#.net framework services

[ajmishra]

Top .NET Development Company | Custom .NET Solutions for Enterprises

Looking for a .NET development company? We provide full-stack .NET app development services using Microsoft’s .NET technology. From custom .NET solutions to enterprise-level ASP.NET applications, we deliver scalable and innovative software to meet your business needs. Visit now to know more.

[sawontheboss4]

Why Businesses Trust .NET for High-Performance Apps

Introduction .NET has remained a developer favourite for over two decades, and it’s no surprise why. With its backwards solid compatibility, developers can continue using the same code and libraries, scaling and evolving applications smoothly without extensive rewrites.  But did you know that it’s not just developers who appreciate .NET? Businesses do, too—over 25% of enterprises rely on the…

[virtualcoders]

Elevate Your Business with Our Expert .NET Development Services!

🔹 Are you ready to transform your ideas into robust, scalable applications? Our team of skilled .NET developers is here to make it happen! 🔹

✅ Custom Solutions: Tailored applications that fit your unique business needs. ✅ Integrated Services: Smooth and secure integration with existing systems. ✅ Cross-Platform Support: Reach users anywhere with web, mobile, and desktop apps. ✅ Agile Methodology: We deliver results faster with iterative development.

🌟 Why Choose Us? ✨ Proven Expertise: Years of experience delivering cutting-edge .NET solutions. ✨ Collaboration Focused: Work closely with our team to bring your vision to life. ✨ Future-Proof Technology: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest advances.

📈 Let’s bring your project from ideas to reality! Contact us today for a FREE consultation! 💬

Email - hello@virtualcoders.net Skype:- skype:virtualcodersindia Website:- https://www.virtualcoders.net/

[techdirectarchive]

How to Restore Deleted Azure App Service Using PowerShell

In this post, I will briefly take you through how to restore deleted Azure App Service using PowerShell. Before I proceed, let’s talk about Azure App service in detail. Azure App Service is a managed platform created by Microsoft for hosting web applications, mobile backends, and RESTful APIs. You can easily deploy WordPress on Azure App Service. You also use Azure CLI to create App Service and…

[maveninfo979]

Building a Real-time Chat Application with Laravel Development and Pusher

Real-time chat applications are a popular feature for modern web applications, offering instant communication and engagement for users. Laravel development, a robust PHP framework, provides a powerful foundation for building such applications, and when paired with Pusher, a cloud-based real-time messaging service, developers can create dynamic and interactive chat experiences. In this blog post, we'll delve into the process of building a real-time chat application using the powerful combination of Laravel development and Pusher.

What is Pusher?

Pusher is a cloud-based service that allows you to add real-time functionality to your web applications. It provides a simple API that you can use to send and receive messages in real-time. Pusher also provides a number of features that make it easy to build real-time applications, such as:

Channels: Channels allow you to group users together and send messages to them in real-time.

Events: Events are used to trigger actions on the client-side, such as updating the chat interface.

Presence: Presence allows you to track which users are online and offline.

Prerequisites

Before you start building your chat application, you will need to make sure that you have the following prerequisites:

A Laravel 5.5 or later installation

A Pusher account

A basic understanding of Laravel and JavaScript

Setting Up Pusher

Setting the Stage for Real-time Communication: Pusher and Laravel Development

The first step in our journey involves configuring your Pusher account. Head over to the Pusher website and sign up for a free trial. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll need to create a dedicated app. This app will serve as the source for your API keys and secrets, which will become crucial ingredients in your Laravel development workflow. These credentials enable Laravel to connect and interact with Pusher's powerful real-time messaging infrastructure, paving the way for smooth and seamless communication within your chat application.

Next, you will need to install the Pusher PHP server package. You can do this by running the following command:

composer require pusher/pusher-php-server

Once the package is installed, you will need to configure it in your Laravel application. To do this, open the .env file and add the following lines:

PUSHER_APP_ID=your_app_id

PUSHER_APP_KEY=your_app_key

PUSHER_APP_SECRET=your_app_secret

PUSHER_APP_CLUSTER=your_app_cluster

Creating the Chat Interface

The next step is to create the chat interface. This will include the input field where users can type their messages, as well as the chat history. You can use any HTML and CSS that you want to create the chat interface, but it is important to make sure that it is responsive and easy to use.

Bringing Your Chat to Life: JavaScript and Pusher Integration

Once you've established the visual elements of your chat interface, it's time to inject interactivity through JavaScript. This code will leverage the Pusher API to establish a connection with the Pusher service and subscribe to relevant channels designated within your Laravel development framework. This ensures that your chat application remains responsive and updates automatically whenever a new message arrives. By strategically subscribing to specific channels, you can cater to individual user interactions and group conversations, fostering a dynamic and engaging communication experience.

Here is an illustration of how to send and get messages:

JavaScript

var pusher = new Pusher('your_app_key', {

    cluster: 'your_app_cluster'

});

var channel = pusher.subscribe('chat');

channel.bind('message', function(data) {

    // Update the chat history with the new message

});

$('#chat-form').submit(function(e) {

    e.preventDefault();

    var message = $('#chat-message').val();

    $.post('/chat', { message: message }, function(data) {

        $('#chat-message').val('');

    });

});

Use code with caution. Learn more

Deploying Your Chat Application

Once you have finished building your chat application, you will need to deploy it to a web server. You can deploy your application to any web server that supports PHP.

