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They're all out! What a grand moment for Thailand and all nations who made this possible. And what a testament to the spirit and resilience of these boys.

Great report! Echo what you say about Raya and GBoys. Good to hear you had fine time a that Art Massage location. Although I patronize the Art stops on other side of Surawong, they all seem to be working off same business model that bodes well for the group. I've heard the same from Viet guys about scattered crackdowns that don't affect guys from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar but does indeed target them. As with most of these sweeps, they seem to come and go in phases. I know two who are returning home for visits later this month in addition to one who who left last week. It's encouraging to see how many members are visiting Bkk off season and--more important--sharing their experiences.

It's all part of the Amazing Thailand experience. One boy can come along (new or from the ranks of fond memories) and can instantly alter our mood and outlook. Happened to me on back-to-back days last week and they were both newcomers.

From CNN Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) — Air travelers, get ready for a new wide-body airliner that could be pulling up to your airport gate soon. The Airbus A330-900neo has wrapped up "route proving flights" in the United States, showing off its new engines, a wing redesign and a reimagined cabin. On Friday the jet flew from Chicago to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, home of Delta Air Lines -- the world's second largest passenger carrier. Delta has 25 of these new planes on order, expected to enter their fleet next year. The A330-900neo is a new variant of the Airbus A330 family of long-haul twin-engine jets — with seating for about 287 in a typical three-class configuration, about 10 more seats than earlier models. Boarding this plane, the first thing I noticed was the attractive LED mood lighting -- offering millions of options for interior colors. New seats and bigger overhead luggage bins also caught my attention. Airbus says this new plane has a quieter cabin than earlier A330s. The cabin design -- dubbed Airspace -- plays with straight lines, said Airbus Interiors Marketing Director Roser Roca-Toha. "The straight lines maximize the feeling of space and volume in the cabin," said Roca-Toha. "Just like in your kitchen at home, if everything is nice and tidy and you can see the lines, it looks bigger and nicer and you feel the space and the volume. The same happens here in the aircraft. We wanted to have these uninterrupted lines when passengers board so they can feel the space and the well being." Although each airline chooses the seating design options for their own fleet, this particular aircraft is outfitted with seats -- by Recaro -- which offer several appealing functionality features. Tiny step-up holes on the base of each seat let passengers step up to reach into the overhead bins. Also, the distance that hide-away tray-tables pull out from the seat-backs is generous and adjustable. Headrests are also adjustable six ways to accommodate taller passengers. Continues with pics and video https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/airbus-a330-900-neo-tours-us-airports/index.html

Massage report for July 6, about 3:45 p.m. Can confirm all of what DivineMadman reported in OP regarding facilities and type of guys to expect. If you're like me, and can't get on the Skytrain without locating a handful of guys you'd like to put on your short list for the day, you'll likely find someone to your liking here. The briefest description that comes to mind: guy-next-door Thai guys in mid-20's. When I arrived there were three available and one greeted me with good English and a glass of water. He explained the rate card (1 hour oil now 600 and cream 700, the latter of which he recommended and I agreed to). As I judged all three to be about equal in attractiveness. I went with the greeter. Taken to a room on third floor. Boy pointed out that shower was at other end of hall and he left to shower elsewhere as it turned out. The shower is in a bathtub (jacuzzi actually). When he returned to room he had only a towel wrapped around him and that was allowed to drop to floor five minutes later. His massage skills were certainly adequate and he was eager to please. Not a lot more you can ask for. As proceedings came to a close, he asked me what "I thought." It dawned on me after a few moments that he was soliciting feedback on his performance. Don't think I had ever been asked that question outright before. "You can tell me anything," he added. Since he seemed genuinely sincere, I offered two points: spend less time on the legs and encourage customer feedback early on. He thanked me with a hug and left me to shower alone. Since there's only one shower, and it was being used by another customer (a rather hunky farang I noticed as he emerged) there was a brief delay. During prime hours, this could result in a queue. As noted above, Ganymede is easy to find and get to (20 minutes from Silom including walk from station). I messaged the shop on Line before departing and got a quick confirmation that they were indeed open. As I was leaving, a good-looking young man was just reporting for duty. Think it would be better to visit after 6p.m. for wider selection.

