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From Thai PBS World 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. For instance, paying a Netflix membership fee, buying products through TikTok, Alibaba or Amazon or making hotel bookings via Agoda will also be subject to the 1% DCC fee. The banks claim that the DCC charge is in line with credit card practices for transactions abroad adding, however, that customers have an option to use “travel cards” without any extra fees.

Arriving for my first visit to what was then known as “BKK” in aviation speak, I was startled to look out my window seat in a Northwest 747 to see people playing golf a few hundred feet off the right wing, from Thai PBS World The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has agreed, in principle, to hand over the Kantarat golf course, located between the two runways of Don Mueang airport, to Airports of Thailand Public Company (AoT) for the expansion of the airport. The RTAF is in the process of working out the details of compensation that it expects to demand from the government for the surrender of about 57.6 hectares occupied by the golf course, with the money to be used for the development of a sports complex on a portion of the golf course for use by the public and air force personnel, said Chirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Defence Ministry for political affairs. He said that both Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang have made clear that the three armed forces should give up their non-military business activities, such as supplying electricity to households in the case of the Royal Thai Navy, houses in the Sattahip area and military-run golf courses. As for the Kantarat golf course, or Suan Ngoo (snake garden), Chirayu said that the House committee, of which he is the chairman, has been trying to reclaim it from the RTAF since 2020, to be used for the expansion of facilities at Don Mueang airport. The golf course was opened in 1956, initially with nine holes. It was expanded to 18 holes in 1962. A further nine holes were added in 1972. Four years later, the Civil Aviation Authority asked for a portion of the golf course to be used as apron for the parking of aircraft and the golf course has had just 18 holes ever since.

Can’t think of a shop in Bkk that wouldn’t accommodate a female. Know many guys on Soi 6 that have had women customers. We have to keep in mind that the majority of masseurs are straight and many of them are married.

Apologies for posting pic of different shop I identified last night as site of Tawan. At 2pm today I went back and located correct shop house, although there are no visible signs. (Photo taken through outside security grate)

One Spa is in the process of revising the information available on its website. Massuers who both top and bottom are now referred to as “versatile”. Massuers can now select the type of clients they wish to service: male, female, transgender. They can choose more than one. The price list shows 60, 90 and 120 minute room fees of 400, 500 and 600, respectively.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin is the most influential person in Thai politics Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is the most influential person in Thai politics, more so even than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pita Limjaroenrat, advisor to Move Forward party leader, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The NIDA poll gauged the opinions of 1,310 Thais aged over 18 from 27th to 29th February. Asked who they think is the most influential person in Thai politics, 42.90% of the respondents said Thaksin, 21.91% said Srettha, 17% chose Pita, 15.11% said former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, 9.01% said Paetongtarn Shinawatra and 6.11% went for General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath party. 10.15% chose nobody. Asked about which politician is worthy of the most sympathy, 46.79% said Pita, followed by former Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Srettha, Prayut and Thaksin.

From National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) The Transport Co. has issued an alert for travelers using the Chatuchak Bus Terminus, cautioning them against taxi drivers at the terminal demanding unauthorized extra fees. The warning comes in response to reports of taxi drivers at Mo Chit 2, a key terminal for buses to Thailand’s Northern and Northeastern provinces, imposing a 50-baht surcharge on passengers. In an effort to manage this situation, the Transport Co., since March 1, has adjusted its operations, directing all interprovincial buses to utilize the departure area for passenger drop-offs. The company affirmed it does not endorse any additional charges by taxi drivers, urging passengers forced to pay the extra fees to report the incidents to the Department of Land Transport at 1584. To further protect travelers from falling victim to these predatory practices, the company advises passengers to proceed to the official taxi stand located near Exit 4 of the terminal to ensure fair-priced transportation options upon their arrival. For additional convenience, the Transport Co. has also introduced a shuttle bus service connecting the bus terminal to the Mo Chit BTS station, operating from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. The service provides an alternative means of transportation for passengers during the early hours. Travelers also have the option of using public buses from the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority terminal, positioned just south of the Chatuchak Bus Terminus. (NNT)

