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Shoppers may find that the costs of beer has risen a few baht since this article was first published. From The Thaiest.com Thai Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Thailand. There are a number of local beer brands that you can try in Thailand and the 3 major beer brands Singha, Leo and Chang are present all over the country. Here you will find an introduction to the most popular Thai beers and beer price in Thailand. Singha Singha beer is the first beer produced in Thailand and is one of the most popular beers in the country, brewed by the Boon Rawd Brewery. Singha is also the best known Thai beer outside of Thailand as it is exported to many foreign countries. It has been brewed since 1933 and many locals claim that it is the only real Thai beer. The name "Singha" is derived from the Sanskrit word for "lion" so you will see the white label representing a lion (Singha) from mythology in almost every bar or restaurant in Thailand. Singha lager version has 5% alcohol, but a 3.5% light version with a slightly bitter taste is also available. Singha Lager Draft Beer is delivered by the brewery in 30 liter barrels and has a more intense taste than the normal lager beer. Chang Chang beer (Elephant beer) was launched in 1995 by the breweries of Thai Beverage or just ThaiBev, one of the largest beverage companies in Southeast Asia, and is available nationwide. Chang brand is known for its logo with the 2 elephants looking at each other on the label of the green bottles. The beer is brewed from rice and has more tart taste than Singha. You can buy a can of this beer brand at the store for 35 THB. Singha is often a few baht more expensive than the other top beer brands in Thailand so it is mainly drunk by high-earning Thais and tourists. Perhaps that is why more budget travelers prefer Leo or Chang. The normal Chang beer (Chang Classic) has an alcohol content of 5.2% and it is currently the second most consumed beer in Thailand, taking approximately 33% share of the local beer market. The Chang Export is another classic lager with an alcohol content of 5% by volume. In contrast to the Classic, it is not brewed from rice but from malt. It is therefore a 100% malt beer. Other Chang varieties are Chang Draft with 5% alcohol content and Chang Light with 4.2% alcohol by volume. Chang beer has won the Australian Beer Award 3 times and is fresh, tasty and a bit like Kölsch, only stronger. Chang is most probably the most popular beer for tourists visiting Thailand. It is usually the cheapest of the best Thai beer brands on offer. The price of a can of Chang beer in the store is in the range of 30-35 THB. Leo Leo beer, currently the most admired beer in Thailand occupying about half of the local beer market, is also brewed by the Boon Rawd Brewery. Many beer enthusiasts are unaware that the same brewery owns Leo and Singha brands. The word Leo comes from the Greek and means lion. The label on the bottle shows a leopard (rather than a lion) staring at you. This Thai beer’s alcohol content is 5%. The taste is very similar to the older sister Singha, but the price has been wisely lowered. Leo is also served as a draft beer in pubs. Leo Beer price per bottle is 38-40 THB. The beer has received multiple awards and, like Chang, is very popular with Thais and foreigners.

Twenty-eight (28) consecutive days is the minimum duration for a legal Airbnb stay in Bangkok.

From VN Express Vietnam is granting 90-day e-visas for all countries and territories from Aug. 15 and here are some information you should take notes for smooth application. Non-nationals can access the e-visa web portal of the Vietnam Immigration Department at https://www.immigration.gov.vn or the National Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security at https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/ to apply. All information regarding the trip, including intended date of entry and length of stay in Vietnam, intended port of entry and departure, and intended temporary residential address in Vietnam must be given. In the e-visa request information category, foreigners select single-entry visa or multiple-entry based on the purpose of their trip. The form requires information from the passport data page, and images of the page and passport photo must be uploaded.

Same place. It's a convenience store; they strive to satisfy all your needs. 😀

From Pattaya News Bidding farewell to Thailand, the iconic “Family Mart” convenience stores is being fully rebranded as “Tops Daily” after over three decades of service. Central Retail Corporation PLC (CRC) has made the decision to fully transform and rename its iconic Family Mart convenience stores to Tops Daily by the end of this year. This strategic move comes as CRC’s contract for the Family Mart franchise in Thailand is set to expire in 2023. The rebranding aims to align and streamline CRC’s convenience store business under the Tops Daily banner, CRC’s chief operating officer, Maytinee Phisutsinthop stated. The number of FamilyMart branches in Thailand has declined drastically from 1,135 in 2017 to 409 in 2023. In contrast, its primary business rival, 7-Eleven, has more than 13,000 branches.

