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1
Thai social security and health care
Husband can get cover only if the wife is a Civil Servant and covered by the Civil Servant SS fund. Sounds like probably not the case for you. it is the spouse's civil service status that matters not the place of employment.For example, there are people employed by government in government facilities who are on contract and not career civil servants ---> not covered by the special CS SS. There is no spousal coverage under the regular SS scheme. -
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John Fetterman’s Defiant Stand No Show at DNC: Navigating the Rift in the Democratic Party
Democrats who dont bow down to islam deemed traitors by the out of touch left -
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British family struggles with father’s funeral costs in Thailand
They didn't say they didn't visit him. The daughters obviously kept in touch. The wife on the phone but she didn't say she wanted to go to the funeral. -
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Swiss man paws for thought after dog bites on Thai beach (video)
When I lived in Phuket , Kata Beach, I used the little bridge in between 2 big hotels ( one 5*,the other 4*. ) it was also a water run off from the hills behind. There were rats underneath, one day a little foreign boy said there were many rats on the bridge.i went to have a look, and there was an open bin bag and rats everywhere. I spoke to the beach owner / concession whom I knew and suggested he buy rat poison fast. He looked at me shocked and said he could not. In those days they were quite devout Buddhists or so I supposed., -
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Biden's New Nuclear Strategy: A Shift Toward China
Many times high ranking retired military leaders, decorated pilots etc talked about it that every time there's nuclear weapons testing, their aircraft fails, the weapons system malfunctions and they are just unable to use nuclear technology. This has been ongoing for a long time. How come they never discuss that😅. -
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Facebook forcefully entertains
Question: is there a way on lamebook, previously facebook to block these pathetic reels and videos and basically the unwanted entertainment section? That every time you open the app, it suggests things memes videos etc as if I asked for it. If there's no way then I'll just ditch lamebook which makes me wonder what's the point of putting these things there in the users face just to try to make more money while in reality it just makes a lot of people delete their account which results in losing money. Someone is blessed with higher than average business acumen at the tech giant🙄🤣. -
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Longest Sentences Yet for Rioters Involved in Racist Mob Violence Across England
I've noticed a new variant of Godwin's law, where any internet conversation inevitably results in comparisons to the Nazis Mike Goodwin talking years later about his Law https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2013/03/godwins-law-mike-godwin-hitler-nazi-comparisons.html But actually Godwin's Law predates before even MIke Goodwin was born. It was the East Germans who came up with it in the 50s, when they took umbrage at broadcasts from "Radio in the American Sector", which was obviously broadcasting news about the free world into the GDR. The best the GDR could come up with was to literally call the American broadcasters a bunch of Nazis. Now it seems there are elements of society, for reasons only known to themselves. to substitute Communist/Socialist for Nazi. This isn't the same as Reds-under-the-Bed. Like people who threw around the word Nazi into every conversation, this mob of thickos don't really have any idea of what Communist or Socialist (or Marxist, Trotskyite, Leninist etc) actually means.. Its just some word they heard their grandad used when they were a kid, and now they are using, in same way as "Nazi" to try and shut down discussion, which is very Communist of them. I expect Yellow Peril to see some revival in some quarters (this quite an old term of abuse, reaching back to the 19th century); the Kaiser used the term die Gelbe Gefahr, and used that as the excuse for war with China, which is reality was all about setting the stage for WW1, and ultimately who would hold hegemony over the Globe (the Kaiser thought it should be him). -
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Several neighbouring countries compete with Thailand for foreign retirees
A new version of Airbnb. I could never live in Thailand all year round, I’d be bored silly. Same as I don’t live all year round in my home town , I go away often . -
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Thailand likely detects a new, more dangerous mpox variant
South Devon is where the English Riviera is located. 😁 I suggest you visit this website for suggestions on how to visit the picturesque South Devon region. https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/ I doubt they have machete waving thugs running about like they do in London and the north west. The only machetes I see now are in Thailand are at the market. They know how to slice their melons with gusto. If you miss the SRT, visit the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. 🙂 -
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British family struggles with father’s funeral costs in Thailand
Would you go back for your mother's or father s funeral if they were still alive ? -
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Pattaya review by stickman Aug 18, 2024
Yeah, John Galt. I just read one of his screeds, made it sound like Stickman burned down an orphanage or some such. I think I saw it on a mongering board. -
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John Fetterman’s Defiant Stand No Show at DNC: Navigating the Rift in the Democratic Party
