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From Pattaya News An Indian tourist in Pattaya filed a police report on a stranger whom he reportedly paid to go to his hotel room but later turned out to be a transgender individual. The tourist said the transvestite refused to return his money and stole his wristwatch. The tourist said he hired a stranger whom he originally thought was a woman to go to his hotel room on Soi 8 in Banglamung, Chonburi. While the two of them were inside the room, the tourist stated he noticed the stranger was, in fact, a transvestite, not a real woman. Out of disappointment, the Indian man asked for his cash worth 1,500 baht back, but the transvestite reportedly refused. The tourist then chose to file a police report at the Pattaya police station, but the officer informed him that what he did with the stranger was against Thai prostitution laws and may result in legal action against him.The Indian man reportedly began to shed tears as he did not want to get charged. He pled with the officerto find the stranger, claiming the stranger was also a pickpocket because they stole his wristwatch. Pattaya police were inspecting the hotel to try to locate the suspect, adding they would be able to solve the case soon because the suspect forgot their ID card in the hotel room. TPN notes there have been in terms of pickpocketing issues in the Pattaya area 16 cases so far this year, with the most recent happening in early November. There have been arrests, including this most recent one, and Pattaya police vow they will continue to search for and arrest the suspects.

From Thai PBS World People living in Bangkok, other central provinces, eastern and southern regions of Thailand are advised to expect heavy to very heavy rainfall from November 22nd-24th, as a result of an intensifying low pressure cell. Thailand’s Meteorological Department reported today (Friday) that a low pressure cell, looming over the coast of Borneo, is moving towards the South China Sea and intensifying as it heads towards the southern tip of the Vietnamese Peninsula and into the Gulf of Thailand. It predicts that the storm will bring heavy to very heavy downpours to the southern part of Thailand’s central region, including Bangkok. The Weatherman also warned of possible flash flooding at the bases of mountains and overflows in low-lying areas close to natural waterways during the period. Rough seas and strong winds are forecast in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand from Monday until Thursday, with waves 2-3 metres high in the Gulf down to Surat Thani and more than 3 metre high waves in the Andaman Sea north of Phuket. Meanwhile, in Phuket, torrential rain struck Krathu district yesterday and, in less than an hour, the famous Patong sub-district was flooded. Runoffs from the mountains submerging roads in front of Patong Hospital, the police station, the municipal office and many communities in the Patong area. The flood water receded by about 3pm. Patong’s Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri said he will discuss long-term solutions to the flooding in Patong area with relevant agencies, noting that the area was hit by flooding several times over the past two months. Nonetheless, tourists continue to stream into Phuket, with Oman Air becoming the latest airline to operate four direct flights per week, from Muscat, the Omani capital, to Phuket. The maiden flight arrived in Phuket yesterday carrying 160 passengers. According Tourism Authority of Thailand local staff, Oman’s population of about five million is a high potential market for tourism to Thailand, with many Omanis travelling to Phuket for wellness services and recreation before the COVID-19 pandemic.

While returning from KK massage came across a shop I hadn’t noticed before, BT House Massage. I stopped in and got their LINE ID: @btmassage. It’s located on Sutthisan Winichai Rd., a block or so before KK (in vicinity of KFC on opposite side) These are photos posted on site:

True, but they’re targeting those whose coverage doesn’t cover extended care or those who desire a high quality product at a much lower cost. With high disposal income, Middle East countries have always been a prime source of business. And upper income Indians are adding to that list.

There are always places to be found on Soi Thaniya into the evening. During daylight hours, Superrich adjacent to Silom Plaza (home of Arena and Best massage shops) and X-one on Surawong near Sap Rd. are open and offer most competitive rates. The jewelry store just to left of the old Soi Twilight site will probably offer rate better than most banks.

