naklang

I read somewhere Lee deposited 5,000,000 baht into his account before fleeing. Where does he get that kind of dosh? Kickboxing? There is more going on here I think.

It's a good thing he is too stupid to turn himself in. All the more likely that the resident US Marines will find him (and believe me they are looking) before the police. That is going to be some party. Hopefully they make a video of it. Idiot really messed with the wrong crew this time.

So surely that makes them as bad as him. Stupid comment! No one condones what he has done, but to go on the vigilante trail is ridiculous. By the way how do you know they are looking for him?

Rick

Not as bad, definitely WORSE! A fellow marine killed like that does not go unanswered. If this pussy gets found at all, it will be in several pieces and it will have been SLOOOOOOW.

It's a good thing he is too stupid to turn himself in. All the more likely that the resident US Marines will find him (and believe me they are looking) before the police. That is going to be some party. Hopefully they make a video of it. Idiot really messed with the wrong crew this time.

The Baht's doing just fine thanks, my NZ $ is buying more of them every day.

It's the US $ thats stuffed for the reasons given above and others.

The US started the world finacial crisis (helped by the greed of others) and now they are reaping what they sowed.

Question is how low can it go? Max Kaiser tells me zero is a likely number but it could take a while.

Not to worry. A real war is probably likely before long. The US is not going to go down quietly with all that firepower at its disposal. Somebody has to pay, so a manufactured crisis with a real military state is in the cards now. Chasing Afghan shepards with RPG's doesn't have quite the geopolitical benefit they were expecting. But the opium production is back up to snuff, so that's good and the whole reason for being there anyway.

As we have seen, real crisis = safe haven money flow (US dollar). Just have not broken through the levels required to stir up serious trouble, but it's very close.

the sterling will remain strong and the dollar will fall along with the euro, the thai baht will be revalued lower within the next 6 months

LOL. Sounds like denial to me. The Sterling is dead meat. You think its depressed now, wait until the North Sea depletes, and depleting it is.........quickly. When the UK becomes a continuous, high volume importer of petroleum, guess what that is going to do to your current account deficit and the value of your "Sterling"? Along with Europe in general.

Not pretty, but there it is. Click on "The End of North Sea Oil" ppt.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp...3d5283be3a0311b

but as the Western economies regain their mojo

There in lies the rub

The west has not even given full disclosure yet. When the propping stops the popping will start..

It is not so much about how strong the Asian currencies are it is about how insurmountable the western debt is.

Debt is only a problem if you have to pay it back. And you are correct, it is insurmountable and it will NEVER be paid back. A sovereign debt default is inevitable but paradoxically, a sovereign debt default by the US or the EU will not be inflationary, but will be deflationary as are all debt defaults. Even though the currency may be devalued (inflationary), the impact will be blunted or even completely negated by effectively lower prices (deflationary) due to severely reduced global demand and the shafting of the debt holders who were counting on that capital to consume and invest.

Now if it really gets deflationary for extended periods and "they" can no longer print or monetize their way out, then war is a distinct possibility to blow the heck out of all that unused capacity and labor, and funneling of capital to no productive use (death and destruction) to re-start the inflationary cycle again. Andrew Ryan: "Unable to provide for itself, the need of the parasite grows until war is made to justify it."

Will be interesting to see how Thailand would fare in the cross-fire. Not much resources except rice, tourism/quim and not enough military to take anything by force. I guess it will just have to take what it is given or scrounge around for the scraps.

The Baht is not going to collapse, all the indicators are that it will continue to strengthen

Agreed

If my expenses were mainly in Baht I would convert a lot more USD/GBP/Euro now rather than later for less.

At least 1 or 2 years living expenses

I think the currency market has vastly underestimated the seriousness of the rift in Thai society. We are seeing the beginnings of a major shift in direction with the potential for decades of "progress" to come undone. If the playing field is not leveled with more social safety nets (as in the West) and more even distribution of wealth, this will not be ending quickly or peacefully.

