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FRom Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Growing confidence in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) will attract growing numbers of foreigners keen to play a part in its widening scope. Mr Chula Sukmanop, secretary general of the EEC office, said the staff of foreign entities could apply for the 10-year LTR visa with automatic work permits as part of a one stop shop package. The visa also is open to retirees and global citizens but the advantages are less clear-cut to them. The EEC was set up in 2017 to boost economic growth in Chonburi (including Pattaya), Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces and has already had US$50 billion in investment. Initially, S-curve industries including electric vehicles and smart electronics were targeted, but Mr Chulasaid that stage two would see diversification into robotics, 5G and digitilisation, medical services and aviation amongst others. US$65 billion is the new financial target. Foreigners were entitled to the EEC incentive package, via the LTR visa, which would include freedom from corporate tax for 15 years and low or exempt rates of personal income tax. Families are welcome under the LTR scheme and there are favorable regulations relating to customs duties as well as freedom from immigration bureaucracy such as the unpopular 90-day reporting of address. Mr Chula added that building or factory permits and other licenses to operate could all be granted at the EEC office. EEC funding has already benefitted the Pattaya area. Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut Ports are undergoing massive updating and, in Pattaya City, a brand new port is under negotiation to allow cruise ships to dock directly at Bali Hai pier. Several nearby motorways were supported by the EEC and some beachfront projects have also received supplementary cash. Other initiatives include an EEC Smart City project, near Pattaya, and further transport improvements. The LTR visa policy, which is run by the Board of Investment and not by the immigration bureau or foreign embassies, offers 10 years multiple entry stay to retirees and the global wealthy as well as business people. However, the key LTR advantage relates to tax incentives for investors and executives. Retirees and the idle rich have preferred the 5-20 years Elite visa which is simpler, although it does not include a work permit. The Board of Investment last December stated that about 2,700 applicants had expressed interest but did not say how many had actually progressed to completion.

From The Nation Srettha ready to be next PM, suggests Pheu Thai may ditch Move Forward Srettha Thavisin, one of Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates, suggested on Thursday that pulling out of the eight-party coalition led by the Move Forward Party could be inevitable and said he was ready to be Thailand’s next prime minister. “I am a PM candidate for Pheu Thai. I must be ready to take care of economic matters as assigned by the party,” he told reporters. A property tycoon turned politician, Srettha was also asked to comment on the possibility of “pushing Move Forward out of the coalition” after its PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure majority support from both Houses of Parliament. “That’s simple math. You may count by yourself. Everyone knows about that,” he said, adding that it was “too early” to conclude that Pheu Thai would nominate him for the parliamentary vote to select the next prime minister in a coalition that excluded Move Forward. Srettha said representatives from the eight coalition partners would soon discuss their next joint move. If they agree to allow Pheu Thai to nominate its candidate, the party’s executive board would select one of its three PM candidates for the vote. At the joint parliamentary meeting on Wednesday, Pita was renominated for voting following his failed first attempt last Thursday. But most parliamentarians voted not to allow a second vote on the grounds that it was a repeated motion that should not be submitted in the same parliamentary session. Srettha said on Thursday that amending Article 112 of the Penal Code – also known as the lese majeste law – must not be a policy of a coalition led by Pheu Thai because it could prevent it from gaining votes from many MPs and senators. Political parties outside of the Move Forward-led coalition and several senators announced that they would not vote for any candidate from a party that seeks to abolish or amend the lese majeste law. Some senators argued that changes proposed by Move Forward would undermine the monarchy and national security. Srettha stressed that the eight-party coalition would “remain united until any change”. When asked if the coalition has done its utmost in backing Pita’s bid to become prime minister, Srettha said: “Legally speaking, it seems to be so.” He also said that the coalition must be careful in nominating its next PM candidate as it has become a precedent that each candidate can be nominated only once during a parliamentary session.

