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From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Less than 3,000 expats have shown any interest in Thailand’s golden visa and there are no figures on how many of those have dropped out. Data from 10-year schemes in Malaysia and Cambodia suggest many potential applicants fail to complete. The Thai LTR (Long Term Residence) visa was launched in September 2022, but the Board of Investment is now seeking foreign investment companies to encourage the laying of more golden eggs by wealthy foreigners. There are problems to overcome. As Thailand is pushing its brand of LTR, other countries are cancelling their versions. Both Portugal and Ireland have very recently cancelled their 10-year options because foreigners, especially Chinese and Russians, have been using their residency permits to buy up choice properties, thus fuelling inflation and making it impossible for poorer citizens to get onto the housing ladder. The same sell-out complaints were heard in Thailand last year and forced the government in November to abort any plans to let rich expats buy freehold properties or land. Just condominium units are allowed. Alarm bells have been ringing in Britain too where the 2 million pounds cash-LTR was cancelled last year after fears that Russian oligarchs and investment exiles were buying up parts of London. Security minister Tom Tugendhat now says that countries in the Caribbean and Central America are selling citizenship and second passports to foreign nationals who are then landing in the UK for nefarious purposes. This concern mirrors the recent scandal in Thailand where corrupt police and bureaucrats have been issuing longstay visas to Chinese nationals who did not qualify for them. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/thailands-10-year-visa-needs-a-bail-out-425421 --------- Visa extensions for sick foreigners are now tougher to obtain By Barry Kenyon There are numerous reports, from Pattaya and Phuket in particular, of foreigners being refused a visa extension on medical grounds unless they have copious proof of being a hospital inpatient as opposed to a casual outpatient. The crackdown appears to relate to a working party set up by immigration police commander Lt Gn Pakpoompipat Sajjapan last November to close loopholes which had facilitated fraudulent visa extension applications based on voluntary work for foundations, being an adult language student or claiming to be ill. Police regulations do allow for visa extensions based on “inability to travel” to be issued on a discretionary basis. In the past, outpatients who collected a letter from a hospital doctor or consultant specifying the medical issue, outlining the treatment and giving clear time lines were often successful in receiving an extra 30 days, a repeatable procedure. In theory, a 90 days extension was possible though rarely granted. But medical visa extensions were – and are – only possible after other legitimate options have been exhausted. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/visa-extensions-for-sick-foreigners-are-now-tougher-to-obtain-425502

From Thai PBS Wold Hong Kong is scrapping its mask mandate from Wednesday, Chief Executive John Lee announced, ending the financial hub’s last major Covid curb as it seeks to emerge from the pandemic. The city was one of the last places in the world to require face coverings in virtually all public settings, with everyone over the age of two required to wear one or face a fine of up to HK$10,000 ($1,275). “I announce that the masking requirement will be completely cancelled starting tomorrow, March 1, including for indoors, outdoors and (on) public transportation,” Lee said at a brief press conference on Tuesday. He added that hospitals and elderly homes can impose their own restrictions. The mask mandate was imposed three years ago, and had remained in place for nearly 1,000 days. Hong Kong’s lifting of its restrictions comes after the neighbouring Chinese territory of Macau relaxed its own mask rules on Monday, dropping the measure except for high-risk public areas, such as hospitals.

From Coconuts Bangkok Wild Boars footballer to be cremated in England Monks pray in the room where 17-year-old Duangphet “Dom” Phromthep was found unresponsive earlier this month. The boy died on Feb. 14 at a hospital in Leicester, England, where he had gone to study four years after he was rescued from a cave in northern Thailand. Photo: Zico Foundation Funerary rites will be held in England and Thailand tomorrow for the teen football player who died under mysterious circumstances at a football academy five years after he was rescued from a flooded cave. Ceremonies for Duangphet “Dom” Phromthep will be held in Leicester, England, and the Mae Dai district of Chiang Rai province, after which his ashes will be returned home to Thailand on Saturday. Duangphet’s mother, Thanaporn Phromthep, told reporters that the family has been making merit to monks every morning since the 17-year-old student was found unconscious in his dorm room at Brooke House College in Leicester. She said she and other family members would be present for his cremation in England prior to returning home with his ashes. Thanaporn said that her son’s ashes would then be brought to a traditional merit-making ceremony for three days and two nights at Wat Phra That Doi Wao, located just up the road from where he spent 18 days trapped inside Tham Luang with 11 other young footballers and their 25-year-old coach in 2018. After the rites, his ashes will be spread in a ceremony at the Mekong River in nearby Chiang Saen district. No clear reason for Duangphet’s death has been made public despite rumors in media reports that he suffered a fatal head injury. According to the BBC, his death was not being investigated as suspicious.

