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Latest travel restrictions “need immediate amendment” From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Effective early today Monday January 9 Thai time, airlines round the world are instructed to ensure that their passengers to Thailand have documentation to prove at least two anti-covid jabs, no matter how old. The exceptions are children under 18, pregnant mothers, Thai nationals and foreigners holding Department of Employment work or labor permits. Unvaccinated passengers must show a doctor’s letter why they are jabless, presumably for reasons of pre-existing health conditions. However, some unconfirmed reports say unvaccinated tourists are being allowed to board by some airlines with the proviso they will be delayed for testing by Thai health authorities on landing. The latest regulations do not, immediately, include land border crossings. Consequently, the hi-speed rail route from the Chinese border to Vientiane, capital of Laos, is booked solid because of its proximity to the major crossing point at Nong Khai via the Friendship Bridge. Other reports indicate that passengers from Europe are trying to exchange their air tickets to Bangkok for Cambodia’s Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport. From Cambodia, entry by land to Thailand is fairly straightforward via several immigration check points. nbound air passengers to Thailand do not require any travel insurance, or hospital cover for covid, unless their next air destination after Thailand is a country which insists on covid checks on entry. Examples include China and India which both require RT-PCR tests before boarding flights there. The required Thai insurance is a minimum of US$10,000 and must cover potential hospitalization whilst in Thailand. Whether the Thai health system can provide enough RT-PCR tests, within 48 hours of the flight to China for example leaving, is unclear. Pattaya hospitals told Pattaya Mail they don’t have the stocks. Unconfirmed reports say self-administered antigen tests may replace hospital-stamped certificates to cope with that issue. The international press and social media are dismayed by the sudden imposition of new health requirements just as Thailand recovers from the covid-induced tourist starvation. They argue that the measures are a botched attempt to deal with high covid infection rates in China without seeming to single out China for special treatment. The Thai tourism minister and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are both pressurizing the Cabinet to reverse the restrictions on the grounds of “non-feasibility”. In Thai fashion, any changes will be announced without prior warning. In the meantime, passengers with questions should consult their airline as the main thrust of checking has been thrown on check-in staff. Further checks at Thai immigration on landing are unlikely except on a random basis in order to avoid more chaos. Unless you are coughing or sweating of course.

From Pattaya Mail Long-time resident and former Honorary British Consul in Pattaya, Barry Kenyon provides a very informative talk on Thai laws and court system and how to stay safe legally. The guest speaker for the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) at their Wednesday, January 4, meeting was Barry Kenyon who offered some wise advice on how to stay out of legal trouble while living in Thailand. His talk covered reasons why foreigners are typically arrested in Pattaya and what happens to them as well as areas foreigners get involved in civil cases such as disputed wills or seeking compensation. He also pointed out some key differences between Thai and Western courts and offered some advice to follow if you by chance are arrested. Barry also covered what made several elderly Pattaya Bridge Club players get their 15 minutes of fame in 2016 when 30 members of the Pattaya Bridge Club were arrested for alleged gambling including himself. Barry is imminently qualified to offer general advice on how to stay safe legally in Thailand. He has lived mostly in Pattaya for the past 30 years. During this period, he has worked in various capacities for the British Embassy, including being the Honorary British Consul in Pattaya and a volunteer assisting Expats at Pattaya’s Immigration Office. He has had a varied past career as a Latin teacher, a police officer, and a college executive. He is now largely retired but is a part time advisor for a large international law company based next to Jomtien immigration. He also writes for the internet and Pattaya Mail mostly on tourist and immigration subjects. Alcohol is usually involved for most foreigners that get arrested whether it be driving or belligerence leading to more serious offenses such as assault or other violent acts. Barry noted that in cases of assault, there must be medical evidence to support the allegation. Another area where many foreigners may be arrested is for committing drug offenses. Foreigners violating Immigration law by overstaying their permitted time in Thailand is another leading cause for their being arrested. Barry noted that overstay offenses are now more easily detected through use of better technology. Barry also described several issues involving working illegally in Thailand. Barry also explained the differences between Thai court procedures and that of Western countries. One being there are no jury trials in Thailand eliminating the adversarial aspects during court proceedings. The case is heard by Thai judges and a case may drag on for a lengthy period as the trial may involve several sessions with months between them thus dragging on for years. Some other differences is there is no transcript of the testimony and legal precedence does not play as important a part with judges having wide latitude on judging a case as well as in imposing sentences. He also highlighted some areas of civil law such as disputed wills and divorces along with the method used to collect damages if one wins a judgement. He also offered advice on how to act if you are arrested, the first being to remain calm. He mentioned that while being processed and before being placed in a cell, you will likely still be in possession of your mobile phone; use it. Call your friends to let them know where you are and what is happening. He did mention that having a good attorney to call can be beneficial, but then defined a good attorney is one that doesn’t turn their phone off when they go to bed. Barry also emphasized that you should not sign any documents which will be in Thai and most likely an admission of guilt. As part of his presentation, Barry mentioned several aspects of the infamous Bridge Club raid of 2016 in which he and 29 other elderly participants were arrested and that it took over 3 years to finally resolve the case. Although the gambling charge was eventually dropped, there were in fact some violation of other Thai laws including a very old one adopted during the Japanese occupation of Thailand during WW2. MC Ren Lexander than mentioned some upcoming events before calling on George Wilson to conduct the Open Forum portion of the meeting where the audience comment and ask questions about Expat living in Thailand. To view Barry’s presentation, visit the PCEC’s YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6icUdorzzz4. To learn more about the PCEC, visit their website at: https://pcec.club.

