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From Theworld.org Thailand has close to a million stray cats and dogs. That’s no surprise to anyone who’s walked a couple blocks in Bangkok. There’s often a four-legged creature underfoot, most of them friendly, some potentially dangerous. Loose cats and dogs are often well fed by locals — offering food is seen as “merit making” by many Buddhists — but city officials are enacting new laws to reduce the stray population. The World’s Patrick Winn reports. Listen to report from Bangkok https://theworld.org/segments/2025/01/16/bangkok-struggles-to-rein-in-stray-cats-and-dogs Link to PAWS Bangkok https://www.facebook.com/pawsbangkok/

All statistics are made up on the spot, to quote Vinapu 🙂

There's one shop (the largest) in SK that uses photoshop exclusively while others use it sparingly. If the photography appears too professional, I assume it's been shopped. Phoeinix does not use it and most its guys appear better in person. The advantage of using shops in Silom / Surawong area is that guys can be readily seen outside or just inside door.

On Koh Tao, island mafia determines everything. Autopsy delayed by "waves." Whole thing is suspicious.

From Khaosod English Chinese father Mr. Y. Haitao (left) submits a letter to National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, requesting help in finding his son (right), a model who disappeared in Thailand, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters on January 16, 2025. BANGKOK — Another Chinese father has sought help from Thai police to locate his son, a model who disappeared after traveling to Thailand. This follows the cases of Wang Xing, the Chinese actor, and another father searching for his 21-year-old daughter from Jiangsu province, whom Thai police later rescued from Myanmar. Mr. Y. Haitao came with Thai lawyer Rachaphon Sirisakhon to submit a letter to Police General Kittirat Panpetch, the National Police Chief, on January 16 at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. Haitao explained that his son arrived in Thailand on December 21, 2024, flying from Beijing to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The last communication with him was on December 29, 2024, when he made a WeChat video call to his mother. During the call, he appeared anxious and distressed, with visible bruising around his eyes, leading his father to suspect physical abuse. The father noted unusual behavior during the video call – his son kept his hands on the table throughout the conversation instead of holding the phone, suggesting someone else might have been holding it. When asked if his son requested help during the call, the father said there were no explicit requests or signals for assistance, believing his son was under surveillance and possibly being held against his will. Continues with video https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/01/16/missing-chinese-models-last-suspicious-call-near-myanmar-border/

From The Thaiger Hailing from the picturesque village of Quilty in County Clare, Robby had set his sights on the vibrant diving havens in Southeast Asia. “He just walked in one day and said, ‘I am going to Thailand. I have already booked the ticket.’ It was where all the diving was. He was doing very, very well over there and supported himself through his diving qualifications.” Grieving friends have set up a fundraiser to bring Robby’s body back to Ireland, amassing nearly 45,000 euros (1.6 million baht) by Wednesday morning. Paying tribute to the vivacious backpacker, a close friend said he was the kind of person who lit up every room with his kindness and warmth. “He was always the first to help others, putting their needs before his own without a second thought.” In his final days, Robby’s dreams came alive amid Koh Tao’s azure depths, as he free dived and scuba-dived in the place that brought him boundless joy, surrounded by an ever-growing circle of friends. His untimely passing has cast a dark shadow over what should have been the adventure of a lifetime, leaving those who knew him grappling for answers and mourning a life tragically cut short. Fresh details have emerged about the untimely death of Irish diver Robert “Robby” Kinlan, who was discovered lifeless in his room at the Baan Tao Bungalo Resort on Thailand’s infamous Koh Tao Island, also known for its chilling moniker, Death Island. Local Thai police revealed that the young diver, found around 11am on Thursday, January 9, is believed to have succumbed to acute heart failure. The 21 year old’s lifeless body was discovered by a friend, in the unsettling presence of his mobile phone, which was still connected to a wall socket. “The death seems to be acute heart failure,” said Lieutenant Colonel Theeraphat Sanjai. The 21 year old, a skilled free diver and master diver, left for Thailand on November 20 last year in high spirits, obtaining two diving qualifications shortly after his arrival, said Robby’s mother. “He was in a really good place mentally and his normal self.” Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/national/irish-divers-fate-revealed-on-thailands-death-island-video

