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I flew the A380 with Qatar three times and enjoyed the smooth ride. It was a quiet aircraft with the luxury of space. Unfortunately, it was that size that, in the end, led to its downfall. In 2019, Lufthansa had retired 6 of its 14 A380s due to their unprofitability. Later that year Qatar Airways announced a switch from A380 to Boeing 777X starting from 2024. That sane year, Airbus announced it would end A380 production by 2021, after its main customer, Emirates, agreed to drop an order for 39 of the aircraft, replacing it with 40 A330-900s and 30 A350-900s. Then CEO Tom Enders said "If you have a product that nobody wants anymore, or you can sell only below production cost, you have to stop it." It should continue to be a good fit for carriers like Qatar and Emirates for several more years. Their great feeder routes from passenger-rich Europe work due to the advantage of geography. Beyond that, the smaller but fuel efficient A350 and Boeing 787 are the aircraft of choice along with newer versions of the A330 and Boeing 777.

From Coconuts Bangkok As if anything were free from scams, travelers to Thailand have been tricked into paying fees for what’s supposed to be a free process. The COVID-19 task force today took a break from its usual doomcasting to note reports of people paying “registration fees” for the Thailand Pass system, which has been suspended since late last month due to the nation’s latest wave of infections. “To reiterate again, there is no registration fee for Thailand Pass,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Natapanu Nopakun said. “There have been reports of people asked illegally to pay registration fees. It is a service rendered free of charge.” When the system which facilitates travel from abroad for vaccinated travelers reopens, travelers should only apply via the official website rather than middlemen or agencies.

From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: United Overseas Bank (UOB) said on Friday (Jan 14) that it has agreed to buy Citigroup’s consumer banking businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam for about S$4.915 billion. The proposed acquisition includes Citigroup's unsecured and secured lending portfolios, wealth management and retail deposit businesses in the four countries. "The acquisition ... is a great opportunity that comes at the right time. UOB believes in Southeast Asia’s long-term potential and we have been disciplined, selective and patient in seeking the right opportunities to grow," said Mr Wee Ee Cheong, deputy chairman and CEO of UOB. UOB will fund the purchase with excess capital. The total cash consideration will be calculated based on a premium of S$915 million, plus the net asset value of the consumer business as at completion. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/uob-buy-citigroup-consumer-businesses-4-countries-2434911 NOTE - UOB has locations in over 50 countries world wide.

From Pattaya Mail The Thai government is seeking to promote Muay Thai on the global stage as an instrument of soft power, instructing the Ministry of Sports and Tourism and the private sector to organize boxing events in the Kingdom to promote Thai culture. Gen ThanwakomThipayachan, president of the World Muay Thai Alliance (WMA) and an advisor to the Minister of Culture, recently met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to discuss measures to boost the cultural value of Thai boxing at the local, domestic and international levels. Tourism and Sports Minister PhiphatRatchakitprakarn, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister DistatHotrakitya, and Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson ThanakornWangboonkongchana also took part in the discussion. During the meeting, Gen Thanwakom presented a report on guidelines and policies to further develop Thai boxing, which would help create jobs and generate income for people in the country while also promoting Thai martial arts on the global stage. The WMA president also proposed the creation of a platform covering all aspects of Muay Thai activities, including training, boxing competitions, Muay Thai studies and research, related equipment and venues, and Muay Thai exercises to promote health, especially among the elderly. The platform requires cooperation from all related ministries, while recommending that a Thai boxing festival be organized to promote Thai culture. This would in turn help revitalize the economy and bring in more revenue. The Prime Minister thanked the advisor for his proposal, saying he believes Thai boxing is an important form of soft power for Thailand since Thai boxing is often employed in global fighting events. Additionally, he instructed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to consult with relevant departments and work with private sector partners to organize a Muay Thai festival. Such an event would not only promote Thai boxing, but also other aspects of Thai culture such as clothing and food. It would also take into consideration the best strategies and plans for all parties to achieve maximum efficiency. (NNT) https://www.pattayamail.com/sports/pattayasports/thailand-to-promote-muay-thai-as-soft-power-on-global-stage-385928

