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From Thai Enquirer Transgender celeb on the run from religious authorities gives thanks to Thailand after being resettled A Malaysian transgender entrepreneur who received asylum status in Australia after fleeing religious authorities in her native country posted a special thank you to Thailand for hosting her while her asylum request was processed. “Kap kun kap Thailand ka,” Muhammad Sajjad Kamaruz Zaman, better known as Nur Sajat, wrote on her Twitter page on Tuesday. Attached to her post was a message by a Thai news reporter who said that she has reached Australia. She also wrote “Good Morning universe!!! Now Im freedom yaaaahoooo” on October 18. https://www.thaienquirer.com/34096/transgender-celeb-on-the-run-from-religious-authorities-gives-thanks-to-thailand-after-being-resettled/

From The Star First of its kind: The Lane Xang train passing the China-Laos borderline inside a tunnel. — Xinhua VIENTIANE: The dream of the Lao people to transform the land-locked country into a land-linked hub in the region is coming true as the streamlined “China-standard” bullet train for the China-Laos railway arrived in Lao capital Vientiane. The electric multiple unit (EMU) train was officially delivered to the Laos-China Railway Co, Ltd, a joint venture in charge of the railway’s construction and operation, at a handover ceremony in the newly-built China-Laos Railway Vientiane Station with the attendance of Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong and Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Viengsavath Siphandone on Saturday. Jiang said Laos has received the first modern train in its history which is a decisive progress in the construction of the China-Laos railway. He said it is also a landmark achievement of the strategic docking between the Belt and Road Initiative and Laos strategy to convert itself to a land-linked hub. The construction of the railway started in December 2016 and is scheduled to be completed and operational in December. According to the China State Railway Group, the new train, with the maximum operating speed of 160kph, consists of nine carriages, including a locomotive, a dining coach, a first-class and six second-class coaches, and has altogether 720 seats. It will be put into a trial run soon. The train is called Lane Xang (million elephants) as Laos was once called the Lane Xang Kingdom. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2021/10/18/china-laos-bullet-train-arrives-in-vientiane

From Bangkok Post Thailand will stop using the Covid-19 vaccine of China's Sinovac when its current stock finishes, a senior Public Health Ministry official said on Monday, having used the shot extensively in combination with Western-developed vaccines. Thailand used over 31.5 million Sinovac doses since February, starting with two doses to frontline workers, high-risk groups and residents of Phuket, the holiday island that reopened to tourists in July in a pilot scheme. In July, Thailand started inoculating people with Sinovac as a first dose followed by the Oxford University-developed AstraZeneca. Thailand was the first country to combine a Chinese and Western shots, a strategy its health officials said has proved effective. "We expect to have distributed all Sinovac doses this week," said Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the Department of Disease Control director-general, adding the programme will switch to combining the AstraZeneca vaccine with that made by Pfizer and BioNTech. Thailand next year plans to buy 120 million Covid-19 vaccine doses in total and has already booked 60 million doses of AstraZeneca, a vaccine it manufactures locally. Thailand has said it will only procure vaccines effective against new variants. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2199827/thailand-to-cease-sinovac-vaccine-use-when-stocks-end-this-month

Many it seems are asking the same thing. But the powers that be may yet avoid snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

From The Star BANGKOK, Oct 17 (Bernama): Discussions will be held to add Malaysia in the list of low-risk countries where fully vaccinated visitors will skip the 14-day mandatory quarantine when entering Thailand. Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Jojie Samuel said Thailand wanted to end quarantine for fully vaccinated visitors from low-risk countries travelling by air starting Nov 1, as the Covid-19 situation in Thailand continued to improve. However, Malaysia is not included in the list. "Malaysia’s infection has dropped due to higher vaccination rate. To date, more than 90 per cent of the adult population in Malaysia have completed their COVID-19 vaccination. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2021/10/17/discussions-will-be-held-to-add-malaysia-in-thailand039s-list-of-low-risk-countries

