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From The Nation The word "police" (“tumruat”) in Thai has its roots in Cambodia’s native language, Khmer, and the oldest evidence of this word in Thailand can be found in a stone inscription in Lopburi province, which was created between 1022 and 1057. It is believed that this term referred to individuals who worked in government-related roles. However, the oldest known institution in Thailand with functions similar to the modern police force existed during the Ayutthaya period under King Borommatrailokkanat (1448 to 1488). During that time, police officers acted as royal guards and worked within the Grand Palace. They would accompany the king wherever he went, and they were allowed to carry weapons within the palace grounds. Additionally, these officers served as a judicial body to settle disputes, as if the king himself were the judge. To become a police officer during this period, one had to come from a respected family lineage and earn the trust of the king. During the reign of King Mongkut or Rama IV (1851 to 1868), the police force was formally established in 1860 to maintain peace in the capital, Bangkok. Its main duties were suppressing disturbances caused by bandits and ensuring the safety of the population. They had the authority to intervene in disputes. Captain Samuel Joseph Bird Ames, an Englishman who had worked as a merchant ship captain, was appointed to establish this new police force. His expertise in maintaining regulations and discipline on ship operations led the King to believe that he could help establish a police organisation. As a result, Captain Ames became the first police chief in Thai history. The chief of police was a foreign national (“farang” in Thai), and the police officers themselves were not Thai either. Malay Muslims were hired to serve in the force, which created problems from the beginning, as they did not understand the local language, customs and traditions. They were mocked by the locals. People also complained that the police did not take their duties seriously, lacked courage, stole people's food, did not pursue criminals, and slept on the job. These issues led to a negative perception of the police. But as the police force expanded, recruitment was opened to the locals to join the police. Eventually, Thai people were recruited into the police force. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who modernised Thailand significantly, there was further development in the police force. The city was expanding, and there was a need for more police presence in various regions. Furthermore, the status of police officers was elevated to that of civil servants, and a police academy was established.

From The Nation A merger between Line Corp and Yahoo Japan Corp has created a new company called LY Corporation. Line Corp, which operates the popular mobile messaging application Line, will use the new name from October 1 onwards, it said in a statement released on Thursday. Line app also informed its users about the imminent name change in a message sent on Thursday. “We thank all the users of the Line Official Account service. Line Corporation and Yahoo Japan Corporation will merge to become a single company on October 1, 2023, and the company’s name will be changed to LY Corporation,” the message said. From October 1, LY Corporation will take over from Line Corp. It will oversee existing Line accounts in Thailand and other countries, it said.

From The Nation Representatives of certain groups on Thursday presented to Parliament on behalf of the public the drafts of three bills in the hope that lawmakers would pass legislation on same-sex marriage, promote gender acceptance, and redefine prostitution. The drafts were accepted by first deputy House Speaker Padipat Suntiphada. The draft Marriage Equality Bill proposes amending Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code, which limits the definition of marriage to a man and a woman, by making the marriage law applicable to any couple, regardless of gender. The draft bill on "gender identity, gender expression and sexuality" proposes that official certificates accept the gender that an individual identifies as. The third draft is an an amendment to the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, specifically to define sex workers as legal professionals who are entitled to rights and freedom to work equally. The three bills share the same goals of ensuring sexual equality, promoting acceptance and equal treatment of all individuals regardless of their genders, sexual identity, or profession, said a representative.

I understand from a reliable source that Dreamboy was nearly full for the first show Monday and managed to field about 50 on stage. Although Sol seems to be off to a slow start, I'd like to think it can find its niche in that compact stretch of PP2. I'm impressed that none of the bars don't seem to be having trouble finding guys to fill the ranks.

No one better explores the infighting among Thailand’s top cops than novelist John Burdett in his bestseller “Bangkok 8.” And he does it with a gay undercurrent and memorable character development.

One of the reasons trash becomes a problem in tourist areas in Bangkok is the lack of bins to dispose of it. Walk Silom or Surawong looking for a place to toss your trash and you you'll be hard pressed to find an receptacle. At least most 7-11's have a trash can outside the door but that's not the practice with most stores and vendors. In the evening it's common to find ever growing piles of loose and bagged rubbish appearing on the sidewalks, acting as temporary feeding stations for animals until the collectors arrive after midnight.

Although I have no reason to doubt that Brazil and Spain would score high even in a scientifically-conducted poll, but anyone who's been to Thailand (every body here I'd guess) likely believes it belongs in the top 10. Or have my last 21 years been a total deception?

