reader

If you're curious how Clarence Thomas went from abandoned, dirt-poor boy in Savannah to Malcom X radical, to anti-affirmative action advocate, to darling of the the GOP, public television series Frontline tells the story in its latest episode available on demand for a limited time. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/clarence-and-ginni-thomas/

From Pattaya News Lampang — A British teenager has been found dead with head wounds in a forest in Lampang province, northern Thailand. His girlfriend who went for a motorbike ride with him also went missing. The deceased teenager, Ben, 16, was found in a grove in the Ban Than district with injuries resembling blunt force, local police reported on Sunday morning, May 7th. The victim of British nationality, who has a Thai mother and was largely raised in Thailand, went for a motorbike ride with his Thai girlfriend Yam, also 16, in his hometown of Lampang on Saturday but did not return home. His body was found by a garbage collector who was at work on Sunday morning. Police Colonel Sittisak Singtongla, superintendent of the Mae Tha Police, told the Thai media: ‘The station received a notification at 10.15am that a deceased person was found in the undergrowth.’ Upon inspection of Ben’s body, the authorities found that his phone and cash were not with him. He was found with his back against a tree wearing a black long sleeve T-shirt and jeans. Police said that the body has been taken to hospital for an autopsy. The victim’s girlfriend also went missing, and police are searching for her. ‘We are currently tracking down individuals close to the victim, including his female companion. She is a key figure in this case since she is the last person to see him alive,’ Col Sittisak said. Ben’s mother, Ooy Taota, told police that her son had said goodbye to her on Saturday evening and said he was ‘going to work with friends’ but he did not give any more details to her.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Expectations that rich or talented foreigners would rush to take advantage of 10 year permissions of stay have failed to gain traction. Neither the Thai nor the Cambodian authorities have published meaningful data on completed applications and little has been heard of either scheme since the launchings last year. In Thailand, the long term residence scheme is run by the Board of Investment with options for rich retirees, global travelers and executives. Most enquirers have found the bureaucracy most complex with the principal advantage being tax concessions via a digital work permit on income earned in Thailand. The Cambodian variant is actually run by the Khmer Home Charity Association and requires cash investment in an approved property complex. Neither scheme promises a second passport although the Cambodian visa holds out the maybe “five years down the line”. Mr Keo Song, a Phnom Penh travel agent and visa specialist who works closely with Cambodian immigration, said he had heard next to nothing about the golden visa. “It is straightforward for foreigners to obtain a variety of annual visas and extensions (retirement, work, study and family) for about US$300, so there isn’t a market for the 10 year idea.” He added that it was open to anyone to apply for Cambodian citizenship by investing around US$300,000, a process taking three months. Thailand, too, has no shortage of annually renewable visas. Indeed, a 10 year O/X option was introduced (without success) as early as 2017. But the main competitor is the Elite visa which grants a multiple entry stay of five years for 600,000 baht (less than US$20,000) with various other options for up to 20 years. Although the Elite visa does not offer income tax concessions and does not carry a digital work permit, it has been far and away the best long-term seller in recent years. Golden Investments, which specializes in residency and citizenship by investment, said “The most successful schemes, for example in some Caribbean countries, offer clear advantages – notably a second passport – in return for a cash sum.” But neither the Thai nor the Cambodian 10-year visas attract specific markets and both are blurry round the edges.” The spokesman suggested that Thailand should expand the right to a digital work permit for self-employment without having Thai partners, whilst Cambodia should clarify its half-promise of a second passport and increase the options for investment.

From National News Bureau of Thailand Police warn of New SMS Cyber Scam Links BANGKOK (NNT) - "Cyber Cop Thailand" has issued a warning to the public about new SMS texts issued by scammers claiming to be from commercial banks. Victims are deceived into downloading a mobile control application by clicking on a link in the message. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), also known as Cyber Cop Thailand, scammers use the same name and text field as commercial banks, making their messages appear authentic. After clicking on the link provided, victims are directed to the scammers’ Line account which resembles that of a real bank. They are then asked to provide personal information before being tricked into downloading a mobile control app. The CCIB officials said there have been over 3,700 complaints related to mobile control app scams filed via the police website between March 1 of last year and April 30 this year, with total damages estimated at over 233 million baht. The cyber police bureau has assured the public that banks never send SMS messages with links to follow, adding that any such message should be considered fraudulent. The public is encouraged to be wary of SMS messages and links and to contact organizations directly to confirm their authenticity.