From The Thaiger The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the dangers of Pot K, a vape liquid mixed with ketamine, which can be fatal. Selling this substance can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of 1.5 million baht. This illegal product has become prevalent among nightlife enthusiasts. Dr Witit Srisuriyachayakul, Deputy Secretary General of the FDA, revealed yesterday, January 15 that police in Makkasan had arrested individuals involved in selling Pot K, which contains ketamine, a Schedule 2 controlled substance. This substance is widely circulated through online platforms and distributed to nightclubs in Bangkok. Ketamine, primarily used medically as an anaesthetic and pain reliever, is being misused for its hallucinogenic effects. Prolonged use can lead to psychosis. High doses of ketamine can cause vomiting, seizures, brain and muscle oxygen deprivation, and potentially death. Long-term use results in both physical and psychological drug dependency. In Thailand, ketamine is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance. Users face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Production, import, export, sale, or possession without permission carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 700,000 baht.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A packed meeting of Pattaya City Expat Club heard updates about the controversial Thai Revenue Department policy as regards overseas income transmitted to Thailand. The two invited representatives of American International Tax Advisers Co. were director Thomas Carden and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda who was in regular touch with local revenue authorities. Patcha explained that some expats were not required to obtain a Thai tax identification number or fill in a tax return. These were foreigners present in Thailand for less than 180 days in the calendar year 2024, those who had not transmitted cash from abroad, those who had transferred only income they had earned up to 31 December 2023 and holders of the 10-year Long Term Residence (LTR) Visa. For other expats the general advice was to obtain a tax number and submit a tax return by the end of March 2025. There was no need to attach documentation, but she reminded the meeting that all foreign income should be totalled, though declaration did not automatically mean liability to pay tax. In breaking news, the Thai Revenue Department had very recently clarified that use of a foreign credit card to obtain Thai baht was now included in the definition of income. Answering questions, Mr Carden said that the Thai government had promised to honor double taxation treaties with 61 countries. However, these were all unique and could not be used as some kind of blanket immunity. He suggested that an expat should refer to the applicable terms in the submitted tax form by way of a caveat or alert. Mr Carden several times stressed that the government was deliberately widening the income tax base, but accepted that small fish were being caught in the net designed for bigger ones, especially rich Thais. Other questioners asked for clarification about investment transfers. For example, was an overseas transfer to purchase a Thai condominium necessarily taxable? Mr Carden said the matter had not yet been fully clarified. He also admitted that use of foreign credit cards to purchase goods in Thailand was another awkward subject and one difficult to monitor by tax authorities. It was obvious, said Mr Carden, that the Thai Revenue Department was making some rulings as the policy moved along. Some members wondered how the Revenue would track the finances of so many individuals. Patcha pointed to the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes which basically meant that international banking details would be available if the Thai authorities made the request. Both she and Mr Carden were concerned that expats choosing to ignore the entire issue now could be subject to audit later. At that point, they would need to justify non-filing. The key takeaway point from the meeting was to retain records of all financial transactions involving foreign cash. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-expats-receive-updates-on-overseas-remittances-and-income-tax-487289

When I made my first post-covid trip (when you needed health insurance policy to gain admission), I brought coverage . When I needed it for visit to BCH ER for dehydration issue, they informed me policy only good at public hospitals. Probably written someplace in fine print. There were some scandals with those companies (some declared bankruptcy) that later emerged in local media. I just looked at it as just a hump I had to jump thrugh through in order to get back and was not surprised.

You took good advantage of the cool weather and visited two of my favorite walking routes. Envy you the opportunity! Surprised there was a Grindr guy up that early.

