KhunOr

8 minutes ago, KarenBravo said:

One supposes, no noses.

One supposes, nobody knowses

6 hours ago, chiang mai said:

 

I wear dark glasses all the time, including inside shopping malls and even into early evening, because I suffer from photophobia, a condition I have learned to live with over thirty years - this means that bright sunlight makes me squint, become nauseous and causes painful headaches. The problem was not so bad when I lived in the West where photo grey lenses would take care of the problem, here the light is so powerful that photo grey isn't effective. So now I have two pairs of glasses, a regular pair I use at home for computer work and a dark pair I wear the rest of the time, both are made to the same varifocal prescription. And yes, on occasion a "<deleted>" westerner in a shopping mall will give me an odd look but what am I supposed to do, stop and tell him/her my medical history so that in future they will understand!

Spot on.

Many people these days wear tinted prescription glasses, sometimes in sunglasses frames (like RayBan) sometimes not. They serve multiple purposes and there are often medical issues including photophobia and other conditions that lead to headaches and migraine, etc. Although these are quite different from 'sunglasses' the wearers still have to face the 'look' and often nasty comments from opinionated twerps (westerners) in shopping malls who just can't mind their own business!

I enjoyed reading your story. Had to stop and go make a cup of tea half way through...

I'd just like to point out that most if not all of the trials and tribulations you had, including the ever changing quotations, happen just as often with Thai to Thai people as with Thais to foreigners.

For just about any project always give yourself more time than you might expect, always shop around for quotes, if possible always get references and above all, always get a written quotation in advance. And having done all of those things, be prepared and expect the unexpected. It's that easy.

Reminds me of this one I spotted:

Spoken English
English Courses on various levels Accomodation can be arranged
www.valuepointacademy.com

Google advert

Well said FolkGuitar. This is exactly right.

Seriously, stay away, the way these wonderful animals are treated especially when training is terrible, sharp spikes are used, their place is in the wild!!!!!

Absolutely! Could you please tell us where there is enough 'wild' to sustain a herd of elephants today, without them destroying farmer's fields or getting hit by speeding cars? The home range for one wild female Asian elephant is up to 400 square kilometers and almost double that for a male, up to 200,000 acres. And that's just one. The problem really starts when you factor in that elephants are 'herd' animals, so we need much more space.

Determining proper space also needs to include topography, vegetation, water and location. 300 acres of flat open pasture has a vastly different benefit than 300 acres of hilly terrain with valleys of trees and hilltop pastures. Topography creates opportunities to grow various species of grass, trees and shrubs; some that are more shade dependent or require different soil PH. This diversity promotes physical and psychological stimulation as elephants search for a variety flora for dietary or medical needs (captive elephants in sanctuary have been observed eating specific plants to self medicate-another topic for another day) to seek shelter from prevailing winds or the perfect hill for an afternoon nap.

Unfortunately, because of encroaching civilization, safe wild space large enough to sustain a healthy herd of elephants no longer exists in Thailand. The only recourse for the protection of the species lies in elephant sanctuaries and 'better-run' elephant camps. The closest of these two are the sanctuary in Lamphang or the elephant show in the Mae Sa Valley, both of which provide proper nutrition, veterinary care, and freedom from abuse. Tourist support of these two organizations go a long way to improving the conditions of the elephants.

There is no question about the fact that many Thai elephant show employees and owners mistreat their animals, and that this must be stopped at all costs. But just freeing the elephants into the local jungle isn't the answer any more than leaving a bag of puppies on the steps of the temple is the way to deal with soi dogs.

It moved to the opposite side of the river. Now a much larger place.

I logged in just to 'Like' this. Brilliant indeed.

Not easy for a third world country to enter the 21th century!!

Specially with a "leader" believing in black magic!!

Welcome to Disney-land.............................

Back home in the US most people believe in a sky wizard and his zombie son that will send you to paradise forever if you follow all the rules in his 2000 year old dungeons and dragons guidebook. Every president I've lived through has regularly call on this sky wizard to grant them powers and gifts and mystically guide our nation through danger.

