One reason why many people try so hard to keep their tax bills down when working. Why pay a fortune in National Insurance (aka Tax) when you can't trust the government to payout your full pension ?Barry Kenyon wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 7:34 am 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.
By Barry Kenyon
Re: By Barry Kenyon
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
I don't understand this obsession some seem to have about coming up with a label for every imaginable gay variation that exists - and some I've never heard of. WHY? Maybe one of these days they will figure out that we're just people - like everyone else, and nobody - gay or straight - needs to go through life with a label. I have no need for an equivalent of Hester Prynne's scarlet letter.
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Anyone fancy a bowl of gay alphabet soup in Thailand?
By Barry Kenyon
November 15, 2024
It looks like your finger got stuck on the keyboard. But LGBTQQIPSA++ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirited and asexual. More identities are waiting in the wings such as gender fluids, agenders, bigenders, nonbinaries, ace spectrums and demisexuals. Not to mention the autogynephiles who are apparently sexually stimulated by just now and again wearing female clothing.
Thailand stands ready to welcome more gays to get married or enjoy themselves long and short term. But the language can’t really deal with the complexities of alphabet soup even though there is a term for gay lingo namely “saeng ke”. None the less, the immigration bureau is doing its best to help. Police major general Choengron Rimpadee said that discrepancies between the photo or gender marker on the passport, compared with actual appearance at check-in, need not be a problem as biometric data could still prove your identity.
Gay alphabet soup has its strong supporters in the civil rights movement. The more inclusive the definitions become, goes the argument, the more broader society will understand just how many non-traditionalists there are. Eggs Benedict, who heads up a small group representing the interests of transpeople in Pattaya said, “Same sex people travel to different personal destinations and deserve to be included.” She added that not all transpeople are gay in the traditional sense.
The Thai government has its own standpoint far removed from soup of any kind: to get a bigger share of the 200 billion dollars revenue which represents gay travel internationally. The hope is to create more jobs in the hospitality industry and to raise the gross domestic product by 0.3 percent. From early next year, same sex marriage will be an option. Thailand won’t make the mistake which Taiwan originally made by banning foreigners from the nuptials. All are welcome from day one as long as you are at least 18 and have cash a-plenty.
Activists say alphabet soup in Thailand is in reality irrelevant as nobody gives a damn. As Kent Murdock from Thai Gay Lobby puts it, “It’s just silly trying to fuse sexuality, genders, fetishes and preferences into one huge caravan of collective identity. We should be concentrating on practical issues such as discrimination in employment and gay bashing.” In other words, take alphabet soup off the menu.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-480113
_______________________________________________
Anyone fancy a bowl of gay alphabet soup in Thailand?
By Barry Kenyon
November 15, 2024
It looks like your finger got stuck on the keyboard. But LGBTQQIPSA++ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirited and asexual. More identities are waiting in the wings such as gender fluids, agenders, bigenders, nonbinaries, ace spectrums and demisexuals. Not to mention the autogynephiles who are apparently sexually stimulated by just now and again wearing female clothing.
Thailand stands ready to welcome more gays to get married or enjoy themselves long and short term. But the language can’t really deal with the complexities of alphabet soup even though there is a term for gay lingo namely “saeng ke”. None the less, the immigration bureau is doing its best to help. Police major general Choengron Rimpadee said that discrepancies between the photo or gender marker on the passport, compared with actual appearance at check-in, need not be a problem as biometric data could still prove your identity.
Gay alphabet soup has its strong supporters in the civil rights movement. The more inclusive the definitions become, goes the argument, the more broader society will understand just how many non-traditionalists there are. Eggs Benedict, who heads up a small group representing the interests of transpeople in Pattaya said, “Same sex people travel to different personal destinations and deserve to be included.” She added that not all transpeople are gay in the traditional sense.
The Thai government has its own standpoint far removed from soup of any kind: to get a bigger share of the 200 billion dollars revenue which represents gay travel internationally. The hope is to create more jobs in the hospitality industry and to raise the gross domestic product by 0.3 percent. From early next year, same sex marriage will be an option. Thailand won’t make the mistake which Taiwan originally made by banning foreigners from the nuptials. All are welcome from day one as long as you are at least 18 and have cash a-plenty.
