scorecard

Yawn.

But they we need to deal with the very severe damage caused by some drug takers.

"While monopolies tend to stifle the competition and raise prices without challenge, I find that Walmart has not done that, at least where I live." You already answered your own point - Walmart is not a monopoly.

Of course, but do you really think CP and similar monopoly organizations want to hold promotions and have discounts when they have no competition? Their focus is ultimately, like all business operations: - Highest possible revenues, with - Highest possible profit margins.

Ultimately monopolies are not good for anybody. For the customer it reduces / cancels competition and the seller can up prices without fear of competitor activity. In a nutshell higher and higher prices without challenge. Need to look at the long-term big picture.

Nobody is forcing you to see anything (in Vietnam). As per your own comment "I see what I want to see".

In reality the brand owner would readily support this because they get a % of the revenue and because it doesn't require further investment for equipment etc., in the stores.

CP have to sell what's dictated in the franchise agreement, but they can add additional products if those products are within the business model. e.g. simple example they can add further fast toasted products, not on their current product list, but they can't sell cars.

Good point.

But perhaps visiting the 'fake' Italian town might just be 1 hour of a multiple diverse list of activities for that day?

Keep in mind that the top generals of the Thai military support the ruthless junta in Myanmar (brothers in arms supporting each other - love of military).

Vietnam has changed quite a lot, and in many ways. Streets etc., much cleaner. A lot more English spoken... Education has improved a lot, whole education system is now modelled on the Singapore education system. Education minister is quite young, came from poverty, worked hard to win many scholarships to education in Singapore, ultimately proposed to Vn parliament that their current rote learning approach to education had no value, proposed total change to copy SIngapore style student centered learning. All agreed, now 60 - 70% through total change under 'on the ground' guidance from S'pore ed. experts. Just one aim is to get to the point where all education will be conducted in English. Education Minister keen to keep expanding his own education, attended an executive MBA course (all in English) that I lectured in HCMC, great local uni affiliated with high ranking S'pore and Thai unis. He kept a low profile in the class but all the other students knew his story.

And what's missing in this speech by the senator, much more serious punishment for the manufacturers and major distributors of drugs.

Why? Easy answer because there's a 'control' in the process which cannot be controlled.

... and nobody listened.

Sadly true.

Plus the typical folks who go abroad to work are very naive about the world at large, the dangers, the very limited protections and medical services / help available to them and who / how to contact for help and many very probably can't read English let alone the Israeli language. And are at the mercy of ruthless employers who will have no hesitation to cheat them. I wonder how often they are contacted by the Thai ambassador to Israel or any other Thai officials posted to Israel.

So what's your point?

Agree, that's getting closer to making all citizens able to afford to run as a candidate. How wonderful.

I guess mama noodles.

PR, yep, convinced Myanmar they needed to borrow big money from Thai banks so they could buy shin satellite equipment. but it backfired, he was convicted and jailed along with several very senior officials from Thai banks.

The maximum contribution to election funds in Australia is AUD20,000, about USD14,500-

Call or visit a local bigger Thai post office. They do this sort of move regularly. I doubt 60 kg would frighten them, and they usually offer good advice about packaging / they help with packaging, their pick up is prompt and not expensive. Usually delivered to destination anywhere in LOS within 48 / 72 hrs. They keep in contact My Thai son used Thai Post to send his big bike from Chiang Mai to Pattaya and then return 3 months later. No damage whatever, PO staff kept in contact all the time, deliver at both locations about 36 hrs after pick up, both ways the bike was well wrapped. Son was impressed.

Why no news updates on the release in the middle east today re the health / date to arrival in Thailand?

As said , Hanoi is great, especially the old quarter area which still has architecture from several European countries. This area has wonderful old style accommodation some vey cheap, some a bit more expensive, and great food / big variety, reasonable prices. I've been to this area many times on days off from giving uni lectures (all English, great students, intelligent, analytical, all speak very advanced English). Haven't done t it but I've read before that some agencies / hotels / restaurants offer excellent whole day / half day guided walking tour of the old quarter, guides speaks English. Enjoy.