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No different than airfares or price of eggs.

To those of us who patronize massage shops. this does not exactly come as a shock.

From Laotian Times The Laotian Times reported on August 30 that Lao workers are leaving the country in large numbers, searching for employment opportunities abroad amid the skyrocketing cost of living at home. At the same time, from the manufacturing industry to construction and hospitality, local businesses have reported a dire shortage of labourers, which has affected their operations and post-pandemic recovery. According to the newspaper, the labour crisis has been caused mainly by workers seeking employment in other countries due to low wages in Laos, which, despite some increases, have failed to keep pace with the continued depreciation of the Lao Kip. Compounding matters, Lao authorities have even authorised and facilitated workers in pursuing temporary employment abroad in countries such as the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan through legal channels and programmes. To reduce the financial burden of Lao workers, the Lao Prime Minister’s Office has approved raising the minimum monthly wage in the country from 1,300,000 LAK (67 USD) to 1,600,000 LAK (83 USD) starting from October.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may be eligible for parole in four months as he is an elderly inmate with chronic health problems, a source from the Justice Ministry said on Sunday. The source explained that the 2007 Corrections Act requires an inmate to serve at least a third of the sentence to be eligible for bail. His Majesty the King has granted clemency to Thaksin, commuting his eight-year sentence over three cases to one year. The clemency was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday. Under this, the former premier will have to serve at least four months before he can ask for release. The source said if Thaksin’s parole is approved, he will be taken to meet parole officials within three days. The officials will then set the dates for Thaksin to report to parole officials every month. Parole officers will also determine whether Thaksin will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device. A source said that Thaksin will likely be exempted from wearing a monitoring device as he has several chronic health problems. Besides, the source said, Thaksin once served as a prime minister and has returned home to face justice without making any attempts to flee. The source added that Thaksin’s jail term could be further reduced, resulting in his release when Thailand marks important dates related to the monarchy, such as the death anniversary of beloved King Rama IX on October 13 or his birthday on December 5, which is also marked as National Father's Day.

I don't know anyone who has gone to K-Man and left disappointed. Happy to hear you're now among them. Thanks for your report.

Some say the same about sucking cock--but none here I think.

From Thai PBS World Here is the new confirmed list of 34 ministers and deputy ministers in the Srettha administration: Prime Minister – Srettha Thavisin (Pheu Thai) Deputy Prime Minister – Phumtham Wechayachai (Pheu Thai) – Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara (Pheu Thai) – Somsak Thepsutin (Pheu Thai) – Anutin Charnvirakul (Bhumjaithai) – Gen Prawit’s brother, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan (Palang Pracharath) – Pirapan Salirathavibhaga (Ruam Thai Sang Chart) PM Office Minister – Puangphet Choonla-iad (Pheu Thai) Interior Ministry – Anutin Charnvirakul (Bhumjaithai) = Minister – Chada Thaiseth (Bhumjaithai) = Deputy – Songsak Thongsri (Bhumjaithai) = Deputy – Kriang Kantinan (Pheu Thai) = Deputy Defence Ministry – Suthin Klangsaeng (Pheu Thai) = Minister Foreign Ministry – Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara (Pheu Thai) = Minister – Jakkapong Sangmanee (Pheu Thai) = Deputy Justice Ministry – Pol Col Tawee Sodsong (Prachachart) = Minister Health Ministry – Chonlanan Srikaew (Pheu Thai) = Minister – Santi Promphat (Palang Pracharath) = Deputy Education Ministry – Newin’s brother, Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob (Bhumjaithai) = Minister – Surasak Phancharoenworakun (Bhumjaithai) = Deputy Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry – Supamat Issarapakdi (Bhumjaithai) = Minister Social Development and Human Security Ministry – Varawut Silpa-archa (Chart Thai Pattana) = Minister Natural Resources and Environment Ministry – Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan (Palang Pracharath) = Minister Culture Ministry – Sermsak Pongpanit (Pheu Thai) = Minister Finance Ministry – Srettha Thavisin (Pheu Thai) = Minister – Julaphan Amornvivat (Pheu Thai) = Deputy – Krisada Chinavicharana (outsider) = Deputy Tourism and Sports Ministry – Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol (Pheu Thai) = Minister Energy Ministry – Pirapan Salirathavibhaga (Ruam Thai Sang Chart) Commerce Ministry – Phumtham Wechayachai (Pheu Thai) = Minister – Napintorn Srisunpang (Bhumjaithai) = Deputy Labour Ministry – Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (Bhumjaithai) =Minister Agriculture Ministry – Capt Thammanat Prompao (Palang Pracharath) = Minister – Anucha Nakasai (Ruam Thai Sang Chart) = Deputy – Chaiya Phromma (Pheu Thai) = Deputy Transport Ministry – Suriya Juangroongruangkit (Pheu Thai) = Minister – Surapong Piyachot (Pheu Thai) = Deputy – Monporn Charoensri (Pheu Thai) = Deputy Digital Economy and Society Ministry – Prasert Chantararuangthong = Minister Industry Ministry – Pimpatra Wichaikul (Ruam Thai Sang Chart)

