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From The Nation Government spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Saturday that the mourning period for the passing of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will end on Monday, October 30. Sansern said the official end of the mourning period has been agreed upon by the Cabinet. He said that people would not be required to wear colourful clothes on that day, despite rumours to that effect on social media. The spokesman also denied that the government had instructed the Prachuap Khiri Khan governor to tell residents of all districts to wear yellow on Monday. No instruction on clothing has been given, the spokesman added. Meanwhile, areas around the Royal Cremation Ground have returned to normal after the funeral was completed on Friday. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30330305

If Hong Kong is on your itinerary, Travel Gay Asia has many massage listings, and many have fairly recent reviews. https://www.travelgayasia.com/hong-kong-gay-massage-spas/

Thanks for catching that. I meant to write 898 HKD (389 fee plus 500 tip) equals USD 115, EUR 98 and about half of what you'd pay in west.

Considering you're in HK, the total cost for 1.5 hr. isn't bad (USD 115, EUR 98) and about half of what you'd pay in west. Thanks for report.

All is opinion, Marcus Aurelius (quoting Cynic Monimus)

When I passed through Doha on my last return trip, these practices were already in effect. All bags were were re-screened at gate and then opened for inspection. A few routine questions asked by airline screeners but the emphasis was definitely on electronics. Agree that it's an inconvenience but as soon as the first airline experiences an in-flight explosion, the same practice will be adopted by all nations. I'd rather be ahead of the curve.

From CNBC Airlines get ready for new US security rules that take effect Thursday New security measures including stricter passenger screening take effect on Thursday on all U.S.-bound flights to comply with government requirements designed to avoid an in-cabin ban on laptops, airlines said. Airlines contacted by Reuters said the new measures could include short security interviews with passengers at check-in or the boarding gate, sparking concerns over flight delays and extended processing time. They will affect 325,000 airline passengers on about 2,000 commercial flights arriving daily in the United States, on 180 airlines from 280 airports in 105 countries. The United States announced the new rules in June to end its restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on planes coming from 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa in response to unspecified security threats. Those restrictions were lifted in July, but the Trump administration said it could reimpose measures on a case by case basis if airlines and airports did not boost security. European and U.S. officials said at the time that airlines had 120 days to comply with the measures, including increased passenger screening. The 120-day deadline is Thursday. Airlines had until late July to expand explosive trace detection testing. "We see this as a big issue for China Airlines," Steve Chang, senior vice president of the Taiwanese firm told reporters on Wednesday, adding the airline was trying to consult with the American Institute in the country over the issue. Korean Airlines, South Korea's flagship carrier, also said it had a lot of concerns with the new measures. "We are asking customers to show up at the airport early ... It's just inconvenient for the passengers," President and Chief Operating Officer Walter Cho told Reuters in Taipei. Lufthansa said on Tuesday the measures would be in place by Thursday and travelers could face short interviews at check-in or at the gate. Economy passengers on Lufthansa's Swiss airline have been asked to check in at least 90 minutes before departure. Cathay Pacific Airways said it would suspend in-town check-in and self bag-drop services for passengers booked on direct flights to the United States. The airline said passengers would also have short security interviews and it has advised travelers to arrive three hours before departure. Singapore Airlines said the security checks could include inspections of personal electronic devices as well as security questioning during check-in and boarding. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/25/airlines-get-ready-for-new-us-security-rules-that-take-effect-tomorrow.html

Fountain's photography always seems to capture the grandeur of wherever he visits. He recently posted a trip report to Iran on Gaybutton's board that lives up his billing.

I'd certainly agree that we'll probably never know with any certainty what became of Thompson, despite all the research and supposition. But if you put aside his life as a CIA operative, the life of the other Jim Thompson is fascinating in its own right. Highly-educated with a designer's eye, he revitalized the silk craft in Thailand. He was welcomed into the hi-so society of Bangkok elite and invitations to his parties were much sought after not so much for his company but for the opportunity to rub elbows with other hi-so's higher in the pecking order--a time-honored pursuit that persists to this day. Thompson may have even fooled himself occasionally into believing he had been accepted by these Thais as one of their own but in reality it was an illusion. That's always a bridge too far for any foreigner. Few old Asia hands have had more written about him. And it's not uncommon for one researcher or biographer to conflict with the other, particularly when it comes to his disappearance. He simply makes for great copy. If a reader is interested in the original hard-copy version of the Life (May, 1984) article, they're available on Ebay and Amazon.

If she was a white congresswoman in small hat would it make any difference? Don't believe any members appear anywhere in the film. It lasts 106 minutes. If you haven't toured the Jim Thompson House, it's located a short walk from the National Stadium BTS stop.

I consider it fairly priced because you're getting quality ingredients, almost all of which (except veggies) have to be imported (cheese, pureed sauce, flour, olive oil). In Bangkok, there's no better place to enjoy thin-crust pizza and no place is more convenient--or legendary--than Madrid.

