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From CNN Top 10 “impossibly unaffordable” cities Hong Kong Sydney Vancouver San Jose Los Angeles Honolulu Melbourne San Francisco/Adelaide San Diego Toronto https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/14/business/house-prices-impossibly-unaffordable-intl-hnk/index.html

The European Union delegation along with the embassies of Australia, United Kingdom and the United States jointly hosted a reception to mark Pride Month at the US chief of mission’s residence in Bangkok. The theme of the party held on Wednesday was “Pride, Rights, Thrive”. This celebration marks a milestone in Thailand’s human rights progress and underscores the international community’s collective commitment to promoting LGBTQI+ rights and inclusivity, including the ongoing efforts towards marriage equality legislation, the European Union delegation said in a press release. Attending the event were more than 200 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, government officials, civil society organisations, LGBTQI+ activists, youth networks, and individuals dedicated to equal rights in Thailand.

I could walk from Silom to Central World in 24 minutes. 🙂

From Pattaya Mail The Thai government expects its Revenue arm to collect 100 billion baht more to help fund the digital wallet give-away scheme. This surely explains why, from January 1 2024, assessable foreign income transmitted to Thailand by tax residents (Thais or foreigners here for six months plus in a calendar year) will be subject to personal income tax via Revenue tax forms. Those have to be completed no later than the end of March next year. A recent informal survey of retirees in Pattaya suggested that over 90 percent were in a state of utter confusion. What is assessable income? Does it include pensions already taxed in the home country? What about sending your cash to your wife as a gift? How to make sense of double taxation treaties which are undecipherable to most folk? Will visa renewal be dependent on having a Thai tax identification number? What will it cost to hire accountants? It’s no wonder that many expats are muttering, or talking openly, about leaving Thailand or at least making sure they are in the country for fewer than 183 days to escape the tax residence trap. Typical retirees here live on already-taxed pensions. Getting involved with a second tax authority, accountants and tax specialists is just about the last thing they want. Not to mention the potential costs of this bureaucracy. Nonsense on social media, such as the claim that Thai banks are now deducting tax international cash arrivals, is rampant. There’s a well-known truism that Thai authorities don’t take any notice of what foreigners think. The issue here is whether those same authorities are prepared to see the expat market, especially for retirees and global citizens, collapse under the pile-up of unanswered questions. What about the future of the Elite visa? What about the thousands of farang men married to Thais and with families to support? What about the property market, especially the purchase of condominiums? How can the understaffed Revenue suddenly deal expeditiously with hundreds of thousands of forms and accompanying documentation in a foreign language? Maybe, official clarification is just around the corner. Maybe. Meanwhile, accountancy firms are busy enrolling frightened expats with the promise of updates whenever possible. What would help, of course, is a statement from official Thai authorities that income already taxed elsewhere will not be re-taxed here. Or that certain types of visa, for example annual extensions for retirement or marriage, are exempt from the tax regulations on the grounds they are not “residence” permits. Sometimes silence is the best policy. But not tax reform on this scale.

From The Thaiger Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is moving closer to reality as Thailandgears up to expand its rail network. This new venture promises to transform travel and trade in the region, connecting major cities in Thailand, Laos, and China. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July 13 and 14. According to SRT spokesperson Ekarat Sriarayanphong, this link will enhance transportation between the two countries and pave the way for a seamless rail journey to China. The new route will allow passengers to travel from Bangkok to Beijing via stops in Vientiane and Kunming in southern China, where a semi-high-speed service to Beijing is available. Covering approximately 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometres) through mountainous terrain, the journey will take almost a full day. In contrast, a direct flight takes under five hours. However, the scenic and economic benefits of train travel are expected to outweigh the longer journey time. Currently, a high-speed train operates between China and Laos, significantly reducing freight delivery times to China. What used to take two days by truck now takes just 15 hours by train, according to a report by Nikkei. This efficiency boost is a game-changer for Thai exporters.

From The Thaiger In a dramatic comeback, paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatrapledged to reclaim all parliamentary seats in Nonthaburi Province from the Move Forward Party (MFP), setting the stage for a fierce political battle. Thaksin, without directly naming the MFP, made his intentions clear. “In the last General Election, all Parliament seats in Nonthaburi were taken from us, but we will win them back. It is our mission, and we have to do it for the country.” Historically, Nonthaburi, an adjacent province to Bangkok, had been a fortress for Thaksin’s political influence through his now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party and the subsequently established Pheu Thai Party. However, in last May’s General Election, the MFP managed a clean sweep, capturing all eight House seats in the province.

