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From The Thaiger The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, hasn’t deterred Thai labourers from seeking employment in Israel’s farmlands. Their decision to remain or return to work in Israel is primarily driven by the substantial financial benefits they can accrue. Satid Prom-u-narot, 37 years old, highlighted the stark disparity in wages between the two countries. “On average, I can earn about 600 baht for about two hours of work in Israel. To get that amount in Thailand, I would need to work for a full day. I may even earn less,” he stated. Although Satid’s camp was attacked by militants, he and his fellow Thai workers escaped unharmed. Despite initial concerns about his safety, Satid decided to return to Israel after spending a week in Thailand. He reasoned, “I have mechanical skills, so I earn a living by working odd jobs like installing air-conditioning, electrical wires, and CCTV systems. But I cannot save a lot of money for my family. I will go to Israel to complete my five-year contract.” Labour Ministry figures reveal that approximately 30,000 Thais were working in Israel under the Thailand-Israel Cooperation on the Placement of Workers programmes before the conflict ensued. The government repatriated 9,475 Thais, but around 20,000 chose to stay. In an effort to assist the repatriated workers, the government offered each worker 15,000 baht (US$435.79) from its fund and 50,000 baht (US$1,452.64) from an emergency fund for aid. Additionally, low-interest loans of up to 150,000 baht (US$4,357.93) were made available to help workers clear any debts owed to job brokers or to pursue other careers, reported Bangkok Post.

From Pattaya News On December 29th, 2023, Mr. Thotsapon Puanudom, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, officially initiated a new bus line in Chiang Mai by Regional Transit Corporation (RTC) Co Ltd., to enhance the efficiency of Chiang Mai public transportation. The new bus line number 24 starts at Chiang Mai International Airport and has bus stops at well-known tourist destinations such as One Nimman, Chang Phueak Gate, Tha Phae Gate, Flower Market, Chiang Mai Gate, and Central Chiang Mai Airport. The bus services are available from 8 AM to 9 PM with transport fares of 30 baht for Thais and foreigners, and 20 baht for students throughout the line.

If they're serious about this then they'll simply make it easier for tourists to come and go with a minimum of inconvenience. But bureaucracy is a hard thing for bureaucrats to forego. This comes across more as lip service to their goal than actual solutions. From National News Bureau of Thailand The government is focusing on the tourism sector to generate 3.5 trillion baht this year, promoting Thailand as a year-round destination. In 2023, the country welcomed over 27 million tourists, led by visitors from Malaysia and China. From January to December, tourist numbers reached 27.25 million, in line with government targets. Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia were the top contributors to these figures. The government aims to increase tourism revenue by spotlighting both popular and lesser-known locations. The revenue goal is divided between domestic (1 trillion baht) and international (2.5 trillion baht) tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce are actively promoting provinces like Phrae, Lampang, and Nakhon Sawan for their untapped tourism potential. The TAT highlights the positive impact of visa-free policies for countries like Kazakhstan, China, and Russia, with plans to extend these benefits. There’s also a discussion about introducing multiple-entry visas. Tourism operators are also calling for further government support, emphasizing the economic importance of tourism, especially in gateway regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima province, noted for its three UNESCO sites.

Can't blame them for testing what the market will bear. But would be a strategic mistake to pull it on regular customer. High season is relatively short and they'll be looking for repeat business in not too many weeks.

Best thing I liked about this video was the peaceful and serene view of Pattaya from above.

Comforting words from about foreigners and Thai income tax From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A new YouTube video posted by accomplished speaker Hailey Hicks, director of HH Premium Visa Consulting and based at San Diego State University in California, has offered to Thailand’s worried expats almost 100 percent reassurance that they need not sweat. She also actively markets the Thailand Elite visa, whilst pointing out that this gives no special protection on the income tax front. Under the heading “5 Myths about Tax in Thailand”, she soothingly promises that the January 1 starting point won’t apply to most expat tax residents, namely those living in Thailand for at least six months a year. They won’t be taxed on money sent from one personal account abroad to one in Thailand as, we are told, that is simply moving money between accounts and is not “assessable” income. Thus they won’t be taxed on cash sent to purchase Thai property. Nor will overseas pre-taxed pensions be taxed in Thailand, possibly because of double taxation treaties (which are very briefly mentioned). The video argues that the new regulations are designed to catch rich Thais and a handful of foreigners who have been exploiting tax loopholes in the past. But is the soothing message actually true? We all hope so. But it has to be conceded that there is no verifiable documentation provided, simply a screenshot of the bald Thai Revenue announcement last September. And that won’t get you very far. Significantly, Thailand Privilege (which owns Elite) stated in November 2023, via advisors Hawryluk Legal, that “currently there is no distinction between earnings and savings for tax purposes,” which suggests a very different interpretation from that in the San Diego video is possible. Perhaps Hailey knows something the rest of us don’t. But it may be wiser to wait and see.

