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It's been about 10 days since I last updated, a few things have occurred during that period, which I thought worthwhile mentioning. The really good news is that I'm now the proud owner of a 12-month, multiple entry, retirement visa, so if I choose to I can stay unhindered until end of October 2020. My 90-day business visa was due to expire at the end of this month, the "Agency" I spoke with advised I go in to see them first week of October. So last Wednesday (2nd), I did. Amazingly smooth operation I must say. They even took the necessary pics. Won't go into too much detail here, for obvious reasons, but I was in the Agency for about 15 minutes, a taxi to the bank, where I spent about 30 minutes, then to the Immigration office, where I was in and out in 5 minutes, despite the place being heaving with people. That was it. Including the time in the taxi, it took just over an hour. The following day at lunch time the Agency called me to say my passport is ready, so popped over and picked it up. They said they'd handle the 90 day reporting too, just pop in and leave my passport. There's simply no way could I go and queue in that Immigration Office. What a nightmare. It looked like there were queues to join queues. I don't do queues. Happy to provide more details via PM if anybody would like further details. The most interesting hour I spent over the last 10 days was completely unexpected and quite jaw-dropping. It started off as most of my days do - a quiet breakfast in one of the restaurant's a short walk from the rear of my condo complex. I was the only customer, I'd already finished my breakfast and was sitting quietly with a cappuccino while doing the Bangkok Post sudoku and crossword. In walks a farang (estimate early 70's) with a Thai lady (nothing special, but quite pretty, mid-30's, decent figure). There were maybe 15 empty tables, but to my surprise they sat down on the very next table to me. I'm not a nosey person by nature, but due to this guy being a bit deaf, he over-compensated by speaking very loudly. So I wasn't ear-wigging, I could hear every word clearly with. Not a case of putting a glass against the wall. It was obvious from minute 1 that this was the first time they'd met. This was 10 am, which I thought was an odd time for a first meet. I knew this because the first few minutes of the discussion was around how much prettier she looked than her online profile and it was nice to "finally meet you". The guy was a natural German, ex-military, but had lived in the USA for a long period, so had a US passport too. He proceeded to explain to this lady that he'd spent 40 years in the German air-force, his German wife had left him 5 years earlier, costing him a fortune, he'd had 3 long term Thai ex-bargirl girlfriends from Isaan since then, all of whom had fleeced him. She did very little talking - she didn't get a chance. We had his life story over a 20 minute period. I couldn't concentrate on the crossword, he was so loud. Plus I was waiting to see how this lady reacted. Finally she managed to get a word in. She' didn't come across as a bargirl and said she has a small business in Bangkok and 3 youngish kids. Not a problem, he said, I like you . . . Here we go I thought . . . After most of his life history he got onto the subject of cars - he said he'd got a 2 year old Toyota and is trying to sell it because he doesn't feel safe driving it any more. She then went on to say that she's struggling cos she needs to get around Bangkok to deliver things and her car is so old and keeps breaking down. So he offers her the use of his car. His exact words were "you can use my car, it's better for it to be used than sit in my parking lot". I watched her reaction closely. She didn't jump at it, was quite coy and actually very clever with her words, but basically saying she would be very grateful and would take him up on that offer. She wasn't an educated lady, her English was obviously picked up at school and working. She may possibly have been an ex bargirl. Inside she must have been rubbing her hands together. The more the conversation went on, the more this guy opened up and the culmination was that he offered for her to move in with him. I couldn't believe my ears. So much of me wanted to shake some sense into him. On a first meet offering her his car then offering her to move in with him? No wonder he's got fleeced left. right and centre. It should have been "Run, Forest, Run" or as Iron Maiden would say "run to the hills". After maybe an hour he paid up, they walked the few steps to the path outside and said their goodbyes, saying "see you tonight" and left in opposite directions. On reflection I felt sorry for him. He did say he wanted full-time companionship during the conversation. No problem with that, but I think he should re-assess his interview process. On the personal front, gogo girl has legged it back to Korat for a few weeks, which I'm pleased about. Things were getting tricky as I didn't really want to see her, but she kept pressing. All is good with bank girl - she's come to see me the last 2 weekends, she left this morning. Had a good night Saturday in Le Pub, very enjoyable watching the football unfold with a few guys, all supporting different teams. Bank girl has got into it too - I have a converted Ipswich fan. On Friday she showed up with her nails done . . . . Ipswich Town nails - brilliant. Will report on a restaurant we went for dinner last night - Cabbages and Condoms. I'd heard about it from somewhere and bank girl suggested it, so we went. What a let down. Food was hugely average, they charged 260 baht for a puny 100 ml measure of chateau shite red wine, 150 for a bottle of Singha and you can't get a Grab taxi to pick you up inside the complex because of the "taxi mafia". I had to tip the concierge guy to take us down the road in a buggy to a 7/11, where the Grab driver was comfortable picking us up. Won't be going there again.

