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From NHK Newsline A Japanese steam train that used to run on the Thai-Burma 'Death Railway' plies the rails in Thailand today thanks to the loving care of Thai mechanics. Continues with video https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240117203211249/

Recently noticed I hadn't received mileage credit for my last trip to bkk so called airline customer service. Since I was crediting miles to a partner account, they told me to contact that airline to initiate the process. Thought it was unusual work around but I followed through. The partner (AA) took my flights numbers and ticket number and said they would submit form to carrier (CX). Five days later received email from AA customer support, requesting copies of ticket receipt and boarding passes. I hadn't retained boarding passes for outbound flights but did manage to find my return boarding passes still in my carry on backpack. Sent those along today. Lesson learned: Don't dispose of those boarding passes until you've seen the miles on your account, especially when itinerary involves partner carriers.

From The Nation Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol on Wednesday unveiled seven policies to promote the tourism and sports industry in 2024 to secure the revenue target for tourism set by the government of 3.5 trillion baht, the same amount as was recorded in 2019 before the pandemic. Sudawan said total tourism revenue in 2023 was slightly over 2 trillion baht, missing the target by 380 billion baht. For this year, the ministry is eyeing the same revenue as in 2019 as it believes the tourism industry will fully recover from the impact of Covid-19. Sudawan explained that of the 3.5 trillion-baht target, 2.3 trillion baht would be coming from foreign arrivals of about 40 million people. Domestic tourists, meanwhile, will contribute 1.2 trillion baht from around 200-220 million persons-trips. The ministry said the policies to help achieve the target will focus on promoting Thailand as a quality destination, improving tourists’ safety and convenience, as well as promoting the country’s soft powers to attract foreign visitors. The seven policies are: 1. Focusing on quality tourism aimed at both domestic and overseas target groups. This can be achieved by promoting big events in Thailand all year round, including the Songkran festival and Chinese New Year, as well as events in second-tier provinces. 2. Harnessing all forms of soft power to attract visitors to Thailand, such as sports events and other cultural products. 3. Improving safety and hospitality standards to ensure foreign arrivals of a safe and convenient stay in Thailand and working with law enforcement in eradicating practices that take advantage of tourists. 4. Working with local communities to further promote sustainable tourism. 5. Using tourism to strengthen relationships among countries in the Southeast Asian region through the Asean Connect initiative. 6. Promoting physical activities and basic sports across all regions of Thailand, including activities for seniors, the disabled and the underprivileged, as well as e-sports, which have high economic potential. 7. Hosting international sports events in Thailand and preparing Thai athletes for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. As for revenue from sports, the ministry aims to secure a 1% share or 455.8 billion baht of the total revenue of the global sports industry, which is worth 45.58 trillion baht.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Anticipating the legalization of gay marriage later this year, the Thai health department boss is advocating revision of the Surrogacy Act to allow homosexual couples to adopt a baby via a surrogate mother. Director general Atchara Nithiapinyasakul said the move was part of her recommendations to tackle the falling birth rate in Thailand where annual deaths now exceed births. Thailand is facing the prospect of a severe shortage of indigenous employees and intense international competition for more guest workers from neighboring countries. Thailand’s laws are now strict after a slew of scandals in the past where Thai doctors and Chinese agents were involved in international surrogacy syndicates. Current legislation bans all commercial surrogacy and largely limits heterosexual couples who have been married at least three years – at least one of whom must be a Thai national – to having the services of a female relative who is willing to carry and give birth to the baby solely for altruistic reasons. All other avenues such as surrogacy tourism or international or cross-border surrogacy are banned, as is homosexuality in this context. Dr Atchara said that the collapsing number of births in Thailand needed urgent attention lest, by the end of the century, 14 million Thais of working age will have the responsibility for the care of nearly 2 million pensioners. She said paid maternity and paternity leave, child allowances and fertility clinics were all needed as well as changes in the current law. “This is not just a matter of fertility but also of national security,” she said in her proposals to the Thai Cabinet stressing that the pool of economically active Thais is shrinking fast. Assuming that gay marriage soon becomes legal in Thailand, which is very likely in view of the support by major political parties, the surrogacy issue is one of many diverse subjects – including pensions and wills – which will require attention in numerous laws and directives often dating back decades. Many health experts agree that the legalization of the surrogacy industry would better protect the natural mother’s rights and stamp out the underground market. Some go further and argue that the sending of frozen eggs and sperm abroad should also be legalized to create income for the national coffers.

