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Just as those of us who have recently traveled to Thailand, we're all too familiar with inflation in our home countries. Guys we meet--or become reacquainted with from earlier trips--are likewise dealing with rising costs. As Vinapu observes, they're making decisions on how they can compensate by raising their fees. And why not? Aren't we receiving salary increases for the services we provide. We always reserve the right to reject their asking price if we feel it's far out of whack. I think that's what I like about massage shops. We get a choice of service provider. If there's no minimum price in effect, we're free to negotiate in advance or tip at the end. In the majority of shops in Silom (with notable exceptions) the latter arrangement applies, particularly those on Silom Soi 6 where I had many very satisfactory experiences. For the moment, there's something for everybody in Thailand. If you want a show and a parade of guys, they're available. Host bars also exist and of course there's always the apps. Sure, there are other destinations but I don't believe they can provide choices in such abundance.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Last month’s commencement of twice-daily Azur Air charter flights from eleven Russian cities, including Siberia, to U-tapao Airport (near Pattaya) has outpaced all expectations. The provincial airport is processing nearly 5,000 Russian arrivals weekly. These flights are in addition to popular Aeroflot routes from Moscow and other urban centers to Bangkok and Phuket as well as multiple connecting flights from and to the Middle East. Just under one and a half million Russians visited Thailand in pre-pandemic 2019 and many travel experts expect to reach or beat that annual figure as early as January 2023. At least a third will be heading to Pattaya where there are lengthy daily queues at the over-busy immigration bureau to register a local address, extend a holiday stay or seek other services. The neighboring photocopying unit has recently hired more staff to cope with the extra demand. There are many signs that the latest Russian arrivals in Pattaya have different expectations from their predecessors. Mikhail Nazarenko, who runs a Walking Street bar attracting mostly Russian imbibers, said, “Some are tourists anxious for a two-weeks sunshine break from Putin’s grim regime, but others are looking to the long haul including some draft dodgers too.” He cited airline reports that the charter flights to U-tapao are always full, but the return journeys have some vacant seats. Mikhail debunked the myth that Russians here are struggling financially because their credit cards don’t work owing to international sanctions. “Travelling Russians are using credit cards issued abroad, particularly the Middle East and China, while others are arriving with mega cash, especially US dollars, in their hand luggage. There’s also the option for new arrivals in Pattaya to obtain cash from affluent Russian expats already here and repay it by using their banking app to transfer funds to the lender’s Russian account. It’s no problem.” There has also been a surge in the number of Russians seeking proof of address letters from Chonburi immigration bureau which are required to open bank accounts in Thailand. Some Thai banks or managers are very cagey about allowing some foreign nationals to start accounts, because of money-laundering fears, so the more accommodating branches often have long queues during opening hours. There is also substantial Russian interest in long-term visas, such as Elite which offers a five year, multiple-entry stay in return for an initial cash payment of 600,000 baht (about US$18,000), or annual renewals based on retirement or marriage. Applications by Russians for Thai driving licences are also rising, according to the Department of Land Transportation, whilst Russians (unlike Indians or Chinese) can take advantage of the same-day Cambodian visa run which extends their visa-free option for a further 45 days with then another 30 days on application to immigration. Russian vacationers (like UK, EU and USA) can now stay in Thailand for 150 days (45 plus 30 and repeat 45 plus 30)) on a visa-free basis. Restaurants and property agents are brushing up their Russian language marketing materials. Not only are the Russians coming, they’re here in abundance.

Peter RS raises a good question about how the uncovered entrances will compensate of accumulating rain water. I can appreciate the aesthetic desire to keep the entrances as low-profile and unobtrusive in this historical area so I have to assume they took that into consideration in the initial engineering designs. Nevertheless I'd be fascinated to learn what method they arrived upon as a solution. Apparently the underpass had a soft opening some time back based on the YouTube video below. I've also found some photos that reflect just what an attractive architectural achievement the project turned out to be.