From Pattaya News On March 3rd, 2024, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Deputy leader of the United Thai Nation, publicly revealed after visiting Phuket last week to inspect and gather information regarding an allegation of foreign mafia gangs in the area. Phuket is one of the most popular Thai tourist attractions among foreign tourists. However, it was found out that the quantity was greater than the quality in terms of businesses in Phuket, remarked Thanakorn. Meanwhile, many street vendors and tourism-related workers complained about alleged foreign mafia gangs in the Phuket local, mostly Russian nationals, taking over Thai people’s businesses, stated Thanakorn. The foreign mafia gangs reportedly were not afraid of laws as they allegedly smuggled illicit substances to their entertainment venues and were wealthy, paying off corrupt officials to avoid legal action, said Thanakorn. He wanted to reflect on the local problems and provide insight to the Thai Prime Minister and Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, for urgent inspection. Furthermore, it was reported that traffic congestion in Phuket had been an issue for a long time. After acknowledging the issue, the Thai Prime Minister issued an order to Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Thai Minister of Transport, and relevant agencies to take immediate action and expand new routes to Phuket Airport. At 12:30, on the same day, Anutin mentioned the issue regarding the alleged foreign mafia gangs in Phuket and he pressed for action on the issue to Phuket government officials. He asserted that having influential foreigners with a bad reputation having authority over Thai locals is unacceptable. Anutin also added that any sort of influential person with bad influence, Thai national or not, needed to go if they were not following the law and did not have good intentions.

From AFP/ Thai PBS World . Geneva, Switzerland – Three years of military rule in Myanmar have inflicted unbearable cruelty, leaving people trapped in an unending nightmare as the conflict spreads, the UN human rights chief said Friday. The junta is crushing all forms of dissent with total impunity, Volker Turk told the UN Human Rights Council, urging the United Nations’ top rights body and countries to focus on preventing further atrocities. “The human rights situation in Myanmar has morphed into a never-ending nightmare, away from the spotlight of global politics,” Turk said. “Armed conflict has escalated and spread to nearly every corner of the country. Three years of military rule have inflicted — and continue to inflict — unbearable levels of suffering and cruelty on people in Myanmar.” He said the junta was cracking down on any opposition with “total abuse of power”, while development in the southeast Asian nation was now in freefall. The junta came to power in the February 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically-elected government, ending a 10-year experiment with democracy and plunging the country into bloody turmoil. continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/myanmar-now-a-never-ending-nightmare-un/

From The Nation Around 300 people rallied at the Yamu Beach in Thalang district of Phuket province on Sunday morning against the Swiss owner of an elephant park on the island province after he allegedly kicked a female doctor last month. The protesters rallied at the beach at 9.30am, bringing their own food and drinks to join the "picnic" after the organisers invited them via Phuket communities’ Facebook pages a few days earlier. At first, their number was around 100 but it soon trebled in size. The rally was held under the slogan labelled by the organisers in English as “Get out, David”. The angry local people organised the rally against Swiss national Urs “David” Fehr, 45, who allegedly kicked Thandao Chandam, a doctor at Dibuk Hospital in Phuket, in the back while she and her friend were sitting on the beachside steps of a villa being rented by Fehr. continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40036065

There was an article in media a few weeks back that Putin’s intention is to collect as many hostages as possible. This is just one more step in that effort. I believe any US citizen—or those from NATO nations—would by wise to avoid travel to Russia under Putin’s regime.

