General Reports

[LA Guy 5]

Actually I don't recall any retail bank bankrupted on that occasion. Also I don't recall any FDIC intervention at all.

I think you are probably right. I probably was thinking about the much earlier savings and loan crisis, where I believe there was some FDIC intervention.

[Old New Guy]

Contrary to your earlier suggestion, those of us who had money in normal US Bank accounts lost nothing even if the bank went bankrupt. This was owing to FDIC insurance (with the exception of those few--if any-- individuals dumb enough to exceed the deposit maximum of $250,000 per bank account rather than deposit monies in excess of $250,000 in a different account.

Actually I don't recall any retail bank bankrupted on that occasion. Also I don't recall any FDIC intervention at all.

[LA Guy 5]

Let's see. The stock market took like a $7 Billion hit in 2008. I don't think Thailand did, maybe you know differently. I work with many companies who took a hell of a beating during the recession. Thailand had a recessions, but not nearly to the degree of the US, and has recovered quite nicely.

The US now had $18 Trillion of debt. The country's GDP is around $17 Trillion. The US had record tax revenues this year, but still couldn't quite make ends meet, to the tune of around $480 Billion. That's OK, the Fed just prints more money. This is a recipe for disaster.

Yes, the dollar is strong, lately, due in no small part to the ham-handed ways the Europeans and Japanese have been handling their currencies. But, based on the above, how long can it last? From Bush through Obama the debt-to-GDP ratio has gone from around 56% to about 103%. How anybody can look at these facts and not think these are deliberate actions is beyond me. Anyway, those are the thoughts behind my comments. You don't have to agree, but I don't think they are completely uninformed.

Mod, feel free to move this to the appropriate thread.

Within about two months of the 2008 global financial crisis, the Thai SETI lost about 45 percent of its value so if you were saying Thais who had their money in Thai stocks lost nothing, that is incorrect. On the other hand, when you earlier referred to having money in an account, it seemed you were referring to a bank account not a stock market brokerage account, unless I missed something in this regard.

Contrary to your earlier suggestion, those of us who had money in normal US Bank accounts lost nothing even if the bank went bankrupt. This was owing to FDIC insurance (with the exception of those few--if any-- individuals dumb enough to exceed the deposit maximum of $250,000 per bank account rather than deposit monies in excess of $250,000 in a different account.

[AskeAske]

The world's most unfaithful country.

According Statista Thailand occupies a first place in the most unfaithful nation in the world. A whopping 56% of respondents Thais have admitted that they have had an affair or two during their marriage.

See the full list here:

1. Thailand (56%.

2. Denmark (46%.

3. Germany (45%.

4. Italy (45%.

5. France (43%.

6. Belgium (40%.

7. Norway (40%.

8. Spain (39%.

9. Finland (36%.

10. United Kingdom (36%.

[Syzygies]

You will go to the Taxi queue on the 2nd (floor. You will tell the lady at the desk (the dispatcher) where you're going, she'll write it down and give it to the driver. She'll give you a copy. Keep it, as it has the driver's number, etc. , on it, should you have any problems. She may remind you that you have to pay for the expressway tolls. If she doesn't, the driver will. You can't go to the next taxi, etc. , as the dispatcher assigns your taxi to you.

I always go upstairs to arrivals and pick a taxi there. There are lots. No waiting in the queue and no 50 Baht surcharge. They are always so relieved to get a customer, have not experienced anyone trying to rip me off. I avoid any guy chasing me eagerly. I pick one waiting patiently at his taxi.

I switched from the Bangkok Thread since its not a mongering topic.

[Phordphan]

There is only one solution to such nonsense, turn off Faux News now.

Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, FATCA is still a major issue for US expats all over the world. When Uncle Sam comes knocking, demanding a cut of your earnings, even though they are not earned in the US, nor spent in the US, you have a problem. Some banks have decided they don't want to be the enforcement arm for the US Treasury Dept. I don't blame them.

[Gin And Tonic]

While it may seem a bit strange, I understand that if you had your money in a Thai account before the crash of 2008, you would have lost nothing. I don't know any Americans who can say the same thing. Thailand has its share of problems, but they don't have Bush / Obama / The Federal Reserve doing their best to trash the dollar.

Now the problem lately is whether or not you, as a US Citizen, can get a bank account. I will try to do this, again, in April. I got busy last trip and just didn't get it done. The issue now, however, is FATCA. Stories abound about banks refusing accounts if held by a US national, based upon odious and insane reporting and withholding requirements. AFAIK, some Thai banks will still allow US holders. I'll report more later.

All rooms were private, just some were bigger than others. My only real complaint is that Thai doctors tend to overmedicate the hell out of you, and antibiotics are prescribed far too often.

There is only one solution to such nonsense, turn off Faux News now.

[Phordphan]

I'm sorry but saying something patently false and ludicrous doesn't make it true. This kind of uninformed nonsense is offensive. And by the way, these days the USA Dollar is beating the s**t out of most other currencies.

Let's see. The stock market took like a $7 Billion hit in 2008. I don't think Thailand did, maybe you know differently. I work with many companies who took a hell of a beating during the recession. Thailand had a recessions, but not nearly to the degree of the US, and has recovered quite nicely.

