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From The Nation For the first time, Bangkok’s Samyan neighbourhood will be transformed into a new Songkran hotspot, with lots of water splashing and free concerts on three days of the year’s hottest month. From April 13 to 15, the entire Chulalongkorn Soi 5 will be closed to traffic to make way for the “Samyan Water Street 2024” event organised by local entrepreneurs and businesses to mark Thailand’s traditional new year. Water towers will be set up along the walking street for people to fill up their buckets and water guns to ensure everybody is thoroughly soaked. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful Songkran parades and free concerts on two stages from 3pm to 11pm over the three days. On April 13, bands taking the stage include YOURMOOD, XI, and CDGUNTEE, while CHILAX, NICECNX, PIXXIE and WIZZLE will perform the following day. The festivities will wrap up on April 15 with performances by MIRRR, PROJECT M.O.N., FLI:P, and MAYARAP.

From The Thaiger Maybe Thailand should rebrand its Land of Smiles moniker to the Land of Russian Crime after yet another Russian man was nabbed for criminal activity. Yesterday, a 36 year old Russian national added his name to a catalogue of former Soviet block criminals arrested for reportedly operating illegal activities. Russian Ibragim Gaitukiev was arrested for allegedly running an unauthorised cryptocurrency exchange service on the popular tourist destination, Koh Pha Ngan, in Surat Thani, Thailand. The location of his arrest was a property on Sri Thanu Beach in the Koh Pha Ngan district, as disclosed by Police Major General Sermphan Sirikhong, the head of the Surat Thani province. This arrest resulted from an investigation focused on the en-samui.bitmonyekb.com website, which had been promoting the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies in Surat Thani’s Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan districts. The contact phone and WhatsApp numbers listed on the website were traced back to the bank accounts of Gaitukiev and another foreign individual, Maksim Variukhin, according to the province’s head of police. The investigating officers discovered that the two foreign individuals served as executives for OM 118 Co, a company located on Koh Pha Ngan in Surat Thani. The company operated from a house on Sri Thanu beach, a well-known tourist hotspot. This building also housed a cannabis shop known as Plantasia cannabis collective, with a noticeable Bitcoin sign placed at the front, as per police reports. Investigators hypothesised that this shop was the advertised location for the cryptocurrency exchange. Following this lead, they obtained a court-approved warrant from the Samui Provincial Court on a Wednesday to search the premises. The search was conducted the next day. Gaitukiev was present during the search and identified himself as the owner of the shop. While the search of the cannabis shop revealed no illegal items, there were advertisements for cryptocurrency exchange within the premises. Gaitukiev was consequently arrested for operating an illegal cryptocurrency exchange. Upon questioning, he reportedly confessed that he and Variukhin had been offering digital currency services to tourists. ==================== Russian man arrested in Pattaya for illegal trade linked to a suicide Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) officers arrested a Russian man at a luxury penthouse in Pattaya yesterday for allegedly running an illegal trade, which led to the suicide of a Thai woman. ECD officers arrested the 40 year old Russian man, Alexey Vegman, at his penthouse yesterday, April 4 on an accusation of illegally trading. Vegman reportedly denied all allegations and is now being questioned at the ECD office. Officers conducted raids at his penthouse and two other houses in the area and seized several items of evidence related to the crime including, seven laptops, three mobile phones, six electronic cards, 14 bank accounts, four cheque books, and nine secure pass devices. These secure pass devices are used to generate one-time passwords (OTPs) to access online financial transaction systems.

