MangoKorat

Nope, it says 16 TOURISTS were being carried and 16 TOURISTS had been rescued buy 2 are missing.

Spot the maths problem - could it be that nobody is actually missing?

I'm not suggesting you would but I wouldn't waste my time doing any reporting if I was you. A mate of mine was in a similar position and was more than a bit miffed that his ex was using a visa that he'd paid for and done the application for her too. When he learned his ex was back in the UK, he called immigration - they agreed her visa was probably invalid but did nothing, probably couldn't be bothered. The only time when it seems there can be problems is at immigration on entry to the UK - after that, they don't seem bothered. I remember them giving my ex wife a proper grilling even though I was with her.

What I find difficult to understand is that things that would normally devastate the value of land in other countries, can often lead to massive increases in value in Thailand. Granted, some of those increases are very much 'hope value' but it does happen. My house lies between Pak Chong and Khao Yai, within 500m of the new M6 motorway (that will surely be completed one day). When I bought it, I probably paid a little more than it was worth but that didn't really matter, I bought it for the location and setting - rural and quiet yet within 10 minutes of civilisation. Then came the announcement about the M6 and values started to rise. When construction actually started, prices surged again. They seem to have levelled now but we still get plenty of Bangkokians driving round at weekends looking for house plots. The plot next door to me - just a small to average house plot, went on the market this year at 2 million baht! For me, the 'new road' as they call it, is the kiss of death and I'm probably going to sell up. If a new motorway was built close to your home in the UK, the value of your house would plummet - not in Thailand it seems. Things may not be as bad as the seemed at first - the road was advertised as an Elevated Highway but in fact, that seems to only apply to sections where it follows the existing Highway 2. Thankfully the section closest to my house is at ground level and the area between my house and the M6 contains a belt of trees. I also expect that noisy trucks will probably choose not to pay a toll and continue using Highway 2. Nevertheless, what was a rural location is now on its way to being swallowed up by the city - not what I want so I'm off. The problem is that whether they are real values or not, finding a reasonably priced plot within 10km of where I am, is impossible - people are asking crazy money for their land. Some will almost certainly not attract buyers at the asking prices but in Thailand, they seem to hang on to land rather than sell it for less than they THINK its worth. A lot of it arises, I believe, from the availability and cost of utility provision - + the time it can take to get electricity for example, to your plot even when money is no problem. Access to paved roads is also a major factor. This is probably why what is known as 'Ribbon Development' (development concentrated on or very close to a highway or road) is so prevalent in Thailand. I remember the first time I made a car journey from Bangkok to Pattaya (no highway 7 then) - just about the entire trip seemed to involve 'built up areas'. Little did I know that much of it only stretches a few metres back from the highway. So - when a new road is planned, I suppose its inevitable that land prices can explode.

Don't forget the ubiquitous shop houses - built in the middle of nowhere and empty. Next thing you know, someone builds an identical block 2km away - also empty. Good business that shophouse game .

Same everywhere in the country I believe. Kids from better off families in Pak Chong have to be driven to their schools in Korat because of the unreliability of what should be a simple and quick train journey. On one occasion my ex tried to travel in the reverse direction and when she asked what time the next train was, the station staff told her they didn't know - she took the bus.

Which floor are other sick prisoners treated on then? It must give members of the criminal fraternity great comfort to know that if they get locked up and fall sick, they can be assured of the best medical treatment. All the talk about harsh conditions in Thai jails must just be lies.

You seem to have a problem understanding the English language - either that or seeing your posts online gives you a feeing of grandeur. I was previously accused of dodging questions and I've simply explained why I didn't reply for a couple of days. I have placed 2 people who I refuse to debate further with on ignore - however, even when somebody is on ignore - notifications that they have posted are still received. On the offchance that some of those posts were aimed at me, I explained why I had not responded. Nothing wrong with that and no need for you to poke your nose in. You can now join them.

Are you simply short of things to say?

I get access to Qatar's business class lounges in Doha and I'm just a Gold Economy passenger.