Activists say alphabet soup in Thailand is in reality irrelevant as nobody gives a damn. As Kent Murdock from Thai Gay Lobby puts it, “It’s just silly trying to fuse sexuality, genders, fetishes and preferences into one huge caravan of collective identity. We should be concentrating on practical issues such as discrimination in employment and gay bashing.” In other words, take alphabet soup off the menu.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-480113
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Thailand’s pink dollar future comes from neighboring countries
By Barry Kenyon
November 20, 2024
The traditional gay scene in Thai tourist cities has centered on westerners. But that scenario could be changing with marriage equality becoming legal early next year. Bangkok’s Rainbow Alliance points out there are three billion people living less than five hours flying time from Bangkok. They reside in countries where homosexuality is either frowned on or actually illegal. So the trickledown benefits to Thailand’s economy could be awesome. Thailand is the first country in south east Asia to legalize same sex nuptials.
According to the digital travel platform Agoda, 4 million extra visitors could boost revenue by US$2 billion and lift the country’s gross national product by 0.3 percent. Thailand’s friendly gay image is a key plank of the international marketing plan to entice any and all interest groups as long as they’re not actually a threat to national security. The advent of the 60 days visa-free entry and of the five-years validity Destination Thailand Visa are just two examples of the strategy in action.
As usual in Asian economic affairs, China leads the way. Owen Zhu, a Bangkok-based realtor, said that the purchase of Thai condominiums by Chinese gays was now mainstream as some look to establish second homes in Thailand with their partners, or anticipate longterm capital appreciation. What appeals to gay Chinese is “a place where you are accepted”. One pointed out in the South China Morning Post that you would never find a transexual receptionist at a business in China, a common phenomenon in Thailand. Chinese nationals buy 40 percent of all foreign property purchases in Thailand.
Indian tourist numbers to Thailand have rocketed since the abolition of visa restrictions on entry although gayness is still a matter most prefer to keep private. There is heavy investment in the Thai hospitality industry, often via proxies in Dubai, but not directly in gay-orientated businesses. However, this could well change during the next few years. A spokesperson for Pattaya’s Walking Street Collective said, “There are lots of Indians already enjoying themselves in dance clubs, so it’s just a matter of time before the gay scene opens up.”
There are other clues. According to Bangkok Pride, there are many Asians trying to register for their gay wedding in Thailand from January 2025, South Koreans and Singaporeans in particular. A Pacific-based gay tour operator, Thai Freedoms, is advertising Thai vacations in Malaysia and Indonesia where homophobia still rules the roost. A previous report by Agoda claimed that Thailand is the most popular destination for Japanese gay vacationers. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Boy Love website and mini-series dramas are popular throughout the region, clearly indicating how soft power or influences can stimulate the economy.
This is not to say that western gay tourists are a relic of the past. The commercial gay scene is still mostly geared to them, although online dating apps less so. But the number of European and American visitors, as well as expats, appear to be declining, even though the return of the Trump administration in USA could witness more voluntary exiles including a fair proportion of gays seeking warmer climes. International Thai tourism has already experienced many shakeups as it has diversified its appeal beyond traditional western fun seekers. As Thailand’s business orientation continues to evolve, gay tourism can be expected to follow suit.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ies-480702
By Barry Kenyon
November 20, 2024
The traditional gay scene in Thai tourist cities has centered on westerners. But that scenario could be changing with marriage equality becoming legal early next year. Bangkok’s Rainbow Alliance points out there are three billion people living less than five hours flying time from Bangkok. They reside in countries where homosexuality is either frowned on or actually illegal. So the trickledown benefits to Thailand’s economy could be awesome. Thailand is the first country in south east Asia to legalize same sex nuptials.
