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From The Nation Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has issued a warning to Transport Company’s chief – improve the condition of the Mor Chit 2 interprovincial bus terminal or face the axe. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Tuesday that the premier has also instructed the Transport Ministry to oversee the improvements to the bus terminal before the Songkran holidays. Mor Chit 2 is the largest bus terminal in the capital and serves provinces in the North and Northeast. Srettha’s order comes in response to public complaints and criticism last week from a Move Forward MP. The spokesman said the ministry was told to ensure there are no more public complaints about the bus terminal, adding that the PM expects it to start receiving compliments instead

From The Phnom Penh Post The recent New Year’s Eve celebrations saw record numbers of visitors to some of the Kingdom’s most popular tourist destinations, except Siem Reap province, which experienced a 10 per cent decline on the 2022-23 event. Kampot province greeted the most guests, with the provincial tourism department reporting that nearly 390,000 arrivals opted to welcome the New Year there. In second place was Preah Sihanouk province, with 349,000 tourists recorded. It was followed by Siem Reap, with 304,064 guests enjoying the countdown in the province, home to the Kingdom’s renowned Angkor Archaeological Park. The Battambang Department of Tourism reported around 263,000 guests, with Kampong Cham logging about 120,000 and Kep’s seaside location drawing slightly over 100,000 visitors. Each of the departments confirmed that the figures included both domestic and international tourists. Kampot Provincial Tourism Department director Soy Sinol said on January 1 that the province had recorded 386,488 tourists, including about 1,500 international guests. Visiting residents of the province were not included in the figure, he noted. “The reason we welcomed so many guests may be due to our proximity to Phnom Penh, as well as the fact that we have so many recreational facilities here. The provincial authorities did an outstanding job of preparing the necessary infrastructure this year. Many, many domestic and international tourists gathered along the riverside in Kampot town for the celebrations,” he added.

From The Nation Both Thailand and China have decided to waive visa requirements for their citizens permanently from March 1, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Tuesday. He was speaking after the Cabinet acknowledged China’s gesture and agreed to reciprocate in kind. “China's move has helped boost relations and offers opportunities for tourists of both countries," Srettha said. He added that the Public Relations Department and related agencies have been tasked with publicising that Thailand is ready to welcome Chinese tourists.

Or flight or two....🙂

Bangkok venues -- massage shops, beer bar and Silom cruising Frequency -- as often as budget, body and opportunity allows

Yes there are. Using the Tha Phae Gate stop (about middle of Route 24) as a search point, here's the map of hotels Booking.com returned: RTC #24 is not the only bus route from the airport, the B2 being among them.

Now if you could just get the Korean bus to take you to your Chiang Mai hotel it wolud be a win-win. 🙂

From The Thaiger The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, hasn’t deterred Thai labourers from seeking employment in Israel’s farmlands. Their decision to remain or return to work in Israel is primarily driven by the substantial financial benefits they can accrue. Satid Prom-u-narot, 37 years old, highlighted the stark disparity in wages between the two countries. “On average, I can earn about 600 baht for about two hours of work in Israel. To get that amount in Thailand, I would need to work for a full day. I may even earn less,” he stated. Although Satid’s camp was attacked by militants, he and his fellow Thai workers escaped unharmed. Despite initial concerns about his safety, Satid decided to return to Israel after spending a week in Thailand. He reasoned, “I have mechanical skills, so I earn a living by working odd jobs like installing air-conditioning, electrical wires, and CCTV systems. But I cannot save a lot of money for my family. I will go to Israel to complete my five-year contract.” Labour Ministry figures reveal that approximately 30,000 Thais were working in Israel under the Thailand-Israel Cooperation on the Placement of Workers programmes before the conflict ensued. The government repatriated 9,475 Thais, but around 20,000 chose to stay. In an effort to assist the repatriated workers, the government offered each worker 15,000 baht (US$435.79) from its fund and 50,000 baht (US$1,452.64) from an emergency fund for aid. Additionally, low-interest loans of up to 150,000 baht (US$4,357.93) were made available to help workers clear any debts owed to job brokers or to pursue other careers, reported Bangkok Post.

From Pattaya News On December 29th, 2023, Mr. Thotsapon Puanudom, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, officially initiated a new bus line in Chiang Mai by Regional Transit Corporation (RTC) Co Ltd., to enhance the efficiency of Chiang Mai public transportation. The new bus line number 24 starts at Chiang Mai International Airport and has bus stops at well-known tourist destinations such as One Nimman, Chang Phueak Gate, Tha Phae Gate, Flower Market, Chiang Mai Gate, and Central Chiang Mai Airport. The bus services are available from 8 AM to 9 PM with transport fares of 30 baht for Thais and foreigners, and 20 baht for students throughout the line.

If they're serious about this then they'll simply make it easier for tourists to come and go with a minimum of inconvenience. But bureaucracy is a hard thing for bureaucrats to forego. This comes across more as lip service to their goal than actual solutions. From National News Bureau of Thailand The government is focusing on the tourism sector to generate 3.5 trillion baht this year, promoting Thailand as a year-round destination. In 2023, the country welcomed over 27 million tourists, led by visitors from Malaysia and China. From January to December, tourist numbers reached 27.25 million, in line with government targets. Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia were the top contributors to these figures. The government aims to increase tourism revenue by spotlighting both popular and lesser-known locations. The revenue goal is divided between domestic (1 trillion baht) and international (2.5 trillion baht) tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce are actively promoting provinces like Phrae, Lampang, and Nakhon Sawan for their untapped tourism potential. The TAT highlights the positive impact of visa-free policies for countries like Kazakhstan, China, and Russia, with plans to extend these benefits. There’s also a discussion about introducing multiple-entry visas. Tourism operators are also calling for further government support, emphasizing the economic importance of tourism, especially in gateway regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima province, noted for its three UNESCO sites.

