reader

From Pattaya News Thai Police Pledge to Eradicate Foreign Motorcycle Clubs By Tanakorn Panyadee The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are on the hunt for five major foreign motorcycle clubs operating on Thai soil following a crackdown on the notorious Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Pattaya last month. The RTP on July 21st launched a crackdown on the Outlaws group and arrested the alleged Austrian gang leader Thomas Ginner just as he was preparing to flee the country. According to the RTP, Ginner’s motorbike club was notorious for engaging in transnational crimes and was implicated in an incident in which a German gang member named Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann was accused of murdering Hans Peter Walter Mack, a 62-year-old German property broker, in Pattaya last June. Brinkmann was arrested while hiding in a type of cubby hole at an Outlaws clubhouse in Bangkok. Following Brinkmann and his three accomplices’ arrest and a crackdown on the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, the RTP are now targeting five major motorcycle clubs operating in the country. These clubs include Outlaws Motorcycle Club or Outlaws MC, Hells Angels Motorcycle Club or Hells Angels, the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, which is also known as the Bandido Nation, the Mongols Motorcycle Club or the Mongol Brotherhood, and the Vagos Motorcycle Club, which is also known as the Green Nation, the Bangkok Post reported. Most of the clubs are managed by Australian nationals and operate mainly in tourist destinations across Thailand such as Phuket, Koh Samui in Surat Thani, and Pattaya, allegedly targeting foreigners for protection fees in exchange for them to run businesses in the area. They occasionally even abduct or commit murders against foreigners for money, the RTP said. Typically, the gangs do not meddle with Thai people as they know it will land them in trouble more easily than when they do with foreigners. part from Thailand, these gangs have members around the world, allegedly committing various kinds of illegal activities such as narcotic drug distribution, assault, theft, loan-sharking, fraud, money laundering, or murder, the Bangkok Post reported. Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn stated that the gang members tend to favor Thailand due to the lack of strict law enforcement and corrupt officials. He cited the outdated 1979 Immigration Act, which allows foreigners aged above 50 to easily live in Thailand only if they have 800,000 baht in their bank account or an income certificate with a monthly salary not less than 65,000 baht. Due to the existence of these dangerous gangs, aware foreign tourists feel discouraged to visit Pattaya or invest in the Eastern Seaboard, causing huge damage to the country, Pol Gen Surachate said. As part of the efforts, Pol Gen Surachate promised that he would propose an amendment to the immigration law, especially concerning retirement visa extensions, through the police chief once a new government takes office. This aims to filter out bad people and make the law truly helpful for investors or someone who innocently want to live in Thailand. For biker gangs, he ensured that at least one of them, the Outlaws, has been completely weeded out from Pattaya. The police are now extending their investigation to Phuket and Koh Samui.

From The Thaiger Southeast Asia, particularly Bangkok, is showing promising signs of growth in terms of flight traffic, according to Cathay Pacific, which has ranked the Thai capital as one of its stronger-performing flight routes. Post-Hong Kong’s reopening, Cathay has reported a steady ascent, keeping pace with global passenger traffic. One of the airline’s senior executives, Dominic Perret, highlighted Thailand as a key player in the recovery of the Asian sector. To further substantiate this point, in May, the company reported a 53% rise in recovery compared to numbers from 2019. Interestingly, flights from Hong Kong to Bangkok, Singapore and Manila are presenting the strongest growth amongst Cathay Pacific’s Southeast Asia portfolio, which comprises 13 destinations. Perret also emphasised the reciprocal tourism between Thailand and Hong Kong. The former holds considerable allure for Hongkongers and foreigners alike, while Thai tourists show an equal fondness for Hong Kong and Japan. As things stand currently, Cathay Pacific operates five to six daily flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, a reduced number from the nine it conducted pre-Covid times. The aspiration is to ramp up to at least seven daily flights by early 2024. Adding to the strategic edge, the airline operates one to two daily flights utilizing Airbus A330s that offer more capacity compared to the A321neos used previously. Similarly, for the Bangkok flights, the deployment of wide-body jets like the A350-900s and Boeing777s has garnered an impressive 90% load factor recorded in May, expected to persist through July and August, reported Bangkok Post. athay has now resumed service to all its destinations, bar Myanmar’s Yangon, while growth continues unabated in its efforts to match the flight capacity to 2019 levels. Aiming for a 70% recovery rate for global flights by the year’s end, a full recovery is projected for next year. Key to this upward trend remains a strong recovery in tourism and the overall economy in their aviation hub, Hong Kong. Perret also revealed that the three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport is slated to commence full-scale operations next year, and the previous shortage of ground personnel across Southeast Asia’s airports has already dissipated. The airline also recently entered a conversion scheme partnership with Siam Piwat’s loyalty programme, linking Asia Miles with Siam Piwat’s VIZ coins, devised to attract more tourists to Thailand. .The group currently holds 222 aircraft in its fleet, with an additional 48 slated to be added by 2028, and 11 expected to be delivered within the year.