From Coconuts Bangkok The organizers of an unexpectedly controversial craft beer festival announced today that they have secured a replacement venue after their original host pulled out because they deemed it too political. The inaugural Beer People Festival, part celebration of homebrew and part rally for legal reforms, will take place next month just behind the Chatuchak Weekend Market at JJ Outlet, a well-worn mall best known for vintage and inexpensive furniture. “I can tell you that this new venue might not be the best one, but it fits well with our identity,” Beer People wrote in its announcement. “It will inspire the people of this nation to see our work. This is the beginning of a world-class beer event! The Beer People Festival will run March 11-12 at JJ Market on Soi Kamphaeng Phet 2, which is a short walk from MRT Kamphaeng Phet, and about 15 minutes on foot from BTS Chatuchak. For map reference: https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/bangkoks-beer-people-score-new-location-for-craft-brew-festival/

I thought that was one of the room's assets.🙂

I agree that reviews shouldn't be taken as gospel but you've got to start someplace, especially when members aren't reporting any recent experience. That leaves the time-honored--and best--method of satisfying one's curiosity about any venue: spend the 200 baht and just go there and find out for yourself. The glass may turn out to be half-full but there's only one way to find out for sure. That also limits any potential prejudice to just your own and then you can report back here for the benefit of other members. It's not rocket science. 😃 Using the search engine. I did locate a dated (2013) post about 39 Underground from our moderator. In this photo, the sauna is at the far end of soi. Large cinema known for gay sex cruising is on your left. Out of frame are some all-male massage shops on right side. Here's some other photos: https://ja.world-gay-guide.com/thailand/pc/detail/index.php?rainbow_no=170

From Pattaya Mail The deputy commander of Thailand’s Tourist Police Division told Pattaya officers to respond quickly to problems and to learn from prepandemic challenges so that they don’t reoccur. Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongsiam Meekanthong met with Pattaya officers Feb. 22 before heading out to check Bali Hai Pier. He inspected boats to ensure life jackets were being used and that boats were running on time. Pongsiam said that, since Thailand reopened last year, the Tourist Police Division has ramped up efforts to protect tourists, doing everything from launching its 1155 hotline to putting “dos and don’ts” signs in hotels to warn Pattaya visitors about pickpockets and other street criminals. Pongsiam said now that Chinese tourists are returning to Thailand, even more care must be taken. He personally planned to be at U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya Airport on Feb. 25 to welcome a large Chinese tour group and had checked their itinerary to ensure safety. Finally, Pongsiam said officers should review incidents that tourists had in 2019 to create processes to prevent such accidents, scams and problems from reoccurring.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is enhancing its passenger and baggage security under an Automatic Return Tray System (ARTS). As a resuly some zone screening points will be closed for the month of March. See details below.

Sixty-seven years ago people thought the Patpongpanich family was crazy to buy an agricultural plot on the outskirts of Bangkok which is today known as Patpong. A half-century ago many would argue that there was no need for the Dusit Thani Hotel, which has since been razed to make way for a new development. I agree that the old places that are being replaced by One Bangkok served its citizens and tourists well and have a place in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have patronized them. As the saying goes, no body likes change, including me (the Dusit Thani was my favorite hotel on the few nights a trip I could afford the splurge). Now as to the question of "need", that will be determined by how the public and business community respond to the new opportunities presented by One Bangkok. I had an affection for many of the now extinct landmarks in US cities (particularly the infamous sex theaters and peepshows of old Times Square 😉). I suspect there are Londoners who still detest the development Canary Wharf. As I write this, Central World--one of the city's great shopping meccas--is undergoing a remake. Personally, I can't see the need for it. It already outdistances anything I can find at home.

Your reports have given the forum a much-needed boost, Vinapu. They demonstrate that it's indeed still possible to have a great time in BKK and Pattaya despite the naysayers who see the glass as nearly empty compared to back in the day. That you didn't--as Floridarob observed--sugar coat it made it even more entertaining. Your day-by-day quest to wring the maximum satisfaction out of your limited time will surely inspire others not to allow temporary setbacks to detract from all that Thailand has to offer in terms of sights, sounds and men.

The largest construction project in the city gets closer to completion by the day. One Bangkok (pictured in an artist;'s rendering above) is being worked on around the clock at the intersection of Rama 4 and Wireless Rd. (opposite Lumpini Park). TCC Assets, the same folks who brought us Samyan Mitrtown and Silom Edge, reports that One Bangkok is destined to become the city's prime central business district. It's due to open in stages between 2023-2026.