From Thai PBS World Free COVID-19 vaccinations stepped up ahead of increased foreign arrivals Due to an anticipated increase in foreign arrivals, Chinese tourists in particular, everyone, especially the those over 60, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, those who weigh over 90kg, small children and those who have not been vaccinated, have been urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or to get booster shots. COVID-19 infections are on the rise in several provinces. In the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, for instance, over 600 cases were reported last week alone, with 14 fatalities, most of whom were unvaccinated. The vaccination services are free of charge for Thais and foreigners at state hospitals or health centres nationwide. In Bangkok, people who want to get vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine can just walk in to the Institute of Dermatology, near the Victory Monument, or make advance bookings. The institute will provide a free vaccination service from 9am until 3pm on January 12th, 13th and 16th to 20th. Those who received their last vaccine dose over four months ago are advised to get another booster shot. ======== Barry Kenyon writes in today's Pattaya Mail that "All air passengers of any nationality, aged 18 and over, will need documentary proof of at least two anti-covid vaccine shots. The same paperwork could be required too by Thai immigration on landing, although this latter step may be on an occasional or random basis as the main thrust is on the shoulders of the air carriers. Unvaccinated or undocumented travellers will likely be refused boarding as will those who appear sick. "Most air arrivals will not be required to show tourist or anti-covid health insurance under the CAAT ruling. However, those arriving in Thailand with onward tickets to destinations which require RT-PCR clinical testing as part of that country’s immigration requirements will need Thai insurance. For example, both India and China both require all entrants, including their own nationals, to have RT-PCR health tests within 48 hours of their flights from Thailand. Thus Thai health insurance is needed for such travellers in case they fail their pre-flight covid examination here. "No guidance is given in the CAAT circular about the details of such insurance. It will presumably need to specify potential hospitalization in case of proving covid-positive whilst in Thailand. As with the vaccination record check, the main responsibility will be with the airlines to check carefully the onward travel plans of their customers, or risk heavy fines if they are less than diligent. The extra costs of insurance could deter some Chinese tourists from visiting Thailand as the financial blow has already caused some Indians to cancel Thai holidays. It is also unclear whether Thai hospitals and clinics have the staff or resources suddenly to guarantee thousands of RT-PCR within 48 hours of intended departure at a low cost, a potentially mammoth task."

