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May the wind be at your back

Based on 21 years of experience in such matters, there's an 89.6% success rate in this category 🚀

From Pattaya News Pattaya City has come up with tougher regulations to address issues related to speedboat operators at Bali Hai Pier, including the introduction of standard ticket prices and the ban on “herding” guests. On Thursday, September 7th, the Pattaya City Council assembled to devise strategies for organizing and overseeing tour boat operators, following a violent altercation among operators vying for guests aboard a boat to Koh Larn from Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. Most importantly, the city eventually ruled that from now on tour boat operators will be prohibited from approaching and herding tourists who are looking for a boat to Koh Larn. Essentially, they used the word herding to describe pressure selling customers to speed boats versus allowing customers to approach a ticket queue. To tackle confusing ticket fares, the council has also established fixed and standard ticket prices for boat trips to Koh Larn as follows: From Bali Hai Pier to Na Baan Pier: 150 baht for a one-way trip per person, 300 baht for a round-trip per person. From Bali Hai Pier to Tawaen Beach: 200 baht for a one-way trip per person, 300 baht for a round-trip per person. Boat charter prices: For 12 passengers with one-engine boat, the rate is set at 2,800 baht (up from 2,500 baht). For a two-engine boat, the rate is set at 4,500 baht. The operators have signed an agreement with the council to follow the above regulations at the meeting. Violation will lead to a suspension of business operations at the pier for 7 days for the first offense, 15 days for the second, and 1 month for the third.

From the Thaiger Free rides are on the horizon for Thailand’s Pink Line mass-transit system in November as announced on the government’s Thai Khu Fah Facebook page. The 34.5-kilometre monorail system is currently undergoing trial runs, a crucial step in the preparation phase before its official launch, as revealed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The Pink Line’s trial runs are divided into two phases, with the first phase covering the stretch from Min Buri station (PK30) in eastern Bangkok to the Government Complex (PK12). This initial phase will continue until October 22. The subsequent phase, which will encompass the entirety of the 30 stations, will run until November 19. These free ride trials were originally announced a month ago with a lead-up to opening the Pink Line full in November, but the launch appears to have been pushed back. Commuters can anticipate free rides on the Pink Line from around mid-November, serving as a one-month trial period before the tentative start of commercial operations on December 18. The Pink Line, providing a crucial link between Min Buri and Nonthaburi, includes interchange stations that facilitate transfers to and from the Purple Line, BTS’s Green Line, and the forthcoming Orange Line. In terms of capacity, the Pink Line will utilise the same monorail train model as the currently operating Yellow Line. Each train can consist of four to seven passenger carriages, with a total capacity of up to 28,000 passengers per hour. The proposed fare structure for the Pink Line indicates a starting tariff of 14 baht, capped at 42 baht. Adjustments to these fares will align with the consumer price index, ensuring affordability for commuters.

Think I'll continue wringing my hands. 🙂

They're not the nominees until next August when the convention decides the matter in Chicago. They are only the incumbents at this stage. Should Biden become incapacitated during his term of office, the constitution provides that the vice president assumes the office. But between now and the convention, others could still declare their candidacy for nomination. There's also still ample time for either incumbent to withdraw their name from consideration.

From Pattaya Mail On the evening of September 7, a massive fire erupted at the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya, quickly engulfing the market due to its primarily wooden structures. The fire left a path of destruction in its wake, particularly affecting the waterside restaurants and shops, resulting in substantial estimated damages reaching tens of millions of baht. Firefighting teams from Pattaya, along with more than 20 additional firefighting vehicles from neighboring districts, urgently assembled to battle the blaze. Moderate rainfall provided some relief, aiding in the firefighting efforts. After more than an hour, the fire began to subside but was not completely extinguished. Intensive efforts persisted to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. It took four hours to finally bring the blaze under control. The total area of the Four Regions Floating Market encompasses approximately 19 rai (approximately 7.6 acres), with an estimated one rai (approximately 0.4 acres) affected, primarily within the zone housing restaurants and waterside shops. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, pending further investigation. The estimated damage is believed to be tens of millions of baht. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities, with only one minor injury due to smoke inhalation. Established in 2008 with an estimated budget of 100 million baht, the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya stands as a cultural tourism destination, providing insight into the traditional Thai riverside way of life. It features various attractions, including street food stalls, paddleboats, and cultural exhibitions representing the four regions of Thailand.

