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Such events were commonplace at the gay cruising cinema in Saphan Kwai in its heyday.

From the BBC In our series of letters from African journalists, Tanzanian writer Sammy Awami considers what is behind recent moves against homosexuality in East Africa. From banning schoolbooks in Tanzania to passing the harshest of laws in Uganda, to disputing a Supreme Court decision in Kenya, there seems to be a wave of anti-homosexuality sentiments sweeping through the region. While there is nothing unusual about the homophobic and apocalyptic tone that always accompanies the subject, it appears there is also a rise of genuine belief, especially among those who would generally pass as liberals or open minded, that the West is on a systematic mission to shove this "homosexuality agenda" down the throats of Africans. Most of those holding this belief can hardly substantiate it with any facts or concrete examples. Khalifa Said, a Dar es Salaam based journalist and editor for an online outlet The Chanzo, believes that "Tanzanians' perception towards members of the LGBTQ+ community is very negative and it's getting worse every day". There are many on social media who looked at the recent visit by US Vice-President Kamala Harris with particular suspicion. There was even an unofficial survey on Twitter asking users to suggest how President Samia Suluhu Hassan should respond were she to be asked about her stance on homosexuality. When journalists were not able to ask questions at the leaders' joint press briefing, many suspected it was a trick to save President Samia from the infamous question: "What is your stance on homosexuality?" Said says this rising homophobic sentiment is not random. He believes it is sponsored by politicians and political parties who have not delivered on their promises to their voters. "The biggest winners of all this hatred will be the politicians who have failed to improve the living standards of their people despite being in power for decades," he says. The hypocrisy and predictability of politicians, clergy and the rest of the self-appointed defenders of African traditions and culture is never short of amusement. Politicians would swiftly name and shame individuals and NGOs they accuse of supporting and spreading homosexuality in the country but would never dare to expose their peers who embezzle millions of dollars of public funds. Last week, Tanzania's Controller Auditor General released a damning report detailing the sickening loss of millions of dollars in public entities. We are yet to hear from the top anti-homosexual crusaders on how they plan to rescue the nation from this scourge of embezzlement. On Zanzibar, there is an on-going court case against a gentleman who is accused of being involved in homosexuality. A medical doctor is one of the witnesses after conducting a forced anal examination on the suspect, which rights groups have repeatedly called cruel, inhumane and without scientific basis. This case comes only a few weeks after a humiliating private video featuring the gentleman was widely shared on social media. Continues at https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65239117