From Thai PBS World Former Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat bade farewell to parliament last night, saying that this debate may be the last of his political career, before the party is dissolved by the Constitutional Court. Making his closing speech at the end of the two-day general debate against the government, Pita, currently advisory chairman to the Move Forward party leader, talked about the party’s victory in the May 14 general election while missing out on the formation of the government. He gave his assessment of the poor performance of the Pheu Thai-led administration over the past seven months, ranging from its failure to carry out the reforms it promised to the lack of leadership by the prime minister, lack of vision, national agenda and any credible achievements. Pita said that he does not regret the fact that his party won the election and managed to cobble together 312 votes in parliament, against the Pheu Thai party’s 314, but ended up being pushed into opposition which, he added, is an important role in a democratic system. “I will never regret that this debate may be the last of my political career. There is no secret about it, everybody knows that my political career is hanging by a thread, but I am ready to walk away as a victor,” said Pita, adding that the likelihood of the dissolution of the Move Forward party will not prevent Thailand from moving towards change and will hasten the pace of the party’s advance toward victory. Given the responses of ministers against opposition MPs’ criticisms during the two-day debate, Pita said he regrets the loss of opportunities for the country, for the confidence placed in the government by the people and the support that his party gave to the government. Instead of the government’s “Ignite Thailand” slogan, the former Move Forward party leader said he would prefer the slogan “Darkness of Thailand”, as he pointed out the government’s “darkness” or failures in eight areas, among them being constitutional amendments, bureaucratic reform, economic stimulation, justice process reform and improved quality of life for the people.

Massage shops in Silom Soi 6 and Saphan Kwai. "Must go's" to the fifth power.

But they make up for it in the room. 🙂

Unfortunately, you're right. In the video below, what's so troubling is that passengers are still on board the vessel as the fire continues to burn unchecked. That they had to jump to save themselves suggests that the ferry had no evacuation plan and possibly no rafts. Fortunately, most seem to be wearing flotation vests. That no fatalities were reported can be credited to the response of other ferries and privater boaters who came to their assistance. Relatively warm and calm seas were another factor. Meanwhile, Thailand continues to pursue plans to acquire two new destroyers for its navy after legislators decided against a submarine purchase from China. In reality, what Thailand needs is a more robust coast guard to police ferry operations. It was just last December that a ferry to Koh Tao sank Seventy passengers and crew were rescued.

NOTE -- Emergency medical personnel who rushed to the aid of a 65-year-old Bangkok man whose engorged penis was stuck inside the mouth of a plastic bottle had a cautionary warning for those who take Viagra like meds. It's not unusual for them to receive calls from men who run into problems when using cock rings to maintain erections. From The Thaiger https://thethaiger.com/news/national/phallic-faux-pas-thai-man-gets-penis-stuck-in-plastic-bottle

Haven't had a feel good story for awhile until this account of a whale rescue made the news today. From The Thaiger Patong Beach in Phuket yesterday was the scene of a thrilling rescue operation as lifeguards hastened to save a melon-headed whale, a protected marine species in Thailand, that had been cast ashore. The event drew the attention of numerous tourists, who flocked around the site, cheering on the lifeguards during their daring rescue mission. The marine mammal, also known less frequently as the electra dolphin, little killer whale, or many-toothed blackfish, is a member of the oceanic dolphin family characterised by its unique head shape. Measuring no more than 2 metres in length, the small whale was safely carried up the beach using an expansive beach towel. The lifeguards then used a jet-ski to transport the marine creature to the deeper waters of Patong Bay, where they are now maintaining a vigil in case it makes a return. It’s worth noting that the melon-headed whale is seldom seen in Phuket, with the last reported sighting in local waters dating back to June 10, 2021. These marine mammals are more commonly spotted in Chon Buri and Songkhla provinces, where reports of them stranding on beaches are occasionally made, reported The Phuket News. Continues with photos and video https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/lifeguards-rescue-stranded-melon-headed-whale-at-phukets-patong-beach

