reader

I'm not a Jupiter fan but judging from all the posts about it I believe it operates differently from just about all of the other bars in the Silom area in respect to both ST and LT pricing. It seems that there are no "going rates." Each guy is his own, individual profit center. He's free to try to charge what the market will bear depending upon demand at any given moment. Keep in mind you're always free to make a counter offer but as Vinapu has said it's not the same as bargaining over a Persian carpet: haggling is unlikely to improve your experience. The guy you like will have a price range in mind and you should, too.

When my cable bill hit $89 eight years ago I cancelled it in favor of an old fashioned tv antenna. I get 64 channels, giving me all the news, sports and entertainment options I need. Consequently I'm spared the scores of cable news offerings that prove more political than informative.

From Reuters BANGKOK, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Thailand raised its daily minimum wage for the first time in more than two years on Friday, the labour ministry said, as it seeks to help workers cope with rising living costs and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A committee made up of government representatives, companies and labour groups agreed to raise wages by an average of 5.02% from Oct. 1, Boonchob Suthamanaswong, the ministry's permanent secretary, said in a statement. The minimum wage was last hiked in January 2020, by 1.6%-1.8%. The exact rates differ slightly between regions with the three most industrialised provinces - Chonburi, Rayong and Phuket - and the capital Bangkok, at the top end of a 328 baht and 354 baht ($9.11-$9.84) range. The raise makes Thailand's monthly minimum wage - at 9,840 to 10,620 baht ($273.33-$295.00)- among the highest of its peers in Southeast Asia with such measures. By comparison, Vietnam, a regional manufacturing base, has a monthly minimum wage of between 3.25 million dong and 4.68 million dong ($138.82-$199.90). ($1 = 36.00 baht) ($1 = 23,412.0 dong)

NOTE -- The scene depicted in photo below appears to have been taken in Benjakitti Forest Park. From Time Boys’ Love Dramas Are Changing the Way Many People View Gay Romance In downtown Bangkok, a crowd of waiting women squeals as rookie actors Jitaraphol “Jimmy” Potiwihok and Tawinan “Sea” Anukoolprasert step out of a shopping mall. With their blushing humility and matinee idol looks, they effortlessly charm the assembled office workers and students in uniform. Yet it is Jitaraphol’s hand on the small of Tawinan’s back, and their fleeting glances, that elicit the loudest cheers. The intimate gestures echo their exchanges in the new series Vice Versa—one of many queer romances that are Thailand’s hottest cultural export. Known locally as Y shows, and globally as Boys’ Love (BL) dramas, the serials are poised to compete with South Korean telenovelas for viewership in Asia and beyond. Some see BL as Thailand’s soft power, doing for the Southeast Asian nation’s global image what the yoga boom has done for India or K-pop for South Korea. Jitaraphol tells TIME that the country’s queer dramas “can compete with series from other countries.” Poowin Bunyavejchewin is a senior researcher at the Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University in Bangkok, who has made a study of BL. He says that if the genre was able to hook foreign audiences “it would be a high potential revenue generator.” BL’s success isn’t a given, however. Thailand is a socially conservative, primarily Buddhist country with a significant Muslim minority. The country’s military-backed regime—known for its use of repressive laws to crack down on politically progressive forces—is also unlikely to be enthusiastic about the country’s burgeoning reputation as an exporter of luscious gay TV. It isn’t just the growth of an entertainment genre at stake. Thomas Baudinette, a cultural anthropologist at Sydney’s Macquarie University, credits BL with an “emancipatory, very positively framed, romantic depiction of male-male love.” Continues at https://time.com/6208817/thailand-bl-dramas-popularity/

From Pattaya News Haven’t been to Thailand since before the Covid-19 pandemic took place, say before March 2020? We have you covered here at TPN media. The following article is designed for visitors and tourists, not expats, and is focused on some of the changes in venues, atmosphere, and the town in general since pre Covid. For the ease of use in this article we will call that period PC. AC will be after Covid. This article isn’t designed to list every single change, business opening, closure, etc. It’s only a general guide for those who haven’t been in a while, not meant to be all inclusive. We also aren’t covering requirements with visa, or covid vaccines etc. To come. This is more focused on Pattaya itself. We here in Pattaya have already seen many people returning for the first time in two years plus and the number of people returning will only likely increase as we move into Quarter Four and the first high season without strict border entry restrictions since 2019. Let’s begin. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/26/feature-a-tourists-guide-to-some-of-the-biggest-changes-in-pattaya-for-visitors-who-have-not-been-since-before-the-covid-19-pandemic/

