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They could afford to live in Thailand when they first decided to make the move. But as you may have noticed, things can change in 10-20 years.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin to get extra security and “adequate conveniences” while in prison Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be given additional security and appropriate “conveniences” while he is detained at Bangkok remand prison, following his return to Thailand this Tuesday, according to Aryut Sinthoppan, director-general of the Corrections Department. He said that he has received instructions from Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, also acting justice minister, on Thaksin’s security, convenience and comfort while inBangkok remand prison. According to Wissanu, the former prime minister should be provided with extra security, because he is at more risk than other inmates, and be provided with appropriate conveniences“but not to the extent that they could be seen as a privilege”,because he is expected to be visited by representatives of international organisations, human rights groups, his supporters and members of the media. Regarding the issue of comfort, Wissanu wants Thaksin to be provided with appropriate comfort for someone who is over 70 years of age and ailing, said Aryut. For security reasons, he said Thaksin may not be incarcerated with the other inmates, because prison officials will have to take care of his food and ensure that his visitations will not affect the rights of other inmates.

If it was that bad why didn't you cut your losses and return to Bangkok?

Although you won't find it on any of the hotel booking sites, the Coffee Grinder Silom has four new and reasonable-priced rooms (with en-suite shower, frig, microwave and TV) to rent above its location on Soi Tarntawan in Bangkok. For information, contact owners at Coffeegrindersilom@gmail.com.

From Thai PBS World U.S. President Joe Biden will sign a strategic partnership agreement with Vietnam during a state visit to the Southeast Asian country in mid-September, Politico reported on Friday, citing three people with knowledge of the deal’s planning. The agreement will allow for new bilateral collaboration that will boost Vietnam’s efforts to develop its high technology sector in areas including semiconductor production and artificial intelligence, Politico said. A source familiar with the plans told Reuters on Friday that Biden was weighing a September trip to Vietnam. Biden said earlier this month that he would be traveling to Vietnam “shortly” because the country wanted to elevate its relationship with the United States and become a major partner. The White House has not confirmed plans for the trip. At a meeting in April, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed a desire to deepen ties as Washington seeks to solidify relations with partners in Asia to counter an increasingly assertive China. Officials have not said what the closer relationship might entail, but experts say it could include increased military cooperation and U.S. weapon supplies. By Reuters

Thaksin’s may return August 22 From Thai PBS World Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will fly back to Thailand on August 22nd, the same day that parliament will meet to select a new prime minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s youngest daughter and head of Pheu Thai “Family”, said in her Twitter and Instagram posts this morning (Saturday) that she will travel to Don Mueang airport to meet her father, who is scheduled to land at about 9am in his private jet. Thaksin had previously announced that he would return to Thailand on August 10, but he abruptly changed his plan, claiming that he had to see his doctor. It is reported that authorities have already made preparations for his return, after 17 years of self-imposed exile. Thaksin’s aircraft will park in a special zone reserved for private jets and immigration officials will receive him upon his arrival. They will process him and inform him of the outstanding arrest warrants against him, before handing him over to Corrections Department officials, who will also be at the airport. Thaksin will then be taken to the Supreme Court, in line with the required legal procedure.

From Thailand News Service BANGKOK, Aug 18 (TNA) – His Majesty the King has graciously approved the establishment of the “Department of Climate Change and Environment” effective from today. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion was renamed the Department of Climate Change and Environment. The newly-established body will be responsible for directly addressing climate change issues. Mr. Warawut further elaborated that recently, Mr. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, noted that global surface temperatures and ocean temperatures during July have reached historically high levels. It signals the era of “global warming” has ended; the era of “global boiling” has arrived. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has been assigned to closely oversee the transition from the former Department of Environmental Quality Promotion to the new Department of Climate Change and Environment. This seamless transition aims to ensure the continuity of environmental efforts. (TNA)

