kimamey

Thanks for that. I only have a limited knowledge of what happened so your post was very helpful.

Japan might have taken over if Thailand hadn't supported them from what I know. The reason I've heard put forward as the reason for them to not be invaded is that the British were on one side in Burma and the French were in Lao and Vietnam. There was a border between Lao and Burma but if one side had invaded Thailand it may have caused both more trouble that they needed so it was a sort of buffer zone. I'm sure the Dutch were involved somewhere but I can't remember. Off topic really but it might explain the desire not to take sides but I'm not sure it's a very good excuse.

I would have thought the downside for Putin is that there will be a lot of military age Russians avoiding fighting in Ukraine. by hiding in Thailand.

Maybe the Israelis are going for 2 years? Bad taste possibly but if you don't laugh it'll ruin you.

With Russia it's mainly the government that's the problem rather than the majority of Russians themselves. However it does seem strange that Canadians, amongst others, are considered less welcome than Russians. I suspect that Russians will bring in more money than Canadians so you won't count as much to politicians who may have financial connections and incentives. Plus extra money to Thais in those tourist areas will get more votes.

I wonder how Putin will feel about it, given that quite a few of the 'tourists' will be avoiding callup for military service?

Would the BJ be before or after immigration? Maybe 2 BJs. One to entertain you whilst you wait for immigration and another whilst waiting for your bags. Should also stop the scramble for bin space on the flight. I've just had a thought. What about other family members? Wives, children or parents. Would it be behind a screen, unless you're business class of course.

It's possible that travelling in a tuk tuk is more likely to cause death or injury than guns. Stricter gun control would be welcome but I don't think it's that likely you'd be shot visiting Thailand. The roads are more of a problem and I've never been killed or injured in my time here. The drop in numbers may be for other reasons but some people will always be spooked by things like these but it will pass.

There are quite a few vehicles with faded numbers on their plates and I wouldn't be surprised if some use fake ones.

Fortunately my wife has never been violent and I don't think she'd know how but it was just a strange sight seeing her peeling small onions with a meat cleaver. They seem to use those a lot. As for her brother I suspect it was a mistake by someone who was young but it was a strange story. Your situation seems to have been far more serious and your reasoning is probably correct.

Yes, it doesn't mention if they were visiting or live in Thailand. As he has a return ticket I assume he lives in the UK, at least some of the time. If she lives there with him then stealing his passport is not a good idea, particularly if she's going to need a visa at some point. She may have had it in her bag and just run off without thinking about it. My wife carries mine if needed as I don't have a bag.

I could leave but that would mean leaving my wife here to look after her mother. Then there's the help we both give to her daughter, sister, and brother, plus 4 dogs. I can't afford to go back to the UK and keep up my financial commitments in Thailand. I want to stay but I would like to spend more time in the UK with my family there, but again I can't afford that so I'll stay and complain if that's alright by you.

It seems as if she was a passenger. Other than that it's the questions we always ask.

SEK 750,000 (approx. 2.5 Mil THB) According to the article. Other than that there are currency conversion apps for phones and you can convert on Google

Yes. There are too many cowboys at the moment.

I once came into the kitchen to find my wife peeling small onions of about 2 - 3 cm or an inch with a meat cleaver. That sight has stayed with me and made me very careful, given that Thai women apparently have a liking for detaching men's tackle if upset. I mentioned this to her a few months back and she told me she'd once hit her brother with one when they were young and he annoyed her. I jokingly asked "the sharp side or the blunt side?" The sharp side apparently. She thinks they were about between 7 and 10. What have I married? She's left handed as well, which wouldn't normally be a problem, but I'm beginning to wonder.

My wife's been caught by one on the way from home in Mahasarakham to work in Roi Et three times. It's about 9 km after the border. She's never been caught going the other way though. In more of a hurry to get to work than come home to me I suppose. I think the first time was in June and then twice within a week in July or August. I did wonder how many people pay them and what happens if you don't? I seem to remember a story on here recently about chasing unpaid fines but I didn't read it.

I don't know but it's possible

Don't you mean? When do retired expat farangs get their 10,000...tax demand?

Grab, Food Panda ect seem to be able to get their riders to wear helmets so I think you're right that it's a lack of will. Plus of course there's the loss of money.

That doesn't apply to farang males, my wife has just helpfully informed me.

Nor should you.

Blimey that sounds good. I'll be in the next flight over. Oh hang on I already live here.

I don't think TAT have ever been very good with numbers.

I can't say I've ever had this problem, but then I can't see my wife letting me go in the first place. I have been left on my own if I've accompanied her on a work trip and she's gone to a meeting. I can usually remember a hotel name although some can be difficult if they aren't in English. Next weekend we'll be going to the Phanomrungpuri Hotel in Nangrong, Buriram. I think this will be our fourth stay but I'd struggle to remember it, although I recognise it as soon as I see it. The first thing I'd do is check the booking on my phone. That would give me the name and directions but not the room number. I always take a picture of that so I don't have to look an idiot by asking at reception. I like to keep that a secret. If you don't have an online booking then maybe a picture of the name outside the hotel. If you've also lost your phone then there's no hope.