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From Forbes As travellers increasingly seek transformative wellness experiences, Indigenous cultural practices have entered the mainstream. From the commercialization of ayahuasca retreats to Mexican sweat lodges (known as a temazcal, it’s now easier than ever to access ancient modalities of healing on your next trip. But many of these cultural practices are divorced from their origins, eliciting criticisms of cultural appropriation. Subsequently, travelers pursuing a more ethical and regenerative approach to travel look to go to the source for their next culturally rooted wellness experience. In Thailand, one such ancient practice that is attracting travelers is bamboo tattoos known as “sak yant.” While the exact origins are not clear, the tattoos are believed to date back centuries; first used by Holy men and later by Buddhist monks across Southeast Asia in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Translating to “magic tattoo,” they’re believed to hold magical powers; ward off evil spirits and bestow the wearer with strength and courage. Due to their role in providing protection and good fortune, they are only to be applied by a spiritual master who can impart their energy in the application process. As a result, sak yant masters in Thailand are in high demand, and can develop an international following for their practice, particularly when they ink celebrities. Now travellers can access one of the most coveted sak yant masters, Ajarn Neng Onnut at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. A master and teacher in the art of sak yant, Onnut has over ten years of experience applying sak yant tattoos to over 10,000 people, including celebrities like Brooke Shields and Ryan Phillippe. As the first hotel in the country to provide sak yant, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel has already seen guests fly from Europe and the United States specifically for the service. In Thai, “sak” means “to tap,” describing the method of tapping the ink onto the skin using a traditional khem sak, a metal rod designed to replicate the shape of a bamboo stick which is often passed down through generations from a preceding sak yant master. Perhaps even more important as the application process of “sak” is the ritual that surrounds it. At Anantara, master Onnut consults the guest the day before the inking to learn about the guest’s life and goals in order to decide on the most appropriate yant, which can range from the most famous Haah Taew five-line yant to larger designs like the Twin Tigers. In becoming learned in sak yant, master Onnut studied the intricate artwork of the tattoos—which consists of almost 1,000 graphic images—and learned to read and write the entire Khmer and Pali scripts, memorizing the tattoo’s associated prayers, chants and mantras. Continues at https://www.forbes.com/sites/annahaines/2024/04/11/would-you-travel-to-thailand-for-a-tattoo

They should reflect the high standard of performance as exhibited by the former president.* * See Trump, golden shower, Moscow, 2013, et al.

NOTE -- It would surely make for a wonderful park. However, four words ("some of this space") could also turn out to mean that "most of this space" will be used for high-rise condos. From The Thaiger The Bangkok Port, located in the bustling Klong Toey district, is earmarked for a potential relocation, the Transport Ministry announced. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri revealed plans for a feasibility study into the port’s relocation yesterday, to transform parts of the 32-rai site into a public park. Manaporn, responsible for overseeing the operations of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), shared that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had proposed during an April 2 Cabinet meeting, a partial relocation of Klong Toey port to the Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri. The 62 year old prime minister’s order will be followed with the formation of a dedicated committee to examine the plan further. This relocation is complex, with multiple factors to consider, including existing lease agreements and employment contracts, Charoensri noted, referencing an initial survey conducted by the PAT. She reassured of the impact on industrial factories and oil refineries, stating that not the entire port would be shifted. Instead, the Bangkok-born PM has proposed methods to make optimal use of leftover space or areas currently misused by the community, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion in the vicinity. Some of this space, she indicated, might be redeveloped into a public park. The BMA aims to shift the Bangkok Port to the Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Chon Buri, with a vision to reduce air pollution and transform the vacated area into a green space for city-dwellers, reported Bangkok Post.

Bangkok Pat takes us on casual amble on the other side of the Chao Phraya river and invites us to get lost in its roads and back sois. Swear my blood pressure retreats as I follow in his footsteps.

