One of the things that can be tough on a Filipino traveler’s budget is the value of the Philippine peso in countries that you explore. In the United States, you need to multiply all prices by 54, while in Europe the factor rate is higher at 62. That can hurt your pocket and you will be feeling the pain not only during the trip but even when you return home and see the bills you racked up in your credit card. Thankfully, there are still a few countries where the value of our peso is still, well valuable. In Thailand, for instance, one Philippine peso is equivalent to about 60 centavos in Thai baht or their local currency, making you feel somehow that your money can still go a long way. Thailand offers many attractions to tourists, especially those who want to be immersed in the local culture. Unlike its Southeast Asian neighbors, Thailand was not colonized, largely through the diplomacy of its former kings. Whether you choose to stay in Bangkok or venture north or south, … [Read more...] about News Bangkok on a budget: 7 ways to save on your Thailand holiday
Thai baht travel money card
Tax tips and tricks for the new code
Filing of individual tax returns for 2017 has already opened, but the process of filling out a return has changed significantly over the past few years because of major changes in the tax structure, as well as new standard allowances and deductions. With the amended Revenue Code, the income thresholds for tax filing obligations have changed. Previously, individuals were required to file a tax return if they earned a minimum income of 50,000 baht from employment. Under the new structure, the threshold is higher: single taxpayers only need to file their tax returns if they earn more than 100,000 baht a year; married taxpayers need file only if their income exceeds 200,000 baht and employment is their only source of income.Single taxpayers who earn income from employment as well as other sources of income, or who only have income that is not generated from employment, must file tax returns if the total income exceeds 60,000 baht, while the threshold is 120,000 baht for married … [Read more...] about Tax tips and tricks for the new code
Foreign ‘Romeos’ continue preying on wealthy Thai women
Foreign gangs behind romance scams targeting wealthy Thai women are flourishing, despite intensive efforts to crack down on the crime. Police say numerous arrests and convictions don't seem to have deterred gangs from preying on unsuspecting women.The scams typically target lone wealthy women, with their vulnerability exploited to make millions of baht, which in the eyes of many hoodlums outweighs the risk of arrest. This draws newcomers, mostly African nationals, to enter the playing field."Police are only those who solve the problem at the end of the river," Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) chief Thitiraj Nhonghanpitak said, suggesting the best way to weed out the criminal activity relies largely on state agencies which oversee the entry of such people into Thailand.The CIB chief said authorities from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must work closely with the Immigration Bureau to stop foreign gangsters entering the country. Without effective controls, police officers end up … [Read more...] about Foreign ‘Romeos’ continue preying on wealthy Thai women
Raise the Thai game
Re: "Making Thai passports more powerful", (Opinion, Jan 15). As the author posited, Thailand is ranked 64th compared to Singapore's second for the world's most powerful passports based on the latest Henley Passport Index. A better ranking means its citizens enjoy visa-free access to more countries, with fewer restrictions. While citizens of developed nations like the US and UK can travel to Thailand without a visa, the reverse doesn't hold for Thais travelling to North America, Western Europe and Australia.The author rightly asks "What can be done to boost the power of Thai passports?" My answer: Make Thailand and Thais more powerful. How? Increase their GDP per capita. Make Thais richer so there is less incentive for them to be "robin-hoods" (overstaying their visas and working illegally overseas). This is achieved by giving them equal access to education, training, and jobs locally. Many Thai women ply the oldest trade -- prostitution -- overseas to save up enough money to help … [Read more...] about Raise the Thai game
Anupong chides banks for ID theft saga
Commercial banks which fail to properly authenticate people who ask to open bank accounts are to blame for the arrest of a young woman unfairly linked to a call centre gang which allegedly opened bank accounts in her name, Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda says. The case caught the public's attention after Nicha Kiartthanapaiboon, 24, on Tuesday asked the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to track down people who used her ID card to open nine accounts with seven banks, which were used to handle the proceeds of a call centre scam.She told police her purse and ID card disappeared in October last year after which she suspects the card fell into the hands of a gang. She also showed an image from a CCTV camera at a bank in which a woman wearing a mask uses her ID card to open a bank account.The issue has sparked public questions about bank security and why they allow people wearing face coverings to open accounts.Gen Anupong said the ministry's Department of Provincial Administration … [Read more...] about Anupong chides banks for ID theft saga