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From VN Express The international terminal of Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport will be expanded in 2024, increasing its capacity to receive visitors from 10 million to 15 million a year, the transport ministry said. In a response to a National Assembly delegate on Monday, on the fact that certain international airports are often congested, the Ministry of Transport said it would deploy certain projects in 2024 as a solution. Specifically, the T2 international terminal will be expanded to increase their capacity by another 5 million visitors a year. The project is expected to be completed in 2026, and will increase the airport’s total capacity to 30 million visitors a year. The general planning of the airport has been researched by international consultant ADPi through funding sponsored by the French government, and has so far been fundamentally completed. The Ministry of Transport is cooperating with Hanoi authorities to evaluate and approve the plan within 2024. For the Da Nang Airport, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam has prepared resources to invest and expand the T1 domestic terminal, as well as building a new terminal, once the planning of the airport is approved. The planning for the Da Nang Airport has been fundamentally completed. The transport ministry has requested the Australian government to sponsor and choose an international consultant to evaluate and approve the planning in 2024. The ministry said an investment project for a new domestic terminal at HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat Airport, with a capacity of 20 million visitors a year, is underway and is expected to finish in 2024. The project will increase the airport’s total capacity to 50 million visitors.

From The Thaiger Pattaya Police recorded yet another transgender magpie thief case involving some gold and an Indian man in Sin City. This time a 39 year old transgender woman was apprehended at a condominium in Pattaya’s Nong Prue district, following allegations of theft in the middle of the night. The victim, a 40 year old Indian tourist, reported the loss of a gold bracelet worth 200,000 baht. The incident occurred around 9pm yesterday in a small alley in Pattaya’s Walking Street area. The police, led by Piyapong Ensan, Deputy Director of Pattaya City Police Station, and Thananon Athipansi, a Tourist Police officer, identified Saranpat Bowornkitnusorn from CCTV footage, leading to her arrest. Saranpat denied the allegations, claiming she had just woken up Kolal Avisake without stealing anything. However, police were sceptical due to her criminal history, as she was previously arrested for theft in 2020. Despite her denial, the police have proceeded with the case, reported KhaoSod. During the investigation, the police reviewed the CCTV footage and found a person with a feminine appearance committing the theft near a cannabis shop on Walking Street. The police traced the suspect’s escape route and discovered that Saranpat was staying at the mentioned condominium. “The suspect confessed to being the person in the CCTV footage, but denied stealing the tourist’s bracelet, claiming she only woke him up.” The lack of trust in Saranpat’s statement is due to her criminal record, as she was arrested for theft in 2020. The police are continuing their investigation, and the suspect remains in custody. In related news, the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a Thai transwoman for stealing goods valued at 40,000 baht from a Danish businessman and an attempt to extort a further 35,000 baht from the victim using blackmail.

If you live your life in fear of what others think and in denial of yourself, your latter years will be marked by regret and self-hated.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Press reports that a new registration scheme will help boost access to healthcare for foreign nationals and the stateless is creating confusion in expat circles. Health minister Cholnan Srikaew is launching a new scheme on January 1 2024 to assist non-Thai people and the stateless to get quicker access to public hospital coverage by a computerized registration which will take five minutes as opposed to the old system requiring weeks or months. However, a ministry spokesman clarified that the new registration operates only in remote regions, notably the border areas with Myanmar, and is available only to nationals from neighboring countries including those stateless persons without any passport. The civil strife in Myanmar has led to a surge in both legitimate workers and refugees in Thailand’s border areas such as Mae Sot, a border-sharing Thai city. The innovation has nothing to do with foreign expats or tourists. The financial data hub of the ministry will allow hospitals to reimburse quickly the medical fees of those non-Thais who are eligible. In separate news, the health ministry has ordered an inquiry after a Taiwanese national died after being refused significant assistance following a serious traffic accident on a journey to Bangkok. He was denied treatment, other than an initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation, by hospital staff on the grounds that the medical costs might well not be recoverable. They had suggested to volunteer rescuers that “Mr Chen”, already unconscious, be moved to a public hospital. The inquiry will focus on whether there was a breach of the regulations of the National Institute for Emergency Medicine which has sections on critical emergencies. Most foreign tourists and expats are not currently required to have comprehensive medical treatment, although the exceptions include some retirees with a longterm (OA) visa issued by a Thai embassy, holders of the new 10-year Long Term Residence and expats with work permits who are separately categorized. Suggestions that Thailand would introduce a 300 baht entry tax on foreign arrivals to cover their medical needs have floundered. The tax still awaits introduction and will be largely used to improve tourist sites and for marketing purposes. A small proportion might be diverted to a compensation fund for foreigners who die in tragic circumstances such as unforeseen accidents.

