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From Bangkok Post The Department of Disease Control said on Wednesday that Thailand may have its first case of a new, more transmissible strain of mpox. The patient had arrived from Africa and the health of 43 passengers seated near him on the plane was being closely monitored. DDC director-general Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn said the patient was a 66-year-old European man who had a residence in Thailand and worked in Africa, where mpox is endemic. He had arrived back in Thailand from Africa at 6pm on Aug 14 on a connecting flight from the Middle East. The following morning, last Thursday, he had a fever and noticed he had a number of small rashes. He quickly went to a hospital for an examination. He was diagnosed with mpox, a viral disease. The initial examination found it was not the previously found Clade 2 strain, which was not easily transmissible. Health officials were awaiting the results of in-depth genetic tests. They would confirm if it was a Clade 1b-type infection. This was a more transmissible strain.

LGBTQIAS+ ?

You're creating an international incident, Olddaddy. Scores of ambassadors to the UN are at this moment preparing a joint protest. The claim it was clearly understood that you love big cocks from all continents. To cite just a single country is discriminatory diplomacy. Please rephrase your post before it reaches the Security Council.

From Bangkok Post A group of lawyers and university law lecturers have criticised the Constitutional Court's recent rulings to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and dismiss Srettha Thavisin as prime minister. The group, comprising 134 law experts, released a statement critical of the court for allegedly overstepping its power, which could potentially undermine the country's system of checks and balances. The statement refers to the two rulings: one made on Aug 7, in which the Constitutional Court ordered the MFP to be disbanded for attempting to subvert the constitutional monarchy and 11 party executives to be banned from politics for ten years. The other was passed on Aug 14 against Mr Srettha for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. The experts said they disagreed with both rulings, which they attributed to the court's interpretation of related laws. This interpretation is inconsistent with the laws' basic principle and could endanger the rule of democracy. The legal experts outlined four reasons to counter the rulings. First, they maintained that the court may have overstretched its authority, which resulted in the MFP being dissolved, its executives facing a political ban, and Mr Srettha being removed from the premiership. They insisted that if the law was applied to curtail a person's rights, it must be done restrictively and cautiously. In the MFP case, the court determined its authority goes so far as covering its judgement of crucial issues such as the party's policy administration and legislative amendment power. In the Srettha case, the court insisted the scope of a prime minister's dishonest and unethical acts extend over their reckless nomination of a person with questionable qualifications, a reference to Mr Pichit, as a cabinet minister. Second, the Constitutional Court did not permit the accused to fully and fairly present evidence and witnesses in their own defence. The court accepted certain pieces of evidence and witnesses in the MFP case. However, the court did not allow the party to testify or counter accusations during the proceedings. Third, by judging the MFP guilty of acting to undermine the constitutional monarchy, the court has expanded its authority beyond its limit and may be deemed to be asserting a role of keeping the lawmakers in check, which obstructs the checks and balances between the legislative, executive and the judicial branches. Disrupted checks and balances could imperil the protection of people's rights and freedom and the independence of lawmakers in doing their duty, according to the statement. Lastly, the experts felt the rulings have dented public confidence, both at home and abroad, in the country's legal system and democratic rule.

You're a better man than me, Gunga Din.

From CNBC RFK Jr. campaign ‘looking at’ joining forces with Trump The independent presidential campaign of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering abandoning his quest for the White House to “join forces” with Republican nominee Donald Trump, Kennedy’s running mate Nicole Shanahan says in a new interview posted online Tuesday. Shanahan also said the campaign also is considering remaining in the contest to try to win more than 5% of the popular vote and “establish ourselves” as a third-party alternative to the Republican and Democratic parties, and build on that ballot. “There’s two options that we’re looking at and one is staying in, forming that new party, but we run the risk of a Kamala Harris and Walz presidency because we draw votes from Trump, or we draw somehow more votes from Trump,” Shanahan said in the interview on the Impact Theory podcast. “Or we walk away right now and join forces with ... Donald Trump and you know, we walk away from that and explain to our base why we’re making this decision,” Shanahan told interviewer Tom Bilyeu.

From Pattaya News By Aim Tanakorn Local residents in Pattaya are calling for action from police after repeated violent clashes between students from two local schools have left the community in fear. Local residents in Pattaya’s Soi Nern Plubwan lodged complaints to police following a series of violent clashes between middle school students from a private school and a government school, both located in the same alley. The residents provided video clips to the police, which show the students engaging in brawls using knives, sticks, and other weapons. The fights typically occurred after school hours, and eyewitnesses also reported seeing some teenagers, who might not be students, join the altercations as well. These teenagers were seen brandishing firearms to intimidate the opposing group, posing fear in the community. The residents urgently call on relevant law enforcement authorities to address this issue as it is causing great distress in the community.

