reader

+1

Not unusual for long-paralyzed to develop strong upper body strength to compensate for loss of leg control.

It's doing fantastic, Moses.

From Pattaya News A 74-year-old British man suffering from paralysis fell to his death from a fourth-floor condo in Pattaya. The tragic incident was reported to the Pattaya police at 10:36 PM on January 22nd. The incident happened on Soi Wat Boon Samphan in Pattaya. Upon receiving the report, police, rescue workers, and The Pattaya News teams rushed to the scene. There, officers discovered the body of a 74-year-old British national, wearing only pants. He had fallen from the fourth floor of his condominium room and was found lifeless on the ground beside the walkway. However, no signs of physical assault were found on the body. A search of his room also revealed no signs of forced entry or missing valuables, but his wheelchair was found parked near the balcony. Handprints were discovered on the balcony railing, which police believed to belong to the deceased. Authorities documented them as evidence. Condo security guard Mr. Jarunsak, 61, told The Pattaya News that the deceased had been suffering from paralysis and had lived at the condominium for a long time. He also received daily care from a caregiver. Mr. Jarunsak was unaware of the cause of the incident. The body had been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital for an autopsy. Authorities will also contact the deceased’s relatives and caregiver for questioning before arranging for the body to be claimed for religious rites. TPN Media has withheld the name of the victim as the family and embassy were still being contacted as of press time. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/23/74-year-old-paralyzed-british-man-falls-to-death-from-pattaya-condo/

Your reports are tour de force. Brilliant combination of concise writing, engaging storytelling and wonderfully illustrated. It's a true service to the forum. Your narrative about X Club made me smile 11,000 miles away. Often we have no idea how a single interaction with a boy can have a profound effect on his outlook. Knowing you personally and through your posts, I really wasn't surprised. You made much merit and had one hell of a time with Mr. M. Keep the reports coming! Thank you.

...as are many of our favorite haunts.

Because he was posting videos of partners he was having sex with without their consent? Very different from commercial porn where participants understand that fate of video is to be widely distributed.

Standard formula: number of times you had sex with husband x number of nights he was unable to cum x 1,000 baht.

From Khaosod English A 26-year-old French student was arrested in Bangkok for posting explicit content and videos of intimate encounters with Thai women on social media platforms, police announced on January 20. The Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division, led by Police Colonel Jirapong Rujidarongchai, acted on intelligence reports about a foreign national who had been sharing explicit materials and using social media to solicit sexual encounters while boasting about his physical attributes. Following an investigation and gathering of evidence, authorities obtained a search warrant from the Northern Bangkok Criminal Court. Officers raided a luxury condominium in the Chatuchak area, where they found the suspect, identified only as Mr. K, a French national studying at a prominent university in Thailand. The search also yielded various electronic devices and adult toys. When presented with evidence including video clips, Mr. K admitted to being the person in the materials. He claimed the actions were done out of youthful indiscretion and stated that while multiple women had been involved, he had ceased such activities over a year ago. Police Lieutenant General Chairit Anurit, commander of Immigration Division 3, stated that despite the suspect’s claims of having stopped his activities, the offense had already been committed. The suspect faces charges under computer crime laws for importing and distributing obscene computer data accessible to the public, as well as charges related to the production and distribution of obscene materials. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/01/21/french-man-arrested-for-posting-explicit-content-with-thai-women/

From The Thaiger Thailand has made legal history by granting LGBTQ+ couples the right to sue adulterous spouses for compensation, marking a pivotal step towards equality under the law. The amendment, which came into effect today, ensure[s fair treatment for all couples, regardless of gender. The Civil and Commercial Code has been updated to allow LGBTQ+ spouses the same legal protections as heterosexual couples in cases of adultery. This landmark amendment to Article 1523 was prompted by a Constitutional Court ruling on June 18 last year, which found the previous law discriminatory and in violation of the Constitution’s Article 27, guaranteeing equality for all sexes. Under the old law, husbands could sue their wives’ lovers, regardless of gender, but wives could only sue their husbands’ female lovers. The court deemed this imbalance unjust and ordered the law to be amended. Effective immediately, the revised Article 1523 replaces gender-specific terms like “husbands” and “wives” with “spouses.” It states: “When the court grants a divorce due to adultery, one spouse may claim compensation from the offending spouse and from any third party involved, such as a lover or someone publicly presenting themselves as being in a relationship with the spouse.” Exceptions are outlined for cases where a spouse has consented to or been complicit in the adultery. The Cabinet approved the changes ahead of the effective date, highlighting the government’s commitment to marriage equality. This amendment supplements the Marriage Equality Act, further solidifying Thailand’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, reported The Nation. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/new-thai-law-lets-lgbtq-couples-sue-for-adultery-compensation

