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Can’t recommend Madrid more highly. Pizza, appetizers and service worth the short diversion from Silom. 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 Many thanks to our host, Jenny!

Only if you promise to keep your word and never return to Colombia.

😔 Waste not, want not.

From Bangkok Post Police have arrested a 33-year-old Chinese man with a sexual fetish for the alleged rape, which he also videoed, of an 18-year-old university student in Bangkok. The young victim told police she met the man, identified as Su Xing Rui, on the 6th floor of the MBK centre in Pathum Wan district on the evening of Nov 19. The man acted like a tourist, talking to her in Chinese, a language she was learning, and invited her back to a hotel on Petchaburi road. The young woman alleged he held her there against her will and forced her to participate in making a sex video with him, police said. She went home devastated. The suspect later texted her, asking her to do it again, she said. She decided to tell her family and filed a complaint at Phaya Thai police station. Police set up a sting, making an appointment for the woman to supposedly see the suspect again. Mr Su asked her to bring another man with her for "fancy sex", IDMB commander Pol Maj Gen Theeradech Thammasuthee said on Tuesday. An officer dressed as a wrestler waited to meet the suspect in a hotel room in Ratchathewi district. Six other officers concealed themselves inside the room, waiting for Mr Su to arrive. The officers emerged from their hiding places and arrested him after the disguised officer gave an agreed signal, the police commander said. The signal was saying “Hehehe”. The commander said Mr Su liked to play out a sexual fetish known as natorare, or NTR, which is a form of cuckoldry. He moved frequently, so investigators had to analyse his behaviour pattern to track him down and plan the arrest. The arresting officers impounded his phone, along with many upskirt photos and sadistic sex videos he took with other victims, and a rope he allegedly used for his sexual activities. The suspect initailly denied all the charges, saying he was just a tourist. He was held in custody at Phaya Thai police station for futher investigation. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2913327/chinese-cuck-arrested-over-rape-sex-video-with-student

Perhaps it’s because that those who work in massage shops provide intimate hands-on service to all comers. I don’t think you do that in your workplace. But I stand to be corrected on that point, Olddaddy, as you are currently exploring many new careers simultaneously. 🙂

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon As the Thai government gears up to implement the marriage equality law next month, there is no sign of the green signal elsewhere. The most virulent public opposition to gay rights is in South Korea where “come to your senses” netizens are keen to link same sex activity to aids, monkeypox and any transmitted disease to hand. Some say the advance of evangelical Christianity there is the main reason for the taboo, although the civil penal code is silent on homosexuality. Politicians in Muslim-dominated Malaysia and Indonesia argue that gay marriage is another attempt by western ideologues and their proxies to colonize Asia. Most unsurprisingly, a Malaysian government spokesman said that there are no known cases of registered gay marriages in the country, whilst a state legislature has suggested the building of “rehab” centers for gays. Vietnam formally declassified gay practices as a disease in 2022, but they are neither illegal nor accepted by the state. In the same year, Singapore decriminalized homosexuality but amended the constitution to limit marriage to members of the opposite sex. Myanmar, in the throes of an insurgency, has only stated that “gender issues, unlike in the west, are not important here”. Laos authorities mostly ignore gays although a handful of bars have been warned not to display rainbow flags. As regards Cambodia, former premier Hun Sen has said that there are 100,000 gays in the country and they do not suffer discrimination. They can marry if they wish, but there is no state certificate or civil law recognition. The Philippines has a strong campaigning lobby to extend gay rights beyond notional legality of sexual activity, but the legislature prefers to ignore sexual orientation in Asia’s only notional Roman Catholic country. In spite of widespread indifference or hostility by ruling classes throughout the region, gay activists sense some progress. The Asian Pride Alliance pointed out that Thailand was an unexpected country to find liberalism. “It was the military-backed, rightist government here which first agreed the concept of same sex marriage as well as decriminalizing cannabis,” said the spokeswoman referring to the post-coup administration which lost power last year. “Never give up!” she concluded. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/gay-marriage-unlikely-to-spread-soon-amongst-thailands-neighbors-482316

I wouldn’t consider Arena to have “premium” facilities but certainly has its share of muscular guys. I’d think of it more as offering older, experienced masseurs who are certainly capable of providing a strong massage and happy ending at everyday prices. Others I’m sure can comment on the upscale facilities you have in mind.

Natural Massage on Silom Soi 6 has changed name of shop to “G Zone.” Read into that what you will. G Zone is first shop on right as you enter Soi 6 from Silom rd.

