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Most Bangkok hotels do not. Offs generally are aware of those that do (I.e., Tarntawan). The minority that do will have a conspicuous notice in lobby or your room. Don’t complicate your vacation with trying to create lists in advance. I’d just assume that they don’t.

From Bloomberg News Southeast Asian Neighbors Detain Exiles Cambodia has sent troops to its border and called on neighboring countries to arrest exiled dissidents after accusing them of plotting a coup, just as the European Union prepares to decide on maintaining trade privileges that are keeping the Southeast Asian nation’s biggest industry afloat. Malaysian authorities on Thursday detained Mu Sochua, vice president of the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, at Kuala Lumpur airport following a request from Prime Minister Hun Sen’s administration. The Cambodian leader, in power since 1985, has promised to “use weapons of all kinds” to stop a group led by top opposition figure Sam Rainsy from returning to Cambodia on Saturday, the country’s independence day. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha ordered customs to deny Sam Rainsy’s entry due to the “rules” of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. On Thursday, he posted a picture of himself packing his bags as he prepared to board a plane from Paris to Bangkok. Both he and Mu Sochua have been in exile for four years. Cambodia has dispatched the military to “maintain peace and stability,” government spokesman Phay Siphan said, adding that the arrests would be “positive” if true. “The Cambodian government has informed all Asean nations that those people are organized crime,” he said. “They are leading a coup d’etat, so the Cambodian government informed all Asean members. And they all decided together to keep peace stability, so those people have become persona non-grata.” The detention comes shortly before Europe is expected to issue a decision on whether or not to pull Cambodia’s preferential tariff status due to its deteriorating rights situation, a move that could devastate its economy. The EU is Cambodia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 45% of all exports in 2018. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-07/southeast-asia-helps-hun-sen-round-up-dissidents-pressuring-eu

Don’t see many farangs reading it, either. Like the boys, their minds may be occupied with other interests.

From Bloomberg Financial The Bank of Thailand cut its benchmark interest rate for the second time in three months and said it will ease rules on outflows to curb a surging currency. Five of the seven Monetary Policy Committee members voted to cut the key rate by a quarter-percentage point to 1.25%, the central bank said in a statement. That matches a record low and was in line with the forecasts of 16 of the 26 economists in a Bloomberg survey. Officials told reporters in Bangkok that the central bank is worried about the strength of the baht, which may continue to weigh on the economy. The bank will ease rules on outflows and consider further steps to rein in the currency, they said. The baht extended losses, falling as much as 0.7% to 30.399 per dollar, and was at 30.327 as of 3 p.m. in Bangkok. Thai authorities are stepping up monetary and fiscal support to spur an economy that’s on course for its weakest growth in five years in 2019. The baht has gained more than 8% against the dollar in the past year, the best performer in emerging markets, curbing exports and tourism in the trade-reliant nation. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-06/thailand-cuts-interest-rate-to-record-low-to-rein-in-currency

So you don’t think killing everyone in the lorry qualifies as sufficiently unwelcoming?

This may come as a complete shock to you, 909, but most of the Vietnamese working in Thailand are employed in work other than gogo bars. And of course your basing this on your personal experience of having visited the impoverished provinces where the 39 deceased Vietnamese came from.

From CNN Police believe all 39 victims found inside Essex truck were Vietnamese CNN)The 39 people found dead in the back in the back of a truck in Englandlast month are believed to be Vietnamese nationals, Essex Police said in a statement Friday. "At this time, we believe the victims are Vietnamese nationals, and we are in contact with the Vietnamese Government," Assistant Chief Constable Tim Smith said in the statement. He added that police were in "direct contact with a number of families in Vietnam and the UK, and we believe we have identified families for some of the victims whose journey ended in tragedy on our shores." The development comes a week after 39 people were found dead in the back of a refrigerated lorry in a UK industrial park in Grays, Essex, 20 miles east of London. https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/01/uk/essex-truck-deaths-arrests-vietnam-gbr-intl/index.html

So now your major concern is that the perpetrators aren’t overcharged. Your sympathy for them, Hank, overwhelms me The perpetrators placed living souls inside a sealed, refrigerated container and drove them around until they died due to lack of oxygen. Along comes Hank now with his “nothing to see here” defense of those responsible. Your intent is as transparent as glass. You’re making the leap to the blame the victim side.

