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Last night’s (Monday) beach walk found that more locals had gathered than the night before and small groups of young men formed circles where they kicked footballs to each other. Fewer tourists were on hand as the weekenders were gone but they were still in evidence along the long stretch of waterfront. This is truly a “public” beach. No hotel has exclusive claim on the sand and that’s how I believe it should be. Shirtless locals beat beach loungers any day. Left hotel about 10:30 to catch next flight to HCMC. Vietjet check in took about 25 minutes (better than the 50 minutes Air Asia check in at DMK Saturday morning) but immigration and baggage checks were relatively quick. Proceeded to lower level to await bus gate departure but 15 minutes before scheduled take off still no agent and no announcement . Finally guy comes rushing down and tells everyone to go to Gate 8 upstairs. Apparently there some electric problem and escalators and elevators were not working. Finally got near gate 8 (bridge gate) but two lines were longer than queue waiting to get into Beef nightclub on Soi 4 on a Saturday. Was among last to board full cabin but luckily found space in overhead for carry on. There was a delay while they located somebody to extend the air bridge. Just as we exited the plane and walked a few minutes passengers came to abrupt halt because someone neglected to unlock door leading out to arrivals area. Once that was resolved I got so see just how busy this place could be. My VN friend guided me through the maze to car he had summoned on app and half hour later we arrived at hotel. I echo everything that bkkmfj2648 said about Da nang. If you get the opportunity, GO!

Used this method in my old condo building and it worked well.

Companies may compensate by upping the current 2,000 baht fee. Somehow I’m not inclined to take their word for it until I hear it confirmed that arrivals by air, land or sea are actually receiving 60-day stamps. When the news first broke about the change a while back, arrivals were disappointed to find that they were still getting 30 days only. Bureaucracy tends to move slowly when implementing new rules.

One Spa posted 44 pics of T&B’s in its LINE feed today. KK Massage has posted a page that appears to include a handful of new faces.

Just learned that one of the transport services that takes clients to Cambodia and back on border runs is telling subscribers on its Facebook page that it will be 60-day stamps, effective July 15th. It certainly comes as great news for many of the guys we know if it turns out to be official.

No problem so long as you accompany guest in and out of building. If you bring him to breakfast you will have to register him as the second person in reservation. Always reserve room anywhere for party of two!

Nothing will change because pols in both parties are cowards on this issue.

I believe it’s still TBD

Just noticed this while catching up on forum this morning. Hint: the cookies usually are found in pairs. 🙂

With another day to go on a four-day visit to Da nang with my LT Ha Tinh friend, can wholeheartedly endorse this location if rest and relaxation is your objective. Good hotels can be obtained at very attractive rates and the tropical climate is inviting. The breakfast buffets are served until 10:30 but we found ourselves getting up at 8 to get an early start. You’ll find tons of places offering seafood on the main boulevard that runs along the beach. However, we opted to walk 15 minutes inland to the residential area where we ate with locals at Foodland prices (would have never found these on my own). The waters are warm and clear. Favorite activity is long barefoot walks along water’s edge as the sun recedes. As for eye candy, it’s on display in abundance. Particularly noticeable are the stunningly handsome groups of South Korean young men who find Da nang an attractive playground. Many Thais also make the short hop. And of course many farang singles and families. The beach at 8 this morning.

