Retirement gives me the time to take a deep look at things I find curious and write about them. I'd write them anyway, but AN gives me a place I can share them with others.

Most are TL:DR so, if you think I'm a waste of time, exercise self-censorship!

I'm interested in a lot of what others post and get some of my news here.

Yeah, I'd miss it.

Just now, unblocktheplanet said:

I'm interested in a lot of what others post

I too. An interesting way to learn about other humans. Some tend to reveal a lot more than others.

Just now, Lacessit said:

Thanks for confirming you are the problem. @Hummin has had the sense to withdraw.

You have got your wish, I won't waste any more of my time with you. Goodbye.

What else will you do? Read another great posting? Climb Mt Everest?

I've been a member of the various guises of this forum for over 20 years.

In the early days it was a friendly, entertaining and informative place for expats. Toxic people were shown the door.

Initially, the forum was a very valuable resource for those, like me, planning a move to Thailand.

When the tsunami hit, I believe members posts were the first to convey reports to the rest of the country, and the world, about the devastation in the Phuket region. Authorities were caught napping. In the days following the waves, one member voluntarily made himself a contact point for queries by people from around the globe, asking about the fate of individuals and places along the coast. He toured the length of the Island on his bike., checking, photographing and reporting back to those concerned people. I can't imagine anyone doing such now.

In the early days the forum used to hold occasional social functions, where I met several good people with whom I continued social relationships until all moved or passed on. Things have changed dramatically in more recent times, social gatherings with members are impossible to contemplate.

Now, everywhere on the forum, radical, religious and political Americans spew hate and puerile abuse if you don't ascribe to their racist, agenda and god. Some are so lacking in grey matter their understanding of debate is to just repeat an idiotic descriptive name they think will cut you to the core.

The current forum owners are happy to let it continue despite the eventual, inevitable demise of the resource. I rarely post now and will stop doing so. I'll still read the newsletter for information on Thailand and visas etc. but wont bother with the noise.

I'll stay in touch with world events on normal news channels and observe the continued Idiocracification of what was once a great nation.

Just now, Old Croc said:

I've been a member of the various guises of this forum for over 20 years.

In the early days it was a friendly, entertaining and informative place for expats. Toxic people were shown the door.

Disagree with 1st paragraph, as only what I read, TL&DR

Also a member ~20 yrs ago, and never friendly, so I didn't stick around for long. Not much changed IMHO, except a few more interesting topics, solar & EVs, with a few more and interesting people that also get O&A, so common interest.

Aside from the few like minded folks, most here post just to argue, and repetitively. I'll stop there, as nothing nice to add, so I won't.

Edited May 3May 3 by KhunLA

I've been a staunch member of ThaiVisa/AN for over 20 years. My son, also an expat thinks my daily exposure to the views on here have jaundiced my views on Thailand, making me an even grumpier old man.

Just now, Old Croc said:

I've been a member of the various guises of this forum for over 20 years.

In the early days it was a friendly, entertaining and informative place for expats. Toxic people were shown the door.

Initially, the forum was a very valuable resource for those, like me, planning a move to Thailand.

When the tsunami hit, I believe members posts were the first to convey reports to the rest of the country, and the world, about the devastation in the Phuket region. Authorities were caught napping. In the days following the waves, one member voluntarily made himself a contact point for queries by people from around the globe, asking about the fate of individuals and places along the coast. He toured the length of the Island on his bike., checking, photographing and reporting back to those concerned people. I can't imagine anyone doing such now.

In the early days the forum used to hold occasional social functions, where I met several good people with whom I continued social relationships until all moved or passed on. Things have changed dramatically in more recent times, social gatherings with members are impossible to contemplate.

Now, everywhere on the forum, radical, religious and political Americans spew hate and puerile abuse if you don't ascribe to their racist, agenda and god. Some are so lacking in grey matter their understanding of debate is to just repeat an idiotic descriptive name they think will cut you to the core.

The current forum owners are happy to let it continue despite the eventual, inevitable demise of the resource. I rarely post now and will stop doing so. I'll still read the newsletter for information on Thailand and visas etc. but wont bother with the noise.

I'll stay in touch with world events on normal news channels and observe the continued Idiocracification of what was once a great nation.

Most hate comes from Non Americans.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Most hate comes from Non Americans.

