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When you lose support of the Post, it’s the political equivalent of having the rug pulled from under you. Owned by Jeff Bezos, the Post has won 73 Pulitzer awards and remains one of the top four newspapers in the U.S. it was among Biden’s staunchest supporters. It will be interesting to see what other publications do in the coming days. Political winds are blowing strong and in Europe, too

In Silom area, with few exceptions that Vinapu cites above (Senso), shops don’t have minimum tips. Boys may ask 2,000 but they don’t expect to get it for one hour session. They count on our goodwill and their charms to find happy medium for happy ending. I follow the same tipping scheme whether I’m in Saphan Kwai or Silom and get no complaints: 1,000 minimum but always add extra for good service (showering with me and affection will definitely inflate their tip).

from CNBC Travel Japan’s two largest commercial airlines are toughening their stances against travelers who verbally or physically abuse airline staff. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways updated their websites Friday with “customer harassment” policies, in the wake of rising instances of front-line worker abuse occurring across industries in Japan. Using similarly worded language, the two airlines cited nine behaviors that constitute “harassment” under the policies, including: Abusive language, aggressive tone, insults, discrimination, slander Threatening words or actions Excessive or unreasonable demands Assault Deeds which disrupt business operations (prolonged detention, excessive repetition of requests or complaints) Unpermitted entry to workplace Deeds which deceive its employees Slander against the company or its employees on social media and the internet Sexual harassment ANA’s customer harassment policy also includes voyeurism, stalking and indecent behavior — a jarring reminder of the situations that airline employees can face in an industry that often sees travelers behaving at their worst.

Most important information it seems is ratio of potential customers who stay to those who peek and leave.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Online foreigners are warning the Thai government that they are changing their minds about buying condominium units here. They stress that the Thai Revenue policy to tax residents on overseas income remitted to Thailand from January 2024 is cautioning them, whilst the suggestion that worldwide income, whether remitted or not, could become taxable from 2025 is the last straw. Prime minister Srettha Thavisin has resurrected the old idea of property-purchase legislation by arguing for an increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos to 75 percent and extending leasehold contracts to 99 years. Yet he and his Pheu Thai party attacked the proposal of his predecessor General Chan-o-cha who wanted to allow foreigners to buy one rai of land (0.16 hectares) provided they invested here very heavily. The General’s plans were eventually dropped after an avalanche of complaints he was “selling” the country. Real estate associations have urged Pheu Thai to reform the property laws because of weak demands from local Thai buyers and evidence that foreigners are using illegal Thai nominees in the purchasing process of both villas and condos. Although some projects in Thailand are currently undersold, others in popular locations such as beaches or overhead rail stations or industrial estates are selling like hot cakes. Colliers Thailand, the commercial real estate, say the best-selling provincial projects are in areas, such as Pattaya and Phuket, popular with foreigners rather than Thais. Several Pattaya real estate companies point out that the foreign market is changing and that most buyers are no longer Europeans or Americans worried about income tax for resident expats. The Real Estate Information Center confirms that the top three nationalities for foreign ownership transfers of condos overall in the first quarter of 2024 were Chinese, Myanmar nationals and Russians. However, the vast majority of purchases were for investment purposes and most commercial buyers were not pensioned retirees wanting to live in their purchases. Surachet Kongcheep, managing director of the consultancy Property DNA, urged caution about liberalizing the condo regulations as most projects had not reached their foreign quota. He also criticized developers who sold condo units at higher prices exclusively to foreigners as this could distort the market for Thais. He suggested a new rule that condo purchasers must wait at least three years before being sold or transferred to another individual. But the point is that traditional retirees on renewable visas or extensions of stay are no longer the hub of Thailand’s property market. Pumping up the property market has new players.

Thought of Russia carrying out crimes on foreign soil is going beyond the beyonds, I agree. Would never happen. It’s a peace loving nation, led by humanitarian worthy of Nobel peace prize.

Passed by tonight at 8:40. What struck me is that they selll tickets before allowing entrance. It discourages casual customer from dropping in to see what’s happening. I believe bar would be better off to return to old practice of allowing all comers to enter and wait until they are actually seated to take drink order and acquire 500 baht income.

Absolutely!

