Wrwest

I supported the USA taking military action against Afghanistan as they did allow/support the training bases used by those who attacked the USA. However, having been exposed to a bit of history, I opposed any idea of staying and trying to change the culture in the image of western democracy types. Not an idea consistent with known history.

I am caught in a dilemma. While I support democracy (the will of the majority of a citizen population), I also hold those same populations responsible for the actions taken by their representative governments. It matters not if the citizens support or acquiesce to those actions. This is on my mind in looking at all nations, including my own. For example, I hold the people of Gaza responsible for Hamas actions ... equally I hold the citizens of Israel responsible for their government's actions. Russians? Haiti? The list can be applied widely ...

I lean toward, "I will deal with this if it comes to pass". Any concern is due to having retired to lower cost of living Thailand as I cannot afford to live a retired working middle class life in my own country. As an American, I am required by US Law to report worldwide income annually. I continue to do so but, under US law, my tax return results in no income tax owed. The Kingdom of Thailand is discussing taxing me as a tax resident? The issue arises that my income would result in a Thai income tax as transferring around 1 million baht annually ... irony in this ... saving grace? Tax Treaty to protect from double taxation but ... not sure how this will all shake out. Jai, yen, yen ...

Nor would I as I had a good childhood growing up in a blue collar, union family. But that is different from asking about specific events on specific dates ... well, at least it certainly would be for me.

A very strong case can be made that money has totally corrupted the American institutional ideals. Starting with the need for money to get elected ... then the donating to you campaign CEO comes to you or sends word that a piece of prosed legislation will hurt his business. Justice system ... those who can afford the high priced attorneys versus getting the appointed Public Defender for the same charges ... equal justice (never mind penalties heavier for minorities = say various drug use). Educational system ... same potential mental capability but different finaancial resources. The income/wealth gap overall. Medical access ... financial resources get far different health outcomes in the country with the highest medical cost (including pharmaceuticals) in the world ... and so it goes ... Each needing to be addressed, each being ignored in varying degree by both major political parties. Thus Trump's appeal ... giving voice to the justified frustration/anger within the working middle class. Each can be addressed, lessening the affect but ... I seriously fear the loss of my country as a result of the power holders/wealthy bringing us to this point in history (ultimately, each American citizen of voting age is responsible for allowing this evolvement).

Now here is a case of insult to the Thai nation and the monarchy. A theft at a Wat?! Sad indeed.

Up to the Thai citizens to ultimately decide but ... if I were filing an Amicus Brief, it would point out that the current law has been missed for political aims for years, which in itself insulted by allowing the misuse the protective law.

I have always been amused? at folks drinking = aggressive. Joked with the girls about my wine drinking ... 1st glass = relaxed. 2nd glass = Hmm, amorous. 3rd glass = they are safe again as I will fall asleep. Obviously a light weight!

Same, same but different. I had used Wise for over a decade. Authorized them, once a month, to withdraw $2200 USD from my USA bank and they transferred it directly into my Bangkok Bank Acct. No worries. Last month ... nope. After going round and round, here was the problem. Wise began using "Plaid", evidently an intermediary company to withdraw my USA bank funds. Seems my USA bank did not allow "Plaid" to withdraw funds (Plaid does not list my USA bank as a partner bank). End of Wise relationship ... did a Wire Transfer (my USA bank does not charge), directly into my BKK Bank Acct. (comes in as FTT). Ordered in eve USA Eastern time, arrived in the next morning BKK time. Cost? BKK Bank charges 200 baht + they do not give as good an exchange rate as Wise. Still under $20.00 fUSDor my monthly transfer.

I recognize this is for Brits to deal with as I am a Yank. I would point out that, while I am in Thailand at my own volition, I cannot afford to be retired in the USA. OK, at least with a working middle class level, whereas I can here in Thailand. I am thinking there are many others, including Brits in the same boat, unable to afford costs in there homeland. Thank you for providing the history.

I recognize this is for Brits to deal with as I am a Yank. I would point out that, while I am in Thailand at my own volition, I cannot afford to be retired in the USA. OK, at least with a working middle class level, whereas I can here in Thailand. I am thinking there are many others, including Brits in the same boat, unable to afford costs in there homeland.

I agree, Walker. My thoughts, however, also reflect on where that hate and rejection of the American system stems from. I suspect that those of us who want to see Trump and his ilk rejected, are also open to recognizing serious issues within our system. I am thinking that if a substantial number of citizens believe or can be so easily convinced on the basis of evident shortcomings that the system is failing to address their needs ... well, that therein lies the problem. Oh, I do not agree that all is lost, but I do have to recognize the serious faults ... politicians reliant on money to get elected being influenced in the passing of legislation, a justice system where having money to pay the "dream team of lawyers vs the public defender, 50 states different education systems reliant on money from property taxes resulting in a deep divide between rich/poor communities. An immigration system and Social Security system that has seen both major political parties "kick the can down the road" resulting in ateetering future.There is a lot of systematic changes that must be made if we are to prevent collapse.

I respect your call. It is a bit of irony as a critical piece of this case is dealing with the coverup of dealing with a porn star ... so porn comments are more difficult to parse, I would think.

Agree, Tug ... Then again, hmm, I did want to see a knock down election outcome where (I had hoped) the vast majority of American citizen voters would have soundly rejected him and his ilk. This and the retention of "secure" documents, section interference may well allow enough "wiggle room" for many of those Republicans running for office to rewrite their stories before the election (I'm thinking, for example, those who appeared at the trial in his defense).

I'm thinking, not trapped ... an illogical choice ...

Appears to me that there was just reasoning that Buddha taught the "middle way". Here we see the result of seeking too much in the way of Thailand tourism self aggrandizement. the key for Thailand's natural attributes in the tourism, retirement and medical care realms is sustainability. The potential is there if supporting policies are put in place ... right ...

Thank you. The idea that all parents are as capable to teach flies in the face of reality. OK, I am rather prejudiced but based on 41 years teaching at the US middle school, high school and college undergraduate levels.

While not an international tax attorney, if I read Articles 20 & 21 of the USA-Kingdom of Thailand Tax Treaty correctly, my solely USA retirement income from government sources is exempt. I am thinking I will wait for the Thai government to come to get me ... and they can deal with my Thai Wife and Stepdaughter. Ha!

This is a great example of the political misuse of that law. Ironically, it is the misuse that, in itself, reflects poorly on the Kingdom of Thailand.

Just checked using my MacBook Air and Safari without VPN. No issue, opened immediately.

Awaiting invitation for Permanent Residency status as a retiree over 10 years in the Kingdom of Thailand and married to a Thai citizen. Right ... not holding my breadth.

Exercises to strengthen back muscles on either side of the spine might help. At age 77, I'm getting Arthritis flare ups, walking actually helps my lower back ... but the hips can be a pain (literally).

Which of the 94 counts in the citizen Grand Jury indictments do you think is wrongly decided by the citizen Grand Jury? (really just a rhetorical question). We will see what the citizen Jury Trials decisions will be. guess it boils down to if we trust other American citizens to weigh the evidence and decide if the charges are proven or not. Personally, I still hold out hope in the majority of my fellow citizens ... thus I hope to be in the decided majority in the November Presidential election.

I understand this to be generally true, however, as a student of history there are so many things I have learned in my studies long ago that I have forgotten. For example, only bits and pieces remain of the languages ... German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Czech. Still handy in the pub to order red wine in those languages and flirt a bit with the waitress so she will remember to bring the drinks. Ha!

While I oft use the "Dry" setting, I have not done a monthlong comparison ... and month to month, weather varies so not worth my spending time on, in all honesty. I have relied on reading only.