I did indeed. One of the drawbacks of having a regular you don't want to disappoint. Up until a year ago, I was a committed butterfly. Starting this trip I've upped my one-hour tip to 1300 and 90-min. to 1800. No complaints yet. I do tend to use guys I like frequently. I'm a sports fan and many gays I know are as well. And haven't had a massage this trip where the guy didn't bring up the games. And, for the record, I find Neymar one of the sexiest guys on the pitch. Regarding number of guys and competition, a bit of both. Many guys from out of town use the opportunity to take a break and return home. Btw, it is a gorgeous evening here with a good breeze and manageable humidity. An improvement over what folks are experiencing in much of the US and Europe.

For those not in country, it's hard to appreciate just how much the on-going effort to rescue the dozen young footballers and their coach has captured the public's hearts and minds. The news today that divers have broken through to the part of the cave known as "Pattaya Beach" and found all 13 alive has been met with massive jubilation and relief. It has to be the one of the three bigggest news events in the past five years. Now comes the tricky task of extricating them that could take as many days--10--as it did to locate them. British cave divers were.first to break through. Thirty US military specialists are also assisting Thai forces in the rescue. Here's the Bangkok Post link today; https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1496678/rescuers-seek-totally-safe-cave-extraction-for-boys

SECOND INSTALLMENT A few masssage shops I've written about it before and it's always first stop: Nakarat at corner of Silom and Soi 4 (same place Vinapu mentioned in his recent TR). My two favorite guys from Vietnam are there and they certainly didn't disappoint this time (Both have beaming smiles and grear dispositions to compliment their massage skills. Like most of the guys I choose, they're straight ("man" in the vernacular), but always leave me happy. And they enjoy being on the receiving side of massage, a big asset in my book. There are many good lads to choose from here. One hour 450, 90-minute 600. Shower down the hall, a warm cup of good tea after. Located on third floor. On Soi Tarntawan I found a guy who I first encountered nearly two years ago on that strip of shops on Surawong. Found him at one of the Art massage venues at entrance to Tarntawan Hotel but next time he was working at the refurbished shop in the old Indra digs. A well-muscled and pleasant guy, he has improved his massage skills since last trip and and always manages to keep me happy. "Root" is from Chiang Mai. Always advise first-timers to discuss expectations before hand so both parties begin on same page. SOI TWILIGHT First stop was Maxi's that has decent crowd for a weekday night in low season, especially since it was competing vs. World Cup. Two of the usual waiters were on holiday, including the favorite of many, Pao. THe friendly and upbeat manager, Tom, remains confident that the Soi will survive longer than most anticipate so you have to appreciate the outlook. Next stop was across to Fresh Boys where show was in progress. Was taken to a bench of my own, directly facing stage and my 350 drink delivered in short order by a good-looking waiter. After a while I inquired that I'd like to talk with number 24 and he promptly went backstage and returned with my request. Brought him the classic show boy beverage (coke on ice) and it was quickly delivered. Waiter appeared to slip a few folded notes discreetly to him. I could see the outside note was a 50 so I'm assuming the was a 100 under it. He places his left hand on my right leg and I glance down to inspect the abs that had drawn me to him. Washboard would be a good description. He tellls he's from Myanmar and is available tonight. I run my hand over his firm back, shoulders and arms and there's ample confirmation that this is a chiseled specimen But here's my dilemma: it's after 10:30 now and I'm meeting my regular guy at hotel at midnight. I'd come to see the show I haven't seen in a while but couldn't pass up oppportunity four same face--and hand--time with this special package. So I explain my problem, says he understands so I give him 200 for the privilege of time spent and he returns backstage.(btw, he ticks all Christianpfc's requirements: warm smooth skin, no fat, slim and a bit on real side). Then cute.waiter sits with me. "I Myanmar, too," he announces. He takes my left hand and places it the magical spot that will soon make difficult to stand up in his tight jeans. Now I'm forced to tell him my predicament about previous commitment. He suggests.that I bring him anyway but I beg off. Had already tipped him 100 for my and no. 24's drinks and gave him another red note for his time. When I was leaving he walks me outside. I tell him when gets off some work next week, look to see if I'm in Maxi's and I'll buy him a drink and we can pick up where we left off. To be continued. NOTE -- a tip of the hat to DivineMadman for setting record straight on.the impending changes for the parcel at Silom and Convent mentioned it OP. it's going to be a high-rise office/commercial project. If you liked Bua restaurant you can now find it on the opposite side of Silom in area of BTS station.