Can't blame them for testing what the market will bear. But would be a strategic mistake to pull it on regular customer. High season is relatively short and they'll be looking for repeat business in not too many weeks.

Best thing I liked about this video was the peaceful and serene view of Pattaya from above.

Comforting words from about foreigners and Thai income tax From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A new YouTube video posted by accomplished speaker Hailey Hicks, director of HH Premium Visa Consulting and based at San Diego State University in California, has offered to Thailand’s worried expats almost 100 percent reassurance that they need not sweat. She also actively markets the Thailand Elite visa, whilst pointing out that this gives no special protection on the income tax front. Under the heading “5 Myths about Tax in Thailand”, she soothingly promises that the January 1 starting point won’t apply to most expat tax residents, namely those living in Thailand for at least six months a year. They won’t be taxed on money sent from one personal account abroad to one in Thailand as, we are told, that is simply moving money between accounts and is not “assessable” income. Thus they won’t be taxed on cash sent to purchase Thai property. Nor will overseas pre-taxed pensions be taxed in Thailand, possibly because of double taxation treaties (which are very briefly mentioned). The video argues that the new regulations are designed to catch rich Thais and a handful of foreigners who have been exploiting tax loopholes in the past. But is the soothing message actually true? We all hope so. But it has to be conceded that there is no verifiable documentation provided, simply a screenshot of the bald Thai Revenue announcement last September. And that won’t get you very far. Significantly, Thailand Privilege (which owns Elite) stated in November 2023, via advisors Hawryluk Legal, that “currently there is no distinction between earnings and savings for tax purposes,” which suggests a very different interpretation from that in the San Diego video is possible. Perhaps Hailey knows something the rest of us don’t. But it may be wiser to wait and see.

I'm not a Pattaya guy but I admire the effort the owner puts into promoting his place and making it attractive to punters. He's providing an opportunity for his crew to earn a living in a welcoming setting. It's the kind of business that deserves support and I wish him well.

Always. That's what separates us from the animals: we take money. 🙂

Some shops update their on-line presence daily albeit with slightly different twists. All understandably use photos of their guys as their main draw. KK Massage is perhaps the more inventive, using stills pics and videos to entice customers. As for the shop amenities, the SK shops are pretty basic. Most I've encountered I found acceptably clean but basic Some offer those mini containers of mouthwash (BT House, KK and K-Man come to mind) that I appreciate and nearly all offer bottled water or tea. The Silom Soi 6 shops have en suite showers and most have massage tables except for those opting for Thai massage. The Silom-Surawong shops differ from SK in that their staffs are always on site. Most on display outside the shop or just inside the entrance. You're right about the go-go bars. They may employee a handful of barkers out on the soi to corral passers by but do next to nothing on line. In this day and age, it's puzzling at best. Moonlight is probably better than most with periodic Facebook postings. I often wonder if owners really understand their client base. It seems if they did they'd offer user choice of language. In any case, I think we agree that there's no substitute for the in-person visit.

Telling someone that they're a great dancer is never poorly received. I'm confident more than a few would welcome an invitation to perform--especially in Bangkok. 🙂

You list a ton of reasons why the Saphan Kwai shops are a lousy business model, Mac. I can only offer one in their defense. I go there 2-3 times a week when I’m in town so they must be doing something right.

Well don’t keep us in suspense. Just tell us what is this phenomenal interest of yours.

Nothing succeeds like excess!

You just did 🙂

KK Massage posted a page of Top and Bottom masseurs today. It's not an exhaustive list of their offering; just a sample. Here's a video of a selection of all types of offerings also posted today. KK.2.mp4

From The Nation Loading... Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has ordered interprovincial bus operator Transport Co and other relevant agencies to urgently address all issues raised about the Bangkok Bus Terminal. This order was in response to complaints raised by Move Forward Bangkok MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt after he visited the terminal in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Suphanat listed the following problems: • 5 broken escalators • No lifts • 10 of 15 available fire extinguishers are broken • Inaccessible first-aid room • Inaccessible room for breastfeeding • No air-conditioning at bus platforms • Nobody using ticket vending machines • No ease of access for people with disabilities • Low lighting • Intruders in empty areas in the terminal • Defective toilets • Defective signboards • Taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers demanding expensive fares • No connection to BTS station Suphanat said he had raised these issues earlier and called on the authorities for action, but to no avail. Suriya responded on Saturday, saying that the Transport Ministry and other relevant agencies have acknowledged the complaint and are getting ready to address the issues as soon as possible. He also pointed out that the Bangkok Bus Terminal is linked to the Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station), which is in line with the ministry’s policy to make travelling easy for locals. The minister also said that relevant agencies have been instructed to deal with unscrupulous cabbies and motorcycle taxis, as well as intruders in empty spots in the terminal. https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40034260

From Bangkok Post Health officials are looking to tighten preventive and control measures after finding higher rates of syphilis and gonorrhoea among young people, says Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2715383/alarm-sounded-over-syphilis-infections

Definitely want to go there with a list. I'd advise against choosing anyone in the shop at time of visit. My experience has been that they are likely to have already serviced other customer(s) before you. Would also avoid accepting mamasan's suggestions. Otherwise, a good, reliable shop. You can reserve your choice on day of visit in advance by phone or on line without request for deposit. However, have 3-5 guys in in mind. Shop has been good getting back to me with availability.