From Thailand News Service Chiang Mai Hotel Exposes Hotel Booking Scams CHAING MAI, Aug18 (TNA) – A renowned hotel in Chiang Mai has filed a complaint to the police against scammers creating a fraudulent Facebook page to deceive individuals into making accommodation bookings and transferring money. The manager of R1 Nimman Hotel Chiang Mai filed the complaint at the Phu Ping Police Station after a cybercriminal gang took images from the hotel’s official Facebook page, created a counterfeit page, and posted messages claiming to offer room reservations. This led to several potential customers falling prey to the scam, thinking they were interacting with the legitimate hotel page and subsequently transferring money for room bookings. Upon arriving at the hotel, these victims discovered that no such bookings had been made. Over the past month, nearly 10 people have fallen victim to the scammers. The hotel advises customers to be cautious by checking the creation date of the hotel’s page. The real Facebook page has a longer history spanning several years, whereas a fraudulent page is created within a few months, aiming to scam victims in the short term before disappearing. Legitimate bank accounts used for hotel transactions should carry the hotel’s legal entity name, not individual names. (TNA)

We've all read accounts of farangs looking for bareback sex and seem to have clear conscience because they're satisfied with precautions they've taken to protect themselves either before or after. I don't see much concern for the young men they put at risk as others described above. Everyone here is aware of the scourge of AIDS yet some appear to think it's now relegated to history. They fool themselves and their partners.

You paraphrase a great line from an equally great movie. 😄

I stopped by this shop on Sutthisan Winitchai Road in the Saphan Kwai area last year but that guy I had in mind wasn't available. Although I followed their posts from time to time, never got around to going back. Today, however, this post caught my attention because it seems that they have a small cadre on masseurs on hand in house that changes a bit by the day. Here's today group: https://www.facebook.com/bthousebkk/

Thought it was unusual that they were able to determine that he was from an Arabian country but do not name that country. From Pattaya News By Tanakorn Panyadee An Arabian tourist was killed when his high-powered motorbike collided with another on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya around midnight on Thursday, August 17th. Two other people were seriously injured. Pol Lt. Akarapong Saenputawong, the duty officer at the Pattaya police station, received a report of the accident at midnight today. He rushed to the accident scene on Sukhumvit Road inbound to Sattahip, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province, along with Sawang Boriboon emergency responders, The Pattaya News team, and medical personnel from Banglamung Hospital. They found a significantly damaged black Honda Wave 110 motorcycle fallen on the road. The rider was identified as Mr. Boontai Vot, a 25-year-old Cambodian national. He suffered severe fractures on both legs and was in critical condition. About 100 meters away from Mr. Boontai lay another two wounded men, both Arabian nationals although their exact country of origin was unclear. One of them had tragically lost his life in the accident, while another survived with serious injuries. Their damaged red Honda CBR 650 big bike was discovered near them. The identities of both men were not disclosed to the press by police. An eyewitness, Mr. Wattana Promhong, 37, told The Pattaya News that he saw the Cambodian man emerging from Soi Khao Noi onto Sukhumvit Road. Then, the two Arabian men, who were riding a big bike at high speed, failed to brake and crashed at a high impact into the Cambodian man, throwing all three of them off their vehicles. The emergency responders transferred the deceased and the two survivors to a nearby hospital. Pol. Lt. Akarapong stated that he would review security camera footage of the accident and inform the deceased’s embassy. This latest road tragedy followed another accident where a Middle Eastern man crashed his motorbike into a utility pole in Pattaya on August 16th. Luckily, the man survived the mishap with minor scrapes on his arms. He was negotiating compensation for the damage he caused to a local shop at the time of reporting.

Check Airbnb listed units in the following neighborhoods: Silom, Sathorn, Samyan, and Chong Nonsi. You can view locations on the site's map feature. Be advised that popular units are frequently booked six or more months in advance so a few months is definitely not too early.

