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Fortunately the massage industry--the most democratic of employers--has jobs opportunities for all, regardless of education. From The Nation Thailand running out of jobs for university grads The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has warned that new university graduates may find it tough to get jobs as demand is on the decline. This warning came in a recent report released by the agency, which said that new university graduates may be hired at lower salaries or jobs may be given to those with lower qualifications. It said that though the employment situation has improved after the pandemic, the Thai labour market is suffering a mismatch in terms of qualifications. The report cited figures from the Board of Investment (BOI), which showed that demand for university graduates had dropped in 2022 compared to 2018. According to BOI, businesses hired 95,566 employees in 2018, while the number of people employed rose to 168,992 in 2022. However, despite the increase in people employed, the ratio of jobs given to university graduates dropped from 30.1% of overall employment to just 17.2% last year. At the same time, the ratio of jobs for those finishing vocational schools dropped slightly from 23.7% in 2018 to 22.5% in 2022, while the ratio of employment for secondary school graduates rose from 41.1% in 2018 to 57.3% in 2022. The report said companies that have received BOI privileges to operate in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) also hired more people with lower education levels. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40030548

From Thai PBS World The Pheu Thai party’s popularity would drop by 62.24%,while the popularity of the Move Forward party would increase by 62.39% if there were to be a new election today, according to the findings of a Blockchain poll, jointly conducted by Sripatum University and D-vote. The two pollsters gauged the opinions of 1,253 people aged18 and over with various occupations and educational levels between August 21st and 24th on the question: “Which parties will you choose when there is another election?” The poll shows 49.05% of the respondents said they will vote for the Move Forward party, 14.69% for Bhumjaithai, 10.65%for Pheu Thai, 7.52% for Palang Pracharath, 7.14% for United Thai Nation and 4.50% for the Democrat party. The poll shows the popularity of the Move Forward party has increased by 62.39% and Bhumjaithai’s by 3.50%. Pheu Thai popularity, however, fell by 62.24%, the Democrats by 9.96%, Palang Pracharath by 6.02% and United Thai Nation dropped by 0.84%. 51.32% of those who voted for Pheu Thai in the May 14th general election said they will vote for Move Forward if there were another election and 10.92% of Pheu Thai voters said they will vote for the other parties. When asked whether Pheu Thai party’s break from Move Forward was planned from the beginning, the poll shows 58.79% of the respondents believe it was plotted from the start between Pheu Thai and the parties in Prayut administration, 25.20% believe it was changed after formation of a government led by Move Forward had failed. 36.52% of respondents believe Pheu Thai’s change of loyalty stems from the party’s concern that its popularity will be negatively affected if Move Forward is in the coalition government, 28.52% said formation of a government will never succeed if Move Forward is included in the coalition. Pheu Thai’s three most favoured policies the 600 baht minimum wage (40.41%), 25,000-baht minimum salary for BA graduates (39.95%) and the 10,000 baht “digital wallet” subsidy (37.47%). Asked about whether Thailand should have a new constitution, crafted by a council elected by the people, 75.53% said they agree, 12.14% said the charter should be amended and 3.85% said the charter should remain as is.

The Saengchan Spa on Inthamara 25 off Sutthisan Winitchai rd. announced by LINE today that it has changed hands. Opened in June, the notice says that the new owner plans to close it for repairs and plans to reopen around Sept. 1st. https://lin.ee/U8JoiP5 (It's probably just a coincidence but the message arrived simultaneously with my daily LINE post from Jey Spa)

I recently applied for a 60-day visa and had it approved within three hours.

Burp....burp.......BURP

Many advantages of red eye flight. (1) You get to nap on board because most other passengers will be doing same. (2) You save the cost of first night hotel stay, arriving in time for breakfast.* (3) And LLC fare is substantially less * Same reason overnight trains are so popular in Europe.

