GuyL

5 hours ago, BigStar said:

 

Opera is also based on Chromium.

Ah, yes, indeed for the current version. I've been using Opera for a very long time and this wasn't the case initially. I didn't pay too much attention to its evolution afterwards.

Fortunately, there are other brothers not based on Chromium:

https://stackdiary.com/web-browsers-not-based-on-chromium/

2 hours ago, bdenner said:

 

Yes, I did this morning:-

Uninstall

Restart

Registry clean

Restart

Reinstall Chrome

 

Made no difference???

OK, maybe it's because the most recent version of Google Chrome is somehow slowing down your Internet connection, now.

You might have better luck with another browser also based on Chromium (SRWare Iron, as already suggested, but there are many others). It might also be worth checking with another browser that isn't Chromium-based, such as Opera (as you already have Firefox), for example. Personally, Firefox remains my main browser, but I also switch (mainly for web development or gaming) to Iron, Brave, Vivaldi, Wavebox, Waterfox, Opera, Edge and other browsers regularly. It's always useful to have at least two different browsers for testing purposes, actually, and also for certain tasks.

10 hours ago, bdenner said:

Don't know what to make of these results using "TestMy" - VPN OFF and VPN ON, definitely something wrong with them!

 

Also attached are the results recorded on my W11 Notebook this morning - VPN OFF using both sites.

I mentioned TMN (Test My Net) only for its reliability as a real speed test.

https://testmy.net/ipb/topic/28743-difference-between-speed-test-sites/

About your initial problem, have you tried completely uninstalling Chrome and then reinstalling it on one of your computers and checking if that changes anything?

Otherwise, yes, the use of a VPN is one of the elements that can slow down the connection speed more or less significantly.

Sorry, the correct link is : https://testmy.net/

A comma was unintentionally included previously.

Yes, it is better to test without any VPN. And you should rather test again from all your different computers at https://testmy.net/, as this provides much more reliable data for connection speed.

If it works correctly with Firefox and not with Chrome, then it is something related to the Chrome browser, probably related to Chrome temporary files or an extension or as a result of a recent update.

To be sure, you can try completely uninstalling Chrome, first on only one of your computers. I recommend doing a complete uninstall, for example using the free version of Iobit Uninstaller. After uninstall, you then restart your computer before reinstalling Chrome by downloading the latest version. See if you have the problem again with the latest version of Chrome (without any extension first).

9 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Could you explain the difference between reading a book in paperback form, and reading the same book on a smartphone?

I read elsewhere (in French) that the risk of certain sleep disorders increases up to ten times when nighttime screen use exceeds two hours, so it is better to avoid reading on a smartphone, computer screen, etc.

I cannot give advice on the use of medications or supplements, but to find or regain sleep, I recommend reading a book in paper format.

However, based on my experience and advice that I have read elsewhere, you should avoid looking at screens (televisions, computers, smartphones) in bed or just before going to bed... A little reading in classic paper format works really well for me.

Of course, other advice, especially from Sheryl, is sound, but it's worth it as well to try reading too.

As another person already wrote, what you probably need is a scanner.

Of course, you can also use your smartphone, but to have good photographic archives of your documents, the scanner is best. Scanners are a good investment because they last a very long time. I still have a working Agfa scanner in France that I bought in 1997!

In Thailand, I still use a Canon LiDE 110 which must be well over 10 years old (yes, it also works under the latest version of Windows 11). This model is apparently no longer sold, but you can find much more recent similar models, like the Canon LiDE 300, for example, for less than 2000 baht in stores or online. I am convinced that this scanner will be of use to you for a very long time.

Otherwise, one can improve the quality of webcam images a little bit with editing software, but the result will generally remain quite mediocre because webcams do not have very good image definition (resolution in pixels), much lower than that of (smartphone) cameras and scanners.

8 hours ago, cjinchiangrai said:

There is a reason for VPNs but isn't Tik Tok now called X?

Twitter (not TikTok) is now called X (𝕏).

8 hours ago, cjinchiangrai said:

There is a reason for VPNs but isn't Tik Tok now called X?

