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From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Premier Srettha Thavisin has promised to push for parliamentary approval next year of three separate bills to legislate for gay marriage, lawful prostitution and gender choice. All subjects were approved in principle by the previous military-backed administration of General Prayut, but they then became stuck in committee and the thorny run-up to the 2023 general election. The gay reform will change section 1448 of the civil and criminal code so that marriage is no longer restricted to Thai men and women but will be available regardless of gender. The implication is that gay couples will have exactly the same rights in law as heterosexuals, including pensions and adoption issues. Same sex marriage between a Thai national and a foreigner has yet to be clarified. For the first time since the 1960s, adult prostitution will become legitimate as sex workers (female or male) will be legal professionals who will have the same rights and responsibilities as all other Thais in lawful employment. The implications of the legislation for Thailand’s nitery entertainment businesses, including go go bars and their working practices, have still to be demystified. The third bill will concern gender identity and will oblige official certificates (for example ID cards and passports) to accept the gender that a Thai individual identifies as, whether male or female or other. Srettha said that he intends to push for all three major reforms to be passed simultaneously under one heading. Parliamentary approval for the trio of issues is certain as the largest parties, including Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are already committed to support the reforms. Once the laws are changed, Thailand will have the most liberal legal environment in Asia for the subjects identified.

From The Star PHNOM PENH (China Daily/ANN): Cambodia’s economy is forecast to be the fastest-growing in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean), according to the latest outlook by the International Monetary Fund backed by analysts reports. In the World Economic Outlook published earlier this week, the IMF projected that Cambodia’s real GDP will grow 5.6 per cent this year and 6.1 per cent next year, up from the 5.2 per cent growth recorded last year. This means the kingdom is likely to become the fastest-growing economy in the 10-nation bloc for two consecutive years. Cambodia’s growth was closely followed by the Philippines, whose economy is expected to grow 5.3 per cent this year and 5.9 per cent next year. Indonesia’s economy is estimated to grow 5 per cent in both 2023 and 2024, while the Lao economy is projected at 4 per cent for both years. Growth in Myanmar is expected to be stable for 2023 and 2024 at 2.6 per cent. Vietnam is expected to grow by 4.7 per cent this year and 5.8 per cent next year, while the predicted growth for Malaysia is 4 and 4.3 per cent, respectively. Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 2.7 per cent this year and 3.2 per cent next year.

From CNN The US says Russia is executing its own soldiers and has threatened entire units with execution for failing to obey orders. National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby told reporters: “We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders, we also have information that Russian commanders are threatening to execute entire units if they seek to retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire.” Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby told reporters: “We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders, we also have information that Russian commanders are threatening to execute entire units if they seek to retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire.” Russia’s mobilized forces in the region “remain under-trained, under-equipped and unprepared for combat,” Kirby said, and have been largely used in what he called “human wave tactics” as it attempts to forge ahead with a renewed offensive. While Russia continues to have some offensive capability and may achieve some tactical gains on the battlefield, it continues to show no regard for the lives of soldiers,” Kirby told reporters.

I was surprised about the origination of the NRA (as I think many others are unaware of its history just before Civil War). Not surprised that GB instituted gun reforms in wake of Dunblane massacre which is certainly commendable on its part.

I’ve read accounts in the Bangkok Post and The Nation regarding coroner’s inquest. Both echo what has been previously posted and neither shed new light on incident. I don’t believe we know whether Dom spoke any English. If he didn’t I would have liked to think that the academy should have provided language tutoring to prevent isolation from his fellow students.

From The Nation Murata, a supplier of components to Apple, has invested 2.4 billion baht to create a new production base in Thailand for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), which it believes will create over 2,000 jobs. Murata Electronics Thailand Co Ltd, a key electronic components supplier of Apple, said last week that the new manufacturing facility at the World Industrial Estate Co Ltd in Lamphun province would open on November 25. This new factory will manufacture MLCC, which are flagship products for Murata. These components enhance the stability of various mobile devices such as smartphones, computer servers, data sensors, automobiles, and satellites. These MLCCs have a significant global market share of up to 40%. The geopolitical tensions between the United States and China have affected the electronics industry, leading to what is often referred to as the “tech war”. Murata, among other foreign companies, has decided to relocate its production base from China to mitigate business risks.

