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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.

Best cruising apps ever invented...and they're free.

I think the industry term for used is frequently "refurbished." If you put that in your search engine it might improve results.

Exactly. For my first five or so years of Bangkok visits, Robinson’s marked the beginning of some of the city’s best street cruising. It included the entire block of Rama IV from Silom to Surawong. Many uni students from the school across the way.

Haven’t been to a blk sauna in over a decade but I’d suggest two places that have received fairly good reports on these pages in the past year or so. Sauna Mania is in easy walking distance of Silom. Although it attracts a young crowd, some members report enjoying their visits. 39 Underground Sauna is a short walk from Saphan Kwai BTS. Attended by a local crowd of mixed age, it reportedly welcomes foreigners. Use this site’s search engine for more information.

You've received very sound advice above that covers everything you're likely to encounter on your trip. Macaron's is certainly the most detailed and comprehensive. You won't go wrong with his tip suggestions. The only thing that I'd add is to go in feeling comfortable and at ease. If the first thing your masseur does when he enters the room is smile and introduce himself, that's an encouraging sign. If he doesn't, don't hesitate to smile and introduce yourself and offer to shake hands. Say your name and ask him his. Most guys will have enough English for that exchange. Then allow the experience to unfold. Actually, that's the signal that your tip recommendations represent the mainstream of practice. The sign of a true consensus is when what you say fully satisfies no one on either side of the debate. 🙂

KFC location, KFC man 🙂 Silom and Rama 4

Fro Newstalk (NZ) Best destinations in the world 1. Dubai, UAE 2. Bali, Indonesia 3. London, UK 4. Hanoi, Vietnam 5. Rome, Italy 6. Paris, France 7. Cancun, Mexico 8. Marrakech, Morocco 9. Crete, Greece 10. Hoi An, Vietnam 11. New Delhi, India 12. Istanbul, Turkey 13. Cusco, Peru 14. Barcelona, Spain 15. Bangkok, Thailand 16. Dominican Republic 17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico 18. Phuket, Thailand 19. Hurghada, Egypt 20. Madrid, Spain 21. Siem Reap, Cambodia 22. Lisbon, Portugal 23. Amsterdam, Netherlands 24. Kathmandu, Nepal 25. New York City, US For complete list of award categories https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g1#filters-area

From The Nation Thailand’s rail transport network saw a 40 per cent increase in use by the public in 2023, the Department of Rail Transport reported on Friday. Commuters from Bangkok’s metropolitan areas were the biggest users, accounting for 94.97% of total, while only 5.03% came from interprovincial trains operated by the State Railway of Thailand. Factors contributing to increased users included expanding rail networks in metropolitan and urban areas, the department said. These networks included the Yellow Line (Lat Phrao-Samrong section), Pink Line (Kae Rai-Minburi section) and Red Line (Taling Chan-Bang Sue-Rangsit), which helped facilitate the commute from urban areas to inner city zones and vice versa. The department also ranked the top five electric train routes that recorded the most users in Bangkok’s metropolitan area last year, as follows: 1. Green Line - 264,066,131 people/trips, or 54.03% of total rail usage in Bangkok metropolitan 2. Blue Line - 137,336,127 people/trips, 28.1% 3. Airport Rail Link - 22,495,300 people/trips, 4.6% 4. Purple Line - 18,398,106 people/trips, 3.76% 5. Yellow Line - 8,296,347 people/trips, 1.7%

I don't go to Foodland for memorable meals. I go there for predictable. quick and economical meals. The memories are provided by those who accompany me.

From The Star South Korea has decided to ban its nationals from traveling to the "Golden Triangle" region in Laos infamous for criminal activities starting next month, the foreign ministry has announced. The Level 4 travel alert, the highest in the government's four-tier travel advisory system, for the region will take effect Feb 1, Yonhap News Agency citing the ministry. The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, located along the Mekong River in the Laos province of Bokeo, is known for illegal activities, such as trafficking and scamming. The decision to raise the advisory came as South Koreans have been subject to multiple crimes despite a Level 3 alert being issued for the region since Nov 24, the ministry said. Such crimes involved luring the victims into working for a local company and forcing them to engage in voice phishing scams, prostitution or other illegal activities, and then holding the victims captive and physically assaulting them if they refuse to do so, according to Yonhap. South Korea has also decided to extend the travel ban for another six months on eight countries and six regions, citing the risk of terrorism and unstable security. The travel ban will be extended for Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Sudan, as well as parts of the Philippines, Russia, Belarus, Gaza, Myanmar and the border area between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

NOTE -- Most readers are likely familiar with Richard Barrow, the Bangkok-based English teacher who devotes much of his free time to updating his websites about travel in Thailand and adjacent countries. Here's one of his most recent postings on traveling between Singapore and Bangkok by train. From RichardBarrow.com By Richard Barrow This is a guide to taking a train from Singapore to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur and Penang in 2024. There are no trains that go all the way from Singapore to Bangkok. You must do it in at least four stages. I did it in five as I did a side trip to Penang. These are my notes detailing the trains that I caught and how much it cost me. file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Singapore-to-Bangkok.pdf

From Pattaya News On January 12th, 2024, Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and the president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, publicly revealed after the 1st meeting of the Sport Industry Subcommittee regarding an extension visa for foreigners studying Muay Thai to stay in Thailand from 60 to 90 days. “The meeting concluded that the Thai government would build standards for Muay Thai by instituting training and granting official certificates to be a Muay Thai instructor overseas. It is considered to create value for Muay Thai personnel in Thailand,” said Asst. Prof. Pimol. Furthermore, the Thai government would grant a special visa for foreigners who are interested in and desire to study Muay Thai who could stay for an extended period from 60 to 90 days, stated Asst. Prof. Pimol. The Thai government also publicized an official Muay Thai website, Now Muay Thai, as a channel for foreigners to freely choose their Muay Thai gym anywhere in Thailand.

From the BBC US citizens travelling to Colombia have been warned against using dating apps in the country after the "suspicious deaths" of eight American tourists in two months. The US embassy in Bogota said some victims were drugged and robbed after meeting people on these apps. The incidents often occurred in cities like Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota where US tourism has picked up. Travellers are being told to avoid isolated locations like hotel rooms. Criminals use the apps to lure victims to public spaces like restaurants and bars, where they can be assaulted, robbed and even killed, sometimes by the person they meet, the embassy warned. In the final three months of 2023, the number of robberies of foreign visitors increased by 200% and deaths by 29%, including the eight Americans who died between 1 November and 31 December. One of those victims was American comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong, 50, an Asian-American living in Minnesota. He was on vacation in Colombia at the end of November when he was kidnapped and killed after meeting a woman online and meeting her on a date. Xiong was abducted and fatally stabbed over a dozen times by a group of men. The number of foreign victims of these kinds of crimes could be higher than the figures suggest. "These types of crimes routinely go underreported as victims are embarrassed and do not want to follow through with the judicial process," the embassy said. And those who try to resist or fight back against a robbery attempt are more likely to be killed, it warned.

From the Ledger Please check box if Riobard has never been to Bangkok.

In other words, you've never been to Bangkok, have you?😄

I'm sure you're basing this on your recent visits to Bangkok?

From Pattaya Mail The Samae Beach Seaside viewpoint walkway on Koh Larn Island has been restored to its former glory, much to the delight of the island’s residents and tourists. The circular design of the walkway complements the landscape, creating an aesthetic that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. The walkway has been painted in shades of green, mirroring the hues of the foliage in the background.