From Bloomberg News Thailand will start issuing one-year visas to people seeking medical treatment, as the Southeast Asian nation positions itself as a global hub for health-care tourism in the post-pandemic era. The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to lower the fee for such visas to 5,000 baht ($140) from 6,000 baht mooted a year earlier, Tipanan Sirichana, a deputy spokeswoman for the government, said in a statement. The new permits will be issued starting Jan. 1, she said. The medical visas will allow foreign patients to fly in and out of Thailand besides allowing them a maximum stay of 90 days at a stretch, Tipanan said. Applicants will need to produce evidence of a hospital appointment, health insurance and proof of adequate financing for treatments covering at least 800,000 baht, she said. Thailand is seeking to lure more foreign visitors in the post-Covid period by promoting itself as a world-class destination for medical treatment, with hospital operators such as Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Pcl and Bumrungrad Hospital Pcl leading the efforts. The medical visas will be restricted to patients that require continuous treatment for more than 90 days, and hospitals will need to outline a concrete treatment plan and expenses for the applicants, Tipanan said. Applicants can seek an extension beyond one year only if they provide medical certificates. Treatments for cardiovascular disease, cancer, organ transplants, anti-aging and cosmetic surgery could qualify for the new visas, she said.

Silom Soi 6 has more shops (six and soon to have seven) male only shops where on any given day you find 60-70 guys available. You’ll find Soi Six on your right just after passing Bangkok Christian Hospital.

From CNN Editor’s Note: Isaac Humphries is a professional basketball player for Melbourne United, part of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). He previously played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion on CNN. Opinion by Isaac Humphries One of the best feelings in the world is playing a game of professional basketball while on peak form.to perform in front of nearly 10,000 people a night; they’re cheering your name, they’re wearing your jersey. And all while you throw down a powerful dunk and flex to the crowd. Well, it should be the best feeling in the world, right? And for a brief moment, I guess it was. That was in 2020. I was 22 and playing with the Adelaide 36ers, two years before signing with my current team, Melbourne United. Now imagine what happens when all of that adrenalin comes to an end after a game. For me, the euphoria was gone the moment I drove out of the arena. I’d get home to my apartment in Adelaide’s coastal suburb of Henley Beach, and be all alone. I felt I had no choice but to be by myself. That’s when my wave of depression would hit the hardest. Over my entire career, there was no reality that existed where I could be an openly gay man while playing basketball. Until now. I’ve played everywhere – Kentucky, the NBA, Europe, the Australian national team – and it’s all the same: for the most part, being an athlete at that level is about making money, dating girls and being the best basketball player you can be. So I fell in line, no matter how awkward and weird I felt doing it. I just wanted to fit in and not draw any attention to myself. There were almost no examples of a male pro basketball player doing anything other than that, so I was resigned to the fact that my true life would start after I retired. Continues with video https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/15/opinions/gay-australian-basketball-player-isaac-humphries/index.html

Is Mac the friendly who stared there as front door greeter / bellhop? Later had amulet counter at Tarntawan Apartments.

Rougher around the edges than Freshboys with no attitude or drama.. Tbh, I don’t recall much in the way of attitude from guys from Freshboys, either.

You are putting doctor’s kids through university, one trip at a time.

Have you ruled out hemorrhoids?

Don’t expect hotel rates to contract. Bangkok Post reporting that electricity rates expected to increase about 14% between January and April next year.

From Thai PBS World The Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall has once again been chosen to host world leaders at the APEC Gala Dinner, reprising its role after two decades. On Thursday night, APEC leaders will gather at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, not just for a sumptuous dinner, but to also feast their eyes on a spectacular illuminated boat procession and later to float their own decorative krathongs. They will spend about two hours from 8pm at the same spot where their predecessors sat during APEC 2003. Located beside the Chao Phraya River, the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall sits in a vast complex that also houses the century-old Ratchanaviksapha Building.

