Stocky

I think that was a spelling mistake he meant 'metal'

Yes, if you pose the following question to GPT Chat, Perplexity et. al. the response you get is spookily similar to current reality. Question: If the US President was in fact a Russian government asset what would be a subtle action they could take to stall the US economy? GPT Chat suggests: If the US President were covertly acting as a Russian government asset, subtle actions to stall the US economy could be designed to be indirect, ensuring that they don't draw attention while still causing harm over time. Here are a few possibilities: 1) Weakening Trade Relationships: Subtly undermining trade agreements or international partnerships could reduce the flow of goods and services, destabilizing the economy. For example, imposing tariffs or pushing for trade war escalation with key partners without clear rationale could have long-term negative effects. 2) Fueling Uncertainty in Financial Markets: Encouraging uncertainty in the financial system—whether by sowing doubts about economic stability or questioning the credibility of financial institutions—could lead to market volatility. This could manifest in mixed signals about the dollar, stock market fluctuations, or the credibility of major financial institutions. 3) Hindering Energy Policy: Given Russia's global interests in energy markets, a subtle disruption of the US energy policy—whether by impeding clean energy initiatives, delaying key infrastructure projects, or reducing energy independence—could lead to increased energy prices and economic strain, particularly with fluctuating oil and gas costs. 4) Discouraging Immigration or Talent Retention: Policies that slow immigration or make the US less attractive for skilled professionals could harm sectors like technology, science, and manufacturing, stalling innovation and growth. This would have a long-term dampening effect on economic productivity. 5) Inaction on Debt and Fiscal Policy: Taking minimal action on addressing the national debt, government spending, and the fiscal deficit, leading to prolonged uncertainty about future budgetary policies. This could result in higher borrowing costs or a downgrade in credit ratings, impacting the broader economy. 6) Weakening Diplomacy with Allies: Deteriorating relationships with key US allies, especially in Europe or Asia, could lead to fragmented global alliances, weakening the US's position in international trade and diplomacy, causing uncertainty and potential economic isolation. 7) Undermining Regulatory Bodies: Subtly eroding the effectiveness of financial regulatory bodies like the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or the Federal Reserve through underfunding or obstructing appointments could lead to mismanagement in critical areas like banking, interest rates, or financial oversight. In all these cases, the goal would be to create an economic environment that fosters instability and reduces confidence without directly pointing to malicious intent, allowing the actions to be interpreted as part of broader policy shifts rather than sabotage.

I wasn't suggesting you weren't allowed to moan, just pointing out that that's pretty much all you do every day. Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox Cheer up Robert.

Robert 'Two-Bob' Smith, another day another moan.

There's a thread as long as the Bible somewhere.

Boarding or Check-in? The Qatar check-in people at Brum are certainly thorough, coming back from Birmingham Qatar airways last year the clerk went off somewhere to check if I needed a return ticket with a marriage extension. All very apologetic said she hadn't seen one before, had to make sure.

I thought you were supposed be as rich as Croesus, just buy the bar and sack the waitress.

You should be able to change it online. When I renewed my passport in the UK two years back I had the same problem but with Qatar Airways. Was able to change passport details online for the return flight. Failing that surely if you presented old and new passport at check in they would understand.

If you need to check your investments daily you don't have much money.

Singapore citizens and permanent residents need to pay SGD150 (Bht 3,750) to enter the casinos in Singapore, there's no entry fee for foreigners. This is eminently more sensible, workable and enforceable than having to declare assets in the bank.

Not another trapped wind thread

Trump's Putin's dog.

HYFC is far superior

A CCTV camera?

Possibly they did depends on the options? Deportation or be boiled in oil!

My life isn't that small, I've never considered contributing to a forum as some sort of competition.

They're just a bunch of snivelling cowards, terrified to speak out of turn for fear of losing their place at the trough, or having Musk's X-troopers set lose on them and their family.

And Musk waltzes around in jeans and a T-shirt - you're having a laugh (Musk also gets billions of dollars)

I thought it was TV series

Apologise for what? It was a shake down, the new American mafia. The pretence of Free World Leader is shattered it's a protection racket.

As with much in life it's a matter of context. Personally no, Thais wear all sort of T shirts with slogans that are variously nonsensical, laughable or possibly offensive. If it was in a white guy in a pub in the UK it would be a different matter, that you could see as someone seeking to cause offence and confrontation.

I saw the article in Hat Yai Focus early in the week, they've put some signs up warning people. https://www.hatyaifocus.com/news-detail/27862/

Why does it matter?

Is that the best you have to offer? Prior to politics he worked for Rothschild as an investment banker, but I don't think he's worked as a waiter, girly or otherwise.

AN is a curmudgeon magnet I too find the average Thai to be friendly, I like Thais and Thailand, if I didn't I wouldn't be here.