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Thailand Introduces Online TM6 as Tourism Fee Faces Delays
The e-VOA ? Looks to be fairly straight forward to use, what did you have problems with ? -
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Two Teenage Girls Killed in Collision in Sattahip
I believe the truck and the white car blocked their view and had no time to react before impact. I'm tall, I can see over most cars. It's obvious to me shorter people can't. -
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Thais Reject Casino Complex and Online Betting Plans Poll Shows
Image composite: ASEAN NOW A comprehensive survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals a decided public disapproval of the Thai government's plans to establish a casino-entertainment complex and legalise online gambling. The telephone-based NIDA Poll, carried out over January 20-21, 2023, captured the views of 1,310 adults from diverse educational, income, and occupational backgrounds nationwide. When respondents were queried about the proposal for an integrated entertainment complex that would feature a casino, the findings were as follows: - 59.19% expressed disapproval of both the complex and casino - 28.93% were in favour of both the complex and casino - 8.63% supported the complex but opposed the casino - 1.60% supported the casino only - 1.68% refrained from commenting Regarding the legalisation of online gambling, the poll disclosed: - 58.32% outright rejected the idea - 19.92% were strongly in favour - 11.45% moderately supported the move - 10.31% were moderately opposed On the topic of public referendums related to these issues, respondents’ views were: - 51.07% opposed conducting referendums for both the casino complex and online gambling legislation - 37.86% supported holding referendums for both matters - 5.11% favoured a referendum only for the casino-entertainment complex - 3.89% supported a referendum solely on online betting legalisation - 1.99% offered no opinion - 0.08% did not respond These findings highlight significant public concern over the social and economic implications of such proposals. Despite arguments in favour of potential economic gains, such as increased tourism revenue and new job creation, possibly reaching figures in the billions of Thai Baht, the risks linked to potential gambling addiction and moral objections weigh heavily on public opinion. As such, the survey underscores the complex dynamics the Thai government must navigate in pursuing these proposals. Given the polarised opinions, policymakers must carefully consider the public's concerns, possibly by engaging in broader discussions and adopting a strategy that balances potential economic benefits with the social well-being of Thailand's citizens, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-27 -
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Fury as British Troops Face Full VAT on Private School Fees While US Military Are Exempt
The Labour government’s decision to exempt the children of US military personnel from its controversial VAT hike on private school fees has sparked outrage among British service families, who are left to bear the full cost of the tax. Critics have accused Labour of treating UK armed forces like “second-class citizens” and ignoring warnings of the impact on military families. Under the policy, which introduced a 20 percent VAT levy on private school fees from January 1, the children of American service members stationed in the UK benefit from a historic tax relief agreement between the two countries. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirmed the exemption in a briefing note, stating that private school fees fall under the “VAT-free purchase scheme” for US military families. This exemption has drawn sharp criticism, particularly as Labour rejected calls to grant the same relief to British military families. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge expressed dismay, stating, “The Government is treating British forces as second-class citizens. Whilst US military families are exempt from VAT, ours are having to fund Labour’s ideological education tax. Labour must urgently adopt an exemption or accept they are delivering a deep unfairness to those who serve our country.” Concerns are mounting that the decision could drive British military families away at a time when the Army is at its smallest size in 200 years. Despite this, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has resisted calls to adjust the policy, instead opting to increase the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), a taxpayer-funded subsidy for service personnel and diplomats. The CEA provides stability for children whose parents are frequently posted away from home, covering up to 90 percent of boarding school fees. Following the VAT hike, the government raised the maximum CEA subsidy to £30,633 a year for secondary boarding school pupils, up from £27,240, and to £26,190 for primary school pupils, up from £22,467. However, these increases have done little to alleviate the financial burden on military families, particularly as private school fees have risen by an average of 14 percent since the VAT levy came into effect. The average cost of secondary boarding school fees has now reached £48,403, leaving families paying around £2,500 more even after the CEA uplift. The Army Families Federation has voiced disappointment at the government’s handling of the issue. “We are disappointed that a similar exemption has not been made for the children of UK service personnel in their own country,” the organization told *The Telegraph*. “The mid-year uplift in CEA provided some limited immediate relief, but it does not cover the full increase in costs that many Army families are facing – not least since CEA recipients must still pay a minimum of 10 percent of the total fees.” Adding to the frustration, families report a lack of clarity on future plans for the CEA. Despite government assurances that the impact of the VAT hike on service families is being monitored, requests for further details on how this is being assessed or what actions might follow have gone unanswered. With British service families left to shoulder the financial strain, the policy has fueled a broader debate about fairness and support for the armed forces. As tensions rise, the government faces growing pressure to address what critics describe as a glaring inequity in its approach to supporting those who serve the nation. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-01-27 -
