spidermike007

1 hour ago, CelticBhoy said:

The faces of the "real" monks say it all for me.

The Monks should have rejected him outright. They could have and should have seen how insincere he was. Not insane enough to drive. Only a cowardly denial, and fear of taking responsibility and paying the price. He killed two people! A half man with cash attempts to walk away. 

2 hours ago, Pattaya28 said:

Death seems a little harsh.

But is a good deterrent.

Assuming it's not all "hot-air".

Wonder how death will be administered ?

Cannot believe, as quoted, "axe".

 

It would never happen in a million years. Nobody in a real position of power gets the hammer in the LOS. Period. End of story. The land of injustice. Only the poor are punished. The rich, powerful and connected are protected rather than prosecuted. 

On 11/1/2016 at 1:16 AM, tbthailand said:

Oppression, ... pure oppression... 

Along the lines of the NSA in the US. Watching nearly everything. This is about more egregious censorship no doubt. Watch yourself. Big brother is watching you. 

And what this may really come down to is not so called misinformation. More like stifling critical dissent and squashing the ability to post reasonable comments that are not super supportive of the army, nor ignorant policies. 

15 hours ago, lannarebirth said:

^^ Here's your problem. We can all agree that Trumps a charlatan sleazeball, but for every example you cite someone can post multiple examples of Clinton doing something even more egregious.

True. But the timing of this is not a coincidence. Chances are Comey received many millions for this favor to Trump. At least that is what it appears to be. There is little doubt that most American institutions such as the FBI are severely compromised and partisan, these days. Gone are the days of clean government organizations. 

12 hours ago, trogers said:

Ahhh...must have been Ecstasy...

No. Just a completely self absorbed woman without a redeeming quality in the world, causing distress and financial loss to others. Lock her up. For a long time. 

In all of the years I have spent in Thailand I have never once witnessed a policeman issuing a speeding ticket. Where is the deterrent, other than your desire to protect those you have been entrusted to protect? Or your desire to see that your family members make it to their next birthday? Or just basic decency and respect for others?

It is truly an astonishing  day in the life of this country, when a minister talks about being competitive, or offers an idea that is progressive in its scope. This would be a truly remarkable achievement for the nation if they could get this bill past the xenophobes, and passed into law. Keeping up with the neighbors is not something they have had much success with for the past several years. I for one hope something like this comes to pass. 

2 hours ago, trogers said:

Why write to the Dutch King? Why is the Dutch government not doing anything?

 

Democracy rules!

It it is simply another example of a petty judiciary, that is utterly lost in the wilderness with an agenda of unconvincing moralization. 

The world continues to look on with bewilderment, astonishment, amusement and incredulity. Meantime, Thailand's reputation diminishes daily. 

On 10/22/2016 at 6:31 PM, Yahooka said:

Why not apply through mail ?

There is no doubt the process could and should be easier, simpler and cheaper. At a time when Western (read quality) tourism is declining, there should be a major effort on the part of the government to re-attract (non zero baht) tourists and make it easier for them to get visas. In this fashion the economy will thrive and millions will be more prosperous. 

As a life long democrat I can say we have never had such an inferior candidate. My plan is to sit out this election. I just cannot hold my nose long enough to vote for her.  Even though I despise the alternative. 

6 hours ago, alex8912 said:

I think this article is about Japanese or Chinese students. 

If anything they are not being pushed hard enough. In contrast with overachieving societies like Taiwan, China, Malaysia and several other cultures, many of the Thai kids are not pushed nearly enough. Especially the boys. This shrink is out of touch and barely has a clue. He needs to do some traveling. With their inferior educational system the Thai kids need as much prodding and discipline as possible. No amount of discipline is too much here.  

This incident is an abomination. These boats are so antiquated, and funky, and outdated. The fact that the government has not insisted they be replaced, means they are at least partially responsible for this accident. The tide looks like it was very powerful. Anyone who is not a competent swimmer should always wear a life vest, when out on the water. It is just common sense. This happened within a couple of meters of the shore. I suppose many might have been below deck? Do these boats even have a below deck area? 