From Thai PBS World Princess Bajrakitiyabha remains unconscious and under treatment in hospital Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati has been and remains unconscious, and doctors are still treating her with medications. She is also on a life support system, to support the function of her heart, lungs and kidneys, and to enable close monitoring of her condition, the Bureau of the Royal Household said on Sunday. The Princess fell unconscious due to a heart problem and was admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital on December 15th. Doctors at the hospital have attributed the initial collapse to an extremely irregular heart beat, induced by Mycoplasma infection, resulting in unconsciousness.

I got the Suan Plu address through an internet search and got the wrong shop. I think the LINE map link is the accurate location. Thanks for catching that.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The demand for Russian flights to U-tapao airport, neighboring Pattaya, is being described as insatiable. Almost daily, Air Azov and Red Wings are now delivering 2,000-plus passengers on six charter flights from various Russian cities including Moscow, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and even Kazan which is the country’s fifth largest urban complex and situated by the Volga. These arrivals are on top of daily, multiple scheduled flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. Most Russians will return after their vacation, but a sizeable minority is here to stay as long as possible as retirees or entrepreneurs. Some younger men and those with families are evading conscription to fight in the Ukraine war, or seeking to settle as global expats. Pattaya immigration is deluged with requests from Russians for certificates of address to open bank accounts and apply for driving licences. Indeed, there is a standing half-joke that, within a few years, more Russians than Thais will own healthy Thai bank balances or own plush vehicles. The Russian love affair with Pattaya goes back decades and annual arrivals almost touched 2 million before the pandemic struck in early 2020. Some believe that this figure has already been exceeded in the last twelve months. Welcome signs beckon in Russian in convenience stores in “Little Moscow”, a Naklua suburb near Pattaya: davai (take it) and deshyovyi (cheap). Thai tailors report a booming business in made-to-order clothes whilst the tills ring merrily in retail outlets from stylish malls to corner jewelry stores. Closed parties with champagne freely flowing are reported in several of the resort’s five star hotels. Thailand Privilege, the owner of the Elite visa, reports intense interest amongst Russians for longstay visas from 5-20 years. The less affluent are renewing their immigration entry stamps by crowding the organized minibus trips to the Cambodian border where a further 45 days visa exempt is available the same day. “Russians don’t want temples and culture, they want sun and fun,” according to a Moscow tours representative. “Pattaya is our main business now,” she adds, “and we have clients who light their cigars with a 1,000 baht (US$30) note.” Lining up next are the Chinese who are expected to pour into Pattaya once more flights are available and pending the opening of Chinese passport issuing offices, a service cancelled for almost three years of coronavirus. But the market is much bigger than short-visit tourists. Xiaohongshu, China’s answer to Instagram, is awash with the benefits of emigrating to Thailand where international schools are cheap and the latest generation longstay Thai visas, notably the 10-year Long Term Residence with its inbuilt work permit, is attracting lots of attention. Some Chinese investors want the freedom to travel in and out of China at their discretion. They are already the biggest group of foreign buyers of property in Thailand, according to the Real Estate Information Center, with 3,500 units snapped up last year at an average price of US$150,000. In Pattaya, Chinese investors own at least half of all foreign-owned condominium flats. They don’t necessarily intend to live here: the idea is to rent them out. Almost 30 percent of all near-40 million foreign tourists in Thailand were Chinese nationals in 2019. There has long been a debate about how Pattaya is changing and the prospects for neo (new) Pattaya in the post-pandemic world. The unprecedented surge in Russian and Chinese immigration – not simply tourism – will likely have titanic consequences not yet unfolded. They likely involve a continuing rise in the general cost of living as demand begins to exceed supply against a rapidly shrinking Thai workforce owing to a falling birthrate. Even more significantly, it is an open question whether Pattaya’s infrastructure, traffic routes and local government services can handle a surge of this proportion. The jury will be out a long time.

