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45
Trump Slams Senator Who Prevented Nebraska Changing Its Electoral Voting
It is getting clearer that the GOP is done with Trump. Ten years too late but better late than never. They will be hoping for Jack Smith to clear out some of the House criminals next. -
19
Buying A car from a Thai that has a loan
I would forget about buying that car and wait until you have your retirement visa, how long are you away ?, he might still want to sell it when you get back. -
236
Are these people stark raving mad?
Word salad is the new buzzword. Buzzword is an older version of a buzzword. -
19
Buying A car from a Thai that has a loan
That is how a friend did it before but understand your reservations. It seems his bank doesn't do this anyhow so it isn't an option. I trust banks but won't pay the seller even with a sales contract if I don't have the book. Deal is dead at this point which is probably a good thing. My flight out of Thailand is in a week and too rushed.- 1
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6
Murdoch Family Legal Battle Could Shape the Future of Fox News
I thought that there are a lot more national broadcasting networks existing. in USA....anyway The upcoming court case with the family might mean that there wont be a Fox, as it is today --------------- Google-- Today, more than 50 national broadcasting networks exist. Other than the non-commercial educational (NCE) PBS, which is composed of member stations, the largest broadcast television networks are the traditional Big Three television networks (ABC, CBS and NBC). -
2,241
Thai gov. to tax (remitted) income from abroad for tax residents starting 2024 - Part II
If the source was assessable then taxable, but if non-assessable then not taxable, I would have thought. So would depend on the individual financial circumstances of those intending to make deposits. -
236
Are these people stark raving mad?
Headlines like “Meghan Kelly DESTROYS……” is popular clickbait that comes from both sides and this style has come out of the USA. It is the sort of rubbish that the stark raving mad get sucked in by. Megan didn’t DESTROY anybody. Didnt she get sacked from Faux? -
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Essential Driving Rules and Etiquette in Thailand
Stock photo via Piqsels Many expats who stay in Thailand, or even tourists, may wonder what rules and behaviours should be adhered to in driving safely across the Kingdom. As Thailand’s road rules are similar to other countries in Southeast Asia, one thing that sets Thailand apart is that its roads are generally quite good. However, there are still rules, laws and behaviours that need to be followed. Here, we have a list of such things that can help drivers stay safe when cruising around the Kingdom. The Legal Driving Age The legal age limit in Thailand in which to drive is 18 years old. And, in order to obtain a driving license in Thailand, potential drivers must take courses in a driving school before gaining a driving license. Speed limits On urban roads, the speed limit has been set at 50 kilometres per hour (km/h). For rural roads, it is set at 90 km/h. For motorbike users, the speed limit is generally set at 80 km/h, but be careful, you are not allowed on motorways and expressways. As traffic laws can change at any time, it is important to keep up to date with the speed limits set on the different types of roads in Thailand. Although going over these speeds is illegal, going under these speeds is recommended when encountering heavy traffic, rain, sand and other dangerous road conditions. Traffic road signs to know Thailand has five different types of road signs. It should not be hard to read them as they all feature the English language in addition to Thai. One example is the roundabout sign. This sign is circular in shape and features an arrow in a clockwise direction, meaning that it is illegal to change lanes. Drivers must also yield when necessary. The warning signs in Thailand notify drivers of potential hazards in the area. Mandatory Signs mean you should adhere immediately to the posted rules. Information signs are most used by citizens, with many of them only being written in Thai language. Prohibitory Signs ban certain actions on the road. Priority Road Signs give the right away on specific sections of a highway. Thailand road signs Right of way Speaking of right of way, Thai Traffic Laws state that when two moving vehicles reach a junction spot head-on, the car in the left lane is given the right of way. Unless there is a designation of a principle roadway mark, the vehicle on that mark has the right of way. Advertisements Overtaking law Attempting to move ahead of another vehicle without a warning signal comes with fines of up to 1,000 baht. So, it is wise to avoid overtaking without having a valid reason. For example, when driving up steep slopes, going around curves, at junctions, during heavy rain, or when reaching a safety zone. If you do decide to overtake, use a signal. Remember, that the driving side is on the left in Thailand. Honking is not for those experiencing road rage Although it may seem that locals honk in certain situations, it is actually