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Based on my experiences with Airbnb in Bangkok, if you book for four weeks or more you get a substantial discount over the daily rate. In Bangkok, only monthly Airbnb stays are technically legal.

From Inquirer.net MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of jobs in the hospitality industry, particularly in the accommodation sector, in Thailand may soon be offered to Filipino tourism workers, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday. The job openings were among the agreements in the bilateral meeting between the Philippines’ Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on August 18, the DOT said in a press release.During the meeting, the Thai Tourism Minister said that the Thai tourism industry is currently experiencing a shortage of workers, with up to 60% of hotel staff and middle management positions vacant, despite the lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of tourism activities in Thailand. In response, Frasco said the Philippines’ DOT acknowledges Thailand’s tourism workforce deficit “with serious consideration.” She also said that her agency is in talks with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct nationwide job fairs, specifically for the tourism industry. Frasco and the Thai Minister met on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Located the link to the Spa Bangkok shop in Silom Plaza and explored the site. Felt a bit intimidated by the description, not to mention prices.. https://spabangkok.net/ If you're on a more restrictive budget, or just less adventuresome by nature, you should be able to get a 90-minute oil massage at Arena or Best shops (both in same building) for 800 bht or less.

There's rarely a dull day in Pattaya. Now that they have this case behind them, it seems cops have bigger fish to fry. The Pattaya News reports that a Thai-American tourist was rushed to a local hospital after reportedly being bitten on his ear by a Thai intoxicated woman at the intersection of the Second Road, South Pattaya, in Banglamung district on Saturday evening. Pattaya City police arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a Thai woman who reportedly jumped on a Songthaew and attacked a male tourist by punching his mouth, giving him a headlock, and biting off a portion of his ear before swallowing it. At the scene, an alleged female attacker, who was later identified as Kannika Khamthon, was found in a heavy state of intoxication. The 55-year-old injured man, Charoen Sae-Lim, was also found nearby with clear signs of a bite on his right ear. Pattaya News photo The tourist was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital while the 28-year-old suspect was taken to the police station. However, the suspect was uncooperative as she resisted the arrest and aggressively fought the police while the officials were attempting to cuff her on the back of a police truck. =========== And then there's the case of the Swedish expat who stabbed his Thai boyfriend and fractured his companion's skull after finding them in a Pattaya condo. Cops say the suspect remains on the run. Pattaya News video article: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/17/pattaya-police-still-looking-for-swedish-man-who-stabbed-his-boyfriend-injured-second-thai-man/

From Pattaya Mail Under pressure from the Indian embassy, Pattaya Tourist Police finally made an arrest in one of nearly a dozen gold robberies reported since April. Identified only as “Frame”, the transgender woman surrendered to Tourist Police Division officers in Bangkok and was transferred to Pattaya police station to face charges Aug. 19. It’s unknown which of many crimes against Indian tourists “Frame” is accused of committing, but Pol. Col. Somchai Teerapattarapaisan, the local Tourist Police chief, said the suspect agreed to rat out her fellow ladyboy gang members who continue to swarm the beachfront, accost tourists flashing gaudy gold necklaces and steal the jewelry while they’re forcibly distracted. Pol. Lt. Gen. Sukon Phommayon admitted that the arrest – the first since April – came after serious pressure from the Indian embassy to do something about the crime wave. Police ask that if anyone sees a crime being committed and needs assistance they can call 1155 and contact authorities through the “Police I lert u” application.

For more than a year now, many posters have been saying that what bars need is the return of the Chinese tourist...and the Japanese.....and the Koreans...and the Singaporeans...and the Malaysians...because they can come for more frequent trips due to proximity, and when they come they tend to spend freely. I've been told the Malaysians are appearing in increasing numbers and now we're seeing the Chinese beginning to trickle in. There's every reason to hope that this is a harbinger for the reopening of venues like Lucky Boys and Screw Boy in Bangkok and many more in Pattaya. Their baht is just as good--and welcome--as westerners' baht.

Sadly, we now know what the pub owner believes a human life is worth.

If that covers the discussion (which it probably hasn't 😉) of the fastest aircraft, here's some news from the current issue of Aviation Week about the biggest. Singapore Airlines is now operating more 380's than any of its competitors in the Asia-Pacific region. The carrier is flying 10 of the jumbos with two more slated to return to service as soon as retrofitting is completed. Thai Airways has six jumbos and recently announced plans to sell off two. No plans for the remaining four were disclosed.

BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): China is seeking to increase the number of scheduled flights to Thailand by five times next month, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The number of flights between the two countries could rise to 15 per week next month, the agency reported on its website. The CAAT said it received an email from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) last Wednesday asking about the “potential of further increasing the passenger flights between China and Thailand”. The CAAC proposed raising the number of flights from three per week at present to 15 per week. China’s aviation authority asked for a list of Thai airlines wishing to fly to China so it could prepare Chinese airports for increased traffic, the CAAT said.

From Pattaya News The 20th fatality from the ‘Mountain B’ nightclub fire Chonburi –The 20th fatality from the ‘Mountain B’ nightclub tragic fire incident was confirmed on Friday, August 19th, to be a 50-year-old Thai national who reportedly suffered from sepsis, local media reported. The deceased, whose name was withheld due to our editorial policy, was reportedly one of the patients who was identified as a seriously injured case. He was being treated under close observation but later suffered from infections and was eventually pronounced dead as of 1:19 PM yesterday. According to his older brother, the deceased had traveled from Bangkok to Sattahip to escort his mother to a hospital on the following day. However, his friends invited him to the ‘Mountain B’ venue on the night of the incident. Most parts of his body were burned from the fire and he was in serious condition. He was rushed to Sattahip Hospital for an emergency before being transferred to the Chonburi hospital where he was treated for 14 days until he was pronounced dead on Friday afternoon. The brother additionally told local reporters that the family had received compensation from the owner of Mountain B for 30,000 baht and the body would be delivered for a funeral on Saturday morning.

From Pattaya Mail Brits say they are confused by latest Thai visa news By Barry Kenyon The news that from October 1 British tourists will be visa-exempt and able to obtain for free 45 days on arrival without any paperwork is causing some scratching of heads. At present they can obtain 30 days free on arrival, but can extend at local Thai immigration offices a further 30 days (total 60) on payment of 1,900 baht or five pounds. The new regulations don’t specify how many days can be added to the 45 for longer stayers. The latest revision applies to almost 60 countries in addition to UK, including the United States, most of mainland Europe and Australia. A spokesman for Thai immigration, answering a hotline enquiry, said that no clarification was yet available on the extension to 45 days. However, she thought it likely the matter would be addressed on publication in the Royal Gazette in coming days. “The issue is important,” according to the UK-based Expat Explore, “because if the extension is a further 45 days, there will be no need for our clients to obtain prior visas at Thai embassies.” A further area of ambiguity is whether those arriving without a prior visa must show evidence of an airticket to the next destination. Thai immigration has an old standing rule that these tourists should show proof of their exit, although it is rarely enforced these days. However, some airlines have been known to refuse boarding to travellers without a visa or to require them to purchase a new and separate ticket out of Thailand. Reports in Thai social media suggest that “what’s your next destination?” rules have collapsed as the pressure grows to maximize the number of visitors after the Covid pandemic. It’s a classic bums-on-seats scenario. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, the top committee headed by the Thai prime minister, has also improved the tourist lot of other 19 countries – including India and China – who are not visa exempt but currently receive 15 days at the airport by filling in paperwork and paying a fee. From October 1, they will receive 30 days but their extension will be limited to a further seven days on payment of 1,900 baht and is a warning they must now leave. Although Chinese tour groups are still banned by Beijing for health reasons, Indians now constitute the largest number of arrivals at Bangkok airports on a daily basis. Their favorite destination is Pattaya as the number of Indian restaurants in the resort is now once again approaching 70.

Arena is located on top floor in Silom Plaza. The only other massage shop in plaza that I'm aware of is all-male Best Massage on first level. Bangkok Massage is located on Patpong 2 but closed at the moment. Perhaps someone else is familiar with the shop (Bangkok Spa Massage) you mention.

From Visaguide.world If you have an ordinary passport issued by one of the following countries, you can travel to Thailand without a visa for up to 90 days: Argentina Brazil Chile South Korea Peru If you have an ordinary passport issued by one of the following countries, you can travel to Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days: Andorra Australia Austria Bahrain Belgium Brunei Canada Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kuwait Laos Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Malaysia Maldives Mauritius Monaco Mongolia Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Russia San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Vietnam If you have an ordinary passport issued by one of the following countries, you can travel to Thailand without a visa for up to 14 days: Cambodia Myanmar

Although some may find this discussion distasteful, it's proving to be an education. Better we become aware of the risks before we acquire an infection, particularly at at time when more re-emerging diseases are making themselves known. As mentioned above, we don't have to become hermits and refrain from all activities. It's a matter of making sensible choices. I've been keeping in touch with a massage worker from BKK since my last trip. He tells me that he and his mates are very much aware of monkeypox and its symptoms. They've become adept at scanning clients for signs as they undress in the room. Fortunately none have yet to be spotted.

