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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.

One massage guy from Soi Six told me that he has used Chulalongkorn (university teaching hospital in Silom). Says waits can be long to be seen but was treated well even though he’s not from Thailand. I have on several occasions accompanied boys to hospital for various conditions as I know other members have. Never looked back and would do again.

On my two previous trips I came across a few, one with beads and the other injection to otherwise fine cocks. Fortunately none this trip that’s rapidly coming to an end. A very redeeming quality that would cause me to look past other issues. 🙂

Agree about Thai health care system. Had opportunity this trip to use St. Louis Hospital (Sathorn) for a routine matter and came away impressed with professional and timely service at reasonable cost. Have also had good results at Bangkok Christian Hospital.

From Bangkok Post Phuket has been chosen to represent Thailand in a bid to compete for the opportunity to host the 2025 InterPride World Conference. The island province beat the other two cities, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen, which also vied for the chance, during a meeting called "Town Hall: Nationwide Pride Episode 2". It was a gathering of Pride organisers from across Thailand, co-hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Foundation for SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) Rights and Justice.

From Pattaya News Pattaya. Is gearing up to host the Thailand Beach Soccer Championship 2024, which will take place from July 27th to September 28th, 2024, on Jomtien Beach in front of The Now Hotel. The championship is a joint effort between Pattaya City and the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), which aims to promote sports tourism and stimulate the local economy. The event also aims to enhance Pattaya’s reputation as a sports tourism destination.

From Pattaya Mail Myanmar junta’s survival depends on foreign supporters including Thailand By Barry Kenyon As the Myanmar military continues to lose significant ground in the civil war, Amnesty International has accused neighboring countries of supporting junta chief senior general Min Aung Hlaing. Myanmar’s state banks continue to buy huge quantities arms and fuel from China and Vietnam in particular, often using Thai banks as intermediaries. The Siam Commercial Bank has denied that cross-border related transactions are illegal. Meanwhile, the junta’s domestic hold continues to weaken. It has now lost control of some townships in 86 percent of the country, including key junta bases in the Shan state and in Mandalay, the heart of military dominance. The Myanmar official currency, the kyat, has lost almost a third of its value to the US dollar. As inflation rages at around 30 percent, banks are now restricting the cash that citizens can withdraw. The Myanmar public is now banned from using VPNs (virtual private networks), thanks to the latest surveillance technology from China. Radio Free Asia says that the ban on free speech is a sign the military is losing control throughout the country. In reply, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun denied digital dictatorship arguing that some citizens were “disloyal” and in league with public enemies. Thailand, in particular, has a difficult relationship with Myanmar. The two countries share a land border of more than 2,500 kilometers, much of it poorly policed, amid an ongoing concern in Bangkok about a refugee crisis spreading uncontrollably. There is also a fear about the growing lawlessness in remote parts of Myanmar (near to the Chinese border) leading to a thriving but illegal drugs trade, kidnapping, casinos and phone scamming. If the junta were to collapse, as predicted by much of the international media, there is concern that the several opposition movements, such as the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, would not coalesce around a single party, thus creating ongoing political chaos. Recent research by the Thai real estate authority shows that Myanmar nationals have been buying more condominium units in Bangkok than any other nationality. This suggests the beginnings of an exile strategy by some members of the Myanmar ruling elite.

Staff were the only ones inside bar at 11pm tonight.

How can I put this….? I know! Methinks the lady doth protest too much.

No body understands what you say, much less the senseless pics and videos you post. But fear not, there’s one thing you can be counted on to do with utter consistency: more of the same. 🙂

Although I haven’t stayed there recently, it’s set back a good distance from Surawong rd. and I remember it as quite quiet.

From Thai PBS World The Election Commission (EC) finally certified the list of 200 new senators and 100 reservists today, following the last round of voting on June 26. The senators-elect are required to receive their certificates from the EC on July 11 and 12, so that they can report to the Secretariat of the Senate. The EC disqualified Kordiyoh Songngam, a female former village chief, in the media background group, who won in Ang Thong province because she was found to be working as an advisor to the president of the Ang Thong Provincial Administrative Organisation. A reservist in the same background group, Korapot Runghiranwat, was moved up to replace her. The announcement was made after the EC met between 9am and 2.30pm today. EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee told reporters that the announcement was made after they had determined that the election process was implemented legitimately, according to the law and with fairness. There are about 800 complaints filed with the EC, Sawaeng said, adding that investigations into those complaints will continue and, in some cases, they will ask for assistance from the police.

Methinks the lady doth protest too much.

Since when is Olddaddy in the habit of rejecting cock for any reason?

Foolish perhaps, dumb even, but certainly not racist. 😄

Phetboy has new promotion of six (6) hourlong sessions for 1500 baht that works out to 250 each. KK Massage is offering hourlong fee of 250 today and tomorrow.

I was born a bred on American football. 🏈 When I began visiting Bangkok in 2002, I found myself immersed In an altogether different game that shares the name. It wasn’t infatuation at first sight. But slowly, incrementally I found myself coming to appreciate the game and its rules. A succession of boys would ask if I minded if they watched it after the room festivities died down back in my room. It served as a common denominator. After meeting my long time friend, as rabid a fan as I can imagine, I was drawn deeper into the lure of the game. The last World Cup and now Euro 2024 are continuing my indoctrination. Last year I posted this observation about game from The Language of the Game: How to Understand Soccer (Laurent Dubois, 2018): “Soccer is sensual. It is about the pleasure of watching athletes’ bodies, their faces, their motion, admiring and commenting on their hairstyles and tattoos. When we talk and write about soccer, we evoke—more often unconsciously than consciously—its sensuality. Its role as a source of pleasure……Soccer may be the most tantric of sports. Some of the greatest and most riveting of games end 0-0. Perhaps what is truly sensual about soccer is that it is about interplay, relationships, motion between people, all tied up with our deepest and most mysterious emotions.”