From Thai PIS World Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob and Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will be at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Monday to welcome the first group of Chinese tourists to visit Thailand post COVID pandemic. The visitors will fly into Bangkok in a 289-seat Boeing-789, on a direct flight from Xiamen operated by XiamenAir. The plane is scheduled to touch down at 12.50pm. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand says that, during the first three months of this year, about 338 flights from China will fly into Suvarnabhumi airport, including 98 in January, 144 in February and 96 in March. At Phuket International Airport, there will be one flight from China each day between February 15th and 17th, then the flights will be increased to four a day from February 18th to March 25th. At Chiang Mai International Airport, the first direct flight from China will land on March 15th. There will be about 200 flights during the three-month period, with 42 flights in January, 84 in February and 74 in March. About five million Chinese tourists are expected to visit Thailand this year after their government decided to ease travel restrictions, effective from Sunday, January 8th.

At 1,400-baht per 90-minute session, it lives up to its name. LOCATION: 167 / 5-6 Soi Suanplu 6, South Sathorn Road, Thungmahamek, Bangkok +66 94 818 5122

My favorite spot in Hanoi. From Vietnam Times The year 1940, when the famous "Sword Lake" collection by photographer Harrison Forman was taken, seems a lifetime ago. Hanoi has changed in many ways, surviving foreign invaders to become a thriving capital city. Sword Lake is emblematic of these changes, with details from yesteryear and today’s world. Yet, seeing the same location captured in black and white pictures placed next to the modern time's colored pictures, one can spot the strong resemblance between the past and the present in spite of the 82-year gap. Continues with photos https://vietnamtimes.org.vn/in-photos-sword-lake-of-today-and-yesteryear-54119.html

From Pattaya News Chonburi Police Region 2 is hunting down a mysterious murderer who shot and killed a retired British engineer yesterday, January 5th. The gruesome shooting occurred while the victim, Mr. Neil Lewis Roger, was traveling home on his red Scoopy I motorbike in Soi Khao Makok 1 in the Huai Yai subdistrict of Banglamung district, Chonburi. The 70-year-old was shot four times and passed away instantly on the spot. Pol. Lt. Col. Ittipon told The Pattaya News the motive behind the murder still cannot be disclosed, but he assured the media that the case is progressing well. He said authorities are gathering all types of evidence including three gun shells found at the scene and CCTV recordings around the area. Police met the victim’s wife, Ms. Thitiphan Kamlas, at the incident scene. As she mourned her beloved’s death, the 38-year-old Thai said the victim was a British engineer who chose to retire in Pattaya. He just returned to Thailand from England on January 4th after visiting his ill older sister. On the day of the shooting, the victim reportedly went to a party with friends in Pattaya and did not come back home. The wife said she grew worried and was heartbroken when the authorities called her about his loss. Ms. Thitiphan stated she did not know if the victim had any enemies.

From Thai PBS World 33 million baht to change of the name of Bang Sue Grand Station The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has provided full details of the expenses involved in changing the name of Bang Sue Grand Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal, in defence of its 33 million baht estimated cost, viewed by critics as being too expensive. On the characters to be replaced, the SRT said that there are 48 Thai characters and 62 English letters to be changed, not 56 as widely misunderstood, plus two logos. The name plates are on both the eastern and western sides of the station. The budget is not only for changing the name and the installation of the new name plates, but also covers the expense of the removal of the old name plates, changes of glass and aluminium panels, the lighting system rearrangement, designing and structural engineering works, plus insurance coverage for 365 days, said the SRT. The new name, Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal, which means “Bangkok’s prosperity”, was presented to the SRT by His Majesty the King in September last year.

You may be thinking of Maggie Choo's. Have never been there but here's a description from Hotels.com website: Maggie Choo's Bar is part of the Novotel Bangkok Silom Road Hotel. It can be hard to spot – you enter the bar through a small old wooden Chinese door outside the hotel. A flight of stairs takes you to a tiny Cantonese restaurant that’s reminiscent of the prohibition era of 1930s Shanghai. The bar is behind a black curtain on the side of the restaurant, which adds to its classy speakeasy theme. Maggie Choo's Bar has many massive private vault doors, oil paintings of sailing ships hanging on dark brick walls, and bust statues of Queen Victoria. From 10pm onwards, the mood changes with live jazz music, with renowned artists playing on weekends. DJs and rock bands often perform at Maggie Choo's Bar, attracting a mixed crowd. Drinks-wise, Maggie Choo's Bar Bangkok serves a decent selection of imported wines, beers and whiskeys, together with a decadent cocktail list. Location: Novotel Bangkok Silom Road, 320 Silom Rd, Suriyawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Open: Friday from 7.30pm to 3am, Saturday–Thursday from 7.30pm to 2am Phone: +66 (0)2 206 9100

