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Agree that a fare increase is warranted but frequently obscure terms in the original enacting legislation (or contracts) for individual system operators tie their hands on fare changes. Given the nature of airport ops, some shifts begin and end at odd times, although agree bulk are geared to needs of passenger loads. The train is such a key asset to any international airport I hope a solution short of reduced train frequency is found.

I use the air train regularly and I see many airport workers, especially when departing the airport station. Some 95 carriers use the airport and there are tons of associated businesses and services with thousands of employees and the train is how most of them get to work.

Countless number of tops can be found in Bangkok bars and massage shops where they decidedly represent the majority.

Agree that the fare is low and I’d gladly pay more for the convenience. When the line first opened there was a higher cost express service with only a few stops between airport and Phaya Thai. That, however, was discontinued. The line also serves commuters and the critical means for workers to get to and from airport so those fares need to kept affordable. A practical solution might be for employers to subsidize workers for higher fares while travelers pay a more equitable fare.

Reminder that Bangkok Pride 2023’s main event—the parade—will take place Sunday, June 4, beginning at 2p.m. Whether it draws the huge turnout organizers are hoping for remains to be seen. What has been lacking (at least in the English language media) has been a comprehensive listing of all the month-long events. Silom and Patpong venues don’t seem to be participating in any official capacity although I’d be surprised if Soi 4 didn’t see an uptick in activity while the massage shops and Patpong gay bars get some overflow business. ================== From a press release: Bangkok Pride 2023 is expected to have hundreds of thousands of participants on a 1.5 kilometer long road from Pathum Wan Intersection to Ratchaprasong Intersection (Rama 1 Road) and a stage to celebrate the pride in front of Central World Plaza Is the heart of the heart, able to accommodate about 15,000 people, while the entire Ratchaprasong intersection can accommodate about 400,000 people.

One Spa is offering a package of 50, one hour massages for 10,000 baht with no expiration date. That’s an average of 200 per session, half regular rate. Management claims it can be shared with friends but doesn’t comment if your estate can inherit unused sessions should you succumb to exhaustion.

From CNN Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has signed some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ laws in the world, the speaker of parliament said, defying international pressure. The bill includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality’ which includes sex with a minor, having sex while HIV positive and incest. The bill criminalizes sex education for the gay community and makes it illegal not to expose what it calls perpetrators of aggravated homosexuality to the police. It calls for “rehabilitation”– widely discredited conversion therapy – for gay offenders. Museveni sent the bill back to parliament for revisions earlier this year. The latest version of the bill passed earlier this month. Uganda’s longtime president has already faced extensive criticism from Western governments, including the US, over the law. A similarly homophobic law was struck down by the courts in 2014.

From BBC China's first domestically-manufactured passenger jet has successfully completed its maiden commercial flight. State TV showed the C919 rising into the skies above Shanghai, heading to the capital Beijing early on Sunday. It was built by the Commercial Aviation Corporation of China (Comac) in the hope of breaking the dominance of Airbus and Boeing's single-aisle jets. But the 164-seater still relies heavily on Western components, including engines and avionics. State-backed China Eastern Airline has ordered five of the planes. Comac - which plans to produce 150 planes annually in five years' time - says it has already secured more than 1,200 orders for the C919. Some experts, however, say that most of these orders are believed to be letters of intent from domestic customers.

Just received confirmation from Prince Massage. It opens June 15.

Not your mother, Old Dad.

Heard a rumor last week that The Prince Men’s Massage may be planning to reopen. For the uninitiated, Prince for years was known as the top of the line in its field with great facilities and a stable for everyone. Some said it was just a cut above Hero (briefly to become My Hero, as Vinapu recently noted). So on this overcast and breezy Sunday morning I set out to attempt to confirm the rumor. I set out from Silom and took Convent Rd. to Sathorn where I turned left and took pedestrian bridge to opposite side and then onto Soi Suan Plu. Eight minutes later I turned up Suan Plu 6 and soon located it’s last known address: 253/4. There is some refurbishment going on so I was unable to find a sign. in any case, if it’s indeed reopening (and count me among those with fingers crossed) it won’t be today. The area is not unfamiliar to me. Over a dozen years ago, when Babylon ruled the sauna word—at least for westerners and their admirers, I stayed in the area. As I walked back, I came across an old massage shop still doing businesses on Suan Plu. Indra Massage (which no connection to a shop of same name that graced Soi Tarntawan for many years) was already open for business and it wasn’t 10a.m. yet) Here’s a review of The Prince from 2019: https://www.thaipuan.com/the-prince-men-massage/

