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From VN Express Vietnam's railway sector is set to put into service a pair of high-quality trains on the popular Hanoi-Da Nang route on Friday, catering to the growing demand from both domestic and international tourists. The high-quality trains have undergone comprehensive refurbishments, including fresh paintwork and meticulous interior enhancements, such as new blankets, sheets, pillows, and window curtains. The bed compartments have been designed to create a luxurious and cozy ambiance. Continues at https://e.vnexpress.net/news/places/luxury-trains-to-come-on-hanoi-da-nang-link-4665587.html To ensure a comfortable and premium experience, the railway sector has installed new water heaters and bright white ceramic sanitary equipment in the washing compartments and restrooms.

From The Thaiger In a viral incident, a Thai transgender person chased a foreign tourist of unknown nationality around Pattaya Beach and threw ferocious punches and kicks at him. The incident came after the tourist reportedly refused to buy a companion service offered by the attacker and allegedly insulted her. The incident, captured in a video and shared via TikTok on ghostcars001, quickly spread across Thai social media platforms, sparking a fervent online discussion. In the widely viewed footage, the transgender woman is seen relentlessly pursuing the tourist along Pattaya Beach during the evening. In a fit of rage, she attempts to land punches and kicks on the tourist who, on his part, tries to evade her and protect himself from the blows. Ultimately, he manages to break free and flee the scene. Subsequent to the incident, local media descended on the scene, close to Soi 13/1’s mouth on Beach Road, on October 15 to gather eyewitness reports. According to a 56 year old bystander named Jaem, the incident unfolded on Friday, October 13. Jaem recounted observing a group of three tourists leisurely strolling along the beachfront. They were then approached by the transgender woman who was later identified in the video. She reportedly offered her companion services to the tourists. However, the tourists refused the proposition, leading to one of them allegedly dousing her with water and hurling insults at her. This derogatory act seemingly triggered a violent response. Pattaya’s police department reported on Sunday that they had apprehended the transgender woman seen in the video. Legal proceedings are currently ongoing. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to locate the assaulted tourist to gather his account of the incident. The transgender individual’s identity remains undisclosed to safeguard her privacy.

I’ve seen the 56 Suriwong rooms. Basic, clean and perhaps the best located hotel in relation to Patpong.

Wanted to use a medium with which you’re familiar.🙂

Big - not small Medium - not big, not small Small - not big

From CNN An artsy quarter of Madrid, a sustainable pocket of Melbourne, and an up-and-coming zone in Medellin – what do these places have in common? They’re among the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to global publisher Time Out. Every year, Time Out polls its staffers and contributors from around the globe to assemble a list of the 40 most fun, interesting and fashionable ‘hoods. Topping the 2023 list is Laureles, in Colombia’s bustling city of Medellin, which is the hometown of musicians J Balvin and Karol G. According to Time Out, up-and-coming Laureles has a “pretty laid-back reputation” despite being home to the Estadio Atanasio Girardot soccer stadium and famed nightlife street La 70. Still, though, it has thus far resisted the gentrification other Medellin neighborhoods have experienced, with Time Out‘s Luis Gomez noting that traditional fruit vendors still push their carts through the streets in Laureles. See Time Out’s 39 cool neighborhoods, including Sang Wat in Bangkok’s Chinatown: An artsy quarter of Madrid, a sustainable pocket of Melbourne, and an up-and-coming zone in Medellin – what do these places have in common? They’re among the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to global publisher Time Out. Every year, Time Out polls its staffers and contributors from around the globe to assemble a list of the 40 most fun, interesting and fashionable ‘hoods. Topping the 2023 list is Laureles, in Colombia’s bustling city of Medellin, which is the hometown of musicians J Balvin and Karol G. According to Time Out, up-and-coming Laureles has a “pretty laid-back reputation” despite being home to the Estadio Atanasio Girardot soccer stadium and famed nightlife street La 70. Still, though, it has thus far resisted the gentrification other Medellin neighborhoods have experienced, with Time Out‘s Luis Gomez noting that traditional fruit vendors still push their carts through the streets in Laureles. See Time Out’s 39 other cool neighborhoods, including Sang Wat in Bangkok’s Chinatown: https://www.timeout.com/travel/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world

From Pattaya News 14 transgender people were lifted off Pattaya Beach last night for documentation inspection and drug testing at the Pattaya Police Station. At 10 PM on October 15th, Pattaya police conducted an impromptu inspection of Pattaya Beach in order to address various issues such as theft, drug abuse, violence, and prostitution. The sweep also comes after a viral TikTok video which appeared to show a transgender individual attacking a tourist on Pattaya Beach, although the exact details behind the attack are vague and unverified by the media. Comprising over 30 law enforcement personnel, their primary focus during this operation was transgender “gangs” lingering on the beachfront, allegedly engaging in sex work. During the walk around, Pattaya police apprehended 14 transgender people and took them to the Pattaya Police Station for documentation check and drug testing. After completing the procedures, the individuals were released without any fines, and there were no reports of substance abuse. Trans criminals have posed quite a challenge for Pattaya police, especially in multiple cases of pickpocketing.

