No. Since the 90-day address report can be done online now, at least for me it's a non-issue. I think a great start would be getting rid of, or at least drastically reducing, the 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account requirement for the retirement visa.Pattaya Mail wrote: ↑Sun Jun 18, 2023 6:58 pm ֎ The tourism council asks how to encourage retiree expats to settle in Thailand. Abolishing the 90 days report might make a great start. Agreed?
Bits and pieces from Pattaya Mail
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Gaybutton
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Re: Bits and pieces from Pattaya Mail
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Gaybutton
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Re: Bits and pieces from Pattaya Mail
Pattaya Prowl: Tourist tax good riddance
By Pattaya Mail
July 10, 2023
The caretaker government has put off “until next year” the introduction of the 300 baht tourist tax on all arrivals by air (150 baht for land and sea), so let’s hope the incoming administration ditches the notion for good. All foreigners would be subject each and every time they enter Thailand except for babes in arms and those holding a Department of Employment work permit. And even those tiny groups would likely have to claim the cash back at a later date as airlines and booking centers have said the problems of sorting out who has to pay, and who doesn’t, are just unsolvable.
It is hardly a tourist tax as expats – one year retirees or marriage visa holders, non-immigrant visas, Elite and even 10-year Long Term Visas and permanent residents would be charged for every future journey as well as short term tourists. Collecting the tax has defied the most brilliant minds as, for example, huge queues might easily build up at land borders with foreigners requiring change or being unable to process their electronic cards. The last thing Thailand tourism needs is more queues.
How the cash would be spent is another area of concern. Mainly it would repair and update tourist monuments such as temples and zoos. A small percentage would be reserved for handing out compensation in tragic accidents such as boat sinkings or minibus crashes. The idea sometimes heard that the fund would cover all tourists’ medical expenses whilst in Thailand is pure fiction. You still need medical insurance or pay cash.
֎ The most impressive neon sign on Walking Street has got to be the frontage outside the Fahrenheit bar.
֎ A bar on Soi Buakhao is offering a 20 percent reduction on bills provided customers have a “tourist” visa. There have already been definitional disputes about “what is a tourist visa and does it include visa exemption and non-immigrant “O”?
֎ Expat Brits are wondering why they still can’t vote in UK elections even though the law was changed last year. It’s because secondary legislation is required. Now you know.
֎ No travel writer I have ever known has written about the importance of ample parking. So said J.G. Ballard.
֎ Three days after death and hair and nails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off. That’s according to Johnny Carson.
֎ Something different November 27 to Dec 9: Pattaya will host the international world shooting championship. No illegal guns please.
֎ The Pattaya Thepprasit Road center road concrete blocks to prevent people turning off or joining the flow is a disaster. This thoroughfare is not a motorway but a busy route with businesses on both sides. Better think it out again City Hall.
֎ There are now several expat shops selling imported foods in Pattaya. We paid our first visit this week and were impressed by the variety, the cleanliness and the clear pricing labels at The Pantry located at the Hanuman statue not far from Jomtien beach road
֎ Big news of the week in Soi Buakhao is that the go go girls are now realizing tattoos are not a good selling point. Step in the right direction?
֎ Did you know that gay tourism swells the coffers of the Thai treasury by 4 million baht a day? You do now, but it’s not news you can use..
֎ Seen outside a Jomtien cafe. “Order one beef burger, pay for two and get the second one free.” Again please.
֎ Pattaya Marathon is the weekend July 22-23. Usual traffic dislocation.
֎ Saturday July 29 sees the Fashion TV beach model award 2023 at the Central Pattaya intersection. Two sexes we understand, or maybe even three.
֎ A reader asks a Thai border pass. It’s a short stay entry permission given mostly to traders who work in one country and sleep in another. Not a visa for farang.
֎ Americans can renew their passport by mail, but must send their expiring one as part of the application package. Usually takes 2-3 weeks.
֎ A reader asks if UK citizens can have their new passport sent directly to their home address in Thailand. Not directly. The UK authorities will send the new one only to the Bangkok embassy for collection.
֎ The clearest indication it won’t rain today in Pattaya is an official statement by the weather folks that it will. Agreed?