From Thai Enquirer Thai authorities defend deserted airport terminal in Phetchabun Photo credit: Thailand Infrastructure The Department of Airports responded to social media complaints on Thursday over the new vacant terminal building at Phetchabun Airport, 400 kilometers north of Bangkok. They said the terminal will reopen after the Covid-19 pandemic subsides. Earlier this week, the Facebook page, Thailand Infrastructure, questioned why the government opted to build a new terminal building instead of renovating the existing one. The post drew plenty of netizens’ comments that the terminal is a waste of money. The Phetchabun Airport opened in the year 2000. But it has not operated any commercial flights since late 2018, while construction on the new terminal began in 2019. Today, Phetchabun Airport is open for non-commercial charters, such as official flights, training flights, and private flights, the department added. https://www.thaienquirer.com/36512/thai-authorities-defend-deserted-airport-terminal-in-phetchabun/ ================================== From Richard Barrow Twtter site: Today is National Aviation Day (วันการบินแห่งชาติ) in #Thailand. Did you know, Bangkok had two landing strips on the Chao Phraya River for flying boats? First in Khlong Toei and then later in Nonthaburi. The British owned Imperial Airways used to land here in the 1930’s. NOTE - Imperial became part of BOAC in 1939 ==================================== Once one of the the truly great long-haul carriers, in the course of three years Chinese authorities have transformed it into a mere shadow of itself. Here's the latest effort. From Bangkok Post Cathay Pacific to suspend transit travellers from high-risk areas HONG KONG: Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said on Thursday that transfer and transit services at Hong Kong International Airport will be banned to passengers coming from places deemed at high risk of coronavirus from midnight on Jan 16 until Feb 15. High-risk places including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Japan. Passengers on flights arriving from cities in the Chinese mainland and Taiwan may continue to connect to onward flights, the airline said in a statement on its website, saying the measure is in response to the rising number of cases driven by the Omicron coronavirus variant around the world. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2247071/cathay-pacific-to-suspend-transit-travellers-from-high-risk-places-from-jan-16

According to Richard Barrow, Phuket's now receiving about 4,000 applications a day since Test and Go was suspended.

From Pattaya News A 64-year-old foreign man, believed to be an expat, has been pronounced dead last night (January 11th) after falling from a condominium in Jomtien. Captian Sanan Kotanon from the Pattaya City Police was notified of the incident at 9:00 P.M. at a condominium in Soi 7 Jomtien. The name of the condominium was withheld pending a full investigation by Pattaya police. Police, emergency responders, and The Pattaya News arrived at the scene to find the body of the foreign man who was identified by police as a 64-year-old Norwegian. He had landed on an awning on the 2nd floor. His name was withheld by TPN media pending notification of his family and embassy expected to be later this morning. He was found shirtless and wearing only shorts. He had suffered severe skull injuries and three cut wounds were found on his left wrist, likely inflicted before the fall according to police. According to Captain Sanan, the man lived alone on the 5th floor of the condominium. No signs of a struggle or other occupants were found in the room. A box cutter was found on the bed. No notes were found in the room. A 72-year-old foreign man, believed to be an expat, has been pronounced dead (January 7th) after falling from a central Pattaya condominium. The incident took place just before midnight in Central Pattaya on the 16th floor of a well-known local condominium and was responded to by Pattaya Police Col. Kulchat Kulchai, Sawang Boriboon rescue services, and TPN media. The name of the condo was withheld pending a full investigation by Pattaya police. A Russian man was found dead after he apparently jumped from the Pattaya City Police Station early this morning (January 5th), 2022. The Pattaya City Police was notified of the incident just past 2:00 A.M. near a power pole and exchange booth directly in front of the Pattaya City Police Station on Soi 9 on Beach Road. They and The Pattaya News arrived at the scene to find a deceased male who was identified by police as a Russian male national, aged 38, lying on the ground with severe injuries from his fall. https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/05/russian-man-found-dead-after-apparently-jumping-from-the-pattaya-police-station-roof-overnight/