From National News Bureau of Thailand Rh-Negative blood reserves in Thailand are alarmingly low, with only 0.3% of the Thai population having this blood type, compared to around 15% of Westerners. A panel of experts was tabling the issue during a Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) discussion titled “Death without Donors: Rh-Negative Blood Rarity in Thailand” on February 22. Dr. Issarang Nuchprayoon, adviser to the Thai Red Cross National Blood Center, urged the international community in Thailand to donate blood, as the scarcity of Rh-Negative blood could cause delays in providing assistance to western tourists in emergencies requiring blood transfusions. He emphasized the need for westerners with this blood type to donate, as Rh-Negative blood from Thai donors alone would not be enough to support the needs of foreign visitors.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Barring a political “accident”, Thais are set to go to the national polls on May 7. The conventional wisdom is that the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai opposition party will win enough seats in the 500 member House of Representatives, either alone or in coalition, to unseat the military-backed administration of Prayut Chan-o-cha who led the military coup of 2014. The general became prime minister and went on to win a disputed election in 2019. Pheu Thai optimism now seems a reasonable assumption as the army-led government has failed to deliver on promises, specifically cleaning up corruption or reforming the police, and has only managed a poorer economic growth rate post-covid than her key ASEAN partners. But pundits would be unwise to write off General Prayut’s chances of maintaining power. Although most opinion polls show Pheu Thai in the lead, Super Poll found Prayut the more popular leader in Bangkok whilst another suggests his party, United Thai Nation Party, is doing well in some southern provinces which used to be the domain of the now-in-decline Democrat party. Pheu Thai is expected to campaign skillfully on populist issues and has millions of party members firmly attached to their bases, especially in the north of the country. But Prayut’s vision of a tightly-ordered democracy guarded by the Royal Thai Army and the monarchy is by no means outmoded in a deeply conservative society. The real uncertainty lies in the plethora of political parties – over 80 – crowding the upcoming election. While most can be written off, even a small number of independent (or pseudo-independent) MPs can influence the balance of power. Moreover, many political parties in Thailand have very similar policies. Prayut’s United Thai Nation is mirrored in the similarly- monarchist Palang Pracharath Party and they could take votes from each other to their collective detriment. The latter is led by the deputy prime minister in the current coalition. But on-side rivalries also true of Pheu Thai which will be challenged for opposition votes by the Move Forward Party which is popular with young people and firmly opposed to the lese majeste laws. Then there are larger parties such as Bhumjaithai, the biggest partner in the current government and largely responsible for the decriminalization of cannabis last year, which could swing either way in a disputed election. Thai MPs switch allegiances freely without the “traitor” outcries associated with European or American politics. Add to these considerations the tradition of money-politics in Thai elections and the fact that boundaries of some constituencies won’t be finalized by the Electoral Commission until March 3. Not to mention the power of the 250 member unelected Senate, appointed by the junta after the 2014 coup, which can also join in the voting for who the prime minister will be. With so many balls up in the air, anything could happen on May 7.

From Thai PBS World Chalerm Burapha Chonlathit Road offers unobstructed views of the beautiful coastline. (Photo by Phoowadon Duangmee) Whilst tropical islands and seaside resorts make Thailand’s East spectacular, a road trip along its scenic coast is no less of a visual treat. From wild marshland and lush mangroves to historic riverfronts, a towering Roman Catholic church, lesser-known beaches and a border market, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces have more to share with travellers than a typical tropical island holiday. The eastern provinces, with their remarkable contrasts, are a haven for those seeking incredible scenery and adventure. And the best way to experience the east is to take a road trip along the scenic eastern coastline. You will be mesmerised by its charm and character. Rayong province is a good place to start. About a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the east of Bangkok on Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road), Rayong is best known for a quick dose of tropical island and beach getaways on Koh Samet. Beyond this popular spot, the eastern province of Rayong has many lesser-known destinations dotted along its coastline. They have all the beauty, but with fewer people. Continues with photos https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-view-of-the-beautiful-east-through-the-windshield/