If you're wondering why money changers are so demanding that US $100 banknotes are in pristine condition it's because it's among the most frequently counterfeited note circulating in the Kingdom. So brazen are the crooks who deal in the business that they've now begun offering their wares on LINE. This Bank Post article describes how police ordered $80,000 in bogus currency and nabbed the sellers at the transfer point. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2725727/duo-arrested-with-fake-dollar-bills-worth-b2-8m

From Pattaya News Korean Tourist Reports 200,000 Baht Gold Necklace Stolen by Transwomen on Pattaya Beach A Korean tourist in Pattaya is calling for justice after he claimed to be robbed of a nearly 200,000 Baht gold necklace by transgender suspects on January 11th, 2024. Seongmu Heo, 51, and his Thai friend, Ms. Surat Kongin, 43, took the incident to The Pattaya News on January 16th. They claimed that Mr. Seongmu was robbed by a group of three transgender women near Soi 5-6 on Pattaya Beach on January 11th. Ms. Surat stated to The Pattaya News that Mr. Seongmu traveled to Pattaya on January 1st, 2024. On January 11th, he had finished dinner on Soi 2 and decided to go for a walk at the beach around 8 PM. Then Mr. Seongmu described a group of three transgender women approaching him and asking if he wanted to accompany them for erotic services, which he declined. They subsequently attempted to hug him, to which Mr. Seongmu responded by pushing them away. The group then left; however, upon checking his neck later, Mr. Seongmu discovered that his 5-baht-weight gold necklace, worth over 190,000 baht, was missing. The Korean tourist immediately reported the theft to Pattaya Police. However, Mr. Seongmu alleged that he was later informed by the police that the crime scene area did not have a CCTV camera and that the police still weren’t able to find the suspects. Disappointed with the police response and the lack of leads, Mr. Seongmu publicly urged the police to prioritize his case and apprehend the suspects as soon as possible. He felt the police hadn’t done enough to solve the case, citing the necklace carried a high value, and it has been days since he reported the theft The Pattaya News will provide the police’s response as soon as it becomes available.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Around 10,000 British nationals living in Thailand have been given the chance to vote even if they have lived overseas for more than 15 years. The total worldwide is believed to be over three million, a massive theoretical boost to the UK electoral franchise. The move follows a change in the law which abolished a previous residency curb and is well in time for the next general election, likely to be held later this year. The detail continues to emerge. Expats will have to scan their passport and prove their national insurance number and date of birth. Documentation will also be necessary to show the last UK address together with the expat’s full name. This could be a UK driving licence, even if expired, credit card statement, correspondence from UK central or local government or the inland revenue or other foolproof evidence. For those without such guarantees, an “attestor”, a UK voter, will be able to attest personal details. Pattaya Mail asked 40 Brits, mostly in Jomtien, if they were likely to vote and handed them a summary information sheet. Many said that the registration detail was too complex and noted that a reapplication every three years was required. “There are too few world expats spread around 650 UK constituencies and most simply won’t bother to register online or by snail mail,” said one 68 year old. Another stated, “What expats want in Thailand is the unfreezing of their state pensions, not the chance to dance round domestic politics.” But others were more optimistic, believing for example that getting involved in British politics was the best way of unfreezing state pensions or restoring the right of the British embassy in Bangkok to issue confirmation of income letters to British retirees. Those surveyed were interviewed on January 16 and included 30 men and 10 women. In answer to the question “Are you likely to vote in the next UK general election?” only eight answered in the positive. The rest were unlikely voters or plainly uninterested. However, one respondent did admit that Pattaya’s British expats were mostly over 70 and notoriously indifferent to home politics. “They fled abroad to get away from this stuff in the first place,” he said.

