WashingUpagain

Explains the strong manipulated Baht. Will we now see a reversal of Baht strength?

It's nothing more than a diplomatic gesture...they know full well Putin will not accept.

Increase your intake of Zinc and garlic. It's all about T cells, after the age of 50 they diminish. T cells keep you alive but you must energise their potency with the above, also get your Vitamin D from 20 minutes of lovely sunshine every day as the body can extract very little from foods and synthesised pills.

Using an exchange rate of 40baht - £1, that's 400 billion pounds of house hold debt. This number cannot possibly be correct with a population of 68 million of which only 34 million work??

I've actually sat and had many a beer with Dennis when I visited CR. He owns the 184 bar on the main drag. He's a very nice chap, decent, honest and has a great sense of humour, his customers always enjoyed his company and he would often introduce himself and start a friendly chat with them. I don't know the timing or circumstances of the shooting event, but I find it difficult to believe such a nice guy is capable of such an act. He used to be a tattoo artist, hence the self 'artistry'. He also has a beautiful Thai son who is going to miss him enormously.

A little research shows that there are 4 main strains of Dengue, A+B and C+D. You can contract A+B several times and you may well pass it off as a mild cold. Same for C+D. If however you get a+b then get C or D, you are in trouble. In short, if you've had Dengue a few times, it might be wise to leave Asia and seek a safer cooler climate.

Sorry to go off topic, although it kind of shines a light on 'Thaism'. I shopped at Makro for the first time today. The cheeky swines insisted on scanning my receipt and matching it to my trolley contents. I asked to speak with the manager to convey my utter disgust at such behaviour, they had sought to intimidate me, in a way, suspecting that I had stolen something. The manager was at lunch, lucky for them, I had a few choice words for them. I will stick with Big C from now on. If they tried this tactic in Europe or the US, they'd have no customers, people like me would never return.

I'm always baffled at prices here. I like Fishermen's Friends and buy a packet when ever I shop at 7/11. A friend pointed out that the young girl serving, needs to work an hour to buy a packet at 36baht. Also, she has a couple of Thai builders working on an extension for her, she pays them 400baht a day. They work from 8 till 5 with an hour for lunch. "are they any good I asked", "their work is great" she replied. How is this even possible with food prices being so high? Big C are almost as expensive as London and if you want imported fare you'll easily pay double. Could be why every Big C I visit is usually quite empty, wonder how they make any money. Sometimes there are more staff than customers...maybe it's just me.

It's difficult to get a perspective on wealth in Thailand. I lived in Chiang Rai and I was always amazed at the amount of Mercs and Beamers on the road and the numbers seemed to be increasing. I was told they had BKK plates on them. Mores the pity if they have been buying cheaper property up north as the smog is a shocker and they will soon regret their purchase. Due to the air quality, quite a number of 'Farang' acquaintances I met were considering moving down south or quitting Thailand altogether. Economics 101, people are the economy and Thailand needs an influx of tourists and retirees in order for the economy to grow and for Thais to prosper. My anecdotal perspective is one of sadness, despite the nice cars, people seem to be struggling, but still smiling.

I have lived in Chiang Rai for the last 2 years and until this year, had planned to stay forever. What a shocker this year has been and what an eye opener. The PM2.5 count went over 800 some days. The poor air quality lasted for 5 months! I have now left CR, might return to visit for a few weeks each year but the air quality is such a huge issue for me. What a great pity, I love Thailand but this is a huge issue and like many, I feel it will never be resolved, there just isn't the will...one could say, that's 'Thai culture' for you.