From The Nation One of Thailand’s top virologists on Monday listed 10 things we have learned from the new coronavirus as the world shifts out of pandemic mode. This year will be “game over” for Covid-19, said Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, in a Facebook post. However, he added the pandemic had changed the world in several aspects. “We have lived with Covid-19 for more than three years. This is what we have learned so far and the estimation of what will happen next,” said Yong. 1. Covid-19 is like influenza in the sense that the virus will evolve in a bid to coexist in the host by reducing the severity of symptoms. The disease that initially had a fatality rate of 3-5% now kills less than 0.1% of infected patients. 2. Diseases with severe symptoms, such as Ebola, Marburg and Lassa fever, are less likely to cause a global pandemic, unlike low-severity diseases such as Covid-19 and influenza. 3. Different types of Covid-19 vaccine are equally capable of preventing severe symptoms and deaths. While mRNA vaccine is capable of raising immunity in the short term, the immunity will also decrease faster. Statistics show that countries that administer only mRNA vaccines do not have significantly lower infection and mortality rates. 4. The reason infection rates are currently slowing is because the majority of the population has already been infected and developed immunity. This is apparent in countries where over 70% of the population has been infected. 5. Immunity created from infection combined with vaccination is stronger and will last longer than immunity created from the vaccine alone. 6. As Covid-19 becomes endemic, the infection pattern will be similar to that of influenza or other respiratory diseases that we know. 7. In the future, only people in vulnerable groups will need Covid-19 vaccines, while healthy people will be able withstand reinfection with only mild symptoms. 8. Knowledge from study and research is the most crucial factor in tackling the global pandemic. 9. This year will be “game over” for Covid-19, as the World Health Organisation will likely stop reporting daily infections due to low numbers. Covid-19 infections will eventually become a seasonal event, prompting countries to gradually reduce their surveillance status. 10. As for Thailand, infections will subside from February and then start emerging again from June to September (in line with the rainy season), before subsiding again. This seasonal rotation will occur every year.

...that Thais detest Pattaya because of its "sex city" reputation, Agoda says it ranks as their top choice. We already know why readers of this forum flock there. From Pattaya News Thailand’s seaside resort city of Pattaya has been recognized as the top choice for Thai families when it comes to holiday destinations, according to a survey conducted by Agoda. The famous online travel agency that specializes in providing booking services for hotels, resorts, apartments, and other types of accommodations around the world, Agoda, says that Pattaya is the number one holiday destination for Thai “families,” followed by Hua Hin /Cha-am in second place and Phuket in third place. The reason that Pattaya is the top pick is because Thai families mostly desire to relax and spend quality time together in the coastal town, Peeraphon Sa-nga-muang, director of Agoda Thailand says. The complete list of the top 10 domestic destinations sought after by Thai family travelers are as follows: Pattaya Hua Hin / Cha-am Phuket Bangkok Chiang Mai Chonburi Khao Yai Krabi Rayong Koh Samet

The following link contains dramatic video from an officer's camera that captures the moment leading to his death. Highway deaths are all to common in Thailand and the video demonstrates why. From Coconuts Bangkok Police today were hailing one of their own killed in the line of duty for his bravery after he was killed during a pursuit in north metro Bangkok. The agency responsible for policing the highways recognized the bravery of Sgt. Maj. Setthakan Loykhampom who was killed yesterday in Pathum Thani province after a routine stop led to a high-speed pursuit because the suspect feared that he would be busted for possessing a vape. The 36-year-old driving instructor said that Setthakan had tried to search his car, and he feared arrest because there was an e-cigarette and a bottle of beer. Police said he is likely to be charged with murdering a law enforcement officer under Section 289 of the Penal Code. Continues with video https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/bangkok-police-mourn-cop-killed-by-driver-in-high-speed-chase-video/

Review from Travelgay.com “I go there often and I am never disappointed. Guests are mainly Asians of all ages, but on average quite young. As long as you smile and talk a little, relationships can become good qualities. It is also true that management does not distinguish between age and ethnicity. The staff are also friendly. From these bases, it is easy to give your whole body to make this evening a very good time.“

This is indeed a heart-wrenching event. I was in Thailand for the duration of the rescue and vividly recall the way it affected myself and others. Concerning the boy's state when first responders arrived in his room, he was actually reported to be alive but unconscious. "Thailand's football legend Kiatisuk "Zico" Senamuang, whose charity helped Duangpetch secure a three-year scholarship in Britain, said a teacher had found him unconscious in his room at the school." (Agence France-Presse) Although an autopsy may establish the cause of death, the circumstances of death (i.e., mechanism of injury, events preceding injury) may not be immediately apparent. The final ruling may be delayed pending further investigation, even if the cause is not deemed to be suspicious at that time.

