reader

G Beat posted six pages of masseurs today. Although they don't contain any details, the photos are promising. Here's a sampling:

From The Nation Officials have confirmed the tragic loss of 25 lives in a school bus fire in Pathum Thani; the bus was among three chartered by Uthai Thani school for trip to Ayutthaya Rescue officials have confirmed the loss of 25 lives in the tragic school bus fire that occurred in Pathum Thani on Tuesday. The bus was among three that had been chartered by Wat Khao Phaya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani to take young primary students and teachers on a sightseeing trip to Ayutthaya. Police and rescue officials said they had recovered 22 bodies of students and three bodies of teachers from the wreckage. Nineteen individuals had been rescued. Police forensic experts, led by Pol Lt-General Trairong Phiewphan, arrived at the scene at about 1.30pm to oversee the investigation. Pol Maj-General Silapakhom Iamwong, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Bureau 1, confirmed that the bus was transporting 38 students and six teachers. The recovery of the bodies has been challenging due to the extensive damage caused by the fire. Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said a crane will be required to safely access the interior of the bus. School staff said the students had visited Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya and were heading to the learning centre of Phra Ram 6 Electricity Generating Office in Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruay district when the accident occurred. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40041972

From Pattaya Mail The anticipated surge in Chinese tourists during the upcoming Chinese National Day holiday, from October 1 to 7, is being significantly hampered by unpredictable weather conditions and escalating flight costs. Sanphet Suphabhawornsathien, advisor to the Thai Hotels Association (Eastern Chapter), stated, “Local operators had expressed optimism about welcoming a wave of Chinese travellers during this peak travel period. However, many Chinese tour companies have recently announced substantial adjustments and cancellations of travel plans due to adverse weather patterns, which have led to uncertainty in travel schedules.” He added, “This shift, coupled with the rising cost of flights, has contributed to a decline in expected tourism figures.” Sanphet noted that while traditional package tours may be facing challenges, “there is a noticeable increase in the number of individual travellers and free independent travellers (FIT).” This trend reflects a broader shift in tourist behaviour as travellers seek more flexible and personalized travel experiences. Hotels across the region are proactively adapting their services to cater to these changing demands, emphasizing personalized hospitality and unique local experiences. Despite these adaptations, the ongoing threat of natural disasters remains a critical factor influencing travellers’ decision-making processes. Sanphet remarked, “Although many trips have not been cancelled outright, a significant number of travellers are choosing to postpone their plans until conditions improve.” This postponement trend is impacting the overall tourism landscape in Thailand, as operators and stakeholders prepare for a slower-than-anticipated season. The Thai tourism industry, heavily reliant on Chinese travellers, is hopeful for a turnaround as weather conditions stabilize and flight costs become more manageable. However, in the meantime, businesses are focusing on enhancing customer experiences for those who do decide to travel. Sanphet emphasized, “Even in uncertain times, we are committed to delivering memorable and enjoyable stays for our guests.” https://www.pattayamail.com/news/weather-and-flight-costs-dampen-chinese-tourist-expectations-in-thailand-474270

There's one very cheerful taxi driver who regularly patrols Surawong and Silom areas and never forgets a customer. A few years ago I used his taxi once. Last trip I was walking on Silom Soi 3 and he pulled over and reached out to shake hands, asking, "How are you, where is your friend?"

Olddaddy, I think you may find thus useful in future pursuits of this nature. Of course you may prefer au naturel.

You know you've won when farang gives you money. 🙂

Which shop did you find was the worst offender in this case? Reason I ask is that I've yet to encounter such a wide gap in ages.

Duplicate post

Bkkmfj2648, apologies for posting duplicate of your post. Somehow I managed to miss your entry because I am stupid. 🙏

Thanks for great first trip report. You're learning quickly about boy bar etiquette and customs. Sorry to hear about disappointing massage experience. Inability to get or maintain erection is certainly cause for dismay. Whenever I experience this I usually cut the session short, pay the minimum tip and move on. Luckily this hasn't happened very often. About the difference between photos and the boy who shows up for appointment. Their photos were taken when they first went to work in the shops. In some cases that could be 2-3 years ago. Btw, the soi with Banana Bar is known as Soi 4. The "nine" massage shop you referred to I believe is 9-Teen massage on Silom Soi 6. It's the only shop that only employees Thais and not other ASEAN guys. 9-Teen has two shops on same soi and another around the corner on Silom rd. That you've managed to find a guy from FB's that's compatible is encouraging. Hope your good luck with him continues. Please keep on reporting.

