RayOday

Spoken like a true wannabe authoritarian who desires total control. Central banks should be non-partisan.

Laotians for the most part are gentle and friendly people. The police and government officials are world class 3rd world corrupt. Add significant power of truly soulless, and hugely wealthy, Chinese triads and things can go horribly wrong. Laos's Special Economic Zone in the Golden Triangle is evidence that Chinese triads buy refuge to commit transnational crimes. I have had no problem visiting Luang Prabong but have been shaken down by customs officials every time I transit through Vientiane (Kunming-BKK). I skip that routing now even if the travel time is longer. Laos is on a downward spiral. Traveller beware

These grapes were being sold too cheaply, a signal. They are delicious but too uniform in size, juiciness, and flavor. I bought one pack. I won't anymore. Given we are in Thailand where they're is liberal use of dangerous pesticides I offer the following suggestion. Follow the recommendation of Rutgers University Agricultural School. Rutgers research, entitled "NR Green Cleaning" indicates that using a baking soda solution can effectively remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables. A study found that soaking apples in a baking soda solution for two minutes removed more pesticides than rinsing with water or using bleach. The recommended method involves mixing two tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water, soaking the produce for about 10-15 minutes, and then rinsing thoroughly. This approach leverages baking soda's alkalinity to neutralize acidic pesticide residues on the surface of the produce.

What internet provider do you use? I have no noticable lag in Chrome or Duck Duck Go. There is currently no publicly available information regarding third-party security testing specifically for the Carbon browser. While the browser emphasizes strong privacy features like a decentralized VPN and ad-blocking, independent audits or assessments by cybersecurity firms have not been documented. Users should exercise caution and consider the potential risks associated with using a relatively new browser in the decentralized web space. There is no information available regarding how often Carbon Browser conducts security audits. The search results do not specify any audit frequency or independent assessments related to its security practices. Users should be cautious, as the lack of transparency in this area may raise concerns about the browser's security posture.

Come on! You can't expect these esteemed officials from diverting their glance from their phones except to smile for a group photo. The chart for the $ looks like the yuan. Nice job for Thailand.

The majority of the RTP are not here to assist foreigners unless they know it will be of benefit to themselves. Signing any document in language you do not understand under duress is detestable and in many countries illegal. It is akin to denying the civilian their Miranda rights (example U.S. law - Notification given by police to a suspect advising them of their rights). I have had a few unpleasant interactions with RTP where they solicited a bribe or attempted extortion. The attempts came out of nowhere as I was walking for exercise. Note: I look athletic and energetic but I also look my age of 70 years. The attempts lead me to a rant warning and facts. Most expats know or have experienced RTP corrupt activities. For those in the know when dealing with the RTP you should be polite/respectful, keep your mouth shut as much as possible, certainly do not respond to questioning or signing any documents in Thai or poorly spoken foreign languages, better yet wait for an attorney even if the police speak your language, get quality legal representation, read up on case studies of police corruption scams. Know where you are and it's not "home" . Background: Thailand ranks 108th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International, with a score of 35 out of 100, indicating a perception of significant public sector corruption. A 2023 poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) found that over 70% of respondents did not trust the Royal Thai Police, making them the least trusted law enforcement agency in the country. Police corruption is widespread in Thailand, with numerous cases of police charged with abuses like abduction, sexual harassment, theft, and malfeasance. Bribery and conflicts of interest are common in the police force. Perceptions of police corruption in Southeast Asia show that Thailand's police are viewed as highly corrupt, with estimates suggesting 40-50% of the public perceiving corruption within the force. This places Thailand on par with Myanmar and Cambodia, while countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are perceived as less corrupt. The most common forms of corruption by the RTP are bribery, embezzlement, extortion, promotion buying, trafficking, levying illegal "taxes", planting or threatening to plant evidence, and acting with impunity. Take care and be informed. If I was the OP I would be sure that I performed a solid due diligence on the attorney as much of his fate rests upon attorney representation and management of the attorney to avoid surprises. 🙏