֎ Latest threat to Walking Street is the plan to build a huge pier terminal at the Bali Hai district. Big boats currently have to dock at Bangkok or Laem Chabang. Can bars and clubs survive the latest demolition dangers?
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... nce-435604
By Pattaya Mail
July 10, 2023
The caretaker government has put off “until next year” the introduction of the 300 baht tourist tax on all arrivals by air (150 baht for land and sea), so let’s hope the incoming administration ditches the notion for good. All foreigners would be subject each and every time they enter Thailand except for babes in arms and those holding a Department of Employment work permit. And even those tiny groups would likely have to claim the cash back at a later date as airlines and booking centers have said the problems of sorting out who has to pay, and who doesn’t, are just unsolvable.
It is hardly a tourist tax as expats – one year retirees or marriage visa holders, non-immigrant visas, Elite and even 10-year Long Term Visas and permanent residents would be charged for every future journey as well as short term tourists. Collecting the tax has defied the most brilliant minds as, for example, huge queues might easily build up at land borders with foreigners requiring change or being unable to process their electronic cards. The last thing Thailand tourism needs is more queues.
How the cash would be spent is another area of concern. Mainly it would repair and update tourist monuments such as temples and zoos. A small percentage would be reserved for handing out compensation in tragic accidents such as boat sinkings or minibus crashes. The idea sometimes heard that the fund would cover all tourists’ medical expenses whilst in Thailand is pure fiction. You still need medical insurance or pay cash.
֎ The most impressive neon sign on Walking Street has got to be the frontage outside the Fahrenheit bar.
֎ A bar on Soi Buakhao is offering a 20 percent reduction on bills provided customers have a “tourist” visa. There have already been definitional disputes about “what is a tourist visa and does it include visa exemption and non-immigrant “O”?
֎ Expat Brits are wondering why they still can’t vote in UK elections even though the law was changed last year. It’s because secondary legislation is required. Now you know.
֎ No travel writer I have ever known has written about the importance of ample parking. So said J.G. Ballard.
֎ Three days after death and hair and nails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off. That’s according to Johnny Carson.
֎ Something different November 27 to Dec 9: Pattaya will host the international world shooting championship. No illegal guns please.
֎ The Pattaya Thepprasit Road center road concrete blocks to prevent people turning off or joining the flow is a disaster. This thoroughfare is not a motorway but a busy route with businesses on both sides. Better think it out again City Hall.
֎ There are now several expat shops selling imported foods in Pattaya. We paid our first visit this week and were impressed by the variety, the cleanliness and the clear pricing labels at The Pantry located at the Hanuman statue not far from Jomtien beach road
֎ Big news of the week in Soi Buakhao is that the go go girls are now realizing tattoos are not a good selling point. Step in the right direction?
֎ Did you know that gay tourism swells the coffers of the Thai treasury by 4 million baht a day? You do now, but it’s not news you can use..
֎ Seen outside a Jomtien cafe. “Order one beef burger, pay for two and get the second one free.” Again please.
֎ Pattaya Marathon is the weekend July 22-23. Usual traffic dislocation.
֎ Saturday July 29 sees the Fashion TV beach model award 2023 at the Central Pattaya intersection. Two sexes we understand, or maybe even three.
֎ A reader asks a Thai border pass. It’s a short stay entry permission given mostly to traders who work in one country and sleep in another. Not a visa for farang.
֎ Americans can renew their passport by mail, but must send their expiring one as part of the application package. Usually takes 2-3 weeks.
֎ A reader asks if UK citizens can have their new passport sent directly to their home address in Thailand. Not directly. The UK authorities will send the new one only to the Bangkok embassy for collection.
֎ The clearest indication it won’t rain today in Pattaya is an official statement by the weather folks that it will. Agreed?
֎ Latest threat to Walking Street is the plan to build a huge pier terminal at the Bali Hai district. Big boats currently have to dock at Bangkok or Laem Chabang. Can bars and clubs survive the latest demolition dangers?
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... nce-435604
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Gaybutton
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- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
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Re: Bits and pieces from Pattaya Mail
I love getting the right opportunity to post my all time favorite photo of this sign outside of a beauty salon that was on Pattaya Tai, just outside of Center Condo. The shop disappeared many years ago, but this quote from the article above is, I'd say, the right opportunity:
I don't know which I would have preferred to do first - peel the new face or fumigate the steam . . .
