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From Pattaya Mail Pattaya’s new police chief vowed to revoke the visas of foreign tourists who ruin the city’s image. Pol. Col. Thanapong Photi met with Tourist and Immigration police and other city authorities, Feb. 9 to set policies for how to deal with tourists who break the law or cause “problems” that besmirch the pristine, family-friendly images of Pattaya. Thanapong said the policies will apply to both Thai and foreign tourists, as well as expats, and that “no one is above the law”. If tourists break the law, they will be prosecuted, he pledged. In the case of law-breaking foreign tourists, their visas will be revoked and deported, Thanapong vowed.

From Pattaya Mail HM King Bumibol and Queen Sirikit both music aficionados met with Elvis Presley on the set of G.I. Blues during their visit to Paramount Studies. On this occasion HM King Bhumibol presented Elvis with a combined cigarette and lighter case produced by the Thai Nakorn company. This company was the best silversmith in Bangkok at the time and were bestowed the Garuda emblem by HM the King. The engraving on the front of the box read, “To Elvis Presley Hollywood 1960” and on the inside of the box, the words “King Bhumibol Adulyadej To the King of Rock ดnด Roll” were engraved. Included in the engraving was the stamp of the producer of the box “THAI NAKORN SIAM STERLING” with the Garuda in the middle. Elvis Presley gave the unique combined lighter and cigarette box to Ursula Adelaide Aylmer (Nixon) who was working in America as an English teacher in the 1960s and had come to know or work for Elvis. Ursula Adelaide Aylmer kept the box until she passed away in 2021 at the age of 92. The family decided to sell the box and it will be offered in the Eur-Seree auction in Bangkok on 1-2 April 2023. Other interesting objects at the Eur-Seree auction is the Tamlung, 4 Baht, in gold struck in 1864 to commemorate King Mongkut, Rama IV’s 60th Birthday. On the obverse is the Crown with rays flanked by Umbrellas with three branches in the background and bordered by 32 stars, each star representing one Fuang. On the reverse is the inscription “Krung Siam” enclosed within a frame and the Chinese legend “Cheng Ming Tung Pao” outside the frame. “Cheng Ming” is the name of Rama IV in Chinese and “Tung Pao” means “lawful money. Continues with photos https://www.pattayamail.com/pattayamail/from-the-king-of-thailand-to-the-king-of-rock-n-roll-423949