From Pattaya Mail From 1 Nov 2022, Thailand’s e-Visa service will be available at 9 additional Embassies and Consulates. Apply at: www.thaievisa.go.th

From Thai PBS World Light extravaganzas illuminate the Chao Phraya River As the host of the APEC 2022 (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organised the “Vijit Chao Phraya” lighting event along the Chao Phraya River, the capital’s main waterway, to welcome participants in the international summit while also boosting tourism in Bangkok. The Vijit Chao Phraya lighting and sound design is one of TAT’s programs of activities and events taking place during the APEC 2022 meeting. The event showcases creativity through light and sound design and cutting-edge multimedia while Thailand’s rich cultural heritage on both sides of the river makes it even more spectacular and memorable. The event will be held from 12 to 27 November and covers six areas along the river. Rama VIII Bridge Lighting decorations feature the “Light Show & Laser” which sees the cables of the bridge bathed in color to create a different atmosphere. The laser light is designed and projected into patterns that form welcome messages to APEC guests. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds a day at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm. Wichai Prasit Fort Projecting Mapping with light and sound effects on the white wall of the Wichai Prasit Fort portrays past glories and present-day diplomacy and trading as well as the life of Thai people along the water. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds per day at 7.15pm, 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm and 9.45 (Special effects show during holidays on 12,13,17,18,19,26,27 Nov) Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara Applied Cultural Performance incorporating special techniques that portrays the story of Thai traditions along the Chao Phraya River along with Nang Yai (shadow puppet) shows and cultural performances conveying the cultural richness and wisdom of Thailand. Show times: 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 November, 3 rounds per day, at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge (Memorial Bridge) The Illumination Light Show features music and ambient sounds that convey journeys by train, boat and plane. The show offers an aural rendition of the way of life of Thai people in the old days such as sound of cooking and local musical instruments. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds per day at 7.15pm, 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm 9.15pm and 9.45pm (There will be a special effects show on 12 Nov2022) River City Bangkok Projection-Mapping is displayed on the external wall of River City Bangkok. The show is a summary of the charm of the Chao Phraya River demonstrating Thailand’s so-called “soft power” that attracts tourists to experience food, film, fashion, fights and festivals. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds per day at 7.00pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm. IconSiam BANGKOK The river-side shopping mall shows state-of-the-art illuminations using clean energy from solar cells in line with the country’s attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The show incorporates the “ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature” that entertains with a “dancing stream” – claimed to be the longest stream of light and sound in Southeast Asia. Show times: Daily, 4 rounds per day at 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm Those interested can visit and explore each area for free. The best way to experience the lighting event is to cruise along the Chao Phraya River and watch the shows from the water.

It’s probably been almost four years since I’ve visited this shop. At the time I recall that it was offering competitive rates and services. I had two massages there and I remembered them as satisfactory. As I’ve said in other posts, I’ve patronized four shops this trip that have a minimum tip policy. All delivered full service massage for less than the fees Vinapu cites above. If Ganymede isn’t, it tells me much about its customer service policy. http://www.ganymedespa.com/

From CNN Democrats will keep control of the Senate, CNN projects CNN — Democrats will keep their narrow Senate majority for the next two years, CNN projects, after victories in close contests in Nevada and Arizona. Retaining Senate control is a huge boost to President Joe Biden over the remaining two years of his first term in the White House, with one more Senate race outstanding that will determine the final balance of power in the chamber – and how much leverage the president’s party will ultimately have. “I think it’s a reflection of the quality of our candidates,” Biden told reporters in Cambodia shortly after CNN and other news outlets projected Democrats would keep their Senate majority. “They’re all running on the same program. Wasn’t anybody who wasn’t running on what we did,” Biden went on. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/12/politics/democrats-keep-senate/index.html