I bought the Samsung 51" on this offer a few months ago. Replaced a 43" 9 years old Samsung Plasma that had never had a problem. Fantastic value. Great picture (much better quality than LCD). No problems overheating. Buy it while you can.

Yes.

Wait until the seed is bright red and ready to fall.

Plant with or without the flesh (try both to see which works best - both work actually) just under the surface of a good soil medium in a pot or plastic bag/pot.

Keep damp but don't over water.

Place in a partially sunny place (needs shade not full sun).

Be patient. Can take months to sprout.

Be very gentle with the transplant from pot to final location and look after it until well established.

Burnt oil used in cooking it.

Hey Berkshire... your horribly mistaken my friend... Me and my Thai lady do understand each other much better now (English / Thai language) then before after a lot of effort from the both of us over time.. BUT... in the beginning it was 90% understanding and lovingly caring for each other by means of " language by the heart " as mentioned..... Believe me.. this does truly excists ... Today we're the most happiest couple out there and I would happily do it all over again... But than once again... we were mend to be together..

Boy, you guys are amazing. This is so basic, it really shouldn't need much explanation. Most good relationships are based on good communication. If the parties cannot communicate due to language incompatibility, then there's going to be problems. Thai women are no different. The ones who don't care much about communication are seeking something else, usually financial security.

Perhaps we're different, but I wouldn't even consider a serious relationship with someone if we couldn't communicate. That's why I believe it's important to learn the Thai language if one seeks to live and have relationships in Thailand. But that's just me.

Interesting thread.

Berkshire I think you really haven't grasped what people are telling you. Communication is not just about spoken language. Furthermore posters have told you that other aspects of communication - demonstrable love, 'heart', etc - are considered more important in mixed relationships.

Nobody is saying that communication itself is not important. Just that the ability to speak Thai isn't as important as other things.

I've found that just about anything works. Tried it all. Best is a piece of meat (chicken, pork, beef, all work well) on a good sized single hook. If you are adept at striking one piece of meat will last for multiple catches. Bread works too, but you'll have to keep re-baiting frequently. I've caught pla nin on a spinner too.

This is just one of many web pages with what looks like that. http://www.thaifurnituredecor.com/

There are numerous businesses selling this type of furniture on the Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Road and Ban Tawai. Probably other places also.

Hope this helps.

I'll second that. For example, take a left in Hang Dong town onto the Ban Tawai road and look at the shops along that road. There's a shop a little way down on your left that sells very similar looking furniture...and others around there.

If you have a Thai platinum Amex, you'll get 5x airmile points if you buy petrol at Shell.

Well, one way I imagine this affects westerners is in job applications. You feel and may look 10-15 younger than your 50yo real age, but to your prospective Thai employer you have one foot in the grave. I don't actually know what experiences you might have had that have similar consequences. Waiting to see.

OP - I am mid to late 40's : what Thai people think of this has not effected me other than when they say, mai sure, when I tell them my age.

Is this really what you want to know or something else?

Did your girlfriend leave you for an older guy or something?

Quite a difference David. Your thread is about how old you think you are and it is not Thai specific.

This thread is about the disparity of perceptions between Thai people (on this subject) and westerners…and how this affects westerners who live here in Thailand.

OP ... you could defer to this, done just 2 months ago ...

how-young-is-old

Just a thought ...

I'm off for having a

.

.

I think that being ‘old’ is as much a state of mind as a given number. But what if your perceptions are radically different from those of most people around you, as it probably is if you are a Caucasian living in Thailand?

You might like to ask your Thai spouse and Thai friends what age they regard as “middle aged” and “old”. At what age does “middle age” start and finish and old age begin?

Among my Thai friends that I asked, the average start-finish stated for middle age is 25-45 years old. After 45 you are old already.

I read surveys that were conducted among 2,000 people in the UK and another much larger one conducted in the USA. In the USA the researchers said that most people think of middle age as beginning at 44 and ending at 60. And in the UK the average perceived start of middle age was put at 53!