Necessity is the mother of invention

From Bangkok Ppst National park authorities will reopen the famous Maya Bay in the southern Thai province of Krabi to welcome visitors on Tuesday after two months of closure for rehabilitation. Attapon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said that the reopening would take effect for Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay and Lor Kor Bay of the Phi Phi islands after they were closed from Aug 1 to Sept 30. Over the past two months, staff from Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park maintained buoys to protect coral and guarantee visitors’ safety for the high season, he said. Maya Bay -- made world-famous by the Hollywood blockbuster "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio 23 years ago – has attracted many tourists wanting to experience its natural beauty. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2874881/thailands-maya-bay-will-reopen-to-visitors-on-tuesday

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Jomtien Complex’s 30 gay bars have adopted huge wings in the latest logo which also sees prominence given to the title Walking Street. The latter name, a conscious imitation of nearby Pattaya’s historic icon of night entertainment, has been used previously in the Complex but not dominantly. The feathers, which represent power, are a new reflection of the use of monsters in gay iconography via movies going back to Frankenstein and Freddy Krueger. More recently, the 2014 supernatural horror movie The Babadook was listed as a LGBT film by Netflix. But the roots go back to ancient Greek mythology. The Furies were winged-creatures which preyed on the living and the Greek poet Sappho wrote that the erotic god Eros could fly. Jomtien’s Walking Street is rather more conservative than Pattaya’s heterosexual version, even though the latter has been tamed down in recent years. Jomtien does not offer gogo bars and there are no obvious retail outlets selling weed. Apart from the bars, there are several restaurants, massage parlors, small hotels and venues offering professional drag cabaret shows. Weekly trivia quizzes, eyes-down bingo and regular birthday celebrations are also on offer. Although the number of gay bars has declined internationally, thanks largely to the advent of the universal internet, Pattaya and Jomtien have maintained a fairly large structured scene. Gay businesses still rely on a western clientele, mostly retired, which prefers a traditional and familiar setting based on alcohol, snacks and companionship. “There are millions of Chinese and Indians visiting Pattaya and Jomtien, but we don’t see them here,” according to motorbike taximan Pom who has been based at the Complex for 20 years. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/jomtiens-gay-venue-updates-its-marketing-image-474045

Exit Patpong 2 and turn left on to Surawong Rd. Walk down Surawong Rd. for about 5 minutes until you come to a 7-Eleven. Turn left immediately after passing store on to Soi Tarntawan (not to be confused with entrance to Tarntawan hotel driveway just before 7-Eleven). You'll find The One on your left a short way down.

Agree. He has a truly outstanding body. Hope it belongs to the head above it.

From VN Express Actress Chieu Xuan has journeyed through various northern mountainous areas of Vietnam, capturing stunning photographs of the region's landscapes and people. On Sept. 18, Xuan shared a series of photos showcasing iconic landmarks in the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Cao Bang in Vietnam. The actress announced her intention to sell these works to raise funds for those impacted by recent storms and floods. One of the photos, titled "Peaceful sunset in my hometown," was taken from the top of Sang Nhu village in Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province, during the water-pouring season. This is when water flows onto the terraced rice fields, creating mirror-like reflections of the surrounding sky and mountains. The photo titled “Majestic sunset on top of San Nhu.” Xuan started exploring photography about four years ago, with guidance from several photographer friends. At first, she concentrated on capturing landscapes around Hanoi. As her skills developed, she expanded her travels across northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Her journeys typically involved taking buses to mountainous areas and then using motorbike taxis to access remote, hard-to-reach scenic locations. Continues with photos https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/arts/nature-and-people-of-northern-mountains-through-the-lens-of-actress-chieu-xuan-4796175.html

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa Last Updated: September 29th, 2024 6:07 PM Good news for digital nomads and remote workers who want to live in Thailand legally! Thailand has just announced the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed specifically at digital nomads and remote workers. This new visa is part of Thailand's efforts to boost tourism and attract more visitors. Thai soft power related activities For Thai soft power related activities Eligible Activities Muay Thai Thai cuisine Education and seminars Sports Medical treatment Foreign talent Events related to art and music Continues at https://dtv.in.th/en

From Pattaya Mail Factories and SMEs shutting down due to baht’s strength Recent discussions have highlighted the rising concern over the closure of factories in Thailand. One major cause being pointed out is the continued appreciation of the Thai baht, which has made Thai products significantly more expensive than those from competing nations. The Bank of Thailand’s approach, which ties the baht to the U.S. dollar and its performance against the Dollar Index, has been called into question. The Dollar Index measures the value of the dollar against a basket of six currencies from major economies, including the Eurozone, the UK, Sweden, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland. While this strategy may seem logical in some contexts, critics argue that it puts Thailand at a disadvantage against its direct competitors, who are not included in the Dollar Index. The Currency Disadvantage in Key Export Industries Thailand’s major export competitors include: Agriculture: China, India, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Heavy Industry (Steel): India, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Plastics Industry: China, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. Cement and Clinker: China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Automobiles, Batteries, Machinery: China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia. The Bank of Thailand has strengthened the baht by around 10% compared to the U.S. dollar since last year, while competitors such as China, Vietnam, and Taiwan have devalued their currencies by roughly 10% relative to the dollar. This results in a 20% cost disadvantage for Thai exporters, making it extremely difficult for Thai products to compete globally. The Impact on Factories and SMEs As a result of this cost disparity, many large and small factories in Thailand have shut down. SMEs have already been severely impacted, and agricultural products have suffered from declining prices. The closure of major industries, including automotive and steel factories, has already started, and there is concern that this trend will spread to other key sectors. Call for a Weaker Baht to Compete In light of the situation, experts argue that the Bank of Thailand must re-evaluate its currency strategy. They suggest adjusting the exchange rate to at least 37 baht per U.S. dollar, which would still leave a 10% handicap compared to competitors. Ideally, the baht should be devalued to align fully with key competitors, reducing the cost gap by 20%. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/factories-and-smes-shutting-down-due-to-bahts-strength-making-thai-products-20-more-expensive-than-china-vietnam-and-taiwan-474027