From MSN Art is in the air at Bangkok’s townsquare for three days, as Colorful Bangkok Expo 2024 is here for all the artsy people of the city. Famous for being fenced off for political protestors, the Lan Khon Mueang Townsquare in front of Bangkok City Hall is about to get a very vibrant makeover for three days: 18-21 January, 2024. In this expo, you’ll get to walk through an art market with more than 90 stalls featuring Bangkok artists and designers. It’s a great way to support local talents as they showcase their works and put up their art up for sale. Colorful Bangkok Expo 2024 is created to transform Lan Khon Mueng Townsquare into more of an artspace and potentially exposing people of Bangkok to art. This time, we’re really up close and personal. Entry is free of charge. Link to event schedule of activities https://www.msn.com/th-th/news/other/colorful-bangkok-expo-2024-to-turn-the-townsquare-into-a-space-full-of-art/ar-AA1n3kVT

I follow fairly simple tipping formula. For bar or other "offs", I tip the agreed amount. If guy asks for more, I'll give him taxi fare. I'll always ask him if he wants to get something to eat before or after and never factor that cost into tip. For massage shops with minimum tip, I tip 200 extra if he showers with me so that's usually 1200 for an hour. For shops without minimum tip, I tip in the same range for a satisfactory service. There are, of course, exceptions for "exceptional" service. We all define exceptional by different standards but we know it when we experience it. In both cases, the best extra I can offer a guy is my repeat business. I'm usually in town for a month or two and have ample opportunity to do so. In the past when I agreed to an off's request for an extra 500 or 1000 (and the service was not out of the ordinary), it quickly became known to others who worked that bar that I could be manipulated. I'm not suggesting this is the way others should tip; it's just the way I do. Tipping is and always should be an individual matter.

Get adjoining room.

From NHK Newsline JAL pilots: What happened and how they evacuated burning jet More details have emerged about the collision between a JAL jet and a Japan Coast Guard plane at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2. The following link contains new and updated information, videos and visual reconstructions of the crash and the evacuation following interviews with the captain and two co-pilots. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/2976/index.html

From Thai PBS World Pol General Roy Inkhapairote, a deputy national police chief, has been appointed the new secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) – the second police general to assume the post. The previous NSC secretary-general, General Supot Malaniyom, retired at the end of September, since when his deputy, Chatchai Bangchuad, has been acting NSC chief. The appointment of Roy, 59, was approved at an NSC meeting chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on January 5 and is expected to be endorsed by the Cabinet on Tuesday (January 16). The NSC’s top job has often been held by an Army general, particularly over the past decade. The last five NSC chiefs have been retired Army generals – all of them serving under the nine-year term of previous PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha. Of the 23 chiefs of the NSC, since it was established in 1959 to replace the Kingdom’s Defense Council, 17 had military backgrounds (15 from the Army and two from the Air Force), five were civilians, and one was from the police force. Pol General Wichien Poteposri was the first police officer to become NSC secretary-general, serving for a year between October 2011 and September 2012. The national police chief Wichien was appointed as NSC chief after the incumbent, Thawil Pliensri, was removed from his seat. Thawil’s removal led to a case filed with the Constitutional Court against then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. In early May 2014, the court found Yingluck guilty of power abuse, which resulted in her removal as the caretaker PM and defense minister. Wichien was replaced as police chief by Pol General Priewphan Damapong, a relative of Yingluck. Roy’s appointment as NSC chief was delayed after the previous NSC meeting to consider the matter was postponed indefinitely from November 2. PM Srettha explained that certain legal complications needed to be resolved first, but he denied there was any conflict related to the appointment. In September, Roy failed in his bid to become the national police chief despite being the most senior of the four deputy police chiefs vying for the seat. However, PM Srettha nominated deputy police chief Pol General Torsak Sukvimol, the least senior candidate among the four, to the top job at the Royal Thai Police, and most Police Commission members voted for Torsak. Rumors emerged at the time that Roy would be moved to become the new NSC secretary-general. He initially wanted to remain in the police force but later changed his mind – reportedly after being persuaded that the appointment was compensation for his being denied the police chief’s position. Roy’s old post is expected to be taken by assistant police chief Pol Lt-General Prachuab Wongsuk, who reportedly enjoys close ties with the Shinawatra family. Observers reckon that as a new deputy police chief, Prachuab will become a contender for the top police job this September, as current officeholder Torsak is due to retire in October. Prachuab was assigned to oversee security and traffic plans for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on August 22 when he returned to Thailand to face imprisonment for corruption after 15 years of self-imposed exile overseas. Thaksin, who arrived at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport on a private jet, was taken to a nearby police station, court, and prison under escort by Prachuab. Born on August 6, 1964, Roy graduated from the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School and the Royal Police Cadet Academy. He obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Ramkhamhaeng University. Later in his police career, Roy completed a professional course of study for international law enforcement managers from the FBI National Academy in the US. After graduating from the Royal Police Cadet Academy, Roy first joined the police force as a deputy inspector at the Crime Suppression Division. He later moved to other units in the Royal Thai Police, including the Special Branch, Forensic Science Division, Highway Police, Tourist Police, Immigration Bureau, Central Investigation Bureau, and Police Education Bureau. As deputy police chief, Roy is in charge of security and special affairs while overseeing the Police Cyber Taskforce and the Anti-Fake News Center. He was also tasked with overseeing security during previous elections and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Bangkok in November 2022.

