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Will only comment on Bangkok. if anything, Thailand—and Bangkok in particular—is renowned for its massage industry. That’s not to say he it doesn’t have a noteworthy sauna scene but it’s a distant second attraction. If you have a fairly good body, you’ll probably have rewarding experience at the at the top saunas where the younger crowds gather. Otherwise, places like 39 Underground and Heaven saunas might be better choices. Massage shops on the other hand accommodate all comers. It would be a mistake IMO not to liberally sample the offerings.

Search pornhub or other sites for Mexico City metro.

You’re both right. The queue is actually for “Beef,” a dance club for the beefier set. Apparently they have many admirers because those awaiting admission weren’t necessarily beefy and represented a cross section of ages. https://www.facebook.com/beef.bkkbar/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Bi Polar on the other hand is geared toward ladyboys and their admirers. https://www.facebook.com/bipolarsilom/ (A tip of the hat to Jason1975 for setting me straight—well on that matter anyway)

From Thai PBS World In its effort to promote gender diversity, Thailand will not stop at legalising same-sex marriage, which it will later become effective this year, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today. “Thailand will continue to support gender diversity after successfully passing the marriage equality bill. We are looking forward to pushing for gender recognition and sex worker laws,” he said. He was speaking at the start of Pride parades at the National Stadium. With him were Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and other senior party members. Srettha also mentioned equality regarding gender honorifics, allowing LGBTQ+ people to choose their titles on official documents. Srettha did not, however, provide details about sex worker legislation. Visitors from around the world are celebrating Pride Month in Thailand this June. Events are scheduled to take place in several Thai destinations, as Thailand works to become a top “LGBTQ+ Friendly Destination.” Bangkok Pride, starting today, will continue for a month and will include many LGBTQ+-related fora at various venues in Bangkok and other provinces. Aiming for gender equality and the creation of an environment that nurtures diversity, Thailand is committed to empowering all citizens, regardless of age, gender, religion, nationality, or social status, and welcomes tourists from around the world, according to the government, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Chiang Mai is also celebrating Pride Month with parades, concerts and art exhibitions. On Koh Samui, in Surat Thani, the “Pride Nation Samui International Festival”, on the theme of “Let’s Join PRIDEradise”, will take place between June 24and 29. A pride parade and music festival will take place on June 29on Chaweng Beach.

Frim The Thaiger In an unprecedented global crackdown, a leading cybercrime organisation, described as the world’s most sophisticated hacking group, has been successfully dismantled. This victory comes as a result of a tireless combined operation between Thai and US security services. The operation orchestrated by the FBI and Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), resulted in the arrest of three top-ranking members of the international cybercrime syndicate. The fallout of the arrests, unlike any seen before, is set to have a significant impact on global cybercrime activities. The syndicate had been operating extensive illegal activities involving unauthorised system access, theft of confidential information, and cryptocurrency fraud across borders, wreaking havoc on the global digital economy. The arrested individuals are now facing serious charges under the Computer Crimes Act, which could equate to a decade-long sentence for each charge. Officers searched a target house in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, and three condominium rooms in Na Jomtien. They found 7.5 million baht in cash, both Thai and foreign currencies, 13 luxury watches including 3 AUDEMARS PIGUET watches worth over 30 million baht, 23 pieces of jewelry worth over 50 million baht.

The lure of gaining admittance to Bi-Polar, the club that occupied the space that once housed my beloved Nakarat, reached must be an all-time high Friday night when 100+ queued up behind the velvet rope that stretched to the Croom hotel entrance and overflowed beyond. It’s become a destination on Soi 4.

Except this of course.

OMG, you stole someone else’s passport! However, you had no problem poking fun at ladyboys above, depicting them as ladybugs and pieces of fruit.

I was right then. You’ve never been here. 😅

Believe it or not, there are some days when I actually think they wouldn’t be doing it if they weren’t getting paid.

From The Nation Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director general of the Department of Tourism, said a world-class film crew from Hollywood is preparing to shoot the movie "Jurassic World 4" in Thailand. The filming locations will include Krabi and Trang provinces, with a shooting period of about one month, from June 13 to July 16, 2024. Furthermore, the latest report from the Thailand Film Office said the production team of "Jurassic World 4" is also interested in filming in areas of Bangkok, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. It is expected that this project will generate revenue of 650 million baht for Thailand. These funds will be distributed to various sectors in the country, including payment for Thai crew members, equipment rental, accommodation, venue rental, transportation costs, Covid-19 prevention measures, and catering expenses, among others.