If I was like Hank I’d say this is the last thing I’ll have to say on the subject. But he went on to do just the opposite. Why was I not surprised. He won’t tire of defending his description of the murder victims as illegals nor will I tire of calling him on it when he does. It was as disrespectful the first time he said it as it was the last time. And I have no doubt whatsoever that he’ll go on using it. I was fully amendable to Peter’s suggestion that we abandon this thread and use the original one but Hank persisted in pursuing this platform.

Hank, you just keep doubling down on the illegal aspect. You were well aware that there was already a thread stared on this topic. But you chose to start a new one to get the word illegals out front and use it as a platform for your personal political motive. If you want to discuss UK immigration issues, I have no problem with it. Start a legitimate thread about it. But don’t do on the backs of 39 murder victims. It was disrespectful in particular to the Vietnamese.

It was the lack of respect in the OP’s message that prompted my response. It’s far from petty nitpicking when poster associates the dead with a proclivity for prostitution and branding them “illegals” instead of the victims of a vicious crime. I didn’t misquote him. I used his direct quotes. I agree with your suggestion that the thread in Gay Asia forum is more appropriate. I’m certainly willing to do just that.

Oh, it’s the big picture you suggest that I concern myself with. Guess that must be illegal immigration and not the truly horrible manner of their death at the hands of smugglers who are legal citizens. Think I get it. Gee, Hank, for someone who claims to know “at least two if not more” boys and girls from the Thai bar scene, your comments seem....how can I say this succinctly...void of compassion for these folks? And for some reason, you felt compelled to call attention to the fact that the impoverished Vietnamese prostitute themselves (or as you succinctly said, “sell their bodies”). Yes, think I’m beginning to see your big picture more clearly now. Thanks for clarifying things, Hank. There nothing like getting the facts from the horse’s mouth.

Did you take some perverse pleasure in labeling the deceased Vietnamese as “illegals” in your headline? I believe they deserve some final dignity, not a political broadside.

A few Vietnam guys who work in bkk tell me they fear that there are more than two from their country who may be among the dead in the horrific trailer tragedy unfolding in the UK. From the BBC An hour's drive inland from the French coast, a dozen Vietnamese men nurse tea over a smoking campfire, as they wait for a phone call from the man they call "the boss". An Afghan man, they say, who opens trailers in the lorry-park nearby and shuts them inside. Duc paid €30,000 ($33,200; £25,000) for a prepaid journey from Vietnam to London - via Russia, Poland, Germany and France. It was organised, he says, by a Vietnamese contact back home. "I have some Vietnamese friends in UK, who will help me find jobs when I get there," he told me. "These friends help me get on lorries or container trucks to go across the border." Security is much less tight in the nearby lorry park than around the ports further north. But few people here have managed to get past the border controls. We were told there is a two-tier system in operation here; that those who pay more for their passage to Britain don't have to chance their luck in the lorries outside, but use this base as a transit camp before being escorted on the final leg of their journey. Duc tells me he needs a job in the UK to pay back the loan for his journey. "We can do anything," he says, "construction work, nail bars, restaurants or other jobs." A report by one of France's biggest charities described smugglers telling Vietnamese migrants that refrigerated lorries gave them more chance of avoiding detection, and giving each of them an aluminium bag to put over their heads while passing through scanners at the border. No one here had heard about the 39 people found dead this week. This journey is about freedom, one said. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50190199

From CNN Under Xi's rule, what is China's image of the 'ideal' man? Continues with photos and graphics https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/china-masculinity-intl-hnk/index.html

Wish I had thought of that...

