jayboy

Nonsense.There was extensive discussion of adverse effects particularly with AZ.Those with some appreciation of statistics and proportionality understood the position very well - see previous post giving seat belts in cars as an example.Others (those of the deniers who had not died or become seriously ill) succumbed to paranoia and conspiracy theories and some even perpetuated their strange perception to this very day.

I was withdrawn because it made no sense commercially now and there are other newer vaccines designed to tackle later variants.IT is estimated to have saved over 6 million lives thus served its purpose well. Yes there were many anti vaccination fanatics (are you one, I don 't know) ranting about conspiracies and globalist plots.They did immense damage particularly where the gullible and ignorant were concerned.I suppose its inevitable a few of these geniuses are wittering even now about their discredited theories.

Weight-loss jab ‘cuts heart disease deaths by 20%’ https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-weight-loss-jabs-prescription-drugs-ozempic-7dbsvkblg

As I recall the very rare issue of Astra Zeneca blood clots was recognized very early on, especially with young people.However the overwhelming evidence was that AZ did its job for the vast majority of people.There needs to be some understanding of statistics.Car safety belts in a small number of accidents can cause death or injury - but in the vast majority of cases they save lives.Same with AZ. Subsequently better vaccines were produced but AZ in its time saved lives and saved many others from serious illness.

Of course it has to be prescribed by a doctor, and specifically for diabetics not for those who want to lose weight.Contrary to what you say it seems to be very effective in most cases and as I mentioned earlier the medical advice is that it should be combined with exercise/calorie control/good diet.Obviously I'm no expert but all the indications these drugs are here to stay and presumably will be improved and get less expensive over time. I had wondered whether any member has had personal experience.It would be interesting to know.

There's been much publicity about drugs to tackle diabetes and weight loss.Recently I read that they can also reduce the risk of heart disease and this week I read they may in the future be prescribed to millions of middle aged people.The reports I have seen make it clear these drugs should be combined with exercise and good diet.It seems there are some side effects but they appear to be manageable. It would be interesting to know the position in Thailand.Weekly injections are needed (about Bt 12,000 I believe)

I don't think much of it I'm afraid.But you are right that members should not take offense too easily. The whole point of the forum is surely to comment on posts, ideally in a constructive and civil manner.In a sense on matters where subjective judgement is involved, part of the purpose is to change other members minds. What on earth has liking people on the forum to do with anything.

This fellow misunderstands the meaning of defamation as practiced in Thailand.One might reasonably assume that if an accusation is true, it cannot be defamation.It's a complicated subject but broadly speaking that is the position in most legal jurisdictions.In Thailand however it is not true.An accusation can be defamatory even if it is based on the complete truth. The case against the BBC's Jonathan Head detailed in this report was eventually dropped, but the saga shows how matters can proceed in Thailand https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/24/bbc-correspondent-jonathan-head-has-criminal-defamation-suit-dropped-in-thailand

Same here.Used to go there a lot.What you say about the current position accords with what I have heard from a couple of friends.But I have also had a very favourable report.Any other recent visits?

As many will know L'Opera Italian Restaurant recently reopened after a lengthy refurbishing.It was quite a popular dining spot for many years.I am not sure whether it is under the same ownership/management but I have had very conflicting reports on quality/service etc. Anyone tried it recently and if so would they recommend it?

For discounting buying coffee beans purposes, I was told by my local Starbucks I should download Starbucks Thailand app. Trouble is on checking App Store on my iPhone it doesn't appear.I think it is on the Thailand app store but not sure how to access.Any pointers?

There was another unexpected use for the Pink ID, namely at the start of the government sponsored Covid vaccination programme.As I recall there were a few weeks when foreigners needed a Pink Id to get on it.

That's going too far but I certainly wouldn't use a Thailand based investment advisor.The out and out shysters are easy enough to spot but the semi respectable ones like MBMG should in my opinion also be avoided.

Weird.Just set it up and no need to complain.Easy too - just phone Lazada who have excellent English speaking staff at the call center.They will help you go through the simple process which will take five minutes at most - assuming you have a Thai bank account.

