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The Pattaya News is the second media source that reports that China and Kazakhstan citizens will be exempt from stamping. "The tourists from the mentioned countries will be exempted from stamping and are allowed to stay within the kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding thirty days, as a special case." Floridarob's hunch may turn out to be the reason if it proves to be the case in practice.

Good question. Normally only Thai citizens are exempt from stamping. The language in the Royal Gazette states that citizens from those two countries are "exempt from visas." (as determined by Google Translate).

Was this first offer or did you talk him down?

Kazakhstan appears to be a gift to Russia so it wouldn't feel completely ignored. From Pattaya News The Thai government’s free-visa policy for Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists has been endorsed in the Royal Gazette and published on Tuesday, September 19th. The policy, which will take effect from September 25th to February 29th, 2024, will apply to visitors from China and Kazakhstan as announced by the Royal Gazette. The tourists from the mentioned countries will be exempted from stamping and are allowed to stay within the kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding thirty days, as a special case.

From The Nation Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday she is ready to become the next leader of Pheu Thai if the party chooses her to succeed Cholnan Srikaew, who quit on August 30. Cholnan had promised to resign as leader if the party formed a government with the Palang Pracharath or United Thai Nation parties, which it duly did. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former premier and Pheu Thai patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra, was speaking at an event to mark the party’s 16th anniversary at Pheu Thai headquarters on Tuesday. “I will accept [the party’s decision] if there is a more suitable candidate for leader,” she said, responding to questions from journalists who noted that some senior party members are endorsing new-generation politicians like her as potential Pheu Thai leaders. “However, if the party chooses me as the next leader I would gladly accept the invitation,” she said, adding that she was set on achieving the party’s goals and had no doubt about her capacity to be its leader. Paetongtarn said she was looking into the possibility of applying to suspend Thaksin’s remaining jail term in order for him to receive medical care at home, but had yet to file the application.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently serving a prison sentence, underwent surgery last week and is in recovery, according to his youngest daughter Paetongtarn today (Tuesday). She declined to disclose any other details, saying she would consult with his doctors who would be the best people to explain the reason for the operation. Thaksin has been receiving medical treatment at the Police Hospital for almost a month, after being sentenced on three corruption convictions. His eight-year prison time was commuted to one year by HM the King.

From Thai PBS World Thailand’s Si Thep historical park, in the northern province of Phetchabun, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site at the World Heritage Committee’s 45th extended session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (Tuesday). “The World Heritage Committee’s decision is a major source of pride for Thailand and its people and will serve as an incentive for people to protect and conserve their cultural heritage, as well as other natural resources in Thailand, which will help promote tourism and economic development,” Natural Resources and Environment minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan told a news conference at the National Museum this afternoon. The ancient city is believed to have been built around 1,700 years ago, with cultural influences from India, as manifested in the dredging of the city’s moats and construction of the city walls, as well as the planning of the inner and outer cities. It is located in Si Thep sub-district, Si Thep district, on an area of over 462 hectares.

From Thai PBS World Paris, France – Elon Musk has sparked outrage among fans of his social media platform X by suggesting he might introduce a monthly fee for all users, in what would be the biggest shake-up since he took over the site then known as Twitter last October. During a talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Musk said that introducing a small monthly payment for X would combat the “armies of bots” on the site. Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion but has since admitted its value has plunged after he gutted its workforce and allowed right-wing conspiracy theorists back on the site, sending advertisers fleeing. X users united in dismay at his latest plan, suggesting it could finally put an end to the site, and analysts questioned the logic of a move that would make the platform even less appealing to advertisers. Musk said in July the platform had lost roughly half its advertising revenue, though he has also claimed that almost all advertisers had returned. Bots — accounts run by computer programs rather than humans — are common on X, where they can be used to amplify political messages or racial hatred.