NOTE -- Has echoes of the Red Bull cover up. In both situations, the victim was one of their own. From The Thaiger At the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, 15 police officers have been convicted of dereliction of duty for their involvement in a cover-up surrounding the fatal shooting of a highway police officer in Nakhon Pathom last year. Former Krathumban Police Station inspector, Police Major Kiartisak Somsuk, alongside 14 other officers and seven civilians, faced justice for colluding to conceal evidence in the high-profile murder case. Alleged influential figure Praween Chanklay, also known as Kamnan Nok, was implicated in aiding the officers in their malfeasance. Despite the damning evidence, only one officer, Police Sergeant Major Apirak, managed to evade conviction. The chilling incident unfolded during a party hosted at Praween’s residence on September 6 last year. Pol. Maj. Siwakorn Saibua was fatally shot by Thananchai Munmak, an associate of Praween. Shockingly, as the officer lay wounded, the 15 policemen stood idly by, failing to intervene or provide timely medical assistance. The motive behind the gruesome act allegedly stemmed from Siwakorn’s refusal to allow Praween’s fleet of trucks, carrying illegally heavy loads, to pass through checkpoints under his jurisdiction. This act of integrity cost Siwakorn his life. The court handed down varied sentences, with Kiartisak and three other officers facing two years behind bars, reported The Nation. Eleven officers and five civilians received one year and four months, while another civilian was sentenced to one year, nine months, and 21 days. Praween was not spared, receiving a two-year jail term, with additional charges pending.

Although I may attend an occasional show, massage shops are my venues of choice. I enjoy a much wider selection and the cost is always reasonable. Yes, the majority are straight but don't read too much into that. Remember you're in SE Asia now and not Idaho. Many will surprise you--as they have me--with how affectionate they can be. And I wouldn't rule out finding them in Soi Six, Surawong or Saphan Kwai shops as well as some of the high-end ones elsewhere. It's an equal opportunity profession. Good luck!

The owner appears to be well-financed and has set his sights on dominating the soi. I believe that there are four other all-male shops on the soi. In previous trips, they've always had sufficient staff to cover the other two locations. They claim to have an all-Thai staff.

From Aviation Week Air Canada will resume seasonal service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from October as the carrier continues an Asia-Pacific push with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. The announcement regarding the YVR-BKK route, which will be the only nonstop connection between North America and Bangkok, came just days after Air Canada launched exclusive service between YVR and Singapore. Over the past two years, the airline has operated the YVR-BKK route from December to March, but it has moved up the start of flights for the upcoming northern hemisphere winter season. From Oct. 27, Air Canada will fly the YVR-BKK route 3X-weekly, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). From December through March 2025, the route will be operated 5X-weekly. The airline will use a Boeing 787-9 configured with 298 seats, including 30 in business class and 21 in premium economy, on the YVR-BKK service. The Star Alliance carrier has said it plans to add 26% more capacity to Asia-Pacific destinations in 2024 versus 2023. It will be starting seasonal Toronto Pearson-Osaka and Montréal-Seoul routes in June. It currently is operating 4X-weekly flights between YVR and Shanghai.

From The Irrawaddy It was to be expected. Min Aung Hlaing and his regime have in the last few weeks suffered a series of major defeats in Arakan and Kachin states and most recently in Karen State at Myawaddy, an important border trade town. These defeats are significant for two reasons. First is the humiliation factor: They have inevitably eroded morale among troops while seriously undermining trust in Min Aung Hlaing within the military and its loyalists. Second is the strategic factor: The defeats have cut major supply and trade lines, giving control over important border crossings to anti-junta liberation forces, increasing the resistance’s access to resources, and significantly altering the regional and international view on the junta’s ability to control the country. For those reasons, Min Aung Hlaing and his regime are left with little choice but to attempt action that: Instantly grabs media and public attention. Is destructive and painful enough to divert attention away from recent defeats in Kachin State and Myawaddy. The junta cannot undertake a major offensive in Kachin for logistical and geographic reasons. Neither can it send ground troops into Arakan State, because this would inevitably lead to massive losses and more humiliating surrenders. Myawaddy is the only place where the junta can realistically mount a counteroffensive. Its goal would not be to seize back the border town (the military and its overarching power structure are no longer capable of retaking and consolidating control over territories and towns they have lost). Continues at https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/spotlight-on-thailand-as-cornered-myanmar-junta-threatens-disaster-on-border.html

