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It must be clear by now, even to you, Mavic, that there will never be an end to this yarn. You're obviously frustrated that you've been taken in by a newbie way above your pay grade. 🙂

With some great waterfront hotels to choose from.

Thailand remains a bargain once you get here. It's getting here that's more expensive.

From CNBC ‘Oppenheimer’ mania pushes Army to warn of long tourist lines at Trinity atomic test site WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army said its upcoming open house of the Trinity Site is expected to receive “a larger than normal crowd” due to the overwhelming popularity of Universal’s “Oppenheimer.” The Trinity Site on White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico is where the world’s first atomic bomb was tested. The film “Oppenheimer,” which premiered Friday and earned $82.4 million over the weekend, tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who oversaw the Manhattan Project that produced the bomb and launched the world into the atomic age. “Due to the release of the movie, Oppenheimer in July, we are expecting a larger than normal crowd at the 21 October open house,” the U.S. Army wrote on its White Sands Missile Range website. “If you are not one of the first 5,000 visitors, you might not get through the gate prior to its’ closure at 2 p.m.,” the statement said, adding that wait times are expected to reach up to two hours. Twice a year the U.S. Army allows visitors to tour the site where the “Gadget,” a six-foot sphere with a grapefruit-sized powerful plutonium heart, was detonated. Following the open house in October, the U.S. Army will allow visitors again on April 6, 2024.

From the BBC Twitter has changed its brand and logo from its famous blue bird to "X". The new white X on a black background has replaced the blue bird on the desktop version of the social network, although is yet to appear on the mobile app. "Tweets" will also be replaced, according to Twitter's owner Elon Musk, and posts will be called "x's". The billionaire changed his profile picture to the new logo and added "X.com" to his Twitter bio. Mr Musk wants to create a "super app" called X - his vision for a new kind of social media platform that he has been talking about creating for months. On Sunday, the billionaire said he was looking to change Twitter's logo, tweeting: "And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds."

I've read occasional reports of four-hand massage members have posted. If memory serves me, they ranged from hot to satisfactory. Although I've yet to avail myself of the pleasure, I do recall a point made frequently by Vinapu and others: ask a guy with whom you have a good relationship to pick the second guy from his shop. That hopefully prevents any awkward experiences. Just be clear with the first guy what your expectations are and leave the rest to him. Can't think of any shops that don't offer four-hand massages. The tip would normally be twice a one-man massage.

From the BBC By Jonathan Head South East Asia correspondent, Phnom Penh Undeterred by the pouring rain, a long convoy of motorbikes carrying cheering, flag-waving supporters of Cambodia's ruling party revved their engines in preparation for their triumphant final rally in downtown Phnom Penh. People dutifully lined the road as far as you could see, party stickers on their cheeks, the sky-blue hats and shirts they had been given to wear getting steadily wetter. Perched on the back of a truck, Hun Manet, the 45-year-old eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, greeted the crowds proclaiming that only the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) was capable of leading the country. Indeed, his father had made sure that the CPP was the only party which could possibly win the election. Hun Sen, 70, has run Cambodia in his trademark pugnacious style for 38 years: first in a Vietnam-installed communist regime, then under a UN-installed multi-party system, and more recently as an increasingly intolerant autocrat. The only party now capable of challenging his rule, the Candlelight Party, was banned from the election on a technicality in May. The remaining 17 parties allowed to contest it were too small or too little-known to pose a threat. A few hours after the polls closed, the CPP claimed the expected landslide, with a turnout of more than 80%. There were quite high levels of spoiled ballot papers in some polling stations: that was probably the only safe way voters could show their support for the opposition. With Hun Manet expected to succeed his father within weeks of the vote, in a long-prepared transfer of power, this felt more like a coronation than an election. "I don't think we can even call it a sham election," says Mu Sochua, an exiled former minister and member of the CNRP, another opposition party banned by the Cambodian authorities in 2017.

From Thai PBS World Several cafés in Thailand have stopped selling mint-chocolate drinks, after the Pheu Thai party met with Bhumjaithai, the United Thai Nation, Chart Pattana Kla and Chartthaipattana parties over the past weekend, to woo them into supporting its prime ministerial candidate and forming a government. Mint-chocolate drinks became widely popular after one of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidates, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stated that it is her favourite drink. Since then, the drink became symbolic of the party and is often served to welcome members of other political parties whenever they visit its headquarters. One of the cafes which stopped selling the drink called it a “betray-your-friend-menu”. Some of them also announced that customers’ orders for the drink will be automatically cancelled on delivery apps, while some cafes went as far as announcing that they will only sell iced Americano and orange juice, a drink symbolic of the Move Forward party and Pita Limjaroenrat’s favourite drink.

