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The largest one (justifies the use of "humongous") I ever came across was in a bookstore on a Saturday afternoon on Granvlile in Vancouver. He was a uni student and he had left the door to his cabin open. Couldn't take my eyes off it because (unlike many tools that size) it was fully erect and pointed skyward. Three other voyeurs were gathered around but seemed frozen in place. What have I got to lose, I figured, so I reached in and grasped near the base. In an instant, he literally pulled me inside and closed the door. It was a once in a lifetime event, at least for yours truly. That was sometime in the early 90's but I still recall everything very clearly. He was handsome in a rugged sort of way and it was a cool, sunny day. I think I was still smiling the next day.

In most situations I would agree. But I've found that the older I get, my concept of "relationship" evolved. Companionship seems to play a more significant role.

Agree that they are represented in far fewer numbers than a generation ago but--thankfully--can still be found in in the Silom area bars and certainly in the message shops. And for app users, the answer is at your finger tips.

From Thai PBS World “The value of heritage comes from its inheritors.” This is what Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, wrote on his Facebook page after visiting The Foundation for Slum Child Care (FSCC) in Bangkok. His surprise return to Thailand lit up social media platforms. On the microblogging site “X “(formerly known as Twitter), the hashtag #SonOfTenReturnToThailand was referenced over 390,000 times. His visit hit the headlines in both local and international media, including CNN, the BBC and Reuters. This is because Vacharaesorn is the second eldest son of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his former royal consorts. His surprise arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on August 5 was intended to be a low-key affair, but the news spread like wildfire after a number of people at the airport recognised and greeted him. Vacharaesorn responded with a wai. The whole scene was recorded and, of course, went viral. On August 8, at a shrine near Ratchaprasong intersection, Vacharaesorn paid his respects to the Ganesha statue, before proceeding to the FSCC to undertake charitable activities. He told the media, “I am delighted to return to Thailand, I have been warmly welcomed. I have been away for a long time, 27 years. It is like a dream come true to be back here. Before the plane landed, I looked out of the window and felt very emotional and grateful to the country.” “I have never forgotten that I am Thai. I have never forgotten about the importance of Thai culture. When I was overseas, I spent my time promoting Thai culture, so foreigners could understand the country’s valuable heritage. Returning to Thailand this time, I would like to learn more about the culture and continue to promote it overseas. I am very happy to be back here,” he added. On August 6th, he visited the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the City Pillar and Hong Rattan Aram Temple. At the FSCC, people waiting for him greeted him as they would a member of the Royal Family. He asked them to just treat him as a normal Thai, because does not hold Royal status. It is reported that he will spend about a week in Thailand, before returning to the United States. He has been busy since arriving, visiting and making merit at temples and enjoying the famous Thai cuisine at both street restaurants and five-star hotels. On his Facebook page, he impressed many netizens by posting a picture of him alighting from a Tuk-Tuk.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon As Thailand struggles post-covid to recover its huge international tourist profile, a renewed effort is underway to attract much more of the US$200 billion annual expenditure by gay visitors worldwide. As the tourist director of Chiang Mai explained recently to the New York Times, “We live in a country that is open and pretty liberal – I can’t think of a market that we wouldn’t welcome.” That’s quite a claim. TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) of late has been sponsoring gay pride events in several Thai cities, not only in Bangkok, and has now expanded its roadshow marketing to gay Muslims in several countries by promoting halal food and spas and publicizing the availability of prayer rooms in public facilities, as well as more quietly including the gay rainbow flag in marketing campaigns. Homosexuality is suppressed in several other south east Asian countries with Muslim majority populations. Another TAT initiative is to attract wealthy medical tourists. Already, Bangkok’s Bumrungrad International Hospital, a leading provider, has opened a Pride clinic that offers medical and wellness services to the gay international market, including specialist hormone, cosmetic and gender-affirming treatment. As regards gender reassignment, the hospital requires evidence of age (usually at least 20 years, 12 months’ estrogen use, already living “new” lifestyle etc) with costs 420,000 baht up. In Japan and elsewhere, TAT is promoting gay romance Thai dramas such as “2gether” and “I Promised You The Moon” which are freely available on the internet and proving to be very popular, even with non-gay audiences. They are mostly puppy-love stories which rarely cover adult relationship problems or the everyday issues facing gay men such as financial and employment difficulties. The boys-love dramas seek to capitalize on gay-related soft power with exports now approaching 3 billion baht per year through international business partnerships. Critics say that TAT’S policy is purely to make money, choosing to ignore the fact that Thailand is well short of being a gay paradise, especially for lesbians who are mostly overlooked in marketing campaigns. Although tourist-orientated cities have a multiplicity of social media contact sites and male-orientated gay bars and clubs – including cabaret shows which employ a sizeable proportion of the transgender community – legal protection is low. In spite of mega-publicity, gay marriage and adoption are still illegal, whilst transgenders can change their names by law but not their genders. Discrimination against gays in employment is largely unprotected by a legal framework. “But,” says the TAT officer, “it’s a wonderful place for a holiday.” Especially for men.