It is written. From Thai PBS World Further clemency for Thaksin Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, like other inmates, will be eligible for further royal clemency on important occasions, out-going Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told Thai PBS. Thaksin’s eight-year prison term on three convictions has already been reduced from eight to one year, by virtue of a commutation granted by HM the King. Wissanu said that, on important occasions, many well-behaved and severely ill prisoners serving only one year are granted Royal pardons and Thaksin could be one of them. He quickly added, however, that he has no idea whether the Thaksin will be among those granted royal pardons. Meanwhile, a Corrections Department source said that, after serving two-thirds of his one-year jail term, Thaksin might have the remaining term suspended and be conditionally released.

Don't put all your faith in statistics. The world's best money managers (Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger) have a combined age of 193 and are still working. If you focus less on when you'll die you'll have more time time focus on how you live. 🙂

Just ask yourself how much you'd charge to provide the same service to others.

Suspended sentence due to age and health?

From VN Express The upcoming Tan Son Nhat T3 Terminal, backed by an investment of more than US$450 million, will showcase a design inspired by Vietnam's traditional dress ao dai and a green commercial complex. Continues with video https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/traffic/this-is-how-tan-son-nhat-s-new-terminal-will-look-like-4637485.html

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya’s tourism landscape shifts as Chinese visitor numbers decline Pattaya is facing new challenges as the flow of Chinese tourists, once a dominant force, dwindles. The President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA) Boonanan Pattanasin, has highlighted the evolving dynamics of this popular travel hub on August 28. For years, Pattaya has drawn in millions of Chinese tourists, acting as a substantial economic contributor. However, recent stringent visa regulations and concerns about potentially unaccounted Chinese funds have triggered a notable drop in these figures. In the interest of curbing gray-market financial activities, tighter regulations and meticulous vetting procedures have been implemented, leading to a decline in tourist numbers. Boonanan recognized that this downturn can be attributed to a combination of factors, including decreased flight availability and rising airfares. This trend, affecting the broader Thai tourism landscape, is also influencing Pattaya. To combat these challenges, collaborative strategies have been launched involving public and private sectors, along with airlines, to boost flight capacity at U-Tapao International Airport and promote tourism during the upcoming high season. The shifting behavior of Chinese visitors is evident, with a growing preference for independent travel (FIT) over group tours. Nonetheless, group tours still constitute a considerable 40% of the total Chinese visitors. Despite this, Pattaya has witnessed a noticeable decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, which has left a mark on hotel occupancy rates. Pattaya’s situation is further complicated by its airport’s limitations. While U-Tapao International Airport serves as a gateway, its flight options are limited. Nevertheless, Chinese tourists remain pivotal to Pattaya’s economic fabric, supporting local businesses both as FIT travelers and group tourists. Recent tourism trends in Thailand suggest encouraging growth, with a steady stream of foreign visitors. Notably, Vietnamese tourists have spearheaded this trend, contributing to a 14.40% increase, followed by South Korean and Indian tourists at 9.27% and 7.17% respectively. These statistics bode well for the remainder of 2023, hinting at a robust visitor turnout primarily from the ASEAN, East Asian, and South Asian regions.

From Thailand News Agency BANGKOK, Sept 1 (TNA) – His Majesty the King has granted a royal pardon to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, reducing his prison sentence from eight years to one year. The 74-year-old Thaksin returned to Thailand from 15 years of self-imposed exile on Aug 22. He was sent to Bangkok Remand Prison on the same day to serve an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest. He was transferred to the Police General Hospital on the first night in jail due to his illnesses including chest pain and hypertension and has remained hospitalized since then. Outgoing deputy prime minister and justice minister Wissanu Krea-ngam yesterday disclosed that Thaksin’s formal application for a royal pardon had been filed. (TNA)

You might try: 1. Use a different browser 2. Clear your cache (depending on browser but usually found in "settings" under privacy and security options).

