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From CNN Cambodia’s newest and biggest airport opened to commercial operations in the province of Siem Reap in the country’s northwest this week. The China-funded Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is now the main gateway to one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex. On Monday morning, a flight operated by Thailand’s Bangkok Airways was the first to land at the new airport, which is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the protected area. Using the International Air Transport Association-designated code SAI, it replaces Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which first opened in 1932 and is only a few kilometers away from the Angkor complex. The new airport, funded by China as part of its Belt and Road Initiative at a cost of about $1.1 billion, was designed to initially handle 7 million passengers a year – 2 million more than REP – and has a 3,600-meter-long runway. According to the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, it’s the first overseas international airport to be constructed under a “Build-Operate-Transfer” model by Chinese enterprises and is operated and managed by the Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group. Designated a “4E airport,” it can accommodate larger commercial planes, including many of those used on global long-haul routes.

You are correct. I passed by again this afternoon and took a second look. Green Massage is still operating in original location. I now think it was Olivia’s that moved (from second shop now run by Avarin) and into larger space further up Surawong.

It may be incontrovertible in your reasoning but not in mine. So we, as you say, agree to disagree. While Xi and Putin hope to profit from the situation, no autocratic regime has more to lose than Iran if it miscalculates the consequence of future actions.

Attempt as you might to trace current political situation back to US-Iran history pales in comparison to overwhelming impact of the holocaust. Nothing was going to be the same after the systematic slaughter of six million Jews. And nothing will be again.

The weak link in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure has been its rail network. Although this new service doesn’t represent an increase in speed, it does in comfort that is much needed.

Finally had the opportunity to try this shop today. When I arrived and inquired what guys were available, I was presented with an array of about eight cards with photos. After making my selection, a houseboy accompanied to my cubicle on the third floor and pointed out the shower down the hall. Before leaving, he hung a card with my masseur’s photo on the outside of door. My guy arrived about five minutes after I finished showering. He had a huge smile and the first thing he did was give me an embrace and said he be right back. He was hunkier than the photo suggested but proved himself very agile. Following the workout, we showered together which he succeeded in turning into additional fun. Before leaving the lobby, he brought me a cup of warm tea. One hour oil 400. Mattress pad on the floor. Found the facilities very clean throughout. Gladly adding this place to my other list of Saphan Kwai favorites: K Man, One Spa and KK.

In my post above about massage shops, I incorrectly referred to “Urban Thai” as “Urban Male”. ============ While arriving at Saladaeng station this evening, I discovered that a new, 7-11 type convenience store has opened in a large space on the lower level platform. As you descend the central stairway, you’re greeted by the entrance to Turtle Cafe. It has about everything you expect to find in a 7-11 (including prepared meals) in addition to a McDonald’s style hot an cold beverage counter. Thais are masters of the retail trade.

Completely disagree. If there was no holocaust, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

From VN Express Vietnam's railway sector is set to put into service a pair of high-quality trains on the popular Hanoi-Da Nang route on Friday, catering to the growing demand from both domestic and international tourists. The high-quality trains have undergone comprehensive refurbishments, including fresh paintwork and meticulous interior enhancements, such as new blankets, sheets, pillows, and window curtains. The bed compartments have been designed to create a luxurious and cozy ambiance. Continues at https://e.vnexpress.net/news/places/luxury-trains-to-come-on-hanoi-da-nang-link-4665587.html To ensure a comfortable and premium experience, the railway sector has installed new water heaters and bright white ceramic sanitary equipment in the washing compartments and restrooms.

