Noticeable temperature drop next week

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U.S. citizens living abroad who receive Social Security benefits will no longer need to mail in "proof of life" forms to continue receiving payments

Expats and all beneficiaries are encouraged to create a free, personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to receive notices and manage their accounts. 

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Can't send mail to US from Thailand "and other countries" due to tariff questions

It's going to be a DOOZY of a storm

Expect all those flood prone areas to be under water.

Heavy rain most likely will be accompanied by high winds.

Anticipate possible power failures, charge up all devices

                                           Zoom weather service rain forecast map Monday, 10:am.   For a more  current update, click on the image

                                           Ventusky weather service paints a similar picture.  For a more  current update, click on the image

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mix of dirty air, high humidity, high temperatures cause for increase of pimples

With a little help from dust and air pollution, sweat, and body oils, high humidity creates a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria.

If you sweat it's a good idea to use a clean wet cloth on your face and neck a few times during the day.

The word which appears frequently in tropical climates applies here: HYDRATE.  It can work against you creating more sweat and may require more face washing

Managing acne in humid weather | Schlessinger MDส
Unmasking the Relationship Between Humidity and Acneกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Cannabis is on the minds of governments The US version

Trump Eyes Cannabis Rescheduling

 

noteworthy in this article: January 2025 "hearing is stayed and parties ordered to provide ongoing status updates <br>Federal Marijuana Rescheduling | Moritz College of Law

Recap of the events of July 24, 2025 Cambodia, Thailand, border dispute

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on July 24 . . . 

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Swedish Meatballs (one of my favorites)

Tourism woes, a regular topic during the low season

Many articles about Thailand tourism are a bit exaggerated. There are some troubles ahead. Some solutions are needed.

Border conflict some uncertainty that truce will hold. Provinces along the border feel the effects the most. Lots of booking cancellations, how many depends on what newsmedia you follow.

Competition Japan and Vietnam are making headlines with big increases in tourism

Crime  on and by tourists makes daily headlines. Leave your expensive jewelry in a safe at home.  You flaunt it you may lose it.  Learned my lesson: only carry enough cash you are willing to lose in one day

Over tourism, mass tourism.

My own experience a while back.

Phuket day boat trip was a big disappointment to me.  

TOO MANY PEOPLE.   

To see the spot on Maya Bay made famous by a movie with Leo Dicaprio you had to be in step with hundreds of people. Nothing special to see there. 

Lunch at another part of the islands. There was barely a space left for more boats on the beach. At least 20 speedboats, if not many more. Lunch in a building which housed nearly 100 people, you had to grab fast before someone else did.

Personally prefer travel off season or choose less crowded destinations

 

Travelers avoid France, Italy, Thailand as overtourism surges

A recent USA TODAY article lists Thailand first  in a list of "Places you should skip this summer" . . . . "Prices are inflated, pollution is rising, and the quality of life for locals is declining . . . "

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