From Bangkok Post Bangkok is set to reopen to fully vaccinated international visitors next month with "swab hubs" being set up to test tourists upon their arrival in the capital. Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said that the government has laid down a policy to reopen the country on Nov 1 and precautions include testing and quarantine measures. As for the shortening of nighttime curfew hours starting on Saturday, City Hall will wait for an official announcement of the easing of virus curbs to be published in the Royal Gazette, Pol Gen Aswin said, adding that details regarding countdown events will then be discussed. Pol Capt Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, City Hall spokesman, said that City Hall has put in place measures to welcome back foreign visitors that are in line with the government's reopening plan. Bangkok needs to try and prevent transmissions among residents and foreign visitors so City Hall will set up Covid-19 screening points in the capital, similar to Phuket, he said. In Phuket, screening points are set up at hotels where tourists check-in. But City Hall plans to set up swab hubs across the capital to carry out swab tests on foreign visitors. They will then be quarantined at hotels and wait for the result of RT-PCR tests, the spokesman said. Measures will also be in place to contain transmissions, particularly at night entertainment venues which may be allowed to resume operations on Dec 1. Measures include carrying out rapid antigen tests and administering vaccines in Bangkok's popular tourist spots, Pol Capt Pongsakorn said. Asked about the Tourism and Sports Ministry's plan to invite Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned Italian opera tenor, to perform at a countdown event in Bangkok, Pol Capt Pongsakorn said that City Hall cannot make a decision on the matter as approval must be sought from the Public Health Ministry and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). She also said the CCSA on Friday discussed a proposal by the Foreign Affairs Ministry for foreign visitors who have received two vaccine shots with the result of RT-PCR test before arrival to use the Thailand Plus tracing app instead of the certificate of entry, Dr Apisamai said. She added that this will reduce their time of seeking permission to enter Thailand from 3-6 to 1-3 days. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2198587/swab-hubs-for-arriving-tourists ==================================== Clear entry edicts demanded now Tourism operators urged the Thai government to issue clear and definitive entry regulations for foreigners as soon as possible or the country stands to lose out on lucrative markets in the high season. The Russian government indicated it plans to lift the ban on international commercial flights with Thailand from Nov 9. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, acting president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council, said tour operators such as Pegas Touristik cannot sell packages to Russians nor operate charter flights here without clear regulations. He said if the government plans to replace the certificate of entry (CoE) system with the Thailand Pass, tour operators need to know more details about the new system to prepare their operations in advance. "If complete travel requirements are not announced soon, the country might lose the chance to welcome the Russian market this high season, as they will choose destinations with more convenient entry," Mr Thanet said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2198779/clear-entry-edicts-demanded-now