The following appeared in the Wall Street Journal weekend edition. Five writers respond to the question: "Have we ruined sex?". Among them is noted gay columnist Andrew Sullivan.

From The Nation Wastewater released off the coast of Koh Lan island has given birth to a boom of plankton, making the sea a murky green in five locations. The Marine and Coastal Resources Department said on Monday that the murky green water was spotted around the island off Pattaya coast in Chonburi province on Saturday. Tourists who had travelled to the island during the long weekend complained in posts on Facebook that this phenomenon had spoiled their vacation. On Monday, the department listed the five sites on its website that had been hit by the plankton boom, namely: • Boat route between Koh Lan and South Pattaya • Na Ban Beach • Ta Waen Beach • Tian Beach • Koh Sak

From Pattaya News Police Seize 15 Motorbikes as Kuwaiti Motorbike Racers Remain a Problem Residents and business operators in South Pattaya are still frustrated with the persistent presence of noisy Middle Eastern street racers gathering at night. Some hotel residents even moved from the area to avoid the unbearable nuisance, according to hotel operators. Police officers from the Pattaya police station raided Soi Yen Sabai in South Pattaya early this morning today, July 31st, following residents’ complaints that young adults, mostly Kuwaiti nationals, had congregated in the alley and caused noise disturbances with their rented modified motorcycles. The complaints stated that these young men revved up their engines, blocked the entire alley with their vehicles, parked in front of houses without permission, and drove loudly up and down the street without any regard for traffic rules. They also claimed the riders never wore helmets and had no valid licenses or insurance. When the police arrived to inspect the situation at 1 AM, they found the road inside Soi Yen Sabai completely blocked by parked motorcycles, making it impossible for regular traffic to pass through. The police then used patrol cars with sirens and made announcements to disperse the Kuwaiti group, but the group seemed indifferent and stood together, watching and somewhat seemingly amused by the authorities. At the end of the operation, the officers seized 15 of the motorcycles that were blocking traffic and would proceed with legal actions against the tourists and the motorbike rental agencies accordingly.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Thailand regularly appears in the top ten destinations chosen by foreigners wanting to retire abroad. Unlike other south east Asian countries, Thailand does not offer a retiree visa as such but a number of choices aimed specifically or partially at this market. Non-immigrant “O” visa conversion This is the most popular route at present. A foreigner aged at least 50 enters the country with a visa exempt or tourist visa (30 or 60 days) and applies at local immigration to convert it to a three months non-immigrant “O” and thence to an annual extension of stay based on retirement. Typically, the financial requirement is 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or proof of monthly transfers to Thailand of at least 65,000 baht. The detailed bureaucracy varies in immigration offices nationwide and several embassies now refuse to get involved in certifying the creditworthiness of their own nationals. One big attraction for many of the non-immigrant “O” route is that, to date, medical insurance is not required and the paperwork is fairly straightforward. A foreigner with a foreign spouse will be treated as separate individuals and both must provide the financial guarantee. When leaving the country, re-entry permits must be obtained and the 90 days address reporting is in play. Applicants who are short of cash at the time of application or annual renewal are not forbidden from “borrowing” cash from third parties as the check is only on the amounts in the applicant’s bank book. The cost of the visa is 1,900 baht (US$60) assuming no extras have been accumulated along the way. Non-immigrant “O/A” long stay visa This is a 12 months visa offered by Thai embassies abroad to retiree