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Sure at Foodland but no way from prima donnas at Jupiter.

Give me 200 baht tonight and I promise to smile twice at Foodland walkabout.😀😄

From CNN Travel The train click-clacks along at a steady rhythm, passing through various shades of green. Lush rice fields morph into dense forests, while rivers glisten in the morning sun. The verdant, tropical landscape is briefly interrupted by colorful sparks of life in the form of towns and villages, where people are going about their morning routine — street vendors serving breakfast to commuters, women carrying fresh produce back from the market and kids gathering in their red and white school uniforms. This is the view from the Argo Wilis Panoramic, a bright and airy carriage on the Argo Wilis train. Running between the cities of Surabaya in East Java and Bandung in West Java, it’s one of the most scenic and underrated train journeys in all of Southeast Asia. For some context, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, home to over 17,000 islands. While boats and planes are typically the main way to travel between each island, on Java, trains are by far the best choice. Stretching 1,064 kilometers from east to west and home to well over half of Indonesia’s population — that’s a whopping 275 million people — it makes sense that the rail network is so extensive and well-used. Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is the country’s national rail company. While there are limited train networks on the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi, the large majority of them are based in Java, linking all the major cities including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo and Surabaya. Most of this network was constructed during the Dutch colonial era, which lasted some 350 years. Each train has its own name with its own meaning. “For example, the Argo Wilis is named after a non-active volcano in East Java,” explains a railway guard. “There are other trains named after volcanoes too, as well as historic places and Javanese myths and legends.” Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/travel/indonesia-argo-wilis-panoramic-train-intl-hnk/index.html

Have very good leftie friend who voted for Biden for very same reason (down to earth guy I could have beers with). Being moronic is equal opportunity decision. I wholeheartedly share your frustration with outcome but it’s in rear view mirror now. I have much more important things I want to do in my life than brood on it. As Floridarob and others pointed out, Dems took high road and fell off cliff. They were simply outplayed and outmaneuvered. As for Trump’s appointments, would not be shocked to see some pushback from Senate republicans on some confirmation votes, Gaetz in particular.

From The Nation While the Thai hotel industry is experiencing a rebound in demand in line with the peak tourist season, concerns are growing over increasing competition from foreign businesses. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotel Association (THA), noted that the ongoing confidence index survey revealed regional disparities in concerns, with hotels in central and northern Thailand feeling the strain most acutely. According to a survey conducted by the THA and the Bank of Thailand, around 50% of hoteliers expressed worry about the potential negative impact of foreign investment on the industry. Chinese businesses, in particular, are seen as a significant threat, especially for budget hotels. Meanwhile, higher-end establishments are concerned about the broader implications for Thailand's tourism image. The survey also revealed that hoteliers are anticipating a similar number of Thai tourists in the fourth quarter compared to previous quarters, with a slight uptick expected in the under 3-star segment. Overall, hotel occupancy rates are projected to reach 68% in November 2024, a significant improvement from the previous month. The southern region continues to lead with the highest average occupancy rate at 66.9%, followed by the central region at 63.2%. Foreign tourists, primarily from Asia, the Middle East, China, and Western Europe, are driving the recovery, with a majority of them opting for 4-star and above accommodations. Labour shortage remains a persistent challenge, particularly for higher-end hotels. While this issue is primarily impacting service quality, it has not yet hindered the industry's ability to accommodate guests, the survey revealed. The THA president called on the government to provide further support, such as measures to stimulate domestic tourism, reduce operating costs, address labour shortage, and stabilise the baht. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/property/40043264

From The Thaiger Suvarnabhumi International Airport is set to introduce an early check-in service, allowing passengers to complete their check-in process up to 24 hours before departure. This initiative, announced on the Transport Ministry’s social media platform, is aimed at enhancing traveller convenience and reducing congestion at Thailand’s primary international gateway. Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat indicated that the service is anticipated to launch by February. Alongside this, plans include the establishment of a children’s playground, also targeted for completion by February, and an increase in non-commercial space within the airport terminal by the end of next year, said Kerati. “The introduction of these services is part of a broader strategy to elevate Suvarnabhumi Airport into the top 20 best airports worldwide within the next five years.” Currently, Suvarnabhumi ranks 58th globally according to Skytrax and holds the third position in Southeast Asia, trailing behind Singapore’s Changi and Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airports.