From The Nation Motorbike collision sparks street fight between Thais and Kuwaitis Panicked residents living on Soi Yensabai in Pattaya City had to rush out of their homes to stop a street fight between Thai locals and Kuwaiti tourists at about 15 minutes before 1am today. The street fight took place in front of a restaurant after a group of Thais on motorbikes chased down a group of Kuwaiti tourists on motorbikes in an attempt to negotiate a settlement for a motorcycle collision the Thais blamed on a Kuwaiti tourist. They said the Kuwaitis fled the scene of the collision on their motorbikes and that they pursued them to the soi. The attempt to negotiate compensation turned into a street brawl, witnesses said. The young Thais later apologised to the owner of the restaurant that the brawl erupted in front of and promised to pay compensation for damages to the venue. The Thais also filed a police complaint against the Kuwaiti tourists for compensation for the motorcycle collision.

If you look back in time, the Thai elite (read the mega wealthy) continually attempt to influence enactment of laws or regulations to restrict immigration to those more like themselves and less like the hoi polloi. They always get others to do their bidding as can be seen from the above news articles. After previous attempts generally fell flat, they've apparently decided to go the simple, more direct route: high net worth individuals. Why not, they figure, make it about one thing everyone can easily grasp: money. Prospective expats would either have it or not have it. It eliminates so much of the bureaucracy. In the process, it would convert their long-time pet peeve, Pattaya, into a playground for the wealthy instead of one for the just the horny. Look how successful attracting rich Kuwait uni students on summer vacation has worked out. What could possibly go wrong? Cash is the common denominator that's worked so efficiently for the elite, allowing them to reverse the popular vote that favored Move Forward to form a new government. In other words, they were able to subvert the election without any legal ramifications. So much less messy than Trump's attempt to do the same on the other wide of the world.

