J Branche

Reminds me of the idiots trying to take photo with the Buffalo in Yellowstone.

Buffalo usually just knock you down and bring you back to reality.

Was she thinking the shark was going to put it's fin in the air and other fin on her shoulder for the selfie.

Condolences to the shark for having to put up with another idiot tourist thinking you are a pet.

On 2/8/2025 at 5:19 AM, bradiston said:

AMA motorbikes on Soi Buakhao. Used to be Jack motorbikes. Rentals and sales, new and second hand. I've used them for over 10 years. Bought my latest bike there. All paperwork etc taken care of and in order. Family run business. Nice people.

Bought a used Aerox from AMA last year to use in Pak Chong. Great Service, fair price, took care of paperwork, arranged a transporter, great communication.

2 hours ago, Walker88 said:

 Maybe guys don't want a fat woman, but women don't want a fat old guy whose pension is only $50K. Fair is fair.

 

When the males of that ilk (my MBA alma mater) decide to come visit Thailand, it's game over for the fat old expat on a meager pension.

 

Times have changed. Adapt or perish.

You do realize $50k US has $100k to$125k of purchase power in Thailand.  So now the elitist is saying if you don't have half million in purchase power a year you are nothing.

Skipped the behavioral psychology classes at your college I see.  Your the type of guy who will always try to knock someone down to help you feel better about yourself and fill that empty void.

I agree there is definitely a uniform and look to a lot of the guys you describe.  Do they Not deserve to be happy, feel love even if it's purchased, share a few drinks and laughs with a lady?

You mention "adapt" moving to a location where the values align more with your lifestyle is adapting.

The old I need you to send me 6.3 billion baht and my funds in Thailand will be released, I will send you 100 billion baht for your troubles scam.

Sorry for this guy. According to Bangkok Post 34,999,999

People visited Thailand in 2024.  If this happened I would think the UK Embassy would make contact with their contacts in government.

Definitely two sides to this story.

Additionally I'm not sure being to large to fit in an Economy Seat is the Travel Insurances problem. Airbnb will probably give you a coupon code that expires in 30 days for your trouble. 5% off your next booking.

Watched a video "Is Thailand Safe" about the Chinese actor kidnapping.  

My opinion yes, Chinese target Chinese in their illegal activities.  Most call center scams seem to happen in another countries border region.  If someone is attacked usually just one person.

I hear that they lure some people with work that will pay much more and then force them to work call centers (Not sure how accurate this is)

I'll bite.

For me it seemed like to much work.

Always trying to impress, staying fit, entertaining them, presenting the illusion of wealth (South Florida), trying to be what they wanted you to be and not who you are.  They are brainwashed from their mother, friends and media to expect something that only for a few is reality.

Thailand it just seems easier in all aspects. Plus you have someone who truly cares for you, accepts who you are and doesn't try to change and mold you into some illusion of the perfect guy.

Okay, Wink, Crypto currency hub.  

We can now increase our skimming from the foreigners and their businesses.

More gold, watches, houses, and cars for the skimmers we don't want to name.

I say full speed ahead as long as it is isolated to Phuket.  Hope you get the conversion rate values correct and don't need the money for months it can be up or down 10 to 15% easily in one month.

On 1/31/2025 at 5:43 AM, jacko45k said:

I have not been able to find numbers, but it is not solely kidnapping for ransom we talk of here, but many being taken to work in scam call centres just over the Thai/ Myanmar border where tens of thousands are believed to be held.  

You are right.  Read some of the stories, kidnapped, beaten, who knows what the living conditions are, not knowing if or when you get to go home.  Usually setup in isolated areas with little or corrupt Police.  Very Sad

I'll solve the problem quickly and cheaply.

One way road spikes

You travel the wrong direction it punctures your tire.

Very effective, one time and they learn, especially pushing the bike to the tire shop

Additionally setup a video camera or post clips of idiots ruining their tires.

6 hours ago, cheerz said:

Jail & fine then deport. If they can't pay confiscate their laptops phones jewelry clothes to the value. They will think twice next time.

There is trash all over Pattaya.  Either pay highest fine or pick up trash.  City would look a lot better and the trouble makers would hopefully think twice.

22 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

If it turns out that he is guilty (it's not looking good for him) I wonder why so many foreigners choose Thailand to commit such serious crimes instead of countries with more humane prison systems? Don't they know how horrific it is to be imprisoned in Thailand? 

They believe this is the Thailand of the past. If they read any news from Thailand in past 3 years they would know RTP and CIB are arresting people almost daily for crimes.  Maybe Dunning-Kruger effect, they think they are smarter and more capable.  It does provide for good entertainment and coffee talk about the past days events.

