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From Pattaya News At least 40 people have been injured after a passenger bus overturned in the Pattaya area on Tuesday (February 18th) afternoon. Emergency responders were notified of the accident at 2:06 P.M. on the No. 36 Road (Pattaya-Rayong Bypass Road). They and the Pattaya News team arrived at the scene to find the overturned passenger bus going from Bangkok to Pattaya lying sideways on the road. The unidentified bus driver told the Pattaya News that they were heading to the Pattaya Bus Terminal from Bangkok. There was heavy rain when a sedan driver allegedly immediately crossed in front of the bus near a U-turn. The bus driver tried to avoid the collision with the sedan but claimed the road was slippery due to rains. He was unable to control the bus before the bus overturned. Traffic tailed back for three kilometers while the bus was removed from the scene. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/18/at-least-40-people-injured-after-bus-coming-from-bangkok-overturns-in-pattaya-area-during-afternoon-storms/

From The Nation / Reuters Vietnam's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bold bureaucratic reform plan that will slash up to a fifth of government bodies, as the country tries to cut costs and improve administrative efficiency. The number of government ministries will be reduced to 14 from the current 18, to be up and running from March 1, the assembly said in a statement. More than 97% of the lawmakers present approved the plan. The assembly earlier on Tuesday passed an amendment to a law on organising government, paving the way for approval of the planned cull of 15% to 20% of the state apparatus, which will also include four agencies and five state television channels, among other cuts. The plan coincides with similar post-pandemic government cost-cutting measures being implemented or pledged across the world, including by Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei and US President Donald Trump. Vietnam's state media reported last month that the restructuring would affect 100,000 state officials. It did not elaborate. "Poor-performing employees must be removed from the system," it quoted Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, as saying. "State agencies must not be safe shelters for incompetent officials." https://www.nationthailand.com/news/asean/40046451

The cat serves as Guido’s ambassador without portfolio, visiting four tables while I was on the terrace last night. If it’s any comfort, it also spit up a hairball that was unceremoniously removed by alert waiter.

From Bangkok Post Police have arrested 10 suspected members of a Thai-Chinese investment scam gang raking in billions of baht during raids in Bangkok and several provinces. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said on Tuesday that six Thais - four women and two men - and four Chinese men were arrested during operations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram that began last week and continued into Monday. The arrested suspects were identified only as Atchara, 27, Porntip, 44, Nopawit, 31, Chonlathee, 21, Pantharee, 26, Supawadee, 39, Gao, 35, Xiong, 30, Mao, 46 and Zhou, 44. They were charged with public fraud, computer crime, money laundering and illegal assembly. CIB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej said on Tuesday that they were among 32 suspects in the case. The gang comprised 10 Thai owners of mule accounts, two Chinese call scammers and 20 others who were suspected of money laundering - 14 Chinese, five Koreans and one Thai. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said the gang lured victims through social media by first offering online work involving clicking “likes”. Once they had earned some money doing that job they were invited to make an investment, with promised returns of 30-50%. Upon signing up, they received promised returns for only a short time, and then heard nothing more. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2963471/multi-billion-baht-scam-gang-busted

From Bangkok Post State-run Transport Co will launch a first-class bus service from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports to Hua Hin and Pattaya on March 8. Managing-director Atthawit Rakchamroon said on Tuesday there would be four round trips daily between Don Mueang airport and Pattaya. Each trip was 162 kilometres and would take two-and-a-half hours. The fare would be 155 baht. There would be two round trips daily between Don Mueang airport and Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan, a distance of 216km per trip. The fare would be 200 baht each way and would take three-and-a-half hours. There would be four round trips between Suvarnabhumi airport and Pattaya. Each trip was 127km and would take two hours, and the fare would be 122 baht. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2963397/new-1st-class-bus-service-from-bangkok-airports-to-hua-hin-pattaya

Just a reincarnation to DOA.

From The Nation The Taiwanese Interior Ministry has listed Thailand among five Southeast Asian countries as high-risk destinations due to its role in hosting fraud rings. According to a Taiwan News report on Friday, travellers to Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos will now see a warning on their plane tickets, as well as be advised to download a travel safety application. “Over the past few years, there have been several incidents involving Taiwanese being lured to Cambodia or Myanmar to work for scam gangs, ” the ministry said. It added that Myanmar had freed 260 foreigners from a scam centre last week, including seven Taiwanese who were being interviewed by Thai police before their expected return home. “The National Immigration Agency and the Aviation Police Bureau will step up their efforts at airports to stop Taiwanese travellers from flying abroad to join fraud rings,” the ministry said. Airlines will be asked to cooperate with the campaign by printing warnings on their electronic tickets. Tourists also received advice to download the travel safety guidance application from Taiwanese Foreign Ministry which has been available since 2022. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/world/40046365

The skies opened up at 8:19 this morning with the capital’s first rain since sometime last month. Forecasters are calling for a 40-50% chance of precipitation on six of the next eight days.

The. Netflix crime series “The Crooks” is entering its third week of filming on Patpong 2 tonight. As I passed by a crew member was shouting “everybody quiet” and “get ready for a shoot.”