NOTE -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D, Illinois) was born in Bangkok and decorated US Army helicopter pilot who lost both legs on a combat mission. From AP / Khaosod English Sen. Tammy Duckworth, grilling President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary over whether he had the “breadth and depth of knowledge” needed to lead international negotiations, asked Pete Hegseth if could name one member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, describe what type of agreement the U.S. had with the countries and how many nations were in the bloc. Hegseth responded at the heated Senate confirmation hearing that he couldn’t tell Duckworth the exact number of ASEAN nations, but that “I know we have allies in South Korea and Japan in AUKUS (a pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S.) with Australia.” “None of those three countries are in ASEAN,” responded Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois. “I suggest you do a little homework.” ASEAN is made up of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. An 11th country, East Timor, is set to join soon. Established in 1967, its goal is to promote regional economic and security cooperation, leveraging a combined population of more than 650 million people with a GDP of more than $3 trillion. Duckworth’s question came after Hegseth had noted the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, a region where China’s influence has been rapidly growing and Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pressing territorial claims. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are locked in maritime disputes with China over its claims of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world’s most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijing’s encroachment on its exclusive economic zone. Continues at https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/asean/2025/01/15/question-on-asean-stumped-hegseth-at-senate-hearing-why-is-it-important/

If Moonlight models can get thousand baht garlands just for posing, baht bus drivers are entitled to their version from stupid farangs.

Why has no one yet done exhaustive study of what is it about family-friendly Pattaya that attracts a disproportional volume of crazies. Can't be the water because it's bottled. Can't be the weather because it's often quite delightful. Could it be an overwhelming desire for sexual union with ostrich that goes unfulfilled when they arrive only to learn that there are none awaiting them.

From Pattaya News Banglamung, Chonburi – A fierce forest fire erupted at 9:30 p.m. on January 15th, 2025, along a mountain range in Village 4 in the Pong Subdistrict of Banglamung District in Chonburi Province, to the east of Pattaya. The blaze, which has spread extensively, threatens a nearby monastery, prompting urgent action from local authorities and community members. Emergency services, including fire trucks, have been dispatched to the scene to combat the fire, which shows no signs of abating. Local officials are working diligently to prevent the fire from reaching the monastery, with disciples and villagers assisting by clearing leaves and grass to create a firebreak around the holy site.

That would be me.

Man's never quite able to button his coat....or shut his mouth. Says it's because of the "bone spurs" on his foot that he used as excuse to get excused from military draft. He's obviously a fearless warrior...on paper.

