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From Thai PBS World Transport Ministry plans to replace Mor Chit 2 bus terminal The Transport Ministry has a plan to build a new bus terminal to replace Mor Chit 2, which was intended for temporary use, Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit told parliament on the second day of the 2024 fiscal year budget bill debate. The new terminal will be located on a site which is yet to be determined, where a high-rise building will be constructed, to accommodate buses and offices, connected to the Bang Sue train station or electric train stations either via a tunnel or covered walkway. He also said that there will be no garage at the new terminal, which means that no buses will be allowed to park at the terminal for long periods, but will have set schedules to arrive at the terminal to pick up and drop off passengers to minimise congestion at the terminal. Suriya cited the example of the bus terminal in Tokyo, which is linked to the Tokyo MRT, adding that the Tokyo bus terminal will be used as a model in developing the terminal in Bangkok. He admitted, however, that the conceptual new bus terminal would be very costly, noting that the land itself may cost up to 7 billion baht, but he believes that the state-run Transport Company has sufficient assets and funds for the implementation of the project, without additional government funding. Meanwhile, the transport minister said he has instructed Transport Company to hire a consultant company to improve the facilities at the Mor Chit 2 terminal, which is becoming increasingly congested, especially during long holidays. Some of the improvements, such as lighting systems, cleaner toilets and the removal of rented shop houses, can be completed before the long Songkran holidays, he said.

From The Nation A tourism promotion campaign is one of a series of approaches that the Airports Authority of Thailand Plc (AOT) will roll out to attract tourists, and especially tourists from China, according to the authority’s president, Kerati Kijmanawat. The tourism promotion campaign will be in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. AOT anticipates an increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand by over 8 million in 2024, a recovery of 75% compared to 2020 when there were 11.1 million Chinese tourists. AOT, as the operator of Thailand’s six major airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International, Phuket International, and Hat Yai International), is preparing to facilitate travel for Chinese and Thai travellers between the two countries, ensuring convenience and preparedness. They will coordinate with relevant agencies to efficiently manage passenger services throughout arrival and departure processes, ensuring flexibility and avoiding congestion, especially during immigration checks and in baggage claim areas. The AOT is also aligning with the “Smiling Visit” policy initiated by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, which aims to create a positive impression for service users. This includes efficient airport service management to provide travellers with convenient, safe, and prompt services that create a positive image for the country. This policy is seen as elevating international relations and the importance of Thai passports, particularly since China had implemented a visa-free policy for only five countries previously.