From Pattaya Mail By Lawyer Jessataporn Bunnag A recurrent discussion amongst expats is whether to bother applying for the yellow book (which lists the foreigner’s resident in a property) and the pink card (a Thai ID for aliens). The general answer is a yes as they can oftentimes relieve the burden of repeat journeys to the immigration office. They can be used for registering a SIM card, enrolling as a patient in a hospital, opening a bank account, entering fee-paying sites including national parks, reporting at police stations and transferring vehicle ownership. Why do I say oftentimes? Because each bureaucracy has the power either to accept the yellow book and pink card or to insist on a specific letter from immigration as proof of address. For example, the vast majority of land transportation offices do require a letter from immigration as part of the process for driving licence application or renewal. Applicants for the 5-20 years Elite visa also will find they need the immigration proof of address. But it is still worth the effort if only because possession of the yellow book and pink card sets you apart from the general run of farang in Thailand. The documents required to make an application vary somewhat from province to province. You will certainly need your original passport and preferably a non-immigrant or better visa: the process of application currently takes around six weeks. If you have a work permit and/or marriage certificate, they are needed, but no need to worry if they don’t apply to you. Also you will need the blue house book (and ID card) for the residence you live in plus the owner’s consent if you do not own the bricks and mortar. Whether you need to provide embassy confirmation of your passport and provide a birth certificate depends on the policy of your local jurisdiction. Other requirements can include confirmation of address by immigration, plus photos and a crime-free certificate in some local authorities. You will also need two witnesses, one of which can be your Thai lawyer if you choose to hire one. Advantages there include familiarization with the process as the lawyer will accompany you to the interview at city hall or the district office. In the Pattaya area, the venue for applications depends on the location of your address: city hall for Pattaya and the district offices in Banglamung, Nongprue and Huay Yai. As you already likely know, a foreigner’s name cannot appear in the blue housebook or “tibean bahn”. Possession of the yellow book does not prove you own the property as it is only a list of foreign residents living there. However, there is one exception to the exclusion of aliens from the blue book: a permanent resident can be listed there. Permanent residents are foreigners who have no date in their passport when they must renew or leave the kingdom. They also have a red police book with which they report to the police station and not to immigration. Permanent residency is a privilege usually given to foreigners who have worked successfully in Thailand and/or benefitted Thailand in some significant way by their presence and activities. It’s not “just another visa”. In fact it’s not a visa at all.

From Thai PBS World Move Forward’s dilemma – Endorse Pheu Thai-led coalition or not? he Move Forward party has been denied everything to which it believes it was entitled, despite being the biggest winner in the May 2023 general election. It has lost its bid for the House speakership. Its leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been denied the premiership, and worse still, instead of being at the core of a coalition government, it is now a mere step away from being consigned to the opposition. On top of all this, it is now facing a new dilemma. Should it endorse the ongoing efforts by its erstwhile political ally to form a coalition or not? Pheu Thai now claims to have mustered enough support from various political parties to set up a majority government. The first hurdle it needs to overcome, however, is to have its prime ministerial nominee approved by parliament – something that is far from certain. Many senators have expressed doubts over whether they would vote for Pheu Thai’s presumptive nominee, real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin, whose business background is being widely scrutinised. To circumvent the uncertainty, the best-case scenario for Pheu Thai is to have support for Srettha’s nomination from Move Forward – but without the party becoming part of the coalition. Some in Pheu Thai describe such a move as a “sacrifice”, which they want Move Forward to make to help break the current political deadlock, but it remains a big question as to whether Move Forward would be willing to take such a step. Within Move Forward, there seems to be a divergence of views on this. Pol Maj Gen Supisarn Bhakdinarinath, a deputy party leader, has been most vocal in his support for Pheu Thai’s efforts to form a coalition. He has publicly called on Move Forward’s MPs to vote for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial nominee. “That’s the only way to put an end to the political dominance of the Senate,” he said, referring to the role of senators in electing the prime minister. Supisarn played down fears that Pheu Thai might end up coalescing with Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, the two parties seen as Move Forward’s arch political rivals. The stand advocated by Supisarn has, however, received a cool reception from key leaders in Move Forward. An executive meeting of the party on Tuesday did not take up Supisarn’s proposal for discussion. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forwards-dilemma-endorse-pheu-thai-led-coalition-or-not/

From National News Bureau of Thailand BANGKOK (NNT) - A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Thai Airways (THAI) and Turkish Airlines on a joint venture operation to boost tourism for Thailand and Turkey. The joint operations MoU between both airlines was signed in Istanbul between THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri and Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eksi. The MoU is expected to enhance cooperation, allowing customers to fully utilize the extensive networks offered by both airlines in transportation and services. With a fleet of 67 aircraft, THAI currently provides flights to 57 destinations in 19 countries. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 425 planes operating flights to 344 locations in 129 countries. The THAI CEO said the airlines aim to accommodate passengers as they travel between both nations and others in Europe and Asia. He added that THAI will introduce a daily flight service from Bangkok to Istanbul in December, which will reaffirm the airline’s position as the gateway carrier to Thailand, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Old Daddy, I think I've found the solution to your quest: encourage a group of lustful young men who want to pound old daddy ass to volunteer to do it on a pro bono basis. Surly among the posse of available talent, there must be a handful of eager, civic-minded candidates. And they'd be no legal problems because they're not getting paid. The clever ones can probably take a tax write off.

