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All the more reason for Lao guys to head for the LOS. From The Star VIENTIANE, Sept 6 (Laotian Times): The inflation rate for August has been reported at a whopping 30 per cent with a 2.5 percent increase from July’s figure of 27.5 per cent. The numbers were confirmed by the Lao Statistics Bureau on Tuesday. The price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has surged by 30.2% year on year including that of daily essentials like rice, starch, meat, fat, vegetable oil, fruit, and vegetables. Commercial transport and delivery charges have risen by 51.7% with automobiles, and spare parts becoming even more expensive because of the low exchange rate. Fuel prices have also shot up recently adding to people’s woes. Additionally, prices for housing, electricity, water supply and cooking oil also increased by 20.5% due to the soaring prices of steel, cement, concrete, and gas.

Bangkok Post is reporting that the leader of the Thai Civilized Party is gathering signatures to turn back the recent fine increases on the grounds that they are conducive to police corruption.

Channel News Asia has posted a list of entry requirements for seven countries at this link: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-entry-requirements-tourists-travellers-asia-south-korea-japan-taiwan-malaysia-2922606

From Thai News Agency BANGKOK, Sept 6 (TNA) – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has conducted a test run of the Kiha 183 passenger train carriages donated by Japan after the work to modify and refurbish the first three carriages completed.

That the students were all on one motorbike and the shooter was driving a BMW tells me more than I need to know about this incident. From Thai PBS World Three high-school students were shot dead in the Khao Phanom District of Thailand’s southern province of Krabi last night after the motorcycle on which they were travelling was involved in a collision with a private car. Police subsequently arrested the suspect at a roadside car tire shop in Thung Yai district this morning (Tuesday). According to the Khao Phanom District police, the three high school students, all aged 18, left home to spend the night at another’s place after midnight. Their motorbike collided with a black sedan. They were all thrown from the bike by the impact, which also caused the bike to catch fire. Then, a man got out of the sedan and fired two shots from a shotgun into the three students before speeding away in the direction of Thung Yai district. Police checked footage from CCTV installed on the Khao Phanom-Thung Yai road and, as a result, about 20 policemen, including a SWAT team, laid siege to a car tire shop in Thung Yai district, where the suspected gunman was believed to have taken shelter. They found a black BMW with its front damaged and broken front windshield. The police knocked at the front door of the shop, but there was no response. One of the officers then went to fetch the parents of the shop-owner, in the hope of convincing their son to open the door and surrender. The shop-owner, later identified as “Thirasak”, tried to escape while wielding a handgun. He later surrendered to the police. During police questioning this morning, Thirasak allegedly admitted that he took two methamphetamine pills before he drove the black BMW from his wife’s home to the shop and, on the way, his car was involved in a collision with a motorcycle. He told the police that, after the accident, he grabbed a shotgun in his car and fired at the students. A shotgun was later found in Thirasak’s bedroom.

Saddened to hear that the once most popular gay-friendly hotel has fallen so far. Besides the ever-present manager, Lucas, there was one particular staff member I still recall fondly. He was one of the elevator guards who (20 years ago when I first arrived in Bangkok) was a young man. Courteous and friendly to a fault, I looked forward to his morning greeting. I believe he stayed on for a few years after new management took over. Even when I wasn't no longer staying there, I'd drop by to say hello and give him a red note for old time sake. It was always entertaining to see who showed up in the lobby for breakfast with their overnight guests.