Until I had an opportunity today to view the National Geographic documentary about the rescue of the Thai Wild Boars football team, I thought I had a pretty comprehensive idea of what happened three years ago. After all, I’ve read whatever I could find on the incident and saw an earlier film about it when it debuted in Bangkok. I was wrong. “The Rescue” approaches the event from the viewpoint of the rescuers themselves. With never seen before footage- much of it from the cameras of the UK lead cave divers, the chaos, the disillusionment and near failure are described in chilling detail. But so are the final three days that saw all 13 saved. They were unlikely heroes. Mostly middle-aged, grey and balding, who shared the eccentric hobby of cave diving. It’s a small circle and those who have been at it for any length of time eventually get to know the others regardless of where they come from. Without those connections, the mission would not have succeeded. The first handful to arrive about three days into the event. After persuading the Thai Seals that they really could take care of themselves, they were allowed to venture inside. As they made their way toward a chamber known as Pattaya beach where authorities believed the team may have found refuge, they came upon a chamber where they discovered four stranded Thai pump workers who had become marooned there when rapidly rising water levels blocked their escape. In an account I don’t recall hearing before, the divers used a spare mouthpiece that allowed them to share their air. They managed to get all four safely out despite panic attacks when they had to briefly had to submerge them through very tight quarters. That panic experience with the four men would eventually become the key factor that ended up making the removal of the 13 possible. What is well known by all is that moment when the UK divers advanced further into the cave than anyone had done so far. They reached Pattaya beach but found it empty. They ventured on and at one point surfaced and removed their masks to sniff the air. Experienced divers know that odors in confined spaces can be a telltale clue as what to expect. What they smelled told them that they were close to their goal. Shortly after they emerged at the next chamber and were greeted by a sight that they had come to doubt was possible. When they spoke in English, a youth from Myanmar responded in kind. When they got word back to the command center, all the world knew about it within the hour. But the battle to get them out was just beginning. At first, the Thai Navy seals took the lead and managed to get medics to the chamber where the team was trapped. But because they lacked the rare skills and specialized equipment to operative effectively in that environment for extended periods, the rag tag volunteers increasingly became the go-to guys in tight situations. At one point, a monk from Myanmar, much revered in the local community, was brought to the scene to pray for the boys and their rescuers. He blessed bracelets that Thais wear on their wrists for many reasons and asked that they be brought to the boys. When the divers distributed them to the boys, they immediately put them on and were visibly comforted. Since they shared the same tongue, they collaborated easily with the US military personnel who helped them strategize and, along with the Thai seals, set up staging areas for supplies and air bottles in chambers between the boys and the entrance. The operation nearly came undone by disagreement about how to get the boys out. The Thais were initially favoring the idea of waiting until the monsoon season ended, while keeping the boys supplied with food and medicine. But the reality was that the cave would flood completely and all would drown before then. In the meantime, one of the UK divers, who had been keeping in touch with another diver in Australia. A surgeon by profession, the Aussie was asked if it would be possible to sedate the boys because of he was sure that they would panic during the long ordeal of underwater removal. At first the doctor came up with a dozen ways the sedation could backfire (i.e., aspirating into their masks). But his friend told him that he could visualize no other way they boys could be removed. The surgeon agreed to come to see for himself and arrived within a few days. After visiting the chamber and examining the boys, he reluctantly agreed it was the best alternative. Then it became the task to convince Thai authorities. It was highly risky he told them. Such a thing had never before been attempted, but the plan was their last best hope. The go ahead was given and the rest is history. If you get an opportunity to see “The Rescue,” you won’t be disappointed. It’s as inspirational a film as I’ve ever seen.

From The Thaiger Beleaguered national airline Thai Airways says they’re resuming full service on 36 foreign routes to destinations in Europe, Asia and Australia, many of which will resume from October 31. The implementation is in step with the Thai government’s commitment to reduce many of the impediments and restrictions to international arrivals from November 1. The decision was announced today by Thai Airways Executive Vice President for Commerce Non Kalinta. The massively expanded and updated schedule will operate as the airline’s winter flight plan, going into effect on October 31 and following the flight schedule until March 26, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The airline launched a set of flights planned specifically to support the Phuket Sandbox programme, as well as a wide range of flights hubbed in Bangkok, connecting the capital city with key locations throughout Asia, Australia, and Europe. Thai Airways will operate 7 routes to support the Phuket Sandbox, 19 across Asia – particularly Southeast Asia and South Asia – 9 to Europe, and 1 to Australia. They will fly to Sydney from Bangkok and return, with flights departing from Bangkok on Wednesdays and Sundays. Complete list of destinations and flight frequency at this link https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-airways-adding-39-international-flight-routes-on-october-31

