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I spend more than my share of time in these shops. Most have an on-line presence and all but one that I’m aware of place their guys into two categories: “top” or “top & bottom” (commonly referred to as “T” and “T&B”). In one popular shop, I’ve seen “straight” heading up the category of tops on the shop’s. Tablet. Although I’ve never seen “man”, I have frequently had boy say “I am man.”

Oh, you mean folks are lining up to purchase Russian-made cargo planes? Do tell, Moses.

“Airliners” are by definition aircraft designed and built to transport passengers. Sorry about that, Moses. 🙂 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airliner

Has everything to do with it. No one lining up to purchase Russian airliners. 🙂

From CNBC Emirates announces $52 billion order for 95 Boeing aircraft DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Emirates Airline on Monday announced an order for 95 Boeing aircraft at a value of $52 billion, kicking off the first major deal of the 2023 Dubai Airshow. The state-owned flagship Dubai carrier, a subsidiary of Emirates Group, is ordering 55 additional Boeing 777-9s and 35 of its 777-8s, bringing the airline’s total orders for the 777X widebody jets to 205 units. It is also updating its order of Boeing 787 Dreamliners from 30 to 35, comprised of 15 787-10s and 20 787-8s. Emirates also confirmed its order of a further 202 engines from General Electric: the GE9X engines, which will power the new 777X aircraft. The announcement brings Emirates’ total GE9X engine order to 460. The 777 aircraft can fly for up to 18 hours. Emirates already operates the largest number of Boeing 777 aircraft of any airline in the world. The continued appetite for widebody jets highlights the importance of the Middle East market to the aircraft model’s demand. Middle East customers now account “for the largest portion of combined Airbus and Boeing widebody passenger backlog at 30% of the global total,” according to analysts at wealth management firm AllianceBernstein.

+1

GP, you should not drink under following conditions: 1. On empty stomach 2, when you’re alone 3. when you’re with others

The impossible dream. 🙂

Haven’t posted a feel good animal story in a while but I think this fits the bill. ========== From The Thaiger / Khaosod English The tale of Kanya, the lost wild elephant calf, has come to a joyful conclusion.Found wandering in a rice field in the Bueng Kan province, she has now joined a new family in Chiang Mai. The journey of Kanya, from Bueng Kan to Chiang Mai, is one worth revisiting. Kanya’s story began on the morning of September 12, when villagers found her alone in a rice field near the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan province. Local officials, alongside the central inspection officers of the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, located a two-month-old female elephant calf, with no signs of her mother nearby. They set up a temporary enclosure for Kanya, named after the month she was found, and monitored her in hopes her mother would return. However, by the morning of September 13, her mother had not returned. Officials coordinated with veterinarians from the 10th Animal Hospital to examine Kanya and decide on a course of action. Health checks revealed that Kanya was relatively weak, suffering from diarrhoea, battlewounds, and inflammation of the eye tissue. Despite her condition, she was observed calling out for her mother periodically. Around-the-clock care was provided by the team of veterinarians, with her health gradually improving. In early November, Teerapat Trangprakarn, owner of the Patara Elephant Conservation in Chiang Mai, offered to let Kanya live with a mother elephant who had recently given birth. This was coordinated through Kanjana Silpa-archa, allowing Kanya to drink the mother elephant’s milk and consume her dung, crucial for a calf’s immune system development and learning to live independently. Before her relocation, Kanya was closely monitored by a team of veterinarians to ensure she was healthy and ready for the journey. The transfer from Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan to the Patara Elephant Conservation in Chiang Mai was meticulously planned, with a vet accompanying her throughout the journey and regular stops every three hours to check her condition. Kanya was prepared for her journey to the elephant farm in Chiang Mai yesterday at 3pm. She swiftly entered the transport vehicle within a minute, accompanied by a convoy of five vehicles, including the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary head, the Phu Luang Wildlife Research Station, the vehicle carrying Kanya, a team of vets, and the director of the Wildlife Conservation Division. Today, Kanya arrived at the Patara Elephant Conservation farm. She was greeted with milk and six caregivers to prevent attachment to any particular individual. Once she’s familiar with her new surroundings, she will be introduced to her adoptive mother, reported KhaoSod.

As PeterRS mentioned above, many non-registered readers are checking the three Thai gay websites. Their numbers propel the actual readership well beyond the “signed in”. These visitors are primarily interested in scanning for information and have no desire to contribute. Consequently, the sites are more influential than the sum of their members represent.