A little Lao can go a long way!

Great way to bounce back!

NOTE -- Take extra care in entering the given name and family name in correct places. Be extra careful if you are buy a ticket for a traveling companion. From Tourism Authority of Thailand The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to advise non-Thai passengers travelling on domestic flights in Thailand that they must adhere to the rules on boarding pass and identity verification process announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), effective from 16 January 2024. CAAT has heightened the rules which require the passenger’s name on the boarding pass to exactly match the passenger’s government-issued identification documents. The boarding pass can be in a form of: A paper boarding pass issued either at an airline’s check-in counter, self-service kiosks, or via the airline’s check-in website. A PDF file issued and sent to passengers by the airline and can be shown via a mobile phone or other electronic devices. An e-boarding pass that can be shown via the airline’s mobile application or application wallet, or an e-mail sent by the airline. A boarding pass that is screen-captured from a mobile phone or other electronic devices is not applicable. This is except for when a passenger validation system or a boarding pass barcode reader, or a boarding pass scanner is applied at the airport. Along with the boarding pass, non-Thai passengers travelling on domestic flights are required to present a government-issued identification document. In normal circumstances, non-Thai passengers must present their boarding pass along with one of the following documents: • Original passport issued by the state of the nationality of passport holder. • Original UN Laissez-Passer. • Original travel document for refugees and people seeking asylum issued by the United Nations or by the government of issuing countries. In case of lost passport or identification documents, non-Thai passengers must provide one of the following documents: • Original emergency passport or emergency travel certificate. • Original non-Thai ID Card issued by Department of Provincial Administration of Thailand. • Original driving license issued by Department of Land Transport of Thailand. TAT wishes all visitors a safe journey and a relaxing holiday in Thailand.

No worse place to be when feeling ill than plane, train, boat or bus.😞

Just want to pit in a good word for the half-dozen SE Asian entries that represent about 25% of the list. 2. Bali, Indonesia 4. Hanoi, Vietnam 10. Hoi An, Vietnam 15. Bangkok, Thailand 18. Phuket, Thailand 21. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Glad to hear of your good luck, Keith!