Shoppers may find that the costs of beer has risen a few baht since this article was first published. From The Thaiest.com Thai Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Thailand. There are a number of local beer brands that you can try in Thailand and the 3 major beer brands Singha, Leo and Chang are present all over the country. Here you will find an introduction to the most popular Thai beers and beer price in Thailand. Singha Singha beer is the first beer produced in Thailand and is one of the most popular beers in the country, brewed by the Boon Rawd Brewery. Singha is also the best known Thai beer outside of Thailand as it is exported to many foreign countries. It has been brewed since 1933 and many locals claim that it is the only real Thai beer. The name "Singha" is derived from the Sanskrit word for "lion" so you will see the white label representing a lion (Singha) from mythology in almost every bar or restaurant in Thailand. Singha lager version has 5% alcohol, but a 3.5% light version with a slightly bitter taste is also available. Singha Lager Draft Beer is delivered by the brewery in 30 liter barrels and has a more intense taste than the normal lager beer. Chang Chang beer (Elephant beer) was launched in 1995 by the breweries of Thai Beverage or just ThaiBev, one of the largest beverage companies in Southeast Asia, and is available nationwide. Chang brand is known for its logo with the 2 elephants looking at each other on the label of the green bottles. The beer is brewed from rice and has more tart taste than Singha. You can buy a can of this beer brand at the store for 35 THB. Singha is often a few baht more expensive than the other top beer brands in Thailand so it is mainly drunk by high-earning Thais and tourists. Perhaps that is why more budget travelers prefer Leo or Chang. The normal Chang beer (Chang Classic) has an alcohol content of 5.2% and it is currently the second most consumed beer in Thailand, taking approximately 33% share of the local beer market. The Chang Export is another classic lager with an alcohol content of 5% by volume. In contrast to the Classic, it is not brewed from rice but from malt. It is therefore a 100% malt beer. Other Chang varieties are Chang Draft with 5% alcohol content and Chang Light with 4.2% alcohol by volume. Chang beer has won the Australian Beer Award 3 times and is fresh, tasty and a bit like Kölsch, only stronger. Chang is most probably the most popular beer for tourists visiting Thailand. It is usually the cheapest of the best Thai beer brands on offer. The price of a can of Chang beer in the store is in the range of 30-35 THB. Leo Leo beer, currently the most admired beer in Thailand occupying about half of the local beer market, is also brewed by the Boon Rawd Brewery. Many beer enthusiasts are unaware that the same brewery owns Leo and Singha brands. The word Leo comes from the Greek and means lion. The label on the bottle shows a leopard (rather than a lion) staring at you. This Thai beer’s alcohol content is 5%. The taste is very similar to the older sister Singha, but the price has been wisely lowered. Leo is also served as a draft beer in pubs. Leo Beer price per bottle is 38-40 THB. The beer has received multiple awards and, like Chang, is very popular with Thais and foreigners.

Twenty-eight (28) consecutive days is the minimum duration for a legal Airbnb stay in Bangkok.

From VN Express Vietnam is granting 90-day e-visas for all countries and territories from Aug. 15 and here are some information you should take notes for smooth application. Non-nationals can access the e-visa web portal of the Vietnam Immigration Department at https://www.immigration.gov.vn or the National Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security at https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/ to apply. All information regarding the trip, including intended date of entry and length of stay in Vietnam, intended port of entry and departure, and intended temporary residential address in Vietnam must be given. In the e-visa request information category, foreigners select single-entry visa or multiple-entry based on the purpose of their trip. The form requires information from the passport data page, and images of the page and passport photo must be uploaded.

