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Interpol certainly did drop the ball. Although the NY Times reported that a "Red Notice" was issued on Oct. 5, 2020 (eight years after the crime), it was never acted upon. From Interpol website: A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.

Some of these guys may indeed identify as straight but I've found that over the last 21 years of visiting bkk that they should be thought of as "Bangkok straight". What I mean is that once the door to your room or massage cubicle closes, no definitive rules apply. They are free to be whoever or whatever they wish. I've had some of my best times with Bangkok straights.

From Channel News Asia South Korea's parliament votes to impeach minister over Halloween crush SEOUL: South Korean lawmakers voted on Wednesday (Feb to impeach the interior minister over his responses to a deadly Halloween crush, setting the stage for him to become the country's first cabinet member ousted by the legislature. The impeachment motion was passed by a widely expected 179-109 margin in a secret ballot in the 300-member single chamber, where the main opposition Democratic Party holds a 169-seat majority. The support of at least 150 members of the assembly was required to pass it. The parliament's justice committee will review the motion before sending it to the Constitutional Court, which would decide whether to uphold the impeachment, a process that could take up to six months. The Democrats and other opposition parties had pushed to expel the interior minister, Lee Sang-min, urging him to bear responsibility for botched responses to the crush. The Oct 29 incident killed 159 people and injured 196 when revellers flooded narrow alleyways in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon to enjoy the first coronavirus mask-free Halloween festivities in three years. Lee and the police have faced criticism over their handling of the tragedy, especially after publicly released transcripts of emergency calls showed that many citizens warned of impending danger and called for help hours before the stampede.

From Pattaya News By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya City is getting ready to host its one of a kind kite-flying event from February 24th to the 28th. The event organizers promise spectators an awestruck experience during the event days where the sky above Pattaya Beach will be full of countless, colorful kites of all shapes: be it whales, horses, dragons, UFO’S, or even giant octopuses.

Why do I love this story. From The Thaiger/ Pattaya News A wild boar created chaos in Pattaya yesterday, attracting widespread attention on social media. The massive animal, estimated to weigh between 200-300 kilograms, was spotted roaming around the city at 7.30pm on February 7. The beast was also seen swaggering around Big C Extra in central Pattaya as if it owned the joint. Despite the best efforts of Sawang Boriboon rescue workers, who were called to the scene after the boar broke some plants in a residential area, the animal proved to be too much of a challenge. The rescuers fired five tranquiliser darts at the boar but to no avail. The wild beast refused to go down, leaving the rescuers stunned, The Pattaya News reported. The boar is believed to still be on the loose in Pattaya, but is reportedly peaceful and not showing any fear of people. Rescuers believe the animal may have been someone’s pet that had gone missing. Rescue workers are now trying to safely relocate it out of the city.

In his column in today's Pattaya Mail, Barry Kenyon casts a jaundiced eye on the influx of Chinese tourists. ------------------------------ Warnings from the World Health Organization and others about the upsurge of covid cases in China abound. But they have done little to curb the enthusiasm in Thailand and most regional countries to put out the welcome mat whilst the boom opportunity exists. In 2019, Chinese package tourists abroad spent US$254 billion, according to Statista, and tourism-focused businesses are gasping for revival. The average spending per individual was US$1,470, or 47,000 baht, though it is unclear how that relates to zero-sum tourists who pay in advance in China for tickets, hotels and entertainment. Whilst countries such as US, Japan and Australia have put in place vaccination requirements and/or comprehensive travel insurance for Chinese arrivals, southeast Asian governments are imposing few or no restrictions. Thailand has theoretical health checks but there are only “sporadic” inquiries by Bangkok immigration officials. So far, no Chinese tourists are known to have been turned back from Bangkok airports. Cambodian premier Hun Sen said this week there would be no health screening for Chinese visitors. In Manila, tourist officials proclaim that the projected Chinese boom is finally rescuing the economy of the Philippines. The upturn in Chinese arrivals is also assisted by the China-Laos popular hi-speed railway from Kunming, capital of China’s Yunnan province, to Vientiane the capital of Laos. From there, it is straightforward to cross into Thailand and other neighboring countries by land. Meanwhile, China loses no opportunity to expand its diplomatic presence in the region to encourage its enterprises such as the Belt and Road trade initiative. Wherever Chinese officials do find rare examples of their nationals being subject to health checks, they denounce them as unfounded and discriminatory. The biggest problems in the host nations are labour-related. The fall in the birthrate in many regional countries is already contributing to shortage of workers in tourist industries. Thailand, South Korea and Japan are actively competing for guest workers from Myanmar and Cambodia to fill the gap. Shop and factory owners, condominium builders and hotels all over the region are complaining about too many vacancies. The issue is likely to raise basic salaries for economic migrants which, in turn, will increase inflationary pressures in Thailand and elsewhere. There are also concerns in Thailand and some other countries about police corruption which has encouraged the granting of longstay business or student visas to Chinese citizens not actually qualified to receive them. Thai authorities have responded by transferring immigration officials, clamping down on the granting of bank accounts to Chinese nationals and denying visa extensions beyond the 30 days visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders. But for the moment, the sky’s the limit as far as outward-bound Chinese tourism is concerned. As the Chinese Xinhua news agency delicately puts it, “We are teaching friendly neighbors how to smile again.”