From Bangkok Post The Tourism and Sports Ministry promotion plan for 2022 will be themed "Amazing Thailand New Chapter", introducing new selling points from January and collecting a 300-baht entry fee from foreign tourists from April, government spokesman Thanakorn Boonkongwanchana said on Wednesday. The plan includes promotion of "white routes" for tourists in line with a bio-, circular and green economic development strategy for more sustainable and safe tourism, Mr Thanakorn said. Also under the plan, from the start of the second quarter, April, an "entry fee" of 300 baht would be collected from foreign tourists arriving in Thailand, the spokesman said. The 300 baht fee would be used to develop tourist attractions and for accident or death insurance for all tourists. The maximum insurance payout would be 1 million baht in the case of death and 500,000 baht for medical expenses. The charge would be included in air fares. The means of collecting the entry fee from people arriving by land was still being considered. According to Mr Thanakorn, the Tourism and Sports Ministry expected revenue from tourism this year of 1.3-1.8 trillion baht, from 5-15 million foreign tourists. He said if tourists were mainly from Europe or the United States, arrivals were estimated at 5 million this year. This would rise to about 7 million if tourists also came from India. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2246355/thailand-to-launch-new-chapter-of-tourism

From Richard Barrow Twitter site If you want to take part in the Phuket Sandbox, you must book a direct flight to Phuket. You cannot transit in Bangkok. However, if you want to go to Samui, you can transfer to a domestic flight in Bangkok, but you must have booked one ticket for the entire flight.

If Thailand's early efforts last year to attract international tourists seemed confusing, Vietnam's current ones are downright daunting. From The VN Express Current Covid pandemic prevention protocols including medical declaration on different apps and rapid testing rules have left domestic carriers navigating troubled skies. During the first week after international flights resumed, January 1-7, 64 international flights brought over 7,800 passengers to Vietnam, according to a report from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. Of these 18 were commercial flights while the rest were charter flights carrying experts and tourists on package tours. After the government approved a two-week first phase of resumption of flights to nine destinations starting January 1, the CAAV has granted flight slots for domestic carriers to seven: Bangkok, San Francisco, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Phnom Penh. Currently, flights to Beijing or Guangzhou in China and Vientiane in Laos are yet to resume as relevant aviation authorities are yet to complete negotiations. The CAAV said the South Korean government is limiting inbound passenger flights as part of pandemic prevention measures; therefore, Vietnamese carriers are only allowed to operate two weekly flights from Vietnam to South Korea. Since the resumption, the CAAV has received complaints about current Covid-19 protocol that have been hassling foreign passengers. Passengers are required to submit medical declarations on too many app platforms, which is a challenging task, especially for foreign visitors. For example, entrants need to declare their immigration details on one app and make their medical declaration on another. Then, different localities may require submission of details on different apps, like HCMC and Hanoi, for example, the CAAV said. The Ministry of Transport has suggested that the government lifts the requirement on rapid Covid testing before boarding and after exiting planes. It says foreign passengers should be required to submit negative PCR test results only before boarding flights as is being done in other countries. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/trouble-remains-a-week-after-int-l-flights-resume-4414921.html