From Pattaya Mail Rising concerns over beachside thefts Wearing expensive items while walking through the streets or along the beaches of Pattaya can make one stand out, but it also comes with certain risks. Pattaya is a lively and bustling city, attracting both tourists and locals from all walks of life. As much as the city offers luxury and glamour, it also has areas where tourists can be vulnerable to petty theft or scams, including from individuals posing as transgender women. There have been reports in the past of transgender individuals involved in thefts on Pattaya’s beaches, particularly targeting tourists who are distracted or not paying attention. In some instances, transgender thieves—often part of organized groups—have been known to approach tourists under the guise of friendly interactions, offering services such as posing for photos or asking for money in exchange for a “performance” or gift. These interactions can be an opening for theft, with expensive items like wallets, phones, and jewelry being stolen while the tourist is preoccupied or distracted by the exchange. Pattaya’s beaches, such as Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach, are popular spots for sunbathers, and tourists often carry valuable items like cameras, smartphones, and jewelry. While many transgender individuals in Pattaya work as performers or vendors and are part of the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, a small number of individuals have exploited their position to target unsuspecting tourists. This has led to concerns over safety, particularly among those wearing expensive items that make them more noticeable and vulnerable. How to Avoid These Incidents: Stay Alert: If you’re walking along the beach or busy areas, remain vigilant about your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings, and be cautious if someone approaches you unexpectedly. Secure Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry and electronics in a safe place, like a hotel room or locked bag, when you’re on the beach. Use secure, anti-theft bags for any valuables you do carry. Avoid Distractions: Be cautious of individuals who seem overly friendly or engaging in suspicious activities, such as offering to take photos or engage in unsolicited performances. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels off or you feel uncomfortable, it’s better to walk away and keep moving to a more crowded or well-lit area. While Pattaya is a fantastic destination for tourists, wearing expensive items without considering the risks involved can sometimes attract unwanted attention. Being aware of incidents where individuals, including transgender thieves, may try to take advantage of tourists’ distractions is essential. By staying cautious and being mindful of your surroundings, you can enjoy Pattaya’s vibrant culture and nightlife while protecting yourself and your valuables.

From Bangkok Post Police have warned users of the location-sharing Jagat app they could face trespassing charges and put personal safety at risk in hunting for Jagat coins for cash rewards. The warning was issued by Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwpan, commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Users could also be at risk because they shared their personal data and location, which might be accessed by criminals, the cyber police chief said. Pol Lt Col Wasuthep Jai-in, deputy chief of the Patrol and Special Operations Division (PSD), advised people to stop using the app to hunt for the coins. He said rewards from the app allegedly came from criminal mule accounts and recipients might face a money-laundering investigation. He said the app originated in Indonesia and was operated by 17 foreigners based there and in Singapore and Vietnam. The coin hunt was launched in Thailand on Jan 15 with the physical coins reportedly hidden in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya and Phuket. Police were searching for the people who initially placed the physical coins, he said. PSD commander Pol Maj Gen Worawit Yanachinda has ordered increased patrols to prevent offences by Jagat coin hunters and possible crimes against them. He said app users must pay for specific clues to a physical coin. One such clue had caused a lot of people to descend on the Silom area of Bangkok, causing great disruption to local people, the PSD chief said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2945036/cyber-police-warn-of-risks-in-using-jagat-app