+1 Don't know how I missed that first time around.

Although it's indeed technically feasible, it's not practical. To accomplish it, each train has to return to the location where out-of-service cars are kept in order to add the extra cars. That means reduced frequency (or head time) as the schedule adjusts for the absence of those trains on the line. It also involves additional personnel costs to facilitate the change. The solution (as PeterRS says above) is to acquire additional carriages.

No doubt that the new PM got the idea for the 90-day visa from Vietnam which began offering it as an option Aug. 15. Since then, applications for e-visas have risen 70% with most coming from South Korea, Japan and the UK. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/new-visa-policy-helping-facilitate-tourism-development-authority-4647925.html

From Pattaya Mail British consul reassures Pattaya expats His Majesty’s British embassy consul, Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin who is in charge of welfare work with Brits across Thailand, gave a well-received talk about her work to over 100 members and guests of the Pattaya City Expats Club. She pulled no punches and said she would not offer dishonestly to look into matters that were not the embassy’s concern. For example, the hot topic of British state pensions being frozen in many countries, including Thailand, was a political issue that could be settled only in the British parliament. The consul explained that all initial enquiries to the embassy are now transferred automatically – at local rates – to the London call center whose staff decide which to refer to consular staff in Bangkok. This is a worldwide system and is meant to ensure that all callers, no matter which country they are in, receive the same advice. She gave last June as a typical month: the London center received 823 calls about Thailand and referred many of them to the Bangkok British embassy’s consular section. Joanne emphasized that consular responsibilities have evolved over the last 15 years or so. For example, there are now many more British deaths here as the expat community ages and more cases concerning child welfare than in the past. The other main areas of welfare are hospitalizations, victims of crime including rape, missing and trafficked persons, sentenced prisoners and those awaiting deportation. She said that dealing with these cases was now the priority in consular work. Conversely, there was now less emphasis on notarial and documentary services, although the embassy did issue emergency passports, certification of passports for visa or other purposes and counter-signed affidavits for Brits wishing to marry in Thailand. She noted that applications for British passports and visas are no longer the responsibility of the embassy but are handled by VFS Global. In a busy question and answer session, Joanne confirmed that the embassy was very concerned about Brits with unpaid medical bills and there was a general discussion about the pros and cons of compulsory medical insurance. She also confirmed that consular staff were now in regular contact with city, tourist and immigration police as well as hospitals. A visit to a mortuary was now part of the training. In the afternoon, the consul visited the international law offices adjoining the Jomtien headquarters of Chonburi immigration bureau, led by Dr Jessataporn Bunnag. She met staff responsible for visa advice, training for driving licences and heard about the wide variety of civil and criminal cases being handled by attorneys. She was also introduced to the Foreign Workers Registration Center, housed in the law offices, which is responsible for the paperwork of thousands of guest workers from neighboring countries in Chonburi province. Appointed to her current post almost a year ago, Joanne expects to be Bangkok consul for the next few years. The appointment of a new honorary consul in Pattaya, to replace Bert Elson who has retired, is currently awaiting confirmation from London.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin submits application for royal clemency Convicted former prime minister Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently began serving an 8-year prison term and is currently receiving medical treatment in the Police General Hospital in Bangkok, has already submitted a petition for royal clemency. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said today (Thursday) that he has already received the request and will examine the details before forwarding it to the prime minister. Wissanu added that he does not know if it will be handled by this administration or the next. Procedurally, a prime minister will forward such petitions to the King. On August 28, however, the Thai Pakdee party submitted a petition to Corrections Department’s director general, opposing any attempt by Thaksin to seek a royal pardon. Anand Sakorncharoen, treasurer of Thai Pakdee, said that, the petition is based on the fact that Thaksin has four convictions for corruption, which gravely damaged the country’s governance and reputation. “Thaksin also evaded punishment for long time by fleeing abroad, clearly showing that he does not respect the country’s justice system. “Therefore, Thaksin’s petition for a royal pardon would “bother” the King,” Anand said. Thaksin’s petition, if granted, would be unjust and emphasise legal and social inequality in the country, he said. It would also confirm the axiom that, in Thailand, prison is just for the poor. Furthermore, the party noted that there are two pending charges against Thaksin in court, so Thaksin should be tried on those charges before being able to seek Royal clemency.

