kuffki

kuffki, you were caught making stuff up...then proceed to spin your way out of it ? a simple apology works better.

when you say 'every single regulation and sanction' and 'every single international law and agreement' you just make it worse.

dude, i am only trying to help you out here - you have a reputation to protect. this is the thai visa forum, at least...3 other people will see this.

Thank you, but i was not aware i was seeking help and certainly was not aware i had "reputation" to protect.

However if you DO want to appear intelligent, why do not you post FACTS showing otherwise, rather than trolling and discussing what i should or should not be doing

I've been living in Thailand since 1984. It used to be very simple to renew the annual visa based on marriage. Now the process requires quite a few more documents and photos. I think it is because of the many foreigners who find illegal ways to stay in the country. Each new scam makes Immigration add another regulation. Am I against the scams? ... Yes, I am, for this reason.

and why do people make new "scams" perhaps immigration making it harder for no apparent reasons.

foreigners do not get free medical or depend on the state in any way what so ever.

while i see the mentality behind it all, i also strongly disagree.

In my personal experience, i have attended a well known school for a full year and found not even 1 teacher was actually a qualified teacher. None of the people in the class were able to converse in Thai and thats after 1 year or learning.

Some guys were in their second year and were attending every class.

So yes there are a number of people who use ED visa just to stay, but there is also a huge number of people who actually want to learn but unable to do so because schools employ unskilled labor.

One of my friends had a similar situation in immigration, but officer demanded he sing Thai national anthem.

Also in my experience, officer spoke Isaan to me rather than Thai, officer spoke very fast and shortened many words. Those so called tests are done in the open with noise coming from all directions making very hard to concentrate.

So i would personally like to see if they do crack down, they also crack down on schools not providing proper education and conduct tests in appropriate environment.

PS. If anyone actually looks at the books at some schools, you may find that the words you learn are rather useless and very possible not to know words like big fish eat small fish.

While it seems more than a little ridiculous to try the US officials in absentia in Iran, (because the alleged crimes did not happen there), I have no complaints with charges being filed internationally by Iran. It's common knowledge that some US forces (and UK forces too), have tortured prisoners, and committed other excesses. If war criminals from other countries can be tried at the Hague, why not US officials ? A war crime is a war crime, regardless of the citizenship of the person committing the crime. I hope they also find some evidence on Blair, Bush's pet warmongering lap-dog. It also seems eminently sensible to cut ties with companies associated with the alleged perpetrators of these crimes. After all, if it's acceptable for the US, EEC, and other countries to use sanctions, or refuse to trade with "rogue" countries and companies, it must be acceptable for Iran to take the same stance.

Because Iran is NOT Hague, nor is it even a member of UN , nor it is even a democratic state, nor it is human rights protector.

Iran is ONLY a terror supporter and human rights abuser, which gives them no right or position to even open their mouth let alone judge others.

It's always advisable to check FACTS, before posting drivel. According to the United Nations website, http://www.un.org/en/members/ Iran IS indeed a member of the UN, and in fact, is a FOUNDING MEMBER. A country does NOT have to be a democratic state, in order to recognise war crimes committed by other states. Iran has every right, to raise this matter, and file lawsuits internationally. I tend to agree with philw's comment regarding the irony concerned, but perhaps the Iranians have a better sense of humour than some of the right-wing posters on here. Nevertheless, a war crime is against international law, and americans should NOT be exempt from either being accused or tried at the Hague.

FOUNDING MEMBER who does not comply with and defy every single regulation and sanction.

The very same founding member who breaches every single international law and agreement

The very same founding member who supports terror-openly

The very same founding member who openly wishes for destruction of another

It can not be the same founding member who supports, aids and harbors internationally recognized terror organizations, arms terror groups, sponsors terrorist attacks and praises those who kill.

Call me right wing or whatever wing you like, but knowing THE FACTS, not sure how you arrived at conclusion supporting Iran's lunacy once again.

PS. Who would be the defense for the Americans?

US ambassador to Thailand, Kristie Kenney's command of the Thai language has received both official recognition and praise.

Not bad considering she spoke no Thai before moving here for her post.

What? Really? She has learned Thai is just 6 months? Has anyone here heard her speak Thai?

Recently she was interviewed by the local Pattaya TV and she was only capable of saying hello and thank you in Thai, she must have undertaken the super duper, top secret, highly classified language course to master the language.

