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From Channel News Asia The Hong Kong High Court's landmark ruling allows same-sex couples to now co-own subsidised housing AFP/Philip FONG HONG KONG: Married same-sex partners will be allowed to own subsidised housing together in Hong Kong after a landmark High Court ruling on Friday (Jun 25), a major stride for LGBT rights in the financial hub. Hong Kong does not recognise same-sex marriage but individual couples can challenge discriminatory policies in court. Hong Kong's subsidised housing policies, which do not acknowledge same-sex partners as a tenant's family member, "constitute unlawful discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation", the Court said. The case was a second victory for gay couple Henry Li and his deceased partner Edgar Ng against the city's government, after a 2020 ruling allowing same-sex couples equal rights to inheritance. Ng, who suffered from depression, took his own life in December. The case was filed before his death in 2019 but hearings began in April 2021. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/hong-kong-court-ruling-overturns-anti-lgbt-housing-policy--15090296

From The Thaiger Thai embassies offering COEs for Sandbox travellers from Monday, June 28 The final stumbling block – the issue of Certificates of Entry for people keen to take advantage of the Phuket ‘Sandbox’ – appears to be sorted out. The way is now clear for fully vaccinated travellers to re-enter Thailand via the Phuket Sandbox plan. The plan is also being rolled out for the trio of Gulf Islands – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao – in a version called ‘Safe and Sealed Routes’ from July 15. Now, Royal Thai embassies in some countries are posting information that travellers can apply for a COE from next Monday, June 28. Click on this link to read HERE. The final part of the Sandbox puzzle, confirmed by the Thai cabinet last Tuesday, was its signing into law as part of the Royal Gazette. That was expected on Thursday or Friday, but, following the update to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, is now expected over the weekend. For people who had already booked flights and accommodation on Phuket for July, they were unable to complete their paperwork as foreign Thai embassies were not able to issue the necessary Certificate of Entry. Many readers told The Thaiger that the embassies were either impossible to contact or, if they did respond, said they knew nothing of the Phuket Sandbox. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/foreign-embassies-offering-coes-for-sandbox-travellers-from-monday-june-28

I would also prefer that a gay pride demonstration focus on equality. Unfortunately, given deepening social and political divisions, holding events aimed at altering public opinion of any kind would be impossible without politics creeping into the message. When you consider the polarized views on constitutional reform and the growing dissatisfaction with how the government is handling the Covid crisis, there's not much room for light. Taipei has a different social order. Although there remains political divisions among the citizenry, a certain cohesiveness exits because of the common foe across the Taiwan Strait. And the distribution of wealth is not extreme as it is in Thailand. In an atmosphere like this, it's a lot easier to celebrate equality without having to compete with other issues that could subvert the main intent.

From The Diplomat Students and representatives from Viet Pride at event at Danang University of Architecture. By Hugh Bohane The gay former Icelandic Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir said, “It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights are respected, all over the world.” Sigurðardóttir’s message, delivered while defending LGBTQ+ rights at a 2014 Pride festival, would certainly have been welcomed by LGBTQ+ communities as far away as Vietnam, a country that still, like much of Asia, hasn’t fully advanced LGBTQ+ rights as yet. It has been over a year since columnist Thoi Nguyen’s article “The Fight for LGBT Rights in Vietnam Still Has a Long Way To Go” was published in The Diplomat and it is fair to say that prejudice, discrimination, and stigma against the LGBTQ+ community still looms large, despite the ongoing efforts of local activists. Nguyen’s piece gave a concise history into how far LGBTQ+ rights have come since homosexuality was declared a “social evil” by state-run media in 2002. While same-sex weddings have been allowed since 2015, couples aren’t fully recognized or protected under a loophole in the law regarding personal and property matters. To honor Pride month, The Diplomat decided to follow up on Vietnam’s LGBTQ+ family and interviewed a selection of members of the community to find out how they have been faring throughout the pandemic. Dave Khanh*, who wished to remain anonymous, is a 26-year-old working part-time as a professional dancer and English tutor. Khanh is gay and recently spoke to The Diplomat over Zoom. “Hopefully, gay marriage will be fully legalized in the next 10 years when the younger generations have more power and say,” said Khanh. “It is still quite challenging being gay in Vietnam, especially in the Northern and Central areas, whereas in the South, like in Ho Chi Minh City, it is a bit more open.” Khanh confided about having a “rough time” in high school, where he was sometimes bullied for feminine mannerisms and underwent what he referred to as a form of “psychological trauma.” He went on to say that he isn’t ready to come out to his parents but said he will soon. Even today in Vietnam, it isn’t uncommon for parents to send their children to see a doctor if they think they are gay or a lesbian. A 2020 Human Rights Watch report outlining details of homophobia and stigma in Vietnam concluded with the need for necessary changes to occur. “The first steps will include correcting the persistent widespread notion that homosexuality is an illness and needs a cure,” the report stated. Even more disturbing is the prevalence of suicide within Vietnam’s LGBTQ+ community. “One of my lesbian friends tried to commit suicide… not long ago because of the family and societal pressure she was under,” Khanh said. Continues with photos https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/vietnam-lgbtq-pride-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/

