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From Khaosod English (30 Apr.) BANGKOK — The government said Tuesday it has petitioned the United Nations to recognise Thai massage as part of its intangible heritage. Speaking to reporters today, Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanara said UNESCO will convene to make its decision in November. If accepted, Thai massage – or nuad thai – will be Thailand’s second entry in UNESCO’s intangible world heritage list. Last year, the agency granted a similar status to Thai traditional masked dance. “We have already submitted it,” Veera said. “Right now it is under consideration.” He said he has high hopes that UNESCO will recognize Thai massage as an important part of Thai culture. “We have submitted very detailed information,” Veera told reporters. “And we have high expectations, because Thai massage is considered part of Thailand’s unique intangible heritage.” In its submission, the Thai government said there are about 25,000 practitioners of the craft nationwide. It also said Thai massage is a manifestation of folk knowledge of the body’s workings that has been passed down for centuries. “Nuad Thai is considered part of the art, science and culture of Thai traditional healthcare,” the government said in its application. About 50 entries around the world are vying this year for recognition in UNESCO’s prestigious list of intangible heritage – a distinction given to oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festivals and more. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/culture/2019/04/30/govt-hopeful-thai-massage-gets-unesco-recognition/

From Khaosod English (2 May) New Queen Appointed Ahead of Coronation BANGKOK — A former commander of His Majesty the King’s bodyguards was named the new Queen of Thailand today. A royal command issued on Wednesday, just three days before the formal coronation of King Vajiralongkorn is due to take place, announced that the King has married Gen. Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya and therefore elevated her to be Queen Suthida. News footage released by the Royal Household Bureau on Wednesday night shows the couple married at Dusit Palace in Bangkok. Little is known about Thailand’s new Queen, though media reports say Suthida has been serving in the Ratchawanlop Guards, a unit of bodyguards protecting the then-Crown Prince, since 2013. She is often seen escorting the King in a number of important state ceremonies. In October 2016, Suthida was awarded the Rattanabhorn Medal by the King for serving as his bodyguard. A year later, he awarded her with another accolade, the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chomklao. Continues with photos http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2019/05/01/new-queen-appointed-ahead-of-coronation/

Thank you for reporting on what is one of the most discussed guys in recent forum memory who--up until now--was pretty much an enigma. Actually, he will probably remain so because you were wise enough to omit the complete details. Leaving some things to your discretion and our imagination is appreciated as both you your guest deserve some privacy.

From Bangkok Post (29 Apr.) Fresh from his move from the Border Patrol Police Bureau, newly appointed Immigration Bureau (IB) commissioner Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang has given assurances that his performance will be up to scratch in his new role. He told the Bangkok Post the IB's job mainly involves safeguarding national security and providing assistance to tourists. It is necessary for the IB to collaborate and share information with Interpol and the immigration authorities of other countries to keep track of foreign criminal gangs, he said. "We want to assist good tourists who have purchasing power. They bring income to the country. As for security arrangements, we focus on checking backgrounds of various people with Interpol and immigration authorities in other countries,'' Pol Lt Gen Sompong said. The current priority is to crack down on pickpockets from neighbouring countries who target both Thais and foreign travellers during festivals and other key events, Pol Lt Gen Sompong said, adding authorities had also been told to remain on high alert along border areas with natural channels through which these criminals can pass unmonitored. Continues with photos https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/1668672

You did yourself proud in saving your baht to buy drinks for those who don't have tits. lol. That bar has the perfect location for observing the comings and goings of DBP, LuckyBoys, Bangkok Massage and the list goes on. They have a few outside tables and many stools only about five meters across the soi from the action. As one veteran member suggested during my last trip, maybe we should just take over those straight bars that suite our purpose.

Just curious, Will, but were they harassing you about being gay or complaining about the goings on across the soi?

