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Argentina's economy minister Sergio Massa has defied expectations by winning more than 36% of the vote in Sunday's presidential election, putting him on course for a run-off contest with far-right candidate Javier Milei. Mr Massa's lead was a surprise as many had believed voters would punish him for presiding over a financial crisis. Inflation in Argentina is nearing 140%. With almost all ballots counted, no candidate had received the necessary 45% of votes needed to win outright.

Then there’s always the possibility that she simply enjoys seeing farang befuddled.

As Chulalongkorn Day is a Memorial Day and not a Buddhist holiday, bars and other entertainment places are likely to be open.

Biden certainly echoed those sentiments during his visit to Israel last week: “As he wrapped up his 7 1/2-hour visit to Tel Aviv, Biden compared the Oct. 7 assault to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people and he recalled the rage Americans felt and the desire for justice by many in the United States. He also urged the Israelis to remember American missteps after 9/11, an era that left the U.S. military ensconced in a 20-year war in Afghanistan. “I caution this: While you feel that rage, don’t be consumed by it,” he said. “After 9/11, we were enraged in the United States. And while we sought justice and got justice, we also made mistakes.”

Excerpt from the Benar News Thailand is not a state party to the Rome Statute by which The Hague-based International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin for his alleged role in crimes committed against Ukrainian children.

from Thai PBS. World Showing respect for adults and the elderly, collectively known in Thai as “pooyai” (ผู้ใหญ่), is a cultural norm in Thailand, which is widely perceived as a virtue. While abuse of power is, however, becoming increasingly common, from boasting about their seniority and abusing youngsters to expecting special privileges, Thai people have found themselves rethinking how respect should really be perceived. “Pooyai” also refers to people in positions of power and “influential figures” in their communities. Therefore, how has this “always-respect-the-pooyai” belief allowed certain people to mistreat whoever they want? How often are our values compromised because pooyais “are always right”? Most importantly, is it wrong to have no respect for pooyais who treat us badly? Or is it because Thais have been teaching “respect” the wrong way? What does “respect” mean to Thais? Universally, respect is respect, regardless of who you are and where you are from, but “respect” in Thai culture is somehow different. There are several words in the Thai language used to describe respect. The most common is “Kao-rob” (เคารพ) which means to respect someone, such as respecting the elderly or paying respects to the national anthem or a religion. Other words include “Nub-tue” (นับถือ) which means to have huge respect for someone, while “Nob-norm” (นอบน้อม) means to respect someone with a humble attitude, especially when you consider yourself inferior to the other person to whom you are speaking. The way these terms are described in the Thai language means you respect someone or something only because it is of “high regard”, such as the pooyais, which is going in an upward direction only. Therefore, Thais often find themselves reinforcing the belief of humble respect for whoever is “above” them, but it barely teaches people to respect each other, regardless of status. A lot of this is rooted in the social hierarchies in Thai culture, where your age, gender, wealth, social status or lineage will determine how you will be treated. This has led people to believe that the higher the ranking, the more authority and respect you will gain, or will expect from others. For this reason, some people feel entitled to boast about their superiority and talk condescendingly to others, believing that everyone has to be humble and respect them no matter what, because they are in a “higher” position. This is especially true regarding age, all Thais rank each other by comparing themselves to a family member, such as Pee (พี่, as in older brother or sister), Loong (ลุง, as in uncle), Pah (ป้า, as in aunt), Na (น้า, as in female cousin), Ah (อา, as in male cousin) and Nong (น้อง, as in younger brother or sister). Such honorifics are supposed to be used based on love and care for others, like a family. Some people, however, use them as a “shield of honour”, to demand respect from whoever they see as “young children”, especially those who seem to be ignorant about seniority. The frustration has even sparked a social media catchphrase “Krai-Nong-mueng-ka” (ใครน้องมึงคะ) literally “Who the hell is your Nong?”. This is used by people to express their irritation with seniors, including complete strangers, who try to patronise them. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/opinion-im-a-pooyai-the-dilemma-of-respect-in-thai-culture/

From Pattaya News On October 20th, 2023, Mr. Sutin Klungsang, the Thai Minister of Defense, publicly revealed details following his visit to the Royal Thai Navy on various aspects of naval operations and government policies. The issue of submarines, specifically the procurement of engines from China, was a point of focus. Both the Ministry of Defense and the Thai government had been working to resolve such an issue, following the previous governments attempts In a recent development, the Thai Navy accepted a proposal to replace their planned submarine with Chinese frigates. The Navy had previously requested the Thai government to secure submarine engines from China, but negotiations with the Chinese government proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the Navy had put forth a proposal to acquire frigates instead of the originally planned submarines. The government believed that frigates had the capability to effectively address their defense needs, though inferior to submarines. During a diplomatic discussion with China, the Chinese side also faced difficulties regarding engine procurement, and both sides expressed mutual understanding of each other’s challenges.

