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The fact that all the votes have not been counted in the USA 8 days after the election shows what a total mess the entire system is. I’m not sure if any country has got it right but I agree with z909 that having all votes counted within hours of polls closing and then the new government being installed just hours later seems vastly better than the long drawn out affair across the pond. There is so much I don’t understand. First the idiocy of the electoral college. Yes, I know it may have seemed a good idea at the time, but only to about half the framers. There was intense debate and many did not like it. Second, why is a system devised centuries ago when the USA was a totally different country remain acceptable today? It is a total anachronism and extremely anti-democratic. I realise that voters are not only voting for a President and each state has therefore adopted different systems. But the Presidential vote is for a national office. The others for a local office - even including senators. So why is it so difficult to have one nationwide system for electing Presidents that is the same nationwide and another for local candidates where each can be as different as chalk and cheese. It is surely not out with the capabilities of the US computer companies to come up with an easy to use system that is fully backed up. The mail-in system seems to work but each state having different systems seems again nuts! Why permit the counting of any vote whatever that is not received by the end of polling day? OK. The armed forces mail may take longer. So give them the ballot papers further in advance. That is surely so obvious. Same with ordinary mail in voters. Why do those who leave it to the last possible minute deserve to have a vote counted 4 or 5 days after the election? Then why do those who voted early have to wait to be counted last? They probably arrived first! Then there is the weirdest part of all - a 10 week or so interregnum between the result of the election when, as we are now seeing, an outgoing President can play havoc with the government. What sort of wacky system is that? Again, centuries ago it was probably necessary. Today it most definitely is not. It can all be done in a matter of days as long as the senior civil servants remain in their positions. it sometimes beats me why the US berates the world for not being more democratic. The USA needs to look at its own form of democracy and reform it first before it tells the rest of us what to do IMHO.

I'd reverse that order

From South China Morning Post / MSN Thailand’s erotic Boys Love TV dramas are a hit with Indonesians, gay and straight Six years ago, Jakarta resident Reza Pahlevi, 36, had sunk into a depression, believing he had no prospects of finding love as a gay man in conservative Muslim-majority Indonesia. But watching a subgenre of Thai romance dramas depicting erotic relationships between male characters, known as Boys Love (BL), helped the urban professional find acceptance. "My first ever Thai series was Coz You're My Tee, which was a corny teenage drama but it somehow made me feel better," said Pahlevi. "For the first time, I felt it was OK not to have anyone in my life. The rest is history. I started watching What the Duck 1 and 2. These TV series provided comfort food for my mental well-being." Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China. The BL subgenre is inspired by yaoi, a Japanese form of homoerotic fiction featuring a romance between a masculine and feminine boy, which are often created and enjoyed by heterosexual women. Between 2014 and 2020, around 57 series were produced and released in Thailand under the BL genre. LINE TV, the free streaming platform which has been broadcasting BL dramas since 2016, has more than 30 series stockpiled for future release. The platform's figures show its BL audience share has risen from 5 per cent to 34 per cent since 2019. These shows are screened on mainstream TV stations during prime-time evening slots in Thailand and later streamed on YouTube, reflecting the Southeast Asian nation's relative tolerance towards the LGBT community. Earlier this year, Thailand approved a draft bill which, if passed by parliament, will recognise same-sex "civil partnerships". While the bill avoids the term "marriage", it will ensure many of the benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. Across Asia, attitudes towards LGBT issues range from liberal to harsh. Same-sex marriage is legal in Taiwan, while Singapore has a colonial-era law criminalising homosexuality (although it is not enforced) and Malaysia's LGBT community has faced persecution by religious authorities. In Indonesia, gay sex is punishable by caning in the conservative province of Aceh. Although the country's criminal code - written during the Dutch colonial period─- makes no mention of homosexuality, a new draft bill is currently being debated in parliament which would impose draconian clauses outlawing same-sex relations and premarital sex, among other things. Against this backdrop, the country's LGBT community - and even some straight women - have sought escapism and comfort in BL dramas. The Twitter account @thaiifess has over 44,000 followers. The Facebook group BL Fans Indo has more than 3,700 members. On Instagram, thaioverdose boasts more than 4,700 followers. BL fans are a diverse group. Sultan, from Jambi, is new to Thai BL dramas but is smitten. "I started watching four months ago but now I'm a hardcore fan. Initially, I kept seeing photos of Brightwin (Thai actor Vachirawit Chiva-aree) on my friends' social media and got curious about him. I think he is hot. That's how I got started." Benny Prawira, a psychologist who works in suicide prevention, said works of art such as films and TV shows can evoke positive reinforcement for people undergoing emotional stress. "Members of sexual minorities can find comfort in seeing their kind portrayed as normal people who have beautiful relationships and are loved by their families and friends. I believe this is how Thai BL dramas impact their gay fans in Indonesia," he said. I feel like I have idols who understand me and who don't judge me for who I am.