Conclusion

Building a real-time chat application with Laravel development and Pusher is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience in the exciting realm of real-time web application development. This process not only provides you with valuable technical knowledge but also equips you with the skills to create a practical and engaging application that resonates with your users. Through Laravel development's robust framework combined with the power of Pusher's real-time messaging capabilities, you can build a dynamic chat experience that fosters user interaction and engagement. Let's embark on this journey to explore the construction of a real-time chat application using this potent combination!

[christyrdiaz]

Top 10 Reasons Why ASP.NET Will Speed Up Web Application Development

[joy-haver]

The world is getting harder to live in. Things are getting worse. Many people will die, and live in further desperation, due to the actions of those in power. It is clear that those meager protections and small supports that the system has fed us will be stripped away. Many of you will lose your livelihoods. You will lose access to healthcare. You will lose access to services you assumed were an eternal part of the framework of life. You will lose much, and gain nothing - except for what we give to one another.

And yet. You must not despair. To despair is to abandon the work.

Neither may you flee to apathy - as you know, Inaction Is not survivable.

Instead, you must learn the ballance of awareness. You must not look to the news of what is happening and say “I am overwhelmed, I am destroyed, the enemy is advancing and I see no hope of reprieve.” Instead, you must look only to know their movements, only to understand the changing circumstances of the work you must do. And then you must do it.

You must never abandon the work of community care in favor of self destruction or blind worry, never abandon your role in the wellbeing of the earth in favor of relishing pain.

Mourn, if you must. Take a few hours to do so. But be careful. Do not spend your life in anticipation of suffering. If the gun is not at your head, it is your job to remove it from someone else’s. It is not your right to watch as they are executed and say “I am afraid that one day it could be me.” This is not a metaphor. Every moment of life you have is life you can use toward liberation. At every moment, the apparatus of power is murdering, through direct abuse and intentional neglect. If you are not the one being killed, now, in this second, you must work to stop the gunman.

If you are fed, you must feed others. If you are housed, you must conspire to house others. If you are neither of those, you must work to help better the lives of those around you, so that you may all live with more met needs.

We will have to become each others social safety net, social security, and healthcare. We have to become each others section 8, and WIC, and home care. We have to become the conservation apparatus for these landscapes. We have to become the people who defend our communities and our earth, with violence if necessary, but always with great tactical acuity. We must not allow for further extraction, further capture, further enclosure. We must turn everyone who is hurt by the machinations of power into one who is organizing towards its demise.

We can achieve this. This is doable. Hope is not lost, so long as you act. Hope is completely lost if you do not.

If you are not sure what to do, do this; wash your clothes, clean your dishes, eat, drink water. You cannot help others if you destroy yourself. Be kind to your housemates and your neighbors. Then, ask “what skills do I have?What skills do I want to have?” Put those skills toward caring for anyone and everyone you can. Conspire to learn with others. Take breaks often. Laugh freely. And remember that love and joy are the purpose - that they are why we fight.

[felassan]

Business Wire: 'Electronic Arts Pre-Announces Preliminary Q3 FY25 Results'

"REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced preliminary results for the third fiscal quarter and a revised outlook for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Business Outlook as of January 22, 2025 EA’s initial guidance for fiscal year 2025 anticipated mid-single-digit growth in live services net bookings1. However, the company now projects a mid-single-digit decline, with Global Football accounting for the majority of the change. Global Football had experienced two consecutive fiscal years of double-digit net bookings growth. However, the franchise experienced a slowdown as early momentum in the fiscal third quarter did not sustain through to the end. As a result, EA revises its outlook for Global Football to end the fiscal year down mid-single-digit at the midpoint of the new outlook. Separately, Dragon Age engaged approximately 1.5 million players during the quarter, down nearly 50% from the company’s expectations. As a result, EA is providing preliminary results for its third fiscal quarter and updating its fiscal year 2025 net bookings outlook. It now expects net bookings of approximately $2.215 billion for the third fiscal quarter and an updated range of $7.000 billion to $7.150 billion for fiscal year 2025. For its third fiscal quarter, EA now expects GAAP net revenue to be approximately $1.883 billion and approximately $1.11 in GAAP diluted earnings per share. “During Q3, we continued to deliver high-quality games and experiences across our portfolio; however, Dragon Age and EA SPORTS FC 25 underperformed our net bookings expectations,” said Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA. “This month, our teams delivered a comprehensive gameplay refresh in addition to our annual Team of the Year update in FC 25; positive player feedback and early results are encouraging. We remain confident in our long-term strategy and expect a return to growth in FY26, as we execute against our pipeline.” “We continue to balance investment for future growth with operational discipline, and remain committed to EA’s long-term financial framework,” said Stuart Canfield, CFO of EA. “As we look to FY26, we expect to grow as we launch more of our iconic franchises.” EA will announce its results for the third fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2024 on February 4th, 2025 and will host a conference call at 2:00 pm PT (5:00 pm ET) to discuss its quarterly results and financial outlook. Listeners may access the conference call live via a dial-in number or audio webcast."