From The Nation Three factors driving political uncertainty Amidst the current political uncertainty, some individuals or groups may be starting to see more opportunities to push for game-changing moves rather than continuing to play defensively. Political uncertainty tied to at least three cases is not to be underestimated, as it could lead to a shift in the balance of power. The first case involves senators filing a petition against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who appointed Pichit Chuenban as the minister of the Prime Minister's Office despite the fact that he knew or should have known that Pichit lacked qualifications or had disqualifying characteristics under the Constitution. The second case involves former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra facing charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code (lese-majeste law). The third case, disbanding the Future Forward Party, arose from proposals to amend or repeal Section 112. All these cases affect the political landscape and could lead to significant changes. If Srettha is dismissed from his position by the Constitutional Court, a new prime minister would need to be selected in the vote by the House of Representatives. According to the Constitution, only the House of Representatives can select the prime minister from a list submitted by each party before the election. The names must come from political parties with no less than 5% of the seats (25 seats) and supported by at least one-tenth of the members (50 votes). This means that there are six parties with the right to nominate a prime minister, totalling seven candidates. The opportunity for a new prime minister to succeed Srettha is limited. Only Paethongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri of the Pheu Thai Party, Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, General Prawit Wongsuwan of the Palang Pracharath Party, and Pirapan Salirathavibhaga of the United Thai Nation Party are viable. As for Pita Limjaroenrat, chairman of the Move Forward Party’s advisory committee and its prime-ministerial candidate, he can only become prime minister if there is a shift in the formation of the government. Therefore, it is unlikely he will get enough support. Moreover, if the Move Forward Party is dissolved by the Constitutional Court, Pita’s chances would disappear completely, as he would be disqualified from politics for 10 years. Regarding General Prayut Chan-o-cha of the United Thai Nation Party, he has now been appointed as a privy councillor and is unlikely to be a candidate again. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/politics/40039258

From Pattaya Mail Thailand aims to conclude the Thailand-EFTA Free Trade Agreement this year, marking the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the country and other European nations. EFTA, the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, is set to be finalized this year, while Thailand-EU Free Trade negotiations have been extended to next year. According to Chotima Iemsawasdikul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Thailand is also accelerating free trade negotiations with South Korea, Bhutan, and the ASEAN-Canada.

Emmettk is an AI creation that has infected the forum. These creatures proliferate sites and are intended to persuade folks that they’re actual people. Unfortunately Trump is real.

Yes, IMO. By way of example….

Tolerable, Keith. Just comes with territory. does wonders for my beautiful skin. 🙂

Some milk and cookies and I can stay up as late as Biden.

