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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.

Cause and effect?

Obviously you've never heard of sex on the beach.

From World Beach Guide Thailand is well known for its beautiful beaches and to some extent this has meant that many of the most amazing beaches are now over-crowded and heavily commercialised. However, you don’t have to go to far off the beaten track to still find a pristine gem and the island of Koh Kradan is home to just such a beach.This stunning stretch of powdery white sand remain a relative haven despite being only a few kilometres off the mainland. Ko Kradan is one of the Trang Islands, a group of around 40 large and small islands which form a major part of the Hat Chao Mai national park. Of all these islands and islets Koh Kradan is perhaps the most beautiful and largely unspoilt. Despite only being a couple of hours south of Phuket and even closer to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Kradan is a world apart, sharing all the natural beauty but without the crowds and noise. The waters of the Andaman Sea which surround the island are relatively sheltered and shallow, which means they are always warm i.e. ideal for swimming. On top of that they are crystal clear making for some excellent snorkelling in the protected waters. One thing to note though is the water is very shallow here at low tide and you’ll have to paddle quite a way before it’s deep enough to swim properly. For those feeling particularly energetic there is a popular kayak route around the island which can be completed in less than 3 hours, even at a leisurely pace. For those looking to just relax and soak up the sun and calm Koh Kradan is perfect. There are numerous hammocks suspended between the palm trees that fringe the beach. The main beach at Koh Kradan is the aptly named east facing Paradise beach. However there is another, equally appropriately named, beach on the other coast. Easily reachable by a short trail through the forest is Sunset beach where you can enjoy a peaceful view of the sun setting over the Andaman Sea. Getting to Ko Kradan involves taking one of the ubiquitous long-tailed boats and these are available from several locations on the mainland or many of the other islands. If you are planning on staying on the island there are several small resorts ranging from the upmarket but basic “flash-packer” style accommodation up to luxury beach bungalows. Nearest town/city Sikao Also known as: Paradise beach To view the full list of the 100 best beaches selected by the UK website: https://www.worldbeachguide.com/top-100-beaches-earth.htm

From The Nation The Transport Ministry is pointing to the stronger-than-expected recovery in tourism for the high cost of flights, saying the surging number of international and domestic tourists created a large gap between supply and demand. Thailand has attracted an average of 140,000 visitors a day since its reopened its borders in November 2021, Acting Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate said on Thursday. They have been joined on flights all over the country by a surge in domestic tourists since the pandemic eased, Atirat said. This surge demand occurred as the aviation industry recovered from the Covid-19 crisis, making it incapable of meeting the demand, which resulted in higher prices for flight tickets, the minister explained. Complaints from passengers have prompted Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to order the Transport Ministry to address the issue of expensive air tickets. In a “seller’s market” it is normal for the price of air tickets to be higher than normal, Atirat said, advising travelers to reserve flight tickets in advance and avoid buying them at the last minute. Citing a report from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the minister said that 82.5% of air tickets from Bangkok to Phuket are priced below 2,500 baht each, even those during public holidays or bought shortly before flights. The ministry and relevant state agencies, including the CAAT, have taken action to keep air ticket prices at “more reasonable levels”, Atirat said. These include allowing airlines to import more planes and improving ground services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The CAAT has identified five factors that caused air-ticket prices to rise: - Suvarnabhumi’s insufficient ground-handling services, which are now only at 50% of demand, - inefficient slot allocation, - not enough flights to meet demand, - insufficient plane-maintenance services, and - the limited number of flights to some destinations.

And The Quarter Ari at 428 Phahonyothin Rd.

It's worth noting that the article's author, Barry Kenyon, used the word "unlucky" in the context of Richardson becoming the second British citizen to have his accident coverage denied by a Thai insurance company within a short period of time. He was not necessarily implying that the circumstances of the accident were unlucky for the victim. Perhaps this old British proverb better applies in this case: There but for the grace of God goes I.

You're to be admired for your logical foresight. No one would debate that. But we can't go back in time and make Josh Richardson whole again. His family is indeed begging friends and strangers to come to his rescue. We can't can't change that. What we can change is how we respond to this crisis in the young man's life.