From The Thaiger Police arrested an American man, who appeared to be drunk, after he smashed the window of a Thai man’s car in Phuket in the early hours of this morning. The 33 year old Thai victim, Tharathit Na Pattalung, filed a complaint at Wichit Police Station at around 5.30am today, April 11. He told police that a foreign man damaged his car, a white Mazda 3 sedan, parked outside the Seabed Hotel. Tharathit also gave police CCTV footage of the incident. The foreigner, later identified as a 46 year old American man named Danny, was seen in the video wearing a black T-shirt, brown shorts and no shoes. He smashed the driver’s seat window and tried to open the car door but it was locked. He was also seen looking through the window as if looking for something. Danny claimed that he smashed the car window because his friend had left his mobile phone in the car and wanted to retrieve it. The car owner insisted he did not know Danny or his friend. Danny was charged under Section 358 of the Criminal Law: damaging another person’s belongings or causing the loss of another person’s property. The penalty is imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Following many requests to Pattaya Mail, we provide below a question and answer session based on our recent checks with the authorities. You should notice that local immigration offices have some discretion about the detail and we have given examples. If in doubt, that’s where you need to ask. Why bother? It’s the address form in Thailand for “the housemaster, owner or possessor” of a residence where a foreigner is staying after arrival from a foreign country. It should be filled in and returned to the local immigration bureau “within 24 hours” from the time of arrival at the residence. However, weekends and official holiday periods are excluded from this deadline. The reporting was first introduced in the 1979 immigration act, but is now being enforced on the claim it enhances state security. But, at the end of the day, you personally are responsible for the TM30 – and you need one to obtain any service at local immigration. The fine is 1,600 baht. Who should fill it in? Most hotels and some condominiums use the online, dedicated facility to report your arrival to local immigration without bothering you. In return, the hotel or condo will receive by return a dated and written confirmation receipt which you will need when – and if – visiting local immigration to request a service. Alternatively, you can take to local immigration a hotel letter or detailed receipt showing you are sleeping there. If you are residing in a friend’s house or apartment, or if you own your own unit, that’s likely different. What documents are required? If you own your own unit, you will need to photocopy the proof – the chanoot or title deed as a rule. Many immigration offices will alternatively accept your yellow book or pink card (a form of longstay foreigner ID which is not compulsory and must be applied for at the local authority office). A rental contract is another possibility, if professionally written. If you are staying with a friend, he or she must provide you with personal ID (Thai ID card or ID page of foreign passport), the blue residence book of that residence and/or the title deed. How does TM30 affect foreign tourists? 30 days visa-exempt international tourists and holders of 60 days tourist visas (the latter issued by a Thai embassy abroad) will need a TM30 receipt to do any business at local immigration – typically extending their stay without needing to leave the country. No TM receipt: immigration service will be refused until the 1,600 baht is paid and a properly documented TM 30 application is made. How does TM30 affect long stay foreigners? Holders of non-immigrant visas, annual extensions of stay, the Elite visa etc are now drawn into the TM30 net. In the old days, they were advised they needed only to report once, no matter how many times they left Thailand, provided they did not change their main residence. That is no longer true and they will need a TM30 receipt – issued since their most recent arrival in Thailand – to renew their longterm visa or annual extension of stay, to apply for or renew a driving licence, open or change bank accounts, possibly request a re-entry permit and any other local immigration service. However, the fine is on a more discretionary basis than for tourists. What’s the connection with the 90 days report? You will likely be required to show your TM30 receipt before your 90 days residence report will be accepted. The fine for forgetting to do 90 days is 2,000 baht, though you can submit that form 14 days before or 7 days after the actual completion of a three months stay in Thailand. Can I be fined at the airport or border? Thai immigration officers at exit points will examine your passport in case of overstay or damage to the document. They will also check that you are not on a “wanted” list or are trying to leave the country on bail without court permission. They will not check your status with the TM30 or 90 days report. In other words, address bureaucracies come into play when you need a service from local immigration.

