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spidermike007
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Posts posted by spidermike007
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King Power is very well established here. They have been earning a fortune for a long time now, and have a virtual monopoly on duty free. It is not a surprise that they won this bid.
They own the tallest building in Thailand. How on earth were they going to lose this bid?
After many delays, the new owner of Mahanakhon skyscraper, duty-free giant King Power, has unveiled the building's 360-degree rooftop observation deck that sits 314 meters above the ground, which is currently Thailand's highest. Dubbed MahaNakhon SkyWalk, the observation triplex of three floors: the indoor observation deck on 74th and 75th, and the rooftop platform and a bar on the 78th floor—of which one of the highlights is the spine-chilling glass-bottomed platform that promises to pump up your adrenaline.
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Even though nearly everyone knows the police here are not serious people, they are still expected to set an example. Sort of amusing. They are franchisees. Not law enforcement.
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1 hour ago, Hogs said:The rise of Anti semitism and jew hating is on the rise, in the UK the Labor party is infested with jew hating anti semites and i have friends who are labor supporters who are not ashamed to spout it in public and online.
The funny thing is it is Liberals, Trump haters and the left who are the real facists and jew haters and intolerant of other all while trying to say they are fighting facists.
They really are delusional in their hatred of jews and its disgusting.
Really? I just do not see that. I see the liberals always defending Israeli policy, no matter how inane, racist, or nasty it is. I am Jewish, and tend to be critical of alot of Israeli policy. I am called a Jew hater, and the like, by people who just cannot handle dialogue about Israel. I have literally been "unfriended" by guys I have known for years, after engaging in a conversation, and being sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. They could not even talk about it? I was branded a traitor. It seems there is no room for criticism of their policy, no matter how wrong headed it is. I am anything but a Jew hater, and count alot of family and close friends amongst the Jewish people, and enjoy the culture, as long as it is not real orthodox, or extreme. The extremists in Israel are the real issue. Their ideas are not based on reality. But, then again, that is the case with most extremism.
Too bad about this statement by Cusack. It seems alot of people just do not seem to be aware of the power of social media, and one wrong statement, and you are condemned for life!
I tend to find the most bigotry among Trump supporters. Of course not all. I have alot of good friends who support him, and they are really good people. But, there are alot of intolerant people who support the man. And he seems to encourage division and hatred. No doubt Trump is a racist.
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The public safety standards here appear to be atrocious. I am amazed more accidents like this do not occur. The authorities could barely care, until it becomes an embarrassment for them. The companies building the high rises must have very competent management, and high standards. Otherwise?
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Since I find most Thai people to be courteous, and pleasant to be around, I would have to agree with this survey. In addition they tend to be lighthearted, which makes them easy to be surrounded by, as they love to have fun!
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Samui continues to be the most dangerous place to drive, on this planet. The death toll is at least twice what it is nationwide here. I had a friend who worked for Samui rescue for 7 years. The stories I heard were unbelievable. And he said all of the official numbers were fake. The death toll was far, far higher than what was reported. Anyone driving a motorbike on Samui must do so with the utmost care, and do not even consider driving a motorbike there, unless you have alot of experience and skill. Even then, it is the luck of the draw. If the grim reaper is ready for you, Samui is a grand spot for him to take you.
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Good on him. A voice of reason, in this age of inane reality TV, social media and the mad dash to become famous on YouTube. It is all so trite, boring, fake, and lifeless. I totally get what he is saying. And respect him for it.
If I was in his position, I would hate the fame. And I would probably behave the same way. Kudos to Carrey. A dose of reality, in this insane world of ours.
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I have carried large sums of cash in the past. But, I always used a shoulder bag, and the money was always attached to my body. I cannot imagine the risk, of carrying this amount of money in a plastic bag. Why be so reckless with hard earned money. And to leave it in a taxi? On the seat? What kind of mindlessness is required, to do something so careless?
We are talking about a taxi driver who might make 1,000 baht a day, after busting his butt with Bangkok traffic all day. I understand the willingness to blame him. But, there is no need to create that level of temptation to begin with. Right? They should be very thankful they got back most of the money! And be more careful next time!
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19 hours ago, observer90210 said:What is the daily operating cost of the latest US war games ? Could the money not be used to increase the military veterans pensions, salaries of all the current government or law enforcement personnal or even improve the service at US Consulates aborad ?
Right now, the care given to veterans is atrocious. The wait times for certain kinds of treatment, is an abomination. Jon Stewart recently spoke out about this at a congressional hearing. Most of the congressmen did not even show enough respect to show up for the meeting, that is how indifferent they are. They talk a big game of patriotism, they talk about how important the fighting men and women are, and how they will be looked after. Once they return, all is forgotten.