I had been posting occasional articles about the situation in Myanmar but despite great resistance from the people and international sanctions, the violence continued unchecked. An ineffectual ASEAN did next to nothing in the way of contributing to a solution. Likewise the UN, stymied by opposition from China and Russia, also seemed to lose interest. However, this account in today's Thai Enquirer screams out to be heard. ---------------------------------------------------- By Caleb Quinley The Myanmar junta has ratcheted up attacks on civilians in Kayah State, (Karenni) in eastern Myanmar, pushing over 100,000 civilians to flee for their lives. The military has launched at least a dozen airstrikes since Saturday, targeting residential areas with rockets from both the sky and ground, according to local reports. Many areas in Kayah’s capital have been completely destroyed over the weekend. Some estimates say that around half the population of Kayah, about 125,000 people, are reported to be displaced after the indiscriminate attacks. But the army, known as the Tatmadaw, has a long history of using violence on their own people. The Tatmadaw announced last week that they would give residents in Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State, three days to leave the area before shelling the city. Naw Diamond, a mother of two young children is one of the thousands who recently fled the violence in Loikaw over the last few days. She told Thai Enquirer that it’s simply not safe anymore and she fears for her family’s safety. “Leaving everything behind is really difficult for me,” Diamond said. “ I never thought that I would have to flee my home. I tried my best to resist and decided not to leave [in the beginning]. But I have to consider the safety of my mom and my children.” As she fled, Diamond worried for her mother’s health as she suffers from high blood pressure. When she arrived in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State, she needed to go straight to a hospital so her mother could see a doctor. Since the Feb 1 coup, the Myanmar military has killed at least 1,200 people and detained thousands of others. Over the last year, the Tatmadaw turned it’s weapons on its own civilians at peaceful protests in urban centers, killing women and children and injuring countless others. Now the military has ramped up its assault on resistance fighters in rural parts of the country. Junta forces announced that the attacks in Kayah were targeting resistance fighters known to be living in the area. Many say it’s the heaviest bombardment of a major city in recent history, or at least since the Feb 1 coup. “The situation in Karenni [Kayah] is the worst it’s been since World War II,” David Eubank told Thai Enquirer. “There’s now over 100,000 displaced since last week with the heightened strikes in Loikaw areas.” Eubank is the founder and leader of the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), a multi-ethnic relief organization that offers medical aid and training at the frontlines of some of the world’s worst conflicts. Speaking from the hills of Karen State, he explained that the attacks have been continuous, noting an increase of aircraft strikes from helicopters as well as armored vehicles used to devastate civilian zones. FBR lost two rangers in recent clashes with Tatmadaw troops. Despite the attacks, defense groups like the The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), say the Tatmadaw has suffered many casualties, while reports indicate that numerous soldiers are deserting the Myanmar army. One of the most brutal attacks took place on Christmas day where at least 35 people were killed. The military set fire to more than 30 civilians in their vehicles. The victims were women, children and two employees of the charity Save the Children. Many of the victims had their hands tied behind their backs, were gagged, and had shown signs that they had been either stabbed or shot in the chest. In other attacks over the weekend, junta troops killed four teens after clashes in Tanintharyi province. The bodies of 10 people, including a 13-year-old child, were reportedly used by the army as human shields in Chin State, according to local news group, Myanmar Now. https://www.thaienquirer.com/36412/over-100000-displaced-as-attacks-mass-killings-rock-myanmars-kayah-state/

From Thai Enquirer Only one covid-related number Thais should concentrate on, senior doctor says By Cod Satrusayang Thailand must stop focusing on new Covid-19 infection numbers in light of increasing vaccination rates and the spread of the milder Omicron variant, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Monday. The country discovered 7,926 new cases in the past 24 hours, in line with the recent surge in cases stemming from travel during the new year period and the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. It is nearly a three hundred per cent increase in the number of average cases from December when the country was finding some 2,000 cases per day. But according to one senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital, those numbers are misleading and the public should not place much importance on total number of new infections. “Our vaccination rate and our booster rate is still climbing while Omicron has proven to be less severe than earlier variants, that means we should focus on the death rate and clusters,” said the doctor who asked for anonymity citing his involvement in government policy. “The death toll in the last 24 hours is only 13 fatalities. That is still tragic for the individual families but in terms of public policy, a very successful implementation of restrictions and vaccinations.” The doctor added that a low death rate means public health policy should be focused on economic recovery and getting the country back to normal rather than panicking over increased numbers. “The other focus must be on clusters, instead of focusing on total numbers, restrictions should be tailor-made to specific clusters and restrictions in localities,” he said. “Think back to December and the specific restrictions we introduced to Samut Sakhon. That is the model we should go back to now instead of trying to restrict the country as a whole and dooming it economically.” https://www.thaienquirer.com/36342/only-one-covid-related-number-thais-should-concentrate-on-senior-doctor-says/

I recently had a similar experience and decided to empty out a storage bin I had been renting for nearly eight years. Not surprisingly, the most difficult things to part with were old books. A handful went went to friends but the rest went to the local library book sale. Like a-447, much went to the Salvation Army and a consignment shop. The whole thing was liberating while saving me the monthly bin rental cost going forward. There comes a time when we realize there's nothing to be gained by gathering possessions. My surviving family members either have good jobs or have retired quite comfortably. In any case, I see little of them. So I, too, find myslef focusing on who have actually made my life more meaningful. Who are those I wanted so much to be with during the Covid crisis. Who are those who have been there for me--and I for them.