From The Nation The new cabinet under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is still a Pheu Thai-led government and will seamlessly continue ongoing programmes started by former PM Srettha Thavisin, a Pheu Thai Party source said on Monday. Paetongtarn, who was sworn in as 31st PM on Sunday, called a meeting with party executives and strategy teams at Pheu Thai headquarters on Monday, with Srettha also attending the session. Srettha last week was removed as PM by the Constitutional Court’s order, citing a lack of integrity after he had appointed an unqualified person to the Cabinet. The source said the meeting explored the progress of projects that the government under Srettha has carried out in the past year, with focus on flagship campaigns like the digital wallet that aim to stimulate the economy. The source added that Paetongtarn is working to make sure that the scheme’s framework is within the fiscal discipline, and is considering suggestions made by several parties. The meeting discussed risks raised by concerned parties over the 450-billion-baht handout scheme, which include: 1. Legal risks: The scheme could violate the Currency Act of 1958, which stipulates that the campaign must have adequate funds to support it when it starts. 2. Fiscal risks: The loans to fund the scheme could drive public debt per GDP ratio to exceed the limit of 70%, as stipulated by the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act of 2018. 3. Risks of corruption. 4. Risks from lack of system’s readiness, as the scheme will use a new payment platform that links with participating banks via the open loop system, which is a complicated technology. The source added that Pheu Thai is also looking at candidates outside the party to help strengthen its economic team to tackle current economic problems, which are the party’s top priority.

From The Thaiger The Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPP) embattled secretary-general is set to drop a political bombshell in a press conference this afternoon. The caretaker agriculture minister is widely expected to renounce his loyalty to the party leader, General Prawit Wongsuwan, in a dramatic turn of events that could shake the party to its core. Thamanat Prompow announced the press conference, scheduled for 2pm at the Agriculture Ministry, a location that has left many political observers speculating about his intentions. His choice of venue, rather than the PPP head office, fuelled speculation that this is not just another routine briefing but a deliberate move to signal his growing rift with Prawit. The tension between the two heavyweights has been escalating, especially after Prawit’s recent declaration that the PPP would remain a partner in the Pheu Thai-led coalition government. However, in a move that stunned many, Prawit excluded Thamanat from the list of PPP ministers in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s new Cabinet. The exclusion came amid rumours that Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was pushing Thamanat to lead a revolt against Prawit. Thamanat, reportedly commanding fewer than 20 MPs, is now at a crossroads. If he turns against Prawit, he could approach the Pheu Thai Party for a quota of Cabinet seats, potentially at the expense of Prawit’s faction. However, if Prawit acts swiftly and orders the PPP executive board to expel Thamanat and his allies, they could find a new political home with the Kla Tham Party, reported The Nation.

From The Thaiger Russian airline Aeroflot resumes direct flights to popular holiday destinations in Thailand, India, and Seychelles. This news will thrill jet-setters and sun-seekers looking to escape the chill. Starting September 13, Aeroflot will kick off its twice-weekly flights from Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo Airport to Phuket. These flights, operating every Monday and Friday, will be followed by a new route from Yekaterinburg to Bangkok, set to launch on September 15. Passengers can expect a comfortable journey aboard Airbus A330 aircraft, which features a two-class cabin layout, including 28 business class seats and 268 economy seats. The Bangkok route will also operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays—though the September 18 flight is an exception. Come October 2, Aeroflot will extend its reach to Goa, India, with thrice-weekly flights from Yekaterinburg. These flights will take off every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft equipped with 20 business class seats and 138 economy seats.

From The Thaiger A recent incident involving the well-known Thai actor QP has resurfaced a previous case in which he was accused of causing a serious accident. QP, who recently garnered attention for a jet ski collision that resulted in two fatalities, was previously involved in a car accident that left a woman with fractured ribs. The woman, who was involved in the earlier incident, shared her story on a popular news page yesterday. She recounted how QP, driving a white Mercedes-Benz, collided with her motorcycle near the Huamark intersection on May 31 last year. The collision occurred when QP turned into a condominium without signalling, causing the woman to be thrown from her motorcycle and sustain injuries. She was admitted to the hospital with fractured ribs and her motorcycle was severely damaged. The 31 year old woman revealed that QP initially apologised and offered to pay 5,000 baht for the damages, hoping to resolve the matter quickly. However, complications arose when it was discovered that QP’s driving licence had expired on March 8 and the car was uninsured. The situation escalated when QP refused to sign any documents and denied responsibility, even threatening to involve a lawyer.