I don't know which I would have preferred to do first - peel the new face or fumigate the steam . . .
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Gaybutton
- Posts: 21598
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Re: Bits and pieces from Pattaya Mail
It's been a while since any of these were published, but here 'tiz . . .
If you want to see that "Best Songkran Picture" click on the link at the end of this post.
___________________________________________________________
Pattaya Prowl: The Best Songkran Picture
By Bernard Trunk
April 14, 2024
֍ Las Vegas Beer Garden on Soi Diana opened according to schedule April 10. Upmarket, noisy and busy. If that’s your scene, mosey on over.
֍ When women sleep around they’re considered sluts, but when gay men do the same it’s called networking. You figure it.
֍ Valentino Restaurant, Jomtien, is promoting a happy hour (17.30-19.30) with all beers 60 baht. A visit is in order.
֍ Tobasco hot sauce disappeared from the supermarkets earlier this year. But it’s back in Foodland.
֍ Advance notice if you have tired of the water festival: the Pattaya Fireworks Festival is booked for November 24 and 25. More traffic jams will be the order of the day.
֍ Julius Caesar said the British were the most ignorant people he had ever encountered. They didn’t speak Latin of course.
֍ Not too late for the Royal Cliff’s Songkran buffet on Sunday April 14, 17.30 to 21.30. Expect the very best for 900++ baht. Reservations 038 250421, x 2037.
֍ Thai police will be using artificial intelligence (AI) to fine vehicles which park illegally on sidewalks. Say that again please.
֍ Apparently, it’s all lies that Marie Antoinette ever said “Let them eat cake!” or that the Vikings had horns on their helmets. Fake news goes back a long way.
֍ More relevantly, several fake news sites last week claimed that the immigration bureau would be open all through the Songkran holidays. For the record, immigration offices are never open to the public on weekends or on public holidays.
֍ The liveliest night sport in Pattaya is surely Soi 6. The girls don’t look as if they need to go on a diet, so head for the action.
֍ Many gurus predicted Sharples’ traditional fish and chips wouldn’t succeed in three separate branches in Pattaya, Jomtien and at Lakeside. Shaun proved them wrong.
֍ A friend of mine said his wife is an angel, but sadly mine is still alive. Any comment would be superfluous.
֍ Several businesses have now moved out of Tree Town on Soi Buakhao. What’s going on? More about this as I learn of it.
֍ There was a report that short time sex can cost you 6,000 baht in Bangkok. But it turned out to be an April Fool’s joke. Still, there might be a grain of truth there.
֍ I met a girl in Pattaya and, when we got back to her place, I got an unpleasant surprise. She was female. Case of huMAN natURE.
֍ Give an example of a comment you would never hear in the 1980s: “I lost my mobile phone.” Keep ‘em coming.
֍ The Thai premier Srettha Thavisin is not the tallest head of state in the world at 192cm. First prize goes to Filip Vujanovic of Montenegro or Serbia’s Aleksander Vucic at around 198cm
But I don’t give a hoot!
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... ure-458182
If you want to see that "Best Songkran Picture" click on the link at the end of this post.
___________________________________________________________
Pattaya Prowl: The Best Songkran Picture
By Bernard Trunk
April 14, 2024
֍ Las Vegas Beer Garden on Soi Diana opened according to schedule April 10. Upmarket, noisy and busy. If that’s your scene, mosey on over.
֍ When women sleep around they’re considered sluts, but when gay men do the same it’s called networking. You figure it.
֍ Valentino Restaurant, Jomtien, is promoting a happy hour (17.30-19.30) with all beers 60 baht. A visit is in order.
֍ Tobasco hot sauce disappeared from the supermarkets earlier this year. But it’s back in Foodland.
֍ Advance notice if you have tired of the water festival: the Pattaya Fireworks Festival is booked for November 24 and 25. More traffic jams will be the order of the day.
֍ Julius Caesar said the British were the most ignorant people he had ever encountered. They didn’t speak Latin of course.
֍ Not too late for the Royal Cliff’s Songkran buffet on Sunday April 14, 17.30 to 21.30. Expect the very best for 900++ baht. Reservations 038 250421, x 2037.
֍ Thai police will be using artificial intelligence (AI) to fine vehicles which park illegally on sidewalks. Say that again please.