Not quite correct. If she is questioned on entry and ANY of the reasons for granting her a visa in the first place have changed, she may be denied entry. The reason would have to be a material change - which in this case I believe it is. The OP says acted as sponsor on the original application - if he sponsored her financially and now does not, that it is a material change. Also, if the stated purpose of the visit was to visit the sponsor and she is no longer in a relationship with him, that is another material change. The visa application is decided based upon the information given at the time, if that changes it can invalidate the visa. However in practice, the immigration officer at the port of entry is more likely to simply check that she left on time last time but she is taking a chance each time she enters.

Not according to what I have been notified of. But if you are correct, then that's fine, I won't have been accused of dodging the questions as I was before - by someone who seemed to think he could demand immediate replies.

How about bombing the areas they are told to go to? How does that work then?

And you know that for a fact? Hamas terrorists don't always wear uniforms. Were any of the children who died today involved? To be justified, they would have to be killing the culprits. So by your 'justification' the 13 year old Palestinian girl who was killed yesterday, the one who's leg was blown off a month ago and both her parents killed - that was justified was it? But what the hell? They've killed a few thousand Hamas militants, its OK that around 18,000 civillians got in the way? Why should Egypt open the border? Why can't Israel let them out of the fence? What did I claim? I said he has come close, several times. There is no such thing. If civillians are present, the rules of engagement apply. What bias is that? I have stated several times that the killings on 7th October by Hamas were horrific. My bias is for life and for justice. I condemn all killing - either by state, terrorist or individual. As for the conflict in general, prior to 7th October my thoughts were that both sides needed a massive banging of heads. They both need to accept that they exist AND that they have a right to exist. Palestinians stating that they will not rest until the last Israeli is driven from the land is just pure stupid and ditto for similar thinking on the part of some Israelis. Pie in the sky maybe but without it, there will be no peace and no end to the killings on either side. However, I have read much about what has been going on over the last few years and I've also seen the news reports, heard Israel dragged over the coals at the UN for land grabbing. Are you aware of Israel's treatment of simple, ordinary Palestinians? That so called 'settlers' have been killing Palestinians very recently? Then there was Trump, he really stirred things up by moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem. In no way do I justify terrorist activity but I wonder what you or I would do in the face of an extremely well armed and powerful nation like Israel? What would we do if for years we'd had our land stolen and been pushed around, shot at, needed special permission for this and for that etc. etc. It not justification, but it is the reason. The 'occupied territory' is just that, occupied, occupied illegally by Israel since 1967 and they've been stealing more ever since but never moreso then under Netanyahu's watch. That will never lead to peace. Again, what can the Palestinians do about that? We may call them terrorists but neither of us has walked in their shoes. Sorry but your totally wrong on that one and clearly out of your depth. I have experience but rather than try pulling that one - just research military experts discussions of that - respected people with far more experience then me. Easy to find on Google. The recent escalation is a direct result of Netanyahu's ultra right wing policies. Just as the Palestinians are on the wrong planet if they think they can get rid of Israel, the same applies to the Israeli's. They have to find a solution, this has been going on for decades and all that happened is deaths. There will be some changes shortly after this conflict ends - Netanyahu's days were numbered before 7th October. If you get a moment, have a read of what the Israeli lawyer Daniel Seidemann has to say. I heard him on the radio yesterday and he makes a lot of sense. This link explains some of his thinking, I hope more like him can be found and peace can be brought to that troubled part of the world. Its s slim hope though. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/two-state-solution-would-mean-relocating-200000-settlers-says-israeli-lawyer-who-has-david-camerons-ear Do you not think that Israel's recent actions in Gaza will have almost certainly created a new generation of terrorists? I doubt you will give any serious consideration to any of the above but you should, if you believe in any kind of a balanced view. Some homework: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2017/06/israel-occupation-50-years-of-dispossession/

Pot, Kettle, Black. Adios.

Were Palestinian civillians responsible for kidnapping Israelis? Are you trying to use those images as an excuse for Israel's indiscriminate murdering of Palestinian women and children? Shame on you.

