Issan girl

So if they already know that the majority of hotels in Phuket (16%) are licensed and that over with over 6000 hotels, only 988 are licensed (that's a very specific number), one would think that it would be pretty easy to identify and charge the remaining hotels. Yet, it took a customer complaint for them to do anything!! And if like the hotel in the article, the majority of those hotels are not paying taxes - no wonder the economy is struggling. The government keeps pushing tourism as the answer to Thailand's economic problems, yet doesn't go after those same tourist operations for not registering their business (which generates income for the government) or for having tax registration documents (which would i assume requires them to pay taxes.) Baffling....

Wow. Thanks for the responses. I had no idea. I would think that shedding the mirrors wouldn't effect aerodynamic unless you were going over 120 miles per hour.

Thank you. I have been reading this forum for a while, but only recently started to post. I try to stay mostly positive when it talking about Thai culture, and understand that nothing stays the same. I could go into several areas that I feel have gotten less admirable, but then I have to think about the fact that the same has happened in my country of origin as well as wonder how much of my memory of the Thailand I remember is clouded by my individual experience,

I have noticed a new trend in Northeast Thailand of scooters with removed mirrors. In the past, I had noticed an occasional older scooter with missing mirrors, but this seems to be different. I addition to the increased number of mirrorless scooters, what i have noticed, is that these mirrorless scooters are almost exclusively driven by young, Thai males sans helmets and driven recklessly. Is this a new "trend"? Do these young men really think that this looks "cool"? I am truly confused - I have asked my Thai father and his response is that they want to die quickly (maybe an accurate response.) Has anyone else noticed this?

Oh my god, you had me on the floor, laughing. Thank you!

I realized that my case is a bit different. I came here in HS in 1988 as an exchange student and lived with an amazing Thai family in Udornthani. I fell in love with my family, the Thaipeople, the culture, food and way of life. I came back as an exchange student at Khon Kan university and later to teach and do translation work. I have lived with my Thai family several times over the years and they have litterly changed my life. I did not return to Thailand for many years (almost 20) due to life and work circumstances, but always dreamed of retiring in Thailand. I am now blessed to be able to live here half time, share my love of Thailand with my spouse and give back to my Thai family. I will admit that Thai culture has changed in ways that are not always positive (nothing stays the same), but I still love the people, the simple life and enjoy the ability to travel. I am not sure if I will ever make Thailand my only permanent home and give up my life in the states (it is a bit more difficult if you are not married or living with a Thai partner) but I love being here and feel blessed that I was given the opportunity to get to experience the place.

I am glad to hear good news about Thai tourism, but I do think that it is a bit odd to keep track of the number of visits to 7 1, the number of grab rides and even how much money one spends. I guess people all have different measures of what constitutes a "good" vaccination. But, I guess it is better than the number of STD's one acquires. 😀

It is interesting that whenever there is a story about a balcony fall in Thailand (and yes there does seem to be quite a few) the topic always comes up about the hight of balconies or how dangerous Thailand is with its low balconies and unsafe sidewalks, ect . Whatever happened to personal responsibility, to paying attention to where you lean over on a balcony, to where you walk. I myself have stepped into a hole in the sidewalk up to my thigh, my reaction- embarrassment that I was that unaware, not anger at Thailand for having unsafe sideways. I would hate for Thailand to become as litigated as the west where people can sue for their coffee being too hot. It is already bad enough here with the defamation lawsuits and tourists getting lost or drowning, resulting in required life jackets in swimming areas and guides on a hike of any distance. Please keep Thailand's balconies unadulterated!

While i agree with your statement, please remember that many Americans did not vote for that orange moron and are horrified by what ICE is doing in US cities. Many of us are in Thailand and elsewhere to escape the havoc that is taking place in the US. Thank you

Now. You really can't expect Trump to remember something he said a year ago. A little over a year ago he was running on no US investment in foreign wars and criticizing US military involvement in the Middle East- today he already attaked Venezuela and is threatening war against Iran. He has no real foreign policy except what he wants to do right now (and whatever will distract from the Epstin files.)