Size is a factor but I'd take a hard. standard issue Thai dick for a flaccid 8"+ one from anywhere, anytime.

Point taken. 🙂

The Dems are crazy if they don't have a plan B in place by now. The only one who can defeat the former president is another former president: Obama.

Or in some cases voted back in.

I applied for a 30-day visa on line and it was approved in six days. The fee was USD 25 and you can choose single or multiple entry. The process is relatively simple. Normally only documents you need to submit is a passport photo and a copy of your passport's data page. The rest is q & a. Be careful to provide accurate points of entry and departure from the drop-down menu. I've read that if you arrive or depart from different location it may slow up your entry or departure. https://immigration.gov.vn/

From Thai PBS World National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has found 15 individuals, including former national police chief Somyot Poompanmuang and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, guilty of involvement in changing the speed of the car driven by Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, to help him avoid speeding charges in the infamous hit-and-run incident in 2012. NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol told the media on Wednesday that they had reached a ruling, adding that the anti-graft watchdog’s ruling is not final and all the accused have the right to prove their innocence in court. Vorayuth was originally accused of driving his Ferrari at over 100kph when he crashed into a motorcycle, being ridden by a police officer, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert, on Sukhumvit Road in September 2012, killing him at the scene. Vorayuth was initially charged with speeding, but the car’s speed was eventually altered to under 80kph, so the speeding charge, which carries a higher penalty, was dropped. In 2020, all the charges against Vorayuth were dropped, mostly due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Fresh charges were, however, brought against him by the Office of the Attorney-General, but Vorayuth has been living abroad since shortly after the fatal incident. The other individual implicated by the NACC, Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, was found to have committed an offence which is not serious and the case will have to be sent to the government for consideration of an appropriate penalty. ======== From Thai Enquirer Impunity for the rich and powerful undermines Thailand’s democracy Thailand is a country where the harmonious façade is deeply cherished yet the grim reality of unequal justice frequently breaks through. The saga of Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the Red Bull heir accused in a fatal 2012 hit-and-run incident, paints a vivid portrait of an entrenched system that seems to favor the wealthy elite at the expense of everyday citizens. The National Anti-Corruption Commission’s recent accusation of 15 officials for alleged misconduct in dropping charges against Vorayuth adds another layer to an already complex tapestry of injustice and corruption. The charges against Vorayuth, initially dropped in July 2020 but later reinstated following public outrage, exemplify a pattern of authority figures turning a blind eye to the crimes committed by the privileged. High-ranking officers such as former national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, among others, stand accused of bending the rules to favor the scion of one of Thailand’s wealthiest families. Although not all were accused of grave offenses, the message is clear: if you have the right connections, the law may not apply to you in the same way it does to others. Such actions tarnish not just the reputation of law enforcement agencies but corrode the very fabric of democracy. This isn’t a solitary case. Remember the infamous “Hi-So” crimes—cases involving high-society individuals who seem virtually untouchable? One glaring example is the case of Orachorn “Praewa” Devahastin Na Ayudhya, who at the age of 16 caused a fatal car crash that killed nine people. Despite the gravity of the accident, Praewa faced minimal consequences, leaving the victims’ families haunted by a haunting question: Is justice in Thailand only for those who can’t afford to evade it? Continues with audio https://www.thaienquirer.com/50663/impunity-for-the-rich-and-powerful-undermines-thailands-democracy/

Some carriers offer occasional reduced redemption mileage offers during low-volume periods, Singapore among them. A few weeks ago they were allowing for a reduction if you allowed them to choose your itinerary. You just picked point of departure and date. You need to be a member of carriers' frequent flyer program to receive the notices.

After all is said and done, workers from Laos are choosing to work in Thailand--and other paces--because they're industrious workers and can make a better living there. Among the factors that drove them to look elsewhere was runaway inflation, the fallout from the enormous debt service Laos pays to Chinese lenders, none of whom is Harold Wilson.