From Bangkok Post The number of Covid-19 cases continues to drop, with the fatalities either elderly, people with a chronic disease or unvaccinated, public health permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong said on Monday. Speaking after chairing a meeting of the committee monitoring the Covid-19 situation, Dr Opas said thatlast week 556 people were admitted to hospitals for treatment of Covid-19, an average of 79 per day, and 178 had a severe infection. There were eight fatalities last week, or about one a day. All were of the "608 group" comprising people over 60, those with underlying diseases and pregnant women, or were unvaccinated or had a booster shot more than three months ago. An analysis of the 749 Covid-19 fatalities in 2023, showed people in crowded communities had a high risk of catching the virus from other family members. He said 116 of those deaths were in Bangkok. Dr Opas said it was still necessary to continue with the vaccination campaign. =================== From Thai News Agenccy BANGKOK, July 24 (TNA) – Health authorities are eyeing the declaration of dengue fever outbreak zones after the number of dengue cases has exceeded 5,000 per week. The accumulated number of cases has already reached nearly 40,000 since the beginning of the year, with over 40 reported deaths. The Department of Disease Control director-general, Dr Thares Krasanairawiwong said that during a teleconference on Friday, he told health officials in 18 provinces where the numbers of dengue patients has increased continuously to curb the diseases in the next four weeks from July 21 to August 18. Thsoe provinces are Bangkok, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Tak, Phetchaburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Krabi, Songkhla, Satun, Phuket and Narathiwat.

The proof is that you believe this stuff. 😉

From Bangkok Post he Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is warning people over a new form of cyber scam in which Android smartphone users are duped into believing they were updating their ThaID app in way that allows the scammers to remotely control their phones and steal their money. The CCIB was alerted by the Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) that many people have fallen victim to the ruse, said Pol Col Kissana Phathanacharoen, spokesman for the CCIB. The department is responsible for the ThaID app, a mobile phone application that allows Thai citizens to substitute their ID with a digital version which they can use to receive government services or for identify themselves in certain situations such as when boarding a plane. All victims had received an SMS with a link directing them to add a fake ThaID official Line account and were lured into believing they were chatting with a DPA official, said Pol Col Kissana. During the chat, victims were tricked into giving personal information, six-digit phone passcodes for iBanking apps, and instructed to install an APK (app package) file that let their phones be remotely controlled, he said. The scammers used this access to transfer money to bank accounts, he said. These online scammers often change their tricks as they keep conning people, he said. In the past, they posed as officials from various government organisations and companies including the Revenue Department, Department of Special Investigation, Department of Lands, Provincial Electricity Authority, Provincial Waterworks Authority, Thai Lion Air and Thai Life Insurance. The CCIB has asked people not to click on links sent via SMS. DPA does not have a Line Official Account and does not have a policy to send SMS messages to people, he said.

There's a difference between "generic" and "authoritative". You want people to believe that you're a gay man coming to Thailand who has very specific questions about oral sex and you think total strangers will provide the best advice? That's nonsensical. You claim that you're "not experienced" but in your OP said you "particularly love being blown." Sounds like experience to me.

Can you cite a current source for this claim? I recall reading a similar figure but I believe it dated to over a few decades ago.

From The Thaiger Pattaya entertainment venues near U-Tapao airport get 24-hour operations approval In an effort to stimulate the tourism sector, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a proposal that promotes round-the-clock operations of Pattaya entertainment venues. However, this permit is specifically allocated to the region around U-Tapao International Airport. The allowance is aimed at servicing transient passengers who wish to enjoy a relaxing drink while awaiting their flight schedules, not extending to the operations of beach and nightclubs that are active both day and night, expressed Pattaya Entertainment Association Secretary, Damrongkiet Pinitkarn. Damrongkiet shed light on the fact that the 24-hour operations proposal does not currently extend to the entertainment establishments in Pattaya. But he swiftly followed this clarification with the revelation that the entertainment venue owners in Pattaya are ardently requesting for their operating closing hours to be extended to 4am legally. This request also ties up with zoning expansions in Pattaya, both of which have been primarily forwarded to the relevant agencies. However, the final decisions are pending till the country successfully transitions to a new government and Prime Minister. Damrongkiet suggested that if a zoning expansion is given the green signal, it should not negatively impact the residential communities in the locality. It is worth noting that the current proposal in the talks primarily emphasises on extending the entertainment zones from Central Pattaya to portions of Jomtien, Naklua, and Eastern Pattaya. A closer observation reveals that there already exists a good number of bars and entertainment facilities, particularly in Jomtien. However, technically speaking, they should ideally function only as restaurants without any hostess, music, or entertainment, abiding by the 2002 zoning laws.