From The Nation Rukchanok Srinork, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok, was convicted on two counts of lese majeste and sentenced to six years in jail at the Criminal Court on Wednesday. Rukchanok was detained immediately after the verdict was read at the court on Ratchadapisek Road. Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon said he would seek her release on bail pending an appeal against the ruling. Rukchanok was accused of twice violating Article 112 (the lese majeste law) and also breaching the Computer Crime Act for acts during the period from July 18 to August 9 last year. She was charged with posting messages about the Covid-19 vaccine that showed contempt and hatred towards HM the King. Rukchanok pleaded innocent to the charges. Rukchanok was elected MP for Bang Bon in Bangkok at the May 14 election, earning the title of “giant-killer” after beating Pheu Thai heavyweight Wan Ubumrung in the poll.

From The Nation The first phase of the Dusit Central Park mega mixed-use property development is set to open in the second half of next year, chief investment officer La-ead Kovavisaruch said on Wednesday. The first phase, she revealed, would see the official opening of Dusit Thani Hotel, while other facilities such as an office, a department store, and ultra-luxurious residences will be ready in 2025-26. She cited recent Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside sales figures as proof. According to the sales report, it outperformed the initial target by approximately 80%. With over 300 units sold out of a total of 406 units, customer insights reveal strong interest in specific room types. The buyer demographic is made up of 75% Thais and 25% foreigners. The vast majority of foreigners are Asian. Some clients, however, come from the Middle East, Europe, and America. They plan to either settle or invest in Thailand. The majority of the park's 11,200 square metres would be open to the public, with a portion privately reserved for its residents. She emphasised that the Roof Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, reflected the project's commitment to urban ecology with an amphitheater, jogging track, and urban farm.

NOTE -- If he's serious about wanting tourists to stay longer, it's not rocket science. Granting longer stays on arrival, and making it far less bureaucratic to extend stays, would accomplish that. But trying to persuade visitors who enjoy Bangkok or Pattaya that Hua Hin or other destinations will satishy their tastes doesn't sound like a winning strategy. From The Nation Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin outlined a shift in his tourism policy to promote second-tier provinces and boost spending by foreign tourists in a meeting at Government House on Wednesday. The premier told Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) chief Thapanee Kiatphaibool and ministry executives that the goal is to sustain a year-round high tourism season and boost per head, per trip spending by foreign visitors. He said tourism promotions should also shift from traditional destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Hua Hin. The premier told the meeting that Thailand should be a high-season destination all year round, instead of just during winter months. He added that TAT should be able to provide information to foreigners in all languages, adding that the focus should not just be on the number of arrivals but also on spending per head. “I want foreign tourists to stay longer and spend more,” he said. While acknowledging that the number of Chinese arrivals did not meet expectations, she expressed optimism about high arrivals from other countries. She also said that she will seek government approval for tourists to be allowed to stay for longer than 30 days per trip. In a bid to boost the tourism industry, the government approved a temporary exemption for a 30-day stay for Chinese, Indian and Kazakhstan nationals in September. The scheme, which was scheduled to end in February next year, has been extended to May 2024 and now includes Taiwan and Russia nationals.

From Thai PBS World Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has instructed its representative in Bangkok to investigate a car accident, in which an injured Taiwanese tourist was allegedly denied medical treatment by a hospital and died while being transferred to another. Taiwan News online reported that the ministry also expressed its concern over the matter to the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Taipei and asked them to convey its request to take the matter seriously to the Thai government. Details of the accident are still unclear, but initial reports state that a person called “Chen” was a victim of a hit-and-run accident on Pattanakarn Road at about 2am on December 8. Rescuers rushed Chen, who was still alive, to a private hospital only 500 meters from the scene of the accident. Staff there allegedly refused to admit Chen, despite his severe injuries, because he was a foreigner. He was then taken to a state hospital about 10km away, a journey during which he succumbed to his injuries. Chen’s death came to light after a Taiwanese media outlet posted the story online, which spread to Thailand. It is reported that police have arrested the 51-year-old driver, who drove away instead of helping Chen. He was allegedly intoxicated. Upon learning of the case, Thailand’s Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew ordered an investigation, stating that a hospital cannot deny medical treatment to an emergency patient. Cholnan said hospital staff denying treatment to a critically ill emergency patient could face a jail term of up to two years and/or fines of up to Bt40,000. Cholnan also admitted today that the incident could affect the confidence of foreign tourists visiting Thailand and, since Thailand is a major tourist destination for Taiwanese holidaymakers, the government must take full responsibility and demonstrate publicly that it will solve the problem and prevent a reoccurrence.

