Isaan sailor

The worlds biggest polluter voluntarily cuts incense burning at Thai shrines. Isn’t that special?

Anyone else see the hypocrisy of a representative of the US Government giving advice and help to border police? Now estimated over 2 million illegal aliens have come across the US southern border in the last 12 months.

Plenty of babies and kids in my Isaan village (and none of them mine, I do believe).

Meanwhile, the mighty Baht creeps up again. Welcome to Thailand, where things cost you more every day.

Good news! They’ve finally struck oil in the Gulf of Thailand.

And just how successful is this high speed rail connection for Laos, I wonder?

Yes, good things can happen when the Baht weakens. Now that the Baht has begun to strengthen again—don’t expect continued prosperity.

This begs the question: how effective are today’s vaccines against the Omicron variant? Pfizer CEO says next gen vaccine due release in March, and targets Omicron along with others.

Not exactly. More like rising Baht fatigue. Baht up 2% in short order. Why on Earth did this happen?

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