From the Thaiger Tourist Police in Chon Buri teamed up with Pattaya authorities in a visit to Pattaya Beach last night. The authorities aimed to clamp down on troublesome activities on the beach posed by sex workers, transgender women, homelesspeople and beggars. This was to ensure the safety of tourists. The initiative was in line with the policies of the Deputy National Police Chief and Tourist Police Commander authorities, who have tasked the Tourist Police with dealing with any possible crimes against tourists and ensuring their safety. Regarding this operation, Chon Buri authorities expressed their willingness to help and accommodate people in need, providing support until they can secure stable employment and become self-reliant. The tourist police have urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour or trouble caused to tourists, encouraging people to contact them through the hotline at 1155.

From the Nation Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link operator has been losing approximately 70 million baht per month as passenger traffic has not returned to pre-pandemic levels yet, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said. The monthly passenger numbers currently come in at 1.87 million, down from 2.5 million before the pandemic, SRT governor Nirut Maneepan said on Friday. The railway links Suvarnabhumi International Airport to downtown Bangkok. The SRT is in the process of transferring the Airport Link’s management rights to Asia Era One, a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group. CP Group also leads the consortium that won the 276.5-billion-baht contract for a high-speed railway linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports. The Airport Link transfer, however, is pending as the contract requires adjustments related to the drop in passengers. Nirut said SRT was willing to let Asia Era One pay the 10.67-billion-baht fee for management rights in instalments instead of a one-time payment, though it will be charged a monthly interest. Under the contract, Asia Era One also needs to contribute part of its profits to SRT, but it must shoulder its losses on its own. Asia Era One has been unofficially operating the Airport Link since October 25, 2021. Nirut said judging from an average loss of 70 million baht per month, it will have already lost at least 1 billion baht since taking over. He also said that though the transfer of management is not completed, the authority has received several complaints from Airport Rail Link passengers about service quality, such as air conditioners not working, overcrowding and long waits. “We will discuss these issues with Asia Era One and find ways to fix them as soon as possible,” he said. Nirut said SRT was willing to let Asia Era One pay the 10.67-billion-baht fee for management rights in instalments instead of a one-time payment, though it will be charged a monthly interest.

If you search this site’s engine for “Sutthian Winitchai” you should find links posted by myself and others, or clues how to find them. You can also try searching Google for names of individual shops. Good luck!

Owner of new One Spa shop wants to sell half interest in business for 500,000 baht.

From the Thaiger A surge in foreign interest in luxury property in Thailand has been observed since international tourists began returning in the latter half of 2022, according to property consultancy CBRE. Sales transactions through CBRE have risen by over 200%, indicating a clear trend. In response, developers are preparing to launch new luxury and super-luxury residential projects in 2023, with a focus on single houses. CBRE Thailand represents approximately 30 leading residential projects with a total project value surpassing 40 billion baht, stated Artitaya Kasemlawan, head of residential sales projects. Among these projects, 58% are luxury and super-luxury housing, 40% are luxury condominiums, and the remaining 2% are villa developments. In 2022, foreign travellers returned to Thailand in significant numbers, with 11.2 million arrivals. Among the projects CBRE represents, 89% were purchased by Thai buyers and 11% by foreigners from 2022 to early 2023, said Artitaya. “The majority of foreign buyers looking for condominiums and houses come from Asia, particularly China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar, Singapore and Japan. Most of the clients interested in buying villas come from Europe, such as Russia, the UK, France and Germany.”

From the Thaiger Thai citizens have been warned to brace for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and forest runoffs from May 27-30 as an impact of several weather phenomena. The Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning, covering all regions of the country, and advised people to stay informed about updates. According to Anucha, the Meteorological Department has announced that during May 27-30, the prevailing southwest monsoon is increasing in intensity over Thailand. It will be accompanied by a low-pressure cell in Vietnam that will move through Thailand and down into the Gulf of Martaban and Myanmar. This combination will lead to an increase in rainfall and strong winds, as well as heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, including lower northern regions, northeastern regions, central regions including Bangkok and its vicinity, eastern regions, and southern regions.

Eventually auto-complete will make Philippians of all of us.

