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Much experience?

Ah, Macaroni. I remember you. You’re the man who wrote this about you and your “homo homies”. “In my circle of homo homies, we think life and language would be colorless and humourless if we didn't have hags, yobs, paddies, blackfellas, trannies, geezers, dumbblonds, gerontophiles and fatsos among us. Nor do we need to look far to see rice queens, potato queens, curry queens... And don't forget muscle marys.” So you and your homies somehow manage to boost your own self images by calling out blacks and aboriginies (blackfellss). Irishmen (paddies), overweight people (fatsos). The list goes on but I don’t believe we need much more to judge your intent. But by all means please continue to find more members to disparage. 😉

From CNN Hong KongCNN — Interested in capping off your trip to Hong Kong with a long weekend in Beijing or Shanghai? A new high-speed sleeper train service is making that possibility easier than ever. Two new overnight routes connecting the city with Beijing and Shanghai entered into service on June 15. Both trains depart Hong Kong West Kowloon Station in the evening and arrive in Beijing at 6.53 a.m. and Shanghai at 6.45 a.m., making the journeys around 12.5 hours and 11 hours respectively. Return trips depart from Beijing and Shanghai at around 8 p.m. and arrive in Hong Kong at 8.47 a.m. and 7.29 a.m. These routes run four days a week, departing all three stations every evening from Friday to Monday. “It will be more comfortable and faster, reducing the travel time by about half, and will cover a wider range of destinations, including popular tourist attraction cities,” John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, said in a press statement, referring to the previous overnight train routes that connected Hong Kong with China’s two biggest cities. Those intercity railway services, Beijing-Kowloon and Shanghai-Kowloon, launched in 1997. The train ride to China’s capital took around 24 hours while the journey to Shanghai was about 19 hours. Prices range from HKD937 to HKD1,506 ($120-$193) for the Hong Kong-Beijing route and HKD682 to HKD2,128 ($88-273) for the Hong Kong-Shanghai route. But while the new trips do indeed slash the overnight travel time by almost half, the high-speed sleeper services take slightly longer than the daytime bullet trains already in service connecting Hong Kong and the two cities in mainland China. Currently, the train company operates one daily high-speed connection to Beijing, which takes around 8.5 hours, and one to Shanghai, which is around 7.5 hours.

As a law-abiding tourist, I know that you earnestly check all fellow stamp collectors for adherence to tradition before showing them what you keep under cover. 🙂

NOTE — Have you ever wondered why some boys wear dual sets of underwear? From Pattaya News By Adam Judd In the land of smiles, Thailand, where the sun shines bright and the beaches beckon, there exists a law that has raised many an eyebrow. It’s the infamous underwear law, a regulation that insists on the wearing of undergarments whenever one steps out of their abode. Now, before you dismiss this as mere hearsay or the stuff of urban legends, let’s delve into this peculiar piece of legislation with a mix of earnest inquiry and a pinch of humor. At its core, the underwear law is not technically enshrined in Thai statutes but rather emerges from the depths of social customs and expectations. It’s an unwritten rule that whispers from the paddy fields of rural Thailand to the bustling streets of Bangkok: “Thou shalt not venture forth sans underpants.” The rationale? A blend of modesty, hygiene, and perhaps a dash of superstition—after all, who wants to risk offending the spirits with indecent exposure? While the law may sound like it’s straight out of a comedy sketch, it’s not actively enforced by the Thai police. You won’t find officers conducting spot checks for skivvies or setting up underwear checkpoints. However, it’s worth noting that in certain conservative communities, going commando might earn you some disapproving tuts and possibly a lesson in propriety from the local elders. In Thailand, respect for tradition and social norms is paramount. The underwear mandate is less about legal enforcement and more about adhering to societal expectations. It’s akin to an unspoken agreement among Thais to maintain a certain level of decorum in public spaces—kind of like not slurping your soup too loudly at a formal dinner. Now, what about our revered Buddhist monks? Surely they’re not subject to such worldly concerns? Indeed, monks are often seen as living beyond the material trappings of society, including, it seems, undergarments. Their religious attire, designed for simplicity and modesty, likely exempts them from this peculiar regulation. In conclusion, while you’re unlikely to be fined for flouting the underwear law during your Thai adventures, it’s probably wise to err on the side of caution—and comfort. So there you have it—a lighthearted look at one of Thailand’s most talked-about (but least enforced) regulations.