From CNBC The cybersecurity world faces new threats beyond targeted ransomware attacks, according to experts at the recent RSA cybersecurity industry conference in San Francisco. Joe McMann, head of cybersecurity services at Binary Defense, a cybersecurity solutions provider, said the new battleground is data extortion and companies need to shift gears to face the threat. Traditionally, ransomware attackers encrypt or delete proprietary data of organizations and ask for ransom before reverting the attack. McMann said hackers are now focusing on stealing customer or employee data and then threatening to leak it publicly. “By naming, shaming, threatening reputational impact, they force the hands of their targets,” McMann said. The International Data Corporation predicts firms will spend over $219 billion on cybersecurity this year, and McMann said cybercriminals constantly evolve their exploitations. Hackers shifted tactics after ransomware attacks brought an unwelcome level of visibility by law enforcement and governments, and cybersecurity professionals became adept at solving decryption. Instead of paralyzing hospitals and pipelines, he said criminals changed gears to collect data and threaten companies with customer dissatisfaction and public outcry. At the end of March, OpenAI documented a data leak in an open-source data provider that made it possible to see personal AI chat histories, payment information, and addresses. The team patched the leak in hours, but McMann said once data is out there, hackers can use it. Continues at https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/07/in-a-new-hacking-crime-wave-more-personal-data-is-being-held-hostage.html

From National News Bureau of Thailand Revenue Dept Dismisses Rumors of Departure Tax Reintroduction BANGKOK (NNT) - The Revenue Department has dismissed rumors circulating on social media that it is planning to reintroduce a departure tax for Thais and foreign residents leaving the country. The tax, initially imposed in 1983, was scrapped in 1991. However, the constitution requires the department to assess the suitability of old executive decrees, including the departure tax. According to Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, the department’s deputy director-general, the government has no intention of reinstating the tax. He noted that the department conducted a survey on the tax from May 3-17 on its website, www.rd.go.th, to comply with constitutional requirements. However, some members of the public saw the survey and became extremely concerned, thinking that the tax was making a comeback. Winit also revealed that the department would conduct similar surveys on inheritance and petroleum income taxes by the end of next year. The purpose of the surveys is to assess public opinion on executive decrees scrapped by past administrations.

I believe Tarntawan installed new mattresses 3-4 years ago and replaced carpeting with with manufactured flooring in many rooms.

It does appear that the Bangkok press is frequently reporting heat index temps without noting the difference. Here's an article from the BBC featuring the actual Celsius temps around SE Asia that puts the situation into a better perspective. From the BBC Climate change: Vietnam records highest-ever temperature of 44.1C Vietnam has recorded its highest ever temperature, just over 44C (111F) - with experts predicting it would soon be surpassed because of climate change. The record was set in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, where officials warned people to stay indoors during the hottest times of the day. Other countries in the region have also been experiencing extremely hot weather. Thailand reported a record-equalling 44.6C in its western Mak province. Meanwhile Myanmar's media reported that a town in the east had recorded 43.8C, the highest temperature for a decade. Both countries experience a hot period before the monsoon season but the intensity of the heat has broken previous records. In Hanoi, climate change expert Nguyen Ngoc Huy told AFP that Vietnam's new record was "worrying" given the "context of climate change and global warming". "I believe this record will be repeated many times," he said. "It confirms that extreme climate models are being proven to be true." The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments make steep cuts to emissions. In Vietnam's central city of Danang, farmer Nguyen Thi Lan told AFP the heat was forcing workers to start earlier than ever and finish by 10:00. Vietnam's previous record temperature of 43.4C was set in central Ha Tinh province four years ago. Further west, the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka recorded its highest temperature since the 1960s while Indian authorities said parts of the country were experiencing temperatures that were three or four degrees above normal.