From VN Express National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines continues to increase flight frequency on routes to Europe, Australia, and China, thereby restoring nearly 90% of its pre-pandemic international flight network. From September 23, it will increase the frequency of flights between Hanoi and Beijing from three to four weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. At present, the airline is still operating one daily flight on the routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to China's Guangzhou and Shanghai. From October 29, 2023, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency simultaneously on many routes to Australia and Europe. The number of flights between Hanoi and Melbourne will increase from two to three weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. At the same time, the airline will launch a new direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Perth from December 7, 2023, with three round trips per week. Flights to the U.K. will increase from five to seven flights per week, including four from Hanoi on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and three from Ho Chi Minh City on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. In addition, the route to Germany will have seven flights per week from the current six, with flights departing from Hanoi daily. Flights between Ho Chi Minh City and France will increase from three to four flights per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

From Pattaya News / NNT BANGKOK (NNT) – Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has confirmed that the military has outlined plans for an immediate reduction in military conscription quotas, in line with the new government’s policies. Minister Sutin, along with Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin, held discussions on September 3 with incoming military leaders. The talks focused on the nation’s present situation, addressing pertinent issues, and exchanging the requirements and demands of each party involved. Both the government and military said they are in agreement on several policy objectives, including transitioning to a voluntary military service system. The two sides also discussed the military’s need for government support across various aspects. Emphasizing its proactive stance toward organizational improvements and alignment with government policies, the military said it is committed to keeping the government informed about any challenges that might take place in the future. When questioned about the timeline for these measures to take effect, Sutin indicated that tangible results would be noticeable without delay. Specifically, the transition to a voluntary military service system by April 2024 is expected to result in a significant reduction in military conscription quotas. Addressing concerns related to the excessive number of high-ranking officers, the defense minister noted that plans are in place to gradually reduce the overall size of the military.

From The Nation The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Ittipol Khunpluem, former Culture Minister and former mayor of Pattaya City, after he failed to report to the prosecutor following a court summons on Monday (September 4). Ittipol is accused of abuse of power for issuing an illegal construction permit to Bali Hai Co Ltd to build a luxury condominium at the base of Phra Tamnak Mountain in Pattaya City, Chonburi province in 2008 during his tenure as mayor of Pattaya City. On August 3, 2023, the Office of the Attorney General resolved to file charges against Ittipol and 9 others for taking part in the issuance of the permit and ordered them to report to the prosecutors on September 4. After Ittipol, the former Culture Minister in the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration from 2019 to 2023, failed to show up on Monday, the court decided to issue arrest warrants against him and some of his alleged accomplices who also failed to show, as it was believed they would flee. Born to a prominent political family in Chonburi, Ittipol, 49, served as the Mayor of Pattaya City from 2008 to 2016. His late father, Somchai, better known as Kamnan Poh, was a local politician who was dubbed the “Godfather of Chonburi” due to his high influence in the eastern province.

From Thai PBS World ฿20 Bangkok train fare can be implemented within 2 years Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit offered his assurance today (Wednesday) that the 20-baht train fare for all mass transit systems in greater Bangkok will be implemented, but it may take about two years, as the government will have to negotiate with all the system operators. Suriya said that the government is committed to a 20-baht flat-rate train fare as an urgent policy, but it cannot be implemented immediately, because several operators are involved, each with separate concession contracts. For example, he cited the need for a common ticketing system, enabling commuters to travel on the different train systems operated by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority and the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company, or BTSC. Suriya said that the 20-baht train fare for all the mass transit systems will not be mentioned specifically in the government’s policy statement, to be delivered to parliament by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday, but it is part of the government’s logistics policy, which he is ready to explain to parliament.