From The Nation BTS Group Holdings (BTS) is proceeding with preparations to commence service for the Yellow Line electric train. The Transport Ministry disclosed on May 24 the progress on the Yellow Line electric train project (Ladprao-Samrong section). Currently, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is inspecting various system details to ensure compliance with international safety standards. According to the contract, the inspection of these details is expected to take approximately 21 days, with completion anticipated by early June of this year. The company responsible for operating the Yellow Line electric train is Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co., Ltd. (EBM). They are recruiting personnels to fill the various job positions related to the Yellow Line electric train operations. Service operations could start by June 3 of this year, after safety inspection by the MRTA is completed. Initially, the Yellow Line service will be free to the public, as by law, the fare collection requires approval from the Cabinet with 30-day advance notice for the public. According to news reports, the preliminary fare rates were calculated based on the concession agreement in 2016, with initial fares set at 14 baht and a maximum fare of 42 baht. However, before the service begins, fare rates must be adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), using the CPI of the three months prior to the start of service. Therefore, if the actual service can be launched on June 3 of this year, the fare rates will start at 15 baht and reach a maximum of 45 baht, adjusted based on the CPI of March of this year.

Myself and others have been posting from time to time about the massages shops on Sutthian Winitchai Rd. in the Saphan Kwai district. I first started patronizing these shops two trips ago during my return after Covid period. My best count is that there are currently four shops operating. Two (Home and BT House) appear to have more guys available on site, particularly in the evenings. The other two, KK Spa (not to be confused with K-Man near Saphan Kwai BTS), and the new One Spa, rely heavily on “on call” masseurs. All of these shops will make available photos with varying amounts of data. But if you find you have heart set on one particular guy, call or send Line message. In most cases, manager will then attempt to contact the subject by phone. On a recent weekday I was looking to book a 5pm appointment and my first three picks proved unavailable, which usually means they did not return his call. Fortunately, most shops have an extensive group of guys to choose among. Quite a few will work at two or more of the shops. I refer to them as free agents. The bottom line is there is value and choice in the shops. The facilities are decidedly more rustic than you’ll find around Silom or Sukhumvit areas. The minimum tips range from 800 to 1,000 with a few asking 1,200 for an hour. The corresponding House fee is in the 380 to 500 range.

From Nikkei Asia DENIS GRAY, Contributing writer CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- The buzz of espresso machines, a wake-up aroma of fresh brews, bustling baristas at roadside stalls and cafes that would make London or Rome proud: Welcome to Chiang Mai, where this is a typical morning scene in Thailand's capital of coffee. Chiang Mai and coffee make an ideal marriage. The northern Thai city is girt by mountains ideally suited for growing the crop and peopled largely by ethnic minority highlanders who have eagerly embraced its cultivation to lift themselves out of poverty. It has also become a base for young entrepreneurs working to overcome challenges ranging from improving quality and boosting exports to countering the effects of climate change. Fuadi Pitsuwan, co-founder of Beanspire Coffee, a local producer and exporter, argues that the biggest hurdles for Thai farmers are "shedding the reputation for cheap, low-end coffee, and secondly, crossing the barrier between being a country that produces good-quality coffee and a world-class producing country that is known for the best specialty coffee." Nonetheless, the opening chapters of Thailand's evolving story of coffee make for encouraging reading. Both production and exports have been on the rise in recent years, with 30,000 tons produced in 2021, of which about 60% originated in the north. About 14,100 tons were exported for sale by foreign fans like Hiro Yamamoto, a Japanese businessman who prizes the uniqueness of Thai coffee. A 45% tariff on imports has limited competition in Thai cafes, keeping domestic prices relatively high. But Chiang Mai's coffee outlets rarely disappoint devotees. They may head, for example, to Ristr8to, whose owner Arnon Thitiprasert traveled to 30 countries to soak up the coffee business and culture. For "European Renaissance" decor, drinkers can try Versailles de flore. Minimalism and specialty brews are on offer at The Baristro, on the banks of the city's Ping River. Meanwhile, thanks to Black Ivory Coffee Co., exotica seekers can purchase beans plucked from the feces of elephants in Chiang Mai province. Jokingly called "crappuccino," this brew is no laughing matter. Blake Dinkin, the company's founder, says his product is the most expensive coffee in the world, costing more than $50 a serving locally, compared with as little as $2 for a decent highland brand. While some categorize "elephant poop" coffee as a novelty, it has developed an enthusiastic following overseas. Black Ivory is exported to 30 countries and Dinkin says he is looking for a reliable partner in Japan, which he believes has "great potential" as a market. Continues https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Thailand-adds-quality-coffee-to-its-export-menu

It appears to be voluntary option.Shirtless guys all had good upper bodies.

