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List reminds me just how old I am because I recognize quite a few of celebrities on it. 🙂

Agree that Blinken has qualifications and resume for the job, and also smart enough to know that he’d be out of his element in domestic politics. But he’s the perfect Secretary of State and well respected on world stage. Still think O’Bama is the ex-president who could beat that other “X” president handily because he could unite the unenrolled and the young that Biden has yet been able to knit together.

Don’t know but always happens to me. Met guy at One Spa on next to last day of previous trip. Hope to get reacquainted today. He’s been heavy on my mind. Thanks for good report from little heard about destination. Train looks like appealing option.

I find these guys incredibly sexy. From Thai PBS World More than 5,000 Muay Thai boxers from Thailand and 60 other countries took part in a ceremony to pay respects to Muay Thai teachers during the Amazing Muay Thai World Festival 2024, held on Tuesday at the Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin to commemorate world Muay Thai Day. The event was presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and was attended by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Army Commander-in-Chief General Charoenchai Hinthao. The event featured a card stunt by more than 700 drones and a fireworks display. It was also intended to set a new Guinness world record for the largest single gathering of Muay Thai boxers.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Thailand is heading up discussions with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia to seek agreement that a tourist visa or pass for one country means travellers can visit all five without further bureaucracy. The Thai premier’s adviser Prommin Lertsuridej said, “Thailand will lead negotiations for tourists to require one entry visa to travel amongst us.” The idea is not entirely new, but plans have collapsed in the past as the various countries have their own specific requirements and prices. For example, Thailand now offers some countries, for example South Korea and Russia, 90 days visa exempt on arrival and without any payment. Cambodia, on the other hand, charges virtually all foreigners for the compulsory e-visa or visa on arrival and offers just 30 days. Laos meanwhile still requires evidence of covid vaccinations (or risk compulsory testing at Vientiane airport) and has different regulations from Thailand about bringing foreign currency into the country. Srettha Thavisin, the Thai prime minister, intends to use visa conformity amongst neighbors as a lever to encourage European Union countries to allow visa-free travel for the five Asean nations throughout the 27+ nations operating the Schengen visa system. Agreement on such a bold move is unlikely for the foreseeable future as security and immigration controls are dominant concerns amongst all EU members. In any significant discussions, most Asean nations are keen to be under the leadership of Thailand which welcomes the most foreign tourists and has recently dismantled its own remaining visa regulations for the vast majority of its visiting vacationers.

I wonder if any scenes were filmed at the JC Complex. 🥴 From Pattaya News The big budget highly anticipated Thai action thriller, “Pattaya Heat: All Men Are Brothers,” is set to ignite the silver screen as it makes its debut on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. The red carpet was rolled out on February 6th for a star-studded lineup of top Thai actors, artists, and renowned influencers, as they gathered to celebrate the launch of this groundbreaking movie at the ‘Gala Premiere’ event at Siam Paragon. Pattaya Heat is a gripping action thriller that delves into the so-called dark underbelly of the world-famous resort city. The movie follows a deadly game of cat and mouse between the main character “Tot” and a menacing mafia gang. The blockbuster film featuring an A list of Thai actors was shot on location across Pattaya and will feature popular locations such as Walking Street and Pattaya Beach.

It certainly doesn’t seem to be a low budget flick: the crews were pros with high end equipment. They finally packed all the trucks up and backed out of PP2 by midnight. On another note, crowds on Patpong One approached pre-Covid levels so much so that a cop was assigned to supervise pedestrian crossing on Surawong by Burger King for first time in memory. All vendors were enjoying the fruits of their labor.

When I passed by what was once home of Bangkok Massage i was heartened to see neon lights announcing that shop is open. So I opened door only to find inner door padlocked. Turnd out all part of movie as is adjacent construction store

Arrived in Bkk last night and this morning discovered I’d left my blood pressure med at home. Went to the ever reliable Chula pharmacy on Rama 4 (between Silom and Surawong) and was provided what I needed for 80 baht. it appears that b/p and statins are available without prescription in LOS.

However did his knees get so messed up?

+1

They were still shooting movie today at 5:30 pm. Action seems to have moved further into soi.