The culture inside a massage shop is a microcosm for a greater Southeast Asian society. It’s especially evident where guys from different ASEAN countries are working together. You may have single and married guys working side by side with gay and straight—and anything in between—servicing the same customers day in a day out. It becomes a workplace where they do their job and manage to get along despite their differences. For us westerners, this may be a difficult concept to accept. We grew up for the most part in homophobic cultures where it was inconceivable that gays could mix easily with straights. But with few exceptions, that’s how these shops function in the tourist areas of Bangkok. (I can’t comment on Pattaya because I have no experience there). I don’t think I would want it any other way.

I know many guys who work massage who are married, especially around Soi 6 and Silom. This is probably the rule rather than the exception among those from Vietnam. Not aware of any who experience problems at home because they are supporting their families.

From The Thaiger A historic moment unfolded in Chiang Rai as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented Thai citizenship cards to 72 individuals from ethnic minority groups, marking a monumental step towards addressing statelessnessin the country. The ceremony, held at the GMS International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, December 1, highlighted Thailand’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights, with key officials and representatives from international organisations, including the UNHCR, UNICEF, and IOM, in attendance. The event kicked off with a cultural performance celebrating Chiang Rai’s ethnic diversity before the 38 year old prime minister delivered an address. One of the new citizens could not contain his happiness. “We have waited for this moment for so long. Today, we feel truly Thai, and we are grateful to the government for seeing our importance.”

From Bangkok Post The state and civil sectors are gearing up to implement the Marriage Equality Bill, which is set to become law next month. The bill was endorsed by His Majesty the King and published in the Royal Gazette on Sept 24, making Thailand the third country or territory in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to recognise same-sex marriage. The bill will become law 120 days after it was published in the Royal Gazette, which means same-sex couples will be able to start registering their marriages on Jan 22 next year. Yesterday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, along with the Social Development and Human Security, Interior, Justice, and Culture ministries and Bangkok Pride organisation, held an event called "Marriage Equality Day" to provide an update on Thailand's readiness to implement the Marriage Equality Bill. Kannapong Pipatmontrikul, the director of the General Registration Office of the Interior Ministry, said that a committee had been formed to make adjustments to the marriage registration system to allow same-sex people to register their marriages at local district offices across Thailand. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2912991/govt-gears-up-for-new-law

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya is gearing up for a bustling final month of 2024, with over 10 exciting tourism-promoting events planned for December. The city, renowned as a global tourist destination, is expected to generate billions of baht in economic activity as visitors flock to enjoy a variety of attractions, from natural sites and family-friendly locations to cultural experiences. Pattaya’s appeal as a 24-hour city continues to attract tourists from around the world. After the successful International Fireworks Festival, which generated over 2 billion baht, the city is looking forward to more high-profile events. Key highlights of December include the Pattaya Countdown 2025 at Pattaya Beach and the Pattaya International Jazz Festival. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming events: 2-7 Dec 2024: 1st Football Banglamung Cup 2024 at Banglamung School Football Field 7 Dec 2024 – 12 Jan 2025: Naklua Market Walk & Eat Festival 2024 5 Dec 2024: Ordaining Ceremony for King Rama IX at the Sanctuary of Truth 6-7 Dec 2024: Pattaya International Jazz Festival at Pattaya Beach 11-15 Dec 2024: WGP#1 Waterjet World Cup and WGP#1 Waterjet World Series 2024 at Jomtien Beach 19-22 Dec 2024: Pattaya Water Sports Competition (Wind Surfing and Wing Foil) at Jomtien Beach 20-21 Dec 2024: Pattaya Petanque Competition 2024 at Pattaya 2 School 20-22 Dec 2024: Christmas Market on the Beach 2024 at North Pattaya Beach (Dusit Thani Pattaya) 28 Dec 2024: King Taksin the Great Day at Pattaya City Hall 29-31 Dec 2024: Pattaya Countdown 2025 at Pattaya Beach

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya City Expat Club’s newsletter has now introduced a tax-related webpage to address the financial concerns of members and the wider expat community who clock up in Thailand at least 180 days in 2024. The calendar-year reporting period of potentially taxable income transmitted from overseas will be the first three months of 2025. PCEC stresses that it is not qualified to answer the specific tax liabilities of individuals. The webpage stresses what we don’t yet know for sure. For example, the Thai Revenue Department (TRD) has ignored the issue of expats who have not actually sent any cash from abroad in 2024, or who believe their transmitted funds are “not assessable” under the rules as published. It is unclear if TRD expects all expats living here for half the year or more are expected to file a return. Tax lawyers appear to be divided on this and other related issues. Many ambiguities concern double taxation treaties, each of which is unique and non-transferable to others. These treaties sometimes cover income which can only be taxed in the home country, but more frequently include previously-taxed income which counts as a “credit” towards tax liability in Thailand if transmitted here. The fact that a double taxation treaty exists for your nationality does not automatically bestow exemption here in Thailand. PCEC is keen to hear from any expats, members of not, who have visited their local tax office or have been given a ruling. It appears that some local tax offices have reluctant to issue TINS (tax identification numbers) to expat pensioners, although this could relate to communication problems if the retiree doesn’t speak Thai or is not accompanied by someone who does. Obtaining a TIN does not automatically commit the individual to filing a tax return, according to the PCEC webpage. As a result of the pressing ambiguities, PCEC is keen to hear from local expats who have information given to individuals by their local TRD office. It is likely that personal income tax will be high on the media agenda in 2025 and PCEC will be issuing updates as pertinent information comes to light. PCEC, which has an informative website, welcomes feedback by writing to info@pcec.club website: https://pcec.club/