In his column in he Pattaya Mail, Barry Kenyon suggests that the 45-day visa on arrival (originally set to expire on March 31) is being extended to the end of 2023. The last I read that the Tourism Authority had recommended the extension but I'm unable to confirm that it has received government approval. By Barry Kenyon Thailand is no exception to the worldwide rule that immigration entry procedures depend on your nationality. Below we list some of the most popular countries – which provide the majority of tourists to Thailand – and update the rules for those who have not obtained a prior visa before departure at their local Thai embassy. Since October 2022, more encouragement has been given to this less-bureaucratic mode of entry by the Thai government to maximize international tourist numbers from favored countries. In general, there is no longer a requirement to show vaccination records or medical insurance on arrival, nor to undergo covid testing. Passports must have six months validity left. UK, US, EU, Australia These are amongst the 64 or so countries which are visa-exempt and their nationals (by air or land or sea) are given 45 days without payment rather than the former 30. The rule change was due to end at the end of March 2023, but is now set to continue even to the end of the calendar year. The 45 days can be extended another 30 days at local immigration for 1,900 baht (50 pounds) giving a total of 75 days visa exempt. However, the additional 30 days does require prior formal registration of the tourist’s address, usually condominium or hotel, by either the host online to immigration or by the tourist personally at immigration filling in a TM30 form and providing documentary proof of actual residence. Paperwork can include proof of payment at the hotel or condominium ownership paperwork and varies at individual immigration offices. The registration process is free but can attract fines if “late”, the definition of which is discretionary. Visa exempt tourists, if they wish, can undertake a one day border run (usually Cambodia or Laos) to begin the procedure once again: 45 days on entry and a further 30 at local immigration. They are advised to travel by minibus organized by a travel agent as prior submission of a passport copy to border police is necessary. The same result is achieved if the tourist returns to Thailand by air from any country worldwide. The limit is said to be two land visa runs per calendar year, or six visa exempt entries by air, but immigration officers are known to discourage back-to-back tourist arrivals on an ongoing basis without good reason. Visa exempt tourists are allowed in most areas to apply for driving licences or to open bank accounts, both of which require certificates of local address issued by immigration. Russia Russian nationals receive 45 days on landing but are separately categorized from the visa exempt tourists above as Russians come under a bilateral agreement between the two governments. Russians are not allowed to extend the 45 days at Thai immigration, but must leave the country. They are allowed to join the visa runs described above for a total of 90 days since initial arrival. How long they can continue to do this without being deemed to be abusing the system is currently a matter of speculation. Many Russians who wish to stay long-term in Thailand are switching to alternatives such as the 5-year Elite visa option or annual extensions of stay. China and India They are two of the 20 or so countries covered by the visa-on-arrival scheme which awards 30 days on payment of 2,000 baht. Initial reports last year stated that these visas could be extended for a further 15 days at local immigration, but these were false. No extension is possible and tourists are expected to leave. Some immigration offices are awarding a final 7 days if the individual can show he or she has an outward-bound flight ticket within that specific time span. Some visa-on-arrival holders have travelled to a Thai embassy or consulate in Laos and obtained a 60 days tourist visa to Thailand. However, this requires the applicant to hold a Thai bank account with a minimum 50,000 baht and recent reports say the process is hit and miss. Last month, China and India both announced that all arrivals to their country would need a RT-PCR test in Thailand to be allowed to board their exit flight. This requirement also meant that Chinese and Indian visitors to Thailand required medical insurance for their vacation in Thailand plus seven days to give cover in case their RT-PCR test proved positive. India has just announced that they are abolishing the RT-PCR test from 13 February 2023. China has not yet made an announcement and the procedures remain – technically – in place. Thai immigration does not examine passengers’ documentation on entry or on leaving, but has occasional checks. So they say. 90 days on arrival There are five countries, with a bilateral agreement with Thailand, whose nationals receive 90 days on arrival without a prior visa. They can then take advantage, if they wish, of the land visa run. The countries are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Peru.90 days on arrival There are five countries, with a bilateral agreement with Thailand, whose nationals receive 90 days on arrival without a prior visa. They can then take advantage, if they wish, of the land visa run. The countries are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Peru.

For you non-American readers, I write today to introduce you to the guy who makes my heart race every time he cocks his arm. I'm one of his legion of voyeuristic worshipers. My affair with him dates back to 2018 when he became the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Tomorrow he plays in Super Bowl 57 against the Philadelphia Eagles for the championship of the National Football League. Having witnessed all of the previous 56, I believe that I'm more excited than in any previous year. He works magic as both a passer and a runner. Agile and unpredictable--and more than a bit sexy, he rarely fails to satisfy his fans' desire for gridiron nirvana. Well, I guess I've blown my wad. If you have the opportunity to watch the game, you won't regret it. If only half of our offs could deliver satisfaction as consistently as he does, I give you Patrick Mahomes. NY Times photo

@young11 I suppose you could cite the old economist's explanation for the phenomena: they charge what the market will bear.

A friend who is a primary care doctor remarked to me once that operations to correct a hernia was a surgeon's "bread-and-butter" procedure because it was quickly performed and paid well. It might be said that the situation you describe above falls into same category for massage boys.

Try Saphan Kwai.

I think you posted about "the fat farangs who can't get hard but tip well" I'm talking about a different category altogether: older farangs who enjoy mutually-satisfying experience and tip well. That's my objective in every massage and I manage to bring it off more often than not.