I'm not a Pattaya guy but I admire the effort the owner puts into promoting his place and making it attractive to punters. He's providing an opportunity for his crew to earn a living in a welcoming setting. It's the kind of business that deserves support and I wish him well.

Always. That's what separates us from the animals: we take money. 🙂

Some shops update their on-line presence daily albeit with slightly different twists. All understandably use photos of their guys as their main draw. KK Massage is perhaps the more inventive, using stills pics and videos to entice customers. As for the shop amenities, the SK shops are pretty basic. Most I've encountered I found acceptably clean but basic Some offer those mini containers of mouthwash (BT House, KK and K-Man come to mind) that I appreciate and nearly all offer bottled water or tea. The Silom Soi 6 shops have en suite showers and most have massage tables except for those opting for Thai massage. The Silom-Surawong shops differ from SK in that their staffs are always on site. Most on display outside the shop or just inside the entrance. You're right about the go-go bars. They may employee a handful of barkers out on the soi to corral passers by but do next to nothing on line. In this day and age, it's puzzling at best. Moonlight is probably better than most with periodic Facebook postings. I often wonder if owners really understand their client base. It seems if they did they'd offer user choice of language. In any case, I think we agree that there's no substitute for the in-person visit.

Telling someone that they're a great dancer is never poorly received. I'm confident more than a few would welcome an invitation to perform--especially in Bangkok. 🙂

You list a ton of reasons why the Saphan Kwai shops are a lousy business model, Mac. I can only offer one in their defense. I go there 2-3 times a week when I’m in town so they must be doing something right.

Well don’t keep us in suspense. Just tell us what is this phenomenal interest of yours.

Nothing succeeds like excess!

You just did 🙂

KK Massage posted a page of Top and Bottom masseurs today. It's not an exhaustive list of their offering; just a sample. Here's a video of a selection of all types of offerings also posted today. KK.2.mp4

From The Nation Loading... Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has ordered interprovincial bus operator Transport Co and other relevant agencies to urgently address all issues raised about the Bangkok Bus Terminal. This order was in response to complaints raised by Move Forward Bangkok MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt after he visited the terminal in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Suphanat listed the following problems: • 5 broken escalators • No lifts • 10 of 15 available fire extinguishers are broken • Inaccessible first-aid room • Inaccessible room for breastfeeding • No air-conditioning at bus platforms • Nobody using ticket vending machines • No ease of access for people with disabilities • Low lighting • Intruders in empty areas in the terminal • Defective toilets • Defective signboards • Taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers demanding expensive fares • No connection to BTS station Suphanat said he had raised these issues earlier and called on the authorities for action, but to no avail. Suriya responded on Saturday, saying that the Transport Ministry and other relevant agencies have acknowledged the complaint and are getting ready to address the issues as soon as possible. He also pointed out that the Bangkok Bus Terminal is linked to the Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station), which is in line with the ministry’s policy to make travelling easy for locals. The minister also said that relevant agencies have been instructed to deal with unscrupulous cabbies and motorcycle taxis, as well as intruders in empty spots in the terminal. https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40034260

From Bangkok Post Health officials are looking to tighten preventive and control measures after finding higher rates of syphilis and gonorrhoea among young people, says Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2715383/alarm-sounded-over-syphilis-infections

Definitely want to go there with a list. I'd advise against choosing anyone in the shop at time of visit. My experience has been that they are likely to have already serviced other customer(s) before you. Would also avoid accepting mamasan's suggestions. Otherwise, a good, reliable shop. You can reserve your choice on day of visit in advance by phone or on line without request for deposit. However, have 3-5 guys in in mind. Shop has been good getting back to me with availability.