Isn't what's good for goose good for gander? From The Thaiger IMPACT Arena Exhibition and Convention Centre in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok will play host to at least 15 Japanese porn stars at the adult video (AV) expo, organised by AACF International Exhibition, between November 22 and 24. Even though one of the most popular porn platforms, PornHub, is banned in Thailand, Thai AV fans can still look forward to seeing their favourite adult film stars in the flesh at the major AV event at the end of this year. The General Manager of AACF International Exhibition, Mario Su, joined forces with the Chief Executive Officer of Blesstar Industrial to introduce the AV expo under the name Asia Amazing Cultural Festival (AACF) and Asia Entertainment Expo (AEE) 2024. The objective of the expo is to create a communication platform for the entertainment industry and promote the development of the industry in Asia. Multiple entertainment products and services, both online and offline, from 200 exhibitors around the world will be presented across over 20,000 square metres of space, along with many interesting activities. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-to-welcome-more-than-15-porn-stars-for-av-expo-video

From The Star / The Nation BANGKOK: Two people were killed and two injured when a jet ski collided with a long-tail boat on Saturday (Aug 17) night in the Chao Phraya River. The accident occurred between Rama III and the Phra Pradaeng shore, near the Bang Kra Jao Pier. Rescuers found a damaged jet ski, and two injured women, identified as a 17-year-old girl and a 41-year-old woman, who were taken to Bangpakok Samut Prakan Hospital with bruises and pain. The bodies of a 44-year-old woman, who was a passenger on the long-tail boat, and the 64-year-old boat driver were retrieved later by divers. The jet ski was driven by actor Chindanai Sae-Lim, known as QP from the series "Wun Rak Nak Bid", who expressed his shock and regret over the accident. He said that his jet ski also had his girlfriend and her mother on board, and they were travelling from Chom Thong, Bangkok to Phra Pradaeng for dinner. They were among 11 people using five jet skis. After dinner, he and a friend were heading back home when his jet ski collided with the long-tail boat in dark conditions. He said he could not avoid the boat in time as it did have any lights or signals. Mongkol Sawat, the husband of the missing woman, said they were crossing the river on a small long-tail boat when the jet ski collided, throwing overboard both the boat driver and his wife. Mongkol said he was lucky to survive. At 1.30am, naval police, Navy personnel, and divers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation began searching for the two missing people in challenging conditions due to strong currents and heavy rains. By 3am, the rescue team from the foundation brought sonar equipment, which helped find the two bodies near the long-tail boat engine. - The Nation/ANN

https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/2791477/smoggy-bangkok-gets-a-badly-needed-breath-of-fresh-air

From Bangkok Post The court hearing of lese majeste charges brought against the prime minister's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was adjourned until July next year after the examination of witness and evidence lists on Monday, according the former prime minister's lawyer Winyat Chartmontree. Mr Winyat said the Criminal Court court would hear from witnesses in seven sessions scheduled for next July. He also expected the court to deliver its ruling next year. Thaksin was ready to attend all the hearings, and to prove he had no intention of insulting the royal institution, Mr Winyat said after Monday's hearing, which was closed to the public. Witnesses for Thaksin would include a Thai-speaking Korean interpreter and a lawyer who was an important person, Mr Winyat said. The given translation of Thaksin’s interview into Thai was incomplete, and there was just one problematic English word that led to the allegation brought against his client, the lawyer said. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2849696/thaksin-lese-majeste-court-case-adjourned-to-next-year Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2849696/thaksin-lese-majeste-court-case-adjourned-to-next-year. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

From Pattaya News An elderly Irish man fell to his death from the 31st floor of a luxury 5-star hotel in Pattaya in the early hours of Monday, August 19th, 2024. At 5:06 AM, Pattaya police received a report of a foreign man falling to his death at a 5-star hotel located along Pattaya Second Road in North Pattaya, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. They rushed to the scene with a team of rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center and The Pattaya News. Upon arrival, hotel security had already cordoned off the area with metal barriers to prevent unauthorized people from entering the incident scene. Rescue personnel then quickly removed the body from the area. According to reports, the deceased has been identified by police as Mr. Ultan Michael Browne, a 67-year-old Irish national. He fell from the 31st floor of the hotel and fatally hit the ground. Pattaya police said the cause of the fall remains unknown, and it is unclear whether it was an accident or a suicide. Authorities are waiting to review CCTV footage to determine the circumstances of the incident. The body has been transported to Banglamung Hospital to await his family. The name of the hotel was withheld by police pending further legal investigation.

