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Oldadaddy, there are five other shops on Soi 6 where you can choose your guy. No one takes offense regardless who you choose because they're accustomed to the system. Good luck. 🙂

All well and good but what happeed when you asked 9-Teen guy the big question?

From Bangkok Post The lawyer who successfully sought the disbandment of the Move Forward Party has asked the Constitutional Court to stop former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from threatening the constitutional monarchy by influencing the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party. In a 5,080-page petition filed at the court on Thursday, Therayut Suwankesorn targets both Thaksin and the party now led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Among the many allegations the petition makes is that Thaksin used the Ministry of Justice under the Pheu Thai-led government to secure his extended stay at Police General Hospital when he should have been in jail following his conviction for abuse of power last year. Mr Therayut also accused Thaksin of pushing the government to share marine resources in Thai waters with Cambodia in line with a memorandum of understanding signed in 2001 when he was prime minister. In fact, the marine boundary between the two countries remains in dispute, though Pheu Thai is seeking to revive negotiations. As well, the petition contends, Thaksin ordered Pheu Thai to join forces with the People’s Party to push for constitutional amendments. The latter is the reincarnation of the Move Forward Party, which the Constitutional Court earlier found guilty of jeopardising the constitutional monarchy, Mr Therayut points out. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2881447/dissolution-petition-targets-thaksin-and-pheu-thai

From Pattaya News Phuket Smart Bus (PKSB) yesterday launched a new electric bus service connecting Phuket Town and Patong. The service is priced at just 50 baht per passenger. Phuket Smart Bus Co Ltd, a venture under PKCD, has a history of initiatives aimed at enhancing Phuket. Earlier this year, PKCD, in collaboration with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, introduced a free air-conditioned electric bus service in Phuket Town. The new service adds to their existing operations, which include bus routes from the airport along Phuket’s west coast to Rawai. Governor Sophon emphasised that the new bus route aims to provide both locals and tourists with convenient and eco-friendly transportation options. The initiative also seeks to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution levels in the area. The electric bus route will pass through significant areas such as Samkong, Kathu, and Patong. Key locations along the route include schools, hospitals, markets, and popular tourist spots like Patong Beach. The service will run daily from 6am to 8pm, with buses departing every hour, said Governor Sophon. https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-launches-b50-electric-bus-service-from-town-to-patong

From Pattaya News In a coordinated raid on the evening of September 9th, 2024, Pattaya City Police and Banglamung District Administrative Officers successfully dismantled what they called an illegal poker gambling ring of foreign nationals, arresting eleven individuals in total. The operation, led by Mr. Wekit Manarojkij, Banglamung District Chief and Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, Pattaya City Police Chief, along with many other senior officers and officials, targeted a residence on Soi Sanamkhan Land in Nongprue, near Pattaya late in the evening of September 9th. According to Pol. Col. Thirawit, the raid was prompted by reports from local residents concerned about illegal gambling activities, who told police they were afraid it would hurt the upstanding tourism image of Pattaya. Officers conducted surveillance and waited for an opportune moment to enter the premises. Upon gaining entry, they discovered a group of foreigners, both Europeans and Asians, engrossed in a poker game. The raid resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, including three South Koreans, two Americans, two Australians, one Russian, and one British national. Additionally, a Thai card dealer and a housekeeper whose nationality was not immediately made clear and was serving food were also apprehended. The authorities seized gambling tables, chairs, chips used in place of cash, 37 decks of cards, and some cash as evidence. All suspects and evidence were handed over to the investigation officer for further legal proceedings. Their names, however, were not released to The Pattaya News pending further investigation. Continues with photos https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/10/eleven-people-arrested-mostly-foreigners-for-illegal-international-poker-game-in-pattaya/

From Pattaya Mail Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced a significant increase in independent Chinese tourists visiting Pattaya during the recent Chinese National Holiday. However, the number of group tours from China has dropped by more than half. This decline is attributed to China’s recent policy encouraging domestic travel and the impact of recent flooding in Thailand, which has affected group bookings at various hotels. Despite the reduction in group tours, many independent Chinese travellers opted to visit Pattaya, contributing to the city’s vibrant tourism scene. As the city enters its high season, local authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of tourists, particularly in entertainment venues. Efforts are being made to enhance fire safety and overall emergency preparedness. Looking ahead, the upcoming long holiday from October 12-14 is expected to attract a significant number of Thai tourists to Pattaya, with many already securing accommodations. Although September saw a dip in tourism numbers, the outlook for the end of the year remains promising. Numerous events are planned to draw visitors, including the Bikini Run, International Fireworks Festival, International Jazz Music Festival, and New Year’s Countdown celebrations scheduled for November and December. These activities aim to boost Pattaya’s tourism and solidify its reputation as a premier destination.

