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From Thai PBS World Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said today (Monday) that he has no objection to night entertainment venues staying open until 4am, but the zoning system must be updated to ensure that noise from such venues will not cause a disturbance to people in the same neighbourhood. Admitting that some pubs and bars are still operating illegally beyond the current 2am time limit, he said that making all the night spots comply with the law, by allowing them to stay open until 4am, would be more logical and orderly. The governor said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has discussed the issue with the strategic committee on soft power and has proposed that both of them should work together to develop measures to prevent underage people from accessing the entertainment venues. ================ 20-baht train fares for Purple and Red lines effective Starting today, fares on the Purple Line, between Taopoon and Khlong Bang Phai, and the Red Line suburban train, between Bang Sue and Rangsit and Bang Sue and Taling Chan, will be 20 baht for the entire route, after the cabinet approved the train fare cut today with immediate effect. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and officials of the Department of Rail Transport went to Bang Sue train terminal this morning to check the train service and to officiate over the introduction of the new train fare. The Purple Line is 23km long and has 16 stations. The Red Line is divided into two sections. Bang Sue-Taling Chan is 26km and has 10 stations, while the Bang Sue-Rangsit section is 15km with 4 stations. Suriya said that the maximum fare on the Purple and Red lines is now 20 baht, as he predicted that the number of commuters using the services will increase to about 100,000 per day (70,000 for the Purple Line and 30,000 for the Red Line) from the current rate of about 82,000. He went on to say that allowing entertainment venues to stay open until 4am may boost tourism and the economy of the service sector, including night vendors and taxi drivers.

From Thai PBS World The Thai cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free stay in Thailand for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days to boost tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today (Monday). He explained that the winter in Russia usually begins in December and lasts until March, during which the weather is very cold and Russian people want to travel abroad to escape the extreme cold and a one-month stay abroad, such as in Thailand, may not be enough. Hence, the cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free period of stay. Previously, Thailand granted visa exemptions to tourists from China and Kazakhstan, from September 25th to February 29th.

Being a twink doesn’t equate to being other than masculine, as I think most twink lovers will attest. It relates to body style just as hunk relates to a different body style. I was walking by Screwboy last night between shows when the mainly twink staff hang around outside and at the cooked food vendors on Surawong. Impressive and masculine in my book.

From Thai PBS World Less than two months after taking power, Prime Minister SretthaThavisin appears to be overshadowed by the Shinawatra family, judging from the people around him. A high proportion of his official and unofficial advisers, government appointees, and Cabinet colleagues are Shinawatra loyalists, friends, political allies, in-laws, or even family members. Over the past month, PM Srettha has appointed 13 official advisers mostly linked to past governments led by Thaksin Shinawatra or his sister Yingluck. Nine advisers were named on September 14: Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Tewan Liptapanlop, Pichai Chunhavajira, Supanit Chaiyawat, Pimol Srivikorn, Pichit Chuenban, Chonlatit Surasawadi, Chai Watcharong, and Surayut Thavikulwat. Srettha appointed four more on October 4: TongthongChandransu, Paitoon Chutimakornkul, Arthit Suriyabhivadh, and Police General Chinnapat Sarasin. Kittiratt, 65, served as deputy prime minister, finance minister, and economic czar in Yingluck’s government. Formerly a deputy Pheu Thai leader, Kittiratt has now been hired to share his expertise as Srettha’s chief adviser. Srettha had backed Kittiratt for the post of new Football Association of Thailand president but seemed to change his mind a few days before being voted in as prime minister, saying he “would be better suited to helping out the government with its work”. Veteran politician Tewan, 63, is caretaker leader of the coalition Chart Pattana Kla Party. He is a former Thai Rak Thai Party executive, serving between 2004 and 2007. Founded and led by Thaksin, Thai Rak Thai was ousted from the government by the 2006 military coup before being disbanded by court order in 2007 for electoral fraud. Tewan was among its party executives banned from politics for five years. Pichai, 73, has experience as a top executive in the petroleum industry. He was formerly chairman of Bangchak Corporation Plc and director of PTT Exploration and Production Plc. He has also served as president of the Thailand Boxing Association, vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and president of the Asian Boxing Confederation. Supanit, 63, is a close ally and childhood friend of the prime minister. He is also an independent director of Sansiri Plc, the property giant that Srettha helmed as president and CEO before entering politics early this year. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tracking-the-growing-shinawatra-influence-in-new-thai-government/