"Tuesday, February 4, 2025 2:00 pm Pacific Time (5:00 pm Eastern Time) Dial-in numbers: Domestic: (855) 761-5600; International: (646) 307-1097 Conference ID: 5939891 Webcast: http://ir.ea.com"

"EA’s financial results release will be available after the close of market on February 4, 2025 on EA’s website at http://ir.ea.com. A dial-in replay of the conference call will be available until February 11, 2025 at (800) 770-2030 (domestic) or (609) 800-9909 (international) using pin code 5939891. An audio webcast replay of the conference call will be available for one year at http://ir.ea.com. Forward-Looking Statements Some statements set forth in this release, including the information relating to EA’s expectations under the heading “Business Outlook as of January 22, 2025” are forward-looking statements that are subject to change. These forward-looking statements are current as of January 22, 2025. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect management’s current expectations. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed in Part II, Item 1A of Electronic Arts’ latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors”, as well as in other documents EA has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. EA assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. In addition, the preliminary results set forth in this release are estimates based on information currently available to EA. While EA believes these estimates are meaningful, they could differ from the actual amounts that EA ultimately reports in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024."

[source]

[dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram]

Did you see the picture from the daily mail of the hotel workers carrying Liam's lifeless body to his hotel room? Do you still think the staff shouldn't be held responsible in some way for his death? I'm not blaming them because I understand this was an accidental fall but this wasn't a case of them having to restrain someone high on drugs. He was literally passed out and they chose to physically carry him to his hotel room and leave him alone. That's negligent

My basic politics and beliefs haven't been changed by those pictures anon. I don't think hotel service workers are responsible for the health and wellbeing of very wealthy clients. I think if there is any responsiblity it would lie with the hotel and the leadership of the hotel, not the individuals who were working. I think there's a lot we don't know about what sort of help was and wasn't available and the risks of asking for that help for Liam

I don't want to get fully into the negligence question - because that's a legal framework and I'm not really interested in it. So I'll just say that I think its a long bow to suggest that this particular bad outcome was forseeable.

So I'll say this - it's not easy to know how to respond to someone who is an altered mental state. I know New Zealand isn't well set up for it - either in terms of capacity or breadth of skill. Often here responsibility falls on individuals who know the person, or are just around the person at that time. We don't have a good social safety net, collective response, or ways of supporting the individuals who are responding. I doubt Argentina is any different.

I understand how awful it is to know that Liam could have survived the day if things had just been a little different. But I think it's important not to give into a fantasy of it being easy and there being a right answer. In the sort of society I'd want to live in - then there would always be more than enough resourced teams of emergency addiction and mental health specialists on call who knew how to help someone in crisis without blowing up their lives. There would always be someone to call and they would always get there quickly. There would also be adequate staffing at all service jobs so that it was possible for staff members to attend to someone in crisis early.

We don't live in that world. And blaming individuals who are trying to get paid and keep their jobs under difficult circumstances - for the fact that we don't live in that world - goes against everything I believe in.

[mariacallous]

More than 200,000 people in Southeast Asia have been forced to run online scams in recent years, often being enslaved and brutalized, as part of criminal enterprises that have netted billions in stolen funds. Such “pig butchering” operations have largely been concentrated in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, typically rooted in Chinese organized crime groups exploiting instability and poor governance in the region. Though they come at great humanitarian cost, pig butchering scams are undeniably lucrative and, perhaps inevitably, similar operations are now being uncovered on multiple continents and in numerous countries around the world.

A WIRED review of law enforcement and civil society action as well as interviews with numerous researchers show that pig butchering operations that are offshoots of the Southeast Asian activity have emerged in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and West Africa. Many of these expanded operations apparently have links to Chinese-speaking criminals or have evolved in parallel to Chinese Belt and Road Initiative investments, the country’s massive international infrastructure and development initiative.

In 2023, the FBI had reports of nearly $4 billion in losses from the scams, and some researchers put all-time total global losses at $75 billion or more. Beijing has made a concerted effort in recent months to crack down on pig butchering schemes and human trafficking to scamming centers in the Southeast Asian region, but the activity is proliferating around the world nonetheless.

“As all sorts of attackers learn that they can make serious money doing this, they’re going to make those pivots,” says Ronnie Tokazowski, a longtime pig butchering researcher and cofounder of the nonprofit Intelligence for Good. “So pig butchering is cropping up in more and more countries. Even with all the interventions researchers and law enforcement have done there is little to no sign of this stopping.”

Pig butchering emerged in the last five years and is a type of scam that involves building seemingly intimate relationships with victims. Attacks often start by texting potential targets out of the blue and getting them talking. Then attackers begin to build a rapport and introduce the idea of a special or unique investment opportunity. Finally, victims send funds—typically cryptocurrency—through a malicious platform meant to look like a legitimate money management service, and attackers must launder the money from there. All of this takes time and careful planning from a large workforce. Experts say people from more than 60 countries have been abducted and trafficked to Southeast Asian scamming compounds that typically operate with thousands of forced workers. And in recent months, scam centers have been detected around the world as well in different configurations and sizes, but with the same goal.

