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As high season approaches, it's becoming increasingly clear that the strengthening baht is showing few signs of retreating. Meanwhile, the Bank of Thailand is ignoring pleas from the Finance Ministry to cut rates so it's probably prudent to plan on receiving no more baht than you'd get if you were arriving today (see link to exchange rates following this article). And if things change for the better, you can be happily surprised. Excerpts from The Nation BOT unfazed by call for rate cut The Bank of Thailand is confident on the country’s outlook for economic growth, despite the concerns over a strong baht that prompted a call by the Finance Ministry for a cut in interest rates. The Finance Ministry this week urged the cut in rates in order to ease upward pressure on the baht. But Bank of Thailand governor Veerathai Santiprabhob said a reduction in interest rates would not deter the capital inflows that have been pushing up the currency. Veerathai said investors had shown confidence in the recovery of the economy and thus an interest rate cut would be unlikely to slow the pace of baht appreciation. He said the spread between Thai interest rates and those in other countries may not deter capital inflows as investors are also motivated by other factors in addition to yield, noting that shorter-term bond yields are lower than the policy rate of 1.5 per cent. He said the central bank had been closely watching exchange rate movements and is ready to intervene in the market when the baht rises too strongly in the short term, as this would affect consumption and the whole economy. However, the central bank cannot fight the trend and exporters have to learn how to hedge against exchange rate volatility. "The problem is US dollar weakness. It has depreciated by 10 per cent while the baht moved up by 7-8 per cent from early this year,” Veerathai said. “This suggests other currencies have appreciated more than the baht.” Veerathai was confident that the baht would move in line with other regional currencies and thus result in the country not being at an export disadvantage with competitors. He said that while the inflation rate is lower than targeted, the country was not experiencing deflation as the economy is still growing. Separately, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) – worried about the sustainability of the global recovery – has called for an end to austerity and for more spending to boost demand like the New Deal after World War II. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30326709 Today's Exchange rates: http://www.xe.com/currencytables/?from=THB

Excerpts from South China Morning Post Cathay Pacific Airways has said it will save HK$2.2 billion (US$288 million) by delaying the delivery of long-haul aircraft and switching to smaller long-range planes as the company confirmed a HK$31.7 billion order for 32 short-haul aircraft. The airline is cutting costs and restructuring in a bid to return to profit after producing the worst half-year results in almost 20 years last month. The carrier said it will downsize six of its 26 Airbus A350-1000 planes for half a dozen smaller A350-900 planes, raising it from 22 to 28 aircraft. It will also delay the delivery of five more A350-1000 aircraft by one year to 2021. Meanwhile the carrier is seeking to impose pay freezes and changes in pension benefits for its pilots to slash HK$1 billion in cockpit crew costs. Expansion is still on the airline’s agenda though. Cathay Pacific on August 31 announced it woulld fly to Dublin, Brussels and Copenhagen. The airline will close its Dusseldorf route at the same time. http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2111083/cathay-pacific-save-hk22-billion-changing-investment-new

From Pattayaone An artist’s impression of what the future might have in store for Pattaya’s famous Walking Street was posted online by Sophon Cable. As authorities continue efforts to change the iconic nightlife spot. As you can see from the picture gone are the bright neon signs, Go-Go bar hoardings and nearly all of the people! It now resembles nearly all urban streets found all over the world which might attribute why there are so few people in the picture. Even “Skyfall” a popular Go-Go bar now looks more like a well-known Swedish furniture store than a place to go for a night out. The rendering comes after a recent campaign by authorities to rid the famous street of its Neon signs which they say need to be removed for fire safety reasons, though not many bars seemed to have got the memo at the moment.Another meeting was held this week chaired by Saksit Yaemsri and engineering chief Sompramai with Walking Street business owners in attendance. Continues at http://pattayaone.news/en/walking-street-artists-impression/