From Pattaya News A British businessman and ex-pat died after falling on a glass door at his home near Pattaya on Wednesday morning. The door broke and impaled him in the chest area, relevant rescue teams told The Pattaya News. The tragic accident took place at a luxury one-story house located in a village in Moo 2, Huai Yai sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Sawang Boriboon rescue workers and Huay Yai police rushed to the scene at 7:10 AM yesterday, April 3rd, 2024, to find the victim, Mr. Gareth John Wilson, deceased in his bedroom. Mr. Gareth, 54, had suffered a large laceration to his chest, and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was discovered face-up in only black underwear. Police found at the scene a broken sliding glass door to the bathroom with bloodstains nearby. No signs of a struggle were found. Police believed that Mr. Gareth may have fallen on the glass door by accident, which subsequently broke and impaled him in the chest. Mr. Gareth’s wife, whose name has been withheld by police in light of the ongoing investigation, told police that the deceased had been out drinking with friends last night. He returned home in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The wife said her husband was about to enter the bathroom when he appeared to have experienced dizziness and fell on the glass door. The door the broke and impaled Mr. Gareth. However, Gareth was still alive and managed to walk to the bed only to pass away shortly later. Mr. Gareth’s body has been taken to the Police General Hospital for an autopsy. Police are awaiting the results of the autopsy before they can determine the exact cause of death.

From Pattaya Mail Cambodia and Thailand offer very different marketing strategies By Barry Kenyon Whilst the Thai premier Srettha Thavisin is pushing for international tourist growth by traditional means, Cambodian authorities are adopting a “dark” visitor scenario which urges visitors to delve into the country’s tragic past. The Cambodian tourist authority has upgraded facilities at the Tuol Sleng genocide museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, both based in or near Phnom Penh and the scene of atrocities associated with the Khmer Rouge era of the 1970s. Cambodia also hopes to have a bumper Khmer New Year festival (April 13-16) by promoting the eating of fried insects which are said to be full of protein and taste just fine. Hotels and businesses have been told to display the national flag outside their premises and images of the Royal family inside. They are also instructed to provide parking lots with clear signage to avoid vehicles blocking roads and highways. Meanwhile, Thailand has adopted a five point marketing plan according to the prime minister. These include providing a positive experience (24 hour helplines for example), encouraging Thai food and culture, exploring secondary provinces rather than the usual tourist centers and hosting world class events in sport and music. The fifth strand is to push for seamless travel in the Asean region by a “mini Schengen”, the idea that a visa for one country would remove the need to apply for a separate one to visit neighboring ones. Brian Williams, whose UK agency specializes in holidays to south east Asia, said both Thailand and Cambodia were seeking new strategies to promote a further growth in international arrivals. “Cambodia is trying to diversify its attractions beyond the archaeological ruins of Angkor Wat, whilst Thailand is adopting user-friendly strategies in its appeal.” He added that Thailand was also looking at extending its government-funded insurance schemes to cover foreigners hurt or killed in road and water accidents.

From Thai PBS World \ Photo by ᴍᴏɴsᴏᴏɴɢᴀʀʙᴀɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɪʟᴀɴᴅ The Marine Department has ordered an urgent investigation into the blaze which broke out this morning on a passenger boat floating near Koh Tao Island, off the coast of Surat Thani province. An initial investigation has revealed that the fire started in the engine room, but its cause is still being investigated, said the department’s Director General, Kritphet Chaihuay, today. The boat, carrying 90 passengers and eight crew, left Surat Thani at about 9:30pm last night, heading to Tao Island, he said, adding that authorities were alerted about the accident at approximately 6:40am this morning. The passengers and the crew jumped into the sea and rescue teams rushed to assist them. Other tour boats operating nearby also took part in the rescue effort. There were no injuries reported and the fire was extinguished by about 8:20am.

From Thai News Agency An Australian tourist, seemingly intoxicated, attacked a taxi driver, who told him not to smoke in the vehicle. The incident occurred on Wednesday about 30 meters away from Thalang Police Station in Phuket province. According to the taxi driver, he had picked up the tourist from Phuket International Airport and was en route to a hotel. When the tourist started smoking, he informed the tourist that smoking was not allowed in the vehicle. Then, the tourist crossed over from the back seat and grabbed him by the neck. He lost control of the vehicle, causing it to lurch forward and collide with a car in the front. The tourist has agreed to compensate for damages to both vehicles and has apologized. The taxi driver has also been taken to the hospital for a medical examination as part of the legal process. Police have filed charges against the tourist for “using violence against others” and have noted signs of alcohol intoxication during their investigation.

