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Silom Soi 6 has more shops (six and soon to have seven) male only shops where on any given day you find 60-70 guys available. You’ll find Soi Six on your right just after passing Bangkok Christian Hospital.

From CNN Editor’s Note: Isaac Humphries is a professional basketball player for Melbourne United, part of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). He previously played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion on CNN. Opinion by Isaac Humphries One of the best feelings in the world is playing a game of professional basketball while on peak form.to perform in front of nearly 10,000 people a night; they’re cheering your name, they’re wearing your jersey. And all while you throw down a powerful dunk and flex to the crowd. Well, it should be the best feeling in the world, right? And for a brief moment, I guess it was. That was in 2020. I was 22 and playing with the Adelaide 36ers, two years before signing with my current team, Melbourne United. Now imagine what happens when all of that adrenalin comes to an end after a game. For me, the euphoria was gone the moment I drove out of the arena. I’d get home to my apartment in Adelaide’s coastal suburb of Henley Beach, and be all alone. I felt I had no choice but to be by myself. That’s when my wave of depression would hit the hardest. Over my entire career, there was no reality that existed where I could be an openly gay man while playing basketball. Until now. I’ve played everywhere – Kentucky, the NBA, Europe, the Australian national team – and it’s all the same: for the most part, being an athlete at that level is about making money, dating girls and being the best basketball player you can be. So I fell in line, no matter how awkward and weird I felt doing it. I just wanted to fit in and not draw any attention to myself. There were almost no examples of a male pro basketball player doing anything other than that, so I was resigned to the fact that my true life would start after I retired. Continues with video https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/15/opinions/gay-australian-basketball-player-isaac-humphries/index.html

Is Mac the friendly who stared there as front door greeter / bellhop? Later had amulet counter at Tarntawan Apartments.

Rougher around the edges than Freshboys with no attitude or drama.. Tbh, I don’t recall much in the way of attitude from guys from Freshboys, either.

You are putting doctor’s kids through university, one trip at a time.

Have you ruled out hemorrhoids?

Don’t expect hotel rates to contract. Bangkok Post reporting that electricity rates expected to increase about 14% between January and April next year.

From Thai PBS World The Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall has once again been chosen to host world leaders at the APEC Gala Dinner, reprising its role after two decades. On Thursday night, APEC leaders will gather at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, not just for a sumptuous dinner, but to also feast their eyes on a spectacular illuminated boat procession and later to float their own decorative krathongs. They will spend about two hours from 8pm at the same spot where their predecessors sat during APEC 2003. Located beside the Chao Phraya River, the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall sits in a vast complex that also houses the century-old Ratchanaviksapha Building.

From Pattaya Mail From 1 Nov 2022, Thailand’s e-Visa service will be available at 9 additional Embassies and Consulates. Apply at: www.thaievisa.go.th

From Thai PBS World Light extravaganzas illuminate the Chao Phraya River As the host of the APEC 2022 (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organised the “Vijit Chao Phraya” lighting event along the Chao Phraya River, the capital’s main waterway, to welcome participants in the international summit while also boosting tourism in Bangkok. The Vijit Chao Phraya lighting and sound design is one of TAT’s programs of activities and events taking place during the APEC 2022 meeting. The event showcases creativity through light and sound design and cutting-edge multimedia while Thailand’s rich cultural heritage on both sides of the river makes it even more spectacular and memorable. The event will be held from 12 to 27 November and covers six areas along the river. Rama VIII Bridge Lighting decorations feature the “Light Show & Laser” which sees the cables of the bridge bathed in color to create a different atmosphere. The laser light is designed and projected into patterns that form welcome messages to APEC guests. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds a day at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm. Wichai Prasit Fort Projecting Mapping with light and sound effects on the white wall of the Wichai Prasit Fort portrays past glories and present-day diplomacy and trading as well as the life of Thai people along the water. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds per day at 7.15pm, 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm and 9.45 (Special effects show during holidays on 12,13,17,18,19,26,27 Nov) Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara Applied Cultural Performance incorporating special techniques that portrays the story of Thai traditions along the Chao Phraya River along with Nang Yai (shadow puppet) shows and cultural performances conveying the cultural richness and wisdom of Thailand. Show times: 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 November, 3 rounds per day, at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge (Memorial Bridge) The Illumination Light Show features music and ambient sounds that convey journeys by train, boat and plane. The show offers an aural rendition of the way of life of Thai people in the old days such as sound of cooking and local musical instruments. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds per day at 7.15pm, 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm 9.15pm and 9.45pm (There will be a special effects show on 12 Nov2022) River City Bangkok Projection-Mapping is displayed on the external wall of River City Bangkok. The show is a summary of the charm of the Chao Phraya River demonstrating Thailand’s so-called “soft power” that attracts tourists to experience food, film, fashion, fights and festivals. Show times: Daily, 6 rounds per day at 7.00pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm. IconSiam BANGKOK The river-side shopping mall shows state-of-the-art illuminations using clean energy from solar cells in line with the country’s attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The show incorporates the “ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature” that entertains with a “dancing stream” – claimed to be the longest stream of light and sound in Southeast Asia. Show times: Daily, 4 rounds per day at 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm Those interested can visit and explore each area for free. The best way to experience the lighting event is to cruise along the Chao Phraya River and watch the shows from the water.