If the above link to Phet Boy masseurs doesn’t show complete list, try this one. https://phetboyspa.blogspot.com/2024/02/phetboy-spa.html

It indeed may be fun but not exactly satisfying in the biblical sense.😉

Visited Phet Boy shop this afternoon. General observations: Less than a five minute walk from BTS (see above). Found it to be very clean with rooms on second floor (mattress pad on floor). There a generous size shower down the hall with ample hot water. I was presented with bottle of water upon entering and wasn’t asked for payment until I was leaving. Minimum tips range from 800 to 1200 for one hour massage. You choose your masseur from the long list at following link. You’ll recognize many—if not most—from the photos from others shops around Saphan Kwai. https://phetboyspa.blogspot.com/ One hour oil is 380. My masseur (from Myanmar) was cheerful and offered what could be best described as full service and I tipped accordingly. Overall impression was positive and I’m fairly sure that I’ll be e returning. The shop is located a few minutes walk from multiple other all-male shops on same side of road, GBeat and 15m among them. K Man is just across the road. Be advised that some photos the shops display can be three or more years old. So occasionally the guy who opens the door may be a bit older and possibly heavier than pictured. This applies to all shops. That’s one big advantage the shops in the Silom area have over the SK shops.

From The Thaiger hai police dismantled a sprawling network that illegally enabled foreigners, predominantly Russians, to secure long-term stays in Thailand through deceptive company setups. This elaborate scheme, orchestrated by a 45 year old Russian woman and her Thai accomplice, has rocked the idyllic province of Phuket. Police revealed that the Russian mastermind arrived in Thailand in 2012 and, alongside a Thai woman, facilitated the registration of over 270 shell companies. These companies were fronts to sidestep Thai laws that limit foreign businessownership to 49%, a rule designed to safeguard local competition. Puttidej Bunkrapue, commander of the police Economic Crime Suppression Division explained that foreigners can operate a business in Thailand, but it must be a joint venture with a Thai partner. Through this illicit service, foreigners were either listed as shareholders or employed by these shell entities, securing them work permits and long-term residency. Authorities suspect the operation has been running since 2016 but noted a surge in clientele following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Chief investigator Krit Woratat confirmed that at least 50 foreigners had been officially charged by yesterday. Phuket, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, has seen a marked influx of Russian tourists and expatriates. From 2019 to early 2024, over 90,000 Russians visited the province, reported Thai PBS World. The number of companies registered under Russian names skyrocketed to over 1,600 from 2023 to early 2024, a dramatic increase compared to the annual average of 30 companies between 2016 and 2022.

The situation bares watching. This statement appeared in today’s Thaiger: ”The new regulation was announced to take effect June 1, but from reports from entry points on June 1 we are told that immigration officers still stamps only 30 days.”

Obviously you rarely—if ever—traveled to Thailand. Even ladyboys refer to themselves as ladyboys. They’ve been accepted as part of Thai society and aren’t subject to the same discrimination that transgenders are in the west.

Only the more pedestrian places 🙂

Good to ser the idea of blaming the victim isn’t lost on you. it’s a time-honored scam that’s Trump’s favorite retort.

Talked with manager outside tonight. He said maybe open next week.

From The Thaiger A treasure chest was unearthed along the banks of the Mekong River in Bokeo Province, Laos, revealing a trove of Buddha statues, gemstones, coloured stones, metal artefacts, and other valuable items. The discovery follows earlier findings of Buddha statues and ancient artefacts in the same area, believed to be the site of an old temple and city from the fabled Suvarnakhomkham Kingdom era. Monk Khattiya Baramee shared images of the excavation, showcasing a large, well-preserved Buddha statue. The statue’s remarkable condition has garnered much admiration. Other numerous valuable items such as glass, diamonds, coloured stones, gemstones, and various metal artefacts were also discovered. The items were part of a chest retrieved from the Mekong River, at the riverside in Ban Ton Phueng, Bokeo Province, Laos, capturing public intrigue. Further details into the treasure reveal that the chest is known as Jai Phra That, a customary practice for people to offer treasures as a form of Buddhist worship, often placing them inside stupas beneath temples. The offerings typically include glass, rings, silver, gold, and various forms of Buddha statues. The page confirmed the authenticity and value of these ancient items. The discovery sparked significant interest among locals and historians alike, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage of the region. The artefacts, particularly the Buddha statues, are considered to be of immense historical and spiritual value. This find not only provides insight into the religious practices of the ancient but also showcases the craftsmanship and artistic achievements of the era.ddd