I've sometimes wondered why Apple Pay isn't available in Thailand whereas it is in Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. I suppose it's the same old story of the large Thai banks/telcoms/corporates using their very strong links with government to block innovative outside commercial interests.

Never happened to me in many decades here.If hypothetically queue jumping was suggested I would politely decline and wait my turn.Equally to the point, I don't think Thais would tolerate foreigners queue jumping these days, at least in cities like Bangkok.I give my place at supermarket checkouts to elderly Thais and of course to monks when the occasion arises. On the more general point it's true that farang are no longer a rare commodity and don't get the treatment accorded in the 1970's and before.The British community was widely respected in Bangkok circles in those days because they were seen to be "gentlemanly" and in tune with Thai virtues This was a delusion because the British trading company employees and the like were often as enthusiastic fornicators and libertines as their contemporary equivalents.The main difference between now and thenwas essentially one of class - not many true toffs but many public school remittance men etc.

Do you realize that you can transfer funds from your wallet to your bank account? It's quick and easy and I've done it a couple of times.Just call Lazada and they'll explain exactly how - very good people in my experience.

He is a courteous and conscientious man by all accounts so I think you will certainly receive a reply.However it's unrealistic that he would endorse such a large unfunded commitment shortly before a General Election and at a time of acute financial pressure with many competing priorities.My understanding is that the cost of uprating is approximately Pounds 1 billion p.a and there are about 500,000 overseas people affected.Actually that's a smaller figure than I has earlier anticipated and is I think doable under the right circumstances.But it will in any scenario be a long time from now.What's needed I think is a much more aggressive campaign - demonstrations against visiting UK ministers, lobbying Ambassadors on every occasion with energy and directness (don't let them get away with their usual - nothing to do with me mate responses), lobbying for expat representation in Parliament like the French.Expats now have the vote so a persistent and annoying letter writing campaign to MPs can be undertaken.Don't play nice - it won't advance the cause.Don't be shy about embarrassing decision makers.

I didn't suggest it wasn't possible (obviously it is) and in the past I have done it. However my currentpersonal circumstances make the transfer of funds to the UK highly unlikely.Too much information?

Please read my initial post again in which I clearly stated that I indicated on the UK bank online form the purpose of the remittance, namely general living expenses (as I have on at least a hundred times over several decades).I suppose my UK bank could have failed to include this information but it seems unlikely. That's a risk I can live with since, to quote the unlamented Boris Johnson the chances of me ever being able to expatriate funds from Thailand to the UK are as remote as being reincarnated as an olive or decapitated by a frisbee.

My Thai bank (BB) phoned to ask the reason for a Sterling remittance of £ 25000 from my UK bank.I don't recall this happening before but I haven't made so high value a remittance for some time.As usual on the UK remittance instruction I had indicated the purpose as "general living expenses".Didn't get the impression the Thai bank inquiry was anything other than a box ticking exercise and the amount has subsequently been credited to my account.But it hasn't happened here before and I wondered what is the general experience.

Thanks.I hadn't seen the announcement.Intelligent people will draw their own conclusions on these cobbled together arrangements but no more on the subject as that might be considered "disrespectful".

Agreed, and there is the considerable advantage of the record taking aspect being taken care of.In other words in the unlikely event of a RD dispute/query, bank records could be easily shown.

I wonder whether many , in anticipation of future audits by RD, propose proceeding as I do, namely by having two UK bank accounts - the first (for remitting) covering all investments, cash deposits etc made before 31.12.2023 and the second covering all current income (not for remitting).

This is really low grade material - superficial, often inaccurate and unprofessional.If this is the standard of content Thaiger brings to the new arrangement, one has to ask exactly what value is being added. Still best not to come to a verdict prematurely so let's see whether the output improves.However in the interim those responsible need to buck their ideas up unless there's a willingness to settle for mediocrity or worse. I assume the intention is in the medium term to monetize the forum as well (one would hope) to provide a community service.I can assure those responsible that to maximize the commercial potential, it's necessary to take the audience seriously and assume its intelligence.This kind of third rate output simply won't do.