From Thai PBS World A historic map offers insights into Thailand’s past perceptions of geography, politics, and culture.//Photo: Fine Arts Department Step into the Bangkok National Museum and take a journey through the ages with the captivating “Precious Siam Inscriptions and Documents” exhibition. The Bangkok National Museum beckons travellers and history enthusiasts alike with its latest offering. A mesmerizing collection of historic inscriptions spanning various epochs, from nineteenth-century stone stelae to traditional palm-leaf manuscripts and early printed documents in Thailand, the new exhibition promises an immersive exploration of the nation’s rich heritage. As visitors enter the exhibition hall, they are transported back in time by the Siamese Chronicles section, serving as a gateway to bygone eras. Featuring ancient documents and timeless literature recorded on stone inscriptions, Thai manuscripts, and palm-leaf manuscripts, this section offers profound insights into Thailand’s historical landscape from the Sukhothai period to the pre-reformation era under the reign of King Rama IV. For those intrigued by Thailand’s legal history, the Legal Chronicles section presents fascinating tales of punishment, criminology, free trade, and freedom through historic legal documents and international relations. From the Three-Seal Law to the Bowring Treaty, visitors gain valuable insights into the evolution of legal systems, laws, and jurisprudence, culminating in the landmark Slavery Abolition Act of 1905, a significant milestone in Thai human rights development. VISITING THE EXHIBITION The Bangkok National Museum is situated in the historic district of Bangkok, near the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. It can be reached by taxi, public bus, Chao Phraya Express boat, tuk-tuk, or the MRT Blue Line. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm. By Thai PBS World Feature Desk Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/echoes-of-time-inscriptions-of-siam/

The 9-Teen group opened it second massage shop Wednesday on Silom Soi 6. It now has three shops in the immediate area, including the original location that fronts on Silom Rd. The new one is situated on the right side before dogleg turn to Soi Tarntawan.

I think you're right. That the captain was sentenced to 15 days detention apparently indicates that his actions were deemed to have hazard the vessel. If he had not chosen to resign, he likely would have been dismissed along with a reduction in rank. Commanders who survive a lost hull which 29 shipmates did not survive would not traditionally be viewed favorably by naval courts of inquiry anywhere.

It's customary to tip a boy who has sat with you in a bar. Amount is normally dependent on length of time he spends with you but expected minimum is 100 bht in addition to any drink you brought him. Mamasan tipped only if they provide useful service to you. Recommend again that you read prior trip reports and discussions about tipping. You'll learn much about like situations above and how to successfully navigate them.

From The Thaiger Thai doctor offered bribe to drop lawsuit in Swiss scandal The Thai doctor who was a victim in the Swiss scandal case in Phuket revealed that an unidentified person offered her and her family a bribe in exchange for withdrawing the lawsuit against the Swiss man. The female doctor, 26 year old Tarndao Chandam, took to social media and accused the 45 year old Swiss man, Urs Fehr, of physically assaulting her by kicking her in the back. The incident took place outside Fehr’s luxury villa on the beach near Yamu Cape in the Thalang district of Phuket on February 24. According to a report by Phuket Times today, April 10, Tarndao and her family were contacted by an unidentified person regarding the case. Phuket Times stated that this person offered a large sum of money to Tarndao and her father in exchange for dropping the lawsuits against Fehr. Tarndao’s father insisted that he and his daughter would never accept money from anyone and stated that they would visit the Office of The Attorney General to pursue the case to the fullest extent. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-doctor-offered-bribe-to-drop-lawsuit-in-swiss-scandal