From The Nation Chang Chui market is a new hip creative space covering an area of 11 rai on the Thonburi side of Bangkok. Destined to be a creative community where new-generation artists and designers can unleash their artistic ability without restraint, the market packs an art gallery, a theatre / cinema, co-working space, cafes, restaurants, a tea house, a music store and many unique and creative shops, all under one roof. The creative space, officially known as “Thailand Tomorrow” in English, is the brainchild of Somchai Songwattana, CEO and art director of Thailand’s pioneering fashion brand FlyNow. Infused with vintage-style architecture, it is made up of many separate structures designed under the “nothing is useless” concept, with the reuse of old materials throughout. Aged teakwood window frames, massive old glass windows and used corrugated zinc sheets and wrought iron are fused in a unique way into something much-like traditional Chinese shop houses, giving shoppers a feeling of nostalgia. Several eccentric sculptures have been thrown in to give the place a modern art vibe. Chang Chui’s icon is a decommissioned Lockheed L-1011 TriStar airplane that sits right at the center of the market. Named “Naoh,” a spoonerism of Noah’s Ark, the plane is being transformed into a fine-dining restaurant with exotic décor and an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, stuffed animals, sculptures and luxury chandeliers. Run by Michelin-starred chef Andy Yang, the restaurant will serve a range of creatively-designed dishes. Under the airplane is the “Runway Bar”, where diners can have a drink in a vibrant atmosphere as the sun goes down. Film buffs and lovers of drama should check out “Dujit Arai Kor Chang”, an old-style theatre from a bygone era where various performances and well-curated documentary features take turns on the stage. Music lovers can’t miss “Chang Cheum Live House”, where CDs and vinyl records are on sale and local bands play for the crowds. Bookworms can browse a selection of old and contemporary books, as well as stylish handmade stationery at “mali mali”, or flip through books while sipping a coffee in the laid-back ambience of “Yon Yarn Hall”, where “Booksmith” and “One Ounce for Onion” coffee shop share space. Getting there Chang Chui is located at 460/8 Sirindhorn Road, Bang Phlat District, Bangkok. To get there with public transportation, take the BTS Skytrain to Victory Monument Station and then air-conditioned BMTA bus No. 515 or 539. Opening hours Tue – Sun: 16.00 – 23.00 hrs. (closed on Mondays) Green zone (alcohol-free): from 11.00 hrs. Admission Tue – Fri, 20 baht, Sat – Sun, 40 baht Check schedules of performances and activities on www.changchuibangkok.com http://demo.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Travel_log/30326679

Excerpts from The Nation By Phatarawadee Phataranawik The grandest-ever Royal crematorium for the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be finished by September 30, in time for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn to install the top of the nine-spired funeral pyre on October 18. This will mark the official completion of construction, Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimaprakprn confirmed on Wednesday afternoon at a press conference at the National Museum. The cremation of the late King Bhumibol will take place on October 26, the second day of five-day funeral ceremonies. Thai masters are busy finishing the “architecture of heaven” – an elegant nine-spired funeral pyre for the late King Bhumibol that will send his soul into the afterlife in late October. After the royal funeral ceremony, the government will allow the general public to visit an exhibition about the late King Bhumibol from November 1 to 30. The Culture Ministry will produce a special exhibition for the blind to touch and to hear audio The ministry will also distribute 3 million leaflets to visitors. Around 100,000 people are expected to visit the crematorium per day. Continues with new photos http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30326605

Excerpts from The Beijinger Beijing officials have initiated a city-wide investigation after a scandal has implicated a number of local five-star hotels for lax hygiene standards. The Beijing Health and Family Planning Commission announced Tuesday that they will investigate all five-star hotels in the city a day after an undercover report revealed local luxury hotels didn't clean their guest room, reusing bed linen and not cleaning their toilets. Chinese public hygiene regulations demand hotel operators adhere to a "one customer, one-time use" policy in which facilities are freshly cleaned for every new client. Additionally, Chinese hospitality regulations say bed linen and pillows must be changed for each customer. Serendipitously, the Beijing Health and Family Planning Commission released its summer inspection report on the city's 691 hotels just one day after the scandal broke. Forty-six Beijing hotels failed to meet city standards, 35 of which were punished. https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2017/09/07/city-wide-investigation-launched-beijing-5-star-hotels-exposed-reusing-dirty-linen

From Pattaya Mail An artist’s rendering of what the new rail line might look like. The State Railway of Thailand next month will request 28 billion baht to construct a high-speed train line linking Pattaya with the region’s three main airports. PATTAYA – The State Railway of Thailand next month will request 28 billion baht to construct a high-speed train line linking Pattaya with the region’s three main airports. Chonburi Deputy Gov. Phawat Lertmukhda chaired an Aug. 30 public hearing at the Asia Hotel about the project connecting U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya Airport with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. SRT development director Julthep Jithasombat said the agency will set forth its formal plan at a meeting next month and make the budget request under the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor project. If approved, construction would begin in 2018 with the line opening in 2022. The planned route calls for a standard-gauge set of tracks to run from Don Mueang to the terminus of the existing Airport Rail Link in Makkhasan, Bangkok, to Suvarnabhumi and through Chachoengsao and Chonburi to Pattaya, U-Tapao and Rayong. Continues with map http://www.pattayamail.com/news/srt-request-funds-pattaya-bangkok-high-speed-rail-line-oct-185487