From Thai PBS World Southeast Asia’s many unique ways of greeting people fascinate visitors to the region, not least because they are a cultural trait that reflects respect and a sense of spirituality. Sadly though, while some are still popular, a few are almost no longer in use today. “The Asian continent, especially the Southeast Asian region, is laden with interesting gestures. From the way we eat – with chopsticks or with bare hands – to the way we socialize and interact with other people, these gestures set us apart from the rest of the world while also bringing us closer together,” says Janice Ho, an expert on Asian Studies. Respect and reverence “In Japan, bowing is the most recognized traditional greeting. It involves the bending of the body and lowering of the head to convey reverence. The degree to which you bend communicates your message. To say hello, the torso is bent from the hips 15 degrees; to honour someone superior or to greet a client, 30 degrees; to show deepest sorrow, respect or apologies, 45 degrees,” she explains. “In india and Nepal, the “Namaste” is used as a sign or symbol of respect. It is similar to the praying gesture of folding hands together before an image of a deity. These forms of greeting date back several thousands of years, and have always been considered a sign of respect, humility, and reverence.” In predominantly Muslim Southeast Asian countries, like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, the hand-over-heart greeting is popular. “It is a very meaningful gesture, symbolizing an outright profession of one’s acceptance of a person. The right hand is used in making this gesture as the left hand is associated with personal hygiene,” says Bai, a university professor. This greeting is known in Malaysia as Salam Malaysia. “Flight attendants of Malaysia’s national carrier Malaysia Airlines do it to welcome passengers,” Bai notes, adding that it is also commonly used in the hospitality industry. “Among Malay populations in Singapore, this is also quite a common greeting tradition.” Ways of the wai The Thai “wai” is considered by many as one of the most graceful gestures of greeting. It involves putting the palms together, holding them up to the middle of the chest, and slightly bending the head with the fingertips just touching the chin. “The wai is usually offered to those in higher social standing and not to someone younger except when returning a wai,” explains Rati, an advertising executive. “In order to convey a higher level of respect, the wai uses a deeper bowing of the head while placing the pressed hands at different levels: at chest level for a standard greeting; face level for a colleague, elder, or a superior; and hairline level for a monk.” “For the King of Thailand, the citizens bow deeply and place their hands high, with the thumbs touching the top of their heads,” he further explained. The wai is also common to Cambodia and Laos where it is called sampeah and nop respectively. It is also used in Myanmar although the hand is positioned differently and placed near the stomach instead of the chest. “During the COVID pandemic, a World Health Organization (WHO) official suggested the adoption of the Thai wai as a form of greeting in the new normal,” Rati notes. “Just recently, the Thai Cabinet has approved the wai gesture as part of the Thai national identity for greetings and expressions of respect.” Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/why-the-wai-is-still-in-style/

From The Nation Signing on a waiver extension that allows citizens of 93 nations to enter Thailand without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival and stay for up to 60 days will be conducted on Monday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Sunday. He said he expects immigration and security agencies’ measures to screen foreign arrivals will go smoothly in the long term. “Actually, we implemented measures last year as preparation of visa waivers for travellers from China, India and Kazakhstan,” he said. In a move to boost tourism and bring tourist dollars into the country, the Cabinet agreed on May 28 to waive visa measures for a total of 93 nations. The 57 nations or regions that were already enjoying a visa waiver and can now get a 60-day stamp on arrival are: Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, the Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Peru, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil and Brunei. The 13 nations whose citizens were already getting a 30-day stamp upon arrival and will now be getting a 60-day stamp: India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Fiji and Georgia. The six new nations or regions whose citizens now enjoy a visa waiver and a 60-day stay are: China, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia and Cambodia. The 17 new nations that are now eligible for visas on arrival and will get a 60-day stamp are: Guatemala, Jamaica, Jordan, Kosovo, Morocco, Panama, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Uruguay, Albania, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador.

Trump was shot in ear bit nothing can remove the horseshoe up his rear.

What made you think I was Vietnamese?

A tip of the cap to two professionals who took the time to describe the nuances and history of how the concept of law actually evolved in different nations. I trust that Issan Lawyers will take it all in stride. 🙂

+1

From Pattaya Times Today on behalf of our friends at Issan Lawyers we take a look at five major differences between the Thai legal system and most Western legal systems. These are significant in many cases especially for expat readers who may not be aware. 1. **Legal Tradition**: – **Thailand**: The Thai legal system is primarily based on civil law, which means it relies heavily on written statutes and codes. – **Western Countries**: Most Western legal systems, such as those in the United States, the United Kingdom, and many European countries, follow the common law tradition. Common law relies on judicial decisions (case law) as well as statutes. 2. **Jury System**: – **Thailand**: Unlike Western countries, Thailand does not have a jury system. Legal disputes are decided by judges or panels of judges. – **Western Countries**: In Western legal systems, juries play a crucial role in both criminal and civil cases. Jurors evaluate evidence, listen to witnesses, and deliver verdicts. 3. **Defamation Laws**: – **Thailand**: Defamation is treated as a **criminal offense** in Thailand. Depending on the severity, it can lead to imprisonment, fines, or both. – **Western Countries**: In the West, defamation is typically a civil matter, where individuals can sue for damages. Criminal charges for defamation are rare and truth is often a valid defence against defamation. Defamation in Thailand does not always necessarily rely on if something is true or not, but if it was released in front of an unrelated third party (Yes, this includes posting online) in an attempt to “name and shame” or bringing “hate” to a person or business. This is a significant difference from the west and has got many westerners unaware of the difference in trouble. 4. **Influence of Supreme Court Decisions**: – **Thailand**: The Thai legal system considers Supreme Court decisions as persuasive authority in lower court cases. These decisions guide judges but are not legally binding. – **Western Countries**: Western common law systems place significant importance on precedent set by higher courts. Lower courts are generally bound by decisions of higher courts. 5. **Sources of Law**: – **Thailand**: Sources of Thai law include the Constitution, codified laws, administrative regulations, international treaties, and judicial decisions. – **Western Countries**: Western legal systems rely on statutes, case law, and constitutional provisions. Precedent from higher courts significantly shapes legal interpretation. Consider reaching out to Issan Lawyers, contact information below, for assistance with any problems you may have had or questions regarding legal matters, including criminal case related problems or other legal problems.