From AFP A French court on Friday handed down jail sentences of up to 10 years in a people smuggling trial over the death of 39 Vietnamese migrants in a refrigerated container on the way to Britain. The bodies of the migrants who suffocated to death -- two of whom were just 15 years old -- were discovered inside the sealed unit at a port near London in October 2019. They had travelled in the truck from northern France to Belgium before crossing the Channel to Britain. Two ringleaders of the operation -- one Romanian and one British -- were convicted at a trial in 2021 in Britain and sentenced to 27 and 20 years in prison respectively. Other suspects, notably the drivers, received 12 to 20 years, while a Belgian court handed a 15-year term to a Vietnamese man for heading the local cell of the network. Of the 19 defendants in the French trial -- who include Vietnamese, French, Chinese, Algerian and Moroccan nationals -- 18 were found guilty. Four of them, all Vietnamese, were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to nine or 10 years in prison. Four other Vietnamese nationals, two of whom were absent and considered fugitive, were sentenced to between one and 10 years for their role in transporting and housing the migrants.

Aside from the geopolitical issues, the move would be a morale killer for Thai cops who—in my personal experience—do an effective job of patrolling the tourist hotspots. From Thai Enquirer The recent announcement by the government of new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that it is considering inviting Chinese police officers to help patrol tourist hotspots in Thailand has sparked a wave of concern and debate. The plan, ostensibly aimed at bolstering security and fostering a sense of safety among the large number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, raises significant questions about sovereignty, the effectiveness of such measures, and the broader implications for Thailand’s foreign policy, particularly its long-standing ‘bamboo diplomacy’. At the heart of this issue lies the question of sovereignty. Sovereignty, in its most basic sense, is the absolute right of a country to govern itself, free from external interference or control. By inviting foreign law enforcement officers to operate on Thai soil, Thailand risks eroding this fundamental principle. The presence of Chinese police in tourist areas, even if well-intentioned, symbolizes a troubling concession of Thailand’s authority to a foreign power. This move could set a dangerous precedent, where the line between assistance and interference becomes blurred, potentially inviting future compromises on national sovereignty. Moreover, the presence of Chinese police raises practical concerns about the dynamics of law enforcement in Thailand. Policing is not just a matter of maintaining order; it is deeply intertwined with cultural understanding, language, and legal frameworks. Thai police officers are trained to operate within the specific context of Thai society and law. Introducing foreign officers, who may not have the same level of cultural and linguistic proficiency, or understanding of Thai law and norms, could lead to misunderstandings, ineffective policing, and even conflicts with local communities. This scenario is particularly worrying in tourist hotspots, where the interaction between locals, international visitors, and law enforcement is already complex. The plan also stands in stark contrast to Thailand’s traditional approach to foreign policy, often likened to ‘bamboo diplomacy’. This approach, much like the bamboo plant, emphasizes flexibility and resilience, bending with the winds of global change without breaking. It involves skillfully navigating the complex terrain of international relations, maintaining balanced relationships with major powers while fiercely guarding national independence and interests. Inviting Chinese police to operate in Thailand, however, leans too heavily towards one side, potentially compromising the delicate balance Thailand has maintained in its foreign relations. This shift could be perceived as a tilt towards China, potentially alienating other international partners and affecting Thailand’s reputation as an independent and neutral actor on the world stage. Furthermore, this move raises concerns about Thailand’s commitment to human rights and democratic principles. China’s policing methods and its approach to civil liberties are markedly different from those in Thailand. Allowing Chinese police to operate in Thailand could inadvertently endorse these methods, which often involve stringent controls and limited freedoms. This is especially concerning given Thailand’s own journey towards greater democracy and respect for human rights. The presence of Chinese police could undermine these efforts, sending a conflicting message to both the Thai people and the international community. The argument that the presence of Chinese police will make Chinese tourists feel safer is also questionable. Tourist safety is undoubtedly crucial, but it should not come at the cost of national sovereignty or the principles of effective and culturally sensitive policing. There are alternative methods to ensure the safety of tourists, such as increasing the presence of Thai police in these areas, providing them with additional language training, or establishing special tourist police units with expertise in dealing with international visitors. The plan risks exacerbating existing tensions within Thai society. Thailand is a diverse country, with a rich tapestry of cultures and opinions. The presence of foreign police, especially from a country with which Thailand has complex historical and cultural relationships, could be seen as favoritism or external influence, potentially leading to social unrest or a backlash against both the government and Chinese tourists. This initiative could have broader geopolitical implications. In an era where global politics is increasingly characterized by competition and rivalry, particularly between the United States and China, Thailand’s move could be interpreted as taking sides. This perception could affect Thailand’s relations with other countries and its role in regional and global affairs. As a country that has historically prided itself on its diplomatic agility, Thailand risks losing this edge by aligning too closely with one global power. While the intention behind the Thai government’s plan to bring in Chinese police to patrol tourist hotspots may be to enhance security and reassure visitors, the potential costs are too high. This move risks infringing on Thai sovereignty, compromising the effectiveness of law enforcement, contradicting the principles of bamboo diplomacy, and sending mixed messages about Thailand’s commitment to human rights and democratic values. Thailand must find alternative ways to ensure the safety of its visitors while maintaining its sovereignty, respecting its cultural and legal norms, and upholding its proud tradition of balanced and independent foreign policy. The integrity and independence of a nation are its most valuable assets; they must be protected at all costs.