All the data says whatever happened it was a matter of severe importance to bury it.  All the cameras malfunctioned in the Prison, No one knows anything. All evidence is buried.

You can waste time speculating but important people probably destroyed any and all evidence long ago.

10 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

Is it kidnapping and crime.  Sorry, they have that in China.  I have to think that it has more to do with a crapy economy

Exactly.  70 million people 50 get kidnapped a year so you have 1 in 1,400,000 chance of being kidnapped.  These are targeted events.  They know the individual, or family has money, crypto or something of value. Sadly I have no Chinese friends so I will miss out on the excitement.

19 hours ago, csaba81 said:

Apparently I'm too noisy. I pay month to month.

If landlord provides proper notice 30 days or whatever is specified in lease for "Notice of Termination" I believe the landlord does not need to provide a reason if you are at the end of your lease term.

The noise issue.  In my condo building this is enforced.  Juristic Office provides notice of violation and the fine amount, fine due date.  The fine is against the Unit thus against the Owner.  The Juristic Office is tough because many tourist/short term renters did not respect the rules.

Lastly if you can't reach an agreement and consult with a lawyer he will give you an estimate.  You will NOT like his price.  Think 50,000 baht for a simple case.

1 hour ago, FlorC said:

To other posters :

Why would Superrich or other private exchanges share all cash exchanges with BoT ?

From what I found:

You are dealing with required legal, reporting, anti money laundering requirements to conduct business with and exchange foreign currency with/through banking systems.

BOT must follow (Exchange Control Act, Bank of Thailand Act, Anti Money Laundering Office, Local and Foreign Payment System requirements)

Why? It is better for their business to comply. More customers, more systems to exchange or transfer money.  A country can freeze or seize transactions they believe are illegal and detrimental to their status on the Global Market.

6 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

I can't see this exemption being allowed. It's a bit like the condo funding.

 

Adding exemptions just for foreigners  (parked visa money, condo purchases) seems unlikely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tax strategy is bring the Visa, Condo, large amount in when you are in Thailand 179 days or less. Not a Thai Tax Resident.

The other strategy is POR 162 that allows Accessable Income earned prior to Jan 1 2024 to be remitted Tax Free in 2024 or following years

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

 When are the people going to take charge of themselves and make sensible decisions if they should gamble or not.

Study a lot of Behavioral Psychology.  Some people can't prevent themselves from drugs or gambling All the time.  Yes with the right group/family support and motivation they can reduce it.

What is wrong with the Government trying to prevent/help people from doing self or financial harm?

Do you have a better recommendation to determine risky behavior that is reasonable, practical, and will be followed consistently.

I support the Dream that everyone will do the right thing but my training, experience and knowledge have proven some people need assistance 

Government 🙄

They do what they want. You elect them but have Zero control after the election.

If they require an Entry Fee to Thai Citizens it may limit the potential for loosing money to the groups with more disposable income.

Additionally 0 entry fee for Foreigners targets the wealth transfer from other countries to the benefit of Thailand.

Taxes, any increase in tourism or businesses that support the Casino and Entertainment Complex.

The negative, Who is going to supervise the Casino is collecting the entry fee on Thai Citizens?  Who is going to enforce this?  So we know the answer and likely the Casino is calculating I can make an extra 50 million Baht - minus 5 million in Bribes so 45 million is worth the risk.

Online Gambling, please educate me How this is a good idea at all.

Creates fewer jobs, pays less taxes, creates Zero Tourism, Zero increase in businesses that support a Physical Casino/Entertainment Complex.

Risks, Thais who do not have disposable income fall deeper into financial ruin and debt.

What safe guards will be in place to help limit the damage to Thai citizens familes and financial futures?

On 1/25/2025 at 6:28 PM, Walker88 said:

Anyone who settles in Thailand, and is going to add value to the Kingdom, should certainly have much more money that a measly 800,000 baht or whatever the requirements are.  Raising the standard to, say, 10-20,000,000 baht would draw a better class of individual, as well as provide a larger economic punch to the country. 

 

So Double Standard for Foreigners.  Thai people can be poor, have little savings, cause no problems and live a happy free life in Thailand.

Regarding your proposed 10 or 20 million Baht. 

False the better Class of people, Do and Will live in Europe, Singapore, etc because they can Afford a better location with Less pollution and is already developed and already has the better Class of people.

Additionally only a FOOL would leave 10 or 20 million Baht in a bank earning No Interest, that little they give you doesn't cover yearly inflation.

The Banks Additionally leverage your Bank Deposits and charge customers A lot more interest making the Bank A lot more money.

Thailand has many, many great people.  The short time Tourist, and Foreigners seems to be main problem. Then you have some idiot Foreigners setting up Scams, Call Centers who Eventually are arrested.

Same happens in the USA that many foreign countries admire.