Maybe it has a little bit to do with the guys. 😉

Didn't know that. What's the attraction--besides the guys? Climate, cost of living or just being around like-minded folks?

From Pattaya Mail According to Forbes, a leading financial and business magazine, which has written an article on the topic “Quit Your Job And Move Abroad: 10 Cheapest Places To Live,” Thailand ranks 9 — and it is the only place in Asia that made it into the top 10. There is an interesting passage introducing Thailand: “There is no doubt that the allure of Thailand begins with its sun drenched, warm climate and appeals to those who have a keen sense of adventure and an eye for natural and cultural beauty.” On the topic “Where to Move,” it says, “Its diverse natural beauty means that expats are spread from islands surrounded by emerald waters, the high-rise metropolis of Bangkok or the rice fields and laidback lifestyle of Northern Thailand.” And as for the cost, “Thailand is affordable, especially when it comes to real estate.” 1st place – Portugal; 2nd place – Mexico; 3rd place – Panama; 4th place – Ecuador; 5th place – Costa Rica; 6th place – Spain; 7th place – Greece; 8th place – France; 9th place – tie between Italy and Thailand. The original Forbes article can be viewed at https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2023/01/02/quit-your-job-and-move-abroad-10-cheapest-places-to-live-in-the-world

From Forbes Nearly 28% of the 524 passenger arrivals from mainland China at Taiwan’s top international airport on Sunday tested positive for Covid, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center, or CECC. Taiwan starting on Jan. 1 is requiring travelers from the mainland to take a saliva-based test when arriving, the Central News Agency reported.

How about someone else's body?

The Bangkok Post is reporting separately that ALL visitors must show proof of at lest two covid vaccinations. From Thailand News Agency BANGKOK, Jan 5 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand was well prepared to welcome visitors from around the world including those who would start to arrive from China next week while relevant officials would be monitoring the COVID-19 situation. After chairing a meeting on measures to welcome visitors, Mr Anutin said that existing disease control measures in the country were effective enough and would be applied to all visitors regardless of the countries from which they would arrive. “In case that some countries require their arrivals to pass RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 before trips, such travelers will be required to have health insurance. This will benefit them if they are infected and must stay in Thailand until their recovery. Therefore, tourists should have their health insurance before visiting Thailand,” the health minister said. He also planned to set up an operation center to monitor the COVID-19 situation and respond to emergency situations. The center will gather officials from three ministries and relevant organizations. Mr Anutin said that measures could be revised to suit changing situations. (TNA)

Sorry to hear about this. Did this happen in Bangkok or Pattaya?

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon House of Representatives speaker Chuan Leekpai is warning that the next general election, provisionally set for May 7 2023, is likely to see rampant vote buying as some politicians continue to mix money with politics. He is appealing for the public to vote for honest politicians to put an end to the familiar cycle of corruption which could lead to yet another military putsch to restore order. Thailand has, on average, experienced a coup attempt every seven years in the last 90 years, most of them successful. Mr Chuan foresees a negative scenario in which no party will win enough seats to form a government, resulting in a scramble for power with no holds barred. A further complication is that the unelected Senate, all of whose 250 members were appointed by the military following the 2014 coup, has significant voting rights in choosing the next prime minister. Military-backed parties in the upcoming election hold a number of key advantages apart from control of the Senate. They include a host of laws to keep the opposition on the back foot, the highest-quality surveillance technology, an obedient electoral commission and a party list system which few mortals can understand. The army is the country’s largest landowner apart from the separately controlled national parks. The main opposition parties are Pheu Thai, traditionally associated with the Shinawatra family, and the more radical Move Forward Party. But they are split on important political issues such as political leadership, the lese majeste treason laws and legalization of recreational cannabis. Although the current army chief, general Narongpan Jitkaewtae has stated the chances of another coup are “zero”, the danger exists that domestic violence following a disputed poll would lead to demands for the army to step in to avoid chaos, to end corruption and to protect the monarchy. A review of past Thai coups suggests that ongoing violence on the streets is a likely precursor of a military putsch. The 2014 intervention, created the day after martial law was declared by the army, was very much in the traditional mold. Chaiyan Chaiaporn, a lecturer in political science at Chulalongkorn University, predicted that no party will gain enough seats to be confident of victory. “It’s going to be quite complicated putting together a government,” he told the Bangkok Post this week. Coup historian Francis Ritchie said, “Thailand’s addiction to coups is well-known, but I personally think that calmer heads will prevail after the next election. There are no good coups on offer.”