You sound like a very decent person who is living your best life and trying to do the right thing in your love life / friendships. Don't pay attention to all the naysayers. I would say play it by ear and see how the conversation goes. Your story made me laugh by the way, I love tghe "white ladies weaving club."

Very sad. I can't imagine being able to do this to another human being. Unfortunately, humans historically (and currently in someplaces) seem to be capable of influencing horrible violence on one another.

Depending on your friends situation financially, he/she could look into the LTR visa. There are several categories that might work. The plus ito the visa is a one time application for 10 years (one timepayment), no 90 reporting, for some categories there is no need to have money in Thai banks, unlimited entry and exit and no taxes on remittance money. It is not for everyone (must be eligible), but we live in Thailand 6 months out of the year and it is perfect for US. Something to look into maybe.

I agree mostly. However, as a former athlete who abused my body for years by trying to stay at the top of my choosen sport, I do have a bit of a different perspective. I have had over 8 major surgeries related to overuse injuries. I still work out but at a much reduced level and try to eat well, but have to admit that I am quite broken and end up seeing the orthopedic and pain doctors much more than I would have had I sat on my ass most of my life. 😔

I don't really think about death much (55) but this year after other family events my husband and i had a pretty detailed will written up to take care of our estate. My husband's mother died last year while we were in Thailand without a will of any kind. That left a mess for her family still living in the house, that was all in her name. Her car was unsellable and the house a huge disaster. Then this year, my husband's father also died having not cleared up anything with the formers estate. Now the whole mess is left to the surviving children to deal with. So, the issue I see is not really about the one who dies (like others have mentioned, when you are dead you won't care) but with what those who are still alive and what they may have to deal with. Other than that- live your life.

I asked my Thai father how they were able to count all the votes and know the results of the election so quickly. His response, "They used AI." Yes, i bet they did ("AI please make my team win")

I thought it was interesting that the article said that "Thailand's Cabinet has approved significant visa policy..." I thought that the Cabinet was dissolved before the election. Do they mean to say that the new Cabinet has already been approved? If so that seems suspiciously fast. As far as I can see, like many articles here and on Bangkok Post, the article really doesn't say anything. There are no specific changes actually listed or any real information about future changes.

Thank you for this information. I am so pissed off at Bangkok bank. After freezing our account and two months of back and forth requiring more and more paperwork first it was a driving license (went and got that), then a letter from immigration (did that) and finally they wanted yellow book (which we don't have) and/or a work permit (retired) or a 90 day report (LTR visa no 90 report.) Just closed the account and had to argue to get the money out. I am so done! We will try Kasicorn. We will see what happens.

Wow. You must be the kind of person who also brags about how many "friends" you have on Facebook or "followers" on Twitter (x).

Obviously plenty of Thai's who seem to fall for the "gambling/lucky opportunity/superstitious/rare opportunity" kind of scam. I know people who have lost millions to the next great investment opportunity that never seems to materialize.

Maybe that was the problem - he took off all his clothes and couldn't find his wallet.

Of course I do. This is not the case in the VAST majority of women reporting sexual harassment. That idea is just a myth that people perpetuate. Try actually listening to women. Obviously, probably something you would not do as that might make you "woke" - some undefinable, scary thing that might involve critical thinking and possibly compassion. Oh the horror!

You just gave all the information about why any woman should never be involved with you. It's ok to force yourself on someone you must force intimate contact. No wonder many women choose to stay single these days.

Are you frigging kidding me! " ..a fully fledged digital government." Does that mean that I won't have to sign 4-15 copies of paperwork for every trip to immigration, land transport office or any other official government office? Thailand is the king of paperwork!

Did you literally not read the article! This has nothing to do with Covid. It is a completely different virus. I know that you obviously have Covid PTSD and probably are still suffering from long Covid ( brain fog), but try and actually read the content before responding!