From Manila Times Thailand's BL series flies high Opinion by Danton Remoto A YEAR ago, publisher and writer Jun Matias asked me to join his "Lock and Roll" Facebook discussion on Boys' Love, or the BL series. Produced in Thailand, the BL television series has taken Southeast Asia by storm, especially in the time of Covid-19. The Boys Love TV shows deal with boys who fall in love with other boys. But they are radical in Thailand for the boys depart from the khatoey, or the stereotype of the gay man who is effeminate, swishy and works in the beauty parlors or in entertainment. These boys are butch and good-looking; they play football and used to date girls; they live in beautiful homes and wear stylish clothes. It is almost like your slick television series of love and loss, except that here, the boys fall in love with other boys. Hendri Go, my informant and tireless organizer of Cebu's Literary Festival (Liftest), said the Japanese yaoi culture influenced the Thai BL. The yaoi are Japanese manga comics dealing with physical gay love. The fans of the yaoi are called fujoshi, and they are mostly young women. On the other hand, we have the sonenai, or manga gay comics that deal with gay love that is emotional and romantic. In both varieties, music brings the boys together; the setting is usually a school; the city is another character in the unfolding of the tale. Social media run the characters' lives: the world of likes, comments and shares affect them on a daily basis. This is most clearly seen in the series "2gether," directed by Weerachit Thongjila, which ran from February to May 2020. The series is about Wat (Vachirawit Chivaaree, nicknamed Bright), a football player and musician who meets Tine (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, nicknamed Win), an aspiring musician. Wat is brooding and melancholicwhile Tine is bright and bubbly. The casting captures perfectly the differences in their character traits. There is charm and chemistry between the two boys, who sometimes wear similar jerseys, or just look deeply into each other's eyes, or feel the pangs of jealousy the way other partners do. Shown right almost when Southeast Asian countries were beginning to be locked down because of the pandemic, the series racked up millions of views per episode on YouTube. Twitter comments hit through the roof and fan sites mushroomed on Facebook and YouTube. GMMTV of Thailand wisely uploaded the series, with English subtitles, at almost the same time it was shown on Thai television. The effect was electric: the chat lines that were opened as soon as the series was uploaded buzzed with the viewers' reactions. And guess which country had the most passionate, the most emotional, reactions? The Latin Asian country called the Philippines. Why did it hold a whole region in the cup of its hand? 2Gether and the other BL series after that showed what many gay men did not have when they were growing up at the university: groups of friends, both straight and gay, who were openly supportive. That, and a milieu where homosexual acts were not seen as bizarre, or in Catholic Philippines, as forms of sin. The series showed that homosexuality is as normal as breathing; that families can be accepting and loving; and that life is worth living even if you dare to be different. And that a gay character does not have to live a tragic life, or die at the end of the TV series. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/opinion/thailand-s-bl-series-flies-high/ar-AA140GEr

From the Thaiger Thailand welcomes 50,000 foreign tourists in one day Nearly 50,000 foreign tourists arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand Nov. 10. From Reassuring statistics reported by immigration indicate a revival of Thailand’s tourism industry, although arrivals are still nowhere near close to hitting pre-pandemic levels. Foreign tourist arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport: November 10, 2022 India – 5,200 South Korea – 3,288 Singapore – 3,018 Malaysia – 2,983 America – 2,857 Other – 32,081