From Richard Barrow Twitter site The infection rate of all travellers entering Thailand by air: · November: 0.13% · December: 0.45% · January: 2.79% Test & Go: 2.98% Sandbox: 1.60% Quarantine: 2.24%

Finding charities that make efficient use of your donation can indeed be a challenge. The first thing I look for in a prospective charity is its financials. Specifically I want to know what percentage of income goes to "program services" (the higher the better) and how much is eaten up by "fund raising and management" expenses (the less the better). If I can't readily locate this data on the charity's website or independent rating service, I move on. When looking at management, I like to check out the salaries of the top executives. For example, if a charity is shelling out salaries over $300,00+ to upper management, I might have second thoughts if the same charity is providing less than 80% of total annual income toward program services. I'm also turned off by organizations that send me unsolicited stuff (i.e., greeting cards, wrapping paper, religious paraphernalia). The only worthwhile item I ever remember receiving was a world map from Doctors Without Borders that displayed the countries where it operates. One of the oldest--and I believe reliable--rating services in the US is Charity Navigator. It rates charities and provides financial data. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ I expect that the UK and Australia probably have similar services, although I;'m not familiar with them. If you're looking for opportunities in Thailand, many exists in the Bangkok and Pattaya. Paying an in-person visit might make an interesting daytime diversion.

Richard Barrow has posted a series of tweets that regarding the actual status of the entry program for those who have "approved" Thai pass. This is the latest one I could locate (dated 7 Jan). They appear to contradict media reports from yesterday. "IMPORTANT: I have just been informed by @MFAThai that Thailand Pass holders using Test & Go can now change to an earlier arrival date. You just need to write to them with the details. Email tfcovid19@mfa.go.th or if you’re going to Phuket phuket.thailandpass@gmail.com. Good luck!" Here's another one from 7 Jan. "The CCSA has just confirmed that although new registrations for Test & Go remain suspended, travellers who have already been approved can enter #Thailand according to the conditions and on the date they requested, until this order changes. There is NO cut off date."

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — A naturalistic public park has arrived in Bangkok and it’s not to be missed. Phase two of the Benjakitti Park, opened quietly last December, offered visitors a new and different experience from other public parks – it is modern, minimalist and naturalistic. BANGKOK — A naturalistic public park has arrived in Bangkok and it’s not to be missed. Phase two of the Benjakitti Park, opened quietly last December, offered visitors a new and different experience from other public parks – it is modern, minimalist and naturalistic. BANGKOK — A naturalistic public park has arrived in Bangkok and it’s not to be missed. Phase two of the Benjakitti Park, opened quietly last December, offered visitors a new and different experience from other public parks – it is modern, minimalist and naturalistic. Highlights include a nearly two-kilometer long skywalk crisscrossing a lovely view of wetland peppered with mounds of earth forming tiny islets below. There’s also a separate walking trail at ground level. The paths, both on the upper and lower levels, encourage you to keep walking and explore. They are laid out seemingly at random, making getting lost fun. Converted from a land formerly part of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand with an entrance from Ratchadaphisek Road, one can see some high rise buildings enveloped from all directions. Yet, the feelings are more lost in nature because the naturalistic park requires a five-minutes walk from the entrance of the old phase of Benjakitti Park. his means if you are standing at the center of the new park, which is adequately large at 61 rai excluding the final unfinished phase, you won’t hear any traffic noises despite the fact that you’re just a 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from BTS Asok station and Sukhumvit station of the MRT underground. On the western end of the park, there is a large grass lawn surrounded by a half amphitheater. There are 12 levels of slope made of bare concrete where one could just sit and watch the views of nature, the skyline, and other people relaxing and playing frisbee. Benjakitti Wetland Park is part of the old Benjakitti Park. The entrance is located on Ratchadaphisek Road, next to Queen Sirikit Convention Center. It opens from 5am to 9pm daily. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/2022/01/06/a-review-of-bangkoks-new-wetland-park/

Two frequent question that arise when discussing retirement is how long will my savings last and how much should I be able to withdraw on a regular basis. I've seen many interactive tools aimed at helping answer those questions. I consider this one among the best. https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-long-will-savings-last

The CCSA kept the status of the eight provinces approved for tourism promotion unchanged, meaning they are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages at eateries until 9pm. The provinces are: Bangkok Chon Buri Kanchanaburi Krabi Nonthaburi Pathum Thani Phangnga Phuket