From Khaosod English / Thaiger Thai Airways announced it is renting three more planes and hiring 600 more staff this year as part of its restructuring plans. After cutting costs, selling stock, chasing debts, and distributing plane seats, Thai Airways’ turnover rate in the third quarter of this year is expected to increase. Not only that, the President of the Reorganisation Committee of the Thai Airways International Public Company, Piyasavat Amranand, says he expects the company to be back in black within the next two years. Piyasavat added that Thai Smile Airways, a subsidiary of Thai Airways, has seen an increase in passengers. He said the number of passengers is at about 80% of the pre-Covid-19 days. The president said Thai Airways needed more personnel, especially ground staff, in response to the increasing number of passengers. So, he made known that they would outsource 600 staff to fill vacancies in the ground service area, cargo department, and kitchen. The number of company staff will be raised to 15,000 next year. The company is also expecting more travellers from India, and European countries as Thailand approaches its high season from October to December. Moreover, Thai Airways will resume direct flights from Bangkok to Milan, Italy, and Bangkok to Oslo, Norway, by the end of this year or the beginning of next year, and increase flights from Bangkok to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from four to seven flights per week. Piyasavat believes Thai Airways will be back in black and on track by 2024 and end its reorganisation plan in 2025.

I'm not a resident but I was in that area on my last trip in July. A large, new building is going up on the block bordered on three sides by Silom rd., Convent rd., and the narrow soi that runs behind the Silom complex. Most of the food vendors on the periphery of the site have had to relocate. I would not be surprised if the construction work generates much noise. Best wishes for a good trip. Just spoke with a bartender at a Patpong club and he says business is steadily picking up.

What power does Prawit have as acting PM? From Thai PBS World The decision by the Constitutional Court to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from active duty might have fallen short of the expectations of the opposition bloc and anti-government demonstrators, but should help lower the political temperature — at least for the time being, according to political analysts. Businessmen and industrialists, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the current political uncertainty should not have serious effect on the economy as the country begins to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. The Constitutional Court on Wednesday voted unanimously to accept a petition submitted by the opposition bloc for it to rule on Gen Prayut’s term of office as prime minister. The court also issued an injunction that prohibits Prayut from performing his prime ministerial duty, pending its final ruling. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan is now assuming the role of acting prime minister amid questions as to what power he really has in his caretaker capacity. The State Administration Act makes it clear that an acting prime minister “has the same authority bestowed to the person he replaces”. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on Wednesday also stressed that Prawit will be running the country with the full authority of a prime minister. “He will be administering with the power of the prime minister. He can even reshuffle the Cabinet or dissolve the Parliament,” Wissanu said in answering a question from reporters. “But why would he want to do that?” Wissanu quickly added. The opposition bloc and anti-government demonstrators have demanded an immediate resignation of Prime Minister Prayut who they believe have served out his eight-year term limit at midnight Tuesday. The demonstrators have also rejected Prawit’s role as acting prime minister and vowed to continue their protests. The 77-year-old former army chief is known as the “Big Brother” of the military top brass that seized power in 2014 and on several occasions designated was as acting prime minister whenever Prime Minister Prayut went on overseas trips. Jade Donavanik, a well-known law expert at Dhurakij Pundit University, told Thai PBS World that the court’s decision to suspend Prayut from active duty should help reduce the political tensions at least for the time being. “It has certainly taken the heat out of the situation,” he said, referring to the escalating street protests over the past weeks. However, Jade suggested that even though Prayut can continue to serve as defence minister, he should play a low profile in order not to give the impression that he still calls the shots. Meanwhile, several leading businessmen have played down possible negative impact on the economy and investments by the temporary departure of Prime Minister Prayut. They believe that the government under Prawit’s leadership will continue to implement all the policies it has initiated. “The government should continue to function without any disruption,” said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries. While admitting that the current political situation may pose a challenge to the government’s stability, President of Thai Chamber of Commerce Sanan Angubolkul said it should not have any adverse impact on the private sector. “Our tourism and export industry is making a rebound and it should not be affected by the court’s decision,” he said. By Thepchai Yong