I don't believe that you necessarily have to be a fan of the sport to appreciate that the young men pictured here are actually honoring an ancient tradition. Muay Thai was the manner of battle that their ancestors employed to defend their land. It required no weapons other than that which their bodies and skills provided. The vast majority of those warriors came from Thailand's northeast: Isan, the nation's largest region on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the mighty Mekong. Most began honing their knowledge as young as their fifth or sixth year. These photos weren't doctored simply because nothing could possibly be improved.

I'm regularly in touch with three guys who work in massage shops on Silom Soi Six. The only customers they complain about are the lousy tippers and the occasional no tippers. And as I mentioned before, they would rather have older clients because they tend to tip better and treat with greater respect than younger customers who tend to think they should get more for less.

From Pattaya Mail Wednesday is the first day that the tour group from China visits the station so there is a huge group of Chinese tourists at Mae Khlong station. ‘Folding umbrella market’ (Rom Hoop Market) or Mae Klong Railway Market is a local market in Samut Songkhram which is considered one of amazing unseen tourist attractions in Thailand. It is the one of its kind and no any place like this in the world. The local residents commonly call Siang Tai (life-risking) Market because the trains will run through at the heart of the market. The vendors have to rush to close their parasols and canvas that used to protect themselves against the sun. They also have to clear goods that will obstruct the coming train. Once the train passes, parasols and canvas will be reopened as goods are again put into their usual place next to the railroad. The practice is usual for vendors and local people, but not for tourists who will definitely find the scene exciting and enjoyable and want to see it with their eyes. After China reopened the country and resumed overseas group tours organized by travel agencies for Chinese citizens from February 6. Thailand is one of the 20 countries that China allows group tours to visit.

From Pattaya Mail Rotary Pattaya Colour Fun Beach Run Feb 26 The Pattaya Colour Fun Beach Run gets underway on Sunday February 26, with sign up and registration available online and through the Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya. The event is organized by the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya and was first held in Pattaya in 2015. The funds raised will go to assisting children at the Baan Jing Jai Home and the Anti Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center. (ATCC). For additional information https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/rotary-pattaya-colour-fun-beach-run-to-take-place-on-sunday-feb-26-423690 ======================== 1st Koh Larn Trail Run Feb. 19 Pattaya will organize the first Koh Larn Trail Run Feb. 19 on the tourist island. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai chaired a Feb. 7 planning meeting at Pattaya School No. 10 on Koh Larn. The race, which city officials hope will become an annual event, is aimed at promoting tourism and improving Pattaya’s reputation as a sports city. The race will have two divisions, 11 and 21 kilometers, respectively. Runners can register on Feb. 18 at School No. 10 from noon until 8 p.m. or the morning of the race. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-to-organize-1st-koh-larn-trail-run-feb-19-423863

If I had to choose from among the photo array, "Boss" would be my first draft pick.

Interpol certainly did drop the ball. Although the NY Times reported that a "Red Notice" was issued on Oct. 5, 2020 (eight years after the crime), it was never acted upon. From Interpol website: A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.

Some of these guys may indeed identify as straight but I've found that over the last 21 years of visiting bkk that they should be thought of as "Bangkok straight". What I mean is that once the door to your room or massage cubicle closes, no definitive rules apply. They are free to be whoever or whatever they wish. I've had some of my best times with Bangkok straights.

From Channel News Asia South Korea's parliament votes to impeach minister over Halloween crush SEOUL: South Korean lawmakers voted on Wednesday (Feb to impeach the interior minister over his responses to a deadly Halloween crush, setting the stage for him to become the country's first cabinet member ousted by the legislature. The impeachment motion was passed by a widely expected 179-109 margin in a secret ballot in the 300-member single chamber, where the main opposition Democratic Party holds a 169-seat majority. The support of at least 150 members of the assembly was required to pass it. The parliament's justice committee will review the motion before sending it to the Constitutional Court, which would decide whether to uphold the impeachment, a process that could take up to six months. The Democrats and other opposition parties had pushed to expel the interior minister, Lee Sang-min, urging him to bear responsibility for botched responses to the crush. The Oct 29 incident killed 159 people and injured 196 when revellers flooded narrow alleyways in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon to enjoy the first coronavirus mask-free Halloween festivities in three years. Lee and the police have faced criticism over their handling of the tragedy, especially after publicly released transcripts of emergency calls showed that many citizens warned of impending danger and called for help hours before the stampede.

