Hi all, I’m wondering if there are any authentic Mexican Mariachis for hire in Thailand? I know it’s a bit far fetc but I’m planninh a trip in April to Bangkok and Chiang Mai where I plan to propose to my gf. I’m Hispanic while she’s Thai so I think it would be perfect if I can find a blend of our cultures by proposing in her country with my culture.

It doesn’t need to be anything crazy but I would love it to sound authentic with the instruments and songs played fully acoustic. I need to look more into the norms when it comes to playing in public areas but I would love for them to set up on their own and to surprise my girlfriend with a serenade. If anybody knows anything or anyone that could help I would love to work with you!

Thailand’s Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) has urged against political intervention in its funding model or in the role of the country’s public service media, as the ruling Bhumjaithai Party proposes a bill that has sparked concerns over media independence and freedom.

In its statement on Friday, Thai PBS said that the draft bill, which propose changes to the national broadcaster’s revenue structuring, directly affects the organisation’s independence.

“It [the independence] serves as a guarantee that the public has access to information and public spaces that are free from state, political or business influence,” it reads.

The remark came as Bhumjaithai’s legal eagle Suphachai Jaismut seeks to replace Thai PBS’s legally ringfenced funding source with an allocation from the annual fiscal budget, which is controlled each year by the political groupings in power at the time.

According to the 2008 Thai Public Broadcasting Service Act, Thai PBS is funded by an earmarked 1.5% share of taxes collected on sales and importation of liquor and tobacco.

The legally mandated funding is capped at two billion baht per fiscal year. Thai PBS also operates outside the direct control of any specific ministry but is subject to scrutiny by independent entities, such as the State Audit Office.

Suphachai said that the bill aims to “unify the nation’s fiscal system” and would effectively allow participation by parliament and the government in managing the money collected.

Critics fear that the proposed changes would provide a route for political pressure or influence to be exerted on Thai PBS’s coverage and neutrality.

Thai PBS said that concrete legal and institutional guarantees must be put in place to prevent the changes from being exploited for political gain and argues that the twin pillars of monetary discipline and public service media independence must both be protected.

“The public must have confidence that public service media operates independently, free from the influence or control of state power holders,” it said.

The draft is the subject of public hearings until October 14. It will then be proposed for Cabinet approval before being submitted to parliament for deliberation.

When I was young I had foreign ESL pen pals. I enjoyed learning about regular people in other parts of the world. I do not participate in the social media platforms common in the West, because of how toxic they are, and how toxic the owners are. This means I am at a loss as to how to meet English speaking people from other parts of the world. I can help them with their English if they would benefit from that.

My goal is to learn about them and their culture and eventually visit them in their country. I have no desire to live sheltered in some enclave of entitled American expats. I don’t think normal tourism with regular guides will really show me what a place is really like. Are there any subreddits or web platforms to meet people this way? I am seeking friends only, not romantic interest.

I wish to make friends online who live in any of the regions that western expats tend to land with SE Asia, central America, and possibly Mexico being high on the list. Unfortunately for me, my ignorant country does not value learning a second language. My greatest handicap is that I only speak English. I am willing to learn to communicate better where ever I end up, but I am far better with STEM subjects than I am with languages.

Apologies if this is not appropriate for this sub. I am an American in my late 40’s hoping to retire early (in 6 to 10 years) somewhere where I can be part of the local community. I have many reasons for wanting to do so. The men in my family tend to die fairly early. My father collected 1 social security check before dieing, even though he had paid into SS since he was 12 years old. Going back 12 generations the Average age of death is 67 and the median is 56.

With the rise of the oligarchs in the states and their market capture of all aspects of modern life, I feel disheartened trying to stay and retire in the USA. I feel like I am giving them my hard earned money every day and getting less and less in return. I understand that the same is more or less an issue in many parts of the world, it just feels like the developing world still has pockets of local economies where the money I spend to by food, to pay rent, and to support local events, helps the local community.

