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From VN EXpress The Indonesian air safety agency has called for better pilot fatigue monitoring mechanisms after an investigation revealed that both pilots of a commercial aircraft had recently fallen asleep in-flight. A pilot and co-pilot were simultaneously asleep for approximately 28 minutes during a Batik Air flight from south-east Sulawesi to the capital Jakarta on Jan. 25, a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) said. The report, seen by AFP on March 8, was uploaded to the agency’s website in late February. Indonesia is a vast archipelago with a poor air safety record despite relying heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands. One of the pilots had not rested adequately the night before the flight, the report said. The incident resulted in a series of navigation errors, but the Airbus A320’s 153 passengers and four flight attendants were unharmed during the flight, which lasted two hours and 35 minutes. About half an hour after the plane took off, the captain asked permission from his second-in-command to rest for a while, with the request being granted. The co-pilot then took over command of the aircraft, but also inadvertently fell asleep, the report said. "The second-in-command had one-month old twin babies. His wife took care of the babies, and he assisted while at home," the report said. A few minutes after the last recorded transmission by the co-pilot, the area control centre in Jakarta tried to contact the aircraft. It received no answer. Twenty-eight minutes after the last recorded transmission, the pilot woke up and realised his co-pilot was asleep and that the aircraft was not on the correct flight path. He immediately woke his colleague up, responded to the calls from Jakarta and corrected the flight path, the report said. The plane landed safely after the incident. Investigators did not identify the pilots, but said they were both Indonesians and were aged 32 and 28. KNKT urged Batik Air to create detailed procedures to conduct proper and regular cockpit checks and to ensure that pilots and cabin crew were well-rested before their flights. The report, seen by AFP on March 8, was uploaded to the agency’s website in late February. Indonesia is a vast archipelago with a poor air safety record despite relying heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands. One of the pilots had not rested adequately the night before the flight, the report said. The incident resulted in a series of navigation errors, but the Airbus A320’s 153 passengers and four flight attendants were unharmed during the flight, which lasted two hours and 35 minutes. About half an hour after the plane took off, the captain asked permission from his second-in-command to rest for a while, with the request being granted. The co-pilot then took over command of the aircraft, but also inadvertently fell asleep, the report said. "The second-in-command had one-month old twin babies. His wife took care of the babies, and he assisted while at home," the report said. A few minutes after the last recorded transmission by the co-pilot, the area control centre in Jakarta tried to contact the aircraft. It received no answer.

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From VN Express China has announced that citizens from six more European countries – Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg – will be able to travel visa-free to China from March 14. "I would like to inform you that starting from March 14, China will further implement the visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg on a trial basis," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference in Beijing, as quoted by Global Times. Citizens from these countries will be allowed to stay in China up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes, Bloomberg reported. In December last year, China waived visas for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain as it seeks to recover tourism after years of border closures due to Covid.

I'm bumping this post because the cost of making foreign ATM withdrawals in the LOS is about to increase 1 %. The same applies when making reservations directly with a foreign air carrier or hotel booking service while in Thailand. From The Nation From May 1st, Thai commercial banks will charge their customers a 1% Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fee for making cash withdrawals abroad. A similar fee will also be levied on the use of Visa or Master credit cards for transactions made abroad for goods or services or through online stores which are registered outside Thailand.