From Time Qatar Corruption Scandal Is Rocking European Parliament A high-profile corruption case that alleges Qatar bribed European lawmakers to sway policy has rocked the European Parliament. Belgian federal prosecutors arrested and charged four people as of Tuesday with corruption, money laundering, and participation in a criminal organization on behalf of a “Gulf State,” which Belgian media and some members of the European Assembly have identified as Qatar. European authorities have not named the country. Among those charged is Greek MEP Eva Kaili, 44, who is one of 14 Vice Presidents of the E.U. body. The European Parliament on Tuesday voted 625 to 1 to strip Kaili of her role over the allegations. She has denied any involvement in the bribery scandal. The federal prosecutor’s office said “it is suspected that third parties in political and/or strategic positions within the European Parliament were paid large sums of money or offered substantial gifts to influence Parliament’s decisions,” in a statement. Between Friday and Monday, Belgian police raided at least 20 raids across homes and parliamentary offices, seizing €1.5 million ($1.6 million) in cash, as well as computers and phones. Six people had been taken in for questioning by authorities so far, with two released, the New York Times reported. Others who were detained on Friday include Kaili’s husband Francesco Giorgi, who works as an aide to Italian MEP Andrea Cozzolino, as well as her father, Alexandros Kailis. They also include Luca Visentini, chief of the International Trade Union Confederation and Pier Antonio Panzeri, a former member of the European parliament, per the Times. The identity of the sixth individual is not known. The E.U.’s top official, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed “utmost concern” over the allegations on Monday. “This confidence and trust in our institutions need the highest standards of independence and integrity,” von der Leyen said at a news conference. She called for the creation of an independent ethics body moving forward.

From ASEAN Now / Thaiger A huge fire has reportedly erupted on Sukhumvit Soi 3 in Bangkok, near the traffic lights. The story is developing. Smoke is engulfing the air above, in what seems to be a fire from a building. Videos below courtesy of Khun Steve and ASEANNOW. Continues with videos https://aseannow.com/topic/1280448-just-now-big-fire-on-sukhumvit-soi-3-near-the-traffic-lights/

In my experience, the best and safest place to cross Surawong is the crosswalk directly in front of Burger King on one side and Shenanigan's and the opposite side (near Patpong 1). I used this at least twice a day on my last two trips. It's well-lighted and many pedestrians use it.

From The Indian Express The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia is being restored by India because our civilisation is not limited to India, but is spread across countries, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said. Addressing the Kashi Tamil Sangamam on the subject ‘contribution of temples in society and nation building’ being held here, Jaishankar said, “There are temples not only in India, not only in the Indian subcontinent, but in many regions beyond.” “I had gone with the Vice President to see the biggest temple in the world — the Angkor Wat temple complex. Today, we are restoring and renovating the temples in Angkor Wat. These are contributions which we are making outside because the civilisation of India has gone beyond India,” he said. “So, today when we are restoring, rebuilding, and re-energising Indian civilisation, our task is not only in India. Our task is all over the world. But, it is not only where our civilisation went, it is also where our travellers went, our traders went, our people of faith went,” he said. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-restoring-angkor-wat-temple-in-cambodia-s-jaishankar-8320275/

From The Thaiger Brief history of the Japanese Onsen in Thailand Yunomori Onsen & Spa changing rooms! Ever heard of the term ‘Onsen’ and just brushed it off as one of those things the Japanese oldies do somewhere out in the vast Japanese countryside, whilst butt-naked!? Well, you wouldn’t be far off, but did you know a slightly more modern, more modest (less naked) version is available for anyone to try right here in Bangkok, with several venues offering Japanese-style relaxation in and around the city? Onsen, or hot springs, have been part of Japanese life since ancient times. They were believed to be a place of healing and were often visited by the upper classes as a form of relaxation. Over time, onsen became a popular form of communal relaxation and entertainment, and people from all walks of life began to visit them. The tradition of onsen has continued to this day, with many modern onsens featuring facilities such as restaurants, bars, spas, and even karaoke rooms. Today, hot springs are a popular destination for tourists to Japan, who come for a unique experience and to relax in the warm, therapeutic waters. Onsens are also a popular activity for locals, who often enjoy the experience with friends and family. Since the 90s, venues started popping up across Thailand, mostly catering to the many hundreds of Japanese overseas workers living and working in Thailand, with Bangkok seeing the largest concentration. Yunomori Onsen & Spa claims to be the first authentic Japanese onsen spa in Thailand where guests can experience the ultimate relaxation with a combination of two ancient cultures: Japanese Onsen bathing culture and traditional Thai massage. Venues like Yunomori strive to provide their guests with an unforgettable experience that combines the healing properties of water sourced directly from the thermal springs of Wat Wangkanai with skilled Thai massage techniques. From head to toe, guests are immersed in a unique blend of soothing treatments that will leave them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Brew it and they will come....even to the beach. 😉