From BY Times (26 Apr.) Michael Fesco, whose trendsetting clubs on Fire Island and later in Manhattan gave gay men a place to gather, dance and explore sexually at a time when homosexuality was largely unwelcome in mainstream society, died on April 11 in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 84. His friend Tony Powell, who worked for Mr. Fesco on Sea Tea, a gay party cruise around Manhattan that he began organizing in the 1990s, confirmed the death. Mr. Fesco gave a jolt of energy to the gay scene in 1970, when he opened the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, a gay community on Fire Island. He had recently visited the Sanctuary, a discothèque on West 43rd Street in Manhattan with a largely gay male clientele. “I said, ‘I’ve just got to do something like this!’ ” Mr. Fesco said in an interview for “Love Saves the Day: A History of American Dance Music Culture, 1970-1979,” a 2003 book by Tim Lawrence. “I sat there in the rafters mesmerized by the people on the dance floor.” Mr. Fesco borrowed the name Ice Palace from an F. Scott Fitzgerald story. “It was always so damn hot in there that I thought a nice, cool name would be psychologically appreciated,” he said. For several years the Ice Palace did booming business. But competition from a nearby establishment, the Sandpiper, made 1973 a rough year for Mr. Fesco, and he began turning his attention to Manhattan; management of the Ice Palace, which is still a popular gathering spot, passed to others. In December 1974 he opened Flamingo in a 10,000-square-foot space in SoHo. Flamingo was a membership club: Purchasing a membership card (the initial price was $35 — about $190 today — though a black market is said to have developed) entitled you to enter and bring a guest. Mr. Fesco employed various theme nights — a “black party,” where everyone would dress in black, a “white party,” where that was the color of the evening, and so on. More important was what was coming out of the speakers. “It was his use of music that set the club apart from the competition,” Get Out! Magazine wrote in 2012. “Flamingo was a Cathedral of Sound and the D.J. led the parishioners through nighttime services.” Flamingo dominated the scene for seven years, until the Saint, an even bigger and flashier club, opened in the East Village. Continues with photos https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/26/obituaries/michael-fesco-dead.htm

The demise of Twilight was indeed the end of an era but the makeover of Patpong 2 is the beginning of a new one. What has taken place in less than few months is remarkable by any measure. From Surawong to Foodland, there seems to be something for everyone. And if you can't find it there, you surely will at Moonlight or Soi 4. Or at the dozens of massage shops within 10 minutes walking distance. My next trip can't some soon enough. A friend sent me this photo (looking toward Silom). The signs say it all.

From Fodor's website (25 Apr.) Thailand’s legendary food will surprise and delight with its variety and freshness. Phenomenal food is easy to find in Southeast Asia, but there’s a reason Thailand is known across the world for its cuisine. From the jungles of the north to the metropolitan bustle of Bangkok on the coast, and on the sun-soaked islands and beaches of the south, the freshness and diversity of Thai dishes will keep you perpetually hungry. Whether you’re an inveterate chowhound or a casual diner, these are some of the best dishes worth seeking out while in Thailand. Continues with the list and photos https://www.fodors.com/world/asia/thailand/experiences/news/15-things-to-eat-and-drink-in-thailand

From Pattaya Mail (26 Apr.) A gay prostitute was arrested for allegedly stealing the wallet of his Pattaya customer. Talang Thamnao, 29, was taken into custody at his home in Phanat Nikhom District with the wallet of Belgian Luc Rapoye, 63, and 100 euros plus 1,500 baht. Rapoye said he was drinking in a bar April 24 when Talang approached him. They adjourned to the Belgian’s hotel room. Talang allegedly took the wallet and ran when his customer went to the restroom. Continues with photo https://www.pattayamail.com/news/robbing-prostitute-arrested-253390

That the migration of bars from Twilight to Patpong 2 has now encouraged others to open new venues n Patpong 1 should be viewed as good news. Some feared that the Patpong strips were too steeped in the tradition of lady bars and wouldn't be welcoming to boy bars. Thanks to risk-taking owners and the pursuit of potential profits, those considerations appear to be put to rest. Let's hope that the owners of these new ventures have the cash on hand to ride out the low season. Attracting clientele and building a reputation takes time. Sure, some will fall short but that would be the case regardless of what the business entailed. The glass seems to be more than half-full at this point, less than a month after just about all of the lights on Twilight have been extinguished for the final time.

From South China Morning Post (24 Apr.) China wants to fund Thailand’s US$12 billion high-speed railway – but is the kingdom on track for more debt than it can handle? The Export-Import Bank of China has offered Thailand a low-interest loan for the construction of a belt and road project linking the country with Kunming and Laos But repayment is just one concern, as analysts are uncertain Bangkok will ever turn a profit from the project Despite Thailand’s vow to rely on domestic funding as it expands its network of high-speed railways, it could soon accept the offer of a low-interest loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) – raising concerns about whether the country is on the verge of falling into a debt trap. A memorandum of cooperation between China, Laos and Thailand will be signed during the Belt and Road Frorum, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, cementing a partnership in the pan-Asia rail project that looks to reach the Southeast Asian market via Kunming, in China’s Yunnan province. Thailand recently began construction on a phase of its high-speed railway that links its northeastern region to Kunming via. The route, the first high-speed rail project in Thailand and Laos, is seen as a potential channel for China to transport goods to South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), as well as the Malay Peninsula. But as negotiations and construction progress, concerns are mounting over how the two Southeast Asian countries can take full advantage of the route’s promised economic potential, as well as how to navigate the alleged debt-laden diplomacy in Beijing’s vision to revive the historical Silk Road. Continue with pics and video https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/3007551/china-wants-fund-thailands-us12-billion-high-speed-railway

