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It's an unappealing practice based on our cultural norms. But telling people, in their own country, who come from a very different culture they they are engaging in a cruel act is a bit presumptuous. It echoes of the kind of stuff you hear so often from the we-know-better NGO's representatives. We come to Thailand as their guests, as Traveller123 says. It doesn't mean we have to endorse all aspects of their way of life but neither does it mean that we should challenge their customs. Mai pen rai.

Judging by the morning news, the gun lobby and the GOP have settled on a way forward. It's centered on labeling the shooter as mentally deranged and buttress their argument with the old NRA canard "the only thing that stop a bad guy....". And when they peel back the onion, there at the base of their logic is the lobby's core position "guns don't kill people, people do." Personally, I don' buy it and believe he was completely in command of his senses as he plotted and executed a plan capable of producing the nation's biggest mass murder attack. This was not the work of a mad man. Sure, it's evil but evil acts are performed daily around the globe by perfectly sane, committed individuals with an agenda in mind. Stephen Paddock was one of them.

Japan's NHK news looks at Thailand's male-dominated business of cock fighting with an interesting twist. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20171003194436652/

... and in this case an old man. But don't give us Americans too much credit; we're quite backwards on many issues and you're spot on with this one. Class divides us as much in the same way it does India, the UK and Thailand to name a few. The difference, of course, is that the UK and Thailand make it a hell of a lot more difficult to acquire a gun and--outside of terrorist incidents--they're rarely used to murder. But Americans can be crazy blind when it comes to who gets to own a gun. It seems hard-wired into the psyche of many. Last Thursday Steve Scalise, the house majority whip who was gravely injured when shot by a 66-year-old sniper during baseball practice, returned to his job on the Hill. He came very close to death and was welcomed back by a standing ovation from both sides of the aisle. It will be more than just interesting to see how he and his colleagues react going forward on the gun issue.

Gun control is the most divisive issue on Capitol Hill, surpassing tax policy and immigration by wide margins. Keeter was not the first to experience a change of heart in the wake of an incident and won't, I think, be the last. Gabby Gifford, the former member of the House of Representatives from Arizona, had a pro-gun reputation before she was gunned down in 2011. Ever since her recovery, she has been an activist for gun control. Former speaker of the house Tip O'Neill's famous quip, "all politics is local," comes to mind. I personally applaud Keeter and Gifford for summoning the courage to oppose the NRA and risk alienating their fans and voters. They could have remained in "the silent majority" but choose the road less traveled. And that takes guts. This incident, of course, begs the question: will congress enact any restrictions at all in its wake. Despite the gravity of the killings and the sheer weight of numbers of those affected, there's little assurance it will. The NRA's grip on congress is overwhelming in its reach: its ability to finance the defeat of most politicians along with the ability to influence its 5 million plus members' votes tends to mute opposition. It's interesting to reflect on the history of the Brady Bill, named for Ronald Reagan's press secretary who was permanently disabled in John Hinckley's assassination attempt in 1981. It was Chuck Schumer (then a congressman) who introduced the legislation (for the second time) in '93 and it was signed into law by Bill Clinton that same year. Its key provision required the FBI time to do a background check on prospective gun buyers. The bill that was enacted, however, had many exemptions and none more infamous that what has become to be known as the "gun show" loophole that allowed sellers and purchasers an escape route. You can walk away from a gun show on any given weekend with a fully operational AK-47 if you so wish. But the NRA still wasn't satisfied. It financed state objections that eventually came before the Supreme Court in '98. The court ruled that the provision of the Brady Act that compelled state and local law enforcement officials to perform the background checks was unconstitutional on 10th amendment grounds, saying that this provision violated both the concept of federalism and that of the unitary executive. However, the overall Brady statute was upheld and state and local law enforcement officials remained free to conduct background checks if they so chose. Most did. In 1998, background checks for firearm purchases became mostly a federally run activity when the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) came online. Returning to the question of whether the Las Vegas catastrophe will make things different this time, I would very much like to believe it will. But, like vinapu, I fear that any gun control measures are doomed under this--or possibly any--administration. What I am confident of is this: gun sales and NRA membership will increase significantly for the next month as more Americans buy into the the NRA boilerplate: "the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."

Amen.