On two of my last three trips I flew Qatar. It's shorter by nearly three hours. But this time I got better deal on ANA (which I've flown before and liked). When I first started my BKK travels I was a committed Delta customer and lost count of how many times I passed through Narita. Got to know some of the veteran flight attendants who bid the route for its benefits. But when Delta dropped Bangkok I dropped Delta. It seems no matter which way I fly I get the most jet lag on the return home.

Arrived late Tuesday and, until last night, rain hasn't hampered activities. But thunderstorms and torrential downpours from about 10 pm onward confined my activity to watching France best Argentina. Will get some logistical issues out of way first. THE JOURNEY -- JFK to BKK via NRT on All Nippon Airways (ANA). Good service on good equipment and on-time arrivals. I find that Tokyo handles baggage inspection on connecting flights very efficiently and I was in and out in a few minutes. ANA lounge offers showers and good food selection, but can be quite busy. Bus gate to BKK aircraft (789) and time seemed to pass quickly as anticipation built. Arrived in midst of thunderstorm. When we stopped at gate and assembled in door queue i was in position to view Jet bridge align with door but it doesn't open. Attendant gets into discussion on phone with agent on other side and then she discusses problem with other attendants. It first seemed to be a mechanical issue but was eventually explained that we couldn't deplane until lighting abates. Perhaps because bridge is built of steel and aluminum. In any case, we remained that way for nearly 20 minutes before door was opened. Fortunately the gate was just steps from immigrations and was on my way to airlink train that arrived in a few minutes. Arrived at Makassan station in less than 20 min. and transferred to MRT for short trip to Silom. Total cost 47 baht in total travel time of 34 min. Rain had stopped and a short walk to hotel. FIRST NIGHT -- Quick shower and text my regular guy. He's just getting through work and we meet at Soi 4 for food and a beer at Telephone before returning to my room. Sleep at 4 a.m., totally exhausted but very happy. SOME LOGISTICS -- was shocked to find next day that two buildings at the corner of Silom and Convent roads are shuttered with dozens of stores (including the huge 7-Eleven at corner). The closure extends from just after Dean and Delucas on Silom and around corner to the Soi that runs behind Silom Complex. Building on Convent road is two-story but one on Silom is seven. I hear unofficial rumor that the plans is to widen both streets near intersection to avoid traffic jams. Since the daughters of many influential people attend the Convent school, I'm inclined to believe it. MASSAGE SHOP NEWS -- Indra massage has moved to a new location on Soi Tarntawan and its old shop has been taken over by the Art Massage group. Art remodeling the premises and rooms have showers and massage tables. This area gets very heavy Chinese foot traffic as does that side of Surawong. (To be continued)

I have elephant from Crowne Plaza and a turtle from old Conrad Hilton or whatever they call it now. But I don't, alas, have ShanBoy. Namazu, will make you tender offer: one vintage elephant and one very old turtle for your one experienced ShanBoy. Offer will remain in effect until until you relent or I learn to talk and write Thai--whichever comes first.