I think I understand what you mean, but having been here so many times, seen, witnessed, read and heard about all the scams, rip-offs, and short- and long-game plays, my guard is still always up. One has to really think through every possible scenario when faced with a given situation. It really does make it difficult for the 100% genuine Thai ladies that still exist who want to snag a decent farang. And just as difficult for a 100% genuine farang to find a 100% honest Thai lady. Us farang have to be so street-wise to stand any chance, but at the same time this makes us a cynic and/or a sceptic. I certainly know since I’ve been coming to Thailand I’ve become much more cynical. It can effect your personality.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7541569/Stepfather-British-teen-killed-car-crash-diplomats-wife-AMERICAN.html For anyone who cannot access the link,its about a 19 year old British lad who was killed in a head on collision on his motorbike by the wife of a US diplomat who was driving on the wrong side of the road.The woman spoke with police,told then she would be staying in the country,then the family fled to the US and the US embassy refuses to name them. How the f**k can diplomats do what they like,break any laws they like,then f**k off and not face justice?. How would you feel if that was your son?.

French Fries are served with the latter dish, however these were not photographed. Mai Thai.

I’d love to meet the guy and have a one-on-one with him. I’d definitely recognise him again, as he was facing me. The girl I wouldn’t, she had her back to me the whole time, even when leaving. Only saw her clearly when she first walked in. I wish him well, he seemed a really genuine and nice guy. But he’s obviously not learned his lesson, he’s set himself up for yet another expensive fall. And I find it bizarre he did it in earshot of me at 10 am in the morning.

Some people just need to be in a relationship , I think they find it hard to function on their own .... but very sad and you just know it's not going to end well ...

Its just abused as can clearly be seen from this latest tragedy, time for a complete rethink imo.

It wasn't ethics it was Northamptonshire.

It is there, to protect honest diplomats (does such a critter really exist?) from abuse and worse from some less than polite and friendly governments. Unfortunately, the system is rather widely abused. And the abuse is facilitated by some governments which should know better.

Just got back from Vancouver last night, geez what a beautiful and clean city. Clear, crisp and cool most of the week. Wife really liked it. This is a shot from one of the restaurants looking back over the bay about 5:30pm last week.

That Thai salmon looks a lot nicer than Italian salmon.

you there in LOS now,it would a be race between you and Namps to get the newbie first regards grayray

Cant see anything wrong with the picture. Much better than those ridiculous poses and gestures with fake smiles that you see a lot on social media. Cute would be my description.

Just started this supernatural French series.

I wasn't Baz, my yearly limit was 5m baht with 20m baht total insurance cover, would cover for most things although there were still better coverage deals. Wouldn't really be wanting to find even a small percentage of that amount so I was happy paying my premium. My medical condition had I still been living in Thailand (which I was not aware of) would have seen me have at least a heart attack which if I had lived would have cost a mint to sort me out. I know I would have been grateful for the insurance that I had until I left Thailand.