From Pattaya News Court Denies Arrest Warrant for Russian Suspect The Pattaya Provincial Court has denied an arrest warrant for a Russian man described as a person of interest in the falling death of a Russian woman in Na Jomtien on Sunday morning, August 13th. As a result, he will be at least temporarily released. As of yesterday afternoon around 5:00 P.M., August 14th, 2023, the Pattaya Provincial Court declined a request from the Na Jomtien police to formally arrest Mr. Oeaop Nbahobny Fedor, 30, as a suspect in the death of a 32-year-old Russian woman, who was only publicly identified as Daria. Daria plunged to her death from the seventh floor balcony of Fedor’s condo around 7:00 AM Sunday morning, August 13th, 2023. CCTV appeared to show Fedor holding Daria by her legs before letting go but it was unclear if he was trying to pull her back into the condo or if he was attempting to drop her, according to the Pattaya Provincial Court, which as a result declined to file an official arrest warrant for homicide due to lack of evidence. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2023/08/15/pattaya-provincial-court-denies-arrest-warrant-for-russian-man-present-at-falling-death-of-russian-woman-for-insufficient-evidence/

Most shops will also offer Thai massage but I wouldn't automatically assume all their masseurs are trained in the proper technique. You may wish to reserve at Prime Massage (on the dogleg turn of Silom Soi Six) where you can be assured of a good Thai experience. For the extras, you'll have better luck at the six shops on Soi Six between Silom rd. and Prime or the many other places you've read about here. If you're determined to get it all in one experience, tell the manager of the shop(s) you have in mind exactly what you're looking for.

From Thai PBS World By Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh One of Vietnam’s most historic towns, Hue, is packed with relics from the reign of the 19th-century Nguyen emperors. From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the capital of Vietnam and home to the Nguyen dynasty. After the Vietnam War, Hue’s unique history fell into ruin, as the imperial era wasn’t viewed favorably by the communist authorities. These days, however, the temples and landmarks of the city are national treasures, attracting millions of visitors every year. Hue Citadel is one of the must-see attractions in the city. The citadel was the residence of ancient kings, as well as the place where the political activities of the Nguyen Dynasty took place for 143 years. The ancient capital of Hue was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1993. In the list of 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam are: Ha Long Bay Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Ho Dynasty Citadel Hue Citadel Hoi An Ancient Town My Son Sanctuary The Hue Citadel is a symbol and the pride of the people of Hue and it has long been a must-see attraction for tourists when visiting the hidden charms of Vietnam. The Imperial Citadel of Hue consists of the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, both of which are located within that area. When you visit, you will be able to admire over 100 unique and impressive architectural works, including the Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace, the Dien Tho Palace, the Kien Trung Palace, the Phung Tien Palace, the Truong Sanh Palace, Hung Mieu and the Mieu. They all contribute to the palace’s unique architectural beauty while preserving the heroic historical imprints of the Nguyen dynasty. Hue Citadel has a circumference of 10km, a height of 6.6m and a thickness of 21m, with winding fortresses accompanied by cannons, artillery and ammunition depots. The fortress was originally built entirely of earth, but bricks were added later. A network of interlaced canals surrounds the city to protect not only the city, but also a waterway which is nearly 7km long. The Imperial Citadel is divided into two major parts, excluding houses and mansions: the Citadel and the Forbidden City. The former protected the important palaces within, while the latter housed the emperor and royal family, as well as serving as the court’s workplace. All of the traditional architecture of the East, such as palaces, mausolea and museums, coexist to form a fascinating attraction right in the heart of Vietnam. If you have the opportunity to visit Hue during a festival, you will often see the ancient mossy roof covered in shimmering and fanciful lights from the Ngo Mon gate.

From Thai PBS World Election Commission recommended to drop charge against Pita An investigating committee has recommended the Election Commission to drop the charge that Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat violated the election law for allegedly holding shares in a media firm while filing candidacy in the May-14 election. According to an informed source at the Election Commission (EC), the committee found there is no clear evidence that iTV was operating and earning income at the time when Pita applied for his election candidacy in early April. The committee pointed out that, in order to disqualify Pita, in accordance with Section 151 of the Election Act, evidence that he still held shares in the media company must be clear and beyond any doubt. The committee’s findings and recommendation have been sent to the secretary-general of the Election Commission, said the source, adding that the case will then be forwarded to a sub-committee for consideration, when Pita may be asked to testify to the panel. The source also said that the panel may delay the case until there is a ruling from the Constitutional Court on Pita’s parliamentary status as relates to the iTV share ownership. Pita was reported to hold 42,000 shares in iTV, inherited from his late father over 17 years ago. The shares were transferred to his relatives in June this year.