I agree about Vietnam. Although it lacks the transportation infrastructure that Thailand offers, it possesses many outstanding national parks and beaches and no shortage of attractive men. The first country that can produce a reasonable cost health care plan attractive to retirees will have a foot up on the others.

I wouldn't worry about it; you're peers are probably all doing the same thing but just opt not to talk about it, either. Prostitution is an equal opportunity exercise. It's those who don't use prostitutes from time to time that are most likely to become predators.

From Firstpost China is trying to get to Taiwan any which way possible: now, they have allegedly tried to bribe a Taiwan army pilot to steal a US-made Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, but the accused Colonel has been arrested. The deal was worth $15 million. As per reports, the lieutenant colonel surnamed Hsieh, was approached by Chinese officers who asked him to fly a CH-47F Chinook helicopter to a Chinese aircraft carrier in the Taiwan Strait. They offered Hsieh to evacuate his family to Thailand in the event of a cross-strait conflict. Initially, Hsieh declined the offer, but accepted when he was offered half the cost of the helicopter, a whooping $15 million. The defection to China was uncovered by investigators in April and Hsieh and others involved were arrested subsequently. Continues at https://www.firstpost.com/world/why-china-offered-a-taiwan-army-pilot-15-million-and-ticket-to-thailand-13495662.html

From The Diplomat Nico Mesterharm has spent more than 15 years as director of Meta House in Phnom Penh, producing films, plays, and books, while offering a stage for aspiring local and international artists who have rebuilt Cambodia’s arts scene with the backing of foreign donors. However, Cambodia is no longer a struggling post-war country nor is it a major recipient of foreign aid, with conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza grabbing the majority of the world’s attention. For that reason, finding backers to support fresh projects in Cambodia is proving difficult but Mesterharm still has a number of works in the pipeline, including the documentary “Fraternal Help,” which details the lives of some of the 4,000 Cambodians who found refuge in the former East Germany in the 1980s. Mesterharm spoke with The Diplomat’s Luke Hunt about the relationship between Germany and Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge, and what left-wing intellectuals did not want to believe about the country. He also has some advice about what international audiences expect from Southeast Asian and Cambodian artists and how the dynamics of funding has changed, particularly for young filmmakers. Mesterharm is also acting director of the Cambodian-German Cultural Association, co-founder of Krossover Media Berlin, and a member of the International Academy at the Free University of Berlin. In 2018, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2023/12/making-art-and-finding-an-edge-in-cambodia/

From Pattaya News Giant Light Towers Installed on Na Jomtien Beach en massive light towers have been put up on Na Jomtien Beach to increase visibility at night and please beachgoers. The 2.1-million-baht project is funded by tax revenue and commenced on September 27th, 2023, and scheduled for completion on December 25th, under the responsibility of Double M International Company Limited, the contractor. According to Na Jomtien mayor Ms. Rapeepan Ratanaliam, the project involves the installation of 10 light towers, each standing at a height of 20 meters along with control boxes. Each tower is equipped with eight powerful high-mast lights, which will illuminate the beach area and surrounding roads to enhance safety and security for tourists visiting during evening hours. Ms. Rapeepan highlighted Na Jomtien Beach’s popularity among tourists who visit to enjoy the natural beauty and relax. She emphasized that many tourists choose to visit during evening and night hours, making the installation of brighter lights crucial for their safety. Additionally, the project aims to create a visually appealing nighttime atmosphere on the beach in order to attract even more visitors, she said.

From Thai PBS World The Cabinet agreed today to exempt Japanese businessmen making business trips to Thailand, of no longer than 30 days, from requiring a visa. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Phonpornklang said that this visa exemption will come into force on January 1 and last until December 31, 2026. He said that the measure is intended to facilitate travel to Thailand by Japanese businessmen, adding that Japan has advanced technology in green industries, medical science, biology and the digital economy, among other areas, and Thailand wants Japanese investors to explore new business opportunities in Thailand.

