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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.

From Pattaya News

From The Nation Bangkok kicked off a project to offer space free of charge for hawkers and street vendors in the heart of the city on Wednesday, clearing cluttered pavements. City governor Chadchart Sittipunt presided over the launch of the “Hello Hab-Re” (Hello Hawkers) project outside Samyan Mitrtown on Rama IV Road. The project will reorganise hawkers and street vendors in the city by allocating suitable areas that do not block public footpaths. The operator of Samyan Mitrtown, a mixed-use shopping complex, has agreed to provide space next to its building in Soi Chula 42 for registered vendors to use for free from Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm and 3pm-8pm. Chadchart thanked Samyan Mitrtown for providing the space, saying it would increase shopping opportunities, promote small entrepreneurs, and help tidy up the city. He said he hoped more private-property owners would join the project in the future. “The project does not require the city to invest in building more space for street vendors but instead promotes the use of existing space to the fullest,” said Chadchart. “If all parties work together, I believe Bangkok has enough space for everyone. We must learn to share to make the city more liveable.” The governor said that all vendors joining the “Hello Hab-Re” project at Samyan Mitrtown had passed food and sanitary standards of the Pathumwan District Office.

From Thai PBS World Thailand was shocked recently by reports of online fraud victims claiming that hackers had secured access to their personal information through their charging cables, and used the stolen information to illegally transfer money out of their bank accounts. How to avoid online attacks After consulting with the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) clarified that the online fraud cases had not been caused by scammers hacking their devices through their charging cables in public places. The victims had downloaded trojan applications without knowing that hackers use malware to take control of their mobile phone remotely. The BOT and banks have issued guidelines, including urging mobile banking users to be cautious about applications they download to their devices. The BOT advised users to download applications only from official stores such as Google Play store and App Store. The central bank advised users not to click on links they receive on SMS or Line messages if they are not sure about the source of the message. The BOT issued the advisory amid a sharp spike in phishing messages sent by hackers via SMS, Line and email to lure receivers by tempting them with bank loans or financial rewards from banks or other institutions. The BOT issued the following guidelines to improve safety: – Mobile banking clients should update their mobile banking app or set up their mobile phones to automatically update the latest version of mobile app. The update is usually designed to prevent mobile phones from being hacked remotely, and upgrade their cybersecurity. – Mobile banking users are advised to avoid using unsecure mobile phones for financial transactions. For example, phones that turn off root/jailbreak, which will allow any application download, or phones that use outdated operating software. – Victims are urged to provide accurate information to concerned parties in order to timely address the issues. Should they find unusual transactions, they should contact the bank’s call centers or bank branches immediately in order to investigate the transactions. The BOT also issued guidelines to banks that if customers are not directly responsible for providing personal information to hackers, then the banks have to compensate the customers for any loss incurred within five days. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-to-fortify-yourself-against-online-scams/

