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As I wind down this visit, a few observations on these shops. First, I would generally reject manger/mamasan recommendations. I’ve accepted them three times over the past few trips and all were disappointing. My advice is to review the offerings on line and decide on a list of your top three. You can choose to reserve via Line or phone (never been asked for deposit on same day request) or simply choose on arrival. If mamasan says “he not work today but how about this one?”, I’d move on to my next choice. If you exhaust all three of your picks, I’d consider using tablet or moving on to another shop. Most shops open at 11a.m. but many of the boys are still sleeping or working other job. I think best time to come is mid afternoon. Your chances of getting your choice in fresh condition are improved. Coming from Saphan Kwai, only One Spa is on left side of road. All others on right are BT House, KK Massage and Home Spa.

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From Nikkei Asia BANGKOK -- Thai retailer The Mall Group opened its latest shopping center here Friday in a bid to create a new destination for tourists and shoppers in Thailand's capital. EmSphere, in the vibrant Sukhumvit dining and entertainment district, is a six-story attraction spanning 200,000 square meters with more than 300 tenants, including IKEA and restaurants. The mall with a direct walkway from the Phrom Phong BTS Skytrain station was packed with visitors on its first day. "The dining area has a lot more going on than other malls, so it's fun to just walk around here," said a 30-year-old local. The anchor tenant occupying one entire floor is IKEA, offering about 8,200 products from bedding to couches. That is about 20% fewer items than at the Swedish furniture retailer's larger store in a Bangkok suburb. But the new location is the company's first city center store in Southeast Asia and features showrooms geared for urban apartments in nearby high-rise buildings. It also offers items exclusively available there.

From the bears

From Pattaya Mail PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai government has approved the draft regulation for an urgent extension of operating hours for entertainment venues in strategic tourist locations. The move aims to stimulate tourism and sustain economic growth in specific regions. The approved policy will allow entertainment venues, especially those within hotel premises, in Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi (Pattaya), Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui, to extend their operating hours until 4 a.m. This extension is set to commence on December 15. And for the New Year’s Eve, it is allowed until 6:00 a.m. on January 1, 2024.

From Thai PBS World The National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC) has decided, in principle, to approve about Bt5.1 billion to promote 11 elements of Thailand’s soft power, from food and festivals to music, fashion and Muay Thai. There will be as many as 10,000 activities, with Songkran being the key festive activity which is expected to generate about Bt35 billion in revenues, according to Chadatip Chutrakul, chair of the festival subcommittee of the NSPDC. She said that the Songkran festival, to be referred to as “The World Water Festival”, will be held throughout the whole month of April next year. Bangkok will be the main venue, with three days and nights of processions along Rajadamnern Avenue and three entertainment stages at Sanam Luang, featuring boxing, movies, music and other festive activities. She said that famous international artists will be invited to the festival, adding that the organisers intend to claim Songkran as Thailand’s intellectual property. ========= Note — The Pattaya Mail has printed its final hard copy edition. The Pattaya Mail was founded in 1993 as a weekly English-language newspaper, covering local, national, and international news with a focus on Pattaya and its surrounding areas. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a newspaper; it has become a trusted friend and companion to our readers, offering a unique blend of information, entertainment, and community engagement. The publication will continue its legacy in the digital realm, maintaining its presence and commitment to delivering quality journalism through its website, www.pattayamail.com. From Pattaya Mail Promoting art of Muay Thai globally The Thai administration has announced a collaboration led by the Thai government to promote Muay Thai internationally. According to Chai Wacharonke, Government Spokesperson, this project aims to disseminate the art of Muay Thai globally, enhancing the Thai boxing industry and establishing it as a significant soft power. It also seeks to extend Thai boxing products and services to the international market, thereby generating revenue for Thai boxing professionals and contributing to the country’s economic value. The initiative involves the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), the Boxing Sport Committee, the Amateur Muay Thai Association of Thailand, the Professional Muay Thai Association of Thailand, and the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA). The spokesperson further stated that Thailand has been actively promoting Muay Thai in various international locations. These include Budapest, Hungary, and Guangzhou, China, in September. A recent highlight was the “East Asian Muay Thai Championship 2023,” held on November 23rd-26th, at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong. This event was one of the largest Muay Thai competitions in Hong Kong, with participants from Bangladesh, India, South Korea, Mongolia, Macau, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. On this occasion, Thailand introduced the One Standard Muaythai (OSM) to establish uniform standards for the sport. The event also featured displays of ancient Muay Thai martial arts and Thai boxing music. Additionally, Muay Thai skill clinics were organized for enthusiasts, receiving positive responses from the Hong Kong Muay Thai clubs and associations. These clinics offered both theoretical and practical Muay Thai training by experts from Thailand. (NNT)

Religions don’t recognize any version it does not accept. So it’s quite possible that whatever particular version described in the OP is not observed by, for example, Anglicans or Catholics.