Previously I have traveled to many rural areas in the western US thinking of retiring there. But the rural politics have now become so toxic, I do not wish to be a part of their communities.

Hi there,
A while ago I asked about sourcing for grass fed beef and lots of people suggested be Paleo robbie.
A local just beought me to Makro and I found, that they also have australian grass fed beef and it seems like this store is all over Thailand.
Why nobody suggested this store since it's a cheaper option?
Do they geniuely not know or is it about the quality?

Bhumjaithai’s chief legal adviser has proposed holding a public hearing on whether the Thai PBS Act should be amended to end the public service broadcaster’s funding from liquor and tobacco tax revenue, or “sin taxes”, and replace it with direct funding from the state budget.

Suphachai Jaismut suggested that the questions for public comment should include:

• Do you agree or disagree that the law governing the funding, assets and revenue of Thai PBS should be amended?

• Do you agree or disagree that the collection of liquor and tobacco tax revenue for Thai PBS should be scrapped?

• Do you agree or disagree that there are problems with the enforcement of the Thai PBS Act and whether an amendment to the Act could solve them?

The Bhumjaithai MP said the amendment would aim to overhaul Thai PBS’s revenue structure.

It would scrap Sections 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the Act concerning liquor and tobacco taxes, ending the broadcaster’s authority to collect 1.5% of such tax revenue, up to a maximum of 2 billion baht per year, to fund Thai PBS.

Funding for Thai PBS should instead come from the state budget, he said, adding that the Thai PBS Act may violate the principles of fiscal discipline.

Under the current Act and its funding model, no individual donor, external organisation, political entity or commercial interest has the authority to influence the editorial priorities, topic selection, verification processes or fact-checking conclusions of Thai PBS.

Editorial independence is institutionally protected through a clear separation between editorial operations and administrative management.

Individuals or entities associated with organisational funding do not exercise influence over published content, including matters involving government agencies, public officials or influential institutions.

Follow-up: Thai PBS reasserts its independence following proposed new public media bill | Thai PBS World

not the ones for tourists that expire after 30-60 days.

Hello all,

My spouse and adult daughter have recently reclaimed their Thai citizenship. Additional info: My spouse is a US naturalized citizen born in Thailand, both parents Thai, Mother remarried a US soldier in the 60's and my daughter (and her siblings) are considered Thai because he is. They both now have their Thai ID's, passports and are living here in Bangkok.

My spouse speaks Thai, but can not read it, and Daughter is in the process of learning both. My spouse does have half siblings who live in Thailand who are very supportive, but it's different because they don't share or necessarily understand the challenges of assimilating into a whole new life.

Is anyone aware of any Reddit communities that focus on this type of situation and offer support?

We've looked at Thaithai but it appears that all posts need to be in Thai writing.

Our goal is to find people in the same situation for communication and sharing of experience of immersing themselves into the culture and community.

We know there is an expat community, but I don't really think they fit into that description.

Any suggestions?

นายแพทย์ขัติญพัณศ์ อเล็กซีส กฏอัศญทีปณ์

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19m2ut29Fo/

Hey people i found online this driving school https://thandriving.com/

I also already chatted with them i wanted to ask someone know them and have already expirience with them? I Would like to do my thai licence so i have no troubles and can enjoy my vacation.

Is this problem bigger than I think it is in Thailand? In Thai social media I always see mentions of neighboring countries with this problem. Is Thailand just better at sweeping it under the rug?

Hi! Im from the Philippines and I need help, the debit card I used to purchase my concert ticket was damaged so the bank issued a new one. I saw that when claiming the physical concert ticket, I need to show the debit card I used. I can provide bank statment and photo of the old card , emailed thai ticket too but still no response. Anyone who has same experience?

I'm an international student currently studying at a college in Russia, and I'm interested in continuing my education at a university in Thailand after I graduate.