According to the digital travel platform Agoda, 4 million extra visitors could boost revenue by US$2 billion and lift the country’s gross national product by 0.3 percent. Thailand’s friendly gay image is a key plank of the international marketing plan to entice any and all interest groups as long as they’re not actually a threat to national security. The advent of the 60 days visa-free entry and of the five-years validity Destination Thailand Visa are just two examples of the strategy in action.
As usual in Asian economic affairs, China leads the way. Owen Zhu, a Bangkok-based realtor, said that the purchase of Thai condominiums by Chinese gays was now mainstream as some look to establish second homes in Thailand with their partners, or anticipate longterm capital appreciation. What appeals to gay Chinese is “a place where you are accepted”. One pointed out in the South China Morning Post that you would never find a transexual receptionist at a business in China, a common phenomenon in Thailand. Chinese nationals buy 40 percent of all foreign property purchases in Thailand.
Indian tourist numbers to Thailand have rocketed since the abolition of visa restrictions on entry although gayness is still a matter most prefer to keep private. There is heavy investment in the Thai hospitality industry, often via proxies in Dubai, but not directly in gay-orientated businesses. However, this could well change during the next few years. A spokesperson for Pattaya’s Walking Street Collective said, “There are lots of Indians already enjoying themselves in dance clubs, so it’s just a matter of time before the gay scene opens up.”
There are other clues. According to Bangkok Pride, there are many Asians trying to register for their gay wedding in Thailand from January 2025, South Koreans and Singaporeans in particular. A Pacific-based gay tour operator, Thai Freedoms, is advertising Thai vacations in Malaysia and Indonesia where homophobia still rules the roost. A previous report by Agoda claimed that Thailand is the most popular destination for Japanese gay vacationers. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Boy Love website and mini-series dramas are popular throughout the region, clearly indicating how soft power or influences can stimulate the economy.
This is not to say that western gay tourists are a relic of the past. The commercial gay scene is still mostly geared to them, although online dating apps less so. But the number of European and American visitors, as well as expats, appear to be declining, even though the return of the Trump administration in USA could witness more voluntary exiles including a fair proportion of gays seeking warmer climes. International Thai tourism has already experienced many shakeups as it has diversified its appeal beyond traditional western fun seekers. As Thailand’s business orientation continues to evolve, gay tourism can be expected to follow suit.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ies-480702
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Thai government priorities include pan-ASEAN common visa policy
By Barry Kenyon
November 27, 2024
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stressed that Thailand is prioritizing a “Schengen-style” common visa policy for six countries as part of the Amazing Thailand 2025 year. The proposal, once implemented, would see tourists who entered one country able to visit the other five without added bureaucracy or cost. The “six countries, one destination” visa would include Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
There are several encouraging signs, including the recent agreement between Vietnam and Thailand to pilot the program, whilst a regional ASEAN summit meeting in Laos agreed that a visa facilitating seamless travel across the region would drive regional tourism. Cambodia has not committed itself but has agreed to look in detail at the Thai proposal, perhaps fearing its income-generating visa fees could be compromised.
Malaysia already cooperates closely with Thailand across their common land borders. Brunei has remained quiet for now, likely because its immigration data bases are more digitalized than those of its neighbors. Currently, entry policies differ markedly between regional countries, ranging from Singapore’s visa-free policies for 162 jurisdictions to Vietnam’s visa exemption for less than 40. Thailand offers 93 countries visa-free entry of at least 60 days.
ASEAN is a loose confederacy of states relying on consensus, markedly different from the EU which is an independent body with a supranational regulatory executive and judicial system. Thus talks at ASEAN have failed to have any impact on the Myanmar civil war. However, ASEAN did introduce the Convention on Counter Terrorism in 2007 to enhance information sharing, although the debate process did take four years.
An understated advantage of a regional visa agreement would be for western companies to decouple from their reliance on Chinese manufacturers and speed up the growing industrial development in Vietnam and Thailand in particular. But ASEAN has to clear up its ambiguity about what exactly tourist visas allow holders to do. Whilst Thailand allows attendance at business meetings without a specific visa, Cambodia has recently cracked down on digital nomads relying on the 30 days entry permit.
