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From Bangkok Post The Bangkok Pride association has been awarded by France for championing LGBTQ rights in Thailand. The city of Paris chose "Bangkok Pride", which organises the annual Pride March in Thailand, to be awarded the International Prize of the City of Paris under the "Prix International" category for its advocacy. An award ceremony for association members took place on Monday at the French embassy residence in Bangkok. Jean-Luc Romero-Michel, the deputy mayor of Paris, presented the prize to leaders of the association in the presence of Remi Lambert, Chargé d’affaires of the French Embassy in Thailand. He said during the ceremony that the decision to award Bangkok Pride was made after meeting a deputy Bangkok governor during a visit last year to discuss about how the city could boost the protection of LGBTQ rights. He said that during the visit, he met mebers of the Bangkok Pride team, adding that he was "stunned" to hear about their push for LGBTQ rights in Thailand, including the Marriage Equality Bill. "Although it is in the parliament, it is a work of the activists," he said. "If there is no activist in the country, it is impossible to achieve equality." "I know it is difficult for every sector [to achieve this]," he added. "So, we decide to give this award to the [Bangkok Pride] organisation." Created in 2018, the "City of Paris Prize for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people", together with the international association of French-speaking mayors, aims to reward individuals and associations participating in the advancement of LGBTQ rights.

+1 And he has that classic Thai smile that keeps many of us flying across the Globe to see up close again...and again.

From Pattaya Mail On August 5, Anupong Phutthanawarat, Chairman of the Pattaya City Administration and Peacekeeping Committee, led a meeting with Pattaya police and other relevant officials to address road congestion and traffic management issues in Soi Buakhao, Central Pattaya. The meeting reviewed the results of the one-way traffic system trial on Soi Diana (Pattaya Second Road Soi 11) and Soi Honey (Pattaya Second Road Soi 13), which began on May 21. The trial has led to a significant improvement in traffic flow, with positive feedback from both residents and visitors. The one-way system was introduced to tackle severe traffic congestion exacerbated by the growing number of residents, tourists, and workers. Based on the trial’s success, the committee has decided to make the one-way traffic system on these streets permanent. They will now seek approval from the Pattaya City Traffic Committee to formalize the changes.

From The Thaiger The Thai Department of Health issued a health warning to avid Thai milk tea drinkers about the risk of developing kidney stones due to the high sugar, calcium content, and compounds found in tea leaves. A post on the Department of Health’s Facebook page today cautioned those who consume milk tea daily, highlighting the potential health risks associated with their favourite beverage. The statement emphasised that regular consumption of Thai milk tea could lead to the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are formed when minerals in the urine crystallise, creating hard stones that can range in size from a grain of sand to a ping-pong ball. These stones can block the urinary tract, causing severe pain and, in some cases, leading to kidney failure, said a Department of Health. Several components in Thai milk tea can accelerate the development of kidney stones. Fructose, a type of sugar found in milk tea, is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, making the kidneys work harder and increasing the risk of stone formation. Additionally, some milk teas contain high levels of calcium due to their milk content. Excess calcium is excreted through urine and can crystallise, forming stones. Another contributing factor is oxalate, a compound found in tea leaves. Oxalate can bind with calcium to form calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type of kidney stones, reported KhaoSod. To mitigate the risk, the Department of Health recommends several measures for milk tea lovers. Reducing sugar intake by ordering less sweet or sugar-free options is advised. Drinking plenty of water can help dilute the urine and reduce mineral crystallisation. Opting for low-fat milk, skimmed milk, or soy milk can also lower calcium intake. Consuming potassium-rich fruits and vegetables, such as bananas and tomatoes, can further decrease the likelihood of stone formation.

From The Thaiger A 27 year old British tourist embarked on a dream holiday to Thailand but has mysteriously vanished, leaving his loved ones in a state of despair. Simon Robinson jetted off to Thailand on July 22, planning to soak up the Sun until August 3. However, just days into his trip, he phoned his girlfriend on July 26, announcing his early return. That call was the last anyone heard from him. According to The Lincolnite, Robinson, who spends much of his time in Boston, Lincolnshire, UK, never boarded his flight despite his phone pinging near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Since that fateful call, his phone has been switched off, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Friends and family are now frantically raising awareness to initiate a search effort. South Yorkshire police have confirmed that Simon’s case has been reported, though they have not launched a missing persons appeal. The Foreign Office has stated it is ready to assist any British national abroad.