I was going to say au contraire but then I realized....

Seems to me that most angry people worried about taxation and traffic rules, to mention just two topics, are American.

Just now, KhunLA said:

Aside from the few like minded folks, most here post just to argue, and repetitively. I'll stop there, as nothing nice to add, so I won't

This is bang on. Posters always trying to prove others wrong or show how they are better or above others.

Mostly just pissing into the wind though.

Just now, VocalNeal said:

I was going to say au contraire but then I realized....

Seems to me that most angry people worried about taxation and traffic rules, to mention just two topics, are American.

Why would us Yanks be worried about taxation. If retired in TH, a portion of that, if tax code ever enforced, is tax exempt via DTA.

Tax burden on US citizens in USA, is far less than say UK or EU. Half the earners pay ~2.3% fed inc tax, and top rate is 35% (?). Why would anyone complain about traffic rules ?

Just now, blaze master said:

This is bang on. Posters always trying to prove others wrong or show how they are better or above others.

Mostly just pissing into the wind though.

Self centred people with low self esteem. The internet is full of them.

8 hours ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

Why would you criticise people :

• for not working, when it seems you don't, and this is predominately a website used by people who likely did work hard but are now retired and enjoying the fruits of their labour.

• for spending too much time here and yet you are the no 1 presence. You are here 5 am thai time posting away ;

• for posting constantly, then you'll have pages of short annoying posts, and pages of useless debate with certain posters that no one wants to read;

• for talking politics, when you may well be no 1 in terms of posts - normally pro Trump stuff - a lot of cherry picking and one sided.

Point is it shows a lack of self awareness when the things you criticise you do double.

Also, he often tells people that if they don’t like his posts, they should simply ignore them as a way of dismissing other people's displeasure. But that argument only works when he starts a thread and others can choose not to even click on it.

But in almost all cases, he does not start the topic but effectively takes it over with dozens of off topic posts, like in this thread, where most of his posts are personal attacks, many of which have already been removed by moderators. In situations like these, it is no longer something others can just “skip” because they might be interested in the OP itself and the on topic replies others have posted, but his distasteful posts sour the flow of the entire thread.

This kind of behavior is highly disruptive. It derails discussion, shifts the focus away from the original topic, and he turns interesting threads into multi page displays of immature bickering. Over time, that pattern pushes people away from participating in the original topic and lowers the overall quality of the forum itself.

From a community perspective, repeated moderation interventions and warnings about possible account action have made it clear that his behavior has been flagged, yet his same pattern continues. That creates the impression that rules are not being applied consistently in practice.

Based on the above, it is not hard to see why the whole situation generates much frustration among other users.

Just now, Kyoto Kyle said:

Also, he often tells people that if they don’t like his posts, they should simply ignore them as a way of dismissing other people's displeasure. But that argument only works when he starts a thread and others can choose not to even click on it.

But in almost all cases, he does not start the topic but effectively takes it over with dozens of off topic posts, like in this thread, where most of his posts are personal attacks, many of which have already been removed by moderators. In situations like these, it is no longer something others can just “skip” because they might be interested in the OP itself and the on topic replies others have posted, but his distasteful posts sour the flow of the entire thread.

This kind of behavior is highly disruptive. It derails discussion, shifts the focus away from the original topic, and he turns interesting threads into multi page displays of immature bickering. Over time, that pattern pushes people away from participating in the original topic and lowers the overall quality of the forum itself.

From a community perspective, repeated moderation interventions and warnings about possible account action have made it clear that his behavior has been flagged, yet his same pattern continues. That creates the impression that rules are not being applied consistently in practice.

Based on the above, it is not hard to see why the whole situation generates much frustration among other users.

On ignore. No time for you trolls.

It's handy for finding out a wide range of information such as the latest requirements or problems at immigration, local tradesmen, news etc. Lots of handy topics.

It's been around a fair few years, and the convenience of using it would be a loss if it went, but I suppose there are other ways of finding a lot of the same information.

I do wish the search feature was a lot better though. it seems to have gotten worse over the years with all the site updates.

18 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Hey, I see your day is improving 😊

Nice ladyboy friend you have there.

Joking 😂

Chick looks so yummy

ASEAN NOW has been – and still is – an excellent helper for Thai visa and other questions for long-time stayers, including local forums. Furthermore a good news input in English for general Thailand related news.