At the moment, the emphasis is on international tourism. Thailand’s hospitality industry employs 20 percent of the workforce and produces 12 percent. Cambodia and Vietnam are similar in their dependence, but generalizations are difficult. Cao Tri Dung, chair of the Da Nang Tourism Association, has highlighted that the expansion of the tourism market in ASEAN would intensify competition between countries with less attractive destinations losing out. A pan- ASEAN visa agreement is certainly on the cards. But making haste slowly will inevitably be part of the complex process.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... icy-481560
By Barry Kenyon
November 27, 2024
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stressed that Thailand is prioritizing a “Schengen-style” common visa policy for six countries as part of the Amazing Thailand 2025 year. The proposal, once implemented, would see tourists who entered one country able to visit the other five without added bureaucracy or cost. The “six countries, one destination” visa would include Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
There are several encouraging signs, including the recent agreement between Vietnam and Thailand to pilot the program, whilst a regional ASEAN summit meeting in Laos agreed that a visa facilitating seamless travel across the region would drive regional tourism. Cambodia has not committed itself but has agreed to look in detail at the Thai proposal, perhaps fearing its income-generating visa fees could be compromised.
Malaysia already cooperates closely with Thailand across their common land borders. Brunei has remained quiet for now, likely because its immigration data bases are more digitalized than those of its neighbors. Currently, entry policies differ markedly between regional countries, ranging from Singapore’s visa-free policies for 162 jurisdictions to Vietnam’s visa exemption for less than 40. Thailand offers 93 countries visa-free entry of at least 60 days.
ASEAN is a loose confederacy of states relying on consensus, markedly different from the EU which is an independent body with a supranational regulatory executive and judicial system. Thus talks at ASEAN have failed to have any impact on the Myanmar civil war. However, ASEAN did introduce the Convention on Counter Terrorism in 2007 to enhance information sharing, although the debate process did take four years.
An understated advantage of a regional visa agreement would be for western companies to decouple from their reliance on Chinese manufacturers and speed up the growing industrial development in Vietnam and Thailand in particular. But ASEAN has to clear up its ambiguity about what exactly tourist visas allow holders to do. Whilst Thailand allows attendance at business meetings without a specific visa, Cambodia has recently cracked down on digital nomads relying on the 30 days entry permit.
At the moment, the emphasis is on international tourism. Thailand’s hospitality industry employs 20 percent of the workforce and produces 12 percent. Cambodia and Vietnam are similar in their dependence, but generalizations are difficult. Cao Tri Dung, chair of the Da Nang Tourism Association, has highlighted that the expansion of the tourism market in ASEAN would intensify competition between countries with less attractive destinations losing out. A pan- ASEAN visa agreement is certainly on the cards. But making haste slowly will inevitably be part of the complex process.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... icy-481560
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
A better property deal for foreigners could mean saving or selling Thailand
By Barry Kenyon
November 30, 2024
Unofficial government adviser Thaksin Shinawatra this week reaffirmed his desire to see a new comfort zone for foreign property buyers and long lease holders. He thus joins real estate dealers and potential investors in urging the necessary legal reforms to permit up to 75 percent of condominium units to be foreign owned and to extend maximum leases on various types of property from 30 (normally) to 90 years.
At the moment, not more than 49 percent of condo units can be in foreign ownership to ensure Thais retain majority control, whilst most land leases (eg on villas) are a maximum of 30 years to avoid any suggestion the country is too indulgent to more than one generation of foreigners. Given that the Thai economy overall is still stuck with low growth rates, the potential reforms are intended to create much-needed extra revenue and to motivate the property market as a whole.
The main sticking point is the fear in traditionalist quarters that the Pheu Thai administration is selling rather than saving the country. Thus, it is argued that expanding the foreign quota for condominium ownership risks “outsiders” taking over control of committees or conspiring with others to dominate whole sections of some cities. Condo prices may irrationally skyrocket as happened recently in Canada when there was a rapid influx of foreign purchases.