From The Thaiger A significant breakthrough in the fight against online prostitution rings came to light last Friday when Thai Police revealed the capture of an American-Thai couple. The authorities believe they were the brains behind Thailand’s most extensive online escort service and sex agency website, tailormade to cater to an international clientele. The website, which was revealed in a joint press briefing held by Bangkok Police, the Immigration Bureau, and the Information Technology Crime Suppression Centre, was reportedly the most visited of its kind in the nation. Deputy Immigration Bureau Chief, Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart, disclosed that the site was first on Google’s ranking and attracted a staggering 430,000 visits monthly. The services provided were not limited to a specific location but spanned various popular tourist destinations in Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin. The website offered an array of services provided by women, transgender individuals, and groups of sex workers working in pairs. Interestingly, the website went beyond just advertising. It gave detailed descriptions of each sex worker, including their photographs and even “customer reviews.” These reviews, written by English-speaking foreigners, praised and recommended the various sex workers. The Pattaya News, while reporting this development, decided against naming the website due to the ongoing legal action against the owners of the escort service. The report also revealed that the website remains online, with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society working relentlessly to take it down. The initial probe into the website’s activities started following reports of individuals being robbed by sex workers working for this online facility, as disclosed by Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana. The first arrest in the case was that of the alleged website administrator, a 34 year old Thai woman known only as Kanya. Police arrested her immediately after her flight landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport from overseas on August 13 at 5am. Following Kanya’s arrest, the police stormed a luxury villa in the Hua Hin area of the western province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Here, they apprehended a 48 year old American national believed to be Kanya’s husband, known only as Brad. The police believe that Brad owns the website, which offered extensive prostitution services. The couple’s arrest led to the seizure of assets valued at over 40 million baht, including a pool villa worth 15 million baht, a 3.5 million baht Mercedes-Benz C200 coupé, a 1.8 million-baht Honda CRV car, four computers, and bank accounts containing 9 million baht. According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana, Kanya was responsible for coordinating appointments between the sex workers and the clients, with her take from the transactions amounting to around 40%. He further revealed that the website operators used various communication channels, including Apple iPhones, WhatsApp, mobile phone numbers, and landline connections, and offered payment options like international credit cards and PayPal services. Authorities believe there are more suspects associated with the website’s operation hiding in Bangkok and outside Thailand. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) stated that the negative perception such illicit activities cast on the country makes its suppression a top priority.

From Thai PBS World he median age in Thailand currently stands at 40 years and two months, far older than the world average of 30 years and five months. This startling fact suggests that if Thailand fails to take action now, it could rapidly be overwhelmed by problems related to its aging society. Thailand’s population is on course to shrink by at least 50% by 2100, according to the Social Development and Human Security Ministry. “I believe Thai governments both past and present have been aware of this fact. But I don’t know if the [incoming] government will introduce clear-cut or radical policies to address this situation,” said Professor Teera Sindecharak, who lectures at Thammasat University’s Sociology and Anthropology Faculty. Teera warns that the ongoing demographic trend could mean that infrastructure designed to serve huge numbers of people will soon be left half-empty. And businesses may find it difficult to attract enough customers or staff to continue operating. “Every sector will be affected, from nurseries to schools to universities to big corporations,” he said. “Big investments in mega infrastructure projects may be wasted because they end up serving a much smaller number of users.” The trend will also see extended families becoming replaced by smaller nuclear family units, he added. Generation gaps will become bigger because people nowadays tend to marry at an older age compared with previous generations. More people will also live alone, while maintaining ties with friends and distant relatives. More couples who get married may decide not to have children because they cherish their freedom and independence. “Technology will likely play an even bigger role in people’s lives,” Teera continued. “Some people will likely turn to the virtual world for social interaction as there will be fewer people around them, fewer relatives or in-laws.” Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/does-crashing-birthrate-and-aging-society-spell-doom-for-thailand/

From Thai PBS World The new government will consider extending tourist visa validities from 30 days to 90 days and the easing of immigration procedures, to make them more convenient for foreign tourists, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, responding to call from tourism business operators for the government to boost the tourism industry. He also said, however, that the proposal from some tourism business operators for the government to exempt entry visas for tourists from China, India and Russia is a different issue, which has security implications and has to be considered carefully. The prime minister met today (Saturday) with tourism businesses in Phang-nga province, to listen to their problems and their recommendations for tourism promotion and views on the potential of wellness and health tourism along the Andaman coast. The meeting also discussed the possibility of renovating an old airport in Phang-nga, to accommodate small commercial planes, and the promotion of tourism in local communities, to boost sales of local products and the incomes of local people. It is reported that there are about 3,000 communities which have the potential to develop a local tourism business, but most of them are not properly registered and, therefore, have no access to state support. The prime minister told the meeting’s participants that, although the Pheu Thai party does not have a single MP in Phang-nga, Krabi, Phuket or Ranong provinces, he will treat these provinces without discrimination and will try to boost tourism there, because he wants “to be the prime minister for all Thais.”

I do hope that "masterchef" did not become disillusioned with Silom's massage offerings.

