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Sounds like you are quite a fan. 🙂

So did Liberace Liberace and it didn’t hurt his ratings.

Didn’t know Putin had that problem.

Give the man a cigar. Suppose it’s good to keep in mind these are only “guidelines” .

No. Red Dragon closed well before Covid. It’s the lady cocktail bar that followed it that recently closed.

No guarantees, I guess. But I’m amazed how few guys figure out sure fire formula to get repeat business: 1. Be consistent 2. Be cheerful 3. Be affectionate 4. Don’t rush it 5. Don’t expect customers to solve your financial management problems

From Archinect Suvarnabhumi Airport - Midfield Satellite 1 in Bangkok by HOK. Image: © Airports of Thailand The Prix Versailles list of the World's Most Beautiful Airports for 2024 has been announced with six projects earning distinction for their aesthetic qualities and impact on the travel experience of users in five countries. Among the group was luis vidal + architects' vibrant Terminal E expansion at Boston Logan Airport and the renovation of Terminal 2 at Changi Airport in Singapore from BOIFFILS Architectures. Each will next compete against winners in other select categories for the three 2024 World Titles (Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior) whose laureates will be announced at UNESCO Headquarters on December 2nd. "Infrastructure for air travel is evolving, with an increasing awareness of the eminently cultural role that it plays. Because airports are responsible for visitors' first impressions, each one is a poster child for its destination. By showcasing cultural assets, an airport’s design and layout can foster a form of tourism in which travellers are encouraged to be respectful and attentive. Preserving a territory’s heritage resources – natural, cultural and social – is vital to developing sustainable tourism. It is commendable that airport communities are at the heart of these changes," Jérôme Gouadain, the Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, noted in a press announcement. Continues with photos https://archinect.com/news/bustler/10076/prix-versailles-selects-the-world-s-most-beautiful-airports-for-2024

From Tourism Authority of Thailand Bangkok, 14 November 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises travellers to review the latest guidelines from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on importing health products for personal use. These guidelines are issued to ensure a smooth, hassle-free entry process, whether health products are brought into Thailand or sent by mail, and support Thailand’s commitment to health and safety standards. The FDA provides clear instructions for bringing various health products – including medicines, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and medical devices – into Thailand. Tourists are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected delays or issues at customs. Carrying Health Products into Thailand Travellers may carry certain health products for personal use, though quantity restrictions and documentation requirements apply: Medicines: A 30-day supply for personal use is allowed, provided the medicines remain in their original packaging and are clearly labelled. If the product is a controlled substance, it must be accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s letter. https://www.tatnews.org/2024/11/thailand-fda-issues-traveller-friendly-guidelines-for-importing-personal-health-products

At 12:30 AM on November 14th, 2024, Pattaya police responded to a reported altercation at a massage parlor in Nongprue, where a Korean tourist injured the Thai shop owner and her Korean boyfriend. Ms. Narint, the 43-year-old shop owner, reportedly suffered a dislocated right arm with severe pain, while her unidentified Korean boyfriend sustained facial injuries. The Korean suspect (whose identity was not publicly revealed) was livestreaming in the shop without permission from Narint. According to Narint, the tourist, known as a social media influencer, repeatedly filmed at the shop without asking, including entering a private room with a customer receiving an oil massage. When Narint confronted him and attempted to push his phone away from filming the upset customer, the tourist allegedly threw her to the ground, dislocating her arm. Narint’s Korean boyfriend got involved but was also slightly injured in the altercation. Ms. Narint, the 43-year-old shop owner, reportedly suffered a dislocated right arm with severe pain, while her unidentified Korean boyfriend sustained facial injuries. The Korean suspect (whose identity was not publicly revealed) was livestreaming in the shop without permission from Narint. According to Narint, the tourist, known as a social media influencer, repeatedly filmed at the shop without asking, including entering a private room with a customer receiving an oil massage. When Narint confronted him and attempted to push his phone away from filming the upset customer, the tourist allegedly threw her to the ground, dislocating her arm. Narint’s Korean boyfriend got involved but was also slightly injured in the altercation. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/11/14/korean-tourist-assaults-pattaya-massage-shop-owner-after-livestreaming-argument/

