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peter zwart

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Everything posted by peter zwart

  1. There is always a reason to demand money. sad.
  2. I believe that the concept of friendship is becoming an extinct phenomenon. People are becoming increasingly individualistic, more easily offended, and less willing to go out of their way for others. A good acquaintance suits me better. And that can be someone of any nationality. If you like each other, then you like each other. If it doesn’t click, we simply move on cheerfully. Not angry, not aggressive, and with mutual respect.
  3. Crackling Sound in the Ear – What It Might Be Thanks for the detailed explanation. Based on your history — previous infections after swimming in pools, current crackling sounds, wax removal, and no recent dental work — here are the most likely explanations: 1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) This is one of the most common causes of crackling sounds, especially when chewing, swallowing, or yawning. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and helps equalize pressure. If it becomes inflamed or sticky — often after infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants (like chlorine in pools) — it can cause a crackling or popping sensation. Why it fits your case: You had ear infections and are regularly exposed to water and pressure changes. Inflammation might persist even after the infection clears. Treatment: Use a nasal steroid spray such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) for at least 2–3 weeks. Try gentle Valsalva maneuvers (pinch nose, close mouth, and gently blow) a few times a day to help open the tubes. Avoid pressure changes (e.g., swimming, diving, or flying) if possible during this time. Decongestants may offer short-term relief but are not recommended long term. 2. Middle Ear Fluid (Otitis Media with Effusion) Even after the infection is gone, fluid can remain trapped behind the eardrum. This can cause bubbling or crackling sounds. It may not be visible through a basic ear exam, especially if the ear looks otherwise healthy. Treatment: This usually resolves on its own, but nasal steroids and time can help. If fluid persists for several months or affects hearing, an ENT might suggest a pressure-equalization test (tympanometry) or even small tubes to help drain it. 3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction You mentioned this feels different from previous TMJ issues, but it’s still worth considering. The joint is right next to the ear canal, and inflammation or imbalance in the joint can cause clicking or crackling sounds. Less likely in your case if there’s no jaw pain, stiffness, or obvious clicking when moving your jaw. 4. Fungal Infection (Otomycosis) Frequent swimmers are prone to this. It can cause itchiness, a crackling sensation, mild discharge, or a feeling of fullness. Your ENT gave you antifungal drops, which is a good precaution. If the crackling continues after completing the drops and there’s no itchiness or discharge, then a fungal infection is probably not the current issue. 5. Residual Wax or Eardrum Scarring Even after professional wax removal, a very thin layer or dry residue may be left near the eardrum. In some cases, minor scarring or changes to the eardrum (from past infections or trauma) can alter its movement and cause odd sounds. You mentioned using a camera to check yourself, but even high-quality home scopes can miss subtle membrane changes or deeper wax residue. What You Can Try Next: Start a nasal steroid spray like Flonase (fluticasone) once or twice daily and continue for 2–3 weeks. Avoid swimming in pools for now, or switch to vented earplugs if you return to it. Don’t use irrigation or camera tools in the ear frequently — overcleaning can cause irritation. Monitor for any new symptoms (pain, hearing loss, dizziness, discharge). When to See an ENT Again: If the crackling persists beyond a few more weeks or if it gets worse, it’s a good idea to return to the ENT and specifically ask about: Tympanometry (to measure pressure and fluid behind the eardrum) Eustachian tube function Signs of tympanic membrane scarring or retraction
  4. Some men paying good money for that and the chance on a good sniff
  5. Having now lived in Thailand for 12 years and worked for a Thai multinational, I can conclude that they absolutely have no concept of developing (medium) long-term visions and planning. The mindset of "living day by day" is too deeply ingrained. Thailand would benefit enormously if they were willing to learn from people with more knowledge and experience in this area. It's a shame, because the country has so much to offer.
  6. But it doesn’t make people crazier than they already are. And we can also wave goodbye to the bunch of weirdos who come rushing in. Not a bad scenario.
  7. What a great idea it was to legalize cannabis after all.
  8. Sure, 145 million baht isn't an astronomical amount, but wouldn't that money be far better spent on new equipment for public hospitals or on better training and salaries for doctors? Last time I checked, it's still called medicine (make people better when they are sick), not make-believe science.
  9. They really are the lowest of the lowest.
  10. Thnx for that. I will try.....uhhh pass it on.
  11. A good friend of mine 🙂 told me this weekend that he no longer has access to all the sites with various 'beautiful nature' films. Have more friends of AN visitors noticed this as well?
  12. This shows a problem some people see with the LGBTQ community. Some feel hurt or attacked too easily. If you often want to be in the spotlight with parades and events, it’s normal that people will have opinions. If you want to be treated like everyone else, maybe stop trying so hard to stand out. In the end, we’re all just people.
  13. Intelligent....yes, reasonable........absolutely NOT
  14. He is the man who has been lying to the Dutch people for 12 years.
  15. This was always one of the possible scenarios—especially considering the fact that it was made clear from the beginning that it was intended for medicinal purposes. The fact that the rules were blatantly ignored and a shop was opened for recreational purposes is therefore a risk that was consciously taken. I can't feel sorry for the shop owners, even though I wish everyone success. As for the employees, they'll find another job. For tourism, it's actually a positive development. Too many people were bothered by the strong smell and the, partly inappropriate, crowd it attracted, which didn't do tourism any favors. Road safety in Thailand was already a disaster, but it certainly hasn't improved with the rise in cannabis use. But first, let’s see if the situation actually turns out to be as serious as it's being portrayed.
  16. It's good to see that there is some action on this matter. Now also put many decent bins on the beach and empty them on regular base. And to all the SH's (Thai and Farang) that dump their garbage on the beach........clean up your own mess.
  17. That you're angry... fine. That you honk once in a while... fine. That there are complete idiots on the road who can really get under your skin... absolutely. But to react so aggressively over these kinds of minor incidents — then you're definitely missing a few brain cells. Getting worked up over other people’s "mistakes" just isn’t worth the trouble.
  18. Nooo, don’t do it. Then many will lose their anonymity and won’t dare to post (complain) freely anymore, and there won’t be much left to laugh about.
  19. The good and relaxed life in Thailand became too much for Elmer as well.
  20. Now bombs are falling everywhere like rain from the sky, and people are still getting worked up over this WOKE BS? It's very simple: a woman gets pregnant, and a man does not. That’s just a biological fact.
  21. And in the end, we come full circle, back to the retired Westerner and the Western tourist. It's been a proven concept for decades. These are the people who don't have palm trees in their home countries, suffer from a lack of sunshine, a severe shortage of attractive women, and who have a fairly reliable source of income (a pension). Add to that the general dissatisfaction of the average Westerner with their own country, and the circle is complete.
  22. But still alive and never have the doubt of something where is no solid proof for. in either way.
  23. I think I would feel quite uncomfortable if I were vaccinated and read research findings like these. Could those crazies, the anti-vaxxers, have been right after all?
  24. Where did i hear that before? As long their Baht in their pockets are not in danger.
  25. Who says we’re even interested in that?
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