DISCLAIMER -- As one member who needs no introduction has said on more than one occasion: some places or events would "send us screaming" while the same would leave others perfectly happy. Count me in that group of screaming runners. 🙂 But for those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing that they like. 🏳️‍🌈 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢 🏳️‍🌈 _______________________________ This event is a cruise. Dress code : Carnival Saturday 10 September 2022 Check-in at 5.00pm Boat leaves at 6.00pm Back at 11.00pm https://bangkokisland.com/events/pride-cruise-carnival-bangkok-island/

From Channel News Asia TAIPEI: Taiwan will resume visa free entry for visitors from countries including the United States and Canada from next week, the government said on Monday (Sep 5), as it continues to ease controls put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19. Taiwan had kept its entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia have relaxed or lifted them completely, though in June it cut the number of days spent in isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously. Taiwan has reported more than 5.3 million domestic cases since the beginning of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant. But with more than 99 per cent of those exhibiting no or mild symptoms, the government has relaxed rather than tightened restrictions in what it calls the "new Taiwan model". Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Centre said the resumption of visa free entry for visitors from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and diplomatic allies would start from next Monday. Visitors from more than 50 of these countries can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days while those from Singapore, Malaysia and six other countries can stay for up to 30 days, according to a list published by the island's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Those in Pattaya were reminded that it's the heart of monsoon season Sunday night as shown in this Pattaya Mail photo taken on Sukhumvit road.

I remember Remington's. I seem to recall it had a back room but it's been many years since I was last there. Same for Montreal that had a host of memorable places. As for Bangkok show bars, westerners jammed Dreamboys when it was on Twilight so we have to shoulder some of the responsibility for the popularity of the shows. We tolerated the performances so we could ogle the guys. 😄

I agree. I'd prefer just a parade rotation sans the show. But I think the bar owners are more tuned in to what Asian audiences of both sexes like and that is a show. They want to be entertained for their pricey drink. It certainly seems to work for Moonlight and it was a big part of the draw at Lucky Boys. That's not to say they don't also come for--and regularly leave with--a boy. Those of us who are westerners are becoming more of a minority.

I really don't think they require any education. They seem to know how to do it quite well already.

I should have been more specific. It's actually eye contact that communicates interest. And a head turn--with or without mask--is not to be ignored. 😄 You're right. It's completely unfair but you can't compete with a straight guy's libido--unless of course you're prepared to wildly outbid the lady's best bid for his affection. But even then, you may well still end up disappointed.

Veteran tourists have come to appreciate that the belief in ghosts is not some Halloween fun to Thai people. It's an ancient part of their culture. This article reminds us that we pass over revered ground every time to enter and leave the Kingdom. From The Mirror By Steven White For many visitors flying to Thailand there is good chance they will inadvertently pass through one of the country's most haunted locations. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) just outside the capital city of Bangkok, a major tourist hotspot, opened in 2006 and has since had many ghostly sightings in it as well as fatal accidents. Right from international airport's beginnings, an oversight meant that many of its construction workers did not know it was being built on top of an ancient cemetery. Some of them reportedly refused to work and quit there on the spot once they knew - because they were too frightened to continue. While it was being built, which is estimated to have cost more than $4bn, workers said they could hear screams and wails around them. The exorcism ceremony was full of chanting and prayers and took nine weeks to complete. One dramatic moment at the end of it saw a baggage handler stumbling through the throngs of people watching the monks and claiming to be the guardian of the cemetery, Poo Ming. The holy men duly blessed the young man so that he could return back to normal. However the lingering ghost of Poo Ming, who is said to be blue in colour, refuses to leave the airport and is often seen in the guise of an old man with a walking stick. He, along with other demons, are believed to stalk the terminals. Sometime they possess people within the vicinity and allegedly cause accidents and even suicides. Airports of Thailand, which owns BKK, built glass barriers in more elevated terminals to stop people from jumping down and killing themselves. Many people have reported seeing the apparition of pale lady carrying a baby who regularly causes accidents by stepping in front of drivers and scaring them. One person alleged he could hear classical Thai music being played - although there was nowhere obvious it could have been coming from. During BKK's official opening the authorities even brought in 99 Buddhist monks to appease any untoward spirits away. It is said that the person who rented the car was killed years ago and now haunts the area - people place flowers by the vehicle as an offering to the unrestful spirit. In 2013 a plane landing at BKK lost control and veered off the runway. Luckily there were no serious injuries to anyone and it was concluded that it was the result of malfunctioning landing gear underneath the plane. However, the Thai Airways managing director blamed it on ghosts at the time and went as far as saying that a ghost flight attendant helped passengers off the plane. Another, more serious accident happened in 2018 when a landing plane again skidded off the runway and injured 14 people. Malignant spirits were accused of playing a part in the incident once more. Thailand is a country entrenched in the belief of ghosts and one effort to maintain the afterlife within BKK is through the building of spirit houses. There, many Thai-based airlines conduct group prayer sessions where people can leave offerings to the dead. One popular gift is strawberry Fanta as the drink is thought to be a favourite of ghosts due to its bright red colouring.