From Thai PBS World JAKARTA, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Visitors to Bali will not be put at risk by Indonesia’s newly ratified criminal code, the island’s governor said, dismissing concerns that revised laws which include articles criminalising sex outside marriage may scare away tourists from its shores. Indonesia’s parliament last week passed the controversial bill that also prohibits cohabitation between unmarried couples. Seeking to reassure visitors, Bali Governor Wayan Koster in a statement on Sunday noted the new laws, which come into affect in three years, could only be prosecuted if there was complaint by a parent, spouse or child. Those who “visit or live in Bali would not need to worry with regard to the entry into force of the Indonesian Criminal Code”, he said. The governor said provisions in the criminal code on this issue had been altered from an earlier, stricter version so “would provide a better guarantee of everyone’s privacy and comfortableness.” Bali’s government would ensure “there will be no checking on marital status upon check-in at any tourism accommodation, such as hotels, villas, apartments, guest houses, lodges and spas,” Wayan said. Wayan also denied what he said were “hoax” reports of cancellations of flights and hotel room bookings, adding that data from travel agents, tour and accommodation operators, as well as airlines, showed the number of people set to visit Bali from December 2022 to March 2023 had increased. Bali is the centre of tourism in Indonesia and the tourism association is targeting foreign arrivals on the predominately Hindu island to reach pre-pandemic levels of six million a year by 2025. Decades in the making, legislators hailed the passage of the criminal code as a much-needed overhaul of a vestige of Dutch colonial rule. Officials say it aims to uphold “Indonesian values” in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. But Maulana Yusran, deputy chief of Indonesia’s tourism industry board, said last week the new code was “totally counter-productive” at a time when the economy and tourism were starting to recover from the pandemic. The United Nations has also expressed concern over threats to civil liberties posed by the criminal code, which also includes laws that make it an offence to insult the president, the national flag and state institutions.

From National News Bureau of Thailand BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok authorities have announced the opening of pedestrian walkways beneath Bangkok’s Na Phra Lan Road, following discussions with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, his deputy Sanon Wangsrangboon and city clerk Khachit Chattawanit. Deputy Bangkok Governor Wisanu Subsompon said tunnel construction has been completed and all that remains is to test the electrical, drainage and ventilation systems, as well as the elevators and escalators. The first tunnel is 96 meters long and 6.6 meters underground at the intersection of the Na Phra Lan and Na Phra That roads, with entrances near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Sanam Luang. According to Wisanu, the tunnels adjacent to Na Phra That are 37 meters in length and have been fitted with two elevators, a staircase and two escalators near three different entrances. Wisanu said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would engage in commercial development to generate additional funds in order to cover maintenance costs, specifically the 28 million baht monthly electricity bill. He added that the BMA’s panel has proposed soliciting bids from companies to assist with tunnel administration.