The government has to shoulder the blame for inept management. It appointed a succession of CEO's as political rewards. It wasn't that those leaders didn't realize the bad judgements they were making because they were all were also aware that they'd face no consequences for their actions. From CH-Aviation NACC ends Thai Airways A340 corruption case, drops charges 18.07.2023 - 02:00 UTC Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has cleared three former politicians of graft over the procurement of ten A340s for Thai Airways International (TG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) during 2003-2004. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, former deputy transport minister Pichet Sathitchawan, former chairman of the Thai Airways board Thanong Pittaya, and former Thai Airways president Kanok Apiradee all faced dereliction of duty charges relating to the aircraft's acquisition process, which was found to be corrupt and to have substantially contributed to the state-owned carrier's ongoing financial woes. Between 2002 and 2004, the then Thaksin-led Thai cabinet approved a plan by Thai Airways to buy four A340-500s and six A340-600 for THB53.5 billion baht (USD1.54 billion). The ten aircraft arrived between 2005 and 2008 and exited between 2012 and 2015. However, the quadjets accumulated losses of THB7 billion (USD202.1 million) in the first three years of operations on just two routes. However, in a July 12 media interview, Pichet said the NACC had told him it would discontinue the charges against all four men. Notably, the NACC's decision comes ahead of Thaksin's planned return to Thailand later this month after several years in exile abroad. Despite Thai Airways retiring the A340s between eight and 11 years ago, it has only managed to shift one of the planes - an A340-500 (HS-TYV (msn 698)) that went to the Royal Thai Air Force (Bangkok Don Mueang) in 2016 to serve as a VIP aircraft. Thai Airways has parked the three remaining A340-500s at Bangkok Don Mueang and the six A340-600s are at UATA!UTP. However, Thailand-based news outlet The Nation reported last year that the airline managed to sell an additional A340-500 and four A340-600s to an undisclosed buyer for THB350 million (USD10.01 million). Citing Thai Airways chief technical officer Cherdphan Chotikhun, the outlet said the price was above the aircraft's assessed value, the contract had been signed, and the parties were now awaiting Thai Ministry of Transport approval to transfer ownership. Cherdphan added that talks were underway with prospective buyers concerning the remaining four A340s. https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/129786-nacc-ends-thai-airways-a340-corruption-case-drops-charges

That was the reason I suggested Heaven Sauna. It attracts mature Asians who'd probably find a man of your friend's description quite attractive. It's clientele isn't necessarily youngish guys.

From Thai PBS World Pheu Thai party leader quits Cholnan Srikaew quit as leader of the Pheu Thai party today (Wednesday), with immediate effect, to keep his pre-election promise to resign if Pheu Thai were to partner with Palang Pracharath, United Thai Nation or both in the formation of the government. Chousak Sirinil, one of the deputy leaders, is now acting party leader, until a general meeting is held in the next 60 days to choose a new leader and executive committee. Speaking at a press conference today, Cholnan said that, since the party has achieved its goal of forming a coalition government of 11 parties, it was the right time for him to quit, as he had pledged to do during a debate on April 28th. He said that he has no regrets, nor does he harbour any grudges for having to quit, claiming that he had done his job to the best of his ability since he was appointed the party leader on October 18th, 2011. Cholnan said that his resignation had nothing to do with his cabinet post or his status as a party-list MP. He was tipped to become public health minister, to succeed Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai party.

Saudia Airlines is looking to emulate it Mideast neighbors and get into the international hub business so they might be a potential buyer. But if the equipment is deteriorating, its main value to a prospective buyer like Emirates may be the value of its parts since Airbus has stopped making them. The ideal time to sell them was when Thai realized they didn't want them in their inventory which was years before covid hit. The carrier has always waited way too long to unload unloved equipment, deferring offers that didn't meet their elevated expectations. When they did sell, it was always at a price well below previous bids.

This 2017 article from the Bangkok Post describes what was suppose to be the solution to the problem: a $1 billion baht project to widen the bridge and rebuild the station with a dual track system by 2019. Inability to find a suitable contractor has been offered as the reason for the ongoing delay. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1303859/b1bn-for-saphan-taksin-boost