HappyExpat57

Well, allow me to retort. Without access to my social security number, no one can start new financial actions in my name. I did recently have an annoying occurrence of attempted theft. I booked a trip with China Airlines using a Wells Fargo credit card, and within 15 minutes I received alerts from Wells Fargo that someone had just charged some Jet Blue flights on the same card. I let them know I HAD booked the China Airlines flight but not the Jet Blues. It would appear some unscrupulous China Airlines employee tried helping themselves on my dime. The card was cancelled and a new one sent, problem averted. I also check all my active accounts first thing every morning after a good night's sleep. As for anything else regarding privacy? If they really want to mine for my boring details, they are welcome to them.

I got nailed with a serious data breach years ago and learned about locking down my social security number using Experian. It's a nuisance and costs about $10 USD/month, but I sleep better now.

Any of the optical shops in town will get you a reliable prescription and perform basic tests for glaucoma and cataracts. Anything more, I've gone to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and been reasonably satisfied.

If you play anywhere in public, a work permit might be required. One of those adoring little features immigration likes to hold over our heads.

I worked a while as a sound technician for Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruise Lines. On the first day of each new cruise we were to greet the guests (GAWD forbid if we ever referred to them as "customers!") with a hearty, "Welcome aboard." We morphed it to "Welcome, I'm bored." I've since gone back for 6 or 7 day cruises, any more than that and you go stir crazy. Also keep in mind - space is at a premium. Three to a room? Most likely only one at a time can stand up to change clothes. Before committing to such a contract you might want to try a one-week cruise to get a feel for it.

Currently holding a billion gajillion baht in cash, but it's never enough.

I ain't givin' you no tree fiddy you goddamn loch ness monster!

That's a LARGE stash? Back in the day, that was a normal weekend's supply for, um, a friend. Yeah, it was a friend.

One of the largest religious cults in the world performs ritualistic cannibalism on a weekly/monthly basis.

I bought a corner lot about 40 meters square in a village near Sa Kaeo. First year tax was 8 baht.

... Followed the money - he makes up for it by buying a boatload of pizzas.

No weed stores in Chanthaburi. Legal, not legal - no one here cares.

Some folks are just arguments looking for a place to land. Usually lonely bored alcoholics.

I've never seen a single government program that addresses the problem of abused and/or neglected children. Doesn't mean there aren't any, rather they are just real good at hiding if they're around.

The only experience I have regarding care of unwanted kids is the Father Ray Foundation where I used to volunteer. Everything I saw indicated the foundation took great care of their wards and the kids looked well fed and as happy as could be expected.

Remember what it was like before you were born? Heaven is exactly the same.

So this is what passes for a tuk tuk nowadays? Must be cuz they legalized weed.

You cared enough to post a reply.

The trouble is, when you combine alcohol and boredom, these comments are the result.

In case you didn't know (I didn't) - tl:dr = too long; didn't read Learn something every day whether you want to or not.

The point was I THINK about smacking them but DON'T! We all have dark places we go and controlling our behavior is the choice we make.

You really need to reconsider offering advice to someone when you don't know all the facts. Your situation involved kids who will react to your tactics. The two I was referring to couldn't care less about little behavior marks. I tried the "writing 100 times 'I will not be a naughty student'" and that had no impact. I tried contacting the parents only to find out the parents couldn't care less. I genuinely worry about one in particular bringing a gun to class to shoot me. The other has the deadest eyes in a youth I have ever seen. I only have seven more classes with them then they are out of my life and I'll breathe a little easier.

It will be a deterrent to others. If you spank your kid when they deserve it, then later on when they pick up a brick to throw through a window, their ass will hurt and they'll remember "bad behavior results in punishment." Really surprised you can't see that. This is a basic tenet of any justice system.

I used this outfit to do mine about two months ago. They immediately saw an error that would have caused my passport renewal to be denied and I'd have to start the process all over again. The website says UK and Thai, but they also do US passports. Just off Soi Buakhao. Money well spent! https://thaivisa-express.com/

I thought I felt a disturbance in the force. Thais everywhere will be in a panic. How else will they reduce the potency of all that powdered chili they pour on their food?