Same place. It's a convenience store; they strive to satisfy all your needs. 😀

From Pattaya News Bidding farewell to Thailand, the iconic “Family Mart” convenience stores is being fully rebranded as “Tops Daily” after over three decades of service. Central Retail Corporation PLC (CRC) has made the decision to fully transform and rename its iconic Family Mart convenience stores to Tops Daily by the end of this year. This strategic move comes as CRC’s contract for the Family Mart franchise in Thailand is set to expire in 2023. The rebranding aims to align and streamline CRC’s convenience store business under the Tops Daily banner, CRC’s chief operating officer, Maytinee Phisutsinthop stated. The number of FamilyMart branches in Thailand has declined drastically from 1,135 in 2017 to 409 in 2023. In contrast, its primary business rival, 7-Eleven, has more than 13,000 branches.

From Pattaya News Court Denies Arrest Warrant for Russian Suspect The Pattaya Provincial Court has denied an arrest warrant for a Russian man described as a person of interest in the falling death of a Russian woman in Na Jomtien on Sunday morning, August 13th. As a result, he will be at least temporarily released. As of yesterday afternoon around 5:00 P.M., August 14th, 2023, the Pattaya Provincial Court declined a request from the Na Jomtien police to formally arrest Mr. Oeaop Nbahobny Fedor, 30, as a suspect in the death of a 32-year-old Russian woman, who was only publicly identified as Daria. Daria plunged to her death from the seventh floor balcony of Fedor’s condo around 7:00 AM Sunday morning, August 13th, 2023. CCTV appeared to show Fedor holding Daria by her legs before letting go but it was unclear if he was trying to pull her back into the condo or if he was attempting to drop her, according to the Pattaya Provincial Court, which as a result declined to file an official arrest warrant for homicide due to lack of evidence. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2023/08/15/pattaya-provincial-court-denies-arrest-warrant-for-russian-man-present-at-falling-death-of-russian-woman-for-insufficient-evidence/

Most shops will also offer Thai massage but I wouldn't automatically assume all their masseurs are trained in the proper technique. You may wish to reserve at Prime Massage (on the dogleg turn of Silom Soi Six) where you can be assured of a good Thai experience. For the extras, you'll have better luck at the six shops on Soi Six between Silom rd. and Prime or the many other places you've read about here. If you're determined to get it all in one experience, tell the manager of the shop(s) you have in mind exactly what you're looking for.

From Thai PBS World By Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh One of Vietnam’s most historic towns, Hue, is packed with relics from the reign of the 19th-century Nguyen emperors. From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the capital of Vietnam and home to the Nguyen dynasty. After the Vietnam War, Hue’s unique history fell into ruin, as the imperial era wasn’t viewed favorably by the communist authorities. These days, however, the temples and landmarks of the city are national treasures, attracting millions of visitors every year. Hue Citadel is one of the must-see attractions in the city. The citadel was the residence of ancient kings, as well as the place where the political activities of the Nguyen Dynasty took place for 143 years. The ancient capital of Hue was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1993. In the list of 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam are: Ha Long Bay Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Ho Dynasty Citadel Hue Citadel Hoi An Ancient Town My Son Sanctuary The Hue Citadel is a symbol and the pride of the people of Hue and it has long been a must-see attraction for tourists when visiting the hidden charms of Vietnam. The Imperial Citadel of Hue consists of the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, both of which are located within that area. When you visit, you will be able to admire over 100 unique and impressive architectural works, including the Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace, the Dien Tho Palace, the Kien Trung Palace, the Phung Tien Palace, the Truong Sanh Palace, Hung Mieu and the Mieu. They all contribute to the palace’s unique architectural beauty while preserving the heroic historical imprints of the Nguyen dynasty. Hue Citadel has a circumference of 10km, a height of 6.6m and a thickness of 21m, with winding fortresses accompanied by cannons, artillery and ammunition depots. The fortress was originally built entirely of earth, but bricks were added later. A network of interlaced canals surrounds the city to protect not only the city, but also a waterway which is nearly 7km long. The Imperial Citadel is divided into two major parts, excluding houses and mansions: the Citadel and the Forbidden City. The former protected the important palaces within, while the latter housed the emperor and royal family, as well as serving as the court’s workplace. All of the traditional architecture of the East, such as palaces, mausolea and museums, coexist to form a fascinating attraction right in the heart of Vietnam. If you have the opportunity to visit Hue during a festival, you will often see the ancient mossy roof covered in shimmering and fanciful lights from the Ngo Mon gate.