So instead of trying your best to take this thread off topic, why don't you post a trip report about Madrid the city. Or post pics of nice, young Spanish boys in photos forum. Maybe that will succeed in sating your hunger.

While posting about the Jim Thompson film in Beer Bar forum, I got to thinking about the Madrid restaurant in Patpong. Although he met his demise two years before it opened in 1969, Thompson would have felt right at home considering the clientele who frequented the place in its early days. The Madrid also makes occasional appearances in the trip reports, particularly those of vinapu. And as for price, what more testimony do you need than that of Christian who finds it a good value. Here's some takes of how it's been remembered over time. Bangkok Post (August, 2013) The ornate black door with the coats of arms and shields looks heavier than it is, and opens up from the gaudy seediness of Patpong Soi 1 into a world where time moves differently _ although not necessarily slower. The Madrid bar and restaurant has evolved since it opened in 1969, then catering mostly to US soldiers fighting in Vietnam and later gaining a reputation for hosting pilots from the CIA's Air America and even as a place where covert operations were planned. A woman who asked to be identified only as Jenny now runs Madrid; she took over the business from her Thai mother, who helped get the bar up and running with Jenny's American stepfather. The clientele was about 95% American in the old days, including many CIA and DEA agents and US embassy workers. The most famous regulars were the Air America pilots who conducted clandestine operations against communists in Laos in the 1960s and 1970s. Most have now gone: Many have died, others have stopped drinking out of health concerns, and some have moved upcountry because they find Bangkok too expensive these days. Pilots are still popular at Madrid, but these days they are the commercial rather than conspiratorial kind. This is helped somewhat by the fact Jenny's husband, Andre, flies for Vietnam Airlines. Screenwriter Dave Walker, who calls his recent project The Poorest Man ''a Khmer Rouge story with a happy ending'', has been coming to the Madrid regularly since 1981. Of all the changes there, he says it's the people he misses the most. ''I miss the characters,'' he says. ''It was living history. The conversations here, you couldn't imagine. These guys really lived life.'' Stickman (May, 2013) One of the great dames of Patpong, Madrid opened in 1969 and has been popular with generations of expats. Hundreds of bottles of alcohol are stacked behind the bar, yet the single-shophouse Madrid with small booths along one wall is more restaurant than bar. In a city with unlimited dining options, Madrid still compares well. Madrid opens early and the eggs Benedict is a favourite. There's a daily special but Madrid is perhaps best known amongst expats for its pizzas, amazing given that pizza is the one item of farang food that polarises expats. Who doesn't think the best pizza comes from their hometown? The area above the bar is said to have been a CIA safehouse in the '70s, a place where clandestine meetings were held and planning for many missions over Laos carried out. Easy to walk past, Madrid is located on the main Patpong soi, about 50 metres or so along on the left-had side if you enter from the Silom Road end. The Guardian (March, 2017) There’s only one Vietnam veteran’s bar left in Patpong, the notorious red-light district. When Khun Daeng and her American GI husband opened the Madrid Bar and Restaurant in 1969, the first thing they did was swap the grand piano for a record player. Soon after, it became a hangout for CIA types. Men like Jack Shirley, a legendary former CIA official, drank here. The current owner, Jenny, Khun Daeng’s daughter, has not altered the decor since the Madrid’s hey-day, and it still serves the unappetising-looking but much-loved army dish known as SOS. This either means “shit on a shingle”* or “save our stomachs”, depending on who you ask. It is a mush of chipped beef, mixed with milk and gravy, slapped on toast. * I can attest that it was the former, from basic training to discharge. reader Teak Door blog (November, 2008) The Madrid was an old CIA hangout during the Air America days. At that time, you most likely would run into Jack Shirley or Tony Poe downing a few beers in the Madrid. Tony Poe is who the Colonel Kurtz character from Apocalypse Now is based on. The photo below is an old one from the Lucy's Tiger Den. The walls at the Madrid are plastered with photos of customers new and old. Jack Shirley is on the right and Tony Poe is sitting with him to his left.

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — A new documentary is set to stir fresh debate over one of Asia’s most enduring mysteries: What happened to Jim Thompson, Thailand’s legendary silk king. The former American intelligence officer turned textile tycoon went for a walk in the Malaysian jungle 50 years ago and never returned. Despite a massive search, no trace of Thompson was ever found. One of the most prominent Westerners in Asia had simply vanished. Theories abound: He was killed by a tiger; he got lost and perished in deep forest; he disappeared himself as part of a political intrigue. Those behind the documentary say they have new evidence that Thompson was killed. Their film, “Who Killed Jim Thompson,” premiered Oct. 20 at the Eugene International Film Festival in the U.S. state of Oregon. “There’s been all sorts of theories and mostly silly theories, but I’m hoping that this will put some closure to, you know, the whole story,” said Barry Broman, the film’s producer. The filmmakers, from Adventure Film Productions, said they got their break out of the blue: An old contact approached them with a tale of a death-bed confession. They eventually found a second source whose information dove-tailed with the first. Their conclusion: Thompson was slain by rebels from the Communist Party of Malaya who grew suspicious after he arrived in the jungle and began requesting a meeting with the party’s secretary-general, at the time Malaysia’s most-wanted man. Rather than vacationing, the filmmakers said, Thompson was on what turned out to be a final, fatal mission. Continues with photo http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2017/10/21/jim-thompson-disappearance-case-solved/ For those who wish to learn more about this fascinating character in modern Thai history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thompson_(designer)