Thanks for taking the time to report on all the bars you visited. You had a good time at two of the three bars where you offed guys and that's an acceptable ratio. Your tips were in line with what I believe is fair for ST encounters. You were indeed fair with the with the guy from Good Boy. Although he has the right to ask for more, you were correct in standing your ground; 2500 is generous for ST at Patpong bars. And the excuse "you too big" was identical to another member's account about off from same bar earlier this year. Encouraging to hear another good report about Hotmale boys. It sounds like 9-Teen operated on a rotation system which many shops due if you don't request a specific boy. Personally, if I can't find a guy that makes positive eye contact and smiles at this point, I will usually move on to another shop.

Have received a second-hand report that police (which branch uncertain) took two Lao guys away from a shop o Surawong a few days ago. No other details and may be simply a coincidence.

Kunlavut takes silver From Bangkok Post FRANCE: Kunlavut Vitidsarn lost to Viktor Axelsen from Denmark 11-21, 11-21 in the final match of the 2024 Olympics in badminton on Monday, earning the first silver medal for Thailand. In the first set, the scores of both sides raced neck and neck. Viktor who always swayed his arms before serving started to leave Kunlavut behind after Kunlavut’s score reached five. Taller Viktor led by 13-6 with his quick and precise shots across corners in the court. Kunlavut managed to follow with 7-15 with some superb smashes.Viktor then led by ten points when he reached his game point. Kunlavut advanced to 11 points before Viktor won the first set 21-11 when his attack sent the shuttlecock to hit the net and fall on Kunlavut’s side. In the second set that Kunlavut must win, the first point went to Victor. Kunlavut made 1-1 with a close-range attack in front of the net. Viktor’s precise shuttlecock landings and Kunlavut’s missed shots gave him farther lead while Kunlavut was following at 2-6 with a smash at his opponent’s leg.

Most--but not all--appear on three or more shops, I would estimate.

Sexting is among the most heinous internet crimes to be used against teen boys. It has been the cause of numerous suicides in that age group. Yet if you feel inclined to come to the defense of the perpetrator in this case, Riobard, knock yourself out. I have no idea what you're talking about it .I never claimed that Japanese male tourists are naive. That's what you're claiming. But rational thought has never been one of your strong points. 😄

One Spa is in the process of building a new on-line listing of masseurs to replace the previous version that disappeared earlier this year. You can click on individual photos and view details about the guys and, in some cases, additional photos. https://dif.link/onespa Although you may recognize most of the photos from previous posts from One Spa or other SK shops, there's a few I spotted today that appear new.

From The Thaiger Pattaya’s tourism operators have put forth a proposal to the tourism minister, aiming to transform the city’s image into a family-friendly destination, distancing it from associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling. The Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF) recently convened with Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanit to discuss the initiative. The meeting also included insights from a workshop that engaged foreign tour agencies from five key markets: Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Germany, South Korea, China, and India. The ACTF and the minister discussed plans to collaborate on boosting Pattaya tourism and rebranding the city. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the ACTF, highlighted that Pattaya has evolved from being a nightlife hotspot to a more family-friendly city with a diverse range of activities. “Pattaya has the potential to become a city of various attractions and a hub for investment as well as world-class events.” ======= From Pattaya Mail Brutal assault on Canadian tourist A brutal assault on a Canadian national in Pattaya’s infamous Soi 6 has cast a dark shadow over the city’s reputation as a tourist destination. On the night of July 31, Mr Mark Robert Westendorf, a 65-year-old former oil company manager, was viciously attacked by men dressed as bouncers. Now, he lies in critical condition in a private hospital’s ICU, while his wife, Mrs Nongyao Panraksa, pleads for justice. This incident is not just a random act of violence but a glaring indictment of the safety conditions in Pattaya’s entertainment zones. According to Mrs Panraksa, her husband had gone out to socialize, only to end up fighting for his life after being brutally assaulted. Witnesses reported that Mr Westendorf was attacked after leaning against a vehicle, with an argument escalating to violence when one of the so-called bouncers struck him, causing him to fall and sustain a severe head injury. Adding to the outrage, a foreign witness captured parts of the incident on video, confirming the attacker’s identity. The assailant, in a brazen attempt to escape accountability, even tried to seize the witness’s phone. This blatant disregard for law and order is shocking, but what’s more disturbing is the apparent apathy towards the safety of tourists in Pattaya. The attack on Mr Westendorf is a wake-up call. Pattaya’s local authorities must face the harsh reality: their city is becoming synonymous with danger rather than the vibrant nightlife and attractions it’s supposed to offer. How can a city expect to attract millions of tourists when those same tourists risk being assaulted in the streets? The question now is, what will the authorities do? This isn’t an isolated incident but part of a worrying trend where visitors find themselves victims of violence. The safety measures in place are clearly inadequate, and unless there is a drastic overhaul, Pattaya risks losing its appeal entirely.