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to invite tourists to the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations taking place around Thailand. The streets will shine with dazzling light decorations on Yaowarat Road. CentralWorld will host the ‘Happy Chinese New Year 2025’ event, while Pak Nam Pho, Hat Yai, and Nakhon Lampang will all come alive with their unique celebrations. From cultural performances to stunning decorations and festive gatherings, this year’s celebrations offer a rich tapestry of joy and excitement to mark a truly wonderful start to 2025. Amazing Light Decorations on Yaowarat Road 19 January – 9 February 2025 On Yaowarat Road (Odean Circle to Chaloem Buri intersection) Highlights: a stunning lighting installation themed “Ignite Your Senses: Embrace Our Two Cultures” will illuminate Chinatown, with the opening ceremony set for 19 January at 19:30 Hrs. at the Chinatown Gate. The celebrations include a showcase marking 50 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations on 29–30 January. The grand highlight is the live broadcast of the opening ceremony on 29 January, presided over by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, featuring cultural performances by Chinese and Thai-Chinese artists. Happy Chinese New Year 2025 at CentralWorld 28 January – 2 February 2025 Outdoor Square, CentralWorld Highlights: the celebrations feature a blessing ceremony between Thailand and China on 28 January, followed by cultural exchange performances and shows by three performing arts troupes from China, representing Xinjiang, Zhejiang, and Yunnan. Visitors can enjoy hands-on cultural demonstrations such as lantern crafting, Chinese calligraphy, and clay sculpting alongside a vibrant food market and live performances by renowned Thai-Chinese artists throughout the festival. Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year 2025 (Nakhon Sawan Wonderland) 22 January – 2 February 2025 Chao Phraya River, Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Highlights: The event will include vibrant parades, Chinese-style decorations, cultural performances with light and sound displays, and a bustling marketplace. Nongkhai Chinese New Year Festival 2025 22-26 January 2025 Tekka Chee Nai Khor Foundation, Mueang District, Nong Khai Khon Kaen Chinese New Year Festival 2025 24-26 January 2025 From 17.00-22.00 Hrs. Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Udon Thani Chinese New Year Festival 2025 24-27 January 2025 From 18.00 Hrs. onwards Grandfather-Grandmother Shrine, Mueang District, Udon Thani Highlights: Chinese art and cultural activities by Udon Thani’s distinguished Chinese descendant clubs and families, including lion dance, golden dragon dance, red lantern decorations, Chinese music performances, and sales of traditional Chinese New Year food to bring luck and good fortune. Pattaya Chinese New Year Festival 2025 25 January 2025 Lan Pho Public Park, Pattaya, Chon Buri Highlights: Thai-Chinese cultural performances, lion and dragon dance performances, concerts by famous artists, and an exhibition on the history of the Chinese New Year festival. Samut Sakhon Leng Kee Chu Chinese New Year Festival 2025 25-29 January 2025 From 16.00-21.00 Hrs. Samut Sakhon City Pillar Shrine, Mueng District, Samut Sakhon Highlights: Parade of the God of Wealth (Cai Shen Ye), light and sound shows, Thai-Chinese cultural performances, decorations along the embankment of the Samut Sakhon City Pillar Shrine and the Tha Chalom side, booths selling Thai-Chinese cultural products and demonstration booths, Illuminated boat parade on the Tha Chin River, and lion and dragon dances. Krabi Chinese New Year Festival 2025 27-30 January 2025 From 17.00 Hrs. onwards. Maharat Road, In front of Vogue Shopping Center, Krabi Highlights: decorative lighting, attend a ceremony to worship the God of Wealth, followed by a feast featuring popular dishes from Krabi. Hat Yai Chinese New Year Festival 2025 28 January – 2 February 2025 Srinakorn Foundation School, Thepsongkroh and Chi Uthit Road, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Highlights: showcasing a 500-drone light show, decorative lighting, illuminated sculptures, a Guanyin shrine, cultural performances, a parade, and a lively marketplace. The Procession of their Deities & Chinese New Year Festival 28 January – 6 February 2025 Tong Sia Siang Teung Foundation, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Suphan Buri Chinese New Year Festival 2025 29–30 January 2025 The Dragon Descendants Museum and Suphan Buri City Pillar Shrine, Suphan Buri Highlights: The Dragon Descendants Museum will feature cultural performances, live music, stage shows, and a bustling marketplace. Happy Chinese New Year 2025 For All @Nakhon Lampang 29-31 January 2025 From 17.00 Hrs. onwards Prasan Maitri Road, Mueang District, Lampang Highlights: decorative lighting, Chinese Nakhon Lampang 2025 contest, Chinese cultural performance and lion and dragon dances, enjoy Chinese singing, instrumental music, and Tai Chi performances, join the DIY activities and variety of foods and products. Ratchaburi Chinatown Fair 2025 28 January – 2 February 205 Pracha Phatthana Dam, Mueang District, Ratchaburi Highlights: lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, parades, contemporary shows and artist performances, light decorations and lantern displays, cooking demonstrations of traditional Chinese New Year food, and art demonstrations. https://www.tatnews.org/2025/01/chinese-new-year-festival-2025-around-thailand