From Pattaya Newd The Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Ravi, a freshwater transport vessel, delivered over 170 tons (around 154,000 liters) of fresh water to the residents of Koh Larn in Pattaya to alleviate an ongoing drought problem. The delivery, which took place on June 14th, 2024, came as Koh Larn is facing a water shortage due to dry weather conditions and an increase in tourist arrivals. Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches stated that after receiving complaints from residents and tourists about insufficient water supplies, he reached out to the Royal Thai Navy’s Fleet Command 1 for assistance. The delivered water is expected to temporarily relieve the initial needs of Koh Larn residents. Meanwhile, Pattaya officials are in the process of finding long-term solutions to the island’s water shortage.

Regretfully none include opportunity for sex adventurism, for which many readers here have when making their assessments.

That aside, have a great time. 🙂

+1 I don’t believe there’s a location in Bangkok where the boys are more approachable and friendly than Silom Soi 6.

From Thai PBS World Seven international human rights organisations have written an open letter to Thailand’s Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, urging him to conduct a transparent investigation into the death of hunger striker Netiporn Sanesangkhom and to end “unlawful” detention of political offenders. The organisations claim that imprisonment of or denial of bail for political activists and protesters, especially those under 18, amounts to an unlawful use of judicial proceedings and are violations of Thailand’s commitment to international standards of human rights. Citing information from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), at least 1,954 people, including 286 who are under 18, were charged for their involvement in peaceful protests, or for expressing their political views offline or online, between July 2020 and May 2024. Moreover, at least 424 people under 18 have been charged with national security offences, 272 with lèse majesté and 202 others with violating the Computer Crime Act. They also call for amendments to the lèse majesté and insurrection laws (§112 and §116 of the Criminal Code). Signatories to the open letter include Amnesty Internal, the International Commission of Justice, Fortify Rights, Forum Asia and the Observatory for the Protection of Hunan Rights Defenders.

From The Nation The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) expects to launch its latest tourism train, SRT Royal Blossom, in mid-August following a successful test run to Hua Hin on Friday. The test run from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Hua Hin station in Prachuap Khiri Khan province was witnessed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who closely inspected the train when it arrived at Hua Hin station on Friday. SRT Royal Blossom train has been modified from 10 second-hand air-conditioned Hamanasu passenger cars that the SRT had received from the Hokkaido Railway Company of Japan in 2018. SRT's public relations chief Ekarat Sriarayanphong said five cars had been refurbished as tourism vehicles to run on the Bangkok – Kanchanaburi tourism route, expected to launch in August in a bid to boost tourism in secondary provinces under the government’s policy. The remaining five cars would undergo similar modifications and should be ready for public use by the year-end, he added. The Hamanasu passenger cars were manufactured in 1988 and used as part of the Hamanasu Express train service, which connected Hokkaido Island to Honshu Island. The service ran the final leg of the journey in Hokkaido on March 21, 2016. The name "Hamanasu” came from the flower symbol of Hokkaido Island – the Japanese rose. SRT started working on five of the cars in 2020 and undertook the first test run in March this year, running from Bangkok to Lampang province. The name "SRT Royal Blossom" is inspired by the Yellow star, which is the official flower of King Rama X and symbolises the "Golden Age of Railways”. The green velvet seat offers a sharp contrast to the train’s bright red exterior, but complements the natural colour of the cedar interior. All cars are equipped with wheelchair ramps, air purifiers, as well as world standard safety equipment.

