new2here

To me, there’s a few issues all packed in here 

In no specific order, did the driver state or is it clear, up front that payment in alternative forms are accepted? if so, then it would appear the pax would be “right”.  If not, then i think the driver would have a case.

As far as not having enough cash goes- I agree that the passenger has the onus to ensure they have sufficient cash to pay for the expected fare OR make it clear and acceptable up front, that the taxi would need to stop and wait (with meter running) while the pax gets more cash 

As far as the claim that he “grabbed her arm” goes .. For me, one you lay hands on another - without support of law - then you’re automatically out of bounds and I’d agree that legal intervention is appropriate. 

While aircraft today have the technical range for a SEA/AFO/LAX/JFK- BKK non-stop, in my head, I wonder about the economics of that type of routing.

Given non-stops draw revenue from only O&D traffic - without the ability to draw connection traffic at the hub point (ex: China Air via TPE, All Nippon/JAL via HND/NRT, or Emirates via DXB) I’d wonder if there really is enough volume to justify such a routing and the aircraft utilization that it would require. 

Bangkok, like a few destinations in the region, *tend* to be more leisure destinations - therefore tend NOT to draw paid premium cabin demand - which would be a huge driver for cost and revenue justifying this kind of long and thin route.. 

Somewhat similar to how SQ runs their EWR/JFK-SIN with an all C/J & PE cabins and forgo straight Y class all together.  But for that market, it clearly has sufficient paid premium cabin traffic to support both routes (EWR and JFK), I’m not entirely sure that BKK has the same level of consistent demand. 

I understand that teaching can involve punishment for certain types of “failure”.. and I also get that fundamentally punishment is designed to be a negative stimuli .. 

that said, I think whatever form it takes really has to end up being more positively motivational than negatively punitive.

LATER in life, sure, punishment can (and probably should be) much more punitive - as people of that age are adults and as such own 100% of their acrions.

Kids, while still responsible for much of it, are still formative - and I think the key should be more “molding” the behaviors that we - as educators - are after and less about the focus being punitive. 

3 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

After he is prosecuted here, then deported back to the US, he can answer to the US Secret Service.

Actually, If it’s the money that I’m thinking about, then it would meet the Federal Statues in terms of producing faux notes.. be that size, color, single-v-double sided printing etc.  You can make “fake” notes,  but there’s several restrictions that you have to meet in order for it to be legally produced.

Referencing to the apparent attempted use goes..  I’m not sure if the federal law related to attempted use is or can be applied extra-territorially like some other federal laws.  That one might be purely the domain of Thai law.

17 hours ago, CHdiver said:

So at the moment it is just Bangkok Bank. That was the favorite Bank for all Agents to open Accounts. Looks like they have a lot of dodgy accounts. My account is with SCB, opened many years ago with a WP. Now just a tourist. However no funny numbers of money going in or out. So I guess I may be safe there. Passport up to date with the bank and my phone number is registerd with bank and phone company. So lets see if they widen the restriction to other Banks or not.

Good question… I’d wonder not only will this spread to other banks (my own GUESS only is that it will as there’s really only upside for the bank and little downside by going this route) AND id wonder if at any point in time, banks will ask/require account holders to verify/update their status?

For example you opened it back in 201X and at that time held a Non-B and WP.. but now in 2025 you don’t .. I’d wonder if they will want to see if the then-status still holds true today?

22 hours ago, Banana7 said:

Whoever was the auditor in the old TG, didn't reveal irregularities such as free flights authorized by management. Once I tried to buy a business class ticket on TG from CNX to BKK and they were sold out, so I bought economy class. Once I got on the flight, most of business class was filled with children. Talked to one kid and he said someone's dad worked for the airline and they all got a free flight.

 This isn’t an auditors issue.. the auditors really only verify that TG has followed the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and relevant Thai law as to their reporting of their financials …. How the may operate, their policies and protocols —  that’s purely a management decision.

So upgrades etc — Deloitte has zero input to this practice - only that whatever financial impact it has or doesn’t have, are properly recorded in their reports. 

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

lets see in 5 years shall we ...   

Do you really believe they are truthful in their numbers,  do you really believe their CFO is straight on the figures and doesn't fudge the numbers.   How much did the creditors receive following the rehabilitation plan.  If I remember correctly,  they owed billions to creditors. 

 

sorry,  I have little faith in this conglomerate. 

I recall TGs outside auditor is the Thai arm of Deloitte Touché.. as such, I’d be very very surprised if there was any malfeasance or violations of GAAP - otherwise Deloitte wouldn’t sign off on any of the required disclosures. 

Here’s my take.. and it’s not unique to Thailand, nor a condemnation of it either.

In no specific order .. 1) I think there’s a general lack of “safety culture” here .. safety is of course talked about - you see all kinds of signs/posters extolling safety.. but in practice, safety and safety compliance just isn’t an ingrained part of the daily life here .