Correct. Keeping cabin cooler can reduce fuel burn so tempting for some carriers to lower temps on long hauls.

And you’re reading them 🙂

From Thai PBS World An army colonel has been transferred and placed under an investigation after he allegedly charged each new conscript, attached to the medical battalion of the Second Army Region, 500 baht per month for septic tank emptying. Lt-Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen, commander of the Second Army Region, said today that the information in social media, claiming that conscripts are made to pay numerous expenses which are deducted from their monthly pay, including the Bt500 septic tank service fee, is partially true, adding however that he has ordered an investigation into the matter. He said that the commander of the medical battalion, Colonel Atchawin Akkapin, had been transferred to assist with work at the Second Army Region headquarters, pending the outcome of the probe. Lt Gen Adul said that there are more than 200 new conscripts and the army has never charged them a septic tank emptying service fee. He added that the reports in social media have tainted the image of the army. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Defence Ministry, meanwhile, said that new conscripts are being charged. He explained, however, that there are about 35 conscripts attached to the medical battalion and they were sent to the logistics battalion for training, with about 100 other conscripts there, and were charged the service fees. The Royal Thai Army issued a statement today, however, claiming that no army units demand utility fees from conscripts.

From Thailand News Agency Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a suspension of the pet market operations after the fire on Tuesday killed over 5,000 animals. Governor Chadchart announced a suspension of market operations. The State Railway must seek permission from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration before reopening, and vendors must obtain approval to resume pet trading. He expressed deep regret over the incident, noting that the market, which had been selling pets for over 20 years, had recently renewed its lease. The fire resulted in damage to 118 shops, with another 15 partially affected, and the death of over 5,000 animals, including 3,500 fish, 37 dogs, 2 monkeys, 1,382 birds, 30 squirrels, 100 turtles, 25 cats, 10 raccoons, and 217 chickens, among others. In response to the governor’s announcement, the Animal Welfare Network of Thailand, through Roger Lohanun of the Thai Animal Guardinas Association, submitted a letter with three urgent requests: a swift investigation into the fire, improvement of the pet market’s infrastructure to ensure safety and fire prevention with an oversight committee, and stricter enforcement of existing animal welfare laws and regulations.

KK massage offering 250 bht promotion on one-hour session today.

Why stop there, Mac. You’re obviously on a roll toward faggots, fairies, poofs and pansies. Before you know you’ll be empowering the pre-Stonewall bashers under the banner of more colorful writing.

From The Thaiger evere monsoon storms and heavy rains have led to significant erosion along Na Jomtien Beach, causing safety concerns for beachgoers and tourists. Authorities from the Pattaya Harbor Office and Na Jomtien Municipality inspected the affected area and are moving quickly to address the situation. The Director of the Pattaya Harbor Office, Ekkarach Kantharo, explained that the erosion is a natural result of the strong winds and waves typical of Thailand’s monsoon season. The affected area along Na Jomtien Beach spans 2.8 kilometres and is directly connected to the sea, making it particularly vulnerable to the influx of rain during this period. The Harbour Department confirms that the erosion from the intense monsoon has caused an immense loss of sand to the 1-kilometre section of the beach that was already previously reinforced by the department.

Consider the definition of “hag: an ugly, slatternly, or evil-looking old woman a female demon an evil or frightening spirit It’s devoid of humor and intended only to degrade others—women in this case—of their dignity. But at least you find yourself in the Trump camp if that’s any consolation.

Agree that Vietnam would be a finer choice but you’ll find accommodations (especially in Ho Chi Minh City) can frequently be higher than in Thailand’s major cities.

Body-to-body is not uncommon in Bangkok at all in my experience. Have had it in every category of shop I’ve been to.

A whore like me pays others to do that stuff.

Hags? You seem to have a serious problem with anything to do with women. The owner of the shop is a woman but no females work there.. I visit there weekly and a bit more familiar with it than you, Mac. FYI, there’s a female shop close by Best Massage and you obviously have them confused.