Foreigners are gradually coming to acknowledge that the heyday for their currencies vs the baht is not about to return anytime soon. To what degree this affects individuals readers depends on many factors but all will feel the pinch. Struggling to hold above 30, the dollar is the bell weather exchange rate that captures the trend. How individuals choose to adapt will very greatly by circumstance. But all except for the truly financially independent will likely be trying to control those expenses that cannot be avoided (travel, accommodations, food). The good news on the first two is that they’re price elastic, fluctuating depending on supply and demand. And food costs are really a function on where and what we choose to consume. Not price elastic are entertainment and health care. In Bangkok, a typical Patpong ST off will set you back about 3,000 baht with a drink, off fee and tips. And that’s a minimum. A 1-hour massage and tip ranges between 1500 to 2000 and a 90-minute 1900 to 2500 depending on venue.(these are just averages). None of these prices are particularly new. We’ve been paying them for a while now. What is new is that we have gradually less with which to cover them when we leave the currency exchange booth. Personally, it continues to be my intent to spend as much time as I can afford in multiple annual trips to Bkk. I don’t travel to other international destinations unless they’ve in SE Asia. By this stage of my life I’ve seen as much of the rest of the world as I care to. I’m content and comfortable in bkk. But I know that some adjustments will need to be made. From Bangkok Post Rate cut will not slow baht appreciation The Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) could cut the policy rate another 25 basis points before year-end, but the move is not expected to rein in the baht's rising strength, says Kasikornbank (KBank). "Another possible rate cut this year is not anticipated to mitigate the baht appreciation significantly," said Kobsidthi Silpachai, head of capital markets research at KBank. "The move would alleviate the pressure [for lower interest rates] in an environment where global central banks have been cutting their benchmark interest rates." The seven-member MPC slashed the policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.5% in August, the first cut in more than four years, to boost Thailand's lethargic economic conditions. The seven-member MPC slashed the policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.5% in August, the first cut in more than four years, to boost Thailand's lethargic economic conditions. The current rate is only 25 basis points higher than the Bank of Thailand's record low of 1.25% during the 2009 global financial crisis. The MPC will continue adopting a data-dependent approach to deliberate the monetary policy outlook, while the need to preserve policy space to cushion against possible future risks is necessary, according to the latest edited MPC minutes published on Sept 25. The baht's value is projected to continue appreciating, possibly dropping under 30 per US dollar in the middle of next year, said Mr Kobsidthi. Factors supporting the outlook are investors' appetite for safe-haven assets, Thailand's current account surplus and a possible upgrade of the country's sovereign credit rating by international credit rating agencies, he said. "The baht's value could touch 29.70 during the first half of 2020 and continue appreciating to 29.20-29.30 in the second half," said Mr Kobsidthi. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1779294/rate-cut-will-not-slow-baht-appreciation

From Very Well Health If you want to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, research suggests that you may want to make more frequent date nights in bed, or simply engage in more self-pleasure. A study from the Boston University of Public Health found that more frequent ejaculation correlated with a lower incidence of a prostate cancer diagnosis. Specifically, the study spanned 18 years and looked at men between the ages of 20—29 years as well as 40—49 years. Men in the younger group who ejaculated 21 or more times per month dropped their risk of prostate cancer by 19 percent compared to those who ejaculated between four and seven times per month. And men in the older group received, even more, benefit from more regular orgasms: Those who ejaculated at least 21 times per month reduced their risk by 22 percent. Study authors concluded that even if you're not able to have that many orgasms each month, ejaculation seems to have a protective effect on the prostate—so simply having more orgasms can lower your risk of prostate cancer. In the past, there was a suggested link between greater sexual activity and increased incidents of prostate cancer because of higher levels of the male hormone testosterone and its effect on promoting cancer cell growth. However, enough studies have shown the opposite relationship—that sex lowers your risk—that many experts believe the more sex you have, the better. https://www.verywellhealth.com/reduced-risk-prostate-cancer-with-regular-ejaculation-2328515

From Bangkok Post Thai Airways at risk of closure, president says Thai Airways International (THAI) president Sumeth Damrongchaitham said on Tuesday that staff must cooperate with the airline's rehabilitation efforts because it is in a crisis and faces possible closure. He sent his message to THAI executives during a training session at the airline's headquarters. "Today I want staff to be united to overcome the obstacles. Otherwise, the national airline must close down. There is still time for a solution, but there is not much time," Mr Sumeth said. "The competition is very fierce this year," Mr Sumeth said. "THAI is really in a crisis. Next year it must do its best. If staff are still unaware and do nothing, they will not have enough time to fight back. Today very little time remains. Today there is no comfort zone. Everyone will die if the vessel sinks," . THAI would cut costs by reducing the salaries of managerial staff and following a zero inventory policy at its catering department, he said. He said that THAI had lost its market leadership on several routes to competitors, citing northern routes that had generated a third of THAI's revenue but were now dominated by low-cost airlines. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1777704/thai-airways-at-risk-of-closure-president-says#cxrecs_s

