spidermike007

The only outcome that would be fair and reasonable for all involved, is the death penalty. Quick, and decisive action. The man who committed this act self revoked his right to breathe oxygen.

Spidermonkey, selftaopath and a few others, i don't know where you come from but this is for you.

Please tell me you are not from the USA, where more than 50% of the population are taking prescription drugs, non medically. 13% of the entire country are on anti-depressants alone!

Take a read of the following link and then tell me about Americans being spiritual and self-aware.

https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/popping-pills-prescription-drug-abuse-in-america

Yes, I am from the US. But, I was not referring to the general population. I was referring to people I know, and people I am close to. I know alot of Americans who are spiritual, and follow a daily practice. For me, being spiritual has little to do with what you say, and who you believe in, and everything to do with how you behave, the ethical path you follow, and the demonstration of that integrity in your daily life. I know many who embody that back in the US. I do know some Thais who are really outstanding people, and live a very ethical life. I was just referring to the self awareness post. I don't see alot of that here. I stand behind that statement. As one of posters said, being self centered, is not the same as being self aware. Being self aware, means you are able to introspect, and find the source of the problem within. I do not see alot of the population taking responsibility for their actions here. Do you?

I believe the UK is far, far better off without the EU. It may take some time to adjust, and some money may be lost in the short run, but in the long run, the UK will emerge far stronger, and the currency will maintain it's supreme edge over most other currencies. The EU is a bit like the UN. In drastic need of reform, and way too liberal for it's own good. Their policies just do not seem in step with the current times. The leave voters will be proven to be far wiser than the worried pundits make them out to be, at this point in time.

Either is unlikely in the Thai education system, it's intended. Haircuts will not do anything at all except perhaps be the thin end of the wedge.

Identity? Nope. Identity as a student comes partially from having a student haircut. A haircut is an arbitrary and ever-changing fashion-based facet of 'identity' anyway. Self-esteem? You're kidding right? Thais already have self-esteem beyond reason, hence the 'face' problem when it collapses.

W

I could not possibly disagree with you, more adamantly with regard to what you said about Thai self esteem. I believe that the thin skin, and the obsession with face, is at least partially the result of a lack of self esteem. If one feels comfortable with one's self, what others think of you becomes far less important. When one is unsure about one's self, the views of others become paramount. Who on earth cares what others think? What does it matter one iota? Those of us who have self esteem, and love of self, care not one bit what others think of us.

I know we could go into detail about face being cultural, etc. But, the reality is, that face is the greatest form of cowardice a human being can engage in. It is an absolute lack of introspection, self awareness, spiritual awakening, self knowledge, and self esteem.

Absolute twaddle!

Thai people, in general, are far more self-aware, spiritually awake and introspective than the average Brit or Yank.

Face is something that you obviously don't understand.

Being self-centered is not the same as being self-aware.

My point precisely. Thank you. I do not see alot of self awareness here. That quality requires the ability to look within, question one's self, one's motives, desires, and ambitions. And it requires the ability to take responsibility, own a situation or problem, and create a desirable solution, all the while holding one;s self accountable. And it also necessitates an ability to deal with confrontation, since often others will be having an issue with something we are doing, or a situation we are creating. And in addition to that, it requires a good deal of communication skills. So, you not only have to be able to take criticism, but then be able to introspect, and determine if the very action or quality you are being accused of possessing, or causing, is your own. Then, enough self awareness has to be present, for one to be able to do something to fix the problem. That requires a great deal of maturity, self esteem, and confidence, to be able to behave like a real adult, and deal with something like this.

Now, tell me honestly, do you really see alot of that kind of behavior here?

The haircuts are not the major problem but why do the powers to be want everyone to look the same and be the same. Thailand really needs individulism and people acting differently from each other. At the moment all we have is clones. People need to grow and develop in their own ways but this being stifled in Thailand will prevent new ideas being formed and lead to Thailand continuing the same as always, and not advancing. With this attitude, Thailand will always be a third world country!