From VN Express By Hoang Phong Many Southeast Asian countries have started offering 'golden visa' policies to lure wealthy foreigners with longer stays and exclusive benefits but each country has its own requirements. Indonesia Indonesia has become the latest country in Southeast Asia to launch its so-called "golden visa" program earlier this month, allowing foreign investors to stay in the country between 5 and 10 years, depending on the value of their investment. To be eligible for 5-year visa, foreigners need to set up a company worth $2.5 million, while for the 10 years visa, a $5 million investment is required. For foreign investors who do not intend to open a business in Indonesia, there are different requirements. They have to deposit funds worth $350,000 for a 5-year stay permit, and $700,000 for a 10-year stay permit. These funds may be used to purchase Indonesian government bonds, shares of publicly traded companies, or savings/deposits in Indonesia. After obtaining the golden visa, foreign nationals do not need to apply for a temporary stay permit while they would enjoy priority security screening at airports and easier entry and exit processes. Cambodia In July 2022, Cambodia introduced its golden visa program known as "My 2nd Home" that enabled foreigners to stay for up to 10 years. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have an investment capital of not less than $100,000 in Cambodia. They also have to own a real estate project approved by the Cambodian government. No Khmer language proficiency or academic qualifications are required by those wishing to join the program. Successful applicants will be issued 10-year visa and can apply for Cambodian citizenship after 5 years. They will also gain access to insurance coverage and VIP medical treatment and enjoy unlimited entry/exit without conditions. Thailand Thailand already unveiled its long term residence visa program last year. Also known as "Golden Visa", the program is valid for 10 years and offers multiple entries to compete with regional countries. The program is offered to four categories of foreign individuals: wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals and highly-skilled professionals. The common requirement is applicants must have health insurance with at least $50,000 coverage or at least $100,000 deposit in a Thai bank account. Each category has different eligibility requirements. To be eligible for the visa program, wealthy individuals must hold at least $1 million in assets and have an annual income of at least $80,000 for the past two years. Minimum investment of $500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property or any combination is also required. Retirees aged 50 years or older are required to have personal income of at least $80,000 a year at the time of application. If personal income is between $40,000 and 80,000 a year, applicants must invest at least $250,000. For remote workers and highly-skilled foreign workers, they are required to have personal income at least $80,000 a year in the past two years. If personal income is between $40,000 and 80,000, applicants must have a Master’s degree or own intellectual property or receive Series A funding. The application cost for the LTR program is 50,000 baht but applicants will enjoy a series of exclusive benefits including fast track service at international airports, multiple re-entry permit, work permission and tax exemption for overseas income. Malaysia Last year, Malaysia also launched its premium visa program that allows holders to stay in the country for up to 20 years with a renewal option for a further 20 years. To be eligible for the visa, participants are required to make a local fixed deposit placement of RM1M (US$213.500) with no withdrawals allowed on the principal value for the first year. Applicants are required to provide proof of offshore income of at least RM40,000 a month or RM480,000 a year. In addition, they are required to provide a Letter of Good Conduct from the authorities of the country they are currently residing in. Applicants are required to pay a one-off RM200,000 participation fee; and a one-off RM100,000 participation fee will be levied for each dependent. Visa holders are allowed to conduct business in Malaysia, study, purchase residential and commercial real estate, in addition to invest in permitted sectors. Singapore Singapore has one of the best golden visa schemes in Asia officially known as Global Investor Pprogram (GIP) that was launched in 2004. To qualify for the visa scheme, applicants must have an investment of at least SGD2.5 million in a new business entity or expansion of an existing business operation, or an investment for SGD2.5 million in one of the GIP-approved funds. Successful applicants will be issued a permanency residence permit valid for 5 years. After two years of permanent residence is Singapore, applicants are allowed to apply for citizenship; however, Singapore is a strictly single-citizenship country and each applicant must relinquish all existing citizenship before naturalization is possible.

