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For future reference, BTS should take you less than half-hour, regardless of time of day, between Sala Daeng and Saphan Kwai. Kudos for K-Man but can also recommend One Spa (about a 15-miute walk from station) on nearby Sutthisan Winitchai Road. Further down same road you'll find KK Massage which is associated with K-Man.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon In a surprise move, The Thai prime minister revealed in an interview in New York that smoking pot for leisure needs to be outlawed once again. Srettha Thavisin told Bloomberg Television that the law needs to be rewritten to regulate ganja for medical use only. “There can’t be a middle ground for recreational use,” he concluded. Following the declassification of marijuana as a narcotic last year, around 6,000 “dispensaries” have opened nationwide with most of them not bothering to hide their sales to the smoke-for-leisure Thai and foreign population. The retail outlets are supposed to restrict to 0.2 percent the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol which is what gives inhalers the “high” sensation. But the whole ganja industry in Thailand has a great deal of latitude as there is no comprehensive law in place describing what is legal and what is not. However, many commentators are skeptical that pot leisure smoking will again attract criminal penalties. “Off” Boonchert, who owns several retail outlets in Pattaya, said, “There isn’t a sharp dividing line between medical use and leisure. A man with cancer might also enjoy the puff. One solution might be for customers to sign a paper prior to purchase indicating what illness they have.” He added that the police would not want a return to the bad old days when the weed was sold underground which made it hard to control. Another ambiguity is whether all the groups in the current eleven party coalition will agree on a common policy. The declassification last year was the achievement of health minister Anutin Charnvirakul whose Bhumjaithai party is still in the new government. Anutin has spoken favourably about new rules governing cannabis, but is also on record stating he disagrees the drug could become a narcotic once again. The popularity of Bhumjaithai in last May’s general election was partly due to a pro-weed stance. It will likely take up to a year for a new law to appear in the statute book. The expected clauses will emphasize protection of children and will likely detail new rules for Thai farmers growing cannabis for sale after registration. There will likely too be a ban on smoking cafes and promotional slogans such as “Have a high time here” or “Come to the stars with us”. But it is still far from clear that the selling, purchase and use of cannabis by the public at large will once again automatically attract a prison sentence.

From The Thaiger Financial experts are predicting a further depreciation of the baht throughout this month and next, due to the increased volatility in the global money and capital markets. This follows the US Federal Reserve’s recent suggestion of a potential increase in its benchmark interest rate. Poon Panitchpibun, a strategist at Krungthai Global Market, a research centre of Krungthai Bank, noted that the baht opened yesterday, September 21, at 36.25 against the US dollar, a depreciation from the previous day’s close of 36.07. The baht had shown a gradual strengthening, fluctuating between 35.86 to 36.23 per dollar on Wednesday night, before it slipped as the dollar and US 10-year bond yields rose, following the Federal Reserve’s hint at an additional interest rate hike this year and fewer cuts next year. The research unit at Krungthai Bank believes the baht depreciation may be more than expected and stay weaker for longer, due to the Federal Reserve’s commitment to maintaining high interest rates over a prolonged period. The baht could also face pressure from foreign investors selling Thai assets as financial markets continue to exhibit a “risk-off” state, with a short-term rebound unlikely. Previously, the depreciation of the baht almost reached resistance levels, suggesting a possible weakening to a range of 36.50 to 37 against the dollar – a level considered undervalued by analysts. However, the baht could fluctuate sideways or even strengthen if influencing factors change, according to Krungthai Global Markets, which predicts the baht may appreciate to 35.80 to 36 against the dollar. Due to escalating uncertainties both internally and externally, Krungsri has adjusted its baht forecast for the end of this year to 35 baht to the dollar, a weakening from the earlier prediction of 34 baht. --------------------------- Today's cross rates USD 35.99 EUR 38.29 GBP 44.08

From The Nation Ministry readies Thai airports for visa-free influx The Transport Ministry is taking steps to ensure that international airports throughout the country are ready for an expected influx of foreign tourists due to the government’s free visa policy that takes effect on Monday. Visitors from China and Kazakhstan will be allowed to enter Thailand without a visa for five months – until February 29 – under the pilot project. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit on Friday presided over a meeting with executives of Airports of Thailand (AOT) to discuss measures to facilitate foreign arrivals in the coming weeks, which coincide with China’s National Day holidays on October 1. The ministry estimated that during the free-visa period, average incoming flights from China will increase from 72 to 96 per day, and average Chinese arrivals will increase from 9,680 to 18,656 persons per day. Suriya ordered the AOT and related agencies to prepare personnel and equipment at three key international airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket – to enhance facilitation of tourists through the immigration process. He also ordered that a single command centre be established at each airport to monitor operations and coordinate with related agencies and airport services. AOT president Kerati Kijmanawat told the meeting that he had ordered the Immigration Bureau to assign officials to all 138 passport checking booths of Suvarnabhumi Airport during rush hours, as well as make sure that all 16 automatic check-in booths are operational. These should enable the airport to process up to 7,140 arrivals per hour, with an average time of passport processing of one minute for each passenger, he said. The AOT has also asked airlines to assign staff to all 302 check-in booths, and will use public announcements to urge passengers to use the automatic systems to speed up the process. As for the outgoing booths, all 69 of them will also be manned by immigration officials during rush hours on top of the 16 automatic channels.