From Thai PBS World The Bank of Thailand’s monetary policy committee unanimously voted to raise the policy rate by 25 basis points, to 2.5%, with immediate effect today (Wednesday). According to Piti Disyatat, secretary of the committee, the Thai economy overall continues to recover this year, although at a slow pace due to soft external demand, but growth should pick up next year, supported by both domestic and global demand. Inflation is projected to increase next year in line with the recovery and El Niño -related supply pressure. The committee projects growth to be 1.8% and 4.4% in 2023 and 2024 respectively, driven by private consumption. Growth this year weakened somewhat due to a delayed recovery in merchandise exports and tourism, weighed down by subdued growth in China and the global electronic cycle. Growth should, however, pick up next year thanks to increasing domestic demand, underpinned by tourism recovery and export increases. Headline inflation is projected to remain within the target range at 1.6% and 2.6% this year and next. The overall financial system remains resilient. Financial institutions maintain high levels of capital and loan loss provision.

There are no coincidences in Thailand--or anywhere else for that matter (see above post). From Thai PBS World Pol Gen Torsak to become Thailand’s next top cop The Police Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has selected Deputy National Police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol as the new head of the nation’s police force, replacing Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, who is set to retire at the end of this month. The selection of the new police chief that was initially the last item on the meeting’s agenda, but it was moved to the top. Pol General Torsak, who retires next year, is the most junior of the deputies, being the most recent to be appointed. The other candidates were Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, Pol Gen Roy Ingkapairote and Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet. Surachate and Roy did not attend the meeting. The vote was held after Torsak and Kittirat, as candidates for the position, were invited to leave the room. Torsak won with 4 of the 5 member committee voting for him. Roy, who is also due to retire next year, is tipped to become the National Security Council’s chief, the same rank as the national police chief. Kittirat is due to retire in 2026, while Surachate still has eight years to go before reaching retirement age. However a police spokesman declined to confirm the report, pending royal approval.

From CNBC Trump and company liable for fraud in New York lawsuit, judge rules A judge on Tuesday ruled that former President Donald Trump and his company are liable for fraud in valuing real estate properties as alleged in a lawsuit by the New York Attorney General’s Office. Judge Arthur Engoron in his scathing decision canceled the New York business certificates of Trump, the Trump Organization, and the other defendants in the Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit, who include two of his adult sons. The judge said he will apppoint an independent receiver to manage the dissolution of the corporations whose business certificates he canceled. Engoron, in granting partial summary judgment to James in the case, found that Trump had made false and misleading valuations for multiple real estate assets in statements to insurers and banks for years. Because of those misstatements, Trump inflated his true net worth in annual financial statements by billions of dollars, according to the decision.

Excerpted from Tourism Authority of Thailand press release Covering a total indoor usable area of 251,400 square metres and apron area of more than 260,000 square metres, the SAT-1 terminal is a four-storey building with two basements. The B2 level is home to the APM Station. The B1 level is for the systems control room. G level houses the Baggage Handling System (BHS) and offices. Level 2 is dedicated to arrival passengers and those on flight connections. Level 3 is the departure area with a waiting area for boarding passengers in an open gate style layout and shops lining along the hallway. Level 4 is set aside for passenger lounges, airlines’ lounges, and other facilities. The building is connected to the main terminal by an underground tunnel with a length of about one kilometre. Operating inside the tunnel are the APM system, the BHS, and two airside service roads. Travelling from the current terminal to the SAT-1 terminal is by means of the APM, an unmanned electric vehicle with rubber wheels used solely to transport passengers. Passengers travelling on international flights departing and arriving from the SAT-1 can take the APM. The journey time, including waiting time at the station for passengers, is about three minutes, and the APM can accommodate up to 210 passengers per train per way. The new terminal comes with 28 contact gate aircraft parking stands capable of accommodating 8 Code F Aircraft, such as A380 and B747-8, and 20 Code E Aircraft like B747 and A340. There are 64 passenger loading bridges, 24 of them are under Code F and 40 under Code E. In the initial period, Thai AirAsia X and Thai Vietjet will be operating flights through SAT-1. Thai AirAsia X will operate 14 flights per day, while Thai Vietjet will have four flights a day operating through the SAT-1 terminal. Duty-free delivery counter services, duty-free shops, restaurants, and special passenger lounges will be partially open for operation. The maiden flight to the SAT-1 on 28 September is Thai AirAsia X Flight XJ 0761 arriving from Shanghai at 10.15 Hrs.