According to the Housing Business Association (HBA), actual reforms are likely to be complex. For example, the extension of the foreign quota in condominiums could depend on a minimum sale price of, say, 10 million baht, and be restricted to cities which are already popular with foreigners. Moreover, taxes on foreign-owned units could be raised and the right to sit on juristic committees could be restricted to ensure Thai voting members remain the majority.
As regards land leases, HBA suggests a new framework is required too. The illegality of nominee shareholders needs to be prohibited in new legislation and bold frameworks should be established to regulate land use according to urban planning regulations and zoning requirements. There might be a maximum size of 4 rai to prevent foreign-dominated companies buying up rural land wholesale for industrial development or profitable investment.
Reforming Thailand’s property laws is not new. The military-backed government following the 2014 coup approved a regulation for foreigners investing at least 40 million baht might purchase a rai of land, but withdrew consent after a storm of protest. The resistance to the junta was sparked by several groups, including the then opposition Pheu Thai party which is now in the driving seat. Whatever proposals are adopted by Thailand’s parliament in 2025, if any, one feature is already very obvious. The devil will lurk in the detail.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-481859
By Barry Kenyon
November 30, 2024
Unofficial government adviser Thaksin Shinawatra this week reaffirmed his desire to see a new comfort zone for foreign property buyers and long lease holders. He thus joins real estate dealers and potential investors in urging the necessary legal reforms to permit up to 75 percent of condominium units to be foreign owned and to extend maximum leases on various types of property from 30 (normally) to 90 years.
At the moment, not more than 49 percent of condo units can be in foreign ownership to ensure Thais retain majority control, whilst most land leases (eg on villas) are a maximum of 30 years to avoid any suggestion the country is too indulgent to more than one generation of foreigners. Given that the Thai economy overall is still stuck with low growth rates, the potential reforms are intended to create much-needed extra revenue and to motivate the property market as a whole.
The main sticking point is the fear in traditionalist quarters that the Pheu Thai administration is selling rather than saving the country. Thus, it is argued that expanding the foreign quota for condominium ownership risks “outsiders” taking over control of committees or conspiring with others to dominate whole sections of some cities. Condo prices may irrationally skyrocket as happened recently in Canada when there was a rapid influx of foreign purchases.
According to the Housing Business Association (HBA), actual reforms are likely to be complex. For example, the extension of the foreign quota in condominiums could depend on a minimum sale price of, say, 10 million baht, and be restricted to cities which are already popular with foreigners. Moreover, taxes on foreign-owned units could be raised and the right to sit on juristic committees could be restricted to ensure Thai voting members remain the majority.
As regards land leases, HBA suggests a new framework is required too. The illegality of nominee shareholders needs to be prohibited in new legislation and bold frameworks should be established to regulate land use according to urban planning regulations and zoning requirements. There might be a maximum size of 4 rai to prevent foreign-dominated companies buying up rural land wholesale for industrial development or profitable investment.
Reforming Thailand’s property laws is not new. The military-backed government following the 2014 coup approved a regulation for foreigners investing at least 40 million baht might purchase a rai of land, but withdrew consent after a storm of protest. The resistance to the junta was sparked by several groups, including the then opposition Pheu Thai party which is now in the driving seat. Whatever proposals are adopted by Thailand’s parliament in 2025, if any, one feature is already very obvious. The devil will lurk in the detail.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-481859
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
"It appears that some local tax offices have been reluctant to issue TINS (tax identification numbers) to expat pensioners"
Fine with me. I hope it stays that way.
American saying: "Same shit, different day"
_________________________________________
Pattaya expats highlight income tax ambiguities
By Barry Kenyon
December 2, 2024
Pattaya City Expat Club’s newsletter has now introduced a tax-related webpage to address the financial concerns of members and the wider expat community who clock up in Thailand at least 180 days in 2024. The calendar-year reporting period of potentially taxable income transmitted from overseas will be the first three months of 2025. PCEC stresses that it is not qualified to answer the specific tax liabilities of individuals.
The webpage stresses what we don’t yet know for sure. For example, the Thai Revenue Department (TRD) has ignored the issue of expats who have not actually sent any cash from abroad in 2024, or who believe their transmitted funds are “not assessable” under the rules as published. It is unclear if TRD expects all expats living here for half the year or more are expected to file a return. Tax lawyers appear to be divided on this and other related issues.