From The Thaiger In a viral incident, a Thai transgender person chased a foreign tourist of unknown nationality around Pattaya Beach and threw ferocious punches and kicks at him. The incident came after the tourist reportedly refused to buy a companion service offered by the attacker and allegedly insulted her. The incident, captured in a video and shared via TikTok on ghostcars001, quickly spread across Thai social media platforms, sparking a fervent online discussion. In the widely viewed footage, the transgender woman is seen relentlessly pursuing the tourist along Pattaya Beach during the evening. In a fit of rage, she attempts to land punches and kicks on the tourist who, on his part, tries to evade her and protect himself from the blows. Ultimately, he manages to break free and flee the scene. Subsequent to the incident, local media descended on the scene, close to Soi 13/1’s mouth on Beach Road, on October 15 to gather eyewitness reports. According to a 56 year old bystander named Jaem, the incident unfolded on Friday, October 13. Jaem recounted observing a group of three tourists leisurely strolling along the beachfront. They were then approached by the transgender woman who was later identified in the video. She reportedly offered her companion services to the tourists. However, the tourists refused the proposition, leading to one of them allegedly dousing her with water and hurling insults at her. This derogatory act seemingly triggered a violent response. Pattaya’s police department reported on Sunday that they had apprehended the transgender woman seen in the video. Legal proceedings are currently ongoing. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to locate the assaulted tourist to gather his account of the incident. The transgender individual’s identity remains undisclosed to safeguard her privacy.

I’ve seen the 56 Suriwong rooms. Basic, clean and perhaps the best located hotel in relation to Patpong.

Wanted to use a medium with which you’re familiar.🙂

Big - not small Medium - not big, not small Small - not big

From CNN An artsy quarter of Madrid, a sustainable pocket of Melbourne, and an up-and-coming zone in Medellin – what do these places have in common? They’re among the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to global publisher Time Out. Every year, Time Out polls its staffers and contributors from around the globe to assemble a list of the 40 most fun, interesting and fashionable ‘hoods. Topping the 2023 list is Laureles, in Colombia’s bustling city of Medellin, which is the hometown of musicians J Balvin and Karol G. According to Time Out, up-and-coming Laureles has a “pretty laid-back reputation” despite being home to the Estadio Atanasio Girardot soccer stadium and famed nightlife street La 70. Still, though, it has thus far resisted the gentrification other Medellin neighborhoods have experienced, with Time Out‘s Luis Gomez noting that traditional fruit vendors still push their carts through the streets in Laureles. See Time Out’s 39 cool neighborhoods, including Sang Wat in Bangkok’s Chinatown: An artsy quarter of Madrid, a sustainable pocket of Melbourne, and an up-and-coming zone in Medellin – what do these places have in common? They’re among the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to global publisher Time Out. Every year, Time Out polls its staffers and contributors from around the globe to assemble a list of the 40 most fun, interesting and fashionable ‘hoods. Topping the 2023 list is Laureles, in Colombia’s bustling city of Medellin, which is the hometown of musicians J Balvin and Karol G. According to Time Out, up-and-coming Laureles has a “pretty laid-back reputation” despite being home to the Estadio Atanasio Girardot soccer stadium and famed nightlife street La 70. Still, though, it has thus far resisted the gentrification other Medellin neighborhoods have experienced, with Time Out‘s Luis Gomez noting that traditional fruit vendors still push their carts through the streets in Laureles. See Time Out’s 39 other cool neighborhoods, including Sang Wat in Bangkok’s Chinatown: https://www.timeout.com/travel/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world

From Pattaya News 14 transgender people were lifted off Pattaya Beach last night for documentation inspection and drug testing at the Pattaya Police Station. At 10 PM on October 15th, Pattaya police conducted an impromptu inspection of Pattaya Beach in order to address various issues such as theft, drug abuse, violence, and prostitution. The sweep also comes after a viral TikTok video which appeared to show a transgender individual attacking a tourist on Pattaya Beach, although the exact details behind the attack are vague and unverified by the media. Comprising over 30 law enforcement personnel, their primary focus during this operation was transgender “gangs” lingering on the beachfront, allegedly engaging in sex work. During the walk around, Pattaya police apprehended 14 transgender people and took them to the Pattaya Police Station for documentation check and drug testing. After completing the procedures, the individuals were released without any fines, and there were no reports of substance abuse. Trans criminals have posed quite a challenge for Pattaya police, especially in multiple cases of pickpocketing.