If you are not prepared to take care of your own, when they return from harms way, do not get involved in wars that you cannot afford.
I say lock up every single congressman and woman. Same goes for the senate. They are all dishonest crooks.
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15 hours ago, 9653 said:
Careful, when pointing the finger,
I make mistake s on the road too
I am happy to point the finger, when I see sheer stupidity being committed. When I am on the road I make mistakes. We all do. But, generally I am very careful, drive with eyes in the back of my head, maintain peripheral vision at all times, drive very defensively, allow plenty of room between my car, and the vehicle in front of me, allow plenty of room, when changing lanes, extend courtesy to other drivers, whenever possible, when entering a highway or main road, or making a U-turn, I allow plenty of time and distance between my car, and the ones that are approaching, and I try to avoid doing things that are dangerous, careless, reckless, thoughtless, disrespectful to other drivers, and just plain old dumb.
I try to maintain an awareness of how dangerous being on the road is, and drive accordingly. How many Thai men who are driving amongst us can say the same thing about their driving? What percentage?
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Perhaps each member of this administration cast 20 votes? Not sure how they could have achieved this on the merits of what they are doing, the service they are providing, nor the quality of the equipment. Perhaps it had something to do with the attractiveness of the flight attendants? Just saying.
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3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:No comparison with any of those.
Vietnam was to save the world from communism in a very different world, Iraq was not necessary and caused by Bush the younger who should be in jail for it, Afghanistan was initially justified ( but they stayed too long ), Egypt??????????????, Libya down to Obama and Clinton, big disaster, Algeria???????????????????
Iran is a major sponsor of world terrorism, and a nuclear power in the making ruled by mullahs that hate the west, and want to destroy us, IMO. The sooner they are taken down, the safer I will feel.
I doubt it will come to it anyway, as even the mullahs know they can't win.
What has democracy got to do with it? Has any war ever been fought for democracy?
And the Saudis are not a major sponsor of terror? They fund most of the world's Madrasas. Schools that teach hatred, intolerance, and terror 101. Why not them? In reality, they are enemy number one, of the Western world, with their extreme brand of Wahhabism, and their medieval ways. If it was not for their oil, nobody would pay them any heed, on any level.
Save the world from communism? Really? After all these decades you are still buying into that one? How well did that work out? I agree about Iraq. The Taliban now control 76% of Afghanistan. And that is after 2,300 soldiers have given their lives, and 20,000 have given their limbs. How many of those kinds of sacrifices has Trump or Bolton made lately?
Egypt, Libya and Algeria were all about democracy building. Afghanistan is someplace we should have left more than 10 years ago. Will lessons ever be learned? Not when you have guys like Blindfold Bolton advising world leaders.
Alexander the Great fought a counter-insurgency in Afghanistan that lasted almost three years. And by the end of those years, he was drinking heavily and completely paranoid. One night, he got into a row with a guy named Cleitus the Black, a loyal friend. Cleitus accused him of certain things and Alexander threw a spear into his heart. As he watched his friend die, he lost his mind. Five years later, Alexander was dead. As the Afghans say: you might have the clocks, but we've got the time.
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He can be quite amusing, if you do not take him seriously. After all, it is hard to take this man seriously, right? What has he actually done? Break treaties that assured the safety of the nation? Start trade wars? Coddle dictators, and alienate our closest allies? Sure the economy is doing relatively well, for the top 20% of Americans. But, that upswing started in 2009, under Obama. The tariffs were actually a huge tax hike on the average American, and the tax cuts meant little for the vast majority. So, what has he actually done?
He is a victim. And you know why? He drew first blood, by declaring war on the media, and now the big crybaby cannot handle the barrage of criticism. Do not pick a fight you cannot handle baby Donny. Yes, you are a victim of the media. Because you made them your enemies to win votes. And now you cannot handle it. Why? Because you have very low self esteem, from a lifetime full of thievery, in order to amass a fortune, on the misfortune of others. It is alot easier to make money, when you are willing to steal it. Earning it takes intelligence, cunning, the ability to negotiate, and integrity. Qualities you will never have Mr. Trump. You paper thin skin is evidence of your very low self esteem. Well you know something. Despite all of your bluster, I know how you really feel about yourself. And I feel the same way about you! And so does the majority of the US, and 80-90% of the planet.
And he is not an outsider. That is pure campaign nonsense. He is about as much of an outsider to politics, as Robert DeNiro is an outsider to cinema, and Lee Childs is an outsider to corny and poorly written novels. He is an insider. He has populated his administration with lobbyists, and industry insiders. He has hired only crocodiles, and ignored talent. He brings in only mediocrity, and shuns talent like the plague.