Prior to the Hamas attacks, the current government realized the bulk of its support originated from the far right, many of whom were exempt from military service, and the settlers Vinapu alluded to. Meanwhile it had been losing support from the left and centrist factions. The attacks had an immediate and galvanizing effect that no amount of politicking could have ever achieved. Israel—for the moment—is as close to unified as is possible. For Hamas, the problem is different. It doesn’t stand for election. It operates as a vigilante movement, getting materiel support from outside Gaza. It’s only stated reason for existence is the destruction of the state of Israel. So how do you go about negotiating with those who only seek your eradication? The sole measure of how that’s been working out can only be evaluated by whether or not Hamas succeeded in its avowed mission.

You’re right about friends and allies. No one wants a just one but everyone values a loyal one. Association comes with the territory. As our mothers told us, if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.

The dips in runways are intentional to assist in acceleration and then rotation on takeoff. On landing they ease touchdown and then assist braking on the incline. Actually these dips are to help the aircraft rotate. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerates. When it gets to the downward slope of the dip, it accelerates even quicker. And when it gets to the other side (upward), it helps the aircraft rotate and fly into the sky.

Don’t agree that gay community is an outmoded concept, although I certainly agree that “We don't take very good care of "our kind" whether they be the elderly, the disabled, the dispossessed or despairing.” If I found that l had less than a handful of gay friends, however, I’d be poorer for it.

Peter, Peter, Peter. You’re determined to pursue the blame game. Perhaps you’d like to next blame the US for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Or the price of eggs. 🤗

You’d win that faceoff because you’ve been to Tawan far more times than I’ve been to Freshboy. But I If it came down to the battle of massage shops we’d be on more even ground.

Peter, will you ever come close to exhausting blame and moving beyond it? Please offer something constructive. If the US was wrong in supporting Israel then perhaps it was likewise wrong in supporting England in WWII? I don’t think so. You pick your friends and don’t look back. Many thought the UN would eliminate the need for NATO and other alliances. Hasn’t quite panned out that way. Nations still find that they require allies in this world. And the more the better.

Truly sorry to hear about your friend. Unfortunately he was not the first who found himself in such dire straits. As a community, we have done little to address the fate on the aged members of our tribe. I read periodic comments about the number of lonely men, particularly in Pattaya but they also exist in Bangkok and beyond. We understandably glorify the attraction of youth; that’s what drew most of us here in the first place. But time and age inextricably take their toll and all too often social isolation sets in. Last week I was discussing the closure of the Coffee Grinder with the two men who opened the shop on Bangkok’s Soi. Tarntawan. It was, they said, their intent to open a place that could serve as a gathering place for the city’s gay community during the daytime hours. There are many options in the evening in the Silom area, they reasoned, but no opportunity otherwise. They wanted a welcoming environment where folks could spend time and interact with others. Sadly, due to conditions beyond their control, the shop had to close last month. I miss it already. I used it to meet with other members and it was a joy to be in those surroundings. We, as a community, need nurturing places.

We’ve pretty much exhausted how it came about and what root causes we perceive that could be responsible. And as a few have opined, we’re heavy on the blame but light on solutions. Two American presidents—Carter and later Clinton—expended much high-level energy on bringing about a peace. Conditions conspired to undo those efforts. So what else remains to be tried? The other gnawing question that has yet to be addressed is why did the Israeli government fail to benefit from advance US intelligence that Hamas was preparing for some type of action in the near term.

From Pattaya Mail Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, celebrated for its tranquil coastal beauty, faces a growing challenge jeopardizing its serenity. On Oct 19, concerns escalated as both local and international visitors reported disruptive beach parties persisting into the early morning. At sunrise, the usual sounds of waves and birdsong were replaced by the noise of rowdy gatherings. Complaints detailed young people on the beachfront engaging in alcohol-fueled revelry with loud music, creating an unwelcome routine extending from evening to early morning. The distressing situation includes participants openly urinating in public, disregarding fellow tourists and beachgoers seeking a peaceful experience by the shore. Thai and foreign tourists, anticipating a serene morning at Jomtien Beach, now encounter disruptions from intoxicated individuals and raucous gatherings. Adding to the issue, beachside vendors exacerbate the disturbance by renting Bluetooth speakers and offering chair rental services. Some vendors openly sell alcoholic beverages, apparently avoiding law enforcement intervention. Unlike nearby Bangsaen Beach, where authorities proactively deter gatherings and alcohol consumption, Jomtien Beach has become a hub for unruly parties. Law enforcement at Jomtien Beach typically responds reactively to specific complaints, leading to frustration among beachgoers. Concerns are mounting among local residents and tourists that these disturbances may escalate into criminal activities. Calls for increased police presence and stricter regulations echo through the community to preserve Jomtien Beach’s peaceful and safe reputation.