From Pattaya News Pattaya Police are investigating the potential suicide of a Czech tourist who was found hanged in an apartment building in Pattaya on Thursday, March 7th, 2024. Pol Lt Thanawee Yarangsi, Deputy Investigator of the Pattaya Police Station, received a report of a deceased tourist at an apartment in Pattaya at 5:00 PM. Rescue workers and police officers were immediately deployed to the scene. The lifeless body of Mr. Petr Vojacek, a 49-year-old Czech citizen, was found hanging from a roof beam in a fifth-floor storage room of the apartment. His name had been revealed by police after authorities reportedly contacted his embassy and family members. A nylon rope was tied around his neck. The body exhibited signs of early decomposition, with body fluids and a strong odor. Authorities assumed that Mr. Petr had likely been deceased for at least three days based on the decomposition. The room was restricted to preserve the incident scene. A preliminary examination revealed no signs of physical violence on the body. Ms. Sirinna Buphadee, the 35-year-old caretaker of the apartment building, informed police that Mr. Petr had checked in on February 28th, 2024. The last time she saw him alive was on March 2nd. A foul odor caused her to investigate the storage room on March 7th, where she discovered Mr. Petr’s body. She immediately contacted the authorities. Pol Lt Thanawee took a photographic record of the scene for evidence. He stated that the victim may take his own life; however, the exact cause of death will be confirmed by a forensic examination at the Police General Hospital.

I'd think the boy has more to say about it than the manager. 🙂

Still recall hanging on to every word of FDR's fireside chats. You youngins don't know the half of it. 🫠

From Thai Enquirer and other sources Six people were arrested after attempting to smuggle 87 animals stuffed in luggage through Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Five men and one women, all of whom are Indian nationals, were arrested by Thailand's Customs Department after officials found their luggage suspicious during a security check, reported The Independent. The group was allegedly trying to smuggle the creatures to Mumbai, India. According to the Thai Enquirer, the animals seized include: 29 lizards, such as black-throated monitors 21 snakes, including corn snakes and red bamboo rat snakes 15 birds, such as the bird of paradise and parrots Seven monitor lizards Four chameleons Two squirrels Two bats Two cotton-top tamarins One fishing cat One red panda One Sulawesi bear cuscus One frog One rat

From Pattaya News Pattaya City is collaborating with the Thai Boxing Association and Traditional Thai Boxing Association to host the 5th World Muay Thai Championship. Held from March 11th to the 15th, 2024, at Jomtien Beach, the competition, sponsored by Rage Fight Academy, will not only feature intense Muay Thai boxing fights but also a gracious traditional Thai boxing master’s respect ceremony on March 14th. The championships will take place at the opposite of the D Varee Hotel, kicking off at 5:00 PM daily with free entry for all.

From The Thaiger Filipina transgender beauty contestant speaks out after Bangkok brawl Photo courtesy of pachecolars Instagram via South China Morning Post A Filipina transgender beauty contestant stepped into the spotlight following a viral Bangkok street brawl, seeking to soothe tensions and advocate for respect from the hosts. Two Filipina nationals faced charges for assaulting six Thai transgender individuals outside the Citin Hotel on Soi Sukhumvit 11 on Monday, March 4. The altercation erupted among a group of over 20 tourists, leading to injuries on both sides. Thai transgender individuals swiftly rallied their compatriots on social media, urging them to gather outside the Filipinas’ hotel. Amidst police escorting the suspects, another scuffle ensued. Describing the confrontation, police officer Withawat Chinkam noted potential cultural and racial tensions. Lars Pacheco, who placed sixth in the Miss International Queen pageant, condemned the Filipinas’ actions and urged respectful behaviour abroad.

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That's Putin's sperm sample?

From AFP Sweden on Thursday became the 32nd member of NATO, turning the page on two centuries of non-alignment and capping two years of tortuous diplomacy after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered new fears. Days after Hungary followed key holdout Turkey and became the last NATO member to sign off, Sweden ceremonially handed over accession documents to the United States, the leading force of the transatlantic alliance that promises joint security for all. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson late Thursday attended as a guest at the annual State of the Union address of President Joe Biden, whose rival Donald Trump has disparaged NATO as unfairly burdening the United States. “Mr Prime Minister, welcome to NATO, the strongest military alliance the world has ever seen,” Biden said as he recognized Kristersson, who sat in the gallery next to First Lady Jill Biden. Biden urged the House leadership of the Republican Party to move on billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, saying, in a dig at Trump, that “I will not bow down” to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “If anybody in this room thinks Putin will stop at Ukraine, I assure you he will not,” Biden said. Kristersson, at an accession ceremony at the State Department, called joining NATO “a major step but, at the same time, a very natural step.” “It’s a victory for freedom today. Sweden has made a free, democratic, sovereign and united choice to join NATO,” he said. He later delivered a televised address to the nation from Washington, telling Swedes: “We are a small country, but we understand more than most the importance of the greater world beyond our borders.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said few would have expected Sweden as well as Finland to join NATO before Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. There is “no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia,” Blinken said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also hailed Sweden’s membership, saying: “One more country in Europe has become more protected from Russian evil.”

