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Fans of John Burdett's Bangkok novels will recall that the jade trade was the major theme of Bangkok 8. From The Diplomat The KIA threat to Hpakant and Myitkyina could cut off the military from the lucrative jade trade With the February 1 coup, the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, sought to turn back the clock on the country’s nascent democratization. They opened Pandora’s box instead. Between the nationwide protest movement paralyzing the economy and the entrenched insurgencies, challenges mount against the military. Analyses so far have considered the likelihood of Tatmadaw defeat in the context of a united front of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). However, an underexamined element of the Myanmar crisis is how individual EAOs can exploit the chaos to inflict asymmetrical damage on the Tatmadaw. Nowhere is this more apparent than the military successes that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has achieved under the coup, and the KIA’s potential to threaten local military targets of national significance. The KIA is uniquely positioned to hurt the Tatmadaw both economically and politically by capturing the jade mining hub of Hpakant and Kachin State’s capital of Myitkyina, dealing potentially major blows to the military. Initially, the KIA offered little more than condemnations of violence inflicted on protesters, regarding the coup as a struggle over the 2008 Constitution, which it rejects. Before the coup, the KIA had engaged in ceasefire negotiations with the military, but recent Tatmadaw attacks on the KIA have reignited the conflict. Now, the KIA is committed to opposing the new military regime. Since March, the KIA has confronted the military throughout Kachin State. The group has reportedly captured about 10 military bases and defended these gains against a prolonged Tatmadaw siege. The KIA has also frequently clashed with the Tatmadaw at Hpakant and adjacent to Myitkyina. As the capital of Kachin state, Myitkyina’s capture would crack one of the military’s ideological pillars: non-disintegration of the union. The Tatmadaw upholds this tenet as one of its Three National Causes. As a symbolic step toward independence for the KIA, the loss of Myitkyina would at least sap morale within Tatmadaw ranks and, at most, increase factional enmity toward the coup leader, General Min Aung Hlaing. Complete control of Hpakant, meanwhile, would give the KIA the linchpin of the conflict economy in northern Myanmar. The jade trade is estimated to be worth $31 billion annually. The Tatmadaw and major EAOs rely on jade to bolster their war chests and to line their leaders’ pockets. The web of cronies, EAOs, and Chinese businesses woven by the military to mine jade at Hpakant illustrates how battlefield enemies become business bedfellows. The KIA and Tatmadaw uneasily coexisted at the center of the web in taxing all aspects of jade mining in Hpakant before the coup. Through business intermediaries, the Arakan Army (AA) and United Wa State Army (UWSA) participated in the Tatmadaw-KIA jade condominium. As the destination of the jade, China had business interests in every step of the journey, on every side of the conflict, from mine to market. The development of this shared extractive arrangement between the Tatmadaw and KIA, a period that coincides with the breaking of their ceasefire in 2011, shows the limits of conflict in Myanmar. Now, the question is if the coup has changed the rules. Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/the-kachin-insurgency-could-deal-a-heavy-blow-to-myanmars-military-junta/

That would seem to explain it. Any good news at this point is welcomed Thanks for clarification!

Good point. Could be that the reporter omitted a decimal point between the numbers (i.e., 4.1 and 5.9). Otherwise I have the same question. Here's a chart that's embedded in the story that's intended to illustrate the case for slowing infections.