From Pattaya Mail With the high season fast approaching, Sanphet Suphabuansathien, President of the Thai Hotel Association (Eastern Chapter), has voiced concerns over national stability and the critical issue of high airfares and seats availability. These uncertainties are impacting traveler decisions and adding complexity to preparations for the upcoming high season. Sanphet emphasized, “To welcome visitors to Thailand and Pattaya, it is crucial that we demonstrate our readiness, particularly in terms of safety. We are well aware of the need to build confidence among both international tourists and Thai nationals.” Yet, uncertainties remain, primarily due to the scarcity of dependable flight options. Sanphet highlighted that airlines operating below full capacity are causing challenges during price negotiations. Potential tourists often cite high airfare rates as a deterrent to their travel plans. Consequently, the outlook for hotel bookings during the high season remains unclear. The hotel industry eagerly anticipates support from the new government, which emphasizes stimulating the economy through tourism and services. This approach is considered essential for generating substantial revenue for the country. The industry is seeking comprehensive policies and proactive promotions to enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness. Somsong Sachaphimukh, Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Industry Council of Thailand, underscored the need to cater to the preferences of Indian tourists, particularly in terms of food and entertainment. Swift adaptation is crucial to prevent these tourists from choosing alternative destinations. As India emerges as a potent force in Asian tourism, Thailand is witnessing a significant influx of Indian travelers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects around 1.6 million Indian visitors in 2023. Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, highlighted the Indian market’s strength. Presently, Thai Airways operates 70 weekly flights to India, in contrast to 14 flights to China. This reduction is a result of COVID-19 challenges. With Thailand’s narrow-bodied fleet poised to expand in the coming decade, future operations might pivot more towards India.

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya City Expat Club (PCEC) is hosting a visit by British embassy Bangkok consul Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin on Wednesday morning August 30. She is responsible for the embassy’s consular, welfare work with British nationals throughout Thailand and will speak generally about the services available as well as those unavailable. One particular concern to the embassy at present concerns uninsured British nationals having accidents requiring hospitalization. PCEC invites all Brits – and anyone else interested – to attend the meeting which will be held in the 4th floor meeting room of the Executive Tower of the Holiday Inn, Pattaya Beach Road, next Wednesday starting promptly at 10.30 a.m.. There is no requirement to be a PCEC member on this occasion and admission is free. Please arrive no later than 10.15 a.m.. A discounted breakfast is available from 9 a.m. in the sixth floor restaurant for those interested: just say to restaurant reception staff you are attending the PCEC meeting. The Executive Tower is the second Tower on your right if you enter via the Beach Road route (after the Beach Tower). Parking available on the premises or on Second Road which offers an alternative access route. PCEC believes this is an important meeting as the role of the embassy’s consular work in Thailand has evolved over time and continues to do so. For example, there is now a partnership for issuing British visas and British passports with VFS Global. The consul will answer questions about embassy services from attenders at the meeting. If any non-members get lost in the Holiday Inn complex on the morning of Wednesday August 30, they can phone 0817827363 for direction assistance.

From The Thaiger Air Japan today announced plans to target Thai passengers by offering a direct flight from Bangkok to Tokyo next year. The president of Air Japan, Minekuji Hideki, revealed to the media that Air Japan is a new low-cost airline under ANA Holdings, which will provide the airline’s first flight from Narita International Airport in Tokyo to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. The airline president disclosed that the first flight will take off on February 10, 2024. The Japanese airline plans to operate the flight with a Boeing 784-9, which can serve 324 passengers. The flight will be available only in economy class. According to Minekuji, the route will be available six times a week in the initial stage of the operation. The airline plans to add one more flight a week within the year. Furthermore, the airline also considered offering direct flights from Bangkok to the Kansai region and from other countries in Southeast Asia to Japan within the first three years of operation. Minekuji anticipates that 70% of passengers would be Thais and predicted that 30% would likely be female Japanese passengers. He added that Japanese women loved travelling in Thailand. Minekuji says the airline is targeting Thai travellers after Japanese reluctance to travel abroad due to the depreciation in the currency, the yen. Moreover, the younger generation is not interested in travelling abroad or applying for a passport. Minekuji also expressed confidence in the growth of low-cost airlines and believes that Air Japan has the potential to compete in the market. He emphasised that the highlights of Air Japan are attentiveness, delicacy, in-flight meals of Japanese style and quality, comfortable passenger seats, the availability of phone chargers, and free Wi-Fi. According to a report on Gorgeous Bangkok, fares for the Bangkok-Tokyo flight will start at 4,350 baht per trip.