In Pattaya, foreigners usually just throw themselves off the balcony. But maybe because he was only on second floor he decided otherwise. Excerpted from The Pattaya Mail Police said a man who blamed marijuana smoking for his viral rampage at a Pattaya hotel actually was high on crystal methamphetamines. The 43 Italian man faces narcotics charges after testing positive for crystal meth in the aftermath of his meltdown at Chalee Place on Soi Buakhao May 3. He threw the contents of his hotel room, including the refrigerator, TV, furniture and more, from the second-floor balcony during a paranoid rant. Civil-defense volunteers broke into the room and took him to the Pattaya Police Station and consoled his frightened girlfriend. The man told police he had been smoking marijuana all day – a claim backed up by many packets of cannabis found in the room – and became paranoid, hearing voices and feeling like people were watching him. A urine test, however, proved it was “ya ice”, not ganja, that pushed him over the edge. Admitting to smoking cannabis, of course, won’t get you in trouble, as it has been decriminalized. But testing positive for meth – a Class 1 narcotic – carries stiff criminal penalties.

From The Nation The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned people to beware of heatstroke as the mercury is expected to rise beyond 50 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country. TMD said Chonburi will be the hottest city in the East of Thailand on Sunday, with the temperature hitting 53ᵒC. In Bangkok, the hottest district will be Bang Na, which will hit 52.7ᵒC. The hottest city in the Northeast is Kosum Phisai district in Maha Sarakham with 46ᵒC, while Phuket in the South hit 51.1ᵒC.

Until, of course, they're not young anymore. 🙂

From Reuters BANGKOK (Reuters) - Another opposition leader emerged as the favourite to be Thailand's next prime minister in a new opinion poll on Friday, just days out from an election that could see an end to nine years of military-backed government. Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, the charismatic leader of the Move Forward party, jumped ahead of Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the main opposition Pheu Thai, with 29.37% support versus her 27.55% in a countrywide survey by Nation media group. The outcome tracks that of the latest poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) on Wednesday, which also put Harvard-educated Pita ahead of Paetongtarn for the first time, as Move Forward - a party popular among young Thais - sees a late surge in some surveys.

From The Nation The Revenue Department is conducting a public hearing on the Royal Decree to evaluate the efficiency of the 1983 Overseas Travel Tax. The public hearing kicked off on Wednesday and will wrap up on May 17, the department said on Friday. The decree mandates that all travellers, including Thai nationals and foreign expats, pay a tax every time they leave the country. Those travelling by air will be subject to a 1,000 baht tax, while those travelling by sea or land will be subject to 500 baht. The department said this decree had been issued to prevent an excessive outflow of Thai currency, preserve the country’s balance of payment and increase state revenue. The tax does not apply to transport and logistics operators, flight crew, holders of border passes, monks and religious pilgrims, consular and embassy officials and their families, workers with tax exemption permits issued by the Labour Ministry, and transit passengers who spend no more than 48 hours in the country. Violators can face up to three months in prison and/or 6,000 baht in fines.

+1 You're doing the bar--and those who work there--a favor by helping to get this behavior straightened out from the start. Once a bad reputation is earned it's difficult to shake.

About 15 years ago young guys would gather near the main entrance after it closed, looking for customers. That's when you could also find at least a dozen more on Rama IV between Silom and Surawong. I often walk the park in the evening and it doesn't strike me as particularly cruisy. Lots of serious joggers and families. The men who use the outdoor weightlifting area aren't posing and preening like it was some kind of health club with the latest machines. They're pushing iron the old-fashioned way. Doesn't mean you still can't catch an eye. It is, after all, still part of the wonderful city of Bangkok.

If it was super easy you'd be sashaying down Silom every night.