Lesson learned: never book room above second floor in Pattaya.

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/02/03/entertainment/nikki-haley-snl-cold-open-ayo-edebiri/index.html

I believe the Dusit operates a school for those interested in hospitality industry. I'm confident that they are better positioned to attract good staff.

From Pattaya News British Tourist Dies After Fall from Pattaya Hotel Pattaya police are investigating the death of a 69-year-old British man who fell from a fourth-floor hotel window on Sunday morning. According to Pol. Lt. Anirut Jaro, the investigating officer at Pattaya Police Station, the incident occurred at around 2:00 AM on February 4th at a hotel located on Soi Buakhao in Central Pattaya. The victim, a 69-year-old British national whose name was withheld pending family notification, was found on the hotel ground with severe injuries after falling from the fourth floor of the hotel. Despite immediate medical attention from rescue personnel, he succumbed to his wounds upon arrival at a local hospital. Preliminary investigations conducted by Pattaya police revealed no signs of foul play inside the victim’s room. The exact cause of the incident remains undetermined. ======================== Swedish Swim Coach Fatally Falls from Pattaya Hotel A 60-year-old Swedish swim coach tragically lost his life on Sunday morning after falling from the third floor of a hotel on Pattaya Third Road. According to authorities, Pattaya police received a report of the incident at approximately 2:06 AM on February 4th. They rushed to the scene at an unidentified hotel on Pattaya Third Road, along with a rescue team from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation. At the hotel entrance, authorities discovered the lifeless body of the victim, a Swedish swim coach, 60, whose name was withheld pending his family notification. He had fallen from his room, located on the third floor, which is about 15 meters from the ground. The body sustained serious injuries, including various fractures. The body was covered with a white cloth before being transported to a nearby hospital. Mr. Nantaphob Luakthaisong, a 25-year-old security guard who witnessed the event, reported that while on duty, he noticed a dark figure falling from the third floor. He quickly realized it was a person and rushed to the scene, where he found the victim’s body with severe injuries. He immediately contacted the police for assistance. Preliminary investigations revealed no signs of struggle on the victim’s body. However, the cause of the incident remains undetermined. Police are currently reviewing hotel CCTV footage for further insights, while the hospital is awaiting the arrival of the victim’s family to claim the body and arrange funeral rites in accordance with their religious customs.

From Pattaya Mail Lao Airlines is expanding its flight services with new routes both domestically and internationally, in anticipation of increased passenger flow during Visit Laos Year 2024. The airline announced new routes connecting Savannakhet to Bangkok, Vientiane to Phnom Penh, and Vientiane to Danang to accommodate the surge of travelers and celebrate its 35th anniversary. Starting March 15, Savannakhet-Bangkok flights will operate three times a week, while Vientiane-Phnom Penh flights will commence on March 19 with a similar frequency. From April 4, flights between Vientiane and Danang will be available twice a week. Chanthanom Khampheng, Deputy Director of the Commercial and Marketing Department, said the high demand for bookings prompted the addition of more international and domestic flights starting next month. Lao Airlines currently serves destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and South Korea and is exploring the possibility of launching flights to Japan. The airline’s domestic operations include routes between Vientiane and several provinces, such as Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Champassak, Xieng Khuang, and Huaphan, facilitating connectivity within Laos. (NNT)

From Pattaya Mail Clients and barbers look on in disbelief as the mad Russian takes an electric razor to Supachai Maneecharoen’s hair in a dramatic display of dissatisfaction and height of vulgarity. In a shocking incident at a local hair salon, a 32-year-old hairdresser, Supachai Maneecharoen, was assaulted by a dissatisfied foreign customer following a dispute over a haircut. The confrontation unfolded around 4 p.m. when a Russian customer, unhappy with his haircut, resorted to violence by using an electric razor to embarrassingly cut off Supachai’s hair. The sudden attack left both salon staff and customers in a state of shock. Supachai, a seasoned hairdresser with over seven years of experience, expressed disbelief at the customer’s behaviour, citing a language barrier as a possible cause for the misunderstanding. Despite the unexpected reaction, Supachai remains hopeful that the customer will return to apologize and compensate for the haircut. The entire incident was captured on the salon’s CCTV footage, providing clear evidence for potential legal proceedings. Pattaya City Police Station is currently investigating the matter, and charges may be filed against the individual for his disruptive behaviour.