From Pattaya News Pattaya police are reportedly preparing to charge a Russian man they believe is linked to the fatal fall of his Russian girlfriend on Sunday for homicide after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident which appears to show the man holding the woman by her legs from his balcony. Pol. Col. Wattanachai Saengrit, superintendent of the Na Jomtien police station, ordered his subordinates to collect surveillance camera recordings in the vicinity of the scene where a Russian woman, Ms. Daria, 32, fell to her death from her condo on Sunday morning, August 13th. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, it was discovered that Ms. Daria reportedly was dangling beyond the edge of the balcony with her 30-year-old Russian boyfriend, Mr. Oeaop Nbahobny Fedor, holding both of her legs. Pol. Col. Wattanachai stated that the boyfriend then allegedly released his grip, causing the woman to plummet to her immediate demise. He noted, however, that the motivation behind the footage remains unclear, whether it was an attempt to rescue the woman from falling or an act of homicide. During the interrogation, Mr. Oeaop acted uncooperatively with the police due to being irritated and alcohol intoxication. He had been speaking incoherently and his initial statement conflicted with the CCTV footage, initially alleging to be outside of the room while his girlfriend suddenly leapt to her death. When confronted with the CCTV footage which appeared to invalidate Oeaop’s claim of not being present he became more irritable and uncooperative, according to police.

From Thai PBS World Thailand has reported its first monkey pox related fatality, in a man who was also infected with HIV and syphilis, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Disease Control Department. He said today (Monday) that the 34-year old patient was admitted to a private hospital in Chon Buri province on July 3rd and was diagnosed with monkey pox a week later. The patient subsequently developed a sore throat and was found to have a fungal infection, an opportunistic disease found in those with HIV. After 4 weeks of treatment, he was discharged from the hospital, but was later sent to Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases sufferingfrom fatigue and breathing difficulties. In addition to rashes, doctors also found that he was suffering with lung and brain infections. Blood tests showed a high white blood cell count, an indicator of a serious immune reaction, and doctors administered antibiotics and monkey pox anti-viral medication. The man died last Friday, said Dr. Tares. By August 8th, there had been a total of 189 monkey pox cases reported in Thailand in 161 Thais and 28 foreigners. Most are gay men, 82 of whom were also infected with HIV. Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, the deputy director-general of the Disease Control Department, attributed the increase inmonkey pox cases to high risk behaviour.

There was a recent incident involving some Arab tourists. I subscribe to Floridarob's advice and avoid them whenever possible. There used to be a bar diagonally across from Foodland featuring transvestites that attracted their admirers. But occasionally some unsuspecting tourists would wander in only to quickly exit once they became aware of their surroundings.

My mother died when I was seven and we waked the body in the livingroom next to my bedroom. I assure you that she wasn't drunk.

