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From Thai PBS World Senior Advisor on Research and Policy at the HIV Research and Innovation Institute, Professor Dr. Praphan Phanuphak, has expressed optimism about Thailand’s ability to end AIDS. Ending AIDS as a public health threat as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal agenda was achievable if policymakers fully invested in community-led responses, and sectors worked together to support and revise policies and regulations that currently impede the work of community organizations, said Praphan, the first doctor to diagnose an AIDS patient in Thailand. “We just need a strong, genuine political commitment from our government that we can end AIDS within the lifetime within a 4-year period of this government by strong advocating on the HIV testing.” The Thai PM should lead Thailand by advocating for HIV testing once in a lifetime, the doctor said. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, is a global initiative to raise awareness, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. It provides an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV, reduce stigma, and promote education and understanding of the virus. This year’s theme, “Let Communities Lead,” aligns with Thailand’s innovative and effective community-driven approach in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

But you told us just how it works above. You mean that this isn’t how it works?

Have been traveling for the past week and just now got around to complerly reading this thread. When it first starred I thought OP would be grateful that so many chimed in about his situation and other things. Members here always go out of their way to help with inquiries, especially from newbies. Somehow I’m inclined to think he was just looking for opportunity to go out like drama Queen.

From The Nation Giant retail chain Big C is pushing its flagship branch — Big C Rajdamri — in the heart of Bangkok to be Thailand’s No. 1 shopping destination for tourists. The superstore in Pathumwan district features local brand products that make perfect souvenirs in representing Thailand’s charms and uniqueness to global audiences. Located in the heart of the city, opposite CentralWorld shopping mall and near the famous Erawan Shrine, Big C Rajdamri has gained a reputation among foreign tourists as a shopping landmark that offers Thai products and delicacies at affordable prices under one roof. The popularity of Big C Rajdamri has prompted the company to plan the launch of five new “tourist stores” in primary and secondary tourist cities across Thailand, for example, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai, with each location focusing on products that carry geographical indication (GI) of its respective province.

But you certainly cater to the clients needs by arranging their tours, taking their money and facilitating the delivery of the service. The question was is your entanglement in geopolitical arguments a wise business decision and not about freedom of speech. You expect us to believe that English-speaking guides who interact with English-speaking clients aren’t aware of forums like this?

From Thai PBS World Police name three in hunt for suspects in Khlong Toei shootings Bangkok police have asked the public to report any sightings or information on the whereabouts of three suspects wanted in connection with the fatal shootings of a school teacher and an Uthenthawai vocational student in the Khlong Toei area earlier this month. Arrest warrants have been issued for Anawin Kaewkeb, Abdulloh Dueramae and Nokvuth Ruangsri on charges of murder, illegal possession of and carrying of firearms in public without a permit, discharging a firearm in public and illegal assembly of more than five people for criminal activities. Mug shots of the three suspects have been posted on the Facebook page of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. A teacher from Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarida Sinprasert, was shot dead near her school on Sunthorn Kosa Road on November 11th and an Uthenthawai student was fatally shot by two gunmen riding a motorcycle in the same incident. The student died a few days later at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Eight suspects, most of them dropouts from a vocational college opposite the National Stadium, are currently being held in police custody. =========== The Bangkok Post is reporting that the suspects are among 84 members of an organized crime gang. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2692829/shooting-probe-unearths-macabre-student-gang

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A group of expats based in Pattaya, mainly holding one year extensions of stay for retirement or marriage, have written to Premier Srettha Thavisin to campaign for more humane treatment. Leader John Foulds, a British retiree, said that the government seemed to be interested only in expanding short term tourists by abolishing visas for mass markets, such as China and India, and easing the life of wealthy expat professionals on large salaries. He quoted the recent announcement about 10 year executive or professional work permits in the Eastern Economic Corridor offering specially discounted tax rates on earnings and confirming avoidance of 90 days reporting. Mr Foulds explained, “By contrast, there never seems to be any good news for the mainstay expats who have retired here on pensions or are supporting Thai wives and families over many years. Now it looks like we may be faced by demands to register with the Thai tax system because of changing revenue rules and face more hurdles in renewing their annual visas.” He suggested that expats on one year renewals should be exempt from revenue regulations, at any rate until the system was open and equitable. “The very idea that expats like me living on an already taxed pension need to produce a whole load of annual paperwork to justify why we should not be re-taxed is a very sour notion.” Amongst other visa complaints raised by the group are recent changes to the 90 day reporting system which require (in Chonburi) a new form and accompanying passport copies every three months, an increasing amount of paperwork required from Thai banks about the account holder’s cash balance and periodic alarm raised about compulsory medical insurance. “It’s as if older retirees in my position are being deliberately squeezed or forced into expensive visa options such as the 10-year Long Term Residence or 5-20 years Elite,” added Mr. Foulds. He said many retirees he knew were already planning to leave Thailand or relocate to more friendly visa regimes in Vietnam or Cambodia. Expat visas in Thailand are now a complex field of options, each with its own set of rules. More recent choices have been aimed at wealthier foreigners or those prepared to pay lavishly upfront for a specific number of years. As regards the traditional one year extensions of stay based on retirement and marriage, there are thought to be at least 300,000 mostly-male visa holders including a sizeable number financially supporting Thai wives and families. Although Thai immigration does not publish comprehensive data, there may be 200,000 more foreigners living here part time on tourist and non-immigrant visas which they use together with spells of time outside the country. A spokesperson for the Tourist Authority of Thailand said that she was well aware that the recent Thai revenue announcement had caused alarm in some expat quarters, but feedback was still being fed into headquarters. A representative of the Thai immigration hotline pointed out that the regulations for retiree and marriage annual extensions had remained basically the same for the past 15 years, if subject to some minor local variations. Given Thailand’s former good reputation as a retirement haven and the high daily spending by many foreigners with annual retiree or family permits, Mr. Foulds’ group is advising the Thai premier not to ignore these contributions to the national coffers. A sizeable market is in danger of being lost.