From Bloomberg News (24 Apr.) Baht Falls to Lowest Level Since January (Bloomberg) -- Asia’s best-performing currency in the first quarter is starting to lose its momentum amid Thailand’s political gridlock, a stronger dollar and speculation of dividend-related fund outflows. The baht weakened to as low as 32.049 per dollar, the weakest level since Jan. 9, and falling through the psychological support of 32. It was down 0.2 percent at 32.020 as of 12:22 p.m. in Bangkok, after falling through the 100-day moving average for the first time since mid-December earlier this week. Sentiment for the Thai currency has deteriorated as concerns about political stability linger after the nation held its first general election in March since the 2014 coup. The Office of the Ombudsman said Tuesday that it has accepted a petition seeking a review by a court on whether the election should be annulled. A Pheu Thai party candidate who won a constituency seat in the election will be banned from politics for at least one year for allegedly buying votes, according to the Election Commission. “As for domestic factors, we have hick-ups in the political landscape and also have some of the impact from the dividend season” that contributed to the weaker baht, said Roong Sanguanruang, a market analyst at Bank of Ayudhya Pcl in Bangkok. The decline should be limited as “the fundamentals are still looking sound, if you look at the external position of Thailand,” she said. The bank expects a recovery of the baht to 31.75 by end-June. The baht has weakened 0.9 percent against the dollar this quarter, following a 2.5 percent gain in the first three months of 2019. It has fallen seven of the past 10 years through 2018 in the second quarter partly due to foreign repatriation of Thai dividend payments and a seasonal fall in tourist demand. The amount of dividends to be paid to foreigners in April and May is estimated at 87.6 billion baht ($2.7 billion), about the same as last year, according to estimates by Kasikornbank Pcl. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thailand-baht-falls-lowest-level-023306031.html

From Bangkok Post (22 Apr.) Thai AirAsia adds Sihanoukville to Cambodia routes Chairs line Ochheuteal beach in Sihanoukville, the seaside beach town in Cambodia. (Post Today photo) Thai AirAsia is to start direct service from Don Mueang airport to the Cambodian beach town of Sihanouk. The airline on Monday announced the new route, to commence on July 1, as part of its strategy to extend its network around the region from its Thai hub at Don Mueang. “The new route is expected to serve the millions of foreign travellers who use Thailand as a hub, while for Thai travellers, Sihanoukville offers an affordable beach and cultural getaway,” Thai AirAsia chief executive officer Santisuk Klongchaiya said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism-and-transport/1665260/thai-airasia-adds-sihanoukville-to-cambodia-routes

From The Nation (22 Apr.) Cambodia and Thailand reconnected by rail after 45 years Poipet, Cambodia - A railway reconnecting Cambodia and Thailand was officially inaugurated on Monday in a bid to slash travel times and boost trade between the southeast Asian neighbours. The railway would also better link his country to other southeast Asian neighbours and boost economy and trade, he added. Bilateral trade between Thailand and Cambodia currently stands at $6 billion. Cambodia last year re-opened the final stretch of a 370-kilometre (230-mile) railway running from the capital, Phnom Penh, to the Thai border. The Asian Development Bank bankrolled the reconstruction of the link to the tune of $13 million. Much of Cambodia's railways -- built by the French in colonial times -- were damaged by the years of bitter conflict that engulfed the country during the Cold War era. The 48-kilometre (30-mile) section of track near Poipet was destroyed in 1973 while the rest of the track to Phnom Penh had been suspended for over a decade due to its poor condition. The Southeast Asian country has more than 600 kilometres (375 miles) of track extending from its northern border with Thailand to the southern coast. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30368126

The shop opposite Tawan was probably Art Massage. Hope you get to explore it another time. Thanks for initial report. He will make you happy for many minutes, I think.

