Thailand

Wonder if Musk and his geeks will expose all the naughties the Republicans have been up to as well with USAID, after all Trump was President for 4 years already and he and cronies will have been sure to be have been partaking of the pie not just Democrats!

"From 2009 to 2019, USAID partnered with EcoHealth Alliance on the PREDICT program, which identified 1,200 new viruses, trained 5,000 people globally in disease detection, and enhanced 60 research labs. This partnership provided the CIA with a direct channel for embedding human assets within biological research facilities worldwide in exchange for funding and technology transfers." When was Trump President first time around? I see Rubio is now in charge of USAID!

How many people have been fined for burning so far?

New series called Watson after Holmes death that wasn't. Not likely to watch it as Watson has changed colour am I wrong to think like that? Apparently it is being compared to House! Maybe one episode to check it out!

Apparently there is a reason why such posts are allowed but I can't remember what it was!

Apparently the word "fight" was misconstrued. Didn't someone else use it recently? "Fight Fight Fight"

How many tourists pay with Crypto?

Moving them from American soil to American soil at enormous cost to a place funded by and staffed by Americans servicemen at enormous cost who could be used more efficiently elsewhere.! Genius move!

Does proactive have any meaning in Thailand?

Friend who lived in a village just outside of Chiang Mai was told to burn his rubbish at night as all the police had gone home. And apparently it can't be seen at night!

Basically they mean Casinos with a few minor distractions thrown in to the complex. Hotel ,massage a few expensive shops, pawn shops on the periphery etc. Macao style.

A bit smaller than the first mobile phone I had when I came to Thailand in 1988.

Can't find it but it was years ago. I posted a photo of billboard that had Yingluck saying stop the burning with a fire burning to the right of the billboard. Around San Patong area.

Generally suck it up and get on with my remaining years in a place that I love despite the problems.

ARO blocks off the shelf at Makro Mae Hia however Mainland Tasty/Vintage buy one get one is now 250 baht.

How many hostages are still alive?

Bought our house here when the rate was around 73!

Me and er indoors sat around that pool about 23 years ago when the whole hotel complex had just opened. The only ones for a couple of days. Upgraded to a very nice suite for being almost the first customers. Interesting about the possible casino option bearing in mind the governments green light on Monday.

Musk's Grok says: " Comparing the performance of the Biden administration (Democrats) over the last four years with Donald Trump's four years in office involves examining various metrics, including economic performance, social policies, foreign policy, and public perception. Here's an analysis based on available data and public sentiment: Economic Performance: GDP Growth: Under Trump, GDP growth averaged around 2.5% before the 2020 economic downturn due to the global health crisis. Biden's administration has seen a recovery with GDP growth rates that have fluctuated, reaching an annualized rate of 5.9% in 2021 due to the post-COVID recovery, but tapering off to around 1.9% and 2.5% in subsequent years. Job Market: Both presidents oversaw periods of low unemployment; Trump's term ended with unemployment at about 6.3% due to the economic effects of the pandemic, while under Biden, unemployment dropped to as low as 3.4% in early 2022, though it has since increased slightly. Biden's administration has been noted for significant job creation, often credited to the recovery from the economic downturn. Inflation: Inflation has been notably higher under Biden, with rates peaking at 9.1% in June 2022, compared to a generally low inflation rate during Trump's term until the economic disruptions in 2020. Stock Market: The S&P 500 performed well under both administrations, but with stronger gains during Trump's presidency up until early 2020. Under Biden, the market has continued to rise but at a more moderate pace, with significant volatility due to economic recovery and inflation concerns. Social Policies: Healthcare: Biden managed to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes measures like drug price negotiations for Medicare, contrasting with Trump's unsuccessful attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Climate and Infrastructure: Biden passed significant infrastructure and climate legislation, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and components of the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at climate change, which were not priorities during Trump's term. Social Issues: Biden's administration has pushed for progressive social policies, including executive actions on immigration relief and student loan forgiveness, areas where Trump took a different, often more restrictive, approach. Foreign Policy: International Relations: Biden has worked to repair alliances strained during Trump's term, rejoining international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord. However, he's faced criticism over issues like the Afghanistan withdrawal and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Trump's "America First" policy led to significant changes in foreign relations, including pulling out of international agreements. Global Influence: There's debate on whether the U.S. has regained or lost influence under Biden compared to Trump, with some arguing Biden has restored traditional alliances while others critique his handling of international crises. Public Perception: Approval Ratings: Biden's approval ratings have been generally lower compared to the start of his term, with significant partisan divides. Trump's approval was consistently low among Democrats but relatively stable among his base. Recent polls suggest a more favorable retrospective view of Trump's presidency compared to Biden's current approval ratings. Public Sentiment: There's a sense of disappointment among some of Biden's key constituencies, particularly on issues like immigration and economic cost of living, while Trump's era is often viewed more positively by his supporters in retrospect, especially on economic matters. In summary, while both administrations had their successes and challenges, Biden's Democrats have navigated a post-COVID world with significant legislative achievements in infrastructure and climate action, alongside economic recovery. However, they've also faced criticism on inflation, border policies, and international affairs. Trump's term, marked by tax cuts and deregulation, saw economic growth before the global health crisis, but his term was also contentious due to his approach to governance and policy. The comparison is complex, influenced by global events like pandemics and wars, and deeply colored by partisan perspectives."

Eggs in one basket comes to mind?

Played golf early this morning there were bits of me that got cold that had not been cold for years. Probably too much information!

Global Colding where I am, 12C this early a.m. on the golf course.

Scalloped potatoes, roast fried or baked, where I come from and it's not Germany. Fish and scalloped potatoes anyone?

It is literally now called the "Burning Season" and is expected that government will fail to do anything to address the problem. People expect to get sick from the smog, hospitals make provision for the influx, and long term effects on the young will take time to come through but likely to be disastrous. Committees will be formed-again, people will die from the cumulative effects of the smog. The rain will come and all will be forgotten for another year.

Yes, some Province 90 day reports are approved at weekends. Chiang Mai for sure.