There have been some changes in the local massage scene since my last trip in July. One new shop has entered the scene to become the lone mixed (male and female staffed) shop in either Patpong 1 or 2. Chaichana has opened on Patpong 1, nearer the Surawong end on the same side the original Madrid was located. When I stopped by the other night, it had three guys—two of whom I found attractive—seated outside with four young women. They offer all the traditional services, including neck and shoulder massage. Some of the public services are offered on the first floor. Thai and oil massage facilities are located on the lower level accessed by wide and easily negotiable stairs. There are three large massage suites, all with massage tables and en suite shower. One hour oil 500. Hours 3pm until midnight. Attire is red polo shirts. Meanwhile on Surawong, there has been some consolidation and (if memory serves me correctly) some space swapping. The shop at the corner of the driveway for Tarntawan Hotel is now known as Avarin and has also taken over the space which appears to have been the long-time home of Green Massage a few shop fronts away. Green is now situated in smaller quarters between the twin Avarin shops. Avarin staff in maroon polos while Green continues to wear the inexplicable orange. Avarin one oil 590. Further up Surawong you’ll find Olivia’s encamped in a large quarters adjacent to the still more expansive Urban Male shop. All of the shops mentioned have male and female staffs. Toured the new and Foodland market in the recently opened Park Silom building at Silom and Convent roads. Located on the lower level, it’s L-shaped layout is expansive, featuring a salad bar and prepared (7-11 style) take away meals starting at 49 bht. It also offers an expanded beer, wine and liquor shop. The attached Took Lae Dee restaurant was going quite strong at 10pm on Monday night with about 25 customers. Like the flagship Patpong location, market and restaurant open 24/7. And for those in need, you’ll find an immaculately maintained restroom on same level. There’s a Dairy Queen outlet also on lower level that I think closed at 9.

From The Nation Thailand’s railway police clocked in for their last day of work on Monday, after 129 years combating petty crime, smuggling and even drug trafficking on trains. The Railway Police Division (RPD) will be disbanded on Tuesday (October 17) and absorbed into other units under the National Police Bureau. Railway police were established in 1894 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), under the name Railway Security Unit. They were later reorganised and renamed the Railway Police Unit before eventually being upgraded to the Railway Police Division. Railway police stations are situated throughout the country It has jurisdiction over more than 450 railway stations and over 4,000 kilometres of track with more than 5,000 railway crossings. It is charged with protecting the safety of more than 30 million passengers annually.

From Thai PBS World Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said today (Monday) that he has no objection to night entertainment venues staying open until 4am, but the zoning system must be updated to ensure that noise from such venues will not cause a disturbance to people in the same neighbourhood. Admitting that some pubs and bars are still operating illegally beyond the current 2am time limit, he said that making all the night spots comply with the law, by allowing them to stay open until 4am, would be more logical and orderly. The governor said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has discussed the issue with the strategic committee on soft power and has proposed that both of them should work together to develop measures to prevent underage people from accessing the entertainment venues. ================ 20-baht train fares for Purple and Red lines effective Starting today, fares on the Purple Line, between Taopoon and Khlong Bang Phai, and the Red Line suburban train, between Bang Sue and Rangsit and Bang Sue and Taling Chan, will be 20 baht for the entire route, after the cabinet approved the train fare cut today with immediate effect. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and officials of the Department of Rail Transport went to Bang Sue train terminal this morning to check the train service and to officiate over the introduction of the new train fare. The Purple Line is 23km long and has 16 stations. The Red Line is divided into two sections. Bang Sue-Taling Chan is 26km and has 10 stations, while the Bang Sue-Rangsit section is 15km with 4 stations. Suriya said that the maximum fare on the Purple and Red lines is now 20 baht, as he predicted that the number of commuters using the services will increase to about 100,000 per day (70,000 for the Purple Line and 30,000 for the Red Line) from the current rate of about 82,000. He went on to say that allowing entertainment venues to stay open until 4am may boost tourism and the economy of the service sector, including night vendors and taxi drivers.