Like other things you write about, you've stumbled onto another subject that challenges your objectivity . Your postings in this thread make light of the whole incident and proceed to convict the pilot at the same time new information is coming forward.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon What to expect in 2024 The Thai government is committed to tourist expansion and more visa hurdles are likely to fall in the next few months. Already, only in Bangkok and potentially in Phuket, some visa extensions can be applied for online and there are likely to be more similar projects in provincial immigration. The bothersome 90 days reporting and the notification of address after arrival in the country are likely to remain with us, partly as a consequence of visa retraction. Rumors in 2023 that all expats will soon be required to have their own medical insurance appear to have retreated. Fears that your immigration record will be dragged into the still-confusing Thai Revenue taxation of foreign assessable income also appear false. Some countries are already experimenting with replacing visas and even passports by biometric data for use at airports and immigration bureaux and there will be the start of a long debate in Thailand too about the pros and cons. Visas in retreat Tourists from several countries, notably China, Russia and India, no longer require a prior visa to visit Thailand. This is an attempt by the Thai government to boost arrivals from countries believed to have huge expansion potential. Although there have been rumors that citizens of UK, US, EU and Australia will have their visa-exempt status improved from 30 days to 90 days without visiting local immigration, there has not been any announcement. Extending a visa Visa-exempt arrivals with a 30 days stamp can obtain a further 30 days on application at immigration with a fee of 1,900 baht. They must fill in an extension form, provide a passport photo and – crucially – provide evidence of their local address on a separate form known as TM30. Evidence would normally be a receipt from the hotel or a property lease, or proof of ownership of a condominium or residence. This proof of address is required as soon as possible after arrival and must be renewed every time the tourist re-enters Thailand. Many hotels and condominiums automatically register their guests online with immigration. If so, they will have an official confirmation from immigration which the tourist will need if requiring a service from immigration such as extending their stay, or as part of the bureaucracy to open a bank account. Border runs Visa-exempt nationals can obtain a further 30 days by visiting the border, usually with Cambodia, on a border run. This basically involves a minibus day trip by a tour organizer and the cost is typically 4,000-5,000 baht. Thai immigration has a limit of two entries by land in a calendar year. There is no formal limit on the number of entries by air from any country, although there will be problems if an individual tries to “live” in Thailand by too-frequent arrivals at the Thai airport without an authorized, pre-arranged visa. Visas from embassies Increasingly visa applications are online at Thai embassies which offer longer-stay visas including 60 days tourist visas, which can be extended for 30 days at local Thai immigration, together with various three months’ and annual visas for Thai family, marriage or retirement purposes. They can also arrange 10 year retirement visas, 5-20 year Elite visas and the 10 year Long Term Residence visas. Most of these can also be obtained whilst in Thailand at immigration or via the Thai tourist authority for Elite. These visas are expensive, may involve heavy financial investment in Thailand and some require comprehensive medical insurance. The detail is too complex to cover here but embassies, immigration and competent agencies can assist. There is comprehensive discussion on the internet, although not always truthful. Medical insurance Mostly visitors to Thailand do not need medical insurance. A few visas do require it, namely O/A retirement visas initially awarded by embassies, 0/X 10 year retirement visas and Long Term Residence visas. The hospital cover now required is US$100,000 or just over three million baht. It’s worth noting that the O retirement visa issued by immigration does not require medical cover although changing from O/A to 0 cannot be done without leaving Thailand. Foreigners with work or labor permits are covered by the Thai national insurance scheme. Currently, the Thai government has a fund to offer compensation where “tourists” (not defined) are injured or killed through no fault of their own. But the fund is discretionary and is used mostly to pay funeral costs and compensation to relatives in sensational cases such as major traffic accidents. Student visas The former practice of enrolling as a student of Thai and then attending classes rarely or never is now frowned on. There have been a number of scandals reported involving heads of language schools and deviant immigration officers. It is unwise to seek student status on a non-sincere basis. Those interested in becoming a serious student should contact a language school of their choice to ascertain costs and requirements. Many student and volunteer visas issued during the covid pandemic were shown to be fraudulent. Working in Thailand If a foreigner is offered a job, the host company will be responsible for organizing the required visa (non-immigrant B) and Labor office permit. Alternatively, a foreigner can set up his or her own company with capital, acquire Thai partners, register with the Thai tax and health authorities and deal with Thai immigration and the Department of Employment. An informed lawyer is the key to this bureaucracy. For example, many foreign-run restaurants are established through a company set up correctly. When things go wrong Working without a permit can lead to deportation and blacklisting. Overstaying a visa for a limited period can be cancelled by fines – 500 baht a day to a maximum of 20,000 baht – but overstays for more than three months will likely lead to deportation and blacklisting. Thailand in recent years has become more strict about drunk driving (especially with accidents) and possession or trafficking of illegal substances. Whilst bail is usually offered by the court, the time scales involved in trying criminal cases can be months or even years if an appeal is involved.

That definitely is not a fact. That's your conclusion. Until all of the evidence has been evaluated by professional investigators from Airbus and the civil aviation authorities, nothing is conclusive.

I'd be reluctant to rush to judgement until ALL communications issues are fully established and investigated along with any other mitigating circumstances. Like a doctor accused of malpractice, the pilot deserves an impartial and objective review of all factors before fault is determined.

LEGEND: No. 1 in upper left is BTS Saphan Kwai station Locate Sutthisan Winitchai Rd. First blue dot about Inthamara 3 is One Spa Second blue dot about Inthamara 21 is BT House Massage Third blue dot about Inthamara 23 is KK Massage Fourth blue dot about Inthamara 29 is Home Spa (These are approximate locations on map. The only shop on left (top) side of road is One Spa)

It's becoming increasing clear that communication in general, and phraseology in particular, may turn out to be the keys to understanding the cause of the accident at Heneda. The release of the transcript has established that the Coast Guard aircraft had not been given permission to either be on the runway or to take off while the JAL flight had been cleared to land. The bedrock of preventing runway incursions has been the use of standardize phrases aimed at ensuring both pilots and controllers share the same understanding of instructions. Pilots are required to repeat (say back) the instruction received by the controller. This is intended as a fail safe procedure. However, no communications system is perfect and that appears to be the case here. Another problem that occurs when one party inadvertently speaks simultaneously on the same frequency (known as being "stepped on") results in one or more parties not hearing their transmission. Incursions typically occur when a taxiing aircraft is crossing an active runway or when a aircraft enters an active runway to take off. Any misunderstanding by ether party--pilot or controller--can result in an incursion. For example, in 2010, the US Federal Aviation Administration adopted new language to help reduce the possibility of miscommunications. Line Up and Wait Phraseology Change Beginning on September 30, 2010, the words "Position and Hold" will no longer be used to instruct a pilot to enter the runway and await takeoff clearance. Under the new "Line Up and Wait" phraseology, the controller will: State the call-sign. State the departure runway. State "Line Up and Wait". Differences in phraseology contribute to runway incursions. Analysis by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that differences between FAA and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) air traffic control phraseology contribute to runway incursion risks. NTSB recommended that the FAA adopt the international standard terminology: "Line Up and Wait" to replace "Position and Hold". FAA Safety Analysis. In accordance with its Safety Management System procedures, the FAA Air Traffic Organization conducted a safety analysis of this recommendation. FAA implemented mitigations to ensure a safe transition from the old phraseology to the new. Exercise caution. Be aware the phrase "Traffic Holding in Position" will continue to be used to advise other aircraft that traffic has been authorized to "Line Up and Wait" on an active runway. REMEMBER: Never cross a hold line without explicit ATC instructions. You may not enter a runway unless you have been: Instructed to cross or taxi onto that specific runway Cleared to take off from that runway, or Instructed to "Line Up and Wait" on that specific runway If in doubt ASK! ============== From ABC News Australia A transcript of communication between air traffic control and two aircraft that collided and burst into flames at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport appears to show that only the larger Japan Airlines (JAL) flight was given permission to use the runway. But while the transcript appears to show the Coast Guard plane was only given permission to taxi, Japan's NHK television reported that the smaller plane's captain, the only member of the Coast Guard crew to survive, maintained he was given permission to take off. An official from Japan's civil aviation bureau told reporters there was no indication in the transcripts that the Coast Guard aircraft had been granted permission to take off, according to Reuters. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-04/japan-airlines-crash-permission-to-land-coast-guard-not-cleared/103283704

