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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/

From VN Express Cambodia welcomed 3.92 million international tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2023, surging 211% year on year, the country's Ministry of Tourism said. Thailand topped the sources of international arrivals, followed by Vietnam and China. The three countries posted the respective growth rates of 189%, 156%, and 549% in the numbers of visitors to Cambodia, according to the ministry’s report released on Nov. 3. 1.34 million foreign tourists visited Cambodia by air, up 186%, and 2.58 million by land and waterways, up 224%. Top Sopheak, Secretary of State and Spokesman of the Tourism Ministry, said the country expects to receive at least 5 million international arrivals this year. He voiced his belief that more international tourists will be attracted to Cambodia after Siem Reap Angkor International Airport becomes operational on Oct. 16. Tourism is one of the four pillars of the Cambodian economy, in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export; agriculture; and construction and real estate.

Like the offs we take because they’re so damn good looking only to prove wanting between the sheets, China well knew what the British needed to hear as the deal was being negotiated.

And you don’t in any other East Asian metropolis?

You’re right: it doesn’t matter. CNN’s provides a layman’s definition of the difference between ground speed and air speed to illustrate how the two differ in determining flight duration. I agree that it would have been better to omit “indicated” airspeed which has a more technical definition which you provided.

It must be a government job.🙂

Statistically, this thread is pulling more replies and views than some really good trip reports. The difference between these very divergent categories is that we feel better after reading the TR’s and crappy after reading the more “politically” oriented posts. I wonder if we can all agree on these points, none of which I believe are in dispute: 1, Violent deaths in war of any kind are all repugnant. 2, Arguing with someone with different views on these matters never causes another to change their mind—no matter how compelling we believe are arguments to be—and is a bonafide waste of time and bandwidth. 3. We all—hopefully—have more productive things to do (I.e., do another off, get another massage, write a TR or venue report, plan another trip, call a sick friend).

From CNN Travel Savior of many a cramped pair of legs, the jet stream is well known for lopping roughly an hour off long haul west-to-east flights. But it’s working especially hard for travelers in economy class right now, with the jet stream over the Atlantic so strong that flights heading from the US to Europe are reaching speeds equivalent to that of sound. Sound travels at about 761 mph or 1,100 feet per second in “sea level standard conditions,” according to NASA – a little over 661 knots. In the past 24 hours, passenger aircraft traveling east from the US across the Atlantic have reached up to 778 mph. That’s a little over 200 miles per hour faster than normal cruising speeds. But if you’re thinking these flight times are a match for the much-missed Concorde, whose sonic booms used to mark it breaking the sound barrier, it’s time to think again. There’s a difference between ground speed and speed in the air (indicated air speed, essentially the speed of the plane in relation to the air around it). These passenger flights, however speedy, didn’t break the sound barrier. But they did slash flight times. Emirates flight 222 from Dallas to Dubai arrived 57 minutes early on November 1, having reached a top speed of 675 knots, or 777 mph, off the coast of Newfoundland, according to flight tracking site Flightaware. American Airlines flight 106 from JFK to Heathrow arrived 54 minutes early on Wednesday morning, with a flight time of just six hours and seven minutes. It reached a top speed of 778 mph, or 676 knots, also just past Newfoundland. Meanwhile Delta flight 186 raced from Los Angeles to London with top speeds of 760mph, arriving half an hour early on November 1 at 1.08 p.m. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/jet-stream-flights-speed-of-sound/index.html

Most went to friends but, yes, I probably could have monetized to help buy next ticket. Above photo from rookie year. Here’s more recent.

From CNN This city never slept. But with China tightening its grip, is the party over? Hong KongCNN — As the scattered patrons hop from one deserted bar to the next, it’s hard to believe the near-empty streets they are zigzagging down were once among the most vibrant in Asia. It is Thursday evening, a normally busy night, but there are no crowds for them to weave through, no revelers spilling onto the pavements and no need for them to wait to be seated. At some of the stops on this muted bar crawl, they are the only ones in the room. It wasn’t always this way. It might seem unlikely from this recent snapshot, but Hong Kong was once a leading light in Asia’s nightlife scene, a famously freewheeling neon-lit city that never slept, where East met West and crowds would spill from the bars throughout the night and long into the morning – even on a weekday. Such images were beamed around the world in 1997, when Britain handed over sovereignty of its prized former colony to China, and locals and visitors alike welcomed in the new era with a 12-hour rave featuring Boy George, Grace Jones, Pete Tong and Paul Oakenfold. China’s message at the time was that even if change was coming to Hong Kong, its spirit of “anything goes” would be staying put. The city was promised a high degree of autonomy for the next 50 years and assured that its Western ways could continue. Or, as China’s then leader Deng Xiaoping put it: “Horses will still run, stocks will still sizzle and dancers will still dance.” And for long after the British departed, the dancing did indeed continue. Hong Kong retained not only the spirit of capitalism, but many other freedoms unknown in the rest of China – not just the gambling on horse races that Deng alluded to, but political freedoms of the press, speech and the right to protest. Even calls for greater democracy were tolerated – at least, for a time. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/03/economy/hong-kong-nightlife-china-dst-intl-hnk/index.html

Owners may have used this as opportunity to slash expenses across board. Running a venue that size comes with big fixed costs (rent, utilities, upkeep), leaving variables like staffing easy targets. When Lucky Boy occupied same venue, it had 40-50 in rotation plus good show. But It never reopened after Covid.

This marks the return of the Dreamboy policy of only hiring Thais. That policy was abandoned a few years ago in order to boost numbers. I agree that any bar that size will likely experience difficulty without non-Thais. Letting all foreigners go due to one bad apple seems rash.

For those who venture to Saphan Kwai in search of massage options, they’ll be pleased to know that that work on new sidewalks (and the water pipes below them) is just about complete on both sides of Sutthisan Winitchai rd. and walking confit are good. Shop update — Saengchan Spa on Inthamara 25, that closed in August for repairs, appears now to have consolidated its operations with KK Massage near Inthamara 23. One hour oil 380, wide selection on LINE or available on tablet upon arrival. On weekends you may find a handful of guys available in the shop. (Line: @bkk23)

From Thai PBS World Myanmar’s military junta has used foreigners including Thais as human shields in northeastern Shan State, where fighting the junta and an ethnic alliance is escalating, according to The Irrawaddy online. Instead of sending them back to their respective countries, the junta’s anti-human trafficking unit sent them to military camps, the online quoted a humanitarian worker as saying. Apart from Thais, other foreign nationals were those from Nepal, Ethiopia and Laos. “The army is using them as forced labor to build bunkers, dig trenches, and carry timber. They are practically human shields.” The foreigners are being held in front-line outposts in Laukkai town where their lives are at risk from fighting that could erupt at any time. They could possibly be caught in the crossfire, the Irrawaddy online reported. The Brotherhood Alliance could launch attacks against Laukkai [any time]. And if they do get killed during rebel attacks, the junta will presumably attempt to frame the Brotherhood Alliance for targeting foreign civilians. The Brotherhood Alliance, made up of the Arakan Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, has captured dozens of junta bases in and around the towns of Mong Ko and Chin Shwe Haw, northeastern Shan State, since launching its “Operation 1027” offensive a week ago. Fears are now mounting that the fighting will spread to Laukkai, a border town sandwiched between Mong Ko and Chin Shwe Haw and controlled by the junta-allied Kokang Border Guard Force and militia.