For the past six weeks, the local and international media have been carrying accounts of raids on multiple locations in the Bangkok and Pattaya area where Chinese triad gangsters were operating upscale gambling and drug dens catering almost exclusively to wealthy Chinese. Here's an excerpt from an article in today's South China Morning Post (the remainder of story sits behind a paywall). Some of it reads like something out of John Burdett's Bangkok 8. "A seized private jet, supercars, drugs and palatial mansions: the spoils of crime committed by suspected Chinese gangsters based in Thailand are raising awkward questions over how foreign criminals have freely moved millions of dollars of illicit money through the kingdom. The scandal began to unfold in late October, when a nationwide anti-drugs operation by the Thai police unearthed a cavernous illegal nightlife den – called Jinling – hidden behind a car wash in Bangkok’s Sathorn commercial district. It catered to a near-exclusive Chinese clientele, serving up bags of ketamine and other party drugs in karaoke rooms that raged through the night, allowing guests to stash any unfinished drugs for their next visit." ===================== The scope of the triads' activities doesn't seem to be limited to drugs and gambling. Human trafficking has previously been reported as a lucrative ASEAN-wide endeavor. Although the major Thai news sites have covered the evolving expose, the Bangkok Post has probably focused most intently on it. Unfortunately, those articles also reside behind a paywall. The Thai Examiner's accounts are available on line: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/11/03/police-see-new-threat-from-chinese-kingpins/

Judging by its new Facebook site, I think you may be right. The most recent photos seem to be mimicking (or at least trying to mimic) the Jupiter look. https://www.facebook.com/newtwilightmanclub/

I arrived in Thailand for the first time 20 years ago on a Northwest Airlines 747, landing at Don Mueang. Could believe what I saw out the window: a golf course running between the parallel runways! I think there are few readers who haven't flown the 747 at least once in their lifetime. From National Public Radio The very last 747 jet has been made, ending a run of more than 50 years The jet transformed an industry, bringing luxurious amenities and lengthy nonstop flights to the masses — all in a design that was both enormous and elegant. But the reign of the mighty 747 has ended, and Boeing says the last plane left its assembly line this week, after 54 years of production. "For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world," Kim Smith, Boeing's vice president and general manager of the 747 and 767 programs, said as the company announced the end of production. Since production of the 747 began in 1967, Boeing says, 1,574 of the airplanes were built. It started carrying commercial passengers in January 1970, when Pan Am used a 747 for a flight from New York to London. The huge jet that shrank the world The 747 was a hit at the Paris Air Show in 1969, and more than two dozen airlines raced to put the airliner into service, luring travelers with the 747's promise of comfort and unprecedented range. People in the U.S. suddenly had an appealing option to visit Hawaii — which was then a very young state. And cities around the world became more interconnected by direct flights. The huge plane was touted as a win for middle-class travelers, under the idea that airline prices would become more affordable if carriers could fit more people onto a single flight. But that dynamic changed in later years, as the aviation industry saw a growing preference for smaller, more fuel-efficient planes and less focus on crowded, hub-to-hub flights. The 747's star has been dimming — U.S. carriers phased it out in 2017 — but it had another moment in 2020, when a British Airways 747, aided by strong winds, traveled from New York to London in 4 hours, 56 minutes, setting a new record for the fastest subsonic commercial flight across the Atlantic. Continues at https://www.npr.org/2022/12/08/1141578966/boeing-747-last-jet

From Khmer Times AirAsia, one of the leading airlines in the region, has confirmed the opening of a branch in Cambodia in early 2023, naming it AirAsia Cambodia, it’s fifth branch in the ASEAN region – and claims it will bring 3-4 million tourists to Cambodia per year. During a meeting with Chea Bora, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism on December 8, 2022, Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A (changed from AirAsia Group), said that his company was in the process of establishing a branch in Cambodia under the name AirAsia Cambodia. Mr Fernandes said that on December 9, 2022, his company will sign a memorandum of understanding with local companies in Phnom Penh to set up AirAsia Cambodia in Cambodia in January 2023. Cambodia will be the fifth country in ASEAN to have AirAsia headquarters after Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. In addition, AirAsia also has offices outside the region, such as in Japan and India. During the meeting at the Ministry of Tourism, the Director General of AirAsia also confirmed that his company plans to attract 3-4 million tourists and travelers to Cambodia per year, with the first step of the company plans to launch four Airbus A321 aircraft connecting destinations in ASEAN, Japan, India and China, as well as domestic destinations such as Phnom Penh-Siem Reap, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville. According to the Director General of AirAsia, the priority destination for connecting direct flights to Cambodia is the ASEAN countries. In addition, AirAsia is also interested in connecting direct flights from China to Cambodia and from India to Cambodia. According to Mr Fernandes , the Airbus A321 can carry about 200 passengers, and if the number of passengers increases, the company will increase the number of aircraft. Cambodia does not yet have direct flights with India, so once a direct flight agreement is agreed and operated in the future, AirAsia will play a key role in transporting tourists by air.