Many ambiguities concern double taxation treaties, each of which is unique and non-transferable to others. These treaties sometimes cover income which can only be taxed in the home country, but more frequently include previously-taxed income which counts as a “credit” towards tax liability in Thailand if transmitted here. The fact that a double taxation treaty exists for your nationality does not automatically bestow exemption here in Thailand.
PCEC is keen to hear from any expats, members of not, who have visited their local tax office or have been given a ruling. It appears that some local tax offices have been reluctant to issue TINS (tax identification numbers) to expat pensioners, although this could relate to communication problems if the retiree doesn’t speak Thai or is not accompanied by someone who does. Obtaining a TIN does not automatically commit the individual to filing a tax return, according to the PCEC webpage.
As a result of the pressing ambiguities, PCEC is keen to hear from local expats who have information given to individuals by their local TRD office. It is likely that personal income tax will be high on the media agenda in 2025 and PCEC will be issuing updates as pertinent information comes to light. PCEC, which has an informative website, welcomes feedback by writing to [email protected] website: https://pcec.club/
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ies-482222
Am I missing something? I can't find the web page Barry is talking about. If you know, please post the link.
Fine with me. I hope it stays that way.
American saying: "Same shit, different day"
_________________________________________
Pattaya expats highlight income tax ambiguities
By Barry Kenyon
December 2, 2024
Pattaya City Expat Club’s newsletter has now introduced a tax-related webpage to address the financial concerns of members and the wider expat community who clock up in Thailand at least 180 days in 2024. The calendar-year reporting period of potentially taxable income transmitted from overseas will be the first three months of 2025. PCEC stresses that it is not qualified to answer the specific tax liabilities of individuals.
The webpage stresses what we don’t yet know for sure. For example, the Thai Revenue Department (TRD) has ignored the issue of expats who have not actually sent any cash from abroad in 2024, or who believe their transmitted funds are “not assessable” under the rules as published. It is unclear if TRD expects all expats living here for half the year or more are expected to file a return. Tax lawyers appear to be divided on this and other related issues.
Many ambiguities concern double taxation treaties, each of which is unique and non-transferable to others. These treaties sometimes cover income which can only be taxed in the home country, but more frequently include previously-taxed income which counts as a “credit” towards tax liability in Thailand if transmitted here. The fact that a double taxation treaty exists for your nationality does not automatically bestow exemption here in Thailand.
PCEC is keen to hear from any expats, members of not, who have visited their local tax office or have been given a ruling. It appears that some local tax offices have been reluctant to issue TINS (tax identification numbers) to expat pensioners, although this could relate to communication problems if the retiree doesn’t speak Thai or is not accompanied by someone who does. Obtaining a TIN does not automatically commit the individual to filing a tax return, according to the PCEC webpage.
As a result of the pressing ambiguities, PCEC is keen to hear from local expats who have information given to individuals by their local TRD office. It is likely that personal income tax will be high on the media agenda in 2025 and PCEC will be issuing updates as pertinent information comes to light. PCEC, which has an informative website, welcomes feedback by writing to [email protected] website: https://pcec.club/
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ies-482222
Am I missing something? I can't find the web page Barry is talking about. If you know, please post the link.
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2lz2p
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
The webpage can be found here: https://pcec.club/Thai-Income-Tax-Expat-Information. This is the link in the Pattaya City Expat Club's Newsletter that he is referring to. He should have used that rather then the link to the home page. When using the home page, you can find it by going to the topic "Living in Thailand" and hover your cursor over that topic. A drop down menu will appear which has that page listed - click on it and it will open.
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Gay marriage unlikely to spread soon amongst Thailand’s neighbors
By Barry Kenyon
December 3, 2024
As the Thai government gears up to implement the marriage equality law next month, there is no sign of the green signal elsewhere. The most virulent public opposition to gay rights is in South Korea where “come to your senses” netizens are keen to link same sex activity to aids, monkeypox and any transmitted disease to hand. Some say the advance of evangelical Christianity there is the main reason for the taboo, although the civil penal code is silent on homosexuality.