While it seems more than a little ridiculous to try the US officials in absentia in Iran, (because the alleged crimes did not happen there), I have no complaints with charges being filed internationally by Iran. It's common knowledge that some US forces (and UK forces too), have tortured prisoners, and committed other excesses. If war criminals from other countries can be tried at the Hague, why not US officials ? A war crime is a war crime, regardless of the citizenship of the person committing the crime. I hope they also find some evidence on Blair, Bush's pet warmongering lap-dog. It also seems eminently sensible to cut ties with companies associated with the alleged perpetrators of these crimes. After all, if it's acceptable for the US, EEC, and other countries to use sanctions, or refuse to trade with "rogue" countries and companies, it must be acceptable for Iran to take the same stance.

Because Iran is NOT Hague, nor is it even a member of UN , nor it is even a democratic state, nor it is human rights protector.

Iran is ONLY a terror supporter and human rights abuser, which gives them no right or position to even open their mouth let alone judge others.

Iran the world pillar

may constitute? when does it?

considering that the media is is not allowed in the country, i have a feeling the number of killed is double if not triple.

Judging from his name, the minister is a Muslim,

and I understand that the Koran does forbid such acts.

and yet Pattaya is full of Muslims taking ladyboys back to their rooms

In case anyone hasn't checked lately, the only items on the restricted list are munitions related materials. Cement and some steel is allowed, but only to foreign aid agency supervised projects. Aside from that, the list of materials allowed into Gaza is open. What is blocking many imports is, wait for it, the import duties and paperwork the PA/Hamas require. The Egyptian border is open and nothing except the greed and corruption of the locals prevents goods from being brought in from the Egyptian side.

One of the goals of the Hamas/PA unity government was to address the crippling bureaucracy and maze of import tariffs and duties. Haven't heard much from the unity government yet, so I guess this issue takes a backseat again.

We have not heard from the unity government because they have not formed one yet

They just talked about it, agreed on having one and then disagreed, so the usual only talk with no action

What next? A law to wear the underwear on the outside so that its easier for you to guess the gender?

If necessary YES! At lease makes it harder to hide the bags of C4 and nails!

What are you,'Social engineer' or 'Hand Wringer"?

A burqa ban will not stop a C4&nails bomber.

Most people are ugly, better they wear more than less.

I have quite a phobia of fat people and are afraid that they explode and create a mess, like the dude in that Monty Python movie. We need a law to ban them from the public.

Tourists and NON-0 rant about immigrants and foreigners, why did you move even abroad? If you are such a good patriot and are afraid that your 'civilisation' is overrun by the others your duty is at home.

What are you, 'pensioner' or 'pensioner'?

since even wearing a cross on your neck in Arab state gets you beaten up or jailed,or in some places even shot dead- i do not see a problem having similar laws in the West

western woman is not allowed to be out alone in public with open face and hair in the arab states, if she is , she would be beaten and arrested.

Whats good for the goose, is good for the gander.

France and majority of other countries in Europe are NOT Muslim, so why should the majority of the population accommodate the few minority when they in public?

Many were disappointed by Abhisit Vejjajiva's handling of the economy

What are their criticisms of Abhisit Vejjajiva's handling of the economy? Why do they think Pheu Thai would do a better job?

I think they simply remember the good old days when Thaksin was leading the country during a world economic boom led by USA. Look at the performance of the S&P 500 (aggregate index of top 500 stocks in USA) from 2003 to 2006:

The financial markets in the USA leads most of the markets in other countries. People around the world felt wealthy, including Thais. Everyone spent well (too much in hindsight, particularly in America), including tourists visiting Thailand. Thais who do not follow world financial markets may have thought that it was Thaksin himself who brought about those euphoric economic times in Thailand, which would be a strong reason to why they want him back.

Now look at the chart above during the time when Abhisit was Prime Minister (2008 to now). You can see that it has been a much rougher ride in the financial markets, with people worldwide losing much of their wealth in the crash that began in late 2007. When people feel less wealthy they travel less and spend less. If you couple this with geopolitical turmoil which affects oil prices (and thus consumer prices), plus internal political turmoil aggravated by Thaksin, UDD and his hired lobbyists like Amsterdam & Peroff (Robert Amsterdam Thailand), Barbour Griffith & Rogers,

Kobre & Kim, Baker Botts, and Daniel J. Edelman, then you can see that it has been much tougher for Abhisit and Korn to steer the Thai ship.