Navy to sack officer accused of ammo thefts From Bangkok Post The navy has decided to sack an officer for prolonged absence from work amid allegations that he had stolen large quantities of ammunition from a naval base in Chon Buri. The officer has been absent without leave since July 5, Royal Thai Navy spokesman Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin said on Thursday. The navy will propose his dismissal to the Defence Ministry and seek a warrant for his arrest from the military court, he added. Sources said he was a chief petty officer second class, supervising an arsenal at the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri. Adm Pokkrong said that a search at the suspect’s house on Wednesday found stolen cartridges, which proved that the officer at large had stolen rounds of ammunition from the base. It was reported earlier that the base had lost tens of thousands of M855 and M856 bullets for 5.56mm rifles and thousands of 40mm grenade launcher rounds. Adm Pokkrong said financial transactions indicated that the thefts had taken place over a long period of time. The suspect has turned off all his communication devices and is believed to be hiding in the country, the navy spokesman said.

The current issue of the Harvard Men's Health Letter featured an article on tainted sexual enhancement products that make claims to increase testosterone, prevent erectile dysfunction or boost stamina. According to the FDA, these products may cause potentially serious side effects and interact with other medications or dietary supplements. You can view a list of these products flagged by FDA at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/tainted-sexual-enhancement-products

I don't believe this comes as much of a surprise to those who've been following events. From The Thai Enquirer Move Forward Party Leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, has been suspended from his duties as a Member of Parliament. The Constitutional Court made this decision in light of an ongoing investigation into his eligibility to hold office. The investigation stems from his ownership of 42,000 iTV shares. The Election Commission (EC) has stated that Pita may not meet the requirements for holding office due to his ownership of media shares, which is prohibited by the charter for political officeholders. As a result, the EC has requested the court to rule on Pita’s eligibility in this matter. The court has given Pita a 15-day deadline to provide a statement clarifying the allegations against him. There is no verdict yet. Pita has previously argued that he holds the shares in iTV as an administrator of his father’s inheritance. Additionally, he claims that iTV ceased broadcasting in 2007. In June, iTV itself clarified that it is no longer involved in the media business. However, critics contend that although iTV may have stopped broadcasting, it has continued to generate income from other sectors within the media industry. Even if he is suspended, it does not mean he cannot be nominated for the position of Prime Minister. According to the charter, a Prime Minister does not have to be a Member of Parliament. [Correction] The previous version of the article erroneously stated that the decision was unanimous. However, it should be clarified that the vote was 7-2.

Its website seems to be promoting it to compete for Jupiter clientele. https://www.facebook.com/circussoi4/

Agree that the players are very different now. Biden’s popularity is unlikely to improve and his running mate is less popular than he is. The best thing Biden has going for him is that he’s not Trump while Trump’s best thing is that he is. The role that fate will play is now the biggest unknown.

The last third party candidate to garner a significant portion (almost 19%) of the popular vote was Ross Perot in 1992. Although Clinton prevailed in that race, post election analysis found that Perot took equally from Democratic and Republican voters. In June of '92, Perot was actually leading the pack. Perot campaigned for greater funding for AIDS research and in a failed '96 bid came out in favor of gay rights.

Joe Manchin, the outspoken West Virginia democrat, let it be known last night at a political forum in New Hampshire that he's considering a third-party presidential run. Unlike his party leader (Biden), the right-of-center democrat is popular with voters from both parties. And he has the charisma and stage presence to stare down Trump in debate. Granted, third-party candidates in any race rarely win the top prize although they can make it mighty unsettling for the others. Manchin, however, eschews the role of spoiler and says if he enters the race he'll win it. And maybe he just could given how the current leaders--Trump and Biden--are unloved by large segments of their respective parties.