֍ Apparently, it’s all lies that Marie Antoinette ever said “Let them eat cake!” or that the Vikings had horns on their helmets. Fake news goes back a long way.
֍ More relevantly, several fake news sites last week claimed that the immigration bureau would be open all through the Songkran holidays. For the record, immigration offices are never open to the public on weekends or on public holidays.
֍ The liveliest night sport in Pattaya is surely Soi 6. The girls don’t look as if they need to go on a diet, so head for the action.
֍ Many gurus predicted Sharples’ traditional fish and chips wouldn’t succeed in three separate branches in Pattaya, Jomtien and at Lakeside. Shaun proved them wrong.
֍ A friend of mine said his wife is an angel, but sadly mine is still alive. Any comment would be superfluous.
֍ Several businesses have now moved out of Tree Town on Soi Buakhao. What’s going on? More about this as I learn of it.
֍ There was a report that short time sex can cost you 6,000 baht in Bangkok. But it turned out to be an April Fool’s joke. Still, there might be a grain of truth there.
֍ I met a girl in Pattaya and, when we got back to her place, I got an unpleasant surprise. She was female. Case of huMAN natURE.
֍ Give an example of a comment you would never hear in the 1980s: “I lost my mobile phone.” Keep ‘em coming.
֍ The Thai premier Srettha Thavisin is not the tallest head of state in the world at 192cm. First prize goes to Filip Vujanovic of Montenegro or Serbia’s Aleksander Vucic at around 198cm
But I don’t give a hoot!
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... ure-458182
-
Gaybutton
- Posts: 21598
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 1323 times
Re: Bits and pieces from Pattaya Mail
Pattaya Prowl: No hospital on horizon
By Bernard Trunk
April 27, 2024
No chance the 1 million sqm Hospital City by Maprachan Lake will be opening any time soon. The 2021 timetable promised phase one would be open by the end of 2024. It’s a project of the Eastern Economic Corridor, with partners, and is designed to be a huge, high-tech medical complex and resort rather than just a traditional hospital. Apparently, the difficulties in securing the foundation in the shifty sand are proving trickier than anticipated. ‘Nuff said.
֍ The new Maggie May gentleman’s club, opposite Sharples’ fish and chips in Jomtien, is making its mark. Lots of ladies, discount cards, Guinness and even an organized pub crawl. Mosey on over.
֍ Get eight hours of beauty sleep. Nine if you’re ugly. (Betty White from the Golden Girls).
֍ Tourist question at Loch Ness, “At what time do they feed the monster?” Sign of the times I suppose. (Courtesy of Roger Crutchley).
֍ Three bottles for 200 baht at Happy Hour, 5-8 pm, on offer at Best Bar in Supertown, located in the mostly gay Jomtien Complex.
֍ Remember all that publicity last month about the price of retail wine about to fall steeply in Thailand’s supermarkets? A word to the wise: don’t believe all you read.
֍ Latest reports on the new Las Vegas beer bar complex, Soi Diana, say the open location is doing well, especially on weekends. If that’s your scene, hit it.
֍ Brits who miss home-cooked food, from gutbuster breakfasts to beer-battered fish and chips, are very loyal to Nicky’s on Soi Buakhao.
֍ After all these years, it’s hardly surprising that the immigration has got rid of the TM6 entry form at borders as well as at airports. Most of the scribbled addresses by weary travellers were unreadable in any case. A case of TIT (This is Thailand).
֍ I was very disappointed when I attended my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I already knew everybody there.
֍ 7 A Side Football at Planet Stadium on Friday 3 May at 7 pm. Make up your own teams. Contact [email protected]
֍ The cheapest beer in town could be Bar 39 at Tree Town which has a special price of 39 baht (6-8 pm) and 49 baht (8-9 pm). Discounts on firewater too. I’ll keep you posted.
֍ People say I go out of my way to p*ss people off but, frankly speaking, it’s not out of my way at all.
֍ Tallulah Bankhead on being told there was no toilet paper. “Well, do you have two fives for a ten?”
֍ The popular Natan’s restaurant in Jomtien is taking a long Songkran break. 17 April to May 5. Now you know.