"One Spa". Before this evolves into a "Who's on First?" routine, that's the name of the shop: One Spa. Located on Sutthisan Winitchai Rd. opposite Esso Station at Soi Inthmara 3, it's about a 15 minute walk from Saphan Kwai BTS. When I checked today, the layout was 12 guys to a page, filling 21 pages. If you go to link below, you can click on individual pics for additional photos. Here's a screenshot of a random page. https://onespa.love/ Spoken like someone who's never been there. As you can see from website, they're all the real deal. If you can pull yourself away from Pattaya, check it out. 🙂 Having sampled many of the offerings, I can recommend it.👍

Age anyway 🙂 Here’s a tip that may help you conserve time.: One Spa in Saphan Kwai at last check has 28 pages (9 guys to a page) of masseurs posted on line. Has to be biggest in town.

You don't necessarily have to do nasty things. This thread may give you some ideas.

You might inquire what your hotel would charge to arrange it. I'd expect it would be at least twice the taxi fare but might be worth it for your peace of mind. Personally I take the train if it's running on my arrival. Excellent safety record and great people watching.

Nothing succeeds like excess.☺️

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The tweak in the Thai Revenue rules, affecting both Thai and foreign tax residents, means that income derived from assessable foreign sources is to be taxable from new year’s day 2024. The exact impact and scope remain fog-bound, but it is no exaggeration to say that the move has put the cat firmly amongst the expat pigeons who spend six months or more in the kingdom in a calendar year. The fiscal move may indeed be aimed at wealthy Thais with offshore bank accounts or profits from overseas businesses, but the typical expat risks being trapped in the crossfire. The Thai tax authority is still mulling the detail. Officers know that whatever tax is due on cash transferred to Thailand during 2024 won’t appear on an individual’s tax return until 2025. So no hurry in their eyes. Most expats, of course, have barely heard of a Thai tin (tax identification number), let alone filled one in. And that’s part of the problem. Many older expats hate the idea of being ensnared in Thai financial bureaucracy and, potentially, needing to hire a tax lawyer. Or, of course, leave the country for pastures new. It may not come to that. For example, the Revenue has not issued a ruling on whether foreign income (such as pensions) are taxable under the enforcement decree. It may come down to the detail in double taxation agreements which Thailand has made with scores of countries. But they are all different in scope and most readers will require an expert to decipher the meaning of some of the clauses. Many Bangkok-based accountancy and legal firms are already anticipating a huge rise in the number of troubled clients. What is at stake, of course, is Thailand’s future as a retirement base. Over the years, Thailand has built up a reputation as a safe and attractive home for expats. Many have bought condominium units or set up a company to purchase a house. In future, there is no guarantee that foreigners sending money for these purposes won’t be taxed on the lump sum. If so, the prospects for the Thai property market might well take a downward swing without precedent. Whether the Thai government has thought out all the consequences of the Revenue decree seems unlikely. The Thai Board of Investment has suggested that the solution is for foreigners to apply for the 10 year golden visa, Long Term Residence, as this permits most overseas income to be brought into Thailand without any taxes together, as well as granting other financial and immigration perks. But the LTR isn’t available for retirees unless their annual income is at least US$80,000 a year or they are prepared to invest mega-cash in Thai banks or securities. There is no shield from the Revenue in Elite visas or one year extensions of stay based on retirement, marriage etc. Although no formal government statistics are issued, there are believed to be 400,000 to 500,000 longstay foreigners in Thailand who could be affected by the latest Revenue move. Some of these hold authorized work permits and already have a tax identification number for their local salary. Others are freelancers conducting online activities and earning from international clients. But most are older expats, retirees existing mainly or solely on pre-taxed pension and social security payments. The challenge for Thailand now is how to maintain competiveness in the global market. In the meantime, the internet is awash with wrong information such as a fabricated claim that retirees have to prove to immigration that their 800,000 cash lump sum has already been taxed in the home country or that all visa holders over 50 must have a tax identification number when renewing their annual permit. Optimistic bloggers say that the whole Revenue business is a chimera and that nothing will happen in practice, whilst pessimists predict that any foreign cash will have 35 percent automatically deducted on arrival. None of that is true, but continued silence about the government’s intentions can only boost falsehoods, innuendos and gossip. That’s no way to run a taxation system or to market a country to the outside world.