From Thai Enquirer The Thai government said it is considering the lifting of the nationwide emergency decree that has been in place since 2020. It also decided to extend the visa exemption for up to 45 days along with visa on arrival for up to 30 days for a period of six months to help boost tourism. The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), a body set up by the government to handle the Covid-19 related issues, said that it has approved a proposal to extend the visa exemption and the visa on arrival for 15 days over a period of six months. “The extensions for tourists would increase tourism income and encourage tourists to travel around the country,” said Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, CCSA’s spokesman. The proposals that were approved include: Extending the visa exemption for nationalities from 56 selected countries from no more than 30 days to 45 days Extending the visa on arrival for nationalities that could not get the visa exemption from no more than 15 days to 30 days The government said that was considering the lifting of the nationwide state of emergency decree for Covid-19 in October. Prime Minister Prayut said after the CCSA meeting which he chaired on Friday that the government is considering the lifting of the nationwide state of emergency decree that was put in place to prevent the spread of Covid.

From Politico CDC vows a revamp after backlash to pandemic response The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is undergoing an overhaul following criticism of how it handled the coronavirus pandemic and, more recently, a growing monkeypox outbreak, reports your Pulse co-author, Krista. Federal regulators conducted reviews of the agency and determined that the “traditional scientific and communication processes were not adequate to effectively respond to a crisis the size and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to an agency statement. As a result, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky wants to “transform” the agency and its work culture by improving how the agency shares information, develops public health guidance and communicates with the American public. The CDC didn’t provide a timeline for the revamp. Walensky appointed HHS Deputy Secretary Mary Wakefield to oversee a team charged with ensuring the changes are made. Wakefield is also tasked with setting up a new executive council that will “determine agency priorities, track progress and align budget decisions, with a bias toward public health impact.” An equity office will be established to improve the agency’s diversity across the organization, from hiring to policy. The CDC website will be revamped and streamlined to simplify its public health guidance. The agency will give staff incentives to gear their data and research toward public health policy action instead of scientific publications. In addition, measures to speed up the publication of data and research findings are being considered. Additional staff will be trained to quickly respond to public health emergencies. Emergency staffing will be set up to ensure there are no personnel gaps during a crisis.

Some pertinent points to keep in mind: If you're a US citizen, your will has to be probated. A will is a public document. The rules and procedures of probate court are onerous. You can, however, avoid probate if you have a Revocable Trust. This is a private document in which you remain the trustee until your death. The individual you name as successor trustee oversees the execution of the terms of the trust, principally how your tangible and non-tangible assets are distributed. You should very carefully consider who to appoint as successor trustee. That person is key to determining that your wishes are fulfilled. If your assets are going to family members, choosing a relative may be appropriate if the individual has the ability to manage the distribution of your assets. However, if you're leaving anything to a non-relative, you're likely better off making a trust attorney your successor trustee in order to avoid family feuds.

According to Agoda, Bangkok is the most popular international destination while Pattaya comes in at eighth place. Agoda made the findings after having compiled data on room booking made via the platform from May to August this year. Other destinations Agoda said were among the top five most popular among its users were, in respective order, Jeju island of South Korea; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Tokyo, Japan; and Seoul, South Korea. Thailand’s Pattaya City was the 8th most popular destination, owing to it being a seaside city renowned for its nightlife scene. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/agoda-says-bangkok-is-top-destination-for-tourists-worldwide-pattaya-8th-most-popular-407103 ========================== From Pattaya News More than four million foreign tourists have arrived in Thailand since full country reopening in January The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Wednesday, August 17th, reported that the total number of foreign tourists arriving in Thailand has reached four million since the full country reopening on January 1st. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn told the press that after the government had relaxed its measures and registrations for foreign tourists in January, it was reported that a total of 4,015,504 tourists had visited the country from January 1st to August 16th, reflecting a gradual improvement in the tourism industry. “TAT expected that as of August 31st, the number of foreign tourists would reach 4.5 million people and about 40,000+ people would arrive in the country per day,” the governor added. TAT has kept its target of 10 million foreign tourists by 2022, with an expected number of foreign tourists of at least 1 million per month between August and September. An average increase of 1.5 million people per month is also predicted in the fourth quarter, from October to December.

