Disqus - Latest Comments for duncanriley

Re: Digtial nomad guide to living in Chiang Mai

Duncan Riley — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 02:48:32 -0000

The visa information in inaccurate and the rules/ forms are available on most embassy and consulate sites.

You can still get a the traditional single entry (60 day) tourist visa from any Thai consulate or embassy the same as you could before, what is no longer available in the old double or triple entry visas.

The new multi entry tourist visa (METV) you have to apply from your home country or country of residence (you have to have permanent residency), you have to have the equivalent of 200,000 baht in the bank, and in most cases you need a letter from your employer stating that you are in full time work (I say most because it doesn't appear to be a requirement on the Australian application form, but it is for other countries.)

As for the crackdown on "visa runners" that has been in place since late 2013, you only have to go to the Mae Sai border crossing to see the no visa runners sign; note that it only applies to those seeking a new visa exempt entry, the "visa runner" name has always been a misnomer.

Re: australia won a contract to grow canada's weed

Duncan Riley — Thu, 21 May 2015 07:03:50 -0000

You might like to check your facts: Norfolk Island lost self Government about 2 weeks ago.

Re: Thai people aren’t benefiting from cash-rich tourists. Local Alike wants to change that

Duncan Riley — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 06:16:53 -0000

While I can see there are benefits to returning more to remote areas, there's some seriously wrong things in this, such as "most of it ends up in “urban areas in favor of large enterprises, like hotel chains and large travel agencies."

Rubbish. Actually its pure, jingoistic, made for Western eyes propaganda.

I'm writing this from Chiang Mai, where I've spent the bulk of the last 3 years.

Most of the accommodation in town is locally owned. Nearly all the food outlets are. I eat at local places owned by locals...as do most of the people in Chiang Mai, because it's the vast majority of what's available. Even where I stay (be it a long term residence that also does short term accommodation) it's owned by a local doctor, who runs a medical practice, a linen company, and has recently opened his third apartment complex...and he's a nice bloke as well.

I'm sure this idea is meant well, but it was ruined for me at the point of the complete rubbish spin around what the situation is ACTUALLY in the North.

Sell the idea on its benefits, not on some BS lie that doesn't reflect the North at least.

Re: The U.S. Needs to Get Tough on Thailand

Duncan Riley — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 06:07:36 -0000

I want the drugs the author is on, because there are so many flaws in this article it's beyond a joke.

Let's just take two major geopolitical issues where he's completely wrong:

"It will also make progress with the TPP difficult. Congress and the American people will not want to link U.S. markets more closely to a country experiencing marshal law, military rule..."

Because democracy or something? Fact: Thailand isn't a party to the TPP, but communist military-ruled Vietnam is, so is the absolute non-democratic monarchy of Brunei.

"Military rule in Thailand could also have repercussions for the new democratically elected leaders in Malaysia and Indonesia. They may find themselves more susceptible to pressures from their military"

WTF x 100. Sure, Joko's fairly new to the job in Indonesia but Najib Razak was elected in 2009 and calling Malaysia a democracy is a very loose interpretation of the word given Razak is yet another UMNO member and Malaysia for all intents and purposes is a one party state. In no way, shape or form does Thai politics influence the military in either country, and it's pure fantasy to suggest so.

Seriously The Diplomat, you allow this rubbish to be published?

Re: 5 signs of a booming startup ecosystem in Thailand

Duncan Riley — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 00:30:48 -0000

Clearly written by someone with little practical experience in Thailand.

Re: Thoughts on Chiang Mai and being accused of “Running Away”

Duncan Riley — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 06:17:51 -0000

Seriously, fuck off cunt.

Re: The BBC is launching a Facebook news station to beat Thailand’s military censorship

Duncan Riley — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 00:22:16 -0000

The first paragraph is wrong.

BBC has been back on air now for maybe a month and if you read your linked source article it even states it as "temporarily" removed.

The only international news outlet seemingly banned in Thailand currently is The Daily Mail, and all the BBC websites, along with the TV channel are up and easily accessible.

Re: New gig: the response is humbling and I might be back.

Duncan Riley — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 10:42:11 -0000

J,
from you it means a lot. I know you went through a lot of shit times as well and I'd love to be back to a point where I know you are now.

Hope you're keeping well.