From The Thaiger Update: Under the “Phuket Sandbox” and “Samui Plus” travel models, travellers not only need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to be eligible to enter Thailand under the schemes, but they also need to be travelling from countries classified by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control as a low to medium risk for Covid-19. The DDC posts a new list on the 1st and 16th of every month. The information is mostly in Thai. Click HERE to go to the DDC website. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/the-list-of-high-medium-low-risk-countries-for-travelling-to-thailand-now ======================================== From Reuters Shut construction sites, seal off camps to contain virus BANGKOK, June 25 (Reuters) - Thailand will close hundreds of construction sites and prevent workers from leaving their camps for a month, its prime minister said on Friday, in an effort to tackle the country's worst coronavirus outbreak so far. The order followed the emergence of more clusters in construction camps in the capital, which has 575 such sites in total housing about 81,000 workers. Since May, 37 clusters have been found in Bangkok camps. Sites in some provinces near Bangkok and four in the south near Malaysia will also be closed from next week. "Let's implement this for a month. Things should improve then," Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters. The labour ministry will compensate for the costs of halting construction projects, he said. Labour minister Suchart Chomklin said police will inspect camps for safety and make sure no one leaves, while authorities aim to test everyone inside. Many camp residents are migrant workers. Details of measures targeting specific businesses and areas are expected to be announced before Monday, Prayuth said, adding that he wanted to avoid a blanket lockdown. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-shut-construction-sites-seal-off-camps-contain-virus-2021-06-25/ =================================== From AFP Thailand races to roll out coronavirus jabs to prisoners Barefoot Thai prisoners rolled up their sleeves to get coronavirus jabs into tattooed arms Friday, as the kingdom seeks to tackle a mass infection outbreak in its overcrowded jails. Authorities have been trying to contain a recent virus surge in the penal system, where some inmates have less space to sleep than the inside of a coffin. There have been more than 35,000 positive cases inside prisons and inmates have been encouraged to wear masks even when they sleep at night. The government has begun rolling out an initial batch of 300,000 Sinopharm doses across the kingdom's jails. Inmates at Chonburi Central Prison, two hours southwest of Bangkok, lined up Friday morning to receive their jabs. "Overcrowding in prisons is a factor making it difficult to prevent this kind of disease," the institution's director, Chan Vachiradath, told AFP. He said the nearly 6,300 inmates at his prison had so far remained coronavirus-free, but staff are on guard. Every prisoner had to undergo a swab test before their vaccination and priority was given to elderly inmates and those suffering underlying medical conditions that made them more vulnerable to severe virus cases. Thailand has around 311,000 prisoners, according to International Federation for Human Rights figures from earlier this year -- more than two and a half times the system's official capacity. Four out of five prisoners are serving time for drug charges because of harsh anti-narcotics laws that can see offenders jailed for a decade for possessing just a few methamphetamine pills. https://news.yahoo.com/thailand-races-roll-coronavirus-jabs-085328809.html

I agree on much of the history but we diverge as we look forward. The fact that 19 coups have occurred tells us that they still haven't got it right yet: the "have" minority still continues to dominate the political scene. And I continue to believe that nothing that occurs in regards to changing a system of government is free of politics. Culture and religion may be factors--important factors--but they are also political in their very nature. When you seek to alter a government due to religion or culture, politics always infringes. Looking west, I was encouraged that the gay community in Warsaw managed to overcome strong cultural, religious and political opposition and held a Gay Pride march this past week. That it came when Poland is embroiled in a controversial law that demonizes homosexuals demonstrates the tenacity and power of resistance.

