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....not to mention the Vietnam guys 🙂

Coming from someone who's passed along more shit than a water buffalo, that's a compliment.

From VN Investment Review DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane is situated in the heart of Laos’ capital city with access to major transport hubs and iconic local attractions, making it a prime choice for business and leisure travellers. The opening reflects Hilton’s continued expansion in Southeast Asia, spotlighting the growth opportunities in the region, where Hilton is set to almost double its portfolio in the coming years. “Laos boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. With the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane, we are honoured to bring Hilton’s signature hospitality to the heart of this up-and-coming destination,” said Alan Watts, president of Hilton in Asia-Pacific. “With a growing desire among Vietnamese travellers to explore destinations in Asia and experience local culture, this latest addition to our portfolio underscores Hilton’s commitment to being where our guests want to be, and to capturing the growing travel demand in this dynamic region." Located at the intersection of Rue Setthathilath and Rue Manthatourath, DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane is close to That Dam, an iconic stupa in the heart of the city centre. Several iconic cultural and historical attractions, such as the Presidential Palace and Sisaket Temple, lie within walking distance of the hotel. For business travellers, the hotel is also conveniently situated near the financial district and major transportation hubs in the city – about a 15-minute drive from Wattay International Airport and a half-hour drive from the high-speed Vientiane Railway Station.

From Pattaya News On the evening of September 4th, 2024, Pattaya City Police received a distressing report of an assault on a foreign national. The incident took place near the Youth Sports Stadium on Soi Wat Boonkanchanaram. At approximately 10:06 p.m., Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, the Chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, coordinated with rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon to respond swiftly to the scene. The Pattaya News reporters accompanied the rescue teams. Upon arrival, authorities found Mr. Rad M, an 82-year-old American expat, with a wound above his left eyebrow and blood covering his face. Rad, who overall despite the scary situation was calm, recounted through an interpreter that he regularly exercised in the area without any prior incidents. On this occasion, however, he was suddenly attacked for no reason by a dark-skinned Thai man, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old. Mr. Rad managed to seek help from nearby residents. Rad mentioned he has lived in Pattaya for 24 years and is former American military, which helped him handle the situation. Despite his age, Rad exercises multiple days a week and remains in great shape, managing to get away from his much younger intoxicated assailant. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/05/82-year-old-american-expat-assaulted-by-drunk-thai-man-while-exercising-in-pattaya/

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Upcoming changes to Thailand’s 60 days visa exempt The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is boosting the introduction of the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which will be compulsory for visa exempt foreigners each and every time before they enter Thailand by air, land or sea. Although the ETA is not technically a visa, it is certainly a computerized check rather like the upcoming ETIAS program for visa exempt visitors to the European Union’s Schengen area which is designed to enhance security, discourage irregular migration and monitor high epidemic risks. Email confirmation that entry is permitted will normally be issued within 24 hours. Thailand’s 60 days visa exempt policy for 93 countries – in reality covering the vast majority of foreign tourists – was introduced in mid-July. No prior approval is required and the 60 days can become 90 days by applying at a Thai immigration office. It is then possible to leave the country for an hour or so – using the border run minibus tours widely available – and repeat the whole process. Indefinitely, as many people believe, making it questionable whether foreigners need bother with Elite, retirement extensions, family visas etc etc. The advent of the ETA is scheduled for a phased entry in Thailand between December 2024 and June 2025 and is expected to be free. It will apply solely to visa exempt arrivals and require an application to the e-portal www.thaievisa.go.th which is fast becoming the entry norm for most visitors here across the board. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet published the fine print, so nobody yet knows what documents will need to be uploaded as part of the vetting procedure. One possibility is the need to show an accommodation address in Thailand as well as a flight out of the country in addition to an inward-bound ticket. A similar system is operated in Malaysia as well as, in part anyway, Cambodia. ETAs in fact are becoming universal. Another unknown is whether the algorithm-based ETA system will include trigger points to limit the number of 60 days entries for an individual. Until July of this year, Thai immigration limited visa-free entrants to two border trips in a year but has since apparently rescinded the rule. The ETA could reimpose limitations with a computerized rejection slip (rather than a human immigration officer) curtly informing that “you need to get a proper visa”. The ETA will not be required for diplomats, but there appears to be no exemption for tourists over the age of 70. Some countries use such an exemption as many older people are believed to be non-computer literate. Once granted, the ETA email authorization sent to applicants will allow entry through electronic immigration gates by using the QR code on the document. The ETA computerized checks will include passport authenticity, any record of criminal or outrageous behavior in Thailand and any relevant Interpol notices. These are the same checks as currently undertaken by immigration officers at airports or border posts. But they can be time-consuming or lead to arguments which will be avoided in the ETA system. As with the completely separate Thai personal income tax move for Thais and foreigners living in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year, there is much we do not know about the ETA except that it’s coming for sure. Will airline staff be expected to check for the email before boarding? The ETA could even be linked to tax issues as repeated use of visa exempt (or the Destination Thailand Visa if extended at immigration) would identify these individuals as tax residents once they remit funds into the country. Hopefully, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be forthcoming well in advance about the many details within their cognizance.

