reader

I crossed at a light signal this evening in Saphan Kwai (near Big C) about 5:30 and all traffic stopped.

Based on my experiences in Silom an Saphan Kwai, crossing main streets has become easier over the past few years. Not only at locations where lights are installed, but in those where crosswalks have been repainted. I cross Surawong several times daily and drivers seem more likely to yield than in the past. I make it a habit of waving to those operators who stop or slow as a gesture of respect. It may be far from perfect but it’s noticeable. From Pattaya News On November 7th, 2023, Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapan, the spokesman for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, publicly stated that Bangkok has taken steps to improve and install traffic lights for pedestrian crossings with a total of 2,850 locations. The installation of traffic lights for crosswalks has two modes including pelican crossings which will be installed in lesser pedestrian areas or a road with traffic congestion, and another mode puffin crossings which will be installed in crowded pedestrian areas such as schools or hospitals. Furthermore, in 2024, there are maintenance plans for crosswalks by repainting them with more bright colors and cleaning the crosswalks with high-pressure water. Bangkok has taken proactive measures to continuously improve the safety of pedestrians. It may seem insignificant but it comes with great benefits, said Ekwaranyu.

From Pattaya News A 23-year-old Russian woman said she was attacked and robbed of her phone by two Thai men in Pattaya in the small hours of today, November 9th. The tourist, identified by Pattaya police as 23-year-old Ms. Aleksandra Rychkova, was found in a state of shock after she said she had been robbed while on her way to a condominium from a convenience store. The incident took place at 2 AM today near Jomtien Second Road, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Ms. Aleksandra had suffered swollen bruises on her left temple. According to Mr. Wanchai Chaisorn, a 28-year-old condominium security guard who was the first to come to her aid, Ms. Aleksandra, using Google Translate, informed him that she had been attacked by two male muggers.

From Thai PBS World Four former police officers attached to Bangkok’s Huai Kwang police station were sentenced to five years in prison today by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. They were found guilty of malfeasance in office and corruption for demanding bribes from three Taiwanese tourists in exchange for dropping charges against them. The four were also ordered to return Bt27,000 bribery to the tourists. Two other officers from the same police station were acquitted by the court, due to insufficient evidence. The extortion, which took place on the night of January 5 in front of the Chinese embassy in Huai Khwang, was widely reported in Taiwanese media because one of the tourists is an actress. They were riding in a taxi, which was stopped for a search by a group of six Huai Khwang police officers, manning a checkpoint in front of the Chinese embassy. Three electronic cigarettes were found in their possession and only one of them was found to be carrying a passport. The trio were charged by the police for illegal possession of electronic cigarettes and two of them faced an additional charge for not carrying their passports. The police officers told them, however, that if they didn’t want to be taken to Huai Khwang police station, and face the prospect of being held in custody for 2-3 days, they must pay 27,000 baht to them and the charges would be dropped. A friend of the tourists, also Taiwanese, who was a prosecution witness, paid the police as demanded and the tourists were released. The six police officers were initially transferred to the operations centre of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation, which resulted in their dismissal from police service and prosecution.

This was clearly an antiemetic statement by a member who earlier this week falsely accused another member of committing a sex crime in a trip report. October 2023 Trip Report - Bangkok and Pattaya Department of Agriculture said: “Are you really so pathetically desperate that you need to paw away at a boy who is giving you a massage in a legitimate massage place? If that is what you wanted, you should have gone to the places that offer those services one hundred feet away. Why go and sexually assault a boy who has chosen to work at a legitimate massage parlour and trained to do so? At a bare minimum, your behaviour would mark you out a sex pest in the West; more likely it would have led to a police report and you, rightly, being detained for sexual assault. It's a shame that people like you think that you have the licence to act like an animal when in Thailand simply because a boy may choose to avoid causing a scene in order not to jeapordise his job.” There were absolutely no grounds for the above attack. It is viscous in nature. If Department of Agriculture wanted identify the nationality in the case of the museum owner, he would have said Israeli. He is clearly making a statement about religious affiliation that has nothing whatsoever to do with the post.

Thanks for clarification. But what does the owner being a Jew have to do with anything?

