small reduction in my ticket price. Please note - with both airlines, when you receive the final cost of your flight, it will exceed the fare quoted when "add ons" are included such as fuel surcharge, airport taxes, booking fees etc. etc.

No wonder Prayut got snubbed by Xi!

Sticky rice?????????

There are many karaoke bars out in the countryside catering for the Thai village/town people. They are very popular with the locals. I know, I was a Tourist Police Volunteer in rural Isaan.

Interesting photo. Xi and his wife arriving at DMK without masks to be met by all the Thai officials wearing masks. Similar situation when I arrived at DMK with Air Asia from Siem Reap a week ago. Myself and many other passengers were mask-less whilst all the Thai airport officials wore masks. We were not told to wear a mask. The only time I was asked to wear a mask was when I boarded a train to Chiang Mai from DMK. During my one week holiday in "country bumpkin" Provinces I never wore a mask until boarding a bus back to DMK.

Well I never, when 6,000,000 baht suddenly appears!!

Well I never!!!!

Well I never!!

a K9 paedophile ????

Yes indeed, and in the Golden Triangle in Laos where there is a Chinese Special Economic Zone near the Mekong opposite Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai Province. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Triangle_Special_Economic_Zone

I have just returned to Cambodia (16/11/22) from a short holiday in Chiang Mai and the hotel where I always stayed in pre-pandemic days is till open and has REDUCED prices for all visitors to help rebuild finances. The same Thai owner now offers rooms that were 840 baht per night, for a bargain 690 baht, still including breakfast! Excellent value, very busy and not "money grabbing"

Plain clothes detective???

was disabled and unable to walk since five years ago after prior work-related injuries knee capped?????

"Ve have vays of making you talk" (eventually)

Correct! For reference, getting a Royal Kingdom of Cambodia visa is simple and hassle free. Once you get your visa at point of entry from Immigration, further extensions are done at appointed agents (usually travel agents). I have just extended my retirement (ER) visa for another year. No financial or other documentary bureaucracy needed, do not have to have a Cambodian bank account. No 90 day reports. 50 years or older to qualify for an ER visa. Mine cost 290 US$ which automatically includes multiple re-entries. You need to show your registration on FPCS (Foreigners Present in Cambodia System) - this is the responsibility of the owner/manager/friend where you reside, not you, but you must check before applying. CP ALL (Cambodia), a master franchise of 7-Eleven stores in Cambodia, debuted its first store yesterday in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar area................The firm said that more stores will be opened in Phnom Penh. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50925946/7-eleven-opens-first-store-in-phnom-penh/ Now, there is a new 7-11 at the Seang Nam PTT gasoline station in Siem Reap. The Dusit Medical Services (Bangkok Hospital) Group has 2 hospitals in Cambodia, the Royal Phnom Penh and the Royal Angkor (Siem Reap) - both very expensive!

Yes indeed!

Yes indeed, my thought as well. I used teak planks when building my new house in the mountains of Northern Thailand many years ago.

This is the Cambodian news media report:- "A group of 5 Cambodian soldiers are reported to have been forcibly arrested after they crossed the Thai-Cambodian border, bearing weapons...........The men – who were driving a Humvee with a personalised number plate and were armed with pistols – were reported to have been forcibly stopped by Thai authorities...........The leader of the group is reported to have brandished a gun at Thai officials before being subdued...........Thai media reports that the colonel had crossed into Thailand due to a ‘family crisis’." https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501180888/pictures-armed-cambodian-soldiers-arrested-in-thailand-after-confrontation/