Great for quickly cleaning these items.

If as woman had a good relationship with her father, she may well be attracted to a mate with similar characteristics. Aside from the face--which we all focus on first, women find men with a muscular bubble butt attractive. And a V-shaped physique. Maybe we're not so different after all. I look at this way: if the Olympics doesn't have a minimum height requirement,why should a pub. Plenty of short, attractve specimens on display in Paris a few weeks ago.

Dexter (far left) would be my fantasy selection.

From Bangkok Post Thai conservatives flex political muscle WRITER: Aekarach Sattaburuth Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2849027/thai-conservatives-flex-political-muscle. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved. The decision to nominate Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister signals that Thaksin Shinawatra, the party's de facto leader, will go all out to rebuild a support base to fend off the People's Party (PP), according to a political analyst. Widely seen as politically inexperienced, Ms Paetongtarn, 37, on Friday won overwhelming support from the House of Representatives to succeed Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court. After allying with the conservative parties to form a government last year, Pheu Thai has come to represent what is believed to be a new conservative force that could stand up to the PP, a reincarnation of the progressive Move Forward Party that was dissolved on Aug 7. Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok's Institute, said Ms Paetongtarn's rise to power suggests the conservative camp is sticking to its strategy of countering the main opposition party, but this time without relying on a proxy. It was reported earlier that key coalition figures met at Thaksin's Ban Chan Song La residence on Charan Sanitwong Road in Bangkok on Wednesday evening and agreed to choose Chaikasem Nitisiri, 75, a former justice minister and attorney-general for the top post. However, on Thursday the Pheu Thai executive board selected Ms Paetongtarn as the party's candidate. Mr Stithorn said this move is Pheu Thai's last chance to shore up support among voters and regain lost ground. But if the party fails, it may no longer be seen as the best choice to lead the political fight against the PP and a new strategy will be needed. "This move must work. And the government will have to tread even more carefully, especially when handling issues with potential legal pitfalls. It'd be better not to irk the conservative camp," he said. Mr Stithorn also said the political climate will intensify from now on due to high expectations, especially with a prime minister from the Shinawatra family. With local elections around the corner, the contest will be fierce, and parties will use this chance to strengthen their support base ahead of the next general election, he said. Ms Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the post following Thaksin and his sister Yingluck. Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat also served as prime minister briefly in 2008. "They must counter the popularity [of the PP] and retain support from Ban Yai, or political families. The local elections will see a fierce contest between Pheu A source in the Chartthaipattana Party said Ms Paetongtarn is considered a "safe" choice in the current political situation, where the opposition is weak and in transition. Moreover, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is investigating the conduct of 44 former MPs of the now-dissolved MFP who supported a bill to revise Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law. The source said when the opposition is perceived as weak, it is time to act and choose the most suitable person for the premiership. With Ms Paetongtarn in office, her key man will be none other than the "former leader" -- implied to be Thaksin -- and a fresh approach is necessary, he added. Pushing Ms Paetongtarn into the prime minister's position signals the fight against the People's Party will be a high-stakes contest, said the source. As for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, the source said Mr Anutin is unlikely to take on the role of the leader of the conservative camp at this moment. Adisorn Piengkes, a Pheu Thai list MP, said that both the government and the opposition must re-evaluate their strategy because both have recently suffered political setbacks, referring to the court rulings that dissolved the MFP and removed Mr Srettha from office just one week apart. He expressed confidence in the party leader's ability and potential, saying she would be able to weather any political storms coming her way with advice from her father and party figures. Mr Adisorn said the party did not intend to go into a political war with the PP when nominating its leader as the prime minister but rather to fulfil its commitment made during the election campaign. He added Ms Paetongtarn can help shore up the party's popularity. Asked about the party's flagship digital wallet policy, he said the new government will make a decision, adding he hopes it will be as meaningful as the universal healthcare programme. The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) welcomed the swift decision to nominate Ms Paetongtarn as it could help restore confidence in the country, and as soon as the legal process is completed, it could further enhance such confidence. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the prime minister's age does not matter as much as whether she can demonstrate leadership and the ruling party has the necessary resources to implement policies. He also said the private sector hopes to see a more collaborative approach from the coalition government under her leadership to ensure stability and unity. The TCC also outlined key areas for the government to focus on in the short term. First of all, the government should maintain the stability of the Thai baht, which will support the export sector and boost the growth of the tourism industry. It is important to keep the momentum of tourist arrivals to achieve the target of 36–37 million visitors. This can be achieved by introducing new tourist sites, enhancing safety and proceeding with a plan to promote investments in 10 pilot provinces. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2849027/thai-conservatives-flex-political-muscle