I don't reject the idea that discrimination--of all kinds--is deeply rooted in Thai culture as it is the culture of many other nations. But I don't believe that it can't change and evolve. We can find anecdotal evidence to support either side of the argument I suppose but I prefer to view the glass half full. I agree that many of the young people will go on to adopt norms similar to that of their parents but others will go on to reject them. Cultural is fluid over time and not set in stone. Young people are more courageous than their elders. That's why nations send their youth to fight wars because they tend to be stronger and more fearless. Those same qualities can be assets used to battle discrimination. So I hope that these young people will surprise us and prove that they're capable of changing their society. It's admittedly an aspirational view but one I choose to hold on to even more as Thais come to grips with the country's political unrest.

From Vietnam News A scene from Ròm movie with the actor Trần Anh Khoa (left). — Photo idolvnnet.com HÀ NỘI — Trần Anh Khoa, the young actor who played the titular character in Ròm has been awarded the best actor award at the 18th Asian Film Festival which concluded in Rome, Italy on Wednesday. The organisers praised Khoa for his instinctive, energetic and agile acting to play a character who is constantly moving in a hectic life in the city. On behalf of Khoa, who is still in Canada, a representative of the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy received the award and said they appreciated the recognition and encouragement of the organising board for the Vietnamese film industry, especially for young and promising talents. Set in a squalid tenement for working-class Saigoneers, the movie revolves around số đề, an illegal gambling game that piggybacks on Việt Nam’s official lottery operation. Ròm and a gaggle of other street kids make money from selling lottery result slips and taking bets for số đề bookies as “runners”. The Asian Film Festival in Italy was organised by the Robert Bresson Film Foundation, which selected the best East Asian films in terms of art and genre. https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/979862/khoa-wins-best-actor-award-for-rom-at-asian-film-festival.html Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFLHDs1MUGw

Please do interpret this post as an attempt to hijack the thread, which has provided much historical context for understanding homosexual trends in Thailand and elsewhere. But as Pride Month draws to a close I thought posting some images that show that young Thais--and those young at heart--may not forever have their thinking about what it means to be gay dominated by an influential group of traditionalists. I'm not aware of anywhere in Bangkok this is more in evidence than Samyan Mitrtown, the high-rise complex at Rama IV and Phayathai Rd. Located adjacent to two leading universities, it's busy day and night with students and young people, many from the families who may harbor some of he views of sexuality that Prof. Jackson describes. Even if you walk through the mall during the 11 months of the year when it's not celebrating Pride, it's impossible not to feel the vibe that tells you this is a safe place for gays. I think it demonstrates that you don't have to have a parade to demonstrate that it's OK to be gay in Bangkok. The media has carried many stories about gay men and women who are comfortable in their sexuality and these are the folks that have a strong influence on the country's youth. Artist Ken Khiaosanthia: "I might have a different perspective from others when it comes to defining pride. For me, Pride Month is just another month of the year and it doesn't convince me to be prouder of myself or have more self-esteem. There's nothing so special about it. But don't get me wrong, what I'm trying to say that I'm proud of who I am every day. I have never believed that my sexuality or being part of the LGBTQIA+ community makes me any different, extraordinary or inferior to any others. I don't talk about my sexual preference with my parents and don't need approval from them for being queer. Why? I believe that whether you're LGBTQIA+ or not, you can be a successful person. Fashion designer Nisamanee Lertvonapong: "I'm proud of myself for being different. When I was a kid, I always thought that being different was wrong. Other kids bullied me just because I was not like them. When I grew up, what everyone saw as 'misbehaviour' is what has made me successful today. There's nothing wrong with being afraid to be different. We were raised in a society that discourages us from being rebels against the standard. But imagine if everyone looks and thinks the same. That's weirder. A tip from me, you must believe in your unique personality. It's a gift that makes you special and stand out from others. I'm proud to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community." Our best hope is that when the youth of Thailand come of age and begin to take over the levers of power in their country, their more balanced view of sexuality will be free of the oppression that politics and culture manifested over earlier generations.