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon DTV has got off to a splendid start according to the Thai foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Whilst there are no official statistics, social media bloggers suggest that between 1,500 and 2,500 have been issued in the 10 weeks since the launching. The question on the horizon is what happens to DTV holders when their initial six months are exhausted, that is assuming they want to stay in Thailand. Tod Daniels, top contributor to the popular Facebook group destinationthailandvisa, sums up the problem. “How about we wait until December or January when the first people who got a DTV start reporting on how it will actually work and what is required?” he wrote. There will be, of course, two choices: to quit the country and return or to seek an extension at local immigration, both offering a further 180 days. Either route has issues. As Integrity Legal’s popular videos on YouTube often remind us, DTV is not actually a guaranteed entry five-year visa. The validity of the visa – when you can use it – is five years and it’s true the visa is marked “multiple”. Last July, the Tourist Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) spokesman at the launch said that subsequent entries and extensions would not require more documentation as far as TAT was concerned, but it was open to immigration officers to request more paperwork at local offices (for extensions) or at airports and border posts (for subsequent entries to Thailand). The silence of the immigration bureau, which controls entries and extensions, has been truly deafening during the DTV post-launch period. There is little doubt that there is the potential for abuse in DTV applications. Some digital nomads, technically working for an overseas company, are believed to have Thai customers contrary to work permit legislation. Soft power has been stretched very far, as instanced by the fact that attending pop concerts or having a dental appointment could qualify for long visa status. In theory anyway. Dozens of Thai embassies worldwide are currently issuing DTVs, but the paper requirements vary. Some but not all require a bank account of at least three months standing. Others require the naming of a Thai guarantor and the evidence of the applicant’s work-related activity in the past. Some embassies require the cookery classes to last up to six months, others three, whilst the documents needed for the registration of the Thai boxing academy are far from uniform. There are lots of embassy-related discrepancies detailed by members of the Facebook group. Yet the likelihood is that nothing much of significance will happen soon. The prospect of DTV holders at immigration offices, airports and border posts being quizzed by officers about fresh paperwork is a recipe for daily, chaotic delays for the queuing public. Meanwhile, the government says it is working to combine different immigration data bases which will likely take most of next year to finalize. There is also an ongoing inter-departmental working party on reducing the number of non-immigrant visas which could impact DTV. There is no doubt DTV will be reformed, and likely restricted, in the light of experience. But perhaps not in 2025. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/what-will-the-destination-thailand-visa-look-like-in-2025-473891

From Bangkok Post SAMUT SONGKRAM: A coffee shop owner at Talad Rom Hub train market, a popular tourist attraction in Mae Klong district, has been ordered to close his shop for 30 days following his vulgar gesture to a Spanish tourist. The vendor was captured on Thursday pushing and yelling at the tourist in a clip that was widely circulated on social media, sparking a public outcry. The Maeklong railway station office said the shop was located on property owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and it had issued a formal letter to the vendor. The warning includes a 30-day suspension from operating the shop and a warning that if the misconduct occurs again he will be banned from the market for good. The punishment followed a recent investigation by the local tourist police, in which the coffee vendor, Jame, reportedly admitted to the misconduct. The vendor recently made a video apologising to the tourist and all Thais for his actions. Pol Lt Col Anatchai Konthong, a senior tourist police inspector, said an investigation found Mr Jame had pushed the tourist away from his shop front. The spot where he committed the offence belongs to the SRT and Mr Jame had no ownership authority, Pol Lt Col Anatchai said. Continues with video of incident https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2873997/cafe-to-close-for-30-days-after-owners-rant-at-tourist

KK Spa (not to be confused with K Man) is offering a promotion of four, one-hour sessions for 1,000 baht for use Oct. 1 through Nov. 15.

Thanks for the offer but if I take money i lose my amateur status and have to pay Thai taxes. 🙂

Find a compatible travel companion and he can change your trip experience more than you might imagine no matter where you're headed.

Look at the color discrepancies around neck area. Suggest poor photoshopping.