applicants, with or without a multiple entry built in. The financial requirements are similar to the “O” extension of stay, but there are additional documents such as a medical certificate illustrating freedom from certain diseases. The visa can be renewed annually at Thai immigration offices. The big problem with the O/A option is that comprehensive medical insurance is required from day one and continues with every annual extension. The Thai Cabinet authorized an annual sum of US$100,000 or 3 million baht. Many retirees have tried to get rid of their O/A and change to “O” extension of stay, but this cannot be done without leaving the country and altering visa status overseas. The cost of OA annually is 1,900 baht (US$60) assuming all the documentation is in order. “O/X” ten year retiree visa This little-known option was introduced in late 2016 and offered a ten year multiple entry stay (actually 5×2 years) to retirees aged at least 50 in 14 countries including UK, US, Australia and some EU states. It was available at Thai embassies abroad and at immigration offices in Thailand. The visa never became airborne as the bureaucracy was complex, requiring a crime-free certificate from the home country and an investment of 3 million baht in a Thai bank. Options were available to include spouses and dependent children in the visa allocation. However, the visa did specify that working as a volunteer was OK although no detail was set out. Neither the immigration bureau nor the Thai Cabinet ever issued updates on the visa which is usually assumed to have been stillborn. The fee was 10,000 baht. The Elite visa Current enrolments are said to be around 30,000 all told. The Elite visa is not specifically aimed at retirees and there are no age bars. Although there are several variants, the most popular option is the five years, multi-entry choice currently available for a one-off payment of 600,000 baht and renewable. 10 and 20 year options with family guarantees are also available. Attractions for the retiree market include no need for medical insurance and no requirement to show updated bank account details every year. The visa also includes some special privileges such as fast-track at Thai airports which has been favorably reported by customers, particularly in the past year or so. Long Term Residence Introduced in 2022 by the Board of Investment, the LTR is a 10 year open visa designed to attract high spenders and investors from overseas. The four categories do include one specifically aimed at retirees over 50 which has so far attracted over 1,000 initial applications (32 percent of the total). The wealthy pensioner is expected to show a substantial regular income as well as evidence of investment such as Thai property or Thai bonds. All LTR applicants must show medical insurance. The overall idea is to encourage settlement by foreign millionaires. The LTR has not attracted the international interest originally anticipated and is perhaps best suited to economic experts and investors keen to take advantage of generous tax breaks. The enrolment fee is 50,000 baht and reporting to immigration is once a year rather than three-monthly. Conclusions For retirees, the cheapest and most flexible option is the annual extension of stay, although the Elite visa with its initial down payment and no further financial checks is increasingly being seen in a favorable light. The LTR and the stillborn “O/X” both suffer from complex enrolment bureaucracy and neither offers significant advantages to foreign retirees. None of the visas avoid the need for a work permit for regular employment, although side issues such as being a member of a condominium committee or helping to organize occasional sports or entertainment activities are no longer seen as breaches of the alien labour act. The biggest unknown is the future of medical insurance as a compulsory element in applications. At present, the most popular routes for retirees aged over 50 – the non immigrant “O” and Elite choices – have no such requirement. If that policy was changed and enforced, the proverbial cat would certainly appear amongst the pigeons. Older retirees are the expats whom insurance companies most want to avoid.