“Organized crime groups have basically taken advantage of a favorable situation, a favorable environment for them related to governance challenges, limited enforcement capacities, limited regulations and legislative frameworks,” says Benedikt Hofmann, the deputy head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Southeast Asia and Pacific office. “All these ingredients you also find in some other places of the world.”

“What we’ve seen is criminal groups who are invested in this region here, looking beyond this region for establishing similar operations,” Hofmann says of the international expansion.

The wealthy, authoritarian city of Dubai, within the United Arab Emirates, has emerged since 2021 as the largest epicenter of pig butchering outside Southeast Asia. According to the UN, international migrants comprise more than 88 percent of the UAE’s population, making a uniquely diverse, and potentially vulnerable, workforce readily available.

“Dubai is both a destination and also a transition country,” says Mina Chiang, the founder and director of Humanity Research Consultancy, a social enterprise focusing on human trafficking. “We can see lots of compounds that are actually operating in Dubai itself.”

In July, Humanity Research Consultancy identified at least six alleged scam compounds believed to be operating around Dubai. The research—based on testimony from forced laborers, data leaked from a cyberattack, and social media posts—identified potential compounds around industrial and investment parks. These operations “to the best of our knowledge are managed by Chinese-speaking criminals,” the research says, adding that they operate in a similar way to compounds in Southeast Asia.

“They call it a typing center. But a huge scam call center,” reads a one-star review left for a location in Dubai on Google Maps. Another says: “Mostly poor people from Africa working there and mosltly jailed in Dubai. No matter how much they offer you everything is scammed. Highly suggest never ever go there.”

Dubai’s police force did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment about potential scam centers located in the city.

Pig butchering operations may have emerged in Dubai because of immigration and workforce dynamics, but in multiple African countries the activity has started to appear because of an existing culture of organized scamming.

In Nigeria, where digital scamming has been a prominent illicit industry for years across numerous platforms, it was all but inevitable that attackers would adopt the conceits and tactics of pig butchering. The scheme is mature enough that there are now readily available prefab cryptocurrency investment platforms, templates, and scripts available for sale online to anyone who wants to get started. A gang that is already used to carrying out romance scams or business email compromise schemes could easily adapt to the premise and cadence of pig butchering.

“If you look at West Africa’s history with social engineering stuff, it’s a potent mix,” says Sean Gallagher, senior threat researcher at Sophos. “You’ve got a lot of people who have seen this as a way to make a living, especially in Nigeria. And the technology is easily transferable. We’ve seen pig butchering packages for sale that include fake crypto sites and scripts that appear to be tailored to targeting African victims.”

Nigerian law enforcement have been increasingly pursuing cases and even securing convictions related specifically to pig butchering. Gallagher and Intelligence for Good’s Tokazowski also say that in studying and interacting with scammers, they have seen technical indicators that pig butchering attacks may be coming out of Ghana as well. The US Embassy in Ghana has warned about the potential for financial scams originating in the country.

Pig butchering has cropped up in other regions of Africa as well, with ties to Chinese-speaking criminals. In June, 88 people in Namibia were rescued from a scam center, which had links to Chinese nationals who were reportedly arrested. Meanwhile, local reports also indicated that 22 Chinese nationals were sentenced to jail time in Zambia for their links to local scam centers.

Stephanie Baroud, a criminal intelligence analyst in Interpol’s human trafficking unit, says the policing organization, which has been coordinating law enforcement actions, has seen an increase in international scam centers. Not all of them are linked to criminal groups from Asia.

“While sometimes we are noting a link to Asian groups, there are cases where there haven't been,” Baroud says. In some situations, she says, new pig butchering activity around the world seems to be an offshoot of Southeast Asian operations, but unrelated actors appear to be taking the model and adapting it to their resources and expertise.

The scams have emerged in Eastern Europe as well. At least two “fraudulent call centers” trying to con people into investing in cryptocurrency were uncovered by law enforcement in Georgia this month, with reports saying men from Taiwan were forced into working in the country. Local officials, who did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment, have said in recent years they have prosecuted seven companies involved in call center operations.

Scam compounds have also been broken up in Peru and Sri Lanka. And there has even been alleged trafficking in truly unexpected places like the Isle of Man, a British territory where almost 100 people were working between 2022 and 2023 as part of a pig butchering operation, according to a BBC investigation from August.

“The People’s Republic of China–origin criminal groups that are behind these sophisticated forms of scamming are looking to build networks and hubs all around the globe simply because this is so lucrative,” says Jason Tower, the country director for Burma and a long-time security analyst covering China and Southeast Asia at the United States Institute of Peace.

Pig butchering scam centers rely upon multiple layers of criminality to operate, encompassing the recruitment of trafficked people, running scam centers on a day-to-day basis, the development of technology to scam thousands of people, and the sophisticated money laundering required to process billions of dollars. As Chinese authorities have cracked down on Chinese-speaking criminal organizations operating scam centers across Southeast Asia, the groups have likely continued to spread their operations, albeit at a smaller scale.