It’s probably been almost four years since I’ve visited this shop. At the time I recall that it was offering competitive rates and services. I had two massages there and I remembered them as satisfactory. As I’ve said in other posts, I’ve patronized four shops this trip that have a minimum tip policy. All delivered full service massage for less than the fees Vinapu cites above. If Ganymede isn’t, it tells me much about its customer service policy. http://www.ganymedespa.com/

From CNN Democrats will keep control of the Senate, CNN projects CNN — Democrats will keep their narrow Senate majority for the next two years, CNN projects, after victories in close contests in Nevada and Arizona. Retaining Senate control is a huge boost to President Joe Biden over the remaining two years of his first term in the White House, with one more Senate race outstanding that will determine the final balance of power in the chamber – and how much leverage the president’s party will ultimately have. “I think it’s a reflection of the quality of our candidates,” Biden told reporters in Cambodia shortly after CNN and other news outlets projected Democrats would keep their Senate majority. “They’re all running on the same program. Wasn’t anybody who wasn’t running on what we did,” Biden went on. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/12/politics/democrats-keep-senate/index.html

From Manila Times Thailand's BL series flies high Opinion by Danton Remoto A YEAR ago, publisher and writer Jun Matias asked me to join his "Lock and Roll" Facebook discussion on Boys' Love, or the BL series. Produced in Thailand, the BL television series has taken Southeast Asia by storm, especially in the time of Covid-19. The Boys Love TV shows deal with boys who fall in love with other boys. But they are radical in Thailand for the boys depart from the khatoey, or the stereotype of the gay man who is effeminate, swishy and works in the beauty parlors or in entertainment. These boys are butch and good-looking; they play football and used to date girls; they live in beautiful homes and wear stylish clothes. It is almost like your slick television series of love and loss, except that here, the boys fall in love with other boys. Hendri Go, my informant and tireless organizer of Cebu's Literary Festival (Liftest), said the Japanese yaoi culture influenced the Thai BL. The yaoi are Japanese manga comics dealing with physical gay love. The fans of the yaoi are called fujoshi, and they are mostly young women. On the other hand, we have the sonenai, or manga gay comics that deal with gay love that is emotional and romantic. In both varieties, music brings the boys together; the setting is usually a school; the city is another character in the unfolding of the tale. Social media run the characters' lives: the world of likes, comments and shares affect them on a daily basis. This is most clearly seen in the series "2gether," directed by Weerachit Thongjila, which ran from February to May 2020. The series is about Wat (Vachirawit Chivaaree, nicknamed Bright), a football player and musician who meets Tine (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, nicknamed Win), an aspiring musician. Wat is brooding and melancholicwhile Tine is bright and bubbly. The casting captures perfectly the differences in their character traits. There is charm and chemistry between the two boys, who sometimes wear similar jerseys, or just look deeply into each other's eyes, or feel the pangs of jealousy the way other partners do. Shown right almost when Southeast Asian countries were beginning to be locked down because of the pandemic, the series racked up millions of views per episode on YouTube. Twitter comments hit through the roof and fan sites mushroomed on Facebook and YouTube. GMMTV of Thailand wisely uploaded the series, with English subtitles, at almost the same time it was shown on Thai television. The effect was electric: the chat lines that were opened as soon as the series was uploaded buzzed with the viewers' reactions. And guess which country had the most passionate, the most emotional, reactions? The Latin Asian country called the Philippines. Why did it hold a whole region in the cup of its hand? 2Gether and the other BL series after that showed what many gay men did not have when they were growing up at the university: groups of friends, both straight and gay, who were openly supportive. That, and a milieu where homosexual acts were not seen as bizarre, or in Catholic Philippines, as forms of sin. The series showed that homosexuality is as normal as breathing; that families can be accepting and loving; and that life is worth living even if you dare to be different. And that a gay character does not have to live a tragic life, or die at the end of the TV series. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/opinion/thailand-s-bl-series-flies-high/ar-AA140GEr