The rise in the markets in USA that you can see from 2009 onwards is widely seen as a "fake" rally that has been fueled by a flood of liquidity (creation or "printing" of new money) from central banks, not by real increased productivity. Real economic conditions are still quite poor in USA and Europe, and that has affected (and is still affecting) the rest of the world, including Thailand; no country is completely immune from the problems of USA and Europe, including even isolated countries like Myanmar who receive aid via NGOs.

Do most average rural Thai folk understand this? It is more likely that they simply blame recent tough times on Abhisit. Pheu Thai / UDD undoubtedly would not want to correct such views and more likely have fostered them for their own benefit.

You nailed it.

Not even average folks do not understand this but the majority do not ,because to understand one need to study little economics and economic cycles.

'Hamas leader is brain behind Dutch flotilla'

The participation of a Hamas member in the Gaza-bound flotilla proves that the flotilla does not have humanitarian intent, but is actually a provocation and a terror operation.

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=227353

Greeks stop ship of activists from sailing to Gaza

Canadian boat ‘Tahrir’ forced to return to Crete shortly after departure; refusing to identify captain, all 50 flotilla activists taken into custody.

A spokeswoman at the Greek embassy in Tel Aviv said that Greek commandos boarded the boat, named the Tahrir, shortly after it set sail, just as they did Friday in stopping an American vessel that was taking part in the Gaza-bound flotilla. When the passengers on Monday refused to identify the captain of the ship, all 50 of them were taken into custody, she said.

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=227940

the only problem i can see with democrats is their silence and rather an "easy' approach to the elections.

I really am unsure why Democrats did not attack the "useless" and "impossible" policy's proposed by PTP.

For example, their promise of wage rise, but that would also mean price increase

Promise of tax cuts, but where would the supplement income for the government come from?

I feel Democrats should of been more active and loud in promoting its achievements and explaining PTP unrealistic promises.

why only 1 day? why not 1 week?

Different global economic environment last time. When Thaksin rules last time, Donald Duck would have looked good.

So that is the best you can do ?

Maybe Jing in wonderland

Actually Jing is correct, i suggest some light reading on economics.

Even a powrhouse like China suffered and you can not even compare Thai economy to Chinese.

Different global economic environment last time. When Thaksin rules last time, Donald Duck would have looked good.

You are absolutely correct.

Government does affect the economy, however economy usually goes in 8 year cycles.

It so happened that when Thaksin was the PM economy was in the 8 year uppper cycle, just like the rest of the world. It then hit the low cycle where we are now for another 2-4 years.

Even if dems had the best ever policy's it could not change the situation around the world.

I feel Thailand rather bluffed its way through the crisis.

I also do think baht will start to come down for all the reason you have stated, plus another which is the return of Thaksin, all the money he has is in foreign currency so to make the money, i have a feeling baht will drop.

Also by forcing baht to drop, will increase exports and tourism, hence showing that PTP is doing everything for the people.

kuffki, seriously, read the OP and even your own post that quotes it.

"they send the victims presents, but then they phone or email the victims asking that they transfer money to their accounts to pay for VAT [value-added tax] or import taxes at the airport,"

It is all variations on the same scam. Or you are saying that since not every scam they pull is enacted with the same exact details, it must be completely different, unrelated, scams or issues we talk about?

What exactly is your point? You seem confused.

Send HIM money NOT send money to shipping company.

Why do you continue to troll even though you are well aware that OP is NOT about the scam you keep trying to prove for some unknown reason.

Again, you have no idea about the history or the pattern. It is obvious.

I welcome debating this with you after you spent some years dealing with 419-scams and have any knowledge on the subject.

, now you are scam expert as well as expert on everything else

kuffki, seriously, read the OP and even your own post that quotes it.

"they send the victims presents, but then they phone or email the victims asking that they transfer money to their accounts to pay for VAT [value-added tax] or import taxes at the airport,"

It is all variations on the same scam. Or you are saying that since not every scam they pull is enacted with the same exact details, it must be completely different, unrelated, scams or issues we talk about?

What exactly is your point? You seem confused.

Send HIM money NOT send money to shipping company.

Why do you continue to troll even though you are well aware that OP is NOT about the scam you keep trying to prove for some unknown reason.

I am reading and more reading and this is what i read

"they send the victims presents, but then they phone or email the victims asking that they transfer money to their accounts to pay for VAT [value-added tax] or import taxes at the airport,"

Still reading

"Ms Monthira explained that one foreigner asked a Thai woman to send him money because he said he was being held at Phuket Airport by Thai Customs for trying to bring into the country too much foreign currency."