Although there's no reported connection between this arrest and "Only Fans," this seems like the appropriate thread to post it under. With jobs still hard to come by in the entertainment sector, why such victim-less acts are so vigorously pursued remains a mystery. Transgender live-streamed sex with boyfriend to subscribers From Bangkok Post Crime Suppression Division police have arrested a transgender woman in Tak for allegedly live-streaming sex with her boyfriend to paying subscribers in a Line group. Karnklao Klomkan, 30, known as Nong Phrai, was detained while walking along a dirt road in Sam Ngao district of Tak on Thursday, Pol Maj Gen Montri Khetkhan, CSD commander, said on Friday. The suspect was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on Aug 2 for putting pornography into a computer system for commercial purpose or distribution, producing pornography, and related charges. The arrest followed a complaint that a website was encouraging people to join an online group that featured sexual shows. Interested people were directed to pay a subscription to view the shows via a Line group. The shows featured live sexual acts by a couple at various locations, the CSD chief said. Investigators identified one of the people in the shows. Karnklao was also wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Wang Thong Lang police in Bangkok for similar offences. The suspect lived in Sam Ngao district. During questioning, Karnklao allegedly admitted the offences. The man in the videos was her boyfriend, the suspect said. The suspect said they started streaming live sex last year. The subscription rate was 700 baht per person and many people had joined the Line group. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2198463/transgender-live-streamed-sex-with-boyfriend-to-subscribers

I recommend that they read both the Post and Enquirer reports in addition to the announcement and then decide on their own. Or maybe we could just debate how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?

From Bangkok Post he Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Digital Government Development Agency are developing a new system to replace the certificate of entry (CoE) for Thais and foreigners who wish to enter the country through an airport. Tanee Sangrat, spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said on Thursday a new web-based application called the Thailand Pass system, where people can gather information and upload documents, is being developed for the kingdom's Nov 1 reopening. Mr Tanee said the Thailand Pass will replace the CoE system and facilitate the filing of an immigration form known as the TM6 and a health declaration form known as T8. However, the CoEs are still required for certain groups of people, including those who wish to enter the country via land or sea, he said. As for vaccination certification, certificates will be approved online by the Department of Communicable Disease Control under the Public Health Ministry, he said. According to Mr Tanee, his ministry has approved more than 400,000 CoEs for Thai and foreign nationals so far. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2197899/thailand-pass-set-to-replace-coe

Here's the Bangkok Post take: Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the CCSA resolved on Thursday to allow in fully vaccinated visitors from Britain, the United States, Germany, Singapore and China if they pass an RT-PCR test before arrival - for an initial period from Nov 1 to Dec 31. Here's the Thai Enquirer take: Despite expectations that more countries identified as “low-risk” would be released on Thursday, the centre’s spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said the CCSA is still reviewing them. The current list includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Singapore. “There are no more countries to be announced,” he said during a briefing. Judging by these statements, we can speculate that more countries may or may not be added. We know, from earlier reporting, that 10 nations were initially under consideration. With the Nov. 1 reopening only a few weeks off, there's precious little time remaining for those interested in returning to make plans.

The PM Thursday affirmed that Nov. 1 would be the reopening date for tourists from five countries to visit Thailand without quarantine but was silent on other issues many were hoping would be cleared up after the meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration at Government House. As reported a few days ago, the countries are Britain, the United States, Germany, Singapore and China. There had been talk about five additional countries but none were announced. It was also unclear if the covid test on arrival would be administered at the airport or another location. No mention of other requirements such as COE or insurance were released. Also disclosed was that Thailand will reduce the duration of the nightly curfew and allow more provinces to welcome fully vaccinated visitors, with more businesses reopening, ahead of the November reopening. The CCSA agreed to shorten the curfew from 10 pm – 4 am to 11 pm – 3 am starting from October 16 for at least 15 days. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2197799/quarantine-being-lifted-more-provinces-being-opened https://www.thaienquirer.com/33954/covid-measures-eased-further-ahead-of-thailands-reopening/