Made my fourth visit to Phetboy Saturday. Myself and a fellow member both made reservations for 2:30p.m. Upon arrival, my guy was waiting and we were sent up to room on second floor. I was later to learn, however, that my mate’s masseur didn’t show up for another 45 minutes. Understandably dismayed, my friend requested and received a refund of the 380 baht fee. When I finished and found out what had happened, I accompanied him to nearby 15M where he chose a guy who happened to be in the shop. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise because he reported after that it was an excellent session (400 baht). As I reflect on my four visits to Phetboy, one was satisfactory while the other three were fine. The shop is clean and well maintained with showers that could comfortably accommodate three. Although I’ve only visited 15M on one prior occasion, I found that also to be clean and similarly well maintained. Both are less than a 5-minute walk from the Saphan Kwai BTS.

From The Thaiger Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered a dramatic setback, plummeting 11 spots in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index, leaving experts calling for urgent investment and innovation. In a devastating blow to the Thai government, which reported a modest 1.5% growth in the first quarter of 2024, the WEF index revealed Thailand’s fall from 36th to 47th place. This drop has sent shockwaves through the travel and hospitality sectors, with leaders urging immediate and comprehensive action. The WEF’s index, a meticulous assessment of a nation’s travel and tourismindustry, uses sustainability, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, combined with stakeholder consultations, to gauge performance. It comprises five pillars: Business Environment, Safety and Security, Health and Hygiene, Human Resources and Labour Market, and ICT Readiness. Sandy Liw, general manager of InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, emphasised the need for infrastructure improvements, particularly in lesser-known areas.

Least I could do.

From Thai PBS World The COVID-19 KP.2 sub-variant is quickly replacing JN.1, the dominant sub-variant in Thailand since late last year. Currently available vaccines, which were developed to deal with the XBB.1.5 sub-variant, are ineffective against KP.2, according to Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, in his Facebook page today. He said the KP.2 sub-variant, or FLi RT, is a mutation of the JN.1 variant and is more easily transmissible and more capable of evading the immune system, but its symptoms are no more severe than the JN.1 variant. He anticipates that the KP.2 sub-variant will soon become dominant in Thailand. He also said that the World Health Organisation has already advised vaccine producers to modify their vaccines to cope with the JN.1 sub-variant, but the virus has already mutated to KP.2 and it is not possible for the vaccine producers to keep pace with the current speed of virus mutations.

From Thai PBS World Two vocational students have been held for questioning for alleged involvement in a brawl with rival students, culminating in the fatal shooting of one student and injury to another. The incident took place on Thursday in Sukhumvit Soi 101/1 in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok. Pol Maj-Gen Noppasilp Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, told a press conference today that 14 vocational students, including nine underage youths and five adults, were involved in the fatal incident. He said that four were armed, but only one .38 calibre pistol has been recovered from the house of a friend of the alleged shooter. The two suspects told the police investigators that their group, with the support of their seniors, plotted to start trouble with students from a rival school, to gain recognition from their seniors. Police are compiling evidence to seek warrants for the arrests of the other students.

+1

From CNN Top 10 “impossibly unaffordable” cities Hong Kong Sydney Vancouver San Jose Los Angeles Honolulu Melbourne San Francisco/Adelaide San Diego Toronto https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/14/business/house-prices-impossibly-unaffordable-intl-hnk/index.html

The European Union delegation along with the embassies of Australia, United Kingdom and the United States jointly hosted a reception to mark Pride Month at the US chief of mission’s residence in Bangkok. The theme of the party held on Wednesday was “Pride, Rights, Thrive”. This celebration marks a milestone in Thailand’s human rights progress and underscores the international community’s collective commitment to promoting LGBTQI+ rights and inclusivity, including the ongoing efforts towards marriage equality legislation, the European Union delegation said in a press release. Attending the event were more than 200 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, government officials, civil society organisations, LGBTQI+ activists, youth networks, and individuals dedicated to equal rights in Thailand.