....and they're all hoping that we'll Photoshop our own.

Too bad, Scotty, you were around to express this opinion directly to the fighters pictured above.

I agree but particularly at the Thai-Chinese population. Photo from Facebook page. More photos and videos can be found at FB page: https://www.facebook.com/changshabar/

I'm a sucker for a feel good story and here's one I found today. Maybe I'll get a haircut at this shop when I'm in Hanoi this fall.

From The Diplomat By Luke Hunt Cambodian authorities were disbelieving when persistent reports began emerging early last year that Chinese organized crime syndicates had established a network of human trafficking operations based largely out of the southern port town of Sihanoukville. Several foreign embassies – all of them Asian – warned their citizens of the risks associated with traveling to this country and the United States dropped Cambodia to the lowest ranking on its annual Trafficking in Persons Report for failing to “meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.” Many of those scam operations were established by Chinese criminals who decided not to return to the People’s Republic amid the great exodus as the COVID-19 pandemic was erupting in early 2020. Instead, they stayed and traded in human misery by luring unsuspecting job seekers with false promises of well-paid work into slave compounds where they were forced to conduct a range of fraudulent telecom scams. And the traffickers prospered. But as the pandemic ebbed and borders opened, traffickers set their sights on greener, less complicated pastures inside Myanmar. Their victims are now seemingly being flown to Yangon, Bangkok, and onto other transit points, primarily Mae Sot, northwest of Bangkok, and Chiang Rai in the far north close to the Golden Triangle, a region notorious for drug production and other illicit trades. Once across the border, the human cargo is transported to compounds in Shan and Karen states, where casinos have mushroomed alongside illegal and online gambling, and investment scams that primarily deal in cryptocurrencies. Last Friday, sources say, 10 people – Indonesians, Indians, and Nepalese – were freed from a compound in territory controlled by the United Wa State Army in Shan State with the help of foreign-based NGOs. It was an unusual operation that involved police from Indonesia and Wa State, and Interpol from ASEAN, Indonesia, India, and Myanmar. “It was an inter-agency operation – which also means the rescue took place without any involvement from the military junta,” said one source. Their passports were retained, and workers given 12 hours a day to meet quotas. Shortly after Christmas, they began receiving physical threats. Then beatings followed, with security tightened by company managers who carried guns. The company owners were arrested by Wa State police, operating independently from the Myanmar military, which highlights the lack of control that the military exerts in these areas while the civil war continues in other parts of the country. Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/focus-on-human-trafficking-shifts-from-cambodia-to-myanmar/

From The Thaiger Hua Hin and Pattaya have long been two popular destinations in Thailand for tourists and expats. Now a new service schedule will link the two cities with buses running twice a day between Pattaya and Hua Hin, beginning February 19. The two cities sit about 325 kilometres apart by road. Both cities are known for their stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and cultural attractions. Starting from February 19, travellers will be able to take advantage of new bus services that will run twice a day between Hua Hin and Pattaya. The schedule for these buses will have morning and afternoon departures from each city. The early bus will depart from Hua Hin at 9am, with an afternoon option heading out at 3pm. Coming in the opposite direction, buses will depart from Pattaya at 8am first and again at 4pm. The journey between Hua Hin and Pattaya typically takes between four and six hours, depending mostly on Bangkok traffic. This makes it a convenient and affordable option for travellers exploring both destinations. The tickets for the bus service will cost 473 baht and can be purchased in advance on the bus company’s website. There had been a ferry service running between Hua Hin and Pattaya, but it hasn’t been operating since 2020 due to Covid-19.