From Thai PBS World As we get older, our bodies change. Fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet are among the most visible signs although thinning hair, metabolic changes that affect weight, muscle loss and vision problems are also indicators of growing older. But not all is lost. Experts say we can slow the biological aging process and thus minimize the effects of certain diseases and conditions that come with age. One of the natural approaches we can adopt to help us look younger, feel energized and enjoy our golden years is getting healthy quality sleep. “Just like eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising, consistent, high-quality sleep is vital for good health. It can also make a difference to how you age,” said Nuttapon Pengsuwankasem, an academic specializing in sleep and anti-aging. What is healthy quality sleep? According to him, high-quality sleep means you can fall asleep after getting into bed without popping a pill, you generally sleep throughout the night and, if you wake up, you are able to fall back asleep quickly, and you wake up roughly at the same time everyday morning without an alarm. “If you slept well, you should feel rested upon waking in the morning and energized throughout the day,” he said. Trouble falling asleep, waking up throughout the night and sleeping on an irregular schedule, he added, affect the immune system, citing a study that shows people who don’t get enough sleep or quality sleep have an increased likelihood of getting sick, slower recovery and healing times. Sleep deprivation can lead to poor memory, difficulty with concentration, learning and problem-solving. It also increases appetite, the risk of overeating, obesity and diabetes. Poor sleep also affects moods and emotions and increases the risk of emotional disorders, anxiety and depression. Sleep for repair Nuttapon noted that a good night’s sleep is essential for hormonal balance in the body. The Human Growth Hormone (HGH), for example, which is usually released during sleep, plays a critical role in restoration of the body. “The release of the hormone mostly occurs during deep sleep and allows the body to repair itself. It works to repair damaged muscles, organs and other cells including skin cells. When you’re sleep deprived, the hormone is suppressed,” he said, adding deep sleep or the so-called slow-wave sleep happens during stages 3 and 4 of sleep cycles. Normal sleep cycles have five stages. Nuttapon said it’s possible to stimulate the levels of the HGH naturally. This can be achieved by eating a healthy diet filled with foods that are high in protein and fresh fruit and vegetables, limiting sugar and fatty foods, exercising at a high intensity and reducing daily stress. “Going to bed early and adhering to a sleep routine also help in boosting your production of the hormone,” he said. Sleeping well also helps regulate the levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. The hormone is responsible for reducing inflammation, regulating blood pressure, metabolizing glucose and formulating memory. “Having high levels of cortisol for long periods of time can increase your risk of health conditions,” he said, adding that it can lead to weight gain, increase the risk of obesity, type two diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. When you are stressed, you crave sugary snacks and high-calorie foods. Your body increases the cortisol that tells you that you’re hungry, Nuttapon said. To balance the stress hormone levels naturally, he suggested limiting intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol as it may spike the cortisol levels. Engaging in mind and body practices like yoga and Pilates, practicing deep breathing and meditation as well as getting creative can help reduce cortisol levels. Repeatedly skipping meals over time and not eating enough calories in a day can lead to increased stress, weight gain and hormonal imbalance. “To lower the cortisol levels quickly when you are stressed, try deep breathing exercises or do a creative activity you enjoy, be it reading, going to the cinema or travelling” he said. Melatonin is also another important hormone, Nuttapon noted. Often called the sleep hormone, it helps people fall asleep and regulates circadian cycles. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. He explained that the gland secretes the highest levels of melatonin when there is darkness and reduces production when people are exposed to light. “You sleep well when you have the highest levels of this sleep hormone in the body.” he said. Beauty sleep for glowing skin Similar to UV rays, chronic sleep deprivation takes a toll on the skin. As mentioned earlier, during deep, slow-wave sleep, the body produces more HGH, which repairs and rejuvenates the damaged cells. The hormone could make people look younger and tighten their sagging skin. “Get healthy quality sleep and can take advantage of slow-wave sleep’s rejuvenating effects on cells,” he said. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant agent so as it helps protect the body cells from damage caused by free radicals, he added. By Thai PBS World Feature Desk//Photo by Ketut Subiyanto/pexel

From The Nation Bhumjaithai secured a strong showing in the elections, transforming into a dominant ‘blue faction’ in the Senate The results of the senatorial elections not only changed the political landscape but also transformed the image of the Bhumjaithai Party. It can be said that the party has undergone a complete transformation, or a "from day to night" change. Previously, Bhumjaithai, despite being a party with 71 seats and showing consistent growth in the number of MPs, was often underestimated. It had once set a lofty goal of becoming a 100-seat party, with aspirations as high as 120 seats, but managed to secure only 71. Bhumjaithai is viewed as having a "one-stop service" internal management system, which is not the "dream party" for advocates of democracy. The party has the image of being backed by powerful families. Regarded as a conservative party, It is perceived as aligning with conservative values. There is a significant risk of the party being dissolved due to a Constitutional Court ruling on January 17, 2024, which found that party secretary general Saksayam Chidchob retained shares in Burijarern Construction Limited Partnership, leading to his removal from the position of minister of transport in the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The repercussions of Saksayam’s case reverberated through the party, as Burijarern Construction had previously donated funds to the Bhumjaithai. This company is still in effect controlled by Saksayam and has faced accusations of bid-rigging in the Ministry of Transport. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/politics/40039241

After being quiet on line for the last three weeks, One Spa has decided to launch a promotion, offering five VIP room one hour massage sessions for 1,989 baht (a discount from the regular cost of 2,750).