Many of these boats do not have an adequate supply of life vests, and they are not prominently displayed. One can only hope the captain, and the owner of the company spend the rest of their lives in prison for this catastrophe. The boat appears to have been going too fast, for the approach. 

They are quoting a full year occupancy rate of 55-60%. That seems quite low. In addition to the bombings, you have the incident of tourist beat downs, and and the fact that this is still largely an unsolved crime. What Thailand needs to do, is simply admit that a task like finding these bombers is completely, and totally over their heads. They simply do not have the talent, training, experts, nor the proper forensics. In cases like this, they need to just be humble, and bring in experts from Scotland Yard, or the FBI, and simply admit they are nowhere near up for the task at hand. 

2 hours ago, CaptHaddock said:

 

Right.  Trump didn't start it, but he did keep lying about it for years after everyone else knew it was a racist fraud.  It's hard to conceive of a more cynical politician than Trump for whom his follower, the press, his customers, his contractors are all just suckers.  I can well understand that there is a large segment of American society which has not done well in the last 30 years and is feeling desperate.  The idea that someone like Trump could or would do anything to help them is beyond ridiculous. 

You really nailed it with your comment. To even for one second consider the possibility that Trump cares one iota for the common man, is a stretch of the imagination that requires a tremendous leap of faith. He has spent his entire life tearing down the common man. He has stolen millions upon millions of dollars from small businessmen, and walked away Scot free. There are currently 3,500 lawsuits he is involved in. How many people do you know that are being sued by thousands of people? And in over 1,000 of those suits  he is the plaintiff. The man is insane. He is a psychopath, who has no regard whatsoever for common people, and the very notion that his devotees believe he will lead them to the promised land is beyond my ability to comprehend. 

Having said that, Hillary is a terrible candidate and a crook. So, I get why people are clinging to the false notion that he is the redeemer. It is just a notion that is beyond silly.

As far as the birther issue goes, he is just going to have to deal with it. He spent alot of time insisting on defending this lie, and now he is having to deal with the problems he created. The very notion of taking responsibility for his actions and comments, does not seem to be something he is capable of. 

10 minutes ago, bino said:

 

Well.... almost. There won't be too many bar owners he can shake down for 21 grand in the Surat Thani town hall.

And that is a beautiful thing. But, how long do you think he will remain on desk duty? Where is the oversight? What is the incentive to keep him off the streets, when the majority of the force is engaged in the same types of crime?

Of course I am just speculating here, but who wants to bet he was raised by his grandparents, while his single mother was away for years at a time, giving him no paternal guidance whatsoever? Grandparents are simply caretakers. They make sure the child gets fed, and clothed, and that they get the most modest amount of attention. It is no substitution for parenthood. Issan has this boil on it's face. Absentee parenting is a curse of the region, as it is considered acceptable by many. 

Crooked cops are not charged here. It is part of the quid pro quo the government has with the revenue collection department (the cops). We will not pay you a decent salary. We will not give you the proper equipment or training, or supplies. In exchange, you are free to do as you like, within reason, and you will never, ever be arrested for your crimes. Transfer is the most common way to address wrongdoing. At full pay (which, admittedly is a pittance, as part of the quid pro quo). 

Perhaps the best place to start, if this little man has a sincere bone in his body, would be with his own words. He could stop insulting foreigners, and tourists. That might set an example for his people. He is the man of the jawbone. His favorite activity is jawboning, and he really, honestly, truly believes people are listening. That is the most comical part of who this man is.

20 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

 

 

There is a mass exodus from the state of California taking place, at this time, amongst the wealthy. Phil Mickelson recently moved. He said on an income of $63 million per year, it made no sense for him to live in California. It cost him about $7 to $8 million a year extra, for the honor of living in the N. San Diego county area. Taxes are insane. The state has experienced decades of politicians lacking in creativity. So, they just raised taxes. California's glory days are way, way behind. It is a gorgeous state. But, Southern California is getting very overdeveloped and congested, and Northern California has gotten to be out of control expensive. There are still some nice rural areas left. But, the whole state is expensive, and not sure the quality of life is worth it, anymore. 

