spidermike007

Toyota was citing the Japan Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA). And from what I have been told by informed sources, Toyota had a very strong case, and Thailand has essentially reneged on the agreement, to give Toyota this tax break. This is a major deal breaker. Expect Toyota and some of the 7,000 other Japanese firms operating here to start looking for greener pastures, governments they can count on, who practice the rule of law, and more dependable partners. This is a disastrous result for Thailand, and will likely ensure it's backwards trajectory for decades to come. And this disingenuous administration continues to claim they support alternative energy vehicles, when in reality their refusal to honor their promises has caused Toyota to stop all production of the Prius here. Woe are the people of Thailand, with this level of lack of leadership, integrity, judiciary, and compliance. Toyota Motors claimed that its imported spare parts were eligible, citing the Japan Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA). JTEPA is a free-trade agreement which the two countries signed in April 2007. One of its intended benefits was eventually to eliminate the tariffs on over 90% of their bilateral trade. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/toyota-motors-thailand-ordered-to-pay-฿10bn-in-outstanding-import-taxes-and-fees/ The newspaper says Toyota insists all Prius parts are imported under the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement, under which the parts at issue are subject to import duty of zero to 10% compared with zero to 80% for normal imports. Toyota Thailand “reaffirms the company imports Prius parts using the correct declaration approved by the relevant government agencies,” the source says. https://www.wardsauto.com/industry/toyota-thailand-suspends-prius-output-tax-tiff

I consider the death penalty to be an excellent alternative to housing someone in a prison for the rest of their lives. It should end up costing the state far less, and it cleans up the oxygen in the process. Why should a person this toxic continue to have the right to consume oxygen? Just be rid of her. And make it happen quickly.

I agree with all you say. I think the world is heading for a massive correction, crash, call it what you like. But my point is that many economies are performing far better than Thailand, and the leaders here failed desperately and miserable.

You forget the average Thai. Millions are struggling right now. The exchange rate does not matter to them. But, the economy does. And it is hurting here.

Yes, Thailand has been moving backwards, for quite some time. The goon squad has turned the once Tiger of SE Asia, into a whiny little alley cat, pining for some food, and searching for some scraps.

Thankfully, Anutin has been relatively quiet lately, and seemingly gone from public view. Whether or not that was intentional, who knows? But, nobody needs him to poke his ugly head up ever again. What he says and does is beyond irrelevant. He is the very personification of an empty suit. Nothing he does or says matters one iota. Having said all that, any opposition to cannabis is foolhardy, dumb, and just bad judgment. Shame on the Dems. They are on the wrong side of history, at a time when they need to be showing more wisdom and a more progressive attitude, than the dinosaurs.

The mayor was obviously floating in so much cash, she never even missed a few thousand here, and a few thousand there. She has only herself to blame. A few times, and you are sleeping. More than a few times, and you are truly out to lunch, unconscious, and beyond help.

Considering how well many economies around the world have bounced back after covid, Thailand gets a failing grade in that regard. The level of mismanagement is astounding. Get rid of the dinosaurs, and let us usher in some talent and capable leadership. It is desperately needed at this time, and the Thai people need to muster up some conviction and passion for change.

Thank you. If living in a smaller town, and if living with a woman, I would say 70,000 to 100,000 baht a month, to live really well, and not have to penny pinch at all. The includes travel around Thailand, and some fun. If living without a woman, or if very frugal, one can get by on far less. Since I have some decent income, I do not do frugal. LOL.

Of course. The evil man is capable of is unspeakable. But, that does not in any way whitewash, nor make what the Japanese did any more palatable.

I always find it amusing when Trump supporters lecture us on the futility of personal hating. Seems quite contradictory to the manners of their man. I agree the US is in bad shape. Though the economy is performing far better than here. Biden saved our national lands, from the corporate pillaging that Trump intended. That in itself is a big deal for me. The deterioration of life in America started long before Biden. One could argue it started with Reagan. I am not a big fan of Biden, but I would take Justin Bieber over Trump, who could not negotiate his way out of a paper bag, contrary to the hype.