From CNBC CDC safety group says there’s a likely link between rare heart inflammation in young people after Covid shot A CDC safety group said there’s a “likely association” between a rare heart inflammatory condition in adolescents and young adults mostly after they’ve received their second Covid-19 vaccine shot, citing the most recent data available. There have been more than 1,200 cases of a myocarditis or pericarditis mostly in people 30 and under who received Pfizer’s or Moderna’s Covid vaccine, according to a series of slide presentations published Wednesday for a meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart. The agency said there have been 267 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis reported after receiving one dose of the mRNA vaccines and 827 reported cases after two doses through June 11. There are 132 additional cases where the number of doses received is unknown, the CDC said. Roughly 300 million of the shots had been administered as of June 11, the agency said. “This is still a rare event,” Dr. Tom Shimabukuro said at the meeting. For both vaccines combined, there were 12.6 heart inflammation cases per million doses. The cases were more frequent among Moderna’s vaccine recipients at 19.8 cases per million versus eight cases per million for Pfizer’s, he said. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/23/cdc-reports-more-than-1200-cases-of-rare-heart-inflammation-after-covid-vaccine-shots.html =============================== From Bangkok Post WHO confirms Sinovac: Thailand proceeds as planned with 100 million doses by end of year The World Health Organization (WHO) on June 1, 2021, validated Coronavac COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving its assurance that the vaccine meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing. The Sinovac vaccine has also been approved by the Thai FDA for Emergency Use Authorization in preventing mild to serious illness and death from COVID-19. The vaccine is produced by the Beijing-based pharmaceutical company, Sinovac Biotech. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, WHO, said, “The vaccines that will be used in the national roll out in Thailand – AstraZeneca and Sinovac – are effective. WHO has approved both vaccines for adults aged 18 and above, including elderly people, to prevent patients from getting sick or dying from COVID19. These vaccines have saved tens of thousands of lives around the world already. WHO also recommends that all eligible people living in Thailand get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as it is offered.” Dr. Soumya added, “The risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 is much higher than any serious side effects from the vaccines that have been reported. As for the effectiveness percentage, it is impossible to compare between the two vaccines because the studies were conducted in different test conditions under different circumstances.” Dr. Sopon Iamsirithavorn, Director, Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health, explained the vaccination plan: “Thailand has a clear policy that everyone, including foreigners residing in Thailand, will receive the vaccine and the budget has been planned. The top concern is to reduce severe illness and death and contain the spreading of disease.” https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2137283

From The Thaiger The Bank of Thailand on Wednesday lowered the country’s economic growth projection for 2021 to 1.8 per cent, down from 3 per cent predicted in March, but kept the policy rate unchanged. The Monetary Policy Committee at the central bank reduced its estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) growth in response to a downturn in international tourists and lower domestic demand impacted by the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic. Projected tourist arrivals for this year plunged to only 700,000 from the 3 million expected earlier in March, despite the fact that Thailand is planning to open its border by October. “Employment in the service sector and the self-employed is more vulnerable and may even recover more slowly,” said the committee assistant-governor Titanun Mallikamas. The MPC also unanimously voted to maintain the benchmark policy rate at 0.5 per cent, given that the third wave of the Covid-19 epidemic has slowed the Thai economy to grow unevenly and less than expected, with a chance of a new wave of infections in the future. https://www.thaienquirer.com/28925/central-bank-lowers-gdp-projection-as-pandemic-drags-on/