From Thai PBS World Remains of seven more Thais killed in Israel due back on Thursday Seven more sets of remains of Thais killed in Israel are scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi international airport on Thursday afternoon, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. A total of 34 Thai nationals died during or since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th and 24 are being held captive by militant groups in Gaza. Four others are in hospital. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said yesterday that the 24 hostages are being held by 2 or 3 militant groups, including Hamas, in various locations. If the Thai hostages are released, he said that they must be set free through a safe corridor at the Egyptian border. The Thai government has already informed the Egyptian government and Thai officials should be allowed to accompany the hostages from Gaza. From his talks with his counterparts in Qatar, Iran and Egypt last week, Parnpree said it is very possible that Thai hostages will be the first group to be released. He also said that there are other groups of Thai people who have been trying to secure the release of the Thai hostages, using their own connections. One of these groups is associated with House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, a Thai Muslim. They approached Iran, which is believed to have influence over Hamas.

Just book a flight and it’s all here for the taking. 🙂

Actually there was quite a bit about some selective venues, including a cage which visitors were welcome to experience. I recall one scale model (architect type) of both Patpong sois with names of some of the bars (but no mention of gay clubs).

Of late, air pollution in Asia has increased, particularly in built-up areas due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. The present study sets out to examine the impact that pollution can have on the health of people living in the inner city of Bangkok, Thailand. Consequently, in 2021, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and coarse particulate matter (PM10) chemical composition and sources are evaluated at three locations in Bangkok. To identify the possible sources of such particulates, therefore, the principal component analysis (PCA) technique is duly carried out. As determined via PCA, the major sources of air pollution in Bangkok are local emission sources and sea salt. The most significant local sources of PM2.5 and PM10 in Bangkok include primary combustion, such as vehicle emissions, coal combustion, biomass burning, secondary aerosol formation, industrial emissions, and dust sources. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36361157/

The Patpong Museum appears to have closed its doors. The marquee sign is unlit and entrance opposite Foodland dark. Although it did a commendable job of documenting the history of the area, it steadfastly declined to acknowledge the existence of Patpong’s all-male bars scene.

I’ve been experiencing many of the symptoms (with exception of difficulty breathing) described below for the past week and two other board members have likewise. From Thailand News Agency The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapan said that the Department of Pollution Control has predicted that there will be a high concentration of fine dust marked in orange with adverse effects on health from tomorrow to Sunday. However, there is still a chance of rain which may help reduce the level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). People are advised to wear face masks when going outside. Vulnerable groups and the elderly should stay at home and avoid outdoor activities. The elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with underlying health conditions who experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and rashes should seek medical attention promptly. The BMA’s Medical Service Department has prepared to respond to the situation by establishing air pollution medical clinics in affiliated hospitals within the city to address PM 2.5 levels exceeding 75 micrograms per cubic meter. (TNA)

From the Hill Five takeaways from a winning election night Democrats saw a successful Election Night on Tuesday, scoring wins in a number of competitive contests. In deep-red Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear sailed to reelection, while in Virginia Democrats flipped control of the House of Delegates and maintained control of the state Senate. Abortion rights advocates also saw a number of wins, most notably in Ohio, where voters chose to enshrine abortion protections. Abortion proved to be a top issue for voters on Tuesday over one year out from the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Abortion access advocates saw a major victory in Ohio, where a majority of voters voted “yes” on Issue One, a ballot measure that enshrines abortion rights into the state’s constitution. Ohio was one of several states that rolled back abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The state made headlines after a 10-year-old girl was denied an abortion in Ohio and had to travel outside of the state to undergo the procedure. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Beshear won his reelection bid after he campaigned on expanding abortion access. Beshear’s campaign released an ad showing a prosecutor criticizing the lack of exceptions for rape and incest under Kentucky’s ban on the procedure. His GOP opponent, Attorney General Daniel Cameron,said during the campaign that he would approve legislation that would include rape and incest as exceptions to the ban, but later appeared to tack to the right on the issue. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Democrats maintained their majority in the state Senate and flipped the House of Delegates by largely campaigning in competitive districts on the threat of an abortion ban. The victories for abortion rights advocates, particularly in right-leaning Ohio and Kentucky, are a good sign for Democrats going into 2024. A number of Democratic incumbents and candidates, including Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), have signaled that they plan to campaign on the issue next year. As for Republicans, Tuesday’s results show that they have yet to find a successful message on abortion in a post-Roe World. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) embraced a proposed 15-week ban on abortion with exceptions in the state and a number of down-ballot Republicans followed his lead. But the strategy does not appear to have paid off. Continues at https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4298989-five-takeaways-from-a-winning-election-night-for-democrats/

I’ve gradually come around to the belief that this is precisely how Hamas figured it would play out. Given Israel’s consistent history of rapid and overwhelming response, how could they possibly believe otherwise. Hamas’ goal was to sacrifice its own citizens to bring about unrest throughout the Mideast and beyond. And although they invited the disaster that’s unfolding daily, they way well be on their way to their ultimate objective.