Either way it goes, it will not be Baht positive. More turmoil, lawlessness, ineffective govt. = less tourism, less GDP, less investment. Or.......... Conflict resolution due to concessions and greater social spending = More debt and need for govt. funding and taxation (more "Western")

Don't believe that the macro view of Asian growth lifting all boats will apply to Thailand. It will not. My bets are that the Baht has peaked. Not saying it will collapse, but as the Western economies regain their mojo, the kingdom will begin to look less attractive.

We make the power supply switching for the ADS. I've seen the demos when visiting Raytheon. A few of these at each end 100 yards from the Red protest sites and they will have abandoned camp in 20 minutes guaranteed. At that point the tanks roll and smash the barricades and start the clean-up. This has gone on long enough and now is spreading like a cancer to other cities. If breaking up the fortress inflames things and they have to get it on, so be it. But this "occupation" grinding the country to a halt has to be broken as humanely as possible, but broken it must be.

http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/feature/ads_03-08/

An arm dealer trying to profit from this situation?

Smart sales person.

Systems like ADS are not arms. But a non-lethal means of restoring order and re-taking occupied territory. Rubber bullets can kill if they enter an eye socket or other soft area. A tear gas canister to the head can be lethal as can the gas itself to the very young, old, or those with respiratory conditions. There are new, better ways of crowd dispersal and the govt. needs to be the adult in the household and start dishing out some spankings.

You don't throw a tantrum, take over the house, and start blowing things up because you didn't get your way. Is there a father in the house or a mouse?

We make the power supply switching for the ADS. I've seen the demos when visiting Raytheon. A few of these at each end 100 yards from the Red protest sites and they will have abandoned camp in 20 minutes guaranteed. At that point the tanks roll and smash the barricades and start the clean-up. This has gone on long enough and now is spreading like a cancer to other cities. If breaking up the fortress inflames things and they have to get it on, so be it. But this "occupation" grinding the country to a halt has to be broken as humanely as possible, but broken it must be.

http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/feature/ads_03-08/

Very sad story. 28 years and about to be a father. Tragic. I have had a concealed carry permit here in the US for 16 years and thank God have never needed to make use of it. But there have been times (roadside breakdowns at night and dodgy characters giving my wife and I the evil eye) I am glad "it" was close at hand. All it takes is body language and a look to let would be assailants know that you are not easy prey. They are predators and instinctively seek out the weak in the herd. Don't be one and more importantly, don't look like one.

If I ever made it over to Thailand to live, I'm afraid I would have no choice but to go discretely outside the law and carry. After all these years, I would feel totally naked and unprepared without it. The Thai monkey house beats cremation any day in my book. At least you have hope and not a bowl of ash.

The USA has one of the highest Murder rates in the world, specifically because of their lax and ridiculous gun laws.

And anyone that thinks a Thai Jail would be fun has to rethink that.

The best solution is to leave your gun at home and stay out of trouble, or if you can't stay out of trouble, then don't come here.

CS

Most murders in the USA are made with illegal firearms and if the Gov changed the laws on carry permits every law abiding citizen would be a sitting duck!

They don't just give a permit to anyone,you have to have police clearance and show you can handle the weapon!

IMHO the USA has the right laws,the right to carry a weapon and protect yourself and your family,and i think this should be the same the world over!

I don't think this man was looking for trouble,just making his way home with his wife and unborn,and look what happened...a couple of hahoo's attacked him

and i think if he could carry weapon in Thailand or anywhere (im not saying he would carry) things might have turned out different!

RIP Andrew

Thanks for that sensible post. And yes, I had to submit to a full FBI background check with fingerprints and the safety course before being issued the permit. So that is far from "lax and ridiculous" as was claimed. Gun "control" is an endless debate but the bottom line is it's better to have the means and not need it, than vice-versa. Ask any current or former law enforcement officer whether they carry off duty and they will look at you like you are crazy. Or course they do! Couldn't imagine going out with no means to defend against felonious attack. The common man should have no less right to do so if proven responsible and of sound mind.

And did I say Thai jail would be fun? Uhhhhhhh, no.