From Pattaya Times A dramatic rescue unfolded in the waters between Koh Larn and the coast of Pattaya City when the passenger boat “Tara Jade” suffered a sewage pump failure. The boat began taking on water, threatening the safety of its 12 Thai passengers—5 men and 7 women. Speedboat operators sprang into action, racing to the scene to assist the distressed passengers. Mr. Ed Chankrajai, the driver of the speedboat “Yodtong,” led the rescue effort. As seawater gushed into the Tara Jade’s stern, he shouted for everyone to don life jackets. The tourists were swiftly transferred to the waiting speedboat, which transported them back to shore at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. All 12 passengers survived the ordeal without injuries. Their joy was palpable as they embraced each other upon reaching safety. Meanwhile, the Tara Jade, a wooden boat captained by Mr. Chamroon Thanapreecha, was also towed back to shore, having taken on heavy water and nearly sunk.

From Pattaya Mail Navigating Foreign Pension Income Tax for Expatriates After receiving numerous inquiries about personal tax management from foreigners residing across Thailand, I am revisiting this topic to explain the implications of foreign pension income in light of new regulations. This report provides an in-depth look at how P.O. 161-162/2567 affects foreign pension income in Thailand, equipping expatriates with the knowledge to navigate this new regulatory environment effectively. As Thailand continues to refine its taxation policies to accommodate its growing expatriate population, the recent introduction of regulations P.O. 161-162/2567 by the Thai Revenue Department is pivotal for those receiving foreign pension income. This change aims to streamline the financial transitions for foreigners living in Thailand, particularly those who rely on pensions sourced from abroad. Decoding P.O. 161-162/2567 Effective as of early 2023, these regulations provide crucial clarifications for foreign nationals regarding the taxation of their pension incomes. Notably, P.O. 162 explicitly states that foreign-sourced pension income received before January 1, 2024, can be brought into Thailand without incurring local taxes, at any future point. This provision marks a significant shift in Thailand’s approach to the fiscal management of foreign pensions, potentially affecting thousands of retirees across the kingdom. Role of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) Thailand’s network of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) plays a crucial role in the implementation of these regulations. These agreements, designed to prevent the same income from being taxed by two countries, ensure that pensions are taxed only in the country of origin. Under the new rules, DTAs will continue to protect expatriates by preventing Thailand from taxing pension incomes that have already been taxed abroad or are set to be taxed by retirees’ home countries. However, should there be any discrepancy in tax rates, additional taxes may still be collected in Thailand, although such measures are not yet officially declared and enforced. Financial Planning Considerations Understanding and leveraging P.O. 161-162/2567 involves more than just knowing the law it’s about strategic financial planning. Tax Planning: Expatriates should consider how and when they remit their pensions to Thailand, taking advantage of the tax exemptions for income earned before 2024. My Advice: Given the complexities of DTAs and Thai tax law, consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional is advisable. I can provide tailored advice on how to optimize pension remittances and minimize tax liabilities. Conclusion The Thai Revenue Department’s update via P.O. 161-162/2567 offers a more favorable and clear tax landscape for expatriates with foreign-sourced pensions. As Thailand becomes an increasingly popular retirement destination, these changes are welcomed by many in the expatriate community, providing clarity and confidence in managing their retirement finances. Call to Action Expatriates benefiting from foreign pensions are encouraged to review their financial strategies and consult with tax professionals to fully understand the implications of these new regulations on their personal financial situations. Victor Wong (Peerasan Wongsri) Financial Analyst and Tax Expert