It's easy to forget that Thailand already has an organization that operates as a de facto sex workers union. The Sex Workers IN Group (SWING) are a sex worker organisation with drop-in spaces and offices across three of Thailand’s most infamous red-light districts: Bangkok (Patpong), Koh Samui, and Pattaya (Walking Street). As an organisation working at the local, national and regional level, SWING are recognised for their expertise in developing creative and innovative core programs and projects which focus on the health and wellbeing of sex worker communities, using a human rights framework and peer-led health promotion activities. From the Global Network of Sex Work Projects SWING’s work is driven by principles of community ownership and community representation, which reflect the organisation’s commitment to providing its exclusive sex worker membership with a range of peer education initiatives that build the capacity of individual members and ensure the sustainability of the network. In creating a space and voice for sex workers in society, SWING employs a strategy of empowerment through education, which aims to increase the quality of life of its members and to enhance their abilities to participate in the local and national sex worker movements as peer-leaders. In advocating for sex workers’ rights, SWING recognises that sex workers are the most effective agents of change; however, the organisation also works to build strategic alliances with institutions and individuals who can enact cultural change within their own communities for the benefit of sex workers. SWING are a member of the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) and are widely respected within the Asia Pacific region for the flagship work they have undertaken within male and trans* sex workers communities. Read more about SWING https://www.nswp.org/featured/service-workers-group-swing

There's no shortage of discouraging news coming out of Myanmar. It's becoming increasingly evident that it will be a very long time before we're again able to visit this once wonderful country. From Thai PBS World Former United Kingdom Ambassador to Myanmar, Vicky Bowman, was reportedly arrested on the night of August 24th, when security forces went to her residence in Yangon, claiming that she needed to be questioned on suspicion of breaches of the immigration act, according to sources close to her family. BBC Myanmar reported that the UK embassy confirmed her arrest and that her husband, Htein Lin, had gone with her. Currently, their whereabouts and the official status of the charges remain unknown. Netizens have speculated that this was in retaliation for the UK’s imposition of sanctions on companies owned by the son and daughter of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The Star Sapphire Group of Companies, known to be affiliated with Min Aung Hlaing’s daughter Khin Thiri Thet Mon, Sky One Construction, owned by Min Aung Hlaing’s son Aung Pyae Sone Paing and the International Gateways Group of Companies Limited, known to have ties with the military, were sanctioned. Moreover, the UK had also announced that Britain will be joining Gambia in the genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice.

From The Straits Times

Thanks for the warning, Gaybutton, but--except for the covid period--I've been traveling to Thailand three times annually for the last 20 years and also know what I'm talking about. Since most all of that time has been spent in Bangkok, I gladly concede to you a superior knowledge of Pattaya where I believe that you've spent most all of your time. Let's just say we've had very different experiences and leave it at that. Otherwise, nothing either of us has to say on that matter will influence the other. I wish you happy days going forward.

From Channel News Asia BANGKOK: Thailand will raise the price of Thai instant noodles, the trade department said on Wednesday (Aug 24), marking the first price increase on the must-have daily staple in 14 years. The internal trade department confirmed to AFP that it would approve an increase to 7 baht per regular-sized packet, effective from Aug 25. "We are facing rising commodity prices, oil prices for export," explained Veera Naphaprukchart from Thai Preserved Food, part of popular brand Wai Wai. The price of wheat flour rose roughly 20 per cent to 30 per cent and the price of palm oil had doubled, he said. Veera blamed rising costs on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which was a major supplier of wheat to the kingdom prior to the conflict.

Masks not required on Singapore Airlines From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be required to wear masks on flights from next Monday (Aug 29) unless they are travelling to or from destinations that mandate it. In response to CNA queries, SIA said it updated its policy on the use of masks during flights following the latest guidelines from the Government.

But that doesn't keep some men from trying. This presentation (often comical) features four doctors discussing the methodology for attempting to reverse circumcision. Before forewarned: it's pricey ($25,000) and has a reportedly poor track record. Bottom line: I think Floridarob has it right. https://www.thedoctorstv.com/videos/is-circumcision-reversible

NOTE -- All the more reason to plan a side trip to our other favorite destinations! From CNN Nam khao, Laos: This dish features crispy, deep-fried rice balls made with a base of red curry paste, coconut flakes and egg. The fried rice is then crumbled up and mixed with sausage, tempura, peanuts, onion, chili and more, and served with fresh lettuce leaves. (CNN) — Bubbling cauldrons of noodle soup, flaky flatbreads, kaleidoscopic desserts -- when it comes to street food, Asia delivers big on variety and flavor. This vast region sprawls across equatorial tropics and mountain ranges, volcanic islands and frenetic megacities, so it's no surprise that diversity abounds. Yet there are many similarities, too. With centuries of migration and trade, many recipes have traversed borders only to become a local specialty thousands of miles from their places of origin. To celebrate the region's bottomless culinary talent and passion for food, we've rounded up 50 must-try, much-loved street foods and beverages in Asia in alphabetical order. Let's dig in. Continues with photos at https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/asia-best-street-foods-cmd/index.html

I asked a friend who works nearby to check if Spa Bangkok is open for business. He reports that it was open today (Wednesday). Was also told that 90-minute session at Best Massage is 600 bht.