“I would say it was an intentional hedging strategy, seemingly to diversify the geographic basis of operation and ultimately ensure business continuity,” says John Wojcik, an organized crime analyst at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “But at the same time, I think it’s also an immediate reaction to mounting law enforcement pressure and regulatory tightening in this region.”

In addition to the geographic spread of pig butchering operations, researchers note that there has also been a shift in the people targeted by traffickers to “work” in scam compounds. “Over the past two years, the countries targeted for recruitment have gradually shifted westward,” says Eric Heintz, a global analyst at human rights organization International Justice Mission.

Many trafficking victims within the early years of pig butchering were based in Southeast Asian countries, but this soon shifted to South Asian nations such as India and Nepal, Heintz says. “We have since seen recruitment posts targeting East African nations like Kenya and Uganda, and then West African countries like Morocco, and then, most recently, we have seen posts targeting El Salvador.”

As always, the spread and evolution of pig butchering is driven by how profitable it can be. Researchers say that another alarming trend involves people from around the world choosing to go work in scam centers or even being liberated from forced labor and returning to keep working voluntarily. As long as the money keeps coming in, pig butchering will keep spreading around the world.

“Fraud is not being seen as a serious crime—not like drugs, not like terrorism,” Humanity Research Consultancy’s Chiang says. “Globally, we need to start shifting that idea, because it creates the same kind of damage, and maybe even more because the amount of money we're talking about is so huge. We are racing against time.”

[beardedmrbean]

China has significantly expanded facilities for detaining suspects caught up in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drag net, according to a new report.

Why It Matters

Analysts have said China's existing anti-graft crackdown has served as a tool for Xi to eliminate political rivals. Academics have called Xi's new expanded detention processes "deeply disturbing."

Xi, now serving an unprecedented third term as president, launched the sweeping anti-corruption campaign after assuming leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2012. Since then, more than 4,000 Party officials, ranging from low-ranking "flies" to high-ranking "tigers," have been investigated.

What To Know

China has constructed over 200 sites for officials detained under liuzhi—a system of "retention in custody" outside the formal legal framework, CNN reported.

High-profile detainees have included former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, two former defense ministers—Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe—and top leaders of the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, which oversees China's nuclear arsenal.

Detainees in liuzhi centres can be held for up to six months without access to lawyers or family. The sites feature padded walls and dedicated guards who monitor detainees 24/7.

The liuzhi system in 2018 replaced the shuanggui regime, a term referring to the Party's ability to summon and investigate members, reportedly including through the use of torture to elicit confessions.

Critics argue the new system is not a reform, however, noting it not only codifies secret detentions but also expands the scope of those investigated beyond the CCP's 99 million members to anyone in "public power," from civil servants to public school principals to managers of state-owned enterprises.

One defense attorney familiar with the liuzhi process told CNN that the majority of detainees endure abuse and coercion to extract confessions.

"Most of them would succumb to the pressure and agony. Those who resisted until the end were a tiny minority," they said anonymously over concerns of government reprisal.

CNN identified a total of 218 liuzhi facilities this year, citing tender notices.

The news agency said its analysis of satellite imagery from Colorado-based Maxar Technologies revealed an uptick in liuzhi facility construction in 2023, particularly in regions with large ethnic minority population.

One prominent example is Shizuishan in Ningxia. The 77,000-square-foot detention center built in 2018 was expanded this year to include interrogation rooms, 30 detention cells, and dormitories for 550 staff members.

A 2018 municipal notice from Shizuishan outlined safety requirements, including padded walls, concealed electrical wiring, and other measures to prevent detainee suicides—an issue that plagued the shuanggui system.

Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry with a written request for comment.

What People Are Saying

Sophie Richardson, visiting scholar at Stanford University's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, and former China director at Human Rights Watch:

In a social media post made on Sunday, Richardson described liuzhi as "rule-of-law-eroding," saying: "So long as the Party maintains a stranglehold over the courts, police, and detention facilities—legal and not—and prioritizes political loyalty above all else, this will be the norm."

"That anyone working in public service can be subjected to this treatment—see the discussion of padded walls—is deeply disturbing," she added.

What's Next

Xi's anti-corruption campaign shows no sign of abating, with a particular focus on the military. Earlier this year, the leader called on the party to "turn the knife inward" to maintain discipline within party ranks.

The remarks were made in January, but only published in the CCP's policy and news journal Qiushi last week.

"As the situation and tasks facing the party change, there will inevitably be all kinds of conflicts and problems within the party," Xi said.

"We must have the courage to turn the knife inward and eliminate their negative impact in a timely manner to ensure that the party is always full of vigour and vitality."

Last month, the Chinese defense ministry dismissed reports that Defense Minister Dong Jun was under investigation. However, it confirmed that Miao Hua, a member of the five-person Central Military Commission, had been suspended pending a probe into "serious violation of discipline," a term commonly used to indicate corruption investigations.