From The Nation A foreign tourist collapsed and died inside a marijuana café on Pattaya’s Walking Street early Sunday after drinking a cup of marijuana tea, police said. The Sawang Boribun Thamma Sathan rescue centre was alerted at 3.46am that a foreign tourist had collapsed inside a ganja café in Tambon Nong Prue of Bang Lamung district. Rescue officials and a team of doctors from Pattaya Hospital rushed to the shop where they found the tourist lying on the floor. Rescue officials attempted to resuscitate the tourist, but he was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The tourist was identified as Hamad Alblaiher, but police have yet to identify his nationality. Staff at the shop told police that Alblaiher was a regular patron who always ordered marijuana tea and a glass of water. They said he never smoked marijuana at the shop. ============== From Pattaya News Naked Foreigner Found Wandering Around On Pattaya Beach A unidentified naked male foreigner who was found walking near Pattaya Beach in the early morning was arrested and taken to the Pattaya police station. Captain Sonthaya Khonsap from the Pattaya City police told the Pattaya News that they were notified of the incident by stunned local residents near the Central Pattaya Beach in Nongprue on Saturday morning near dawn (July 29th). They and the Pattaya News arrived at the scene to find the naked male foreigner aged around 50 walking and talking with himself loudly. Police were trying to talk with him but unable to understand him and the man continued to rant about foreign political issues.

No doubt about it, filmmakers George Duroy and William Higgins raised the bar of male porn to new heights. Although most of their productions are now considered in the vintage category, they still gather our attention for the quality of the men and the hard product itself. Just spent 45 minutes scanning through the films readily available on line. I'd forgotten just many many titles this pair was responsible for. But after completing my quick review, I was struck by how very white--and blonde--are so many of the participants. Not that there's anything wrong with that; they're still great fun to watch. But what's missing from the content I've come to appreciate in the past decade is the great Latin porn out there. The Brazilians, Colombians and (perhaps my favorite) the Venezuelans. Some of the sexiest stuff I've ever come across.

I agree it's not every westerner's cup of tea. But it's a part of the culture, particularly in this part of Thailand.

From The Thaiger Yesterday marked the kick-off of an unprecedented six-day holiday. Pattaya‘s beaches and tourist hotspots were abuzz as visitors flocked, particularly to Koh Larn, a stunning island located roughly 7 kilometres from the coast. According to local accommodation providers, the entirety of the island’s estimated 3,000 rooms were booked out. The rush of tourists, both Thai and foreign, regularly set sail from Bali Hai pier in South Pattaya to the island. In response to the influx, the Pattaya City Municipality in collaboration with the Marine Office mobilised officials to assist in managing the crowd at the pier. Safety standards were paramount and authorities worked with ferry operators to assert strict adherence to safety guidelines regarding the number of passengers aboard each boat. Furthermore, passengers were mandated to don life jackets during the journey. Anticipating the surge, additional parking was secured to cater for the increased volume of vehicles, according to local authorities. This significant rise in room demand for Koh Larn can be attributed to the recently approved proposal by the cabinet secretariat. This unusual declaration declared an additional ‘special’ public holiday. This extended the typical vacation period from July 28 to August 2, in a move to rejuvenate tourism. Moreover, this elongated break overlapped with other set holidays such as His Majesty the King’s birthday, Asanha Bucha Day, and the commencement of the Buddhist Lent. Related news