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon British pensioners abroad, including Thailand, will soon lose UK banking confidentiality if suspected of cheating on their state pension. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, presently at committee stage in the House of Lords, is expected to come into force early in 2025. It requires British banks and building societies to share with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) the accounts of British citizens, both at home or abroad, where fraud looks likely. The main abuse amongst a small minority of British expats is hiding the fact that they live in countries not eligible to receive annual increases in the state pension. The rules are idiosyncratic as such inflation-linked raises are permitted in some countries (e.g. the EU and the Philippines) but not in others (e.g. Thailand and Australia). Around 500,000 British pensioners live abroad with “frozen” state pensions and the DWP believes that overpayment amounts to 100 million pounds. Miscreants usually keep a UK address for postal contact with DWP even though they are spending all or much of their time abroad. One Thai-based Brit was found out last year when a DWP letter sent to his London address was returned by a neighbour with the comment “Lucky Sod Lives in Pattaya”. Another was exposed after his UK wife found out he was enjoying himself in Bangkok rather than working in Baghdad as she had been mischievously told. The new act will likely show up in computerized data those state pension claimants receiving annual increases who appear (from their bank accounts) to be based in foreign lands. However, the Thailand-based pressure group to end frozen UK pensions pointed out that cheating is a very minor problem. The bigger issues, according to a spokesman, are DWP mistakes in processing claims and the nonsense of discrimination according to which country you happen to live in. Neither the previous Conservative government, nor the incumbent Labour one, has shown any interest in remedying the problem. Another issue of concern to many expats in Thailand is the unreliable international postal system. Every three years, the UK authorities demand a certificate of life (proof you are still alive) to continue payments, but the letters are dispatched by ordinary air mail via an agency in Holland. Many letters are never delivered, leading to suspension of payment when no reply is received. “The whole system is insane and discriminatory,” said Pattaya-based Frank Weston who is 68. He suggested that the paper trail should end and be transferred to a digital system.

I suppose both, but among the veterans it’s a shrinking group who’ve managed to maintain their cheerful attitudes with consistently good service. Lately I find myself seeking out newcomers who, one of whom I as luckily to find this week who immediately got himself added to repeat list. The one thing the repeaters have in common is that they don’t haggle.

The mini lady cocktail bar directly beside stairway that leads to Freshboy has shut down. It sprang up after Covid but never gained much traction. In its previous incarnation, I believe it was known as Red Dragon when it was operated under the management of Freshboy (@goobkk would remember). It was there that myself and others became acquainted with the sexy bartender from Myanmar (Yeye) and the various FB waiters who regularly dropped in between shows, looking for a beer and an off. I met one particular such guy who I offed numerous times. Although it occupied little space, it had a bar, sofa and a few tables. I miss the place and those who used to make it a happy landing spot.

Perhaps Moses is a bit jealous. His president can’t play the piano with any of his extremities and is definitely not cute.

Sure at Foodland but no way from prima donnas at Jupiter.

Give me 200 baht tonight and I promise to smile twice at Foodland walkabout.😀😄

From CNN Travel The train click-clacks along at a steady rhythm, passing through various shades of green. Lush rice fields morph into dense forests, while rivers glisten in the morning sun. The verdant, tropical landscape is briefly interrupted by colorful sparks of life in the form of towns and villages, where people are going about their morning routine — street vendors serving breakfast to commuters, women carrying fresh produce back from the market and kids gathering in their red and white school uniforms. This is the view from the Argo Wilis Panoramic, a bright and airy carriage on the Argo Wilis train. Running between the cities of Surabaya in East Java and Bandung in West Java, it’s one of the most scenic and underrated train journeys in all of Southeast Asia. For some context, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, home to over 17,000 islands. While boats and planes are typically the main way to travel between each island, on Java, trains are by far the best choice. Stretching 1,064 kilometers from east to west and home to well over half of Indonesia’s population — that’s a whopping 275 million people — it makes sense that the rail network is so extensive and well-used. Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is the country’s national rail company. While there are limited train networks on the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi, the large majority of them are based in Java, linking all the major cities including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo and Surabaya. Most of this network was constructed during the Dutch colonial era, which lasted some 350 years. Each train has its own name with its own meaning. “For example, the Argo Wilis is named after a non-active volcano in East Java,” explains a railway guard. “There are other trains named after volcanoes too, as well as historic places and Javanese myths and legends.” Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/travel/indonesia-argo-wilis-panoramic-train-intl-hnk/index.html

Have very good leftie friend who voted for Biden for very same reason (down to earth guy I could have beers with). Being moronic is equal opportunity decision. I wholeheartedly share your frustration with outcome but it’s in rear view mirror now. I have much more important things I want to do in my life than brood on it. As Floridarob and others pointed out, Dems took high road and fell off cliff. They were simply outplayed and outmaneuvered. As for Trump’s appointments, would not be shocked to see some pushback from Senate republicans on some confirmation votes, Gaetz in particular.