+1

Somehow his rationale for canceling doesn’t ring true. This has been a very well attended event in recent years. From Coconuts Bangkok Today marks the end of an era with tragic news for those thirsty for seasonal, open-air beer drinking: There will be no more lan beer, or beer garden, at CentralWorld. The popular al fresco event, which usually takes place at the end of the year in the mall’s outdoor plaza by Ratchaprasong intersection will come to an end after decades it first took place. A great hangout to sip beer, enjoy live music and cool weather, the event is reliably packed with patrons. The reason given for canceling it was “changing consumer lifestyles,” according to Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, executive vice president of marketing for mall owner Central Pattana. “Most people don’t drink at the beer garden anymore. The world has been changing fast,” Nattakit said. “We cannot do the same thing anymore, but we need to adapt ourselves to the new way consumers live so they choose to come to our event.” https://coconuts.co/bangkok/lifestyle/bye-bye-beer-garden-centralworld-cancels-popular-sud-soaked-tradition/

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — The upcoming Royal Barge procession on Chao Phraya River was postponed by nearly two months, a government official said Thursday. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam that the ritual, which would be presided over by His Majesty the King and the Royal Family, is now set to take place on Dec. 12 instead of Oct. 24 as initially scheduled. Wissanu cited strong tides in the river as a reason for the postponement. “The royal procession will still go ahead, and it’d still be a grand, beautiful event,” Wissanu told reporters. “But we have to consider the appropriate conditions of currents and weather.” The announcement came just a week before the event was due to take place. The navy was also conducting a full-scale rehearsal of the procession on Chao Phraya River earlier today. Another rehearsal scheduled for Oct. 21 will go ahead as planned, Wissanu said. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2019/10/17/hm-kings-royal-barge-procession-postponed/

From Coconuts Bangkok The cabinet today approved two holidays in November to keep things quiet for a regional summit — but only in Bangkok and its northwest metro area. The final two days of an ASEAN summit – Nov. 4 & 5 – were made government holidays Tuesday to alleviate traffic congestion, government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul announced. The holidays will only be in effect in Bangkok and Nonthaburi province, where the summit will be held Oct. 31 to Nov. 5 at Impact Muang Thong Thani. No government agencies will be operating on those dates. Though they are government holidays, Traisulee said state enterprises, private companies and banks could consider closing for those two days as well. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/thailand-declares-two-extra-holidays-for-next-month/

From CNN Travel Hong Kong (CNN) — Hong Kongers have been protesting for more than four months and demonstrations are becoming more violent and disruptive. The city's leaders have maintained Hong Kong is still open for business, but is it still safe to visit? The situation has changed significantly since June 9, when protest organizers estimated more than a million people took part in a peaceful march to oppose a bill that would have allowed Hong Kong to extradite suspected criminals to mainland China. Recent protests have become less predictable and increasingly dangerous, fanning out around the city and springing up in places with little warning. The recent decision by Hong Kong's leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, to use her emergency powers to ban face masks at public gatherings sparked the most violent and destructive gatherings to date. Police have twice used lethal force during recent clashes with protesters and on Sunday, police uncovered an explosive device they say was targeted at officers. If you're coming to the city, here's what you need to know. Continues with pics and video: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/hong-kong-safe-to-visit-intl-hnk/index.html

From Khaosod English The BANGKOK — Foreigners entering Thailand with a retiree stay visa will soon have to buy mandatory health insurance, a health official said Wednesday. Starting Oct. 31, foreigners over 50 entering the country with an O-A visa must show that they have valid health insurance covering their period of stay, deputy public health minister Sathit Pitutecha said. He said the measure will prevent foreigners from doing a runner for hospital fees. “By requiring foreign retirees to have a health insurance, they can be ensured that they will be taken care of when they get ill and accident, Sathit said. “This measure will solve over 100 million baht fees left unpaid by foreign patients.” O-A visa is more commonly known as the one-year retiree visa. Sathit said about 80,000 people held the visa as of 2018. The new rule specifies that the insured amount must not be less than 40,000 baht for outpatient and 400,000 baht for inpatient medical fees. Policies can either be purchased from domestic or foreign insurers, but the sum of foreign policies must not be less than the amount stipulated for Thai policies. “The new rules will be applied to those who enter the country for the first time and those who wish to extend their visas,” Sathit said. According to an internal immigration memo dated Sept. 27 seen by the media, only foreign retirees holding non-immigration O-A visa will be affected. They will be required to present their insurance policies with remaining coverage period for their stay or being denied entry. The http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2019/10/10/health-insurance-will-be-mandatory-for-retiree-visa-holders/