Hook, line and sinker....😋 These are not bashful guys, waiting for you to make first move. Glad to hear you had a good time. +1

Agree. Spoke with a non-member who visited BoyzBoyzBoyz last night with a friend. Reports that it was packed, including many female Asian customers. Guys on stage all in street clothes. Judging by observations voiced elsewhere, this place seems to be best attended boy bar in Pattaya. It owes its success to a show that its audience demands and can command top of market off fees. Friend said other Boystown bars didn't seem that busy around 10p.m.

Never said anything about zippers coming down or going up. The best way to find out what it's like is to go there, buy a boy a drink and talk about whatever comes up. You found out what Golden Cock was actually like by going there. You got to experience Green Massage by going inside and sampling the wares. Carpe diem!

No, like Dragon and Koi nowadays. 😊

A more diplomatic response would have been, "It would choke you, asshole."

From Pattaya Mail A Chinese tourist and his girlfriend reported an assault to Pattaya Police Station on January 20. The couple, identified as Ms. A (35 years old) and Mr. Zhang Hao Tian (24 years old), were walking along the beach road near the entrance to Walking Street in South Pattaya when they encountered a Thai-Chinese man who made an inappropriate remark in Chinese, asking if the boyfriend’s “anatomy was small or large.” The comment angered Mr. Zhang, who confronted the man and asked, “What does it have to do with you?” This sparked a heated argument, which escalated when the assailant pulled out a key and stabbed Mr. Zhang in the right arm, injuring him. The couple immediately went to Pattaya Police Station to report the incident. Police quickly contacted emergency responders, who provided first aid to Mr. Zhang. The police have recorded the incident and are now investigating the matter to identify and take legal action against the assailant. The investigation continues, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage from the area to help track down the suspect. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-tourist-stabbed-after-argument-over-inappropriate-comment-in-pattaya-487923 =========================\ NOTE -- Probably not a good idea to display gold jewelry when traveling and especially not in Pattaya. Transgender gang steals necklace from Indian tourist Pattaya City Police received a report of a theft incident involving a 42-year-old Indian national, Mr. Pravin Manik Tavada, a hotel business owner, January 20. The incident took place along the beachside near the Hard Rock Hotel, where Mr. Tavada had been out walking with friends. According to the victim, while enjoying the evening scenery of Pattaya, he and his friends were approached by a group of three transgender women who offered their services. The group engaged in physical contact, including hugs and caresses, seemingly trying to disarm the tourists with their actions. Despite the group’s attempts to make them feel at ease, Mr. Tavada and his friends refused and walked away after only a brief interaction. However, within just a few minutes of walking away from the scene, the group of transgender women appeared to show dissatisfaction, quickly fleeing from the area. Upon checking his belongings, Mr. Tavada realized that his gold necklace weighing 40 grams, worth over 132,000 Baht, had gone missing. He was certain that the transgender women were responsible for the theft. Despite a brief search in the area, neither he nor his friends were able to locate the suspects. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/transgender-gang-steals-necklace-from-indian-tourist-using-deceptive-tactics-in-pattaya-487919 ================ Another Tourist Loses 80,000-Baht Gold Necklace An Indian tourist in Pattaya claimed he had his 80,000-baht gold necklace stolen by a group of transgender thieves near Soi 7, the second similar incident in a day. On January 21st at 12:11 AM, Pattaya police received a complaint from the victim, identified by police only as Mr. Kumar, a 41-year-old Indian tourist, who reported that a group of transgender women had snatched his gold necklace worth over 80,000 baht from him. The incident occurred near Soi 7, Pattaya Beach Road, Chonburi.