Although they may not have any answers that will help jet lag sufferers in the near term, the just announced recipients of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine are being honored for their discoveries related to the mechanisms that affect jet lag and other conditions. Excerpts from Washington Post Three Americans — Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young — have won the 2017 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their discoveries about the mechanisms that control an organism's circadian responses to light and dark. In announcing the winner in Stockholm on Monday, the prize committee said the scientists elucidated how a life-form's “inner clock” can fluctuate to optimize our behavior and physiology. “Their discoveries explain how plants, animals and humans adapt their biological rhythm so that it is synchronized with the Earth's revolutions.” Working with fruit flies, the scientists isolated a gene that is responsible for a protein that accumulates in the night but is degraded in the day. Misalignments in this clock may play a role in medical conditions and disorders, as well as the temporary disorientation of jet lag that travelers experience when crisscrossing time zones. “The circadian system has its tentacles around everything,” Rosbash, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, explained in the HHMI Bulletin in 2014. “It’s ticking away in almost every tissue in the human body.” It's also in plants, including major food crops, the article noted, and appears to be tied to “disease susceptibility, growth rate, and fruit size.” Erin O’Shea, president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, said that people have observed for centuries that plants and animals change their behavior in sync with the light present in the natural environment. What Hall, Rosebush and Young figured out is how this happens. “Genes make up the mechanics by which organisms can keep track of time and this allows them — just like your wristwatch — to coordinate their behavior their sleep-wake cycle with the changes in the light-dark cycle,” she said. Working with fruit flies, the scientists isolated a gene that is responsible for a protein that accumulates in the night but is degraded in the day. Misalignments in this clock may play a role in medical conditions and disorders, as well as the temporary disorientation of jet lag that travelers experience when crisscrossing time zones. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/10/02/nobel-prize-in-medicine-or-physiology-awarded-to-tktk

NOTE -- An article posted last week in the business section of Khaosod English went largely unnoticed but I came across it today while searching for another topic. Central Bank cites systemic factors at largest institutions BANGKOK — A declaration from the central bank describing five of the nation’s largest financial institutions as “risky” should not cause alarm, according to an investment banker and the leader of the ruling junta, who weighed in Tuesday to tell everyone to calm down. “Don’t panic. People are ready to panic about anything all the time,” Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters Tuesday. Confusion erupted Sunday when the Royal Gazette, which disseminates government notices, published a central bank list describing top banks as “systemically risky financial institutions.” The announcement, just over a page, did not offer any explanation or context. Social media quickly erupted in wild speculation the banks – Siam Commercial Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, Krungthai Bank and Bangkok Bank – were on the verge of collapse. That led to Prayuth’s plea for calm and assurances the statement was a routine and mandatory disclosure in accordance with international standards. The statement did say the banks would be subject to additional regulation, which an analyst at one of the nation’s top investment banking firms said was the meaningful part that got lost in translation. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai of Phatra Securities praised the disclosure but criticized the government for poorly communicating it to the public. Pipat said it was part of protocols established by an international body known as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which issues non-binding regulations meant to strengthen oversight and prevent financial meltdowns like what happened in 2008. A key feature of the Basel committee, Pipat said, is identifying the “too big to fail” banks in each member country and promoting more stringent oversight to contain potential damage in times of crisis. “They can’t just regulate all the banks in the same way,” said Pipat, who works as an analyst. “If the big banks fall, the damages will spread to other banks. That is why major banks have to be stronger.” Pipat said the measures facing the five Thai banks include increasing their capitalization (having more money compared to how much is at risk), improving transparency measures (handing over documents at the central bank’s request) and participating more in briefings with regulators. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2017/09/27/risky-banks-crisis-mistranslation-panic/

I'm looking at an 11- or 12-hour time difference (depending on time of year) so it doesn't get much worse. I experience less lag on my outbound trip and I suspect part of the reason is the anticipation factor. On the return, however, it takes me 3-5 days to recover. I've tried the stay hydrated, go easy on the alcohol route and I believe it helps. But as for all the other recommendations I read about, I lack the discipline to follow strict pre-flight and post-flight routines. I just listen to my body. If it says get some sleep, that's what I do. If it says get out there and do what you came for, I salute and go forth. This BBC article discusses how long-haui pilots deal with it or--in many cases it seems--don't. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160314-how-airline-pilots-beat-jet-lag

