bojo

I would imagine it's in Thailand's interests to get a 10 year committment from 'wealthy individuals' and that all previous investments would count towards one's required investment........just a matter of changing visas hopefully........................................ Financially, with an upfront fee, the treasury's coffer will benefit too as some expats unfortunately won't out-live or stay the whole the 10 years........................................................ I also imagine the small print would require an updated annual fiscal statement to make sure one isn't flying below the radar having repatriated funds etc which begs the question, how much pain would one be subjected to in submitting that info!!..........................................................

Interesting video to see what the young man 'Skipper' had to say......................................

I have to be honest, as much as it hurts me to say this, but IMO the poster has a valid point .............for those that were fortunate enough to live on the island when one could drive/bike around and see the ocean from the road almost uninterrupted, they might well feel that the view they took for granted has been taken away from them, perhaps selfishly, but nonetheless, unless you're off the beaten tourist path; sea and beach views that once were are extremely scarce...................................................................I think, however, if I was a new to the island tourist, I wouldn't really know how it was before and am pretty sure, that I would still enjoy the island for what it has to offer...........................If I was a price conscious back packer, it most likely wouldn't be my first choice as it isn't cheap in comparison with some other other beautiful and interesting SE Asian destinations that are now well and truly established.......................................

I'm not sure it's such a big deal that prices are proportionately more expensive to fly into and out of Koh Samui than other domestic routes in the Kingdom..............as one poster commented, they prefer to use Surat/Nakorn Si plus ferry and make a significant saving flying from BKK and there is also the Resident card that offers a significant 30% discount for residents, business and property owners, https://flyerbonus.bangkokair.com/flyerbonus/type-of-membership/414/ The island is relatively small and can't handle mass tourism, so there's really no need for bucket airline prices and there's also plenty of ferry, train and bus options offering pretty decent tansport network alternatives that has worked well for decades, not forgetting that travel for many tourists is all part of the fun of the holiday experience, be it a 1 hour plus flight from BKK or an overnight train from the capital...................................................................

I guess the extremely late notice of the event being held is due to any relaxation of covid restrictions and recent reduction of TP entry requirements and trying to hold the event prior to start of rainy season...........................better late than never I suppose, ................................and good on them for holding the event and speeding up the road back to normality....................the Thai biking fraternity must be very pleased .........................

Try clearing your history/cookies....................................

1 million baht per rai doesn't sound that expensive. I don't know the area you live in to make a comparison as you haven't stated..........Alot would depend on where it is situated in relation to a town and whether there is water and electricity adjacent and whether the land needs levelling etc. Many variables to consider, the list goes on really..................I think the days of buying cheap land in Thailand are long gone, but then 'cheap' is all relative of course........................

This scene in True Romance with Dennis Hopper referring to Sicilians' heritage is just an all time classic and one that I'm sure most AN members remember well, but just for good measure...........

Nothing like feeling 'trumped'.............!!

completely beyond comprehension, not sure that I need reminding, but thank you all the same..........

Thank goodness for democracy, at least we have a fighting chance...................... I remember learning about that at school in 1971

Absolutely. none of us can do anything.........................but those of us that have friends and family, especially younger members and children that have their whole life ahead of them, have every reason to be concerned...............................................I'm very fortunate to have lived a trouble free life, and I really don't care about myself, but it's not about me.................................................................

It might not be important to some now, but price increases wil be the least of their worries if the situation gets seriously out of hand....................................... and I can assure you that those who follow the news, current and world affairs are extremely concerned about the situation in Ukraine now and have been since the very start............

I get that.............'the call to prayer' would've challenged me for sure.................................. I had the same with cockerels in the middle of urban Bristol, UK................. drove me mad at first, then I got my head around it, mind over matter and harked back to rural times in Samui, and, I too, found it reassuring....................it's not often I surprise myself..!!

..................and in some cases, the 'powerful people' will come for a visit to determine why their name is being dropped......................