[January Jobs Report, U.S. Job Growth Surges]

You base your "categorical" statements upon anecdotal observations and how people and places "looked" to you. That a barber shop owner who just opened his shop is struggling, whether he's an immigrant or not, is hardly news. 

 

But the empirical data reflects a different reality. The US economy is the strongest of all developed countries. It may take a while for most Americans to come to realize this given the heated anti-incumbent rhetoric of the coming election season. 

 

I too have been back for the past two months and everywhere I look I see hope and heightened expectations, tempered only by the fear of a reversal driven by ugly partisanship. Like you, I hope that fear is unfounded.

 

 

[Looking for shipping company]

Contact Wandee at T. K. Express on Changklan Rd. She's competent and reasonable.

[What are most Russians doing here and how are they financing themselves?]

1 hour ago, ChaiyaTH said:

''What do russians do to finance themselves'' - You might as well ask what any human does to finance themselves? One can almost be 98% certain that a question like this comes from an American at all times lol.

May I ask why you find this a certainty?

[Proof of accommodation for multi entry tourist e-visa]

I've done several METV applications and always book 1-2 nights at my destination (typically Chiang Mai). That has  always proven sufficient. I suppose one could book accommodation with cancellation if one planned to immediately travel on. As @Tod Danielsnoted do make sure to have a flight out of Thailand by your 60th day already booked.

[Do you think (most) financially struggling western retirees are stupid for not retiring abroad?]

On 10/21/2023 at 3:22 PM, Lacessit said:

I don't think they are stupid, just unable to uproot themselves. My guess is people who retire outside their homeland are far more likely to have travelled extensively. 

Well stated. Being unaware is far from being stupid. Those who have traveled and have awareness of the possibilities of a life abroad might be more inclined to consider retirement abroad. It has little to do with one intelligence.

[Chain slipping]

Is the chain worn or stretched? It sounds as though it may be.

[Phuket governor says go outside, smog is “natural phenomenon”]

16 hours ago, wombat said:

I read it on a forum on the net...it must be true

He may well have read it on this forum. Plenty of posters here who dismiss the smoke and haze as harmless. Only they can't tell the governor to go back to his own country.

[Short multiple Entry requirement question]

With 4 METVs under my belt, "tourism purposes" is the only reason I've ever offered. Approved without fail each and every time.

[Maximum number of back to back METV visas]

4 hours ago, BusyB said:

They are much more difficult to obtain than when I was using them some 20 years ago. A list of utterly ludicrous 'requirements'. Can't be bothered with that lot. If I didn't have a Non-O I'd be squeezing the visa exempts for what they're worth.

 

Curious post as Thailand didn't start offering the METV until 2015. And the requirements aren't at all ludicrous.

[Bad Stomach for 2 weeks.]

1 hour ago, edwardandtubs said:

Ignore the hysterical comments above. They're not going to help you get better. I was once in exactly your position so went to Bumrungrad. The doctor told me to lie on the exam table and pushed my stomach a few times. He wanted to check this didn't cause agony, which it didn't. He then asked me what I'd been eating and recommended I avoid dairy and return to my normal diet, then told me it should get better by itself, which it did.

 

From your description it seems like the worst of it is over but you just have some lingering symptoms. These should go away after a few more days. It's fine to continue using imodium to control it. Some people take it long term. You really only need to see a doctor if you lose a lot of weight, suffer pain or have blood in your stool.

Ignore this comment and heed the more hysteric comments above it. Go see a doctor!

[What are the African guys standing outside Nana BTS doing everynight?]

I go to Bkk once a month and noticed several times when walking past the bars around Nana area that there are many fat white guys sitting there staring at people walking past. 

 

One time I noticed a few of them arguing really loud at each other and the thai seller close by was not impressed at all. 

 

Non racial tone here. Just interested in why they are there everynight. Anyone know?

[Scam site redirect when browsing site]

Clear your browser's cache.

[R.I.P. NancyL]

I am so very sorry sad to hear of Nancy's passing. My condolences to her husband.

[Travelling with a MTB]

I've bicycle-toured throughout Thailand without issues, and have transported my bike via plane, train and bus. However I don't imagine I'd want all that hassle just for a daily driver given how cheap and easy it is to get around most SE Asian countries. Furthermore, it's clear you're worried about theft. I think I'd rather have a mediocre bike with low-end components lifted then the same with expensive high-end components.

[Unusual error]

Before digging in too deeply, boot into safe mode and run scan disk to eliminate any chance of corrupt files or sectors on the hard drive 

["respectable" Thai traditional massage place for a cultured American lady ?]

I second Nathan Massage. Very professional, skilled, serious and above board.. Many of the staff have been there for years. 

[Where Does Thailand Get Their Civil Engineers From?]

My guess would be - Thailand ????

[Does Your Sustained Proclivity for Curiosity about Our World Predict Longevity for You?]

I'm curious about the meaning of "let me make this short".

[Need help with Multi-entry tourist visa application]

7 hours ago, ioothaivisa said:

Were these METVs before or after this new Thai e-visa system?

The first (2019) was prior; the second was e-visa which I applied for March 2022.

[Need help with Multi-entry tourist visa application]

That's a concerning request. I've had two METVs and have only been asked the purpose of my visit. Under neither visa did I know in advance which country/countries I might visit.

[Is It Possible For An Internet Website To Turn Off Your Mobile's Wi-Fi?]

May I ask what version of Android you are running? There are indeed billing fraud hacks that can force a phone into cellular-only mode.

 

It's an old technology which has never been properly addressed. This article is a bit tedious but a thorough description of the issue.

[Bying foldable bicycle in Bkk – then to North Thailand – your experience?]

I have done several lengthy tours on a folding recumbent throughout Thailand. The most ambitious ride was Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I experienced no negative issues or close calls. The bemusement of folks at the sight of my bicycle brightened every day.

[Another e-visa question Line 12]

You are required to show evidence of any international travel undertaken in the past 12 months prior to your application. If your January/May trips are all that are recorded in your passport that is all you need to submit.

 

If, in the past 13 months, you lived in and traveled in the Schengen Area, or lived in and traveled in North America you'll likely have nothing to upload.

[Reentry application - Chiang Mai Immigrations]

Just now, howlee101 said:

At Chiang Mai International airport?

 

Yes

[Why are you proud to be gay?]

My guess is that you are a white male who has never experienced the indignities of being LGBTQ, colored, female or a member of any ethnic minority. That would be me as well, but I think I can appreciate the pride and joy that accrues to those who are finally experiencing at least some liberation from the white patriarchy which has presided over humanity from time inmemorial.