From Asia Times (April) All aboard Thailand’s decentralization train A group of provincial entrepreneurs, academics and hoteliers in Khon Kaen are bypassing Bangkok to privately develop a light rail line Thailand has made scant progress over the past three decades in spreading power and national budgets outside of the capital Bangkok, a core issue behind the nation’s yawning wealth divide. But now there is a slim hope that the decentralization process has begun, and it has started not in the capital but in the provincial city of Khon Kaen through an independently devised light rail project. “This is decentralization but I don’t want to use that term,” said Suradech Taweesaengsakulthai, president and chief executive officer of CHO Thavee PLC, and a founding member of the Khon Kaen Think Tank (KKTT). Khon Kaen is a medium-sized city with a population about 120,000 in northeastern Thailand, best known for being home to Khon Kaen University and for tourists a tortoise zoo. The KKTT was established four years ago by a group of 20 local entrepreneurs, politicians, hoteliers and academicians fed up with decades of neglect by Bangkok and determined to chart their own course in developing their city. Thailand’s Bangkok-led decentralization efforts have stalled since the late 1990s, when the first decentralization bill was pushed through to create local elected bodies that were supposed to get about 30% of the national budget. The reform was resisted by the central bureaucracy, and under the regime of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha elections for the local bodies were cancelled. The non-elected KKTT has acted independently, with its first achievement being the successful launch of an urban mass transit project suitable for Khon Kaen and other secondary cities. Construction on the project is expected to begin in the last quarter of this year. Bangkok has over the past two decades built up an impressive rapid mass transit system covering almost 100 kilometers, with several extensions to the network now underway. But there are no mass transit systems to date in any of Thailand’s other urban hubs, despite growing problems with congestion, mafia-type public transport monopolies and pollution. The traffic congestion is most noticeable in Thailand’s more popular tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket, Had Yai and Chiang Mai, where local populations vary between 200,000 to 300,000 b Ironically, it has been Khon Kaen City, which attracts few international tourists, that has emerged as a leader in devising its own urban mass transit system – a Light Rail Transit system, or tram, covering 22.6 kilometers of a highway that already cuts through Khon Kaen City. ut also welcome an annual influx of millions of foreign tourists. Continues with photos https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/04/article/all-aboard-thailands-decentralization-train/

When the current location is vacated, seems it might make a prime location for a Maxi's type street bar.

"Twink gay slang for a young man in his late teens to early twenties whose traits may include: general physical attractiveness; little to no body or facial hair; a slim to average build; and a youthful appearance that belies an older chronological age." Wikipedia. If that fits your definition, also, then they can be found at most massage shops with a handful of exceptions such as Arena. In Silom and Surawong, just walk around and you'll find them mixed in with the occasional hunk. There's a chain of places called Art Massage with outlets on both sides of Surawong and at least one on Silom near the BTS stop. Haven't seen any of their shops that didn't have a good twink quota. I think the one on Soi Tarntawan (opposite Tawan bar) might be one of their better offerings. Further down the same soi you'll find Indra Massage that always seems to have a handful of cute guys available. On Silom, just stroll the street from about Burger King to Soi 4 and you find a score of shops. When Bangkok Massage gets its new location fitted out on Patpong 2, check it out and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Forum member Divine Madman is the resident authority on shops all over town. Check out his website for plenty of leads: https://bkkmassages.wordpress.com/shop-specifics/ Also consult the thread "Info on a bunch of BKK massage shops" https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/11512-info-on-a-bunch-of-bkk-massage-shops/

From US Consulate Bangkok (18 Apr.18) The United States Department of the Treasury now offers direct deposit of federal benefit payments, including Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to banks in Thailand. The payments are automatically converted to Thai Baht (THB) at the international exchange rate before they are deposited in the account. U.S. dollar payments are not available. The United States Department of the Treasury does not charge fees to make the deposits. However, the Thai banks may charge fees. Direct deposit is the safest, most convenient and reliable method of receiving your benefits. The payment is electronically transmitted to your bank account and you have immediate access to your funds by the payment date. There are no delays, including missing and stolen checks. You do not have to do anything if you are currently enrolled in direct deposit. Your payments will continue to be sent to your current bank. If you wish to sign up for direct deposit or switch your direct deposit arrangement to another bank in Thailand, please contact the agency listed below. Continues at https://th.usembassy.gov/message-for-u-s-citizens-direct-deposit-of-federal-benefit-payments/