Great post Dave. For me it was a worrying time, taking 40k Baht a day from my friends ATM cards to keep him alive. I was panicking but managed to contact his brother who's a rich fellow. He flew out and took over financially. You need about 20 million BAHT tucked away to cover all eventualities.

Yes there are plenty out there taking a chance on their health and they are probably also living on a meager pension which prevents them from doing so many more things which some here take for granted. Dental hygiene is also probably not on their list of priorities. Having a stash for a rainy day is a good thing but that stash could easily be eroded if a medical emergency occurs. Of course if those members here are happy with their ability to pay in case of the unexpected then good for them but many others are not thinking the same and they have no chance to pay even a small amount towards hospital costs should the worst happen.

Got a farm fresh girl start tonight. This is the photo she sent me, scowling and unsmiling. When she turned up she w S absolutely lovely, 32 years old, slim and attractive, unlike her photo. She’s never worked bar before, genuine farm fresh, although she’s never worked on there farm. Very quiet tonight so I doubt she will be back tomorrow. Shame, as she is really lovely.

Superb. Just had three of them in and Whitespider.

Just to add one more thing to the main update, which I meant to include, but forgot. I’m beginning to think the mantra that Thailand is the Land of Smiles is disappearing fast. In the last 3 days I’ve been served by Thai ladies who have not uttered a single word through the whole transaction. WTF? Even in miserable England, if I’m a customer and I buy something, the minimum I’ll get is a “thank you” at the conclusion of the transaction. Worst case, a grunt. On Saturday bank girl and I went to Central (needed some toiletry stuff from Boots). The taxi dropped us off at Cigarista, so I could buy cigars. It’s msybe half a kilometre walk to Central and I fancied a beer. We stopped off at some random bar, it had 3 moose serving. Nobody else in the bar, none of them came to our table So I asked bank girl what she’d like, walked up to the bar and ordered a Singha and a water. Not a word. I went to sit down, the fattest moose brought the drinks over. Not a word. Some pleasant conversation with bank girl, finished drinks, after a few minutes caught one of the moose’s eye, and gestures for the check bin. Check bin plonked on the table, not a word. Moose waited while I got money out of my pocket. I paid exact money, but moose couldn’t see that. Not a word. We got up and left, not a word. On the walk to Central I asked bank girl WTF has happened to Thailand? 2nd occasion was in the 7/11 in Jomtien, on the corner of beach road and the police “station”. Bunch of stuff to pack and charge up, she was talking at high volume to another check out lady. Didn’t look at me, said nothing through the whole process, didn’t hand the bag to me, plonked the change in my hand, again without even looking at me, continuing her loud Thai conversation with the teller at the other end of the checkout. Utterly pathetic in both cases. Don’t they train staff here in customer service?

TFP an interesting update BB, well done on getting a hassle free Retirement extension. I never offered wifey a car mate but i did marry her 17 days after meeting, yes i was stupid but it was'nt a lot of dosh and it was a buddist wedding in the village and i thought ya never know it might work out, she's still here lol Good luck to the guy but i fear you could be right, statistics are stacked against him and you'd think he'd be more wary.

Exactly. I sincerely hope this one works out for him, but the signs were not good from her reactions. I get the feeling she thought Christmas has come early.

Great update Britboy👍 The story of the couple in the cafe really is jaw-dropping. Feel for the guy being lonely, but what on earth is he thinking? Maybe you might see him/them around your manor.

Tonight at about 18.30 hrs downtown Patts time..

I'm another who decided to self insure. High blood pressure controlled by medication for nearly 30 years and the insurers won't cover heart/circulatory but won't reduce the premiums for the reduced coverage. Plus at my age premiums are getting ridiculous. So I just keep a very healthy balance in a Thai bank account. As an added bonus retirement extensions are a breeze as my balance is well over what is required. I do send my foreign transfers to that account and make a monthly transfer from it to another account that has an ATM card for monthly expenses, because they want to see activity on the account you present for the extension.