I've been cautious of earlier predictions but there are signs that have foreshadowed slowing in other nations now beginning to show in Thailand. From Bangkok Post Signs have emerged that suggest Covid-19 infections are about to level off despite a doctor warning the country could see up to 400,000 new cases. Apisamai Srirangson, an assistant spokeswoman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said there are encouraging indicators about the outbreak situation, noting that the number of new infections is no longer on a steep upward curve. The rate of infections in Greater Bangkok is at 41% while it is at 59% in the provinces, and the trend is expected to continue, she said. However, she warned the public to keep their guard up because fully vaccinated people can still be infected. "There are signs that the number of infections and fatalities are about to level off," Dr Apisamai said. "We hope the situation is getting better, and we must not make a mistake in this critical period." She said the home and community isolation programme has also freed up hospital beds for Covid-19 patients with more severe symptoms and reduced wait times for critically-ill patients in the past week. According to her, there are 70 community isolation centres in Bangkok with 9,426 beds. Of these, 14 can provide standard RT-PCR tests and seven are equipped to treat some 1,000 patients showing mild symptoms, Dr Apisamai said. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2168639/covid-19-infections-may-have-peaked ============================== From Pattaya Mail Four types of made-in-Thailand COVID vaccines to begin human trials Thailand is developing multiple types of vaccine and most of them are entering into human trials this year. Today we’ll look into 4 types showing the most promising results. The first type is made-in-Thailand mRNA vaccine developed by the Vaccine Center of Chulalongkorn University. It was previously tested in volunteers in the first phase and shows 94% efficacy, as good as other global mRNA types. The result shows that it can successfully suppress 4 strains including Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta and induces T-cell responses as well. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/four-types-of-made-in-thailand-covid-vaccines-to-begin-human-trials-368684 ============================================ From Pattaya News Opinion: Thailand should seriously consider just letting vaccinated foreign visitors in with much lesser rules It’s almost a perfect storm-daily protests, 29 areas/provinces under partial lockdown measures that have shuttered tens of thousands of businesses and put an estimated three million people out of work according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce (and likely much, much higher if you count the informal sector), a vaccination program not moving as fast as people would like, continued pressure on the government from multiple sectors and conflicting goals, and much more. That being said, contrary to some belief, one fairly successful metric cannot be ignored and that is in the Sandbox program in Phuket, the current program that allows vaccinated foreign visitors to enter the country without quarantine and roam the island but with a set of rules, paperwork, and tests. That metric I am referring to is the risk that foreign vaccinated tourists present in terms of having and spreading Covid-19. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2021/08/21/opinion-thailand-should-seriously-consider-just-letting-vaccinated-foreign-visitors-in-with-much-lesser-rules/

From AFP / BP The shadow government working to overthrow the Myanmar junta launched a daily radio programme on Friday as it seeks to battle military-backed media for supremacy over the airwaves. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the civilian administration of Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted in a February coup, sparking huge pro-democracy protests and a bloody military crackdown. Dissident lawmakers from her party dominate the National Unity Government (NUG), in hiding or in exile, rallying support for the resistance on international news broadcasts. On Friday the first of a twice-daily 30-minute Radio NUG programme went on-air, providing Covid-19 updates, details of alleged military atrocities and reading out letters from democracy supporters. Another section was dedicated to local “self-defence” forces that have sprung up across Myanmar to battle junta forces — often using hunting rifles or weapons manufactured at makeshift jungle factories. “We are sending all our best wishes to you and we are very proud of you,” read a letter one listener. While promoting the launch, the NUG also urged listeners to buy a radio and tune in — likely an attempt to dodge any junta-enforced internet blackouts. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2168583/myanmar-shadow-government-launches-radio-programme

Perhaps porn is losing a bit of its appeal. After nearly two years of pandemic-driven growth, consumers of remote sex may be coming to realize that it can only end in the time honored--yet ultimately disappointing--solo conclusion. As a friend recently observed, "If I can't touch it, I don't watch it."

From Pattaya Mail Thai Airways International (THAI) announced to resume international and domestic flight operations during the August – October period. In response to demand for air travel, the airline will operate flights to international and domestic destinations under the Covid-19 prevention measures, said Nond Kalinta, THAI’s chief commercial officer. The domestic route is: Bangkok – Phuket: two flights per week every Thursday and Friday, starting from September to October. The routes to support the Phuket Sandbox project are: Bangkok- Phuket- Frankfurt: one weekly flight on Thursdays. Bangkok- Phuket – London: one weekly flight on Fridays. Bangkok-Paris-Phuket-Bangkok: one weekly flight on Thursdays. Bangkok-Zurich-Phuket- Bangkok: one weekly flight every Friday. The routes to Europe and Australia Bangkok – London: two flights per week, Wednesdays and Sundays. Bangkok – Frankfurt: two flights per week, Saturdays and Sundays. Bangkok – Copenhagen: two flights per week, Tuesdays and Saturdays (only on Saturdays in September). Bangkok – Sydney: two flights per week, Wednesdays and Sundays. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thai-airways-to-resume-intl-and-domestic-flight-operations-for-august-october-368592