You were both happy with the outcome so that's really all that matters, no? I'm sure it wasn't the first time he's had such an off. I know two guys who work Soi 6. They have a regular out-of-town client who offs them both just to meet him at his hotel to strip down and drink with him for a few hours. Since they both are conversational in English, all leave happy.

ASEAN residents are treated differently than those from other countries. Many have work permits (that exempt them from frequent border runs) if they are working construction and some other type of manual labor.

The business in Patpong One among food vendors is improving. Numerous small vendors have taken over stands formerly occupied by merchandise sellers at the Silom end. One of the old cafeteria restaurants that previously serviced the workers has set up many tables outside on the soi and is doing well. I estimate the first 20% of the soi is now given over to food offerings of all sorts, drawing a varied crowd.

On Fast Track- Since I'm in the 70+ group, I've found that this always works well for us seniors. Take advantage of the benefit. On tipping massage boys -- The only shops outside of Silom that I regularly use are in Saphan Kwai where most shops have an 800-1,000 minimum tip. If I receive what I consider very satisfactory service I add 200 (especially if they shower after with me). Have never had anyone in SK ask for more. I generally follow the same policy in shops with no minimum. I believe superior service should be rewarded. On big spenders -- It was just a dozen days ago when I witnesed just how much some Asian women can distribute. One young lady was celebrating her birthday with some friends at Hot Male beer bar and I understand her liquor tab alone was about 5k. The waiters joined in the festivities and were well tipped. There are also regular male customers who'll off a few waiters just to sit with him and drink. Others take a few off for dancing or karaoke. It comes down to what the customers enjoys and can afford. For you Jupiter regulars, such stuff is commonplace. The spontaneous behavior is another reason the bars offer opportunity that the apps cannot do at the spur of the moment. Reservations not required.

I believe they are part of a long-established community of expats.

From VN Express Located in Thailand’s Udon Thani Province, Vietnam Town introduces Vietnamese culture and cuisine to both the Thai community and international tourists. Thailand's first officially-recognized Vietnam Town was inaugurated last Saturday in the northeastern province of Udon Thani as part of National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (L)'s visit to Thailand. Hue said he believed that with the strong support of the local administration, the town will see bustling business and thriving cultural and tourism activities, both of which will thus make it a destination for Vietnamese in Thailand as well as other international tourists. He said this would contribute to enriching the local culture and fostering the friendship and bonds between locals and Thai people of Vietnamese origin in the locality. Vietnam Town is located at Alley No. 2 on Si Suk Street in Udon Thani City, about 550 km from Bangkok. Udon Thani has long been home to vibrant communities of Vietnamese expats in Thailand. There are currently about 60,000 Vietnamese in the province. Vietnam Town initially took shape years ago, but the community has just recently received 3 million Thai baht support from the local government to upgrade the local infrastructure system. Almost all business households there are of Vietnamese origin. The welcome gate area features a traditional Vietnamese roof and details of ancient Vietnam’s bronze drums. Vietnam Town is currently open daily from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., selling Vietnamese specialties such as such as banh gio (Vietnamese pyramid rice dumplings), banh duc (rice cakes made of rice flour infused with lime water), banh beo (water fern cake), fried pancakes, steamed rice rolls, fried spring rolls and tofu. Udon Thani is served by low-cost airlines such as Nok Air or Air Asia, which offer daily domestic flights from Bangkok that take just one hour. Round-trip ticket prices range from VND1.2 million-1.5 million. Visitors can also choose Bangkok buses and trains with travel times of about 8-9 hours. Ticket prices start at around $20.

From The Thaiger The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced that Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s automated channels are now accessible to foreigners to alleviate congestion for outbound travel. This decision, effective from December 15, aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive, enforced by Srettha Thavasin, to enhance the outbound immigration system. The move is aimed at reducing the density of passengers who need to rush to catch their flights, echoing the government’s tourism promotion policy. Today, Lieutenant Police General Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, Chief of the Immigration Bureau, divulged that the IB has developed an automated channel or an automatic passport control system for departures at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Initially, it could only check Thai passport holders, but from December 15, it will also accommodate foreign passport holders. The automated channel system for departures at Suvarnabhumi Airport, in operation since 2012, comprises 16 machines primarily used to check Thai passengers. The process, which includes cross-checking faces and fingerprints, takes approximately 20 seconds per person. In comparison, manual checking by officers takes about 45 seconds per person. However, foreign nationals using the automated channel system must hold E-Passports that meet the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which has over 70 member countries with approximately 30,000 outbound travellers daily. In July, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited will purchase an automated channel system to replace the existing 12-year-old system at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, both inbound and outbound. At Suvarnabhumi, about 80 machines will be installed for international departures, compared to the current 16 machines, and 16 machines will replace the existing ones for international arrivals. At Don Mueang Airport, eight machines will be installed to replace the current four machines for international departures and arrivals. The upgraded system will be more modern, accurate, and faster. =================== This is an old video dating from time when first automated gates were installed for foreigners from a limited number of countries.