From Pattaya News By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya City is getting ready to host its one of a kind kite-flying event from February 24th to the 28th. The event organizers promise spectators an awestruck experience during the event days where the sky above Pattaya Beach will be full of countless, colorful kites of all shapes: be it whales, horses, dragons, UFO’S, or even giant octopuses.

Why do I love this story. From The Thaiger/ Pattaya News A wild boar created chaos in Pattaya yesterday, attracting widespread attention on social media. The massive animal, estimated to weigh between 200-300 kilograms, was spotted roaming around the city at 7.30pm on February 7. The beast was also seen swaggering around Big C Extra in central Pattaya as if it owned the joint. Despite the best efforts of Sawang Boriboon rescue workers, who were called to the scene after the boar broke some plants in a residential area, the animal proved to be too much of a challenge. The rescuers fired five tranquiliser darts at the boar but to no avail. The wild beast refused to go down, leaving the rescuers stunned, The Pattaya News reported. The boar is believed to still be on the loose in Pattaya, but is reportedly peaceful and not showing any fear of people. Rescuers believe the animal may have been someone’s pet that had gone missing. Rescue workers are now trying to safely relocate it out of the city.

In his column in today's Pattaya Mail, Barry Kenyon casts a jaundiced eye on the influx of Chinese tourists. ------------------------------ Warnings from the World Health Organization and others about the upsurge of covid cases in China abound. But they have done little to curb the enthusiasm in Thailand and most regional countries to put out the welcome mat whilst the boom opportunity exists. In 2019, Chinese package tourists abroad spent US$254 billion, according to Statista, and tourism-focused businesses are gasping for revival. The average spending per individual was US$1,470, or 47,000 baht, though it is unclear how that relates to zero-sum tourists who pay in advance in China for tickets, hotels and entertainment. Whilst countries such as US, Japan and Australia have put in place vaccination requirements and/or comprehensive travel insurance for Chinese arrivals, southeast Asian governments are imposing few or no restrictions. Thailand has theoretical health checks but there are only “sporadic” inquiries by Bangkok immigration officials. So far, no Chinese tourists are known to have been turned back from Bangkok airports. Cambodian premier Hun Sen said this week there would be no health screening for Chinese visitors. In Manila, tourist officials proclaim that the projected Chinese boom is finally rescuing the economy of the Philippines. The upturn in Chinese arrivals is also assisted by the China-Laos popular hi-speed railway from Kunming, capital of China’s Yunnan province, to Vientiane the capital of Laos. From there, it is straightforward to cross into Thailand and other neighboring countries by land. Meanwhile, China loses no opportunity to expand its diplomatic presence in the region to encourage its enterprises such as the Belt and Road trade initiative. Wherever Chinese officials do find rare examples of their nationals being subject to health checks, they denounce them as unfounded and discriminatory. The biggest problems in the host nations are labour-related. The fall in the birthrate in many regional countries is already contributing to shortage of workers in tourist industries. Thailand, South Korea and Japan are actively competing for guest workers from Myanmar and Cambodia to fill the gap. Shop and factory owners, condominium builders and hotels all over the region are complaining about too many vacancies. The issue is likely to raise basic salaries for economic migrants which, in turn, will increase inflationary pressures in Thailand and elsewhere. There are also concerns in Thailand and some other countries about police corruption which has encouraged the granting of longstay business or student visas to Chinese citizens not actually qualified to receive them. Thai authorities have responded by transferring immigration officials, clamping down on the granting of bank accounts to Chinese nationals and denying visa extensions beyond the 30 days visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders. But for the moment, the sky’s the limit as far as outward-bound Chinese tourism is concerned. As the Chinese Xinhua news agency delicately puts it, “We are teaching friendly neighbors how to smile again.”