From The Thaiger Flights from Phuket to Bangkok to resume Domestic flights from Phuket to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are set to resume next month, according to the Transport Ministry. The Bangkok Post reports that the flights are being given the green light to facilitate the travel needs of tourists in Phuket as part of the island’s sandbox re-opening scheme. On July 21, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand banned commercial domestic flights to the “dark red” provinces, amid a surge in Covid-19 cases. The ban caught tourists and residents on Phuket off-guard, leaving many with no choice but to make the arduous journey by road. The Bangkok Post reports that the CAAT is expected to ease the ban at Bangkok’s 2 airports, in order to help Phuket’s sandbox tourists. However, arrivals from Phuket who wish to travel to Bangkok or neighbouring provinces will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine first. Those who are flying home from Bangkok will not be permitted to leave the airport, but the maximum transit period has been increased from 12 to 24 hours. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/flights-from-phuket-to-bangkok-to-resume-for-sandbox-tourists-next-month

From The Straits Times The palace issued a statement saying Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah has consented to appoint Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pictured) as prime minister and will swear him in at 2.30pm on Aug 21, 2021.PHOTO: BERNAMA KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's King confirmed on Friday (Aug 20) that Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be the country's ninth prime minister, after a brief meeting with the country's other state rulers. Minutes after the "special discussion" concluded at around 4.30pm at Istana Negara, the palace issued a statement saying that Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah "has consented to appoint Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri" and will swear him in at 2.30pm on Saturday. "His Majesty expressed hope that with the appointment of the new prime minister, the political crisis will end swiftly and all MPs can set aside narrow political agendas to unite and cooperate to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic for the sake of the public and nation," the statement said. "His Majesty reiterated that the public should not be burdened by a protracted political crisis at a time when the country is facing a health crisis and an economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-king-affirms-ismail-sabri-as-new-prime-minister

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya mayor confirms international consortium is funding city’s rejig By Barry Kenyon Faced with criticism that the funds to enhance Pattaya promenade could be better spent on feeding the city’s hungry, local mayor Sonthaya Kunplome explained that the money was not Pattaya’s to move around at will. a multi-million baht EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor) initiative, so the cash is reserved for a particular project. Cancelling the beach improvements would not result in one more meal for the hungry,” he said. In a rare public admission by a politician that many local projects are funded neither by the local authority nor by the Thai government alone, the mayor underpinned the mechanism which has been, and will be, responsible for all the city’s major infrastructure improvements. The 1.7 trillion baht EEC is an ambitious international consortium to transform the three-province, eastern region of Thailand into a hi-tech and logistics hub and gateway, linking China and India and the 9-nation Asean trading bloc. Although the Thai government and state owned industries are certainly involved, most of the EEC money comes from private-public partnerships of which China and Japan are the biggest investors. Foreign companies are encouraged to join by generous tax incentives and visa benefits. For example, the four-year hi-tech Smart visa requires neither a work permit nor the 90 days immigration sign-on. And what of Pattaya? There is, of course, no intention to turn Pattaya into a hi-tech factory and it will remain a vital tourist city, howbeit one far removed from its Sin City and horizontal leisure pursuits reputation. That is why the EEC is spending mega-cash to upgrade the infrastructure of the resort to international standards. Pattaya City Hall, for its part, is fully committed medium-term to the development of neo-Pattaya. Anyone in any doubt should view the billboard at the entrance to the shuttered Walking Street. EEC projects already completed include the new Route 7 motorway linking Chonburi with Bangkok and the massive improvements at Laem Chabang and Maptaphut ports. The hi-speed rail link between U-tapao and Bangkok airports is already under construction and plans to build a cruise harbor at Bali Hai and demolish Walking Street are currently under deliberation. Whatever neo-Pattaya turns out to look like, it’s going to be created with billions of foreign cash. In any currency. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattaya-mayor-confirms-international-consortium-is-funding-citys-rejig-368411

Agree. You could throw at dart at that crew and you wouldn't be disappointed.

From Reuters / MSN Thailand to explore injecting coronavirus vaccines under skin BANGKOK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Thailand is studying the possibility of injecting coronavirus vaccines under the skin to try to stretch its limited supply, a health official said on Thursday, as the country races to inoculate the public faster amid a worsening epidemic. "Our previous experience shows that intradermal injections uses 25% of a muscular injection, but triggers the same level of immunity," head of the medical science department, Supakit Sirilak told reporters. But despite manufacturing vaccines for AstraZeneca and ordering enough doses of different brands to cover its population, Thailand is struggling to get supplies fast enough. If its research confirms intradermal injections are effective, regardless of brand, Thailand could vaccinate four to five times the number of people with the same amount of vaccine, Supakit said. AstraZeneca and Pfizer did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment about intradermal injections. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/thailand-to-explore-injecting-coronavirus-vaccines-under-skin/ar-AANuzAM