From Coconuts Bangkok Bangkok’s Lumphini Park will be the starting point for this year’s annual pride in Bangkok as City Hall steps up its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. For the first time since 2006, the public park will host Bangkok Pride when it kicks off at 4pm on June 4 before heading down Ratchadamri Road and ending at CentralwOrld shopping mall. The route is 1.5 kilometers long and about 30,000 participants are anticipated to join the march. Last year’s pride events were the first held in the capital after a 12-year hiatus, and this is the first to be held since an elected governor returned to power. City Hall’s embrace of the event by providing a public venue delivers on Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt’s campaign promises to better serve LGBT+ Bangkok. City Hall has gone so far as to vow that Bangkok will become a “rainbow city” that does not only tolerate people of gender diversity, but accepts and embraces them. “This will not be just a one-off event, but something that will strengthen social dialogue for Bangkok to become a more inclusive city,” said deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon at the press conference. The theme, “Beyond…Gender,” is to highlight people whose identities belong outside the gender binary, according to Chumaporn “Waaddao” Taengkliang, an LGBTQ+ activist, feminist, and one of the march’s organizers. It also aims to raise awareness about social issues including marriage equality, decriminalization of sex work, educational inequality, ethnic discrimination, and more. A highlight of the event will be a rainbow flag, 144.8 meters in length, that will be laid along the route. That number is meant to signify Section 1448 of Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, which allows only couples consisting of a man and a woman to register their marriages. LGBTQ+ people and their supporters have been fighting for Section 1448 to be revised so that the terms “male” and “female” are replaced with “person” instead. People living outside of Bangkok won’t be left out as another 18 provinces throughout Thailand will hold pride parades in June. Among those cities are Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, and Ubon Ratchathani. Last year, the Bangkok Naruemit Pride was held June 5 in Bangkok’s Silom area, marking the city’s first pride parade since 2006. Prior to that, “Pride in the Park” events were a regular feature during Pride Month. Newly elected, Chadchart joined last year’s parade and announced that Pride Month would be made one of Bangkok’s 12 official monthly festivals. ============================= From The Nation How resorts and hotels can tap into potential of LGBTQIA+ travellers Operators of resorts and hotels should cater to the needs of LGBTQIA+ communities who are known to be big spenders and like to travel either with friends or alone, according to the results of a recent survey. The advice came from SCB Economic Intelligence Centre (SCB EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank. The EIC conducted a consumer survey from July 8 to 22 last year on the tastes of LGBTQIA+ communities when they want to take a vacation. Kamonmarn Jaenglom, a senior analyst of SCB EIC, said on Wednesday that the survey had uncovered several interesting aspects of LGBTQIA+ travellers that could help resort and hotel operators gain more worthy customers if they learn to adapt to this group’s travel lifestyle and demands. Among other things, LGBTQIA+ tourists love lifestyle, convenience and foods as well as special services that can be customised for them, according to the senior analyst. Kamonmarn said in his analysis that LGBTQIA+ travellers are “unique” and they have been adding new colour and diversity to the tourism business. The survey found that more than 30% of LGBTQIA+ respondents make more than five trips a year. Hence, paying attention to this group and understanding its needs could create new business opportunities for the tourism sector in the future, the research said. The study found that LGBTQIA+ tourists like to travel with friends or with their life partners. The survey found that 32% of communities prefer to travel with friends and 28% with spouses. They like to make short trips of two or three days at a time but they can travel frequently. =============================== I have to admit I had no idea what the "IA" meant in "LGBTQIA+". Here's the latest. WHAT IS LGBTQIA+? LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. See below for a more detailed definition of each term, from GLAAD’s LGBTQ Media Reference Guide.

You're welcome. You seem so dismayed with the Pattaya bar scene I knew you'd appreciate it.

From the BBC Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is one of the most famous drag-centred films – but there should be more (Credit: Alamy) By Matt Cain From RuPaul's Drag Race to live cabaret and theatre shows, drag has never been more popular. In case you've been hiding under a wig block for the last 10 years, drag is the art of gendered impersonation, with performers exaggerating and heightening aspects of femininity or masculinity for the sake of entertainment. As it takes the world by storm, drag is changing our language, our ideas about gender, and even the way we see ourselves. I'm a huge fan of drag, so much so that it has inspired my latest novel, Becoming Ted. It's a contemporary story about a 43-year-old man who's dumped by his husband but takes this as an opportunity to pursue his long-suppressed dream of becoming a drag queen – in the process discovering an inner strength he hadn't known existed. For me, drag can be about self-discovery and self-fulfilment. I've also put it at the heart of my first theatre project, which hasn't yet been announced but will open in Manchester in July. But I'm shocked to discover that there are very few other drag-themed novels, plays or films scheduled to come out over the next year. To use drag vernacular, if the library's open, there aren't many books to read. In particular, the art form has a rich history that is not as widely known as it should be – something that, as we enter LGBT+ History Month in the UK, feels particularly glaring. For years, despite drag's ubiquity in popular culture, it has been poorly represented in the narrative arts. Other than the musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie and the TV series Pose (which, arguably, focused much more on the trans experience), you'd have to go back to 1990s films The Birdcage and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and 2003's Kinky Boots (as well as its stage offshoot), to find high-profile stories that centre drag – and even then, it's predominantly used as fun window-dressing for stories about the gay experience and its clashes with straight culture, or merely as a comedic device. But drag can be so much more; its transformative power presents writers with a unique opportunity on the level of both plot and characterisation. Continues at https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230131-historys-most-incredible-drag-queens-and-kings