From Coconuts Bangkok Architects in New York have designed a massive expansion to the U.S. Embassy compound that incorporates shaded outdoor Thai terraces and Lanna features from the north. Ground was broken Friday in a ceremony overseen by Charge d’ Affaires Michael Heath and Thai VIPs on what’s modestly coined an “annex” to the embassy property on Wireless Road, a US$625 million (THB20.21 billion) development aiming for a 2025 opening. The New Office Annex, dubbed The Nox, will be used to house additional diplomatic, security and commercial services while also modernizing the 1960s-era embassy’s consular services. It will also house U.S. agencies currently spread across Bangkok, with the embassy saying it will help centralize operations and strengthen bilateral ties. Continues with photos https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/nox-rises-check-out-washingtons-20-billion-baht-bangkok-embassy-add-on/

From Reuters / BP Asia's airlines ramp up flights, offers SYDNEY/SINGAPORE: Asia-Pacific airlines have lost billions of dollars this year, with jets grounded in Covid-19 transportation freezes. Now, as some of the world's strictest pandemic-related travel rules begin to ease, they're ramping up flights and ticket offers. Asian travel agencies and carriers told Reuters they're seeing a surge in bookings and travel enquiries as countries like Malaysia and Vietnam allow domestic flights to resume from this week after months of strict lockdowns. India is lifting a domestic capacity cap, while Singapore, Thailand and Fiji are opening without quarantine to vaccinated international travellers from select countries. While airline industry group IATA does not expect a significant improvement in Asia-Pacific international travel until "later in 2022", predicting cumulative losses of $11.2 billion this year, narrowing to $2.4 billion next year,carriers from AirAsia Group to VietJet Aviation , Singapore Airlines, Fiji Airways and Qantas are already increasing capacity. "The most important thing is practically all governments in the Asia-Pacific region with maybe one or two exceptions are abandoning their Covid-zero strategies and moving to a sort of Covid-normal framework," said Association of Asia Pacific Airlines director-general Subhas Menon. "Vaccination rates are also beginning to ramp up." While curbs are easing, a full return to normal operations is a long way off. IATA estimates global aviation industry losses from the pandemic will be a towering $200 billion for 2020-22, and losses in Asia alone were close to $50 billion in 2020. International travel in the Asia-Pacific region was at around 4% of 2019 levels in August. And though the relaxation of restrictions will open the way for some tourism, initially it will mean a comparative trickle: Thailand expects only around 100,000 foreign visitors this year, down from nearly 40 million in 2019. Still, there's pent-up demand from those who have longed to be able to take a break overseas. Dickson Ng, a 24-year-old consultant based in Singapore, said he plans to travel to Europe in January. "We don't know if these VTLs (vaccinated travel lanes) could be rescinded, right now there's opportunity and there's Covid-19, so I think getting out of the country will be a good thing," he said. Meanwhile, Fiji Airways has had thousands of bookings since the country on Sunday announced it would open borders to vaccinated travellers from some destinations on Dec 1, the vast majority from Australians, an airline spokesperson said. Some carriers are already promoting bargain fares. Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet is offering some free domestic one-way tickets, excluding taxes and fees, while Malaysia's AirAsia has fares as low as 12 ringgit ($2.88) as it ramps up flights. AirAsia said traffic to its mobile app had surged by more than 140% since the government relaxed domestic travel rules. But Singapore has capped the number of arrivals under its VTL programme at 3,000 a day in total, a tiny fraction of pre-pandemic traffic, a move that has kept ticket prices higher. Singapore tour agency Chan Brothers Travel said enquiries had increased 50-fold in the last week since VTLs were added to more countries including South Korea, the United States and Britain. Return economy-class fares from Singapore to South Korea have nearly doubled to around S$1500 ($1,107.50) from S$800 previously, a spokesperson at Singapore's Dynasty Travel said. "Some travellers may wait for the initial price surge for flights to pass, but we can expect quite a number of travellers taking to the skies by the first half of 2022," she said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2197207/asias-airlines-ramp-up-flights-offers