From Pattaya Mail The Department of Meteorology warns that Thailand is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius in the northern and central regions ahead of Songkran. Meanwhile, Bangkok and its surrounding areas are seeing temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Parts of the northeastern and eastern regions are experiencing some rainfall. Over the next 24 hours, low-pressure systems caused by the prevailing heat across Thailand will continue to bring hot and dry conditions, with clear skies expected during midday. The public is advised to take care of their health due to the extremely hot weather, avoiding prolonged outdoor activities. Additionally, strong southerly and southwesterly winds are expected to persist over the lower northeastern and eastern regions, bringing occasional thunderstorms and gusty winds. People in these areas should beware of the dangers posed by thunderstorms and strong winds, avoiding open areas, large trees, and weak signage.

NOTE -- Devin Nunes is chief executive officer of the Trump Media & Technology Group. 😛 From CNBC Trump Media sues its co-founders, accuses them of ‘severe mismanagement’ The media company that Donald Trump recently took public is suing its co-founders, accusing them of failing “spectacularly” to get the company off the ground and then trying to “thwart the deal.”

From The Thaiger The Thai government, under the directive of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is preparing to implement a 7% value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods valued at 1 baht and above, starting in May. Currently, goods sold for less than 1,500 baht (US$40) per parcel and imported into Thailand are exempt from VAT. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced these plans after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, asserting the new VAT collection is a move towards fairness for Thai small businesses. “VAT collection is to ensure fairness for small businesses in Thailand, as both foreign and domestic operators will have to pay taxes at the same rate.” The new tax measure is endorsed by Thanawat Malabuppha, honorary president and advisor of the Thai e-Commerce Association, who believes it will enhance the competitiveness of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He noted that low-priced Chinese goods, sold on e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop, have flooded the Thai market, causing intense price competition and disadvantaging local SMEs. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has underscored the need for better protection against the influx of cheap Chinese products to maintain their competitiveness. Chairman of the FTI, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, revealed that the import of Chinese products has led some local manufacturers, especially SMEs, to slash production by 50%.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon More than three months after “assessable” foreign income became taxable, many of Thailand’s expats are still swimming in a sea of uncertainty. Lots of advice online, but few definite answers. Senior officers from the Revenue have said little of late, although there has been a half-promise to the Swiss ambassador in a televised interview to print the tax identification forms in English as well as in Thai. There is a view amongst some Thai lawyers that we must wait until July for clarification on nitty-gritty issues such as double taxation treaties and the tax status of pensions. By that time, some expats will have passed 180 days of minimum residence necessary for tax liability in this category. However, other specialists argue that the Revenue needs not to clarify anything. After all, formal tax law did not change on January 1 2024. There was simply the closing of a tax loophole which had enabled Thais or foreigners to delay transferring income here until a subsequent year. Will all foreigners who spend half a year or more in Thailand be required to register with the Revenue by obtaining a tin (tax identification number) and submitting the required forms? The submission deadline for the calendar year 2024 will be in the January-March quarter of 2025. Revenue spokespersons have hinted at the all-inclusive scenario, but there has not been a formal declaration. Could the tax offices cope with the rush? There are some categories of foreign tax residents who will not be liable at all this year, for example those who do not transfer ANY foreign income to Thailand in 2024 as well as holders of the 10 year Longterm Residence Visa who are exempt from declaring any foreign income in any case. The fact that you may be required to submit forms does not mean that you are, in fact, liable to pay any Thai tax. But expats won’t welcome the envisaged bureaucracy and likely registration with two tax authorities: the home country and Thailand. There is also ambiguity about the precise status double taxation treaties. A retiree, for example, might argue – and indeed prove – he or she has paid taxes on pensions in the home country. But the Revenue could argue that the retiree could use those payments as a tax credit in Thailand rather than conceding a total immunity. Everyone agrees that the revised rules about foreign income are designed to catch Thais (and foreigners) making profits from untaxed overseas businesses and foreign exchange and crypto currency trading. The problem, needless to say, could be small fish being caught in the net alongside big ones. The optimistic view about the future is that tin registration will remain voluntary as, in fact, it always has been for Thai citizens. If you think you are liable for tax, then by all means register. If you try to cheat, the newish Common Reporting System – an automatic and international exchange of the financial information of individuals to combat tax evasion and ensure compliance – will expose your dealings. But if all expats living here for half a year or so are thrown into the same pit willy-nilly, then Thai authorities can expect non-working longstay expats to become an endangered species. Imagine the note on official publicity for one year extensions or for Elite visas: “You are reminded that you are required to register with the Thai Revenue’s tax identification system if staying in Thailand more than 180 days in a calendar year.” Not exactly marketing.