I got those links from a friend , as usual eye candy abound https://youtu.be/WzAg7HBOI-o https://youtu.be/J1ifRSoDBBA

Trip Advisor has some balls when they allow anyone to post reviews whether or not they have ever actually spent time at the Business.

From Coconuts Bangkok Art and performances to headline just-announced Saturday rally ‘Mob Fest’ Pro-democracy organizers announced at noon today that their next mass rally will begin at 2pm Saturday at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. Aiming for a festival vibe, about 20 protest groups banding together in yet another coalition as “Mob Fest,” plan to campaign on “all the issues” with an event featuring performances, art and speeches. Four days after the last rally saw thousands of protesters march to the Grand Palace bearing letters for the king, the newly minted “Mob Fest” Facebook page made the announcement. “Mob Fest will open a space for protest from 2pm on Nov. 14 to campaign on all issues related to the constitution, from the fringes to the capital, from the sidewalk to the monarchy,” read its announcement. Despite announcing that the rally would start at the Democracy Monument, the group did not state where it will end up. The ongoing series of protests have seen details withheld until the last minute to avoid tipping off the authorities. Mob Fest includes more than 20 groups including Bad Student, Free Arts and Women Freedom Thailand.

From The Thaiger Getting Back to Thailand, the latest information about ASQs and STVs | VIDEO Whilst some restrictions have been eased, there has been a doubling down on other restrictions for travel back to Thailand at this stage. Here’s all the latest information about the Social Tourist Visa (STV), ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine), golf courses. And then there’s the Thai baht which is causing problems as well. The situation is very fluid but we do our best to keep you up to date with ALL the latest information that will help you get back to Thailand. Continues with video https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/visa/getting-back-to-thailand-the-latest-information-about-asqs-and-stvs-video

From Bangkok Post Union demands end to use of city buses to block protesters The city bus workers union is demanding an end to the use of BMTA buses to block the path of protest marchers, saying the agency is being wrongfully dragged into the political conflict. The State Enterprise Workers Union branch at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) on Thursday said no more city buses should be used by police as blockades to halt the progress of protest marchers. The union also staunchly opposed a move by the Metropolitan Police Bureau and BMTA to bring claims against the protesters for damage to buses used as barriers. ============================================ From Bangkok Post Monks barred from rallies The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) has issued an order barring monks and novices from joining mass protests, its director Narong Songarom said. Monks who flout the ban could be defrocked. The NOB and the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand have previously notified the heads of the monks' governing branches across the country to make sure that monks and novices do not engage in politics or political activities, Mr Narong said. His comments were in response to media reports and photos taken of individuals in saffron robes who participated in anti-government rallies. They joined the protests despite repeated warnings from the NOB. A group of them were pictured holding placards demanding the right to vote, as monks are barred from voting. ====================================== From Khaosod English Royalists Attacked a Car They Thought Thanathorn Was In (He Wasn’t) NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Police on Thursday declined to say whether a crowd of hardline monarchy supporters who mobbed and attacked a car thought to be carrying progressive politician Thanathorn Jungrungruangkit would be prosecuted. Thanathorn was touring Nakhon Si Thammarat to help a Move Forward Party candidate campaign for a local election, though the politician said he was not inside the vehicle surrounded by the ultraroyalists. When asked by reporters if the incident warrants a criminal investigation, a deputy national police chief declined to comment. “We cannot give any details at this time,” Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapat said. “We have to collect evidence first. I will let you know later if those actions broke any laws.” Thanathorn, 41, was attending a meeting with Move Forward Party officials inside Ravadee Hotel when pro-monarchy hardliners gathered in front of the hotel’s entrance and exits.

From Bangkok Post Hotel gets new Tripadvisor label The resort hotel in Thailand got its public apology. The unhappy American guest who spent two nights in jail for criticising the hotel online got his criminal charges dropped. But it was Tripadvisor, the giant online travel review platform, that got the last word. Wesley Barnes, the American traveller who was arrested after being charged with criminal defamation for posting critical reviews of the Sea View resort on the island of Koh Chang, quietly left Thailand this week. With Mr Barnes safely out of the country, Tripadvisor took punitive action Wednesday against the resort, posting a one-of-a-kind notice on the Sea View’s page warning travellers that the hotel was behind the jailing of a guest for his harsh reviews. “This hotel or individuals associated with this hotel filed criminal charges against a Tripadvisor user in relation to the traveler writing and posting online reviews,” the warning reads. “The reviewer spent time in jail as a result.” The dispute between the resort and its guest began over a $15 corkage fee, but turned into a clash between American principles of free speech and Thailand’s far-reaching laws that limit expression and are used to stifle criticism of businesses, the government and the monarchy. Tripadvisor’s business model is based on the idea that everyone has “the right to write,” said Bradford Young, vice-president and associate general counsel. “This is the first case we are aware of where a Tripadvisor member spent time in jail as a result of a review they posted to our website.”