From The Thaiger Police swooped to arrest a Thai transwoman at her home in Bangkok for blackmailing a 17 year old boy into producing porn. A Thai mother sought help from Thailand’s Internet Crimes Against Children on July 30 after her teenage son became depressed and unable to go to school after being allegedly blackmailed by a ladyboy, later identified as 24 year old Kantamate Kamonsurasate, whom he met on X (formerly Twitter). According to his mother, her son had an online date with Kantamate. Kantamate then tricked the boy into sending her his explicit pictures and videos. He was asked to send the obscene content to the suspect several times a day. The teenage victim wanted to stop sharing the indecent images and videos but Kantamate threatened to publish his explicit content and sell it on social media. The victim had to comply with Kantamate’s orders out of fear of blackmail.

...and maybe some groping.

Actually that's already decided; they'll will be taken by friend to Ha Tinh.

Had Twiiter until the day Elon Musk took it over.

Had all the Eagles' albums back in the day. My favorite all time group.

https://m.facebook.com/61553903012323/

Although unrelated to the on-line business in Japan, this article from last year explores a commercial outdoor scene. From Asahi Shimbun Male prostitutes on tourist visas busted in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district An increasing number of male foreign nationals are approaching men in and around Okubo Park in Tokyo’s infamous Kabukicho district to offer sexual services in exchange for money. Since the end of November, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has caught four of these men in the act of solicitation, which violates the Tokyo metropolitan government’s nuisance prevention ordinance. This is the first time in three years following a lull in activity during the COVID-19 travel restrictions that Tokyo police have made any arrests for violating that particular ordinance. According to investigative sources, two Filipino nationals and two Thai nationals between the ages of 26 and 37 were arrested. They are suspected of illegal solicitation and waiting for customers. The men reportedly told investigators that, “There are women waiting for customers in Kabukicho, so I thought I could do the same,” and “A friend told me I could engage in prostitution-like activities in Okubo Park.” One of the four is a Filipino national, 26, who entered Japan in late November for a short-term stay. He said he had four to five customers a day, charged 10,000 yen ($70) to 20,000 yen each time and earned about a million yen over 15 days. He began coming to Japan for short stays this summer to make money and was arrested on his third visit. Under Japan’s Anti-Prostitution Law, waiting for customers for the purpose of prostitution is illegal. However, the law only applies to women. On the other hand, the Tokyo ordinance prohibits soliciting and waiting for customers for the purpose of prostitution-like activities regardless of gender. According to police, foreign nationals have been offering sexual services around the park for some time. During to the COVID-19 pandemic, this activity was reduced significantly. Since September, however, Tokyo police have been receiving reports of “people standing around the park for the purpose of soliciting prostitution.” The police believe that these men have been entering Japan on a short-term visa since the pandemic-related border control measures were eased. During the crackdown, police said they noticed suspicious men watching the area. Police believe that lookouts warn the prostitutes when police are approaching. The number of male foreign nationals soliciting male customers is increasing on the streets in and around the Wakabacho district in Yokohama’s Naka Ward as well, and Kanagawa prefectural police are stepping up their efforts to uncover them.

Must be something because same individual chose to victimize 73 others before doing same to this tourist. Transgender individuals have a history of targeting tourists.

Thanks for the detailed report. Certainly gives us reason to put Japan on short list. Thought you were wise to trust your instincts in all matters.

Sorry but I don't have any additional information. Suggest you try contacting author (Barry Kenyon) at Pattaya Mail. He has many contacts in the diplomatic community. +66 81 850 0983 ptymail@pattayamail.com

From Bangkok Post 48-year-old transexual was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly swindling a Japanese man, the latest in a decade of similar offences against mostly Japanese men, adding up to about 26 million baht. According to police sources, the arrest of Uthai Nanthakhan aka Amy followed a fraud complaint from a Japanese man aged 36. He filed the complaint at the Thong Lor police station. The victim said he got to know Uthai in January. At that time the suspect told him she was a visitor from Hong Kong. After meeting several times, she duped him into making payments for her. Police said the suspect usually told victims, mostly Japanese men, that she had lost her wallet and passport during her trip and needed to borrow money for such things as applying for a new passport, medications and medical treatment, and insurance. The suspect's fraud record dated back to 2011, with 73 victims tricked out of about 26 million baht altogether. This year police received complaints from three victims who said they lost about 4 million baht. The suspect had been jailed for a similar crime in 2015 and released in 2018.

I prefer this guy🙂

I'm leaving that up to my trust attorney. Have already decided if I pass in LOS body will be cremated there. Expats have likely made plans but visitors rarely do.