Yazuza gang scam nets 300 million baht From Pattaya News Thai police shut down an alleged Yakuza call center scam in Pattaya, arresting several suspects and uncovering over 300 million baht in damages to Japanese victims. At 11:00 AM on January 14th, at the Immigration Bureau office in Nonthaburi province, Pol. Lt. Col. Panthana Nuchnarat, Deputy Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 1, announced the arrest of Mr. Yu Hamaji, a 34-year-old Japanese national and alleged deputy leader of a Yakuza-linked call center gang. The gang was accused of operating a call center scam targeting Japanese citizens. Pol. Lt. Col. Panthana explained that the arrest stemmed from an investigation started in mid-December 2024. Officers from the Immigration Investigation Bureau uncovered a network of former alleged Yakuza members operating a call center operation in Thailand to scam Japanese people. The investigation led to raids on two luxury pool villas in Chonburi. Pol. Lt. Col. Panthana revealed that the gang scammed Japanese victims of over 24 million yen or around 5 million baht per day, with the total losses worth more than 300 million baht. The stolen money was laundered and reinvested in Thailand through various businesses, where the suspects also used Thai nationals as nominees. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/15/police-bust-alleged-yakuza-call-center-scam-in-pattaya-arrest-former-yakuza-gang-member/ ====================== Bangkok Police Arrest Unrepentant Foreigner From Khaosod English Metropolitan police have arrested a Polish national who allegedly sexually harassed a Thai woman at a convenience store in the Sathorn area. The suspect refused to apologize, claiming it was “just a minor incident.” The victim, identified only as Ms. A, reported to Thung Mahamek Police Station that while shopping at a convenience store, an unknown foreign man suddenly and forcefully slapped her bottom. Initially thinking it was a friend playing a prank, she turned around to find an unfamiliar foreign man. The incident left her feeling humiliated, especially as other customers and store staff witnessed the assault. After consulting with acquaintances about her legal rights, Ms. A filed a police report. She initially only wanted an apology from the perpetrator. However, when summoned by police through his accommodation agent, the suspect refused to appear, stating, “I didn’t hit hard, and I’ve done this many times at entertainment venues without any complaints. I didn’t do anything wrong.” He further claimed that such actions weren’t legally punishable and mentioned his plans to leave the country soon. This response prompted Ms. A to pursue legal action. The Metropolitan Police subsequently arrested Mr. Piotr, a 31-year-old Polish national, at his condominium on Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Road. He was charged with “committing an indecent act against a person over fifteen years of age by force in public.”. During his arrest, Mr. Piotr acknowledged being the person in the CCTV footage but maintained that he didn’t respond to the police summons because he considered it a minor issue and believed it wasn’t illegal. Continues with video https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/01/15/bangkok-police-arrest-polish-man-who-claimed-harassment-was-just-minor/ ============ Foreigners arrested for brutal assault of Burmese employee in Phuket From The Thaiger Police arrested two French restaurant owners in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket for brutally assaulting a Burmese employee, allegedly for being late for work. A video of the physical assault, which occurred on the roadside in Patong, was shared yesterday, January 14, by the news Facebook page Phuket Times. The page captioned the video “Cruel! Patong. A French gang brutally attacked and hit a Burmese man with a rock. The victim suffered serious injuries.” In the video, a Frenchman wearing a white T-shirt was seen chasing a Burmese man in a green shirt along the footpath. The Frenchman caught up with the victim and threw him to the ground. Another Frenchman, wearing a black shirt, then approached and immediately kicked the Burmese man, causing him to collapse. The attackers continued to kick and punch the victim until Thai and foreign witnesses intervened. By the end of the video, the Burmese man was seen lying motionless. Officers from Patong Police Station investigated the case and identified the two French attackers as 41 year old Said Idjihadi and 23 year old Sofiane Redouane Hadji. The Burmese victim was identified as 37 year old Aye Min. Continues with photos https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/2-frenchmen-arrested-for-brutal-assault-of-burmese-employee-in-phuket

Pao returns home periodically to visit family.

That the one in Lad Phrao?

Agree. There's a wine/jazz bar around the corner on Silom. Does a strong business with young, local crowd and the live jazz isn't bad.

One from Australian family, I believe. Having read Patanawet's notes above, it reinforces my long-held belief that you're better off in long run investing in real estate in your home country or index funds. Running bars is best left to those who have money to lose.

That would be significant concern. Both Patpong and Soi 4 are parallel to one another and share the same ownership. An offer the owner could not refuse is indeed a possible scenario given that the parcels represent a huge footprint in Bangkok's business district.

This Bangkok Post account shed more light on details. Victim knew his attackers and they forced him to transfer cryptocurrency. https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/2939397/turkish-man-tied-up-and-robbed-in-pattaya

In his laptop is where he apparently kept his crypto account link. If they managed to get password, the account can be emptied.

From Khaosod English PATTAYA — A Thai woman’s life was saved by an American tourist who intervened just as she attempted to jump from a pedestrian bridge in Pattaya, while authorities and other citizens were trying to talk her down. At 5:30 p.m. on January 11, the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center in Pattaya received reports of a person attempting to jump from a pedestrian bridge near Soi Sukhumvit 53 in Pattaya, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province. Emergency responders and police quickly arrived at the scene. At the location, they found Ms. W (alias), 23, crying hysterically while climbing over the bridge’s railing. She expressed her desire to end her life, causing distress to onlookers. Despite attempts by officials and good Samaritans to persuade her, she remained unresponsive to their pleas. Joe, a 38-year-old American who was in the vicinity, made a split-second decision to lunge forward and pull the young woman back to safety on the bridge. He sustained minor injuries to his leg from hitting the concrete edge during the rescue. “I noticed her standing there crying and feared she might be in danger,” Joe explained. “I tried talking to her and offering help, but she didn’t respond and continued crying. When I saw an opportunity, I acted quickly to bring her to safety.” https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/01/11/american-mans-quick-action-saves-woman-from-bridge-jump-in-pattaya/