dinga

12 minutes ago, Oxx said:

 

You clearly didn't bother checking the link in my first post.

 

Identical twins have identical DNA.  That individual companies gave different "heritages" shows that the tests are worthless.  And that fact that different companies indicated different "heritages" simply underlines that fact.

 

(Oh, and for what it matters, I have a Ph.D. in genetics, so I do know what I'm talking about.)

'course I scanned the article - and it pretty well confirmed my understanding.

Pity you didn't as the article states facts that are contrary to your claims (which also challenges the PH.D claim):

* DNA of twins is NEARLY exactly the same.

* Minor variations can lead the algorithm to assign SLIGHTLY different ancestry estimates 

* the results are statistical estimates only 

For me - was a bit of fun, as I said.  If not for you, 'up to you'!

The OP was looking for comments and the experiences of folks who had actually used the tests  ie.  me.  If he'd like further comment I'd be delighted to provide.  

1 hour ago, Oxx said:

 

Why would you recommend something that's pure bunkum? Might as well go to a local soothsayer or some other totally meaningless quack.  Almost certainly cheaper, and every bit as reliable.

Absolute rubbish.  Suggest you do at least a little research.  

Insofar as the shared DNA - that is indeed conclusive.

Bah - Humbug to the naysayers.  Of course the DNA tests are a bit of fun, and the results are indicative NOT 100% conclusive.

My Thai wife's Myheritage test reported:

*  67.3% Thai & Cambodian

*  21.4% Chinese & Vietnamese

*  11.3% Filipino/Indonesian/Malaysian

*  Shared DNA matches with 48 people in 13 countries (top ones being 25 in US; 6 in Netherlands and 3 in "Great" Britain).

Certainly recommend the test provided you have a realistic approach.   

10 hours ago, Katia said:

It depends on the park (sometimes, might also depend on who's selling the ticket?).  I was at one recently where one of the people in the group tried to use his Thai DL to get the Thai price... nope... the rule was, Thai ID *and* Thai national (this was actually posted right on the sign).

Yes - that was the message spelled out in a letter that was shown as justification (although it referred to foreigners with Work Permits)

Sadly - not in Khao Yai.

Am a PR - with a Pink ID Card.  Went to Khao Yai a couple of weeks ago - stayed 2 nights in the park with my Thai family.  Entrance Fees - them 40 baht; me 400 baht.  To say that gives me the sh#ts is a gross understatement.  I will never go back there - damn shame as it is lovely

Came home after a couple of days away, to find (a) this recently deceased snake in the car port; (b) our two dogs in a very unhappy state.  Both dogs were listless and with very swollen and weeping eyes.  Happy to say both the dogs are (almost) back to normal after 2 trips to the vet - who did not administer any anti-venom but a number of other injections.  We're all assuming the snake is some kind of spitter - probably cobra (was 85cm long).

Any better identification?

19 hours ago, GrantSmith said:

<deleted> hell Nic Nat copped the raw end of the stick there... I think he's tackled 3 blokes like that exact same way this year and only once was he paid a free against and to then cop a suspension for his troubles, can't help but feel he got hard done by. 

 

If his tackle on Amon was that bad, he should've been rubbed out for his tackle on Nick Smith in round 1, where you could easily argue those tackles were carbon copies of each other, I think Smith also had a 'moment' where he was a little groggy but Nic Nat got the free for holding the ball and Smith carried on seemingly unphased. 

 

I hope he doesn't change his tackling style too much, those tackles bring the game alive! 

Agree he should have been rubbed out for the earlier tackles - all of which involved lifting/driving/slamming and designed to seriously hurt.   Good to see that tackle 'style' finally flagged as being unacceptable -  with no limitation on legitimate hard hits.  

1 minute ago, lannarebirth said:

 I'm sure it is hard to find ways to pass the time in the outback.

5555555 - can't remember (been a while...).  Rhyming slang is amusing, not malicious. 

Funny, but this thread reminded me of a plaque that I saw many years ago, on a painting that was hanging in the living room of the homestead of a very large cattle station in northern Australia (owned by an American).  It said "God Bless America and John Wayne" (who was depicted in the painting). 

53 minutes ago, lannarebirth said:

 

There are 2 continents with America in their name. North America and South America. The country America is located on the North American continent, along with Canada, Mexico, and the Central American countries.

 

"The United States Of" is merely a formal descriptor just like it is for other countries.  You know, like:

 

Mexico (Estados Unidos de)

Australia (The Commonwealth of)

Thailand (The Kingdom of)

Germany (The Federal Republic of)

China (The Peoples Republic of)

etc.

Greetings to the pedants. Now - a reflection on common usage....  Most of us would understand the word "America" to mean - in common use - the US of A.  In the same way, reference to an "American" is never understood to extend to Canadians, Mexicans, Colombians etcetcetc

Help yourself and do some research on this site  (the topic has been canvassed ad nauseam) 

On a slightly different aspect, I turn the heater unit off but then continue running the water until the temperature of the stream returns to ambient.  Figure this may be better for the unit and extend its life - any truth in that? 