The version discussed appears to be recognized by Southern Baptists, but is it used by many other sects?

My instructions are if it occurs in SE Asia, I’ll be cremated there and ashes given to my friend from there. Shipping body home very expensive and is meaningless to me. These are instructions in my Trust.

Direct creamation (without embalming) is efficient and least costly alternative. You just want to leave instructions on who should receive the ashes. This can be done in advance through funeral director and incorporated into will or trust documents.

Much easier than looking forward, too.

I’ve speculated often at the time how that bit of information wasn’t appreciated for what it was: a red flag. I was trained many years ago as a private pilot. Airport approach and landing was my favorite part of any flight. Adjusting your rate of decent to end up at the runway threshold at just corrrect altitude was challenging and rewarding. It’s possible that that whoever handled the tip didn’t see the significance but still couldn’t buy that excuse. It was simply too obvious. Yes, read the report. We’re left to our own devices to fill in the missing pieces.

From Pattaya News An Australian tourist expressed frustration after losing all his belongings and a large sum of money allegedly to a pickpocket on a tour bus while traveling to Pattaya to celebrate Loy Krathong. On November 27th, around 4:30 PM, Mr. Jeevarass Palasunoram, an Australian tourist in his 30s, reported the incident to Pol. Lt. Col. Natchaphon Saengsi, Deputy Superintendent for investigation at Pattaya Police Station. According to Mr. Jeevarass, he had taken an air-conditioned tour bus from Ekamai in Bangkok to Pattaya. Upon arriving in Pattaya around 4:30 PM, he discovered that his wallet, containing 9,500 Australian dollars (around 200,000 Thai baht), 1,500 Thai baht, and various documents, was missing from his backpack, which he had placed in the overhead compartment above his seat Mr. Jeevarass immediately reported the incident to the police upon reaching his hotel in Pattaya. The police attempted to inspect the bus for any clues but were informed by the unnamed bus driver that the vehicle did not have any security cameras. Without clear leads or evidence, Pol. Lt. Col. Natchaphon told local media that he was unable to determine where Mr. Jeevarass might have dropped his belongings or whether the theft occurred on the bus. The investigation into the incident remains inconclusive at the time of reporting.

From Thai PBS World Education Ministry assigned to improve Thais’ English proficiency Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the Education Ministry to come up with measures rapidly, to improve English proficiency among Thai people, students in particular, after Thailand’s very poor ranking on the global Education First (EF) English Proficiency Index 2023. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said the order was made during a weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. EF ranks 113 countries, where English is not the first language, based on scores in 2.2 million Education First Standardised English Tests taken in 2022. At the top of the list is the Netherlands, with an average score of 647 out of 800, followed by Singapore (631), while Denmark, scoring 615, and Norway, with 614, swapped places at fourth and fifth place. Thailand is ranked 101st, which places the country below seven other ASEAN countries, namely Singapore, the Philippines (578 – 20th), Malaysia (568 – 25th), Vietnam (505 – 58th), Indonesia (473 – 79th), Myanmar (450 – 90th) and Cambodia in 98th place with 421. Laos and Brunei were excluded from the listing. The average score is 502. Thailand’s score puts it in the category of “very low English proficiency” countries. It was also noted that Thailand’s average score has not improved since the index was introduced in 2011, except in 2017, when the score increased slightly.

This matter is particularly troubling because the warning provided was from a staunch ally that had the assets to collect superior signals intelligence and surveillance monitoring. On the surface it seems incredulous that it would not be taken seriously. it takes me back to 9/11. A field agent in the Southwest was the recipient of a tip that a group of middle eastern men taking flying lessons for commercial jets. What the tipster said was unusual that they wanted training in take off and flight ops but had expressed no interest in landing instruction. The info was passed on to FBI headquarters in Washington where it was never taken seriously for reasons yet to be explained.

From CNN ’Boys love’ stars becoming fashion’s newest power players Nattawin 'Apo' Wattanagitiphat and Phakphum ‘Mile’ Romsaithong attend Dior's Spring-Summer 2024 menswear show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 23. Back in February, Nattawin Wattanagitiphat’s fans spared no expense in marking the Thai actor’s 29th birthday. Videos that made their way onto social media showed ‘Apo,’ as he is affectionately known, wading through a sea of flower bouquet stands, multiple cakes towering over six feet tall, gold bars, cash and even a Rolex watch all gifted by his fan base. Local media reported his birthday haul totaled 50 million Thai baht, or around $1.4 million. With such an army of intense supporters behind him, it’s little wonder then that Apo was named by Christian Dior as a men’s ambassador this summer, along with his co-star Phakphum ‘Mile’ Romsaithong. The two actors, who star as an on-screen couple in a BL television series (a “boys’ love” drama featuring gay romance themes) called “KinnPorsche,” have become a valuable marketing vehicle for the brand. The pair have appeared at events across Asia, including Dior’s show in India, and on the covers of various editions of Vogue, GQ and other magazines. One reason they provide a good return on investment is the remarkably high engagement they generate on social media. Data from a report released by Lefty.io, a social media analytics company, and public relations firm Karla Otto found that Apo and Mile were ranked 3rd and 5th in earned media value for the Spring-Summer 2024 show season on Instagram and TikTok — only after Kylie Jenner and Zendaya, who have 399 million and 185 million followers respectively on Instagram. In comparison, the Thai actors have just 3.5 million Instagram followers each. Still, they are able to induce a fanaticism that’s typically only seen with South Korean stars. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/style/thai-celebrities-boys-love-fashion-brands/index.html