From Thai News Agency Deputy national police chief Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn also known as “Big Joke” on Tuesday surrendered himself in a money laundering case and was released on bail. Pol. Gen. Surachate acknowledged money laundering charges at the Tao Poon Police Station after a court issued an arrest warrant for him. He briefly spoke to the media, stating that he has entered the judicial process today and does not feel anxious about being dismissed from his official duties. He is currently in the stage of being accused, therefore he still considers himself innocent, he said. The arrest warrant was issued after he failed to answer three summonses for questioning. Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin, in his role as the Chairman of the Police Civil Service Commission, provided comments on the case involving the court’s approval of an arrest warrant for Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn in connection with alleged money laundering linked to online gambling. He said Deputy National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, who is currently serving as the acting National Police Chief, along with the legal team, will deliberate on whether Pol Gen Surachate will face suspension from duty. The decision will be announced this afternoon. He emphasized fairness for all parties involved

I've seen many prime ministers come and go but none has put tourism at the center of his agenda as has Srettha Thavisin. Last week he disclosed his strategy to build on those plans with a number of approaches. Although most are not particularly new, one--an ASEAN pass program--earned my attention. Unfortunately, he doesn't really flush out how it would function or whether any other SE Asian countries are on boar with the idea. Nevertheless I give him high marks for trying. ================== From Tourism Authority of Thailand Prime Minister Srettha reiterated the government’s commitment to boosting Thailand as a tourism hub to drive the economy and bring prosperity to the country. “The goal is to establish Thailand as a leading destination for tourists from around the world.” He stated that the government’s target of 3.5 trillion Baht in tourism revenue this year, with an aim to earn much more in the coming years, would be achieved through five strategies. Conceptualised at the “Ignite Thailand’s Tourism Workshop” held in Bangkok on 15 March 2024 with participation from public and private agencies, the strategies include elevating the tourist experience, promoting must-do activities, raising awareness of hidden-gem destinations, developing intra-regional travel linkage with neighbouring countries, and hosting more world-class events. Continues at https://www.tatnews.org/2024/04/pm-srettha-thavisin-outlines-vision-to-ignite-tourism-thailand/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pm-srettha-thavisin-outlines-vision-to-ignite-tourism-thailand

That's not always a good sign in Pattaya. 🙂 Start and finish trip in Bangkok.

Trump Media shoots up

Although I’m partial to SE Asians, consider Venezuelans among hottest guys on planet. Wish that knowledge cane to me earlier in life.

From The Thaiger The Department of Health of Thailand issued a warning against consuming live geckos in the belief that they can enhance sexual performance, stressing the lack of scientific evidence and potential health risks. Health authorities have raised alarms over a dangerous trend among middle-aged men in Thailand, involving the consumption of live geckos as a supposed sexual enhancement remedy. A 59 year old man named Sommai recently captured public attention by eating a gecko live on social media, claiming regular consumption would bolster health, offer an alternative to erectile dysfunction and improve one’s sexual performance within three hours. Atthapol Kaewsamrit, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, revealed that this online-shared information is not only baseless but also poses a significant health risk. There is no scientific research supporting the claim that geckos or similar creatures can enhance sexual prowess or treat diseases. Internationally, similar cases have been reported where Thai men consume raw geckos as a sexual performance enhancer, believing uncooked consumption yields optimal results. In reality, eating geckos and similar reptiles could lead to infection from protozoa present in these animals. Geckos and tokay geckos feed on live insects and small animals, which could be harmful to human health, potentially causing diarrhoea, gastrointestinal infections, or severe abdominal pain, said Atthapol.