Surviving without AN – hmm, there might be other helpful sites, and likely someone would invent something like AN – using AI is also a helper now on days, but if you look at sources there are really many from AN; so, without AN...

11 hours ago, Rockyroad said:

On ignore. No time for you trolls.

When the king of trolls puts you on ignore, expect her to read every single post you make and to reply to all of your topics twice as hard as before.

Just now, BilllyGOAT said:

When the king of trolls puts you on ignore, expect her to read every single post you make and to reply to all of your topics twice as hard as before.

And it will call YOU a troll for posting about it!

23 hours ago, Old Croc said:

Now, everywhere on the forum, radical, religious and political Americans spew hate and puerile abuse if you don't ascribe to their racist, agenda and god. Some are so lacking in grey matter their understanding of debate is to just repeat an idiotic descriptive name they think will cut you to the core.

Speaking of spewing hate......

I don't understand how people become so attached to web boards, unless they have very little in their life.

I hope they find something, as more and more are disappearing. I recently clicked on an old Thai expat web board (one of the biggest in Thailand) I used to read and it too has disappeared.

On 5/3/2026 at 8:40 AM, Old Croc said:

Some are so lacking in grey matter their understanding of debate

BTW, I'm happy and willing to debate on any political topics. Where shall we start?

Just now, Packer said:

I don't understand how people become so attached to web boards, unless they have very little in their life.

I hope they find something, as more and more are disappearing. I recently clicked on an old Thai expat web board (one of the biggest in Thailand) I used to read and it too has disappeared.

Is it any different from people who like to play chess or board games, for instance?

Ironic that you are posting this on a web board... Don't you have anything else to do?

Just now, Effective altruism said:

Social programs are collapsing the Western world.

What's your answer to that? Withdraw all social programs and allow the rich and powerful to control the world's resources and hope for the best?

Interested in your vision for the planet.

Just now, IsmeUno said:

What's your answer to that? Withdraw all social programs and allow the rich and powerful to control the world's resources and hope for the best?

Interested in your vision for the planet.

It’s not just about the rich and powerful. In reality, the social programs are unsustainable. Consider the ratio of people paying into the system versus those receiving benefits: in the USA, it’s 2.7:1. Germany also has a ratio of 2.7:1, while France’s is 2.8:1. As the population ages, these ratios are decreasing. Consequently, the younger generation bears a significant burden in supporting the older population.

Do something usefull with your life ,take up knitting and embroidery afore your brain becomes sludge

Just now, IsmeUno said:

Ironic that you are posting this on a web board...

Not really, I have averaged around 20 posts per week since signing up a year ago, while sitting on the computer between online projects. Would probably be one-tenth of that if Jews weren't killing women and children. You have nearly 2,000 posts since January, in comparison, and the username IsmeUno hints that this isn't your first username. I'm sensing an odd attachment/obsession. 🙂

A low value post and a reply has been removed:

13. Low-Value Posts - Posts that add no written contribution are not allowed.

    This includes emoji-only replies, very short comments, memes, GIFs, screenshots, or embedded social media posts without explanation or opinion.

Just now, Packer said:

Not really, I have averaged around 20 posts per week since signing up a year ago, while sitting on the computer between online projects. Would probably be one-tenth of that if Jews weren't killing women and children. You have nearly 2,000 posts since January, in comparison, and the username IsmeUno hints that this isn't your first username. I'm sensing an odd attachment/obsession. 🙂

Pray tell me about your online projects. You've already seen evidence of mine 😊

What do you think that I should be doing instead?

Making money? Travelling? Exercise?

Tell us about your days.

Edited May 4May 4 by IsmeUno

Just now, Effective altruism said:

It’s not just about the rich and powerful. In reality, the social programs are unsustainable. Consider the ratio of people paying into the system versus those receiving benefits: in the USA, it’s 2.7:1. Germany also has a ratio of 2.7:1, while France’s is 2.8:1. As the population ages, these ratios are decreasing. Consequently, the younger generation bears a significant burden in supporting the older population.

In reality, you avoided answering the question posed. Your vision?

Just now, IsmeUno said:

What do you think that I should be doing instead?

Well.... being angry, obsessive and attached to a web board obviously takes up enough of your time. So, the opposite of that. 🙂