NOTE -- There seems to be a discrepancy with the headline (above) from Bangkok Post website and the bold-faced paragraph in text below. From Bangkok Post The National Blood Centre said on Tuesday that it empathises with an appeal by the LGBT community regarding their right to donate blood but Thailand is not yet ready to relax the strict criteria for blood donors from this higher-risk group. The centre, which operates under the Thai Red Cross Society, issued a statement after Nikorn Chimkong, who serves as chairman of both the HIV Foundation Asia and Bangkok Rainbow Organisation, urged the society to broaden its scope to be more inclusive of these oft-marginalised groups, especially at a time when donated blood is in short supply. "The Thai Red Cross Society is committed to its mission and resolution to take care of people with compassion in line with the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement. We respect the human rights of every person equally and without discrimination," the statement said. During the transitional period of blood donation criteria for men who have sex with men (MSM) in many countries over the last decade, the National Blood Centre has been monitoring the advance of medical science in order to initiate improvements at home. In Thailand, the HIV rate among first-time donors stands at 130 per 100,000, compared to 40 among the same number of regular donors. These numbers are, respectively, 14 and 27 times higher than the US, 22 and 72 times higher than in Western Europe, and 10 and 80 times higher than Singapore, Taiwan, Macau, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan. In Bangkok, the HIV rate among gay men is over 30%. It described this as a practical move rather than one rooted in discrimination, as transgender women who have no history of sexual intercourse with a male partner can apply to be donors, as can lesbians. Before the criteria for gay men and others in this group can be relaxed, the HIV infection rate among donors must drop to below one in 100,000 donors per year, it said, adding this would require better sex education and cooperation from all sectors in society. "These statistics are key factors that must be analysed before any changes are made to our blood donor selection criteria," the statement read. It added that an advisory group comprising specialists and experts in transfusion medicine decided Thailand is not ready to take the risk of relaxing the criteria for MSM blood donors. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2196875/donations-from-lgbt-too-risky

From Bangkok Post CHON BURI: The Pattaya City Municipality is planning five major events to boost tourism after fully vaccinated visitors from low-risk countries begin to enter the kingdom from Nov 1. Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Khunplome on Tuesday said the reopening of the country to fully vaccinated visitors without quarantine would revitalise the tourism industry, particularly in this beach city where the Covid-19 outbreak has crippled tourism. In responding to the reopening plan, the Pattaya mayor said the end of the quarantine requirement would be be a major driving force to stimulate tourism and draw more international visitors to Pattaya. Pattaya City is fully prepared to open its doors to tourists as it has sped up Covid-19 vaccinations for people living in the beach town, including workers -- both Thais and migrants -- and foreign expats, he said. More than 70% of people in Pattaya have received a second dose of Covid-19 vaccines while a third shot has been administered to 100% of the population on Koh Lan, a popular island, said the mayor. On top of those measures, the Pattaya City Municipality is also planning to hold five major tourism promotion events, starting from the first week of November. The events are the Pattaya Music Festival, Loy Krathong, International Fireworks, the Na Klua Walking Street fair and the Pattaya countdown, the mayor said. Damrongkiat Pinitkarn, secretary to the Entertainment Venues and Tourism Association in Pattaya, said the prime minister’s announcement that the ban on serving alcoholic beverages in restaurants could be lifted on Dec 1 was good news for business operators and employees, allowing them to get back on their feet after months of hardship during the Covid-19 outbreak. He agreed with the government’s plan to allow entertainment venues to reopen on Dec 1, one month after the country is reopened to fully vaccinated foreign visitors from low-rik countries without quarantine on Nov 1. This would enable entertainment business operators to assess the situation and see which groups of visitors would arrive in Thailand during the reopening of the country -- from America, Europe or Asia -- so services could be adjusted to meet the their needs, said Mr Damrongkiat. He insisted nightspots were ready for the reopening of the country. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2196667/pattaya-plans-5-major-events-after-country-reopens-to-fully-vaccinated-tourists