There have been some changes in the local massage scene since my last trip in July. One new shop has entered the scene to become the lone mixed (male and female staffed) shop in either Patpong 1 or 2. Chaichana has opened on Patpong 1, nearer the Surawong end on the same side the original Madrid was located. When I stopped by the other night, it had three guys—two of whom I found attractive—seated outside with four young women. They offer all the traditional services, including neck and shoulder massage. Some of the public services are offered on the first floor. Thai and oil massage facilities are located on the lower level accessed by wide and easily negotiable stairs. There are three large massage suites, all with massage tables and en suite shower. One hour oil 500. Hours 3pm until midnight. Attire is red polo shirts. Meanwhile on Surawong, there has been some consolidation and (if memory serves me correctly) some space swapping. The shop at the corner of the driveway for Tarntawan Hotel is now known as Avarin and has also taken over the space which appears to have been the long-time home of Green Massage a few shop fronts away. Green is now situated in smaller quarters between the twin Avarin shops. Avarin staff in maroon polos while Green continues to wear the inexplicable orange. Avarin one oil 590. Further up Surawong you’ll find Olivia’s encamped in a large quarters adjacent to the still more expansive Urban Male shop. All of the shops mentioned have male and female staffs. Toured the new and Foodland market in the recently opened Park Silom building at Silom and Convent roads. Located on the lower level, it’s L-shaped layout is expansive, featuring a salad bar and prepared (7-11 style) take away meals starting at 49 bht. It also offers an expanded beer, wine and liquor shop. The attached Took Lae Dee restaurant was going quite strong at 10pm on Monday night with about 25 customers. Like the flagship Patpong location, market and restaurant open 24/7. And for those in need, you’ll find an immaculately maintained restroom on same level. There’s a Dairy Queen outlet also on lower level that I think closed at 9.

From The Nation Thailand’s railway police clocked in for their last day of work on Monday, after 129 years combating petty crime, smuggling and even drug trafficking on trains. The Railway Police Division (RPD) will be disbanded on Tuesday (October 17) and absorbed into other units under the National Police Bureau. Railway police were established in 1894 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), under the name Railway Security Unit. They were later reorganised and renamed the Railway Police Unit before eventually being upgraded to the Railway Police Division. Railway police stations are situated throughout the country It has jurisdiction over more than 450 railway stations and over 4,000 kilometres of track with more than 5,000 railway crossings. It is charged with protecting the safety of more than 30 million passengers annually.

From Thai PBS World Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said today (Monday) that he has no objection to night entertainment venues staying open until 4am, but the zoning system must be updated to ensure that noise from such venues will not cause a disturbance to people in the same neighbourhood. Admitting that some pubs and bars are still operating illegally beyond the current 2am time limit, he said that making all the night spots comply with the law, by allowing them to stay open until 4am, would be more logical and orderly. The governor said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has discussed the issue with the strategic committee on soft power and has proposed that both of them should work together to develop measures to prevent underage people from accessing the entertainment venues. ================ 20-baht train fares for Purple and Red lines effective Starting today, fares on the Purple Line, between Taopoon and Khlong Bang Phai, and the Red Line suburban train, between Bang Sue and Rangsit and Bang Sue and Taling Chan, will be 20 baht for the entire route, after the cabinet approved the train fare cut today with immediate effect. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and officials of the Department of Rail Transport went to Bang Sue train terminal this morning to check the train service and to officiate over the introduction of the new train fare. The Purple Line is 23km long and has 16 stations. The Red Line is divided into two sections. Bang Sue-Taling Chan is 26km and has 10 stations, while the Bang Sue-Rangsit section is 15km with 4 stations. Suriya said that the maximum fare on the Purple and Red lines is now 20 baht, as he predicted that the number of commuters using the services will increase to about 100,000 per day (70,000 for the Purple Line and 30,000 for the Red Line) from the current rate of about 82,000. He went on to say that allowing entertainment venues to stay open until 4am may boost tourism and the economy of the service sector, including night vendors and taxi drivers.

From Thai PBS World The Thai cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free stay in Thailand for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days to boost tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today (Monday). He explained that the winter in Russia usually begins in December and lasts until March, during which the weather is very cold and Russian people want to travel abroad to escape the extreme cold and a one-month stay abroad, such as in Thailand, may not be enough. Hence, the cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free period of stay. Previously, Thailand granted visa exemptions to tourists from China and Kazakhstan, from September 25th to February 29th.

Being a twink doesn’t equate to being other than masculine, as I think most twink lovers will attest. It relates to body style just as hunk relates to a different body style. I was walking by Screwboy last night between shows when the mainly twink staff hang around outside and at the cooked food vendors on Surawong. Impressive and masculine in my book.

