Jingthing

Well such big events are great for tourism and the economy so it's a no brainer for all levels of Australian government to support them. Also in the wake of a global fascistic backlash against LGBT civil rights in such places as Russia, Hungary, and the USA Australia is projecting good will soft power with such a parade. Similar to what Tel Aviv has been doing.

Well I get boycotting Russian exports now but I somehow doubt buying pelmeni at a Pattaya restaurant is going to fund Putin's genocidal war of choice.

This year its drag. What's next? Musical theater?

Younger people that can, flee. When you're 82, you don't flee, but in some cases you don't fear the severe laws against opposition speech anymore:

Thank you. People should read that. It well counters the blatant pro Russian war propaganda that was posted here.

You're wrong. People are still being conscripted in Russia and there is fear of future larger mobilizations. Also many younger people see no decent future in Russia as their fascist dictator's war of choice has degraded Russia for generations Smart people don't want to live in a pariah state that may lock their borders at any time. Maybe try to sell your pack of lies to Z zombies. It won't wash here.

You said draft dodging wasn't a thing. Of course it's a thing.

I wasn't aware of any of that. That seems to explain the poll results.

Stop lying.

Yes Odessa. There's a Ukrainian restaurant now at that condo? I only remember Russian ones before but I haven't been there for a while. Now I'm really wondering why in my view you can't get GREAT borscht in Pattaya. Could it be the quality of the beets? Are they expensive and don't use enough?

That would be nice. Not that long ago, soldiers would be kicked out of the service for that.

That sounds abnormal.

Let's get real. We're talking about American society. It's not only about skin color but cultural differences. Big ones.

Yes, we have them to credit / blame depending on how you feel.

In my experience Russians abroad are more open to many different kinds of international foods (especially if there is a Russian menu). You'll see many in Indian restaurants. Contrast to Chinese and Indians whose tastes in general are more narrow. Maybe there is better Russian food in Alanya Turkiye because they don't have the wide international variety of food we have here except Turkish.

But it's not that idiotic, wink wink nod nod.

Yeah I know the place. I've had delivery from them several times. (Not sure if they're still on the apps now.) I found the standards like borscht serviceable but nothing to write home to Kyiv about (borscht is Ukrainian). But I haven't had fried pelmeni before and the beer promotion does sound good. Actually I haven't had a really great bowl of borscht EVER in Pattaya. Years ago there was a dive off Walking Street that was better than average, but I'm still searching. I've been watching a youtube channel by a Russian dodger/refugee (Sanctioned Ivan) food lover in Alanya, Turkiye which also has lots of Russians and for some reason the Russian food there appears to overall be at a higher level than in Pattaya. I don't know why. On this topic I've noticed the Ukrainian Restaurant (most customers are Russian not sure about the owners) in Jomtien has reopened.

To some Grand Wizards in full white sheet don't seem racist. I guess that's called diversity.

Different times but today's Russian soldiers are also rapists.

Yeah they're here for the "family friendly" resort. That's the ticket. Welcome American soldiers! God Bless Our Troops as your commander in chief always says.

Yes, it's quite troubling that so many American white nationalists, magas, America Firsters, trumpists etc. are so closely aligned with Putin. This faction can potentially win the war for Putin as their push to cut off arms help to Ukraine is growing and they might potentially win even more power in 24.

Possibly.

They might but more definite is a major degradation of Russia for a generation or two. Young Russians fleeing that are smart cookies but not all will succeed in finding a new residence country. Such Russians are usually actively country shopping. Their choices are limited. Thailand can serve for most as a first stop. BTW it would be destabilizing for the world if Russia splits up. Some new countries would have nukes and won't be willing to give them up knowing what happened to Ukraine after Ukraine gave theirs up.

Sure thing matey.

Are rents going up a lot? In Tblisi Georgia they've reportedly doubled.