From Pattaya Mail The second stage of the customer-care improvements at Chonburi Immigration’s headquarters in Jomtien is now underway. Once completed, the former car park will be a wholly covered and self-contained area to make waiting times and bureaucratic processing less stressful for all concerned. The changes do not affect the Foreign Workers Employment Bureau or Legal Services network located alongside. Meanwhile, rumors that the Jomtien immigration headquarters will move location either to Pattaya city center or to a rural spot in Na Jomtien have been shown inaccurate by the new multi-million baht improvements. Chief of Chonburi Immigration, police colonel Parinya Klinkesorn, on his appointment last February, promised City Hall that his aim was a smooth and hassle-free experience for law-abiding tourists and expats. =========== Tourism Authority of Thailand unveils action plan amidst political uncertainty Despite persisting concerns due to the ongoing political uncertainty, Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed the Tourism Authority of Thailand Action Plan 2024 (TATAP 2024) at a conference held on July 17at the Grand Center Point Space Hotel. The conference was attended by representatives from the TAT headquarters, 29 overseas offices, and domestic branches, seeking to chart the course for tourism marketing in the upcoming fiscal year. Part of a comprehensive five-year plan spanning from 2023 to 2027, TATAP 2024 focuses on sustainable tourism, enhancing capacity for accommodating tourists, ensuring readiness on the supply side, prioritizing environmental considerations, and integrating a bio-circular green economy. The plan seeks to attract the REVISIT traveler segment, encouraging visitors to return to familiar destinations. President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), expressed concerns about the potential impact of ongoing political turmoil on the tourism sector. Detailed analysis of potential protests and their repercussions on tourism is needed, as the extent of demonstrations and clashes of divergent opinions among protesters could affect the industry. Additionally, Chinese tourists, a significant segment of Thailand’s visitor arrivals, have become increasingly cautious about political gatherings and their consequences. Negative news circulating on Chinese social media, including reports of extortion and taxi meter issues, has affected Thailand’s safety image. This newfound perception among Chinese travelers could potentially impact their travel decisions.

From Pattaya News Thailand ranked in ninth place among the best countries for retirement. This recognition comes from the International Living magazine, which publishes an annual Global Retirement Index ranking the best retirement destinations. Among the listed countries in the 2023 index, Thailand stands alongside Portugal, Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece, and France, and tied with Italy. Notably, Thailand is the only Asian country in this group. International Living has this to say about Thailand: “Thailand’s expat appeal is that it offers an affordable cost of living yet manifests an enriched way of life…. Probably the best deals to be had in Thailand are in real estate. Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere…. Another enormous advantage to living in Thailand is by far the healthcare facilities.”

From The Nation The Pheu Thai Party would nominate Srettha Thavisin in the third round of the election for prime minister if Move Forward Party's PM candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, fails to win the post in the second round on Wednesday, Pheu Thai PM candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday. She was commenting about the hypothetical scenario of Pita failing once again to secure at least 63 votes from senators or MPs outside the eight-party bloc. On Monday, all the coalition partners reaffirmed their stand to field and vote for Pita in the second round, while the coalition leader promised to step aside for the Pheu Thai to lead the coalition if he failed in his second bid to win the prime minister election. Paetongtarn said Pheu Thai would try its best to support Pita in the PM vote but if Pita fails, she would propose to a meeting of the Pheu Thai board to nominate Srettha in the next round of the PM vote after Pheu Thai becomes the coalition leader. Paetongtarn is the first PM candidate of Pheu Thai, Srettha the second and Chaikasem Nitisiri the third. “I don’t want any post in the executive. All three PM candidates are willing to help with the work no matter what the position,” Paetongtarn said. She said that she was not aware of a group of Pheu Thai MPs from the northeastern provinces wanting to push her to the PM post but she admitted frankly that it would not be easy to lead the country in the current situation. “So, I think the best choice is Srettha. He will be able to tackle the economic woes and solve various problems in no time if the Pheu Thai becomes the coalition leader. If not, Pheu Thai would still be willing to support the Move Forward-led coalition,” Paetongtarn said. She was confident that she would be able to explain the situation to the northeastern MPs.