From CNN Twenty-three Thai and Nepali workers were killed in the dormitory and safe room where they lived in the Hamas attack. On the morning of October 7, Hamas fighters streamed into the quiet lanes of kibbutz Alumim, setting off on a rampage of killing and destruction. But most of their victims in the community weren’t Israeli, or even Jewish, they were Thai and Nepali farm workers, sleeping in a dormitory right in the militants’ path. Some of the men limped, others were pushed. Flanked by gunmen, the men were marched to their deaths. Security staff watched helplessly on CCTV from just a few hundred meters away as the 23 men were massacred.

From The Nation Thai Airways has taken over the operation of 9 domestic routes from Thai Smile Airways following the restructuring of its business model that has seen it integrate its subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways, which operates domestic and short-haul international flights. Flights starting from December 1 Bangkok-Chiang Mai: daily, 35 flights per wee Bangkok-Phuket: daily, 56 flights per week Bangkok-Udon Thani: daily, 21 flights per week Flights starting from January 1 Bangkok-Khon Kaen: daily, 28 flights per week Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani: daily, 14 flights per week Bangkok-Krabi: daily, 14 flights per week Bangkok-Hat Yai: daily, 21 flights per week Bangkok-Narathiwat: daily, 7 flights per week ————————— The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s governor said on Tuesday that Chinese airlines simply chose to return the extra time slots allocated to them. TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool was referring to reports carried by several Thai news websites that 10 Chinese airlines had cancelled flights to Thailand for the months of December and January due to lower-than-expected bookings. Thapanee added that she was informed by five TAT offices in China that several airlines will start flying to and from China and will also introduce new routes between the two countries. They include VietJet, China Eastern, Nok Air, 9 Air, Thai Lion Air and Air Asia.

And thankfully I run into very few ASEAN guys who use cologne. Anticipation of the promise of sexual intimacy is a big driver of my emotional responses.

When Lawrence of Arabia first screened in 1962, the 227-minute epic was interrupted midstream with 20-minute intermission. Good for viewers and great for concession sales. I still stream it because I consider it among the five best films ever produced.

From Coconuts Bangkok Thailand earned a “very low proficiency” score in English, according to the latest survey by Swiss-based language education company Education First (EF). In yet another year of unsatisfactory pasa angrit (English language) proficiency, Thailand ranked 101st out of 113 non-native-English-speaking countries in the annual EF English Language Proficiency Index report. Thailand notched up a score of 416, which caused it to drop four places from last year. The global average is 502. Thailand came dead last among the eight ASEAN countries in the survey, behind Cambodia, which ranked 98th globally. Singapore (obviously) continues to rank at the top amongst the Asian countries, coming 2nd overall and trailing behind the Netherlands at number one. Singapore is the only Asian country to be ranked in the “very high proficiency” category. Since 2011, Thailand has always ranked near the bottom of the survey, while other Asian countries score higher proficiencies in the English language. In 2022, Thailand was ranked 97th out of 111. In 2021, the country fared even worse, coming in at 100 out of 112. ======= By contrast, some of the best English is spoken by the Myanmar waiters at Hot Male beer bar and the Vietnamese waiters at Fresh Boy.

From Thai PBS World Pubs and bars in parts of Thailand a step closer to 4am closing The Cabinet agreed in principle on Tuesday to an amendment to the Interior Ministry’s regulations which would allow pubs and bars in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chon Buri and Koh Samui to stay open until 4am. It was not, however, specified when the new licencing hours will come into effect, but earlier reports tentatively suggested December 15. The Interior Ministry has proposed the changes to promote tourism and increase revenues. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has said that the new closing time is not only intended for tourists, but also for Thais whose businesses are related to tourism, such as restaurants and food shops.

Exactly, DOA. Your posts should indeed be moved to dung heap. You again display great magnanimity.

Can appreciate your wish to keep posts on topic but I think it would be very difficult to enforce and too regimented for this forum, I would, however, endorse your suggestion of getting rid of this thread in its entirety.

True but isn’t that the case for half the threads on this forum? Staying on topic has never been a requirement. Members respond extemporaneously and one post leads to another.