You might want to consider posting your itinerary with times you'll be in each of your chosen "venues" to expedite things. It could improve you chances if you'll be accompanied by your Filipino bf.

Japan is allowing six years to roll out this requirement. Thailand is allowing ten months. What could possibly go wrong?

Heaven Sauna

From The Thaiger A gay man died mysteriously in his rented room in Chon Buri. His friends suspect foul play as valuables worth over 200,000 baht went missing. The deceased’s friend, 38 year old Suna Khamkot, reported the death of 49 year old Pradit Sangkrueyoo to Nong Kham Police Station yesterday, September 3. Suna was unable to contact Pradit, so he went to check on him and found him lying lifeless on the bed. Suna explained that he and Pradit had been drinking beer together the previous night, September 2, to celebrate as Pradit won a lottery prize. They parted ways at around 10.30pm and Pradit rode his motorcycle home alone. Suna went to work in the morning but noticed that Pradit was not there. He failed to contact the friend and decided to take a half-day leave to check on him. Suna said he initially could not enter the room as it was locked from the inside. He then contacted Pradit’s older brother, who lived next door, to open the room for him. According to Suna, Pradit was lying face down on his bed, and his valuables, including a gold necklace and bracelet worth over 200,000 baht, were missing. Suna insisted that his friend was wearing the gold accessories when they were together the previous night. The police told ThaiRath that Pradit was found wearing a white tank top and black shorts. He was lying face down, with his head turned towards the footboard. His arms were under his body, and his right leg was hanging off the side of the bed. Officers did not find any wounds on Pradit’s body, and there were no signs of a struggle in the room. The cause of his death remains under investigation and his body is undergoing an autopsy at Laem Chabang Hospital. Pradit’s older brother told ThaiRath that he rarely spoke with his brother because they were both busy with work and did not meet often, despite living next door to each other. He mentioned that Pradit suffered from coronary heart disease and received treatment for a long time. Suna acknowledged that he was aware of Pradit’s heart condition. He said he might believe that Pradit’s death was due to illness or lack of sleep if the valuables were not missing. Suna added that a teenage man who frequently visited Pradit’s accommodation might be a suspect. Pradit, who was a member of the LGBTQA+ community, engaged in sexual activity with the teenager, but they were not in a serious relationship.