Olddaddy, how is your Filipino boyfriend enjoying the trip?

Most readers are familiar with Bangkok's Khlong Toei slum. This video from NHK World explores the lives of some residents who have found refuge in the violin. If we find ourselves becoming a bit jaded by the Big Mango, this may just provide the antidote. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2022424/

From Khaosod English Police Lance Corporal Pichaya Arintamapong (left), a squad leader at the Immigration Bureau's Inbound Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport and her colleague laugh about the adorable moment when an American female tourist said she came to Thailand to see Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo star. BANGKOK — Molly, an American woman who flew 18.5 hours from New York to Thailand specifically to see Moo Deng, the famous baby pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, became known to Thai netizens when she posted many clips about her trip on TikTok. “I’ve made it to Thailand! Today is the day I see moo deng! I am so freaking excited, the zoo just confirmed you can see her everyday! I am on cloud nine!!!” was the first message with a clip she posted when she arrived in Thailand on October 3. In another clip, she mentioned that customs agents in Thailand couldn’t believe it when she told them she came to Thailand for the first time to see Moo Deng The female immigration officer recounted that while she was on duty at the passenger checkpoint, Miss Molly approached with a smiling face. She asked Miss Molly the usual questions about the duration of her stay and the purpose of her visit. The passenger replied, “I came to Thailand to see Moo Deng.”. She admitted that when she first heard it, she couldn’t believe it. So she asked again and got the confirmation that it was indeed “Moo Deng.” At that moment, she was stunned and thought of the famous hippo named Moo Deng, so she further inquired, “How do you know about Moo Deng?” Miss Molly explained that Moo Deng is iconic, and her phone was full of Moo Deng’s pictures. She wanted to see Moo Deng while it was still young, and she assured that she would definitely come back next time for a longer visit to explore Thailand. She then quickly processed the immigration check and said to Molly, “Enjoy Moodeng,” which made both Molly and herself laugh together. “Immigration work is a frontline job where we meet people entering the country. We have to represent Thai people in welcoming and screening those who enter the country, balancing friendliness with security, and doing our best,” Police Lance Corporal Pichaya said. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2024/10/06/thai-officer-shares-lovely-moment-with-american-tourists-18-hour-flight-for-moo-deng/

From Thai News Agency Order Safety Checks for 13,000 Gas-Powered Buses Thailand’s Prime Minister has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of all 13,000 gas-powered buses operating in the country within the next 60 days. Until the checks are completed, these buses will be taken off the road. The government is also reviewing existing laws related to public transportation to ensure stricter safety standards. Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap announced the decision following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, saying that the Prime Minister had expressed deep concern over road safety, particularly regarding vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). “All 13,000 gas-powered buses must undergo rigorous safety checks within the next 60 days,” Jirayu said. “No bus will be allowed to operate until it has passed inspection.” The Department of Land Transport has issued a directive outlining the inspection procedures, which include checks on gas tanks, engine components, and emergency equipment. Buses that fail to meet the safety standards will be suspended from operation until necessary repairs are made. In addition to the bus inspections, the Department of Marine has been tasked with conducting safety checks on approximately 15,000 passenger boats and 108 river-cruise vessels. These inspections will focus on the safety of cooking gas installations and the overall condition of the natural gas vessels. The Ministry of Education has been requested to advise schools to avoid using gas-powered buses for field trips until the inspections are complete. Schools requiring transportation are advised to hire charter buses or non-public buses and to ensure that these vehicles undergo thorough safety checks. https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-1431494