From Khaosod English (19 Apr.) BANGKOK — A former border police commander has been named head of the immigration bureau, replacing ex-cop Surachate Hakparn whose downfall remains a topic of speculation. Maj. Gen. Sompong “Big Oud” Chingduang’s appointment was announced by deputy junta chairman Prawit Wongsuwan after a meeting with other police officials that lasted about 45 minutes. Sompong is currently in charge of the Border Patrol Police. The appointment came after Surachate was abruptly removed from all positions in the police force earlier this month without any explanation. A meeting to appoint his successor was initially scheduled for April 9, but was postponed at the last minute. The removal order did not mention if Surachate fan afoul of any laws or regulations. Gen. Prawit said today there won’t be a disciplinary inquiry into Surachate’s tenure. “There won’t be any,” Prawit, who oversees police affairs, said in response to reporters’ questions. “It’s over.” Once one of the most visible faces of the police force, Surachate has rarely been seen in public since he was transferred to civilian roles on April 6. His public Facebook profile has also been taken down. Latest media reports say the 49-year-old is “on vacation” in the U.S. The new chief of the immigration bureau did not speak to reporters today. Born to a military family in Lopburi province, Sompong joined the police after graduating from the Armed Forces Preparatory School. Sompong rose to fame in a command in the southern border region, where he was credited with capturing many secessionist militants active in the area. He was later appointed deputy head of the Crime Suppression Division, where he oversaw a number of high-profile murder cases. His other postings include the riot police, the criminal investigation unit, and – most recently – the border police. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2019/04/19/govt-names-replacement-for-big-joke/

From The Nation (19 Apr.) Thailand’s summer will continue to be hotter than the same period last year “It will be about one or two degrees Celsius hotter,” the department’s director-general Phuwieng Prakhammintara said onFriday. The mercury is expected to soar past 42 degrees Celsius in seven provinces, namely Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Nakhon Sawan and Kanchanaburi. On Thursday, Lampang’s Thoen district was the hottest place in the country, with the mercury hitting to 44.2 degrees Celsius. This was the highest temperature in the history of the northern province, which previously had recorded a top reading of 43.8 degrees Celsius. The temperature has not yet broken the country’s record for hottest day, which was recorded at 44.6 degrees Celsius in Mae Hong Son province on April 28, 2016. Phuwieng said that the sun would be perpendicular to and at the shortest distance from Bangkok on April 27, raising the possibility that it would be the hottest day of the year. “But the forecast suggests it will rain between April 25 and 27 and that may help reduce the heat,” he said. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30367965

From Bloomberg News (18 Apr.) First Japan-Built Airliner in 50 Years Takes on Boeing and Airbus A new, long-delayed 88-passenger jet from Japan may finally be the right plane at the right time. More cities in Asia and Europe are seeking to link up with each other and the global air travel network. The Mitsubishi Regional Jet, the first airliner built in Japan since the 1960s, began certification flights last month in Moses Lake, Washington, to satisfy that demand. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.’s new airliner is testing the skies just as rivals are moving to sell off their manufacturing operations for jets with up to 160 seats. Boeing Co. is set to buy 80 percent of the Embraer SA’s commercial operations in a joint venture, while Bombardier Inc. last year sold control of its C Series airliner project to Airbus SE and is exploring “strategic options” for its regional-jet operations. At stake, particularly in the market for jets with fewer seats, is $135 billion in sales in the two decades through 2037, according to industry group Japan Aircraft Development Corp. “Bombardier’s moves do indeed create opportunities for the MRJ,’’ said Richard Aboulafia, aerospace analyst at Teal Group. “It’s the biggest single factor in the MRJ’s favor.’’ With few seats and smaller fuselages, regional jets are a different class of aircraft from larger narrow-body planes such as Boeing’s 737 or Airbus’s A320. The MRJ has a range of about 2,000 miles, while a smaller variant can haul up to 76 people for about the same distance. A longtime supplier of aircraft components to Boeing, Mitsubishi Heavy is developing the MRJ to emerge from its customer’s shadow. After spending at least $2 billion over more than a decade, the manufacturer is looking to get its jet certified and start deliveries to launch partner ANA Holdings Inc. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-17/first-japan-built-airliner-in-50-years-takes-on-boeing-airbus

I think nude performances are most appreciated when the dancers know they have the body and skill for it. I found that there was always some to be found on Twilight who fit that bill. Seeing guys who lack confidence put on display simply to extend the show doesn't enhance the experience But when I see dancers who are really into it I'm far more inclined to sit back and enjoy the show--and buy that second drink.

From The Nation (18 Apr.) The Maya Bay beach, which has been closed to the public since last year to allow coral restoration and beach recovery, would remain closed to visitors indefinitely, the head of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Woraphot Lomlim, said. After 10 months of being closed, nature is slowly rehabilitating itself, Woraphot said, citing the return of reef sharks and ghost crabs to the area while the 23,000 pieces of coral that were planted were growing. The bay with sugary-white beach and beautiful coral reef -- located in the Phi Phi islands between Krabi and Phuket -- was made famous by the 2000 Hollywood film “The Beach” starring Leonardo Di Caprio, but was battered by the year-round tourist traffic. During peak times, Maya Bay reportedly received as many as 5,000 visitors a day. As the nature and ecology there were in a critical condition, the authority announced the closure of May http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30367887