This issue seems to come to the forefront every two or three years. Personally I think the vendors add more to the Bangkok experience than they detract . Particularly enjoy watching the Screw Boy staff grabbing a quick meal about 11:30. I suppose the following could be filed under: "we're from the government and we're here to help." From Thai PBS World The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been trying to solve the problem of street stalls stealing footpath space from pedestrians for decades, but with little result. This challenge is a tough one because street stalls don’t just benefit the vendors but are also used by most Bangkokians. Street vendors, usually low-income earners, don’t have to worry about rent, so they can earn a living selling their products/services at very modest prices. Their customers, meanwhile, appreciate the affordability and easy access to food and products. All they need to do is stop off at their favorite stall on their way home, or to the office or school. Street stalls are ubiquitous in Bangkok’s crowded areas. Foreign tourists are often fascinated by the diverse range of delicious, yet cheap street food available in the Thai capital. However, despite all the benefits, there are downsides too. “Food stalls line the footpath leading to my condo, making it very difficult for me to get home,” a resident of Bangkok’s Udom Suk area told Thai PBS World. “I often end up walking on the road instead.” Due to these problems, she has decided to throw her full support behind the BMA’s efforts to regulate street stalls. She insists that pedestrians should be allowed to walk safely on clean and tidy footpaths. The BMA is planning to regulate street stalls by moving them to special areas such as hawker centers, removing them altogether, or ensuring they operate without endangering pedestrians and ruining state-built footpaths. The plan takes the form of a new draft regulation currently being put to a public hearing that’s due to conclude at the end of March. The draft regulation stipulates that every street vendor be registered. To register, the vendor must be a Thai national with annual income of no more than 180,000 baht as per Revenue Department estimate, must have a welfare card, must be receiving financial help via the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, or be buying a home under the Community Organizations Development Institute. If their annual earnings soar beyond 180,000 baht, street vendors will not be able to renew their license. The BMA promises to review and revise the income ceiling based on inflation and the state of the economy.

You seem to forget that Japan was also pursuing nuclear weapons development programs. There was little doubt that Japan would have deployed a nuclear weapon if it had succeeded before the U.S. The Japanese military invested in various efforts to research the potential technology, and created technology for uranium enrichment (including several cyclotrons and a thermal diffusion device). Japan developed the first cyclotron outside the U.S. in 1937 and its second (pictured below) in 1943. Russian physicist Georgy Flyorov suspected that the Allied powers had secretly been developing a "superweapon" and wrote a letter to Stalin urging him to start such a program in 1942.  Initial efforts were slowed due to the German invasion of the Soviet Union and remained largely composed of the intelligence gathering from the Soviet spy rings working in the U.S. Manhattan Project. (From Wikipedia). Does anyone really doubt that Stalin would have used it against Germany had Russia been able to develop it,

The fact that the father of the current monarch was born in the United States in 1927 didn't prevent him from assuming the throne in 1946. King Rama IX went on to become one of the country's most revered monarchs, reigning for the next 70 years.

Another factor is that fathers who are circumcise will opt to have their sons circumcised so that both look anatomically alike.