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Thai government has at long last begun the issuing of official identification cards to Myanmar economic migrants even if they entered illegally. In the past, hundreds of thousands of such workers and their families have been deported and dumped en masse to the Myanmar border where they were subject to reprisals from the ruling junta and often forced into the army to fight the raging insurgency. Spokesman for the migrants, U Moe Kyaw, confirmed that the u-turn policy was now in force. Illegal immigrants were now able to apply to the Thai Department of Employment for a pink card, initially for one year and able to be renewed. The only criterion is that they must prove they are Myanmar nationals by, for example, producing their Myanmar ID card or birth certificate. Additionally, Myanmar workers who already hold two-year residence set to expire in February 2025 will be able to extend another 24 months. The abuse of migrants fleeing Myanmar has been a major scandal for years, particularly since the military coup there in 2021. The junta has attempted to stop the emigration by refusing to issue passports or to cooperate in signing counter-signing certificates of entry which were necessary to leave by proper border posts. There have been countless tales of abuse inside Thailand with fearful migrants being forced to pay bribes to the local police in border areas. However, some migrants are still at risk. They need the sponsorship of a properly registered Thai employer to seek the pink card and, if they quit, must find alternative employment within 60 days (formerly 30). Moreover, they must avoid working in occupational sectors which are reserved for Thai nationals only. These include hairdressers, tour guides, masseurs and taxi drivers amongst others. Those immigrants who fall into the trap of working online in gambling and fraud scams will still be subject to Thai jail sentences and deportation. The Ministry of Labour says there are about 2.5 million Myanmar workers employed legally in Thailand, with perhaps twice that number working without adequate documentation. Immigrant labour is essential for large sectors of the Thai economy including fisheries, factories, construction and retail. The pink card, once issued, covers holders for some basic human rights and the right to hospital treatment via Thailand’s social security system. spokesperson for Human Rights Watch told Pattaya Mail the announced reform should have happened long ago as illegal workers face immense struggles and live in constant fear. “Many migrants are focused on survival rather than becoming wealthy,” he said. Meanwhile, the Myanmar junta has announced further hostile measures. These include banning Myanmar students in Thailand from being able to renew their passports in Thailand and trying to coerce workers abroad into sending a quarter of their wages back home. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/in-a-surprise-move-thailand-ends-compulsory-deportation-of-myanmar-illegals-475165

From the BBC Does China now have a permanent military base in Cambodia? Two grey shapes, visible from satellites for most of this year at Cambodia’s Ream naval base, seem to confirm growing fears in Washington: that China is expanding its military footprint, beyond the three disputed islands in the South China Sea which it has already seized and fortified. The shapes are type A56 corvettes of the Chinese navy - 1,500-tonne warships - and they have been berthed alongside a new, Chinese-built pier that is big enough to accommodate much larger vessels. Onshore there are other facilities, also built by China, which are presumed to be for the use of the Chinese navy. The Cambodian government has repeatedly denied such a possibility, citing its constitution which bans any permanent foreign military presence, and stating that Ream is open to use by all friendly navies. "Please understand this is a Cambodian, not a Chinese base," said Seun Sam, a Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. "Cambodia is very small, and our military capacities are limited. "We need more training from outside friends, especially from China." Others, however, are watching with suspicion. For all the talk about the rapid rise of Chinese sea power - the country now has more ships in its navy than the US - China currently has only one overseas military base, in the African state of Djibouti, which it built in 2016. The United States, by contrast, has around 750 - one also in Djibouti, and many others in countries close to China like Japan and South Korea. The US believes the imbalance is changing, however, because of China’s stated ambition to be a global military power. That, and the scale of its investments in overseas infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative, which under Chinese law must be built to military standards. Some in Washington predict that China will eventually have a global network of bases, or civilian ports that it can use as bases. And one of the first of these is Ream. Until a few years ago, Ream - which sits on Cambodia's southern tip - was being upgraded with US assistance; part of the tens of millions of dollars' worth of yearly military aid provided to Cambodia. But the US cut back this aid after 2017, when Cambodia's main opposition party was banned and its leaders exiled or jailed. Most analysts believe a long-term Chinese presence at Ream would offer very few real advantages to China. They point to the three bases it has already built on Mischief, Fiery Cross and Subi Reefs in the South China Sea, and the formidable naval forces it maintains on its south coast. But a Chinese base in Ream, at the mouth of the Gulf of Thailand, does worry Cambodia’s neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam. Together with other bases further north, it could be seen as an attempt by China to encircle the long Vietnamese coast. Like the Philippines, Vietnam disputes China’s claim to almost all the islands in the South China Sea, and its forces have clashed with China’s in the past. Thai national security officials have also privately expressed alarm at the thought of a Chinese base just south of the Thai navy’s main port in Sattahip, covering their exit from the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia still have unresolved territorial disputes, after all. Continues with photos https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/does-china-now-have-a-permanent-military-base-in-cambodia/ar-AA1rQUNQ