Twitter (not TikTok) is now called X (𝕏).

If you have a phone that is not unlocked and/or purchased outside of Thailand, you may not be able to use a local SIM card. If possible, try your Thai SIM card in another phone (that of your partner, for example), to see if that changes anything.

On 2/12/2024 at 8:38 AM, zhounan said:

Sugar is one the biggest problem in Thailand. 

All those young ladies looking for a sugar daddy! 😉😁

I find my boxers at Tesco-Lotus. Their F&F in-house clothing line even offers sizes in XL and 2XL.

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but am I the only one who is charged 1,350 baht at the border when paying in baht, and not 1,500? This has been the case the three times I've crossed the border at Nong Khai I always pay 2,000 baht and always get 650 baht back. Does it perhaps have anything to do with nationality (Swedish)?

If you decide to stay close to the embassy anyway, Lao Golden is an alright place. Rooms are decent, Wifi actually works and the breakfast buffé is edible. I believe it's usually 1,200 baht per night. Not much to do around there at night, but the restaurant is decent and the place right across from the embassy building has good food and beer. Takes less than five minutes to walk to the embassy.

The fee for Sweden is only $31.

Yeah, but I'm paying in baht. I've seen it written many times that if you pay in baht you'll have to pay 1,500.

No. It depends on your nationality too. For us, French people, for instance, it's currently 30 US dollars or 1300 baht during regular opening hours.

...

Not mentioned in the application form, not only will you need a copy of your passport information page, but also of your Lao entry stamp and your Lao visa. (photocopying available on site for 20 Baht)

...

On site, the regular price is 5 baht per photocopy. Give the exact change (coins are accepted) because at least one guy who operates the photocopier there tends to "forget" to give you back your change if you give him a 20 baht bill to pay your two photocopies.

I should have mentioned the 20 Baht was for three copies (Face page / Lao visa / Entry visa). I noticed he was charging everyone the same, so that is what I gave him. Thanks for mentioning it, will know for next time. Regards.

You're welcome.

Usually, I need only two photocopies to be made there (Lao visa + entry stamp pages). All my other photocopies (including my passport face page) are made in Thailand (for half a baht per photocopy) before entering Laos. By the way, I usually need more than one copy of my passeport face page, because I always have at least one with me and I also give one to my hotel.

...

Not mentioned in the application form, not only will you need a copy of your passport information page, but also of your Lao entry stamp and your Lao visa. (photocopying available on site for 20 Baht)

...

On site, the regular price is 5 baht per photocopy. Give the exact change (coins are accepted) because at least one guy who operates the photocopier there tends to "forget" to give you back your change if you give him a 20 baht bill to pay your two photocopies.

RIP, Jean Nidetch!

That's a great loss for Weight Watchers. And of the definitive sort, for once!

Somehow, but indirectly (via the House of Representatives).

For more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Thailand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_(Thailand)

So the people elect the members of the House of Representatives. And who nominates and elects the PM?

Read the Wikipedia webpages mentioned above. Everything is explained there much better than I could do, as English is not my native language.

Some people don't want a non-elected PM? Of course! If there is no election, that means that there is no vote-buying either! No wonder why some are against this!

What is a non-elected PM?

As stated in the opening post, that is "a PM who does not have to come via an election".

So in the old system, the Thai citizens cast votes to elect their PM?

Somehow, but indirectly (via the House of Representatives).

For more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Thailand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Representatives_(Thailand)

Some people don't want a non-elected PM? Of course! If there is no election, that means that there is no vote-buying either! No wonder why some are against this!

What is a non-elected PM?

As stated in the opening post, that is "a PM who does not have to come via an election".

Some people don't want a non-elected PM? Of course! If there is no election, that means that there is no vote-buying either! No wonder why some are against this!

And the man is guilty of not providing his wife with enough pocket money. A much more severe crime.

Who said she's married? The man next to her is said to be a French translator.

...

The courtesy bus across the Friendship bridge at NongKhai/Ventianne charged neither me or my wife any fare either going to Laos or Coming back to Thailand

...

Thank god that britain for once was diplomatically correct for not joining the euro money go round err i mean down.