From the BBC By Andrew Stillman12th April 2023 While San Francisco and Los Angeles are renowned for their gay scenes, San Diego has long been one of the US' most tolerant cities. California has long been known as one of the most progressive, tolerant and LGBTQ+-friendly states in the US. Los Angeles was home to the US' first gay rights organisation and coined the term "Pride" to refer to gay advocacy. San Francisco hosted the country's first gay rights march and elected the first openly gay man to public office. The state was the first to legalise domestic partnerships between same-sex couples and consistently ranks as the best place in the US for LGBTQ+ travellers to visit. In 2017, California issued a travel ban prohibiting state-funded travel to any state "that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression". The travel ban initially applied to just five states, but after a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has swept across the US in the past seven years, it currently covers nearly half of the country. Now, in an effort to advance some of its other progressive policy goals, California is considering ending its travel ban and replacing it with an advertising campaign to promote acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in these "banned" states. The move is the latest effort in California's long history of promoting acceptance and inclusion for the gay community. But while places like San Francisco and Los Angeles have famously helped establish California as an LGBTQ+ bastion, the state is home to another gay hub that is often overshadowed by these larger cities: San Diego. San Diego has been a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ communities for decades. In his book Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women in World War II, historian Allan Bérubé explained that the city's role as a major military headquarters inadvertently created a nascent gay scene during the war. Gay and lesbian people who had been isolated in smaller towns across the country where homosexuality was frowned upon were suddenly brought together during the war effort. Gay bars like Bradley's and Blue Jacket in San Diego's Gaslamp District attracted so many people that the city was featured in the 1952 book USA Confidential about America's "sin spots", while clubs like the Seven Seas and Jack's Steam acted as a cruising ground for gay men. Many military veterans later chose to settle in the city and, thanks to the city's culture of tolerance, 135 gay bars have opened here since the the war ended in 1945. "Moving out here, I fell in love with San Diego," said Chris Orban, more commonly known as Ariana Grindr on TikTok. "I feel like I can be my true self here." Nowadays, the hub of the city's LGBTQ+ community is Hillcrest, where a rainbow-lit sign and rainbow flags flapping over indie book shops, cafes and vintage clothing shops remind visitors why the area is dubbed San Diego's "gayborhood". Thanks to a mixture of cheap rent, abundant space and its out-of-the-way location, Hillcrest's gay community began congregating here in the late 1960s. The city's first Gay Pride parade was held here in 1975 and today the annual event is one of the largest Prides in the US, attracting more than 300,000 people. One of Hillcrest's most popular hangouts is Gossip Grill, which is one of only 27 lesbian bars left in the country. "We're a safe space for women and the marginalised community. It's the only women's bar in Southern California," said owner Moe Girton. "One thing we've seen recently, there's so much more diversity now and fluidity and people just stepping into their skin. You don't have to fit into a box anymore. Everyone [here] is just who they are and so accepting of everyone." Down the road and across a rainbow-painted crosswalk, you'll find the Hillcrest Brewing Company, the world's first gay brewery. When the sun dips down behind the horizon, you can follow the music along University Avenue to dance the night away at Rich's, Hillcrest's most popular gay nightclub, which has been featured on shows like the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Any visit to San Diego wouldn't be complete with a visit to the beach. But before hitting the surf, stock up on sweets from the Candy Pushers, a colourful, lesbian-owned candy shop serving homemade fudge, specialty chocolates and truffles alongside more than 1,000 varieties of sweets. Then, a few shops away, stop by HUMANITY!, a novelty shop where you can find the perfect pair of Speedos, though those preferring to swim in their birthday suit should hit Black's Beach, a clothing-optional beach that's a popular hangout for the gay community. One of the city's most iconic and historic hotels is The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, located in North Park. It also happens to be a hotspot for local gay men to enjoy a poolside drink. The hotel will reopen in June 2023 after a $26m renovation, and is just one of many LGBTQ+-friendly hotels in the city. San Diego may not be the first city people think of in California when they think of tolerance, but with its mix of year-round warm weather and climate of acceptance, there's nowhere Orban would rather be. "I feel at home [here]. Everyone is so open minded here and I can just be my authentic self without worrying. I don't live in the fear of walking down the street and getting assaulted because I dress the way I dress or have long hair," he said. "Plus, it's gorgeous and I'm obsessed with the beaches and the weather here. Every day is a vacation."

From Pattaya Mail The Cambodian government is determined to put a new focus on international tourism, stressing that visitors should be dispersed throughout the country. The move follows concerns that the traditional attraction, the Angkor Wat ancient temple complex, is suffering environmentally from mass tourism (notably Chinese) and more controversially from the semi-forcible eviction of 10,000 local residents to “protect” the park. Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said that, in the past, overseas visitors had restricted themselves mostly to the capital Phnom Penh and the provincial Siem Reap with the neighboring temple complex. He explained that new packages were now offering more nature tourism, adventure activities, ecotourism and learning about local culture and food. Cambodia had many poor areas throughout the country which still needed development. Mr Khon said the focus now was on the slogan “Every day is a Wonder” and included events such as the Southeast Asian Games next month, the international tourism forum in Sihanoukville and the 12th ASEAN para games in June. He added that tourism had rebounded since the pandemic and predicted arrivals in 2023 would surpass 4 million. The pre-pandemic six million would be equaled by 2025. Cambodia is now rapidly transforming its poor infrastructure image, such as 38 new roads in Siem Reap, the recently-opened Phnom Phnom-Sihanoukville expressway and two mid-construction international airports which will encourage new airlines by applying tax incentives and reducing or waiving landing fees. Mark Geoffreys, spokesperson for Asian Tours which specializes in Cambodia, said, “Angkor Wat will remain the most popular venue, but the many improvements in transport communications mean that many more international tourists will visit other parts of the country too.”