KK Massage has become first Saphan Kwai shop I’m aware of that published English and Chinese language posts. Although I believe they got their opening hours mixed up in translation, it represents a step forward in recognition of a wider audience. Welcome to a good gay massage parlour in Bangkok. There are gays and straight men serving more than 100+ customers. Our shop is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. every day. And find fun at KK Massage and spa (opposite Inthamara 23). 欢迎来到曼谷一家不错的同性恋按摩院。有同性恋和直男为100多名顾客提供服务。我们的商店每天上午11点至10点营业。在KK按摩和水疗中心（Inthamara 23相反）找到乐趣。

A friend visiting his family became involved in a unique rescue effort in his village in The Ha Tinh province of Vietnam. A water buffalo last Friday fell into a shallow well. Its owner sent out urgent calls to the community for help and within minutes would-be rescuers of all ages began converging on the location. They first attempted to manhandle the animal out but were unable to obtain the needed leverage. A local contractor soon joined the effort with his front end loader. My friend’s uncle volunteered to attach heavy duty lifting straps to the animal now trapped on its back in the well. The crane operator then managed to remove the buffalo in a delicate maneuver without causing any additional injury as the scores of residents looked on. 548362508059017558.mp4 After a brief rest, the buffalo got to its feet and headed home, followed by a grateful caretaker. All told, it was impressive example of how a rural community rallied to save one of its treasured members. 548347840176062534.mp4

From Bangkok Post A Thammasat University scholar is urging the government to focus on attracting older tourists who tend to stay longer in the country and have higher spending power. The government has declared 2025 as the year of "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports", aiming to attract 40 million international tourists and generate at least 3 trillion baht in revenue this year. Assoc Prof Saifon Suindramedhi, dean of Thammasat University's College of Interdisciplinary Studies, said the initiative's goal of receiving 40 million visitors and making 3–3.5 trillion baht in revenue is achievable. She said Thailand welcomed about 35.5 million tourists last year, so reaching the government's new target would require just an additional 5 million visitors. However, she pointed out the programme still follows traditional tourism models similar to those used in the past five years, with a focus on music, food and sporting events. These attractions, she said, primarily draw younger travellers who tend to stay for shorter periods and spend less than older tourists. She suggested the government also focus on high-spending tourists who can stay in the country for longer, particularly retirees. Assoc Prof Saifon also advocates the creation of an ecosystem that supports senior travellers through friendly urban design and policies that cater for them. "Senior tourists don't need to visit many places in one day," she said. "They may go to one or two places a day and prefer small or secondary cities over major urban centres. "They seek comfort, relaxation and a sense of security," she added. "They may look for a place with an infrastructure that supports their needs, including elder-friendly hotels, accessible healthcare services and welcoming local communities." https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2962546/shift-focus-to-wealthier-older-demographic-expert

There’s two ways it can be interpreted. One is no penetration. The other is “outcall” service (arranging for guy to go to your room). Normally outcall service is 500 baht higher than in house. Typically it prices out at 1500. If “outside” price is only 1000 I’d suspect it means no penetration. If in doubt I’d send message or call shop.

From Pattaya News Thailand’s financial landscape is undergoing big changes as the Bank of Thailand (BoT) introduces new regulations to enhance the security and efficiency of mobile banking. Let’s talk about how these affect non Thai nationals with support from our legal partners at Anglo Siam Legal. These updates, driven by multiple factors including concerns on call center scams that have dominated headlines, aim to protect users. For tourists, foreigners, and expats, these changes can have both positives and negatives. Recent and Upcoming Changes in Mobile Banking Regulations One Account, One Device Rule: As of recent announcements, mobile banking services will now be limited to one account per device for each bank. This aims to reduce the risk of fraud. Users must register their device, and switching or upgrading devices requires re-authentication with the bank, often in person. Enhanced Biometric Authentication: The BoT has mandated biometric verification, such as facial recognition, for certain mobile banking transactions. Stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) Requirements: Financial institutions are tightening KYC processes, particularly for electronic transactions. Foreigners and non-residents may face more rigorous identity verification, especially when opening accounts or conducting high-value transfers. Transaction Limits and Monitoring: To combat money laundering and fraud, the BoT has introduced limits on mobile banking transactions, with stricter monitoring for large or frequent transfers. Users may need to verify their identity for transactions exceeding certain thresholds. Mobile SIM card changes In Thailand, new mobile banking rules will require the name on your mobile banking account to match the name of the SIM card holder registered with your bank. This is to combat online scams, particularly those using “mule” accounts. Key Details: Verification Deadline: You must confirm your identity with your mobile service provider by April 30, 2025. If not, your mobile banking services may be suspended. Notifications: Banks will notify you via their mobile banking apps if you need to verify. No notifications will be sent through other channels to prevent fraud. If you do not get a notification, you are ok. Scope: Over 120 million SIM cards may eventually need verification. Authorities are initially focusing on 2 million SIMs with mismatched names, including some with no registered owner. Exemptions: SIMs registered under government agencies or organizations for employee use may be exempt. Impact: If suspended, you can still use traditional banking channels, but mobile banking will be restricted until the mismatch is resolved. If you receive a notification, contact your bank and mobile provider to update your details before the deadline. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/16/legal-corner-how-upcoming-stricter-mobile-phone-banking-changes-in-thailand-affect-you/

You mentioned this movie in earlier post. It’s currently available on Netflix in Thailand and may well be elsewhere. Recommended.