So I guess that means it certainly doesn’t need your particular expertise, DOA.

As Totally Oz suggested, I think you should pursue your dream of happiness. You may find that you’re a people person after all.

Thai LionAir is investigating an engine fire incident that occurred when one of its planes took off from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport. After reaching 6,000 feet, passengers noticed shaking and sparks from the right wing’s engine. The pilot promptly shut down the engine and safely landed the plane back at the airport. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2692354/thai-lionair-to-probe-engine-fire-over-don-mueang

The Bangkok Post is reporting that he took his own life, citing a coroner’s report. A very sad conclusion to tho mystery of his death. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2673583/wild-boars-captain-took-his-own-life

From Tourism Authority of Thailand Loi Krathong is celebrated annually in Thailand on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which this year falls on 27 November. All around Thailand, people gather in the evening at lakes, rivers, canals, and beaches to float krathong, which are banana leaf rafts, decorated with flowers, incense and candles, as a way of paying respect to the river goddess. This year, TAT hosts the Loi Krathong Festival at the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, near the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong). The celebration takes place through to 28 November with main activities scheduled on 25-27 November from 16.00-21.00 Hrs. and run until midnight on the full moon night. https://www.tatnews.org/2023/11/tats-loi-krathong-festival-2023-kicks-off-thailand-winter-festival

Moses, you operate a network of guides who cater particularly to the gay community. Do you believe it’s a wise business decision to become entangled in geopolitics with the same population? Just curious but a serious question nonetheless.

There was one in Soi Thaniya but has since closed. Here’s link to one at Mitrtown center in Samyan, a 15-minute walk or one stop away on MRT from Silom. https://www.celebrityfitness.co.th/clubs/samyan-mitrtown I think there’s another in Siam Paragon.

Hot Male beer bar on street level (just below Hot Male show bar on Patpong 2) would be good starting place (waiters are offable, btw). Four other show bars stone’s throw away: Screw Boy, SOL’s, Fresh Boy and Dream Boy.

Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a hell of a racist.

Trust me, they laugh at people like you.

From Pattaya Mail proposal to tax foreign income next year could end up in court By Barry Kenyon A former chairman of Baker McKenzie, the influential legal services firm based in Bangkok, has suggested that the controversial Thai Revenue announcement could be contested in court. Kitipong Urapeepattanapong, as reported in Thai Examiner, said that the Revenue was reinterpreting an existing code which has been in operation for 38 years. It is neither a law nor an administrative or ministerial regulation and could well be challenged in court with a good chance of success. He argued that a new law or a royal decree was necessary in these circumstances. The Revenue last September issued a decree that, starting in January 2024, tax must be paid on income brought in from abroad from another jurisdiction no matter when the cash was generated. This changed the 1985 regulation that arriving income was only taxable if transferred in the same year it was earned. Many expats, probably most, are worried that the Revenue will start taxing them on income already taxed in the home country, mainly pensions and social security payments. If they live in Thailand for more than 180 days in a year, they are regarded as residents liable for taxation. Kitipong said that his standpoint was shared by other notables, including a former supreme court judge, although the Revenue would presumably argue that its recent statement is simply an enforcement decree which does not require parliamentary intervention. The whole issue joins many other doubts and ambiguities which continue to plague the whole subject. There is no doubt that the Revenue means to target principally Thais or foreigners who enjoy business profits abroad, are currency speculators or have funds in offshore accounts including Hong Kong. But the Revenue has remained silent for the past two months and claims to be collecting information from stakeholders. Law firm commentators in Bangkok divide into two groups. Some believe that typical expats have nothing to fear if living here on cash already taxed in the home country. They often quote double-taxation treaties which Thailand has made with around 60 countries. Others, however, point out that double-taxation treaties are all different and don’t necessarily reassure on points of concern currently spotlighted in Thailand. Not to mention the potential paperwork which expats might have to fill in annually to convince the Revenue of their exempted status. Some are suggesting that large sums should be transmitted to Thailand before the end of 2023. Meanwhile the waiting game for clear information drags on and on. The real answer, of course, is for Thailand to follow the example of Singapore and Hong Kong where the only income tax levied is on cash specifically earned in their own specific territories.