From Thai PBS World New Cabinet shines light on the dark side of Thai politics Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s Cabinet is poised to take up its duties after being sworn in before His Majesty the King on Tuesday. The new government is due to deliver its policy statement in Parliament on Monday (August 11). However, controversy has erupted over the appointment of certain ministers, given their questionable backgrounds and tainted records. Wanwichit Boonprong, a political science lecturer at Rangsit University, said Srettha’s Cabinet lineup looks like the result of a “sharing of benefits” among coalition partners. He went as far as to describe some appointees with the euphemism “influential figures”. “I don’t want to call it a ‘mafia Cabinet’, but these people are considered influential figures with political connections. The legitimacy of their appointments is being questioned,” the academic said. Names drawing the most scrutiny are Thamanat Prompow, newly appointed Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister; Chada Thaised, Deputy Interior Minister; and Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Premier and Natural Resource and Environment Minister. Pol-Gen Patcharawat also happens to be the younger brother of Palang Pracharath Party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan. Avoiding the spotlight is Phichit Chuenban, a controversial former lawyer for the Shinawatra family who had been tipped to become Prime Minister’s Office minister. However, his name was dropped from the lineup at the last minute when he announced his decision not to take the seat. Australian newspapers report that Thamanat was arrested in Sydney and convicted of smuggling heroin into the country as a junior Army officer in 1993. He served time in jail, before returning to Thailand, only to be arrested again and jailed for three years over the murder of a gay academic. After being appointed deputy agriculture minister in 2019, Thamanat dismissed the Australian drug case as a “misunderstanding”, claiming he was just an innocent bystander. He said Australian police had merely charged him with failing to report knowledge of drug dealing. However, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Thamanat had pleaded guilty and accepted a four-year minimum jail term before eventually being deported back to Thailand. As for the murder case back home, Thamanat said the Criminal Court acquitted him after finding two other men guilty. He said he was accused in the case because the murder had taken place in a building that he owns. Chada, who lost both of his parents to murder when he was still young, was arrested on suspicion of masterminding the 2003 killing of a Thai Rak Thai MP’s secretary. He insisted on his innocence and was eventually acquitted in court in 2005. He is now a key figure in the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest partner in the government coalition after Pheu Thai. Former National Police chief Patcharawat was found guilty of malfeasance by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in September 2009 for overseeing a deadly crackdown on yellow-shirt protesters outside Parliament. The October 2008 crackdown led to several deaths and many injuries. Then-prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva signed an order in October 2009 firing Patcharawat from his post as National Police chief. But the Police Commission later ruled that Patcharawat was innocent of severe disciplinary wrongdoing and proposed that he be reinstated. In February 2014, the Administrative Court ruled that Patcharawat be restored to his post as police chief. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-cabinet-shines-light-on-the-dark-side-of-thai-politics/

Gonna go out on a limb here and predict that we'll soon know the outcome of the rumor that a new bar was opening on Patpong 2. 10Tazione posted earlier in this tread that a venue was slated to open opposite Hot Male beer bar on July 27. However, not a hint of confirmation since.

NOTE -- PM Srettha Thavisin announced that he's skipping the ASEAN meeting and will send a designee in his place. Certainly avoids antagonizing Myanmar junta. From CNBC Southeast Asian nations must adopt a cohesive position on Myanmar’s civil conflict and the ASEAN summit is a chance for leaders to “recalibrate,” Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia’s former foreign minister told CNBC. “I get the sense that ASEAN is at a loss for ideas … one can speak with eloquence about one individual member state’s wish to happen in Myanmar. But first and foremost, we need to have a common ASEAN position,” he told CNBC’s JP Ong on “Street Signs Asia.” The 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit kicked off in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on Tuesday, with Myanmar’s political crisis and the South China Sea disputes set to dominate discussions. The 10-nation bloc is made up of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This is the second year in a row that Myanmar was not invited to the regional meeting, following the military coup in February 2021 which saw its elected leader Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi ousted from power. Natalegawa said that while it is commendable the junta is excluded from the meetings, ASEAN member states have become “a little bit divided” over the past year in addressing Myanmar’s prolonged civil strife. The bloc has long operated on the principle of non-interference to ensure sovereignty of member states, but some countries urged the bloc to take bolder action. Malaysia, for example, called for the imposition of “strong” measures against Myanmar’s ruling generals, according to a Reuters report last month. “At the moment, I’m reminded more about the divisions rather than the unity … this is not only a litmus test for ASEAN, but in my view is an existential threat to ASEAN,” Natalegawa added. Another issue that could test the ability of ASEAN to act as a cohesive bloc is the dispute in the South China Sea. “Some ASEAN member states in dispute feel that they are not being provided a common ASEAN home, so as if they are left on their own devices to deal with this issue,” said Natalegawa. Just last week, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam rejected China’s latest South China Sea map, which denoted its claims to sovereignty. The new map of its heavily contested U-shaped line cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The pink pound or dollar could receive another boost in future as the world ages, according to a senior doctor. Dr Chaiwat Songsiriphan said that LGBTQ+ pensioners could flock to Thailand which has a good track record in gender diversity. He is the founder and medical director of Safe Clinic Bangkok which is a private sector HIV and STD clinic. Addressing a conference on gay retirement, he said the country was already known for same-sex parties and nightlife entertainment, but needed more healthcare specialists. Brendan Berne, an Australian diplomat and economist, supported the idea for the medium term future and quoted a report that 18 percent of people born after 1997 identified as gay, a far bigger percentage than the baby boom generation (1946-1964). “LGBTQ retirement can be a new sector with Thai government support.” Pattaya Mail asked a random group of current gay retirees about the proposition, but received a decidedly mixed response. “Actually many gay retirees have returned home to Europe or America because they fear the medical bills here once they fall sick,” said American citizen Charles Montgomery. He added that elderly foreigners were difficult or impossible to register with medical insurers, or found out too late they were not covered for a specific health condition requiring a surgical procedure.” Several British retirees pointed to discrimination which dissuaded foreign settlement, in particular the frozen old age UK pension and reduction of front-line welfare services by the British embassy. Others observed that retirees were less interested in nightlife as they aged and were influenced more by the presence of friends or partners in particular locations. Most European expats had been here many years and were not being replaced as they died off. Meanwhile, Thailand’s tourist and expat profile is changing with increasing reliance on Chinese and Asian arrivals as the number of Europeans and Americans falls. “The retiree markets of the future might not be English speakers which raises all sorts of questions,” concluded British expat David Sutherland who lives here with his life partner who is also from UK. “If one of us died, the other would likely return to Britain.”