Very sad story. 28 years and about to be a father. Tragic. I have had a concealed carry permit here in the US for 16 years and thank God have never needed to make use of it. But there have been times (roadside breakdowns at night and dodgy characters giving my wife and I the evil eye) I am glad "it" was close at hand. All it takes is body language and a look to let would be assailants know that you are not easy prey. They are predators and instinctively seek out the weak in the herd. Don't be one and more importantly, don't look like one.

If I ever made it over to Thailand to live, I'm afraid I would have no choice but to go discretely outside the law and carry. After all these years, I would feel totally naked and unprepared without it. The Thai monkey house beats cremation any day in my book. At least you have hope and not a bowl of ash.

1. PM Should resign as he clearly does not have enough support on either side to remain an effective leader through this crisis.

2. At this point, the military has no choice but to restore law and order through martial law if necessary to restore proper functioning of infrastructure and economy.

3. An International arbitration team should be brought in to oversee negotiations and the return of a free and fair election for PM and a new parliament.

The current govt. is tainted beyond repair and can never again have enough support to function. Time for it to go and start over. The Reds are certainly not innocent in their approach, but I honor their courage and willingness to fight and take a bullet for their cause. Better than what I see here in the US with the top 1% getting to privatize the gains from the bailouts while their losses are socialized on the rest of us. While we just take it up the bum and grimace. That pacified image is not something any populace should present to a govt. The govt. should fear the people in a properly functioning democracy.

China's population as I said will be their undoing. China does not worry me.

It worries me. I just returned from Shenzhen after having not been there since 2006. To say that attitudes and public opinion has changed would be a gross understatement. And that's with the great uniter/apologist Obama at the helm. To my eyes and ears, the Chinese see weakness and may just be stupid enough to test it. Whether they will be as monumentally stupid as Imperial Japan is the 5 trillion dollar question.

But I am the worst of the worst kind of American that works for a defense contractor shipping death everywhere, and we have been very busy, and just got busier. If the Chinese espionage machine is as good as some think, then they will know what can come their way right quick. Perhaps that will give them pause, but maybe not if nationalist (China #1 for 21st century) fervor takes root and they want to give us a try. A very bad day for humanity if allowed to happen AGAIN. We all know how well perceived weakness and appeasement worked in the 30's so I don't care if relations stink. As long as they know what happens if they don't play nice.

I will be moving over there from the US. I have a B&K AVR507 along with some other HT gear I would like to bring over. Question: Has anyone had LONG-TERM success with converting/conditioning back down to 110VAC/60Hz @ 1200 watts max (AVR507 only)? If so, what brand/combo worked and kept things from getting fried from brownouts etc?

Yes I am serious about being prepared for food shortages. Could it be a bad idea not to have a few months supply of canned products and water? This is no militia or survivalist dogma, just prudent measures while hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. Do as you like.

In times such as this, having the necessities close at hand is what matters. When you walk down the rows of shelves at the Tesco or Makro and see it stacked to the ceiling, ponder that it may not always be so. Take whatever action today that prevents desperation tomorrow. This is going to be a long, dark ride I fear.

Are you seriously suggesting stockpiling food?

Perhaps I can also interest you, Alex, Midas et al in some prime real estate for the times ahead?

Because you never can be too careful...

See you in a few years:-

**shakes head**

I can just imagine some of you lot running off to join the militia, if you are not already members that is.

In times such as this, having the necessities close at hand is what matters. When you walk down the rows of shelves at the Tesco or Makro and see it stacked to the ceiling, ponder that it may not always be so. Take whatever action today that prevents desperation tomorrow. This is going to be a long, dark ride I fear.

Thanks for the invite. Will be there +1.

The problem is that with most rental shops, we are "small fry" and don't turn over enough to qualify to accept credit cards. We possibly could do but then the extra cost would be passed onto the customer and that would give some people something more to p1ss & moan about. As Davidgtr states, the holding of the passport is a system that's been in place and worked fine for the majority of people for the past 20 years or so. For expat residents of CNX, we have accommodated people before where they need their passport to blat up to Mae Sai for example so we can be flexible within reason.

Cheers,

Pikey.