From The Thaiger Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a spine-tingling warning, revealing that terroristsare targeting Israeli holidaymakers at the infamous Full Moon party on Thailand’s tourist haven, Koh Pha Ngan. In a bombshell announcement, the RTP disclosed that they’ve received info indicating a sinister plot to attack Israeli tourists at the island celebration. The party, a hot favourite among Israeli adventurers, coincides with Loy Krathong, Thailand’s enchanting Festival of Lights, set for this Friday, November 15. In an all-out bid to thwart any potential attack, Thai police are ramping up security, with roadblocks and intensive operations launched across the island. RTP insiders claim this isn’t mere scaremongering, insisting there’s hard evidence behind the terror threat targeting Israelis. A security chief in Israel confirmed that despite RTP’s internal memo, steps are being taken to handle the situation. An announcement from Israel’s National Security Council is anticipated at any moment.

From Pattaya News On November 12th, 2024, Thai immigration officers in Tak intercepted a vehicle carrying five Chinese tourists who had been misled to believe they were en route to Pattaya. The tourists were reportedly shocked to find themselves at the Thai-Myanmar border instead of their intended destination. Officials at the Mae Sot checkpoint stopped the car on the Mae Sot-Tak road and, with the assistance of a Chinese translator, verified the tourists’ documents, which were in order. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the tourists had intended to visit Pattaya but were instead driven toward the border with Myanmar, raising suspicions of potential trafficking. Tak authorities intervened just in time, as the tourists could have been taken to Myawaddy, Myanmar, where they risked being allegedly coerced into work by an alleged Chinese call center gang. Security forces in Mae Sot safely redirected the tourists to Pattaya, sparing them from an illegal border crossing and possible exploitation. In a related operation, Tak authorities are also assisting other foreign trafficking victims at a local human trafficking support center, coordinating with NGOs to ensure their safety and well-being. The driver of the vehicle and his identity was withheld, with immigration citing further investigation needed.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Those contemplating a move to Cambodia because of fear of the Thai Revenue Department are on safe ground as matters stand. Foreign retirees in Cambodia are not being taxed on their international transfers: officials at ABA and Maybank, two leading banks with foreign customers, said the subject was not currently being discussed. The Cambodian government in its tax-related publications clearly avoids the specific issue of retirees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation states that a foreigner spending more than 182 days in the kingdom during a year is deemed to be a “resident” of the kingdom. The text continues that “residents” are taxable on their worldwide income and there is no qualifier that the cash must be remitted to Cambodia to be liable. There is a separate government requirement that sums exceeding US$10,000 must be declared to the Bank of Cambodia before the transfer. However, the context of the tax-liability discussion relates to “resident” foreigners who are working in Cambodia with a “salary”. The regulations state that their overseas income, if already taxed in the home country, can be credited against any further Cambodian Revenue demands. This ruling is not dependent on double taxation treaties. Cambodia has eleven DTAs but none with a country outside Asia. In other words, working expats are subject to taxation on their actual wages both in Cambodia and abroad. Given that companies submit tax returns in Cambodia, individuals do not normally prepare their own returns. Technically, Cambodia does not have personal income tax but is concerned only with cash actually being earned. By extension, there is no requirement for retirees to get involved with Revenue matters and websites promoting Cambodia as a tropical paradise seldom even mention the subject of taxation. The question is whether the tax-free haven for retirees could change. It would not be difficult for the government to do so, for example by divorcing worldwide income from the need to have a “salary”. However, there is no indication of that intention and the Cambodian revenue authorities are much less proactive and influential than their Thai counterparts. As a Phnom Penh bank official said, “It simply wouldn’t be worth the effort”. The Cambodian retiree visa costs around US$300, annually renewable, but must be based on a an initial E-class (formerly business) 30 days visa when entering the country. The use of visa agents is