[thailandimmigration]

1. Structural Framework of the Privilege Visa System

1.1 Legislative Foundations

Established under Royal Thai Police Order No. 327/2557 (2014)

Administered by Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC), a subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand

Operates parallel to but distinct from the Elite Visa program

1.2 Program Evolution

2014 Launch: Initial 5-year membership structure

2019 Restructuring: Introduction of tiered benefits system

2023 Enhancements: Digital integration and expanded concierge services

2. Comprehensive Benefit Structure

2.1 Immigration Advantages

Dedicated Immigration Channel: 24/7 access at 8 international airports

Multiple Re-entry Permit: Embedded in visa validity

90-Day Reporting: Optional (can be handled by TPC staff)

2.2 Lifestyle Concierge Services

Real Estate Acquisition Support: Curated property portfolio access

Education Placement: Partnership with 17 international schools

Medical Coordination: Priority at 38 partner hospitals

2.3 Financial Infrastructure

Thai Bank Account: Expedited opening with minimum deposit waiver

Tax Advisory: Complimentary 10-hour annual consultation

Currency Exchange: Preferred rates at Siam Commercial Bank

3. Eligibility & Application Scrutiny

3.1 Vetting Criteria

Financial Health Check:

Liquid assets verification (minimum THB 3M equivalent)

Source of funds audit

Background Clearance:

Interpol database cross-check

Thai security agency review

3.2 Document Requirements

Primary Applicant:

10-year passport history

Certified financial statements

Health insurance (USD 100,000 coverage)

Dependents:

Legalized marriage/birth certificates

Academic records (for student dependents)

3.3 Approval Timeline

StageDurationKey ConsiderationsPreliminary Screening7-10 daysDocument completeness checkFinancial Verification15-20 daysBank confirmation processSecurity Clearance30-45 daysEnhanced for certain nationalitiesFinal Issuance5 daysCard production and delivery

4. Tax & Legal Implications

5.1 Residency Status

Non-Tax Resident: For members spending <180 days/year

Tax Resident: Automatic after 183 days with additional reporting

4.2 Asset Management

Property Ownership: Condo purchases permitted under foreign quota

Investment Vehicles: Access to SET through special foreign investor accounts

4.3 Inheritance Planning

Will Registration: Mandatory for property holdings

Succession Tax: 10% on Thai-situs assets exceeding THB 100M

5. Operational Realities & Limitations

5.1 Practical Constraints

Work Prohibition: No employment rights without separate work permit

Business Activities: Passive investment only

Political Activities: Complete restriction

5.2 Service Level Agreements

Response Times:

Emergency: 30 minutes

Standard: 4 business hours

Guarantees:

Airport processing within 15 minutes

Medical appointment scheduling within 24 hours

6. Comparative Analysis with Competing Programs

ParameterThailand GOLDMalaysia MM2HUAE Golden VisaMinimum StayNone90 days/year1 day every 6 monthsHealthcareTHB 500K annual creditMandatory insurancePremium coverageEducation15% tuition discountLocal school accessInternational optionsPath to PRNoAfter 10 yearsAfter 5 years

7. Strategic Utilization Framework

7.1 Optimal User Profiles

High-Net-Worth Retirees: Age 50+ with global income streams

Global Nomads: Location-independent entrepreneurs

Family Offices: Multi-generational wealth management

7.2 Financial Optimization

Currency Hedging: THB-denominated asset allocation

Tax Year Planning: Residency day counting system

Insurance Structuring: International policy portability

8. Emerging Program Developments

8.1 2024 Enhancements

Digital Nomad Add-on: Remote work endorsement (Q3 rollout)

Crypto Wealth Verification: BTC/ETH acceptance for qualification

Regional Hub Access: Expanded services in Chiang Mai and Phuket

8.2 Pending Regulatory Changes

Family Office Recognition: Special provisions under discussion

Art Import Privileges: Proposed duty-free allowances

Yacht Registration: Streamlined process for members

9. Critical Evaluation & Recommendations

9.1 Value Proposition Assessment

Strengths:

Unmatched concierge infrastructure

Banking and financial access

Healthcare coordination

Weaknesses:

No path to permanent residency

Rigid membership tiers

Limited business activity

9.2 Implementation Checklist

Pre-Application:

6-month financial trail preparation

Dependent document legalization

Active Membership:

Annual benefit utilization audit

Tax residency monitoring

Renewal Planning:

180-day advance evaluation

Tier upgrade analysis

Final Verdict: 

The GOLD membership represents Thailand's most sophisticated non-immigrant residency solution for affluent individuals prioritizing lifestyle quality over economic activity rights. While not a pathway to citizenship, its operational advantages and service infrastructure remain unparalleled in Southeast Asia for those meeting the financial thresholds.

[infinitemonkeytheory]

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3–2 to impose net neutrality rules today, restoring the common-carrier regulatory framework enforced during the Obama era and then abandoned while Trump was president.

The rules prohibit Internet service providers from blocking and throttling lawful content and ban paid prioritization. Cable and telecom companies plan to fight the rules in court, but they lost a similar battle during the Obama era when judges upheld the FCC's ability to regulate ISPs as common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act.

🥳

[argumate]

The balance of payments accounting identity tells us that any change in one side of the equation must be matched by an equal and opposite change in the other. For example, when Korean pension funds invest $1 billion in U.S. stocks, all else equal, U.S. net exports must decrease by $1 billion and Korean net exports must increase by $1 billion, despite this transaction having no direct connection to trade in goods and services (see the FAQ section at the end of this report for a detailed explanation).