This topic is very interesting reading and good news.

Is anyone out there got this ID card from Amphur Ban Chang, Rayong province?

Got mine from Amphur Klaeng, Rayong Province. If Ban Chang has no experience, you could suggest they call Klaeng for advice.

Thanks!

First line says: "ID card for person that does not have Thai nationality". Same as my card.

Second line: (Number blacked out)

Third line: "General foreigner". Mine says: ""PR holder". So that is the difference.

Noticing that, I wonder what the card for Cambodian/Laotian citizens say.

Funny - but there is no third line on my ID Card (it's blank). Went back to Amphur Klaeng - they checked with HQ but are clueless as to why 'Permanent Resident' doesn't print on the Card but is recorded in the "IT System". Again, rue the fact that I'm No. 1 in Klaeng. The ID Card is for my lifetime (since I'm over 60), so am thinking of having it replaced in a year or two once the Government folks get more used to the process.

Wow. I thought all the cards are printed in Bangkok at the Ministry of the Interior.

Mine was printed at the Amphur while I waited - same process as the Thai Thai IDs

You can keep the work permit after it is cancelled. There has not been a requirement to return it for several years.

Correct - I retired in July, and retention of the WP has continued to be very useful (for example, transferring monies offshore).

Facts:

* I've lived and worked in Thailand for over 11 years, with Work Permit (same firm for the whole time).

* Having reached the advanced age of 60 years, a mutually agreed retirement date has been agreed with my employer

* I have PR status so have no problem with the cancellation of the WP.

* Also all is OK thusfare re Severance pay, so no issue at the moment.

My question relates to who actually 'owns' the Work Permit.

I thought I should retain it (after its cancellation - including for reasons if I wanted re-employment - which I don't).

My HR folks say that the Labour Department will retain the WP Book.

Appreciate knowledgeable comments & advice

The ill-informed, zenophobic and downright stupid posts in this thread are enough to drive a teetotaler to drink.

For God's sake, the issue presumably is a technical one about whether or not the correct amount of tax has been paid. That is a matter best left to the appropriate authorities/courts.

Thailand IS NOT unique = tax disputes are common in every country - especially when economic times ain't great.

I note that today's news reports that the Australian Tax Office reckons BHP owes an addition US$550 million in unpaid income taxes. Do you cretins think BHP will walk away from its Pilbara iron ore mines?

The final determination of tax properly due is properly left to the appropriate authorities in each country matter (of course, this may practically pose challenges,but the principle is crystal clear), It has SFA to do with (a) nationality of the taxpayer; ( country of dispute; © amount of investment; (d) feigned consequences.

In addition, Non-brain-dead folks know there is tremendous international attention now on resolving BEPS (Base Erosiion of Profit Split) - ie, ensuring in the future that major MNCs pay tax not just according to 'law', but perhaps where the profits are actually made.

<deleted> grow up and get informed.

You are correct, tax disputes are common, However in this case tax dispute is because government changed the rules after the fact, but wants to back date it.

As i said, in my post, i do not believe Toyota will walk away, however it may shift 1 model manufacturing to another plant to save on taxes, just as BHP may and most likely will make changes to avoid hefty tax bills in the future.

I am also unsure how and why you compare BHP income taxes to Toyota import taxes? But i guess only smart people like you would understand it.

Seems the Customs Department has a different opinion (you state the dispute is because the government changed the rules after the fact).

Customs Director General is reported as saying that 1. In Toyota's case, the company did not have the necessary approvals to import components under a concessional duty arrangement (a fact apparently affirmed by an Appeal Committee); 2. In Isuzu's case, the value of imports exceeded the maximum amount that was allowed under a concessional arrangement.

In taking investment decisions, companies consider the full range of matters - taxes being but one. Sure - taking advantage of tax savings can drive (pun not intended) (re)location of manufacturing plants but the consequences of non-compliance with government requirements should not.

If BHP's tax position is ultimately determined to be unacceptable, of course the company can be expected to make the necessary changes - and probably will implement corrective actions well before that point.

In raising BEPS, I simply wanted to highlight that governments are now going to change the rules that presently allow sophisticated companies to undertake business in such a way as to pay no/minimal taxes overall ie. challenges extend to not just ensuring compliance with current tax rules, but anticipating the likely changes that will be made in the near future.

The ill-informed, zenophobic and downright stupid posts in this thread are enough to drive a teetotaler to drink.

For God's sake, the issue presumably is a technical one about whether or not the correct amount of tax has been paid. That is a matter best left to the appropriate authorities/courts.

Thailand IS NOT unique = tax disputes are common in every country - especially when economic times ain't great.

I note that today's news reports that the Australian Tax Office reckons BHP owes an addition US$550 million in unpaid income taxes. Do you cretins think BHP will walk away from its Pilbara iron ore mines?