One could fairly easily make an argument, that Thailand is one of the least progressive nations on earth. Easily. Most Thais are taught to live inside a very, very small box, and individuality, creative thought, original ideas, and bucking the trend or norm in any way, is discouraged. What will people say? What will they think? Maybe you will look bad. All about face, and the enormous limitations imposed upon an individual, by the very limiting ideas of how one is perceived by others. On a certain level, I can understand why one might be concerned about what your close friends and family think of you. But, total strangers? They matter less than a knat. There is absolutely no significance to the thoughts of strangers, in the mind of a confident, self assured person, with high self esteem, and a sense of self.

The Thai bashers are out in force again. As you're talking about psychological issues, I suggest you look within yourself at the need to constantly put down one of the success stories in development from a 3ed world country to what it is today instead of looking at the positives. Ever heard of self-righteous judgment and why people do it?

You obviously don't realize that when I moved to work in Thailand in 1985 it was a country with nearly 70% poverty. 30 years late it has a huge $400 billion economy with around 10% poverty. I've witnessed this amazing turnaround but one negative of globalization is people like you coming here easily and spouting you racial hatred and criticizing nearly everything about the country. I generally hate saying this but why don't you just go home?

Excellent post and every Thai-basher should note it. Sadly, many of them have hooked up with some woman that a Thai(of equal financial standing) never would have. After a few years, they notice their mistake but it's too late, they've invested most of their life-savings into a pck-up truck and house in the middle of nowhere! They don't have the balls to admit their mistake and take it out on Thais as a whole.

Jut out of interest spidermike, are you married and where do you live?

Yes, I am married, and live in a smaller, provincial town. My wife is amazing. As far as a Thai wanting to be with my woman, that is of no concern to me. She did have several marriage proposals from Thai men, prior to our meeting. Fortunately for me, she likes being with a foreigner, and she turned down each one of the proposals, and that works for me. She is a woman of amazing character, temperament, humor, intelligence, and comes from a wonderful family. Not a rich family, thankfully. But a good family, who are kind, generous, hard working, smart, industrious, were great parents, and are very stable. And I adore them, and both of her siblings. Wonderful people. All of them. I have also had the good fortune of knowing two of her grandparents. And I can see why she is so remarkable. They were (one is now gone) extraordinary people.

Again, as I mentioned in a previous post, I love my life here, and love most Thai people. I think they are remarkable people, and I admire them greatly. There is much to be admired about Thailand, and it's people. The discussion here is strictly limited to the discussion of face, creativity, self esteem, and limited horizons. Sorry to offend.

The haircuts are not the major problem but why do the powers to be want everyone to look the same and be the same. Thailand really needs individulism and people acting differently from each other. At the moment all we have is clones. People need to grow and develop in their own ways but this being stifled in Thailand will prevent new ideas being formed and lead to Thailand continuing the same as always, and not advancing. With this attitude, Thailand will always be a third world country!

One could fairly easily make an argument, that Thailand is one of the least progressive nations on earth. Easily. Most Thais are taught to live inside a very, very small box, and individuality, creative thought, original ideas, and bucking the trend or norm in any way, is discouraged. What will people say? What will they think? Maybe you will look bad. All about face, and the enormous limitations imposed upon an individual, by the very limiting ideas of how one is perceived by others. On a certain level, I can understand why one might be concerned about what your close friends and family think of you. But, total strangers? They matter less than a knat. There is absolutely no significance to the thoughts of strangers, in the mind of a confident, self assured person, with high self esteem, and a sense of self.

The Thai bashers are out in force again. As you're talking about psychological issues, I suggest you look within yourself at the need to constantly put down one of the success stories in development from a 3ed world country to what it is today instead of looking at the positives. Ever heard of self-righteous judgment and why people do it?