Politicians in Muslim-dominated Malaysia and Indonesia argue that gay marriage is another attempt by western ideologues and their proxies to colonize Asia. Most unsurprisingly, a Malaysian government spokesman said that there are no known cases of registered gay marriages in the country, whilst a state legislature has suggested the building of “rehab” centers for gays.
Vietnam formally declassified gay practices as a disease in 2022, but they are neither illegal nor accepted by the state. In the same year, Singapore decriminalized homosexuality but amended the constitution to limit marriage to members of the opposite sex. Myanmar, in the throes of an insurgency, has only stated that “gender issues, unlike in the west, are not important here”. Laos authorities mostly ignore gays although a handful of bars have been warned not to display rainbow flags.
As regards Cambodia, former premier Hun Sen has said that there are 100,000 gays in the country and they do not suffer discrimination. They can marry if they wish, but there is no state certificate or civil law recognition. The Philippines has a strong campaigning lobby to extend gay rights beyond notional legality of sexual activity, but the legislature prefers to ignore sexual orientation in Asia’s only notional Roman Catholic country.
In spite of widespread indifference or hostility by ruling classes throughout the region, gay activists sense some progress. The Asian Pride Alliance pointed out that Thailand was an unexpected country to find liberalism. “It was the military-backed, rightist government here which first agreed the concept of same sex marriage as well as decriminalizing cannabis,” said the spokeswoman referring to the post-coup administration which lost power last year. “Never give up!” she concluded.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ors-482316
By Barry Kenyon
December 3, 2024
As the Thai government gears up to implement the marriage equality law next month, there is no sign of the green signal elsewhere. The most virulent public opposition to gay rights is in South Korea where “come to your senses” netizens are keen to link same sex activity to aids, monkeypox and any transmitted disease to hand. Some say the advance of evangelical Christianity there is the main reason for the taboo, although the civil penal code is silent on homosexuality.
Politicians in Muslim-dominated Malaysia and Indonesia argue that gay marriage is another attempt by western ideologues and their proxies to colonize Asia. Most unsurprisingly, a Malaysian government spokesman said that there are no known cases of registered gay marriages in the country, whilst a state legislature has suggested the building of “rehab” centers for gays.
Vietnam formally declassified gay practices as a disease in 2022, but they are neither illegal nor accepted by the state. In the same year, Singapore decriminalized homosexuality but amended the constitution to limit marriage to members of the opposite sex. Myanmar, in the throes of an insurgency, has only stated that “gender issues, unlike in the west, are not important here”. Laos authorities mostly ignore gays although a handful of bars have been warned not to display rainbow flags.
As regards Cambodia, former premier Hun Sen has said that there are 100,000 gays in the country and they do not suffer discrimination. They can marry if they wish, but there is no state certificate or civil law recognition. The Philippines has a strong campaigning lobby to extend gay rights beyond notional legality of sexual activity, but the legislature prefers to ignore sexual orientation in Asia’s only notional Roman Catholic country.
In spite of widespread indifference or hostility by ruling classes throughout the region, gay activists sense some progress. The Asian Pride Alliance pointed out that Thailand was an unexpected country to find liberalism. “It was the military-backed, rightist government here which first agreed the concept of same sex marriage as well as decriminalizing cannabis,” said the spokeswoman referring to the post-coup administration which lost power last year. “Never give up!” she concluded.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ors-482316
-
Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Anti-coup proposals are “irrelevant” says Thai coalition party
By Barry Kenyon
December 11, 2024
Opposition to the Pheu Thai proposals to deter another military coup is so strong that they have no chance of surviving in Parliament. The Bhumjaithai Party, led by interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul and a key coalition party, has attacked the plans as irrelevant as do two other smaller, military-backed parties United Thai Nation Party and Palang Pracharat. Even some Pheu Thai MPs have expressed reservations and the bill’s sponsor has said he may withdraw it.