There was a time when younger that great looks drove my decisions. One of few blessings of getting older is that has faded. Now make decision on what I predict the overall experience will turn out to be like. And the more I practice that selection process the better I’ve become at it. Results can be measured in greater satisfaction at reduced cost.

I believe Olddaddy had already answered that question in previous posts. 🙂

Unusual pattern. Air should be cooling. Humidity is relatively low. Being blamed on burning of agricultural vegetation and atmospheric inversion over area.wind not blowing it away.

Yes, bad as I’ve seen in many years. Temp also spiking this week towards 35.

Agree that attendees got what they paid for. That I’m not attracted to hunks doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate that others are.. That’s the beauty of Bangkok: there’s something for everyone.

The lady cocktail bar that closed mid-November has reopened with some cosmetic alterations. The only operational differences is that a male bartender replaced the female but the hosts remain female. If up to me, I’d staff it with a few of the Freshboy waiters.

Lawson’s has opened Lawson 108 store on Silom, roughly opposite Soi 6. It’s similar to a 7-Eleven but differs in several ways. It’s much more oriented to prepared meals and snacks. It also has much expanded liquor and wine offerings along with beer and soft drinks. There a dozen seats available at eat-in bar.

It was located in Lat Phrao when you were here. Just managed to drag you to Saphan Kwai. 🤗

From The Nation Upholding human rights is key to ending the AIDS pandemic Ahead of World AIDS Day (1 December), UNAIDS urges leaders to protect the human rights of everyone living with, and at risk of, HIV. Only then can the world meet the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. A new report, “Take the rights path to end AIDS”, notes that despite huge progress made in the HIV response, human rights violations are leading to the denial or limitation of access to HIV services. “When there is impunity for gender-based violence, when people can be arrested for who they are, when a visit to health services is dangerous for people because of the community they are from—the result is that people are blocked from HIV services that are essential to save their lives and to end the AIDS pandemic,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “To protect everyone’s health, we need to protect everyone’s rights.” Globally, every minute a person dies due to AIDS. Almost quarter of the estimated 39.9 million people living with HIV are still not accessing life-saving treatment. And in at least 28 countries, new HIV infections are on the rise. It is imperative that HIV prevention, testing and treatment programmes can be reached without fear by all who need them. The criminalisation and stigmatisation of marginalised communities continue to block access to life-saving HIV services. In the 2021 Political Declaration on Ending HIV and AIDS, countries committed to ensure that by 2025 less than ten per cent of countries have punitive laws and policies and less than ten per cent of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations experience stigma and discrimination. (The key populations are communities at higher risk for HIV, including men who have sex with men, people in prisons and other closed settings, people who use drugs, sex workers and transgender people.) The Asia Pacific situation In Asia and the Pacific, there are 17 AIDS-related deaths every hour and a new HIV infection every two minutes. From 2010 to 2023, new infections increased in Bangladesh (20%), Lao PDR (23%), Papua New Guinea (104%), Afghanistan (175%), Fiji (241%) and the Philippines (543%). Four of the six countries worldwide where infections have surged by more than 100% since 2010 are in this region. “Instead of punishing marginalised communities, governments need to uphold their human rights and ensure they have the specific information and care they require,” said Eamonn Murphy, Regional Director of UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia. “The HIV response is at a crossroads. What governments do now will set the trajectory for whether we end AIDS as a public health threat and achieve a sustainable AIDS response, or whether we fail to achieve this and pay a much higher price in terms of human life and financial costs in the future.” There are legal barriers to the HIV response across Asia Pacific. Twenty countries criminalize HIV transmission, exposure or non-disclosure while 14 restrict the entry, stay or residence of people living with HIV. All but one country, New Zealand, criminalise some aspect of sex work. Seventeen criminalise same-sex relations and 28 criminalise drug possession. The report features an essay by Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President of Monash University in Malaysia, and former President of the International AIDS Society. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/health-wellness/40043762

For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing that they like.