From The Nation Police have arrested two men from Hong Kong with a sophisticated mobile tool for sending fake SMS (short message service) text messages to deceive victims into clicking malicious links. Pol Maj Gen Sathit Prom-uthai, commander of Cyber Crime Investigation 3, announced on Tuesday that the arrest of the two suspects was made inside Siam Paragon mall at 6pm on Monday with cooperation from mobile-phone operator Advanced Info Service (AIS). The two suspects were identified as Yip, 44, and Lee, 26. Police say they found one of them carrying a heavy backpack that contained something called a mobile false base station, and four mobile phones. A false base station, also known as a femtocell, is a device that can mimic legitimate cellphone towers.Sathit said his division was alerted by AIS that a possible mobile false base station was detected inside the shopping mall. As a result, he dispatched police officers to check. Police noticed the pair of suspects walking together with one of them apparently carrying a heavy bag on his back. Police monitored the pair for a while and saw them behaving in a suspicious manner, so officers identified themselves and asked to check the bag, where they found the false base station device.

From Pattaya Mail The streets of Pattaya have transformed into a dangerous arena, fraught with peril for both pedestrians and road users. On April 9, mounting frustrations boiled over as locals took their grievances to the mayor’s office, decrying the hazardous conditions exacerbated by the city’s inadequate traffic management. Eyewitnesses recount harrowing tales of near misses and fatal accidents involving tourists and locals alike, victims of reckless drivers who brazenly flout traffic laws. Despite pedestrian signals, the streets remain a perilous obstacle course where even the most vulnerable such as an incident when a disabled individual in a wheelchair activated a pedestrian crossing signal, only to endure verbal abuse and intimidation from impatient motorists. Despite the traffic lights signalling green for pedestrians, vehicles continued to plough through, narrowly avoiding collisions. Residents raised concerns over non-existent or poorly lit zebra crossings, posing a risk to pedestrians as motorists struggle to identify them, jeopardizing safety. Chronic traffic congestion, fuelled by tour buses and careless double-parking, exacerbates the chaos, with malfunctioning traffic lights and closed pedestrian crossings compounding the risks. Calls for police intervention and stricter enforcement of traffic laws reverberate throughout the community, as residents fear for their safety and implore authorities to take urgent action. Pattaya City has installed signs instruction pedestrians to raise their hand when wanting to cross the road at zebra crossings. This may seem unusual or even humorous at first glance, but it is a serious attempt to address pedestrian safety concerns in some areas. The concept behind this approach is to encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians by visually signalling their intention to cross.

From Thai PBS World Former captain of sunken HTMS Sukhothai tenders resignation The former captain of the ill-fated HTMS Sukhothai, a Rattanakosin-class corvette, has offered his resignation, which will take effect as soon as he completes the 15 day detention, imposed by the Navy for the sinking of the vessel in rough seas in the Gulf of Thailand on the night of December 18, 2022. Twenty-four of the ship’s complement died and five others are still unaccounted for. Commander Pichitchai Thuennadee, the former captain, offered his deep condolences, once again, to the families of those who died or are still missing, as soon the results of the RTN’s year-long investigation into the loss of the vessel were published at a press conference held Tuesday. Commander Pichitchai said that he would like to reiterate that this was a tragic accident and every member of the crew, including himself, had tried their utmost in an extreme situation, which went beyond their control. In his capacity as the captain of the vessel, Pichitchai said that he had assessed the situation on the night of December 18 and made the decision to order the vessel to head back to Sattahip naval base, because the ship was under control at that time. He claimed, however, that the weather and sea conditions changed for the worse very quickly which, in hindsight, means he may not have been cautious enough. On Tuesday, the Navy blamed the sinking on a sudden charge in the weather and sea conditions, resulting in waves as high as six metres, making it impossible to control the vessel which, eventually, took on water and began to list and then sink. Pichitchai said that he takes full responsibility for the tragic incident and will accept any consequences his superiors decide are appropriate. When everything is settled, he said he will leave naval service. He maintains that he has decided to quit of his own free will, without pressure, and that the Navy’s findings on the tragic loss are transparent.

Recall the incident. Following tread posted last August in this forum. Tip of the hat to Khaosod English which broke original story and also the follow up.