That’s how small news operations worldwide get much of their crime content: reading police reports. With the death of print media, we’d know little of what goes on in Pattaya if not for websites like the Mail and News. The Bangkok Post is the last surviving English language print newspaper in the capital city, if not all of Thailand.

From Bangkok Post Mae Hong Son: Amid the mountains of northern Thailand is a hub for backpackers to lie in hammocks, swim in waterfalls, walk along the Bamboo Bridge and bask in the sun, as travellers slowly sink into what's known as the "Pai hole" in Pai district. However, there could be trouble in paradise with an overpopulation of tourists creating tension for locals. Once a quiet market village, surrounded by rice fields, hot springs and rivers, Pai is now a thriving hotspot for Thailand's tourists. Famous for its bohemian atmosphere, cheap lifestyle and lively party scene, Pai is a touring backpacker's dream. Falling into the Pai Hole is a common fate for travellers, who plan to visit for a few days and stay for a lifetime. Canadian traveller, Alex Chambers, 29, knows what it is to fall into the Pai hole. "Once you are here you realise just how special Pai is, it becomes very hard to want to leave," says Mr Chambers, who has been to Pai nine times. The walkable city layout, good, affordable quality food and weather are the key factors that make Pai so special, Mr Chambers says. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2961958/tourist-crowds-spark-tension-in-pai

What kind of woman would do such a thing on Valentine’s Day! From Patttaya News A Turkish man reported to the police that he lost his money after inviting a woman from Pattaya Beach to join him on Valentine’s Day. Pattaya City Police informed the Phuket Express that the victim, identified only as Mr. Nevzat filed a report at 2:46 AM on Saturday, February 15th. He told the police that he met a woman on Pattaya Beach, and they negotiated a price to “hang out” before going to a hotel together to relax. Mr. Nevzat took a shower while the woman remained in the room. When he came out of the bathroom, however, the woman was gone, and no “activity” had taken place. He attempted to contact her but was unsuccessful. Upon checking his wallet, Mr. Nevzat discovered that he had lost a total of 25,000 Baht. He believes the woman stole the money. Pattaya City Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage to locate the suspect. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, notes TPN media, but a special law also exists to prevent theft by night in situations like this.

I think it’s an annual event in appreciation of their patronage of the soi. Very well attended.

Soi Thaniya tonight with entertainment and many vendors

The new Dusit Thani hotel opened last September. It’s located on Rama 4, not too far from Silom rd. https://www.dusit.com/iconic-dusit-thani-bangkok-hotel-confirms-reopening-on-27-september-2024-with-a-stunning-new-look-and-elevated-guest-experience/ If photo in your post was of building on site of the old Dusit at corner of Silom, it is a different structure, owned by Dusit Thani Corporation, that is still under construction.

No problem at the old Dusit Thani and would be surprised if there were any at new one.

From the Nation Karen state’s Border Guard Force (BGF) has asked Thai authorities for help in repatriating human trafficking victims in Myanmar. The BGF launched a “crackdown” on human trafficking after Thailand cut electricity and internet supplies to the cyber scam hubs under its jurisdiction in Myawaddy Township. BGF chief Maj General Saw Chit Thu on Thursday sent two identical request letters – one addressed to Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the other to Col Natthakorn Ruentip, chief of the Ratchamanu Taskforce, responsible for guarding the border in Tak province. The letters claimed the BGF has identified, arrested and suppressed human traffickers and fraudsters who are illegally operating within “investment projects” in its region. Saw Chit Thu is a co-investor in Myawaddy’s Shwe Kokko new city, a US$15-billion project that has become a notorious hub of illegal gambling, human trafficking, extortion and cyber scam operations. The BGF leader said that from Saturday (February 15), a large number of people would be transported via the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge from Myawaddy to the adjacent Thai town of Mae Sot. He added that the BGF would accelerate cooperation with the Myanmar and Thai governments and requested assistance from Thai authorities. The BGF is believed to be under pressure from its Myanmar junta allies and China after high-profile reports of Chinese celebrities being trafficked to Myawaddy scam centres earlier this year. A source revealed that the BGF has detained some 500 foreign nationals rounded up during its crackdown on call centre gangs in border areas. The BGF’s move came after Thailand cut electricity, internet and fuel supplies to five border areas in Myanmar on February 5 to combat call centre fraud. Areas affected by the shut-off include Myawaddy, Tachileik, and Phaya Thonsu townships. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/asean/40046279

Totally agree. Always try to keep small backpack under seat in front. JAL is good about this. If I can’t, passport and currency go in my pockets.