widespread, almost compulsory in fact, and very little documentation is required. Proof of retiree status and of steady income is sometimes called for. There is also the requirement to download the Foreigners Present in Cambodia address registration app. In other words, the retiree bureaucracy in Cambodia is much easier than in Thailand. Of course, the pros and cons of living over there are a much bigger agenda. ============ From Pattaya News Should Thai retirees escape to the Philippines to avoid income tax? By Barry Kenyon There’s currently much speculation about Thailand’s retirees considering a move to another regional country. They are hunting to escape the looming if still-muddy liability to pay Thai personal income tax on some foreign income transmitted to Thailand. They need to be watchful as Cambodian authorities, for example, can in fact tax foreign retirees on their worldwide income but choose, anyway for now, to ignore cash not earned in Cambodia. The Philippines is unusual in that it publicizes the non-taxation of foreign income such as pensions, inheritances and capital gains. So it’s worth examining the retiree entry regulations of Thailand and the Philippines because they are by no means the same or even similar. The Philippines has introduced the Ease of Paying Taxes Act 2024 but, contrary to some reports, this did not affect the tax-free status of retirees living on overseas assets. Although there are many retirement visa options in Thailand for those 50 years plus, the easiest without doubt is the non-immigrant “O” type. A visa-free entry stamp can be converted by local immigration to a three months non-immigrant “O” which then receives an extension of stay for 12 months (fifteen months in all the first time). Annually, the retiree returns to immigration for a further 12 months extension for 1,900 baht or US$55. Agents can facilitate the process for a service fee. The basic requirement, as is well known, is at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or proof of monthly remittances from overseas of at least 65,000 baht. Evidence of local address is required and there is an ongoing rule to report it every three months. A re-entry permit is needed for those leaving the country, but a medical insurance policy is not currently mandatory. Given that third parties can help with the cash bond, if required, the non “O” route is far and away the most popular track for retirees. It’s also the cheapest by miles. Retirees to the Philippines need to apply for the core Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) which is multi-entry but requires an annual re-registration of the ID card. It requires a personal and not third-party bond of (usually) US$10,000 to US$20,000 in a Filipino bank which may have to be left there for the duration depending on whether investments are made. Family members can be included at a reasonable extra cost. Medical insurance is not required, but a medical report on the individual is needed prior to entry and must be authenticated by a Filipino embassy or consulate. Police clearance from the country of origin or recent residence is needed according to the government website. Compared with Thai immigration practices with the “O” type, the Filipino version is much more of a hassle to process. Not to mention the interview with the Philippine Retirement Authority or PRA. However, the extra perks are considerable. No exit or re-entry clearance. The status of a permanent resident from day one and the publicized chance to apply for citizenship after 10 years. The chance to work for an employer provided the (not too difficult) Alien Employment Permit is applied for. The facility to bring in US$7,000-worth of household goods tax free. PRA assistance is applying for a driving licence, or when dealing with Filipino bureaucracies. In summary, the longer term retirement visa bonuses in the Philippines are more bountiful than those in Thailand. But the Thailand “O” is certainly much cheaper to process and requires much less initial documentation. Perhaps Thailand’s resident expats should appreciate it more. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/should-thai-retirees-escape-to-the-philippines-to-avoid-income-tax-479718

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Phetboy is again offering promotion of 4 one-hour sessions for 999 bht. i was there tonight and booked newbie from Myanmar who lived up to all expectations. When I returned to lobby at 9p.m. there were seven smiling faces trying to encourage me to go another round. But I was completely depleted and had to disappoint them.

Literacy tests were used in the south to deny blacks the right to vote. Once we start hating and denigrating those who voted differently than ourselves, we become like them in every way imaginable.

Sounds like you’re suggesting a literacy test for right to vote?