I could walk from Silom to Central World in 24 minutes. 🙂

From Pattaya Mail The Thai government expects its Revenue arm to collect 100 billion baht more to help fund the digital wallet give-away scheme. This surely explains why, from January 1 2024, assessable foreign income transmitted to Thailand by tax residents (Thais or foreigners here for six months plus in a calendar year) will be subject to personal income tax via Revenue tax forms. Those have to be completed no later than the end of March next year. A recent informal survey of retirees in Pattaya suggested that over 90 percent were in a state of utter confusion. What is assessable income? Does it include pensions already taxed in the home country? What about sending your cash to your wife as a gift? How to make sense of double taxation treaties which are undecipherable to most folk? Will visa renewal be dependent on having a Thai tax identification number? What will it cost to hire accountants? It’s no wonder that many expats are muttering, or talking openly, about leaving Thailand or at least making sure they are in the country for fewer than 183 days to escape the tax residence trap. Typical retirees here live on already-taxed pensions. Getting involved with a second tax authority, accountants and tax specialists is just about the last thing they want. Not to mention the potential costs of this bureaucracy. Nonsense on social media, such as the claim that Thai banks are now deducting tax international cash arrivals, is rampant. There’s a well-known truism that Thai authorities don’t take any notice of what foreigners think. The issue here is whether those same authorities are prepared to see the expat market, especially for retirees and global citizens, collapse under the pile-up of unanswered questions. What about the future of the Elite visa? What about the thousands of farang men married to Thais and with families to support? What about the property market, especially the purchase of condominiums? How can the understaffed Revenue suddenly deal expeditiously with hundreds of thousands of forms and accompanying documentation in a foreign language? Maybe, official clarification is just around the corner. Maybe. Meanwhile, accountancy firms are busy enrolling frightened expats with the promise of updates whenever possible. What would help, of course, is a statement from official Thai authorities that income already taxed elsewhere will not be re-taxed here. Or that certain types of visa, for example annual extensions for retirement or marriage, are exempt from the tax regulations on the grounds they are not “residence” permits. Sometimes silence is the best policy. But not tax reform on this scale.

From The Thaiger Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is moving closer to reality as Thailandgears up to expand its rail network. This new venture promises to transform travel and trade in the region, connecting major cities in Thailand, Laos, and China. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July 13 and 14. According to SRT spokesperson Ekarat Sriarayanphong, this link will enhance transportation between the two countries and pave the way for a seamless rail journey to China. The new route will allow passengers to travel from Bangkok to Beijing via stops in Vientiane and Kunming in southern China, where a semi-high-speed service to Beijing is available. Covering approximately 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometres) through mountainous terrain, the journey will take almost a full day. In contrast, a direct flight takes under five hours. However, the scenic and economic benefits of train travel are expected to outweigh the longer journey time. Currently, a high-speed train operates between China and Laos, significantly reducing freight delivery times to China. What used to take two days by truck now takes just 15 hours by train, according to a report by Nikkei. This efficiency boost is a game-changer for Thai exporters.

From The Thaiger In a dramatic comeback, paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatrapledged to reclaim all parliamentary seats in Nonthaburi Province from the Move Forward Party (MFP), setting the stage for a fierce political battle. Thaksin, without directly naming the MFP, made his intentions clear. “In the last General Election, all Parliament seats in Nonthaburi were taken from us, but we will win them back. It is our mission, and we have to do it for the country.” Historically, Nonthaburi, an adjacent province to Bangkok, had been a fortress for Thaksin’s political influence through his now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party and the subsequently established Pheu Thai Party. However, in last May’s General Election, the MFP managed a clean sweep, capturing all eight House seats in the province.

Correct. Keeping cabin cooler can reduce fuel burn so tempting for some carriers to lower temps on long hauls.

And you’re reading them 🙂