ballpoint

Further to my post above, a comparison of global GDP per capita PPP. Thailand ranks right in the middle, above Brazil, South Africa, India and Indonesia, amongst others. Obviously, relatively wealthy, low population countries, do well here. A few others of interest: The UK is around 50,000, Germany 58,000, Australia 56,000, New Zealand 46,000 and China 19,000 - which, when considering its enormous population, is really rather good... GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) | Data (worldbank.org)

GDP per PPP gives the "Gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power standards", which creates a level playing field between countries in terms of how much money they generate and the price of what they buy for it. For example, a country with a medium level GDP, but where prices are low may have an equal, or even higher GDP per PPP than a high GDP country where prices are expensive. The next step is GDP per capita PPP, which further divides it by the population to show the true purchasing power GDP of each citizen. The effects of the 1997 "Asian crisis", the 2008 GFC and covid are clearly seen. Despite what many doomsayers were telling us about the Thai economy, Thailand was showing rather rapid growth up till covid hit, but looks to be improving again, with the forecasted data in the blue shaded region: Thailand GDP per capita PPP - 2022 Data - 2023 Forecast - 1990-2021 Historical - Chart (tradingeconomics.com) And an explanation of the PPP calculation is shown here: PPP Calculation and Estimation (worldbank.org)

Does your laptop have a slot for a Kensington lock? If so, you can get keyed and combination types. Wrap the cable around a desk leg, or other immovable object, plug the end into the slot and lock it. Though, in over 35 years of staying in hotels all over Thailand, I have never used a hotel safe, and never had anything stolen.

The boss of Dulux paints has died of hypothermia while trekking across the Antarctic. Medics say he needed a second coat.

My mate Dave only has one leg but it didn't stop him from getting a job at the brewery. They put him in charge of the hops.

Yesterday, I called my landlord and told him I gotta a leak in my sink. He said, "Go ahead, I'm not judging you."

For ****'s sake. It's been nearly six weeks since Christmas, and today I found Glitter in my kids' bedroom again.