From Pattaya Mail In a bid to enhance tourism and safety, the beach in Na Jomtien, Pattaya’s neighboring beach, has undergone a significant transformation. News reporters visited the site on December 10, to witness the completion of a beach restoration project initiated under the “Adding Sand, Restoring White Sandy Beaches” program. The project, overseen by the Port Authority, strategically widened the beach by an impressive 50 meters, successfully completing the first phase. This development not only provides additional space for beachgoers but also prevents erosion caused by waves, ensuring a sustainable and attractive coastal environment. The Na Jomtien subdistrict municipality, the key player in managing the beach area, has concurrently undertaken a project to improve safety and aesthetics. This includes the relocation of electric poles and the installation of high mast lighting poles. Ten towering high masts with eight lights each, standing at 20 meters each, have been strategically placed. The total budget for this initiative amounts to 2,177,000 baht. Double M International Co., Ltd., the contracted construction company, commenced operations on September 27, with a scheduled completion date of December 25. The comprehensive project aims to not only cater to daytime tourists but also create a secure and visually appealing atmosphere for those who choose to explore the beach during the evening. Miss Raphiphan Rattanaleiam, the Mayor of Na Jomtien, emphasized the global popularity of the beach as a sought-after destination for relaxation. The addition of high mast lights is expected not only to enhance safety for evening travelers but also to contribute to the overall visual appeal of the beach after sunset. The local authorities anticipate a surge in tourism in the coming weeks, attributing the increased interest to the completed project. As tourists continue to flock to the area for both daytime relaxation and evening strolls, the economic impact on local businesses and tourism is expected to be substantial.

From Pattaya News Santi Promphat, deputy minister of public health, announced after the committee’s meeting that bars and nightclubs must strictly obey the rules and regulations when they are allowed to operate until 4 AM, starting on December 15th, to ensure patrons safety and minimize alcohol-related incidents. Entertainment venues in legal zones in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Bangkok and Surat Thani (only on Koh Samui) will be given this privilege, which also applies to hotels nationwide. Santi stressed that operators are to specifically follow the Entertainment Place Act and Section 29 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which prevent nighttime venues from selling alcoholic beverages to people under 20 years old. He went on to say that venue operators will be required to conduct breathalyzer tests on patrons. If customers’ alcohol level is above the legal limit of 50 milligrams per deciliter, they will need to rest at the areas provided by the venues until they are sober enough to drive home. In the event that a customer refuses to rest and has a breath alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, the bar operators must contact the customer’s friends or relatives or hail public transport to arrange for their transportation at the customer’s expense. Relevant agencies will collect data to assess the impact of extended operating hours. TPN Media notes it is unclear how this plan is expected to be enforced and many entertainment venue business owners have already brought up many issues, including logistical, with breathalyzing every customer leaving a venue as well as to who would be responsible for paying for the equipment and what to do if a customer refuses the test.

Thank you for your detailed report. I think the best advice you could receive was supplied (above) by Macaroni21: remain in the Silom/Surawong area for short stays like you had. Everything you need to satisfy your curiosity is right there for the taking. Travel time between venues is measured in minutes.

IMO, the Hot Male beer bar on street level of Patpong 2 has moved in the right direction. The effort is not on showcasing boys in skimpy underwear but an ample supply of friendly and attractive waiters and bartenders who act more as "hosts" and are open to conversing with customers without being pushy. They are offable (500) just as the guys who work in the HM go-go upstairs. For the solo customer, they can help you feel comfortable. For returning customers, they easily become familiar faces to welcome you back. Drink prices are reasonable and you can enjoy watching the ever-changing flow of foot traffic along with views of the boys from SOL bar across the soi who display themselves on the balcony when not on display inside. Btw, the SOL boys are free to join you for a drink at your table.