Seagull Sam

Forgive my possible ignorance but what point is there in either party escalating a minor dispute over the equivalent of a garden fence?

The same law applied to bars and off-licences (liquor stores) in UK from the First World War to avoid munitions workers getting pissed at lunchtime I believe. Unfortunately nobody worked out the war was over until more than 70 years later when the entire country switched from pubs to French style bistros overnight. This is all excessively silly in Thailand where the tourists can't buy a drink but all the locals ignore these silly restrictions. Don't ask me I don't give a damn next stop is Vietman - I can't remember who said that, of course I'm far too young.

Nobody else was reported as being killed. We don't know whether anybody else had problems or sustained injuries. The investigation might suggest putting up barriers but as you suggest an investigation isn't likely

A stupidly complacent conclusion to draw from a tragic incident. Isn't it the responsibility of the road owner (government or hotel) to ensure there are no potentially fatal drops from it? Is suggesting a barrier of some kind too complex? Very sad and unnecessary.

Unless and until the Thai authorities stop blaming foreigners for their own short-sighted shortcomings they will continue to wring their hands as they leach money to their neighbours in the region. I have worked hard all my life to spend my pension pot in Thailand, now it appears they don't want it.

There are strict rules relating to conduct within a temple, regardless of the precise nature of those living there temporarily or permanently. These were clearly violated. I can't work out why so many contributors to this forum appear to have so little understanding of the most basic Therevada Buddhist rules and teachings when Buddhism is a bedrock of Thai culture.

I got a non-O visa from London at the end of January this year. I keep 800,000B permanently in a Thai account for this purpose. A few years ago I tried to prove 65,000B / month income but that proved impossible. All round it's pretty daft and unnecessarily onerous but Thailand is what it is and it's best to give them exactly what they want if you don't want to waste your time and money. I'm no expert but it seems to me there isn't a way around this one. BTW If you are planning on extending it is worth trying to get your TM30 sorted reasonably soon after your arrival.

In case nobody noticed Hamas has already agreed to stand down in favour of a government of technocrats. Regardless, the genocide continues and the world sits on it's hands.

Trump is a bully and has zero knowledge of economics. Destroying the economies of countries supplying cheap labour to greedy US consumers damages both parties.

This is the 21st Century and an economy relying heavily on tourism. It cannot be impossible to organise sensible laws that retain cultural norms and still allow your average falang to go to a bar talk to a 'lady' and generally lounge about with a cheap bottle of lager in his hand. Meanwhile out in the sticks 7-11 won't serve you. It's not rocket science.

It's wonderful how the Thai authorities take such a robust attitude towards selling sex. It really is extremely difficult here to find young and attractive women who are prepared to engage in such reprehensible activities. Thailand's reputation remains a gleaming beacon of light.

Is that where I am then?

Is it just me that cannot see past the vast sex trade which is Pattaya's life blood. I simply can't see what is there for anybody outside of single male falang.

Not very hahaha at all. As Trump rules by dictat aka Presidential Decree the make up of Congress is immaterial isnnt? It may not be too early to genuinely call Trump a fascist.

Let's all have a good laugh at the crazy nutjob the dumb ass Mid West put in charge of the world economy. It will all end in tears before bed time and the Chinese will think all their birthdays have come at once.

Pass me the quill

More corporate propaganda

Can I be rude about the king of wherever or whatever he's from or of please? Will this then present a threat to the king and have me disciplined under lese majeste rules applicable here.

Not unkind, only realistic. Brokenm hearts are easy to find here. I'm not a hippy.

PS I am a seriously old raspberry (note to non-English speakers raspberry ripple = cripple). To say I have bought a house, car and carer is only a bit simplistic. (And yes she was a bar girl, a far easier 'courtship'). It suits me fine and it's better than the neglect I suffer at home in Blighty.

if one is at poverty level income in america , will a thai woman accept him as a husband? No

Hold this bucket would you

Somebody at least should be making some noises about abuse of human rights using mediaeval laws in Thailand and kow-towing to Asia's local bully boy. It does the EU no credit that it isn't prepared to do the same with bully boy Trump.

And the moral of this story is don't buy in a busy tourist area. We arrive from our cold, cosy western homes where the authorities do everything by the book. Governments everywhere tell us all what we want to hear. But... Will there ever be effective enforcement? Are the resources available? Are the wardens, police and local authority officer paid sufficiently well to avoid topping up their wages with a backhander? Answers on the back of a postcard please.

It doesn't get much better or as they say in LoS 555. Poor old Plod.