From CNN (CNN)Superman's done a lot since he first appeared in comic books 80 years ago, almost. He's saved the world more than a few times. He's died and come back to life. He dodged punches from Muhammad Ali and even faced off against White supremacists. Until this year, though, every comic iteration of Superman has been besotted with longtime love Lois Lane. But in an upcoming issue of a new "Superman" series, the Man of Steel enters into a queer relationship. The fifth issue of the DC comic series "Superman: Son of Kal-El" will confirm that the new Superman -- Jon Kent, child of Clark Kent and Lane -- is bisexual after falling for Jay Nakamura, a male reporter, DC announced this week. The "Superman: Son of Kal-El" series follows Kent as he becomes Earth's new Superman and grapples with the immense weight of his new gig. Nakamura, a bespectacled writer with a bubble-gum pink mop, first appeared in the series' third issue as a shoulder for Kent to lean on when the business of being Superman gets too rough. But in the forthcoming fifth issue, coming next month, Kent falls for the journalist -- he is his father's son -- after he "mentally and physically burns out from trying to save everyone that he can," according to DC. The particulars of the issue's plot are to be revealed in November, but images from the comic show Kent and Nakamura sharing a kiss and sitting together atop a building, their legs dangling off the edge. https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/11/entertainment/superman-comes-out-bisexual-jon-kent-cec/index.html

As the local and international press digests the PM's announcement, some of the usual suspects have again emerged to throw cold water on the plan. Among the first was a doctor from Chulalongkorn University who has long argued against any bordering reopening. Next at bat was Pattaya Mail columnist Barry Kenyon who contends that the COE, covid insurance and possibly other restrictions will remain in place (and for all I know, he may turn out top be right). The most objective article I believe is from Bloomberg News that looks at the government's proposal from a purely economic outlook. In any case, perhaps we'll know a lot more after the powers that be meet to consider the recommendations on later this week. From Bloomberg / BP ‘Bold move’ to revive tourism to take years, analysts say The government’s plan to end quarantine for vaccinated visitors is “a fight to win foreign tourists,” Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Tuesday. But analysts and industry executives see it as a long road to recovery fraught with risks of periodic virus resurgence and unpredictable travel trends. A return to the pre-pandemic levels of tourist arrivals and spending will likely take a few years, according to Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the president of the Thai Hotels Association. It’s unlikely that large groups of visitors will immediately head to Thailand given the volatile nature of global travel and the coronavirus situation, she said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is here, but at the same time it will be a slow climb back to the levels seen before the pandemic,” Ms Marisa said. “Travel is still so volatile so we have to manage our risks. Keeping costs low will still remain a key strategy for all the hotels in Thailand.” Thailand will end quarantine for vaccinated visitors from low-risk nations from Nov 1, joining a growing list of nations reopening to cross-border travellers ahead of the year-end holiday season, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Monday. The surprise announcement saw the nation’s currency surge the most in more than two weeks, and stocks of airport operators, hotels and airlines rally to lift the benchmark index to a one-month high. Ekasit Kunadirekwong (analyst, Krungsri Securities): With the “bold move,” tourism recovery is expected to accelerate in the fourth quarter along with rising vaccination rate and roll-out of booster shots. Thailand’s low vaccination rate of 32% could lead to a spike in new cases upon reopening for inbound travellers and easing of restrictions for business activities. Krungsri expects Thailand’s population to reach 70% vaccination rate by year-end with tourist arrivals forecast maintained at 300,000 this year, 14 million in 2022, 34 million in 2023 and a rebound to pre-pandemic levels of 40 million by 2024. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (Minister for Tourism and Sports): Thailand’s reopening plan coincides with many other nations’ efforts to allow easier cross-border travel and is a fight to win foreign tourists in the next few months. The ministry wants to attract travellers from China the most, and may seek travel bubbles with Asean nations if they are low-risk countries and travellers have been fully vaccinated. Sunthorn Thongthip (analyst, Kasikorn Securities): This will help remove the barriers preventing tourists from coming to Thailand and to stimulate economic activity during the New Year festive period. He sees upside to the Bank of Thailand’s 2022 GDP forecast of 3.9% which is based on tourist arrivals estimate of 6 million next year. Every 3 million tourist arrivals in Thailand will create 1% upside to GDP growth. He expects the baht to rise to 32.75 v. the US dollar by end-2021. Kasikorn Securities is positive toward the Thai equities market as the reopening should benefit domestic and tourism-related sectors. The brokerage sees upside to its 12-month forward SET Index target of 1,680. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2196643/bold-move-to-revive-tourism-to-take-years-analysts-say