Bangkok can be small world, as will soon become apparent. After meeting at HM beer bar, I accompanied esteemed visitor to Banana bar on Soi 4. It was still early on a Tuesday evening but there were about 10 on stage and we were lone customers. Separate guys quickly recognized us (the Lao guy me and the Cambodian guy my friend) and both were called down to renew acquaintances. After following appropriate protocol for such venues, I took my leave for Screw Boy visit while colleague remained to explore international affairs. Veteran mamasan greeted me and brought me up to date on reopening progress. Her stable comprised of mostly Lao, Cambodia and Thai performers. There’s a pronounced basketball theme to their attire and I liked it. All wearing white bb shorts and singlet tops bearing names of various NBA teams. Some guys were shirtless. There was someone for every taste and most made eye contact. After some indecision, I sent red note up to guy with great legs. He gladly acknowledged gesture and was called down. “You remember me?”, we’re his first words. When I was still considering response, he offered, “you off me two times from Freshboys.” After senior moment passed, details came flooding back. He was from Cambodia and very talented. Although three years go, he still remembered where I stayed. Sat with me until show started before rapidly growing crowd. As I would soon be meeting my regular guy, there was no off. There were at least a few dozen performers on hand when I left. Temperature was comfortable and sound level ok. Drinks 350 in both bars.

Walked by there last night about 11:15. All the usual suspects sitting outside, trolling for customers.

From CNBC Bans, betrayals and stalemates: How Thailand’s old guard could respond to election results Thailand’s preliminary election results was a triumph for the progressive Move Forward party but its reforms are set to threaten conservative forces that may move to prevent the pro-democracy party from governing. Move Forward’s leader and chosen prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has announced a six-party coalition that includes Pheu Thai, a populist, pro-democracy party that came second in the election. This gives the coalition 310 seats in parliament’s 500-seat lower house. Whoever the coalition appoints as prime minister must win 376 parliamentary votes — a combined number from the 250-seat, military-appointed Senate and the lower house. The vote for PM is expected in August after the Election Commission certifies election results. Analysts say Move Forward faces a daunting task to shore up the remaining 66 vote due to its controversial proposed policies — a new constitution, ending military dominance in politics, abolishing mandatory military conscription, abolishing business monopolies and revising the lese-majeste law that punishes insults to the king with jail time. The Move Forward party recently said potential coalition partners don’t need to support its stance on lese-majeste as it plans to table it in parliament independently — its refusal to compromise could also isolate prospective allies and most of the junta-led Senate. Ahead of the prime ministerial vote, political watchers anticipate a variety of outcomes, including the possibility of forced intervention by the country’s powerful military-monarchy alliance. “Move Forward’s agenda is an affront and a frontal challenge to the established centers of power,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science and a senior fellow at its Institute of Security and International Studies. “It is likely a matter of when and how — not whether — they will strike back.” Given Move Forward’s dogmatic stance, experts expect some kind of power play that would tailor outcomes to establishment preferences. Arch-royalists could go as far as to ban Move Forward, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) warned in a report. It’s a plausible scenario since royalist-conservative elites have sway over official bodies like the Constitutional Court, National Anti-Corruption Commission and Electoral Commission. Opposition party Future Forward, for instance, was dissolved by the Constitutional Court in 2020 for violating election laws in the 2019 election — a charge that Human Rights Watch called“politically motivated.” “The courts could find ways to nullify enough Move Forward and Pheu Thai victories to alter the balance of power,” echoed analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in a separate report. There’s also a chance Pita himself could be targeted. He was recently charged with a constitutional violation for being a small shareholder of a now-defunct media company while serving as an member of parliament, which he denies. This could be potential grounds for his disqualification and enable the less-radical Pheu Thai to lead the coalition, according to Pongsudhirak. There is a precedent for Pita’s case to be cleared, noted Napisa Waitoolkiat, a political scientist at Naresuan University. In 2001, the Constitutional Court acquitted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra of concealing assets even after he was indicted for corruption charges, she said. “If the elites choose to respect the votes of Thai people, they can certainly do the same this time as they did towards Thaksin in 2001.” There are other ways for the Senate to block Move Forward. Senators could abstain from voting and refuse to confirm Pita, leading to a stalemate, according to CSIS. T he Senate could also countermand lower house MPs’ choice of prime minister, unless the hard-to-reach super majority of 376 votes is secured, Susannah Patton, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, said in a report. She pointed to statements from senators who hinted they won’t automatically endorse the winning party’s nominee. “Conservative forces have all the necessary tools at their disposal to prevent Move Forward from taking government,” Patton concluded. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/23/how-thailands-military-old-guard-could-respond-to-election-results.html