From The Nation While the Thai hotel industry is experiencing a rebound in demand in line with the peak tourist season, concerns are growing over increasing competition from foreign businesses. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotel Association (THA), noted that the ongoing confidence index survey revealed regional disparities in concerns, with hotels in central and northern Thailand feeling the strain most acutely. According to a survey conducted by the THA and the Bank of Thailand, around 50% of hoteliers expressed worry about the potential negative impact of foreign investment on the industry. Chinese businesses, in particular, are seen as a significant threat, especially for budget hotels. Meanwhile, higher-end establishments are concerned about the broader implications for Thailand's tourism image. The survey also revealed that hoteliers are anticipating a similar number of Thai tourists in the fourth quarter compared to previous quarters, with a slight uptick expected in the under 3-star segment. Overall, hotel occupancy rates are projected to reach 68% in November 2024, a significant improvement from the previous month. The southern region continues to lead with the highest average occupancy rate at 66.9%, followed by the central region at 63.2%. Foreign tourists, primarily from Asia, the Middle East, China, and Western Europe, are driving the recovery, with a majority of them opting for 4-star and above accommodations. Labour shortage remains a persistent challenge, particularly for higher-end hotels. While this issue is primarily impacting service quality, it has not yet hindered the industry's ability to accommodate guests, the survey revealed. The THA president called on the government to provide further support, such as measures to stimulate domestic tourism, reduce operating costs, address labour shortage, and stabilise the baht. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/property/40043264

From The Thaiger Suvarnabhumi International Airport is set to introduce an early check-in service, allowing passengers to complete their check-in process up to 24 hours before departure. This initiative, announced on the Transport Ministry’s social media platform, is aimed at enhancing traveller convenience and reducing congestion at Thailand’s primary international gateway. Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat indicated that the service is anticipated to launch by February. Alongside this, plans include the establishment of a children’s playground, also targeted for completion by February, and an increase in non-commercial space within the airport terminal by the end of next year, said Kerati. “The introduction of these services is part of a broader strategy to elevate Suvarnabhumi Airport into the top 20 best airports worldwide within the next five years.” Currently, Suvarnabhumi ranks 58th globally according to Skytrax and holds the third position in Southeast Asia, trailing behind Singapore’s Changi and Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airports.

From The Thaiger Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a spine-tingling warning, revealing that terroristsare targeting Israeli holidaymakers at the infamous Full Moon party on Thailand’s tourist haven, Koh Pha Ngan. In a bombshell announcement, the RTP disclosed that they’ve received info indicating a sinister plot to attack Israeli tourists at the island celebration. The party, a hot favourite among Israeli adventurers, coincides with Loy Krathong, Thailand’s enchanting Festival of Lights, set for this Friday, November 15. In an all-out bid to thwart any potential attack, Thai police are ramping up security, with roadblocks and intensive operations launched across the island. RTP insiders claim this isn’t mere scaremongering, insisting there’s hard evidence behind the terror threat targeting Israelis. A security chief in Israel confirmed that despite RTP’s internal memo, steps are being taken to handle the situation. An announcement from Israel’s National Security Council is anticipated at any moment.