From TAT / Pattaya Mail The Amazing Muaythai Festival 2023 held during 4-6 February 2023 at Rajabhakti Park, HuaHin, Prachuap Kiri Khan successfully promoted Muay Thai to the world. The event showcased Muay Thai exhibition, Muay Thai industry promotional activities, and sales of merchandise and local cuisine to enjoy. The highlight of the event was the mass performance of the traditional “Wai Kru” ceremony with 3,660 participants, led by the famous Muay Thai fighter Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek, successfully setting the new Guinness World Record. (TAT) Continues with photos https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/amazing-muaythai-festival-in-hua-hin-traditional-wai-kru-ceremony-sets-new-guinness-world-record-423621

From The Thaiger PHUKET: Police have charged the female owner of a small tour shop in Kata for slashing a Chinese tourist with a knife after refusing to refund the full outstanding deposit for a tour the Chinese tourist and his family did not go on. The female employee was summoned to Karon district police station on Monday, to acknowledge charges of assault and carrying a knife in a public place, after the victim posted on her Facebook page that she was attacked by the employee when she went to the tour company to demand a 5,000 baht refund, after the company had failed to arrange a sight-seeing trip to Similan Island for her. The alleged assailant is expected to be indicted in the Phuket District Court today (Tuesday). The incident prompted Phuket Governor Narong Woonsiew to call an urgent meeting yesterday with relevant agencies, to prevent a reoccurrence of the incident, as it may tarnish the image of Thailand and, in particular, Phuket. The governor said that the Chinese consular office in Phuket has been informed of the action taken by Thai authorities. After the meeting, Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Tourism Business and Guide Office ordered the suspension of the operating licence of the tour company in question for six months. Officials said that the company could face a fine of up to 500,000 baht over the incident.

From Richard Barrow Train Guide Starting from Thursday 16th February 2023, the payment method for buying tickets online or through the D-Ticket application will change. From this day onwards, payment can only be made by credit card or debit card. In the past, people had the option to reserve a ticket through D-Ticket and then go and pay at a railway station within 24 hours. However, not all of these people paid for their ticket within the set time period which made it inconvenient for others who wanted to buy a ticket but saw that the tickets were all sold out. People will still be able to pay by credit card, debit card, cash and True Money at all stations around the country. Options for buying train tickets online in Thailand: D-Ticket (Official site) SRT D-Ticket App: App Store or Google Play 12Go Thailand (travel agency) Baolau (travel agency) Continue to How to Buy Train Tickets in Thailand: https://www.thaitrainguide.com/tickets/

Richard Barrow describes a recent train journey to Udon Thani. His report includes some great photography, cultural and tourists places of interest along with places to stay and eat. Makes me want to buy a ticket and go. Good morning from Udon Thani Railway Station in Northeastern Thailand. I came here on Special Express No. 25 from Bangkok last night. I had booked a bed in the 2nd Class sleeper carriage which cost 977 Baht for the lower berth. The train left Bangkok at 8:25 p.m. and arrived in Udon Thani at 5:44 a.m. So, it was about nine hours. I had a good night’s sleep. Continues with photos: https://www.richardbarrow.com/2023/02/weekend-train-trip-to-udon-thani/

Website: https://ninemenspa.com/ LINE: @ninespa Photos on request

Just came across this place. It's located near MRT Blue Line Charan 13 station. It has a Twitter site but if I link it here it will consume excessive space. Here's a sample of posted staff photos.

Somehow I think the license issue will be presently resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. From The Nation The manager of a new Bangkok massage parlour was arrested on Friday night for allegedly running an entertainment venue without permission. However, he was released on a 50,000 bail guarantee and police confirmed on Saturday that no prostitution charges were filed because no evidence of such activity was found during the raid. Lalisa massage parlour in the Sutthisan area was raided on Friday night. During the raid, a customer and a “masseuse” were found inside a room, along with a receipt and a basket containing bathing supplies. Refurbishments are apparently underway at the massage parlour and the only room ready was the one being used, a source said.

From Thai PBS World Thailand’s dry season is forecast to begin at the end of February, 1-2 weeks later than normal, but average temperatures will be higher than last year, reaching 40-43°C in some areas from mid-March to mid-April. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the average maximum temperature this summer is forecast to be at 35.5°C in the north of the country, which is close to normal, but higher than last year’s 34°C. Thailand’s north and north-east will be cool in the mornings, from the end of February to mid-March, but hot during the day time. Temperatures could reach 43°C in some areas, which will result in summer storms from mid-March to mid-April. Turbulent weather, with heavy downpours in some areas, are anticipated from mid-April to mid-May, when the dry season is expected to end.

From BBC Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has fired a government aide who made derogatory remarks about LGBT couples. Masayoshi Arai reportedly said he would not want to live next to, or look at, people in same-sex relationships. Mr Arai also warned that permitting gay marriage in Japan would lead to many abandoning the country. Mr Kishida said the remarks were "outrageous" and "completely incompatible" with his government's policies. Japan - a country still largely bound by traditional gender roles and family values - is the only G7 nation that does not recognise same-sex marriage. However, recent polling suggests most Japanese support gay marriage. A number of same-sex couples have also filed lawsuits across Japan in recent years arguing that the ban on same-sex marriage violates the country's constitution. Prior to Mr Arai's dismissal, Mr Kishida had talked about issues surrounding same-sex marriage in parliament. He stated that it needed to be carefully considered because of its potential impact on traditional family structures. Mr Arai reacted to the remarks afterwards, telling reporters that he "wouldn't like it if [LGBT couples] lived next door" and "doesn't even want to look at them." He added that it would "change the way society is" and "quite a few people would abandon this country," according to Kyodo News. In response, Mr Kishida said he had dismissed Mr Arai, adding: "We have been respecting diversity and realising an inclusive society." Mr Arai later apologised, stating that his remarks were not appropriate and were not representative of the prime minister's views. His resignation represents a further blow to Mr Kishida, whose government has seen plummeting approval ratings after a number of his ministers have resigned over various scandals in recent months.