From Thai PBS World Four more Thais are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel last week, bringing the death toll to 28, with 17 still being held hostage and 16 injured, including some who have already been flown back to Thailand. Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien said today (Sunday) that he has received a report, from the Thai labour attaché in Tel Aviv, that four more Thais are reported to have died, but this is yet to be verified by Israeli authorities. Of the 7,540 Thais who have applied to return home, 94 have changed their minds and chosen to stay on to work in Israel. Altogether 187 Thai evacuees, including some injured, have been flown back to Thailand to date, with the latest group of 90 arriving early this morning. Pairoj said that Thais, who are members of the Labour Ministry’s fund to assist Thais working overseas, will each receive 15,000 baht in welfare if they return to Thailand before the expiry of their employment contracts due to war. Those who are disabled will receive an additional 30,000 baht each and 40,000 baht for the funeral expenses of those who have died. Additionally, according to the employment insurance law in Israel, workers who are 10%-19% injured or disabled, with doctor’s certification, will receive a lump sum of about 1.4 million baht. If they are over 20% injured, disabled or die, their spouses and children will receive monthly compensation of 34,560 baht for the spouses and 5,760-11,520 baht for their children until the death of the disabled worker.

From Thai PBS World A woman injured in the Siam Paragon mass shooting on October 3rd died at about 2am this morning (Friday), having been in coma since she was admitted to a hospital 10 days ago. The passing of Penphiwan has brought the death toll in the shooting to three. The two others who were Chinese and Myanmar nationals. Five more were injured, including Penphiwan. According to an X post, by user “songdoubles” today, Penphiwan, aka “Noong Ning”, had been on life support since her admission, but her body had responded to medication. Unfortunately, she developed more infections, according to the post, which also noted that the parents of the suspected shooter had visited and apologised the victim’s mother last Saturday.

If you’d like to pursue this, read John Burdett’s Bangkok 8 and his over novels set in the big mango.

Since most of they guys I meet are from other SEAsian countries, I’ve learned that the wise ones cultivate regular customers who—like many here—are returning international visitors. Many have acquired some English that helps them with both western and Asian countries where English is a second language.

Yes, as much as I relish the days of old we’re restricted to what the present offers. The biggest difference is the influx of ASEAN guys into the mix to the point they are dominant. And that is a good thing because it broadens the gene pool. I still have great memories of 20+ years ago but new ones keep me returning much longer than I ever thought possible. My advice is to cherish the memories but make the best of the present.

Actually, it still is. Patpong 2 offers five go-go’s and two beer bars with approximately 120-150 guys of all descriptions on any given evening. slip over to Soi 4, and that’s humming with more 50 or so more offable guys in varied venues. on the massage front, an equal or greater number in just the Silom-Surawong triangle.

From The Nation The number of Thais who lost their lives in the Hamas attack on Israel has risen to 21 after another Thai worker was reported to have been killed, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Thursday. He said his government was attempting to evacuate Thai nationals out of Israel but it was a difficult task while the armed conflict was raging on. “The maritime route has to pass Gaza, which is too dangerous to use. Another route involves the use of cars towards Jordan. I confirm that the government is doing its best to take care of Thais there and help them as quickly and safely as possible,” Srettha said. About 7,000 Thais living in Israel, mostly workers hired to work in farms, have reportedly requested their evacuation to Thailand.