The aspect of this equation that really boggles my mind, is the people who choose to retire in California. Why come to the most expensive state in the country, on a fixed income. As Garyk stated, there are far more reasonable places to live. Why not take advantage of that? I would choose to live overseas, as I have already, but even for those that would not make that choice, California of all places? Really? Is that just a lack of creative juice? Many talk about the climate? Personally, I find no rain, no wind, no storms, a barely perceptible change in seasons, constant temperatures, and perpetual blue sky to be hellaciously boring. I will take real weather over that, any time. 

3 hours ago, Rorri said:

Many  countries don't  require you to carry your passport, though it would be advisable to carry some form of ID. Thailands policy is plain crazy, but craziness is what we expect.

It is a churlish, xenophobic, nationalistic, inane, unreasonable, petty, completely lacking in any sort of comprehension or understanding, unnecessary, and petulant policy. But, from what I understand it is NOT a policy. The top brass at immigration have been interviewed and have specifically stated a color copy of the main page, and the visa page is perfectly adequate. That is all I will EVER carry, unless I am flying out of the country, or visiting immigration. And it seems to be enough. Of course I also have a Thai drivers license, and that seems to be accepted just about anywhere. 

10 hours ago, garyk said:

Those prices are insane! I believe it. I was in business here in San Antonio Texas for years and the number of people moving here from the L.A. area (California as a whole) was unreal. They could come here and live like kings on what they were paying in California. Many relocated here to find a good job and reasonable and affordable housing. On my trips back home to this area I see unemployment extremly low? Very few homeless that I see. Construction is everywhere, jobs seem plentiful. 

So IMO it is,  are you willing to relocate to an area that is more job and housing friendly. Actually Thailand is the same in many respects.

When I was working in Austin Texas I saw the same thing. Housing prices went threw the roof. I simply relocated to San Antonio when I retired(from the high tech job in Austin). 50% cheaper and very healthy economy. 

I agree that California is extremely expensive in general. Compared to my home state. 

There is a mass exodus from the state of California taking place, at this time, amongst the wealthy. Phil Mickelson recently moved. He said on an income of $63 million per year, it made no sense for him to live in California. It cost him about $7 to $8 million a year extra, for the honor of living in the N. San Diego county area. Taxes are insane. The state has experienced decades of politicians lacking in creativity. So, they just raised taxes. California's glory days are way, way behind. It is a gorgeous state. But, Southern California is getting very overdeveloped and congested, and Northern California has gotten to be out of control expensive. There are still some nice rural areas left. But, the whole state is expensive, and not sure the quality of life is worth it, anymore. 

Again, this ridiculous and foul expectation that foreigners are to carry their passports at all time. It is beyond inane. Who is going to take that kind of risk? A color copy is adequate. Carry a copy of your passport main page, plus the visa page. Top brass from immigration have stated publicly that is adequate. I would call out any police officer who did not accept that. NEVER, ever carry your original passport, unless you are traveling to the airport, cashing some travelers checks, or have specific reason to do so. 

The taxi mafia here is very powerful. In some places like the southern islands, it is more powerful than the police, or the army. They operate completely above the law. So, I can see why they are being protected. That appears to be all this is about. Eliminating the competition. Compelling the mediocre, to stay mediocre. 

He is a funny man. He is forced to occasionally say things like this. It gives the impression that corruption is being fought. The only "mafia" figures that are being pursued are the ones that are either not paying their dues, or the tiny ones on the periphery of things. None of the big boys are, or have ever been pursued. None. And none ever will be pursued under this guy. His very existence is about protecting them. He is all about making sure the elite, the powerful, the wealthy, the connected, and the influential stay in the exact position they are in, and are never disturbed. They are all above the law. Any and all laws. Including his, for certain. 

Not sure Hillary is really the right person to ask for the apology, but it would never happen. Trump does not apologize. It takes a big man, or a serious woman to apologize. Trump just does not have it in him. He is a tiny man, with an even tinier heart. The only thing large about this man is his ego. As he would say, that is huuuuuuuge. So, how would he even be capable of apologizing? I do believe there were racist tones to the whole birther movement. It was childish, and preposterous. And I am not a fan of Hillary, nor Obama. But, let's just accept this for what it is.