2) Overall lack of firm, fair and CONSISTENT enforcement of existing laws.. On the books, Thailand has essentially the same motor vehicle laws as many “western” countries — but the enforcement of these laws is spotty or sporadic at best and out right ignored at worst… combined with a penalty system that is both woefully lacking combined with poorly integrated into the later motor vehicle, driver and public safety systems.

I’ve long advocated for seizure and forfeiture to the state, of assets used in crimes resulting in injury or death OR repeated offenders.. Once you start taking away people’s “stuff” you’ll see change .. keep running zebras and narrowly missing pedestrians - loose the bike or car (financed or not) … run an illegal club where drugs are found or fire escapes blocked and people are hurt - loose the building and land.  Harsh? yes.. but in the end, the “state” has the onus to ensure compliance with safety laws. 

46 minutes ago, kimothai said:

My question is this:  If I take $10,000 cash (new money quality that can be exchanged anywhere) to Bangkok Bank and deposit for a 4-month term at 4.35% and then close the account at termination (4 months) and withdraw the money will I receive USD that is the same quality that I originally deposited (new money quality that can be exchanged anywhere)?  

i had this account type in 2023 and when it matured i had a choice; USD or THB (at that days rate) I chose USD and was given notes in acceptable shape .. you can always politely refuse/request a different note if you feel that a specific one won’t be exchangeable later on..  i’ve never known any bank to refuse a reasonable request at the time of exchange 

I would set up so that those holding visas like the DTV and various Non-Os (that require a local bank account) would be eligible to open an account at either SCB or Krungthai (because of their relationship with the national government) despite not holding a WP (which tends to be the key document many banks want)

That way, Immigration would know that an account opened at SCB or Krungthai meets the requirements for type of account necessary .. AND the applicant would be able to open said account at a branch of SCB/Krungthai, by virtue of their holding said DTV or NON-On visa  without the need/hassle of an “agent” or similar 3rd party. 

Both banks have a sufficient national footprint as far as physical branches goes and both are ATM “pool” participants.. So account access shouldn’t be a major issue.

By limiting this to only 2 banks, it makes it easier for the regulators to make sure accounts are opened only for legitimate purposes and for those whose identity is confirmed.

20 hours ago, pollyog said:

Interest earned in Thai bank accounts is automatically taxed at source regardless of whether the account holder has a Thai Tax Identification Number..  How do the authorities assign this regarding TIN?  

 

Also, all the information does not make it clear regarding the necessity of a TIN for those of us who are here on 'Retirement' Visas, who are not allowed to work in Thailand and hence have no 'income' other than the interest earned in our Thai bank accounts, and who come from a country with a double taxation agreement such as the UK.  Is there anyone out there who can clarify this matter?

 

Hi,

I’ve asked this question to BBL before (I bank with them and at the Silom HQ office where most of these offices are located)

I was told it’s still remitted to Revenue, but with a “999” type tax identifier.. It’s coded with BBLs payor ID* (as it should) but is tagged with an “unknown” payee code.

(Note that BBL has many different tax IDs for its different operating divisions like retail banking, their asset management arm, etc) 

When/if it is later identified and assigned to a specific tax ID, then its re-coded and an update sent to revenue automatically 

For me, I have done it, in-person, at my local RD office.

To me fair, I have a rather straight forward return… none the less, I take all my papers; receipts (ex tax withholding forms from banks for interest received), tax withholding certificate from employer, etc 

then the staff just “plug in” what data goes where.. I’m usually done in about 15 mins or so. They usually ask some confirming questions; do i have a thai child, am I married etc.. All questions that might impact the final tax calculation.

When done they show me my refund (i commonly get a bit back) and i’m in my way.

My personal take here is so long as you don’t have an overly complex return and you generally know what is and is not necessary to report and what can be shown to revenue as a deduction- then i think DIY is very doable but the opposite I think also holds true.. If you’re not familiar with the process , have a more complex return - then a tax pro might be the better way to go 

20 hours ago, Hawaiian said:

The big question now is whether the GOP will stick together and avoid any power struggles and defections.  Only time will tell.

 

I agree.. I also think that it means the right can’t then use the excuse of “congress blocked our agenda” as the right effects controls both sides… true, not every R or D will always vote purely along party lines— but i do think that it makes it hard to argue that the opposition blocked you .. 

On 10/30/2024 at 5:45 PM, SingAPorn said:

There is this new SAT1 terminal that is slowly starting to operate in Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport. Despite all the flashy publicity around it, this brand new terminal is far from being convenient for passengers.

 

If your flight arrives at this terminal, you will need to take an airport train to reach the main terminal for immigration and luggage claim. Same for departures and thus extra time needed after check in and security to reach this new SAT 1 terminal.

 

Hopefully the clever airlines will avoid using this terminal that is definately not convenient due to the commuting required between the terminals.

 

Why did they not make check-in counters, immigration booths and luggage claims directly inside the SAT 1 terminal to make life more simple for passengers ?