From Pattaya News On November 12th, 2024, Thai immigration officers in Tak intercepted a vehicle carrying five Chinese tourists who had been misled to believe they were en route to Pattaya. The tourists were reportedly shocked to find themselves at the Thai-Myanmar border instead of their intended destination. Officials at the Mae Sot checkpoint stopped the car on the Mae Sot-Tak road and, with the assistance of a Chinese translator, verified the tourists’ documents, which were in order. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the tourists had intended to visit Pattaya but were instead driven toward the border with Myanmar, raising suspicions of potential trafficking. Tak authorities intervened just in time, as the tourists could have been taken to Myawaddy, Myanmar, where they risked being allegedly coerced into work by an alleged Chinese call center gang. Security forces in Mae Sot safely redirected the tourists to Pattaya, sparing them from an illegal border crossing and possible exploitation. In a related operation, Tak authorities are also assisting other foreign trafficking victims at a local human trafficking support center, coordinating with NGOs to ensure their safety and well-being. The driver of the vehicle and his identity was withheld, with immigration citing further investigation needed.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Those contemplating a move to Cambodia because of fear of the Thai Revenue Department are on safe ground as matters stand. Foreign retirees in Cambodia are not being taxed on their international transfers: officials at ABA and Maybank, two leading banks with foreign customers, said the subject was not currently being discussed. The Cambodian government in its tax-related publications clearly avoids the specific issue of retirees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation states that a foreigner spending more than 182 days in the kingdom during a year is deemed to be a “resident” of the kingdom. The text continues that “residents” are taxable on their worldwide income and there is no qualifier that the cash must be remitted to Cambodia to be liable. There is a separate government requirement that sums exceeding US$10,000 must be declared to the Bank of Cambodia before the transfer. However, the context of the tax-liability discussion relates to “resident” foreigners who are working in Cambodia with a “salary”. The regulations state that their overseas income, if already taxed in the home country, can be credited against any further Cambodian Revenue demands. This ruling is not dependent on double taxation treaties. Cambodia has eleven DTAs but none with a country outside Asia. In other words, working expats are subject to taxation on their actual wages both in Cambodia and abroad. Given that companies submit tax returns in Cambodia, individuals do not normally prepare their own returns. Technically, Cambodia does not have personal income tax but is concerned only with cash actually being earned. By extension, there is no requirement for retirees to get involved with Revenue matters and websites promoting Cambodia as a tropical paradise seldom even mention the subject of taxation. The question is whether the tax-free haven for retirees could change. It would not be difficult for the government to do so, for example by divorcing worldwide income from the need to have a “salary”. However, there is no indication of that intention and the Cambodian revenue authorities are much less proactive and influential than their Thai counterparts. As a Phnom Penh bank official said, “It simply wouldn’t be worth the effort”. The Cambodian retiree visa costs around US$300, annually renewable, but must be based on a an initial E-class (formerly business) 30 days visa when entering the country. The use of visa agents is widespread, almost compulsory in fact, and very little documentation is required. Proof of retiree status and of steady income is sometimes called for. There is also the requirement to download the Foreigners Present in Cambodia address registration app. In other words, the retiree bureaucracy in Cambodia is much easier than in Thailand. Of course, the pros and cons of living over there are a much bigger agenda. ============ From Pattaya News Should Thai retirees escape to the Philippines to avoid income tax? By Barry Kenyon There’s currently much speculation about Thailand’s retirees considering a move to another regional country. They are hunting to escape the looming if still-muddy liability to pay Thai personal income tax on some foreign income transmitted to Thailand. They need to be watchful as Cambodian authorities, for example, can in fact tax foreign retirees on their worldwide income but choose, anyway for now, to ignore cash not earned in Cambodia. The Philippines is unusual in that it publicizes the non-taxation of foreign income such as pensions, inheritances and capital gains. So it’s worth examining the retiree entry regulations of Thailand and the Philippines because they are by no means the same or even similar. The Philippines has introduced the Ease of Paying Taxes Act 2024 but, contrary to some reports, this did not affect the tax-free status of retirees living on overseas assets. Although there are many retirement visa options in Thailand for those 50 years plus, the easiest without doubt is the non-immigrant “O” type. A visa-free entry stamp can be converted by local immigration to a three months non-immigrant “O” which then receives an extension of stay for 12 months (fifteen months in all the first time). Annually, the retiree returns to immigration for a further 12 months extension for 1,900 baht or US$55. Agents can facilitate the process for a service fee. The basic requirement, as is well known, is at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or proof of monthly remittances from overseas of at least 65,000 baht. Evidence of local address is required and there is an ongoing rule to report it every three months. A re-entry permit is needed for those leaving the country, but a medical insurance policy is not currently mandatory. Given that third parties can help with the cash bond, if required, the non “O” route is far and away the most popular track for retirees. It’s also the cheapest by miles. Retirees to the Philippines need to apply for the core Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) which is multi-entry but requires an annual re-registration of the ID card. It requires a personal and not third-party bond of (usually) US$10,000 to US$20,000 in a Filipino bank which may have to be left there for the duration depending on whether investments are made. Family members can be included at a reasonable extra cost. Medical insurance is not required, but a medical report on the individual is needed prior to entry and must be authenticated by a Filipino embassy or consulate. Police clearance from the country of origin or recent residence is needed according to the government website. Compared with Thai immigration practices with the “O” type, the Filipino version is much more of a hassle to process. Not to mention the interview with the Philippine Retirement Authority or PRA. However, the extra perks are considerable. No exit or re-entry clearance. The status of a permanent resident from day one and the publicized chance to apply for citizenship after 10 years. The chance to work for an employer provided the (not too difficult) Alien Employment Permit is applied for. The facility to bring in US$7,000-worth of household goods tax free. PRA assistance is applying for a driving licence, or when dealing with Filipino bureaucracies. In summary, the longer term retirement visa bonuses in the Philippines are more bountiful than those in Thailand. But the Thailand “O” is certainly much cheaper to process and requires much less initial documentation. Perhaps Thailand’s resident expats should appreciate it more. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/should-thai-retirees-escape-to-the-philippines-to-avoid-income-tax-479718

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Phetboy is again offering promotion of 4 one-hour sessions for 999 bht. i was there tonight and booked newbie from Myanmar who lived up to all expectations. When I returned to lobby at 9p.m. there were seven smiling faces trying to encourage me to go another round. But I was completely depleted and had to disappoint them.

Literacy tests were used in the south to deny blacks the right to vote. Once we start hating and denigrating those who voted differently than ourselves, we become like them in every way imaginable.