Re: When I was Deeply Wrong in 2008

Duncan Riley — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 06:23:55 -0000

Jeremy
can you email me duncan at nichenet.com.au with your latest email, not sure what it is but would love to catch up

Re: Yesterday, I wiped out about a third of my bucket... - solwat

Duncan Riley — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 04:15:05 -0000

Congrat Alex, sounds awesome

Re: Firing on all guns: 2013 edition

Duncan Riley — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 06:41:47 -0000

Thx for your support Jo.

Re: Firing on all guns: 2013 edition

Duncan Riley — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 07:06:32 -0000

Specht, coming soon :)

Re: Anonymous hacks MIT web pages in tribute to Aaron Swartz

Duncan Riley — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 03:17:43 -0000

I'm not sure how long it will get for TNW to get it, but there is no such "group" as Anonymous. It's not a group, it's a label used by a completely non-group decentralized and non-linked people undertaking activist activities, operating independently in nearly all cases.

Re: After alcohol-induced blackout, this MIT researcher created glowing ice cubes to track his drinking

Duncan Riley — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 01:55:49 -0000

Seriously he passed out after 3 drinks and ended up in hospital? He doesn't need glowing ice cubes, he needs to grow some balls.

Re: Getting over looking back, and looking forward

Duncan Riley — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 07:10:50 -0000

thx Monty

Re: Puppy Max Pic Update 2 Weeks In

Duncan Riley — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 07:01:32 -0000

Thx Steph.

Re: Is Vivek Misra's statement supporting bisexuality a publicity gimmick?

Duncan Riley — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 19:15:12 -0000

And are you being grossly homophobic and biphobic...hell yes.

Re: Farewell my son

Duncan Riley — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:12:39 -0000

Jeremy
we were once foes, but time has given that you and I are both alike, and bound to be forever friends.

I know there is irony there, but I know some of your story, as you do I, and as every time I've caught up with you...we may even be soul mates to an extent.

One day someone will write a story about us, but in the mean time, I thank you so much for your support, and wish you all the best as well. I don't believe that there was anyone in my life who at one stage I hated so much, but then somehow came to love :)

Be well J, and I am serious about the love. We experienced a lot together, and one of these days, I'm going to get over to Toronto and buy every drink for a night...I owe you at the very least.

best
Duncan.

Re: Farewell my son

Duncan Riley — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:03:39 -0000

Kaye
what a joke, and my mother told me that you gave her no good consideration.

You are appalled, so explain what offends you: the fact that your daughter asks to dictate who I see, and who see Declan for the next 10 years?

I've offered you personally the ability to talk, and yet I have no correspondence from you Kaye.

Have you read the latest proposal, which has as it's last clause that if your daughter so deems that Declan should be anxious, that all custody should not occur.

Because that is the latest clause Kaye.

I'm happy to discuss this with you either on the phone or in person. I'm happy to bring you copies of the latest clause and disucuss them with you.

But how dare you come here and tell lies given that you have no idea as to what your daughter is demanding.

At least email me kaye: duncan at nichenet.com.au

Lets talk, lets talk about what your daughter demands.

and how she demands control over who I live with going forward, with an out that will allow her to deny me any access.

Kaye, I've asked Michelle before, she has not given me your details, I'm happy for you to contact me: duncan at nichenet.com.au

Re: In defence of Peter Slipper

Duncan Riley — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:14 -0000

One ,Slipper isn't a wanker he is a good guy, and two: nothing wrong with being bisexual.

Re: In defence of Peter Slipper

Duncan Riley — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:59:23 -0000

um...how sad

Re: In defence of Peter Slipper

Duncan Riley — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:59:03 -0000

thx Fin

Re: Exclusive: Ziff Davis Offering Money To Sites To Secretly Track Users

Duncan Riley — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:16:25 -0000

Why exactly?

Re: 9/11 and the Rise of New Media

Duncan Riley — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 09:36:46 -0000

thx David. I was reluctant to write it given how ppl feel, but I believe it's accurate.

Re: louisgray.com: Teens in Tech Conference: August 5th at PARC (Discount Tickets Available)

Duncan Riley — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:24:30 -0000

It's great to see Daniel still going well with this conference. He came into a lot of flack a while back but he's a brilliant guy who does good things for the community. Best of luck to both him and the conference.