From Thai PBS World Red Line train fare to be reduced to Bt20 by New Year The State Railways of Thailand (SRT) board agreed yesterday (Thursday) to cut the fare on the Taling Chan-Bang Sue-Rangsit Red Line train service to 20 baht, from a maximum of Bt42, tentatively by the New Year. SRT Governor Nirut Maneephan said today that the fare reduction will cost the SRT about 80 million baht in lost revenue annually, which means that the SRT will have to seek compensation from the government. Currently, about 20,000 commuters are using this suburban train service each day, which is 25% of the 80,000 commuters originally estimated, said the governor, adding that he expects the number of commuters using the service will pick up by up to 20% each year. The SRT will submit the board’s decision to the Transport Ministry, to be forwarded to the cabinet for approval, said the governor, adding that he expects the new train fare to become effective around the New Year. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has previously said that the government will cut the train fares on the Red and Purple lines to 20 baht as a pilot project, as the government will have to negotiate with the operators of the other mass transit systems to cut the fare prices to 20 baht.

So sorry to hear this. I was already planning to make Coffee Grinder my first stop when I return. Bangkok very much needs a place like the one you guys provide. Do you have any plans to try again at different location?

Wine Connection on lower level of Silom Complex (on your left as you enter). Quite acceptable bottle in 500-600 baht range.

From Thai PBS World Transport ministry will press ahead with the land bridge project, to link a deep-sea port in Ranong on the west coast with a deep-sea port in Chumphon on the east coast by rail and motorway systems, to facilitate goods shipments to destinations beyond Thailand without going through the Straits of Malacca. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said it is estimated that the massive project will cost about one trillion baht. Each seaport will be capable of handling 20 million cargo containers, or TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), per year. Suriya said that the project is now being studied by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, adding that the Prayut administration had decided that the project will be entirely private sector funded, while the government will provide land for the two deep-sea ports and for the road and rail routes. The transport minister said potential investors from China and France did show interest in the project when it was initiated some years ago, but the ministry has not heard from them since.

You're a lot better at reading Thai language maps than most of us. Can you tell if the new Pink Line will expedite reaching this shop?

At one time or another during the past 21 years, I've stayed in every upscale hotel and many mid-range locations in Silom and never once encountered a single issue of this type. In the early days, I had a few young men who were very apprehensive about entering (one saying, "I can never go"). I calmed them by making conversation as we passed through the lobby--even if they couldn't understand me. I realized that the most important factor was that if I feel comfortable, it will extend to the staff and my guest as well.

PM sees role for Thaksin in new government From The Thaiger Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be granted parole as early as the latter part of February next year, following a reduction of his original eight-year prison term to a single year. This update was provided by a high-ranking official from the Department of Corrections. The 74 year old former prime minister made his way back to Thailand last month, marking an end to 15 years of self-imposed exile. This period of exile followed his ousting from power back in 2006. While he was overseas, Thaksin was declared guilty, in his absence, on three counts relating to the abuse of power, conflict of interest, and malfeasance. Immediately upon his return to Thailand, Thaksin was admitted to a police hospital. He was suffering from high blood pressure and chest pains. He is presently receiving treatment in the same hospital. Sitthi Sutivong, the Deputy Director General of the Corrections Department, provided some insight into the situation. “After serving six months of his sentence, Thaksin will be eligible for parole. This is applicable for prisoners older than 70 or those who are ill.” Sitthi also clarified the process involved in these cases. He stated that each case is assessed individually by the Corrections Department. Furthermore, there is no requirement for a petition to be filed for parole.

Typo: Air Force bid 32 million not 132 but either way they still lost.

From CNN Traveling through one of the world’s best airports is set to get even smoother next year. Starting in 2024, officials say Singapore’s Changi Airport will introduce automated immigration clearance, which will allow passengers to depart the city-state without passports, using only biometric data. “Singapore will be one of the first few countries in the world to introduce automated, passport-free immigration clearance,” Communications Minister Josephine Teo announced during a parliament session on Monday, during which several changes to the country’s Immigration Act were passed. Biometric technology, along with facial recognition software, is already in use to some extent in Changi Airport at automated lanes at immigration checkpoints. But the upcoming changes will “reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at touch points and allow for more seamless and convenient processing,” Teo said.

Agree. Hell, if Tawan can find room for up to half-a-dozen I'd think Sol could do at least that much. That's a boy drink. If you order a beer will they just bring you a glass?

Thai Air Force bid 132 m baht for the job.