The distinction between gay bar and boy bar tells us a lot about the evolving demographics of patrons. Women, on the whole, are becoming wealthier as they choose to delay or forego marriage. This is particularly true in Japan, China and Korea. Their dollars may be a different shade of pink but more negotiable to the otherwise straight boys who parade on the stages of given bars in BKK and Pattaya. That doesn't mean we can't still enjoy the eye candy but I find that I can see all I want just walking around. And I get a lot more smiles that way, too. 😉 So if the ladies contribute to keeping the venues open, we should applaud their largess.

From Channel News Asia Wang Yandong (left) gave up on what was 'unattainable', while Li Xiaolin wants to do what makes him comfortable. BEIJING: Li Xiaolin leads a “tedious” life. He goes to work at his uncle’s vehicle inspection factory at 9am, six days a week. After completing his tasks — checking for mechanical faults like worn tyres or fuel leaks — he’s headed home by 5pm to eat and sleep. If his boss tells him to do something, he might say: “Can I do it tomorrow?” “Can you ask someone else to do it?” “Can I not do it?” BEIJING: Li Xiaolin leads a “tedious” life. He goes to work at his uncle’s vehicle inspection factory at 9am, six days a week. After completing his tasks — checking for mechanical faults like worn tyres or fuel leaks — he’s headed home by 5pm to eat and sleep. If his boss tells him to do something, he might say: “Can I do it tomorrow?” “Can you ask someone else to do it?” “Can I not do it?” To the Chinese youth, said battle looks like this: 10.8 million graduates are entering China’s workforce this year but the youth unemployment rate is at a record high of nearly 20 per cent. The country’s economic growth has moderated since 2010 and was recently dragged down by its COVID-19 lockdowns. Income inequality in China is also among the highest in the world. This disillusionment among the young has worried president Xi Jinping, who has his eyes set on a national rejuvenation. At the 100th anniversary of the Communist Youth League of China in May, he called on them to offer their energy and creativity to the rejuvenation cause and not be intimidated by difficulties. Social immobility is behind the bai lan phenomenon, said Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He attributes it to the “burden of the three mountains” — education, healthcare and housing. Continues with video and photos https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/996-bai-lan-china-youths-workers-rot-work-slacker-2917476

