Wrwest

Understandable that Trump and his ilk attack anything attached to the idea of intelligence. It really is quite sad how they laud up ignorance as a virtue.

When first retiring to Thailand I was told that most, if not all were either mercenaries, missionaries or misfits. Nothing in my background of the first two so I am figuring I am a misfit.

If the humidity is up, I find running the air unit on the “dry” setting brings a greater comfort most of the time and is less expensive to rum. Now, new house going into the hot-dry season … we’ll see.

Reading many of the comments on ASEAN Now, while entertaining, does bring forth the absurd hypocrisy of some. Denouncing the “woke” censorship while supporting the removal of books from libraries and subjects allowed to be discussed in the classroom (you know in a state ,”where “woke” goes to die”. Then there is the observation of a younger generation engrossed in victimhood while in the US, the most vocal claim to being victimized is a man in his 70s. Ya gotta appreciate the humor …

While I do not have the medical condition the poster states, I have come up with a challenge this year in applying for an Extension of Stay based on Marriage to a Thai national. As most are aware, there is quite a hefty number of pages and each needs to be signed, in blue ink. I found my hand not responding well after the first dozen pages. It is a wonder to me that my signature would stand up under any court proceeding … same thought has occurred when asked to sign using only my finger to make a signature. Under court questioning, I can imagine it going something like, “Professor West, is this your signature?! And my reply, under oath … “maybe”, who can tell.

Just paid usual price today at Tops on Monte Clare box wine. Maybe because it is a blend. Did not check the comparative price on the bottles.

Heart patient also but without diabetes concern. I take Miracid for occasional heartburn.

Only for all of us to realize that here again, Immigration Office handling varies. Being curious, I asked the agency handling my Extension of Stay I I was listed as an "O-A Visa" holder. Of course they could be wrong, but they relied that I was now listed as holding an "O Visa". Whatever works, I do not need the "O-A Visa" insurance requirement.

Dad's quote was similar. "It's not the size of the magicians wand but how the magician waves it".

Good to know. As we are aware. Immigration Office interpretations vary.

We have common ground.

Very funny ... work = physical labor. You were probably better off financially. Thus I had to retire to a lower cost country. Out priced in the USA.

True, but any issue with me ... paperwork a bother but worth saving the 11,400 baht non-useable insurance. Lower financial requirements but ... ha! we spend the 65K I bring in each month anyway so the lower limit does not come into play.

Just a footnote. As most are aware, it is difficult to find a hard and fast rule at immigration offices across Thailand. I intended to kill my O-A Visa (USA Retirement) as you suggest and, upon returning from a trip abroad, switch to the O Visa for Retirement to stop the insurance requirement (I looked on this as an (11,400 baht premium) additional tax. With a 200K deductible and excluding pre-existing conditions, it was unusable). In the month before departure an agency noted that I could switch to an O marriage in country before taking the trip. So, I am currently renewing the Extension of Stay on the O Marriage Visa with no insurance requirement.

I'm thinking your "social score rating" will take this anti-social attitude into account. "Vie have our days to make you conform ..."

Ah yes, decades ago Charles Dickens warned me through the character of Christmas Present of doom as a result of Want and Ignorance. I count myself as a student of history as Historians are credited with researching and writing history. Still, bottom line, after a lifetime of studying and teaching history, I do believe I certainly know a lot more history than most. But, no thank you, I do not care for a "pissing contest".

Hmmm, yes, I do believe so many having made a lifetime of study of the American Presidents are to be given credence. The rejection of such is exactly the reason MAFA yes are recognized as rejecting knowledge in favor of ignorance based on emotional feelings rather than fact. And so it goes ...

I think because they do not hear or see anyone else giving voice to their pent-up, justified frustration/anger. Keep in mind they are driven by emotion not reason.

I have used the monthly income of at least 65K baht from abroad each moth for over a decade. Even after switching to extension based on marriage because we spend at least that much each month. Why not the "easier 800K or 400K? Up until recently I had better than 400K in the bank but we just used that and more to make a house downpayment. I'll begin again building the savings here over time. Could I just transfer the needed amount now? Hmm, yes, but that would require selling investments and paying taxes on the proceeds. No, better financial thinking to leave the investments earning dividends and use the monthly. USA, Social Security into my US account. Retirement funds (no "pension" Minimum Required Distribution into same account. Then once a month I direct Wise to withdraw $2200.00 from my bank and they deposit it in my Bangkok Bank Account (always cite the reason for the transfer as long term living expense on the Wise transfer so that BKK always credits it as FTT. Works for me.

Check the source.

5 by-passes in 2005 (inherited cholesterol issue). Retired to Thailand in 2011 and I was a fat boy in the candy shop. While my Urologist in the USA laughed when I told him I took 25mg as a helper, he said I could just sniff at the pill and get much of the same affect. Arriving in Thailand, when the mood and company suited, it was not a concern. Found a steady girl and some days, morning, noon and night. Fast forward 12 years ... and after additional heart attack here in 2015, things have slowed down. On blood pressure 1/2 pill daily. Checked with my Cardiologist and use the following plan. BP pill and the blue helper always taken 12 hours apart. Blue pill the night before, blue pill on the following morning ... works for me. Actually, I can get a shot off in the morning and one in the afternoon. Then the BP pill that evening. Still some residual effect through the next morning but I would be hesitant to press my luck with staying power. Anyway, currently a happy camper ... but then no longer any everyday target practice at age 77.

2022 we spent the month in Koh Samui. I found staying in one place that long was not for me. Next monthlong stay in Thailand, I think we will break it up in different locations. 2023 monthlong travel in SE USA states so 3 nights in Atlanta, 5 nights around Disneyworld. Then driving to Kennedy Space Center, St. Augustine, Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Montecello, Chincoteague, Williamsburg and Jamestown. Last week in Washington, D.C.

I want the background hum even now during the cool-hot season with temperatures in the teens here in Chiang Mai. Recently moved into new house, the Daiken new air conditioners do not run the fan constantly in "Dry Mode" so ... I have been turning air on for a bit before bed. During the night I hit "Fan Only". Will have to see what setting will work for us in the hot-hot season.

Sadly, these types of incidents will only win greater support for the authoritarian right wing parties. Certainly, there is cause to aggressively address the issue but I fear the emotional, gut based reaction motivating a majority to forswear reason in a knee jerk move to authoritarian government model. This is the basis for my thinking that the Chinese government model is far too attractive ... we give you peace and economic security ... we do not tolerate any discord with our ruling. Thomas Hobbes versus John Locke in the classic debate as to the purpose of government.

Skip seems to ignore that it was the Republicans who demanded border legislation tied to any defense bill funding. When handed to them by the bipartisan Senate bill ... it is they who refuse to bring the bill before the House for debate and a vote. Sad ... the current Republican Party is a disaster for the GOP.