John Fetterman, the towering and unconventional senator from Pennsylvania, is no stranger to controversy or the complexities of his own party. Once hailed as a beacon of Rust Belt revitalization and a progressive champion, Fetterman has recently found himself increasingly at odds with the Democratic Party. His steadfast support for Israel, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, has drawn both public protests and internal criticism. Despite the mounting pressure, Fetterman remains unyielding in his stance, emphasizing his commitment to what he perceives as the morally correct path, even if it means alienating himself from the very base that once celebrated him. Fetterman’s decision to skip the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this year has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about his standing within the party. However, the senator is quick to dismiss any notion that his absence has anything to do with the growing discord over his pro-Israel stance. "I’ve got three young kids, and they’re out of school," Fetterman explained, emphasizing his desire to spend time with his family over the four-day event. He also clarified that the decision to miss the convention was made "well before that debate," referring to the June 27 confrontation between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, which ultimately led to Biden stepping aside and Kamala Harris securing the Democratic nomination. The contrast between Fetterman and Harris could not be starker. Fetterman, a six-foot-eight figure clad in hoodies and shorts, resides in Braddock, a struggling ex-steel town just outside Pittsburgh that has lost 90 percent of its population. Harris, on the other hand, owns a home in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles and is often seen donning double-stranded pearls and pantsuits. While Fetterman’s politics are fueled by what seems to be an earnest and almost reckless sense of righteousness, Harris’s beliefs remain less clear, leaving some to question what she truly stands for. On the day of the Hamas attacks, Harris tweeted a message that was as inoffensive as it was unobjectionable: "Doug’s and my prayers are with the victims of the heinous terrorist attacks in Israel. @POTUS and my support for Israel’s security is unwavering." Meanwhile, Fetterman’s response was far more forceful: "I forcefully condemn these cowardly, horrifying, unprovoked attacks on Israel by Hamas. Attacking innocent civilians is particularly despicable and reflects the craven behavior of this terrorist group. I unequivocally stand with the people of Israel now, and always." This disparity in responses highlights the growing chasm within the Democratic Party, particularly when it comes to Israel. While Harris’s statement was designed to offend as few people as possible, Fetterman’s declaration left no room for ambiguity. It is perhaps this stark clarity in his position that has led to his increasing isolation within the party. When asked if he ever feels lonely in his own party, Fetterman responded with uneasy laughter, "Well, I mean, it’s, it’s… I keep saying, just like the convention, it’s not about me." Despite his reassurances, it’s difficult to ignore the shift that has taken place within the Democratic Party—a shift that has left Fetterman, once a symbol of Rust Belt cool and progressive values, out in the cold. In 2022, Fetterman was the darling of the left. He was bald, hulking, and adorned with a goatee and tattoos, projecting a surly demeanor that resonated with voters who felt the Democratic Party had drifted too far from its working-class roots. His support for LGBTQIA+ rights and pro-choice stance further endeared him to the party’s progressive wing. Celebrities like Kerry Washington, Padma Lakshmi, John Legend, and even Oprah Winfrey—who had previously helped launch the television career of Fetterman’s Trump-backed Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz—lined up to endorse him. But the love affair with Fetterman didn’t last. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most prominent voices of the progressive left, suggested in May that Fetterman is a bully. Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan lamented on Twitter that "a lot of folks don’t recognize John Fetterman these days." The Patriot-News, based in Harrisburg, published an op-ed titled "I wish I had never voted for you," addressing Fetterman directly. The turning point for Fetterman’s relationship with the progressive wing of the party appears to have been his shift away from identifying as a progressive. In December, the senator tweeted, "I’m not a progressive, I’m just a regular Democrat," signaling a departure from his earlier self-identification as a "progressive champion" during his unsuccessful Senate run in 2016. This shift, coupled with his unwavering support for Israel, has left many progressives feeling betrayed. Since the October 7 attacks, Fetterman has found an unexpected, albeit cautious, warmth from Republicans. "How is it possible that John Fetterman in the last few months has seemingly become more based than half of the Senate GOP???" Donald Trump Jr. tweeted in January. A Republican strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity, confessed, "No clue what this cat is up to." Fetterman’s embrace of border security may have contributed to this newfound, albeit tenuous, appreciation from the right, but his real transgression in the eyes of progressives has been his unflinching support for Israel. The backlash has been swift and unrelenting. In November, protesters outside the Capitol booed him. In January, anti-Israel protesters descended on Fetterman’s home in Braddock, where he defiantly took to the roof, waving an Israeli flag. Online, activists derisively dubbed him "Genocide John." Every Friday for months, protesters have demonstrated outside his Philadelphia office, chanting slogans like "Let Gaza live" and "Cease-fire now." These protests, known as "Fridays at Fetterman’s," have become a regular occurrence. The opposition to Fetterman’s stance isn’t limited to external activists. Even within his own office, there are staff members who disagree with him on Israel and Gaza. "I don’t agree with him," admitted Carrie Adams, Fetterman’s communications director, in a candid phone conversation. Adams suggested that Fetterman’s views are shaped by a less nuanced understanding of the region, influenced by the "might makes right" mentality prevalent during his formative years. In contrast, she noted that her generation and younger ones—who are often the ones protesting—tend to have a more nuanced view of the region. This level of internal dissent is rare in Washington, especially when it comes to criticizing "the principal," as Fetterman is known within his team. It underscores the generational and ideological divide that