From The Nation Thailand’s cruel sex traffickers have struck again. The victim, a man only identified as ‘B,’ said the three traffickers told him he would work as a massage therapist in Dubai last year. On top of a monthly 80,000 baht salary, B was promised free food and accommodation, as well as a free flight. But B was in for a horrific realisation. Once he arrived at the massage shop in Dubai in November 2021, the Chinese manager seized his passport. B was then forced to sell sex to pay off more than 70,000 baht of debt he was told he owed for his travel costs. B said that clients were charged 900 baht per session, and half of this was deducted to pay off his debt. B was able to get help from Dubai authorities after he was traded to a second massage shop. He was then able to escape back to Thailand, where he reported the situation to the police. Thailand’s Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the culprits on Tuesday. The traffickers were charged with colluding to commit human smuggling for prostitution regardless of the victim’s willingness. The alleged traffickers are 32 year old Janya Phuwong, 37 year old Panuwat Sapsomboon, and 45 year old Nanthaporn Kullangka. Police arrested Janya in Samut Prakan. Nanthaporn was arrested in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum district and Panuwat in Phuket’s Kathu district. Janya confessed to the charges, according to police. Nanthaporn told police she was paid 3,000 baht to teach Thai massage to B. Panuwat said he received 10,000 baht to convince B to work in Dubai, Nation Thailand reported. The investigation found over 4 million baht circulating in Janya’s bank accounts between May and November. The commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, Lieutenant-General Jiraphop Bhuridej, said that many other people might be victims of Janya. This is far from the first time a Thai has been trafficked to Dubai. In September, a 40 year old Thai woman who claimed she escaped forced prostitution in Dubai pleaded for help for her three friends, who were still imprisoned in Dubai. She said the traffickers offered them gardening work in Dubai with an attractive salary of 80,000 – 100,000 baht per month. Other Thai victims of trafficking to Dubai have been promised jobs as masseuses, as B was.

From Pattaya News More than 60 cafes and food stalls are set to join the Pattaya Coffee on the Beach Festival 2022 from December 10th to 11th. Hosted on North Pattaya Beach, the event is a must for coffee lovers and foodies as this time the organizers say the event will be packed with over 60 street food stalls, cafes, and activities. To heat up the atmosphere, the coffee cafes will be competing in the CBC King of Coffee Championship 2022 contest to win a reward of 200,000 baht. You can join in and grab a cub of joe from 8 AM to 8 PM this weekend. Check out the location here.

600 baht minimum wage? From Thai PBS World Morally, it’s undisputed. Economically, it’s questionable. Politically, it’s a no-no. All of them, of course, come with a big “Unless”. That’s how Thailand should proceed with the Pheu Thai Party’s vision on what must be the minimum amounts unskilled Thai workers should be paid in a day. The party’s promise of 600 baht a day is great. Unless it ruins the economy or simply enables labourers to pay more for telecom services, or houses, or medicine, that is. It’s about time the contribution of unskilled labour was fully acknowledged, but the high minimum wage idea requires a revamp of national thinking, affecting practically all other national policies. Simply put, it’s a good moral initiative as long as the initiator is able to create a suitable environment. Otherwise, what is “good” morally could turn into a great destroyer. Illegal and cheaper foreign workers would flood in. Labour abuses would intensify. Entrepreneurs would save their hides and their customers will end up paying the price. It’s questionable economically unless a new value is drilled into the owners of businesses. They must wholeheartedly accept less profits and learn to share the incomes with those who deserve the sharing. They must have this reversed thinking that something must be wrong if they become too rich while their employers are still poor. Foreign investors will need a lot of convincing, too. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/high-minimum-wage-devil-is-in-the-details/