From The Nation With the vacation season in full swing, people are searching for enticing travel destinations, accommodations, and flights. Kaspersky researchers have observed fraudsters taking advantage of unsuspecting users by offering cheap airline tickets, booking deals, and vacation packages. To help travellers avoid scams, the company's researchers have outlined common fraud schemes used to entice victims, along with valuable advice on planning a scam-free vacation. Ticket scams Kaspersky experts have discovered numerous fraudulent websites claiming to offer cheap airplane tickets. These well-crafted phishing pages often mimic well-known airline services and ticket aggregators. Some even display real flight details by sending search requests to legitimate aggregators and presenting the received information. However, instead of delivering the promised tickets, these scams aim to steal your money and exploit your personal information for malicious purposes. This may include selling your bank details and identifying information on the dark web. Accommodation scams The second important step of trip planning is finding accommodation, which makes it a popular lure for fraudsters to exploit. One common accommodation scam involves fake online listings for vacation rentals or apartments. Scammers create attractive listings on popular platforms, displaying appealing photos and offering low prices to entice travellers. However, once a booking is made and payment is sent, the accommodation turns out to be non-existent. Another type of accommodation scam targets hotel bookings. Fraudsters may set up fake websites that mimic legitimate hotel booking platforms. These websites often prompt users to log in using their Facebook or Google credentials, which enables scammers to gain unauthorized access to the victims' social media or email accounts. This can lead to identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and other malicious activities. Survey and giveaway scams Scammers create deceptive websites or send emails claiming that participants can earn a substantial reward, such as 100 US dollars, by completing a travel survey. These scams often prey on people's desire for financial gain and their willingness to share their opinions. However, these surveys are designed to collect personal information, such as name, address, phone number, and even financial details, under the guise of eligibility requirements or prize distribution. In reality, the promised reward is never delivered, and the information provided is used for fraudulent purposes, such as identity theft or unauthorized access to financial accounts. On top of this, the survey usually ends with a request to share the site with friends so that they can also receive a prize. In such cases, cybercriminals are using the victims themselves as a tool for spreading the scam further.

Promises and perils of crowdfunding hospital bills From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon For the 67 injured Brits who have appealed for cash to pay hospital bills in Thailand since the beginning of 2023, charity giving is both the first stop and a last resort. The British government and insurance companies will instantly recommend the route to distraught families, but the relatives in question can’t find mega-cash anywhere else in any case. Commercial funding platforms such as the highly popular GoFundMe handle most of the campaigns. A review of the ads suggests that the average amount requested was around 25,000 GBP, with about 40 percent of the cash actually donated by the time the ad was cancelled or, more commonly, simply fell into disuse. In almost every surveyed case, the reason for crowdfunding was an untimely accident such as a road accident (often involving a motorbike) or a fall from the condominium apartment. The handful of exceptions related to being beaten up on the street or being knifed in a quarrel with Thai nationals. The general assumption seems to be that provided prior travel insurance is taken out, the insured person is guaranteed free medical treatment abroad. But travel insurers look much more carefully at expensive hospital operations than claims for lost luggage or leaving your camera on a bus. In less than 10 percent of the cases did relatives explain publicly why insurers had refused to fund, but insurance assessor Duncan Webb told Pattaya Mail that the main reasons were suspicion of alcohol or narcotics abuse (including marijuana recently declassified in Thailand), not having a valid international or Thai driving licence and not wearing a crash helmet or seat belt. That failure means the patient was not observing due care and attention. According to several surveys, only about half of British tourists abroad carry any form of medical insurance. The Thai authorities did have a limited policy of covid-related cover being required during the pandemic, but this was abolished in 2022. Now only a very few Thai visas carry the requirement and they are all for non-tourist categories such as work permit holders or some long term residence foreigners registered with the Board of Investment. Uninsured foreigners are expected to pay for all inpatient and outpatient care. Inability to do so can result in treatment plan cancellation. Our survey of the 67 publicized cases revealed that over half never revealed what actually happened to the injured Brit, or are still pending. In four cases, we know that death intervened. A few others said that family members had managed to negotiate a financial agreement with the hospital, whilst still others said recovery had been good enough to secure a ticket on a commercial flight. We did not find any examples of an air ambulance being hired, the typical Thai-UK cost being 75,000 GBP or more. Charity crowdfunding is obviously here to stay although it very rarely indeed achieves the anticipated cash sums. The available evidence suggests that the more successful cash campaigns tell a complete story, provide updates with frequent photos or short videos and share the experience on social media. Fundraising events in UK to supplement the crowdfunding cash are also desirable. The average age of the 67 Brits reviewed in this case study was only 36 years and most were injured at night. So it’s hard to escape the conclusion that booze and driving are obvious routes to ending up on a hospital stretcher.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon In a wave of enthusiasm not sensed since pre-Brexit days, the British pound is now worth just over 45 baht, an improvement of 4.34 percent since the beginning of the year. The UK currency is also at a 15 month high against the US dollar, having successfully tested the 1.31 US$ bar. By most criteria, the pound is the star-performing international champion of the year so far against a basket of currencies. What’s propping up the pound are the UK’s elevated interest rates, created by stubborn inflation rates – the headline figure is 8.7 percent – which in turn are fuelled by the increased prices of imported goods. Meanwhile, inflation has been falling in the United States so that interest rates there are no longer attractive to hot-money inflows looking to make a quick profit. Expectations that the Fed will continue the hiking of American interest rates have faded. Meanwhile, the Thai baht is suffering from the failure of the 8-party coalition, led by the Move Forward Party, to take political power in Thailand with ongoing threat of prolonged civil strife. Additionally, Thai exports have been dropping in the past few months as part of a slowdown in the economy as a whole. At present, the Thai economy is rudderless as the military-backed government of general Prayut-chan-o-cha has been in caretaker mode since the general election of May 14.

