.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png.8488ab72b8bb2e508209bfe3211b6e08.png)
-
Recently Browsing 1 member
Announcements
-
Topics
-
-
Latest posts...
-
0
O. Henry: The Gift of the Magi. The saddest Christmas story of all time?
Dear Brethren, If one ever wished to read a Christmas story that is almost guaranteed to have us crying in our beer, then O. Henry takes the cake, just for writing the saddest one of all. And, if you wish to know the full meaning of pathos, then read this one and weep. Every time I read this story, I cannot help but shed a tear in my beer, for this sad pair, so poor, and yet so content in their poverty. I am crying now, just thinking about the last time I read this account, written by O. Henry. O.Henry is not one of my favorite authors. I would not even consider him to be an author, so much as he is just a cheap tear-jerker. Still, leading up to Christmas, 2024, I think, considering recent world events, his story of the Magi might be less unpleasant than other things happening today. So then, why not read it once again, and shed a tear, since the cathartic value in doing so, just might do us some good, and probably so little else will. How sad are the events of this year, anyway? We could count the ways, but we should not, just before decking our halls with holly, lest our frivolity might become dampened. O. Henry, apparently, wrote his famous story at some tavern in NYC. And since that time, school children have been plagued and depressed by the reading of it. Christmas is not a very happy time, when you really look closely at it. Christmas is a time of sweet sorrow, mixed emotions, and dipsomania in order to cope with the manic-depression of the season. I never liked Christmas, even though I was forced to participate when young. Thankfully, after first arriving in Asia, I found salvation in the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which has always been a happy time for both me and all my many Chinese Friends. Passover and Seder, when I was young, was also a very happy time, at least in my neighborhood. So, I guess I am not like most other Gentiles. O. Henry? Some guys like him. Maybe I will try to re-read his stories, this Christmas holiday, with new understanding, now that I am older. What do people really SEE in this Christmas holiday….because I do not know. Christmas has always been stressful for me, and almost everyone I have ever known. Maybe it will be better, this year, and I hope so. But, I doubt it. What’s to be said for Christmas, that is good? Well. We know that Christmas ‘tis the season to be jolly. This is about all I know of Christmas, other than Christmas spirit, which comes in a bottle for many, about this time of year. What is your favorite spirit, on Christmas Eve….anyway? When I had the inclination to waste money on spirits, during the Christmas season, I would have chosen some type of Irish whisky, and something expensive. And, after reading the entire story, The Gift of the Magi, I guess almost anyone would need an entire bottle of it. Do you enjoy O. Henry, on a Christmas Eve? More power to you, then. Please, don’t cry. Gamma Note: Let’s all add a SAD emoji, in remembrance of Christmases gone by. Note2: Emphasizing the Positive, though, we know that all good things will soon pass, and after the New Year, these holidays will be, thankfully, behind us…until next year…. Note3. At the very least, and which is no small thing, I am just so extremely grateful to be living in Thailand, and Asia, where, this year, I have not heard even one Christmas carol…and I thank my lucky stars of Bethlehem!!!! Big Time, as Trump might say! Note4: I hate world poverty. After the Christmas holiday is over with,and before we travel with Musk to Mars, we really must stamp it out. Note5: Fortunately for those now in Thailand, there will be neither Jingle-Bells nor sadness. Thank you, Thailand! Thailand is always good to us Farang, every Christmas. -
0
Chai Nat: Heavy Drinking to Stay Warm Leads to Noodle Seller’s Death on the Road
Picture from responders. In an incident in Chai Nat province, a chicken noodle vendor succumbed to heavy drinking in an attempt to stay warm during the cold weather, collapsing and passing away inside his vehicle in the middle of a busy road. His distraught wife, upon arriving at the scene, was overcome with grief, her cries moving onlookers to tears. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaimongkol Mueansonthi of Sapphaya Police Station, along with rescue volunteers from Ruamkatanyu Foundation and a duty doctor from Sankhaburi Hospital, rushed to the site on Highway 3010 in Huai Krot, Sankhaburi District. There, they discovered a white Ford pickup truck, registered in Bangkok, parked in the middle of the road, causing a significant traffic jam. Inside the vehicle, on the driver’s seat, lay the lifeless body of Mr. Burapa Usaprom, 44, a resident of Sapphaya District. He was wearing an apron and slumped against an empty bottle of homemade liquor. In the back of the truck were multiple bags containing chicken parts, such as legs, wings, and feet, alongside fresh vegetables, supplies he had purchased for his noodle business. According to preliminary findings, it is believed the deceased suffered from alcohol poisoning, leading to a fatal heart failure. The body has been sent to the forensic institute at Sawanpracharak Hospital in Nakhon Sawan for further investigation into the exact cause of death. Reports reveal that Mr. Burapa was a chicken noodle vendor who purchased supplies every morning to prepare for his daily business. Known to be a heavy drinker, he consumed alcohol throughout the day, particularly during the cold season, when he frequently sipped to stay warm. On the day prior to his death, he reportedly consumed three to four bottles of alcohol by himself. He continued drinking heavily the following morning, ultimately leading to the fatal collapse. The scene became even more heartrending when his wife arrived, wailing uncontrollably and drawing sympathy from bystanders who watched the devastating loss unfold. -- 2024-12-23 -
0
Cholera Outbreak in Myanmar Prompts Urgent Response in Tak Province
