Bring back VACATION LAND

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It's like a cat and mouse game

The Thai Immigration bosses had asked all embassies to verify individual income of all foreigners wishing a retirement visa.  The certifications they had been issuing for years were obviously misused and in many cases as outright lie.

Embassies balked at this and decided to cease issuing certifications for income statements. 

The word is out, get your embassy letter before the termination date, in most cases Dec 31, 2018. They can be used to apply for a visa through June 30.

Or you can stick the required amount into a Thai bank account.  Keep in mind You can't touch it for three months and must have additional funds to live on during these three months.

In my discussion on the matter it appeared as if there is a cat and mouse game in progress. I asked how monthly money transfers will be handled in the future, I was told "that is up to the foreign embassies."

If I am not mistaken this means they plan to hold out in hopes that embassies will change their tunes and provide the information.

If the standoff is not resolved within a year, most likely there will be an exodus, once that ball gets rolling it's going to be hard to slow down or reverse.

Some foreign embassies probably would not have great difficulty to accommodate such income inquiries with  the systems in place.  IRS computers come to mind.

Personally I'm not transferring my savings to a Thai bank because my U.S. last will and testament would become worthless.

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I like watermelons but not the messy, drippy ...

... and full of seeds eating.  

Been having some weight gaining problems and the fruit was suggested as an aid, not a solution.  Third day third watermelon, four bottles a day, and yes more visits to the throne room.

Most of the times when I crave a snack I reach for the juice instead

Just don't let the juice stand out overnight, unless you like the smell and taste which brews overnight. I add a shot of booze to each one watermelon just as a sanitary measure

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Just dump it anywhere, but don't block my way

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

As fast as a jet

I seen these floating lights slowly rise, 
then at a certain height, the wind pushed em as fast as a jet.

Parade starts at 6 pm 
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Unnecessary Danger

The sign at a busy intersection allows motorcycles and bicycles to pull ahead of waiting cars at traffic lights. Motorcycles have a faster start than cars, but imagine bicycles in front of dozens of cars as the light changes to green.

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Cooler nights this week, nothing drastic

Phu Phan Cup November 2550 (2007)

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon Most likely a bit chilly in the mountain areas. a couple of 16's forecast starting this weekend

Flabbergasted two to three months advance notice of activities

Upcoming events are being announced two to three months in advance.  Unheard of in past years when many events received a few days notice, occasionally a week.
Christmas fair in Tha Rae

Colorful events

Red Cross Fair in January

December 9

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Colorful Weekend

    

Designated on the map with a P, indicating a parking lot, the area is located by the Rear gate to Wat Phra That Choeng, and across the street to the waterfront park. Over a decade ago the area was an outdoor restaurant.  I remember it because the restaurant staff brought out a fan for the table with the foreigner, me.

The latest 'Colorful' configuration was put together in mid October in time for the longboat races.

Live entertainment...

food stalls ...

... and an art exhibit

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