Authorities suddenly appear to be going out of their way to play down the huge cyber theft. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the May elections. From The Nation Hacker ”9Near”, who is accused of stealing personal data of 55 million Thais, has nothing to do with Thai politics, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said on Wednesday. Thai authorities began a hunt for the hacker on April 2 after he announced on the Breach Forum website that he had obtained the personal data of 55 million Thai nationals. He claimed the data included names, surnames, date of birth, ID card and telephone numbers. The Breach Forum website is a place where personal data leaked from state agencies or private firms are bought and sold. The Criminal Court, on April 3, ordered a block on the website, 9near.org, and any websites found publishing data from 9near.org. Army Transportation Department officer Sgt-Major Second Class Khemarat Boonchuay, who is suspected to be the hacker, surrendered to cyber police on April 7. Khemarat has been accused of violating the Computer-related Crime Act and Personal Data Protection Act. Cyber police have confiscated Khemarat's hacking equipment at his residence in Nonthaburi. The suspect's wife would be charged with being an accomplice if they find evidence, the police said.

From The Thaiger Army suspends AWOL sergeant major turned cyberpunk The sergeant major turned cyberpunk who was accused of hacking the personal data of 55 million Thais has been suspended by the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Police on Friday reported that the suspect and his wife were detained and questioned about the alleged crime, but the couple has since disappeared. Maj. Gen. Sirichan Ngathong, the deputy spokesperson, stated that “SM2 Khemarat’s unit” suspended him on Friday, April 7 for being absent without leave (AWOL) since April 3. The suspect works as a driver in the Army Transportation Department. The sergeant major was issued an arrest warrant for computer crime, leading to his suspension, reported Bangkok Post. Maj. Gen. Sirichan reiterated that the army is doing everything possible to locate the suspect and that the alleged crime was a personal matter rather than a military operation. The suspect allegedly obtained the personal information of millions of people, including their names, surnames, addresses, birthdates, ID card numbers, and telephone numbers, from the Mor Prom app. The suspect’s wife, who is a nurse, also had access to the database. The Mor Prom app was initially developed by the Public Health Ministry to help implement Covid-19 controls during the pandemic. It was later expanded to serve as a health service portal. The RTA on Sunday was accused of delaying the arrest of the sergeant major. But the RTA say that despite approaching the suspect’s supervisors and family, investigators have been unable to contact him. Maj. Gen. Sirichan responded to a report stating that the police had given the suspect seven days to surrender. She also stated that the army had formed a committee to investigate disciplinary action against the sergeant major for damaging the army’s reputation. Responding to reports that the suspect had the support of an influential person, Maj. Gen. Sirichan stated that any soldiers suspected of wrongdoing would not be protected. The hacker threatened to disclose the information if a government agency allegedly involved in the data breach did not meet his ransom demand last week. ================================ From CNBC FBI warns against using public phone charging stations The FBI recently warned consumers against using free public charging stations, saying crooks have managed to hijack public chargers that can infect devices with malware, or software that can give hackers access to your phone, tablet or computer. “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers,” a tweet from the FBI’s Denver field office said. “Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.” Consumer devices with compromised USB cables can be hijacked through software that can then siphon off usernames and passwords, the FCC warned at the time. The commission told consumers to avoid those public stations.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration lists the following Songkran venues: For residents and tourists, here are some of the key locations to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok: – International Amazing Splash 2023 from 13 to 15 April 2023 at Chula Soi 5, at Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, near the National Stadium. The event is aimed at highlighting international cultural events and traditions of splashing that are similar to Songkran; – SIAM Songkran Music Festival from 12 to 14 and 16 April 2023 at Urban Yard RCA open cafe; – GCIRCUIT Songkran Festival 2023 from 13 to 16 April 2023 at CentralWorld Shopping Plaza. (PRD)