The proposals would amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act by requiring Cabinet approval for senior military posts and indemnifying soldiers who refuse to carry out putsch-related orders. A website public survey, to end on January 1, currently has far more respondents against the proposals than for them. Some members of the public even stated that the bill, if ever it became law, might provoke the very military putsch Parliament was trying to deter.
The recent failure of the self-coup in South Korea, where House of Representatives members voted down the declaration of martial law, momentarily boosted the idea that legislation might succeed in Thailand too. But the coup attempt in Seoul was “soft” in nature and allowed parliamentarians to enter the building after a brief fire-extinguisher squirt struggle with soldiers. Such a spectacle in Bangkok is beyond the parameters of belief.
As Wissanu Krea-ngam,, a former deputy prime minister in Thailand commented, Bangkok coups are much “harder” than in the recent South Korean example. Recent Thai coups in 1991, 2006 and 2014 have been virtually bloodless, but army control of Bangkok was absolute in the last one even before army leader Prayut Chan-o-cha announced he was taking the supreme power. The general then ordered potential adversaries to attend “attitude adjustment” seminars. None thought it necessary to attend a second lecture before going tactfully silent.
Several coalition members in Bangkok have stressed that parliamentary acts won’t actually prevent a coup. The first action of coup makers here is instantly to suspend the constitution and replace it with diktat orders and martial law. Recent coups in Thailand also had royal endorsement. Whilst the motives behind the anti-coup bill are logical, the only way to prevent coups is for politicians not to create the conditions which the military can use as an excuse.
https://www.pattayamail.com/featured/an ... rty-483343
By Barry Kenyon
December 11, 2024
Opposition to the Pheu Thai proposals to deter another military coup is so strong that they have no chance of surviving in Parliament. The Bhumjaithai Party, led by interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul and a key coalition party, has attacked the plans as irrelevant as do two other smaller, military-backed parties United Thai Nation Party and Palang Pracharat. Even some Pheu Thai MPs have expressed reservations and the bill’s sponsor has said he may withdraw it.
The proposals would amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act by requiring Cabinet approval for senior military posts and indemnifying soldiers who refuse to carry out putsch-related orders. A website public survey, to end on January 1, currently has far more respondents against the proposals than for them. Some members of the public even stated that the bill, if ever it became law, might provoke the very military putsch Parliament was trying to deter.
The recent failure of the self-coup in South Korea, where House of Representatives members voted down the declaration of martial law, momentarily boosted the idea that legislation might succeed in Thailand too. But the coup attempt in Seoul was “soft” in nature and allowed parliamentarians to enter the building after a brief fire-extinguisher squirt struggle with soldiers. Such a spectacle in Bangkok is beyond the parameters of belief.
As Wissanu Krea-ngam,, a former deputy prime minister in Thailand commented, Bangkok coups are much “harder” than in the recent South Korean example. Recent Thai coups in 1991, 2006 and 2014 have been virtually bloodless, but army control of Bangkok was absolute in the last one even before army leader Prayut Chan-o-cha announced he was taking the supreme power. The general then ordered potential adversaries to attend “attitude adjustment” seminars. None thought it necessary to attend a second lecture before going tactfully silent.
Several coalition members in Bangkok have stressed that parliamentary acts won’t actually prevent a coup. The first action of coup makers here is instantly to suspend the constitution and replace it with diktat orders and martial law. Recent coups in Thailand also had royal endorsement. Whilst the motives behind the anti-coup bill are logical, the only way to prevent coups is for politicians not to create the conditions which the military can use as an excuse.
https://www.pattayamail.com/featured/an ... rty-483343
Re: By Barry Kenyon
Try telling that to all the other countries around the world who have never had coups or those who have managed to avoid one for decades.Barry Kenyon wrote: ↑Fri Dec 13, 2024 7:06 amWhilst the motives behind the anti-coup bill are logical, the only way to prevent coups is for politicians not to create the conditions which the military can use as an excuse.
Democratic Thai politicians might consider studying countries that have made the transition to democracy and look for best practice. Copy what works.
Mr Kenyon also identifies one other factor, but that's not for discussion.