From AFP By Lisa Martin A crashed Ferrari, a dead policeman and a fugitive heir to a multibillion-dollar fortune -- 10 years on, Thailand is no closer to resolving one of its most notorious hit-and-run cases. Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, princeling of the Red Bull energy drink family, is accused of ploughing his sports car into police officer Wichean Glanprasert's motorbike in Bangkok's wealthiest neighbourhood a decade ago on Saturday. After dodging prosecutors and finally fleeing Thailand on a private jet in 2017, Vorayuth became a symbol of what critics say is the impunity enjoyed by the super-rich in the kingdom. "The perception of different justice systems for different segments of society cripples people's trust in the Thai state's capacity to carry out its responsibility to protect human rights for all Thai people," Amnesty International Thailand told AFP. As the grandson of Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya, who died in 2012, Vorayuth is part of a clan with an estimated net worth of $26.4 billion -- making it Thailand's second-richest family, according to Forbes. "This family is not only powerful in Thailand, but they are very powerful worldwide too," Thai political analyst Pavin Chachavalpongpun from Kyoto University told AFP Within hours of the crash, investigators followed a trail of brake fluid to the Yoovidhya family's Bangkok compound, where they found a badly dented vehicle with a smashed windscreen. Police initially accepted a claim that an employee was driving, but Vorayuth became the main suspect and his family later paid the victim's relatives $100,000 compensation, according to the BBC and New York Times. For five years, Vorayuth played a game of cat and mouse ducking court summonses -- claiming through lawyers he was overseas on business or ill -- while photographs documented a globetrotting lifestyle: living it up in London, attending Red Bull racing events, or going off on beach holidays and ski trips. Charges of speeding, drunk driving and failing to render assistance expired, before a Bangkok court belatedly issued an arrest warrant in 2017. By then, Vorayuth had already fled. In 2020, the Thai authorities dropped all charges against Vorayuth, triggering a huge public outcry -- including a social media campaign to #BoycottRedBull. Amid the backlash, TCP Group -- Red Bull Thailand's parent company -- distanced the firm from the case, saying the issue was a private matter. As anger mounted, and with youth-led anti-government demonstrations growing in the streets, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha's office ordered a review, which concluded the entire investigation had been "compromised". Rights campaigners contrasted the foot-dragging in the Vorayuth case with the swift action meted out to anti-government protest leaders, many of whom were hit with multiple royal defamation charges, which carry a prison term of up to 15 years. Thailand's Attorney General's Office announced fresh charges against Vorayuth and, in September 2020, Interpol issued a Red Notice for his arrest. An updated version from March last year said Vorayuth had made an attempt to access the Red Notice and was likely around France at the time. The notice also cited Austria -- where Red Bull has its headquarters -- as a possible location. Last month, a charge of using cocaine expired, Thailand's Attorney General's office said, leaving only one avenue for prosecutors to pursue against Vorayuth: reckless driving causing death, which carries a maximum 10-year prison term. The AG's office told AFP that the charge is valid until 2027. Few, however, expect Vorayuth to face the courts. "Even from the beginning, a lot of people expected how it would end," Pavin said, noting intense public anger around the case. "Rich people getting away with crime has become so normalised in Thai society. Thai people don't accept that it's OK."

From Pattaya News Fire claims 23rd victim The latest report of the death toll of the Mountain B fire in Sattahip on August 5th, rose to 23 people, adding the death of Lieutenant Panupong Wongpakpaiboon, 27, from the Royal Thai Navy in Sattahip. He was identified as a seriously injured case previously with 60 percent burns. He was being treated at a hospital before he was pronounced dead yesterday (September 2nd) from infection. ======================================== All emergency exits locked in raided club The Bangkok Post is reporting that all the fire doors were locked when police raided a club in Chiang Rai early Saturday where they found 325 underage drinkers packed inside. Three emergency exit doors were locked, police said. Wholeheartedly agree but I wouldn't hold my breath. In the meantime, the best way to avoid becoming a victim is to ask ourselves this question whenever we enter a bar or club: where is the second exit? I believe it was Floridarob who said that he checked once at the notorious Soi 2 club and found it blocked. It may seem overly cautious--until of course you find yourself being crushed by the panicked mob behind you in the dirction of the way they entered the club.