From Laotian Times VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Nestled amid the green landscapes of South-East Asia, Laos finds itself at the epicentre of an extraordinary tourism surge, statistics by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism revealed. The first nine months of this year have seen an astonishing influx of more than 2.4 million foreign tourists, marking a jaw-dropping 285 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This is a testament to Laos’s growing appeal on the global stage. According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Asean countries contributed over 1.6 million tourists, with substantial numbers from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and the US. This influx is attributed to improved accessibility facilitated by faster travel on highways and the Laos-China railway, which has become a popular means of transportation. But contrary to expectations, local tourist groups believe the majority of visitors came from Western countries. “Most tourists this year came from America or Europe. We didn’t see as many visitors from Asia as expected,” said Soutthisak Sayasavanh, tour director at Discover Laos Today, a leading travel company in Laos. “We look forward to next year. I hope many more tourists will come visit Laos.” While data shows outstanding growth in tourism across the country, according to Soutthisak, the world heritage city of Luang Prabang saw a lower influx of visitors compared to 2022. “Last year was better for the tourism industry in Luang Prabang, I think. Visitors rushed here right after Covid-19,” he said. “2023 seems to be a little quieter.” While Luang Prabang may be welcoming fewer visitors, less popular tourism destinations are experiencing fast growth. The emerging idea of “dispersed tourism” is gaining traction in the region. This fresh approach entails exploring less frequented destinations, especially in rural areas, where the allure lies in the natural beauty. In the southern part of Laos, for instance, the cluster of Four Thousand Islands captivates travelers with its stunning scenery and cascading waterfalls. The promotion of new tourism destinations is also part of the Lao government’s strategy for the upcoming Visit Laos Year 2024 and the country’s Asean chairmanship in 2024.

Walking the streets of Silom daily, the absence of groups of Chinese is noticeable. However, that doesn’t mean there’s an overall dearth of tourists. I’ve never seen Thaniya more crowded. The Patpong Night Market is vibrant and pedestrian traffic most nights is strong. Observing the passers by on Patpong 2 last night from Hot Male beer bar with a fellow board member, it was evident that tourists from elsewhere in Asia and western countries are picking up some of the slack. Hotel bookings are strong and restaurants and pubs are doing well. Soi 4 is doing a robust business on most nights and the massage shops are holding their own despite stiff competition. Venues like 76 Garage are obviously hurting because they owed their success to tourists from a single source who travel in groups. Individual Chinese are still finding their way to Bangkok but aren’t necessarily drawn to those attractions. The Chinese trade will be slower to materialize because of some of the reasons cited in the OP but also due to China’s current economic woes. Meanwhile, Thailand seems destined to prosper because it simply has so much to offer to all.

There’s reasons why the US currency may initially appear “outdated” . First, the paper itself has been manufactured by a sole supplier (Crane Currency) since 1879. It has a unique feel that gives it a familiar tactile quality expected from users. But changed it has over the years with a host of embedded features that enable buyers to determine its authenticity on the spot. If you go, for example, to the popular X-One exchange on Surawong or any Super Rich branch, it can be rapidly deterred if all the anti-counterfeit features are present in the proffered note. Crane also manufactures currency for other central banks around the world.

New Foodland market has practice of offering customers opportunities to sample quality wines and whiskies in the early evening. Was surprised last night to find PP store doing same with a fine scotch.

From Pattaya News PHOTO: Thairath A courageous foreign man was moderately injured after he attempted to quell a fight between transwomen on the Pattaya beachfront. The incident transpired at night on Monday, November 5th, in front of the Baywalk Residence on the beach. Thairath reported that two unidentified transwomen were seen on a video while attacking another person on Pattaya Beach, who also appeared to be a transwoman. The attacked person subsequently fell to the ground, prompting the unidentified passing foreign man, dressed in a yellow shirt, to bravely step in and attempt to break up the altercation. According to the video, the attackers unfortunately redirected their aggression towards the foreign man due to his intervention. Eventually, the three parties separated, and the injured trans victim, later identified as 19-year-old Preecha Samarnkun, lodged a formal complaint with the Pattaya police over the assault. According to Preecha, the incident occurred around 2 AM on November 5th. The two transwomen approached her, with one of them asking, “Is this her?” They proceeded to attack her with kicks and slaps, which left several wounds and bruises all over her body. Preecha further explained that the foreign man who tried to help her was also injured in the altercation with the two transwomen. She emphasized that she was at the beach with two female friends and had no personal acquaintance with the attackers or foreign rescuer. She was unaware of the motive for the attack, and believed the two attackers were just drunk.