I managed to get to get there once before it closed. Masonry was falling onto floor from above and some seating was roped off because of hazard. Glad to see the spirit of the place was preserved.

Excerpts from Khaosod English By Wirot Poonsuwan, Attorney-at-Law After panic erupted among thousands of Airbnb providers worried the days of sweet, tax-free income were over, the company told them Saturday that yes, they are breaking the law. “Travel is evolving rapidly, and existing rules in Thailand do not reflect how millions of Thais travel or want to use their homes,” read the email, which went on to say the company was “sharing best practices, case studies and our experiences” with the Thai government. It cited a Thai court of first instance ruling in January that owners of two condominium violated the Hotels Act of 2004 by renting their rooms out daily and weekly. The judgments confirmed the opinion of many lawyers that the daily rental business – and operating a hotel business without a license – is illegal. To a bunch of Thai lawyers, the issue is now settled: running an Airbnb business is illegal. For them, the question is no longer its legality, but whether the law will be diligently enforced, and how light or severe the punishment will be meted out. If there is another similar case, the condo owner will find it hard to escape conviction. The prescribed punishment under the Hotels Act for operating a hotel business without a license is one year jail term and a fine not exceeding ฿20,000 (USD$645) on top of a daily fine not to exceed ฿10,000 per day as long as the violation continues. Only daily and weekly rentals are illegal. The Hotels Act specifically exempts monthly rentals because a room rented by the month is not classified as a hotel room and is therefore okay. Even though the rulings were rendered by a court of the first instance, not by the Supreme Court, they will carry a heavy weight of court precedent to be followed by other courts in similar daily rental cases, the reason being that it’s an open and shut case based on a very clear provision of the Hotels Act. The remaining issue now is not whether the business is legal – quite clearly it is illegal. Most condo owners, since the court rulings, currently recognize the illegality but remain enticed by the handsome economic benefits. They have factored in that legal enforcement in the country is lax (See: Grab thumbing its nose at the government for years). The chance they will be caught and punished are remote. But you never know. The peace-loving neighbors of the condo owner, on the other hand, might not like to see strangers coming in and out of rooms next door. If there are no serious legal actions or complaints made by the neighbors or the condo juristic person management, the condo owners will just go on enjoying uninterrupted tax-free extra incomes. “Tax-free” because they are also not paying personal income tax required by the Revenue Code for this handsome cash either. One thing many condo owners overlook is that if they are prosecuted through to a conviction, even with a light punishment, there will have a permanent criminal record with the Thai police, which will hamper future employment forever. At this point, the pros and cons are getting more balanced! In the two court precedents above, the court was merciful and imposed only light punishment against a confession: the maximum fine of ฿20,000 was actually dropped to ฿10,000 and the confession further halved it to ฿5,000. The daily fine not exceeding ฿10,000 per day was reduced to ฿100 per day for 81 days totaling a negligible amount of ฿81,000 in one case, and ฿500 per day for 20 days totaling ฿10,000 in the other. And no jail! Largely, the fate of Airbnb’s business will decided by the condominium juristic person committee and the manager of the condominium juristic person – how strictly they will enforce the condominium rules in accordance with the law. If the committee or the manager is serious, they could file a complaint with the hotels registrar. In Bangkok that’s the director general of the Administrative Department, and in the provinces it’s the governor. The registrar could then assign the district chief to visit the condominium to investigate as demanded by the condo committee/manager. They will enter the rooms alleged, obtain the names of the condo owners, footage of security cameras showing tourists dragging their luggage in and out of the room, and other evidence of wrongdoing. The condo-owners will find it difficult to fight these obvious pieces of documentary evidence. The district chief will sue them in court and the co-owners will have a weak case there and have to confess in exchange for a lenient punishment. Truly, the fate of the Airbnb and daily rental business in Thailand will depend on the condo juristic person committee and the condo juristic person manager and how serious these condo management people will enforce the rules and the law. The reality is condo managements in general are reluctant to take on the violation and will act half-heartedly in a subdued manner when receiving complaints from other co-owners who live in the condo peacefully without doing the business. The net result will be Airbnb and the daily rental business will keep growing in prosperity despite the two court cases. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2018/06/24/thai-law-case-closed-on-airbnb-heres-why-it-wont-matter/

