Showing 1 - 9 of 9
No work and all play
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 05/01/2014
» Those of us who live and work in Thailand or many who just come to the Land of Smiles for a holiday often dream about retiring here. It may be on the Southern beaches with a coconut in hand or perhaps it means being surrounded by nature and rolling hills in the elevated northern provinces. Though Thailand does not have a formal campaign to attract retirees, such as Malaysia's ''Malyasia My Second Home'' programme, an increasing number of expats are deciding to sample the luxuries of retired life in Thailand.
Aliens have landed _ Part 2
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 29/12/2013
» Last week we introduced the Alien Working Act and outlined the requirements for an employer that wants to hire foreign labour and the steps for that foreigner to obtain a valid work permit. Today, we will take a look at the application of the work permit rules in real life, how they can affect those of us who are employed or just want to do a bit of maintenance around the house, and the penalties one could face if caught in violation.
High returns for snakes on a plane
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 24/11/2013
» Wildlife trafficking is a global multibillion-dollar industry that is primarily orchestrated by well-funded and powerful international criminal syndicates. Although much media attention has been paid to the plight of exotic and endangered animals as they are transported to and from Thailand, which has become a global hub for animal trafficking, little has been done to change the status quo.
How much is that slow loris in the window?
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 17/11/2013
» Feeling confident in my ability to navigate Bangkok's largest capitalistic labyrinth, recently I ventured to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Shuffling among a sea of locals peppered with gaggles of tourists, I was reminded that if you can't find it at Chatuchak, it probably doesn't exist.
WAGERING YOUR FREEDOM _ Part three
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 03/11/2013
» To wrap up our series of articles on gambling, this week we will look at the law in practise, and see how it is applied to real-world situations. Regular readers will recall that gambling in Thailand is regulated by the Gambling Act and its implementing legislation. The act prohibits betting on games of chance or skill unless the organiser possesses a licence or an exemption has been made where a licence is not required. It is not required for promoters to display their licence when hosting an event. However, most organisers do so as the knowledge that a gambling event is sanctioned by the government and is therefore legal, and would be an obvious marketing drawcard for participants. In practice, if you don't see a licence prominently displayed, it would be wise to check with the organiser as to the legal status of the event.
GAMBLING IN THE KINGDOM _ Part two
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 27/10/2013
» Last week we introduced the Gambling Act BE 2478 (1935), which prohibits all forms of betting and games of skill or chance where a wager, either in the form of money or goods, is placed on the outcome. Providing an overview of the only two legal forms of gambling in the Kingdom, the national lottery and domestic horse racing, we explained how each operates and how the public can engage in legalised gambling through these outlets.
Smells like teen spirit
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 01/09/2013
» Though the current crop of teenagers is faced with many new illicit or merely unproductive temptations, some of the historic ones remain. These include alcohol. A drink might be offered at a party, nicked from a parent's drinks cabinet, served at a bar with a nearsighted doorman or purchased from an accommodating corner shop; the sources haven't changed in decades ... and neither have the effects.
Getting tipsy in thailand _ Part 1
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 25/08/2013
» If you are a tourist reading this article poolside and it is after lunch, the odds are good that you've got a cold beer or an umbrella-laden fruity concoction at your side. After all, drinks on holiday don't count, right?
The facts on Fatca
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 04/08/2013
» As any American can tell you, the US government, through its Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has no equal in regards to the resources it can deploy and the lengths to which it will go to ensure that it gets every penny it presumes is owed from your paycheque.