The possibility of embassies of foreign governments intervening in the distribution of vaccines to their citizens living in Thailand was discussed on the board a few months back. I recall that numerous problems were brought up that made that scheme difficult. But France and China have found ways to muddle through the dilemma. Chinese nationals in Thailand were able to be vaccinated under Beijing’s “Spring Sprout” global immunisation programme. China had donated 500,000 doses of its Sinovac vaccine to Thailand, and then Thailand then agreed to vaccinate Chinese expats. Around 150,000 Chinese nationals live in Thailand. French nationals ages 55 and older will receive their free inoculation of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at one of the 8 Bangkok Hospital locations including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui. Meanwhile, the US continues to claim that it is unable to do so. The Chargé d’Affaires has sent the following letter to US nationals who have inquired about the possibility with the embassy: "The U.S. Department of State is unable to provide vaccines to the millions of Americans who reside outside of the United States.For those who wish to return to the United States to be vaccinated....Meanwhile, as Thailand pursues its vaccination program, I will continue to advocate for your equitable access, keeping in mind that many Thai citizens are also waiting for their own vaccines." Full article available from The Thaiger https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/us-is-unable-to-provide-covid-19-vaccines-to-americans-who-live-overseas ============================== From the Thai Enquirer Chula professor criticizes government's obsession with Sinovac A leading professor at Chulalongkorn University has come out this week to criticize the government for its continued obsession with acquiring Sinovac vaccines. The professor joined Thai Enquirer to outline her grievances, the same one she shares with millions of other Thais. It might not have been as clear in the beginning, but the inefficiency of this [Sinovac] vaccine has been reported in numerous, real-life cases from many countries, from Indonesia to Brazil, said Professor Siripan Nogsuan, an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Government, Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University. Professor Siripan said that the main question she has for the government is twofold: why are they still choosing Sinovac over other vaccine alternatives when it’s clear that it is more expensive, and has a much lower efficacy rate? It seems that the Ministry of Public Health, which announced that it was planning to procure at least 28 million more doses of the Sinovac vaccine on Friday, haven’t adequately explained their reasoning, Siripan told Thai Enquirer by phone. “What we, as citizens, need is explanation and answers,” said Professor Siripan. “Why do the government, and the doctors leading the Covid-19 disease control situation, think Sinovac is a better option? What is the basis of their argument and how did they come to this conclusion?” https://www.thaienquirer.com/28886/leading-chula-professor-criticizes-governments-sinovac-obsession/

Thonburi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Paknam_Bhasicharoen

Thanks for posting about the effects of the Berrigan murder and opportunity it presented for the local media to run wild with theories and speculation. Politicians almost immediately seized on it as means to settle old scores and attempt to focus on their real agendas While looking over the bibliography of Peter Jackson, I came across a reference to a fairly recent book: GHOSTLY DESIRES: Queer Sexuality and Vernacular Buddhism in Contemporary Thai Cinema; Arnika Fuhrmann, 2016. I find the closing paragraph in the book review of the University of British Columbia of particular interest: "Notwithstanding its compact subtitle, Ghostly Desires is about much more than Thai cinema. Fuhrmann pursues these diverse moving image-makers far beyond the nation’s moral-institutional architecture; and their “queering” of that architecture takes her far beyond the critical conventions of gender studies. This adventure confirms what any observer of contemporary Thailand, however engrossed in mainstream evidence, should know: that a genuinely progressive cultural politics, one that refuses to breathe the stifling atmosphere of bourgeois nationalism, has for years been practised there under the mantle of vanguard art. Meanwhile, the parochial culture industry lumbers on like a zombie, in thrall to self-serving elites and their now unashamedly despotic status quo." Despite the fact that we're still in the throes of the pandemic, not much has changed in the five years since those words first appeared.