Think of it this way: did you work for free or did you ask your would-be employer “how much you pay me”?

Those now middle-aged actors remind many readers of the era when their burgeoning sexuality and freedom took hold. Those memories remain a powerful trigger that rekindles those emotions.

From Pattaya Mail Thailand’s Elite visa seeks to redefine a wealthy tourist By Barry Kenyon Big changes lie ahead for the Thai Elite visa. Following “careful consideration with stakeholders”, all programs will be discontinued to be replaced by totally new options from October this year. Those hoping to qualify under the current rules will need to submit their applications by September 15, whilst those already with 5-year Elite visas have until August 15 to extend to up to 20 years under the former regulations. The Thailand Privilege Card Company, which hosts Elite, has not yet published the future criteria, but there have been strong hints. Firstly, the prices will rise substantially, perhaps 900,000 baht for five years (instead of the current 600,000) and five million baht for 20 years (instead of one million plus). In return, members will likely receive privileges rather like airmiles – the more you spend and the more frequently you visit Thailand the happier you will be with the perks. Those with the “el cheapo” five year Elite visas will likely not be delighted. But Thailand will have to be careful not to price itself out of the worldwide expat market. It already offers a competitor visa, the ten year Long Term Residence run by the Board of Investment, which has not been a rip-roaring success to date with virtually no hard data published. Golden visas, however defined, need a lot of perks to compete internationally and no Thai proposal currently offers residence or a second passport, unlike the Indonesian and Cambodian equivalents. Certainly, bonuses such as fast-track airport services, freedom from the 90 days report and discounts at leisure facilities are unlikely to be enough if Elite enrolment fees rise steeply. The real point about Elite visas is that what counted as a “rich foreigner” in 2003 at inception is very different from perceptions today. 20 years ago, the flat fee was 500,000 baht and enrollers were told they were indeed someone special. The numbers of subscribers remained in the 2 or 3 thousand range until the Covid pandemic illustrated to the international community, Chinese in particular, the benefits of being able to move easily between countries. Today there are around 30,000 Elite members, all classes, with more than one third being Chinese nationals. The rebranding of Elite is doubtless linked to China and Asia rather than to Europe or the USA. Many on social media believe that the forthcoming rebranding of Elite is a bluff and little more than an attempt to boost new applications before the September 15 cut-off date. This scenario is unlikely. Thailand’s whole immigration system is clearly under review with the deputy national police chief recently predicting that annual, easy-coasting retirement visas – either a modest 800,000 baht cash in the bank or use of agents – will soon come to a shuddering halt. Separately, those with a dubious record in their visa history – for example absentee education students or voluntary work visas – are finding it difficult to obtain extensions or transfer to alternative permissions, including Elite. Another imponderable concerns comprehensive medical insurance. Currently, the Elite visa (unlike Long Term Residence or “O/A” non-immigrant retirement) does not require cover. Nor does the annual extension of stay based on “O” retirement given by the immigration bureau. Already Cambodia has announced the establishment of a government working party to explore compulsory medical insurance for all foreigners who stay in the country beyond 30 days. Whilst it is true that Thailand’s visa structure for millions more foreigners is much more complex and certainly easier to circumvent, expats choosing Thailand from now on must be prepared for mega-change. Unwelcome as the prospect may be.

