Silencer

57 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

Okay.  It is only conjecture of course, but if you look back in history Thailand has always been xenophobic and intent on making its own way without the help of more developed economies.  When they have asked for help, or more to the point reluctantly accepted it, it has never been for long,  as they always wanted to revert to type and do it their own way.  It's all wrapped up in "face".  They see the international reputation  of Thailand as being just a tourist  hot spot, beaches, warm beer, beach parties and sex lots of sex, they are not perceived internationally as a high tech country.  they hate the idea of being thought "Third World", or even "developing".  They are embarrassed by that reputation, anyone would be and they now they see the way out, as becoming a high tech economy, with much less emphasis on tourists and expats hence the development of the EEC as a focus of the future. It fits  not only the culture, by also the mind set of the Generals, who accept the risk of this re alignment as meaning pain in the medium term, but a better future and a much better reputation in the World. Seriously down grading tourist as a major factor in the economy fits this scenario very well. 

The tourist sector has been a growing component of Thailand's economy although the demographics have changed over the years. It's a tough pill to swallow to say....let it die. Making such a macro change requires extensive infrastructure upgrades, multiple economic centers (Bangkok can't be the center of "everything"), and probably most importantly, a highly qualified and educated workforce. Without tourists, "mid-term" could mean 10-20 years which might be unacceptable to a large segment of the population.

Over a three year's together I would have thought this topic, the son's future and your living lifestyle, would have been discussed from time to time. Setting expectations, including future expectations, is part and parcel of most long-term relationships. If you haven't yet, NOW is the time to have those discussions. Don't have to consider "throwing him out" out immediately but if you both see eye-to-eye on the topic, you can make a plan to move on. If you don't see it the same, that is when you will have to consider your options.

I believe for many lost, or temporarily lost balls, and scavenging for those that have found the rough or trees over the years, I have emerged with one or two extras. Lose 50 in a year, find 40 extras....so it takes awhile to need to re-load. It's supplying your partners on a bad day that eats into the stash. ????

On 7/22/2020 at 8:05 AM, AhFarangJa said:

This wasn't your good self was it...................

No...I only went about 3 meters when I heard the pop and stopped.  ????

Need to open EVERYTHING and see what happens. Since the number of cases is likely zero (minus the returnees in quarantine), new cases will likely remain at zero. Need to evaluate impact of fully opening BEFORE letting in hordes of tourists with whatever rules will govern their activities. Besides, people are starving, families taking out loans, desperate. Get as many back to work as possible, even if it will be awhile until the economy is humming again.

They come in handy in the bedroom.....at various stages of play. 

Age 11, spin the bottle. I really liked this hot girl Nina....but the kiss came from Lisa....and boy was I glad she was my first kiss. Fantastic!

First, Barcelona 1973-77. Teenager, but lived a life like an adult thanks to a very liberal mother. An American fish out of water. (Euro and Spanish girls, drinking, some drugs, endless parties, travel throughout Europe, and yeah, even school was ok). Geez, the stories from that time....

Then, Thailand. 15 years of visits and now one year living here. However, recently thinking it might be time to find the next, and likely last, "best time" adventure.

That should be a big economic stimulus boost. Maybe 23 people in Thailand will notice this change. 

1 hour ago, EricTh said:

1. Malaysia

2. India

3. USA

 

Malaysia is understandable because it is a neighbour country and with ethnic ties to the south of Thailand.

 

I wonder why so many Thai people go to India and USA?

 

 

Why do most people move to another country....for work or school opportunities. I knew many Thai immigrants in the US, mostly working in Thai restaurants or studying.

To close the loop on this topic.....today I went to the immigration office, about 3:30PM maybe. 5 people inside seated. I get my number, sit 5 seconds before being called to the window, give my passport, TM-6 and TM-47, and get my receipt and documents returned in about one minute. So, a 3 minute total visit time to the office. VERY GLAD I did this as who knows what it will be like there after 1 July. 

As a father that had two pre-teens, then teenagers, that literally lived for the next book/movie to come out, I can relate to the hype and interest in the series. However, I must admit that I am somewhat surprised this article cleared the hurdle to make it on ThaiVisa, unless I was the target audience. ????

5 minutes ago, PoorSucker said:

You only need to fill out the TM-47 form. 

Great.  Thanks.

I  have to do my first ever 90-day report next week. I searched the forum and saw a couple entries about 90-day online reporting but not in-person reporting. I know I don't HAVE to do the reporting because of the COVID-19 situation but I would rather do it now than wait to see what transpires after 31 July. Does anyone have a list of the documents I need to bring with me to the office in Samui?  Thank you.

If the sex industry is allowed to return, Pattaya will return. There is always a place for drinking in excess, sex in excess, and partying in excess. 

I've come full circle on the usefulness of Trump. 4 years ago he was a boorish idiot, no class wannabe, childish crybaby, self-centered and only really cared about his own legacy and helping himself and his friends financially. He has hardly moved the bar from that assessment 4 years later BUT I think he was needed to shine the light on China. Although Trump's torch was economic, COVID-19 has given him another torch (the Uighur camps never took hold as another torch) and even the emergence of Taiwan as a COVID-19 world-beater can be used. Just as Reagan served a useful foil vs the Soviet Union, Trump provides a useful role as highlighting many of the unfair and authoritarian issues underlying the CCP and their dealings around the world. He may have campaigned on the MAGA theme, with a focus on the southern border, but in reality his achievement might be in uniting the West (and other countries) to take a more critical stance against China and not just kowtow to its economic weight. How this will play out in the next decade or two, will be fascinating to watch. Prior to Trump...everyone was just marching along to a growing China, Belt and Road, South China Sea, economic bullying, expansionist tendencies, etc....maybe Trump has applied some brakes, which could be his real legacy.

5 hours ago, sahibji said:

do not under estatimate this virus as there are possibilities of second wave infection. err on the side of caution.

When was the first wave?

19 hours ago, The Barmbeker said:

...and just wait, what funny little viruses they will dig up in the depth of the rain forrest!

Sometimes I think, we need a meteorite, so Earth can start over again!

You mean, another meteorite. The first one, in the Yucatan, knocked out the dinosaurs. 

broken