He left out reason #6: they're in for the money and looking for customers. 🙂

From BBC Travel Vietnamese-American journalist and broadcaster, William Lee Adams, returns to Vietnam where his G.I. father first met his mother during the dark days of the Vietnam War. Continue to video https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jvjww4/vietnam-visiting-hanoi-s-oldest-food-market

Agree about the need for unified response. The most likely ignition point is probably the Philippines. However, I don't think China is eager for military showdown with its economy such a crucial issue. As much as it would like to unleash its navy, I think it would rather sell the Comac 919 to western airlines in desperate need of narrow body jets. Greed is a two-way street when it comes to the bottom line.

From AP Small town in Thailand hold mass cremation LAN SAK, Thailand (AP) — Mourners wept and monks prayed at a cremation ceremony Tuesday in a small town in central Thailand for 23 young students and teachers who died in last week’s bus fire on a school field trip. A large cremation site was set up close to the temple in Lan Sak town whose compound hosts the school that was attended by the victims. Several furnaces with tall chimneys were erected, with floral adornments placed in front of them. Six teachers and 39 elementary and junior high school students were on the bus when it caught fire on Oct. 1 on a highway in Pathum Thani, a northern suburb of Bangkok. It spread so quickly that only 22 people were able to escape. After forensic work in Bangkok made positive identifications of the badly burnt bodies, the victims’ remains were were returned to their hometown for funeral rites that began last week. https://apnews.com/article/thailand-bus-fire-cremation-d549dd09b10e525b434f4dc3d4840d91

These guys don't need a costume. They're already scary.

China is now intent on achieving what Japan sought to do nearly 90 years ago but in somewhat more subtle ways.

From The Nation The Transport Ministry has unveiled the schedule of tourism trains from October to February, aiming to boost domestic tourism and generate income for local communities. Three types of train will embark on sight-seeing routes over the next five months, said minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Monday. These are the Royal Blossom, Kiha 183, and Second World War-era steam locomotives. The Royal Blossom and Kiha 183 were donated to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) by Japan and have been refurbished as cosy and stylish tourism trains with full facilities. Tourists booking the special trains can opt for daytrips or overnight stays, available on weekends, holidays, and special occasions. Suriya said the wide variety of different trip itineraries would cater to every traveller, whether they seek adventure, relaxation, eco-tourism or cultural experiences. The Royal Blossom offers the highest level of luxury and comfort, featuring air-conditioned cabins with 180-degree views to appreciate the scenery. A one-day trip costs 1,799 baht per person and includes meals, drinks, tour guide service, shuttle bus fee, and accident insurance. The Kiha 183 is for travellers who prefer classic rail adventure, offering both daytrips (1,499 baht) and overnight stays (3,999 baht) to destinations further away from Bangkok. The ticket price includes meals, drinks, tour guide service, shuttle bus fee, room fees, and accident insurance. The World War II-era steam locomotive offers trips to two historical provinces on special occasions, namely Ayutthaya on Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (October 23), and Chachoengsao on Father’s Day (December 5). Tickets are 329 baht for a normal cabin and 529 to 799 baht for air-conditioned, inclusive of snacks and drinks. Tour programmes and seat booking are available at any train station nationwide or via the D-Ticket mobile app. For more information, call the SRT’s 1690 hotline. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40042161