From Thai PBS World One of the oldest markets in Thailand’s capital, Tha Tien is a must-visit tourist destination, thanks to its location in the old town, a rich historical background, and the diverse cultures of Thai citizens of various backgrounds. But this historical quarter is not just recommended for foreign visitors but also for Thai locals and expatriates who will be fascinated by the multifaceted charms it has to offer. Nestled in the heart of so-called Rattanakosin Island, the Tha Tien community is bursting with treasures and historical sites as well as relatively newer lifestyle options such as cafés, bars and restaurants. It recently played host to the Tha Tien Festival. Held from July 21 to 23, the event featured a range of activities including a walking tour. Visitors could choose three walking routes – Foodies, Mutelu (a fusion of different spiritual and mystical beliefs, creating a unique and complex system of faith and practices in Thai culture) and Cultural. Of course, no single route can provide a thorough understanding of the area so anyone wishing to learn more is well advised to return. The word “Tha” means port and Tha Tien was an important area for maritime trade in the past. There are several theories as to the origin of its name. Some say that it came from multiple fires in this area. Others believe that it was established by a group of refugees who sought shelter from wars during the Thonburi period. These refugees migrated from Hatinh and eventually transformed the area into the community now known as Tha Tien. Whatever the reason behind the name, this former maritime port area drew people of different nationalities to conduct business. The Kingdom’s very first distribution centre of goods, it quickly became a melting pot of cultures including Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mon. Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahavihard or Wat Pho, sometimes referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, served as the religious backbone of the community and remains its most important historical and cultural site. The Mutelu tour invites visitors to experience the attractions on the other side of Thai Tien, notably the iconic Phra Prang Wat Arun. As part of the tour, visitors are also introduced to the talk-of-the-town Phra Prang’s tile pattern ice-cream. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tha-tien-old-bangkok-at-its-very-best/

Can't figure out why you persist in seeking medical advice about the possible outcomes of sexual activity on a this website when you can easily find expert professional opinions with a simple Google search. First, You have no idea what you're missing. Second, it's prima facie evidence that this is a hoax.

From Travel and Leisure In the ancient city of Luang Prabang, even popular spots feel intimate. Boats cruise the Mekong River — almost all head out around golden hour and cruise through twilight — yet it seems as if you’re floating alone on this iconic waterway, which flows from China to Vietnam and through Northern Laos on its way. As I lay on the wooden deck of a traditional slow boat, one that Sofitel Luang Prabang uses for guests, I watched the outline of the hills in the distance, and in the foreground, fishermen standing on their respective sampans. For a moment, time stood still; it was just the fishermen, me, and the Mekong. Visitor numbers have surged here in recent months (mostly due to the border with neighboring China reopening), but Luang Prabang remains relatively under the radar among U.S. travelers. Should someone arrive in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, they can access Luang Prabang via a new high-speed rail link that takes just two hours; the route will soon continue north and up to China. However, if you’re like me, you will fly in from Bangkok. From there, Air Asia and Bangkok Airways offer daily service for the less than two-hour flight to Vientiane. Some 500,000 people, across more than 60 different ethnic groups, call Luang Prabang home, the Khmu, Lao Loum, and Hmong being the largest Indigenous nations. People here live a decidedly laid-back and unhurried life. It’s a stark contrast to, say, Bangkok or Saigon, neighboring Southeast Asian cities that offer international flights to this former royal capital. In early May, the region was hot and steamy, the sky a hazy grayish-blue and permanently on the cusp of a storm that would provide temporary relief. I spent my early mornings and late evenings on the quietest streets of Luang Prabang, which you’ll find on the promontory of the historic district between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, east of the Royal Palace. These streets contain the largest number of heritage buildings and are a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the markets. The morning market, operating from around 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily, is located in a mini-maze of alleys and backstreets near the center of town. It’s the place to be if you want to get a taste of how people here really live. Most of the vendors — who sell everything from grilled sticky rice (khao jee) and mung bean coconut rice cakes to sun-cured pork naem, plus the day’s catch — are set up on the ground. The night market operates from around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily and is more of a tourist-focused affair, with an array of vendors setting up shop on streets that are closed to cars. While the red and blue tents along the main thoroughfare sell souvenirs and art pieces, the market has street food galore as well, like Laotian baguettes, laap, and green papaya salad. Continues at https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-visit-luang-prabang-laos-7555706

You both make good cases for Pattaya. My lack of motivation to visit is primarily because I'm not the beach person I was 30 years ago. I have no problem finding the type of guys and venues in Bangkok that more than satisfy my needs. But I never say never and appreciate your feedback.