From The Nation ‘Than On’ back in Thailand for third visit in 7 months His Majesty the King’s second-eldest son, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, on Wednesday posted a photo of himself at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province on his Facebook wall with the caption “I have returned home, as promised”. The post has attracted over 25,000 likes and welcoming comments from netizens. This is his third trip to his homeland in less than a year. After living abroad for 27 years, Vacharaesorn and his younger brother, Chakriwat made their first visit to Thailand on August 7, 2023. Vacharaesorn is fondly called “Than On” by Thais, while Chakriwat is known as “Than Ong”. Vacharaesorn, 42, who works as a lawyer in New York, travelled to Thailand again on December 4 to attend Father's Day celebrations on December 5 in Bangkok. He also visited several provinces, including Nong Khai, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram and Chachoengsao, before returning to the United States on December 18, when he posted: See you again. #ThailandIloveyou #ileaveonlytoreturn A news source revealed that Than On’s could stay in Thailand until April during this third visit to celebrate the Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai traditional new year, from April 13-15. It added that on his next visit to Thailand, which is yet to be scheduled, the King’s other three sons who live in the US will join Vacharaesorn. They are: Juthavachara, Chakriwat, and Vatchrawee.

From Thai PBS World The Immigration Bureau has revoked the visa of the Swiss national who allegedly kicked a female Thai doctor, who sat on the staircase of his rented villa on Yamu Beach in Chalong district of Phuket last week. An urgent letter, signed by Deputy Governor Sattha Thongkham in his capacity as the acting governor, was sent to immigration officials recommending the revocation, claiming that he posed a threat to society who may be a danger to the people of Phuket. Pol Col Prinya Klinkaesorn, deputy spokesman for the Immigration Bureau, told the media today that Pol Maj-Gen Songplod Sirisukha, commander of the First Division of the Immigration Bureau, signed an order on Wednesday night revoking the visa of Urs Beat Fehr, managing director of Elephant Sanctuary Park Company in Phuket, with immediate effect. He said Phuket immigration officials will inform the Swiss national of the revocation of his visa and detain him at the immigration detention facility in Phuket, pending his trial on the assault charge. He added that the suspect has the right to apply for bail to defend the case in court.

From Thai PBS World Two Filipino transgender individuals were indicted on assault charges in Pathumwan district this afternoon, for alleged involvement, with others, in the attack on six Thai transgender people at a Sukhumvit food stop on March 4, said Pol Maj-Gen Witthawat Chinkham, commander of the 5th division of Metropolitan Police Bureau. He said that police are looking for a third Filipino, who is also wanted on an assault charge and is believed to still be in the country. Most Filipino transgender people who were allegedly involved are reported to have left for the Philippines. In a separate case, Witthawat said that one Filipino was allegedly assaulted by a Thai national, identified as “Champ”, who has been released on bail, adding that the Filipino victim did not want to pursue the case in court, but would prefer to settle the case directly with the alleged assailant. Witthawat also said that the victim has not yet stated the amount compensation he wants from his alleged assailant, adding that the police will try to contact six Thai transgender people who were allegedly attacked by their Filipino counterparts on March 4th, to ask whether they would like to settle their cases out of court as well. Regarding the Filipinos who have already left Thailand, Pol Maj-Gen Witthawat admitted that he does not know whether any or all of them were involved in the assault. Regarding a complaint filed with Lumpini police yesterday, claiming that some of the Filipinos had stolen a handbag and a gold necklace, Witthawat said that it is still unclear whether the valuables were stolen or were just lost during the scuffle. Regarding the March 4 incident, the police commander said that the case had been settled among those involved, but the issue intensified because one of the Thais posted on social media urging members of the LGBTQ+ community to rally at a Sukhumvit hotel, reportedly to “protect the dignity” of Thai LGBTQ+ people. He said he would invite the social media poster for a discussion and to inform them that the incident was not a conflict between Thai and Filipino nationals, but between private individuals, adding that he has already explained this to the Philippine ambassador to Thailand. Witthawat said any allegation that some Filipino transgender people are involved in the sex trade in Bangkok is groundless. He also refuted the allegation that some Thai brokers had arranged for tourist visas for the Filipinos to come to Thailand for 20-30 days at a time to work, maintaining that there is no need for visas for ASEAN nationals to visit Thailand.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin to visit Chiang Mai next week Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra is set to travel in his private jet to visit his home province of Chiang Mai next week, an informed source said today. Currently released from prison on parole, he will pay his respects at the Bangkok city pillar shrine before departing for Chiang Mai on March 14. During his visit, he will be staying at a residence within Summit Green Valley, in Mae Rim district, where he will be visited by family members and relatives in the evening. On March 15, Thaksin and his family will participate in respect and merit making rituals at the temple in San Kamphaeng district, where his ancestors’ relics are interred. Thaksin is scheduled to return to Bangkok the next day.