From the Thaiger Thailand welcomes 50,000 foreign tourists in one day Nearly 50,000 foreign tourists arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand Nov. 10. From Reassuring statistics reported by immigration indicate a revival of Thailand’s tourism industry, although arrivals are still nowhere near close to hitting pre-pandemic levels. Foreign tourist arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport: November 10, 2022 India – 5,200 South Korea – 3,288 Singapore – 3,018 Malaysia – 2,983 America – 2,857 Other – 32,081

From the Thaiger Whether you’re visiting Thailand for business or pleasure, it’s always beneficial to understand the local language. Learning useful Thai phrases means showing effort and respect for the local culture. It will help ease interactions between you and the locals, making your trip more accessible and more enjoyable. Since Thai is a tonal language, it can be challenging to learn. You’ll likely make mistakes at first, but don’t let that discourage you. Even if you pronounce something wrong, most locals will still appreciate your effort and may even help you pronounce it correctly. Khap and ka Before continuing with the greetings and other useful Thai phrases, we should first cover some basic rules. To make your sentence or question more polite and respectful, it’s essential to end your sentences with the word khap/ka when you are conversing with someone in Thai. There’s no direct translation of khap/ka in English. It’s based on the gender of the person speaking, not who you are talking to. So if you are a male, you should finish your sentence with the word khap or krap. If you are a female, complete your sentence with the phrase ka. –Khun Khun is a polite way to address a person. You add the word before a person’s name. While it is similar to using Mr. or Ms. in English, there’s no direct correlation to English. Out of all useful Thai phrases, greeting someone and saying thank you are the essential Thai phrases you need to know. Mastering these Thai phrases will help connect you with the people you meet in the country. –Hello – Sa-Wat-Dee Sawatdee is one word you’ll probably use a lot in Thailand. It’s a way to say hi or hello in Thai, so try to use it to greet anyone who crosses your path. Don’t forget to add khap or ka at the end to make a complete, polite greeting. You might butcher the word at first, but don’t worry; most Thais will kindly help you with the correct pronunciation. –Thank you – Khob Khun Sorry/excuse me – Kor Toht You can use kor toht krap/ka to apologize or ask people for your attention. You can also use it to dismiss yourself from a setting or express condolences. –No problem/it’s alright – Mai Pen Rai Mai pen rai is a way to respond to someone’s apology or gratitude. You’ll most likely hear this phrase a lot in Thailand. Using mai pen rai tells the other person they’re not bothering you. –Yes/No – Chai/Mai or Dai/Mai Dai The words yes and no are used differently in different contexts. If someone asks you whether something is right or wrong, use chai (yes) or mai chai (no) to answer the question. However, if someone asks you about your ability to do something, respond with dai (yes – can) or mai dai (no – can’t). I don’t understand – Mai Khao Jai. When you don’t understand something, say “mai khao jai.” Upon hearing this phrase, the other person may try to find different ways to explain whatever they’re trying to tell you. –Goodbye – La Gorn When you part ways with someone, use “la gorn khap/ka” to say goodbye to them. Sometimes, a simple wai might be enough if you’re not confident enough to pronounce the phrase. Continues with video https://thethaiger.com/news/national/useful-thai-phrases-every-visitor-in-thailand-should-know