I find that particularly comforting, knowing that you are subject to whims of Putin.

From Thai PBS World Vocational student shot dead in Bangkok’s Dusit district Monday morning Bangkok police have launched a manhunt for three men, riding two motorcycles, who shot and killed a 16-year-old vocational student on Ranong 2 Road in the Dusit district of Bangkok on Monday morning. The victim has been identified as a second-year student at Dusit Technical College. He was found dead on the pavement. A pen pistol with a .38 calibre bullet in the chamber was found near his body. Police have questioned the victim’s friend, who reportedly said that he left the college on a motorcycle to pick the victim up, after he had disembarked from a bus on Rama V Road, opposite the entrance to Ranong 2 Road. He said the victim told him he was being followed by three men riding two motorcycles, wearing black and full face crash helmets. He said they stopped in the middle of the road, then rushed toward him, one welding a knife. He then heard a gunshot and the victim collapsed. The three perpetrators escaped towards the Rama V Road. ————- From Coconuts Bangkok Klong Toei shooting: University student succumbs to injuries after 8 days in hospital A university student who was the target of a shooting by vocational school students last week has tragically passed away. Thanasorn “Yod” Hongsawat, 19, succumbed to his injuries yesterday evening after he was shot by two assailants on Sunthonkosa road, Klong Toei on Nov. 11 in what was believed to be motivated by an inter-school rivalry. The victim was a first-year student at Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus. He was shot twice in the chest and once in the neck, and was rushed to Chulalongkorn Hospital where he remained for eight days, during which the medical staff said he developed a blood infection. Phoraphimol, the victim’s mother, tearfully said she had been by his side at the hospital and that he passed away at 8pm yesterday.

You’re just pissed because you weren’t among them.

One Spa, the newest of the shops, assigned number 220 to its most recent staff addition. Although some of the original guys have since moved on, the shop can boast of most numbers followed by KK Massage just down the road. Since they’re all free agents, many appear on both rosters.

From Thai PBS World Police have arrested a Myanmar man and a Cameroonian on suspicion that they were involved in the murder of a Taiwanese man, whose body was found in a hotel room on Udomsuk Road in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok yesterday. The two suspects have been identified as Myanmar national Zwe Lin Pyae and John Agbor from Cameroon. Pol Lt-Gen Thiti Saengsawang, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said today that police are looking for a third suspect, a Caucasian, who is still at large. The suspect claimed that he was hired by a Thai woman follow the Taiwanese man, adding that he later had an appointment with the woman and two other men at a coffee shop in the Thon Buri area, during which the woman told them that the Taiwanese man was rich and she wanted him robbed. The second suspect, the Cameroonian, was arrested by the police later, but has denied any involvement.

Had the opportunity to view this exhibit today. It’s arranged by major events and regions. I began making mental notes of images I thought would be among the most memorable but I soon gave up. There were simply far too many to keep track of. My emotions ranged from anger to despair but in the end it was an overwhelming aversion to violence and inhumanity. And it was in almost every case the eyes of the victims that conveyed what I’m sure James Nachtwey wanted us to bear witness.

From Pattaya News A Taiwanese tourist was found dead under suspicious circumstances yesterday at his accommodation in Bangkok. He had arrived in Thailand just two days before, according to the Royal Thai police. The body of 47-year-old Chu Chiang Chen was discovered yesterday morning, November 16th, at his hotel on Soi Udomsuk (Sukhumvit 103), Bangna district, Bangkok. Bangna police chief Pol. Col. Suraphong Sukyam stated that police officers found the man lying deceased beside a bed with his legs and arms tied up. The victim’s room is located on the sixth floor of the hotel, whose name was withheld pending further investigation. Chu was found face-down with signs of possible foul play, said Pol. Col. Suraphong. Upon police inspection of the man’s room, several items were found scattered and ransacked. Police took pictures of the incident scene as evidence before transferring the body to the police hospital for a post-mortem examination. A hotel clerk, whose name was withheld by police, revealed that the man checked into the hotel on November 14th at 12:43 PM. He was alone, the clerk said.