A tip of the hat to PaulSF--perhaps the forum's premier fare watcher--for passing this news along. ------------------ From Etihad.com Four weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to the vibrant American city starting 31 March 2024 Boston becomes the airline's fourth destination in the United States, joining Chicago, New York and Washington, along with services to Toronto in Canada Exciting opportunities for American travellers to explore Abu Dhabi's cultural treasures and hospitality ABU DHABI, UAE – Etihad Airways is thrilled to announce its new destination in the United States, with four weekly flights to Boston commencing on 31 March 2024. This addition connects one of the United States’ most vibrant and dynamic cities to the ever-expanding Etihad network. "We are delighted to introduce flights to Boston, which opens up Abu Dhabi to visitors from the American Northeast and across the United States," said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “We eagerly await welcoming guests to our extraordinary home as well as offering them access to our growing global network. As one of America's most culturally diverse and thriving cities, visitors from Abu Dhabi will relish exploring its rich heritage and experiencing Boston's renowned hospitality. Expanding US Gateway: This will be Etihad’s fourth US gateway, complementing services to Chicago, New York, and Washington, along with flights to Toronto in Canada. The addition of Boston further solidifies Etihad's commitment to providing passengers with enhanced connectivity between the United States and Abu Dhabi. In addition to providing nonstop access to the Boston market, Etihad will offer convenient connections to cities throughout North America through its partnership with JetBlue. This partnership allows travellers to enjoy a seamless and hassle-free travel experience, unlocking numerous travel possibilities across the continent. For American travellers, the new Boston route presents exciting opportunities to explore Abu Dhabi's cultural treasures and experience its renowned hospitality. From the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the opulent Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city offers a captivating blend of modernity and tradition. Wander through the bustling souks, savour the delectable Emirati cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warmth of Emirati hospitality. A Special Connection: Boston holds a special place in the hearts of many Emiratis who have studied there. Its prestigious universities and welcoming atmosphere have fostered lasting friendships and transformative experiences, making it a city deeply cherished by past and present Emirati students and their families. Abu Dhabi's significant investments in the healthcare and education sectors of Boston have fostered strong ties and collaborations in research and hospital development. Recognising Boston's status as a global healthcare and education hub, these initiatives have not only strengthened healthcare offerings in Boston but have also facilitated knowledge exchange and professional development for both regions. Through these partnerships, Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing healthcare and education has cemented a valuable and enduring connection with Boston, driving progress and innovation in these vital fields. Etihad will operate flights to Boston four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, utilising its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline's acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats, providing guests with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Tickets Now Available: Tickets are now available for booking on etihad.com, offering travellers the opportunity to experience the world-class service and hospitality of Etihad on this exciting new route to Boston.

From Men's Health WHEN YOU’RE DEALING with erectile dysfunction, you usually have to make an appointment with your doctor to get treated. But, soon, you’ll be able to pick up medication at your local pharmacy without a prescription. The Food and Drug Administration just granted over-the-counter sale marketing authorization for MED3000, a topical gel created to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The medication was developed by U.K.-based Futura Medical and will be the first topical OTC treatment for ED that’s available in the U.S. without a prescription, according to a news release. “Over-the-counter medications play a significant role in providing accessible and convenient treatment for a wide range of common health conditions—with erectile dysfunction being a very common condition,” says Amy Pearlman, M.D., a Miami-based board-certified urologist specializing in male sexual and hormonal health and co-founder of the Prime Institute. Eroxon, the brand name for MED3000, is currently available in Belgium and the U.K. It claims to “help you get an erection within 10 minutes.” But, even with the OTC medication available, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor, Dr. Pearlman says. ED can sometimes signal an underlying medical problem, like heart disease or diabetes, that needs to be treated separately. Here are five things to know about the new topical gel and how it can help if you’re struggling to get an erection: 1. It Targets the Problem and Works Quickly. Being a topical means MED3000 targets your penis directly and offers a “quick onset of action,” Dr. Pearlman says. “People love spontaneity when it comes to having sex. MED3000’s 10-minute onset of action may be a game-changer when it comes to optimizing spontaneity.” Oral medications, like Viagra and Cialis, which require a prescription and are commonly used to treat ED, can take 30 minutes to take effect, she adds. Injections take less time to work, but they’re invasive and might deter men from using them. 2. Side Effects Are Minimal. Topicals tend to have a lower risk of side effects compared to oral medications, Dr. Pearlman says. Clinical trials for MED3000 found minimal side effects. There were some reports of headaches and nausea, however. No side effects were reported in sexual partners. Oral ED medications are generally well-tolerated, Dr. Pearlman says. But, some side effects, including flushing, heartburn, sinus congestion, and headaches, might prevent some men from taking them even though they work well. 3. You Should Still See Your Doctor. The OTC gel for ED will help you get relief quickly. But, keep in mind that ED might signal an underlying medical problem, like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone, or sleep apnea. “The penis is often considered a barometer of overall health,” Dr. Pearlman says. “When men present to a healthcare provider with erectile dysfunction concerns, it allows the healthcare provider to evaluate the man for other health conditions.” She recommends trying MED3000 while waiting for a doctor’s appointment, which can take time. But, you should still see your doctor to discuss other health issues. 4. It’s Most Beneficial When You're Healthy. For any ED treatment, you’ll benefit most when you’re generally healthy overall. That means eating healthy foods, exercising, getting good sleep, limiting stress, and treating other health conditions that might cause ED, like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and low testosterone, Dr. Pearlman says. That’s why it’s always good to talk to your doctor about ED. 5. It’s Unclear When It'll Be Available. It might be a while before MED3000 is available at your local pharmacy. A spokesperson from Futura Medical said they’re still working out the details on a specific timeframe for the U.S. release and price tag for the OTC treatment for ED. “We are currently in discussions with potential commercialization partners,” the representative said. Dr. Pearlman says the availability of an easy-to-access treatment for men dealing with ED is welcome news. “As a specialist in male sexual health, I am excited to learn more about this therapy and delve into the research to better understand its safety and effectiveness, as well as which men may benefit from its use,” she says.

