VBF

As a Brit, I agree with that and also with @richard_smith237 posts above. You mentioned language and I think it's worth pointing out that because this is an English-language forum there is always likely to be a bias, conscious or otherwise to issues involving Brits. I'd add that, as a Brit, I'm frequently ashamed of my fellow countrymen's action in Thailand and often just avoid them. As I can speak a little Thai, I can usually get away with pretending I don't speak English when in bars etc. And, as for this Martin idiot, involvement with drugs, whilst on an expired visa, he deserves whatever the Thais do with him (IMO, of course)

Thanks @Rimmer There appear to be people who were constantly "confused" by posts on here. I do notice that confused has been replaced with the thumbs down emoji. Wouldn't it be good if one could see WHO posted emojis, as I believe it used to be?

It's not unusual 🙄😊

Spot on - ignore all these killjoys saying they've got "mental health issues" or they're "gormlesss" Lighten up oh humourless ones - It's called "having fun", harms nobody and gives a few people a laugh. 😁😂😎

No...just those driving erratically. Oh hang on...TIT

Wrong! Speeding and abrupt lane changes are human errors - poor visibility is not, but in poor visibility, one should lower one's speed even more. Pedantic, I do realise. 🙄

Sir Humphrey Appleby is alive and well and living in Thailand 😁 https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/14284050-the-complete-yes-minister

This whole issue could have been avoided by purchasers doing their "due diligence" In the 90s, I was offered a property on Phuket which was allegedly covered by a 30 year "renewable" lease, i.e. when 30 years had passed I could renew with no problem. I asked the following questions: Is this guaranteed in Thai law? Show me the law Can you assure me in writing that when I renew, I will pay the same for the second 30 years as I did for the first? If not, is the price of the renewal set out at the start of the lease? I also looked around for a lawyer whom I could be certain was independent and insured against malpractice. I'm sure we can all imagine the responses I received! One of those responses was that the seller stopped talking to me - that was the only positive outcome! Now, 30 years later, approaching the age of 70, and desiring security of tenure, I'm rather pleased that I didn't buy!

IMO It's caused partly by nature (consider the Ice Ages millennia ago) and partly by humans (consider the effects of such things as CFCs on the Ozone layer). BUT...humans are exacerbating what nature does, thereby modifying the effects, so from that perspective I disagree with you.

This is a cyclical weather pattern that will swing back next year not a long term trend. Are you thinking this is the new normal for April weather? Not as such - it may indeed (or may not) swing back next year, but you and I won't know until then. The point I was making was that weather patterns around the globe are changing - much of that change is unpredictable. Hence my comment about deniers not paying attention.

Agree that the use of "climate change" rather than "global warming" is more appropriate and better describes what's going on. I was in Pattaya from Feb to April and don't recall as much rain in previous Feb/Mar as there was this year. Also, when I returned to UK, the temperatures were more akin to May or June than April. Anyone who denies the existence of climate change is really not paying attention!

Yes - I've called UK using that method several times - no drama.

With every packet of cornflakes? 🙄😂

Possible of course - one does wonder if correct grammar is a priority amongst those who practice bestiality. Then again, perhaps the original quote should have referred to some of the sheep? I could perhaps, be overthinking this.... 🙄

As a now former Skype user, I just received this email, the content of which might be of use to someone: Dear Skype user, In order to streamline our free consumer communications offerings, we will be retiring Skype on 5 May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams, our modern communications and collaboration hub. Teams helps people stay connected and engaged at work and at home. Teams users have access to many of the same core features as Skype, including 1:1 calls, group calls, messaging and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features such as hosting meetings, managing calendars and building and joining communities – all for free. Here’s what this means for you You can transition to Microsoft Teams for free: Starting from today, you can log in to Microsoft Teams Free on any supported device using your Skype credentials and your contacts and chats will automatically be transferred. You will also receive a notification in the Skype app over the coming days prompting you to take action. Moving to Teams is simple and doesn’t prevent you from continuing to use Skype during the transition period. Here’s how to get started: Download Teams on your device from the official Microsoft Teams website. Log in with your Skype credentials. Start using Teams Free with all your Skype chats and contacts ready to go. Until 5 May 2025, Teams Free users can call and chat with Skype users – and Skype users can do the same with Teams Free users, ensuring you stay connected on both platforms. You can export your Skype data: If you prefer not to migrate to Teams, you can export your Skype data including your contacts and chat history. Your Skype data will remain available until January 2026 should you need more time to decide which option is best for you. Alternatively, you can also choose to delete your data. If you don’t take any action by January 2026, your data will be automatically deleted. Privacy Statement: We’ve updated our Privacy Statement to reflect these changes. Changes to paid services We are no longer offering paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions that allow you to make and receive international and domestic calls. Existing calling and Skype Number subscriptions will continue to automatically renew until 3 April 2025. After May 2025, those with active Skype Credits and subscriptions can continue to enjoy these paid features and use the Skype Dial Pad from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free. To transfer your Skype Number, contact your new network provider or learn more here. In addition, Skype minutes will be removed from Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family subscription benefits beginning March 2026. Learn more here. Thank you for being part of Skype We want to express our deepest gratitude for your support over the years. Skype has been an integral part of countless meaningful moments, and we are honoured to have been part of your journey. We understand that change can be challenging, and we are here to support you during this transition. We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide and FAQ to help you get started. For additional assistance, or to share feedback, follow the steps outlined here. As we take this next step with Teams, we look forward to continuing to support your everyday connections in new and meaningful ways. With gratitude, The Skype Team Here are the links from said email that didn't copy/paste correctly The next chapter: Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams  | Microsoft 365 Blog Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams Free - Microsoft Support Skype is retiring in May 2025: What you need to know - Microsoft Support