Given the location of SAT1 on the airport property itself, there simply isn’t any way to construct a whole new, stand alone landslide terminal structure to accommodate both outbound processing (ie check-in faculties, outbound immigration and security) as well as all the inbound processes (commonly that’s just baggage reclaim and immigration)… plus you’d need road access to/from it for passengers, plus all the other trappings as well.. what you’d really be doing is creating an airport-within-an-airport 

To me, I’d argue the opposite, given the entrance is littler smack in front of you when you emerge from outbound security/passport control … and on the arrival side, as you emerge from the train level, you’re also smack in front of the inbound immigration area.  

To me, I’d bet that mathematically by time alone, even WITH - short train ride from SAT1, I’d you’re still actually closer to the immigration entry point, than if you had arrived at one of the mid or end gates on the F or G main building complex gates. 

To me, there’s not much legitimacy to the whole VAT issue as that’s compulsory under the law.. so that is what it is.. yes, one can argue HOW it’s administered- be that “baked” into the menu/sticker price or added in addition too.. but the tax itself is legit 

the service charge.. that to me is different.. I agree that there’s a legit argument made for the case that by adding is a fixed cost and unavoidable - you have undercut what what a tip” is supposed to be - a post-sale, discretionary payment in recognition of service provided at some level or above.. by assessing it at 10% across the board and not voluntary, there’s no external motivation to go above and beyond .. nor is there any real risk to sub-par service either.

So.. I do think there’s a legit case to be made for how “service charges” are done here (by many but not all) but the VAT is a different case. 

I suspect another large part of this is the continued falling birthrate… kind of like South Korea.. they’re going to be in a situation where they are far more people drawing FROM the system than there are paying INTO the system.. so they’ve got to do something such as pushing out the retirement age (ie delaying when you can draw from the fund), up the tax rate on those working and paying into it, and/or cutting back on the benefits drawn from it.. 

5 minutes ago, kwilco said:

Scapegoating and the "blame game" as ever avoids the real issues.

i don’t disagree.. unfortunately given the depth and breadth of the investigation (as reported) there’s lots of “room” for a suitable person/people - to be found guilty of dereliction of duty if you will.  

1 hour ago, Zack61 said:

Some pooing of pants I suspect. Let’s see how far this progresses before it’s brushed under the rug. 

 I am sure someone will have to put up to the alter .. you can’t have that big and visual of a disaster .. with all the associated public outrage and not have someone taken to task. 

It’s fair to argue who really is responsible, but in the end, someone is going to have be “the one” 

7 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Cheap mass tourism has turned away quality spending tourists. 

 

The solution should not be add more cheap tourists to make up for the shortfall in income. 

 

Disgraceful, and an enviromental disaster. 

I agree ..  but I don’t think Thailand is set up for nor has the country invested in things like domestic infrastructure, to really make a competitive pitch to attract the high yield tourist.. that’s things like domestic transport, tourist safety and really creating authentic “experience” events.

I ALSO think something that has long HELPED thailand- is also something that is going to HURT them in their pivot to higher yielding tourists .. Thailand has long, long been seen externally as — and has long lived off a reputation as a “cheap” mass tourism destination … and I don’t higher yielding folks are going to be attracted to places that carry a moniker of “cheap” IMHO 

I DO think the whole “digital” payment universe is here and here to stay.. it won’t go away .. it is only going to get bigger.. to me the larger question is how big and how fast will that be?

That said, I think there’s a lot of fairly big “issues” that will need to get addressed before it can really be seen as a primary, long-term and viable payment option on a national basis.. but I do think there’s groundwork has been set…

For example, a) system integrity/security (ie what about breaches and losses from a breach?), b) system reliability (what if the larger system goes “down”?), c) speed (you have to be able to complete an e-payment transaction at minimum in the same time - or less - as a cash based transaction), d) data privacy and integrity (how and how will all that transaction data be stored, how long and who will have access?), e) the “unbanked” (you’ll have to provide a channel for those who don’t currently have any qualified bank account, to get one) f) hardware (what about those without a suitable phone or device? and lastly g) education.. you’ll have to invest the time to educate those who are just not familiar with digital payments.

2 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Just more words that have all been heard dozens of times before.    Prayut said all the Overhead Wiring was going to be put underground but after one Soi was done and they told him how much it was going to cost the order was reversed !

Overall I’d agree.. but.. as far as improving the sidewalks/footpaths go- I have to give credit where it’s due and earned.. As others have noted, there HAS been a notable improvement in some areas … yea, that’s  “some” and not “all”..  but given the size and scope of the city and the sheer amount of footpath that needs to be addressed - that’s going to take time, but as far what’s been done so far- they get a solid score from me. 

As far as the wiring goes, I suspect that’s more involved, not only from a technical and logistical basis, but i’ll bet that there’s other players that need to be synched (like the MEA) before work can be done.. by contrast the footpaths are largely BMA controlled and not a lot of outside players involved.