Amazed me, too. 😄 Love posting “best” lists. No one—myself included—ever agrees with them but it’s fun to read the comments.

just another day in Pattaya…. From Pattaya News A South Korean tourist filed a report to Pattaya police in the early hours of May 30th, claiming he was kicked in the face twice by an exotic animal exhibitor. The tourist lost three teeth after getting kicked. The incident took place at the Runway Market on Pattaya Second Road. The victim, Mr. Munsu Park, a 38-year-old South Korean national, along with his older brother and girlfriend, traveled to the Pattaya Police Station around 2:06 AM to file an assault report against the Thai owner of an exotic animal show. According to Ms. May, the victim’s girlfriend, Mr. Park was visiting Pattaya for the first time. The three of them were walking through the Runway Market and spotted an exotic animal show. Mr. Park stopped to watch and take pictures with his phone. However, the owner of the animal show became upset that the tourist was taking pictures and demanded he stop. An argument ensued, and Mr. Park allegedly tossed the owner a 100 baht banknote, Ms. May said. This enraged the owner even more. The owner threw the money on the ground and reportedly proceeded to kick Mr. Park in the face twice. The tourist fell to the ground, sustaining three broken teeth, two loose teeth, and profuse bleeding. The three of them decided to file a complaint against the exhibitor after the assault. Meanwhile, the owner of the animal show, whose name was not revealed by police, claimed that he was angered by the tourist throwing money at him. He perceived it as disrespectful, especially because money in Thailand contains a portrait of His Royal Majesty The King, which caused him to kick the tourist in a fit of anger. He did not think about the consequences at that moment, but he now felt remorse and would willingly face the legal repercussions through the justice system The incident is under investigation. It is unclear if the suspect offered to compensate for the damages to the Korean tourist.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The extension of visa-free travel to 93 countries, including all those which are major players in tourism to Thailand, means that the overwhelming majority of foreign holidaymakers can obtain 60 days just by turning up. Nationals of those countries still needing a prior visa – for example Haiti, Pakistan, the Central African Republic, El Salvador, North Korea – send few vacationers in any case. The mammoth question for the 93 countries is now extensions and repeat performances. In other words, can these tourists extend their 60 days for another month at local immigration and can they do a border hop to start all over again? Nobody can confirm either possibility and a phone call to 1178, the immigration hotline, brought no clarification. That’s not surprising as the new visa rules for visitors were introduced by the foreign affairs ministry, whilst internal extensions are the responsibility of the immigration bureau, a totally separate and fiercely independent government bureaucracy. The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), so far, is incomplete. We know is a multiple entry visa, valid for 5 years and aimed largely at remote workers and digital nomads, for a maximum stay of 180 days with an extension of another 180 days. The cost is 10,000 baht (around US$270) per half-year with a security bond of 500,000 baht available. Some social media contributors have stated this visa can be used only twice in five years, 180+180 days as it were, whilst others have declared you can live in Thailand for the entire five years as an alternative to the Elite visa or the annual extension of stay based on retirement. Neither extreme makes any sense. There is very little news in the new policy for existing expats, apart from a temporary reduction in medical insurance required by some (not all) holders of retirement visas and their subsequent extensions of stay. However, there is an intriguing reference in the ministry of foreign affairs’ news release that the number of non-immigrant visas available will be drastically cut. The detail, once again, is guesswork but could include visas and extensions for retirees, foreigners married to Thais, work permit holders and international students being updated. Will the well-known difference between the 800,000 baht requirement for retiree visas and the 400,000 baht for married foreigners survive? Not mentioned in the DTV news release, is the awesome elephant in the room. That’s the requirement, already stated by the Thai Revenue authorities, for all foreign tax residents to register by early next year for possible personal income tax on overseas income. A tax resident spends more than six months in Thailand in the calendar year. If the Thai government is serious about encouraging expat numbers in Thailand, it should issue an unambiguous statement that foreign income or pensions already taxed will in the home country will not be subject to further inquiry in Thailand. The sense of relief would be audible from the Myanmar border to the southern islands beyond Phuket. But don’t hold your breath.