This evening... BTW, note my pics are clearer now ? In fact it was the lens protection on my phone that was scratched, so as a good construction mechanic I took a cutter and cut it. Not very hitech but efficient !

A mortician was working late one night. He examined the body of Mr. Schwartz, about to be cremated, and made a startling discovery. Schwartz had the largest private part he had ever seen! "I'm sorry Mr. Schwartz," the mortician commented, "I can't allow you to be cremated with such an impressive private part. It must be saved for posterity." So, he removed it, stuffed it into his briefcase, and took it home. "I have something to show you won't believe," he said to his wife, opening his briefcase. "My God!" the wife exclaimed, "Schwartz is dead!"

Great pic Mike, must have been some restaurant to have that view. I have a very good English mate who took up residence in Vancouver as the owner of a Bar/Grill in 2004. He loves the place......

Stir fried pork and vegetables with rice. Simply but tasty. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is just a "grab the headlines" example. The thing has always been abused, with more or less discrecy, by everybody... Spies are registered as commercial attaché. Military attaché, what you think is their job ? The "valise diplomatique" is pretty handy as well.... Not to speak of this one :

Extensive roadworks on Beach Road.

According to The Telegraph, Sacoolas’ 12-year-old son was in the front seat of her car at the time of the crash. The newspaper reports that Sacoolas admitted liability after getting out of her car. But when police went to her home at the Croughton base and told her Dunn had died, lawyers and U.S. Embassy officials stepped in. https://heavy.com/news/2019/10/anne-sacoolas/

Mad as a box of frogs was Ginger. RIP.

In this specific case its not the law that is wrong, it is the lack of ethics of the person in question.

Never understood this law. I was so happy when Danny Glover just said f—k it and shot that South African in Lethal Weapon 2......”it’s just been revoked”

That's the launch ramp for the boats. Lol. Water is a tad low currently on the river Ebro!!!

I have Blind Faith,Disraeli Gears & Live Cream vol 1 & 2,a brilliant live album. RIP to one of the greatest drummers who ever lived.

One of our offshore sales "conferences" was in Vancouver. My Hotel room had a floor to ceiling picture window looking out to the bay right opposite where the "commuter" seaplanes used to arrive in the mornings. Had a fantastic time with the highlight ( for me) being taken to the top of a mountain then coming down on a mountain bike. I exagerated somewhat by ticking the box stating I was an "experienced " mountain biker so started off from the highest point with a group of guys likely to put me in hospital . I did ride my own mountain bike around Edinburgh from time to time but never one that had ( AND NEEDED) proper suspension and never down a ruddy great mountain! 🤣

On Episode 3 , brilliant so far

100% agree, now in my 13th year here and this year I have barfined 1 girl 3 times ? I've had an ex g/f been coming to see me the last few months but I've got tired of the shit she brought with her so her and all others have been put on the backburner now and I'm more than happy going to bed alone, waking up alone and just going out for drinks with friends and not caring about the girl side of it at all now. Just thought about it and last year I barfined 3 girls. Hardly prolific 5555

Thanks Grayray, but I love a good BJ and don't want to have to go without that. She's learning, but to be honest I've not seen her for over 2 weeks now. I'm quite happy with bank girl at weekends and midweek visits to GC's.