Yes. Nothing is to be gained by trying to coerce him into doing something he's not comfortable with. There are many ways a guy can make you happy you picked him--and may again--if you give him a chance. The boys like predictability as much as we do and I find that most will show it in how they respond to you. That's why they almost always ask, "how long you stay?' Both of you are aware that you only get one opportunity to make a first impression.

My experience with MRT is that usually they will automatically give you senior discount if look old enough.....not that I'm all that delighted about it. lol. You have to go to window to get it BTS doesn't offer it.

From Coconuts Bangkok Mangmoom Card, the common ticket system of Bangkokians’ dreams that will allow us to swipe through between train systems with ease, will really launch next June, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith promised. The Mangmoom Card, which translates to “Spider Card,” will be compatible with all public transportation systems in Thailand, including BTS, MRT, Airport Rail Link, and buses. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/transport-minister-promises-launch-common-bts-mrt-card-next-year/

Thanks for details. In my last trip report, mentioned that I sampled three of those shops and was satisfied with two of them. Found one hunky guy that I made repeat visits to and a more guy-next-store type who proved accommodating. Although both seemed "otherwise" straight, the price was right as were facilities.

I asked because, as you've noticed here, posters frequently mention the names of venues that they enjoyed for the benefit of other members who may wish to try them. Although I find it strange that you found it strange, I nevertheless appreciate your niceness.

From The Nation People will be able to visit the elaborately constructed and decorated Royal Crematorium between November 2 and 30. The grand structure, which will be removed following the Royal Cremation of HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, will be open for members of the public from 7am to 10pm. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening of the Royal Crematorium to the public in a ceremony on November 2, Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn announced on Friday. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30329746

If I lived in bkk, I think this would be a good method. Time is your side. But as a visitor, I tried the apps on a few trips and found myself spinning my wheels and sacrificing precious time without success. At this point, I may take a quick look at what's on offer but don't respond to any unless they appear to be close by. If they don't want to meet for coffee or drink, I don't pursue conversation. I set a 3-4 minute limit for the back-and-forth before I thank them for chatting and move on.. If I'm within a 5-minute walk of Surawong and Twilight, it's an easy decision.

Could you please tell us their names and why you liked them? Thanks.

He was so spent he may not even been aware that he was taking a LB in tow. Is it a coincidence or do all Pattaya labyboys have the same "rational" reason for their thieving ways: they "need"? In this case, he needed it to acquire a 3d vagina. In the case of the LB who recently stole a Swiss guy's camera and a credit card (and charged 55k baht to it) before his arrest, he, too, told cops that he felt the "need" to steal. But at least the punter got a romp in the sheets while the Russian got nothing but a really bad hangover. The difference between engaging a real guy is that at least they understand that they have to provide a service in order to gain the reward. LB's want to skip that requirement. As vinapu observed in previous thread, it's all just "sooo romantic".

From Pattayaone Pattaya police have made the successful arrest of a ladyboy accused of stealing from a Russian tourist whilst he was, worse for ware, shall we say. Police made the arrest of a well known and by all accounts, popular ladyboy who goes by the name of “Noey of Walking Street” Noey had been accused of stealing from a Russian man, who turned out to be a pretty easy target due to the fact that he had drank himself into oblivion. Noey told police that the reason she felt the need to steal was so that she could pay for sex-operation. The original incident took place on October 10th in a walking street bar. Noey and a friend had spotted their target, the Russian, drinking at a small beer bar. They could see that the victim had condumed far to much to drink and so, very kindly, offered to walk him back to his hotel room. The victim, not knowing what day it was, never mind where he was or who he had agreed to accompany him back to his room, left the bar looking pretty happy. Once in the room, however, Noey admitted to police that he had noticed the room safe was wide open and couldn’t resist grabbing what he could, which included a gold chain worth approximately 4,000 Baht and roughly 120 USD in cash. Excuses were made and the pair quickly left the room. It was only the next morning that the Russian man, who has refused to be named, realised that he had been robbed and immediately called police. It didn’t take police long to make the arrest, however, after they had studied CCTV footage from the surrounding area, which led them straight to Noey. Sakda confessed that she stole from the tourist because she needed hundred thousands of baht for a sex change operation at Lelux Hospital on the outskirts of Bangkok — the same medical institute that recently went viral for offering a “3D vagina” surgery. Sakda was charged with nighttime theft, a crime punishable by a jail term of up to five years and a maximum fine of THB10,000. http://pattayaone.ne...-drunk-russian/

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