NOTE -- I highlighted the sentence about street food because I saw that in evidence nightly on Patpong One nightly on recent trip. From Tourism Authority of Thailand A Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) survey has revealed that foreign tourists have increased their spending on accommodation post-pandemic, showing a preference for luxury hotels or resorts despite higher airfares. The survey, which involved 30,054 tourists in 2023, highlighted that average spending per trip rose to 50,900 baht, up from previous years. Accommodation costs accounted for a significant portion of this expenditure, averaging 23,518 baht per trip. The survey also showed a shift in dining preferences among tourists, with an increase in those opting for street food, rising from 63% to 77.3%. This change has led to a decrease in the average spending on food and beverage to 4,094 baht, down from 5,875 baht in 2019. Café hopping has emerged as a new trend, increasing in popularity among tourists. The TAT observed spending patterns among different nationalities, with tourists from the Middle East being the biggest spenders, followed by visitors from Oceania, the US, and Europe. The survey highlighted the evolving landscape of travel bookings, with a majority of individual travelers (53.7%) using online platforms for trip arrangements. Despite this, travel agents and tour operators still play a significant role in the industry.

As you enter Soi 6 from Silom rd., I can recommend any of the shops on the right hand side, including the very first (Natural Massage). I wouldn't hesitate to make your wishes known.

From Pattaya Mail Police in southern province of Trang have detained a 60-year-old Swiss national, a retiree, Mr. Straumann Dietermatthias, who is alleged to have assaulted a Thai woman. Natchanan Kikkham, 58, filed a complaint with police on Tuesday March 5, claiming that the man had bumped into her and walked away while in a BigC department store in Muang District. The woman then asked the Swiss man to be respectful, only for him to walk back to her and allegedly assaulted by punching on her face multiple times. Witnesses said that the injured person went shopping in the mall. At the scene, there was an altercation with the foreigner that escalated to the point after the shopping carts collided. The injured person warned him to be careful and spoke politely, but the foreigner ignored the warning, punched the injured person four times, and then fled. The injured person then picked up a bottle of carbonated water in the shopping cart and threw it at the foreigner, but it did not hit. This time, the foreigner walked back, pushed the injured person down, used hands to push the head, pressed the knee on the neck, and then punched her about 20 times before walking away. The mall security had to chase and notify the police to apprehend the foreigner. According to the son, Krittapong, his mother suffered a broken nose, had serious wounds to her face, eyes and back. She was admitted to a hospital emergency room for treatment. The Swiss national, police said, refused to give statements. He is residing in Thailand, with a Thai wife, on a retirement visa which is due to expire this November, according to police. On March 6, at the Trang City Police Station, officers detained Mr. Straumann, who had been sitting in the reception room of the station since the previous night. He refused to speak to anyone other than an interpreter and declined to provide fingerprints or sign acknowledgment of any charges. The charges include causing harm to others resulting in danger to life and resisting the duties of an officer. The Trang City Police officers took Mr. Straumann to the Trang Provincial Court to request permission for his initial detention. However, there has been no contact from relatives, friends, or Mr. Straumann’s wife, particularly the latest wife who is known to have fled to Krabi province about a month ago following a domestic dispute. Since the incident, there has been no communication from either party. (TNA)

All the broads on this site.😀