From Coconuts Ever been on a night out, drank far too much, then staggered home with a 7-eleven hot dog? Well we have the top 15 Bangkok alternatives that will surely tickle you’re taste buds. If you’re any kind of night owl, chances are that three meals per day are just not cutting it for you. When you stay out till midnight or later, you often need one more hot meal to make your daily gorging complete. And you have no excuse for going straight home since Bangkok is consistently rated as having some of the best food in the world. That’s where these restaurants come in handy. Serving up everything from pancakes to somtam to deep-fried insects, whether post-concert or clubbing, these Bangkok late-night restaurants have you covered on the grub front from late into the night and early into the morning. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/food-drink/best-late-night-eats-bangkok-eat-pizza-burgers-thai-afterhours/

I was in Silom the night eight years ago when fire broke out in the popular GSM sauna in Chinatown. The sirens of fire engines from around the city converging on the location seemed to go on for an hour. One man was killed and many rescued from the seventh floor. Photos from Fridae site Link to news article on Fridae site (it also mentions fire safety at DJ Station) http://www.fridae.asia/gay-news/2009/01/06/2186.fire-in-bangkok-gay-sauna-kills-patron Here's the SN post about it: https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?8846-Another-Fire

The topic of personal safety in the event of fire at DJ Station has come up from time to time as it did in this post. http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/8570-brazil-nightclub-fire-thailands-unlearned-lessons/?do=findComment&comment=63907

Excerpts from Coconuts Bangkok (photo Pho Hai Mao facebook) They say all publicity is good publicity and that may be the case this week for dick-shaped waffle vendor Ketnita Prasertsomboon. Her waffles are exploding, going viral on social media as well as in the mouths of fans at Bankok’s Indy Market. Though lots of cute young Thais have been posting photos and videos of themselves licking, eating, and loving the waffles, not everyone is a fan of the sexy, cheeky treats, reported Khaosod English. Ketnita’s stand, called Pho Hai Ma (which translates as “From My Dad”), serves willy waffles stuffed with cheese or sausage, but you have to get to the market early enough to score. You see, Ketnita has been selling out of the affordable THB39 treats every night. People have been gushing so much about the waffles that the vendor was interviewed by Amarin TV over the weekend. However, she didn’t invent this food fad, penis waffles have been trendy in Taiwan for a while now. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/cream-filled-penis-waffles-rage-bangkok-people-raging-mad-photos/

Actually, the US is first according to the OP. Certainly size matters but its geography plays a big role. Its west coast is easily accessible to east Asia and the east coast to the EU. Likewise, its border with Canada just about continuous and Central and South America are just to the south. A few years ago I took a September trip to revisit the national parks of Yellowstone and Glacier. When I arrived at the airport in Billings, I was amazed at the sight of many Chinese (and a lesser number of Japanese) families picking up rentals. These were not the type of tourists you're likely to find in Patts. When I occasionally encountered them in shops or visitor centers within Yellowstone, many spoke English (particularly the Chinese) and their behavior was refined. I estimate that they represented 20% of the park's tourists. I mentioned it to the bartender in my hotel and he said the Chinese and the Japanese highly value the national park system experience and have been arriving in steadily increasing numbers in recent years. Regarding Thailand's tourism boom, here's the breakdown of August arrivals this year from report in The Nation: So where did tourists come from in August? • China, 982,212 +10.30% • Malaysia, 277,606 +9.52% • South Korea, 164,001 +16.52% • Japan, 162,703 +5.03% • Laos,158,377 +4.18% • India, 116,376 +14.77% • Hong Kong, 93,136 +8.88% • Vietnam, 90,502 +9.17% • Cambodia, 82,776 +20.84% • Singapore, 81,366 + 21.2%.