I'm currently in my final year and expect to graduate in June 2027. My current major is Media, Advertising, PR, and Marketing. I'd like to continue studying in a related field at a Thai university, but I'm also interested in Performing Arts, Dance, Choreography, Musical Theater, or Dance Performance as an alternative major.

I'm hoping to find scholarship opportunities for international students, particularly for bachelor's degree programs. I'd also like to understand the career prospects and job opportunities in Thailand for international graduates in these fields.

I'd really appreciate advice on the following questions:

Scholarships and university admissions:

• What scholarships are available for international students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree in Thailand?
• Are there any full or partial scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation, or living expenses?
• Which Thai universities offer programs and scholarships in Media, Advertising, PR, Marketing, or Performing Arts, Dance, Choreography, Musical Theater, or Dance Performance?
• Since I expect to graduate in June 2027, when should I start applying for university admission and scholarships?
• What are the usual admission and scholarship requirements, such as GPA, English proficiency tests, portfolios, or auditions?

Job opportunities and career prospects:

• How difficult is it for an international student to find a job in Thailand after graduating in one of these fields?
• What kinds of jobs are available for international graduates in Media, Advertising, PR, and Marketing? For example, digital marketing, social media management, advertising, public relations, or working in international companies.
• What about career opportunities in Performing Arts, Dance, Choreography, Musical Theater, or Dance Performance?
• Do Thai companies or entertainment organizations hire international graduates in these fields, particularly those who don't speak Thai fluently?
• Are there any restrictions on the types of jobs foreigners can do in Thailand, and how difficult is it to obtain the appropriate visa and work permit after graduation?
• Would studying at a Thai university make it easier to find internships or employment in Thailand?

I'd especially appreciate advice from international students or graduates who have studied or worked in Thailand in either of these fields. Hearing about your experiences with scholarships, university applications, internships, and finding employment would be extremely helpful.

I'm still researching my options and trying to figure out which path would be the most realistic for me, both academically and professionally.

Hi guys, i've been back home from Thailand for 2 days but the Big C (or some supermarket jingle la-la-laa la-la-laaa) is still in my head and won't go away.

Any advice ?

Hi all.

This will be my first time attending a concert at Rajamangala (11th October) and I had a few questions and was hoping someone could kindly help with answers. For context I have the standing tickets:

1. I will be collecting tickets on the day of and am wondering how early do you recommend that I go collect the tickets from TTM at the venue

2. (once I have the tickets with me) How early should I come to the venue before the concert so that I end up having a good-decent experience leading up to the concert?

3. Am I able to carry a small tote bag with me? With a small handheld fan with the obvious essentials (IDs, money, etc)

4. Anything else you think would be useful or must have essentials you think would be best to carry on the day to the venue?

5. Would getting transport be hard after the concert ends? Any recommendations on how to effectively find something (like a grab) after the show ends.

6. Last but not least, what is the standing experience like for people who have been before? Is it hectic? Any places to sit around if tired etc (new to this so do forgive my ignorance)

Thank you so much in advance.

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ใครทำแบบนี้.ทำเพื่ออะไร.(คุณเอาออกจากชุมชน.เพราะอะไรคุณปิดกัน.ความโปร่งใสรึสาธาระณะ.ทำไมกันเหตุผลคนทำงานราชการมันต้องมี..อธิบาย.เดียวนี้

Has thaiticketmajor always been this broken?

It's my first time trying to purchase tickets, I used google chrome and when it was my turn, it said Access Denied in a blank page.

So I tried using Firefox, but when I entered my passport ID, it said it's invalid (despite it being the exact same ID written on my profile).

Has someone encountred similar issues?

Thank you!

Grab has 0 customer service. I think it used to have. Now I'm trying to contact a real agent for an unpaid refund. The bot just denies me all time and even saying in the chat "I need help! Help me!" is stuck with the same message. It's over, juat will uninstall it and do not use it anymore unless an extreme emergency.

I have Bolt and I used to have LineMan for ordering food. Is it good for transportation?

Thanks!