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Tax Hikes Under Labour Leave UK Firms Facing Collapse Amid Financial Crisis
Businesses across the UK are grappling with unprecedented financial strain, with a staggering 50 per cent surge in firms teetering on the brink of collapse. This dire situation has intensified under Labour's leadership, sparking criticism of Rachel Reeves’ tax-raising Budget, which some argue could push struggling companies past the point of recovery. The warning comes as insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor reported a sharp rise in businesses facing “critical financial distress” in the final quarter of 2024. Executive chairman Ric Traynor described the current climate as desperate for many firms. "For many of these companies, the situation is dire," he said. "This additional burden will almost certainly result in business leaders taking the decision to, at best, reduce headcount or, worse, wind down their operations in the face of insurmountable challenges." Traynor further cautioned that 2025 could become a pivotal year, potentially marking the closure of thousands of UK businesses that have fought to stay afloat amidst weak consumer confidence, rising borrowing costs, and the aftershocks of Labour’s tax measures. Labour's £25 billion increase in employers' National Insurance contributions, paired with a hike in the minimum wage, has been labelled a potential "last straw" for many struggling businesses. Critics have pointed to these measures as exacerbating the challenges already plaguing sectors such as hospitality, leisure, and retail. The “Red Flag alert” issued by Begbies Traynor revealed that 46,853 businesses were at serious risk of collapse in late 2024, up from 31,201 in the previous quarter. Adding to the economic turmoil, the private sector shed jobs in January at the fastest rate since 2009, excluding the pandemic. The purchasing managers' index compiled by S&P Global attributed this decline to the NI hike and what it termed a "post-Budget slump in business confidence." The Signature Group, which operates bars, hotels, and restaurants, echoed these concerns, stating that many businesses are now focused solely on "surviving '25." Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves has faced mounting scrutiny over her economic policies. While she attended the World Economic Forum in Davos to champion British growth prospects, critics have highlighted the disconnect between her optimistic rhetoric and the reality on the ground. They argue her Budget has inflicted significant damage, compounded by the introduction of new workers' rights that some see as adding further weight to businesses’ burdens. The latest economic data paints a bleak picture, with private-sector activity stagnating and job cuts accelerating for the fourth consecutive month. Additionally, retail sales continued their decline in January, marking the fourth month of downturn for the high street. The Confederation of British Industry predicts little improvement for February, reinforcing fears of a prolonged economic slump. As firms across the country confront these growing challenges, the strain on Labour's economic policies becomes increasingly apparent. Many warn that without urgent action, the cost of these measures could be catastrophic for the UK economy, leaving thousands of businesses unable to weather the storm. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-01-27 -
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Trump Ends Biden's Hold on Bomb Shipments to Israel
Former President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to release a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, lifting a hold that had been imposed by the Biden administration. The decision, confirmed by three Israeli officials speaking to *Axios*, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy and could have far-reaching implications for the U.S.-Israel relationship. The shipment in question includes 1,800 MK-84 bombs, which had been stored in the United States. Israeli officials reported that the Pentagon notified them on Friday about the release of the munitions, which will soon be transported to Israel. Trump, addressing the decision on Truth Social, stated, “A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way!” The controversy surrounding the shipment dates back to May of the previous year when President Biden decided to halt the delivery of the bombs during Israel's 15-month war in Gaza. The Biden administration justified the hold as a response to Israel’s invasion of Rafah, citing concerns that the use of such powerful munitions in densely populated areas could result in significant civilian casualties. This move not only strained U.S.-Israel relations but also sparked a political uproar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leveraged the situation to rally Republican support against Biden, framing the hold as a political symbol rather than a strictly military issue. The decision also drew criticism from multiple sides within the United States. Progressives chastised Biden for continuing to support Israel despite civilian casualties in Gaza, while segments of the Jewish community—largely Democratic-leaning—criticized him for withholding military aid. Mike Herzog, the outgoing Israeli ambassador to the U.S., had anticipated Trump’s decision to release the munitions. In an interview with *Axios* a week prior, Herzog stated, “We believe that Trump is going to release, at the beginning of his term, the munitions that haven't been released until now by the Biden administration.” The decision underscores the divergent approaches to U.S.-Israel relations taken by Trump and Biden. For Trump, releasing the bombs aligns with his administration's historically strong support for Israel. In contrast, Biden’s initial hold reflected a cautious stance aimed at balancing strategic support for Israel with concerns over civilian casualties and human rights. Based on a report by AXIOS 2025-01-27
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