From The Nation In an effort to boost tourism and revenue, the northern province of Chiang Rai is now looking to woo tourists interested in getting tattoos at cheap prices. For this, local authorities and businesses got together to launch the “Tattoo Body Artists” and “Amazing Body Art @ Chiangrai” promotions at Central Chiang Rai shopping mall on Saturday. Showcased at the events were displays of body art created by local tattoo shops. Luethaipat Pimonsree, deputy director of the University of Phayao’s Innovative Learning Institute, said the events were held as part of Chiang Rai’s “Creative City of Design” campaign, which is in line with the Creative Cities global network initiated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). She said Chiang Rai tattoo artists are known for their skill and for providing top service at inexpensive prices. Hence, she said, the campaign aims to attract tattoo lovers to visit the northern province. “When domestic and foreign tourists learn that Chiang Rai has many skilful tattoo artists offering service at reasonable prices, they will come here for new tattoos,” Luethaipat said. “This will help stimulate the local economy in many ways.” Tirapat Thongbai, a tattoo enthusiast, said he believes body art will bring more revenue to Chiang Rai when tattoo lovers like him visit for a new emblem. He said Thai tattoo artists offer a wide variety of designs, ranging from the traditional Thai “sak yant” pattern to colourful, modern creations. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40029795

So you've made this judgement based on a few alleged interactions. And you expect us to believe that mamasans talk trash about their own boys. Unbelievable. You way want to consider that it's you and not them who's the most unsociable. This speaks for itself. Have you considered the possibility that you're not suitable to patronize massage shops. Even Freud would would be at wit's end, trying to unravel that trash. On top of that, you're asking us to believe that--after 25 years in Thailand--you suddenly found this forum, selected the handle "truncheon" (short stick carried by police; a billy club) and penned this absurdity. Why didn't you simply post under the screen name you normally use here?

The only thing you have a grasp of is the misinformation and bigotry you've posted here. I frequently select Burmese guys and have yet to be dissatisfied.

A new member's first post and he's bad mouthing Burmese, Lao and Vietnamese guys across the board. Absolutely ridiculous.This is another hoax. There are few posters here with more recent experience in Saphan Kwai and Silom area shops than me and my experiences have been the total opposite. I can recommend K-Man, KK Massage and One Spa in Saphan Kwai without hesitation, and any shop in the Silom-Surawong rectangle.

There are two Buddhist holy days next week. This should result in restrictions on alcohol sales on Tuesday, Aug. 1 (Asanha Bucha Day), and Wednesday, Aug. 2 (Buddhist Lent Day). Expect bars to be closed. This does not affect massage shops.

From Pattaya Mail Cabinet meeting has approved July 31 as an additional holiday, extending the upcoming weekend to a six-day long break, starting from July 28 (HM the King’s Birthday) to August 2 (Buddhist Lent) to boost domestic tourism. Deputy Government Spokesperson, Ratchada Thanadirek said for government agencies with responsibilities in public service or those involved in essential government duties, the respective agency heads will have the discretion to decide whether to proceed with operations during this period, considering the necessity and the potential impact on public services. In regard to state enterprises, financial institutions, and private sectors, each state enterprise and the Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Labor will assess the appropriateness of observing the aforementioned day as a holiday in accordance with the relevant laws, said the deputy government spokesperson. Caretaker Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha approved the suspension of the Cabinet meeting for the following week. (TNA)

From Pattaya News Entrance fees for foreign visitors at ancient monuments and national museums in Thailand will be increased based on the Cabinet’s order last Tuesday, July 25th. The fee remains unchanged for Thais to “ensure that visiting cultural and heritage sites does not impose an additional financial burden on Thai tourists,” Ms. Trisulee Trisoranakul, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, stated. The increase will be applicable to all foreigners, regardless of their marital status with Thais, whether they have children, have work permits and pay tax, or are merely passing through as tourists. 1) Historical Parks (Archaeological sites): Foreigners: 120-200 baht per person (previously 100 baht) Thai: 20 baht per person (remains the same) 2) Archaeological Sites or Important Places: Foreigners: 80-120 baht per person (formerly 50-100 baht) Thai: 10-20 baht per person (remains the same) 3) Small National Museums: Foreigners: 80 baht per person (previously 50 baht) Thai: 10 baht per person (remains the same) 4) Medium Size National Museums: Foreigners: 120 baht per person (formerly 50-100 baht) Thai: 10-20 baht per person (remains the same) 5) Large National Museums: Foreigners: 200 baht per person (previously 100-150 baht) Thai: 20-30 baht per person (remains the same) 6) National Museums with High Visitor Traffic (e.g., National Museum of Bangkok, Art Gallery): Foreigners: 240 baht per person (previously 200 baht) Thai: 30 baht per person (remains the same) The adjustment is due to the fact that the old fees had been in effect since 2008 and do not align with the increasing costs of preservation, restoration, and maintenance of historical sites, Trisulee said.