I wasn’t aware of it until I took a tour of the Patpong Museum (opposite Foodland). It was originally a banana plantation.

Thanks for the update. You write candidly and memorably.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon An unprecedented boom in the construction of new airports and the refurbishment of existing ones are occurring across south east Asia. The aim is to enable passenger handling in the region to double to 653 million people by the end of the decade. Several countries are competing with each other in the rush to complete, a demand created significantly by the domestic demand from rising middle classes. In Thailand, a satellite terminal opened at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport last month, potentially improving overall capacity by a third once a third runway opens next year. Expansion is also planned at Don Mueang airport, near Bangkok, and U-tapao airport near Rayong whose major expansion awaits the building of a fast-track rail network linking with Bangkok hubs. That railway is still at planning stage as problems persist with the purchase of land. The new Pheu Thai government is also supporting expansion of airports in Phuket, Chiang Mai and other regional centers. Meanwhile, Vietnam is investing US$4 billion to increase capacity at Hanoi’s premier airport to 60 million people, more than twice the current limit. Cambodia has permitted Chinese companies to build new lease-operated airports near Siem Reap (recently opened) and Phnom Penh (optimistically scheduled for completion next year), though they are much further away from the urban centers and will increase passenger costs of travelling downtown by road. A plan to build an underground metro system in Phnom Penh has been delayed to prefer new air facilities. Malaysia and Singapore are both in process of doubling capacity, whilst the Philippines has no fewer than four expansion projects scattered around Manila, almost willy-nilly style. Many of the region’s new airports will incorporate smart technology. For example, Singapore’s building of a new satellite terminal will be a series of sub-terminals to keep passengers separate and at less risk from covid contamination from other flights. Automatic checkins, which minimize contact between ground staff and passengers, are becoming common features and will become universal. With Thailand and Vietnam already operating visa-free travel from China, much of the expansion is expected to increase dramatically flight schedules to and from Chinese cities. Critics point out that the future numbers game may be overblown as estimates are based on the current regional economic climate plus optimistic predictions by aircraft development corporations worldwide. Other variables are the future costs of flying, including tricky ones such as the price of aviation fuel and international political stability, which could throw predictions into disarray. But the countries of south east Asia are now in open competition for massively increased connectivity with air hubs serving both international tourism and economic investment.

The end, certainly not. But the biggest change could be the sale of all of Patpong which is a single parcel wholly owned by one family. At some point, an offer that can’t be refused could come forward. That would result in a dispersal of the more successful gay venues but not their elimination. Many thought the closure of Twilight would herald the end of the gay scene. Didn’t quite turn out that way.

Visit the massage shops on Silom Soi 6 and Saphan Kwai.

The decision to go to war in Ukraine was made by the attacker and not the attacked. Likewise was the case in Israel. At that stage, there can only be one response: defend and retaliate. Trying to trace this all back half-a-century ago to whether the US had appropriate diplomats in place is absurd. Iran, like so many Mideast nations, would end up radicalized one way or the other. The momentum was already in place. When the Arab Spring made its first appearance, many thought it was signaling the beginning of the end of Mideast tensions. That was then and this is now. History rarely takes a chartered course. We can claim, as Peter had, that inaction by the international community that’s permitted Iran to pursue enrichment activities. And it’s a point worth debating. But once the first missiles dropped on Israel, it became academic.

No, just not the answer you desire.🙂

Go back read what I said about Israel making good on its vow to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It’s understood that if Iran persists in developing one, that would constitute a grave miscalculation of the consequences. If you’re curious what the US might do, this is as clear a statement as you’re going to get: ”While I’m not going to forecast any potential response to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat,” he said. “Any response, should one occur, will come at a time and a manner of our choosing.” Couldn’t have—and won’t—make it any clearer than that. If British assets were attacked, I’m confident we’d see a very similar statement out of Downing Street. Patience is a virtue, Peter, and the Buddha tells us that the future is inexplicable.