From The Nation New HIV infections in Thailand have dropped 50 per cent in six years – the biggest decline in Asia and the Pacific, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). And UNAIDS has applauded Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health for its bold new national AIDS strategy, which provides a roadmap for ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat in Thailand by 2030. Admiral Narong Pipatanasai, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the National AIDS Committee, launched the 2017-2030 National AIDS Strategy at the Government Complex in Bangkok on Wednesday. The 13-year plan would ensure an effective, cost-efficient and high-impact HIV response, he said. A recent UNAIDS report has found that annual new HIV infections have dropped 50 per cent in Thailand between 2010-2016, the steepest decline for any country in Asia and the Pacific. “Thailand stands out in the Asia-Pacific region for its achievements in overcoming AIDS,” said Patchara Benjarattanaporn, UNAIDS country director for Thailand. “In just one generation the country has gone from having the fastest growing epidemic in Asia to the slowest. The country’s epidemic is concentrated among key populations, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs and sex workers. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30326588

The current issue of Aviation Week magazine has several articles (none available on line) about Asian and Gulf carriers that some may find of interest. AIR ASIA -- Plans to resume flights to Europe have been put on hold. However, it has 10 Airbus A350's on order that would enable non-stop European service upon delivery expected in 2020. Late next year the LLC expects to take delivery of the first two A330-neos with five more due the following year. Meanwhile, Air Asia may lease some older A330 models to ramp up service to Australia, China, Japan and S. Korea. NARROW BODY BOOM -- LLC's are placing huge orders for new narrow body (single aisle) equipment with IndiGo (409), Lion Air (408) and Air Asia (395) leading the pack. MALAYSIA AIRLINES -- This carrier is embarkd on one of the industry's most ambitious turn-around projects and hopes to become profitable in 2018. MAB has phased out its Boeing 777-200ER fleet as it cut nany European routes in favor of building up its Asia-Pacific network, particularly to China. It may lease used A330's to meet the goal. MAB is considering offering lie-flat beds in premium class and Wi-fi for service on China, Hong Kong and India routes. The carrier has six A350's on order to replace the A380 service to London. The 380's will be transferred to a new charter unit being established for religious pilgrimage flights. For its narrow body needs, it has 25 new Boeing 737MAX-8 and 10's on order, but delivery isn't expected until 2021 (the 10's will be used on secondary Chia destinations). ETIHAD AIRWAYS -- In the competitive Gulf market, Etihad finds itself caught in a bind of its own making. Eithad is the largest shareholder of now bankrupt Air Berlin. The effect could have a very negative effect on its global plans. The trouble began when Etihad brought into numerous secondary or seriously troubled carriers to grow quicker than it could organically. This included Alitalia, Air Berlin, Air Serbia, Darwin Airlines, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways and Virgin Atlantic. With Etihad's exit from the investor scene, the European airline landscape could see drastic changes in the near term.

There's an old expression "you can't tell the players without a program ('scorecard' often substituted)". Never is it more applicable than in LOS.

Excerpts from Reuters article BANGKOK, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Thailand’s military government has suspended international flights by Thai airlines that have not received new operator certificates from the country’s aviation body, a spokesman said. The measure will affect 12 airlines which together have a market share of only 2 percent and so will have little impact on the country’s tourism-dependent economy, the head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on Tuesday. Thailand’s aviation industry has been under scrutiny after the U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)downgraded the country in June 2015, giving it a red flag for missing a deadline to resolve significant safety concerns. Chula Sukmanop, director general of CAAT, told Reuters the suspension will affect 12 airlines, including Orient Thai Airlines and Thai Vietjet Air. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya/myanmar-faces-mounting-pressure-over-rohingya-refugee-exodus-idUSKCN1BN0AQ

Well, you certainly wouldn't be the first person to label a news report they disagreed with as "fake news."

I try to be judicious in how much of an article I copy so not to take up too much space. But I always post link to original article for those who wish to pursue it in greater detail. But your posting this 42 days after the OP and 11 days after nynakedtop's post suggests there's another issue at hand.

I suppose SA is whatever you want it to be. It's a go-go on first floor where boys who happen to be there at the moment will do a little dance and try to entice you to buy them drinks. If you don't want to drink you can just choose a guy and off him or take him upstairs for massage (500 either way). But primarily it bills itself as a go-go. The sofas are now downstairs and second floor has been divided into rooms with a central shower. If you were there before, you've got the idea.