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation On the small Thai island of Koh Samui, Niall Harbison sets out every day to feed dozens and dozens of street dogs. Hearing the familiar sound of his moped, "they all come running out, wagging tails and they're delighted," said Harbison, author of Hope: How Street Dogs Taught Me the Meaning of Life. "They're like, 'Oh there's the little Irishman coming.'" Harbison's book details his efforts to feed, sterilize and rehome some of the 6,000 stray dogs on Koh Samui, a fraction of the estimated 1.6 million stray dogs in Thailand. Videos of the dogs he rescues from abuse and malnourishment have gained him more than a million followers online. But while he's been busily saving dogs, he says those dogs have also saved him. Harbison moved to Thailand in 2018 amid a deteriorating addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs. "There's a good chance I'd be dead, I'd say. I'm not even joking … I was addicted to Valium, and I was drinking three bottles of wine a day," he told The Current's Matt Galloway. Years before he moved to Thailand, Harbison was a private chef on the yacht of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, serving celebrity guests like Bono. In 2009, he pivoted to media and marketing, setting up and later selling two social media companies. Beneath that success, Harbison was dealing with depression and anxiety, and using alcohol to cope. His move to Koh Samui was partly in search of a healthier life, but by the end of 2020, he landed in the ICU after a heavy binge of alcohol and prescription drugs. Harbison lay in that hospital bed over New Year's Eve, convinced he was dying as he listened to the fireworks outside. "I just said, 'God, there has to be something more to life than what I lived, there has to be something that has some meaning,'" he said. After three days in hospital, Harbison was discharged in early January 2021 to recover at home. He spent the year rebuilding his health, and thinking about what is important to him in life. While out walking one day in early 2022, he stopped to feed some dogs in the jungle. He came back the next day to feed them again — and soon it was a daily ritual, feeding more and more dogs as weeks turned into months. Continues with photos and video https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/niall-harbison-thailand-street-dogs-1.7074526

Indeed agree. The ""extra earnings" doubles the minimum. Hell of a lot better than halving their earnings!

Ans sometimes that's a good thing.

From Pattaya News The Pattaya Entertainment Industry Association highly praised the Thai government’s policy of extending entertainment opening hours until 4 AM, citing its positive impact on the local economy, and urging further expansion of legal entertainment zones. The extended hours, officially implemented on December 15th, 2023, as part of a pilot program in five provinces, have garnered positive feedback from a large number of Pattaya business owners. According to Mr. Damrongkiat Phinijkarn, secretary-general of the Pattaya Entertainment Industry Association, most entertainment businesses reported a significant increase in daily income, ranging from 20-30%, since the longer hours were implemented. This success translates to benefits for employees as well. Mr. Damrongkiat revealed that service staff and waiters are seeing their daily earnings increase by 300-500 baht, translating to roughly 9,000-15,000 baht per month. This extra income has reduced their reliance on the government’s assistance programs and greatly improved the financial well-being of their families, Mr. Damrongkiat stated. “This policy is a game-changer for our nightlife community and the local economy as a whole,” said Mr. Damrongkiat. “We express our sincere gratitude to the government for listening to our pleas and implementing these measures.” However, the association also urges the government to consider expanding legal entertainment zones in Pattaya. They believe the current Entertainment Places Act, which has been in place for 21 years, is hindering the city’s development and limiting its potential. In response to public concerns surrounding the zone expansion, Mr. Damrongkiat stated that balancing the needs of entertainment venues with local residents with the concerns is crucial. He emphasized that operators must manage noise carefully to ensure minimal disruption to residents and non-nightlife tourists seeking a peaceful experience. Proposed areas for expansion of legal nightlife and entertainment zones are parts of Jomtien, especially around the popular gay nightlife area at Jomtien Complex and Soi 7 area, parts of Naklua around the Space Hotel, Third Road to Sukhumvit, and perhaps even parts of Eastern Pattaya.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Pattaya Mail continues to receive so many enquiries about when Thai Revenue will publish a voluminous explanation of who exactly will need to pay tax under its much-publicized enforcement beginning January 1 2024. Of course, we don’t know and maybe the answer is never. But we explore below the issue from the Revenue point of view rather than from the perceptions of potential expat payees whether in panic mode or not. Although most income tax payers are Thais, and always will be, the article examines only the expat perspectives. There’s no hurry is there? Any international cash transfers to Thailand from January 1 are not in any case taxable upon entry. Thailand does not operate a PAYE system and those with tax to pay will only record transactions on their income tax form – for the financial year 2024 – in the period January to March 2025. Eleven months to go. Tax registration voluntary. The Thai tax system has always operated on an honour basis, relying on voluntarism for the most part, quite unlike the mandatory requirements of the internal revenue services in the UK or most of Europe. It is unlikely that this situation will change quickly in Thailand, not least because the officers would be overwhelmed if a compulsory registration was introduced. In any case, Revenue has many other national fish to fry including VAT, commercial activity within Thailand etc. But we should add that financial penalties can be, and are, levied on those deliberately hiding taxable income. So will I be required to obtain a TIN or tax registration identification? Up to you. Some expats, for example with work permits, already file tax returns via their TIN. If you believe you are a Thai taxpayer, go ahead. Examples include currency speculators, investors in tax free overseas enterprises and holders of off-shore bank accounts for example in Hong Kong or Singapore. Digital nomads could be caught in this particular net but not if they stay in Thailand less than half the year. The vast majority of TIN holders use the services of a tax accountant since the detail can be complex. Are there specific exemptions? Amongst those who do not need to file are foreigners with less than six months Thai residency in a year, those who do not bring any overseas cash into Thailand in the entire year 2024 and those with a 10-year Long Term Residency visa whose benefits include specific exemption from the particular issue we are discussing here. Thai Revenue, of course, could add to this list at any time. What about pre-taxed income and double taxation? Ah yes the million dollar question! Double taxation agreements are not holiday reading and are not primarily concerned with the welfare of pensioners, so don’t expect too much. The best advice, endorsed by major tax accountants in Thailand, is to assume that pre-taxed pensions and income are exempt from the current Revenue enforcement unless and until a government source tells you otherwise. That applies whether your home country has a double taxation agreement or not. What is the Thai Revenue rationale? To raise more cash on behalf of the Thai government to help pay for populist schemes is the most likely answer. But the Revenue hasn’t changed a lot of detail in its enforcement decree. It simply says tax must now be paid on foreign income no matter in what year that was brought into Thailand. The old rule, which covered Thais and expats too, stated that tax was due only if the cash was brought into the country in the same tax year it was earned. So what’s different? The vast majority of countries (exceptions include North Korea, Afghanistan and the Vatican) are now operating a standard reporting system which means that financial institutions worldwide report information on customers who are resident outside of the country where they hold their accounts. In means, in practice, your international transactions as a Thai tax resident are visible to Thai Revenue. Many commentators believe that, in the early years, the Revenue will be on the lookout for those who, in the past, effectively used tax loopholes to make vast profits. That’s probably not you. And it’s certainly not me.