Gay pride events worldwide https://www.travelgay.com/gay-pride-calendar/

From The Star / Vietnam News Vietnam's famous food pho is a fragrant, subtly powerful dish that's even greater than the sum of its considerable parts. Its broth is a gently simmered stock of beef bones with onion, ginger and spices; it arrives pooled around banh pho, or flat rice noodles, and rare beef slices, topped with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lemon and chilli. - Vietnam News/ANN HANOI, Feb 3 (Vietnam News/ANN): According to Australia’s top tourism website traveler.com.au, pho is surely Vietnam's greatest culinary gift to the world. An article posted on the web said people can argue long into the night about the world's best soup. Maybe it's ramen, laksa, bouillabaisse or caldo verde or even Moroccan bessara. What people can't argue, however, is that Vietnam's most famous soup, the pho, is in the conversation. It affirmed pho is a fragrant, subtly powerful dish that's even greater than the sum of its considerable parts. Its broth is a gently simmered stock of beef bones with onion, ginger and spices; it arrives pooled around banh pho, or flat rice noodles, and rare beef slices, topped with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lemon and chilli. Pho was developed in the north of the country during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The pho obsession spread to the south in the 1950s, when the country was divided and millions of north Vietnamese brought their soup recipe with them to the south. December 12 has been marked as the Day of Pho in celebration of the nation's most well-known dish.

From Coconuts Bangkok Chuwit Kamolvisit, from his Facebook, with a marketing rendering of the 10th Avenue development on the site of former Chuvit Garden, formerly Sukhumvit Square. Image: Davis Corp. Work has finally begun on former massage parlor king and politician Chuwit Kamolvisit’s 56-story development in the heart of Bangkok on the site of a former park. Barriers have gone up around the former Chuwit Park – a piece of land with a controversial history that saw the former lawmaker sent to prison – where work has begun on Tenth Avenue, a 54-story mixed use project that will be anchored by a five-star hotel. Described floridly by Chuwit’s development firm Davis Corp. as “an iconic complex” … [o]verlooking the magnificent skyline of Bangkok and Benjakitti Park,” the site spans 6.1 rai, or about 9,800sqm. Davis says the completed project will include 117,750sqm with retail and office space, a five-star hotel with the capital’s largest infinity pool, and an observation deck on the 54th floor, 230 meters up. Coconuts has reached out to Chuwit for comment. Chuwit has never been far from the headlines for the past two decades and often plays the part of a maverick truth-teller, most recently by inserting himself into a police scandal involving cops extorting money from a Taiwanese celebrity. The project’s story begins in 2003, when the land was Sukhumvit Square, a warren of the kind of seedy bars and red light venues that once dominated most of lower Sukhumvit Road. That year, Chuwit, who owned the land, was accused of hiring hundreds of workers to demolish all of it in the dead of night despite their lease agreements. Eventually, in 2016, he was sent to jail for two years after pleading guilty to criminal damage, trespassing, and false imprisonment. The court cut his sentence from five years because, in 2006, he had turned the land into a public park called Chuvit Garden. He said it was a gift to Bangkok’s park-starved public. While he was in jail, he locked the park and, upon his release, announced that it had been leased to developer Land and Houses Co. Ltd. to build a mixed-use commercial project. As for his gift to the people? He said they’d had it long enough. “It’s time to renovate it. I might build it into something else. And it’s been a long time that it’s been a park, over a decade,” he told reporters. “I went to jail and all that, too.” But the project hit a snag and in 2019 the park was made the “temporary” home of hipster open-air market Artbox. What was supposed to run a few months turned into a 15-month stint for what became a popular evening destination, until it was abruptly shut down during the pandemic in August 2020. Continues with photos and video https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/how-chuwit-got-his-erection-massage-parlor-king-finally-gets-lucrative-project-off-the-ground-20-messy-years-after-his-arrest/

Been to Argentina once 16 years ago and enjoyed myself in BA despite getting pick pocketed on the subway. Regretfully I've never been to Brazil. Tbh, I think I'm too old for that scene now. Nevertheless, wish I had gone there as a younger man. Of all the places I have been, never encountered a shit hole. Haven't found anyplace I still feel as comfortable in as Bangkok.