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As political tensions rise while senators deliberate the fate of Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat in his quest to become Thailand’s next prime minister, the Navy has admitted that tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition and grenades are missing from a Marine Corps armoury at the Sattahip naval base. From Thai PBS World: Investigators have checked CCTV footage and have discovered that one ordnance officer had opened the door of the armoury several times, using a spare key, and had stolen the ammunition. Admiral Pokkrong said that the suspect has been absent from work since July 6th, adding that a complaint was filed with Plutaluang police in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri on July 7th. The ammunition was first exposed as missing on the webpage of “CSI LA”, which came to fame when it exposed the expensive wrist watches seen on the wrist of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan several years ago.

Glad to hear good report about this place. I believe it was Vinapu who supplied instructions for locating shop (I described locations of some Saphan Kwai shops) when he was on his way to ride new Yellow line monorail.

From VN Express Young men hit Saigon streets in skirts Men wear conical hats, ao dai with pearl earings at Vietnam International Fashion Week on July 13, 2023. Photo by VIFW Several young men from the LGBTQ+ community became the highlight of the event when they dressed in skirts, crop tops, modern ao dai and accessories like conical hats, beads and pearls. Their outfits used secondhand materials like chiffon and denim to support sustainable fashion. "In my opinion, no matter how modern fashion gets, we still have to keep the beauty of tradition because that’s the identity of our national culture," stylist Khanh Dang said. The Best Street Style is a chance for young people to express their freedom and personal style through the outfits. This event takes place at the same time as the main event, every morning from 9-11 a.m. The jury will choose the person in the most impressive outfit and give them a limited-edition gift set. VIFW is taking place July 13-16 at the Military Zone 7 Gymnasium, featuring 18 shows of domestic and international designers and brands. Continues with video https://e.vnexpress.net/news/style/young-men-hit-saigon-streets-in-skirts-4629366.html

That few were aware of his pursuit of higher education, more were perhaps aware that Adul (Adun) Samon was the one of the three stateless boys and their coach who were granted Thai citizenship a few months after their rescue. Adun became best known for answering rescuer Rick Stanton question about how many of there are you with a reply in English. He speaks four other languages, including Thai, Burmese, Mandarin, and Wa, a language spoken near the Myanmar and China border. Middlebury appears to be a fine choice. One of America's finest liberal arts colleges, the school is well known for its international focus. The following photo was taken at the age of 15, a year following his rescue.