Perhaps you can underline for me where it talks about the scenario you trying to tell

Again: The scam is that they are telling them that they have packages or merchandise (see your example #1: Need them to 'pay for VAT [value-added tax] or import taxes') that need to be paid to get to them. Most cases are (said) directly emailed packages. Your second quote is just a version of the same. The payment is required to release something and the payment goes via a faked agent or 'not proper' account.

I am sorry that you fail to understand that just because your read it is a variant of the scam that has been going on for years doesn't mean it is a different gang. They can still pull off the above from their same main base of operations, they might just have altered the story towards some of the targets.

(The 'sent package' scam was last used against a middle eastern friend of mine mere months ago -- luckily she had no plan to pay anything and just strung the guy along. Until he started being abusive over the phone for her not paying to the 'shipping agent'.)

What are you talking about?

Its written right there in plain and simple English.

Black ink on white paper.

Stop imagining things and trying to prove you right. YOU ARE WROING.

Op is not about the scam you are talking about, if you do wish to discuss the scam you talking about, make another thread for it.

Are you on drugs?

You even quote "they send the victims presents, but then they phone or email the victims asking that they transfer money to their accounts to pay for VAT [value-added tax] or import taxes at the airport," -- which is exactly what my post was about.

Stop trolling!

Your post WAS about girls getting invoices to pay for the tax. Supposedly was a fake invoice

This OP is NOT about this, If you can not understrand basic English, try using online translators.

Would they be shirtless to avoid being labelled?

I believe black, red, yellow and multi colors are already taken, so shirtless seems the best option

I am reading and more reading and this is what i read

"they send the victims presents, but then they phone or email the victims asking that they transfer money to their accounts to pay for VAT [value-added tax] or import taxes at the airport,"

Still reading

"Ms Monthira explained that one foreigner asked a Thai woman to send him money because he said he was being held at Phuket Airport by Thai Customs for trying to bring into the country too much foreign currency."

Perhaps you can underline for me where it talks about the scenario you trying to tell

Again: The scam is that they are telling them that they have packages or merchandise (see your example #1: Need them to 'pay for VAT [value-added tax] or import taxes') that need to be paid to get to them. Most cases are (said) directly emailed packages. Your second quote is just a version of the same. The payment is required to release something and the payment goes via a faked agent or 'not proper' account.

I am sorry that you fail to understand that just because your read it is a variant of the scam that has been going on for years doesn't mean it is a different gang. They can still pull off the above from their same main base of operations, they might just have altered the story towards some of the targets.

(The 'sent package' scam was last used against a middle eastern friend of mine mere months ago -- luckily she had no plan to pay anything and just strung the guy along. Until he started being abusive over the phone for her not paying to the 'shipping agent'.)

What are you talking about?

Its written right there in plain and simple English.

Black ink on white paper.

Stop imagining things and trying to prove you right. YOU ARE WROING.

Op is not about the scam you are talking about, if you do wish to discuss the scam you talking about, make another thread for it.

Either :hit-the-fan:will hit the fan or nothing will be done or Hezbollah will start another war.

I am more inclined to believe that war is the option they will take.

We disagree again. no war. Lebanon will not act for fear of the destruction a war would bring. Look for a trial in absentia in an International Court setting. Watch for Iran to protest. And people expect the west to negoiate with Hizbollah???????

I did not mean war in Lebanon, i meant Hezbollah attacking Israel for diversion.

Hezbollah already accused Harriri in conspiring with Israel and a few other "wild" allegations.

I do hope i am wrong and no war, but as you know Hezbollah and its backers are not the most rational people on this planet. I do however believe if war was the chosen option, i doubt Iran will actually get involved physically, but rather again will instigate it and sit back and support it one way or another.

It has also been reported Hezbollah has been moving its rockets and unusual military movements, which so happen to coincide with Syria doing the same.

I guess, will have to wait and see, i am sure next 30-60 days it will be clear of what to come

Sorry, but you make wrong thrust as it were....

I don't know any bar girls but nice and subtle of you to load the innuendo...........

At the risk of repeating myself, it looks like about half the electorate are what you describe as "naive and stupid".

How many million is that ???

I do not know why do not you tell me how many million is that

And also do tell me how many of those millions received 1000 baht envelopes?