Taking into consideration first and second-hand reports I'm receiving about the crowds in Silom area over the weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if authorities will end up backing off decision to keep Silom rd. open to vehicle traffic. Maybe they're counting on the widened sidewalks to accommodate revelers or they anticipate that they'll go elsewhere to celebrate. However when you consider this is what the avenue looked like in pre-covid days, that's taking a lot for granted.

From Time It’s a Monday in Bangkok, the Thai capital, which means all civil servants by custom don their tan military-style uniforms, and so the arm enthusiastically proffering the “ganja oil” is immaculately pressed with golden epaulets at the top. Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, unscrews the brown vial’s lid and takes a deep sniff before breaking into his trademark grin. “Cannabis has been long stigmatized as a narcotic,” he tells TIME. “But it is no more addictive than tobacco. I consume traditional medicine droplets [of ganja oil] to help me sleep.” Until last summer, Thailand had some of the world’s harshest drug laws. Possession of many of the products laced with cannabis derivatives that Anutin arranges on his desk in Bangkok’s Health Ministry building—such as facial scrub, tea, massage balm, hand sanitizer spray, as well as CBD oil—would have then risked a long jail sentence. But Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party, which is today the junior partner in a military-backed ruling coalition, competed in national elections in 2019 on decriminalizing the plant, ostensibly to reduce prison overcrowding and foster a budding hemp industry. On June 9, marijuana was decriminalized and a resurgent cannabis culture has since engulfed the Southeast Asian nation of 70 million, with dispensaries peppering both its sprawling cities and chicken coop villages. The Thai cannabis market is projected to reach $9.6 billion by 2030. “Thailand is actually the [world’s] most suitable location to grow quality cannabis,” says Anutin, a former engineer who entered politics in 1996. “We have so much knowledge from traditional medicine in Thailand and the use of cannabis extractions can cure so many illnesses and [alleviate] symptoms.” Thailand goes to the ballot box again on May 14, and Anutin is hoping the buzz around cannabis legalization can propel him to become the nation’s next leader. He is promising another broad swath of reform, including a three-year debt moratorium for farmers; subsidies for green technology adoption; and a $3 billion land bridge spanning southern Thailand’s Isthmus of Kra. Yet success in May’s ballot may hinge on an even more seismic undertaking. The election will once again pit the populist political machine of exiled billionaire Thaksin Shinwatra against the Bangkok-based elite power nexus centered on Thailand’s military, judiciary, and royal palace. Parties backed by Thaksin­—a policeman turned media mogul, who lives overseas after being convicted of corruption (charges he denies)—have won every election since 2001 but have been ousted twice by the military and three times by the courts. With the Thaksin-aligned Pheu Thai Party set to win yet another landslide, observers fear a renewed cycle of deadly street protests and military intervention. “A Pheu Thai prime minister would not be acceptable to the establishment,” says Thitinan Pongsudhirak, associate professor of political science at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University Anutin is one of the few figures capable of bridging Thailand’s yawning political schism between the Bangkok-based elite and Thaksin’s heartland in the populous, rice-farming northeast. Bhumjaithai has welcomed 34 influential defectors from other parties in recent months and a decent showing at the ballot box could see Anutin thrust into the top job as the head of either a military-backed or majority Pheu Thai government. Continues at https://time.com/6264782/anutin-charnvirakul-thailand-prime-minister-election-interview/

From Pattaya Mail The Water Festival 2023 is taking place from 13-16 April at the 11 charming sites along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Five famous temples – Wat Pho, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamit, and Wat Prayurawongsawat Five popular riverside attractions – Yodpiman River Walk, Tha Maharaj, Lhong 1919, SOOKSIAM at ICONSIAM, and Asiatique The Riverfront Destination One shrine – Guan Yu Shrine (Khlong San) Free shuttle boat service is available throughout the 4 days at all 11 piers from 08.30-17.00 Hrs.