The Thaiger published an article about 10 "secret hidden bars" in Bangkok today. Although most are in the upscale areas of Sukhumvit, a few are in waking distance of Silom. One of them (Smalls) in Suan Plu was recommended to me over five years ago and I've enjoyed the music, refreshments and atmosphere ever since. Address: 186, 3-4 Suan Phlu 1 Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 Opening hours: Tuesday, closed Wednesday – Monday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Venture to Suan Phlu Soi 1 to uncover Smalls Bar, an eclectic, three-story venue housed in a restored 1960s shophouse. To find this hidden treasure, look for the inconspicuous black door with a small golden sign. Inside, you’ll discover a fusion of Parisian, New Orleans, and Bangkok-inspired décor, as well as a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. The innovative cocktail menu and rotating art exhibitions combine to create a captivating atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out. ============ Perched atop the luxurious Hotel Muse Bangkok, The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar offers a sophisticated and enticing escape from the city’s bustling streets. This stylish venue, drawing inspiration from the Prohibition era, effortlessly transports its guests back in time to the 1920s, an era where glamour and mystery abound. Moreover, in addition to its exquisite libations, The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar also presents a delectable array of tapas and small plates, perfect for sharing with friends or a special someone. To view the others: https://thethaiger.com/guides/10-secret-hidden-bars-in-bangkok

From Pattaya MAil By Barry Kenyon The opposition Pheu Thai party is the leading contender both in Chonburi province and nationally to head the next government after the May 14 poll. However, the party’s long-standing policy promise to recriminalize cannabis as a narcotic is reducing its popular appeal locally where there are 300 retail outlets, mostly clustered in the Pattaya area. The owners and managers of the seaside shops, cafes and dispensaries envisage their precious investments going down the drain. This financial panic is mirrored by the farmers, both commercial entrepreneurs and private plant growers, who keep the good times rolling. Although the 10 Chonburi House of Representatives seats, including Pattaya, are being contested by a multiplicity of parties, big and small, the main adversary of Pheu Thai is the United Thai Nation (UTN) party whose chief strategist is transitional prime minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. UTN has invested heavily in the pro-cannabis Pattaya sentiment and is keen to benefit from widespread business concerns about making recreational use of the weed illegal once again. Other competing parties which wish to keep the ganja joints open are Bhumjaithai (which piloted the decriminalization through the Thai parliament) and the Palang Pracharath Party (headed by deputy prime minister General Prawit Wongsuwan). The Move Forward Party wants much stricter controls in return for legality, whereas most other political groupings agree with Pheu Thai that smoking pot should be a no-no. Supporters of marijuana recreational use say it is less harmful than cigarettes and an excellent boost for international Thai tourism. Opponents claim that most Thai citizens are against liberalization and that youths are being lured into unsavory practices. Last year, the health ministry introduced a parliamentary bill to regulate access to and use of the weed, but it was stuck in committee and has become lost in the runup to the general election. Public smoking remains illegal which may explain why most weed outlets in Pattaya appear quiet on the inside. The smoking is done in private with motorbike taxis even delivering to your home address. Pattaya’s investments in Puff Haven, High Noon Harvest, Grateful Growers and Beautiful Buds will hang in the balance for sure next month. The concern is that they’ll go to pot.

From The Nation Thailand’s heat index – a measure of temperature and humidity – will soar as high as 45.8 degrees Celsius (114.44 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The department forecast the hottest areas in each region as follows: North: Tak province, heat index of 41C Northeast: Si Sa Ket, 38.4C Central: Bangkok’s Bang Na district, 45.5C East: Chonburi, 45.8C South: Phang Nga, 43.3C The heat index, also known as the “felt air temperature”, combines air temperature and humidity to measure how hot the weather actually feels to the human body. A 32-41C heat index triggers the “alert” level at which people working outdoors for extended periods can experience heat exhaustion resulting in nausea, headache, muscle ache, and dizziness. A 41-54C heat index triggers a “warning” level as people working outdoors can suffer heatstroke which comes with more severe symptoms than heat exhaustion.

I don't think anyone, including the victim, doubts the wisdom of wearing head protection. I've used a motor bike for short trips and have never worn one. I don't even recall being offered one. I believe we all take risks--in one form or another--in our behavior when on holiday. I just don't see what's to be gained by calling a man fighting for his life stupid.

Yes, I can see clearly my mistake. I should have used your own words instead of your own words. ☺️

Thankfully, the rest of us never do stupid things when were on holiday in LOS.😉

Blued App scott456 replied to WelshGuyUK's topic in Gay Thailand what's your politics? March 13 15 replies