This is the first time I've heard that an ETA will need to be obtained before entering the Kingdom. From The Thaiger Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel. This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country. “The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.” The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan. Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge. Once approved, ETA holders will benefit from the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. This comes alongside the recent extension of stay for tourists and business travellers from visa-free countries, who can now enjoy up to 60 days in Thailand, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days upon arrival. In addition, Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), tailored for remote workers, digital nomads, and visitors attending approved activities. Priced at 10,000 baht (430 Aussie dollars), this visa allows a stay of up to five years, provided applicants can prove they have at least 500,000 baht for the duration of their stay. The DTV also covers the holder’s spouse and dependent children, offering them a five-year stay with multiple entries, extendable by another 180 days, reported Executive Traveller. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/aussies-now-need-an-eta-to-enter-thailand ======================= Japan to introduce new entry system for foreign visitors By TTG Asia / Posted on 2 September, 2024 18:13 The Japanese government is set to introduce a new travel authorisation system requiring all international visitors to declare personal information online in order to enter the country. The new system will operate similarly to the US’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which was introduced as an anti-terrorism measure. The Japanese version, tentatively named JESTA, will also screen visitors prior to entry, using a similar online system. The government plans to launch JESTA by 2030. The implementation of this new system aims to reduce the number of illegal immigrants who come to Japan from visa-exempt countries and regions. Travellers from the 71 countries will be required to declare their details using JESTA once it is launched. The 71 visa-exempt countries and regions include Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, the US, and more. JESTA will require visa-exempt foreign nationals to declare their purpose of entry and place of stay online for screening by the Immigration Services Agency before they travel. If the application is flagged as an illegal-stay risk, the travel authorisation required to leave the country will not be granted, and the traveller will be encouraged to obtain a formal visa through their local embassy instead. The Japanese government will also introduce another system which will run on a trial basis during this fiscal year. Passenger information will be sent to the Immigration Services Agency after boarding procedures have been completed, and will be checked against a list of ‘blacklisted’ travellers, including foreign nationals of interest and those with criminal records. If any, the airline will be notified in order to refuse boarding to those passengers.

From Bangkok Post His Majesty the King has approved the 35-member cabinet proposed by new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The new line up was published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also takes on the defence portfolio and has been replaced as commerce minister by Pheu Thai adviser and former energy minister Pichai Naripthaphan. The coalition-core Pheu Thai Party has 17 of the cabinet positions, ministers and deputy ministers, with the remaining 19 portfolios divided among its coalition partners. According to the announcement by the Royal Gazette: Phumtham Wechayachai is deputy prime minister and defence minister (Pheu Thai) Suriya Juangroongruangkit is deputy prime minister and transport minister (Pheu Thai) Anutin Charnvirakul is deputy prime minister and interior minister (Bhumjaithai) Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is deputy prime minister and energy minister (United Thai Nation) Pichai Chunhavajira is deputy prime minister and finance minister (Pheu Thai) Prasert Jantararuangtong is deputy prime minister and digital economy and society minister (Pheu Thai) Chousak Sirinil is a prime minister’s office minister (Pheu Thai) Jiraporn Sindhuprai is a prime minister’s office minister (Pheu Thai) Gen Natthapon Nakpanich is deputy defence minister (United Thai Nation) Julapun Amornvivat is deputy finance minister (Pheu Thai) Paopoom Rojanasakul is deputy finance minister (Pheu Thai) Maris Sangiampongsa is foreign affairs minister (Pheu Thai) Sorawong Thienthong is tourism and sports minister (Pheu Thai) Varawut Silpa-archa is social development and human security minister Chatthaipattana) Supamas Isarabhakdi is higher education, science, research and innovation minister (Bhumjaithai) Narumon Pinyosinwat is agriculture and cooperatives minister (Palang Pracharath faction led by Capt Thamanat Prompow) Itthi Sirilathayakorn is deputy agriculture and cooperatives minister (Palang Pracharath faction led by Capt Thamanat) Akara Prompao is deputy agriculture and cooperatives minister (Palang Pracharath faction led by Capt Thamanat) Manaporn Charoensri is deputy transport minister (Pheu Thai) Surapong Piyachote is deputy transport minister (Pheu Thai) Chalermchai Sri-on is natural resources and environment minister (Democrat) Pichai Naripthaphan is commerce minister (Pheu Thai) Napintorn Srisanpang is deputy commerce minister (Bhumjaithai) Suchart Chomklin is deputy commerce minister (United Thai Nation) Songsak Thongsri is deputy interior minister (Bhumjaithai) Sabeeda Thaised is deputy interior minister (Bhumjathai) Theerarat Samrejvanich is deputy interior minister (Pheu Thai) Pol Col Tawee Sodsong is justice minister (Prachachat) Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is labour minister (Bhumjaithai) Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol is culture minister (Pheu Thai) Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob is education minister (Bhumjaithai) Surasak Phancharoenworakul is deputy education minister (Bhumjaithai) Somsak Thepsutin is public health minister (Pheu Thai) Dech-it Khaothong is deputy public health minister (Democrat) Akanat Prompan is industry minister (United Thai Nation) The new ministers were expected to be sworn in at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall at 5pm on Friday, with the prime minister to deliver her government's policy statement to parliament on Sept 16. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2859376/king-endorses-new-cabinet