The Pattaya Mail has published an editorial, calling for among things a limit on 60-day visa exemptions. They want to reverse one of the major achievements of the former government as it applies to both foreign tourist and its ASEAN neighbors. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/immigration-and-the-new-government-469019

From Pattaya News By Kittisak Phalaharn On August 17th, 2024, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, the Director-General of the Department of Employment, announced the “Locate, Arrest, Fine, and Deport” operation targeting illegal migrant workers. This nationwide effort involves collaboration between all relevant agencies. The operation, which includes the Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police, Anti-Human Trafficking Division, and the Internal Security Operations Command from all provinces, aims to inspect, arrest, and prosecute employers and businesses that hire illegal foreign workers, according to Somchai. It also seeks to educate employers and foreign workers on legal compliance and government resolutions over a 120-day period, said Somchai. From June 5th to August 15th, 2024, covering 71 days, inspections were conducted in key economic areas such as Bangkok’s Phetchaburi Road, Suwinthawong, Saphan Sung, Lat Krabang, and Taling Chan, as well as in provinces like Uthai Thani, Ang Thong, Rayong, and Phetchaburi. A total of 14,734 businesses employing migrant workers were inspected nationwide, leading to 503 prosecutions. Authorities checked 192,280 foreign workers, including 144,261 from Myanmar, 29,448 from Cambodia, 12,258 from Laos, 117 from Vietnam, and 6,196 from other nationalities. Of these, 1,314 workers faced legal action—818 from Myanmar, 201 from Cambodia, 180 from Laos, 24 from Vietnam, and 91 from other countries. Somchai emphasized that migrant workers must comply with Thai laws. Those working without a permit or outside their authorized scope face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht and deportation, with a two-year ban on reapplying for a work permit.

From Pattaya News A senator and MP for Chonburi province surveyed Walking Street and Soi Yensabai in Pattaya last night to address concerns about Middle Eastern motorbike racers. At 8:30 PM on August 17th, 2024, Mr. Pratum Wongsawat, a Senator for Chonburi province, along with Mr. Yodchai Phuengporn, Chonburi MP for District 9, and local police officers and business operators, conducted an on-site survey of Walking Street and Soi Yensabai in South Pattaya. Mr. Pratum, who has recently taken office, told The Pattaya News that he wanted to inspect the tourism situation in Pattaya in person. The group surveyed businesses along Walking Street and discussed issues related to business operations, the current state of tourism, and tourist demographics with local businesses. Meanwhile, authorities set up checkpoints yesterday to monitor the street racers. They focused on motorbikes with loud exhausts and checked for driver’s licenses. However, no arrests have been reported. TPN media notes, however that the problem might solve itself as Kuwaiti colleges are back in session in less than two weeks and the thousands of students visiting Pattaya are set to go home….until next year. Continues with photos https://thepattayanews.com/2024/08/18/senator-and-mp-survey-pattaya-walking-street-and-soi-yensabai-to-address-issues-with-middle-eastern-motorbike-racers/

From BBC By Emma Saunders Millions of screaming fans. A global phenomenon. A multi-billion pound business. No, it's not Taylor Swift (this time). We're talking K-pop. And with four of 2023's top 10 best-selling acts coming out of South Korea, the Brits want a piece of the action. Step forward newly created boy band, Dear Alice, who applied to take part in the latest BBC One talent show, Made in Korea: The K-pop Experience. Meet Blaise, Dexter, James, Olly and Reese. You might be hearing a bit more about them from now on. None of them knew each other before they individually auditioned and were put together as a band by the showrunners. The fresh-faced quintet were then flown out to South Korea's capital, Seoul, for 100 days of rigorous K-pop training with stardom in their sights. Most K-pop training takes years rather than months. Not for the faint-hearted, the boys' experience involved long hours of vocal coaching and learning intricate choreography with a bit of Korean sight-seeing thrown in for good measure (and good TV - the South Korean tourist board will be thrilled). Continues with photos at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx72dzqgne8o