From The Thai Enquirer PM’s deputy secretary Natreeya Thaweewong came out to defend why Srettha’s charter flight to the UN General Assembly cost 30 million Baht. Her response came after recent calls by political activist Somchai Srisutthiyakorn to look into why the flight cost so much. She explained that an e-bidding system was used to secure a reasonable price. Thai Airways initially asked for 25 million Baht, but due to increased fuel prices, the cost rose to 30 million. Natreeya broke down the total cost, which included 4.84 million for aircraft expenses, 16.8 million for fuel, 1.47 million for food, 3.06 million for ground services, and 3.8 million for operational costs. Other passengers, including the Prime Minister's daughter and wife, covered their own expenses. The government chose a charter flight to avoid inconveniencing other passengers on a commercial flight. ======================= From the Thai Enquirer A famous Thai journalist Thapanee Eadsrichai (owner of The Reporter & a journalist for Channel 3) came out to praise the fact that Prime Minister Srettha was traveling in ‘Business Class’ in the CHARTERED aircraft and that was because Srettha was trying to save money for the country. The fact of the matter is in a chartered aircraft passengers can sit in the toilet or on the floor if they want (the money is already paid for the entire aircraft anyway). Thapanee says that everyone is travelling in Business class and not 1st class not knowing that there was no 1st class in the aircraft he was traveling in. Thapanee seems not to know that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has only 22 business class seats and 234 economy class bringing in a total of 256 seats with no 1st class seats. She said that the Prime Minister chose the 787-8 Dreamliner and had to sit in business class instead of sitting in first class but stated that he did so to save money.

See The 30 million baht charter flight

Wouldn't surprise at all if Musk ends up bankrupting X just for his personal pleasure--and the huge tax write off. Meanwhile he's chasing business deals with the new Thai PM in New York. From The Thaiger Business magnate Elon Musk is set to discuss potential investment opportunities in Thailand with the Thai delegation via a teleconference. This news was shared by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is currently attending the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York. The prime minister revealed that the Thai government is seeking to attract foreign investors and will be meeting executives from major corporations such as Microsoft, Google, and Tesla. “Elon Musk has now accepted an invitation to attend talks with the Thai government’s delegation via teleconference.” Notably, high-profile executives from Microsoft, BlackRock, JP Morgan, and Estee Lauder have also accepted invitations to these talks.

The Pattaya News is the second media source that reports that China and Kazakhstan citizens will be exempt from stamping. "The tourists from the mentioned countries will be exempted from stamping and are allowed to stay within the kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding thirty days, as a special case." Floridarob's hunch may turn out to be the reason if it proves to be the case in practice.

Good question. Normally only Thai citizens are exempt from stamping. The language in the Royal Gazette states that citizens from those two countries are "exempt from visas." (as determined by Google Translate).

Was this first offer or did you talk him down?

Kazakhstan appears to be a gift to Russia so it wouldn't feel completely ignored. From Pattaya News The Thai government’s free-visa policy for Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists has been endorsed in the Royal Gazette and published on Tuesday, September 19th. The policy, which will take effect from September 25th to February 29th, 2024, will apply to visitors from China and Kazakhstan as announced by the Royal Gazette. The tourists from the mentioned countries will be exempted from stamping and are allowed to stay within the kingdom of Thailand for a period not exceeding thirty days, as a special case.

From The Nation Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday she is ready to become the next leader of Pheu Thai if the party chooses her to succeed Cholnan Srikaew, who quit on August 30. Cholnan had promised to resign as leader if the party formed a government with the Palang Pracharath or United Thai Nation parties, which it duly did. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former premier and Pheu Thai patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra, was speaking at an event to mark the party’s 16th anniversary at Pheu Thai headquarters on Tuesday. “I will accept [the party’s decision] if there is a more suitable candidate for leader,” she said, responding to questions from journalists who noted that some senior party members are endorsing new-generation politicians like her as potential Pheu Thai leaders. “However, if the party chooses me as the next leader I would gladly accept the invitation,” she said, adding that she was set on achieving the party’s goals and had no doubt about her capacity to be its leader. Paetongtarn said she was looking into the possibility of applying to suspend Thaksin’s remaining jail term in order for him to receive medical care at home, but had yet to file the application.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently serving a prison sentence, underwent surgery last week and is in recovery, according to his youngest daughter Paetongtarn today (Tuesday). She declined to disclose any other details, saying she would consult with his doctors who would be the best people to explain the reason for the operation. Thaksin has been receiving medical treatment at the Police Hospital for almost a month, after being sentenced on three corruption convictions. His eight-year prison time was commuted to one year by HM the King.

From Thai PBS World Thailand’s Si Thep historical park, in the northern province of Phetchabun, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site at the World Heritage Committee’s 45th extended session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (Tuesday). “The World Heritage Committee’s decision is a major source of pride for Thailand and its people and will serve as an incentive for people to protect and conserve their cultural heritage, as well as other natural resources in Thailand, which will help promote tourism and economic development,” Natural Resources and Environment minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan told a news conference at the National Museum this afternoon. The ancient city is believed to have been built around 1,700 years ago, with cultural influences from India, as manifested in the dredging of the city’s moats and construction of the city walls, as well as the planning of the inner and outer cities. It is located in Si Thep sub-district, Si Thep district, on an area of over 462 hectares.