jayboy

Huh?

Huh?

My Apple watch is tethered to my Thai mobile number.I'll be traveling to Australia quite soon and wondered, if I purchased roaming rights from the Thai provider, whether my watch will be fully functional overseas.

Slightly off topic but in my experience long term foreigners who profess to hate Thailand have only themselves to blame - whether having lost most of their money or chained to some unsuitable partner or isolated in some dull as ditch water Isaan village (or a combination of all three). The other side of the coin are those who uncritically adore every aspect of Thailand and revile their home country.It's an attitude I prefer to that of the Thailand haters because it's more optimistic.But it's no closer to the truth. The reality is that Thailand is a very attractive country with some deep seated problems - like anywhere else.I love it but recognize the issues.Those who claim to be uninterested in their home country seem not to realize they are simply confirming they didn't fit in - which is fine .But it's silly not to recognize that European countries are superbly livable - for the well educated, the better off and civilized.

It's not actually breaking any rule.I've observed high status Thais over several decades and most will wai a subordinate if the latter initiates the gesture. Thus for example on leaving a restaurant the high status Thai will often wai a waiter if the latter initiated.It will usually be rather perfunctory but the thought is there. I don't think Thais of any rank care very much whether farang use a wai or not (very few ever get the nuances quite right) but it's certainly not a negative feeling.

I suspect that's because their computer coding doesn't make the distinction clear. For those who write off non alcoholic gin as juniper juice there is ignorance to be dispelled.The best have excellent botanicals and flavours.It will be enjoyed by those who have sworn off booze but equally by those who need to preserve a clear head (driving etc). The market demographic is a young sophisticated wealthy one - and I can perfectly understand why the late middle aged cor blimey Pattaya chubster would have little interest.

Thanks and to all others who responded. I've ordered the same model from Lazada.

Thanks but couldn't complete as the guy presenting was too annoying.

I've been looking for alcohol free gin in Bangkok without success so far.It's a surprising big market in the UK with both established players (eg Gordons and Tanqueray) and many newcomers.Any thoughts?

My HP dash cam has expired after 10 years excellent service.Any recommendations for a decent replacement.HP doesn't appear to be making them anymore and Lazada shows mostly unknown (to me) Chinese brands.Don't mind paying for quality.

There's a medical consensus that the key issue in extending life when over 60 is not so much weight but exercise.This seems to be the case even when there are pre-existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.I doubt whether this is relevant in the case of morbid obesity but is certainly the case for most moderately overweight seniors.The surprising aspect for me is that only about 150 minutes per week (of fast walking for example) is necessary.My hunch is that with this level of exercise, restricted carbs, no smoking and limited booze - seniors should easily exceed 70.But there are also genetics to be considered - and not much one can do about that. Incidentally I don't think there are many intrinsic factors that prevent seniors from losing weight.I've often seen success stories in those of 70 and above, in all cases the main factor being eating less.Exercise is important for health - but of limited value when losing weight.

Can anyone recommend Medconsult, the clinic run by a British but Thai qualified doctor? I'm inclined to try it as an alternative to the hassles of visiting hospitals - at least for minor ailments.It would be good to have a British style GP to consult.I notice they also do vaccinations which is very useful.The reason I ask is that I've had slightly mixed reports, not so much about the quality of treatment but more about disorganized and slightly scatty management.Any views?

That (the lack of any plans to import bivalent vaccines) is my understanding also after talking to a number of qualified Thai sources.I believe Sheryl has also confirmed her understanding of the position. The Thai medics I spoke to - off the record - were however highly critical and thought the government was being almost excessively complacent, given the scientific evidence (particularly the US CDC recommendations) that bivalent boosters were needed for vulnerable groups.I was unable to get any sense from speaking to the major Bangkok hospitals - your discussion with an individual doctor is more effective if there is a change of policy it will come from the educated Thai professional classes lobbying since they will want to protect their elderly relatives. I don't see any point in discussing whether foreigners would be charged.That is surely the least important aspect. I will get it in the UK next month.But I would still like to see a clear statement from the Ministry explaining why the best international practice is not being followed, particularly as Chinese tourism picks up.I may be wrong but I suspect there's a view Covid is all but over so they can get away with it.

Thanks - very interesting and not a little confusing.There are some obvious issues to contend with here, most notably that a retrospective examination would show current income that should have been taxed but was not.Almost certainly not worth worrying about at all but for the record (1) If the tax authorities took a serious interest in the matter and (2) if some smart lawyers/officials were put to work on the matter, a theoretical problem could very quickly become a practical one. But it won't happen so we can all relax (I think). None of the many guides including PWC that I have seen make any attempt to explain the background.

If it's not too much trouble could you supply a reference.I've seen the point covered in advice from PWC and other such advisers, but have never seen a reference in Thai law or regulations.

I believe your summary of the overall position is correct.However, as a point of detail, for most retirees the reclamation amount of tax on savings accounts is so modest as to be almost negligible.If therefore retirees (or in fact anyone not generating taxable income in Thailand) are not already submitting income tax returns, probably best to let matters be. If the Tax Authorities turn their attention to expatriates overseas pension income (no sign of this yet) it could be problematic for those deemed to be resident for more than six months a year.Many rely on the advice that overseas income is only taxed if remitted in the year it is earned but is this enshrined in any Thai tax regulation? At present there are no checks of any kind nor would they be at all easy to implement.In short no need to worry now but it makes sense to be aware of the background.

I've never heard of anyone in any country on earth sending a wedding anniversary card.I'm sure the practice exists however - probably in the less sophisticated parts of the United States.

While I have great respect for the Founding Fathers, I'm not sure how you can make these comments with a straight face.The American Revolution was not specifically about rebelling against the Monarchy.However slavery remained in the new United States for another century whereas it was effectively made illegal in England after Lord Mansfield's judgement in 1772. "How is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?" Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

Interesting article from The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/15/covid-19-coronavirus-us-surge-complacency My impression there is also complacency in Thailand with regard to the unavailability of bivalent vaccines.Unlike the US the responsibility lies with the government and the medical establishment, not the general public.

The PM does not sign off PR submissions as far as I know.You probably mean Immigration Department had completed its work and then signed off on your friend's application and it was then delayed before approval by the Minister of the Interior.

I'm trying to think of any occasion I've had to show my Red Book other than the usual annual (or so) ritual at Immigration.The only one I can remember is when I had to apply for an international driving license.

The mask slips. Not only is this person expressing an opinion (albeit a strange one) but undermining his shtick expressed at interminable length - with heaps of passive aggression - that he's just reporting the facts. No problem in his expressing idiosyncratic views but contrary to his protestations he has an agenda.

Thanks for keeping us up to date.We know now that you are just providing a public service and nothing should be read into the posts you make on this most interesting subject. I had previously seen a report of the royal punch up sand spent a sleepless night worrying about Harry's broken necklace.Perhaps a photograph will be included in the forthcoming 'Spare', Harry's brave let it all out biography - ghostwritten by someone else.What about the broken dog bowl? Was it beyond repair I wonder? I hate to think of Meghan's dog (or was it a bitch?) being deprived of its lunch. Anyway keep us posted.

It's a discussion forum in which stuff is debated. It's not a personal sparring place. I'm quite interested in how racism is deployed in modern times as shorthand word for all kinds of complex issues, and Meghxit is a classic instance.Yet not one credible example of royal family racism has been produced. Shall we leave it there?

They made lots of accusations.I'm not suggesting they are liars.People often attribute motives to other people when feelings have been hurt or where there are multiple sensitivities.I'm not trying to establish whether the racist charges are true or not.I'm just trying to find an example of one.To date nothing credible.