֍ Thursday night 7.30 pm is quiz night at Hemingway’s Lakeside. Eggheads and trivia lovers alike take note.
֍ A reader complains she bought a book online, “How to avoid scams on the internet”, but three months later it hasn’t arrived. Any comment would be superfluous.
֍ A reader asks where to find free-flow wine. Movenpick Siam Hotel offers that and a luxurious cold cuts and cheese platter for 1,290 baht++. In operation every Wednesday 6-10 pm in the Red Coral lounge.
֍ Beware the minibuses at Bangkok’s Ekkamai offering transport to Pattaya in competition with scheduled bus services. Some of the minibuses take an hour longer to get here as they pick up and drop off passengers en route. (Warning from Stickman).
But I don’t give a hoot!
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... zon-459196
By Bernard Trunk
April 27, 2024
No chance the 1 million sqm Hospital City by Maprachan Lake will be opening any time soon. The 2021 timetable promised phase one would be open by the end of 2024. It’s a project of the Eastern Economic Corridor, with partners, and is designed to be a huge, high-tech medical complex and resort rather than just a traditional hospital. Apparently, the difficulties in securing the foundation in the shifty sand are proving trickier than anticipated. ‘Nuff said.
֍ The new Maggie May gentleman’s club, opposite Sharples’ fish and chips in Jomtien, is making its mark. Lots of ladies, discount cards, Guinness and even an organized pub crawl. Mosey on over.
֍ Get eight hours of beauty sleep. Nine if you’re ugly. (Betty White from the Golden Girls).
֍ Tourist question at Loch Ness, “At what time do they feed the monster?” Sign of the times I suppose. (Courtesy of Roger Crutchley).
֍ Three bottles for 200 baht at Happy Hour, 5-8 pm, on offer at Best Bar in Supertown, located in the mostly gay Jomtien Complex.
֍ Remember all that publicity last month about the price of retail wine about to fall steeply in Thailand’s supermarkets? A word to the wise: don’t believe all you read.
֍ Latest reports on the new Las Vegas beer bar complex, Soi Diana, say the open location is doing well, especially on weekends. If that’s your scene, hit it.
֍ Brits who miss home-cooked food, from gutbuster breakfasts to beer-battered fish and chips, are very loyal to Nicky’s on Soi Buakhao.
֍ After all these years, it’s hardly surprising that the immigration has got rid of the TM6 entry form at borders as well as at airports. Most of the scribbled addresses by weary travellers were unreadable in any case. A case of TIT (This is Thailand).
֍ I was very disappointed when I attended my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I already knew everybody there.
֍ 7 A Side Football at Planet Stadium on Friday 3 May at 7 pm. Make up your own teams. Contact [email protected]
֍ The cheapest beer in town could be Bar 39 at Tree Town which has a special price of 39 baht (6-8 pm) and 49 baht (8-9 pm). Discounts on firewater too. I’ll keep you posted.
֍ People say I go out of my way to p*ss people off but, frankly speaking, it’s not out of my way at all.
֍ Tallulah Bankhead on being told there was no toilet paper. “Well, do you have two fives for a ten?”
֍ The popular Natan’s restaurant in Jomtien is taking a long Songkran break. 17 April to May 5. Now you know.
֍ Thursday night 7.30 pm is quiz night at Hemingway’s Lakeside. Eggheads and trivia lovers alike take note.
֍ A reader complains she bought a book online, “How to avoid scams on the internet”, but three months later it hasn’t arrived. Any comment would be superfluous.
֍ A reader asks where to find free-flow wine. Movenpick Siam Hotel offers that and a luxurious cold cuts and cheese platter for 1,290 baht++. In operation every Wednesday 6-10 pm in the Red Coral lounge.
֍ Beware the minibuses at Bangkok’s Ekkamai offering transport to Pattaya in competition with scheduled bus services. Some of the minibuses take an hour longer to get here as they pick up and drop off passengers en route. (Warning from Stickman).
But I don’t give a hoot!
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... zon-459196
Re: Bits and pieces from Pattaya Mail
Considering the LOUD music they play later at night, I wouldn't even go there early at night.Bernard Trunk wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 5:38 am֍ Three bottles for 200 baht at Happy Hour, 5-8 pm, on offer at Best Bar in Supertown, located in the mostly gay Jomtien Complex.