He must be replaced, and he must be locked up. Enjoy your last 19 months. After that, prison baby!
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With 8,127 7/11 stores already, and probably half that many Family Marts, what Thailand really needs is 750 mini Tesco stores. Wow. What can one say? The biggest issue with these convenience stores, is that it is fattening up the nation, with a proliferation of junk food. 20 years ago, it was hard to find an overweight Thai. You only have to look as far as the nearest bar or massage parlor to find one now!
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Thailand needs some youthful leaders. Of course the old guard will do, and are doing everything in their power to keep them out. But, sooner or later they will emerge, and replace the out of touch dinosaurs, and crocodiles. Perhaps then, Thailand can move forward. For now, it is standing still, or moving backwards.
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Amid this new democratic arrangement, Prayut meanwhile finds himself shorn of the status he has enjoyed for the past five years.
That in and of itself is an amazing thing. Prayuth is going to have a very hard time dealing with the negotiations, and wheeling and dealing. Remember, he is a man who is not used to being questioned. He has a very delicate ego, and very thin skin. Not much self esteem, it would appear. So, this next five years may be far less enjoyable for him, without his unassailable authority. I hope it is extremely unpleasant for him. He deserves that, after what he has done to this nation.
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4 hours ago, Thailand said:
The next coup will see Prayuth gone and more likely a much more aggressive military head seeking his time. And that may not be very long if there is any sign that there may be moves to curtail the power of the military in the future.
And if that happens, expect the youth to rise up. We may see Hong Kong style protests, and a very angry public. At this point, the army is despised by most of the nation. In a very big way. They have outlived their usefulness to the nation to such an extent. The army is now a burden to nearly every person in the land.
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When I was growing up, we took drivers education courses. They showed us horrendous films, or semi trucks plowing into cars, and literally obliterating everything in their path. They also showed us graphic images of head on collisions. 120mph impacts. Even as a young kid, it made quite an impression. It was horrific, and it was hard to get those images out of your head afterwards. But, it left a lasting impression, and when I started driving, I understood it was serious business, and that it was a very dangerous thing to do.
I see people driving here, with their families in the car, and doing things, and taking the kinds of risks no rational or sane person with common sense would do. What for? To gain one minute? Why take those risks? What is the logic? Often, when I am cruising along at 100kph, someone cuts right in front of me. Or someone comes out from the side road, right in front of me. I have to slam on my brakes, or change lanes to avoid him. I look in my rearview mirror, and there is nobody behind me. So, if he had waited two seconds, he would have had completely safe passage onto the highway. What gives? Where is the intelligence, caution, and prudence? Where is the common sense? What about just the survival instinct?
The only way to survive here on the road, is to be patient, have eyes in the back of your head, drive with caution, and always, and I mean always watch out of the other guy. Chances are, he does not have much driving skill, nor patience, nor reason, nor common sense. You cannot be too careful on the road here. Especially considering that the toy police offer no traffic safety, nor enforcement of the law. And Casper the ghost is more visible than the incredibly hapless highway patrol.
All of this applies even more so, if driving a motorcycle.
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It is not only Pattaya's shame, it is the shame of the army. They are not protecting the people, they are indifferent and incompetent, and they have zero interest in public or traffic safety. It starts at the local level, but it extends all the way to the hapless individuals at the top. Take responsibility! Someone! Protect the people! Do something!
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When in Bangkok or Samui, I never look ahead. I always keep my attention fixed on the ground, and just look ahead peripherally. The sidewalks are such a hazard. Manholes, holes in the concrete, uneven surfaces, rocks, pieces of wood, trash, uneven tiles, and more. There are enough hazards to cause injury and one must be on guard constantly. Public safety is just not something the authorities care one iota about.
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Myanmar has attracted just over $30 billion in foreign direct investment since the 2014-15 financial year, with Singapore topping the list of foreign investors in the country with $14.5 billion, followed by China and Hong Kong with $7.1 billion, and $2.6 billion from countries inside the European Union, according to data supplied by Myanmar’s Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.
If Burma does not stop it's dependence on China soon, it will eventually become a Chinese colony, no doubt. That is more than likely part of China's long term plan. Many would argue it applies to many countries, where massive amounts of money are being invested. Cambodia comes to mind. Some would even argue Australia is ripe for the pickings.
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Asked if he would consider military action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons or to ensure the free flow of oil through the Gulf, Trump said: "I would certainly go over nuclear weapons and I would keep the other a question mark."
Is it just me, or is there an inherent contradiction within this statement and US policy towards Iran? Trump is admitting that he is considering using nuclear weapons, on a nation that is being sanctioned and boycotted, over it's development of a nuclear energy program, that could supposedly lead to the development of nuclear weapons. Why does the US get to decide who uses nuclear energy or not? Is this not a bit wrong headed?