From Philippine Daily Inquirer / The Nation Some of the most basic superstitions include not going home straight away and covering all the mirrors in the place the wake is being held Filipino superstitions can be a big deal. No matter what belief system people adhere to and where they live, Filipinos can be an awfully superstitious bunch. All sorts of beliefs and practices have been passed down since time immemorial. Some of them are still practised widely today - and some of us may not even know their superstitions to begin with. There are all sorts of superstitions people practice in daily life, but the more important superstitions (that can be a big deal for the older generation) usually pertain to big life events. Births, weddings, birthdays, and certain holidays have important practices tied to them—and those practices don’t just stop when someone’s passed. Superstitions surrounding death are especially interesting and commonly practised by Filipinos around the world. Even during pre-Hispanic times, our ancestors have already cultivated their own set of beliefs. Those beliefs have ended up blending into the Christian narrative the Spaniards introduced, which makes for some pretty interesting superstitions. Here are some of a few interesting Filipino superstitions surrounding death that are still practised today. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/world/asean/40030183

From The Nation Notorious Arab motorbike riders were forced to cancel their road-racing plans after some 200 policemen and Interior Ministry officials were deployed to keep law and order on Pattaya roads late on Saturday night. Officers from Pattaya Police Station and officials from Chonburi provincial administration were deployed to check the roads and sois where local residents have complained about road racing and the blocking of traffic by Arab youngsters, mostly tourists from Kuwait. Interior Ministry officials also joined the operation. Most of the riders parked their motorbikes on the roadside as soon as they saw the officials approaching. Some, however, were defiant and continued riding their bikes, only to be stopped and fined for violating traffic laws. The officials did not arrest those who had parked their bikes, but they were interrogated and found to be mostly Kuwaiti teenagers. Police said the interrogation of some 200 youngsters continued into the early hours of Sunday. Last week, Pattaya police held a meeting with other agencies concerned to discuss measures to prevent road racing, which has become popular among Arab tourists but is making life difficult for local people. Motorbike rental companies have been warned to strictly check the identification particulars of tourists and their driving licences before renting out bikes.

From Thai PBS World King’s third son, Dr. Chakriwat, joins elder brother in Bangkok His Majesty the King’s third son, Dr. Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, is currently in Bangkok to join his elder brother, Vacharaesorn, who has decided to extend his stay in Thailand. According to a Facebook post by Wassana Nanuam, a senior reporter at the Bangkok Post, this is the first time that the two brothers have been in Thailand after 27 years of living abroad. Dr. Chakriwat has long desired to visit Thailand, to pay respects to his great grandmother, the late Princess Mother Srinagarindra, for being his inspiration to study medicine in order to help the poor, and to pay respects to his grandfather, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. According to Wassana’s post, the two brothers visited Ayutthaya province yesterday (Saturday) and today they went to Siriraj Hospital to pay their respects to the statues of Prince Mahidol and the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Chakriwat and Vacharaesorn, two of four sons born to HM the King and his former consort Sujarinee, will return to the United States together. According to the Chakriwat Medical Information Centre, Chakriwat wrote that his desire to become a physician grew out of his own personal experience as a patient. When he was a teenager, he noticed a lump on the side of his neck and his doctor had it removed and biopsied. He was subsequently diagnosed with Type II Neurofibromatosis. The lifelong course of treatment has included multiple surgeries and repeated radiotherapy. He wrote that as he researched his condition, to understand what was happening to his body, his desire to enter the medical profession grew. “My condition became a motivating factor in my life and served as the foundation for an enthusiastic pursuit of a career in medicine,” he wrote.

You should have "https://www.gayguides.com/forums/" in your browser window. An "s" (for secure) should appear after "http".