From Bangkok Post / Thaiger Cathay Pacific Airways has been thrown into chaos after an in-flight engine failure on one of its Airbus A350 jets sparked urgent repairs across its fleet. The airline, which operates 48 of these aircraft, revealed that it had identified fuel line issues in 15 of its aircraft, leading to the cancellation of 45 return flights this week. The cancellations, mostly affecting regional Asian routes, have caused widespread disruption for passengers. In a race against time, the airline managed to repair six of the affected planes, with the remaining nine expected to be back in the skies by Saturday.

From CNN It’s not who you know, but where you’re flying them to. IGA Istanbul Airport, which opened just six years ago in 2018, has been revealed as the world’s best-connected airport, according to new data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Occupying a prime East-meets-West location in Turkey, Istanbul Airport operates an impressive 309 nonstop flights to destinations around the world. Most of those are with Turkish Airlines, which serves more countries than any other airline. Around 90 million passengers a year pass through this global hub, making it the seventh busiest airport in the world, and it has an annual capacity of 200 million. That could prove handy, as air traffic in the first half of 2024 has exceeded 2019 levels for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. “Our strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia allows us to serve as a vital hub for international travel,” Selahattin Bilgen, the airport’s CEO, said in a statement to CNN. “We have also proven to be the most resilient airport, recovering the fastest ever after the Covid-19 pandemic and reaching our pre-pandemic passenger numbers before any other airport in the world.” Three European airports are next on the list: Frankfurt at No. 2, Paris Charles de Gaulle at No. 3 and Amsterdam Schiphol at No. 4. Frankfurt is a financial hub and a base for German flag carrier Lufthansa, one of Europe’s biggest airlines. Schiphol is well located at the heart of Europe, which gives it an advantage over somewhere such as London Heathrow, on an island at the edge of the continental action and with expansion plans hampered by its densely populated location. Tying with Schiphol at No. 4, with 270 nonstop destinations served, Chicago O’Hare is the best connected airport in North America. Dubai International is at No. 6, serving 269 nonstop destinations. Dubai handled around 87 million passengers in 2023, which was nearly a full third more than it did in 2022, according to data from Airports Council International. Shanghai Pudong International is at No. 8 and is the best-connected airport in Asia, serving 243 nonstop destinations. The world’s busiest airport by passenger volume, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International, is at No. 9, serving 237 nonstop destinations. The final spot in the top 10 is taken by Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, with 234 nonstop destinations. In April this year, the Rome airport took the prize for the world’s best airport security processing, in UK-based airline and airport review and ranking site Skytrax’s annual survey. The best-connected airports right now 1. Istanbul Airport. (309 unique nonstop destinations). 2. Frankfurt Airport. (296). 3. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. (282). 4. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. (270 = tie). 4. Chicago O’Hare International Aiport. (270 = tie). 6. Dubai International Airport. (269). 7. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. (261). 8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport. (243). 9. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. (237). 10. Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport. (234). 11. Denver International Airport. (229). 12. London Heathrow Airport. (221). 13. Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport. (219). 14. Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. (218 = tie). 14. London Gatwick Airport. (218 = tie). 16. Munich Franz Joseph Strauss Airport. (217). 17. Barcelona El Prat Airport. (209). 18. Beijing Capital International Airport. (206). 19. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. (202). 19. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. (202).