And worse, maybe he not hard 😩

If only there was a time machine that could transport us chasers back a quarter of a century to the days of yore, I’d be among the first to sign up. Maybe they’d call it “dynamic chaser conversion.”

This is what Wise (formerly Transfer Wise) cautions about dynamic exchange conversion. Here's the simple rule you need to know when using a foreign ATM When it asks which currency to charge you in, there's only one right answer... In the Eurozone, that answer is euros. In Sweden, Swedish krona. In Britain, pounds. In Australia, AUD. In the US, dollars. Always, always, always choose to be charged in the local currency of the country you're in. If a Spanish ATM asks if you want to be charged in GBP, say no. Don't let the machine do your currency conversion. Here's why you shouldn't let an ATM do conversion for you: Foreign ATMs and card machines often say nice things like: This ATM offers conversion to your home currency. On the surface, that seems pretty generous. It looks like you'll know exactly what you're paying, and in amounts you're way more familiar with. Nice, right? But, in reality, paying in your home currency is hidden-fee-hell. It's a scam that goes by the name of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). DCC means you effectively ask a foreign ATM provider or bank to gleefully make up an exchange rate for you. And the only thing more likely to screw you over than your bank, is a foreign bank. This isn't a kind-hearted service. It's something banks use to take more of your money without you knowing. https://wise.com/us/blog/choose-local-currency-at-foreign-atm

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A recent change in procedure at Pattaya-Jomtien immigration (and Sri Racha) means that all foreigners requiring a service must have a TM30 form receipt in their passport dated since their last arrival in Thailand. This bureaucracy is quite separate from the 90 days reporting for expats which remains intact. The TM30 form, which can be completed by the hotel juristic person or the owner of the residence or the newly-arrived foreigner, has in the past been used mainly when short-term tourists apply for an extension of their 30 days visa exempt entry. It should be completed within 24 hours (72 hours in practice) after arrival in the country. The change in procedure means that the requirement is now extended to any foreigner seeking a re-entry permit, a renewal of a one year extension of stay (including retirement and marriage visas), extension of Elite, certificates of residence for driving licences, opening bank accounts etc. All these categories must now have a TM30 immigration receipt in their passport issued after their most recent entry to Thailand by air or land or sea. A TM30 receipt issued before the last entry to Thailand will be regarded as out-of-date and no longer acceptable. It is recommended that all foreigners check in their passports that they have a TM30 receipt issued since their most recent arrival in the country. This now applies to long-term expats as well as short-term tourists. Updating records now could save inconvenience later when applying for an immigration service. Foreigners in other areas of Thailand need to check the specific regulations of TM30 in operation there.

From Thai PBS Workd The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will send two planes to Israel this Sunday to fly 220 Thai evacuees back to Thailand, followed by a third flight next Wednesday to pick up more evacuees, Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkaphong Sangmanee told MPs in the parliament today (Thursday). The first batch of 15 Thais arrived this morning on an El Al flight, to be followed by a second group of 26 evacuees on the same day, said Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, adding that the number of Thais wanting to come home has increased to over 6,000 while 16 Thais are now being held hostage by Hamas. He said that the government has been trying to arrange for more flights to pick up Thai evacuees in Tel Aviv, but added that, if flights can be arranged in Israel, more evacuees will be able to fly home quickly.

From Bbc Twelve Thais have been killed and another 11 kidnapped by Palestinian Hamas militants who launched a mass assault from Gaza on Israel. Another eight Thai nationals have been injured in the violence since Saturday, said Thailand's foreign ministry. It said air force planes were on standby to fly its citizens home. There are some 30,000 Thais in Israel working in agriculture, many near the Gaza border. Nepal said 10 of its citizens had been killed.

Vinapu can't be a lesbian. I'm one and he's never at the meetings.