From Thai PBS World (AFP) – Where in the world can you shave a year or two off your age? South Korea — which has just passed a set of bills to abandon its traditional system of calculating ages. The current system, widely known as “the Korean age”, recognises people as a year old at birth and also adds a year to their age every January 1 — rather than on their birth date. But on Thursday, Seoul’s National Assembly passed bills requiring the use of the international age-counting system for official documents. It will be implemented by June next year. The decision was made to “resolve the social confusion caused by the mixed use of age calculations and the resulting side effects”, the National Assembly said in a statement. Besides the Korean age system, the country also has another method mostly used to determine the legal drinking and smoking age — it counts one’s age from zero at birth and a year is added on January 1. And it also uses the worldwide standard for some medical and legal records since the 1960s. This means that, for example, as of December 9, 2022, a person born on December 31, 1992 is 29 under the international standard, 30 under the South’s system of calculating the age to drink, and 31 under the “Korean age” method. President Yoon Suk-yeol has been campaigning on the change, citing the administrative and social expenses resulting from having multiple ways of counting people’s age. Some South Koreans were delighted by the news. “I’m getting two years younger — I’m so happy,” one wrote on Twitter. “I turned two years old so soon after I was born as I was born in December. Finally, I’m about to get my real age back!”

Unless they did it for financial or legal reasons, I can't figure out why they changed the name to something that seems unlikely to to attract a greater audience. Visited this place twice and found that it had everything you'd want in show bar (good seating, great lighting, big stage, superior sound system) except a predictable stable of performers. The owners must have designed and located the venue with the specific hopes of attracting a huge following of Chinese tourists. Two very successful restaurants that have long catered to the China trade (Mango Tree and the restaurant opposite) are located just up the road on Soi Tarntawan. Those same tourists also provided the main source of customers for the row of mixed massage shops on Surawong from the corner of Soi Tarntawan to Patpong 1.

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From, Coconuts Bangkok A century-old library in Bangkok’s Silom area has won a top award by the United Nation’s cultural agency. The restoration of the Neilson Hays Library, which took place from 2016 through 2018, received an Award of Distinction at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. “The project sets a welcome benchmark for the restoration of early twentieth-century buildings of western architectural design in humid tropical environments,” the UNESCO jury said in a statement. The Neilson Hays Library was built in 1922 by Mario Tamagno, the same Italian architect responsible for iconic structures such as Hua Lamphong, the Government House, and the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Its architectural highlights include an Italianate dome, symmetrical layout, stucco decorative motifs, columns, and teak fixtures and fittings. Though many original details survive today, the building was in obvious disrepair by 2016, leading the library’s board to enlist architectural restoration experts. They found that the damage that was visible was due to much deeper systemic problems and concluded a major restoration was critically needed. The site was fully renovated from top to bottom, including repairs to the floors, bookcases, roof tiles, and drainage system, as well as upgrades to its garden and parking lot. The cost was estimated to be around THB10 million (USD$287,000), much of which was underwritten by the Singha-beer barons at Boon Rawd Brewery. Nalin Vanasin, the library’s association president, called the renovation “a labor of love” by people coming together to “dedicate themselves to preserve a piece of history and to propel their beloved library forward.” The library was among 13 projects from six nations – Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, and Thailand – recognized by an international jury at this year’s awards program. Restoration of Mumbai’s century-old museum, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, received the Award of Excellence. With the generosity of members, volunteers, and donors, the library underwent a two year, multi-million baht renovation fully funded by donations in time and money from the Neilson Hays Library community worldwide.