To quote singer at Dreamboy last night, “hey, big spender, spend a little time with me.” 🙂

And while you’re at Silom Plaza, check out the offerings at all-male Best Massage on the first floor level (right rear).

Let’s hope guys don’t apply same SOP to us.

NOTE — Polysexuality is a sexual orientation, where a person feels attracted to many, but not all genders. Polysexuality is not to be confused with pansexuality, where a person feels attraction towards all genders, or with bisexuality, where a person feels attraction towards only two genders. Wikipedia From The Nation Thanks to its friendly environment, high acceptance and widely positive attitude towards LGBTQIA+, Thailand stands out as the world’s leading destination for polysexual people, not just tourists but also entrepreneurs or investors, bringing huge opportunities for the kingdom to thrive. This firm belief was reinforced on Sunday, when Borderless.lgbt, the world’s first dedicated health and wellness cloud, announced the launch of “Pink Plus Economy”, a new initiative focusing on an ecosystem to support LGBTQIA+ communities in Thailand in terms of living, family planning and retirement. The move, supported by Thailand Privilege, a state-owned enterprise dedicated to long-term visas, was expected to create new opportunities and developments in various LGBTQIA+-related business sectors. The group’s confidence in Thailand stems from its National Legislative Assembly’s recent legalisation of same-sex marriage, as well as upcoming policies to support LGBTQIA family planning in Thailand. The legislation is awaiting senators’ votes. If approved, Thailand will become the third nation in Asia to allow same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal. Wei Siang Yu, chairman and founder of Borderless Healthcare Group, expressed his excitement about the upcoming Thailand same-sex marriage bill. He pointed out that the bill will position the kingdom as a major centre for global DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. He explained that the Pink Plus Economy has evolved from the Pink Economy, with new developments in inclusive medical tourism, retirement living, family planning support, pink tech incubation, and pink film virtual production in Thailand. Yu encouraged all Thais and international LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs to join the group’s supportive Pink Plus Economy programmes, noting that the group expects to be the central platform for working LBGTQIA+ around the world while also facilitating their access to better work-life balance here in Thailand. Continues at https://www.gayguides.com/forums/forum/3-gay-thailand/?do=add

From The Nation Passengers on a Qatar Airways flight heading to Doha on Monday nearly suffocated after the plane’s air-conditioning system stopped working while it was waiting to take off. Among the passengers on flight QR204 were 49 members of Thailand’s national Muay Thai team, staffers and reporters who were returning home from Athens after participating in the IFMA Senior World Championships 2024. The tournament was held from May 31 to June 10 at Dimitris Tofalos National Indoor Sports Hall in Patras, Greece. After being stuck in the stifling heat for three hours without any notification or explanation from the airline, the captain eventually decided to let passengers off the plane, a source said. Some passengers reportedly suffered a nosebleed, while others relied on oxygen masks to help with breathing, the source added. A physical confrontation also nearly broke out between passengers and flight crew during the incident. Smoke was seen emitting from the aircraft’s rear while it was waiting to take off, prompting airport officials to put fire trucks on standby in case of fire. The source said passengers had not been given any information on the situation by the airline or crew. Muay Thai athlete Thananchai Sitsongpeenong told reporters that he only spotted the smoke after he got off the plane. “I consider myself lucky to have survived this,” he said, adding that he and other passengers were practically melting in the sauna-like heat on board.

From The Nation More than 1,000 pets and ornamental fish were reportedly killed after fire broke out in Chatuchak Market in Bangkok in the early hours of Tuesday (June 11). The fire ignited at 4.30am, burning all 118 stores in Sri Somrat Market, which is considered Chatuchak Market’s pet zone. Animals affected by the fire included dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, birds, Siamese fighting fish, and chickens. No people were injured during the incident. More than 10 water trucks were deployed to the scene. Firefighters took about an hour to distinguish the flames. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt has instructed officials to assist victims of the incident. He also invited people to purchase pets at the market to help retailers there. An unidentified guard at the bird shop told the press that the fire broke out while she was watching over rare birds on the mezzanine floor. She heard the cries of animals but faced difficulties breathing so ran outside. She also claimed that cockatoos are the most expensive birds costing 30,000 baht each, adding that the shop owner was on his way to assess the damage. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40038710