Stays of one month more or more are legal in Bangkok. I stayed at Ashton Chula more recently and did not experience any problems. I believe that the majority of units in this large complex are rentals.

I'd surely agree with that. Using common sense avoids the potential pitfalls. However, I don't believe that there's a vast conspiracy of mb's out there who are intent on fleecing us of out all our worth. If that were indeed the case, why would any prudent person be so desperate as to venture into it. And I don't believe the majority of members believes it, either.

If it’s as bad as all that I can’t envision reason to remain. if I didn’t know better I’d think we’re a bunch of old men with nothing better to do than complain about the young men we lust after.

From Thai News Agency BANGKOK, Aug 24 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon automatically becomes the acting prime minister on behalf of Gen Prayut Chan-ocha; otherwise, another cabinet minister can assume the role, said Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. After the Constitutional Court suspended Gen Prayut as the prime minister today until it issues a ruling on the matter of his tenure, Mr Wissanu said Gen Prawit automatically became the acting prime minister and other cabinet ministers would be at work as usual including Gen Prayut as the defence minister. If six deputy prime ministers are not ready to act as the prime minister, any other minister can take over the acting role including Gen Prayut who had the concurrent position at the defence ministry, Mr Wissanu said. Mr Wissanu also said that the legal team of Gen Prayut prepared a statement for the Constitutional Court. Today the court ordered Gen Prayut to file his statement on the matter of his tenure within 15 days. https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1004311

The OP presented a legitimate concern and many (myself included) responded with what I'm sure is well-intentioned advice. My comment goes to the irony of it all; when we finally got what we wanted--an open door policy to the LOS--we are now quick to see bad intentions in those we've traveled long and far to meet again. Couldn't it just be a simple misunderstanding between people who speak a different language and come from a different culture, as I believe Min alluded to in his opening post? It doesn't necessarily have to be a sinister plot to coerce money out of us, does it? Because they provide a service we seem to highly value, it's tempting to place them on a lower plane and see ulterior motives in their actions. Can't we just give them the benefit of the doubt. What I'm suggesting is that we not jump to the worst-case scenario based on anecdotal examples of what some other guys did in the past. I think all of us have likely done stupid things in our earlier interactions with mb's. Maybe it was a harsh word and inappropriate reaction. They most likely gave us a second chance. That's all I'm suggesting here.

I was just thinking back about 18 months ago when all we talked about was how much we missed Thailand. We hung on any news of declining covid cases; any indication that the country may open up again. Now we find ourselves warning each other about the snares waiting to entrap us in Thailand.

And I'm ever so grateful that was exactly what I found. 😊

From The Thaiger Thailand’s Central Group and Signa Holding have finalised their deal to acquire luxury retailer Selfridges Group from the Canadian Weston family. Selfridges is famous for its iconic luxury department store on London’s Oxford Street. The Central Group has been operating for 75 years and is owned by the billionaire Chirathivat family, who sits at No.5 on Forbes Thailand’s 50 Richest list. Signa is a property firm owned by Austrian investor Rene Benko. The two have become a joint venture.In December 2021, Central and Signa Group agreed to acquire Selfridges Group – a luxury department store chain with 18 stores in three countries – from the Weston family for 4 billion pounds (170,418,102,400 baht). The Westons – from Canada – bought the chain 20 years ago, in 2003, for 598 million pounds (25,469,119,000 baht). On Monday, Central and Signa Holding announced they had completed their acquisition of Selfridges, which was founded in 1908 by Harry Gordon Selfridge. Selfridges’ 18 stores come under three brands: Selfridges in England, Brown Thomas & Arnotts in Ireland, and De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands. The stores will be added to Central and Signa’s combined existing portfolio of 22 luxury department stores. Central and Cigna also have two more department stores opening soon in Dusseldorf and Vienna.