To quote another member, "go and see for yourself." Just sitting with these guys provides an enjoyable experience. They know how to please if you give them the chance.

You can always ask. Nothing ventured, nothing gained (with proper tip, of course). The toilet is located in a back room.

From CNBC The world has yet to fully recognize the extent of change artificial intelligence will bring to every aspect of human life, the CEO of Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala told CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “In terms of the risks ... this is a technology that no one today really appreciates, truly the level of disruption that it’s going to create, affecting everything from our lives, our businesses, human capital, employment, every sector is going to be disrupted,” Khaldoon Al Mubarak, managing director of the $330 billion fund, told CNBC’s Dan Murphy. “And I think that while there’s a lot of opportunity, it also presents significant amount of risk, which is today unclear, because the technology is moving so fast and we’re all trying to catch up as much as possible.” Continues at https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/20/abu-dhabi-330-billion-wealth-fund-warns-on-ai-disruption.html

From MSN Bangkok's luxury hotel scene is nothing short of spectacular, ranging from a hip Standard hotel (that you can now book with Hyatt points!) to the Rolodex of luxe brands one would expect: Four Seasons, Capella and St. Regis, among many others. Now, there's a new card in said Rolodex: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Part of One Bangkok, a "vertical village" full of skyscrapers, shops, restaurants, public spaces and more, the new Ritz-Carlton features 260 rooms and suites looking down on Lumpini Park and out across the sprawling city. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and soaking tubs, and many have terraces. "As the first Ritz-Carlton property in Bangkok, we bring local traditions and culture alive through imaginative, immersive experiences, including performances, activities, and artistic journeys," Tina Liu, the hotel's general manager, said in a statement. "Our stays are designed to create memorable moments that resonate with our guests, paying homage to Thailand's 'cultural bloom' — the evolution from its graceful past to its exciting future." Cash rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok start around $411 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book rooms starting at 52,000 points per night. https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/bars-and-restaurants/now-open-ritz-carlton-adds-another-luxury-name-to-bangkok-s-booming-hotel-scene/ar-BB1r7OKi

You ignore, of course, China's claim to ownership of waters in the South China sea as delineating by the "nine-dash line." That's not channeled through west. But this doesn't surprise readers here.

From Bangkok Post Thailand aims to promote Boy's Love-Girl's Love (BL-GL) content in Latin America to foster closer ties. The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) and the Thai Association of Boy's Love Content recently launched the "Ola BL & GL Thailand in Brazil" campaign to showcase the potential of Thai actors and expand the fan base of Thai Y series in the Latin American market. As part of the campaign, four pairs of actors and actresses from BL and GL series along with leading Y series producers will visit Sao Paolo, Brazil, from Jan 29 to Feb 3 for fan meeting activities and business deals. Russ Jalichandra, the MFA Vice Minister, said the campaign would help strengthen the popularity of Thai content in Latin America and enhance the value of Thai products in the region. Utilising MFA offices around the world to target foreign markets with growth potential, initiatives using BL-GL content are part of the government's efforts to boost the economy through soft power assets, he said. The move is also expected to create closer ties between Thais and the international community. "This campaign will help to boost the economy and promote social ties which will help boost our relationship with Brazil and the Latin American region," he said. "It will also help mark the Marriage Equality Bill which comes into effect on Jan 23, reflecting Thailand's leadership in equality, inclusivity and social openness," he added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2943220/same-sex-tv-show-stars-to-visit-latino-market