I see no mention of requirements for Covid insurance or COE. Let's hope it stays that way.

According to a recent but cryptic article in The Nation, the Automated People Mover (APM) train system at Suvarnabhumi airport is 90 per cent complete and should be ready in time for the return of international travellers. This project was much in the news 2-3 years ago as controversies over budget and design were debated. The firm that's doing the work had this artist's rendering of the airport posted on its website with the new terminal in the foreground. You can also find detailed information about the system. When the terminal will actually be put into use is not mentioned. https://www.maathai.com/project_detail/62 https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40006714

Because most of us haven't had an opportunity to spend any baht for quite a while we may not have been following exchange rates. But some quick, back of the envelope computations as this morning's numbers shows some good news emerging. From their lows vs the baht last fall, these currencies have appreciated "approximately": UK pound 16% US dollar 13% EU Euro 10%

Venerable Bangkok Massage (formerly a fixture on Twilight, opposite another venerable, Maxi's) reportedly has a sign posted on its current Patpong 2 location, looking for staff. Renowned for their talented ASEAN guys in years past, hope they can again manage to gather a similar lineup.

From Pattaya Mail The U.S. embassy’s No. 2 official paid a visit to the Pattaya-based transgender support organization to review works supported by previous American donations. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission James Wayman was joined by Pattaya Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn for a tour of the Service Workers in Group Foundation office on Soi 14. SWING Director Surang Janyam welcomed them. SWING’s main mission is to facilitate access to healthcare services for the LGBT community, with a primary focus on HIV and AIDS treatment. The organization does a lot more, however, including assisting transgender entertainment workers during the coronavirus pandemic, providing occupational training and more. The charity derives nearly all of its income from donations and fundraisers and has been supported in the past by the U.S. embassy. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/u-s-embassy-official-visits-pattayas-swing-foundation-375186

From CNN By Faith Karimi, CNN (CNN)His messages are a mix of uncertainty and terror -- with glimmers of hope. He is gay, a convert to Christianity and a member of the Hazara ethnic minority -- three groups that have been historically persecuted by the Taliban. The 32-year-old man went into hiding after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August, cutting off communication with family back home and holing up in a Kabul basement with his younger brother. They spent their days reading and praying and venturing outside only for food. With phones their sole connection to the outside world, he and his brother sent messages. Lots of messages. To activists and human rights organizations. To friends of friends who knew anyone who could help. Their biggest fear: meeting a deadly fate at the hands of the Taliban, as their father did years ago. "They will behead us or kill us in the most brutal way," the older brother told CNN. "They are masters in that." CNN verified the man's identity through human rights activists and has been messaging with him via WhatsApp since August. To protect his safety, CNN is identifying him only as Ahmed -- not his real name. In a series of recent WhatsApp messages, Ahmed chronicled his life in the shadows in Kabul, his deep-rooted fear of the Taliban and his scramble to flee a country he's called home all his life. Days in the basement turned into weeks filled with dread and isolation. At times Ahmed felt so hopeless he contemplated suicide. Then, late last month, came word of a possible escape route. Continues at https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/10/world/afghanistan-gay-man-whatsapp-messages-cec/index.html