From Bangkok Post Phuket still set to open to foreign tourists The planned reopening of Phuket and Surat Thani provinces remains intact despite more than 4,000 new Covid-19 cases and 35 deaths nationwide on Monday, according to the government's senior epidemic spokesman. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said on Tuesday that the reopening of Phuket on July 1 and Surat Thani (Koh Samui and Koh Phangan islands) later remains possible. Both provinces were reporting new daily cases in single figures. Dr Taweesilp said that there were clear criteria for the government to stop the reopening. For Phuket, they were: - more than 90 new Covid-19 cases per week - outbreaks in all three districts - more than three clusters or widespread and unrelated infections - at least 80% of local hospital beds occupied - a widespread and uncontrollable outbreak of virus mutations Dr Taweesilp said there would be four steps, based on the number of new cases, in any lockdown of Phuket, as follows: - reduction in activities - sealed routes - hotel quarantine - an end to the Phuket Sandbox reopening project For Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, their reopening would be halted if Covid-19 cases exceeded the number of local hospital beds, the spokesman said. Dr Taweesilp reported 4,059 new Covid-19 cases confirmed over the past 24 hours. Representatives of entertainment venues met Phuket deputy governor Wikrom Jakthee at the provincial hall on Tuesday, seeking permission to reopen their premises when the island province opens to foreign tourists on July 1. They also asked for assistance, saying workers in the entertainment sector of Phuket had no income since the government-ordered the closure of their businesses to control Covid-19. They said they could operate while strictly observing disease control measures. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2136615/phuket-surat-thani-still-set-to-open-to-foreign-tourists

From Bangkok Post Gap now 8 weeks between AZ doses A top medical committee has agreed to narrow the gap between doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to eight weeks from 10-12 weeks previously in places where there have been outbreaks of the Delta variant, an official said on Tuesday. Areas where the more contagious Delta variant, first identified in India, had been detected could "adjust the timing for the second dose," said Kiatiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary at the public health ministry. The move comes after the government last week abandoned plans for a 16-week gap between AstraZeneca doses in a bid to stretch vaccine supplies to reach more people. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2136631/govt-to-narrow-gap-for-astrazeneca-shots-in-bid-to-curb-delta-variant ================================= From Thai Enquirer Delta variant’s danger and new studies raises questions about Thai vaccine program The spread of new Covid-19 variants have public health officials concerned with the country’s vaccine program with some vaccines reportedly less capable of stopping or containing the virus. Most concerning is the Delta variant, which was first identified in India, and has become the dominant strains in some countries. Within a span of six months, it has now spread to at least 74 countries worldwide. Research shows the Delta variant to be much more contagious and deadlier than previous strains of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a “virus of concern,” with its chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan saying that it was “on its way to becoming the dominant variant globally because of its increased transmissibility,” last Friday. Thai public health officials warn that it poses a significant threat in Thailand. (Read more here) They also have concerns but the country’s vaccination program in light of the Delta Variant’s dangers. As of June 19, 2021, around 7.5 million of the Thai population have been vaccinated with either the Sinovac or AstraZeneca vaccine. Five and a half million of those have been vaccinated with the first dose of Sinovac, while 2.1 million have been vaccinated with the second dose. But the application of the Sinovac vaccine is problematic. Emerging data shows that the current vaccines, especially the ones with lower efficacy rates like the Sinovac, are not effective in stopping the transmission of the Delta variant. Indonesian officials said this week that more than 350 of its frontline healthcare workers and doctors have been infected, with dozens hospitalized, with the Delta variant, despite being vaccinated with the Sinovac. https://www.thaienquirer.com/28831/delta-variants-danger-and-new-studies-raises-questions-about-thai-vaccine-program/ ==================================== Boosters may be needed The Public Health Ministry is speeding up a study looking into the need for a third Covid-19 vaccine shot for people who are fully vaccinated as certain coronavirus variants are more infectious than others. Along with this study, a ministry committee is tasked with assessing whether it is safe for people to be jabbed using different vaccine brands after the initial first shot is given, said Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) on Monday. Dr Opas, however, insisted it was still too soon to say whether a booster shot is actually needed and if the shot can come from a different manufacturer. "Knowledge [about the virus and the vaccines is updated] constantly so we need to wait until we have sufficient information to support any new decisions to make," he said. "We have a team that is following up on this and will decide what will be the most suitable [for Thailand's situation]." Dr Opas was responding to questions over the need for a booster shot for vaccine recipients in Thailand and whether it could come from a different brand. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2136019/boosters-may-be-needed ================================ From Tourism Authority of Thailand