From The Thaiger The Thai Hotels Association last night reported that tourists from India are cancelling trips to Thailand in their droves after their government insisted that returning travellers produce a negative Covid-19 test before reentering the country. The new mandate has come as a shock to Indian holidaymakers as the rest of the world contemplates what to do with returning Chinese tourists. China announced last month it is reopening its borders to foreign travellers on Sunday, January 8 and scrapping quarantine rules.The Thai Hotels Association last night reported that tourists from India are cancelling trips to Thailand in their droves after their government insisted that returning travellers produce a negative Covid-19 test before reentering the country. The new mandate has come as a shock to Indian holidaymakers as the rest of the world contemplates what to do with returning Chinese tourists. China announced last month it is reopening its borders to foreign travellers on Sunday, January 8 and scrapping quarantine rules.Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter President Sanphet Supbowornsathian revealed the Indian government’s decision to produce negative RT-PCR tests has left many travellers reconsidering holidays to Thailand.Sanphet reported that India imposed the rule on tourists coming back from Thailand, China (including Hong Kong), Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. “The mandatory RT-PCR tests raise the costs of tourists and they are delaying their visits. Only small groups (of Indian tourists) remain. “Major Indian tour firms as reporting that some of their customers had postponed their planned trips for a few months.“The situation was affecting hoteliers and restaurateurs in Pattaya, as Indian tourists were a major market for the resort city and for Thailand.”

From the BBC By Jonathan Head South East Asia correspondent Kwanmueang and his mahout Lek have returned to their home town as the tourism industry changes As he ambles in for his annual health check, Kwanmueang's size takes your breath away. Nearly three metres high at the shoulder, weighing at least four tonnes, and with spectacular tusks that curve together until they almost touch, the 18-year-old Thai bull elephant is an imposing sight. Yet he and his keeper, or mahout, Sornsiri "Lek" Sapmak, are in trouble. They used to make a living by having Kwanmueang take part in ceremonies to ordain new monks, or dress up as a war elephant for re-enacting historic battles. All that stopped during the Covid lockdowns. More elephants are used for tourism in Thailand - over 3,000 - than anywhere else. Unlike other countries with captive populations, those in Thailand are nearly all privately owned. So the collapse of tourism during the pandemic has had a devastating impact on the elephants and their owners, who no longer earn enough to look after them. Even as tourism starts to recover, another threat hangs over this unique industry. Ethical concerns over how captive animals are kept and trained are prompting many foreign visitors to boycott the elephant shows, which were once a staple of tour groups, raising questions over whether elephant tourism can ever go back to what it was before Covid. Lek and Kwanmueang have come back to Lek's home village in Surin province - a region whose people are famed for their skill in keeping, training, and in the past capturing, elephants. Lek is not alone. Hundreds of other elephants have returned to Surin from tourist hot spots like Phuket and Chiang Mai, where they made money by performing tricks or giving rides to foreign visitors. Walking through these villages is a disarming experience. Nearly every house has one or more elephants chained up in their front yards, or resting under trees. You get used to seeing the huge animals plodding along the road, their mahouts straddling their broad necks, and when driving you learn to take care to move around them. Boonyarat "Joy" Salangam owns four elephants, which she and her partner brought back from Phuket when tourism dried up in 2020. One is a playful baby, penned in with its mother in an enclosure Joy built in front of her house. "Covid stopped everything," she says. "The mahouts, owners and elephants have all been unemployed. In the tourist camps the females are kept apart from the bulls, but here we have all been hanging out together, and the elephants have been having sex. We don't force them. They do it in their own time. So the population is increasing." Joy says she thought about selling her baby elephant to raise funds - they can fetch as much as a luxury car - but worried about how well he would be looked after. Joy has lived with his mother, who is 39 years old, nearly all of her life, and inherited her from her grandparents. The mahouts too may live for decades with the same elephant from when they are both young, sometimes choosing to sleep with them, taking them to lakes or rivers to bathe in the evening, and keeping a close eye on their health. That has been a challenge under Covid. Continues with video and photos https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63858123

