Jingthing

But now that I know my new passport package is headed to or already in Bangkok, I have some possible issues. First question -- In your experience within the last year or two, has the Bangkok embassy sent you an email to tell you when they have mailed the package back to your address? Currently that could only be with a Thai Post courier envelope. Second question -- For passport processing issues is the Consular Contact Form on the embassy website the only way to contract the embassy? Or is there a specific email for passport processing or even a phone number? My case -- some possible weirdness with my Thai post purchase of courier envelope. So logging into my Thai Post account I of course still have confirmation that I bought and paid for an envelope. It was required to send email proof of this to the embassy with the passport package. So I have the order number. HOWEVER, Could just be bad design but currently on Thai Post website it doesn't look as if the envelope has been shipped to the embassy. It might mean (hopefully) that the current screen is about the actual use of the envelope from the embassy to me. There is now a tracking number related to the order. It's not made clear if that tracking number is about the envelope being shipped to the embassy or the envelope with package being mailed to me. The embassy website indicates that the latter tracking number will be sent to me in a separate email. I did try to track with the number that shows on my order history at Thai Post but got not found. An obvious explanation is that I'm very premature in checking, but there is enough weirdness / confusing info as stated about that I have concerns. I assume (hopefully) that the embassy would contact me when they receive the new passport IF they never received the courier envelope. Any feedback / recent experiences with similar appreciated.

Update: I was concerned that given the staff cuts at the State Department and also as we're getting into more peak traveling season in the U.S. that the long reported really fast turn around times for renewal from Thailand may have changed. Well so far so good. So people can consider this a fresh report that seems to indictate that these passports from abroad are getting priority treatment even though we can't buy expedited service from abroad. Specifically -- 24 days from my passport package arriving at the Bangkok embassy to an email from the State Department indicating the new passport package is being sent back.

We're not sending our best people.

Another label word to describe the Trump 2.0 regime. PATRIMONIALISM A word new to me. Connecting so well to the topic, it is asserted that Putin has been run Russia in a patrimonialist manner through most of his very, very, very long rule. But now transitioned to something more authoritarian because of the war. I don't think this patrimonialism theory in any way refutes the use of the word Putinization to describe Trump's maga movement. It actually enhances it.

More scapegoating of minority groups by the vile maga fascist Trump regime. Navy set to rename USNS Harvey Milk, mulls new names for other ships named for civil rights leaders - CBS News www.cbsnews.com/news/navy-new-name-usns-harvey-milk-ships-named-for-civil-rights-leaders/ Harvey Milk for those who don't know was the martyred gay civil rights activist who was basically the Martin Luther King for American gay people. He was also a U.S. Navy Veteran who of course while serving had no choice but to be in the closet. Later he was the first OPENLY gay American to be elected to political office then murdered by a homophobic political rival who also murdered the San Francisco mayor. Truly a historic figure. This is basically telling gay Americans -- you aren't equal Americans, you aren't "real" Americans, the maga fascist movement is out to screw you and not in a good way. Done during Pride Month to add salt to the wound. Typical -- with maga cruelty and aggressive idiocy is the point.

25 days is plenty of time to send and receive documents from the embassy to the state department and back. Embassies have special US mail protocols. Embassies don't produce passports except for emergency travel ones if you lose your passport only good for travel back to the US.

Conspiracy theory garbage above. If Russia uses a nuke everything.changes.

Ironically or perhaps not ironically Putin's poodle Trump is ALSO in hiding.

That would mean the end of Russia. Even friendlies like India and China would then cut Russia off.

Thailand wants quality tourists.

Active bigotry.

Very negative attitude.

I'm feeling that you and others are carrying ill will towards LGBTQ people. Can't just ignore topics like this if you aren't interested. Got to attack and insult. Sad.

Hopefully Ukraine has more to "give" to the bridge project.

Congratulations Thailand! This is great for their soft power branding. They definitely deserve a chance at hosting World Pride in future. Currently it's in Washington D.C. which given what's happened there, kind of doesn't deserve it.

Don't be stingy with the lube innit.

Russians love a strong man. They've never had democracy. Putin is looking weaker and weaker now. Uh oh for him!

Did that. Now I've got my stash. Thanks again.

I thought it was fake news at first, but yeah it's always a tempting target. https://youtu.be/T6Amm5MmL2g

I haven't been to the region in a very long time but before visited Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay very briefly, and Argentina. But I keep a watch on it. Overall as a generality yes crime is more of a concern in Latin America than Thailand. I would suggest not bothering with Costa Rica. It's gotten relatively very expensive for the region, crime is on the increase, and the food is among the most boring in the world. If looking for similar scenery probably Panama or parts of Colombia would be better. Didn't say purpose of the trip. If it's to scout out retirement and/or long term expat destinations the itinerary should be different than just for tourism. For example, if you're a foodie Peru is a big draw. I do have a very important tip. Research vaccine requirements between Latin American countries very carefully! I don't recall the details but I've seen a number of reports of people not knowing about yellow fever vaccine requirements and not being able to travel to their desired country. You can't just get it last minute. This is about BETWEEN nations there. You won't need it coming from Thailand to any country there. Or you could get the jab before going to the region and then no problem. However not really so safe for older people.

Yeah, that was a mix-up. But given the reality, I'm sure people know what I meant.

If that happens, that is a lot and has the potential to significantly change the momentum of this war. The Putin propagandists here think it's only about real estate on the front lines. Nope.

He has zero credibility and he can't ever get any back.

Russia doesn't want peace either. They want to completely control Ukraine. Their ideology can't imagine a Russia without Ukraine. To get Russia in line, you've got to flippin' BEAT them in this war.

Trump will do nothing to upset his poodle Putin. HOWEVEVER, more and more there is a good chance that the U.S. congress will pass a VETO PROOF bill of bone crushing sanctions on Russia (energy and finances, secondary on those dealing with Russia). Then he can tell his poodle -- it wasn't me, dear one.