You obviously don't realize that when I moved to work in Thailand in 1985 it was a country with nearly 70% poverty. 30 years late it has a huge $400 billion economy with around 10% poverty. I've witnessed this amazing turnaround but one negative of globalization is people like you coming here easily and spouting you racial hatred and criticizing nearly everything about the country. I generally hate saying this but why don't you just go home?

Funny man you are. Why don't you go home? Is it not possible for you to come up with anything more creative than that? Where I come from, the very basis of society is founded upon the ability to analyze it, and criticize it. It does not mean I do not love Thailand. I have posted hundreds of posts about the wonders of the Thai people and it's culture. I love the Thai people. But, having said that, I do see limitations within the culture, the political establishment, and the society. Yes, Thailand is a success story. But, in the ten plus years I have lived here, the economy has gone from the 22nd largest in the world, to the 29th largest, and continues to drop. The economy is stagnating, and the policies are not helping. Do you not think there are reasons for that? Do you not think they are worthy of discussion? And where is the connection between the economy, and the mindset of the people? I just do not see a link. Are you saying that because the economy has grown so much, that Thai people are progressive? Do you understand the meaning of the word?

Thailand’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth last year, at 0.7%, was the lowest rate among ASEAN countries. The downtrend looks set to continue this year. Exports fell by 4.9% during the first half of the year and manufacturing fell 0.7% in the second quarter. Looking ahead, the picture is even gloomier.

http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/can-thailand-regain-its-economic-mojo/

So, in your opinion the discussion of face, and the impact it has on the daily life here is not worthy of discussion, but rather absolute censorship? And because I discuss it, I should leave my life and family here, and go home to my country?

Why such thin skin? Discussion is the very heart of a progressive and robust society, is it not? Spouting racial hatred? Wow. I do not consider myself a racist. I have never been called that before. I adore my Thai wife, her entire family, and have many Thai friends who are wonderful people. I love most Thai people. Racist? One must be very, very careful leveling such hateful words, at a complete stranger you know nothing about. To come to a conclusion like this, based on a one paragraph post, is an extraordinarily narrow expression of your vision.

I think this is a positive trend. It is about the students gaining some sort of identity, and self esteem. From what I hear, the amount of conformity required, and expected here is extreme. And the students are learning very little anyway, as the educational system is broken beyond repair. So, why not a little push back, against authoritarian teachers, who barely know their own curriculum, and a system that is dysfunctional? Is there any real harm in that?

Besides, most Thai people live within very, very small boxes. Perhaps this will enlarge their horizons, and show them what is possible, with the exertion of free will and passion.

Either is unlikely in the Thai education system, it's intended. Haircuts will not do anything at all except perhaps be the thin end of the wedge.

Identity? Nope. Identity as a student comes partially from having a student haircut. A haircut is an arbitrary and ever-changing fashion-based facet of 'identity' anyway. Self-esteem? You're kidding right? Thais already have self-esteem beyond reason, hence the 'face' problem when it collapses.

W

I could not possibly disagree with you, more adamantly with regard to what you said about Thai self esteem. I believe that the thin skin, and the obsession with face, is at least partially the result of a lack of self esteem. If one feels comfortable with one's self, what others think of you becomes far less important. When one is unsure about one's self, the views of others become paramount. Who on earth cares what others think? What does it matter one iota? Those of us who have self esteem, and love of self, care not one bit what others think of us.

I know we could go into detail about face being cultural, etc. But, the reality is, that face is the greatest form of cowardice a human being can engage in. It is an absolute lack of introspection, self awareness, spiritual awakening, self knowledge, and self esteem.

Absolute twaddle!

Thai people, in general, are far more self-aware, spiritually awake and introspective than the average Brit or Yank.

Face is something that you obviously don't understand.

