spidermike007

3 hours ago, Logosone said:

One has to admire Trump's farsightedness, he understands that is better for the world  to bring Russia back to the table, so that it can be a full partner in the family of nations, the way we hoped it could be after the 1990s started.

 

The isolation, provocation and victimisation of one of the greatest nations on earth, Europe's largest population, with one of the most powerful militaries the planet has ever seen, is a recipe for disaster.

 

How fortuitious that Trump was able to try and break this isolation and how terrible for all concerned that Germany of all countries should try and continue the anti-Russian agenda, just because Merkel is a hyper-feminist who has a personal dislike of Putin.

In your second paragraph, most of us would agree with only the second sentence! They have the fourth largest military budget, barely surpassing the Saudis. And much of their equipment is antiquated. Granted, their missile systems are very advanced. Possibly more advanced than the US. 

In terms of a great nation, maybe culturally. Maybe. Their economy is barely 11th, and without the commodities, it would barely exist. 

The army is the party that needs to behave itself and show respect toward the masses and the youth.

Peaceful protests benefit society. The army does not.

Any resistance to the protests will be interpreted as a heinous abuse of power. Their time in power is winding down. They just don't know it yet. 

5 hours ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

I beg to differ. The Army will have no hesitation to shoot live rounds if ordered. 

 

The problem is, the only thing that was preventing perennial military rule in Thailand has now gone, and we don't know what the reaction will be if mass protests start again, which now looks inevitable. 

 

They shot live ammo before in 2010 with PM Abhisit lying on television lying saying they were only firing blanks when it could be clearly seen that the Thai Army were using live rounds with no suppressors.

The current lack of moral authority is a game changer. Totally different circumstances. The army has far less support than ever, it would appear. They might take out a few students. Then they would lose their appetite for it quickly, as the leaders became international pariahs, if the masses joined in. 

There is alot of speculation that we have already seen the last army coup in Thai history. Let us hope that is the case. Thailand desperately needs to move forward with intelligent, competent, and progressive leadership. 

1500 people reacting with an angry emoji must have the authorities really scared. 

If the people really cared enough, there should be a nationwide boycott of all Red Bull products. That would make a statement. The rest is simply business as usual. 

Some have enough to take short vacations. How anyone in this administration thinks they can predict the numbers based on a long weekend, is beyond comprehension. They simply make up a number and send out a bulletin. It means less than zero. 

Right now is a great time to travel around Thailand. Bargains galore. 

8 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

My annual extension (retirement) is due early November. 

When am supposed to do it? 

Prior to Sept 26? 

 

No. I do not think so. It appears to be a mistake. One of thousands. You have a valid visa. As do I and many others. Period. End of story. I do not want to deal with this fools any earlier than I need to. 

2 hours ago, jvs said:

Yes of course it will be very different.Everything will be live streamed and the moment one bullet flies the whole world will know.

I hope it will stay peaceful but i also know peaceful protests just do not have enough impact.

Good point. And if critical mass reaches a certain point, and it definitely will, if the army does not surrender power in the next few years, there will likely be some violence. But, in this age of social media, amd with the utter lack of moral leadership presently, I do not think the army will have the stomach to slaughter many of it's people, live and streaming. If the people make it clear how despised Prayuth and his band of incompetents are, they will go. Sooner or later. The army is a social force, that is beyond toxic. 

8 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Hmm, I'm hoping too.

However, going on previous occasions when this has been tried, those with the money don't give a sh!t about a few hundred students deaths, as long as they don't lose their positions or money.

It will be different this time. The army is nearly finished. And the moral authority is gone too. The youth are far more activist than before. They are passionate, and they really care about the future of the nation, unlike the army. They will rise up. And I predict it will be sooner, rather than later. It has to be. Thailand cannot afford more years of this toxicity. 

15 hours ago, MastroQuerado said:

Are you Italian spidermike007?

No American. The politicians in Italy look like JPL alumni compared to the Trump administration. 

Of course they are blaming all of this on Covid. However, tourism was declining in quality, and occupancy levels were down long before this. And rice is a huge export. Due partly to the bloated baht, it is the highest priced rice in SE Asia. Not competitive at all. Plus manufacturing is way down. Partly due to lack of demand. Partly due to a deliberate economic shutdown.

There is some local blame for this. However, most would prefer to continue the practice of deflection. 

6 hours ago, Tippaporn said:

Here's a perfect example of what I'm talking about.  Any judge chosen by Trump is always considered "hand picked" as if Trump was deliberately selecting "corrupt" judges.  Any judge ruling against any Trump related issue is considered "honest, above and against corruption."  I would bet a dollar to a donut that Paul Henry doesn't know diddley squat about this judge; who he is, past rulings, political persuasion or anything of his personal biases which play into any of his verdicts.  But he's damn sure he's a judge who is "honest, above and against corruption."  Who are we trying to kid here?  LOL

That really does not matter. Trump"s people are not selecting judges based on character. Quite the opposite. 

Before the Consulate issues the Certificate of Entry (COE), the applicant must upload

4.1 Travel plan (confirmed air ticket with proof of payment),

4.2 Fit to Fly health certificate (72 hours before departure date),

4.3 COVID-19 health certificate (test negative) (72 hours before departure date); and

4.4 Confirmation of ASQ. The applicant must arrange their own 14-day Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) at their own expenses. More information, including list of permitted hotels (in Thai) can be found here at http://hsscovid.com

That eliminates alot of us. You cannot get the fit to fly letter in the US. Perhaps several other countries too? 

Set up CCTV around the house or move. Do not let her know where you moved to. Either option works. 

Don't be a pawn to a fool. And get divorced if you have not done so already. 

20 hours ago, Jumbo1968 said:

I emailed the Thai Embassy in London a couple of weeks ago regarding myself, partner and son travelling back together but I never received a reply.

Worth under 200 million baht? No connections? Not worthy of a reply. 

Another boil in the face of the nation. Law and order? What is that? Only applies to us plebs. 

Anyone with at least 200 million baht here is above the law. If you have billions, you are above any and all laws. Especially the weak, morally bankrupt, and anemic army. 

At least this way things are more transparent. From what I understand, Interpol never received any request for extradition and the entire ruse was a total scam. Nobody ever looked for this murderous maggot.