From CNN Polish authorities said Russia appears to be behind a large fire that consumed a shopping center in Warsaw. Dariusz Borowicz/Agencja Wyborcza.pl/Reuters When someone tried – and failed – to burn down a bus garage in Prague earlier this month, the unsuccessful arson attack didn’t draw much attention. Until, that is, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala revealed it was “very likely” that Moscow was behind it. The accusation prompted alarm among security officials and governments because several similar incidents have occurred across Europe in recent months. The Museum of Occupation in Riga was targeted in an arson attack in February. A London warehouse burnt down in March and a shopping center in Warsaw went up in flames in May. Police in Germany arrested several people suspected of planning explosions and arson attacks in April, and French authorities launched an anti-terror investigation after detaining a suspected bomb-maker who was injured in a botched explosion earlier this month. Multiple hacking attacks and spying incidents have been reported in different European countries. As the same time, the European Union has accused Russia and Belarus of weaponizing migration by pushing asylum seekers from third countries to its borders. There have also been several suspicious attacks against individuals: a Russian defector was found shot dead in Spain and an opposition figure exiled in Lithuania was brutally attacked with a hammer. The seemingly random attacks have one thing in common: according to local officials, they are all linked to Russia. And while they might look minor in isolation, taken together these incidents amount to what security experts say is Russia’s hybrid war on the West. “We are threatened by something which is not a full-fledged military attack, which are these hybrid threats … everything from meddling in our political processes, (undermining) the trust in our political institutions, disinformation, cyber-attacks (…) and sabotage actions against critical infrastructure,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during an event in Canada last week. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/30/europe/russia-hybrid-war-nato/index.html

Great report! You made me feel like I was there (particularly the going down on motor bike).

I’ve been here for about six weeks and have had much less rain than anticipated. Mid-day heat can be quite hot but not oppressive because cloudiness has been common later in day. Have had occasional downpours as was the case tonight between 7 and 9. if that’s all that’s keeping you away, don’t read weather forecasts. Boys are here and would be glad to see you.

From Thai PBS World While green spaces might not be seen as a high priority in Thailand, the proximity to nature is one of reasons why Finland has retained its position as the happiest country in the world for seven years. The living environment, combined with rich natural spaces and government efforts to reduce factors contributing unhappiness, are keys to maintaining happiness for Finns. Abundant green spaces in cities, and a mere 40-minute drive from the capital to a national park, enable Finns to enjoy their time in natural environments. A forest guide at Nuuksio National Park, Joel Pyykkönen, told Thai PBS World that this is his dream job and generates happy emotions every day, adding that government support is indispensable in achieving this. ‘’I have opportunities to do work that I prefer in Finland. The government provides training courses, upskilling programmes and equal access to the resources. As I am fond of living with nature, I got this dream job, after being taught about forests and national parks on government training programmes,‘’ Joel said. Alleviating people’s stress and eliminating factors that trigger unhappiness in society are how the government continuously maintains its population’s level of happiness. An expert on well-being research noted, however, that Finns are not smiling all the time, but they feel happy thanks to the extensive state welfare system and trust in institutions. Frank Martela, a lecturer at Aalto University, said that the generous welfare policy, well-functioning institutions, low corruption and freedom to make life choices, have led the country to a societal environment in which citizens feel the least unhappy. ‘’Democracy and education are very important for ensuring people’s trust in the government. Happiness in Finland does not come from what we see, but how we are being treated. The institutions should serve the citizens, taking good care of all of them. A well-functioning government can remove many sources of unhappiness in society,’’ Frank opined. The welfare system, which cares for citizens from birth to death, is paid for through high rates of taxation. A single worker pays an average of 31.6% in tax, while a married worker with two children pays an average of 27.1%, according to the OECD report on taxing wages in 2023. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/why-finland-is-still-the-worlds-happiest-country/

It was a near perfect day for parade. Stepped off to partly sunny skies that thankfully turned overcast but without any rain. From what I could tell from my observation point near Central World, it was very well organized with a strong turnout of participants. Toward the end, a large contingent of big bike riders (think Harleys) added a decidedly macho touch. Coming from the US, Sturgis came immediately to mind. The on-lookers were a mix of locals—young an old alike, tourists, families (who doesn’t love a parade), and they loudly joined in voicing their approval. Bangkok, thanks for the memories!