It's been a couple of weeks since I did the last update, so thought I'd describe the goings on over the last fortnight. Bank girl has been here both weekends - arriving around 6 pm on Friday and going back Monday morning. Having a really nice time with her, she's learned how to handle this old scrote, gives me time when I need it, isn't a cling-on in bed and is the real traditional Thai "take care" lady. It's really sweet. She gets me a coffee every morning, the bedroom activities are getting better and better as she gets used to me and even got her using my trimmer and strimmer devices to shave my body hair. Gogo girl has taken a real back seat now. I hate myself inasmuch as I'm lying to her as to my whereabouts. It's easy to take the pressure off if I say I'm in Hua Hin playing golf or in BKK on business. The fact is my golf clubs have been standing on the balcony in the shipping bag I brought them in since I moved into the condo. I shouldn't actually call her gogo girl any more, as she's left the gogo and now working with her "mama" at a pisshole bar on a side street off Soi Bukhao. I'm trying to encourage her to take barfines (she has 2 kids and her real mama in Loei to support) as she needs the money, but she's still insisting on not going with men. She says she's too scared and "only boom boom you" and "I want take care you every day and every night". I keep telling her I want no pressure and no girlfriend, trying to let her down gently. She's not taking the hint unfortunately. Maybe I'll see her again if bank girl skips a weekend coming here but as mentioned before gogo girl is the "helmet scraper" and that still bothers me. Although last time I saw her she was much better, I still had a sore dick for 24 hours. As to other activities, I like the GC's. Went to one earlier this week in Jomtien (my 4th visit there). New lady, very pretty, tall and slim, 34 years old and only been there a couple of weeks (not a newbie to the industry I might add - far from it in fact, she's spent time in Korea, Singapore, HK, Phuket and Sumui) but a newbie to this GC. Did get a bit of pressure from the 2 mamasans, both wanting drinks, but I did buy them a drink on previous visits, so did so but said don't ask again. If I want to buy you one, I will. If you ask again, I definitely won't. Some good banter with them and one of them brought over this newbie. Normally I don't like being "presented" with a girl, I prefer to look around and choose myself. But she was so pretty. My first concern was that she was a ladyboy. Before I invited her to sit with me I said "I have 1 question". She said immediately "I know - I'm not a ladyboy. Every man asks me that". She was 100% lady, as I found out upstairs, after a few drinks. The total for my early evening escapade was 2,500 all in. I had 3 drinks, I bought her 3 drinks and 1 LD each for the 2 mamasans. So 8 drinks and a very good time in a nice room upstairs that had a good shower and porn showing on the TV. I did leave some tips on top of that, but pretty good value for the equivalent of 66 of our English pounds. I think I mentioned previously that after being here solidly now for 8 weeks little things start to grate on me. I try to think to myself "don't be an old goat, don't be a Victor Meldrew" but when the same annoying things happen consistently, day after day, it does grate. All happen in the morning too . . . 1) Soi dogs and in particular dog shit on the pavement. It's a lovely walk from my condo to where I usually have breakfast. Every morning there are piles of Soi Dogshit as I walk along Beach Road. Disgusting. While there are rubbish trucks that take away all the beach vendor trash that's laid out roadside every day, nobody seems responsible for cleaning up dog shit. 2) The stench from the drains as you walk along Beach Road. There are drains about every 20 yards and particular when there's a breeze there's a certain point as you get near every drain when that horrible sewagy stench wafts into your nose. Bloody horrible. 3) Serving food at random times and out of synch. Happens in all restaurants, particularly when I'm having dinner with Bank girl. Main courses come before starters sometimes, they randomly put down one dish without the accompanying one, serve all my order 10 minutes before bank girl (and vice versa). One particularly annoying case was one breakfast where I just ordered boiled eggs, toast, butter and jam. They must have had a toast run going for other customers too as within a minute the toast was served and a full 6 minutes later the eggs arrive. I did take exception to this and sent the toast back - I want warm (or preferably hot) toast with my eggs, not stone cold and all served at the same time. 4) Thais walking wearing flipflops who drag their feet. Don't know why, but this really winds me up. Pick your feet up for goodness sake. Sounds like someone sanding wood. Anyway, overall I'm enjoying my extended stay. Bank girl coming this afternoon so looking forward to a nice weekend. Anywhere in the world has things that grate, Thailand just has different annoyances.

Ginger Baker dead at 80. RIP