By the way in both countries the beginning and end of middle age was regarded as being younger for women.

So what are the implications for you here in Thailand? Have you noticed this and how does it affect you?

This post is NOT meant as an attack on ‘old’ people, whether you are 45 or 85, so please don’t turn it into such.

There's an option to receive OTPs by email.

This is true and essential. You would be surprised how many people don't use any kind of mobile phone.

And you might lose your phone (or change number) but unlikely to lose your email address.
 

No you cannot.

A Thai company that is registered for VAT may offset the VAT from purchases against the VAT from sales and reclaim any difference. This is an advantage to manufacturers and exporters in particular, as VAT is not charged on sale of goods to customers who are outside Thailand (goods that have proof of shipping), but the company probably paid VAT on raw materials.

As an individual living in Thailand you have to pay VAT like everyone else, regardless of nationality.

Oh well, since I'm typing ... rental contracts are govt controlled - not the rents, just the contract, so it's all standardised, unless arranged through a lawyer. See your friendly Land Dept office for a copy and a free minty.

Complete nonsense. I negotiated substantial changes to our lease before signing. Insisted on verification of installation of additional appliances before signing.

Only the naive believe in such things as "standard" contracts.

Haddock is correct. read any 'standard' contracts very carefully indeed. If there is a translation, make sure that both say exactly the same thing. Trust me, even the ones issued directly by lawyers sometimes do NOT.

The so-called 'standard' contracts (not only renting properties, but other things too) are often flawed, usually leaving the landlord with rights that are unfair to the renter. You have every right to question any clause and to negotiate changes that are reasonable and acceptable to both parties. I have leased/rented over a dozen properties and in every case made changes to the contracts and walked away from those landlords that refused (usually only out of ignorance and fear).

Don't understand your question.

So, you walk into a hospital: "Excuse me nurse, I'd like a unit of blood please."

"Certainly sir, would you like that in a straight glass?"

Surely blood is used for transfusions and if you were in need of one you'd expect to pay for it as part of your treatment? The hospital at the very least has to cover the costs of drawing and storing donated blood.

My former boss, A Dutch guy, makes all his employees give him their receipts for any major purchases they (personally) make so he can claim the VAT refund. I hope he comes under their scrutiny, but I doubt it will happen. I reported him to several agencies and they wouldn't even return my calls.

Sorry to call you on this, but it is nonsense. Perhaps only due to your lack of knowlwedge of Thai accounting...

In order to claim back VAT your company must be registered for VAT and your company name must appear on the formal VAT receipt issued by the vendor. It is strictly illegal to masquerade as a company if you are not. Therefore as an individual YOU were breaking the law if you claimed to be making purchases on behalf of the company you worked for even though the purchase was for personal use. And YOU were acting illegally (complicit in the crime) if you then gave that receipt to your company boss/accountant.

Also, your story doesn't ring true, as a company that is registered for VAT (not all are) has to submit a VAT declaration form every month. It lists the item purchased, gross and net amount after deducting the VAT paid. The VAT is eventually paid back to the company and the VAT officer will spot pretty quickly if the items claimed have no relation to the company's activities.

And finally, the company P&L has to show the whole transaction in the accounts too, hence all purchases are added to the 'Loss' side of the equation and a company that racks up huge losses will certainly be spotted by the internal auditor and eventually by the Revenue Dept auditors, spelling big trouble.

Out of interest, was that a car driving licence or motorbike?

You forgot government workers. They get more respect because they have a steady job (income) with benefits. You forgot Thais married to a foreigner - their status always goes up a notch or two. I know because my Thai wife showed me off everywhere to her fellow government workers.

Govt workers #4 or #7 or #8. Don't know which your wife might be.

Your wife might have shown you off because you are a hansum man. Or possibly because she was proud that she now had an ATM and they didn't.

I don't believe that marriage to a foreigner necessarily increases status, unless the foreigner is of a higher status according to the list. But that's just IMHO.