From Pattaya News Makha Bucha Day (Substitution) – February 26th, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK In lieu of the Makha Bucha Day closure, this substitution day allows for normal alcohol sales and operations. Chakri Day – April 6th, 2024 (Saturday): Alcohol Sales: OK Chakri Day celebrates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, a significant event in Thai history. On this day, enjoy alcohol sales without any restrictions. Chakri Day (Substitution) – April 8th, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK Similar to the substitution for Makha Bucha Day, Chakri Day’s substitution day permits regular alcohol sales and entertainment operations. Songkran Festival – April 13th-16th, 2024 (Sat-Tues): Alcohol Sales: OK Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a world-famous water festival. During this period, alcohol sales are allowed. Keep in mind Pattaya will last through April 19th, with the 19th being the “big” day. Labour Day – May 1st, 2024 (Wednesday): Alcohol Sales: OK Labour Day is a global celebration, and in Thailand, it is observed with regular alcohol sales. Visakha Bucha Day – May 22nd, 2024 (Wednesday): Alcohol Sales: NO Visakha Bucha Day commemorates significant events in Buddha’s life. On this day, the nightlife sector will be closed, and alcohol sales are restricted. H.M. The Queen Suthida’s Birthday – June 3rd, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK Celebrate the birthday of the current Queen of Thailand with unrestricted alcohol sales on this day. Asarnha Bucha Day – July 20th, 2024 (Saturday): Alcohol Sales: NO Asarnha Bucha Day marks Buddha’s first sermon, and alcohol sales will be restricted. Wan Khao Phansa – July 21st, 2024 (Sunday): Alcohol Sales: NO Wan Khao Phansa signifies a period of monks staying in one location. Alcohol sales will be restricted. Asarnha Bucha Day (Substitution) – July 22nd, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK The substitution day for Asarnha Bucha allows for regular alcohol sales and operations. H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday – July 28th, 2024 (Sunday): Alcohol Sales: OK Celebrate the birthday of the current King of Thailand with unrestricted alcohol sales on this day. H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday (Substitution) – July 29th, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK Similar to other substitution days, the King’s birthday substitution allows regular alcohol sales and entertainment. Mother’s Day – August 12th, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK Mother’s Day is celebrated with unrestricted alcohol sales. H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great Memorial Day – October 13th, 2024 (Sunday): Alcohol Sales: OK Commemorate the passing of the previous King with regular alcohol sales on this day. H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great Memorial Day (Substitution) – October 14th, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK The substitution day for the King’s Memorial allows for regular alcohol sales and entertainment. Wan Awk Phansa – October 17th, 2024 (Thursday): Alcohol Sales: NO Marking the end of Buddhist Lent, all entertainment places will be closed, and alcohol sales are restricted. Chulalongkorn Day – October 23th, 2024 (Wednesday): Alcohol Sales: OK Celebrate the birthday of the 5th King of Thailand with unrestricted alcohol sales on Chulalongkorn Day. Father’s Day – December 5th, 2024 (Thursday): Alcohol Sales: OK Honoring the previous King, Father’s Day is celebrated with unrestricted alcohol sales. Constitution Day – December 10th, 2024 (Sunday): Alcohol Sales: OK Remember the country’s first permanent constitution with regular alcohol sales on Constitution Day. Constitution Day (Substitution) – December 11th, 2024 (Monday): Alcohol Sales: OK Similar to other substitution days, Constitution Day’s substitution allows regular alcohol sales and entertainment. New Year’s Eve – December 31st, 2024 (Tuesday): Alcohol Sales: OK