From The Nation Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health condition was worrying but the Police General Hospital would not transfer him to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital’s chief physician said on Friday. Pol Lt-General Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru said that a medical checkup on Wednesday found that the condition of Thaksin’s lungs and heart was “worrying”. “His blood pressure has stabilised. He did not collapse and he was able to communicate with the doctor [during the checkup],” the chief physician told reporters. He declined to estimate how long it would take for Thaksin to be treated at the hospital. Thaksin, 74, was transferred from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital at an early hour on Wednesday. In response to media reports that Thaksin would be moved to a private hospital, the chief physician said that the Police General Hospital had the capacity and equipment needed to treat the former prime minister. “He definitely would not be moved to any hospital. The only transfer after this is back to the Corrections Department hospital,” Sophonrat said. However, he added that the Corrections Department may consider moving Thaksin to another facility if it found that treatment at the Police General Hospital was ineffective. In a related development, restricted access appeared to be imposed on the Police General Hospital’s computer system on in-patients, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday. The move came after rumours that Thaksin was moved out of the hospital and admitted to a Bangkok luxury private hospital. A source at the Police General Hospital told Nation TV that even staff members at the hospital could not access the system to see if Thaksin was still being treated there. It was reported earlier that the ex-premier was admitted to a suite in the hospital’s Premium Ward, on the 14th floor of a new building.

The recent discussion about health matters among aging gay men in Pattaya prompted me to post this report from the Harvard School of Public Health: ---------------------------------- A study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) adds to evidence that eating breakfast is important for good health. HSPH researchers found that men who regularly skipped breakfast had a 27% higher risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease than those who did eat a morning meal. Non-breakfast-eaters were generally hungrier later in the day and ate more food at night, perhaps leading to metabolic changes and heart disease. The study was published July 22, 2013 in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Circulation. The scientists analyzed food questionnaire data and health outcomes from 1992-2008 on 26,902 male health professionals, ages 45-82. During the study, 1,572 of the men had cardiac events. Even after accounting for diet, physical activity, smoking, and other lifestyle factors, the association between skipping breakfast and heart disease persisted. “It’s a really simple message. Breakfast is an important meal,” senior author [[Eric Rimm]], associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at HSPH, told the Associated Press. “Skipping breakfast may lead to one or more risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which may in turn lead to a heart attack over time,” lead author [[Leah Cahill]], postdoctoral research fellow in HSPH’s Department of Nutrition, said in an AHA statement. Other studies have pointed to a link between breakfast and obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems seen as precursors to heart problems. While the study group was composed mostly of white men, the results are likely to apply to women and other ethnic groups, but additional studies should be conducted, the researchers said. Other HSPH co-authors include [[Stephanie Chiuve]] and [[Rania Mekary]], research associates the Department of Nutrition; Majken K. Jensen, assistant professor of nutrition; [[Alan Flint]], research scientist the Department of Nutrition, and [[Frank Hu]], professor of nutrition and epidemiology.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon In order to achieve post-election constitutional power, Thailand’s Pheu Thai party finds itself abed with its former enemies allied to the military junta which seized power in 2014. It may seem a wobbly coalition, but it’s likely to last several years. Pheu Thai fears that its erstwhile popularity will dip, or perhaps ditch, in a fresh general election. The military-backed parties may face wipe-out as younger Thais in particular clearly prefer the radical reformist policies of the Move Forward party now consigned to sit on the opposition benches. That’s despite Move Forward having won the most seats in the May 2023 general election. The most obvious consequence of the latest power alignment in Bangkok is excellent news for the marijuana industry and its thousands of retail outlets throughout the country. The total delisting of the drug as a narcotic in 2022 was a flagship achievement of the Bhumjaithai party which is (as usual) a vital component of the new coalition. During the recent election, Pheu Thai had voiced concerns about the weed and threatened to return it to narcotic status. Nothing more will be heard of that. Instead, the new administration will introduce a bill to clarify some ambiguous details such as business registration procedures, cannabis cafes and permissible marketing strategies. Pot smokers can rest easy, at any rate in private. Thai authorities are likely to continue the policy of welcoming international tourists, no matter who and where from, to offset the weak numbers arriving from China. That country, prior to covid, was the principal recruitment source. So expect marketing campaigns, promoted by the Tourist Authority of Thailand’s offices abroad, to describe the charms of Siam whilst mentioning the welcoming atmosphere for niche-market Muslims, gays and medical tourists as well as tour groups and independent travellers. Thus immigration and visa regulations for short-term tourists are likely to remain fairly open – TM30 address registration notwithstanding – although expats on annual extensions can expect to see tightening of the rules regarding cash deposits and comprehensive medical insurance, as anticipated recently by deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn. Whether the well-known immigration rear doors and escape hatches will remain unscathed remains to be seen. Investments in large infrastructure projects to benefit the long-term economic and commercial development of Thailand will continue, especially those in the Eastern Economic Corridor which includes Pattaya. For example, plans to create 4 billion baht cruise port at Bali Hai are sure to be approved provided foreign backers are convinced about the potential. Not to mention an overhead monorail facility to link Pattaya rail station with the city center which needs to be coordinated with the fast-track train services linking U-tapao airport with Bangkok. Although such developments are years away from potential completion, Pattaya expats can expect to see a continuation of the crane, digger, tractor and traffic upheaval of the recent past. Progress demands temporary inconvenience, or so they say.