From Thai PBS World Less than two months after taking power, Prime Minister SretthaThavisin appears to be overshadowed by the Shinawatra family, judging from the people around him. A high proportion of his official and unofficial advisers, government appointees, and Cabinet colleagues are Shinawatra loyalists, friends, political allies, in-laws, or even family members. Over the past month, PM Srettha has appointed 13 official advisers mostly linked to past governments led by Thaksin Shinawatra or his sister Yingluck. Nine advisers were named on September 14: Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Tewan Liptapanlop, Pichai Chunhavajira, Supanit Chaiyawat, Pimol Srivikorn, Pichit Chuenban, Chonlatit Surasawadi, Chai Watcharong, and Surayut Thavikulwat. Srettha appointed four more on October 4: TongthongChandransu, Paitoon Chutimakornkul, Arthit Suriyabhivadh, and Police General Chinnapat Sarasin. Kittiratt, 65, served as deputy prime minister, finance minister, and economic czar in Yingluck’s government. Formerly a deputy Pheu Thai leader, Kittiratt has now been hired to share his expertise as Srettha’s chief adviser. Srettha had backed Kittiratt for the post of new Football Association of Thailand president but seemed to change his mind a few days before being voted in as prime minister, saying he “would be better suited to helping out the government with its work”. Veteran politician Tewan, 63, is caretaker leader of the coalition Chart Pattana Kla Party. He is a former Thai Rak Thai Party executive, serving between 2004 and 2007. Founded and led by Thaksin, Thai Rak Thai was ousted from the government by the 2006 military coup before being disbanded by court order in 2007 for electoral fraud. Tewan was among its party executives banned from politics for five years. Pichai, 73, has experience as a top executive in the petroleum industry. He was formerly chairman of Bangchak Corporation Plc and director of PTT Exploration and Production Plc. He has also served as president of the Thailand Boxing Association, vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and president of the Asian Boxing Confederation. Supanit, 63, is a close ally and childhood friend of the prime minister. He is also an independent director of Sansiri Plc, the property giant that Srettha helmed as president and CEO before entering politics early this year. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tracking-the-growing-shinawatra-influence-in-new-thai-government/

From Thai PBS World Four more Thais are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel last week, bringing the death toll to 28, with 17 still being held hostage and 16 injured, including some who have already been flown back to Thailand. Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien said today (Sunday) that he has received a report, from the Thai labour attaché in Tel Aviv, that four more Thais are reported to have died, but this is yet to be verified by Israeli authorities. Of the 7,540 Thais who have applied to return home, 94 have changed their minds and chosen to stay on to work in Israel. Altogether 187 Thai evacuees, including some injured, have been flown back to Thailand to date, with the latest group of 90 arriving early this morning. Pairoj said that Thais, who are members of the Labour Ministry’s fund to assist Thais working overseas, will each receive 15,000 baht in welfare if they return to Thailand before the expiry of their employment contracts due to war. Those who are disabled will receive an additional 30,000 baht each and 40,000 baht for the funeral expenses of those who have died. Additionally, according to the employment insurance law in Israel, workers who are 10%-19% injured or disabled, with doctor’s certification, will receive a lump sum of about 1.4 million baht. If they are over 20% injured, disabled or die, their spouses and children will receive monthly compensation of 34,560 baht for the spouses and 5,760-11,520 baht for their children until the death of the disabled worker.

From Thai PBS World A woman injured in the Siam Paragon mass shooting on October 3rd died at about 2am this morning (Friday), having been in coma since she was admitted to a hospital 10 days ago. The passing of Penphiwan has brought the death toll in the shooting to three. The two others who were Chinese and Myanmar nationals. Five more were injured, including Penphiwan. According to an X post, by user “songdoubles” today, Penphiwan, aka “Noong Ning”, had been on life support since her admission, but her body had responded to medication. Unfortunately, she developed more infections, according to the post, which also noted that the parents of the suspected shooter had visited and apologised the victim’s mother last Saturday.

If you’d like to pursue this, read John Burdett’s Bangkok 8 and his over novels set in the big mango.

Since most of they guys I meet are from other SEAsian countries, I’ve learned that the wise ones cultivate regular customers who—like many here—are returning international visitors. Many have acquired some English that helps them with both western and Asian countries where English is a second language.