From Pattaya News First, thank you for reading this article. I am Mr. D Paul Baird (Volunteer at The CSC Rayong since 2006) here in Thailand. Today, I would like to request your help in supporting children who are infected or affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. Please take a moment to visit our English website at www.hiv-aids-kids-org. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at aidskids@hotmail.com. If you are in Thailand and would like to visit us, please let me know. I will make the necessary arrangements for your visit and show you our center. I’d like to emphasize how crucial it is to hear from a sponsor and share their experience. Please read and share this voice from our sponsor, Daniel Schwarting: “I feel that I am truly making a difference for my sponsored child, Chaem, by supporting The CSC Rayong Sponsorship Program. This enables the wonderful work of The Camillian Social Center Rayong, Thailand, to continue into the future.” If you are in Europe or Germany and would like to make a direct payment for the project in Rayong, Thailand, you can do so through the following channel: For the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand: Bank: Bank of Ayudhya Branch: Map-Ta-Phut Branch, Rayong Account Number: 229-1-29336-3 (AYUDTHBK) The preceding is a press release. The statements are entirely those of the author and the Camillian Social Centre of Rayong. The Pattaya News does not accept donations on behalf of organisations and encourages interested readers to contact them directly. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=–=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

From Thai PBS World Speculation grows over Kamnan Nok’s actual whereabouts The mysteries surrounding the detention of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has also caused many to doubt whether Praween Chanklai, “aka “Kamnan Nok”, a prime suspect in the murder of a police officer, is really being detained in Bangkok Remand Prison. Scores of comments on social media are demanding that the Corrections Department provide solid proof that Praween is really in the prison. Others claim that the man presently in detention is a Praween doppelganger. They do not believe in the country’s justice system, many of them say, out of a local belief that prison is only for the poor, as rich people, like Thaksin, and influential figures, like Praween, receive “special” treatment and don’t have to stay in prison. Speculation over Praween’s actual whereabouts have gone viral, forcing the Corrections Department to publically deny it. The department’s director general Ayuth Sintoppant reiterated that Praween is definitely being held in detention. Many believe that it is because of his money and power that Thaksin, a convict, is being allowed to receive medical treatment outside prison. They even wonder whether Thaksin is now residing in his house. The Corrections Department has refused to provide images of Thaksin in hospital, claiming protection of privacy. Therefore, no one outside his family, the police, prison officials and hospital staff have seen him or photos of him since his high profile return from self-imposed exile on August 22.

I recall a Crown Royal bar (straight as far as I know) on Patpong 2 beside the garage entrance next to Foodland and opposite Bada Bing.

Neither did mine. I believe that information is for immigration's internal records.

"Hide" them.

The boxer cover his claws but the pussy doesn't?

In Roman mythology, Sol was the Sun god.

It comes from the non-indigenous population, a minority of Thais who tend to reside in Bangkok and Chiang Mai who never worked am outdoor job in their lives. Certainly doesn't come from forum members I know.