From Pattaya News Pattaya City has released a schedule for the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival on November 25th to November 26th, 2022. November 25th showtimes: At 7:00 P.M.: The event begins At 7:15 P.M.: Opening ceremony by the Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet followed by the Chonburi Governor At 7:30 P.M.: The first fireworks show from Belgium At 7:45 P.M.: The second fireworks show from the Philippines At 8:00 P.M.: Concert from Aof Pongsak At 9:15 P.M.: The third fireworks show from Malaysia At 9:30 P.M.: The fourth fireworks show from Canada At 9:45 P.M. Concert from Three Man Down band At 10:45 P.M. End of program November 26th Showtimes At 7:15 P.M.: The event begins At 7:30 P.M.: The first fireworks show from Canada At 7:45 P.M.: The second fireworks show from the Philippines At 8:00 P.M.: Concert from Rooftop At 9:15 P.M.: The third fireworks show from Belgium At 9:30 P.M.: The fourth fireworks show from Malaysia At 9:45 P.M.: Concert from OG-ANIC & URIUS At 10:45 P.M.: End of program

Cross rates are showing signs of returning to the mean. After peaking just above 38, the USD has corrected to below 36 on declining US interest rate on the 10-year bond. Meanwhile, both the pound and Euro have retraced some lost ground. Although not too much should be read into short-term fluctuations, it could argue for future stabilization. Taken together with increased demand for the local currency, the worst may be behind it for the baht.

Depending on what time you arrive, be prepared for taxi shortage, according to Airports of Thailand (AOT). AOT is reporting only half of taxis registered at Swampy are actually in service, often resulting in long waits. This can be avoided, of course, if you’re prepared to use airport train and connect with either MRT or BTS, or arranging for private car service through hotel or other providers. AOT says it hopes to relieve situation somewhat by working with Grab. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2436012/grab-enlisted-to-ease-suvarnabhumi-airport-taxi-woes

Some of these guys are still in circulation in the Saphan Kwai shops. But there seems to be daily additions of newbies trying their luck. It’s not for Thai only, although farangs certainly in the minority.

From Thai PBS World The Russian Embassy informed the Thai Foreign Ministry today (Thursday) that President Vladimir Putin will not attend the upcoming APEC leaders meeting on 18th and 19th November 2022. First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov will represent him at the meeting in Bangkok. Putin had earlier pledged to come to Bangkok for the meeting, to express his views on economic cooperation. The war in Ukraine, which Russia started is, however, consuming his time, making it impossible for him to attend. For the ASEAN-related summits in Phnom Penh and the G20 summit in Bali, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent Putin. Both summits have invited representatives of Ukraine as guests of the hosts. Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will take part in the two summits. In Phnom Penh, he will sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, along with Spain. In related news, Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo will represent President Yoon Sok Yeol at the APEC meeting. In Phnom Penh, on the side-lines of the ASEAN-related summits, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ochoa is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Yoon on 11th November. According to informed diplomatic sources, both sides will discuss their 5-year action plans, to further strengthen their strategic relationship. Korea is also keen to take part in the development of the Mekong sub-region. It has contributed financial assistance worth US$5 million to various Mekong developmental projects. Meanwhile, the Korean Ambassador to Thailand, Moon Seoung-Hyun, went to Phetchabun yesterday, the hometown of Natticha Makaew, the young girl who died in the Halloween crush in Itaewon in Seoul, to attend the funeral with her family. The Korean government has paid compensation for the life lost and for the repatriation of Natticha’s remains.

From Thai PBS World PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Ukraine signed a cooperation treaty with ASEAN on Thursday in a largely symbolic act that comes as Kyiv tries to mobilize international support for the war against Russia. But ASEAN countries failed to reach a consensus to let Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address its summit through a video statement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba signed the “Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia” ahead of the annual summit in Phnom Penh. A total of 50 parties have signed the cooperation pact, which was originally signed among ASEAN member states in 1976 to promote peace and cooperation within the region. It is a prerequisite for countries that want to establish formal partnerships with ASEAN. China, India, the United States, the European Union and Russia are among its other signatories. “Developing strong ties with ASEAN is an important part of Ukraine’s Asia strategy,” Kuleba tweeted after the signing ceremony. The Khmer Times reported that in a recent phone conversation with ASEAN Chairman, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy requested to deliver a video statement during the summit amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, it said the Embassy of Ukraine in Vietnam has confirmed that the plan was being cancelled due to a lack of consensus among the bloc’s member states. “Unfortunately, the online address is not being planned anymore,” it said. Kung Phoak, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs secretary of state and spokesman for the summit, confirmed Thursday that Zelenskyy will miss the opportunity to deliver a video statement during the summit, according to the Khmer Times. “The ASEAN decision must be done in consensus,” he said, noting that after a meeting the bloc could not find consensus on Zelenskyy’s request.