This framework helps explain why many conventional approaches to reducing the U.S. trade deficit have failed. When we focus solely on trade flows — through measures like tariffs or export promotion — we ignore the powerful role that capital flows play in driving trade outcomes. In fact, in today’s global financial system, it’s often capital flows that determine trade flows, rather than the other way around.

the US is the sink for the world's trade surplus and savings surplus and those two things are inextricably linked -- you sell lots of stuff to America you get lots of dollars to invest in America.

[chingmaiattorneys]

Thailand Long-Term Residency

Thailand offers several pathways for foreigners seeking extended or permanent residency, each with distinct requirements, benefits, and limitations. Unlike short-term visas, long-term residency options provide stability, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and, in some cases, a pathway to citizenship. This guide examines all major long-term residency programs in Thailand, analyzing their legal frameworks, eligibility criteria, application processes, and strategic advantages.

2. Legal Framework Governing Long-Term Residency

Thailand's long-term residency system is governed by multiple laws and regulations:

Immigration Act (B.E. 2522, 1979) – Primary legislation for visas and residency

Investment Promotion Act (B.E. 2520, 1977) – Covers BOI-sponsored residency

Royal Decree on Smart Visa (2018) – For high-skilled professionals

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa Program (2022) – Newest category for wealthy expats

Each program operates under different ministries, including:

Immigration Bureau (general residency permits)

Board of Investment (BOI) (investor visas)

Ministry of Labor (work-based residency)

3. Permanent Residency (PR) – The Traditional Path

A. Overview

Indefinite stay without visa renewals

Pathway to citizenship (after 5+ years as PR)

Annual quota system (100 per nationality/year)

B. Eligibility Criteria

Visa Status

Must hold a Non-Immigrant Visa (B, O, ED, etc.) for 3+ consecutive years

Employment, investment, or family ties required

Financial Requirements

THB 80,000/month income (or THB 30,000 for spouses of Thais)

3 years of Thai tax filings

Other Requirements

Basic Thai language proficiency (interview)

Clean criminal record (Thai and home country)

C. Application Process

Pre-Qualification (3+ years on qualifying visa)

Document Submission (tax records, employment proof, health certificate)

Interview & Background Check

Approval & Alien Registration (THB 191,400 fee)

4. Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – The Elite Alternative

A. Overview

Introduced in 2022 to attract:

Wealthy global citizens

Remote workers

Retired high-net-worth individuals

B. Categories & Requirements

Wealthy Pensioners

Age 50+

80,000annualincome∗∗OR∗∗80,000annualincome∗∗OR∗∗1M in assets

Health insurance ($50K coverage)

Work-from-Thailand Professionals

$80K/year income (last 2 years)

Public company employment OR $150M revenue company

High-Skilled Professionals

$40K/year salary (STEM fields prioritized)

5+ years experience

Wealthy Global Citizens

$1M+ investment in Thai assets

C. Key Benefits

10-year renewable visa

No 90-day reporting

Fast-track airport immigration

Work permit waiver

5. Investment-Based Options

A. Thailand Elite Visa

5 to 20-year packages (THB 600K–2M)

No work rights (unless on separate permit)

VIP services (airport fast-track, concierge)

B. BOI Investment Visa

For investors in BOI-promoted companies

4-year renewable visa

No minimum stay requirements

C. Property Investment (Limited Options)

No direct residency through real estate

Elite Visa possible with property purchase

6. Retirement Visas (Non-Immigrant O-A/O-X)

A. Standard Retirement Visa (O-A)

1-year renewable

THB 800K in Thai bank OR 65K/month income

Health insurance required

B. 10-Year Retirement Visa (O-X)

Age 50+

THB 3M deposit (must maintain THB 1.5M)

Health insurance ($10K coverage)

7. Strategic Considerations

A. Choosing the Right Option

For citizenship seekers → Permanent Residency

For wealthy expats → LTR or Elite Visa

For retirees → O-A/O-X Visa

B. Tax Implications

Tax resident after 180 days/year

LTR visa holders get 17% flat income tax rate

C. Future Trends

Possible expansion of LTR categories

Stricter enforcement of retirement visa finances

8. Conclusion

Thailand offers multiple long-term residency pathways, each tailored to different needs:

Permanent Residency – Best for eventual citizenship

LTR Visa – Ideal for wealthy remote workers

Elite Visa – Simplest (but most expensive) option

Retirement Visas – For age-qualified applicants

Key Recommendation: Consult with Thai immigration lawyers before applying, as policies frequently change. The LTR visa currently offers the best balance of longevity and flexibility for most expatriates.

[bangkoksolicitor]

Property Services in Thailand

Thailand’s property market is a dynamic and diverse sector, attracting foreign investors, retirees, and expatriates seeking residential, commercial, or rental opportunities. However, navigating the legal, financial, and logistical aspects of property transactions requires a deep understanding of local regulations, market trends, and professional services available.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of property services in Thailand, covering legal frameworks, ownership structures, due diligence, financing, and professional service providers.