From The Nation Leveraging on the country's logistics capabilities, the Thai government plans to promote year-round travel for tourists, and as part of this policy the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with relevant partners to develop infrastructure that allows tourists easy access to major attractions. The “Amazing Experience” initiative aims to provide new and valuable travel experiences in major cities, connecting 55 notable provinces across the country. This is done in conjunction with presenting Thai identity through the concept of “5 Must Do in Thailand” to drive the government’s “Ignite Thailand’s Tourism” policy. The TAT has partnered with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Boon Rawd Trading Co Ltd to organise a railway tourism activity called "Instant Joy with Thai Trains: This Journey is Different". The pilot activity will take place in July 2024, with travel routes connecting Bangkok to provinces in the central and eastern regions. The KIHA 183 train will run weekly on four routes, with a two-day, one-night travel package priced at 3,999 baht per person: Route 1: Bangkok - Ratchaburi, July 6-7 Route 2: Bangkok - Prachuap Khiri Khan, July 13-14 Route 3: Bangkok - Suphanburi, July 20-21 Route 4: Bangkok - Prachinburi, July 27-28 This aims to invigorate the domestic travel atmosphere throughout the Green Season and coincide with the auspicious month of July. Additionally, the TAT said it would continue to drive the momentum in August with the “August Mother’s Travel” activity, featuring two one-day railway travel routes: Route 1: Mother-Child Historical Steam Train Trip, Bangkok - Chachoengsao, August 12 Route 2: Mother-Child Royal Blossom Train of Happiness, Bangkok - Kanchanaburi, August 17. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/life/travel/40039252

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will inaugurate the “LOVE PRIDE PARADE 2024” and join the longest grand parade in Asia at 6 kilometers, to conclude Pride Month. The parade will march from the National Stadium along Rama 1 Road, passing Pathumwan, Siam, Ratchaprasong, Phloen Chit, Asoke, and Sukhumvit, ending at Benchasiri Park in Bangkok from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. Over 1,000,000 spectators are expected along the route. Chai stated that the Thai government, alongside more than 100 leading private sector organizations, is organizing the LOVE PRIDE PARADE 2024 to celebrate the conclusion of Pride Month, the month of pride for the LGBTQIAN+ community.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The 60 days visa exempt for 93 countries This was announced prematurely by the foreign affairs ministry and has not yet started. Amongst the details to be clarified are whether the visa exempt can be extended for a further month at local immigration (90 days in all) and whether the whole exercise can be repeated by leaving Thailand and returning quickly. The Destination Thailand Visa This looks like a 180 days “activity-related” visa with limited extension rights, but clarification is awaited. Will likely need documentation such as company papers to work overseas for remote workers, registration at a Thai martial arts training facility or enrolment at a cuisine college. It might be extended to tourists seeking gender reassignment surgery or listed medical procedures. Very unlikely to be an additional option for wannabe retirees or longstay tourists trying to avoid border or visa runs. Long Term Residence Visa This 10 year visa, which requires an annual income of at least US$80,000 or very substantial investment in Thailand, has been touted as exempt from the Thai Revenue announcement that assessable income remitted to Thailand from January 1 2024 will be subject to personal income tax. However, it is unknown whether the exemption will apply to stage two of the Revenue’s plans to tax worldwide assets, whether remitted to Thailand or not, from next year. This second Revenue proposal (unlike the first already in operation) would need a new law or Cabinet approval. Review of retirement-related visas and extensions Due to be implemented in September 2024. A temporary reduction in medical insurance for those applying for a one year visa in Thai embassies was announced, but nothing more. Likely subjects for upward review are the 800,000 baht requirement in the bank or 65,000 baht in regular cash transfer from overseas: these sums have not been raised for over 15 years. Other subject reviews might center on why some longstay retirees have to provide medical insurance whilst others do not. Getting the foreign affairs ministry, which controls entries, and the immigration bureau, which controls extensions, to agree won’t be easy. Tax identification numbers There is speculation that holders of some longstay visas and extensions of stay could require registration with Thai Revenue and the issuing of a TIN and/or confirmation that a tax return had been submitted by the applicant. This is extremely unlikely at present as the requirement of at least 180 days in Thailand in any one year to be a tax resident does not require any particular visa. Some tourists, relying of visa exempts, extensions and border runs, could clock up six months plus without having any kind of visa. Gay marriages Long-stay visas for gay partnerships won’t likely be announced until the legal process is completed towards the end of the year. The current annually-renewable extension for foreigners with a Thai spouse of the opposite sex – the one requiring 400,000 in the bank or similar monthly income – is under review anyway as many of these foreigners are retired.