You’re just chock full of bigoted nonsense, DOA.

Take an educated guess and I’m sure you’ll arrive at right answer.

It may have become more legally friendly and accepting, but as far as bars and other gay venues it has faded significantly. Those experiences can still be had in Thailand.

Agree that it’s become more expensive to get here but so has every place else. As for being attractive, I don’t think there’s a place in Europe or North America to equal it in available guys or safety.

There’s frequent turnover at most bars. Hopefully he’ll land somewhere else soon as high season nears.

I’ve come across some Chinese language sites that frequently post about Bangkok. Once translated some of the stuff. Not surprisingly, they seemed to be discussing same stuff we do.

I have two pair of pants and one pair of shorts with at least one zippered pocket. Agree with Vinapu about distributing cash in separate pockets. Only place I was ever pickpocketed was in Buenos Aires subway and lost equivalent of $65 because all in one pocket.

Same as anywhere else, I’d think.

Don’t know of any exclusive ones but you might find among “T&B” candidates working Saphan Kwai massage shops.

Don’t drink on empty stomach, GP.

From Thai PBS World A school teacher was killed and a vocational student seriously injured in a shooting near a school in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district on Saturday morning. Khlong Toei police say they suspect that the shooting stemmed from a rivalry between students of two vocational colleges. Quoting motorcycle taxi drivers, police said that a group of about five vocational students were gathered on the pavement in front of a bank, near a girl’s school on Sunthorn Kosa Road, when the pillion passenger from a motorcycle approached the students and opened fire with a handgun. The bullets hit one of the students and a bystander, later identified as a school teacher. The gunman, thought to be a student at a rival college, walked back to his accomplice on the bike, but was told to go back shoot the already wounded student again. The attackers then fled on the motorcycle, heading towards Rama 4 Road. The two wounded people were rushed to Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where the teacher was pronounced dead.

Why anyone would be carrying that much cash at that time of night frankly puzzles me. Although pickpocket thefts in Pattaya are not uncommon, this stands out as an extraordinary amount. From Pattaya News A Japanese man, who was exploring Pattaya’s night scene with his friend, said he was pickpocketed of over 60,000 baht in cash by two transgender suspects in the late hours of Thursday, November 9th. Mr. Toshiaki Shinohe, the victim, filed a complaint with Pol. Capt. Natchaphon Saengsi, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at the Pattaya Police Station, stating that he was pickpocketed while riding a Songthaew at around 11 PM in Soi Buakhao, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Mr. Toshiaki told the police that he is an engineer from Japan and had traveled to Pattaya for a vacation. Before the incident occurred, he and his friend took a Songthaew, a form of transportation in Thailand with two rows of seats in the back, and sat facing each other. Along the way, Mr. Toshiaki recounted that two transgender women joined them and sat next to him. They then struck up a conversation to engage his interest. When the two transgender women disembarked the vehicle, Mr. Toshiaki noticed that his wallet containing 40,000 Thai baht and about 23,000 baht worth of foreign currency (100,000 yen), as well as his ID card and ATM cards, had gone missing. The Japanese tourist suspected that the two transwomen may have reached into his pocket and stolen his wallet while talking with him. He further commented that he was saddened by the incident and promptly came to report the grievance to Pattaya police. Pol. Capt. Natchaphon stated that police were reviewing CCTV footage to identify the culprits.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Hopes that visa exemptions for countries which provide big numbers of visitors to Thailand will create a further boom have yet to be realized. Currently, Russian tourists are awarded 90 days visa-free, whilst China, India and Taiwan receive 30 days. These discretions are currently timed for a six months limited period, although prime minister Srettha Thavisin would like permanency if no serious security issues loom. Visas on arrival previously cost around US$30. However, the customer savings would be partly wiped out if Thailand goes ahead with its US$9 entry tax to be levied on all international tourists. This proposal has received many starting dates, the most recent September 2023, but nothing has been heard in recent weeks. The difficulty is believed to be collection issues without creating huge queues at Thai airports and border crossings. But other issues are more immediate problems. The Chinese economy has slowed and negative stories about Thailand, including the safety of visitors, have proliferated on mainland media. As regards India, there is currently a shortage of flights whilst many Indians travel in large groups which require lengthy advance notice. Numbers of Chinese and Indian tourists are still 20 percent lower than in the immediate pre-covid era, according to the Tourist Association of Thailand. Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, chair of marketing at the Thai Hotels Association, said that the benefits of visa exemption might be more obvious in the second quarter of next year as more corporations and individuals opt for Thailand, assuming the visa abolition proves to be permanent. Meanwhile, there are no indications that American and European tourists will receive more than 30 days without a visa. However, they are able to extend a further month at local immigration, or visit the border with Cambodia for extra time.