From The Thaiger The fight against marine waste has taken a monumental step in Thailand with the official launch of the InterceptorTM 019, a solar-powered and fully automated device dedicated to capturing waste. This milestone is the result of joint efforts by The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch non-profit environmental engineering organisation, and its first global implementation partner, The Coca-Cola Company, along with a host of local partners in Thailand. The InterceptorTM 019 was set afloat on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on March 26, 2024. The device is a beacon of hope in curbing marine pollution in Thailand and the wider region. Capturing waste from the Chao Phraya River, will provide insight into the scale of plastic pollution in Bangkok’s waterways and inform strategies to improve waste management in Thailand. The InterceptorTM 019’s deployment is not an isolated event. It’s the fifth of its kind in Southeast Asia, following installations in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In partnership with Coca-Cola®, The Ocean Cleanup has also installed Interceptors in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Los Angeles, USA. It utilises solar energy for fully automated waste capture and is equipped with a conveyor belt, shuttle, lights, six dumpster bins, sensors, data transmission, and solar panels. Each Interceptor can collect between 50,000 to 100,000 pieces of debris daily, reported Bangkok Post.

I'm beginning to wonder if recalcitrant lad comes late for work on purpose. 🙂 From The Thaiger A Thai customer and netizens condemned the owner of a BBQ restaurant in Pattaya for brutally punishing her employees with beatings. A customer at the restaurant witnessed the owner’s punishment on her staff and shared a video of the incident on social media. In the video, the female restaurant owner is seen beating a male staff member wearing a red shirt with a wooden stick. The owner struck the man 11 times in front of other staff members and customers. The video quickly went viral, grabbing the attention of several Thai news agencies, prompting reporters to seek more details on the punishment. The customer, who shared the video, told PPTV HD that the male employee and five others were punished because they were late for work. The restaurant owner, 33 year old Yuwadee Boonsarn, later clarified the situation with several media outlets. Yuwadee clarified that beatings were the prescribed punishment for employees who arrived late to work. She added that this disciplinary measure was a rule unanimously agreed upon by all staff members at the restaurant. Yuwadee emphasised that she sought her employees’ consent for this punishment and they agreed without anger. Everyone involved signed an agreement, including Yuwadee, who stated she would also be subject to the same punishment if she arrived late. An 18 year old male employee in the video, Pacharapon Sidapromp, told PPTV HD that he was not angry at Yuwadee. He wanted netizens to understand that he and others agreed on the punishment. Another employee, 22 year old Nattawadee Komonwanit, defended Yuwadee as a kind employer who chose physical punishment over financial deductions. She urged netizens not to criticise Yuwadee, saying they worked together like family members. Continues with video https://thethaiger.com/news/national/pattaya-restaurant-owner-criticised-for-beating-her-employees

From Thai News Agency Senate Passes First Reading of Same-Sex Marriage Bill The Senate votes to accept the marriage equality bill in principle and establishes a committee for further study. The bill was endorsed by the lower house last week and forwarded to the Senate for consideration. The vote on Tuesday saw a significant majority of 147 in favor, 10 against, 7 abstaining out of 158 total members. The draft amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code or the marriage equality bill will replace terms such as “men and women” and “husband and wife,” with gender-neutral terms like “individuals” and “marriage partners” ensuring inclusivity for same-sex couples. Following this, a committee of 27 members will be established to further study the bill and propose amendments within 7 days. If it becomes the law, Thailand will be the first country in the Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex unions.