The “gun lobby” has morphed from an organization primarily thought of as the NRA and firearms manufacturers to a populist movement taking on strong political overtones. Despite entering bankruptcy for financial misfeasance and losing many members, the. NRA continues to be a potent voice and enabling politicians— primarily from red states—rationale for their views. What has changed is that funding the political races has seen money flow directly from voters to their candidates without necessarily passing through the IRA. Other opportunistic groups have surfaced and also attract funds from the same voters. Gun control is a “third rail” that politicians of all stripes in red and swing (purple) states are cautioned to avoid. They almost always heed that warning, ensuring no change going forward Many will be surprised to learn that the American version of the NRA was based on a British group of the same name. The US version was chartered in 1871. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Rifle_Association

The more the merrier, GP.

CNN — The US Army reservist accused of killing 18 people and injuring 13 others in a shooting rampage in Maine this week was found dead Friday evening – apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot – after a two-day manhunt, a state official said. Robert Card, accused of committing Wednesday’s massacre at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine, was found dead around 7:45 p.m. Friday near the Androscoggin River in the Lisbon Falls area, some 10 miles Lewiston, state Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck told reporters.

Agree. The coroner’s report that appears in the Guardian article concludes that the tragedy could not have been prevented. At best, that’s a highly speculative judgement. At worst, it appears to be over reaching on part of coroner.

A new lady bar opened Friday night, promising Thailand’s most endangered species. “Virgin” is situated directly opposite the Foodland restaurant. Regardless of the nature of the business, always find it encouraging when any new venue opens in Patpong.

The Bangkok Post is reporting that the United States had given The Thai Police Marine Division a dozen fast patrol boats to aid in drug interdiction efforts on the Mekong River.

The Bangkok Post is reporting that 24-hour operations commence next Wednesday.

From The Nation Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat blamed unfair distribution of power and wealth for the decline of liberal democracy worldwide. He said “democratic backsliding” is happening in Thailand as well as other countries, even those with “the most advanced institutionalised democracies”. Pita was giving a lecture in English on “Moving Forward: Thailand, Asean & Beyond” given at Harvard University in the US on Thursday. “Democracy is under siege,” he told a packed auditorium at his alma mater. He pointed to survey results by Freedom House, which found that 48% of the world lived in a free society in 2006, compared to 20% this year. “That's democratic backsliding. Something is going on around the world and even the most advanced institutionalised democracies are seeing those numbers declining as well,” he said. According to Pita, the problem is not only about concentration of political power, but also concentration of wealth. “This perfect storm is happening not just in Thailand, but anywhere in the world, no matter where you come from,” he told the audience.

From The Nation Lufthansa has announced it will resume direct flights to Thailand with the world's largest passenger plane on Sunday. Lufthansa has announced it will resume direct flights to Thailand with the world's largest passenger plane on Sunday. The decision to deploy the Airbus A380 on the Bangkok-Munich route from October 29 came in response to tremendous demand, particularly during the winter high season, said the German flag carrier’s regional manager Anlee Do. Nicknamed Superjumbo, the A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jetliner with a capacity of 509 passengers. The standard cabin layout features eight seats in first class, 78 in business, 52 in premium economy, and 371 in economy. Lufthansa is the only airline operating the A380 nonstop between Thailand and Europe, said Do. She added that travel demand for Thailand is consistent and strong thanks to its location as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Only the monkey knows and it’s not made itself available for comment.

In his 2022 memoir, Acquanaut, I recall rescuer Rick Stanton mentioning that Dom was the only team member who didn’t receive a note from his parents when hand-written messages from relatives were brought into the cave following the boys’ discovery in chamber 9. He was reportedly visibly distraught. I think Stanton said he did not live with his parents and was being cared for by his grandmother. The team captain, Dom was a gifted player and the team was like a second family. Who knows if being suddenly alone in a distant land, and without the support he was accustomed to in Thailand, how that may have taken its roll. I choose to remembered hijm as he was when we first got to know about him on his teammates. Those are the memories that will endure.

+1 And. I made the acquaintance of new Isaan masseur today.

I don’t think so but board members certainly do.

From Department of State The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is coming to Pattaya for Provision of Consular Services: Thursday, November 2, 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM The American Citizen Services Unit will be providing limited consular services in the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel from 09:00 AM to 11:30 AM on November 2, 2023. Please note, we have a total of 40 appointments available, for the following services: 1. Passport renewals (DS-82) 2. Passports for minors (DS-11) 3. Notary services To sign up for services, please register here. Reservations are first come, first served, with additional consideration for those with limited mobility. NOTE: ** Service fees MUST be paid via Pay.gov (DS-82 adult renewals) or Bank Draft (minor passports and notary services) ** ** You MUST bring originals and photocopies of all necessary documents. ** Please find detailed information here.