That is really cute. Funny. Amusing. And something to ponder. I do believe that Thais have a level of awareness that many cultures do not possess. They are highly intuitive, and can be very sensitive. But, self aware? I do not think so. I have not seen any real examples of this. The inability to look within for the source of any problem, the inability to communicate on a very personal level, the inability to introspect, and really analyze one's self, is something I have seen in hundreds of Thais over the years. Perhaps you have an exceptional spouse, or know some amazing, and exceptional Thai people. But, I have met few who possess these abilities or traits. And though I may not have a deep cultural and scientific understanding of the practice of face, I do consider it to be a form of cowardice, and the polar opposite of self awareness, on so many levels.

As far as being spiritually awake, that is another debate entirely. I am not going to engage in the rather sensitive topic of Buddhism, and the way it is practiced today. But, I will say, from my point of view, few understand the deeper facets of self contemplation, and awareness of self that the Buddha taught, and encouraged.

I suppose it might have alot to do with which Yanks and which Brits you associated with back home. Personally, I had the honor of befriending many spiritual people, in the states, who spent hours per day on prayer, meditation, contemplation, and spiritual study, and their lives, and the way they conducted themselves reflected that. Honestly, integrity, honor, pride in craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and doing a job well, for the sake of knowing it was done properly, each and every time, is a part of the way they live. To me, that is real spirituality. Not the wearing of an amulet. Or the number of times one visits a temple, nor the size of the donation.

It is the way one lives one's life, on a daily basis. That is all that is important, from my point of view. What good is a philosophy or religion, if it has no impact on your daily life, or the way you conduct yourself with others?

My experience is as follows, here in Ubon when we eat out my wife insists that no tip is necessary, so if she pays that's what happens.

On several occasions I have paid and left a small, 20-30 baht tip and she has been quite annoyed.

Her attitude is the same when we are in Bangkok and Pattaya visiting our foreign friends, but she does accept the Service Charge element where added.

Personally, if I am out alone, I usually tip 20 baht.

My wife is ok with me leaving a tip, because I am the man in the family, and it is my decision. Now, if she were the bread winner in the family, things might be different, and I might pay more regard to her desire to save 20 baht. But, in this case, it is I who decide to leave a tip. And she has no say in it. Tipping is not part of her culture, so I would not expect most Thai women to sympathize with the practice. Does that matter? Not one iota. Why? Because I feel it is a kind and proper thing to do. I have received good service, and I am happy to give up a buck to someone who has provided us with good service. I spent a few years when we were first together, explaining alot of these concepts to her. Some she got, others went right over her head. Did I change my behavior because she did not understand something, just to please her? Of course not. Why would I do that? Modifying one's behavior to please someone has to make sense. In this case, it did not, and does not. Over time, she has realized that tipping hard working staff is a kind thing to do, and she enjoys it as much as I do, at this point in time.

Being a cheap charlie wife is no justification for asking your husband not to leave a small tip. It is simply being small minded, and a tightwad. Not attractive qualities in anyone.

The haircuts are not the major problem but why do the powers to be want everyone to look the same and be the same. Thailand really needs individulism and people acting differently from each other. At the moment all we have is clones. People need to grow and develop in their own ways but this being stifled in Thailand will prevent new ideas being formed and lead to Thailand continuing the same as always, and not advancing. With this attitude, Thailand will always be a third world country!

One could fairly easily make an argument, that Thailand is one of the least progressive nations on earth. Easily. Most Thais are taught to live inside a very, very small box, and individuality, creative thought, original ideas, and bucking the trend or norm in any way, is discouraged. What will people say? What will they think? Maybe you will look bad. All about face, and the enormous limitations imposed upon an individual, by the very limiting ideas of how one is perceived by others. On a certain level, I can understand why one might be concerned about what your close friends and family think of you. But, total strangers? They matter less than a knat. There is absolutely no significance to the thoughts of strangers, in the mind of a confident, self assured person, with high self esteem, and a sense of self.

I think this is a positive trend. It is about the students gaining some sort of identity, and self esteem. From what I hear, the amount of conformity required, and expected here is extreme. And the students are learning very little anyway, as the educational system is broken beyond repair. So, why not a little push back, against authoritarian teachers, who barely know their own curriculum, and a system that is dysfunctional? Is there any real harm in that?