+1 The old Dusit Thani was also my favorite splurge hotel. The new one appears to maintain the same iconic roof top bar that adorned it. The "Dusit" rooms were actually suites with the decor Keith describes above. And never experienced an issue with guests. Here's artist's rendering of one of their better rooms in the new version. I believe I've read it's going to be a multi-use tower.

Yes, remember it well. Great place. Food at reasonable prices in old Thai style surroundings. Thanks for the link. Brought back many memories and all of them good. It was Bangkok at its best in those years.

It's just for Chinese New Year but Jey Spa masseurs are now adorned in festive colors. And they're wore than wiling to accept red envelopes from you. 🙂

From Pattaya Mail Video captures ladyboy’s daring gold necklace heist A series of photos capturing a person, suspected to be involved in the city’s nightlife, engaging in flirtatious interactions while slyly unhooking a tourist’s gold necklace in Pattaya Soi 6. A viral video showing a young woman, suspected to be associated with the city’s nightlife, allegedly stealing a tourist’s gold necklace in Pattaya Soi 6 has sparked safety concerns in the popular entertainment district. Our team visited Soi 6 on February 1, where they met a local resident Mr. Keng who said that he was unaware of the specific incident, but called for swift intervention by authorities to restore a positive image for tourists and ensure overall safety in the area. Law enforcement has not confirmed any arrests related to the incident, prompting a plea for thorough investigation and enhanced security measures. City officials are yet to release an official statement on the matter. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Found it on Booking.com. I was surprised--and pleased--to see what looks like a washing machine in the room. It's not yet available for occupancy so rates not available. https://www.booking.com/hotel/th/nishitetsu-croom-bangkok-silom.html

From Associated Press Landlocked Laos doesn't have the famous beaches of its neighbors to attract tourists, but instead relies on the pristine beauty of its mountains and rivers and historical sites to bring in visitors. The crown jewel is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where legend has it that Buddha once rested during his travels. It brings all the elements together, with its mix of historic Laotian and French colonial architecture on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers. But a multibillion-dollar dam project underway 25 kilometers (15 miles) upstream has prompted concerns that it could result in the city losing its UNESCO status, and broader questions about what the government's ambitious plans to build multiple dams across the Mekong will do to the river, the lifeblood of Southeast Asia. “When the Luang Prabang Dam is complete, and it's already well under construction, the river is going to trickle into a dead body of water,” said Brian Eyler, director of the Washington-based Stimson Center's Southeast Asia Program and its Energy, Water and Sustainability Program. "The people going to Luang Prabang as tourists to see the mighty Mekong and see how the Lao people interact with the river, all those interactions are going to be gone — all the fishing, meaningful local boating and commerce done by locals on relatively small boats will end.” The dam is also being built near an active fault line, and though studies of the design conclude it could withstand an earthquake, local residents are worried. For Som Phone, a 38-year-old tour boat operator and lifelong Luang Prabang resident, memories of the 2018 collapse of another dam in Laos that killed dozens and displaced thousands, blamed on shoddy construction, are still fresh. “Many people died,” he said. Luang Prabang is not yet on UNESCO's list of endangered World Heritage sites, but the Paris-based agency has outlined a series of concerns, including the protection of historic buildings and the effect of the dam project on protected wetlands and the city's riverbanks, and is awaiting a report back from Laos.

Enjoyed the video and the narrators. My experiences of staying in the area was between 2003-2009 when I was a devotee of the legendary Babylon, about a 10-15 minute walk away. I stayed either at the Pinnacle or Malaysia hotels and had no complaints about either. At the Pinnacle I used to book through a local guy who lived in the hotel (think Jimmy was his name) who could save you a few hundred baht a night. I don't recall the area being a hippe ghetto it was in the 80's and 90's and never recall feeling unsafe walking around. But once Babylon began losing its allure, I began staying primarily in the Silom area.