A member reported Tawan bar closed bu police earlier this week. This photo taken at 11:30pm Saturday

From Pattaya News Pattaya is experiencing a surge in tourism, with hotels exceeding 90% room occupancy driven by an influx of visitors from China, Russia, and India, alongside a rise in domestic tourism. According to Mr. Sanphet Supabawornsathien, president of the Eastern Thai Hotel Association, this positive trend is fueled by several factors. Russian tourists, seeking respite from the cold and the ongoing war with Ukraine, have chosen Pattaya as their destination, leading to increased flight frequency since late January. This resurgence is further bolstered by the return of Chinese tourists, who began visiting Pattaya earlier this year. Indian tourists are also contributing to the tourism boom. Notably, while domestic Thai tourists were relatively scarce in January, their numbers have significantly risen during recent long weekends, indicating a growing domestic travel interest in Pattaya. Mr. Sanphet noted a shift in booking behavior among Thai tourists, who are now making last-minute reservations as opposed to the traditional advance booking pattern. This trend is reflected in his own hotel chain, where room reservations have increased by over 200 rooms on average, signifying a citywide occupancy rate of more than 90%.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon World Travel Awards have listed Cambodia has the leading cultural destination in Asia. Minister of Tourism Sok Soken said the award underpinned the country’s achievement in promoting post-covid era tourism. He drew attention in particular to the Angkor Wat archaeological park and the beauty of Sihanoukville bay. In 2023, Cambodia attracted almost five and a half million foreign tourists, a leap of 140 percent from the previous year. Almost three quarters of the arrivals were from three countries – Thailand, Vietnam and China – with Britain and Germany providing the most European visitors. Cambodia has achieved mammoth tourist growth even though she has not joined the regional rush to abolish visas for international visitors. Most arrivals require a prior or on arrival visa which typically is valid for 30 days and costs between US$30 and US$40, a significant revenue source for a small country. Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin has suggested that Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam get together to produce a Schengen-type visa in which a visa for one country entitles entry to all. However, the many differences in the entry requirements of the four ASEAN members may make a common agreement difficult to achieve. Additionally, the conflicting rules about cannabis use and foreign currency transactions amongst partner countries could complicate the picture even further. But the Thai premier is well-known for his enthusiasm for visa-free travel as a way of boosting both arrival numbers and lengths of stay as tourist revenue generators.

Inclined to think they will. Patpong crowd is now a foodie bunch and cheap and cold should fill the bill.

Opening today at Surawong and Patpong One is a soft service shop where you can get a cone for as little as 15 bht. Soon to open on Patpong Two diagonally opposite Dream Boy is a new tattoo shop.

From Thai PBS World The Public Health Ministry is currently drafting an amendment, to the law on the protection of children born through the application of assisted reproductive technology, to allow foreign couples access to surrogacy services in Thailand, said Arkhom Praditsuwan, deputy director-general of the Health Service Support Department. According to the subcommittee responsible for amendment, foreign couples will be allowed to bring their own or use a Thai surrogate, adding that the process must strictly abide by the legal terms, which are still being worked out. There will, however, be measures in place to prevent commercial surrogacy services and human trafficking. “This will be the first Act of its kind in Thailand, which will attract the attention of foreign couples seeking surrogacy services,” said Arkhom. Besides surrogacy services for foreign couples, the law will also allow unmarried female relatives of the woman seeking the services, aged from 20 to 40, to donate their eggs. Other proposed amendments include wives who are 35-years-old can undergo genetic tests on their foetus, to make sure they are healthy, and women who are over 55 will be allowed to seek surrogacy services. According to the Health Service Support Department, there are now 17 state hospitals, 31 private hospitals and 67 private clinics now offering assisted reproductive technology services, including surrogacy services.