All birthdays should begin--and end--this way.

Quite a handshake grip Putin has there.

From The Nation The Phuket Court on Tuesday acquitted a Swiss national of a charge that he kicked a female Thai doctor who was sitting on a beach in front of a luxury villa he had rented in Thalang district in February. The court reasoned that public prosecutors and a co-plaintiff, Dr Thandao Chandam, failed to prove beyond doubt that the Swiss man, Urs “David” Fehr, had intentionally kicked the doctor in the back as charged. As a result, the court said Fehr was acquitted on the benefit of doubt. Earlier, Thandao, 26, a doctor at Dibuk Hospital in Phuket, told media that she had been kicked in the back on the night of February 24 by Fehr while sitting on steps at Yamu Beach in front of a villa in Thalang district. Thandao said she felt the need to go public and expose the alleged assault because during the incident Fehr’s Thai wife had claimed a strong connection with senior Phuket police officers.

From Pattaya Mail Restoration efforts to address severe beach erosion began late on September 2, following significant storm damage. Teams worked tirelessly overnight to restore Pattaya’s coastline, which is a crucial asset for tourism. “The storm has caused considerable damage to our beautiful beach,” said a local government official overseeing the restoration. “We understand how important this beach is for both the local community and tourists. Our immediate goal is to repair the damage and prevent further erosion.” The restoration work includes reinforcing the sand, stabilizing the beach surface, and implementing measures to make the shoreline more resilient to future storms. “We are deploying sandbags and other materials to reinforce the affected areas,” explained the project manager for the restoration team. “Our aim is to restore the beach as quickly as possible while ensuring that it can withstand future challenges.”

From The Thaiger Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has been forced to ground its entire fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft after discovering a never-before-seen engine component failure, throwing travel plans into disarray for thousands. The Hong Kong flag carrier cancelled 48 flights, leaving passengers stranded and scrambling for alternatives. The trouble began when Zurich-bound flight CX383 had to return to Hong Kong shortly after take-off yesterday morning, September 2. The airline swiftly launched inspections on all 48 of its A350s, aiming to complete the checks within a day. However, as Cathay Pacific’s director of engineering, Keith Brown, revealed, several aircraft required further repairs, delaying their service return. This component was the first of its type to suffer such failure on any A350 aircraft worldwide.” The airline immediately alerted aircraft and engine manufacturers, as well as regulators, to the issue. The engines, manufactured by Rolls-Royce, have been lauded for their fuel efficiency but this incident has raised concerns. The A350, first deployed by Cathay in 2016, has now become the focus of scrutiny, with Brown emphasising that safety remained the top priority. In the wake of the cancellations, affected passengers expressed frustration with Cathay’s handling of the situation. Hairstylist Shum Sai-cheong, who was travelling to Singapore, criticised the airline’s customer service.

Visited there four or five times. Banana Club had Arena-like lineup when you entered plus good shower and room facilities. But the owner eventually replaced the guys with women. He reportedly concluded that the the men were proving too difficult to manage. If you search this forum for "Banana Club" (with quotation marks) you'll find any old entries.

You can find western brand names in Bangkok at pharmacies, markets and even 7-Eleven, if I recall right.

Phetboy Spa is offering a promotion for three (3) one-hour massage sessions for 900 baht that can be used until the end of the year. They also appear to have recently added 17 new guys to roster. https://phetboyspa.blogspot.com/2024/02/phetboy-spa.html Phetboy is also lowering off-site fee (guy comes to you) from 1,000 baht to 500.

The correct spelling is Ramkhamhaeng (with "g" at end). This may help when using search function. I tried just now and found many entries about the area on the forum but some are a decade or more old.

Once read that there are more flag grade officers (generals, admirals) in Thai military than there are in US military. It is indeed a very political environment.

Keep in mind that "asking" price is for the "business" and not the property. Business is the name and contents of shop (massage chairs, tables, etc.).

Most take feedback very well., especially if they think it will affect their tip.🙂