Besides, most Thai people live within very, very small boxes. Perhaps this will enlarge their horizons, and show them what is possible, with the exertion of free will and passion.

Either is unlikely in the Thai education system, it's intended. Haircuts will not do anything at all except perhaps be the thin end of the wedge.

Identity? Nope. Identity as a student comes partially from having a student haircut. A haircut is an arbitrary and ever-changing fashion-based facet of 'identity' anyway. Self-esteem? You're kidding right? Thais already have self-esteem beyond reason, hence the 'face' problem when it collapses.

W

I could not possibly disagree with you, more adamantly with regard to what you said about Thai self esteem. I believe that the thin skin, and the obsession with face, is at least partially the result of a lack of self esteem. If one feels comfortable with one's self, what others think of you becomes far less important. When one is unsure about one's self, the views of others become paramount. Who on earth cares what others think? What does it matter one iota? Those of us who have self esteem, and love of self, care not one bit what others think of us.

I know we could go into detail about face being cultural, etc. But, the reality is, that face is the greatest form of cowardice a human being can engage in. It is an absolute lack of introspection, self awareness, spiritual awakening, self knowledge, and self esteem.

This may be a positive move for society. In a region famous for the avoidance of both foreplay and after play (with pay for play being the possible exception, when catering to foreigners), it might encourage some foreplay. That is a good thing for society, as it is well known that this kind of TLC cuts the national crime rate.

Another in a series of hysterically funny posts about the Thai judicial system. I have been to countless go-go bars, restaurants, and other establishment where the no-smoking signs are clearly visible, and half of the patrons are smoking. I ask the manager about it, and he or she says there is nothing they can do, since the patrons like to smoke. So, for those nitwits to even insinuate that there will be a penalty for e-cigarrette smoking, when they are not even enforcing the ban on real cigarettes, which are far more dangerous, and far more annoying to non-smokers, is funny, sad, pathetic, inane, churlish, and ridiculous, just like anything this administration does, or says.

I suppose the only ones who will ever face years in jail, will be the poorest of the poor. That is always the case here. Only the very poor go to jail. While the red bull heirs, the son of the headman of Sairee beach, on Dark Tao, the daughter of the rich family who mowed down nine people on the highway, the Anna Reese's of the world, and others walk free. Justice? What justice? For whom?

Nothing affects Thailand. It is a country that is so powerful, so influential, an economy so massive, so productive, contains so much talent, and brilliance, and such effective and capable politicians, policemen, judges, and parliamentarians, that there is no chance that anything that happens in the world, will affect this great nation. Never. Really. We have studied history (not) and we believe this to be true.

I think this is a positive trend. It is about the students gaining some sort of identity, and self esteem. From what I hear, the amount of conformity required, and expected here is extreme. And the students are learning very little anyway, as the educational system is broken beyond repair. So, why not a little push back, against authoritarian teachers, who barely know their own curriculum, and a system that is dysfunctional? Is there any real harm in that?

Besides, most Thai people live within very, very small boxes. Perhaps this will enlarge their horizons, and show them what is possible, with the exertion of free will and passion.

Amazing Thailand.

I have often thought the motto would be better as "Inexplicable Thailand, forget about foreign countries, come visit another planet".

I have asked staff at a

number of restaurants

that have the service

charge included in

the bill if they get any

of it. I have yet to find

one that does split the

service charge

amongst the staff. It is

just another revenue

stream for the owners

. These restaurants

are usually tourist

traps along the beach

front or more upscale.

After finding this out I

avoid these places.

Between the tip not

going to the staff, the

service charge being

included not being

pointed out by the

serving staff, and the

paying the service

charge on the tax as well

as the food portion of the

bill are all galling as far

as I am concerned.