From Pattaya News

From Pattaya Mail Khung Bang Kachao in Samut Prakan province has been authorized to become a designated area for sustainable tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the national tourism policy committee has approved the development of Khung Bang Kachao as a designated area for sustainable tourism. The proposal was made by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. DASTA director Gp Captain Athikun Kongmee indicated that the agency will work with local communities to develop strategies for the area based on the sufficiency economy philosophy of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. He also said the agency will adopt global sustainable tourism criteria (GSTC) measures to assess the area’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as teach local communities and authorities about the Sustainable Tourism Management Standard (STMS). Khung Bang Kachao is regarded as Bangkok’s “Green Lung” and one of the country’s most important oxygen producers. With a vast green area of 12,000 rai and serving as home to farmland, forests and more than 13,000 families, Bang Kachao was named the best urban oasis of Asia by Time magazine in 2006. (NNT) ============================ From Lonely Planet An escape to Bang Krachao, known as Bangkok's Green Lung, can offer welcome respite from the crowded city. Just across the Chao Phraya River, this largely agricultural area comprises 16 sq km of mangrove forests, small homesteads, and elevated pathways precariously perched above the canals. You’ll find a floating market, 250-year-old Buddhist temples and an eco-resort where you sleep in a tree house. Hire a bike for a leisurely ride, enjoy the serene setting and explore Thai village life – you'll find it hard to believe you're near the centre of the Thai capital. Getting there Long boats run from Wat Klongtoey Pier to Kamnan Khao Pier for the 5-minute river crossing. Bike hire can be found at either pier for around 80B per day. Alternatively, take the BTS to Bang Na then a taxi to Wat Bang Na Nork Pier for the short river crossing by ferry. Do note it is custom to ask for an ID as a ‘deposit’ for your bike that will be returned at the end of your rental. Continues with touring suggestions https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/green-lung-bangkok

From Coconuts Bangkok Aiming prop assault rifles as they “beat” and “sexually assaulted” civilians, Myanmar nationals brought to a Bangkok street this morning the brutality being visited by the military upon their friends and families back home. Guerilla theater performers acted out scenes of violence in front the Myanmar Embassy, where hundreds of protesters converged on the second anniversary of the 2021 coup d’etat to call attention to the Tatmadaw’s ongoing violent pacification campaign back home. “We want to show the world that, no matter where we are or where we fled to, Myanmar’s people need justice,” said Zayar, who learned of the protest through Whatsapp and Line groups used by hundreds of Myanmar citizens residing in Bangkok.

This may be one of those situations where describing the kind of experience you're looking for with mamasan may help. You want to do this before you call a boy over to sit with you. Hopefully, the mamasan can point out boys that are your best bet. Massage shops don't have mamasans and just how helpful the receptionist will be is debatable. You may want check out the shops in Saphan Kwai (K-Man and KK Massage come to mind) where they identify their guys as "T" (top) and "T&B" (top and bottom) along with their height, weight and minimum tip. At 365 The River shop, they offer "B2B" (body to body) option that has a 1,000 bht minimum tip. Although the majority of the guys in most bars and shops identify as straight that doesn't mean they won't provide a satisfactory experience. At some point you have to trust your instincts as you seem to already be doing. Those who can't get hard (which in my experience is pretty rare) never result in a good outcome. If you have any doubts before offing them, ask them outright If they have any trouble getting hard. If language is an issue, use your translator app or ask the mamasan. The massage shops mentioned above have LINE accounts. If you want to see a large number of guys in person, walk down Silom Soi 6. There are currently six shops, each one with probably 10-12 guys on hand at any given time.

From The Thaiger To effectively combat the illegal drug trade, a law is being amended in Thailand so that anyone caught in possession of more than one meth pill will now be considered a drug dealer. Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul announced this change yesterday, stating that the current regulation has been exploited by those who actually intend to sell the drugs. The harsh new law will view anyone with more than one pill as having the drugs with intent to sell, instead of the current standard of 15 pills or fewer being considered for personal use only. The amendment, which has already been prepared by the Committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts is awaiting a signature from the Health Minister. It will then go to the Cabinet for their sign-off before ultimately being published in the Royal Gazette, making the law official. Authorities aim to provide a more decisive legal measure against the drug trade. They hail it as a measure to save society, families, and young people from the evils of drugs. Anutin says this amendment will prevent the exploitation of the regulation by drug traders, brushing off suggestions that prisons would quickly be overcrowded by this draconian solution.

Try to find time to check out the go-go bar scene. Will give you that opportunity to feast your eyes on some good looking boys you won't find in Pattaya.