If you have a LINE account, you might try sending them a photo of the guy you wish to book on the same day (including time and duration). I've done that successfully in the past but now just show up and choose from their tablets. Since all are free agents, have at least three guys in mind in case your first choice is not available. No deposit was requested.

From The Nation Residents of tourist city Pattaya in Chonburi province have urged police to investigate gangs of motorcycle riders in the sois off South Pattaya Road in Bang Lamung district whose behaviour at night has become a noisy nuisance. The gangs, mostly made up of Arabian tourists aged 17 to 25, have been racing bikes at high speed in Soi VC Residence Hotel and Soi Yensabai from around midnight onwards, a Pattaya resident told the Nation on Thursday. Some are using bikes with modified tailpipes to up the noise level, he said, adding that those who did not participate in the race also rode their bikes up and down the street in the pack, without observing the traffic laws. The resident said that this has been going on for about two months and that these tourists were mostly using rental bikes from local businesses. “We want police and related authorities to look into these gangs that have been causing such a nuisance and jeopardising the safety of other motorists in Pattaya,” he said. “We also ask that they check the local bike rental shops to make sure that they only provide street-legal vehicles to tourists.” Bike rental is a popular business in the eastern resort city as it offers affordable and fast transport for tourists wishing to visit local markets, attractions and beaches of Pattaya. Prices start from 150 baht per day. ================= The following excerpt from Barry Kenyon's recent column highlights the dilemma the Pattaya tourism industry is facing at the moment. The much-proclaimed Indian market in Pattaya has also ceased expansion and promises of mass flights from dozens of Indian cities to U-tapao haven’t been fulfilled. Meanwhile, Cambodia is preparing to open two international airports in the next 12 months which will be able to accommodate intercontinental wide-bodied jets for the first time. “There is growing competition from neighbors such as Cambodia and Vietnam, whilst Pattaya is struggling to repair its roads,” said a Thai tourism association spokesperson. He added that many business people were concerned that the potentially-violent controversies over the appointment of a new Thai prime minister could spill over into bad news for international tourism.

From Thai PBS World Gridlock likely Friday evening as Pita supporters rally in downtown Bangkok Police are asking the public to avoid the area around the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district, where supporters of the Move Forward party will hold a rally this evening (Friday) in protest over party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s failure to become prime minister. They blame Pita’s loss on the Senate, who harshly criticised Pita and Move Forward on Thursday for insisting that the country’s lèse majesté law must be amended. The rally will start at 6pm. Police say that the public and motorists should avoid the approaches to Pathumwan intersection, near which the Arts Centre is located. The rally is being held in downtown Bangkok during Friday evening rush hour, so the already heavy traffic is expected to worsen. Police advise people to avoid Rama I Road (from Chalermpao-Charoen Pon intersections) and Phaya Thai Road (from Ratchathewi-Chula 12 intersections) Motorists can use Phetchaburi, Bantadthong, Rama 4, Henri Dunant and Wireless roads instead.

There was a period about 15 years ago if memory serves me that scrutinizing single males arriving from Thailand were more carefully screened at certain US airports, Detroit being the most well known for the practice. I was sent for special screening on successive trips but they turned up nothing. Although the luggage searches were conducted professionally they still left me uneasy so I began flying back through different airports and never experienced that again. IMO, customs and immigration practices have improved markedly since.

It's been my experience that the guys in most shops in Saphan Kwai and Soi 6 websites are not models and are available for hire. Have not found any of the guys I booked to have been photo shopped. Some actually looked better in person. I know nothing of Pattaya shops. I prefer shops with set minimum tip. Avoids negotiating and establishes baseline of service. It also keeps the cheap Charlies at bay. Again, this is based on my experiences in Bangkok and not Pattaya or elsewhere.