Moei River from the Thai border looking at Myanmar. File photo courtesy: Wikimedia In response to a growing cholera threat originating from Shwe Kokko, Myanmar, Thai authorities have initiated crucial measures to prevent the disease from spreading across the border into Tak province. With approximately 200 cases reported on the Myanmar side, Thai officials are keen to contain the situation to protect local communities and their inhabitants. The Public Health Ministry in Thailand swiftly reacted by establishing an emergency operations centre (EOC) in Tak. This centre, directed by Dr. Supachok Wechaphanphesat, is tasked with overseeing cholera preparedness and response efforts in the region. The EOC will focus on monitoring health conditions in border areas, factories, and refugee camps while ensuring the safety of drinking water and promoting hygiene practices among locals and migrants alike. Cholera, a waterborne disease known for causing severe dehydration and diarrhoea, poses significant risks during mass gatherings and in densely populated areas. With Tak's proximity to Shwe Kokko, Mae Ramat and Mae Sot districts have been identified as high-risk zones, particularly during the festive New Year period. These areas host a plethora of factories and migrant communities, increasing the likelihood of spread through social interactions and shared meals. Reports indicate that two cases have already been confirmed in Mae Sot district, both involving individuals from Myanmar who frequently cross the border for work. These patients exhibited mild symptoms and have since received treatment at Mae Sot Hospital. There is evidence suggesting that a newborn's relative contracted the disease while visiting the Thai side following a birth. The situation across the border is dire, with Shwe Kokko recording two fatalities in addition to the soaring number of cases. Both Chinese employers and their Myanmar employees have been significantly impacted. In response, Thai soldiers have intensified patrols along border regions, specifically in Mae Ramat and Mae Sot, to curtail illegal crossings that could exacerbate the situation. Efforts to mitigate this potential public health crisis include sharing medical supplies with Myanmar counterparts and developing rapid test kits for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Thai authorities stress the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and consuming thoroughly cooked food as essential preventive measures. As the situation unfolds, maintaining open communication and cooperation between Thai and Myanmar health authorities will be vital in controlling this cholera outbreak, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-23 -
4
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 23 December 2024
Woman Killed as Truck Overturns in Korat A crash occurred on Mittraphap Road near kilometre marker 67 in front of the Wardog Military Dog Battalion in Nong Sarai, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. A truck carrying rice overturned after crashing into a large road sign, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to the driver. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346914-woman-killed-as-truck-overturns-in-korat/ -
0
Woman Killed as Truck Overturns in Korat
Picture from responders. At approximately 06:00 on December 22, a crash occurred on Mittraphap Road near kilometre marker 67 in front of the Wardog Military Dog Battalion in Nong Sarai, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. A truck carrying rice overturned after crashing into a large road sign, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to the driver. Police from Nong Sarai Police Station, led by Pol Col Suphachai Viboonsuksan, along with traffic police, highway patrol officers, rescue workers from Sawang Witthaya Thammasathan Foundation, and crane operators, rushed to the scene following the report. The crash involved an 18-wheeler Nissan truck, which had collided with a large directional sign, causing the truck to overturn. The impact detached the container loaded with rice, scattering its contents and partially crushing the truck’s cab and dislodging the CNG cylinders. Fortunately, no explosion occurred, as authorities quickly sprayed water to disperse any leak and cool the cylinders to prevent potential combustion. The truck driver, identified as 30-year-old Mr Phongsak sustained severe injuries, including the amputation of one of his hands at the wrist and deep lacerations to his leg. A female passenger, identified as Ms Nattanun, was crushed under the detached container. Despite rescue efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Pol Lt Col Boonlai Chaitip, Deputy Inspector (Investigation), preliminary investigations suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The truck was transporting rice from the northeastern region towards Saraburi when the incident occurred. The vehicle lost control, veering into the road sign before overturning and dislodging the heavily loaded container. The crash caused significant damage, including the destruction of government property. Authorities have stated that further investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause and take appropriate legal action against the driver. -- 2024-12-23 -
851
Introduction to Personal Income Tax in Thailand
It isn't necessarily just the contents of the account, it's the nature of the account itself which comes with rules and restrictions, particularly relating to withdrawal of funds and the taxation of those withdrawals. A cash account is fully convertible, fully flexible and comes without restrictions or tax. -
52
Please, please help me to understand
Yes, if these 180 days are within one calendar year. In Thailand, too. The definitions may not be the same as in the UK. You can easily look them up in the revenue code. -
3,158
Thai gov. to tax (remitted) income from abroad for tax residents starting 2024 - Part II
What do you mean by "I am registered as living in my condo"??? Registration in Thai is tabien. So how/where can you be "registered" if not in a yellow tabien baan?
-
-
Popular in The Pub
-
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now