1. Overview of Thailand’s Property Market

Thailand’s real estate landscape is segmented into several key markets:

A. Residential Property

Condominiums: The most accessible option for foreigners, who can own up to 49% of a condominium project’s total area freehold.

Houses & Land: Foreigners cannot own land outright but can lease (up to 30 years, renewable) or use structures like Thai companies or usufruct agreements.

Luxury Villas & Gated Communities: Popular among expatriates, often acquired through long-term leases or nominee structures (though legally risky).

B. Commercial Property

Office Spaces: High demand in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Retail & Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and shops—often purchased by investors under leasehold or Thai corporate ownership.

Industrial & Warehousing: Growing due to Thailand’s manufacturing and logistics sectors.

C. Rental & Investment Properties

Short-term Rentals (Airbnb): Popular in tourist areas but subject to regulations.

Long-term Rentals: Stable income source, especially in expat-heavy cities.

2. Legal Framework for Property Ownership in Thailand

A. Freehold vs. Leasehold Ownership

Freehold (Condos): Foreigners can own condos outright, provided the building’s foreign quota isn’t exceeded.

Leasehold:

Maximum lease term: 30 years (renewable, but not guaranteed).

Common for villas, land, and commercial properties.

Leasehold registrations must be filed at the Land Department.

B. Alternative Ownership Structures

Thai Company Ownership

Foreigners can set up a Thai company to hold land, but the structure must comply with the Foreign Business Act (FBA).

Risks: If deemed a nominee arrangement (illegal), the property can be confiscated.

Usufruct Agreements (Sections 1417-1428, Thai Civil Code)

Grants the right to use and profit from a property for life or a fixed term.

Common among expatriates married to Thai nationals.

Superficies (Right to Build on Land You Don’t Own)

Allows construction on leased land, with ownership of the building.

C. Restrictions on Foreign Ownership

Land Ownership: Prohibited unless through a BOI-promoted investment or treaty (rare).

Condos: Up to 49% foreign ownership per project.

Agricultural Land: Strictly limited to Thai nationals.

3. Key Property Services in Thailand

A. Real Estate Agencies & Brokerage Services

Local Agencies: Specialize in regional markets (e.g., Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya).

International Firms: CBRE, Knight Frank, and Savills cater to high-net-worth investors.

Due Diligence: Reputable agents verify property titles, zoning laws, and seller legitimacy.

B. Legal & Conveyancing Services

Title Deed Verification: Ensuring the Chanote (Title Deed) is legitimate.

Contract Review: Checking lease agreements, purchase contracts, and mortgage terms.

Dispute Resolution: Handling cases of fraud, encroachment, or breach of contract.

C. Property Management Companies

Rental Management: Handling tenant screening, maintenance, and rent collection.

Maintenance & Security: For condos, villas, and commercial properties.

Short-Term Rental Management: Airbnb compliance, guest management, and cleaning services.

D. Tax & Financial Advisory Services

Transfer Fees: 2% of appraised value (typically split between buyer and seller).

Stamp Duty: 0.5% (if applicable).

Withholding Tax: 1% (for companies) or progressive rate (for individuals).

Capital Gains Tax: Applies if selling within 5 years of purchase.

E. Construction & Renovation Firms

Architects & Engineers: Required for custom builds and major renovations.

Permit Acquisition: Navigating local building codes and zoning laws.

4. Due Diligence: Avoiding Pitfalls in Thai Real Estate

A. Verifying Property Titles

Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor): The most secure land title.

Nor Sor 3 Gor: Less secure, requires additional checks.

Red Flags: Missing documents, disputed boundaries, or unclear ownership history.

B. Checking for Encumbrances

Mortgages or Liens: Must be cleared before transfer.

Zoning & Land Use Laws: Ensure the property can be used as intended.

C. Foreign Quota in Condos

Confirm the building hasn’t exceeded the 49% foreign ownership limit.

D. Leasehold Risks

Renewal Clauses: Often unenforceable beyond 30 years.

Subleasing Rights: Must be explicitly stated in the contract.

5. Financing Property in Thailand

A. Thai Bank Mortgages for Foreigners

Eligibility: Typically requires a work permit or long-term visa.

Loan-to-Value (LTV): Usually 50-70% for foreigners.

Interest Rates: 5-7% (higher than in Western markets).

B. International Financing

Some investors secure loans from overseas banks.

Currency Risk: Fluctuations in THB can impact repayments.

C. Cash Purchases

Most common for foreigners due to financing limitations.

6. Emerging Trends & Future Outlook

Digital Transactions: Increasing use of blockchain for property records.

Eco-Friendly Developments: Green buildings and sustainable housing demand.

Rise of Proptech: Online platforms for property searches, virtual tours, and AI-driven valuations.

7. Conclusion

Thailand’s property market offers lucrative opportunities but requires careful navigation of legal, financial, and logistical challenges. Engaging professional services—real estate agents, lawyers, and property managers—is crucial to ensuring secure and profitable investments.

Foreign buyers must prioritize due diligence, understand ownership restrictions, and consider long-term implications of leasehold vs. freehold acquisitions. With the right approach, Thailand remains a compelling destination for real estate investment, whether for personal use, rental income, or capital appreciation.