Cambodia places no restrictions on China visitors From Phnom Penh Post PHNOM PENH – Cambodia will not follow in other countries’ footsteps in imposing any additional restrictions towards arrivals from mainland China, amid concerns that soaring Covid-19 cases there could drive the emergence of new and potentially more dangerous variants of the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister Hun Sen affirmed on January 2. This comes as China moves to reopen to inbound and outbound tourism on January 8, while the Kingdom plans to capture pent-up travel demand, welcoming an estimated two million mainland Chinese visitors this year, according to the premier. Hun Sen was speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for a Mekong River bridge and connecting road in Kratie province that are due to be built in part with a concessional loan from the Chinese government. “We’ve all seen the unfortunate but frightening propaganda about the Covid-19 epidemic in China. Those who will be strict when it comes to China, let them do so since that’d just benefit Cambodia,” he said. “Let’s say that [a Chinese traveller] wants to go to some country, but it requires Chinese people to do this or that. Cambodia won’t have such requirements,” the premier explained, issuing an invitation for mainlanders to “come travel [to the Kingdom] as per normal”.

Republicans are taking a page from Ronald Reagan's famous 1966 “eleventh commandment”: “Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican.” It's no wonder you--and many Americans--are flummoxed by the emergence of openly gay George Santos onto the disastrous political scene. From Wikipedia: Santos has made numerous false claims about his biography, work history and financial status, in public and private. Questions about his finances emerged in September 2022 in The North Shore Leader, a local Long Island publication.[2] Six weeks after the election, numerous news outlets began reporting that large parts of his self-reported biography appear to be fabricated, including claims about his ancestry, education, employment, charity work, property ownership[3] and crimes he claimed to be the victim of. Santos has admitted to lying and, as of late December 2022, is under investigation by federal, state, and county authorities.[3][4] Santos claimed that his mother's parents were Ukrainian Jews who fled from the Holocaust to Brazil, but records obtained by several sources showed that his mother's parents were born in Brazil and none of her ancestors were Ukrainian or Jewish. Despite originally claiming to have "Jewish background beliefs" and calling himself a "a proud American Jew", Santos later said that "I never claimed to be Jewish...I said I was 'Jew-ish'." There have been several judgments against Santos in eviction and personal debt cases in the United States, involving thousands of dollars. In 2008, he confessed to check fraud charges in Brazil, but did not appear in court, leaving the case unresolved. Santos denied committing a crime and said, "I'm not a wanted criminal in any jurisdiction";] Brazilian authorities revived the case after his other falsehoods were discovered. In October 2022, Santos told the media: "I am openly gay, have never had an issue with my sexual identity in the past decade".[46] In 2014, Santos began dating Pedro Vilarva; the two lived together until Vilarva moved out early the next year after having had enough of Santos's prevarications.[25] In December 2022, The Daily Beast reported that Santos married a woman in 2012 and that they divorced in 2019. Santos did not publicly acknowledge this marriage until after it was reported; he told the Post in December 2022: "I dated women in the past. I married a woman", adding that he was "OK with my sexuality. People change."