Rule of thumb with tips

is cash placed directly

in hand to the server

goes to the server,

cash left on the tray/bill

folder goes to the tip

box to be split although

at some places

all the money is put into

the tip pool box and split.

BTW Sorry I had to post this way to make room for the advertisement to the right.

It depends on the establishment. Ones that possess vision, intelligence, and ethics, give the entire service charge to the employees. Keeping it is an act that is beyond ignorant. It is the behavior of a buffalo. I was told by some friends in the hotel industry that on Samui, some hotels keep the fee, some split it, and some give the entire amount to the employees. Guess which ones have the highest morale amongst employees? The Four Seasons hotel was famous for giving the entire service fee to employees. They pooled the money, and divided it, based on seniority, amongst the staff. A cleaning woman got an average of 15,000 baht per month. A waiter, up to 20,000, plus the tip they received at the table, and their salary. Management got 20-30,000 per month in service. Everybody was very happy. People rarely left their jobs there, and there was a very long list of people wanting to work there. And the attitudes of the staff was tremendous. That is what I call vision, good business, understanding, compassion, generosity, and smarts.

Other establishments like the Spa Samui, in Lamai keep the entire amount. The staff get nothing. A crime beyond comprehension.

There is nothing wrong with having dietary preferences. I ask for mai sai pan chulott all the time. They almost always get it (seems to be pronounced many different ways), and it is no big deal. I feel better without it. Many studies have come to the conclusion it is harmful. Some of us are more picky about the foods we put into our bodies, than others. Personally, I do not taste any difference, so why eat it? It is just more salt in the food, which I do not need anyway.

Why get down on a guy because he has food preferences? Who's life is it anyway? Eat as you please. I am not going to offer you any advice, nor criticize your actions.

Besides, what the FDA says has little to no relevance to my life. They are a lying, cheating governmental organization that will say or do anything if enough money or influence is at stake. I do not trust them one iota.

Ordering your food however you want it is fine. Starting a thread by telling other people how to order their food, however, is a dick move.

I completely agree. Live and let live. Whatever your preferences are, keep them to yourself, unless asked. Otherwise, you are no better than a Mormon missionary, or a Jehovah's Witness. Who on earth needs people knocking on their doors, preaching the word of the Lord? What nonsense.

I always have a good line for these freaks. I tell them I am a believer. But, discussing the relationship I have with my creator is about as undignified as discussing making love to my wife. Why would I talk about something so personal, with someone I do not know, unless of course there was no relationship, and it was all just a house of cards.

Anyway, whether it be religion, diet, or any other passion, obsession, or preference, nobody needs, or wants to hear about it, unless they ask.

I have often noticed, that someone who is not particularly comfortable, and not all that secure with their newly found obsession, likes to talk about it to anyone who will listen. Once you practice for many years, there is no longer any need to tell the world about it.

The former soldier denied he was involved. He was just hanging out with his buddies, while they made the raid!

That is so like a Thai criminal. I did not do it. I was not involved. I am innocent. Yes, you caught me red handed, in the act of committing a crime, but I swear I did not do it.

One can only hope there is some justice served. If there was alot of money involved, one can be a sceptic, for good reason. Money buys freedom here. Little justice is served upon the wealthy. Only the poor go to jail.

Let us hope a genuine trial, and let us hope a politician finally gets sentenced for a crime committed. She nearly bankrupted the nation with this hair brained rice, cassava, and rubber pledging scheme. All just to buy votes. Highway construction was put on hold for years, as there were no funds available! She deserves time in prison, where she can make new friends. Let us hope. Can we hold out the hope for any sort of justice in this nation? Or is every judge in the land compromised?

The dinosaurs running the show just don't understand how totally pissed off ordinary folks are with the antics of these hiso creeps. BTW, where is Mr Boss Red Bull? Didn't he have one final, absolutely last chance to turn himself in before they would nab him? He is probably out boozing every night with his creepy mates, laughing their <deleted> off.

