jayboy

The spirits of the hundreds of thousands of public school educated officers in Valhalla who gave their lives for their country in war might raise their eyebrows at the 'soft' accusation.

Nonsense.Doesn't matter at all and will have no effect on tourism. It might inconvenience a few alcohol dependent tourists/sexpats in Pattaya and similar dumps who cant get cheap beer at the 7-11 whenever they want, but who cares about their addiction problems.

I sat an examination on US-UK relations in WW2 in my finals at Cambridge University. i don't know what point you are making so I will make it for you.The Lend Lease example is in fact interesting and it demonstrates that the wartime relationship between FDR and WSC was often far from chummy.The US squeezed the UK with outrageous terms for financial/military support before Pearl Harbor.Loans were still being paid off by the UK until very recently.WSC and FDR were both aristocrats and men of enormous charisma/stature unlike Trump/Vance, but perhaps there was more in common with the Ukraine situation than people like me like to think.The US and probably all great powers are driven by self interest not sentiment.As Charles de Gaulle pointed out, The State is a cold monster, ie only acts in its own interests.Finally FDR and the US were not keen on imperialism (unless it was their own) and resented American blood/treasure being spent to save the British Empire.

Truth hurts, huh/

If Trump had been President in 1940 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkcsKuMKooo&ab_channel=LedByDonkeys

Obviously childish nonsense compounded by ignorance, prejudice and dishonesty.(I love the stupidity of believing Zelensky should sign a mining agreement without agreeing its contents) Nevertheless it would be a mistake to think these views are not supported by many in the MAGA crowd and more worryingly voiced by leading Republicans (Mike Johnson,Marco Rubio etc) - who obviously don't believe this rubbish but are too cowardly to speak up against Trump.I'm generally of a centre right persuasion and a huge admirer of the United States, but this bullying has to be called out.

I doubt whether our views differ much on Trump. However I don't think it would suit our/Ukraine's national interest to go completely nuts (blimp balloons etc) on public protests during Trump's visit.Why? Because it forms part of the strategic effort to obtain US security guarantees for Ukraine.In any case Starmer will ensure disruption is kep to minimum. Does it leave a bad taste in the mouth? Yes of course.

For someone who Is in denial of Zelensky's war experience, universally praised for his courage and patriotism, can't be taken seriously. I know whose side Churchill would be on - and for that matter all the stellar American presidents - Eisenhower, Truman, JFK etc.

Polite suggestion.When you have been exposed as a fool a long period of silence is recommended to reflect on one's errors.

Do you think that the great American presidents like FDR who hosted Churchill at the White House would side with Trump/Vance over the Ukrainian President?

I'm guessing from this farrago of muddled nonsense that you have not troubled any dreaming spires.

Not really.Your post does not suggest an academic background but I can assure you that intolerance of free speech is a far worse problem in US universities than in Europe.

Actually they do.It's a convenient shorthand way of describing Westerners. Contrary to what some here believe, there is no particular derogatory meaning to the word.

You mean somewhere where there might be a point in using roads as an alternative for fighter jets in an emergency - like Finland or the Baltic states as an example? In the case of Thailand there is no possible point because there is no potential enemy.Even in the most paranoid fantasy (say a Chinese attack) it's not likely there would be any Thai resistance.

This is true, as evidenced by the following witless and ignorant statement

Doesn't answer the question.How exactly did this involve exploiting the colonies financially?

What exactly does this mean? Can you be more specific?

Nonsense.Produce some evidence. On the broader question, there's no doubt the freezing of the state pension is unfair.It however only requires an elementary understanding of pressures on the British economy to realize unfreezing is not going to happen.Whether British retirees dependent on the state pension should retire or even think about retiring in Thailand is another question for another day.

Says so much but the writer is probably unaware.

We were never a priority.Pleased/grateful to have PR but I doubt whether there are many countries which offer so little for PR status

There may be though in a typical retiree's case not very likely unless red flagged for some reason. If an individual is any doubt whether his income is assessable or not, he should seek professional advice at some point. I don't really understand what point you are making .If income is assessable then a tax return is needed.If it's not then it isn't.The guidelines issued are quite clear. Once again the key aspect is to make sure you have proper records so you can demonstrate no asssessable tax to pay and thus no return needed. Of course tax policy evolves and , as it does , adjustments are needed. It's the same everywhere.

On the basis of what we have been told, there is no reason in this case why a tax return needs to be filed.

It might not be but its very unlikely it's not.One gets a sixth sense after a time. I guess I'll shortly find out one way or the other. 1.Bureaucrats in Thailand don't communicate like that - phone calls out of the blue from a succession of different people.If it was important CW would rustle up an English speaker.My affairs are stonkingly dull and I know for a fact I have nothing that can be pinned on me. 2.Other (2) expatriates in my area have reported similar calls.The drift seems to be to attempt to scare expats about problems extending their visas. (but I don't need to extend my visa or show any money) Famous last words.We'll see.

I have been looking for medicine for a family member who has a chesty cough accompanied by phlegm.She is getting better but it would still be useful to find the right product.In the UK I remeber there was a good and effective product called Robitussin which dealt with coughs,phlegm mucus etc.Does anyone know whether it's available in Thailand or whether there is a recommended alternative? I have the Leopard brand 'Brown Mixture" already.

The most serious humanitarian crisis in the world is the war in Sudan, where as many as half-a-million people are dead and more than 30 million – half the population – require humanitarian aid. One side backed by Saudi Arabia want to Islamicise the South of the country, mainly Christians and animists. Seen many demonstrations in Western capitals against the the most violent and murderous genocide of our age? Me neither.Perhaps there would be more outrage if Jews were involved. Don't even pretend there isn't selective indignation at work.