Times have changed. In 1995, sixteen was the legal age for bar-work and even when this changed to eighteen (1996?) the young people who were coming from Isaan and so on probably looked younger than they do today. Improvements in health and diet followed Thaksin's reforms of the early years of this century and , as has happened in the west, resulted in earlier puberty and maturation.

Yup, but i think they are not expecting everyone to spend that much, just expecting everyone who apply to have at least that much untouched for 6month hehe. The one that restriced me is still the length of stay, so until then, ill patiently wait.

According to the Royal Thai Embassy in Vienna it is indeed true that you can now travel to Thailand, at least for Austrian residents, so this is likely true for whole European Union, but you will have to use a different embassy. https://www.thaiembassy.at/en/?option=com_flexicontent&view=item&cid=21:consular-services&id=395:tourist-visa&Itemid=163&preview=1 You "only" need 1 a turist visa "TR" (for 60 days, extension for 30 days possible) - with the 15.000 € bank account requirement 2 health insurance 3 online registration for certificate of entry you play with the first steps here https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ 4 booking of asq hotel 5 flight booking 6 with 3+4+5 you will get a certificate of entry 7 covid test max 72h before departure 8 fit to fly certificate max 72h before departure (it seems there is a list of doctors who can do this ...) => with 1 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 +8 you should be able to fly to Thailand It is still rather inconvenient: booking of asq hotel I have no idea but I expect them to be booked out rather quick, there arent to many of them ... it seems the best options for asq bookings still demand full payment a least 1 week before arrival (or are there better offers regarding late payment, can anyone mention specific hotels?), that would be a problem if - covid test is positive - you wouldnt get the fit for fly certificate - flight is cancelled / postponed: this needs further investigation, it seems flights can be booked for every day because airlines need cash, but most of them will be cancelled ... some airlines close to bankruptcy ... how is Thai Airways doing ? - on entry they check you for symptoms, whatever that means, but probably at least temperature check and a look down your throat. What happens if they come to the conclusion that you have symptoms? Probably go to hospital and then goodbye asq hotel - 14 days quarantine in ASQ-Hotel: ok this could be managable by bringing tons of work for the 2 weeks and also by watching bl movies of course. I guess you are basically locked in your room ... I wonder in case of a fire, is your life more important or keeping Thailand covid free? - And then there is that tracking app for the rest of the holiday. But the reward for this torture is: holiday in a basically Covid-free environment, while Europe is going crazy hot sunny weather instead of fog, rain and snow no swarms of other turists good looking men

There are two sexy show boy bars left in Pattaya. Boyzboyzboyz and Xboys are the place for what you seek. Everything variable depending on if there are customers. You can see boys in varying states of undress and rigidity at Nice Boys (not a show bar). Just takes tips! Friday and Saturday nights are most dependable.

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/11/a9aa757c15db-japan-minister-bashes-trump-over-refusal-to-accept-election-loss.html Japan minister bashes Trump over refusal to accept election loss Japan's land minister said Tuesday he posted, then deleted, a tweet criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat in last week's election. "A sitting president making accusations of election fraud and insisting he will 'never give up.' Am I the only one seeing this and thinking, what kind of dictatorship is this? Where has our role model for democracy gone?," Kazuyoshi Akaba wrote. [continues] "Role model for democracy" the US have not been for some time, but now it's completely down the drain...

i haven’t been there this year but have been in contact consistently with 3 of the guys i saw regularly down there, and things seem to be the same as far as guys getting together just not at the bars but in the homes/apts. these guys are all grindr hookups i met previously! i will be back there in Jan. and March

Read my snarky message to him over there. I meant what I said. I think we should thank him and encourage him to continue, loudly, on the path he is on. I won't repeat everything I said. But I will repeat the key Saul Alinsky idea: The action is in the reaction. Here's the way I'm going to view it. The problem Biden had is that Trump is the kind of guy who can actually get 70 million + Americans to vote for him, as we just saw. So the Democrats needed someone who could get 75 million people to vote for Biden. The beauty of Biden is he realized only one candidate could get 75 million people to vote for Biden. And that candidate is Donald J. Trump. To state it slightly differently, everything Trump did to agitate and divide and conquer to get 70 million votes helped Biden get 75 million votes. Augustus exemplifies the kind of rabid Trumpist thinking (sometimes it is not even thinking, really) that helped get 75 million people to vote for Biden. So he helped elect Biden, I think. We also know Biden will make plenty of mistakes and gaffes that will cause people to question his leadership. So I think it's helpful to have Trump himself, or fans like Augustus, popping up to remind us that while Biden might not be perfect, he is such a better alternative.

"Friends" is relative and many use it carelessly....do you mean guys who you tricked money off on or spent money entertaining? Bahia definitely does not remind me of Atlanta, where I currently live OR Harlem where I lived....there are tons of Afro Brazilians but the city, the food, the vibe is nothing like either of those metropolitan cities/areas... Aside from seeing a lot of black people (Not so much in Harlem these days and only in specific areas of Atlanta) what makes Salvador Bahia remind you of either of these cities? Genuine question....