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There has been example of part-time teacher elevated to Prime Minister in your definition of "free world", happened not that long ago either. Yes, Family name and family connection do matter. She got the Prime Minister position because of family name and family connection. So was Canada Justin Trudeau ( once part-time teacher ) in 2015. So was Philippines Marcos Jr in 2022. BTW her rise to the top post had been in accordance to al rules and laws of Thailand.

This young, inexperienced PM is going to be helped and surrounded by political savvy personnel, at least for a while, On top of that, she also has her father advising her. I don't know if she is capable "learning on the job", that is very important . Globally there had been inexperienced rose to the top job in recent time, some capable and some incapable learning on the job. Capable learning : 2009 USA Barak Obama came to Washington without experience. Incapable learning : Canada Justin Trudeau took top job in Ottawa in 2015

Fourth and Fifth Generations. Father of grandfather of Thaksin came from China. Grandfather of grandfather of this young PM came from China. Such is info related your fuss.

Two days ago, the situation appeared bleak or at least very bad, not terrible as the period 2011-Nat 2014. Thinking further, the situation appeared uncertain as of the current state. As to someone rising to the top position due to FAMILY name, it is not just her, there had been other example in recent time. Canada Justin Trudeau who had been a part time teacher and became Canada PM In 2015 due to father P. Trudeau connection dated to 1970's. In Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Jr had the benefit of the right family name too due to his father, the founder of Singapore.

In Thailand, age does matter. ( in opposite way to what you think ) Opposition Move Forward Party Pita age 42. The new Opposition People's Party leader age 38 Yingluck PM at age 43 the new PM at age 37. Unlike even their neighbors Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thai public concern more about Youth than experience for politicians and contempt on oldies in politics. Whatever the reason, I don't really know Age is at least a major factor that Pheu Thai party picked this young lady rather than a 75-year old and unhealthy alternate.

None of USA business

None of USA business.

Thai are not stupid to "so close the island off to tourism then... " as you suggested.

Looking for info and hope someone can advice. Non-O Visa retirement visa extension, 800K method, Jomtien location. As 1-year visa extension is due on same month of 90-day reporting and just couple of days apart, do I need to do Both virtually at same time, or do I just get 1-year visa extension and ignore 90-day reporting on that month ?

I lost my five year driver license earlier this year. Must have police report, 20 B and Residence Certificate 300 B -- all original-- in hand while applying for replacement at DLT. I did not have a photo copy of lost license so I had panic before going, anyway it was OK. Bring passport of course and you will need photo copies of certain pages -- could do on the spot. Cost for replacement was surprisingly low. around 200 B --- could not remember now..

I often take this bus and I just talk facts. Why bother photo ? Your info is not up-to-date and incorrect. SO BE it.

Saudi actively invest in Asia nowadays doing major projects in China, South Korea, Indonesia. They will do joint venture projects in HK too. it appears Thailand might hopefully get minor share. .

True. It is a bad piece by Jonathan Head of BBC

I just cared and talked experience. Last I took baht bus at this location was Nov 3, 2023 and boarded the front bus on queue which was the first one leaving.

About 3 months ago, they changed the queuing system. So your info had been outdated.

Vietnam economy was doing very well in 2022 -- over 7% GDP growth in 2022. Vietnam economy and export had not been doing so well in 2023 first 9 months on year on year basis, less than half of 2022 data. Not so sure of reasoning behind. Thailand export and economy are generally OK.

Thai Airway just announced days ago European and Australian routes had been booked "full" for fourth quarter of this year. Tourism is up, Airlines are busy. Good and Happy for them.

All Investors only see $$$$$$$$ Anti this-Anti that is no concern. Risk is also bearable as long as there will be high profit, high return. Just Business Course 101

In addition to very low fare, there are two features in Pattaya Baht Bus --- get on/ get off anywhere and 'door-less' . The 'door-less' part is easy enough. Would the on/off anywhere feature be same in the Phuket bus running the loop ? if yes, is frequent stoppage an issue ? I think 40 B is about the right price.

There are. Available in Big C and Lotus Supermarkets in Pattaya and Bangkok. Actually a better kind/brand available in Thailand just roughly one year ago -- fruitless and more delicious. Cheaper too. I bought and ate plenty.

Not same for Westerners and Asians. Westerners booked months prior to departure. Very common for Asians decided going and booking a week or two or three or four prior to departure.

The Thai favor and want the new rail system, period. Thai Government is working towards this goal. Thailand could not build HSR themselves. Japan and China were the suppliers for such project in this region. Japan fumbled badly on HSR projects in India and Vietnam in last 5 years. China was marching on completing project after project and surpassed and beaten out Japan nowadays in pricing and technology and timing. ( Japan started in late 1960's ; China started in early 2000's )

The current inflation rate in Thailand is around 1%, and you are concerned about inflation rate in Thailand ? May as well be known that you DO NOT like the Thai live happily in both short and long run.

Macao had done this multiple time, Macao had done same, so were Japan and Singapore. Now it is Thailand.

PM Srettha is Not history guy of religion guy. I doubt he understand much about either of these subjects. He has been too busy running from countries to countries, meeting to meeting and might not have time to think about " The West Vs Global South ". For him, he engages about any business good for Thailand in both long and short run, regardless of global and geo-politics . The Thai like this way too.