From Thai Newsroom WITH Songkran festival kicking off next Thursday (Apr. 13) revellers might be disappointed to hear that Silom road will not be close this year for them to gather there for a splashing good time but they can still enjoy themselves on the sidewalks and the alleys leading off this key artery of the metropolis, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon. Bang Rak district said while Silom road will not be closed, their officials and the police will be on hand to take care of revellers and tourists who gather on the sidewalks and alleys to participate in this festival. The district office added that there are many other places in Bangkok where Songkran events are being held including Khao San road, City Hall square (Larn Khon Mueang), Samyan Mitrtown, Siam Square, Central World and Icon Siam. NICEMap has put out a map showing 198 places in Bangkok where Songkran events are being held and spots where people could go to and splash water at each other at https://th.riskmap.org/

Again, thank you for the definitions. I'm content if LGBTQIA2S is the new standard for those who are concerned with gender studies but, judging from your explanation, there's no need for it to replace LGBT and LGBTQ in describing gays in the media. And I thought it was just the fine print in insurance polices that are complicated. Reads like the list of ingredients in a tube of sunscreen.🙂

Much appreciate your clarification. I guess this means that LGBTQ is insufficiently inclusive. So we now should use a new acronym of LGBTQCGNB to refer to the gay community? I hope—for my sake and that of Joe Biden—that neither of us has to pronounce that in pubic because I'm sure we'll both stumble over it. 🙂

From Philippines Bureau of Immigration Beginning May 1, 2023, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be discontinuing the use of paper-based departure cards and will instead be expanding the eTravel system to lessen the requirements of departing passengers. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in an advisory that the said platform, which was initially launched in December, harmonizes and consolidates data collection processes at arrival ports in the entire country. “The eTravel platform will soon be used for both arriving and departing passengers. Travelers no longer have to fill out departure cards and instead may log in the online portal prior to their flight,” Tansingco said. ETravel Technical Working Group chairperson Dennis Javier said that starting April 15, departing passengers may log in to the platform not later than 72 hours to not later than 3 hours from the scheduled time of their flight. The online portal replaces the paper-based departure card, which passengers were required to fill out prior to departure. “This is a major step in streamlining documents presented by departing travelers, allowing for faster and more efficient immigration processing,” said Tansingco, adding that the eTravel website may be accessed at etravel.gov.ph and is free of charge.

From Associated Press More than 60 asylum-seeking members of a Chinese Christian church who were detained last week in Thailand are en route to the United States, a religious freedom advocate who has been aiding them said Friday. A colonel in Thailand’s police immigration division confirmed that the group left Thailand on Thursday night. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not his agency’s spokesperson. Thai police on Wednesday said the 63 members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, also known as the Mayflower Church, would be deported within a week, likely to a third country. The U.S. Embassy has declined comment on the fate of the group but was involved along with representatives of the U.N. Refugee Agency in talks with Thai officials about the matter. The church members, who have been in Thailand since last September, were arrested last week in the seaside city of Pattaya for overstaying their visas, fined, and then taken to Bangkok, where they were detained in immigration facilities. Prior to their arrival in Thailand, the Mayflower Church members fled to South Korea’s Jeju island in October 2019 and stayed there for nearly three years. They decided to leave after it became clear that prospects for refuge there were dim.

Congratulations are in order. You succeeded. 😛 Now if you'd made the hi-so the butt of your jokes, I'd join you in a good laugh.

I guess that eliminates the Thais who have to work outdoors to make a living from the "smart" part of population.