Will it ever be possible to think of Japan, and it's relations to Thailand, and not consider, or remember the atrocious behavior of the Japanese during the 1940's, throughout most of Eastern and Southeastern Asia? Or the behavior towards the Koreans decades earlier? Or the atrocities committed in the 1930's in China. One could go on. I know we are all supposed to move forward, and just forgive and forget. But, if one is a student of history, the extent of the campaigns was so astonishing, the hubris, arrogance, and malice so horrendous, it is hard to just whitewash all of it. Putting all that aside as not so ancient history, without the economic participation of Japanese industry, Thailand would barely be on the world map today, economically. So, Thailand should be grateful.

They already have so much egg on their faces, they resemble walking human omelets! Have you seen Prawit lately?

What does a number like this represent? Compared to 2021? Huh? How many tourists visited Thailand last year? How many restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, massage shops, spas, and industries were shut down? These numbers they keep trotting out show a spectacular level of desperation and fear. They mean next to nothing. How about comparing 2019 to 2022? For the sake of integrity and fairness?

Well, the dollar is certainly strong at this time. I love seeing the baht dropping against it! As far as Biden goes, he is an improvement over his sorry predecessor. Not necessarily saying much. But, it is something.

Unbelievably rancid, bitter, nasty, hostile, malicious, and unfeminine bahavior. A smile is a lovely thing. For those who have eyes and a heart, to behold.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you might want to supplement with stinging nettle root and pygeum. They are miraculous for improving prostate health, and increasing urine flow. One day without it, and I see a difference.

Yes. Another way of putting it, is that they are comfortable manifesting the incredible dignity within femininity. Unlike most of their Western counterparts, who seem to be pathologically afraid of their own femininity. I think Me too has already come here. And Thai women have rejected it. They have said why would I want reject my greatest asset, my femininity? When Matt Damon recently came out and stated that there was a big difference between a little pat on the butt, and forceful rape, he was nearly crucified by some women in Hollywood, (especially the shrill, elderly, and way, way, way past the sell by date) Minnie Driver. That alone demonstrated to the most reasonable mind, how far out of control this "war on men" has gone. It is beyond ridiculous. It is petty, silly, surly, and just plain old dumb. Not to say there are not men who deserve it. But, a pat on the butt, or a man putting his hand on a woman's thigh, when they are engaged in a friendly conversation is NOT the same as rape and does not constitute sexual harassment. And yes, I would feel the same way if it happened to my daughter. Give me a break.

Losing my virility as I age. It would be such a shame to not be able to take advantage of all the lush dessert on offer here.

Good points. After looking around and traveling a bit last year, I still have not been able to find an alternative. None that appealing. If money was not an issue, that might be different. Thailand is great for many of us on limited incomes, who are not wealthy. I love my life here. I live a life I could only dream about in most other countries.

A reasonable response. Very few police in the US are trained to use non lethal methods to subdue threats. And if they are trained, many choose to take the easy, vicious and lethal route. There are likely a dozen ways to take down a threat without killing them. Having said that, I cannot even imagine the police here training anyone to do anything, much less self defense. Or for that matter doing anything productive with their time. It boggles the mind. If true, it is a good thing. If true.

As the numbers seem to continue to drop, covid would appear to be less and less of a worry. Quite refreshing to hear an official who is not engaging in overly panicked announcements.

Always good to see an overly rich, zealot heathen, drunk on his own power being brought down to earth. Hope he is made to suffer.

Truly amazing value to be found here on hotels. Though I want the Thai people to get back on their feet, I think many of us will not lament, if tourism never recovers here, to any great degree.

I loved your quotes. Have repeated then over and over to drive the inflation point home to many, who cannot believe how out of control both inflation, and Covid related price gouging is in the US. Thanks for the use of them!!! Appreciate it.