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  2. The "best way" to ensure entry is that she adheres to the stated plans as declared on the visa application that was granted to her. If anything is different then expect questioning.
  3. Agreed, its a lot more complicated than you can imagine because laws are enforced arbitrarily here.
  4. THE HAGUE, March 28 (Reuters) - Judges at the International Court of Justice on Thursday unanimously ordered Israel to take all the necessary and effective action to ensure basic food supplies arrive without delay to the Palestinian population in Gaza. The ICJ said the Palestinians in Gaza face worsening conditions of life, and famine and starvation are spreading. "The court observes that Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine (...) but that famine is setting in," the judges said in their order. The new measures were requested by South Africa as part of its ongoing case that accuses Israel of state-led genocide in Gaza. In January the ICJ, also known as the World Court, ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza. In Thursday's order the court reaffirmed the January measures but added Israel must take action to ensure unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance including food, water and electricity as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza. The judges added that this could be done "by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary". The court ordered Israel to submit a report in a month after the order to detail how it had given effect to the ruling. 29.03.24 Source
  5. A sperm fertilized an egg. No-one knows if your parents both enjoyed the experience of creating you.
  6. Reading all that football trivia reminded me that a couple of decades ago, when I was still very young, I had the privilege of meeting a gentleman named Peter Grotier, who in the 70s was goalkeeper for West Ham. Very nice guy, it was interesting to hear his stories of when footballers earned just regular wages.
  7. Thai gold is lower purity than 99.5% bullion. While you can sell your gold, it will be at a loss. Shops will only give you the same price as Thai gold, banks will want commissions. Better to sell bullion in your home country.
  8. I'm not stupid enough to write MENO in an e-mail to the Thai authorities. If you want to continue writing out the full name, that's up to you. Why is MENO confusing? Just because you don't like it doesn't mean people shouldn't use it. Do you object to people writing UK or USA? I doubt it. By the way, as you are a moderator, you should probably explain that this is just an idiosyncrasy of yours and not a forum rule.
  9. Bangkok, as well as the rest of Thailand, was quite a different place back in the 80's when I first arrived and on into the 90's. I liked Trink's column, Postbag, Crutchly's column, and a few others. Today so much has changed and the city is very different.
  10. Same here. I was looking at a condo in Bangkok about 5 months ago. It was listed as "Thai Quota". Told the agent I wasn't interested. Then the juristic advised him that another condo in the building was being sold from a foreigner to a Thai meaning that "foreign quota" became available. I reckon that added 25% to the value of the condo I was looking at. Ultimately, I went on to buy elsewhere though.
  11. In a chilling declaration that has sent shockwaves through Afghanistan and beyond, the Taliban's Supreme Leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, has announced plans to institute brutal public punishments for women, including stoning them to death. In a voice message aired on state television over the weekend, Akhundzada defiantly addressed Western officials, dismissing their concerns about human rights violations and vowing to uphold their harsh interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Akhundzada's ominous words mark a stark escalation in the Taliban's repressive regime since seizing control of Kabul in August 2021. Despite promises of moderation, the Taliban has swiftly reverted to draconian measures reminiscent of their oppressive rule in the late 1990s, including public executions and floggings. Now, with Akhundzada's vow to implement medieval punishments like stoning, fears for the safety and rights of Afghan women have intensified. The Taliban's justification for such barbaric practices lies in their interpretation of Sharia law, which they argue supersedes any notions of Western democracy or human rights. Akhundzada dismisses the international community's advocacy for women's rights as contrary to Sharia and the clerics' beliefs, framing the Taliban's brutal crackdown as a righteous defense against Western influence. The repercussions of Akhundzada's decree are already being felt by Afghan women, who describe living in a state of perpetual fear and oppression. With each passing day, the Taliban tightens its grip on women's freedoms, imposing ever more restrictive rules and stripping away their autonomy. Many Afghan women feel as though they are trapped in a suffocating prison, with the Taliban relentlessly tightening its grasp. The international community has condemned the Taliban's flagrant disregard for human rights, with calls for increased pressure on the regime to halt its brutal campaign against women. However, as Akhundzada defiantly asserts his commitment to imposing Sharia law, the plight of Afghan women grows more dire by the day. In the face of such cruelty and oppression, the resilience of Afghan women shines through. Despite the Taliban's attempts to silence them, women like Tala refuse to be silenced, speaking out against the injustice and calling for solidarity from the global community. As the world watches in horror, the fate of Afghan women hangs in the balance, their future uncertain in the wake of the Taliban's brutal resurgence. 29.03.24 Source