From the Thaiger Whether you’re visiting Thailand for business or pleasure, it’s always beneficial to understand the local language. Learning useful Thai phrases means showing effort and respect for the local culture. It will help ease interactions between you and the locals, making your trip more accessible and more enjoyable. Since Thai is a tonal language, it can be challenging to learn. You’ll likely make mistakes at first, but don’t let that discourage you. Even if you pronounce something wrong, most locals will still appreciate your effort and may even help you pronounce it correctly. Khap and ka Before continuing with the greetings and other useful Thai phrases, we should first cover some basic rules. To make your sentence or question more polite and respectful, it’s essential to end your sentences with the word khap/ka when you are conversing with someone in Thai. There’s no direct translation of khap/ka in English. It’s based on the gender of the person speaking, not who you are talking to. So if you are a male, you should finish your sentence with the word khap or krap. If you are a female, complete your sentence with the phrase ka. –Khun Khun is a polite way to address a person. You add the word before a person’s name. While it is similar to using Mr. or Ms. in English, there’s no direct correlation to English. Out of all useful Thai phrases, greeting someone and saying thank you are the essential Thai phrases you need to know. Mastering these Thai phrases will help connect you with the people you meet in the country. –Hello – Sa-Wat-Dee Sawatdee is one word you’ll probably use a lot in Thailand. It’s a way to say hi or hello in Thai, so try to use it to greet anyone who crosses your path. Don’t forget to add khap or ka at the end to make a complete, polite greeting. You might butcher the word at first, but don’t worry; most Thais will kindly help you with the correct pronunciation. –Thank you – Khob Khun Sorry/excuse me – Kor Toht You can use kor toht krap/ka to apologize or ask people for your attention. You can also use it to dismiss yourself from a setting or express condolences. –No problem/it’s alright – Mai Pen Rai Mai pen rai is a way to respond to someone’s apology or gratitude. You’ll most likely hear this phrase a lot in Thailand. Using mai pen rai tells the other person they’re not bothering you. –Yes/No – Chai/Mai or Dai/Mai Dai The words yes and no are used differently in different contexts. If someone asks you whether something is right or wrong, use chai (yes) or mai chai (no) to answer the question. However, if someone asks you about your ability to do something, respond with dai (yes – can) or mai dai (no – can’t). I don’t understand – Mai Khao Jai. When you don’t understand something, say “mai khao jai.” Upon hearing this phrase, the other person may try to find different ways to explain whatever they’re trying to tell you. –Goodbye – La Gorn When you part ways with someone, use “la gorn khap/ka” to say goodbye to them. Sometimes, a simple wai might be enough if you’re not confident enough to pronounce the phrase. Continues with video https://thethaiger.com/news/national/useful-thai-phrases-every-visitor-in-thailand-should-know

From Pattaya News Pattaya City has released a schedule for the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival on November 25th to November 26th, 2022. November 25th showtimes: At 7:00 P.M.: The event begins At 7:15 P.M.: Opening ceremony by the Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet followed by the Chonburi Governor At 7:30 P.M.: The first fireworks show from Belgium At 7:45 P.M.: The second fireworks show from the Philippines At 8:00 P.M.: Concert from Aof Pongsak At 9:15 P.M.: The third fireworks show from Malaysia At 9:30 P.M.: The fourth fireworks show from Canada At 9:45 P.M. Concert from Three Man Down band At 10:45 P.M. End of program November 26th Showtimes At 7:15 P.M.: The event begins At 7:30 P.M.: The first fireworks show from Canada At 7:45 P.M.: The second fireworks show from the Philippines At 8:00 P.M.: Concert from Rooftop At 9:15 P.M.: The third fireworks show from Belgium At 9:30 P.M.: The fourth fireworks show from Malaysia At 9:45 P.M.: Concert from OG-ANIC & URIUS At 10:45 P.M.: End of program

Cross rates are showing signs of returning to the mean. After peaking just above 38, the USD has corrected to below 36 on declining US interest rate on the 10-year bond. Meanwhile, both the pound and Euro have retraced some lost ground. Although not too much should be read into short-term fluctuations, it could argue for future stabilization. Taken together with increased demand for the local currency, the worst may be behind it for the baht.

Depending on what time you arrive, be prepared for taxi shortage, according to Airports of Thailand (AOT). AOT is reporting only half of taxis registered at Swampy are actually in service, often resulting in long waits. This can be avoided, of course, if you’re prepared to use airport train and connect with either MRT or BTS, or arranging for private car service through hotel or other providers. AOT says it hopes to relieve situation somewhat by working with Grab. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2436012/grab-enlisted-to-ease-suvarnabhumi-airport-taxi-woes

Some of these guys are still in circulation in the Saphan Kwai shops. But there seems to be daily additions of newbies trying their luck. It’s not for Thai only, although farangs certainly in the minority.