From Lufthansa The Lufthansa A380 is returning to the skies. After a break of almost 3 years, you can once again enjoy the special travel experience on board the A380, starting June 1 Boston to Munich. The A380 will then also be flying from New York (JFK) to Munich beginning on July 4, 2023, in time for U.S. Independence Day. Sit back and experience the calm and comfort of the largest aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet. Starting June 1, 2023, the A380 will be flying daily from Boston to Munich with flight number LH425. From July 4, 2023, the A380 with flight number LH411 will fly daily from New York (JFK) to Munich. By the end of October this year, the airline will fly the A380 from Munich to Bangkok (BKK)

From Thai PBS World Many turn up to receive bivalent vaccine booster doses provided by the BMA Many people have shown up since Songkran to get COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, provided by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said today (Friday). At some vaccination centres, he said that the number of people wanting to be vaccinated on some days exceeds the daily limit of 1,300. The city administration is providing free Moderna bivalent booster doses to all Thais, but will charge medical service fees to foreigners at 380 baht per head. The vaccination service is available at all hospitals and health service centres operated by the BMA and at six shopping malls, including Central World, MBK Center, ICS opposite Icon Siam, Terminal 21, Victoria Garden in Bang Khae and Robinson Lifestyle in Lat Krabang.

Some may find Silom Rd. after hours (when bars closed and often earlier) fertile ground.

From Pattaya News Police have warned of fake accommodations on Facebook pages and scammers. On Tuesday a Spokesman from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, Colonel Krisana Pattanajaroen, warned of fake accommodation Facebook pages. These scammers are reportedly using real photos of rooms, hotels and villas to make them look like real Facebook pages of those places. Most of the fake Facebook pages show places in famous tourism locations such as in Pattaya, Koh Larn, Phuket, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. When victims agreed to book rooms and transfer money to the scammers, the suspects would be unable to be contacted and disconnect their phones or block the victim.There are more than 238 victims recently which have caused damages in the millions of baht. Please check before booking rooms or places online with the criteria below: Book via reliable booking agencies such as Booking.com, Agoda, Traveloka, or via reputable accommodation websites. Check Facebook pages and make sure they are real ones not fake ones. Call the accommodations before transferring money to them. Avoid transferring money to personal accounts, the accounts should be business accounts. Be careful of advertising of overly cheap accommodations. If it is too good to be true, it often is.

From Thai PBS World Starting June 1st, air passengers can check in with their luggage using automated check-in services up to five hours in advance of their departure time, instead of three hours, in order to address congestion at the check-in counters at Suvarnabhumi international airport, according to Kirati Kitmanawat, president of Airports of Thailand Public Company (AOT). He disclosed that passengers are worried about the congestion at check-in, with some arriving at the airport up to seven hours in advance, but check-in counters for most airlines only open three hours in advance of departure, resulting in congestion. Congestion is also caused by only 18 airlines having automated check-in services and the requirement that passengers display RT-PCR test results to enter some countries, said Kirati, adding that the AOT has set a target to increase automated check-in services this year, so more passengers will use the option to reduce congestion. He also said that the AOT is considering easing the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during the security check process, by defining which types of shoes do not need to be removed. The AOT is in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand over the introduction of more advanced X-ray machines, to for check arms and explosives hidden in luggage without the need for manual searches, which would also help to speed up the check-in process, said Kirati.

After viewing introductory video on One Spa's LINE site, I'm persuaded that this is actually a new shop located no more than an easy 10-minite walk from the Saphan Kwai BTS stop on Sutthian Winitchai Rd. Since I friended them on LINE I get regular updates on featured staffers. Here's the translated description of what appears to be a four-hand offering: "Newcomer, Red label today. Good massage. Complete 69 tasks. Take turns. Very fun. Massage all the time. If you don't try, you will miss it very much." Have to give them an "A" for effort. This place is definitely on my short list for next trip. +1

If you're looking more for shows that feature some twinks, I'd start with Freshboys, Screw Boy and Hot Male on Patpong 2 and Banana on Soi 4. And don't forget the staff (waiters, bartenders) are frequently available to be offed. And although they don't appear on stage, I always think of them as part of the overall entertainment package.

You may be safe and secure in your falangdom home but there are other readers (expats and tourists) who find themselves in need of it in Thailand. I think the mother ship is calling. Time to beam yourself up, Scotty.

Oh, I get it. In Scotty Land you wait until it's a pandemic then you begin vaccinating. Brilliant. Think we tried that three years ago.