Although health authorities are to be applauded for their proactive stance, they seem to have left out any advice for the other half of target population: boys. From Thailand News Agency The Health Department is urging teenagers to be aware of safe sex practices and the prevention of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as the prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers increases. Dr. Achara Nitiapinyasakul, the acting director-general of the Health Department, revealed that the situation of HIV and STI infections is on the rise among the youth. According to data from the Disease Control Department, it is estimated that in the year 2022, approximately 9,230 new HIV infections occurred, with nearly half of them falling within the age group of 15-24 years. This has raised concerns within the public and society and may have future repercussions. The Health Department has taken steps to raise awareness regarding sexual health for youth through the “Love Safely” campaign, which focuses on four main guidelines: Safe Virgin: Engage in sexual activities when you are ready. Safe Sex: If you decide to engage in sexual activity, practice safe sex by using condoms to prevent STIs. Safe Abortion: Seek advice from healthcare facilities if a pregnancy is unwanted. Safe Mom: Ensure a safe pregnancy and childbirth for both mother and baby. Furthermore, the Health Department promotes awareness among teenagers and adolescents through its Line OA Teen Club. This includes education on sexual health, life skills, STI prevention, and pregnancy prevention. Teenagers can receive counseling, learn about sexual education, and develop life skills by adding the Line OA Teen Club account (@Teenclub). (TNA)

This strikes me not just a concern for Thailand but for all countries. From Thai Enquirer By Arun Saronchai The potential of platforms like TikTok to shape the perceptions and opinions of young people has become a pressing concern for nations across the globe. Thailand, with its unique geopolitical position and societal values, is not immune to these influences. It becomes imperative, then, to consider how we, as a nation, must approach the regulation of such platforms to safeguard our youth from external narratives that could skew their understanding of complex international issues. The controversy surrounding TikTok in the United States over allegations that the platform promotes pro-Palestinian content over pro-Israeli narratives offers a cautionary tale. While the freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies, there is a fine line between freedom and the potential manipulation of information. The algorithmic amplification of certain viewpoints, irrespective of their veracity, can lead to a lopsided understanding of sensitive topics such as the Israel-Hamas conflict. The implications for Thailand are significant. Our youth, increasingly engaged on platforms like TikTok, are exposed to a barrage of content from across the globe. Given Thailand’s delicate position between major powers like China and the United States, the information consumed by our younger generations can have profound implications on their perspectives and, by extension, our nation’s future stance on international matters. It is not a matter of censoring voices or stifling dialogue but ensuring a balanced representation of issues on platforms known for their powerful algorithms that cater to engagement rather than accuracy. The concern is not unfounded; the echo chambers created by social media algorithms can reinforce one-sided narratives and can be particularly potent when it comes to international conflicts where historical context and nuanced understanding are essential. Consider the recent online discourse surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. If Thai youth were to receive an imbalanced view, heavily leaning toward one side due to algorithmic biases, it would not only misinform them but could also sow seeds of division within our society, which prides itself on harmony and unity. The need to foster critical thinking and digital literacy among our young cannot be overstated, enabling them to discern the nuances of such complex issues. Furthermore, with Thailand’s own history of navigating its relationships with global superpowers, the unchecked influence of a foreign-owned app like TikTok could inadvertently sway public opinion in ways that may not align with our national interests or foreign policy objectives. This is especially pertinent given the geopolitical tug-of-war between China, with its vested interests in TikTok, and the United States, with whom we have longstanding diplomatic ties. Moderating TikTok use is not about diminishing the voice of the youth or their access to global conversations. It is about equipping them with the tools to critically evaluate the information they consume and understand the agendas that may lie beneath the surface of trending content. It is about preserving the integrity of our national discourse and ensuring that external platforms do not become the arbiters of our national narrative. In implementing moderation, a multifaceted approach is warranted. Education systems must integrate media literacy into curriculums, helping students understand how algorithms work and the ways in which they can be manipulated. Parents and guardians must be informed and involved, guiding young users as they navigate the complexities of online content. Government oversight, though a more contentious issue, must be considered within the framework of national security and public interest. It is equally important to foster an environment where Thai youth can express themselves and engage with global issues without reliance on a single platform. Encouraging the growth of domestic digital ecosystems that uphold our values and standards can offer alternatives to international platforms, ensuring that the flow of information aligns with our cultural and national principles. While it may seem daunting, the moderation of TikTok use among Thai youth is not an insurmountable task. It requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society—government, educators, parents, and the tech community—to come together in crafting a response that is thoughtful, measured, and reflective of our collective will to protect the integrity of our nation’s future. As we tread the fine line between open exchange and the protection of our youth from manipulative content, the case of TikTok’s influence in the U.S. serves as a timely reminder. It highlights the urgency with which we must act to ensure our youth are informed, critical thinkers who can engage with the world without being swayed by the unseen currents of algorithmic influence. It is a challenge that we, as a society, must rise to meet with wisdom, foresight, and a steadfast commitment to our national sovereignty and the well-being of our younger generations.