Thought I was only one here old enough to remember Tom of Finland. Good news: looks like he's available outside 7-Eleven.

Tipping has been a perennial topic of debate on the forums forever. Reviewing some of the more recent ones may prove helpful. Reading previous trip reports also contain tipping information.

Likewise. But Roughjock may have learned the most important lesson: never pay 5,000 baht for any off. That was interpreted as "You mean I get to do this again?" I wouldn't pay 5,000 bht that for any model regardless of where they're from Although I'm not a fan of either Jupiter or Moonlight now, those are the only two bars I think of where the term "model" is commonly used (and then only for a select handful of performers at Moonlight).

NOTE -- Not surprising that longevity in the industry depends on ability to deliver the "money shot" on cue over course of career. From The Thaiger A renowned Japanese adult film actor sparked a considerable online buzz after revealing the disparity in earnings between male and female performers in the porn industry. Known for his fitness and stamina, the actor shed light on the financial aspects of male performers’ roles, which are significantly less lucrative compared to their female counterparts. This revelation has captured the attention of adult film enthusiasts globally, highlighting the challenges and endurance required in the profession. Shimiken, the actor in question, took to Twitter to discuss the compensation or fees that male adult film actors receive. He outlined that the highest payment for male performers can reach up to 50,000 yen per film, which equates to approximately 12,000 baht. This peak compensation, however, is reserved for those who have progressed through the industry’s ranks to land leading roles. Beginning at the base level, amateur male leads, who are part of the film but not in scenes with top actresses, receive about 10,000 yen (2,400 baht) per film. These actors often remain unnamed and unrecognised. Their ability to perform under pressure is crucial, as any failure to do so could result in no pay. The second level involves a step up from the base, where actors have more involvement in the films and can control their performance, earning them 20,000 yen per film. The third tier includes actors who understand the intricacies of the job and can perform in various types of scenes. These actors can control their physical responses on cue and are paid 30,000 yen per film. At the fourth level, actors capable of filming one-on-one scenes with leading actresses and possessing camera skills, such as those required for intimate hotel room films, can command 40,000 yen per film. These roles are typically with independent actresses not affiliated with any major studio. The fifth and top level is where actors earn the trust to debut with new female performers. Shimiken notes that these trusted and mistake-free performers can earn 50,000 yen per film. Popular actors like Daisuke Sadamatsu and Muscle Sawano, who frequently open films, have become leading figures in the industry, with opportunities to act in more than 40 scenes a month. An actor’s ability to perform multiple times a day is essential in this high-demand profession. This level of trust from film companies and support from fans requires not only talent but also a robust physical constitution. The insights provided by Shimiken, a respected and experienced actor, offer a rare glimpse into the financial aspect of male performers in the adult film industry. Shimiken, whose real name is Ken Shimizu, is 44 years old and has been active in the adult film scene since he was 18. With a career spanning over two decades and featuring in more than 10,000 titles, Shimizu has established himself as a prominent and beloved figure in the industry, amassing a significant fan following. ==================== An article from 2015 reported that Japan's"hardest working man" was then raking in $32,000 weekly.

From Pattaya Mail Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is set for significant enhancements this year, with the introduction of electric buses in July and a proposed route expansion. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Traffic and Transport Department has finalized a deal with the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC) for a fleet of 23 electric buses from China, part of a five-year plan valued at 465 million baht. These new buses are designed with doors on both sides to accommodate stops along Rama IV Road and the original BRT route, along with low-floor features for improved accessibility. Plans to extend the BRT route include adding two more stops to the existing 15.7-kilometer line that links Sathon and Ratchapruek roads. The extension will also stretch an additional 2 km from Sathon road to Rama IV road, facilitating an interchange with the MRT Blue Line at Lumpini Station. Adjustments to the service hours are in response to passenger demand, with operations set from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. During peak hours, buses are expected to run every seven minutes, a significant improvement from the current 15-minute interval during less busy periods. The fare for the entire route will remain at a maximum of 15 baht.