From the Associated Press By YUCHENG TANG BANGKOK (AP) — Xinyu Wen traveled to Thailand in June, planning a two-week vacation around Bangkok's Pride parade. Instead, the 28-year-old stayed a month and a half, as her experience at the parade gave rise to discussions and discoveries in the Thai capital's thriving LBGTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ people from China, frequently scorned and ostracized at home, are coming to Thailand in droves, drawn by the freedom to be themselves. When Wen walked along the parade on the streets in Bangkok, “I felt like I was in a big party or a huge amusement park. We could forget all upsetting things and feel fun-filled,” she said. Bangkok is only a 5-hour flight from Beijing, and Thailand’s tourism authorities actively promote its status as among the most open to LGBTQ+ people in the region. Wen got interested in Thailand when her friend sent her a photo of rainbow-colored, Pride-themed ice cream being sold on the streets. “I wanted to go to Thailand to take a look,” she said. Wen describes herself as queer, which she says means that her partners can be any gender and she can be any gender. At home, Wen said she regularly gets judgmental stares on the street for wearing her hair short like a man’s, and was once asked by her barber: “What happened to your life?” But at the Bangkok Pride parade in June, Wen noticed people confidently wore what they wanted. She was excited to be able to express herself publicly and finally drop her guard. More than that, she said she was also impressed by the protest element to the event, in which people carried signs written in traditional Chinese with slogans like “China has no LGBTQ” and “Freedom is what we deserve.” “I felt a mixed feeling, touched but sad,” she said. Ahead of her trip, she read up on the situation in Thailand, finding reports that showed there is still widespread discrimination, especially in the workplace. Thailand does not recognize same-sex unions or marriages, which also means they're barred from adopting children, and other legal processes that straight couples have access to. Wen arrived at the parade somewhat skeptical. But she ended up finding it empowering. “Although I initially had a critical attitude toward the parade in Bangkok because discrimination against LGBTQ individuals hasn't disappeared, I still felt inspired because the neglected groups and the suppressed feelings matter here.” Owen Zhu, a gay real estate agent in Bangkok who sells houses to Chinese clients, said many are also coming to stay. He estimated some 2/3 of his clients are LGBTQ+, many of whom buy apartments to live in part- or full-time. “Among Chinese gay people, Thailand is called gay’s heaven,” he said, noting that there are many chat groups where gay men from China coordinate trips to Thailand and share information about parties and tickets to events.

Knew it wouldn't take you long to pick up on that. 🙂

From Thai PBS World Phat Kraphao is the most basic dish available at most street food stalls. It is sometimes called the “thoughtless” dish, for people who have no idea what to order and now it has topped the “Best Stir-Fries in the World 2023” list, released by TasteAtlas.com today (Saturday). Another favourite, Pad Thai, was placed 8th with a score of 4.4, while Phat Kraphao scored 4.8. South Korea’s Dak Galbi comes second with 4.7. Other Thai dishes which made it into the top 50 were Phat Si-io (4.3), Khua Kling (4.2) and stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts (3.7). The website features recipes and food reviews from critics around the world. It said that Phat Kraphao is the fourth most commonly ordered dish by foreigners in Thailand. According to the TasteAtlas.com description of Phat Kraphao “this traditional Thai stir-fry combines minced meat or seafood with holy basil and various other ingredients, such as shallots, garlic and chili peppers. The dish is flavoured with soy sauce, sugar and fish sauce and typically comes served with rice, a fried egg and fish sauce on the side.”

From CNN Travel It was around sunset on Sunday 3 September in Paros, a popular holiday island in Greece's Cycladic region. A crowd of around 50 were gathered on Parikia beach, close to the island's main port. Behind them, the sky blazed a deep orange over the azure sea. On one side, an iconic Cycladic windmill stood stark against the horizon. On the other, a strip of sun loungers belonging to a beach bar stretched out along the sand. Even if you've never visited Greece, parts of this scene probably sound familiar. However, on this day, there were also a few unusual details. Three of the attendees were holding up a huge sign saying, "Reclaim the Beach". A man with a loudspeaker stood next to them. As the audience watched, he read parts of the Greek constitution aloud, which states that beaches and other natural areas belong to the country's citizens. The protest was part of a campaign that media has dubbed the "beach towel revolt", whereby locals are seeking free access to beaches that have been taken over by beach bars and other businesses offering exorbitantly priced sun loungers and umbrellas. While the movement started in Paros, it has now spread all over Greece and even to neighbouring Turkey, with campaigners demanding space to lay down their towels for free. The protests began on Paros in May 2023 when a group of residents, who were already regularly meeting to talk about environmental issues on the island, began discussing how the spots where people can freely swim and sunbathe (without being forced to pay for a sun lounger) were becoming ever scarcer. It’s one symptom of how the island is increasingly catering to tourists at the expense of locals. Beach-side businesses that erect loungers and umbrellas must apply for licences from the Greek finance minister to use designated parts of the beach. Checks are meant to be carried out regularly to ensure they are not taking up more space than their licences allow. However, protestors allege that these checks are rarely – if ever – carried out. As a result, free spots for towels are now few and far between. Continues https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230912-what-to-know-about-the-beach-towel-revolt-taking-back-greek-beaches