I’ve noticed that, too. Although I prefer restaurant in the PP2 location for convenience and familiar staff, I find myself visiting location to use excellent rest rooms or to grab a DQ on same level. It seems that both Foodland locations are thriving.

Over the years on this form many have posted reports similar to Orson regarding their experiences at Prime. He gave it a favorable review and commented that genitals were grazed. That hardly describes “pawing” or that he desired anything more that greater pressure. Having had more than my share massages in shops all over town, I can say with confidence that it’s just about impossible to do a naked massage without masseur inadvertently grazing genitalia. Nothing untoward should be assumed about intentions of either party in like circumstances.

From CNN The Robot Building pictured in 2022, shortly before the tower's exterior was stripped as part of ongoing renovations. For almost four decades, its cartoonish eyes gazed out placidly over Sathorn, a commercial district in downtown Bangkok. Now, with its facade stripped back to a concrete frame amid major renovations, the tower affectionately known as the “Robot Building” is barely recognizable, save for its characteristically blocky silhouette. The building’s owners, the Thai arm of Singapore’s United Overseas Bank (UOB), say the refurbishment will make its headquarters more energy-efficient and employee-friendly. While the company would not share images of the proposed redesign with CNN, conservationists and architects — including the tower’s 84-year-old designer, who says he was shown plans for the new exterior — have expressed dismay at dramatic alterations being made to an icon of Southeast Asian postmodernism. Completed in 1986, the Robot Building was intended to reflect changes in the banking industry, which at the time was embracing new computer technology. Its designer Sumet Jumsai, who was inspired by one of his son’s toy robots, is considered a major figure in contemporary Thai architecture, and was named a “national artist” by the country’s government. In an email to CNN, Sumet, who is now retired, decried the “defacement” of his creation. He described renovations as a “devastating statement” demonstrating the “ignorance and arrogance (of) big corporations.” In March, the architect wrote to UOB Thailand expressing concern over the loss of the tower’s “original iconic features,” including its eyes, and urging it to reconsider plans “before it is too late.” The bank’s response, which was shared with CNN by Sumet, acknowledged that the building was a “significant landmark” — but said the planned refurbishment would bring it “into a new era while paying homage to its heritage.” The bank added that it will keep a replica of the building’s original form in “a corner of the lobby.” Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/style/thailand-robot-building-renovation-bangkok/index.html

From Thai PBS World Given the huge difference between penalties for abuse of methamphetamine and for selling the drug, the government’s plan to classify people convicted of possessing more than five methamphetamine tablets as drug traders is a big deal. “We have set this cap based on academic findings by relevant authorities,” Public Health Ministry acting permanent secretary Dr Kittisak Agsornwong said recently. The five-pill classification was deemed reasonable by relevant agencies – including the Medical Services Department, Mental Health Department, Food and Drug Administration, Medical Sciences Department, Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Council of State, Royal Thai Police, and Office of the Attorney-General – at a meeting last Friday. The next step is to present the plan to Public Health Minister Dr Cholnan Srikaew, who had previously proposed a 10-pill cap. If the five-pill plan gets the green light, it will be passed into law as a ministerial regulation. Thailand has been fighting the scourge of narcotics for decades. Authorities have declared several so-called wars on drugs, but meaningful victory remains elusive. The Mental Health Department estimates that 2-2.5 million Thais abuse narcotics. Around 100,000 have entered rehabilitation programs in hospitals while others have received therapy at community clinics or private facilities. The youngest person to enter a state hospital for drug treatment so far was just 12 years old. More than two-thirds of inmates in Thailand are behind bars because of drug-related convictions. In other words, over 200,000 (204,147) of the total 271,967 convicted prisoners in Thailand’s notoriously overcrowded jails are serving time for offenses committed under the Narcotics Act. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/five-pill-policy-examining-thailands-latest-push-in-decades-long-drugs-war/