From CNBC Outbound travel from China is surging ahead of the first “Golden Week” holiday period since the country has allowed international travel to resume and even as China’s economic growth has slowed. Bookings for popular foreign destinations such as Singapore, Australia and Thailand have increased 20 times compared to the same holiday period last year, travel provider Trip.com said in a press release Monday. Golden Week, which begins Oct. 1 this year, marks the annual weeklong period that includes the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day in China. More than in previous years, travelers are seeking out “unique and immersive experiences,” Trip.com CEO Jane Sun said in the press release. Data shows an increase in purchases of private group tours as well as bookings for less-popular destination such as Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, the travel provider said. “We’ve observed a significant shift towards high-quality services and in-depth travel encounters,” Sun said in the release. “Travelers are not just exploring popular destinations but also seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences.” =========================== Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embraces Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sept. 25, 2023. Sakchai Lalit—AP

As PeterRS says, they're perfectly capable of buying their way into any sport. However, FIFA officials--as much as they would love to get their hands on the cash, gold bars or both--can count on significant push back from every women's sport group, not to mention the LGBT community and the media who haven't forgotten the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. A Thai bid would likely have ASEAN-wide support. And fans could be expected to be more inclined to visit a liberal nation like Thailand.

Now that you've twice speculated on the upside, I was hoping you could tell us something about the downside. 🙂

Although I'll always take the train (if it's running) because I travel light, whenever I take the taxi I just make it clear to driver that "You take expressway and I give you 500." Never get an argument. When you add up fare, tolls and tip, whatever extra it costs me I find it well worth the convenience. It comes to less than USD 15 for door to door service. A bargain at twice the cost.

From Thai PBS World New Move Forward leader outlines strategies for more change in Thai society The Move Forward party will press for more change in Thai society, expand its political base across the country and transform the party into a political institution of the people, newly-elected party leader Chaithawat Tulathon told supporters at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s youth centre (formerly Thai-Japanese youth centre) in Din Daeng on Sunday. Speaking at a political event entitled “Next Step, Move Forward Throughout the Land”, Chaithawat said that, although the Move Forward party has a new leader, Pita Limjaroenrat remains the party’s prime ministerial candidate. He said that many party members are disappointed while others have lost hope, because the party could not form a government, even though it won the most seats in parliament. “Today, we leave our tears and sadness behind. No more regret,” said Chaithawat, as he urged party members to work with the party to bring about more change. He outlined the party’s four strategies, one of which is to expand its political base to include the whole country. “We will maintain our old turf and to create new ones,” he said, as he urged party members to try harder to win elections in constituencies currently controlled by the other parties. Another strategy is to turn the Move Forward party into a people’s political institute and the third is to perform its duty as the opposition the best it can, to vigorously check the performance of the government in a straightforward manner “without fear and with substance.” The final strategy, said the party leader, is to push for the writing of a new Constitution by a people’s assembly, as he called for a referendum so the people can decide whether they want a new charter.

From Coconuts Bangkok Deputy police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn’s house was raided by cyber police this morning as part of a nationwide operation to shut down online gambling networks, according to a search warrant issued by Royal Thai Police. The 52-year-old top cop believes the search warrant, part of an cyber police operation called Big Cleaning Day, was executed due to his prior cases involving influential figures and police involved in gambling websites. He claims he has been wrongfully targeted and says the warrant is due to internal conflicts within the Royal Thai Police Big Joke, who is currently one of four police top dogs considered for the position of national police chief of the Royal Thai Police, said during a press conference that those who filed the search warrant had deceived the court in an effort to ruin his reputation. “I believe that those who applied to the court for the warrant deceived the court,” Surachate said. The search warrant police used to raid his house, as well five other houses belonging to his associates, mentioned only the number of the house and did not identify Big Joke as the owner. Big Joke claims cyber police did not know he was the owner of the house. Cyber police searched Big Joke’s house on Soi Vibhavadi 60 after they claimed to have found evidence linking him to several gambling websites as part of the Big Cleaning Day operation. The search warrants at the five other houses in the area belonged to Big Joke’s subordinates, who are also implicated. It has been reported that the houses belonging to his associates were bought by Big Joke himself.

From Thai PBS World To boost bilateral trade and communications between Thailand and Cambodia, Sa Kaeo authorities have asked for the opening of a permanent checkpoint, linking Sa Kaeo province with Banteay Meanchey of Cambodia. The request was made during a visit by Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara who is also foreign minister to Sa Kaeo on Monday. Parnpree went to observe the progress of the building of the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, linking Ban Nong Ian in Aranyaprathet district with Cambodia’s Ban Stung Bot in Oddar Meanchey district. A checkpoint building is also under construction and is expected to be completed this November. Parnpree was asked whether, when the checkpoint opens, it can become a permanent one, to facilitate the travel and trade. The authorities would also like the Foreign Ministry to open temporary passport office in Aranyaprathet district and a Thai consular office in Cambodia.