From CNBC ‘Why shouldn’t it be as bad as the 1970s?’ Historian Niall Ferguson warned Friday that the world is sleepwalking into an era of political and economic upheaval akin to the 1970s — only worse. Speaking to CNBC at the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy, Ferguson said the catalyst events had already occurred to spark a repeat of the 70s, a period characterized by financial shocks, political clashes and civil unrest. Yet this time, the severity of those shocks was likely to be greater and more sustained. “The ingredients of the 1970s are already in place,” Ferguson, Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, told CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick. “The monetary and fiscal policy mistakes of last year, which set this inflation off, are very alike to the 60s,” he said, likening recent price hikes to the 1970′s doggedly high inflation. “And, as in 1973, you get a war,” he continued, referring to the 1973 Arab-Israeli War — also known as the Yom Kippur War — between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria. As with Russia’s current war in Ukraine, the 1973 Arab-Israeli War led to international involvement from then-superpowers the Soviet Union and the U.S., sparking a wider energy crisis. Only that time, the conflict lasted just 20 days. Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has now entered into its sixth month, suggesting that any repercussions for energy markets could be far worse. “This war is lasting much longer than the 1973 war, so the energy shock it is causing is actually going to be more sustained,” said Ferguson. Politicians and central bankers have been vying to mitigate the worst effects of the fallout, by raising interest rates to combat inflation and reducing reliance on Russian energy imports. But Ferguson, who has authored 16 books, including his most recent “Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe,” said there was no evidence to suggest that current crises could be avoided. “Why shouldn’t it be as bad as the 1970s?” he said. “I’m going to go out on a limb: Let’s consider the possibility that the 2020s could actually be worse than the 1970s.” Continues with video: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/02/1970s-inflation-historian-niall-ferguson-has-a-warning-for-investors.html

When I left in July, Nature Boy was open (diagonally opposite New Twilight) but the crew seemed to be the guys from Golden Cock that is closed.

From Pattaya News Pattaya officials inspect nightlife venues Pattaya officials inspected the nightlife venues on Walking Street to ensure the operators complied with the fire prevention measures. Mr. Pornchai Sang-iad, Permanent Secretary of Banglamung district, and relevant officials screened various entertainment venues on Walking Street in South Pattaya late last night, September 2nd, to remind the operators about the fire prevention measures. The inspection focused on fire escapes and fire extinguishers, Pornchai said. However, the official found that some venues still had unready fire escapes that were blocked and difficult to access. “The venues must have a clear path leading to the fire escape,” Pornchai said before ordering the operators to clear the obstructions from the fire escape.

From VN Express “One’s true gender is unchangeable. If we, parents of LGBTQ+ people, want happiness for both us and them, we need to change our mindset.” Meet Nguyen Lang Mong, a woman living in HCMC, whose advice this is to people who face a psychological battle in accepting their LGBTQ+ children. She is the leader of PFLAG Vietnam (Parents, Families and Friends of LGBTQ+), founded in 2011. Every week, Mong, whose son is gay, receives phone calls and messages for help from three or four people with LGBTQ+ children. At first their typical reaction is to try and make their children "normal." But by sharing her story and knowledge, she shows them there is nothing wrong with their offspring and that having an LGBTQ+ child is not a shame. She says: "Many parents don't understand this community and they have deep-rooted prejudices against LGBTQ+. When they know more about their children, they will give up their prejudices and accept them the way they are more easily. It is the most important thing for our kids." Mong’s advice for the parents is drawn from her own struggle in accepting her gay son 11 years ago. At first she did not believe her son, now 29, was not straight and scolded him for imitating his gay friends. The relationship between mother and son deteriorated and tension escalated for a year. Then one day she found out her son had tried to commit suicide, which came as a wake-up call to her. "It freaked me out. I thought I couldn’t keep treating my son that way." She then began to learn about LGBTQ+ people and realized they were not as "bad and indisciplined" as she had thought. "If he is happy living the way he truly is, I am happy too." Mong and her son’s is a typical and heartwarming story of the progress made by Vietnamese society in recent times in accepting the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this month the Ministry of Health sent an announcement to provincial and municipal health departments and posted it on the government website. It said being LGBTQ+ "is entirely not an illness", and it "cannot be ‘cured’ nor needs to be ‘cured’ and cannot be changed in any way." Continues at https://e.vnexpress.net/news/trend/clash-of-views-on-lgbtq-in-vietnam-4505406.html