  12. The relationship between former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden has evolved over the years, from initial skepticism to mutual support and collaboration. As the 2024 election approaches, Obama's involvement in strategizing for Biden's campaign reflects his concern about the possibility of Biden losing to former President Donald Trump. Despite some past tensions and disagreements, particularly surrounding Biden's decision not to run for president in 2016, the two leaders are now aligned in their efforts to ensure Biden's political future. Obama's engagement with Biden's campaign team and regular conversations with White House Chief of Staff Jeffrey D. Zients indicate his commitment to helping Biden navigate the challenges of the upcoming election. The upcoming joint appearance of Obama, Biden, and former President Bill Clinton at a major fundraiser underscores their collective support for Biden's candidacy. This unity marks a significant shift from previous years when Obama advised Biden against running for president and opted to support Hillary Clinton instead. Although their relationship has had its ups and downs, particularly regarding strategic decisions and policy disagreements, Obama's affectionate remarks during Beau Biden's eulogy in 2015 marked a turning point in their bond. Biden's personal tragedy brought them closer together, leading Obama to reassure him of their enduring friendship and support. While there may have been lingering doubts about Biden's political prospects in the past, Democrats close to Obama now recognize the urgency of defeating Trump in the upcoming election. Biden's confrontational performance during his State of the Union address has further reassured Obama and his allies of Biden's readiness to lead and compete in the political arena. Overall, Obama's active involvement in Biden's campaign reflects both his concern for Biden's electoral success and their strengthened partnership in pursuit of shared political goals. 29.03.24 Source
  13. Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane and its Shooting Star cargo module offer a glimpse into a future where space travel is accessible to all. Nestled within NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, these revolutionary spacecraft represent a paradigm shift in how we envision our relationship with space. Standing tall at 55 feet, the Dream Chaser spacecraft, aptly named Tenacity, symbolizes the beginning of a journey that could one day extend humanity's reach beyond Earth's atmosphere. But before embarking on its maiden voyage, the Dream Chaser undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its readiness to face the challenges of launch and spaceflight. Exposed to extreme vibrations and subjected to the harsh conditions of space in a thermal vacuum chamber, the Dream Chaser and its cargo module prove their resilience under the most demanding circumstances. These tests are vital as the spaceplane prepares for its inaugural uncrewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year, where it will deliver over 7,800 pounds of cargo. This mission marks the first of seven planned flights to resupply the ISS under NASA's CRS-2 program, highlighting the Dream Chaser's role in advancing space exploration and scientific research. The successful completion of environmental testing represents a significant milestone for Sierra Space, validating years of development and proving the spaceplane's readiness for its historic mission. As Sierra Space and NASA push the boundaries of what's possible, the Dream Chaser embodies a shared vision of space as a frontier not just for exploration, but for innovation and progress. Beyond its technological prowess, the Dream Chaser represents a new chapter in human history, where space is not merely a destination but a potential home and workplace. With its innovative design and bold mission, the Dream Chaser spaceplane leads the way into this uncharted future, inspiring us to reimagine our relationship with the cosmos. As we stand on the brink of a new era in space exploration, the Dream Chaser serves as a beacon of hope and possibility, heralding a future where the stars are within reach for all of humanity. 29.03.24 Source
  14. In a bold move that has left House Republicans divided, Marjorie Taylor Greene has set her sights on Speaker Mike Johnson, risking a potential upheaval that could reverberate through the halls of Congress. Greene's push to oust Johnson not only threatens to plunge the House into another period of leaderless paralysis but also poses a significant challenge to the Republican establishment. With her resolution to remove Johnson looming, Greene has positioned herself as a formidable force within the GOP, signaling her intent to reshape the party's trajectory towards a more conservative stance. However, her strategy carries inherent risks, including the possibility of inadvertently pushing Johnson into collaboration with Democrats on critical issues like Ukraine aid. While some Republicans view Greene's maneuver as a calculated chess move aimed at realigning the party's priorities, others express concern about the potential fallout. Johnson, facing pressure from both his conservative base and an increasingly polarized political landscape, finds himself navigating treacherous waters as he seeks to maintain control amidst growing dissent. The looming showdown over Johnson's leadership underscores deep divisions within the Republican ranks, with tensions between his allies and critics reaching a boiling point. While Greene claims to have silent supporters within the party, many Republicans remain skeptical of her tactics, wary of the chaos that could ensue from another leadership battle. As Greene accelerates her timeline for triggering a vote on Johnson's ouster, GOP leaders are bracing for the fallout, keenly aware of the delicate balance of power at play. With Democrats closely monitoring the situation, Johnson's fate hangs in the balance, contingent on his ability to navigate the turbulent political waters ahead. Ultimately, Greene's gambit represents a pivotal moment for the Republican Party, with the outcome poised to shape its trajectory for years to come. As the House braces for a potential shake-up, the stakes couldn't be higher, leaving both sides grappling with the uncertain road ahead in an already tumultuous political landscape. 29.03.24 Source