From The Nation Protesters call on Pheu Thai to maintain coalition integrity Pro-democracy protesters gathered at the Ratchaprasong junction in Bangkok on Thursday, demanding the resignation of senators and that the eight-party coalition remains intact and maintains its stance on forming a government. Several groups of protesters including the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, Mokeluang Rimnam, ThaluWang and People's Movement for a Just Society (P-Move), began demonstrating at 5pm. Protesters put up placards on the pedestrian bridge and sprayed messages on the road. They also staged a mock hanging from the pedestrian walkway in memory of the protesters who died during the demonstrations against the government led by former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva in 2010. Protesters urged senators to listen to the people's voice and Pheu Thai Party to maintain its stance on forming a democratic government with Move Forward Party. They also urged political parties and senators to stop thinking that amending the lese-majeste law aims to overthrow the monarchy, saying that it instead has the objective of seeking a fair and just solution for the country. If Pheu Thai betrays the coalition, it will face punishment from the people, said political activist Thatchapong Kaedam, adding that the party should strictly adhere to its stance to escape conservative parties' schemes. He added that former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and activists who fled Thailand to escape political charges had the right to return home, adding that all parties should respect the people's vote in a bid to prevent a repeat of the clashes between protesters and riot police at Din Daeng junction last year.

The refuse is collected in the late evening an early morning hours in Silom area. Rats have learned the schedule and race to get their share. Even rodents have a fantasy life. Lol

From The Nation The Thai Parliament president has called a joint meeting of the Houses of Representatives and the Senate next Friday (August 4) to elect Thailand’s new prime minister if the Constitutional Court rejects a petition challenging a parliamentary vote that blocked the renomination of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the speaker of the House of Representatives who doubles as Parliament president, said on Thursday that if the court accepted the petition by the Ombudsman’s Office for hearing and issued an injunction, the election of prime minister would have to be postponed further. If that happens, the joint meeting of both Houses scheduled for August 4 would deliberate a bill to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, which was submitted by the Move Forward Party, Wan Noor said. Move Forward’s amendment bill seeks the removal of Article 272, which empowers the Senate to join the lower House in electing Thailand’s prime minister. The Senate will have the power for five years from May 2019 when the first National Assembly convened after the 2017 Constitution came into effect. This power held by the unelected senators, which expires in May 2024, has been blamed for Pita’s failure to get sufficient parliamentary support to become prime minister. He obtained only 13 votes from the 250-member Senate. The Constitutional Court’s judges are scheduled to meet next Thursday (August 3) to decide whether to accept the petition by the Ombudsman’s Office.