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya cancels solidarity rally after media apologizes for ‘sin city’ report In an urgent meeting on July 12, the Pattaya City Council addressed growing concerns over negative media reports that have been damaging the city’s image. Council members urged the administration to engage more actively with the media to highlight Pattaya’s positive aspects. Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn assured the gathering that the city administration is addressing the issue, with the Mayor of Pattaya commenting on a controversial online post to clarify matters. He stated that efforts are underway to boost morale among Pattaya residents and businesses, emphasizing the protection of Pattaya’s image through the #SAVEPATTAYA campaign across all media channels. After the controversial report was aired on Thai Rath TV, a solidarity event, “SAVE PATTAYA,” was planned for Friday, July 12, at 5 p.m. at the multipurpose area in front of Pattaya City Hall. The event aimed to unite Pattaya residents, public and private sector organizations, business operators, citizens, and tourists to raise awareness and express dissatisfaction with the negative media coverage. However, at 1 p.m. on the same day, Thai Rath representatives apologized for the negative reporting, prompting Deputy Mayor Wuthisak to cancel the event.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The gay-orientated Jomtien Complex has seen better days. Pattaya leaders are up in arms about the stereotype of Pattaya as a haven for prostitutes. High-sounding names such as the Pattaya Night-Business Entrepreneurs and the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association stress that the city has lots to offer those not seeking horizontal leisure pursuits. Disney-style fun parks, museums, sports facilities, conference facilities and tip-top restaurants and hotels are given as prime examples. Thairath TV, which had posted a negative report, has now apologized for denigrating the resort and claimed it just wanted to present unseen aspects of the city. In a recent report, the UK’S Daily Mirror argued that the sex image remained in spite of diversification, claiming that prostitutes here serviced mostly British men (really?) who were sometimes subject to violence if their wallets ran dry. A current recruitment drive by the Thai tourist police to attract foreign volunteers as unpaid assistants emphasized the importance of maintaining order in districts blessed with bars and clubs.go Shaking off Pattaya’s Sin City image has a long history. For example, international travel magazines highlighted the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and suggested that Pattaya’s immoral residents would soon be dying in the streets like flies. But nobody took much notice. In 2010 the New York Times stated that, if Los Angeles was Sin City, then Pattaya was a “bear hug from Lucifer himself”. The post-coup government of general Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2016 made a semi-serious attempt to change Pattaya’s image by restricting bar opening hours and cracking down on shows which might offend your grandmother. But the covid crisis, the lack of tourists and the cash collapse caused a liberal rethink. In fact, market reality is currently the factor changing Pattaya. Walking Street security officer Atwit Supornrungsi, with 30 years’ experience, said the tourist numbers were well down on even last year. “Walking Street is still the famous landmark,” he said, “but it is nothing like its heyday.” He added that Indian dance clubs and open bars and quality restaurants were rapidly replacing the old dingy go-go bars, suggesting that Asian visitors and not sex-starved Europeans were the new order. The most popular sex-orientated districts are now Soi 6 and Soi Buakhao, though both are less busy with serious spenders than in the past. Other bar-orientated areas are experiencing shake-down problems, witness the shuttered units throughout the resort and the demolition of former entertainment districts, especially in north Pattaya. Jomtien Complex, the center of organized gay life, now has at least five permanently-closed bars and restaurants, although the cabaret shows and bingo nights are surviving. Pattaya is indeed transforming though arguments inevitably persist about the speed and the new visitor profiles. It is always a mistake to try and hurry the Orient.

I believe ggobkk’s current post “Time to return” sheds some light on the discussion. His report about Good Boy is spot on and makes the case that it’s unlikely to deviate from its successful format of showcasing the boys to give them the best shot at making money the old fashion way: tips, drinks and offs. Although Jupiter has a distinct niche in the market, I doubt it could maintain its current stable if getting offed was not on the table. Guess what I’m saying is that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it to satisfy the minority farangs. Asians, gay or otherwise, ring the cash registers far more often.

+1 My recollections from two trips over a decade ago concur.

Reminds me of what the butcher told the man who asked to borrow money. “I have agreement with the bank. I don’t loan money and they don’t sell knock wurst.

Agree about the distinction between bars and massage business. As cited, the competition among Saphan Kwai shops is particularly keen at the moment. One Spa was leader of the pack for a while but other shops were quick to catch on and now actively promoting themselves on line. Most aggressive is Phetboy with what now appears to offer the most number of masseurs under one roof. Although most of the boys are listed elsewhere, there always seems to be four or five available in the shop. And it’s a 24/7 operation. Why is massage business performing as indeed a traditional business compared to the bars? One factor that I believe goes unappreciated is culture. While farangs—particularly those from Europe and North America—are accustomed to lap dances and more intimate customer contact, Asians love the show for itself: the drag queens, the pageantry, the dancing, the comedy. They come to be entertained. Farangs come for the display of bodies. In the end, the bosses aren’t stupid. They’re aware of what attracts us but they’re more attuned to the numbers: who’s paying admission and buying those bottles.