Agree that the train is a great alternative. Airport Rail link has dropped the Swampy express service but the local will get you there in about 25 minutes or so with four stops in between. At 6pm. expect it to be packed so if you're not traveling light if may be a struggle. Think you're better off to start journey by 4p.m. or after 7p.m. (if schedule permits). And if you're going to take the train, getting on the MRT at Silom and transferring at Makkasan will be faster than taxi. MRT has frequent, rapid service. Link to interactive map below: http://bangkok.com/airport-rail-link.htm

I'm glad you weren't offended by his early behavior and that you both are now happily married. We're all free to interpret the actions of others in terms of how it affects us as individuals. When I'm the one paying the tab, I will always consider that type of behavior as offensive. I acknowledge that it may cost me the possibility of a good time behind closed doors, but that's a trade off I'm prepared to make. Like I said earlier, just too many great guys out there who willingly walk at my side. Only had that one who didn't.

From Bangkok Post The Marine Department is going to give facelifts to old ferry piers along a 35km stretch of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It will start with three piers on Sathon, Ratchawong and Tha Din Daeng. (Photos by Krit Promsaka na Sakolnakorn) Property development is transforming land near the Chao Phraya River but one thing remains unchanged: A series of decrepit piers that lie along it. The condition of these wharves, with their wooden piers and floating rafts, has not improved for decades. Only basic maintenance work to keep them safe for use has been provided from time to time. Boat passengers can now expect change, however, because the Marine Department is commissioning the Urban Design and Development Centre (UDDC) to redesign and upgrade the piers under a project called "Active River Station". Under the scheme, three will be redesigned. The design project will serve as a prototype for the Marine Department, which aims to develop the area around scores of others that it operates. The three in question are Sathon, Ratchawong and Tha Din Daeng -- the top three in terms of handling the highest number of passengers, Tansorn Pornpanyapat, who is managing the project, told the Bangkok Post in an exclusive interview. The piers are busy because "they serve as important connection points for boat passengers to transit to other modes of transport such as the BTS Skytrain, Bangkok's buses, taxi motorcycles and taxis", said Mr Tansorn. Sathon Pier records 20,000 passengers a day on average, 90% of whom use the Chao Phraya Express Boat. The rest use it for simple river crossings. According to the UDDC's preliminary design, each of the three piers will be divided into three zones. The first zone would be the surrounding area, the second would comprise passenger waiting areas, and the third is the platform where people board the boats. "Moreover, there won't be any hike in prices as the department is duty-bound to ensure the convenience and safety of passengers on the Chao Phraya," said Mr Tansorn. https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/1490834/pier-ing-into-the-future-of-the-chao-phraya-river

Proceed with abandon--which I'm very confident you did.

You got me, too. Can't explain it any more than you can. If I guy does it to me, I stop en route (and I have), give him fee agreed upon, and say adios. But that me. I'm not judging you or the guy. I just don't want anything further to do with someone who disrespects me, regardless of how legitimate he may believe his motive is. There are simply far too many others who are glad to be with me, door to door.