From The Nation Don Mueang travelator incident leads to removal of airport director The director of Don Mueang Airport is among 68 senior officers being transferred in the latest organisational restructuring of Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), an informed news source said. An AOT board meeting on Wednesday resolved to transfer 68 senior officers of levels 9 to 11 to different positions, effective August 1 and October 1. The reason for this restructuring is to improve the efficiency of AOT’s operations, the source added. Among the senior officers affected are Karun Thanakuljeerapat, director of Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, who was ordered to serve as an advisor at AOT headquarters. He will be replaced by Wijit Kaesaithiam, who is currently the director of Chiang Mai International Airport. Karun’s transfer came after AOT’s investigation of the accident at Don Mueang International Airport on the morning of June 29. A passenger had her left leg amputated after getting stuck in a moving walkway at the South Corridor Pier no. 4-5 of Domestic Terminal 2. The source said the investigation found that the accident was caused by one of the travelator’s plates slipping off its frame due to missing screws. Investigators reportedly found three loose screws in the pit beneath the travelator. The travelator was originally installed in 1987 and underwent a complete part upgrade in 2015 by the original manufacturer. It has five safety sensors but lacks one at the floor plates because it is an old model, said the source. AOT director Kirati Kitmanawat reportedly said that the board has proposed the hiring of a third-party investigator to check the conditions and safety of all walkways and related equipment at Don Mueang Airport to restore passengers’ confidence. The investigators must be experts in escalators, elevators and travelators. The airport will also install additional CCTV cameras at all walkways to monitor if there is any damage or missing parts, he added. Finally, the airport will hire an external audit company to audit the maintenance of all mechanical equipment in the airport. The report will help identify any shortcomings in airport operations and will be used to improve its standard operation procedures in both normal and emergency situations.

The point I was trying to make is that the majority members of this forum are here because of their interest in Thailand as a place to visit or live. That's why "Gay Thailand" forum draws so many hits. The most popular posts within the forum invariably relate to trip reports and venue reports. Readers have also displayed a taste for controversy, Take this thread, for example. Although it was started only a few months ago, it's attracted 5.3k views and received 132 replies. (And those numbers only count views by logged on members; not the many many non-members who view the site). But returning to the discussion of the top locations that attract gay visitors (and their pink dollars), Out Traveler came up with this list for 2023: https://www.outtraveler.com/print-issue/best-places-for-lgbt-travelers#rebelltitem3 ================ InterNation, a site dedicated to expat living and working, came up with this list of the The Top 10 Destinations for Expats in 2023 (this is not an exclusively gay list): 1 | Mexico 2 | Spain 3 | Panama 4 | Malaysia 5 | Taiwan 6 | Thailand 7 | Costa Rica 8 | Philippines  9 | Bahrain 10 | Portugal

Rats are commonplace in cities worldwide whenever major construction projects are under way--a condition that certainly describes what's going on around Silom. As the critters are displaced by the demolition, they scurry about in search of food and new quarters. Returned recently from a two-month trip to Bangkok and and it was not uncommon to see rats moving about. Fortunately, there's also many natural predators (stray cats, dogs and yes--even snakes) around these sites that help police the population.

The juries of his peers have believed Spacey and that's where it counts. He was the son of a physically and sexually abusive father. There was a scene in House of Cards where, just after becoming president, Frank Underwood visits the grave of his father and pisses on it. Art imitating life. I read Wikipedia's biography of Spacey yesterday after the verdict was announced. I was taken aback by his achievements over decades. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Spacey

FRom BBC Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey wept in court as he was cleared of all charges in his sexual assault trial in London. Jurors at Southwark Crown Court returned not guilty verdicts for nine sexual offence charges relating to four men between 2001 and 2013. Speaking afterwards, Mr Spacey said he was "grateful" to the jury as he thanked them for their deliberations - which took more than 12 hours. Outside the court the Oscar winner added he was "humbled". The US actor was acquitted of seven counts of sexual assault, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. After the verdict was read, he put his hand on his chest, looked at the jurors and mouthed "thank you" twice before they left the room. Addressing journalists on the court's steps Mr Spacey said there was "a lot for me to process". "I would like to say that I am enormously grateful to the jury for having taken the time to examine all of the evidence and all of the facts carefully before they reached their decision," he said. "I am humbled by the outcome today. I also want to thank the staff inside this courthouse, the security, and all of those who took care of us every single day." Jurors rejected the prosecution's claims Mr Spacey had "aggressively" grabbed three men by the crotch and had performed a sex act on another man while he was asleep in his flat. Prosecutors told the jury the star had left the four complainants feeling "small, diminished and worthless". Mr Spacey, who turned 64 on Wednesday, denied all charges - saying the allegations against him were "weak", "madness" and a "stab in the back".