Indonesia sex laws ‘nail in coffin’ for LGBTQ rights From AFP (AFP) – Indonesia’s legislation banning sex outside marriage represents a major new threat to the LGBTQ community’s rights in the conservative country, where same-sex unions are not recognised. “It’s another nail in the coffin at the moment. A big nail,” Dede Oetomo, an activist with the LGBTQ rights group GAYa NUSANTARA, told AFP. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim country, and its constitution recognises six religions. Homosexuality is not illegal in the Southeast Asian nation — except in the police, military and in Islamic law-abiding Aceh province — but rights groups say the legislative changes pose an inherent risk to LGBTQ people. “Many LGBTQ couples have been living together under the radar, as same-sex marriage isn’t allowed here,” said Robby Nasution, a 30-year-old freelancer who lives with his partner in Bali. “With the new law, this means that another right has been taken away from the community.” Kai Mata, a musician and activist, said LGBTQ communities were “bracing ourselves for impact and backlash” from the legislation, which stood “against our rights to exist”. The amendments still need to be approved by President Joko Widodo before they come into force. – ‘Living in fear’ – Albert Aries from Indonesia’s Law and Human Rights Ministry defended the amendments before the vote and said they would protect the country’s marriage institutions. Sex outside marriage could only be reported by a spouse, parents or children, drastically limiting the scope of the amendment, he said. But Andreas Harsono from Human Rights Watch said LGBTQ people were “living in fear” in a society that was becoming “more and more conservative”. “If they are reported by a member of their family, their life can be ruined,” he told AFP. There are already dozens of national and local regulations that affect LGBTQ people, and some have been arrested on charges of lewd conduct under anti-pornography laws. Last month, two Indonesian soldiers were given a seven-month jail term for having gay sex, which the military deems “inappropriate behaviour”. At least 15 members of the police and military have been fired in recent years for having gay sex, according to Amnesty International in 2020. Last year in Aceh province, two men were sentenced to nearly 80 lashings each for having sex. “Of course, I feel this country is not safe for me,” said Gusti Arirang, 29, a musician who identifies as pansexual. “I’m not pessimistic about Indonesia’s future progress as I am trying to stay strong. But now I have more concerns and am more cautious.”

From Thai PBS World Thailand is preparing to host an international conference on AIDS, between December 13th and 16th in Chiang Mai. Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Diseases Control Department, said today (Wednesday) that the 51st UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Meeting will focus on three main topics: -Community-led responses -Global partnership to eliminate all forms of HIV-related stigma and discrimination -HIV and men, in all their diversity and how can we get our responses back on track. Representatives from 22 countries, UN agencies, the 11 organisations which are co-sponsoring this event and five non-governmental organisations will participate. Thailand hosted the last UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Meeting in 2008. According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health’s statistics for last year, there were about 490,000 AIDS patients, including 5,800 new cases. The death toll last year was 11,200. A daily average of 16 new infections were reported, but Thailand has set a target to reduce new infections to 1,000 a year by 2030. The government allocated 3.6 billion baht in the 2021 fiscal year for AIDS patients, an increase of 332 million baht from the previous year. More than 289,000 patients have received anti-viral drugs under the “Gold Card” health scheme.

From Thai News Agency BANGKOK, Dec 8 (TNA) – The Immigration Bureau will revise its criteria for visa extension to prevent foreign criminals from citing their “study or foundations” as an excuse to prolong their stay in the country. Pol Lt Gen Pakpoompipat Sajjapan, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said it would have a working group to revise criteria for visa extension and the revision would concern the foreigners who reported their necessity to work for foundations, receive medical treatment or pursue their study. The criteria would be stricter, he said. The Immigration Bureau made the move after former politician Chuwit Kamolvisit said that three former immigration police officers facilitated the longer stay of members of Chinese triads who set up foundations as their fronts in the country. He said national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas ordered Pol Lt Gen Cheera Chiraweera, deputy inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police Office, to investigate Mr Chuwit’s allegation that immigration police facilitated the illicit business of Chinese people. On the issue, Pol Lt Gen Pakpoompipat said deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn supervised legal action against Chinese criminals. Immigration police from 26 branches were questioned about their approval for Chinese people’s visas and the Immigration Bureau was also investigating the visa approval, Pol Lt Gen Pakpoompipat said. (TNA)