You are probably very correct. The elites behave in a rather deplorable manner. And calling them dinosaurs is about as accurate a description as you could give these cretons. They just do not seem to understand that the rest of the world is maturing, developing, progressing, and moving forward. While their country languishes on so many levels, due to their influence and power.

Mr. Red Bull will never have to atone for his sins. His family is so far above the law, it is hard to describe it in words. Anyone with at least 300 million baht here is above the law. For actual billionaires, the law does not even exist. And since the "law" is nothing more than a broken judiciary, not much to be worried about, for these folks.

Someday, their hold on Thai society will diminish, and there is a possibility the country can move forward, and join the world community, in marching toward progress. For now, they continue to be the most destructive force in the land.

There is nothing wrong with having dietary preferences. I ask for mai sai pan chulott all the time. They almost always get it (seems to be pronounced many different ways), and it is no big deal. I feel better without it. Many studies have come to the conclusion it is harmful. Some of us are more picky about the foods we put into our bodies, than others. Personally, I do not taste any difference, so why eat it? It is just more salt in the food, which I do not need anyway.

Why get down on a guy because he has food preferences? Who's life is it anyway? Eat as you please. I am not going to offer you any advice, nor criticize your actions.

Besides, what the FDA says has little to no relevance to my life. They are a lying, cheating governmental organization that will say or do anything if enough money or influence is at stake. I do not trust them one iota.

This is impossible. The economists keep telling us there is little to no inflation. How could prices continue going up, when the pundits are protesting to the contrary?

And besides, the little guy is doing such a great job with the economy, why would prices be rising? How can this be allowed to happen?

Hun Sen is one of the great crime lords of SE Asia. He is a thug, a thief, a hooligan, and a despot.

Aren't these programs, low rates and opportunities exactly what led to the last housing bubble?

Ultra-low mortgage rates have enabled Jim Phillips, 51, to capitalize on the influx, buying condos and renting them at a profit.

"With more and more younger people moving into the city, it's creating an opportunity for me," Phillips said. "So far, I have two condos. My goal is to buy, basically, one a year."

It reminds me of the scene from 'The Big Short' where the guy asks the stripper - 'How many homes do you own? The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the very same types of risky loans that got the US into the 2008 mess (Adjustable-rate Mortgages Make a Comeback') are rising in popularity again. The market is just duplicating the same mistakes, the programs to get poor people to own homes are still in place, giving out mortgages not based on credit worthiness, very low interest rates - it's very easy to pay mortgages now, but when interest rates rise to just normal rates, people are going to find themselves underwater overnight, as evidenced in 2008.

Correct. If anything the banks are far larger now, than before the crash. The next crash may be stunning, in it's depth and scope. The real estate market in the US is so overheated, at the moment, and the prices of small homes is staggering. The banks are getting more liberal, and the products they are offering are as high risk as ever. And nobody is reigning them in. Certainly not Obama. And certainly not Clinton, should she be elected. As for Trump, I do not even think he knows. He is just making it up as he goes along.

And yes, while it may becoming a renter nation, thousands are being forced into homelessness every month, due to the high rents. In areas like the west side of Los Angeles, 2 bedroom apartments are renting for $3,000 a month. Small 2 bedroom homes or $3,500 or more. And that is not a prime area like Santa Monica. We are talking West Los Angeles, Culver City, Mar Vista, etc.

I was very surprised to find the water turned on when I arrived. It may have cost the gas station upwards of 100 baht for all of the water you used. I somehow felt an appropriate response was to pull a gun on you, and threaten your life, for wasting all of that water. Don't forget, this is an El Nino year, and much of the country is facing a drought. So, in the future you must be more careful with the water. Oh, sorry I forgot. You have no future. I killed you. Woops. Guess that means I am in trouble. When I fled, I was sure they could not find me. I am much smarter than anyone else. Oh, you mean shooting that man was not a smart thing to do? Guess I am not as smart as I think I am.