From Pattaya Mail Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the government would review the opening hours of the entertainment venues in a bid to boost tourism and the local economy. Mr Srettha said the government was considering the options to extend the opening hours for pubs and bars to welcome more tourists. He pointed out that despite having several advantages, the country is still below par in the promotion of tourist attractions and the organization of world-class events. Mr Srettha mentions about the law amendments to extend the operating hours of the entertainment venues. However, he acknowledges that opening 24 hours a day is not the answer as it can cause social and security problems. Therefore, it was needed to reconsider if the current closing hour of 1am is enough to make Thailand competitive compared to other cities in order to become the tourism hub of the region.

From The Nation A Thai worker in Mishmeret, an agricultural community in central Israel may have been injured, while a Thai couple is being detained by Palestinian militants, according to Thai Foreign Ministry's initial reports Currently, there are about 5,000 Thai nationals residing in the area near the Gaza Strip. The Thai embassy in Israel reported that on Saturday, at around 6.30am local time (10.30am Thailand time), missiles rained on Israel, from the border with the Gaza Strip to the central part of the country, including Tel Aviv, neighbouring cities, and Netivot. The embassy has disseminated videos instructing Thai nationals in Israel on what to do when emergency warning signals are fired. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Foreign Minister Panpree Phathithanukorn have told the embassy to take care of Thai nationals and closely monitor the situation. Israel has declared an emergency within an 80-kilometre radius of the Gaza Strip, including Tel Aviv, and has opened public bomb shelters in various cities. The Ministry of Tourism of Israel has issued warnings to tourists. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said the ministry would closely monitor the situation and give regular updates. ========================== The Royal Thai Air Force chief held an urgent meeting with senior officers on Sunday to prepare for the evacuation of Thai workers stranded in Israel after the Hamas attack on Saturday. Air Force chief ACM Phanphakdee Phatthanakul led the meeting at the Air Force Operations with other senior commanders from other RTAF to discuss the evacuation. At the end of the meeting, the RTAF chief ordered that five C-130 military transport planes and one Airbus 340 passenger plane be placed on standby to evacuate Thai workers once Israel opens its airspace. ============================ Deputy National Police chief Pol General Surachate Hakparn has stepped up security at the Israeli embassy in Bangkok following the Hamas attack on Saturday. Surachate, who oversees security affairs, said he has instructed police to deploy frequent patrol cars to check security around the embassy. He said both the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Special Branch Police have been instructed to jointly tighten security around other embassies and residences of concerned diplomats, as well as their places of worship. Surchate said he has also instructed the Immigration Bureau to tighten the screening of countries engaged in conflicts in the Middle East.

He must be telling the truth. Every time he enters her club, Mamasan Lucy makes a beeline for him.

New PM Srettha's honeymoon experienced its first major bump when 99 economist came out against his much-heralded plan to give every Thai 16 and above an injection of 10,000 baht via a new digital wallet scheme in hopes of stimulating the economy. From The Nation The Srettha Thavisin government is in the process of implementing an election campaign promise of handing out 10,000 baht to Thai citizens aged 16 years and above, to be spent in a limited area within six months, with the aim of giving the economy a push. The economic experts, however, argue that it was “not worth the cost”. They advanced the following reasons, according to a Krungthep Thurakij news report: Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40031677