The US now had $18 Trillion of debt. The country's GDP is around $17 Trillion. The US had record tax revenues this year, but still couldn't quite make ends meet, to the tune of around $480 Billion. That's OK, the Fed just prints more money. This is a recipe for disaster.

Yes, the dollar is strong, lately, due in no small part to the ham-handed ways the Europeans and Japanese have been handling their currencies. But, based on the above, how long can it last? From Bush through Obama the debt-to-GDP ratio has gone from around 56% to about 103%. How anybody can look at these facts and not think these are deliberate actions is beyond me. Anyway, those are the thoughts behind my comments. You don't have to agree, but I don't think they are completely uninformed.

Mod, feel free to move this to the appropriate thread.

[Golfinho]

It is also close to Soi 33 which is really catered to the Japanese and basically Japanese area with many massage places and the testicle massage place called Honey. So I partied on Suk-Soi 22, got drunk at the bars at the corner of Sukhumvit and Soi 22 (across from the Holiday Inn). I didn't venture out much more than Soi 31 and Soi 33 in the area, but those are dead Sois in my opinion.

Queens Park close to a lot of things, (Soi 31 and 33 a completely different topic). Anyhow, with pool bars it is Pattaya-like format. Barfines of 600 with short time no rush, 2000 baht. Some bars (the one near Meow Meow) staffed with 19-22 year-old cohort exclusively, but still must sort out for non-child. Some new girls amidst the pros. Longtime options also available. And beer at only 100 baht is nice.

[Ian Oxon]

I stayed at Suk-Soi 22.

I stayed at Admiral Suites near Queens Hotel on Soi 22.

I like this area, has many bars on the west side of the street as you're heading to Sukhumvit Rd (the main drag). On the east side of the street, many foot and body massage places. Seems a little catered to the Japanese.

It is also close to Soi 33 which is really catered to the Japanese and basically Japanese area with many massage places and the testicle massage place called Honey.

So I partied on Suk-Soi 22, got drunk at the bars at the corner of Sukhumvit and Soi 22 (across from the Holiday Inn).

Same Same at these bars as most bars, girls wanting you to come in and have a drink, lady drinks, and take out. Beers are cheaper, but my experience is the scene was just on the west side of the Soi. I didn't venture out much more than Soi 31 and Soi 33 in the area, but those are dead Sois in my opinion.

Agree. Queens park plaza is alive and well. I posted in Bangkok reports.

[LA Guy 5]

While it may seem a bit strange, I understand that if you had your money in a Thai account before the crash of 2008, you would have lost nothing. I don't know any Americans who can say the same thing. Thailand has its share of problems, but they don't have Bush / Obama / The Federal Reserve doing their best to trash the dollar.

I'm sorry but saying something patently false and ludicrous doesn't make it true. This kind of uninformed nonsense is offensive. And by the way, these days the USA Dollar is beating the s**t out of most other currencies.

[Breadman]

I'm as guilty as anyone of getting off topic and hijacking threads. But, IMHO, this is the General thread and isn't a bad place for non-skirt-chasing topics.

This is the 'General Reports' thread which gives the impression that people will be reporting something of importance, not a place for off topic rants. We had the same issue in the German FKK section under the same 'general reports' topic, that was easily fixed by adding a 'lounge and chat area' which really helped clean up the off topic subjects from getting in the way of actual reports. Then instead of telling them to quit posting on the subject you just suggest they take it the lounge area.

I started a new thread titled "Thailand Lounge and Chat Area", its at the bottom section of the page, just direct any off topic comments to that area.

[TwoTimeTed]

I stayed at Suk-Soi 22.

Has anyone had a recent positive experience at Queens Park Plaza, Sukhumvit 22? Kind of an anachronistic place in Bangkok, vestigial remains from when British were the preeminent ex-pat presence in town.

I stayed at Admiral Suites near Queens Hotel on Soi 22.

I like this area, has many bars on the west side of the street as you're heading to Sukhumvit Rd (the main drag). On the east side of the street, many foot and body massage places. Seems a little catered to the Japanese.

It is also close to Soi 33 which is really catered to the Japanese and basically Japanese area with many massage places and the testicle massage place called Honey.

So I partied on Suk-Soi 22, got drunk at the bars at the corner of Sukhumvit and Soi 22 (across from the Holiday Inn).

Same Same at these bars as most bars, girls wanting you to come in and have a drink, lady drinks, and take out. Beers are cheaper, but my experience is the scene was just on the west side of the Soi. I didn't venture out much more than Soi 31 and Soi 33 in the area, but those are dead Sois in my opinion.

[Phordphan]

I said, go ahead without any sarcasm. Awaiting to read your suggestions to TTT.

Where else on ISG to discuss that topic?

Look, that was only my suggestion, if you feel like discussing the logistics of moving or living in Thailand here, please go ahead.

You're right, I guess I've been shown the door! Pussy Politics. PP.

I'm as guilty as anyone of getting off topic and hijacking threads. But, IMHO, this is the General thread and isn't a bad place for non-skirt-chasing topics.

[Old New Guy]

Where else on ISG to discuss that topic?

I said, go ahead without any sarcasm. Awaiting to read your suggestions to TTT.