From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: Singapore will soon allow travellers fully vaccinated overseas to be eligible for vaccination-differentiated safety measures, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Thursday (Aug 19). From 11.59pm on Friday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will issue "tamper-proof" vaccination stickers to newly arrived travellers who have been fully inoculated with a vaccine under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) emergency use list. hese stickers will be affixed to the passports of the travellers. To obtain this sticker, travellers must produce an English-language vaccination certificate to ICA officers at immigration checkpoints when they arrive in Singapore. Vaccines under the WHO's emergency use list include Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinovac-CoronaVac and Sinopharm. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/travellers-vaccinated-overseas-passport-stickers-differentiated-covid-19-rules-2123246

From Vietnam Express Poland said it would donate over 501,000 AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine doses and transfer another three million to Vietnam. It would also aid Vietnam with medical equipment worth $4 million, expected to be delivered to Ho Chi Minh City on Aug. 25. In a Tuesday meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Wojciech Gerwel, Chinh thanked the Polish government for the help and said he shared in Poland's losses and difficulties during the pandemic, the country having recorded over three million Covid-19 cases and lost around 75,000 lives to the disease. Chinh also requested Poland to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in the country, especially amid the pandemic. Gerwel said Vietnam is the first country outside Europe that Poland has aided with Covid-19 vaccines and medical supplies. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/poland-to-donate-501-000-covid-vaccine-doses-to-vietnam-4342422.html

From The Thaiger he Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration quietly okayed the Russian Sputnik vaccine as one of the accepted vaccine brands for international travellers entering Sandbox destinations in Thailand. The vaccine had previously failed to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration for import and use in Thailand. The Department of Disease Control is now expected to approve the order from the CCSA by the end of August, moving one step closer to the ability for Russians and others from the dozens of countries who used the Sputnik vaccine to travel to Thailand soon. Tropical Thai destinations have long seen strong visitor numbers from Russia, with Phuket seeing 1.4 million Russians before Covid-19 closed international tourism. With Thailand closed, many Russians holidayed in Turkey and Greece during the pandemic, showing they still desire to travel. The Tourism Authority of Thailand hopes that 500,000 Russian travellers will visit this year now that the Sputnik vaccine has been approved. The approval of the Sputnik vaccine for international travellers opens the doors of Thailand not just to Russian travellers, but for millions of travellers around the world in countries that have imported or produced the vaccine. Data is conflicting, but about 50 countries have or plan to have the vaccine, with India and South Korea both contracted to produce well over 1 billion vaccines. Countries like Vietnam, Turkey, Mexico, Argentina have all ordered the Russian Sputnik vaccines, and India, one of Thailand’s fastest-growing tourist demographics before the pandemic, ordered 250 million doses, meaning this new approval could allow millions more tourists to enter. The TAT says they expect the first chartered flights from Russia will be in October, and the TAT plans to work with commercial airlines to get international flights into Phuket scheduled to facilitate Russian travellers coming to the Sandbox and into Thailand. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/ccsa-approves-sputnik-vaccine-allowing-russian-sandboxers

From Thai Enquirer More than 1,000 inmates will be released from prisons when Kratom is delisted as a narcotic on August 24, the government said on Thursday. “The Kratom Plant Bill will come into effect on August 24 and the plant will be declassified as an illegal drug which means that people will be able to grow them and sell them,” said Anucha Burapachaisri, the government spokesman. “There will also be a release of 1,038 people who have violated the Narcotics Act with kratom on August 24,” he added. Kratom can be used as a traditional medicine but can also be a stimulant. It can be used as a recreational drug which is one of the reasons why it was classified as a narcotic. Anucha said the government will save 1.69 billion baht from delisting the plant via the lowering of expenses used to arrest and detain people for producing, possessing and selling kratom. According to the Thailand Development Research Institute, the average cost for the state to prosecute a person on Kratom charges is 76,612 baht. Between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, there were 22,076 kratom-related cases. https://www.thaienquirer.com/31495/government-to-release-prisoners-after-kratom-delisting/

So you're saying nothing like you allege can happen during pandemic? OK. How about 2019? 2018? 2017?

Littered? Were there any this year? Last year?

Hot Male Boat. Let them take you for a ride.