NOTE -- I don't recall seeing this particular description of the cremation process before and cannot verify details elsewhere. Excerpt from Nikkei Asian Review On Oct. 26, a coffin carrying Bhumibol's body, which still lies in the Royal Palace, will be brought here and elevated to the top platform of the crematorium to be incinerated in an electric oven. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/All-of-Thailand-readies-for-late-king-s-funeral-in-October

When I was there last, I didn't have a drink and just made my selection for massage from those downstairs. Believe I was charged bht 500 for room and then paid tip directly to masseur after. There was no other fee involved. It was like any massage shop in that respect. Since you didn't take him off premises there should be no off fee. Glad to hear you liked the place. Sleaze is much underrated.

You might try Googling "Toshiba laptop (model #) fuse replacement". This method has worked for me with other electronics issues. Good luck!

Sorry, but I missed this. Now I'm beginning to better appreciate your predicament: you've been looking for free sex in Pattaya. My best tip is to become a customer. That way your feelings come more into play.

Nasherich, I very much enjoy and appreciate your posts but I think you'd do well to heed Vinapu's advice and don't waste precious time. You may well fare better relying less on GR and other sites and do your shopping in person, especially since in your in Pattaya, one of the world's premier locations for hands-on, brick-and-mortar capitalism. Wishing you the best of luck as you resume your pursuit.

Forky is correct that they've seen "fatter, uglier, smellier or just plain unpleasant bodies..." Of those conditions, however, the thing that the boys find more difficult to overlook is poor hygiene (body and oral). Thais are generally fastidious about both. A pre-massage shower can refresh the body but you should consider attending to breath beforehand.

Agree. It would be very risque to pinch your gogo boy in either place.

Checklist 1. Can you communicate with your prospective travel mate in a common language. If "no" go no further. 2. Are both of you crystal clear in your expectations and total remuneration? 3. Are you going to location(s) where you'll both feel relatively comfortable together? 4. If it's a trip over 3-4 days, do you have a plan if things go insufferably south?

From The Nation AirAsia is responding to passenger demand for premium services with the launch of the new “AirAsia Red Carpet” option. The service offers travellers an exclusive check-in counter, pre-flight food and beverages in a special lounge and priority boarding and baggage claim, with prices starting at Bt800 for domestic flights and Bt1,000 for international and Fly Thru flights. Santisuk Klongchaiya, director of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, notes that AirAsia’s customer base has expanded steadily to encompass a range of lifestyles that include travellers who enjoy its low fares but also want the convenience and exclusivity of more premium services, hence the creation of “AirAsia Red Carpet”. Customers who choose this option will be treated to an exclusive check-in counter that bypasses any long lines, up to two-and-a half-hours access to a relaxing lounge complete with food and beverage as well as priority boarding and baggage claim. The service can be selected through the Manage My Booking feature on AirAsia website. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30326237 -------------------------- From Straits Times SINGAPORE - Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 will open on Oct 31 – a critical milestone for the airport as it goes live with new technology, systems and procedures that could shape the future of air travel in Singapore. Nine airlines – the AirAsia Group (which comprises four airlines), Cathay Pacific Airways, Cebu Pacific Air, Korean Air, Spring Airlines and Vietnam Airlines – will operate from the new terminal. http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/changi-airport-to-open-terminal-4-on-october-31-after-more-than-100-trials

That's true. At home, unfortunately, my sheets don't get the same workout they do on vacation! That's also true. When the hotel offers me the choice with the card system, I usually opt not to change them. But I appreciate being the one who decides. A few years ago a boy, who had a fairly fresh tattoo on his butt, left a multi-colored impression of sorts on the bottom sheet. I approached the maid the next morning in hallway and invited her into room to view my embarrassing predicament. She just waived me away with "my pen rai." I left her particularly generous tip.

From The Week (UK) Innovation is on the menu at Som Saa, Smoking Goat, Kiln and Farang London makes a lot of noise about being the world food capital thanks to its culinary diversity, offering everything from Peruvian and Indian to Italian and Spanish. There are other contenders to the title, including New York, Hong Kong and Melbourne - but when it comes Thai cuisine, London is arguably a clear winner. The Thai street food produced at four of the English capital's restaurants – Som Saa, Smoking Goat, Kiln and Farang – is among the most innovative and impressive served anywhere outside Thailand itself. What makes this even more remarkable is that the head chefs at these restaurants are all British, and only one of them has lived in Thailand. Continues at http://www.theweek.co.uk/88294/siamese-dreams-why-london-offers-the-best-thai-food-outside-thailand