  15. In a landmark legal battle that could reshape the rights of transgender individuals in the UK, Victoria McCloud, the country's first transgender judge, is seeking to intervene in a pivotal supreme court case concerning the definition of "woman". McCloud's application to join the litigation, brought forth by For Women Scotland, underscores the far-reaching implications of the case and the pressing need for transgender voices to be heard in judicial proceedings. At the heart of the matter lies the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018, which has been contested by For Women Scotland on the grounds of its inclusion of transgender women. The group challenges whether transgender women should be considered under the legal definition of "woman" in the legislation aimed at promoting gender balance on public boards. McCloud, who transitioned in the late 1990s and subsequently obtained legal recognition of her gender under the 2004 Gender Recognition Act, aims to intervene in the case to safeguard the rights and recognition of transgender individuals like herself. Concerned about the potential ramifications of a successful appeal, which could impact transgender rights across the UK, McCloud seeks to advocate for the preservation of legal protections for transgender women. The implications of the case extend beyond the courtroom, affecting the daily lives and rights of transgender individuals in various spheres, including equal pay, access to services, and inclusion in public spaces. McCloud's decision to intervene underscores the urgency of ensuring that transgender voices are represented in legal proceedings that directly impact their lives. The case has garnered significant attention and support, with author and campaigner JK Rowling among those contributing to For Women Scotland's crowdfunding efforts. Describing the case as "truly historic," Rowling's contribution reflects the broader significance of the legal battle in shaping the rights and recognition of transgender individuals in society. As the legal proceedings unfold, the inclusion of transgender perspectives becomes paramount in ensuring a fair and just outcome. McCloud's application to intervene represents a crucial step towards advancing transgender rights and fostering inclusivity within the legal system, paving the way for a more equitable and representative judiciary. 29.03.24 Source
  16. In a stunning turn of events, Sam Bankman-Fried, the once high-flying co-founder of the now-defunct crypto exchange FTX, has been handed a hefty 25-year prison sentence for defrauding customers and investors of his collapsed firm. The ruling marks a dramatic downfall for the former billionaire, who was once hailed as a prominent figure in the crypto world before his empire crumbled in 2022. Bankman-Fried, now 32, stood trial in New York and was convicted on multiple charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The trial revealed a web of deceit in which Bankman-Fried siphoned off billions of dollars from unsuspecting customers, diverting funds for personal gain, including property purchases, political donations, and other investments. In a somber courtroom appearance, Bankman-Fried expressed remorse for the harm caused, acknowledging that many felt let down by his actions. However, the presiding judge, Lewis Kaplan, delivered a scathing rebuke, denouncing Bankman-Fried's deception and lack of genuine remorse. Despite pleas for leniency from his defense team, the judge emphasized the severity of Bankman-Fried's crimes and the need for a punishment commensurate with the harm inflicted. While the 25-year sentence falls short of the prosecution's request for a lengthier term, it nonetheless represents a significant blow to Bankman-Fried and serves as a stark warning to others in the industry. Moreover, Bankman-Fried was ordered to forfeit a staggering $11 billion in assets, a portion of which has already been seized by the government. The case has sent shockwaves through the crypto community, prompting soul-searching and calls for greater accountability. Bankman-Fried's downfall serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in the burgeoning crypto market. As Bankman-Fried begins his lengthy prison term, the crypto industry faces renewed scrutiny and calls for regulatory reform. While the sentence may provide some measure of closure for victims, it also highlights the challenges of regulating a rapidly evolving and often opaque sector. In the aftermath of Bankman-Fried's conviction, the crypto landscape stands at a crossroads, grappling with questions of accountability, transparency, and investor protection. As authorities crack down on fraud and misconduct, the industry must reckon with its shortcomings and strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity and trust. Only then can it fulfill its promise as a transformative force in the global economy. 29.03.24 Source
  17. Yes it's likely allergies, and and it's likely due to the horrific air quality that we've been experiencing for the last several months. I experienced something similar in Los Angeles many years ago, went to a very good doctor, he did a series of chest x-rays, blood panels, and many other tests all of which came back negative. I thought I was suffering from lung disease, as my symptoms were of a respiratory nature. He told me that I had simply developed an allergy to pollution, and that over the course of a lifetime we develop allergies. Millions of people throughout Thailand are having enormous problems due to the air quality, which the authorities seem to have absolutely no interest in doing anything about. One of the few things we can do to protect ourselves is to buy very high quality, very high-end air filters for use within the house.
  18. A lost album, almost... 50 years ago. Like.... Yesterday.... Almost.
  19. Of course he hasn't been ill, this entire thing has been staged, and it's has been created only for the most naive amongst us. The vast majority understand exactly what's been going on, a deal was cut between the Army and PT to allow the Army to steal the election and install PT as the non-democratically appointed administrator, with the Army pulling all the strings, again. And in exchange Toxic Thaksin was given total immunity. It's likely a deal was also cut for his daughter, and it's just a matter of time until she returns.
  20. Coming soon!! Radiation resistant Amulets!! will save you from radiation and exposure! 😀👻👻👻💥💥💥🔥
  21. Sorta like probably almost any business private or govt, "agents" find ways to bend the rules it seems. And, there always seem to be customers willing to hire those agents.
  22. Arrest the monkeys, charge them with unnecessary aggression and bad behavior, these monkeys are even worse than the foreigners, we must wrestle control of the monkeys.
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