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The news that Britain’s old age pensioners are scheduled to receive an 8.5 percent increase next April, on top of 10.2 percent this year, has staggered foreign expats. Many had their entitlement frozen from the date ceased to be “ordinarily resident” in UK. There are about 500,000 British expats living abroad who are denied annual increases, mostly living in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. But the rule applies to Thailand too. The good news for British-based seniors only is based on the triple lock policy which means that the annual increase in the state pension is the highest of average earnings, inflation or 2.5 percent. Since the decline of Covid, there have been substantial worker settlements in Britain to counter inflation which have resulted in a higher-than-expected average wage. For those receiving the new flat-rate pension, going to those who reached retirement age after April 2016, the total for the year is fast approaching 12,000 pounds. It is well known that there are no rational grounds for uprating the state pensions of those expats caught in the freezing process. They paid national insurance in their working lives and should be covered. Although the British government sometimes talks about “reciprocal agreements” there is no sensible rationale why British pensioners living in Turkey or Serbia or parts of the Caribbean should receive increases when those in Thailand do not. The stark reality is a postal lottery pure and simple. The British Department of Work and Pensions in July 2023 published data which likely explain the political resistance and indifference. The report claims that the cost of uprating the state pension in frozen countries-rate countries is around 4,590 million pounds in the five-year time slot 2023 to 2028. Whilst this is not in fact a huge sum in overall pension expenditure terms, it is designed to be the definitive “sorry folks” argument. Meanwhile, there is a division in the Conservative government whether even the trip-lock should continue as Britain lurches in its post-Brexit financial agony. The main lobby group in Thailand is End Frozen Pensions Asia (Thailand Branch) which is easily found on Facebook and has a useful chat describing members’ campaigning activities. Local Brits feeling aggrieved by the lack of political will in UK to resolve the blatant discrimination should support this non-profitmaking pressure group. And yes, it’s likely to be a long haul.

From The Nation Pita Limjaroenrat resigned as Move Forward Party leader on Friday, relinquishing his chance of becoming opposition leader. Pita explained in a Facebook post that he was forced to quit after being suspended as an MP pending the Constitutional Court ruling in his media shareholding case. He also pointed out that Move Forward was forced into opposition despite gaining the most votes in the May 14 election. Pita said he decided to quit as party chief after talks with his party's executive committee and MPs. He added that Move Forward must lead the opposition in Parliament to promote change in Thailand, which is not part of government policies. "Hence, I have decided to resign as Move Forward leader to allow the party to choose an MP who is able to become opposition leader in Parliament and party leader in my stead," he said. He also vowed to contine to do his best for Move Forward and the people in order to drive forward reform in Thailand.

The Republic of Kazakhstan has now been added along with China to the nations eligible for visa exemption. Tourism ministry expect to receive 130,000 tourists from the country, an increase of 50% over last year.

According to Wikipedia, Fidelity has $10.4 trillion under administration. You don't acquire that investor confidence being wrong very often. I'm a long-time Berkshire Hathaway enthusiast. Buffett's annual reports are one of the most anticipated events in the industry because he eschews incomprehensible an mind-numbing boilerplate language and tells his investors just what happened to their holdings in plain talk. There's nothing he recommends more than taking the long-term view (20-plus years). When his class A share first opened 43 years ago, they did so at under under $300. Yesterday they closed at over $551,000. Btw, the largest chunk of his portfolio today is in Apple. But when you have a Dairy Queen blizzard, or pull on your Fruit of the Looms, you're partaking in a company fully owned by Berkshire. And he still has about $147 billion cash on hand, looking for value investment opportunities. Let's hope we're around in 20 years to find out who was right. 🙂