From CNN Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips announced Thursday that he is running for president, kicking off a long-shot Democratic primary challenge to President Joe Biden. “I think President Biden has done a spectacular job for our country, but it’s not about the past. This is an election about the future. I will not sit still, I will not be quiet in the face of numbers that are so clearly saying that we’re going to be facing an emergency next November,” Phillips told CBS News in a clip posted online. Phillips is expected to formally announce his campaign Friday in Concord, where he’ll file to run in New Hampshire’s Democratic primary. The three-term congressman, who recently left his House Democratic leadership position in the face of intraparty frustration over his calls for a Biden alternative, has argued that the president would be a weak general election candidate due to his age and low approval ratings. Still, Phillips’ campaign launch comes as Democrats are seeking to unify around Biden, fend off spoiler independent candidates and lay out the administration’s accomplishments to voters. Biden allies have described talk of Phillips running as a distraction that would only serve to highlight the president’s weak points. Phillips attempted to reach out to Biden in August, but the president was unavailable, according to a source. Instead, Phillips spoke to White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, who “heard him out,” the source said, but conveyed that the “president is the right person to win in 2024 and finish the job.” Phillips told CNN that he tried to reach out to Biden “as a courtesy to advise him of my intentions, which at that time were to call for a new generation of candidates to compete for the nomination.” He said the call with Zients was “brief but friendly.”

Everything reported on Twitter is gospel truth. Just ask owner Elon Musk. 🫢

I’ve received report from reliable source that bars and entertainment venues will be closed on Sunday, October 29, in connection with end of Buddhist Lent.

From Pattaya News Thai investors are set to launch five new airlines, pouring in a minimum of 3.85 billion baht. These carriers are poised to commence operations in 2024, aiming to tap into Thailand’s burgeoning aviation market, projected to be worth 320 billion baht next year. According to the Nation Thailand report, Really Cool Airlines, P80 Air, Pattaya Airways, Siam Seaplane, and Landarch Airlines have all received an Air Operating Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). To commence commercial flights, however, they still have to wait for the CAAT’s approval of their Air Operator Certificates (AOC). One of the the above five Thai-owned carriers, Really Cool Airlines, expects to receive the AOC in January 2024, which will allow them to start operating the flights as early as in the second quarter. Patee Sarasin, CEO of Really Cool Airlines, emphasized that during the first two years, Really Cool Airlines will focus on Asian routes, particularly to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, operating four Airbus A330-300 aircraft. With an initial crew of 130, they will initially offer chartered flights from March to May before transitioning to regular flights and expanding to European markets. “We would not compete with Thai Airways International on their regular routes but would focus on flights to secondary cities, which would also help further promote Thailand’s tourism industry,” Mr. Patee said. On another note, P80 Air, a subsidiary of Thoresen Thai Agencies Pcl, projects getting its AOC in 8-9 months and commencing commercial operations in the last quarter of the next year. In its initial two years, P80 Air will focus on secondary Chinese cities, operating four Boeing B737-800 NG aircraft. Pattaya Airways is also eyeing a launch in the final quarter of 2024, aiming to operate on both domestic routes within Thailand and across ASEAN destinations. The airline will start with cargo delivery using an ATR72 aircraft for the first three years and later add more planes to meet rising demand from e-commerce companies. Meanwhile, Siam Seaplane is considering adding amphibian planes (Cessna Caravan 208 model) to its fleet to cater to high-end customers visiting seaside resorts and ports in Thailand. Their debut route will connect to Ko Lipe in Satun province, significantly shortening travel time to the island. Lastly, Landarch Airlines intends to operate short chartered flights between major cities in southern provinces, beginning in April 2024, with its hub in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. They plan to acquire five Cessna C208 B, 12-seater aircraft in the first five years and expand the fleet to 15 planes, serving destinations in other provinces.

From Thai PBS World People in Thailand will have an opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse this Sunday (October 29), which also marks the end of Buddhist Lent, said a director of Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). Suparerk Karuehanon, director of the Astronomical Academic Service and Communication Centre, said the eclipse will begin at 1.01am and last for just over an hour. He said a lunar eclipse is an astronomical event which occurs when the Moon moves into the Earth’s shadow, causing the Moon darken. Those in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, as well as in North and South America, will also be able to see the eclipse, the director said. The next lunar eclipse viewable from Thailand will be a total eclipse on the night of September 7, 2025.