I rarely name call but you.....well you're clearly mentally challenged. I will tell you one last time, then you're on ignore so post away, I won't see your posts. So...... I have told you many times , I am not a jew hater (or a gay hater as you childishly state in another thread). It is common knowledge that the Jewish vote is very influencial in the USA. Quite how anyone even someone with low intellect, can construe that as hating jews is beyond me. I've tried not to use big words because you clearly have difficulty with anything other than the most basic language - 'big fat lie' are you a juvenile? If you don't know the importance of jewish votes - I suggest you read the link I posted from an academic that has studied the subject for many years. Without looking back, I believe the writer, Gil Troy is a professor and has studied in Haifa - that's a city in Israel, just thought I'd let you know. I'll debate with anyone - anyone that is, who, when presented with the truth, accepts it and doesn't try to claim that black's white. What Israel is doing in Gaza at the moment is disgraceful. There is no justification for what they are doing - they can't state that they are trying to minimize collateral damage and then use 1000lb bombs. Bombs of that size do not take out specific targets, they flatten whole blocks (and yes, I do know what I'm talking about on that subject). Children are dying every day for what? Because a terrorist organisation commited attrocities on 7th October? Palestinian civillians did not commit that crime - Hamas did. What you will see in the coming years though, is that many of those Palestinian children will become terrorists and attack Israel. What would your feelings towards Israel be if as a 6 year old boy, you'd seen your entire family wiped out in front of you. How would you feel if, along with that you were subjected to 24/7 bombing? No water, no sanitation, no food, no electricity. Netanyahu has come very close on several occasions to stating that he wishes to exterminate the entire Palestinian population. It is my belief, that if he had a free rein and wasn't concerned about losing US support, that is exactly what he would do. How many times has Israel told the Palestinians to move to one area, then bombed that area? Just to be clear to you and your buddy.......it is my opinion that what Israel is doing now, is nothing short of Genocide. People are not allowed to leave Gaza and they are being bombed - its like a bloody Turkey shoot, only it not a game, its real people that are being killed. Tell me this, why won't Israel allow independent observers in to Gaza? If the are behaving lawfully, what have they to fear? Its not even their damned land to deny people access to!! On the subject of the 3 Israelis that you say were shot by 'mistake' - just examine the reports will you. In no way was that a mistake. The rules of engagement, something I expect you know sod all about are very clear on how soldiers should behave in civillian areas. Can Israeli eyes not see a white flag? I repeat, the only reason we know about what happened is because they were Israelis. The very same thing will, I have no doubt, have happened hundreds of times but the victims will have been Palestinians - so that's alright then eh? Post away now, you're on ignore. I neither wish to nor do I have time to, debate with a blinkered lunatic that continually calls me a hater of one sort or another and ignores the facts. I prefer talking to adults.

Should I be worried? I'm going to work bud, post away. In the meantime, here's a little something to help your understanding - something Israel agrees with and seems proud of. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/05/middleeast/israel-hamas-military-civilian-ratio-killed-intl-hnk/index.html Note, the report is from 6 December. Enjoy your day.

It was an absolute opinion. Don't even dare tell me what I mean when I write. I never lie and I ain't about to start.

please let me know who's figures you will believe and I'll do my best to provide them. I suspect though, that you will simply pick through anything. What is a fact is that thousands of people, people who had nothing to do with the 7th October attack, are being killed and their homes and cities destroyed.

Given the news reports, many by the BBC which verify everything they report or state otherwise, are you suggesting that just a handful of people have been killed? The videos and photos would suggest a picture of utter devastation. Finished picking yet?

I did not deliberately miss out the number of terrorists. I have no idea how many died. 10 thousand, twenty thousand - what does it matter, they are huge figures.

Eh? what are you on about, read the correct post.

The opinon of a media outlet which is at odds with the dictionary meaning. 1 Israeli dead is too many - as is 1 Palestinian. May I remind you that this is not a competition, people are dying as we type. The figures are huge, no matter which source you use.

Listen, if you think I'm going to be baited by your stupid questions and comments, you're wrong - enough of that with the other idiot. The facts here, in this particular part of the discussion is that Israel shot and killed 3 unarmed men who were waving white flags. End of.