From National News Bureau of Thailand BANGKOK, 24th September 2017 (NNT) - Thailand has attained third place in terms of tourism revenue according to 2016-2017 statistics released by the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Since 2016, Thailand has earned 1.65 trillion baht or 49.9 billion dollars from tourism, representing a 16.9 percent jump. The country is also ranked ninth in terms of tourist arrivals, with 32.6 million visitors or an 8.9 percent surge. First and second best performers are USA and Spain which gained 205.9 billion dollars and 60.3 billion dollars from tourism respectively. The other top 10 earners are China, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong and Australia. http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en/news/news_detail/WNECO6009240010007

From Pattaya Mail PATTAYA – Beach vendors starting next month no longer will be permitted to sell alcohol. Sanitation chief Wasinpat Chimtin on Sept. 15 informed about 50 Jomtien and Pattaya beach chair vendors of the no-alcohol rules during a briefing on the slew of new regulations put in place by the army this summer. In addition to not being able to sell booze, vendors all must wear aprons, must operate their single plot of chairs themselves, cannot sublease to others and must bid for their plot annually in a drawing. This is apparently being done to project a favorable image during the International Fleet Show in November. http://www.pattayamail.com/news/booze-sales-banned-beach-starting-oct-186806

From CNN (NOTE -- The accompanying video says the price of one of the mid-size (250-square meter) units sells for over $5 million, unfinished of course. Penthouses come as large as 948 square meters.) The 3,200-square-meter (34,445 square feet) plot 98 Wireless stands on was previously home to a private house and horse stables. Sansiri acquired it for $36.4 million in 2010, and spent seven years and $270 million on constructing the 77 luxury condos, which were styled by Ralph Lauren Home furnishings. Split across 25 levels, the condos range in size from 119 to 245 square meters (1,288 to 2,642 square feet). Two penthouses of 553 square meters (5,952 square feet), and a "super penthouse" dubbed "The One" -- of 948 square meters (10,204 square feet) -- sprawl across the top floors. The penthouses were all snapped up before the official launch of 98 Wireless in March 2017, and 65% of the other units have been sold. Continues with video and pics http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/asia/98-wireless-bangkok/index.html

Always nice when you get an unexpected pleasure of any sort. I applaud your good fortune. When Northwest (now Delta) used to have a downtown office on Ratchadamri Rd., had to go there once to change my return date. I discreetly slipped a folded 1k bht note to the nice lady and politely asked if she could find be an aisle seat on the flights. After much key punching, and paying the change fee (think it was $200 in baht equivalent at the time), she gave me a print out that showed me on the upper deck of 747's on the flights to NRT and MSP. Enjoy the extra comfort while you contemplate your better offs!

How much is too much? It's all in the eyes--and pocket--of the beholder. Some have a fixed, all-in price that they won't exceed for reasons of budget or practice. Others, most perhaps, make decisions case-by-case. The latter (include me) make a rapid calculation based on whether it's affordable (not to be confused with reasonable) and the less quantifiable but more compelling factors. The latter I actually find the easiest to make. My experience varies widely. Some of my cheapest offs still remain memorable years later. Other really pricey excursions were forgettable almost immediately. And everything in between and in that sense that probably mirrors everyone's history. But there are places I've learned where you "can buy better but you can't pay more." I put Prince in this category: too many inconsistent and unsatisfactory massages. On the other hand, two massages at Senso three years ago were indeed pricey but I felt I was very well served on all counts. In my lone visit to the new My Hero, it was worth the extra baht because the facilities were impeccable and the service first rate. I always enjoy finding great experiences in the low price range. However, that's often akin to seeking a business class experience for an economy class fare.

From Travel and Leisure Thailand is famous for its stunning beaches, colorful longtail boats, and gleaming temples. And for a limited time, you can go see these incredible sights for as little as $465 round-trip. According to the Airline Spot, airlines China Southern and China Eastern are selling these low fares from both San Francisco and New York City.

From Coconuts Bangkok To help ease the congestion caused by the many people coming into, and moving through, the city to go to the cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct. 26, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that certain public transport, including the BTS, BRT, and public boats, will be free from Oct. 25-27 . On Oct 26, the Sukhumvit and Silom lines of the BTS will be free, according to Thai PBS. On Oct. 25 and 27, the BTS will be free between On Nut and Samrong station on the Sukhumvit Line and from Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa station on the Silom Line. All lines and stops on the BRT, boat, and bus will be free between Oct. 25-27. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/buses-trains-boats-will-free-bangkok-oct-25-27/