The final determination of tax properly due is properly left to the appropriate authorities in each country matter (of course, this may practically pose challenges,but the principle is crystal clear), It has SFA to do with (a) nationality of the taxpayer; ( country of dispute; © amount of investment; (d) feigned consequences.

In addition, Non-brain-dead folks know there is tremendous international attention now on resolving BEPS (Base Erosiion of Profit Split) - ie, ensuring in the future that major MNCs pay tax not just according to 'law', but perhaps where the profits are actually made.

&lt;deleted&gt; grow up and get informed.

But before then they are likely to appreciate in value. There is a lot of money out there and with ASEAN starting prices of real estate might go further up.

Pray tell how you reach that guess (seems you are almost 50 years behind the times - ASEAN started in 1967)

I believe MW refers to the AEC Blueprint and establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by end-2015, refered to by the masses as simply ASEAN.

Two parts to my answer:

First, a person would need to be blind, stupid or both to have not seen any of the myriad of signs that abound declaring that Thailand is ready for ASEAN 2015!

Second, my posting about AEC is simply to redirect the earlier poster who seemed to have not understood the next stage in ASEAN devlopment.

As for land prices et al: I have no idea whther it will or will not.

Not blind, but must be stupid to have missed the word "Community" between 'ASEAN' and '2015' (hope the attachment clarifies your error).

Waiting patiently for explanation re. increased land prices

You don't have to look far to see Thailand's time bombs, and they are numerous. At some point, those expensive land plots and houses will be much cheaper.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f7245dac-e513-11e4-bb4b-00144feab7de.html#axzz3Xw4zxtz0

But before then they are likely to appreciate in value. There is a lot of money out there and with ASEAN starting prices of real estate might go further up.

Pray tell how you reach that guess (seems you are almost 50 years behind the times - ASEAN started in 1967)

I believe MW refers to the AEC Blueprint and establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by end-2015, refered to by the masses as simply ASEAN.

in that case, "the Masses" comprise two folks - you and MWski. If he's indeed referring to AEC it has never been referred to as ASEAN. I would really like an explanation as to how AEC will effect land prices - since AEC will bring NO changes to restrictions on ownership.

You don't have to look far to see Thailand's time bombs, and they are numerous. At some point, those expensive land plots and houses will be much cheaper.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f7245dac-e513-11e4-bb4b-00144feab7de.html#axzz3Xw4zxtz0

But before then they are likely to appreciate in value. There is a lot of money out there and with ASEAN starting prices of real estate might go further up.

Pray tell how you reach that guess (seems you are almost 50 years behind the times - ASEAN started in 1967)

Today in the paper. See the attachment. Banks are doing well and becoming more profitable. There is a little increase in bad loans. Let's not pretend we know so much about banking business. Like every business there is a lot of things we just don't know.

No problem - just guess.....

I've heard reports of this mini van to/from Mae Phim but no one I spoke to could tell me where to find it, they said you need to speak Thai. Is it easy to find it at the Victory Monument and does it depart often? I'm not travelling myself, I'm asking for a friend who's coming to visit.

Under the Victory Monument walkway (eastern side?) where a massive number of buses stop, often two or three deep, is a curved vendor area, including a decent public toilet. Curved around it is a small soi where many minivans stop to let passengers off or pick up.

Near the end of the soi where they emerge into the Victory Monument circle to head off to their destinations, is the ticket booth for minivans to Ban Phe. Probably doesn't help much, but it's opposite a 7-11 (yeah, I know - in Thailand there's always a 7-11 opposite another 7-11)

But go to any of the minivans or ticket booths, and simply say "Ban Phe" and they'll direct you to the appropriate booth. 200 baht to Ban Phe

The minivan isn't as comfortable as the big bus, but it's much faster. And they do have a pee stop in both directions.

Not sure why folks keep telling you how to go to Ban Phe when you want to go to Mae Phim - anyhow hope this helps.

1. When you get off the BTS at Victory Monument, go to Exit 4, proceed to the right and walk down the steps also to the right.

2. At the foot of the stairs, walk back towards the Monument itself for perhaps 60 metres and you'll come to the Soi used by the mini-buses (there is a 7/11 on this corner). Walk around the corner (to the right) and there are a number of ticket booth immediately past 7/11 - the last in the line of three or four is the one to Klaeng (which the Thais refer to an SAM YARN) and thence onto Mae Pim. Just ask for SAM YARN / MAE PIM - 200 baht

3. Minibuses to Mae Pim depart on the hour - from 6am to 8pm.

Airport train to Phya Thai and then BTS to Victory Monument for minivan to Ban Phe, or to Ekamai for bus to Ban Phe or Rayong.

Better news. Airport train to Phya Thai, then BTS to Victory Monument for mini van direct to Klaeng. The mini van also goes onto Laem Mae Phim if you live out this way.