From Bangkok Post The cabinet has approved extra public holidays for next year and January 2026, declaring long-weekends to boost tourism and the overall economy. Deputy Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said after the meeting on Tuesday that the cabinet approved the ministry’s proposal for additional government holidays in June and August next year and in January 2026. The extra holidays next year are both Mondays, June 2 and Aug 11, with the Queen’s birthday holiday on June 3 and Mother’s Day on Aug 12 — creating a four-day weekend. Another added holiday is Friday, Jan 2, 2026, stretching the New Year break to five days, from Dec 31 to Jan 4 inclusive. There will now be 21 public holidays in 2025.

From Bangkok Post The Transport Ministry aims to use the so-called "London Model" to collect traffic congestion fees in the inner areas of Bangkok. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, said Tuesday he has assigned the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to urgently study a model and methods of implementing the measure of collecting congestion fees in areas with heavy traffic, fee rates, payment methods and the results of successful operations in various countries including England, Singapore, Stockholm, Sweden and Italy. "We expect that study will be completed within six months, or in 2025. In addition, new laws may need to be drafted, as under the current law, the government has no authority to collect congestion fees, which is the authority of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)," he said. He said an initial survey about the congestion fee run on the ministry's social media found that 60% of respondents initially agreed, but later the number of people who disagreed with the project rose. The main reason was due to a lack of details about the project. As such, the information must be quickly explained to the public, especially regarding who will be charged and in which areas, Mr Suriya said. He confirmed that people living in the designated areas where the fees are collected would be exempt. The income from the fee collection will be deposited into an infrastructure fund, which will be operated by the Ministry of Finance. Some of the money will be used to buy back concessions for electric train lines and support the government's policy of 20-baht fares for all electric train routes. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2901148/london-model-to-be-used-for-road-fees

There’s an oft-quoted biblical reference that helps explain this. “Give us Barabbas.”

Here’s an attempt to demystify the bond market. First, traders dismiss politics and are focused on fundamentals: interest rates, duration, quality rating and price. As the interest rate rises, the price of a bond falls. In other words, you can purchase a higher-yielding instrument for less. The opposite also holds: when interest rate falls (due to what traders believe is fair value), this results in a higher offering price in the secondary market. Simply put, people want to own bonds paying a higher rate of return. And the currency of the country where the bond is traded in turn affects demand for that currency. And bond prices, like equity prices, change by the second as do cross currency exchange rates. What’s at work here are two motivating factors: greed and fear. The same that drive the stock market. Without both you couldn’t have a market.

In a matter of days since the election, the dollar has gained in excess of a full baht. As of this posting, it had climbed to 34.87. When I last changed currency day before election, I got 33.54. This is the result of the increase in the interest rate on the US 10-year bond (4.429% as of this posting). The pricing action reflects the sentiment among bond traders that Trump’s policies will increase inflation as the prospect of tariffs on imported goods will become reality and tax cuts will add to the national debt. Even the Fed’s recent quarter-point reduction wasn’t enough to persuade bond traders otherwise,

Some massage shops around Silom that were previously 500 for an hour have increased to 550 recently. Some at 590. Just the sign of the times.

I think we’d really enjoy hearing about your experiences. Would be interested in hearing more about kinky aspect of Taiwan guys.

I’m admittedly biased because I know many of the boys here, but I walked Soi 6 this afternoon and I’m persuaded that Natural Massage line up is tough to beat. Mostly guys from Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, and you’ll find most of them sitting outside shop. The new Chillax bar remains a work in progress. Reports are that shops are getting noticeably busier the past week.

I was looking for a post office and found it in sub soi off Surawong, directly opposite Meridien Hotel. There’s a machine just inside door to get a number receipt for service. On left is refreshment stand that also sells standardized shipping envelopes at very reason cost. Woman was very helpful in finding me a “C4”.

Argentina carrier. You know, like Eva Peron.

Agree, And they have no one to blame but themselves. They had their shot and blew it.

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