It seems only appropriate that you chose Alfred E. Neuman as your avatar. The fictitious mascot of Mad magazine that first appeared in the mid-1950's, he was immediately identifiable to most of the forum's membership. That tells us more than we probably care to be reminded of about our demographics. 😄

Perhaps you could thrill us with your pics 😊

Sports events are discussed on this board from time to time and often it's because of the eye candy. From Pattaya Mail In a gripping match against DP Kanchanaburi FC on Saturday September 23rd, Pattaya United secured a 1-1 draw. The standout performance came from Pakornphat Phasuk, a player who has subsequently been deemed an “MVP” of the match by the Pattaya United team. Starting from the previous game, the Dolphin’s coaches said Pakornphat didn’t disappoint. With a powerful strike, he clinched the team’s first official goal in their iconic sky-blue and white jersey. The match was a great display of Pakornphat’s exceptional speed and sharp shooting skills. His boundless energy on the field made him a pivotal player, the team described on its Facebook official account. Thoroughly impressed, the team dubbed him the man of the match. “Pakornphat Phasuk, a force to be reckoned with, who proved his mettle,” the team said.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Barclays’ decision to shut down as many expat accounts worldwide as they can find is causing distress amongst British retirees and long stayers in Thailand. The bank claims the reason is that Barclays’ home services are for UK residents, but Pattaya expat Mike Gilmore says he has been an expat customer for over thirty years. “The real reason is they are not making enough money from us,” he said, “and don’t want the hassle of dealing with overseas customers as they continue to close branches and cut staff numbers.” The bank is offering an alternative to switch to a global account at its offshore bases in the Isle of Man and the Channel Isles which are technically not part of the UK. The downside is that there is a monthly service charge of 40 pounds unless at least 100,000 pounds are kept on an ongoing basis in the same account. Other problems could include a complex online initial registration to transfer money internationally, renewal difficulties when a credit card expires and threats to close the account if the balance is too small. Zero interest is paid on most current and savings account. The Barclays move is not unexpected as many expats, including Brits based in Thailand, had already been ordered to move their UK-based accounts when the bank discovered that they were using a UK post-restante address – often a relative’s – as their regular contact address. In 2021 Lloyds Banking Group, which includes Halifax and the Bank of Scotland, had ordered the closure of thousands of British expat accounts, mostly in Europe. Another Pattaya Brit, Ken Taylor, said he had been told to close his Barclays account by mid November 2023. “I live on modest pensions in UK which I need to be transferred every month.” He said he was contacting the providers to see if they would transfer directly to his Thai bank account but had been warned that some pension companies charged extra, or used poorer exchange rates, or even insisted on sending a cheque which was impossible to cash here. Ken Taylor added, “Although the Barclays news won’t affect most British expats in Thailand as they have already made other banking arrangements, it does illustrate how living overseas brings its own problems. We also have to worry about the rumors of changes in the Thai taxation system, a flat refusal by the British government to upgrade frozen state pensions and what the immigration bureau may or may not be planning.”

From The Nation Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to New York to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly was successful in fostering relationships and increasing trade and investment with other countries, Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong said. Srettha met with several foreign leaders, made five speeches and met with leaders of major corporations, including Tesla, Google, Microsoft, Citibank, JP Morgan, and Estee Lauder. These companies showed interest in investing more in Thailand, Chai said. Srettha expressed confidence that several foreign investors will invest at least US$5 billion each in Thailand and that he hopes Thai companies will register on the New York Stock Exchange next year. Talks were also held with FIFA executives about the possibility of Thailand hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2032. Additionally, support for football was increased significantly, with sponsorship raised from the previous 250,000 baht per year to 2 million baht per year.

From The Nation Unesco listing sparks surge of tourists to Sri Thep Tourists have been racing to Sri Thep since the ancient city in Phetchabun province was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site, but local residents have been caught off guard by the influx and services for visitors remain minimal. "It's truly unfortunate that the local community couldn't catch up in time, resulting in no facilities or services to benefit from the significant influx of tourists,” Phetchabun Governor Wison Kositanont wrote on Facebook. Wison was one of the key figures who pushed for Sri Thep’s addition to the heritage site list. Visitors are flocking to Sri Thep for holidays, and it is likely that this trend will continue, he said, adding: "This is one of the reasons why Phetchabun province urgently needs to establish a community-driven tourist service centre.” Si Thep is the fourth site in Thailand to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The first was the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani, which was added to the list in 1992. Si Thep was added to the list in the cultural category.