Silencer

Those interested in birds will continue to head to SE Asia and the Phillipines. However, there are many more destinations opening up for a good retirement life, whether in Europe (Portugal/Spain), Central and South America, and SE Asia. In 20 years...who knows what factors will elevate one country over another.

2 minutes ago, Nsp64 said:

Lots of the news reports regarding this incident over the last few days have all mentioned foreigners as the possible culprits.

Why do they speculate its foreigners without anything firm to go on ???

Maybe the evidence was "flimsy" vs. "firm."?

Today is the first time I have seen a haze in Samui so something is headed our way from the East. Although I can't find reliable data, one site said Samui was 60+ today which would be much higher than usual.

You're lucky you might be out only 400,000. My farang friend hid over 1.8M baht that was due me two years ago. Client was furious and is mine now. 

I don't know how you all do it (although I recognize many of you don't have a choice), whether in Bangkok or up north. Just arrived in Bangkok for a few days from Samui and its almost unbreathable here. Going back early. Best of luck.

These are only effective in countries that regularly have REAL police patrols, speed traps, side of the road enforcement. Otherwise, they are just another billboard. 

4 hours ago, Yadon Toploy said:

Can you please post a link to the stats you based that statement on?

 

Thanks in advance.

Google..try it. First result.  https://www.threethriftyguys.com/2014/01/how-long-could-you-live-without-a-paycheck/

Back in 2012 Huffington Post reported that two thirds of American households are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Quoting the results of a survey from the American Payroll Association, they reported that 68% of households would find it “somewhat difficult or very difficult if their paychecks were delayed for a week”.

Europe: Compared to US citizens, Europeans are apparently in worse shape.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/americans-are-bad-at-saving-money-but-europeans-are-much-worse-2017-01-26

This issue changed my retirement plan from BKK to Samui earlier this year. After spending December (2018) and January in Bangkok that was enough for me to decide to change my plan. As the saying goes, "great place to visit but wouldn't want to live there." True for a significant portion of the year.

4 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

The point was it exists. What happens with the information is irrelevant.

Not irrelevant to the person being reported on. No worries.

33 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

Other totalitarian states setting examples include UK, Australia, NZ, USA, etc. etc.

 

https://www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime

 

https://cxcentral.com.au/industry-news/call-centre-report-illegal-citizens/

 

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact/report-fraud

 

https://www.fairus.org/get-involved/how-report-illegal-immigrants

You will get zero response in the US by reporting a known or suspected overstay. These tip lines "might" respond to a report of a crime. If petty crime, forget it.

From the referenced link....US (+4.5%), Spain, English (up slightly), France (about even) seem not affected by the baht rise through October 2019. Aussie, German arrivals down significantly. Eastern Europe, Middle East (mostly Israel and UAE) up. Overall numbers up for the year vs. 2018, despite 500k below estimate. 

17 hours ago, FarFlungFalang said:

Just need 5.5 million more in 2 weeks to reach last year's total!

The figures are through October. Actually have two more months, and they expect 29M+ by that date, if you follow the link to the original article.

Is this a mad dash to get numbers up by December 31st? Do many Chinese decide to travel at the spur of the moment?

So, I have read two separate opinions here (and in the article) about the roped off area. 1) Is it the ONLY valid (legal) swimming area at Kamala Beach, or 2) Is it only a no go area for boats and the rest of the water is a no man's land (swim at your own risk), hoping a boat driver sees you?