I hardly expected them to hang around a bar or a massage shop without the prospect of compensation. At my age, I fear losing sight of things other than the nature of the relationship. I think becoming an embittered yet older man who guards his emotions as closely as he guards his wallet poses a greater danger. I've enjoyed a fairly good life and am comfortable now in my retirement. The guys some of us travel 10,000-plus miles to see don't have much--if any--income at the moment. If I decide to help someone out I do so with my eyes wide open. Worrying about whether I'm being taken advantage of I'll put off until the next pandemic.

There's no formula that can analyze the the nature of individual relationships that had their origin in the exchange of cash for service. It would be naive to think that whatever money we give to the guys we know doesn't affect how they see us. But that's not only not a bad thing, it's to be expected. Over time they can come come to think of us as their patron. Here's the classical definition from Webster's that I prefer: a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter. And to those of us who've enjoyed a years-long relationship, I think this applies. When does someone go from customer to patron? That's surely up to debate but I think it's measured in the what emotional ties develop. If we're only concerned with what occurs between the sheets--not that there's anything wrong with that--then the whole customer/patron thing probably doesn't matter. But when we begin to simply enjoy the company of that guy, and come to know him truly as an individual, I think friendships can indeed blossom. I agree with Vessey's comment that it's "far from in inevitable," but firmly believe it's possible. I think that much of it depends on the emotional satisfaction each derives from the relationship. That, to me, is when we become patrons and, yes, possibly even friends.

From The Nation PM Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday announced Covid-19 restrictions could be eased next month amid signs the infection rate is slowing. However, tighter Covid-19 safety measures were needed to combat the outbreak of Delta variant, he said via Facebook. Prayut acknowledged the daily caseload had risen above 20,000 since lockdown measures were imposed last month but said the number of patients recovering is now higher than the infection rate. He said his main concern was the fatality rate, especially among the vulnerable group of elderly people and those with underlying health conditions. Thailand’s daily Covid death toll soared to a record 312 on Wednesday. Prayut said the infection rate will likely reach its peak this month before dropping in September. This would allow authorities to adjust the control measures and relax some restrictions on businesses and activities, he added. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recently extended lockdown measures in Bangkok and 28 other provinces until the end of August. The CCSA has meanwhile decided to elevate safety measures under the Universal Prevention method to be practised by every individual. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004867

From Thai PBS / Thaiger Thailand’s massage parlours and spas are suing the government, demanding compensation for the loss of income they’ve endured as a result of Covid-19 partial lockdowns. Thai PBS World reports that 172 massage parlours and spas filed a class action suit against the Finance Ministry and the government. They are demanding to be compensated for the financial losses they’ve suffered since last year, as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. According to the Thai PBS World, the suit has the support of Aksika Chantarawinji and Pitak Yotha, MPs from the opposition Move Forward Party. Aksika has spoken out in defence of the massage businesses, saying they haven’t received any compensation or financial assistance, despite being closed since last year and hearing repeated promises of soft loans from the government. Furthermore, despite working in high-risk jobs, calls for vaccines for massage workers have been ignored. Meanwhile, the deputy leader of the Move Forward Party says the class action suit is being brought in order to get justice in a court of law. Sirikanya Tansakul describes the government’s treatment of massage businesses as unfair and insensitive and says the legal action will set a precedent for other businesses who’ve been similarly affected. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/massage-businesses-file-class-action-suit-against-government-over-covid-restrictions

If you're traveling to EZE and GRU, I can fully appreciate that size is a significant consideration. I doubt there's a much need for penis enlargers at either location. 🙂

I'd think that size would be the among the last possible complaints a sex partner would harbor these days, but that didn't deter officials from tracking down the distributors of penis enlargers and other sex toys Monday in Bangkok. From the Thaiger Thousands of sex toys valued at more than 3 million baht were seized yesterday by officers from the Child and Women’s Welfare Department in Bangkok’s Nong Khaem district. Two men were arrested. Around 5,000 dildos, penis enlargement devices, penis massage oils and lubricating gels were seized from a warehouse off the Petchkasem highway. Fake Rolex and Gucci watches were also confiscated. Officers arrested 47 year old Ekkalan Chotwetphatcharakul, who is from the northern province Tak, and 28 year old Lee Mao Siang, a Chinese national. Police say the men admitted to owning the sex toys and products. The items were shipped from China and then sold through Facebook to customers in Thailand. The men were charged with importing pornographic materials that had not been cleared by customs officials. Although sex toys are openly sold on the street in popular red light districts, like Bangkok’s Nana area, the products are illegal in Thailand.