From Thai Enquirer Thailand adjusts entry permissions, restarts sandbox entries, halts Test and Go Thailand said it will adjust its entry permissions on Friday in line with global pandemic guidelines. The Test and Go procedure with one-day quarantine is still temporarily scrapped. “We will continue to halt the Test and Go procedure for now,” said Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. The deadline for those with approved Thailand Passes for the procedure, was extended from January 10 to 15. “No entry via this procedure will be allowed after January 15,” he said. The CCSA estimated that there are around 10,400 people who were approved for the procedure and still waiting to enter between January 7 and 15. The ban on entries from eight African countries will be lifted on January 11. The registration to enter Thailand via the tourist sandboxes, with seven days quarantine period, in Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao) will be reopened on January 11 after it was halted on December 22. https://www.thaienquirer.com/36302/thailand-adjusts-entry-permissions-restarts-sandbox-entries-halts-text-and-go/

And the beat goes on.... The CCSA will be asked to ban alcohol consumption -- which is considered a risk factor in the spread of the virus -- in areas with severe infections and review outbreak zoning based on a colour-coded system to identify provinces hit by the latest outbreak, he said. Moreover, all returnees and arrivals from abroad will be quarantined, the minister said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2243211/ministry-to-pitch-tougher-curbs

Agree. And don't forget Brazil, Venezuela, China, Turkey, Myanmar....

Try this one then: gaining political power. Ask yourself who has the most to gain by creating the chaos--and not just in the case of Omicron. It's the same tactic that's been used successfully in politics around the globe. Niccolò Machiavelli wrote the book on it in the 16th century. In Thailand, a key minister who has been out in front in the Covid-19 discussion very much wants to displace the incumbent PM. By taking controversial stands, you garner tons of free publicity that gets your name and photo in the daily headlines. It's a means to an end. And you don't have to look to deeply into today's headlines to see it playing out even more robustly than yesterday. As usual, all the decisions are being made by the elites in Bangkok and Chiang Mai who provide the money that finances the legislative election campaigns. The winners then get to decide who gets the nod for the PM's job. It's all about power. Acquiring it, exercising it and keeping hold of it.

Skimming through the headlines of the day, it's clear that astronomers missed the fact that the sky must indeed be falling. Let me count the ways. "World famous Khaosan Road closed temporarily after Covid cases found" "Hospitals around the country told to prepare for surge in cases" "New cases spike in Wednesday's Covid report" "Phuket preps hotel guest isolation" "Anutin wants to delay nightclub reopening" "Bangkok prepares field hospitals, isolation centres for anticipated Covid-19 uptick" "Thai Officials Insist On More Restrictions" Thai officialdom and an accommodating media have teamed up to create a spreading sense of panic. But when you look behind the headlines, reality is evident. Yes, the hospital will be overwhelmed, but only because "experts" insist that asymptomatic people must be quarantined within them. Thailand, which was on the verge of reviving its tourism industry, is now being victimized by a scourge far more insidious than the virus: manufactured panic. The practice of putting people with flu-like symptoms in hospitals is one sure fire way to concentrate them into a setting that becomes its own self-fulling prophecy. Perhaps all this will pass as quickly as it developed. In a few months, maybe we'll be back to "test-and-go". But even if we are, we'll have it in the back of our minds that everything could go off the rails again along with our travel itineraries.

Peter points out crucial points to anyone considering making a foreign national a beneficiary. Aside from ensuring that multiple wills (or trusts) don’t conflict, awareness of the rules and regulations in your home country that affect transfer of assets to international beneficiaries is essential. If you are leaving assets you have in Thailand to a Thai citizen, the transaction should be fairly straight forward if your will has been properly drawn up. But if your assets are in your home country and you want them transferred upon your death to a Thai or other foreign beneficiary, the pertinent regulations of both countries come into play. The ramifications can be significant, particularly considering applicable tax rules of both nations. For assets coming out of the United States, for example, the rules differ from country to country. One size does not fit all. If your will and/or trust is drawn up by the average U.S. lawyer, don’t expect he or she is aware of the very complex rules and regulations concerning foreign beneficiaries. You really need the services of an attorney who has experience and expertise in these matters.