has opened up within the Democratic Party, particularly on issues related to Israel and Palestine. A January poll revealed that 65 percent of college students held a favorable opinion of the pro-Hamas encampments that took over many university campuses in the spring. This generational divide is not confined to college campuses; it has infiltrated the party’s ranks, threatening to erupt during the convention, where as many as 100,000 protesters are expected. Fetterman is keenly aware of the divide but remains steadfast in his convictions. "I’ve been frustrated by some of my members and how they’ve chosen to handle that situation," Fetterman said, referring to Israel’s war against Hamas. While he did not name specific Democratic members, it is likely he was alluding to the Squad and other members of the Progressive Caucus who have been vocal in their criticism of Israel. "I don’t agree with a lot of their views, but whatever kinds of political choices or any kind of political costs that I’ve incurred throughout all that, I don’t care." He added with conviction, "I haven’t once even regretted any of that." Fetterman’s unconventional style and progressive policies made him a darling of the left, but his recent shift on Israel has caused a rift with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. His decision to distance himself from the progressive label and his unwavering support for Israel have led to accusations of betrayal from some of his former supporters. Despite the criticism, Fetterman remains unapologetic. He argues that his support for Israel is rooted in a commitment to justice and the protection of innocent lives. "There’s a moral imperative to support Israel in its fight against terrorism," Fetterman has said. "Hamas is a terrorist organization that has killed thousands of innocent people. To equate their actions with those of a democratic state like Israel is not only wrong but dangerous." Fetterman’s stance has earned him praise from some quarters, including Republicans who see him as a rare Democratic voice willing to stand up for Israel. However, it has also alienated him from many of his former allies on the left. The protests outside his home and office, as well as the criticism from within his own team, are indicative of the deep divisions that have opened up within the Democratic Party on this issue. He is driven by a deep sense of moral duty, one that often puts him at odds with the very people who once supported him. In the end, Fetterman’s journey from progressive hero to polarizing figure within his own party underscores the complexities of modern American politics. It is a reminder that even in a time of deep political polarization, there are still those who are willing to stand firm in their beliefs, no matter the cost. Whether Fetterman’s stance will ultimately prove to be politically wise or whether it will cost him the support of his party remains an open question. For now, he seems content to weather the storm, confident in the righteousness of his cause and unafraid of the consequences. Credit: TFP 2024-08-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Biden's New Nuclear Strategy: A Shift Toward China
President Joe Biden has approved revisions to a classified nuclear strategy document that significantly alters Washington's approach to nuclear deterrence. For the first time, the strategy now prioritizes addressing China's rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, signaling a major shift in U.S. defense policy. The document, titled "Nuclear Employment Guidance," was updated in March, marking a crucial development in the ongoing redefinition of global nuclear threats. The updates to this strategic document are highly classified, with only a few hard copies distributed to select national security and Pentagon officials. The New York Times reported on these changes, noting that the document is revised approximately every four years. No electronic versions exist, underscoring the sensitive nature of the information contained within. Hints of this strategic pivot were recently evident in public comments by senior Biden administration officials. In June, Pranay Vaddi, the National Security Council's senior director for arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation, emphasized the need for a strategy that could simultaneously deter Russia, China, and North Korea. Speaking at the annual Arms Control Association meeting, Vaddi underscored the necessity of a multifaceted approach to nuclear deterrence in light of evolving global threats. Earlier this month, Vipin Narang, a former acting assistant secretary of defense for space policy, spoke of the recent updates to nuclear weapons employment guidance. Narang highlighted that the revisions were specifically designed to address the growing challenge posed by multiple nuclear-armed adversaries, with a particular focus on China's significantly expanding nuclear capabilities. Although the White House has not officially announced any changes to its nuclear deterrence strategy, the reports come at a time of heightened concern over potential nuclear threats from global adversaries such as China and Russia. The Pentagon's latest assessments indicate that Beijing now possesses over 500 operational nuclear warheads. This number is expected to surpass 1,000 by 2030, reflecting a rapid and concerning expansion of China's nuclear arsenal. The growing military collaboration between Russia, China, and North Korea, particularly in the context of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, has further exacerbated security concerns for the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. As these relationships deepen, the strategic environment becomes increasingly complex, requiring the U.S. to adapt its nuclear deterrence strategies accordingly. During his presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump repeatedly warned of an impending nuclear conflict, arguing that the U.S. could be heading toward a major nuclear confrontation. In an interview with Elon Musk, streamed live on X (formerly known as Twitter), Trump suggested that China might soon "catch up, maybe even surpass" the U.S. in terms of nuclear weapons capabilities. China's response to these claims was swift. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, addressed the issue at a press conference, stating that the "nuclear arsenal of the U.S. is way bigger than China's." Lin reiterated China's "no-first-use" policy, which commits the nation to not using nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction as a first strike in warfare. This policy stands in stark contrast to the aggressive nuclear posturing that has characterized recent global discourse. The Pentagon's report from the previous fall provided a sobering assessment of the U.S.'s own nuclear capabilities. It revealed that the United States has about 3,700 nuclear warheads in its stockpile, with approximately 1,419 strategic nuclear weapons currently deployed. These figures illustrate the scale of the U.S.'s nuclear arsenal, which, despite China's rapid expansion, remains significantly larger. As the Biden administration continues to navigate this increasingly volatile global landscape, the recent updates to the "Nuclear Employment Guidance" reflect a broader recognition of the shifting balance of power. The focus on China underscores the growing challenge that Beijing's military advancements pose to U.S. national security and global stability. In this context, the revisions to Washington's nuclear strategy represent not just a response to immediate threats, but a long-term adjustment to the changing dynamics of international security. The coming years will likely see further developments in this area as the U.S. seeks to maintain its strategic edge in an increasingly multipolar world. As tensions with nuclear-armed adversaries continue to rise, the importance of a robust and adaptable deterrence strategy cannot be overstated. Credit: Newsweek 2024-08-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
0
New Raid on Andrew Tate’s Residence Allegations Involving Minors
Romanian police have conducted another raid on the residence of Andrew Tate, a controversial social media influencer, who is currently facing serious charges, including human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. The raid took place on Wednesday morning at the home Tate shares with his brother, Tristan Tate, in Romania. Both brothers have been under intense scrutiny as they await trial for these allegations. A dozen masked officers descended upon the property, marking another significant moment in the ongoing investigation led by Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT. The agency confirmed that four homes in the counties of Bucharest and Ilfov were being searched in connection with a broad investigation that includes allegations of human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements, and money laundering. The presence of police and forensic teams at the Tate residence underscores the seriousness with which Romanian authorities are pursuing these charges. Mateea Petrescu, a spokesperson for Andrew Tate, responded to the raids by acknowledging that the charges listed in the search warrant were not fully clarified at the time but included suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering. Petrescu emphasized that the legal team representing the Tates was present during the raids, although notably, there was no direct addressal of the allegations involving minors. As the investigation continues, the Romanian authorities have reiterated the importance of the legal process and the rights of those under investigation. DIICOT stated, “During the entire criminal process, the investigated persons benefit from the procedural rights and guarantees provided by the Code of Criminal Procedure, as well as the presumption of innocence.” This statement highlights that, despite the severity of the allegations, the legal system in Romania ensures that the accused are afforded their legal rights and protections. Andrew Tate, 37, and his brother Tristan, 36, are both former kickboxers and hold dual British-U.S. citizenship. They have gained massive followings on social media, amassing millions of followers worldwide. However, their online presence has been marred by controversy, particularly Andrew Tate’s expression of misogynistic views. The brothers were arrested in 2022 near Bucharest, alongside two Romanian women, and were formally indicted by Romanian prosecutors last year. They have consistently denied all allegations. The legal process has been lengthy, with the Bucharest Tribunal ruling in April that the prosecutors’ case file against the Tates met the necessary legal criteria, thereby allowing a trial to proceed. However, the court did not set a specific date for the trial to begin. The delay was partly due to the preliminary chamber stages, where defendants have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and the case file presented by the prosecutors. Following their arrest in 2022, the Tate brothers were initially held in police detention for three months before being placed under house arrest. Their movements were further restricted to the Bucharest and Ilfov counties, and later to all of Romania. Last month, a court decision that had allowed the Tates to leave Romania was overturned. Previously, on July 5, the court had ruled that the brothers could travel within the 27-member European Union as long as they remained within its borders. However, the more recent ruling is final, and they must stay in Romania as they await trial. Andrew Tate has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that there is no evidence against him and alleging that the charges are part of a broader political conspiracy aimed at silencing him. Despite his legal troubles, Tate continues to wield significant influence online, with 9.9 million followers on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). His notoriety online is linked to his outspoken and often controversial views, which have previously led to bans from various social media platforms due to his misogynistic remarks and hate speech. In addition to the ongoing Romanian case, the Tate brothers are also facing legal challenges in the United Kingdom. In March, they appeared at the Bucharest Court of Appeal following British authorities’ issuance of arrest warrants related to allegations of sexual aggression in a U.K. case dating back to 2012-2015. The appeals court in Romania granted the British request to extradite the Tates, but stipulated that the extradition would only occur after the legal proceedings in Romania have been concluded. Credit: The Independent 2024-08-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
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