considered very rude to honk out of frustration. Any honking you may hear is likely due to cultural behaviours. A mere beeping sound is a way for locals to notify other drivers that they should give way for them to go ahead first (or flashing lights in some cases). It is a form of asking for permission from other drivers when you slightly beep your horn. When approaching blind curves and narrow streets, drivers often honk just to notify other drivers that, they too, are on the road. Many drivers who aren’t used to the customs in Thailand will notice many cars honking their horns for no apparent reason. But, if you take a quick look around, you will see that horns are being pushed when driving near a temple. This is done to signify respect to the inhabitants of the temples, not to just make noise. Thailand traffic Switching lanes requires a turn or hand signal In the event that you need to move over on a narrow road or switch lanes on a highway, using a turn signal or waving your hand is vital in preventing an accident. As Thailand is full of motorbikes, making a sudden lane switch could cause an accident if you aren’t aware of your surroundings. Crosswalks should be recognised Thailand has designated lanes for every type of vehicle. As the outdoor culture features many pedestrians, it is important to recognise the crosswalks. If you encounter a pedestrian lane in front of your car, stop first and allow any pedestrians to cross the road before moving forward. Although crosswalks are commonly featured in major cities, many people make their own, resulting in jaywalking. Regardless if this is the correct way in which to cross a road, it is your responsibility as a driver to yield to pedestrians. Those with an international driving permit should always keep it with them in the event of someone failing to observe a crosswalk, resulting in an accident. The rules of parking When parking, make sure you park in a designated parking area. Make sure your car is in a safe place with security officers around. Also, there are additional rules that dictate when you can park. Such rules as not parking on even or odd days and no parking from 7 to 9am do exist, so be mindful, and look out for signs. Curbs marked red and white indicate a no parking zone at any time. Parking is also prohibited on entry and exit points of buildings, bus stop signs, and safety zones. If you are unsure, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether you are parking in a manner which obstructs traffic, if yes, then it’s best to search for a better spot to avoid fines or having your wheels clamped. Driving in Thailand Seatbelt laws As of 2022, all passengers in the vehicles are mandated to wear seatbelts at all times while travelling, even those in the back. Kids under 6 years old are legally required to use a child safety seat, while only being allowed to sit in the back seats of a car. The 2,000 baht fine is hefty, so be sure to keep your seatbelts fastened. Drink-driving In Thailand, the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over 20 years old is 0.05 grammes per litre of blood, generally equivalent to drinking one small can of beer. For those drivers with less than five years of driving experience, the limit is reduced to 0.02% unless they are okay with getting their permit seized by the officers who may cite them. The fines here are also hefty, with fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht for your first offence, in addition to a possible six months imprisonment. Repeat offenders can find themselves up to 10 years behind bars, especially in cases resulting in serious injuries, or death upon others. As with anywhere you go, it is important to keep a calm attitude and expression upon getting pulled over in Thailand. As the Land of Smiles is known for its people having a subdued attitude, getting upset and arguing will only cause you further problems. Safety is the number 1 reason to adhere to the rules and behaviours above, as it is important to observe the rules when driving in a foreign country. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What are the required permits for tourists to drive in Thailand? Tourists wishing to drive in Thailand must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with a valid national driver’s license. The IDP, valid in over 150 countries, translates your license into multiple languages and is often required by car rental companies in Thailand. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years of age. An IDP can be obtained before your trip through authorised entities by submitting a form, passport photos, and proof of payment. Is it safe for foreigners to drive in Thailand? Driving in Thailand can be challenging for foreigners due to unique road conditions and high accident rates, especially involving motorcycles. Speeding, reckless driving, and stray animals are common hazards. To drive safely, use signals, keep a safe distance, and be mindful of local driving habits and road conditions. Can I turn left on a red light? In Thailand, turning left on a red light is generally prohibited unless specific signs indicate otherwise. The sign “ซ้ายผ่านตลอด” (sai paan talort) means left turns are permitted at that intersection. What to do if I get into an accident in Thailand? Stay calm and do not leave the scene, as fleeing can result in imprisonment and void your insurance. Turn on your emergency lights, call your rental company or insurer for assistance. Contact the police at 191 or tourist police at 1155, and call an ambulance at 1554 if anyone is injured. Cooperate with the police without admitting fault and let your insurance provider handle the claim. How strict are the helmet laws in Thailand? In Thailand, helmet use is legally required for both motorcycle drivers and passengers, including tourists. While enforcement is stricter in urban areas like Bangkok, it is less rigorous in rural regions, leading to inconsistent compliance. Fines for non-compliance range from 500 to 1,000 baht, though enforcement varies. -
19
Buying A car from a Thai that has a loan
On a side note I brought a car (for the missus in my name) and it still has Chonburi plates, we were over in Trat from Koh Chang where we both live, stopped at a 7/11 to buy somethings, a Cop who was in the shop asked her where we were going, my missus thinking it might be illigal with those plates, told him we were going for a holiday on Koh Chang LMAO...... . On the other hand I brought my car in BKK with Chiang Ria plates, and didn't want to be associated with a known drug smuggling province and being possibly stopped everywhere I go, so I did change the plates to TRAT it took nearly a week to get the new plates with hours spent at the LTO and only they were allowed to fit them. -
0
Improving home wi-fi
I have fiber optic internet service from 3bb, using the original Huwaei HG8145v ONU. No issues with the service, but the Wi-Fi range has always been an issue across the 5-bedroom, single-floor villa. I now have a 4-bedroom annex about 50m away (signal has to pass through 4 regular walls, all on the same ground-level), the signal strength 'out back' was poor. I had a spare TP-Link RE305 Wi-Fi extender and installed that about 2/3 of the distance in between and that has solved the signal strength issue, but the speed still is limited. No issues with YouTube and streaming, but it's no use for gaming. The Huawei ONU doesn't have external antennas and depending on who you talk to and what you read, that can be a limitation on some home installations. I was wondering if I connect a newer Wi-Fi 6 router to the Huawei and disable the Huawei wi-fi, that would improve my "customer satisfaction"? I could also relocate the new wi-fi router somewhere better to optimise the signal. The Huawei is limited by the length of f/o cabling and available furniture in the master bedroom at the front of the main house. I have a liking for TP-Link products, so any other solutions or recommendations are welcome. -
61
I've lost my desire to listen to music.
I am 72. I still enjoy reading--mostly fiction--and I still enjoy movies and tv shows. However, like you, I don't listen to music like I used to when I was younger. My spouse will sometimes have music on when we are swimming or eating at home but it's usually just instrumental background music stuff. We do still listen to music in the car. This whole lack of interest was brought home to me when my Thai brother-in-law retired from his job in the US and returned to Thailand. He brought with him 3 big binders of CDs of mine that I had left with him when I came to Thailand in 2010. Hundreds of CDs that I had collected and enjoyed when I was much younger. Looking through the CDs, it made me realize how much more time I had spent with music when I was younger, compared to now. Spouse has mentioned that we could put some of the CDs on a flashdrive. Might get around to that at some point but not a high priority. -
45
Trump Slams Senator Who Prevented Nebraska Changing Its Electoral Voting
Reading your post is convincing and clear. Thank you. If Trump does not prevail, what then are you believing will most likely be the case in the US? -
45
Trump Slams Senator Who Prevented Nebraska Changing Its Electoral Voting
Ah its the deamon left at it agian! Knowing how easy it is to piss you off! I welcome the challenge , lol -
45
Trump Slams Senator Who Prevented Nebraska Changing Its Electoral Voting
And they have been pushing for that since the last election. McConnell blocked those moves and delays and then leaves it until the last minute to deny the change. McConnell is a RINO and will be deselected by GOP members I hope - like most of the other anti-Trump RINOS who were either deselected and thrown out or who quit to avoid that fate - like Cheney. When Trump wins, not only will he be cleaning out Govt people and policies - he will be leading the charge to clean out the GOP of all the RINOs. Trump wants term limits for Members and Senators - hopefully he will get that pushed through as well. Bye bye McConnell, Pelosi, Schumer, and all the other long-term and corrupted politicians. Of the 10 longest serving of all time - 8 of 10 are Democrats - and that imbalance of long serving politicians is there for all long term (over 20 years) politicians - the vast majority are Democrats - that tells me something.
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