Wrwest

I cannot dismiss the fear that I might lose my country. Very concerned as I take seriously my DNA going back to the 1600s, before the founding and being a student of American and European History. What is taking place is based on sheer ignorance. I do understand and share the frustration/anger within the working middle class but ... reacting on the basis of emotion threatens my country's very existence.

Your Yank Cousin here. Been here 13 years so, new US Passport and new number. Did not address the change of Passport number (2021) until I just went for my new 5 year Driver Licenses (MB and Car). The only thing that came up was the renewal officer sent me to bring her copies of the page in my old Passport noting the change to a new Passport number (might have been noted on a 90 Day Report). Anyway, never experienced being asked for Passport on any Chiang Mai road Police Checks. They just looked at the valid License and sent me on my way.

Yes, I know this and cold hard cash will get me a cups coffee but I wish my 13th Cousin well. Both as a person and one sharing some DNA from a distant forbear.

Someone should face “loss of face” for this headline. The English language used here says the plunge resulted in her death.

I have not faced this as yet. My experience was having the attorney draw up my Will and a Prenup Agreement. I was told the Prenup needed to be registered at the time the marriage was registered at the Amphor Office. At the Amphor Office the official refused to attach the Prenup stating that this was against Thai Marriage Law. I called the agency where the Attorney worked and they sent a rep to state it was a legal document. Refused ... as most will know witnesses were neighbors to be present at the marriage recording. Out of consideration for them, I made my statement about a Licensed Thai Attorney drew up the agreement but I did not decline from registering our marriage. I do not think it was attempt at payment for facilitating, rather I think it was a matter of ignorance not knowing the law.

Taking legal action in Thailand as this type of case would not be entertained in any Australian court … or am I wrong in this assumption?

Too early to tell but my guess is it will have no effect on tourism unless, as stated, there is societal unrest. No, the most serious effect will be on the Kingdom of Thailand losing face among other nations who recognize the current law has been misused.

Recognizing that this in the hands of Thai citizens, not me as a guest, I am saddened to see such a ruling. Calling for amending the law was not anywhere near calling for an end of the Monarchy. Amending the law would actually enhance the status of the Kingdom of Thailand by being more consistent with the legal outlook of at least the overwhelming number of democracies. Yes, I both recognize the political background and attitude involved but ... not being in any way protected by "academic freedom" due to being retired and not under my own countries regulations ... I do not comment further.

Having just updated my Will and entered into a house purchase on contract, I asked the Thai Attorney what would happen in the case of my Thai Wife's death. We were told, without a Will, myself as husband, her Daughters (2), Brother and Parents would inherit. I could continue to live in the house as long as there was no agreement between the others to sell the interest in the house. I plan to have a Will made, stating that the house interest would go solely to her youngest Daughter (my Stepdaughter) who is a student 18 years old and resides with us. To protect my interest I might pay the remaining house debt and have my Stepdaughter agree to a usufruct allowing my continued living in the house.

What I also find interesting is that I had not known of my 4 significant others in the years before we met (duh, naturally enough) but then never saw them again anytime after we broke up. If we were such at a distance, never in the same social circles, never visiting the same places when we were together ... strange. Not exactly ships passing in the night? Shortest of those relationships lasted 4 years, longest 27 years.

Earlier in January renewed both car and motorbike licenses in CM for another 5 years. A little over an hour (movie runs 45 minutes).

I had heard it said, “more bounce to the ounce”. But the attraction for me, as I am “vertically challenged” remains petite females. Met my Wife when she was 37 kilos … yes, 26 years my junior, no at my advanced state of age not robbing the cradle (think Michael Douglas and his Wife). I was traumatized by fat ever since Mom cut out the “husky” tag from childhood jeans. I am still traumatized every time I pass a mirror not in my old age.

Fond memories and I am reminded of the bar every time I rewatch, “Bangkok Dangerous”. My intro to Thailand and the attention from cute Thai girls (yes, who were making a living) sold me on retiring in Thailand. Satisfied then and now married to my cute Thai girl (and no, met after I had retired here for 6 years and had grown past the bar girls attraction).

Agreed. When I first came in 2009, I certainly enjoyed talking to the pretty girls and buying them a lady drink was to help compensate them for their time and attention in the bar. Some led to more, some not.

AI is truly a double edged sword. This is a definite example of the negative. We can only hope that those using AI to place a person at an event, in a situation, etc will be abl to be ferried out by forensic experts. But think of the skill, the time required for such work. It will be a lot easier to make a false representation than to establishing the falsity and then the originator.

A reminder for all … An independent citizen Grand Jury found enough evidence to warrant a trial. A separate independent citizen Trial Jury found he was responsible for causing damage and had to pay. It was a Civil Case not a Criminal Case but two separate citizen juries … no way to say everyone involved in the sentence was in on a “conspiracy”!

Hmm, is it “nitpicking” or attempting to understand a poster when they confuse the attempt at communication without using the correct spelling or grammar? Just raising the question.

Just a question as I was not in the Kingdom of Thailand in 2006 … were there protests opposing the Coup d’etat overthrowing the elected government at that time?

“This development is expected to alleviate the chronic overcrowding at Immigration offices across the country.” I respectfully submit and even more effective addressing of the overcrowding. … 90 Day Reports by foreigners will only be required if having changed address and/or re-entering the country. Fortunately for me, I find the drive up window at Chiang Mai Immigration easy. I doubt I would spend less time doing so by computer.

Let me recommend reviewing the years of the Iraq - Iran War.

Hmm, I hear you, however, I cannot fault Biden for responding to defending against Houthi initiated attacks on shipping in international waters, nor responding to attacks on Americans in Iraq. I recommend some semblance of balance in your outlook.

I have twice had my Thai partners received US Tourist Visas without issues. The first in 2013 with my GF. We were, however going on a Round the World trip (used my accumulated air miles) going to the US, Europe, Turkey, India and home to Thailand. She took my cover letter and airline ticket confirmation. Last April my Thai Wife and Thai Stepdaughter (17 and still in school) traveled to the US SE Coast for one month. Again, cover letter, RT air tickets. I sent a folder of documentation but it was not looked at … 10 Year Tourist Visas without issue.

Hmm, my 3BB 631.30 a month included unlimited internet so there are no additional phone access charges. I use the iPhone GPS a lot when driving to unknown locations. I use Skype internet calling for the rare home country phone conversations.

The alcohol sale ban here had me reflecting on alcohol sale ban in Western Kentucky. No alcohol sale on Sunday because ... god. Before that no stores allowed to open before noon on Sunday because ... god - you are supposed to be in church heathen! Hypocrisy? Of course, some counties bannd all alcohol sales (dry counties). Cross over the county line and you could buy (wet counties). Ah the foolishness of the human spirit. as to the Thai ban from 2-5? I would favor all sit down restaurants being exempt from the 2-5 ban.

5'6" and thinking at age 76 (77 years old next month). Head taller than my late Mother and half a head taller than my late Father. I'll thank you for not starting to sing the song, "Short people have no reason for living ..." ha!