From VN Express Southeast Asia has recently emerged as an ideal hub for global retirees thanks to its tropical weather and cheap cost of living, but only four countries now offer visas specifically for global retirees. Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, offers a visa for elderly and retired individuals with a period of one year, which can be renewed annually for up to five years. Those holding the retirement visa are not allowed to work in Indonesia. To be eligible for the visa, foreigners aged 55 years and above, who can provide a guarantee letter from a tourism board as a guarantor, are required to show a proof of at least $1,500 a month in funds and health insurance. They also need to submit a proof of accommodation in Indonesia and proof of having employed an Indonesian maid or domestic helper. Since 2002, Malaysia has launched a retirement visa policy called "Malaysia My Second Home Program" in which applicants are divided into age-based categories of 25 to 49 years and 50 years and above. The visa program allows foreigners to live in Malaysia for up to 10 years. Those under the age of 50 must have liquid assets worth a minimum of RM500,000 ($118,500) and an offshore income of at least RM10,000 ($2,370) per month. For those from 50 and above, they are required to have at least RM350,000 in liquid assets and an offshore income of at least RM10,000 per month. Obtaining a retirement visa in Malaysia enables foreign retirees to purchase a house, set up their business and get a domestic helper. Thailand recently introduced a special policy for retirees aged 50 years and over with a 10-year multiple entry renewable visa, fast-track service at Thai airports, tax exemption for overseas income and a work permit among other privileges. To be eligible for the visa policy, foreign retirees are required to have an annual pension or stable income of at least $80,000 per year at the time of application. The Philippines, home to more than 64,000 foreign retirees, has launched a Special Residence Retiree's Visa program, allowing wealthy foreigners to hold a multiple-entry visa and the right to reside in the Philippines indefinitely. For those at least 50 years old and above, they need to have a deposit of $10,000 and a monthly pension of $800. Deposits for applicants aged 35 to 49 years old was $50,000 while those aged from 50 and above who do not receive monthly pension need to have a deposit of $20,000.

From Thai PBS News Malaysia’s government halted a music festival in the capital Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, a day after the frontman of British pop rock band The 1975 kissed a male bandmate onstage and criticised the country’s anti-LGBT laws. “There will be no compromise against any party that challenges, disparages and violates Malaysian laws,” Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said in a Twitter post after meeting the organisers of the Good Vibes Festival, a three-day event set to run until Sunday. The 1975 have also been banned from performing in Malaysia, said a government committee that oversees filming and performances by foreigners. Homosexuality is a crime in Muslim-majority Malaysia. Rights groups have warned of growing intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. In videos posted on social media late on Friday, Healy was seen kissing bassist Ross MacDonald after criticising Malaysia‘s stance against homosexuality in a profanity-laden speech to the festival audience. “I made a mistake. When we were booking shows, I wasn’t looking into it,” he said. “I don’t see the fucking point … of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with.” Healy later cut short the set, telling the crowd: “All right, we’ve got to go. We just got banned from Kuala Lumpur, I’ll see you later.” The band could not immediately be reached for comment. Healy was criticised for kissing a male fan at a 2019 concert in the United Arab Emirates, which also has laws against homosexual acts, media reported. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/malaysia-halts-music-festival-after-same-sex-kiss-by-uk-band-the-1975/

Indeed.

Suggest checking websites of Saphan Kwai shops. There are a hundred plus photos to peruse. Walk past the shops on Silom, Soi 6 and Surawong for a sampling on what's available for sidewalk viewing. Check websites, twitter and FB pages of shops like Apollo, Jey Spa and today's newest entry, District 39.

HM management knows the formula for success and takes on new talent who buy into it. Bar should survive any competition. Actually, I think it may be healthy addition to the soi.

From Pattaya Mail The government is considering allowing entertainment venues in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) provinces to open all night to boost tourism in the region. The proposal to allow entertainment venues to open 24 hours in the provinces of Chonburi, Chachoengsao, and Rayong was accepted by the cabinet on Tuesday. Damrongkiat Phinitkan, secretary of the Entertainment and Tourism Association of Pattaya City, expressed his optimism that the plan will benefit local companies and revitalize the region’s tourism economy. According to Damrongkiat, entrepreneurs in Pattaya have expressed readiness to comply with regulations if the plan is approved. He said that bars and restaurants could remain open until late at night, while walking streets may remain open until the early hours of the morning. He also assures that if the new guidelines are followed correctly, the operation of all-night entertainment establishments will have no negative impact on local communities. The secretary also expressed his belief that, if the plan is approved, Pattaya will be able to compete with other world-class tourism destinations in Europe, South Korea, and Japan. (NNT)