From NHK Newsline Passengers of burning plane detail horrific ordeal Passengers of a Japan Airlines plane that collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday have been describing their dramatic escape. Many instantly knew something had gone horribly wrong when the plane met the runway at 5:47 P.M. One passenger says she heard a bang, and noticed a fire. She says she initially thought there had been a bird strike or other incident. But as the flames spread, she knew it was a bigger accident. She said, "The crew urged travelers to stay calm and kept asking them to sit down and not to take their luggage. But people kept coming forward." She continued, "The inside of the plane became pitch dark, and the fire kept getting bigger," adding that she thought her life was about to end. Another passenger says the plane filled with smoke. He says the cabin crew announced that the doors at the center and back could not be opened, so everyone evacuated from the front. All 379 passengers and crew used three emergency exits. The last person got out at 6:05 P.M. Continues with video https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240103_31/

My client--me--declines to answer in order not to come across as the total slut that he is. Last vaudeville act I saw was at the Old Howard.😄

With all your years of experience you're asking me how it works? You could write the book on it 😄

Hard facts (in shape of erect penis) is what you'll get if you just clean up your act a bit.

After seven sessions on Soi 6 on my last trip, I'd say you can get as good service on Soi 6 as you find anywhere in the Silom-Surawong rectangle. The key is to discuss what you're looking for in advance.

From The Nation After a mishap on Tuesday, Eastern Bangkok Monorail Ltd (EBM), which operates the Yellow Line monorail line, has adjusted their train timetable from departing every 5-10 minutes to every 30 minutes throughout the service hours (from 6am to midnight). In its announcement on Wednesday, EBM advised commuters to adjust their travel time accordingly. They also apologised for the inconvenience. The sudden adjustment came after an incident on Tuesday evening, in which a wheel fell off a Yellow Line train and hit a taxi on Thepharak Road in Samut Prakan province. Nobody was injured by the mishap. The train was running outbound at the time and had almost reached Si Thepha station when the accident occurred. The accident prompted Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to schedule urgent talks on Wednesday with Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), which owns 75% of EBM’s parent, BSR JV Consortium. According to a source, BTSC was expected to give explanations regarding the cause of the accident, as well as highlight safety measures to prevent future accidents. The Yellow Line spans 30.4 kilometres and 23 stations from northern Bangkok to Samut Prakan in the southern suburbs. Commercial operations began in July last year. Photo credit: Pattaya News

Excerpted from Japan Times: Trisha Ferguson, an aviation expert involved in passenger safety education, told The New York Times that the evacuation was an example of cooperation between the plane’s crew and its passengers. "The crew was spectacular in their reaction times,” said Ferguson, CEO of the Interaction Group, which designs airline safety cards. "What they did was amazing.” She told the newspaper that safety policies in recent decades have focused on educating passengers about how to react in emergencies, rather than simply having well-trained staff. Some have called the successful escape a miracle, with Paul Hayes, director of U.K.-based aviation consultancy Ascend by Cirium, supporting Thomas’ claim that no-one was seen leaving the plane carrying hand luggage. "The cabin crew must have done an excellent job,” Hayes told Reuters. “It was a miracle that all the passengers got off." https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/01/03/japan/haneda-miracle-rescue/

Please allow me to help you out, Riobard. After all the advice you proffered here, please consider that you'll get more dates by a good daily scrubbing and a long Listerine gargle. 😉

Did you ever meet a thesaurus you didn't just absolutely adore?

+1 You'll find upwards of 75 guys trying to get your attention on any given day. They're all quite approachable and represent a good cross section of ASEAN nations (9-Teen excepted because its staff is all Thai). The shops have en suite showers and massage tables for oil/cream massage. Take a few minutes to chat with the guys. If they don't speak English, one of their mates will. You can pick your masseur. If you choose not to you'll be assigned next one in rotation. A recommended location 👍.

So you're answer is to present yourself as dirty as possible. Good point. 😄

And I'm sure our sex partners would appreciate the fact that we paid extra attention to our personal hygiene.

No, I said "tops and bottoms". You said "top and bottom." I can see how you got confused. I agree, however, that "versatile" would be a perfectly acceptable alternative. While you're in town you may want to mention it to managers in the SK shops. Or maybe get them to consider what mamasans in the go-go bars prefer: "does everything." 🙂

There's only one way to find out: call ahead and try. Just like any other shop that handles free agency guys. Alternative: walk over to Silom Soi 6 and you'll find 75+ guys who are definitely on site.

The outcome is testament to the cabin crew in getting all 357 aboard the A350 out of the aircraft. It reflects much credit on the carrier, the training the crew received and the behavior of the passengers. Anything less could have resulted an unthinkable tragedy. This video includes some brief footage taken by a passenger from within the cabin after the collision.