From Thai PBS World Election Commission recommended to drop charge against Pita An investigating committee has recommended the Election Commission to drop the charge that Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat violated the election law for allegedly holding shares in a media firm while filing candidacy in the May-14 election. According to an informed source at the Election Commission (EC), the committee found there is no clear evidence that iTV was operating and earning income at the time when Pita applied for his election candidacy in early April. The committee pointed out that, in order to disqualify Pita, in accordance with Section 151 of the Election Act, evidence that he still held shares in the media company must be clear and beyond any doubt. The committee’s findings and recommendation have been sent to the secretary-general of the Election Commission, said the source, adding that the case will then be forwarded to a sub-committee for consideration, when Pita may be asked to testify to the panel. The source also said that the panel may delay the case until there is a ruling from the Constitutional Court on Pita’s parliamentary status as relates to the iTV share ownership. Pita was reported to hold 42,000 shares in iTV, inherited from his late father over 17 years ago. The shares were transferred to his relatives in June this year.

From Pattaya News Pattaya police are reportedly preparing to charge a Russian man they believe is linked to the fatal fall of his Russian girlfriend on Sunday for homicide after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident which appears to show the man holding the woman by her legs from his balcony. Pol. Col. Wattanachai Saengrit, superintendent of the Na Jomtien police station, ordered his subordinates to collect surveillance camera recordings in the vicinity of the scene where a Russian woman, Ms. Daria, 32, fell to her death from her condo on Sunday morning, August 13th. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, it was discovered that Ms. Daria reportedly was dangling beyond the edge of the balcony with her 30-year-old Russian boyfriend, Mr. Oeaop Nbahobny Fedor, holding both of her legs. Pol. Col. Wattanachai stated that the boyfriend then allegedly released his grip, causing the woman to plummet to her immediate demise. He noted, however, that the motivation behind the footage remains unclear, whether it was an attempt to rescue the woman from falling or an act of homicide. During the interrogation, Mr. Oeaop acted uncooperatively with the police due to being irritated and alcohol intoxication. He had been speaking incoherently and his initial statement conflicted with the CCTV footage, initially alleging to be outside of the room while his girlfriend suddenly leapt to her death. When confronted with the CCTV footage which appeared to invalidate Oeaop’s claim of not being present he became more irritable and uncooperative, according to police.

From Thai PBS World Thailand has reported its first monkey pox related fatality, in a man who was also infected with HIV and syphilis, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Disease Control Department. He said today (Monday) that the 34-year old patient was admitted to a private hospital in Chon Buri province on July 3rd and was diagnosed with monkey pox a week later. The patient subsequently developed a sore throat and was found to have a fungal infection, an opportunistic disease found in those with HIV. After 4 weeks of treatment, he was discharged from the hospital, but was later sent to Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases sufferingfrom fatigue and breathing difficulties. In addition to rashes, doctors also found that he was suffering with lung and brain infections. Blood tests showed a high white blood cell count, an indicator of a serious immune reaction, and doctors administered antibiotics and monkey pox anti-viral medication. The man died last Friday, said Dr. Tares. By August 8th, there had been a total of 189 monkey pox cases reported in Thailand in 161 Thais and 28 foreigners. Most are gay men, 82 of whom were also infected with HIV. Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, the deputy director-general of the Disease Control Department, attributed the increase inmonkey pox cases to high risk behaviour.

There was a recent incident involving some Arab tourists. I subscribe to Floridarob's advice and avoid them whenever possible. There used to be a bar diagonally across from Foodland featuring transvestites that attracted their admirers. But occasionally some unsuspecting tourists would wander in only to quickly exit once they became aware of their surroundings.