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2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:
Spider,
I don't understand your problem with the Sultan. It is his country to do with as he pleases. If the locals or their religious leaders want Islamic or Sharia law then so be it.
The Sultan's wealth and what he does with it is his business. As for being a man of such brutish ignorance, well his family did pay for him to go to Sandhurst. So he should know something. Maybe his peccadilloes are a result of boredom and being stuck with ruling a small tropical swamp exacerbated by not being allowed alcohol. (Although I have had a beer in Brunei)
Another famous Asia ruler once said that everyone thinks it is like a pyramid with me at the top and others below, when in fact the pyramid is upside down a resting on my shoulder.
As for the Sultan's list of possessions: I'd be happy with all that lot although I may not share his particular interest in art. But in fairness I haven't seen any of it.
My problem is with judgment in general. It is the mark of a small man, with no spiritual understanding. And my issue is with Sharia. It is a law created by men, out of fear, and has nothing whatsoever to do with spirit, religion, or belief. It is all about a small number of men with a lot of power trying to control the masses in a cruel and intolerable manner. There is no place for Sharia in the 21st century. In any nation.
And I do not think the locals want Sharia law in Brunei. The religious leaders? What do they know?
Shariah law is interpreted in many ways across the Muslim world, and many say Brunei's penal code is an extreme example of what Shariah proscribes. Human rights observers point out that although Brunei is a very socially conservative country, the new laws were most likely enacted without any input from Brunei's 430,000 citizens.
"Issuing the death penalty by throwing stones is as if someone is trying to take civilization back to the age of savagery," Mizanur Rahman, the former chairman of the Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission, told DW. "It is totally unacceptable under modern jurisprudence."
Rahman added that the Brunei decision to enact the death penalty by stoning was a "political stunt" adopting practices that supposedly are part of an ancient Islamic civilization.
"We can only say that we feel pity for the people and rulers of Brunei, who have failed to grasp progressive elements of the religion [Islam] and have resorted to brutal and barbarous ways for the purpose of political benefit," said Rahman.
"If they decide to do it tomorrow, if they line someone up, they could certainly follow through and we would be faced with headlines about someone being stoned to death in Brunei," Phil Robertson, Asia director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), told DW.
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28 minutes ago, jak2002003 said:
Agree, But pitbull dogs were bred for fighting and extreme aggression / determination not to stop fighting and to block out pain. It's in their genetic make up to be pre disposed to go 'crazy' if something triggers them.
They are genetically selected for their fighting abilities over many generations. That is still part of their make up today, and why, if one starts to attack it can not 'switch' off and stop... instead will try to fight to the death even if its getting badly hurt and wounded. It only takes an incident to trigger this response and then its very difficult for us to stop the attack. Because of the breeds massive strength and size the damage inflicted on a human or other animals is severe compared to what a chihuahua or smaller dog can do. (also these dogs are not genetically bred to be so strong and powerful, or go into a frenzy fighting mode).
Same as the gun laws in America... its not the gun its the owner. Its the same mentality going on with these people. Funny how they don't want other counties to have nuclear weapons as its not the weapons fault, nuclear bombs don't kill people... its the 'owner' lol.
True. But it does not help to have 40% of all of the guns in the world in the US. Gun ownership and easy access to guns, leads to violence. Just like pitbull ownership can lead to deaths or injuries.
Since the Sandy Hook shooting, there have been more than 2,000 mass shootings in which four or more people, excluding the shooter, were shot but not necessarily killed. Nearly 2,300 people have been killed and almost 8,400 have been wounded. Since 2013, there has been only one full calendar week — the week of January 5, 2014 — without a mass shooting.
https://www.vox.com/2019/4/19/18412650/columbine-mass-shootings-gun-violence-map-charts-data
American citizens now own 40 per cent of all guns in the world - more than the next 25 top-ranked gun ownership countries combined - with the number only set to grow, according to new research. According to a decade-long survey released by the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, not only do Americans own the highest number of guns per capita, but also between 2006 and 2017, US gun owners acquired some 122 million new guns. That represented more than half of the 207 million new civilian-owned firearms around the world during that time.
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Thai travellers: the best to have around
in Thailand News Headlines
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Sorry to hear you disapprove of, and dislike your hosts. I find most Thai people to be rather delightful, especially when compared to the surly people back home in the US. I am not making a case that the Thai people are without fault. Just saying they are pleasant to be around, for the most part. If you cannot even see that, my heart goes out to you. Must be difficult living in a country, where you do not like the majority of the people!