From CNN (CNN)Carl Nassib, a defensive lineman with the Las Vegas Raiders, became the first active NFL player in league history to announce that he is gay. "What's up, people," Nassib said Monday in a video on Instagram. "I'm Carl Nassib. I'm at my house here in Westchester, Pennsylvania. I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay. I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest." Nassib, 28, is entering his second season with the Raiders. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He played for the Browns from 2016-2017, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 and 2019 and was signed by the Raiders as an unrestricted free agent on March 23, 2020. https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/21/us/nfl-carl-nassib-gay-spt/index.html

From Reuters /MSN he Royal Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen temple on the outskirts of Bangkok dates back to 1610 and is located on a island created by canals flowing from the Chao Phraya river. Work on the statue, which is as tall as a 20-storey building, started in 2017 and should be completed this year, but due to the coronavirus pandemic the official opening may be pushed back to 2022, said temple spokesman Pisan Sangkapinij. The Phra Buddha Dhammakāya Thepmongkhon statue, made of copper and painted gold, sits in a seated lotus posture. Parts were produced in China before being shipped to Thailand to be assembled. It should be visible from all parts of the raised train line that spans the capital Bangkok, said Pisan. ====================================== The giant Buddha statue of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen temple is seen in Bangkok, Thailand, June 10, 2021. Picture taken June 10, 2021 with a drone. REUTERS/Jorge SilvaReuters

Some of the funniest lines--and facial expressions--could make this a spotted dick cult favorite.

The BBC Witness History program today aired this look back at the roots of efforts to establish gay liberation. Not surprisingly, it was exasperation with years of repression that became the tipping point that launched the campaign. From BBC Radio How a protest outside New York's Stonewall Inn inspired the modern gay rights movement. Listen at this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1x0y

Back home or on the road, everyone's entitled to conduct their affairs as they see fit, no question. I lived 80% of my life being very discreet, very concerned about what others would think of me if they knew I was gay. If I can’t now walk with who I want, where I want, when I want, when will I? And if someone doesn't want to walk beside me, that's fine because others will.

I've made it a practice not to parade ever since leaving the army eons ago. And to be honest, I don't give any consideration to what the staff or spectators are thinking. I'm concerned only with how me and my guest experience what's going on. If I was uncomfortable walking beside a younger man, then I agree it would be a problem for me. But have been doing it for a long time and that's never been an issue. If the young man was uncomfortable, then he's probably in the wrong line of work. Although I've never had a young man express any hesitation along those lines. Somehow both of us have to get upstairs to my room. He could walk a few meters behind me I suppose. I understand that in some traditional Asian cultures, a wife walks several steps behind her husband, but that would feel particularly odd in this situation. I understand that others may feel differently and adopt alternative methods of arrival. No problem.

Ditto about Amara, now my top choice.

Good advice. In my 19 years (18, actually, since none occurred last year) of visits to bkk, I avoided the known hotels that impose joiner fees. However, I was never once stopped from briningg a guy to my room in any of the others. I use to like to stay a few nights during each trip in one of the top-tier hotels around Silom. Before it closed, the Dusit Thani was my favorite by far. And, like the other 5-star digs, staff discretion was always observed. But regardless of where I was staying, anytime I brought a guy to my room I made a habit of talking directly with him as we passed through the lobby. Even if he didn't understand much, or any, of my English, it was clear to observers that we were comfortable in each other's company. I think that helps put everyone concerned at ease.

Good question. I found this video on YouTube that claims that eight pro male footballers have come out: According to USA Today, "Mexican fans have a history of using the homophobic chant that translates to male prostitute which has largely gone unpunished. Between November 2015 and March 2017, the country was cited for improper fan behavior nine times. Anti-gay chants were the cause for eight of those citations." (Puto is the masculine form of the multi-functional Spanish puta, meaning " prostitute." It's used as a slur against people who are gay and an insult to anyone perceived as weak or contemptible.) Outsports reports "While some people push back against the notion that calling someone a “male prostitute” (English translation for “puto”) is anti-gay, that ship has sailed long ago. Most recently, Major League Soccer fined and suspended USMNT player Sebastian Lletget for directing the slur toward a teammate in a private setting (and then sharing it on Instagram)."