From Thai PBS World The Thai cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free stay in Thailand for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days to boost tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today (Monday). He explained that the winter in Russia usually begins in December and lasts until March, during which the weather is very cold and Russian people want to travel abroad to escape the extreme cold and a one-month stay abroad, such as in Thailand, may not be enough. Hence, the cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free period of stay. Previously, Thailand granted visa exemptions to tourists from China and Kazakhstan, from September 25th to February 29th.

Being a twink doesn’t equate to being other than masculine, as I think most twink lovers will attest. It relates to body style just as hunk relates to a different body style. I was walking by Screwboy last night between shows when the mainly twink staff hang around outside and at the cooked food vendors on Surawong. Impressive and masculine in my book.

From Thai PBS World Less than two months after taking power, Prime Minister SretthaThavisin appears to be overshadowed by the Shinawatra family, judging from the people around him. A high proportion of his official and unofficial advisers, government appointees, and Cabinet colleagues are Shinawatra loyalists, friends, political allies, in-laws, or even family members. Over the past month, PM Srettha has appointed 13 official advisers mostly linked to past governments led by Thaksin Shinawatra or his sister Yingluck. Nine advisers were named on September 14: Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Tewan Liptapanlop, Pichai Chunhavajira, Supanit Chaiyawat, Pimol Srivikorn, Pichit Chuenban, Chonlatit Surasawadi, Chai Watcharong, and Surayut Thavikulwat. Srettha appointed four more on October 4: TongthongChandransu, Paitoon Chutimakornkul, Arthit Suriyabhivadh, and Police General Chinnapat Sarasin. Kittiratt, 65, served as deputy prime minister, finance minister, and economic czar in Yingluck’s government. Formerly a deputy Pheu Thai leader, Kittiratt has now been hired to share his expertise as Srettha’s chief adviser. Srettha had backed Kittiratt for the post of new Football Association of Thailand president but seemed to change his mind a few days before being voted in as prime minister, saying he “would be better suited to helping out the government with its work”. Veteran politician Tewan, 63, is caretaker leader of the coalition Chart Pattana Kla Party. He is a former Thai Rak Thai Party executive, serving between 2004 and 2007. Founded and led by Thaksin, Thai Rak Thai was ousted from the government by the 2006 military coup before being disbanded by court order in 2007 for electoral fraud. Tewan was among its party executives banned from politics for five years. Pichai, 73, has experience as a top executive in the petroleum industry. He was formerly chairman of Bangchak Corporation Plc and director of PTT Exploration and Production Plc. He has also served as president of the Thailand Boxing Association, vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and president of the Asian Boxing Confederation. Supanit, 63, is a close ally and childhood friend of the prime minister. He is also an independent director of Sansiri Plc, the property giant that Srettha helmed as president and CEO before entering politics early this year. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tracking-the-growing-shinawatra-influence-in-new-thai-government/

From Thai PBS World Four more Thais are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel last week, bringing the death toll to 28, with 17 still being held hostage and 16 injured, including some who have already been flown back to Thailand. Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien said today (Sunday) that he has received a report, from the Thai labour attaché in Tel Aviv, that four more Thais are reported to have died, but this is yet to be verified by Israeli authorities. Of the 7,540 Thais who have applied to return home, 94 have changed their minds and chosen to stay on to work in Israel. Altogether 187 Thai evacuees, including some injured, have been flown back to Thailand to date, with the latest group of 90 arriving early this morning. Pairoj said that Thais, who are members of the Labour Ministry’s fund to assist Thais working overseas, will each receive 15,000 baht in welfare if they return to Thailand before the expiry of their employment contracts due to war. Those who are disabled will receive an additional 30,000 baht each and 40,000 baht for the funeral expenses of those who have died. Additionally, according to the employment insurance law in Israel, workers who are 10%-19% injured or disabled, with doctor’s certification, will receive a lump sum of about 1.4 million baht. If they are over 20% injured, disabled or die, their spouses and children will receive monthly compensation of 34,560 baht for the spouses and 5,760-11,520 baht for their children until the death of the disabled worker.

From Thai PBS World A woman injured in the Siam Paragon mass shooting on October 3rd died at about 2am this morning (Friday), having been in coma since she was admitted to a hospital 10 days ago. The passing of Penphiwan has brought the death toll in the shooting to three. The two others who were Chinese and Myanmar nationals. Five more were injured, including Penphiwan. According to an X post, by user “songdoubles” today, Penphiwan, aka “Noong Ning”, had been on life support since her admission, but her body had responded to medication. Unfortunately, she developed more infections, according to the post, which also noted that the parents of the suspected shooter had visited and apologised the victim’s mother last Saturday.

If you’d like to pursue this, read John Burdett’s Bangkok 8 and his over novels set in the big mango.