NOTE -- Unlike earlier crackdowns on visa-related violators, the target of most recent raids appear to be (judging from below photo and article details) a significant number of Myanmar nationals along with lesser numbers of Cambodians and Vietnamese. The car park in the photo's background looks familiar but I'm unable to identify to the buildings to either side. I fear that it may be in the Silom-Surawong area. From Bangkok Post Police arrested 107 foreigners for visa offences and illegal entry during coordinated raids at 83 locations across the country early on Friday. Three Thais were also held for other offences. The raids targeted locations in Bangkok and other provinces frequented by foreigners -- 30 schools (two international schools, four language schools, 24 secondary schools) and 53 other places. A total of 110 people were detained, three of them Thais, said Pol Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn, deputy commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau. Eleven of the suspects (5 from Myanmar, 1 each from Vietnam, Cambodia, Nigeria, Russia, Germany and England) were charged with overstaying their visas, and 92 (59 from Myanmar, 11 from Laos, 9 from Cambodia, 5 from India, 3 from Vietnam, one each from Malaysia, China, Nigeria, the United States and Sweden) were charged with illegal entry. He asked operators of restaurants and other businesses in tourist attractions to alert authorities if they notice foreigners overstaying their visas or committing offences. https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1490350/more-foreigners-rounded-up-for-visa-offences

From Khaosod English 11 ‘Forbidden’ Careers Opened to Foreigners BANGKOK — Nearly a dozen previously off-limits jobs were opened to foreign nationals Thursday, while a request retail service jobs be included was denied. A day after shop owners demanded the Labor Ministry decriminalize the hiring of foreign staff, it announced the rules would be relaxed to allow expats to do jobs including masonry, carpentry and shoemaking. In July, all foreigners will be able to work eight areas including unskilled agricultural or fisheries jobs; masonry and carpentry. They can also make bedding, knives, shoes, hats, dresses, pottery and ceramics, according to Labor Minister Adul Saengsingkaew. However, they may not own such businesses and must comply with other conditions. Foreigners can work as laborers without condition. Citizens from all ASEAN member states will also be allowed to provide certain accounting and civil engineering services and construction-related architectural work that does not require specialized expertise. The list of jobs did not include retail as Thai employers had called for Wednesday. But the top ministry official suggested there may be a loophole by which they could pass as laborers: Don’t let them touch any money. “They cannot handle money or give customers change,” Adul said Thursday. “They can just aid customers’ convenience by fetching items and arranging items.” Vendors who yesterday protested at the ministry to call for Burmese, Cambodian and Laotians to be able to work in retail were left puzzled by his comments. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2018/06/21/11-forbidden-careers-opened-to-foreigners/

From Coconuts Bangkok The Patpong section of Silom might be best known as a red-light district, a seedy but fun late night destination that offers little in the way of high-quality food but a plethora of other unmentionable vices. The Steakhouse Co. plans to change that. The new steakhouse recently jumped into the fray of this nightlife area with their upmarket meat eatery, located near the mouth of Patpong Soi 2, just steps away from Foodland supermarket, in a space that, sources tell us, used to be a go-go bar called The Electric Blue. Today the space is focusing on selling USDA Angus prime, and Black Angus and Wagyu beef from Australia. The classy, hip-looking joint features dark leather seats, exposed brick walls, a long bar, and red mood lighting. It has an outdoor area overlooking the soi where you can eat, drink, smoke, or watch the talent walk by. Continues with pics https://coconuts.co/bangkok/food-drink/steakhouse-co-upscale-new-steakhouse-offer-new-kind-meat-market-patpong/

From Coconuts Bangkok The BTS might be about to get slightly less crowded, as officials are adding 22 brand new German trains to the Sukhumvit Line (Mo Chit to Samrong) in December. A ceremony to hand over the trains between Siemens, the German manufacturing conglomerate and the Bangkok Mass Transit System was held in Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday. And if you, like us, were wondering why the handover was celebrated in Turkey, it’s because that’s where our future BTS trains were manufactured. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/brand-new-22-trains-added-bts-sukhumvit-line/

You have a refreshing take on Thailand and SE Asia that would be missed if you throttled back too much. You have great recall and offer perspectives most contributors cannot. You may be temporarily confined to Singapore but please don't let that keep you from participating in the forums. Best wishes for a rapid recovery. Although most of us never meet in person, we come know one another through what we write. And you write well.

I'm sure he must prefer, too.