Good question. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-does-medicare-coverage-start

....and that's probably the only court. 🙂

Normally 65 is minimum age but you may qualify earlier if you have a qualifying disease. If you delay claiming it at 65, you're monthly payment increases incrementally.

Nlwrestlyboy, if you're serious about this--and I believe that you are--go into any all-male massage shop and tell the manager you're looking for a twink who will "play" wrestle with you. That may just convert your fantasy into reality.

When all is said and done, this chart pretty much summarizes Putin's Special Military Operation:

From MSN Sun, sea, surf and serenity are only a few of the things associated with Bali, Indonesia's touristic haven and coveted second-home destination. While hordes of expatriates and digital nomads have relocated to the province, long-term visa processes can often be convoluted and difficult to navigate. Now, Indonesia is aiming to simplify its immigration policies in a bid to promote foreign investment and attract more entrepreneurial and business-minded people to the country. This includes a golden visa initiative, which was announced during the G20 Bali summit last year and is due to launch before the end of the year. The new residency-by-investment visa has been created to attract international talent in sectors including health, research and technology. It is part of a goal to generate 4.4 million new jobs in the country's creative industries by next year, and was created with Bali in mind. The programme will be available to applicants with a five or 10-year validity and offer a range of benefits, including the right to own property in Bali. Other benefits reportedly include multiple entries into Indonesia, faster and easier processes for visas, plus a fast track for citizenship applications, if that is also of interest in future. The full terms of the programme are still being finalised. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/what-to-know-about-balis-new-golden-visa-programme/ar-AA1fE0Rr

From VN Express South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air said it would weigh passengers and their carry-on luggage on domestic and international flights to ensure aviation safety, as well as reduce excessive fuel use. The airline will weigh passengers, including their carry-on baggage, with domestic passengers at Gimpo International Airport from Aug. 28 to Sept. 6, and at Incheon Airport for passengers on international flights from Sept. 8 to 19, The Korea Herald reported. The measure complies with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's aviation regulations, which mandate the assessment of standardized passenger weight that encompasses their carry-on items. The collected data will be kept anonymous and used for safety operations, according to the airline. Passengers who refuse to participate in the measurements can inform staff at the time of boarding. Some airlines like Hawaiian Airlines in the U.S. and Finnair in Finland also check the weight of their passengers.

From Thai PBS World Move Forward becomes main opposition party Despite being the largest single party in Thailand’s House of Representatives, the Move Forward party has announced that it will work in opposition, after parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the Pheu Thai party’s prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, yesterday (Tuesday). Srettha received 482 votes of approval, against 165 of disapproval and 81 abstentions. Move Forward’s secretary-general, Chaithawat Tulathon, told the media that the partnership between Pheu Thai and the junta-linked parties, among others, to form the coalition government does not end the political divide, characterized by the red and yellow groups, but is collusion to extend the junta’s political system. He said that the party will do its utmost to check the performance of the government for the benefit of the people and will coordinate with those outside parliament to effect change in Thai society.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin taken to Police Hospital for heart treatment The Corrections Department confirmed today (Wednesday) that it had to send former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the Police Hospital in the middle last night, because the department’s hospital does not have adequate equipment to cope with his ailments, particularly his heart disease. The department said, in a statement issued Wednesday morning, that at 11.59pm, a nurse in Zone 7 of the Bangkok Remand Prison reported that Thaksin experienced tightness in his chest and could not sleep well. He was also suffering hypoxemia and hypertension. The nurse then consulted a doctor, who checked the medical records in files from hospitals in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, where Thaksin had been treated before his return to Thailand yesterday. The files show that Thaksin has several ailments under treatment, including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial ischemia, a degenerative spine, pulmonary fibrosis and heart disease, which requires special monitoring. ===================== Excerpted from Pattaya Mail On the matter of amnesty, the officials said a royal pardon can be requested as soon as on the first day of Thaksin entering prison. Thaksin or a family member also has the option of doing so by supplying the relevant documents to officials at Bangkok Remand Prison. In this case, the prison would forward the papers to the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice. The request will then be presented to the prime minister who will consider giving his signature and forwarding the request to the Office of the Privy Council. The office will then present the request to His Majesty the King. According to officials at the press conference, the process of requesting a royal pardon would take 1-2 months.