Since most of they guys I meet are from other SEAsian countries, I’ve learned that the wise ones cultivate regular customers who—like many here—are returning international visitors. Many have acquired some English that helps them with both western and Asian countries where English is a second language.

Yes, as much as I relish the days of old we’re restricted to what the present offers. The biggest difference is the influx of ASEAN guys into the mix to the point they are dominant. And that is a good thing because it broadens the gene pool. I still have great memories of 20+ years ago but new ones keep me returning much longer than I ever thought possible. My advice is to cherish the memories but make the best of the present.

Actually, it still is. Patpong 2 offers five go-go’s and two beer bars with approximately 120-150 guys of all descriptions on any given evening. slip over to Soi 4, and that’s humming with more 50 or so more offable guys in varied venues. on the massage front, an equal or greater number in just the Silom-Surawong triangle.

From The Nation The number of Thais who lost their lives in the Hamas attack on Israel has risen to 21 after another Thai worker was reported to have been killed, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Thursday. He said his government was attempting to evacuate Thai nationals out of Israel but it was a difficult task while the armed conflict was raging on. “The maritime route has to pass Gaza, which is too dangerous to use. Another route involves the use of cars towards Jordan. I confirm that the government is doing its best to take care of Thais there and help them as quickly and safely as possible,” Srettha said. About 7,000 Thais living in Israel, mostly workers hired to work in farms, have reportedly requested their evacuation to Thailand.

And worse, maybe he not hard 😩

If only there was a time machine that could transport us chasers back a quarter of a century to the days of yore, I’d be among the first to sign up. Maybe they’d call it “dynamic chaser conversion.”

This is what Wise (formerly Transfer Wise) cautions about dynamic exchange conversion. Here's the simple rule you need to know when using a foreign ATM When it asks which currency to charge you in, there's only one right answer... In the Eurozone, that answer is euros. In Sweden, Swedish krona. In Britain, pounds. In Australia, AUD. In the US, dollars. Always, always, always choose to be charged in the local currency of the country you're in. If a Spanish ATM asks if you want to be charged in GBP, say no. Don't let the machine do your currency conversion. Here's why you shouldn't let an ATM do conversion for you: Foreign ATMs and card machines often say nice things like: This ATM offers conversion to your home currency. On the surface, that seems pretty generous. It looks like you'll know exactly what you're paying, and in amounts you're way more familiar with. Nice, right? But, in reality, paying in your home currency is hidden-fee-hell. It's a scam that goes by the name of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). DCC means you effectively ask a foreign ATM provider or bank to gleefully make up an exchange rate for you. And the only thing more likely to screw you over than your bank, is a foreign bank. This isn't a kind-hearted service. It's something banks use to take more of your money without you knowing. https://wise.com/us/blog/choose-local-currency-at-foreign-atm

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A recent change in procedure at Pattaya-Jomtien immigration (and Sri Racha) means that all foreigners requiring a service must have a TM30 form receipt in their passport dated since their last arrival in Thailand. This bureaucracy is quite separate from the 90 days reporting for expats which remains intact. The TM30 form, which can be completed by the hotel juristic person or the owner of the residence or the newly-arrived foreigner, has in the past been used mainly when short-term tourists apply for an extension of their 30 days visa exempt entry. It should be completed within 24 hours (72 hours in practice) after arrival in the country. The change in procedure means that the requirement is now extended to any foreigner seeking a re-entry permit, a renewal of a one year extension of stay (including retirement and marriage visas), extension of Elite, certificates of residence for driving licences, opening bank accounts etc. All these categories must now have a TM30 immigration receipt in their passport issued after their most recent entry to Thailand by air or land or sea. A TM30 receipt issued before the last entry to Thailand will be regarded as out-of-date and no longer acceptable. It is recommended that all foreigners check in their passports that they have a TM30 receipt issued since their most recent arrival in the country. This now applies to long-term expats as well as short-term tourists. Updating records now could save inconvenience later when applying for an immigration service. Foreigners in other areas of Thailand need to check the specific regulations of TM30 in operation there.

From Thai PBS Workd The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will send two planes to Israel this Sunday to fly 220 Thai evacuees back to Thailand, followed by a third flight next Wednesday to pick up more evacuees, Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkaphong Sangmanee told MPs in the parliament today (Thursday). The first batch of 15 Thais arrived this morning on an El Al flight, to be followed by a second group of 26 evacuees on the same day, said Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, adding that the number of Thais wanting to come home has increased to over 6,000 while 16 Thais are now being held hostage by Hamas. He said that the government has been trying to arrange for more flights to pick up Thai evacuees in Tel Aviv, but added that, if flights can be arranged in Israel, more evacuees will be able to fly home quickly.