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya, Thailand – In response to the recent tragic shootings at Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok, the Pattaya police, in collaboration with Central Festival Pattaya, undertook measures to strengthen security protocols and restore confidence among the local population and tourists. Pattaya City Police Chief, Pol. Col. Tanapong Poti, and Krisana Maprangon, head of the facilities management department, joined forces to conduct a comprehensive review and enhancement of security procedures within the shopping complex. Pol. Col. Tanapong underscored the critical importance of preparedness, prevention, and effective public communication. This involved a meticulous examination of the mall’s security systems, with a focus on access points and surveillance equipment. The objective is to ensure that security measures are not only efficient and up-to-date but also in place to enhance the immediate response to unforeseen events. A key facet of this initiative is the improvement of public communication. Pol. Col. Tanapong emphasized the vital role of clear and detailed communication, drawing insights from past incidents. He stated, “Efficient communication is deemed essential for conveying information rapidly and effectively, facilitating a swift and coordinated response. Moreover, the Pattaya City Police have maintained a 24-hour security presence, actively collaborating with various agencies to ensure public safety in the area.” Krisana highlighted the commitment of Central Pattaya Mall to security, stating that it closely collaborates with government agencies to guarantee the safety of customers, tourists, and employees within the shopping complex. As part of their security preparedness, Central Pattaya Mall has instituted 12 inspection points on every floor, staffed by security personnel equipped with walkie-talkies. Their responsibility is to scrutinize suspicious items before entry into the premises. Additionally, Central Pattaya Mall has established a Control and Command (CTV) room and an emergency war room for swift coordination and response during unforeseen incidents, facilitating meetings with local police officers and mall security personnel.

It's worth remembering that today marks the 47th anniversary of he massacre of 46 students and the wounding of 167 others at a demonstration at Thammasat University in a crackdown by police. Unofficial estimates put the number of killed at over 100. They were protesting the return to power of former dictator Thanom Kittikachorn who emerged from exile and staged a successful coup.

Security can be beefed up but can not eliminate incidents like this. A determined assailant will find a way to elude it. The media and government tend to play down events like this that have been occurring in the south of the country for years. Most are directed at police, military and teachers but that doesn't keep others from being killed and maimed on a regular basis. Tightening control of the sales of weapons has been a subject long given lip service. And Although some legislation may emerge from this incident, interest will fade as time passes. Bangkok is a mega city and top world destination. Tourists aren't going to abandon it no more than they did in the wake of the Erawan Shrine bombing in 2015 or in 2010 when Central World went up in flames. People have astonishingly short memories. Lumpinee Park was an armed camp 13 years ago but it was business as usual on Soi4, Patpong and Twilight. For better or worse, what happened this week will, too, soon be forgotten. Tourists will continue to flock to Bangkok as they always have. Many of us will be among them. ========================= Also soon to be forgotten: From The Nation The teenaged shooter who went on a fatal shooting spree on Tuesday had practised at an Army shooting range for over 20 times, police disclosed on Friday. Pol Maj-General Theeradej Thammasuthee, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation division, confirmed that the 14-year-old had practised at the Territorial Defence Shooting Range in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. “The suspect said during police questioning that on the day before the fatal attack, he had practised shooting for more than 20 times,” the senior officer said. He noted that the shooting range is for members only and any service user aged below 18 must be accompanied by an adult member. On Tuesday afternoon, a 14-year-old boy armed with a modified blank gun fired shots at people in Siam Paragon, leaving two people dead and five others injured. A video clip being circulated on social media appears to show the teenaged shooting suspect firing a round of shots at shooting targets in a place later identified as the Territorial Defence Shooting Range. The Royal Thai Army, which runs the shooting range, found that the teenaged shooter was not a member, so it was possible he came with an adult member, a source said on Friday. An examination of video recordings from the shooting range’s security cameras over the past 10 days did not find the shooting suspect, according to the source. Staff members of the shooting range were instructed to gather information about the suspect’s use of the facility, according to the source. The Army has provided relevant information to police investigators working on the case, the source said. In a related development, the Juvenile Detention Centre has sent the shooting suspect to the Galya Rajanagarindra Institute for psychiatric evaluation and treatment at the suggestion of a doctor, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said on Friday. He declined to discuss the nature of the boy’s mental issues, saying that disclosing details of health conditions was against the boy’s personal rights. According to a source familiar with the matter, the teenager was sent to the Galya Rajanagarindra Institute on Thursday afternoon after the Juvenile Detention Centre concluded that a specialist’s evaluation of his mental health was needed as this was a serious criminal case.