The more things change.... From The Nation Three more parties from the outgoing coalition government hinted on Tuesday they would be willing to follow the Bhumjaithai Party in joining the Pheu Thai-led coalition. Leading members of Palang Pracharath (PPRP), United Thai Nation and Chart Thai Pattana signalled they would be willing to consider an invitation from Pheu Thai for coalition talks but said they had not received one yet. They spoke a day after Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai announced they had agreed to ally to form a government. Pheu Thai has 141 MPs and Bhumjaithai has 71. Meanwhile, Chart Thai Pattana leader Varawut Silpa-archa strongly hinted his party would be willing to join the coalition now that Pheu Thai has affirmed it would not seek to amend the lese majeste law, or Article 112 of the criminal code. Article 112 was cited as the main reason for senators refusing to vote for Move Forward Party's PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat last month. Pheu Thai also cited Article 112 as the main reason for dumping election-winner Move Forward from its coalition. Varawut said it now depended on Pheu Thai as to when and where it would hold coalition talks with Chart Thai Pattana. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40030041

From Khaosod English Daniel Jeronimo (in swim shorts). (photo: Khaosod English) Police in Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, continue to search for the Colombian body parts that a Spanish suspect confessed to throwing into the sea after discovering eight of them, including the skull, on August 6. On August 3, the first body pieces of Edwin Miguel, a 44-year-old Colombian surgeon, were discovered in trash bags deposited on the cement yard at the Koh Phangan Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Centre. One day later, police found additional body fragments in the same location. A 29-year-old Spanish chef, Daniel Jeronimo Sancho Bronchalo, had reported to the Koh Phangan Police Station on August 2 that Edwin Miguel, his Colombian friend had vanished. But later Daniel was detained on August 5 as the suspect of murdering and dismembering Edwin Miguel himself. The Koh Samui Provincial Court issued a warrant for Daniel’s arrest on allegations of deliberate and premeditated murder as well as the secret burial, removal, or destruction of a body to conceal his death or cause of death. Initially, Daniel denied the accusations, but later he confessed. He claimed that when Edwin requested sex, he became enraged and punched him until Edwin tumbled over his head into the tub of water, fell unconscious and died. After that, he took the body apart, put the pieces in a suitcase, and threw it into the sea. The rest is put in a black bag and thrown in the trash. However, the police don’t believe Daniel’s claim because there is consistent evidence that he was well-prepared. For example, he urged Edwin Miguel who seemed to be his boyfriend of more than a year, to accompany him to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. Daniel booked a room at the hotel with Edwin’s credit card. The Colombian doctor also invested in Daniel’s restaurant in Spain. Because of this, the police suspected Daniel had a financial motive for killing Edwin. It is currently in the process of contacting Edwin’s family. At 4:30 p.m. on August 7, Koh Phangan police transported Daniel by boat to Koh Samui, where he was detained at the Koh Samui Provincial Court.

From Thai PBS World The Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties announced today (Monday) that they are joining hands to become the core in forming a new government. Together the parties have 212 House seats and are inviting more parties to join their coalition. Claiming they already have achieved a majority, they declined to reveal which parties they have in hand. At the press conference, Pheu Thai was represented by its leader Cholnan Srikaew, his deputy Phumtham Wechayachai and party secretary general Prasert Chanthararuangthong, while Bhumjaithai fielded leader Anutin Charnvirakul and party secretary general Saksayam Chidchob. Cholnan said more parties are expected to join their coalition. Both parties need support from MPs and senators in forming a government, so that it could administer the country and solve people’s problems, Cholnan said. Asked whether the cooperation between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai did not represent most voters’ desire, compared to Move Forward winning the most seats, Phumtham said Bhumjaithai won the third most seats (71), which means there are a large number of people who support the party.

I flew out of the US east coast on a CX A359 in the three-class configuration in May and it went out full. They have 47 350's currently in the fleet. Future wide body orders are for 21 Boeing 777-9's (aka, 777X). CX has 37 777-300ER and 17 777-300's in use. The carrier appears to be benefiting from the delayed return of the major China carriers to international service. It was my first CX flight and I came away satisfied with the service and on-time performance. I was surprised just how cool the cabin temperature was maintained after the initial meal service was completed. Fortunately, they provide a substantial comforter. CX has reopened its BKK lounge.