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A point PeterRS discussed above. From Pattaya Mail Small print dooms Brits’ travel insurance in Thailand By Barry Kenyon This year looks like becoming a record-breaker for badly injured Brits who are stranded in Thailand and unable to pay their medical bills. Whilst the British foreign office and even the Tourist Association of Thailand thunder away at the importance of buying accident and illness cover, the reality is that most travel insurance is not designed to cover life-saving operations or expensive repatriation. Total bills are typically GBP 100,000 and much more if an air evacuation service is needed. The Association of British Insurers says that 17 percent of all overseas claims are rejected, mostly through lack of documentation, and adds that the average payout for successful claims is just over GBP 1,000. In other words, insurers are mainly paying out on small issues such as lost luggage or booking cancellations rather than medical emergencies. The award-winning blog Travelbunny stresses that most failures come down to the small print in the policies which is there to protect the funds of the insurance companies rather than you. A review of charity crowdfunding sites, notably GoFundMe, reveals that no fewer than 23 Brits (or their families) have appealed for cash in the past six months to pay for traumatic incidents in Thailand and/or to fund repatriation. Most cases involved traffic accidents, usually on motorbikes or mopeds, with falling from buildings and being mugged the runners-up. The amounts requested in public appeals ranged from GBP 25,000 to GBP 300,000 with the average income received being around 10 percent of the advertised target. At best, charity crowdfunding is a peripheral partner rather than a principal funder. The reasons for failed insurance policies are sometimes specified in crowdfunding entreaties. In 10 detailed traffic accidents, five injured Brits were refused cover because they were not wearing a crash helmet, two were relying on British driving licences (only international or Thai-issued are lawful here), two were participating in hazardous sports (elephant trekking and bungee jumping) and one had had been out of the UK for more than 30 days. Some reports were ambiguous, for example “Amex let me down” or “repatriation not allowed”. Not surprisingly, not a single GoFundMe appeal mentioned alcohol or narcotics as an insurance denial reason – even though most of the road accidents occurred late at night. Some Thai hospitals are reluctant to perform such as tests as they don’t want to ruin the chances of a successful insurance payout. However, insurers in a big claim will want clear evidence there was no alcohol or substance abuse. The warning clauses most used in the small print are “must take reasonable care” or “must observe national laws”. For example, it is technically compulsory in Thailand for back seat car passengers to wear safety belts which, of course, creates issues when they have not been fitted. nformal surveys in Thailand suggest that only about half of incoming tourists have any kind of insurance. Of those who do, most rely on travel insurance which may charge them five percent of the total holiday cost. Apart from being aware of the small print, the best advice is probably to stay away from renting a vehicle at all costs. If something nasty does occur, you can be assured your insurance company will leave no stone unturned. That’s guaranteed.

From The Nation Mercury to hit dangerous levels in Bangkok The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast that Krabi will be the hottest place in the nation on Sunday, with its heat index hitting 54.2ᵒ Celsius. The second hottest place in Thailand will be Bangkok’s Bang Na district, where temperatures are expected to soar to 50.2ᵒC. The other three hottest areas in the country are Phetchabun (44.3ᵒC), Chonburi (43.2ᵒC), and Nakhon Ratchasima’s Chok Chai district (41.3ᵒC). The heat index, also known as apparent temperature, is the temperature equivalent that people experience and is determined by combining relative humidity, air temperature and wind speed. The Department of Health has laid out the health impacts heat will have at every level. For instance, at temperatures of 27-32ᵒC, people are advised to be “cautious” and can experience fatigue, headache or nausea. “Extreme caution” is advised when the heat rises to 32-41ᵒC as it may lead to heat cramps and exhaustion among those who spend a lot of time outside.