From Pattaya Mail By Jessataporn Bunnag, attorney at law Expats know, or should know, that making a Thai will is good practice and will ease your passing at any rate for those named as beneficiaries. We still see poorly drawn up wills which, for example, name two independent witnesses as beneficiaries or contain ambiguous wording or even omit the signature of the testator. Of course, the Thai court will acknowledge only a will in the Thai language, though it is common practice these days for an English translation to be included. But it is only the Thai version which can be assessed for probate. Photocopies of originals of relevant documents should be attached to the will. This may include house or condo ownership proof, the ID page of Thai bank accounts, registration papers of vehicles etc. For smaller items such as jewelry or house furniture and contents it may be useful to include a statement such “and all other items belonging to me and not mentioned above”, of course making clear who gets what. If the testator has assets in more than one country, it is highly desirable to make a separate will(s) for each jurisdiction. The executor, Thai or foreigner, must appear in person before the Thai judge assessing probate and may be asked questions about the deceased, such as the family tree. Normally in Thailand, the bulk of the assets will be inherited by next of kin or nearest and dearest. The will needs to spell out the reasoning if, for example, a son or daughter is excluded. In a recent case, a foreigner in his will did exclude his son, but attached paperwork to show that the younger man had received a large cash sum to open a business two years previously and had accepted this was his share of the inheritance. If there is still a problem, the probate judge may well invite the disputants to settle the issues but will make a unilateral decision if necessary. In serious cases, the probate will be reviewed by the appeal court (in Rayong for Pattaya area cases) and can only be referred to the supreme court in Bangkok if the appeal judges so agree. Appeals can be both expensive and time consuming, hence the all importance of writing a will in the first place which will stand close scrutiny. In summary, it’s best to remember that comprehensive and unambiguous documentation is the key to smooth passing in the world of wills.

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