From Phnom Penh Post In a surprising turn of events, former Thai prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck attended the birthday celebrations of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on August 5. The festive occasion marked Hun Sen's 72nd birthday. Local media outlet Fresh News shared several pictures of the siblings mingling with Hun Sen's extended family, including the Prime Minister-in-waiting, Hun Manet. The gathering was held at Hun Sen's residence in Takhmao town. Hun Sen disclosed to Fresh News that Thaksin and Yingluck stayed for one night at his residence and had breakfast together on the morning of August 6, before flying out of Cambodia. The relationship between Hun Sen and Thaksin dates back to 1992 when they became God brothers. They have maintained a close connection ever since, even though Thaksin and his sister Yingluck were both ousted from power through coups. The unexpected attendance of the Shinawatras at Hun Sen's birthday adds a new chapter to this intriguing political relationship.

From Rainbowindex.com Updated February 6, 2023 Sauna Mania is located near the gay area of Silom in Bangkok. The venue is dark and not the most up to date, but has friendly service and is set up over a few floors. Amenities include: bar areas, workout room, a cruising maze, private cabins, steam room, sauna, and garden area to interact with new mates (or take a nap if you are too exhausted from fun). The top floor is usually the most cruisy and crowd is mixed from late 20's to mid 40's of Asian men. And, men over 50 must pay a higher entry fee. If you happen to be in the Silom area and want a more adult themed adventure, then stop into Sauna Mania for a little more adventure.

One the financial advantages expats have always cited was the overall "value" of moving to Thailand. Another was the relatively tame inflation rate. Now is seems that both are beginning to evaporate. The increases are way out of proportion to inflation and erode value. Hardest hit will be retirees relying on the Elite visa. And if the cops are intent on keeping Chinese and Russian mobsters out, higher prices for the Elite will have the opposite effect. Those are the very visa seekers to whom money poses no problem; they'll be first in the queue. When bar prices are discussed, punters are quick to cite the Thai approach to compensating for slow business cycles: raise prices. Looks like the Elite folks are taking a page from that strategy as they raise the bar going into low season.

From Thai PBS World Thaksin delays his return again Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced today (Saturday) that he is delaying his return to Thailand again, this time citing medical reasons. Thaksin tweeted that he is postponing his return for no more than two weeks, adding “My doctors say I should have physical examination first.” Thaksin now postponed his return 20 times throughout his 17 years of self-imposed exile. Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006. During his absence, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office sentenced him to a total of 12 years imprisonment in four cases. The postponement of Thaksin’s return coincides with a further delay in selecting the country’s next prime minister, which was due to have taken place yesterday, but which has been delayed until at least August 18.

From Thai PBS World Next vote on new Thai PM could be on August 18th or 19th A joint sitting of parliament is expected to convene on either August 18th or 19th, after the Constitutional Court rules on whether it will consider a petition regarding the renomination of Move Forward leader for prime minister and whether to order the suspension of the process to select a prime minister. House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said today (Saturday) that, as the Court has delayed its consideration to August 16th, parliament plans, subject to that ruling, to reconvene within the following three days, with the intention to select a prime minister. The Ombudsman has submitted a petition to the Court regarding the constitutionality of parliament’s decision on July 19th to vote down the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat for the premiership. Wan Muhamad, speaking as he departed for the ASEAN Inter-Parliament Assembly in Indonesia, reiterated that parliament should wait for the Court’s ruling before making any moves concerning the premiership. On Friday, Wan Muhamad ordered an abrupt end to the joint parliamentary sitting after Move Forward MPs demanded that the chamber reconsider the July 19th decision (now with the Charter Court). The speaker and some senators tried in vain to talk down the demand before closing the meeting. As a result, a discussion on a motion, proposed by Move Forward, to revoke Article 272 of the Constitution, which allows senators to vote for a prime minister, has been delayed until the next parliamentary meeting.

Of the male/female couples I know, it is indeed the wives who make travel decisions. Although most are careful to include a golfing destination.🙂 +1

My point all along: money boys aren’t scammers. They’re the reason why most of come to LOS.