I said it over five years ago and several times since: trip and venue reports are the meat and potatoes of this forum. But readers also repeatedly show their appetite for controversy. On July 27 I posted this is the "I went to dream boys last night and drinks price is horrendous" thread: "The most popular posts within the forum invariably relate to trip reports and venue reports. Readers have also displayed a taste for controversy, Take this thread, for example. Although it was started only a few months ago, it's attracted 5.3k views and received 132 replies. (And those numbers only count views by logged on members; not the many many non-members who view the site)." In the three weeks since then, that thread has gone on to log 7.2 thousand views and 167 replies. That is one of the great benefits of this forum: members--for whatever reason--pick up one theme and feel free to run with it. Sure, it soon gets off topic but opinions and information are exchanged in the process. I post a lot of stuff I understand has limited interest to those seeking only sex-related information. I look for items in Thai politics, crime and generalized Southeast Asia travel and current events. Those without interest simply pass it by. I believe that's how it's suppose to work. But there still plenty of posts here for those who want their meat and potatoes without appetizer or dessert. 🙂

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya, Thailand – The image of Pattaya as a secure tourist haven was marred on August 11 when the Tourist Police swiftly responded to reports of a violent altercation involving an Indian tourist and a group of transvestites. The incident transpired near the Baywalk shopping mall on the bustling Pattaya Beach Road. As the Tourist Police arrived at the scene, they were met with a disconcerting scene where a clash had unfolded between the group of transvestites and Ankit Tibrewal, a 39-year-old Indian tourist. Tibrewal bore visible wounds, including a bleeding mouth injury and a head trauma consistent with blunt force. His shirt was stained with blood, and he suffered scrapes and bruises on his arms and hands. According to Tibrewal, the disagreement with the group of transvestites had ignited while he was walking to his hotel along Beach Road when he was accosted by a group of transvestites. He thought that one of them had taken his mobile phone during physical contact and asked for it back. This simple request spiraled into a heated argument, culminating in a physical altercation. Following statements from both sides at the police station, authorities offered to transport Tibrewal to a local hospital for medical assessment and treatment. However, he courteously declined the offer, opting to return to his hotel instead. The police respected his decision and provided him with an escort. In parallel, the transvestite group embroiled in the altercation exhibited a lack of cooperation, expressing their intention to file grievances against Tibrewal. Adding complexity, their demeanor turned confrontational during the reporting process, as they brandished their phones and cameras to intimidate journalists present at the scene. Law enforcement seized the opportunity to educate both parties about the legal implications of such confrontations and highlighted the paramount importance of upholding tranquility in a prominent tourist hub like Pattaya. Officers clarified that altercations of this nature could result in penalties for all parties involved. Consequently, the transvestite group chose to disperse, defusing the situation and averting further escalation.

Business in Bangkok's gay venues is reportedly unseasonably low and a good portion of that downturn is being attributed to the absence of tourists from China. The continued failure of major Chinese air carriers to resume international service is seen as a significant factor. From The Thaiger In the wake of China’s announcement to allow tour groups to visit Japan and several other nations for the first time since 2020, Thailand’s tourism industry braces itself for a sharp fall in Chinese tourists. This drop is in part caused by ongoing visa application challenges, in spite of the government’s efforts to simplify the process. This recent development comes as China finally moves to lift previously imposed Covid-19 travel restrictions on tour groups. Aside from Japan, other countries including the US, South Korea, and Australia can accept Chinese tour groups. In addition, China has expressed the desire for Japan to consider a visa waiver for Chinese citizens. The honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), Adith Chairattananon, expressed the potential lure of simplifying the visa application process could be for drawing tourists at a time when competitors are welcoming tour groups. Despite the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s attempts to streamline the necessary paperwork for Chinese tourist visas and shorten the approval procedure to seven days, a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate these market shifts remains vague. Holding on to his apprehensions, Adith, cannot predict confidently that Thailand will attract 5 million Chinese visitors this year given the minimal growth in the number of tour groups since the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. In terms of daily visiting Chinese tourists, the numbers are significantly lower than back in 2019 when over 10,000 tourists entered Thailand per day. To ramp up the tourist volume, Atta proposes a temporary hiatus on tourist visa fees for a few months, reported Bangkok Post. Operators in the primary tourist city, Chiang Mai, eagerly anticipate an influx of Chinese visitors to bolster their businesses, particularly smaller establishments like hotels, bus services, and certain restaurants catering to larger groups. These operators previously hosted a significant number of Chinese tourists, with Chiang Mai reporting more than 120,000 Chinese visitors since the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, persistent visa hurdles diminish Thailand’s appeal. Per the Thai Hotels Association’s survey of 91 accommodation facilities, nearly 70% anticipate Chinese customers to recover only to fewer than 40% of 2019’s figures in the fourth quarter. However, Nok Air’s chief executive, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, notes optimistic signs of higher demand from Chinese tourists for Thailand compared to Japan due to the lower cost of living. The airline plans to resume flights to an additional four cities by September’s end, in time for China’s Golden Week holiday in October, to cater to the skyrocketing demand, given the currently limited seating capacity.