From Pattaya Mail Josh Richardson is the latest among the 7 current tragedies of British holidaymakers in Thailand appealing for charity funds after a serious accident. Holidaymaker Josh Richardson, from Lancashire, lies in a Bangkok hospital after a motorbike accident several weeks ago in which he suffered substantial head injuries. His Chorley family says that an initial operation to make him well enough to return to UK by business class travel was not successful, so he now needs a full intensive care team onboard which would cost around 170,000 pounds or around 7 million baht. he total cash required is in excess of 200,000 pounds as the Thai hospital requires payment and there are add-on costs such as the family travelling to Thailand. So far the Go Fund Me crowdfunding platform has raised just under 28,000 pounds. Friends and family in UK are also organizing separate fundraising events. Josh is a well-known local figure he played for the Bradford Bulldogs ice hockey team in his university days. A hospital spokesperson said Josh’s travel insurance company was refusing to make a contribution as there was no evidence Josh was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Failing to take “reasonable care” or “defaulting on the host country’s traffic regulations” are common grounds for denying accident claims. But there is some suggestion that Josh’s helmet disappeared at the crash site. It is not known whether an alcohol test was administered as part of the post-accident bureaucracy. ABG Insurance, not involved in the case, said crowdfunding charity appeals are now inevitable in cases where cover is denied. But they rarely raise more than 20 percent of the amounts required. The general advice was to provide full details on the internet site and to provide regular updates. “Public interest soon wanes unless fresh information on the internet is provided on a regular basis.”

From The Thaiger Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand is gaining two new direct flights to China and Vietnam. The first is to Chongqing in China operated by Chongqing Airlines and the second is the first-ever service from Phuket to Hanoi in Vietnam serviced by VietJet. An Airbus A320neo will service the new Chinese route four times per week throughout April and will increase to daily flights in May, according to AOT. Chongqing Airlines is the 61st airline currently operating flights in and out of the world-famous tourist hotspot. VietJet will operate Phuket’s first and only service to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, commencing May 19. The route joins the airline’s daily flight between Phuket and Ho Chih Minh City. The airline will operate one daily return flight, departing from Hanoi at 11.35am and landing in Phuket at 2.40pm. The return flight will take off from Phuket at 3.45pm and arrive in Hanoi at 6.35pm. The flight time will be around three hours on both legs.

From Thai News Agency BANGKOK, April 4 (TNA) – The police can identify the hacker who claims he holds personal data of 55 million Thai people, stolen from a government agency. The police are now investigating to find out if more people are involved in the data hack. Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas ordered the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau to accelerate investigation into the hacker named “9near” who posted on BreachForum, claiming that he had personal data of more than 55 million Thais leaked from a government agency, said Pol Lt Gen Archayon Kraithong, spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police. Initially, the police know what agency the hacker got the data from but it cannot be revealed. The hacker posted examples of the data with people’s names, surnames, addresses, birthdates, phone numbers and ID card numbers. He also threatened the owners of information by sending them SMS. (TNA)

I'd think someone in the Trump obit could accommodate you.

If anyone is passing through Patpong it would be much appreciated by all if they'd stop by and see if any sign has been posted on the door of the old bar.

I admit that I had no idea what "cisgender" meant before reading this article--and I'm not altogether sure I do now. From The Nation What can businesses do to improve the work environment for transgender people? That was the question asked by transgender representatives at a recent Bangkok seminar to discuss issues they still encounter at work – and potential solutions. “Thailand appears to be an LGBTQ heaven, but in reality they are only tolerated, not included. Otherwise, we would see a greater presence of them in all kinds of occupations,” said Nikki Phinyapincha, founder of the TransTalent consulting group. Nikki was speaking at the “Trans Mentorship and Seminar Day” on Friday, part of Sasin School of Management’s inclusion initiative (IDEAL) led by Dr Drew B Mallory and TransTalents. Around 77% of job applications by Thai transgenders are rejected – more than for lesbians, gays, and bisexuals – and they face three times more obstacles in unemployment than cisgenders, explained Nikky. (Cisgender describes a person whose gender identity matches their sex at birth.) “This is also very important for financial inclusion and security of transgender people, who suffer the most from discrimination at work,” she said. “There is a false impression that a transgender person has emotional problems. To change this and make a better impact, we need to give power to these people in the boardroom for decision-making too,” she added. Anamika Phiancharoenrat, payables analyst for ExxonMobil, explained that when she took the job, she felt like she had no rights as a transperson at her company. “I was scared of going to the bathroom because I had to follow my title, which is Mr, and I felt so uncomfortable being in the male bathroom,” said Anamika. “I was fortunate that the company had a pride group to support me and help raise the problem, and now I can finally use the women's bathroom,” she said. “Thailand may seem like an LGBT paradise, but I disagree. We are not even treated as human sometimes,” she added. Wharinthorn Na-Bangchang, a partnership development manager at LMG insurance, agreed. “I think it's about respect,” she said, adding that “Asian culture is blind, no one knows what transgender or nonbinary means and they want nothing to do with anyone different from a cisgender.” While companies like to appear trans-friendly, she said, they do little or nothing to protect trans rights. “Many organisations seem supportive, but they are not. It’s more like a marketing campaign. They have to hire an LGBT in human resources first if they really want to support us,” she added. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40026305

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Barry Kenyon speaks about other visa and immigration matters at a recent meeting of the Pattaya Expats Club.