From The Thaiger Analysts predict a decline in the value of the Thai baht, the nation’s currency, attributed to various factors such as sluggish economic growth, elevated freight expenses, and discord regarding reductions in interest rates. It is anticipated that the baht will fluctuate within the range of 36 to 36.50 against the US dollar throughout this month. On Wednesday, the baht recorded a decline, falling below 36 to the US dollar, and was quoted at 35.96-98 to the US dollar yesterday morning. This was in response to a slight easing of the dollar, following a minor reduction in US economic growth than initially projected at 3.3% for the last quarter of 2023, as reported by the Kasikorn Research Center, reported Bangkok Post. However, the US economy demonstrated resilience, achieving a 2.5% growth in 2023, surpassing the 1.9% increase in 2022. The driving force behind this growth was consumer expenditure, which constitutes approximately 70% of US economic activity, and recorded a 3% annual increase in the final quarter of the year. Patrick Poulier, the executive vice president and chief of the financial markets function at Siam Commercial Bank, opined that Thailand’s economic recovery this year would continue to be hindered by structural issues. This follows a GDP growth in the last quarter of 2023 that fell below the anticipated 1.7%, largely due to a slow resurgence of tourism expenditure, and languid public investment and consumption, said Poulier. “In the short term, the baht is tending to depreciate as the dollar gains in line with treasury yields, which are expected to remain high in the near term.” Poulier anticipates the baht’s depreciation against the dollar, estimating a range of 36-36.50 baht in March. Bank of America (BofA) Global Research has observed a recent consolidation of the baht as equity outflows stabilised before transitioning to small net inflows in February. However, the currency continues to respond negatively to any potential rate cuts or dovish tilts by the Bank of Thailand.

If boy is doing hand stand 😊

From apattaya News Airports of Thailand Addresses Suvarnabhumi Queues with Upgrades Airports of Thailand (AOT) and immigration authorities are taking steps to address the issue of long passenger queues at Suvarnabhumi Airport, following complaints by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin about the slow processing times. During a follow-up inspection jointly conducted by AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat and Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee of Immigration Division 2, it was discovered that passengers spend up to 1 hour and 30 minutes on immigration procedures during peak times with the airport handling 5,000-6,000 passengers per hour. To reduce waiting times to their 30-minute target, AOT plans to add 800 staff members by March 30 to assist with searches and guide passengers. Additionally, immigration is to fully staff all booths during busy periods. Starting March 1, 200 new immigration officers will be stationed at the airport, with a total of 400 expected by year-end. To further streamline the process, 80 additional automatic channels equipped with enhanced passport-checking software will be operational by July 15, and 20 new gates will be installed by June 15. These updates will include advanced technology for examining power banks without requiring passengers to remove their shoes. A Common Use Passenger Processing System has been implemented for self check-in and baggage loading, and AoT is encouraging airlines to open check-in counters four hours prior to departure. AOT also plans to expand the airport’s eastern terminal by 2027 to effectively manage growing passenger numbers and enhance the overall efficiency of the passenger processing system.

From Thai PBS World The tri-partite Wage Committee has approved, by a vote of 7:5, a new formula for the calculation of minimum wages, which is tentatively expected to come into force in April, initially in Bangkok and nine other provinces. The new formula will factor in labour productivity, labour’s contribution to production, the inflation rate, the number of months since the last wage adjustment and the economic situation in each area. Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien said yesterday that the new formula will be sent to all provinces, so they can gauge the opinions of entrepreneurs and labour representatives. The ten places where the new minimum wages will come into effect first are Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Krabi, Songkhla, Phang-nga, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Rayong. Pairoj said that the wage committees in those locations must submit their proposed minimum wage rates to the Wage Committee, which is due to meet on March 24th, so that theycan become enforceable in April. He declined, however, to commit as to whether the new wage will be a minimum of 400 baht, noting that the wages in each province depend on their economic situation and on the types of jobs.

I recall following you inside Tawan one night after we left the New Twilight bar. When I saw you immediately sandwiched between two bodybuilders I politely took my leave in quick order and headed for the familiar environs of Screw Boy. 🙂

Very likely, or just gets transferred to a less attractive position—temporarily of course.

….or didn’t dare to.

Some influential high roller must want that Ekkamai parcel for development—and no shortage of folks in right places willing to grease the wheels. 🤫