Somehow I'd be inclined to believe that it is. I don't recall any recent thread that went into this topic with greater detail or wider participation. Members should be grateful for you're being so forthcoming. This has turned into an educational exchange much needed at this moment in time.

The WHO is reporting a 20% increase in new infections in the past week. There are now over 35,000 cases worldwide. Excerpted from CNBC Though data on the vaccine’s effectiveness is limited, there are reports of breakthrough cases in which people who received the shots after exposure to the virus are still falling ill as well as individuals becoming infected after receiving the vaccine as a preventative measure, according to Dr. Rosamund Lewis, the WHO’s monkeypox technical lead. “We have known from the beginning that this vaccine would not be a silver bullet, that it would not meet all the expectations that are being put on it, and that we don’t have firm efficacy data or effectiveness data in this context,” Lewis told reporters. These reports are not surprising, Lewis said, but highlight the importance of individuals taking other precautions such as reducing their number of sexual partners and avoiding group or casual sex during the current outbreak. It’s also important for people to know that their immune system does not reach its peak response until two weeks after the second dose, she said. “People do need to wait until the vaccine can generate a maximum immune response, but we don’t yet know what the effectiveness will be overall,” Lewis said. A small study from the 1980s found that the smallpox vaccines available at the time were 85% effective at preventing monkeypox. Jynneos was approved in the U.S. in 2019 to treat both smallpox and monkeypox, which are in the same virus family.

The Bangkok Post reports that a 21-year-old Indian man was arrested while trying to smuggle 17 live animals of six species out of Suvarnabhumi Airport Wednesday. The creatures were discovered during and x-ray, hidden in a basket under a layer of food snacks. The haul reportedly included a white desert fox, a raccoon, two iguanas and a pair of white pythons -- as well as three monitor lizards and eight marmoset monkeys. In a similar incident in June, officials arrested two Indian women at Suvarnabhumi for allegedly trying to smuggle 109 live animals in their luggage. Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said in a press release that the animals were discovered in two suitcases following an X-ray inspection. Photo from Thai PBS News.

I agree that we shouldn't hold our breath, waiting for Greta's blessing on supersonic flight. Indeed, Greta doesn't believe that we should be flying at all. She's doing her best to shame those who do fly ("flygskam" in her native Swedish). For those who choose to heed her message, you might catch the Orient Express from Europe to Istanbul and then look for connections by boat to Kaduying Port (THBKK) that lies about 40 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand on the Chao Phraya River. Allow about three weeks (add another week if originating your trip in North America). Your journey won't come cheap (about the cost of a first-class air ticket) but you'll have a fully flat bed to sleep in every night and ample time to catch up on that reading.

From The Nation Thailand's first electric locomotive will be tested at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok this year, Energy Absolute (EA) said on Tuesday. EA deputy chief executive officer Amorn Sapthaweekul said the electric locomotive manufactured by Chinese locomotive manufacturer CRRC Dalian arrived in Thailand on July 17. He added that the company would cooperate with King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan to conduct shunting test at Bang Sue Grand Station this year. Amorn added that the locomotive can run a distance of 150-200 kilometres, adding that it could save energy cost by more than 40 per cent compared to diesel-powered one. He said the EA has developed an ultra-fast charge system that can charge electric locomotive within an hour, as well as a battery-swapping station that can change battery in not more than 10 minutes. "EA is ready to design and develop ultra-fast charge system to meet the government's strategy to promote Thailand as logistics hub in Asia," he said.

While on the subject of mileage, a little bit of Greta goes a long way.

It's reported today that American Airlines has agreed to buy 20 supersonic airliners, making it the second US carrier to book orders after United earlier signed on for 15 of the "Overture" jets from manufacturer Boom. According to CNBC, the plane will fly as fast as Mach 1.7, or 1,304 mph, dramatically cutting trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flight times. For example, a flight from Seattle to Tokyo, which typically takes just over 10 hours, could be completed in six hours. Boom says its supersonic planes will carry 65 to 80 passenger while flying on sustainable aviation fuel offering lower emissions. Boom will build the jet at a new manufacturing plant in North Carolina and expects to roll out the first model in 2025, with the first flight in 2026. If the flight tests and certification process goes as scheduled, Boom says the Overture will enter commercial service by the end of the decade, the website reported. Continues with video at https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/16/american-airlines-agrees-to-buy-20-supersonic-planes-from-boom.html