From Pattaya Mail Thai immigration policy: shape of things to come By Barry Kenyon New prime minister Srettha Thavisin has specified that immigration reform will be a priority in the new government. Although Thailand in 2023 has already attracted over 17 million foreign visitors, she will need many more if the aim to boost tourism revenue to US$100 billion by the end of 2024. Entry policy in recent years has been set by the Cabinet and senior ministers with the immigration police bureau playing an enforcer rather than a policy-maker role. The most urgent issue is to overhaul short-term tourist arrivals by simplifying the system. At present, the nationals of around 60 countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia) can receive 30 days visa exempt with a further 30 days on offer by visiting the local immigration office. The Tourist Authority of Thailand is urging that visa exempt should mean 90 days on entry without further ado. This might be an easier way to attract European snowbirds, rather than forcing them to apply for visas in advance, although it is not clear how many would be swayed by less bureaucracy. A larger issue concerns the potentially mammoth markets of China and India. Currently they require a visa on arrival giving them just 15 days at a cost of 2,000 baht (US$57) with tour groups making the applications in their own countries before departure. The process is said to be cumbersome and some lobbyists want the new Cabinet to transfer these countries to a visa exempt status, initially for 30 days. The issue here is national security as there have been high-profile cases of criminality in Thailand by Chinese gangs. Most pundits think a trial run of visa exempt is more likely to apply to India rather than China. On the expat front, Thailand Privilege Card has already announced its new packages for the Elite visa which start on October 1. Many social media commentators have criticized the huge hike in enrolment fees – a 50 percent rise for the five year option and several hundred percent for 20 years – but they are principally reacting from a European or American perspective. Elite management is confident that affluent Chinese and Russian citizens in particular will willingly pay the extra to be allowed to remain here without the requirement of returning to their home country. Senior Thai police in recent months have predicted that the one year visas and extensions of stay – retirement, marriage and study – need a tightening up of the rules. Deputy national chief Surachate Halparn (Big Joke) has pointed to alleged abuses such as applicants borrowing money from agents or language schools deliberately ignoring non-attendance at classes. Not to mention the thorny issue of comprehensive medical insurance for all. Yet some pundits believe that the current systems will remain basically in place, perhaps with cosmetic changes such as more regular checking of expats’ Thai bank account balances, or extensive use of “grandfathering” which means giving existing expats immunity from any future rule changes. There may be too many vested interests and profiteering for an all-out assault on visa agents who are widely seen as essential to make immigration policy work. Sometimes in Thailand the more things change, the more they stay the same.