I know the Pajero from my years in China. The Pajero was often used by the PRC army special police and the "black hand" forces that patrol through areas like Xinjiang. The Mitsubishi Pajero is no longer in production. After a run of over 40 years, Mitsubishi discontinued the Pajero in 2021. Some of the most reliable engines used in the Mitsubishi Pajero over the years include: Mitsubishi 4D56 Diesel The 2.5-liter 4D56 diesel engine is considered one of Mitsubishi's most reliable. It was featured in the Pajero, Delica, and L200 from the mid-1980s until 2016. Owners report lifespans exceeding 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Mitsubishi 4G94 Petrol The 2.0-liter 4G94 four-cylinder petrol engine was used in Pajeros and other Mitsubishi models in the 2000s. It produced up to 144 hp and was known for its reliability, with Chinese automaker Hawtai continuing production until 2015 after Mitsubishi stopped making it. Mitsubishi 6G74 Petrol The 3.5-liter 6G74 V6 petrol engine appeared in the Pajero and L200 over a long production run. It was known for its durability, handling towing and off-road use well. Hyundai also licensed the engine for use in their vehicle. In general, both the petrol and diesel engines used in the Mitsubishi Pajero over its four generations have a reputation for reliability. With proper maintenance, Pajeros could rack up high mileages before major issues arose.

Bonafides Retired. Prior: executive vp for a 105 billion USD multinational supply chain engineering & delivery organization and 3 additional supply chain organizations with experience in international expansion, M&A, integration, government relations, and operations. I mention this as none of my experience (including 20 years in Asia) tells me what many of you have written in 1 sentence or less, ain't gonna happen. This government and economy would be challenged to pass a thorough business risk assessment. I also would suggest the money hungry oligarchs focus on a strategy of a better system of education, acknowledgement and plan to act on endemic corruption, lessen businesses restrictions, break the monopolies, accept a real democracy, shrink the bloated law enforcement structures, get rid of selective law enforcement & enforce the law uniformly,and so much more. Then there is always the option to become another vassal state for Xi's plans which would further cement the oligarchs grip on power. Technology is a big and wide term. What specifically? Design, ok if sufficient talent, cloud server farms? Obviously a big no, etc. This effort looks like more busy work for the uniforms (state professionals). Follow the leaders: root out corruption, improve education, improve infrastructure, greatly reduce the bloated government and military structures. A complicated subject that would fill 100 pages of ideas and feasibility plans, so nuff said. Thailand has great potential that will only be fulfilled with real servant leadership. My 2 cents.

A number of years ago I went swimming off Karon Beach. I am an experienced swimmer. There were no red flags. I recognized a few very strong discrete under tow currents. The conditions were clearly unsafe for novice, weak, and children swimmers. One needs to exercise caution even with no red flags or low wave height. Don't swim in dicey waters especially if you are under the influence of any intoxicants. Common sense. Use it.

In my experience the information is correct. The China visa center on Rama IX is large and set up to facilitate relatively quick visa turnaround despite the high volumes of applicants. I have applied and have been granted visas a few times. The set up is impressive and English, Thai, Spanish, and Mandarin are spoken.

Massive corruption waiting in the wings. What's next call center back rooms ala Kokang and Preah Sihanouk? Just what a superstitious consumer indebted society needs. To each their own yet I see a large under educated population about to be fleeced. Gambling is a tax on the mathematically challenged.

Difficult for the park rangers or RTP to enforce the law when there is fractional enforcement. These public positions are staffed with "clockers" who prefer tea with their phone movies. It appears there is very little enforcement and therefore they are reacting. Special divisions do better such as the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and the Crime Suppression Bureau. To be fair has anyone seen regular foot patrols in any hotspot areas e.g. Pattaya, Patong,Romklao, to name a few.

I won't be surprised to find out that these Chinese men are not tourists. Just a supposition. 8 Chinese men executing a coordinated attack. Prachinburi close to Cambodia. Organized crime?

A UPS usually fulfills 2 key requirements, providing surge protection and a specified number of minutes of battery back up until the normal power resumes. The design doesn't perform the function of providing power for extended periods. The UPS is a very short term electrical bridge so that steps can be taken for continuity and to power down safely in the event the external power doesn't resume quickly. The UPS doesn't provide nearly 3 hours of power. If you have long electrical downtimes, >10 minutes, then you probably need a small generator and good power surge protector or UPS with a built in power surge protection like the APS model suggested earlier in this thread. I am not a IT technical expert yet I have managed technical IT groups. If a more savvy IT person can correct what I have suggested or points to any misconception then thanks.

Shameful. Boycott their poison if you are ignorant enough to drink it. Red bull is a health hazard.