From The Thaiger Thailand introduced a law on Friday which requires passengers to sit down when travelling on a songthaew, a popular form of public transport. However, songthaew drivers say the law is detrimental to their livelihoods and are worried it could lead to extortion. A songthaew is a passenger vehicle converted from a pickup truck with two rows of seats. Songthaews have been used as a cheap form of transport for decades in Thailand, and are often packed out with passengers standing or hanging off the back. The new law, published in the Royal Gazette, aims to make the songthaew experience safer for everyone involved. But drivers say it’s impractical and uneconomical. Songthaew drivers spend 800-1000 baht on fuel per day so they need as many passengers as possible since most journeys cost 8 baht, or a little more depending on the province.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon For half a century, Pattaya has found itself starring in the international media for its alleged sins of the flesh. Now, in a surprising turn of events, the headlines are about to switch to politics as the province finds itself playing a leading and controversial role in the forthcoming general election, scheduled for May 7 2023 with the date now confirmed by the premier Prayut Chan-ocha. The outcome could decide whether he returns to head the next administration. The main opposition party Pheu Thai (linked to exiled ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra) is banking on a landslide win nationally which would sweep all 10 parliamentary seats in Chonburi province – which includes Pattaya and is dominated by the influential Khunplome family. But a rival faction, led by successful politician Suchart Chomklin, under the United Thai Nation party, has a similar aim but is backing the current prime minister who first came to power in a military coup of 2014. All contenders are already promoting themselves on temporary hoardings erected throughout Pattaya and Banglamung district. Although 500 seats nationally are a stake in the forthcoming election, the Chonburi situation is predicted to be one of the most competitive contests, with analysts saying that rivals will mobilise their resources and may resort to “money politics” to achieve their goal. So far public opinion polls nationally seem to favour Pheu Thai and its Move Forward Party allies, although the Bangkok electorate and sections of the rural South are more disposed to support the current prime minister and his allies. Many political observers believe that Pheu Thai and its partners must win more than half the Chonburi seats, as a weathervane set of results, to have much chance of unseating the prime minister. However, Thai politics are never that simple. The unelected 250-member Thai Senate can also vote for the incoming prime minister as well as the 400 new House of Representatives parliamentary members – plus 100 extra MPs elected under the party lists parallel voting which very few people even begin to understand. Securing a majority from 750 votes will be no easy task. The two most likely candidates for the top office are General Prayut and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 36-year old daughter and niece of two former prime ministers who won substantial victories in former general elections but were overthrown by the army. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattaya-finds-itself-the-center-of-political-attention-424918

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Cambodia’s favorite province, boasting the Angkor archaeological complex, is still surprisingly quiet in the immediate post-covid era. The airport is a largely empty space and the most famous gathering ground for tourists, Pub Street, is hardly bustling. Discounts for accommodation are readily available and many of the large hotels on the airport road are still shuttered. But all that is about to change. China, of course, is the central issue. In 2019, around two and a half million Chinese came to Cambodia on charter flights, about 36 percent of the total. Although flights have already begun from Chinese cities to the capital city Phnom Penh and the distant coastal casino hub Sihanoukville, the schedules don’t start for Siem Reap until March 7. Until then, the tourist market is mainly European. Wang Wentian, the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, expects at least one million fellow countrymen in 2023 with the Angkor Wat temple ruins being the star attraction. Downtown, the Cambodian authorities are already implementing pro-Sino policies such as erecting public signs in Mandarin, ensuring accommodation facilities and food are suited to Chinese tastes and encouraging payment in Chinese currency as an alternative to the US dollar. It was recently announced that Mandarin will be taught in all Cambodian schools even though English is the official language of Asean of which Cambodia is a member. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/quiet-before-the-storm-in-siem-reap-424910

Perhaps they'll find a new venue and a new date that coincides with your next trip. 🙂 Meanwhile, file the following under TIT. From Coconuts Bangkok Mall cancels Bangkok’s ‘biggest craft beer event’ because too political The inaugural Beer People Festival was looking for a new 3,000sqm space after The Street Ratchada shopping mall announced last night that it would no longer host the event because its reputation could be damaged. “The shopping center is concerned that it may cause the public to develop the misconception that the shopping center supports political parties and is not neutral, which may bring about protests or political rallies and may cause disturbance to others in the shopping center or may affect the image of the shopping center in the future,” it said in a statement. It continued to say that it canceled the event to reduce “the risk of political impact” and reserved the right not to be responsible for any of the event’s expenses. The mall did not say whether it had been asked or pressured to withdraw support. The festival was expected to both celebrate homebrewing and advocate for reforms against the laws that effectively ban it. Last year, a popular opposition bill to decriminalize brewing was narrowly defeated after Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha intervened to float a watered-down compromise measure.