Isaan sailor

I’d like to think China is harmless, and can lend a helping hand to lesser nations—but I know better. Just hope lesser nations also know better.

Good at copies, very good at dam construction and superb at pandemics—what’s not to like about China?

No thanks. We always use the Koh Chang ferry—heavy and slow, with a double spin on the return.

Try visiting your local immigration office first, and ask for guidance. They can help steer you to the right visa and what’s required.

Forgot to mention currency fluctuations. In a small economy with high foreign currency reserves, anything can happen. Baht usually inches down—then breaks your heart by vaulting upwards. This can make financial planning a challenge—especially if you’re on a fixed retirement income.

Isaan girls can make great wives, They have traditional values. Because of Thailand’s caste system, light skin girls have perceived higher value. Just flip on Thai TV to see the pasty white Chinese/Thai girls on shows and in ads. Expats offer these lower caste girls financial security for their families. That said, there are plenty of wonderful light skin girls in Isaan. You just gotta find the right one

On the subject of visas, it seems curious that my Thai wife had few issues qualifying for her B2 American visa—and it lasts for 10 years. Renewal should be a breeze, too. Meanwhile, I jump through hoops every year for my visa (and update it every 90 days).

“Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly…” Belt & Road debt trap.

“All’s fair in love and war.” Ancient proverb

That’s how I do it. SS goes into US bank account—then bring in $$ only when the rate suites you (or whenever you really need it). I can’t see any real advantage rate-wise to auto-depositing SS. And SS doesn’t care if expats direct payments to a US account.

Just keep your damned Baht down—and you may get your wish. Push the Baht up again—and it’s over for the economy.

Sandwiched between two of the worlds greatest polluters—India and China, Thailand joins the party. They don’t enforce no-burn policies for agricultural areas.

You got that right. They can’t leave well enough alone.

Not much they can do—if most people have double vaccinations. Give them credit for this delay. Finally, some sensible non-actions.

My thoughts exactly. The worlds best multi-purpose fighter to a strong Chinese ally. May not pass the smell test.

“And when I want you All I have to do Is dree-ee-ee-ee-eam, dream, dream, dream, dream…” Everly Brothers

Thai Pretties handing out drinks—win/win. A reminder of why some of us came here, in the first place.

Pretty simple—-the lower the Baht, the more prosperous for the economy. And tourism is frosting on the cake.

Sure, economy did much better as the Baht relaxed. But now the mighty Baht has added nearly 2% on USD in less than two weeks. Other western currencies also down. Good luck with that recovery—it may not last long.

Of course I feel badly for the authorities who planned this event. But nut just Pattaya suffers, and not just Thailand suffers.

My Isaan wife grows Hom Mali (Jasmine) rice, as well as sticky rice. When it’s freshly milled, and then cooked—it really does have a delicate fragrance. I should know—seem to get rice most every day in one form or another. The fragrance wanes a few months after harvest.

16. Tourists not willing to wear a mask during 12 - 24 combined flights and airport transfers.

I’ve seen this movie before—and it doesn’t end well. How about pulling the Baht down a bit more, as long as you now have the extra time?

Can’t be the best at everything, I guess.

33.74 to 33.40 in 4 trading days.. “We all know why” refers to inflation in the USA, not the exchange rate. Sorry you missed that.