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Cambodia’s neighbors, including Thailand, are concerned about the rapid rise of Chinese sea power and its possible use of the Ream naval base only a few hundred km south of the Thai naval port of Sattahip. The fear is that China is expanding its military footprint beyond the seizure of several disputed islands in the South China Sea which have already been fortified. But neither Thailand nor Vietnam are saying much publicly to avoid disrupting vital trade relationships with China and, separately, because there’s nothing they can do anyway. Surveillance photos show that the Ream harbor has a new pier, a new dry dock, warehouses, living quarters and four basketball courts. Dredging is continuing though it’s unclear how deep it will go to admit the largest ships. The official Cambodian position is that the dock is not yet finished. When it is, ships from other “friendly” nations (not just China) will be able to use the facilities. Cambodian deputy prime minister Sun Chanthol said the port was very small at 0.3 km and used only for training to prepare for the upcoming Golden Dragan exercises. Moreover, the Chinese presence in Ream is not permanent so does not count as a base. Mr Sun added that many US vessels are too big and might “get stuck”. Others are not so sure. A foothold at Ream would give China better control over the South China Sea, 90 percent of which it claims to own in spite of an international court ruling against Beijing. The Seam port’s pier is almost identical to the 363 meter-long construction at the Chinese base in Djibouti in east Africa and long enough to accommodate a Chinese largest aircraft carrier. But Greg Poling of the CSIS thinktank thinks that the small Ream base doesn’t get the Chinese navy any closer to regional hegemony. He points out that China currently has only two overseas bases whereas the US has hundreds, including a presence in both Thailand and the Philippines. However, Ream could be much more important as a signals and intelligence base for the Chinese military. Time alone will show the true significance of the developing construction on Cambodia’s southern tip. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/fears-grow-about-chinese-military-influence-over-cambodia-475157

From Pattaya Mail The new administration of Paetongtarn Shinawatra seems determined to tackle workplace legality. Although the vast majority of the 2,000 arrests in recent weeks have been of non-documented entrants from neighboring countries, especially Myanmar, the net appears to be widening. Director General of the Department of Employment (DOE), Somchai Morakotsriwan, emphasized a sharpened focus on “western” foreigners operating in professions reserved for Thai nationals such as tour operators, masseurs, barbers and online selling. Dealing with illegal workers is the joint concern of the DOE and the immigration police. In practice, the labour officials mostly investigate large scale businesses using migrant workers, whilst immigration concentrates on enforcing alien laws and tracking individuals who lack the necessary authorization. In the past few weeks, illegal entrants have been found working in restaurants, coconut farms, restaurants, factories and construction sites throughout Thailand. In Pattaya the arrest emphasis has been on condominium building projects. Earlier this month, Chonburi immigration officers raided premises where 20 Chinese nationals had rented three adjacent houses in Pattaya to run online gambling businesses and providing illegal loans with huge rates of interest. Numerous computers, mobile phones sundry items were seized. Other work-related arrests have included three Russian taxi drivers in Phuket, a mobile Ukrainian manicurist, a Japanese tour guide in Chiang Mai, a French cook in Bangkok and a British disc jockey in Pattaya. Almost all those found guilty by a Thai court are deported. The economic migrants from neighboring countries are sent back in groups by bus or lorry. Those from more distant countries remain in jail until a single-journey airticket is paid for (not by Thai authorities). Blacklisting is automatic in most cases. Immigration authorities claim that that new technology is now playing an important role. Police lieutenant general Sompong Chingduang said that the latest biometric system can translate information on a chip to a passport to check for any facial feature irregularity An immigration spokesperson added that Thailand was working towards an integrated system of entry travel authorization, electronic visas and visitor data bases which would make controls much easier to enforce. The government has announced visitor and visa facilitation as one of its policy aims for 2025, but a working party on reducing the number of non-immigrant visas has not yet reported. Non immigrant visas cover retirement, spouses, families and activities such as medical tourism and sports training now under the aegis of the Destination Thailand Visa. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/find-arrest-and-deport-slogan-warns-illegal-workers-475025

As much as I agree that any efforts to counter China's intentions of colonizing the entire South China Sea, it's probably not wise to expect much in he way of materiel support from the Vietnam's limited naval assets. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_equipment_of_the_Vietnam_People's_Navy The best chance will depend on a joint effort primarily led by US naval forces, supported by Japan, Korea, Australia, the UK and other partners.

I don't ask the men I meet whether they're gay or straight--or something in between. If one of them chooses to tell me, I accept what he says simply because I'm inclined to believe he probably has a better handle on it than me.

Your contributions are much appreciated, Sudoxi. Trip and venue report have always been--and will remain--the meat and potatoes of the forum. You included the right mix IMO of details that whets the appetite to return. 🙏