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From Thai PBS World The history of Thailand’s holy-day alcohol ban – and why it could soon be lifted The Move Forward Party has offered a trickle of hope to drinkers who have long agonized over the alcohol ban imposed during religious holidays. The ban will be banished if it forms the new government, the party has promised. “Scrapping the prohibition is one of our policies,” affirmed Amarat Chokepamitkul, who was elected as a party-list MP for Move Forward when it scored a shock win in the May 14 national poll. She highlighted the policy after the ban was enforced for Visakha Bucha Day last Saturday, when Thailand’s normally buzzing nightlife fell silent, along with countless cash registers around the country. Thai authorities prohibit the distribution of alcoholic drinks on five religious holidays, including Visakha Bucha, which marks the birth, death and enlightenment of Lord Buddha. Abstaining from intoxicants such as alcohol is one of the Five Precepts that all Buddhists are encouraged to follow. However, while most Thais are Buddhists, the country is also home to other faiths, and to people who profess no faith at all. Meanwhile, not all Buddhists willingly agree to abstain from alcohol on their holy days. Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, who was elected as a Bangkok MP under the Move Forward banner, says the government should function as a secular state rather than imposing the ideals of one religion on all people in Thailand. “Don’t forget that we are a multicultural country,” he emphasizes. In his view, the ban also violates people’s freedom of faith and of occupation, both of which are enshrined in the Constitution.

Think of preparing for your trip as you would preparing to buy a new car. Read about what others have experienced and use it to help shape where you want to go and what you want to do. And all that information is contained in this website, mostly in venue and trip reports and reviews. There’s a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Tens of thousands of people from around the world, including the leaders of the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties, joined “Bangkok Pride Parade 2023” on Sunday (June 4). “Pride Month 2023”, a worldwide celebration, is currently held each year in the month of June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, New York when LGBTQ+ individuals faced systemic discrimination and oppression. The Bangkok Pride Parade 2023 on Sunday started from the Pathumwan intersection and headed towards the Siam Center shopping area, from where the activities moved towards CentralWorld in Ratchaprasong. The parade enjoyed the support of numerous top Thai politicians, including prime minister-in-waiting and Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, and the Pheu Thai Party’s prime minister candidates, Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chonlanan Srikaew. The group of Thai politicians, which also included Pheu Thai’s Nattawut Saikuar, Thai Sang Thai’s Sita Divari and Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt, also offered flowers in front of Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan temple to commemorate the victims who lost their lives during the 2010 crackdown on red-shirt protesters. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/entertainment/40028260

The stuff that will haunt your dreams.

Richard Barrow takes us along for a ride on the new line. Next best thing to being there. If you’re a fan of Richard Barrow, you’ll want to check out this recent profile piece appearing in the.South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3222779/it-has-just-exploded-thailand-train-blogger-richard-barrow-his-long-and-exciting-journey

This is from memory so I’m paraphrasing but I believe that the Kinsey Report said that 10% of men acknowledged participating, to point of climax, with another male at least once.

That would dissuade me. I think I’d just show up cold and take my chances.

From The Nation Both foreign and domestic tourists can request a refund if they cancel trips within Thailand, but full refunds require that they cancel at least 30 days in advance, the Department of Tourism said on Wednesday in response to questions from tourists. Tourists have been asking the department, which is under the Ministry of Tourism, whether they can get refunds on tour packages and how they can file complaints if they do not receive refunds from tour operators. Tourists can receive refunds based on how far in advance they cancel their trips, the department said in a Facebook post. It outlined its policy on cancellations: Travellers can receive a 100% refund if they cancel a trip 30 days in advance. Travellers can receive a 50% refund if they cancel their trip 15 days in advance. Tour operators do not have to pay refunds to travellers who cancel trips less than 15 days in advance. Tour operators have to pay a 100% refund to travellers if a trip is cancelled, even if the cancellation is not their fault. Refunds will be paid after expenses, such as visa fees and ticket deposits (plane, train, and boat tickets), are deducted. Tour operators have to show evidence of other expenses. If other expenses are higher than the paid service fees, tour operators cannot ask travellers to pay the difference. Tourists can file complaints with the Department of Tourism if they have not received a refund or received an incomplete refund. The department can be contacted by telephone during working hours (02-219-4025) or through its call centre (02-401-1111) at any time.

Saturday June 3 is Visakha Bucha Celebration, a holy day in the Thai calendar. There will be no sale of alcohol from 11.59 pm on Friday June 2 for a full 24 hours.