About 18 or so years ago during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, police raided the Babylon Sauna at the height of its popularity. It wasn't exactly done in secret because TV news vans and cameras lined Nantha rd. and the event received wide publicity. I happened to be in bkk at the time but luckily missed being there on that evening. It pleased many of Thaksin's supporters, particularly those from his hometown in Chiang Mai. Although Babs was soon back in business, the raid had sent a political message: be careful what you hope for.

From The Thaiger Online fraudsters prompt call for halt on unauthorised bank transactions The Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) strongly urged banks to halt unauthorised transactions following a request by their customers. This suggests an effort to mitigate the financial damages inflicted by online fraudsters on unsuspecting victims. The directive comes in light of the recent enactment of the Royal Decree on Cyber Crime Prevention and Suppression, which came into effect on March 17. The new regulation grants banking institutions the authority to suspend accounts that are suspected to be conduits of online fraudsters. Importantly, this action can be taken without requiring an official order by law enforcement agencies or the affected clients. Hence, DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn highlighted the need for banks to devise mechanisms that aid clients who seemingly have been the victims of scamming. His admonition arrived following the unsettling account narrated by noted TV news anchor Paweenamai Baikhloi, who spoke about losing over 1 million baht to online fraudsters who posed as officials from the Department of Land. Confirming these details, Paweenamai submitted her complaint to the Phasi Charoen Police on August 9. According to her account, she was approached by the scammer on Line, which is widely used by Thais for potential fraud because of its anonymity. The perpetrator claimed to be an official who needed to verify her tax details. The scammer was able to extract private information from her after stating the particulars of the land she owned. Despite successfully fooling her at first, the online fraudsters raised Paweenamai’s suspicions after instructing her to open a link and download a file, which he portrayed as the Department of Land’s official application. Although she then ceased to comply with their instructions, the criminals by then had emptied her three bank accounts of over 1 million baht, reported Bangkok Post. Narrating the ordeal, she revealed that upon realising her predicament, her bank initially rejected her plea to freeze her accounts. She was told that only a police complaint could precipitate such action. By the time she managed to gather all the necessary documents, a devastatingly colossal six hours had passed, and the online fraudsters had already deprived her of the funds. DES Minister Chaiwut cautioned everyone not to hit any dubious links shared via Line chat by these online fraudsters, especially if urged by unknown people masquerading as public agency workers. He reminded that all government departments have been asked not to directly contact their patrons via personal calls. He further advised individuals to stay informed about the correct websites or software applications of public agencies and banks. This practice can greatly reduce the risk of such scams conducted by online fraudsters.

Having viewed the video, I found the police exercised restraint and professionalism in handling the matter. They had obviously prepared for just such an incident and maintained a containment triangle around the individual and the situation was soon resolved. From The Nation Police officers at Don Mueang International Airport have been criticised by netizens for not using cracking down on an aggressive Chinese tourist who caused a commotion at the airport in Bangkok on Wednesday night. A video clip of the incident was posted on Facebook page, “Yak Dung Diew Jad Hai”, on Thursday, showing the man shouting at officials at the international terminal after he was not allowed to board a plane heading to China. The post said that around midnight on Wednesday (August 9), the airline announced a change of gate for the flight, enraging the tourist. Later, the captain of the flight reportedly banned him from boarding, infuriating him even more, leading to him shouting at airport officials. The video shows three police officers approaching the man in a bid to remove him from the scene, but he repeatedly tries to hit them with a skateboard that he is carrying. The confrontation lasts for a few minutes before the tourist is escorted out without any damage. After the clip went viral, several netizens commented that instead of circling him, police officers should have immediately charged at the man and restrained him to prevent him from swinging the skateboard that could have hurt other passengers. A news source reported that the tourist was a Chinese national 45 years old. After negotiations with the airline, he was issued a ticket to China and left the country on Thursday. Continues with photos and video https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40030141