So what would you do with someones passport if the bike they rented was stolen from them?

I would say they keep it until you cough up the coin for the value they say its worth, or wait until its recovered (good luck). Hence the need for travel insurance or insurance of some sort. Or use credit card for deposit (insured for loss), but apparently they dont accept those yet. Unless you really want to get to knee draggin', just rent a cheap little scoot and keep a wheel lock on it, you should be fine. I guess they could lift it onto a truck and bye-bye, but sounds a pretty rare event.

Why is the US dollar so strong at present,when the UK pound is also in decline.

The old adage "He who has the biggest Navy wins." In times like these, not an insignificant thought. At the end of the day, firepower or the threat of it, gets oil to your shores and food to your people. North Sea production has been in decline for years and Britain is now in an increasing net import situation for the indefinite future with no significant military influence to guarantee energy supply. In 10 years, likely to be a slave to Russian energy. Not a good position to be in. Iceland just made a deal with the devil and will be a very different place from now on.

Gold at $859 per barrel? Now THAT is a deflationary firesale! Back up the truck boys!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?.../f160309D01.DTL

I did predict $50-$75 by the end of the year I might add.

As did I.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2152248

The rest of the world will decide it no longer wants to buy our govt's ludicrously over-rated debt paper at negative real interest rates. US govt debt if a real company would be rated "Junk" at best. After all, would you loan any more money to these con artists? A global revolt is underway that will resemble this video (car being US govt. debt paper). Foreign investors are furious about being scammed with junk mortgage backed CDO's and their ilk. Game over US bankers and treasury. Time to start driving that beat up junker. You've earned it.

The public/national debt is roughly equal to the average debt over the last 50 years as a percent of GDP. The reality is that our debt is lower than many countries ( France, Canada, Japan, Italy...). The doom and gloom crowd uses nominal figures, ignoring inflation and GDP growth.

If you aren't going to invest in the US, where would you invest? The housing bubble burst and it's ironic how soon we all forget the benefits of the boom years.

The government will pass rescue legislation as they have done many times in the past. The next few years will be difficult, but most Americans are up to the challenge after the anger recedes. It is what it is – the wimps will weep and the greedy winners will find the means to prosper.

Don't get me wrong, I hope they can patch up this house of cards again, but excuse me if I have doubts this time. The "we'll grow our way out of it" crowd are forgetting that this is not the 80's and 90's anymore. We are entering a deflationary period demographically, so this growth just isnt going to be there.

And these "boom years" you speak of were fabricated and artificial based on creation of massive money supply from Greenspan and his cronies. Guess what? If you inject ever increasing monetary heroin for a decade or more just to feel normal, when that supply runs out (foreign capital flows), its going to be one hel_l of a long, painful withdrawal. What these clowns/drug pushers (Paulson/Bernanke) are asking for is to borrow money to buy more dope to supply their drug slaves.

The worst thing to is to give them more heroin, but the trick will be to find out what the methadone equivalent will be to wean us off the junk.

The rest of the world will decide it no longer wants to buy our govt's ludicrously over-rated debt paper at negative real interest rates. US govt debt if a real company would be rated "Junk" at best. After all, would you loan any more money to these con artists? A global revolt is underway that will resemble this video (car being US govt. debt paper). Foreign investors are furious about being scammed with junk mortgage backed CDO's and their ilk. Game over US bankers and treasury. Time to start driving that beat up junker. You've earned it.

Never lived there, but stayed several weeks on each of the major islands. They are all different in a lot of ways, including the local attitude. For me, Kauai is the cream of the crop. Just stunning beauty and a much more laid back vibe than any of the others. Never got any attitude from any locals there. Nothing but friendly people. Can't say the same for Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island.

I'm looking at flying in December LON-BKK and they want over £1700 in elite.. So no it's not worth the difference anymore.

1700 Sterling?!!!!!!! For elite/evergreen? That can't be right. I'm booked evergreen deluxe from Seattle to BKK late Oct. for $1340US (725 sterling). If they are really quoting 1700 pounds from Heathrow, then no, not worth it.