2old4fixies

I reckon if Bitcoin has any physical property, it would be the energy used to operate and protect the network. Not the hardware that operates the mining or nodal networks, but the energy the runs the miners and nodes. Now, consider El Salvador with their volcanic geothermal energy, definitely observable and physical. Same goes for stranded natural gas burn offs, solar output stored in a battery, etc. Energy fuels the proof of work that is integral to Bitcoin. So really, it's not much of a stretch to say Bitcoin does at least have physical attributes. One thing I know for sure, Bitcoin can certainly be converted into just about anything one would need in the physical world.

I'm curious how many cycles they're using in the PCR tests. Run them beyond 30 and false positives become more common. Makes it pretty easy to stack that game.

The Thai government should've purchased those ASIC mining rigs that the Malaysian government steamrolled last month. Couple that with a vertical geothermal cooling system and they could create a steady wealth stream for years.

Thanks, Skypirate. In fact, instead of the seat tube I'd roll up the docs inside of the seat post itself so nothing might get pushed down further into the seat tube. I like your idea, even for some spare cash. Also, yes I have already decided to have a lawyer on retainer (for anything in general) plus that Thai Elite thingee has some features that would help.

I'd just rather avoid the hassle of dealing with anything legal. It's not worth my time. I'd prefer to pay off the cop and move along.

Valuable advice and love the images. I've been looking into retiring in Thailand for a few years now, and one of the first things I learned was to watch for those unfriendly runoff grates and mini-sinkholes in what appears to be otherwise glass smooth pavement. I will make a point learn the roads like a golf green or a hidden lake shoal. btw, these days, NYC is a ghost town, but crimes against people are way up. I used to drive from suburban Phila to Ft. Lee, and gleefully do centuries down to Coney Island, back up through Queens to Astoria and over to Central Park before heading back to NJ, hop in the car and head back. Just for the hell of it. Knew all the safe places to pee in public without getting caught???? Ahh, those days have passed.

Thanks, that's the vibe I'm getting. Once I settle in (never been to Asia) I'm sure I realize it was no big whoop.

I guess it was an absurd question. TBH, I generally don't carry any ID in my current (last in the USA) rides on a multi-use off-road lane with suburban roads mixed. I just don't see the need unless it's big city riding, which I no longer do. But overseas, certainly I would always want to comply with local laws regarding legally-accepted ID. My only concern regarded carrying a passport, and thanks to many of the responses on this thread, I now believe there's a solution that will preserve my original document passport. I do appreciate your comment and maybe I should carry some ID with me even in the safe confines of my soon-to-be-former locale.

Thank you for your response, I'm currently in the process of acquiring one of these.

I'm quite comfortable and capable in all the big NE US cities. Experienced many left hooks and right crosses by box trucks, phone-addled soccer moms, and <deleted> off dudes in 3/4-ton pickups. But those are no match for many Thai drivers. My MO is rural roads at sun up and be sitting by the pool with cold bev in hand by mid-AM. I'm hoping this keeps me out of most bad situations.

I agree, except for anything hanging around my neck????.

Yes, I just want to preserve my passport for Immigration and banking issues.

Good point, but I'm thinking anything made of paper is vulnerable to sweat or rain. From most of the responses I've read it looks like the combination of a laminated paper copy of passport, something called a "Pink Card" (which I'll now look into), and that Pacific Cross medical card (with passport number, something else I look to acquire) will be the answer.

Thanks, as I was not aware of this feature on the Pacific Cross card. That's the health care system I'm researching.

Thanks, your response is kind of how I'm interpreting it. I'm the kind of schlep that would become the use case for this law.

Thanks for your reply, and yes, I carry everything I need to take care of business (tube, easy patches, just enough tools, and beer money). I'm wondering if I'll need the tubes and tools for the bars and massage joints?

Agreed, plus now days there's those slimline wallets that will never be confused with George Castanza's wallet.

Once I arrive and learn how things work in Thailand, I'll probably realize I was over-thinking it. I'll be so happy not having to deal with snow, ice, and a lifetime of work obligations that I'll probably tip any cop that would fine me.

Maybe I'm being overly cautious and just want to get off to a good start as a newbie-expat, but the snark in me may want to tempt fate and see what happens should I be stopped without legally-excepted ID. Thanks for your response.

That was the dilemma that sparked my question. There are official rules and relaxed allowances. Whatever the solution I came up with, it will probably include some sort of laminated document along with plastic card(s) to back it up. Thanks for your input.

Thank you so much for this, I greatly appreciate it. I wasn't even aware of the "Pink ID" card so I'll look into it.

Thank you for your opinion, very helpful. Most of the roads west and south of Hua Hin look very appealing. I road several thousands of miles throughout NYC, Phila, DC, always with a bar-end mirror, in all kinds of traffic. Prefer not to be on multi-use paths and love the road. Thailand and Malaysia's road surfaces for the most part look excellent - no freakin' snow plows to screw things up. Maybe see you out pounding the pavement someday, so happy trails to you.

Yes, that's what I based my question from. I suppose also carrying "expedited fine payoff" cash might also work. Once I get familiar with the vibe there I'll adjust accordingly. I appreciate your cut-and-paste from the TPD.

That's rockin' good news, thank you. I'm sure once I arrive I'll figure it all out. I know the biggest concerns are being rear-ended, stalk-robbed, and those yapping dogs.