....and they're all hoping that we'll Photoshop our own.

Too bad, Scotty, you were around to express this opinion directly to the fighters pictured above.

I agree but particularly at the Thai-Chinese population. Photo from Facebook page. More photos and videos can be found at FB page: https://www.facebook.com/changshabar/

I'm a sucker for a feel good story and here's one I found today. Maybe I'll get a haircut at this shop when I'm in Hanoi this fall.

From The Diplomat By Luke Hunt Cambodian authorities were disbelieving when persistent reports began emerging early last year that Chinese organized crime syndicates had established a network of human trafficking operations based largely out of the southern port town of Sihanoukville. Several foreign embassies – all of them Asian – warned their citizens of the risks associated with traveling to this country and the United States dropped Cambodia to the lowest ranking on its annual Trafficking in Persons Report for failing to “meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.” Many of those scam operations were established by Chinese criminals who decided not to return to the People’s Republic amid the great exodus as the COVID-19 pandemic was erupting in early 2020. Instead, they stayed and traded in human misery by luring unsuspecting job seekers with false promises of well-paid work into slave compounds where they were forced to conduct a range of fraudulent telecom scams. And the traffickers prospered. But as the pandemic ebbed and borders opened, traffickers set their sights on greener, less complicated pastures inside Myanmar. Their victims are now seemingly being flown to Yangon, Bangkok, and onto other transit points, primarily Mae Sot, northwest of Bangkok, and Chiang Rai in the far north close to the Golden Triangle, a region notorious for drug production and other illicit trades. Once across the border, the human cargo is transported to compounds in Shan and Karen states, where casinos have mushroomed alongside illegal and online gambling, and investment scams that primarily deal in cryptocurrencies. Last Friday, sources say, 10 people – Indonesians, Indians, and Nepalese – were freed from a compound in territory controlled by the United Wa State Army in Shan State with the help of foreign-based NGOs. It was an unusual operation that involved police from Indonesia and Wa State, and Interpol from ASEAN, Indonesia, India, and Myanmar. “It was an inter-agency operation – which also means the rescue took place without any involvement from the military junta,” said one source. Their passports were retained, and workers given 12 hours a day to meet quotas. Shortly after Christmas, they began receiving physical threats. Then beatings followed, with security tightened by company managers who carried guns. The company owners were arrested by Wa State police, operating independently from the Myanmar military, which highlights the lack of control that the military exerts in these areas while the civil war continues in other parts of the country. Continues at https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/focus-on-human-trafficking-shifts-from-cambodia-to-myanmar/

From The Thaiger Hua Hin and Pattaya have long been two popular destinations in Thailand for tourists and expats. Now a new service schedule will link the two cities with buses running twice a day between Pattaya and Hua Hin, beginning February 19. The two cities sit about 325 kilometres apart by road. Both cities are known for their stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and cultural attractions. Starting from February 19, travellers will be able to take advantage of new bus services that will run twice a day between Hua Hin and Pattaya. The schedule for these buses will have morning and afternoon departures from each city. The early bus will depart from Hua Hin at 9am, with an afternoon option heading out at 3pm. Coming in the opposite direction, buses will depart from Pattaya at 8am first and again at 4pm. The journey between Hua Hin and Pattaya typically takes between four and six hours, depending mostly on Bangkok traffic. This makes it a convenient and affordable option for travellers exploring both destinations. The tickets for the bus service will cost 473 baht and can be purchased in advance on the bus company’s website. There had been a ferry service running between Hua Hin and Pattaya, but it hasn’t been operating since 2020 due to Covid-19.