From the Thaiger The Ministry of Transport yesterday approved a motion to increase taxi fares in Bangkok after recent protests by the capital’s cab drivers. The new fares are expected to come into operation in the next two weeks. The Transport Ministry announced a month ago that taxi fares in Thailand would be increased after eight years of stagnation. The department of transport made the price increase conditional – taxi drivers must improve their service and avoid refusing to serve passengers. More than 200 taxi drivers gathered in front of the Transport Ministry office yesterday morning to demand an answer on the fare increases as there had been no development for a month. Last month taxi associations asked the government to increase the standard fare rates. Drivers asked for the basic fee to start at 45 baht for 1,600 to 1,800cc taxis and 50 baht for 2,000cc taxis and above. At the moment, basic fares for every taxi in Thailand start at 35 baht. A journey between 2 to 10 kilometres costs 5.5 baht/kilometre, and a journey between 11 to 20 kilometres onwards costs 6.5 baht/kilometre) The advisor to the Minister of Transport, Wirut Pimpanit, met with four taxi associations yesterday afternoon. Wirut told the associations that the government could not increase the fares they proposed but would compromise. The meeting concluded in an agreement on the new rising price stated below: 1,600 to 1,800 cc taxi cars: The basic fee starts at 35 baht | 2,000 cc taxi cars: The basic fare starts at 40 baht A journey from 2 to 10 kilometres costs 6.5 baht/kilometre A journey from 11 to 20 kilometres costs 7 baht/kilometre A journey from 21 to 40 kilometres costs 8 baht/kilometre A journey from 41 to 60 kilometres costs 8.5 baht/kilometre A journey from 61 to 80 kilometres costs 9 baht/kilometre A journey from 81 kilometres onwards costs 10.5 baht/kilometre In traffic jams or in case taxi cars travel less than six kilometres per hour, the cost will be 3 baht/minute, up 1 baht. The new fares will come into effect in two weeks. Wirut reported that the new fares will apply to about 80,000 taxis in Bangkok only. For taxis in other provinces, the ministry said it would consider fare prices according to the cost of living and the consumer price index (CPI) in each area, especially in touristy areas like Koh Samui in Surat Thani and Phuket.

If this Heineken wants to squeeze more profits out of his empire, let him raise rates just as airlines have raised fares. If consumers are willing to pay his rates, that’s free enterprise. But he’s looking for a “beard” in the form of a government mandate. The Thailand unemployment rate fell to 1.37% in the second quarter of the year. The country can not even attract sufficient foreign workers for its burgeoning construction or food processing industries. There was a recent article that the hospitality industry was having problems attracting service workers. Doesn’t sound like it needs government intervention to me.

Construction workers doing new sidewalks on Silom Rd. made quick work of installing a new entrance/driveway for Soi 4. The new—and outrageously noisy—bar at the opposite side, BiPolar, has become a Friday-Saturday only club 🙂. A new Thai eatery, Silver Sand, occupies it otherwise. It’s worth glancing at the menu if for no other reason than to gaze at the very cute captain within. Although I can’t confirm it, it’s my hope that BiPolar will confine itself to the second floor above the restaurant, thereby hopefully reducing the blare.

I have twice applied successfully for an electronic 60-day tourist visa. It was done through the Thai Immigration portal and processed by nearest Thai consulate. No need to travel there or physically send passport. Cost ($45) paid by credit card. they key to making this as painless as possible is to assemble copies of documents they require before applying and follow step-by-step instructions. The tourist visa can be extended an additional 30 days. See OP. IMO, it’s as easy now to arrive in Thailand as it was pre-Covid. And it you enter by end of March, most westerners get 45 days. As for tourist numbers, most flights are arriving full and carriers are regularly adding capacity. Thai just disclosed that it intends to reactive some of its A380s along with some 777s and A330s.. I can tell you that the number of Japanese tourists has increased markedly in the past few weeks, based on what I see nightly when I walk Soi Thaniya and what massage workers on Soi Six tell me. Visitors from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea also on the upswing.