I’ve been following this shop on Line and find myself impressed with videos. LINE: Apollo Massage BTS Bearing

UPDATE: It has been confirmed that the Yellow Line monorail will open for service from Samrong Station to Hua Mak Station, a total of 13 stations, on Saturday and then they will gradually increase the number of stations. Opening time is expected to be 9am-8pm. Stations Open: The 13 stations that will be open to the public for trial use, consist of Samrong Station, Thipawan Station, Si Thepha Station, Si Dan Station, Si Bearing Station, Si La Sal Station Sri Iam Station, Si Udom Station, Suan Luang Rama 9 Station, Srinakarin 38 Station, Si Nut Station, Kelantan Station and Hua Mak Station. News reports also stated that the MRT Yellow Line Project Lat Phrao - Samrong, a distance of 30.4 kilometers (km), is the first monorail line in Thailand with 23 stations. The Yellow Line electric train route starts at Ratchada-Lat Phrao intersection, runs along Lat Phrao Road until Bang Kapi Intersection and turns right onto Srinakarin Road, passing Si Nut, Sri Udom, Sri Iam intersections until reaching Sri Thepha intersection. Then turns right onto Thepharak Road. It ends at the intersection of Sukhumvit Road at Samrong station

While eating at Shenanigans on Surawong (corner Patpong One), waitress who remembered us from now closed Paddy Field (next to Foodland) stopped by table to say hello. Paddy. Field was run by same manager of popular Shenanigans. One of the classic lady bars of Patpong Two, Black Pagoda, appears to have closed. It was the only venue with a bridge that spanned the soi. Passed Screw Boy at 11:12 last night and it seemed that the entire stable (sans those serving customers inside or those who’d been already offed) were lounging around outside after show. It was an impressive and lively group.

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Noticed that there’s also a Don Don Donki at BTS level entrance at MBK.

ASEANS have no problem finding Thai-style rooms to rent that don’t involve contracts, just the habit of paying rent in advance. Many have roommates. A better way to evaluate your relationship is to pay attention to what he does as opposed to what he says. Meanwhile, you may wish to ponder the difference between affection and love.

From the Thaiger The Thai Cabinet approved an extension for over 200,000 migrant workers’employment contracts, allowing them to retain their jobs until the new government assumes office, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. The decision impacts workers from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, and comes after an initial rejection of the Labour Ministry’s request for an extension. The change of heart was prompted by concerns that the ongoing uncertainty over the government’s formation could result in a significant labour shortage. Wissanu stated that without the extension, migrant workers would need to return to their home countries and wait for the new government to take power before resuming their jobs in Thailand. However, he emphasised that the contract extension would only last for as long as the current government remains in its caretaking capacity, with the measure subject to review once the government is replaced. The deputy prime minister said “The employment extension does not require endorsement from the Election Commission (EC) as it does not involve the spending of state money.”

From the Thaiger Phuket has experienced a concerning surge in Covid-19 infections over the past month, according to the Provincial Public Health Office. Deputy Chief Dr Muanprae Boonlorm highlighted that Vachira Phuket Hospital has seen a rise in Covid-19 patients since the Songkran holiday in mid-April. The number of hospitalisations due to pneumonia and Covid-19 related fatalities have also increased compared to the February to March period, BangkokPost reported. Dr. Muanprae attributed the increase in infections to people being lax in practicing preventive measures and a lack of fourth or fifth booster shots. Most of the fatalities between April and this month were among the ‘608’ at-risk group, which includes individuals aged 60 and over, those with underlying conditions, and pregnant women. Many in this group were found to be unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, with some receiving their last booster shots over a year ago. Despite the rising infections, Dr. Muanprae assured that the province has the capacity to handle hospitalisations from Covid-19, with only 15-20% of beds in Covid-19 wards currently occupied. Thais who have not received a booster shot in the last six months to a year can obtain their injections for free at any hospital on the island. Dr. Muanprae advised checking the availability of the vaccine with local hospitals, as some provide the vaccination service only once a week.

Agree that a fare increase is warranted but frequently obscure terms in the original enacting legislation (or contracts) for individual system operators tie their hands on fare changes. Given the nature of airport ops, some shifts begin and end at odd times, although agree bulk are geared to needs of passenger loads. The train is such a key asset to any international airport I hope a solution short of reduced train frequency is found.

I use the air train regularly and I see many airport workers, especially when departing the airport station. Some 95 carriers use the airport and there are tons of associated businesses and services with thousands of employees and the train is how most of them get to work.

Countless number of tops can be found in Bangkok bars and massage shops where they decidedly represent the majority.

Agree that the fare is low and I’d gladly pay more for the convenience. When the line first opened there was a higher cost express service with only a few stops between airport and Phaya Thai. That, however, was discontinued. The line also serves commuters and the critical means for workers to get to and from airport so those fares need to kept affordable. A practical solution might be for employers to subsidize workers for higher fares while travelers pay a more equitable fare.

Reminder that Bangkok Pride 2023’s main event—the parade—will take place Sunday, June 4, beginning at 2p.m. Whether it draws the huge turnout organizers are hoping for remains to be seen. What has been lacking (at least in the English language media) has been a comprehensive listing of all the month-long events. Silom and Patpong venues don’t seem to be participating in any official capacity although I’d be surprised if Soi 4 didn’t see an uptick in activity while the massage shops and Patpong gay bars get some overflow business. ================== From a press release: Bangkok Pride 2023 is expected to have hundreds of thousands of participants on a 1.5 kilometer long road from Pathum Wan Intersection to Ratchaprasong Intersection (Rama 1 Road) and a stage to celebrate the pride in front of Central World Plaza Is the heart of the heart, able to accommodate about 15,000 people, while the entire Ratchaprasong intersection can accommodate about 400,000 people.