From Thai PBS World A floating café and restaurant sank in rough seas in Pattaya Bay yesterday (Monday), but there were no injuries or deaths. Eyewitnesses on the beach near the Bali Hai pier said they saw the floating restaurant, which was about a kilometre from the beach, slowly sink into the water. Marine officials suspect that the bilge pump on the vessel might not have been working, causing it to sink slowly. No oil spill has been reported A Marine Department patrol boat rushed to help the mechanic pump water out, but could not land on the vessel due to the rough seas. Marine officials then ordered the men on board to abandon the vessel for their safety. The floating café and restaurant, modelled after a pirate ship, suspended operations yesterday due to bad weather conditions. It offers drinks, seafood, a live band and squid fishing services to tourists. There are also karaoke rooms on board. Customers who catch squid can order the cooks on board to prepare a squid dish for them.

From Coconuts Bangkok An American YouTuber was found last night inside a home in the coastal city of Pattaya, police said. Laith Abdullah Algaz, 34, who made videos peddling quack science remedies for men to grow taller and have amazing erections on his Leo and Longevity channel was found at a residence in the Pattaya Lagoon Village, according to Capt. Sombat Kaewmoolmook of the Pattaya Police Station. Algaz had not been seen for several hours when a friend used a spare key to enter the room and found Algaz lying in the bathroom. It’s believed he had been dead roughly five hours when police found him. Police also found in the room medications including cannabis, antidepressants, bipolar disorder medication, sleeping pills, and what they described as “muscle-boosting antibiotics.” Algaz’s YouTube channel had more than 123,000 subscribers. In his more popular videos, he talked about penis enlargement, psychedelic consumption, steroid injection, and bodybuilding. “Biohacking” means experimenting with drugs and medications to achieve things that aren’t possible – such as growing taller as an adult – in the belief that medical science “plays it too safe.”

Good luck, GB. Look forward to your report.

Here's the link to Krubb Bangkok Social Club and Sauna. If you explore the site you find numerous photos and a video but all of the men are Asian (most likely staff). https://www.gaysaunabangkok.com/ Although the following video is aimed at a Chinese clientele, it features a guided tour of the interior.

From Pattaya Mail The government has confirmed that construction on the 290-billion baht (US$8.82 billion) U-Tapao aviation city will begin early this year. Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said in a statement that the project will generate 15,600 additional jobs in the first five years and drive growth in Thailand’s aviation industry. The investment plan is slated to transform U-Tapao airport into a new international airport linked up with Don Muang Airport and the kingdom’s main Suvarnabhumi Airport. Tipanan added that the public-private project located in Thailand’s industrial east will cover 1,040 hectares and is aimed at attracting tourists. A government website showed that the project, known as “Eastern Aviation City,” will also include a free trade zone for cargo, an aviation training center and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. (NNT)

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Traditionally, there are two routes for expat foreigners needing or wanting a job here. If offered a post by a registered company or school, the prospective employee needs a non-immigrant “B” (business) visa issued by a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. The employer should provide the bulk of the required documentation, supplemented by the employee’s personal data and confirmed qualifications. If the employer declines to take that basic preparatory responsibility, it can be assumed that the offer of a job is not sincere and that a work permit is a fantasy. The second route is where the foreigner intends to start his own registered company to trade in Thailand and beyond. The first steps are to register a company name with the Business Development Agency, have at least three Thai shareholders (can be fewer in some circumstances), have capital of at least 2 million baht, and notify the Thai labour and tax departments. The next step is to obtain the non-immigrant “B” visa abroad and, on return, submit an application for a work permit at the Department of Employment and an extended visa from the immigration bureau. It’s a complex process usually requiring professional legal input. For foreigners with a Thai spouse, any non-immigrant visa will suffice and the requirement to have specifically a “B” type is waived. Some occupations are barred to aliens. They include manual work, most agriculture and construction, jewelry manufacture and wood carving. A noteworthy point is that a royal decree of 2018 freed up “occasional” work such as business meetings, committee work or participation in cultural activities and sports from requiring a business visa at all. In 2021, a new non-immigrant “M” visa was introduced for foreign media correspondents though this is available only prior to entry from Thai embassies abroad. In 2018 new ground was struck with a four year Smart visa whose holders are excused from having a work permit at all. It is used principally by skilled professionals in targeted science and technology industries, found for example in the Eastern Economic Corridor which surrounds Pattaya. Smart visa holders are excused the 90 days reporting procedure, although this has become less irksome since online signing-in became feasible in most areas. The Smart visa also has provision for start-up entrepreneurs and the wife and children of successful applicants. In late 2022, the 10 year Long Term Residence (LTR) visa was launched by the Board of Investment. Although wealthy retirees and rich global travellers are welcome, the thrust has been to attract digital nomads working for international companies listed on the stock market and professional workers and executives looking for tax breaks and freedom from the rigid quota system whereby one foreign work permit must be supported by four Thai employees. A digital work permit is automatically provided which does not require adherence to traditional employment rules. About 2,000 applications have so far been lodged with the Board of Investment, but there are no published statistics on completions or withdrawals. Although Thai authorities in recent years have tried to diversify the foreigner working rules in Thailand – leaving aside the Memoranda of Understanding with the governments of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos for economic migration – they remain complex, overlapping and off-putting to many. The status of voluntary work and the many interpretations of the “volunteer visa”, which was carelessly used during the Covid pandemic as just another way of extending a visitor’s stay, are also matters of concern. A national review of all working visas in Thailand is well overdue.