From The Diplomat In June, Thailand welcomed its first Pride Parade in almost 16 years. The celebratory event in the capital Bangkok not only brought together thousands of members from the country’s highly visible LGBTQ community but also underscored a host of issues: from the rights of sex workers to legal gender recognition to marriage equality. As one of only nine Asian signatories to a 2011 declaration of LGBTQ rights at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Thailand has often been hailed as a haven for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals. Yet, the country still lacks mechanisms for safeguarding LGBTQ rights. For too long, human rights violations against LGBTQ people have persisted while the voices of LGBTQ activists have fallen on deaf ears. Despite Thailand’s reputation for inclusion, social stigma and discrimination against gender and sexual minorities still prevail in the conservative country. But there’s hope. When nationwide youth-led protests calling for political reforms erupted in 2020, LGBTQ demands were added to the agenda, alongside the broader calls for democratic change. And now, with the return of the Pride Parade in Bangkok spurring similar events in other Thai cities, and rainbow flags flying high, LGBTQ issues are finally on the table in Thailand. A few days after Bangkok’s historic Pride Parade, Thai lawmakers passed at their first reading four different bills on same-sex unions. Three of the draft bills would confer a differing and questionable legal status on civil unions between people across all genders. The opposition Move Forward Party proposed the fourth and strongest of the batch: the draft Act for Amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code, better known as the marriage equality bill. It seeks to revise binary terms in the Code to provide the fundamental right to marriage and family for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/can-marriage-equality-become-a-reality-in-thailand/

From Coconuts Bangkok Cars became submarines and condos turned into island spires this morning after a large swath of Phuket became severely flooded, with parts of the island’s northern district of Thalang submerged in waist-high, murky waters. Two days of constant rain pelted the island and spawned flash floods that affected sites including Phuket International Airport, the Muang Thalang School, and residential neighborhoods. Residents reported having to flee their stranded vehicles after floodwaters rose to submerge them. As of 1pm, the Blue Country Golf Club remained inaccessible as the floodwater had reached up to chest level. Airport officials suggested people allow at least four hours to arrive due to the constant downpour. Phuket Gov. Narong Woonsiew said community centers have been set up to help affected residents including one at Wat Nai Yang. And more rain is on the way. Thunderstorms are predicted to continue lashing the Andaman Sea island today and Saturday, then continuing at a slightly lesser rate through next week.

Thai PBS World today suggests that authorities are still ironing out some of the new fare changes. The Transport Ministry is considering increasing taxi fares in Bangkok, from 35 baht for the first kilometre to 45 baht, noting that the fares have not been increased for 8 years. Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Transport Ministry, Sorapong Paitoonphong, said that they will consider increasing fares for taxis licensed in Bangkok, as taxi drivers have been demanding an increase in the fares in line with the economic situation. He added that fares have not risen since 2014, in direct contrast with increasing fuel prices and costs of living. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Thai Taxi Public Association said that its working committee has proposed an increase, starting at 45 baht for taxis with 1,600-1,800cc engines and 50 baht for taxis with 2,000cc engines and above for the first kilometre. If they are travelling to Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi airports, they also propose that the service charge be increased from 50 baht to 75 baht. Currently, all taxi fares start at 35 baht and increase by 5.50 baht for each kilometre travelled. Taxis pre-booked via phone or hailing apps will, however, cost another 35 baht. ======================== Higher Traffic Fines in Effect from Sept 5 From Thai News Agency BANGKOK, Sept 2 (TNA) – Traffic fines will be much higher, with the maximum rate of 4,000 baht, on Sept 5 when the newly amended Land Traffic Act will take effect, according to the police. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat said the amendment increased punishment on the traffic rule violations that were main factors behind road accidents. They included the violation of speed limits, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, he said. The maximum fine of such offences rose from 1,000 to 4,000 baht, Pol Gen Damrongsak said. The new law also raised the maximum fine from 500 to 2,000 baht for driving in wrong direction and failure to wear a helmet or a seat belt.