From Phuket News 22 September 2017, 09:57AM At least 2,000 homes in Thalang were directly affected by the floods last Friday and Saturday (Sept 15-16), while more than 127mm of rainfall drenching Phuket Town the surrounding areas, including Kathu, within a 24-hour period. Residents in Kamala were evacuated as a precaution against them being buried by a landslide after a landslip damaged several multi-story villas under construction on a hillside there, while schools and residents were evacuated to safe zones in Srisoonthorn, in the heart of Thalang. Residents in Rassada, however, were not so lucky as a landslide there brought sodden earth crashing through the walls of 10 homes there. The two bridges on either side of Baan Bang Rong in Pa Khlok were closed as raging torrents of runoff within hours eroded the soil underneath, with emergency repairs carried out overnight to reconnect the residents who were cut off by the bridge failures. Police and disaster officials deployed flat-bottomed boats to provide assistance and deliver relief supplies to residents in flood-struck areas across the island. Families in danger were moved to temporary shelters until the waters subsided and they could return to their homes. In all, disaster officials received reports of 28 flash floods on the Friday alone, with more areas affected by Saturday. “The floods were the worst on record,” Phuket Highways Chief Papiwetwoottisak Sookkii told The Phuket News on Wednesday (Sept 20) after a meeting with Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong. “We have launched a full inspection of all major roads and supporting infrastructure, including all bridges affected by the floods that are under our authority. https://www.thephuketnews.com/officials-confirm-floods-worst-on-record-63991.php Lifeguards open some Phuket beaches PHUKET: Lifeguards have opened safe areas for tourists to swim at three beaches along Phuket’s west coast today (Sept 22), after all beaches were closed yesterday (Sept 21). Eight safe swim zones marked by red-and-yellow flags have been established – one zone at Nai Harn Beach, three zones at Kata Beach and four zones at Patong Beach – The Phuket Lifeguard Service reported this morning. “Lifeguards are keeping an eye out at every beach in case tourists are there. Red flags and ropes are still in place marking off areas where it is too dangerous to swim. Please do not swim in those areas,” one lifeguard told

NOTE -- The headline should read "55K baht" From Pattayaone A ladyboy has been arrested and charged with theft after admitting to stealing a Swiss man’s credit card after a late night romp in Walking Street. Everything seemed normal for the tourist after he had enjoyed a bit of fun with the ladyboy which he had willingly picked up from Walking Street, late at night. A short while later, however, he realised that his credit card was missing, but thought nothing of it and decided that he would deal with the problem the following day. Unfortunately for him, he could a nasty shock the following day when he realised that over 55,000 baht had been spent using his missing card. The only conclusion was that the ladyboy had stolen it and so he went straight to the police to file a report. After filing the report and giving police a very accurate description of the suspect, it didn’t take police long at all to track down and make the arrest of the culprit. The suspect, Sutthipong Lamsoong, 33, told police that Raffael Denungs, 29, had taken him to his room, but after their romp, he felt the need to steal the Swiss man’s credit card. Mr. Denum showed police a bank statement showing a total of 55,828 baht in goods had been run up on his card. This was not the first time Sutthipong had stolen from a tourist. As well as admitting this particular incident, he also asked police to add the charge to a previous incident involving an Irish man. Police charged the suspect for both incidents for theft. Amazingly, the Swiss tourist was happy to smile for the cameras with police and local chief Apichai Krobpetch, after all was said and done. http://pattayaone.news/en/ladyboy-makes-off-55000-baht/

From The Nation After almost nine months of preservation work undertaken by the Culture Ministry, the grand royal chariots, palanquins and other accessories are ready for use in the procession for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in late October. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha this afternoon presided over a ritual ceremony for the refurbished royal chariots, which are housed in the National Museum’s Royal Chariot Garage near Sanam Luang. The ceremony combined Buddhist and Hindu rituals and was followed by a garland presentation by the prime minister. Then a troupe of soldiers harmoniously pulled the royal chariots from the museum to the group outside. During the ceremony, the Culture Ministry’s Office of Performing Arts performed a traditional Thai dance accompanied by live pipat or traditional orchestra. Continues with photos http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30327322 ------- Grand Palace closed for visitors from Oct 1-29 Breaking News September 21, 2017 17:00 By The Nation The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple will be closed for about a month, starting October 1, to prepare for the Royal funeral of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Royal Household Bureau announced on Thursday that both venues would reopen for visitors on October 30.

....so long as you can afford them.