From The Tourism Authority of Thailand Some selected events: Concert in the Park #30 5, 12 and 19 February, 2023, from 17.30 Hrs., Sala Bhirombhakdi, Lumpini Park, Bangkok Organised by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), this latest edition of the much-loved Concert in the Park series promises relaxing evenings of music in a delightful park setting. Along with guest soloists and vocalists, the programme features a mix of light-classical music, Thai and Western pop classics, famous movie soundtracks, Broadway numbers, and Thai traditional tunes. Bangkok Design Week 2023 4-12 February, 2023, 9 Districts in Bangkok This the sixth edition of the Bangkok Design Week is being held under the theme “urban’NICE’zation” and features over 530 online and offline activities spread throughout the nine districts of Charoenkrung – Talad Noi, Yaowarat, Samyan – Siam, Ari – Pradipat, Phra Nakhon / Pak Khlong Talat / Nang Loeng, Wongwian Yai – Talat Phlu / Khlong San, Bang Pho, Phrom Phong, and Kaset. The programme includes showcases and exhibitions, talks and workshops, musical performances, movie screenings, and performing art. UnKonscious Beach Festival 2023 9-10 February, 2023, Alexa Beach Club, Pattaya, Chon Buri In its fourth edition, the UnKonscious Beach Festival 2023 comprises a pool party in the afternoon (12.00-16.00 Hrs.) and a beach party from evening into the late night (16.00-24.00 Hrs.). The event is hosted by an impressive line-up of renowned international DJs. For more information, visit: https://www.unkonsciousfestival.com/, or Facebook: unkonsciousfestival. https://www.tatnews.org/2023/01/fantastic-events-and-festivals-on-in-thailand-in-february-2023

Like many of us oldies here I, too, harbor great memories of the Babylon I first encountered 21 years ago. Unfortunately, it gradually lost its allure as the younger local crowd moved on to other venues and farangs came to dominate. In its last 10 years the place became less well maintained and far less of a draw (for me, anyway). But the massage business is roaring in Bangkok now. And for those who are comfortable doing business on the apps, you can still manage to find new experiences to justify a return trip.

The shop's Twitter page posts a number of all-Thai staff photos.

The enchantment with ChatGPT may be dampened a bit with news that it's probably going to cost you going forward. From MSN ChatGPT is testing a paid version — here's what that means for free users As OpenAI moves toward charging for more sophisticated versions of its popular ChatGPT bot, users may wonder how much longer they can count on it staying free. The company, which recently disclosed Microsoft's multi-billion dollar investment in its technology, has floated plans for a subscription option called "ChatGPT Professional," which would offer better access at a cost. While OpenAI is taking feedback from prospective customers about what they think the AI bot's offerings are worth to them, some users are seeing a $42 monthly option, The Verge reported this month. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman had indicated that such an option could be in the works when he tweeted back in December that "we will have to monetize it somehow at some point; the compute costs are eye-watering." https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/technology/chatgpt-is-testing-a-paid-version-heres-what-that-means-for-free-users/ar-AA16RKyP

Trump's a big problem for everybody, but especially GOP in '24. He'll drag the party down.

Very presumptuous on part of waiter. A scam actually. I think he respects you more for not yielding. The Rose is a 10-minute walk from Jupiter. 😄