From Bangkok Post Kasikornbank (KBank) has warned people to be cautious of links sent via text messages, or SMS, which encourage them to download additional applications or add Line accounts under the bank's name in an attempt to trick them into giving away information or access to their accounts. The accounts typically have heading about erroneous transactions with hyperlinks. ================== From The Nation Songkran revellers get an extra day to party this year The Digital Economy and Society Ministry confirmed that Monday, April 17, is an extra day added to the Songkran holidays that kick off next Thursday. The ministry said on Friday that its Anti-Fake News Centre has been receiving many inquiries about the additional holidays. It said April 17 has been announced as compensation for April 15, which is a Saturday. This extra day is based on a January 10 Cabinet resolution. This means the Songkran holidays this year will run from April 13 to 17. The centre added that the extra days off will allow people to travel up-country and boost tourism across the nation. The April 17 public holiday, however, does not apply to banks and financial institutions.

From Radio Free Asia / The Thaiger Photo via Twitter @akmoe2 Thousands of refugees fled across the Moei River from Myanmar into temporary shelters in Tak province, northern Thailand, after a resurgence of violence between Myanmar’s military and rebel groups. KhaoSod reports that as many as 8,000 people have sought refuge in Tak’s Mae Sot and Mae Ramat districts, whereas the Bangkok Post reports that the number is more than 5,000. Clashes erupted on Wednesday when fighters from the Karen National Liberation Army, an ethnic rebel group, attacked two military-backed Border Guard Force (BGF) strongholds about 10 kilometres north of the China-backed Shwe Kokko new city project – about 3 kilometres from the Thai border. KhaoSod reports that soldiers from the People’s Defence Force (PDF) also battled against BGF soldiers. Shwe Kokko is the site of a Chinese-backed US$15 billion real estate and casino mega-project notorious for illegal activity and drug trafficking, reports Radio Free Asia. Intense violence displaced thousands of residents in Myanmar who took little to no belongings with them as they either boarded boats or waded through waist-deep water to cross the river into Thailand. Yesterday, soldiers from the Thai military’s Ratchamanu Task Force, government officials, police officers, and volunteers took food, drinking water, and medicine to provide immediate assistance to refugees in Mae Sot and Mae Ramat amid the sweltering heat. Reports say that the sound of gunfire and explosions could be heard from communities on the Thai side of the Moei River. KhaoSod reports that violence had not stopped at noon yesterday, whereas RadioFreeAsia reports that a resident in Myawaddy said that fighting had calmed down by yesterday morning.

Noteworthy that police told foreigners that they don't necessarily need to keep their passport on them if they have copy and date stamp or data on their phone.

The following accident is all too typical of some of the fatal accidents that occur in Thailand. It involves a wealthy hi-so driving too fast (and in this case, reportedly intoxicated) who slams into a motorbike. As has been mentioned by posters above, even safe drivers can become victims as did the two Thais on their motorbike. It will be interesting if the sedan's operator ever suffers the consequences of the law. From Pattaya News Pattaya Couple Tragically Passes Away in Crash with Sedan A Thai couple lost their lives after colliding their motorbike with a sedan on a Pattaya road last night, April 6th. Sawang Boriboon rescue workers responded to an accident report at 8 PM on a road in front of Khao Mai Kaew temple in Pattaya. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a black Mitsubishi Mirage sedan and a black Honda PCX motorbike that had collided, resulting in severe damage to both vehicles. Unfortunately, the rescuers found two individuals, Mr. Santisuk Sae-tan, 31, and Ms. Chatchawan Kangwanwuthikul, 31, lying on the road with serious injuries. Despite the rescue workers’ best efforts, the victims passed away at the scene. The rescuers contacted the victims’ relatives, who said that they were a couple. The police arrived shortly after and questioned the driver of the sedan, Mr. Thamnanab Matmooltri, 64. The officers reported that Thamnanab appeared to be intoxicated, so they took him to the police station for an alcohol test. The authorities suspect that Thamnanab was travelling at high speed and lost control, resulting in the collision with the victims.