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From CNN Travel Amsterdam (CNN) — Hours-long lines for security that often snake outside under tents. Untold numbers of angry passengers who have queued in those lines -- yet still missed their flights. Worker strikes and delayed or lost baggage. Condemnation by major airlines, most notably KLM. At Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, labor shortages continue to fuel unprecedented chaos that began in the spring, prompting many travelers and aviation insiders to wonder what has happened to an airport long considered one of the most efficient and highly regarded in Europe -- if not the world. The beleaguered airport -- the world's third busiest for international passenger numbers in 2021 -- has continued to cut flight capacity, infuriating airlines such as KLM, the national carrier of the Netherlands whose hub is at Schiphol. The latest round of cuts asked airlines to implement reductions up to 22% for the winter season -- a "hopeless situation, lacking any perspective," KLM said in a release. KLM added that the situation is "damaging our reputation among passengers who are keen and willing to travel after the extended Covid crisis." The airline estimates it has incurred more than 100 million euros (about $96 million) in damages as a result. Over the summer, several airlines, including Air Malta, TUI and Transavia, opted to shift flights from Schiphol to other airports, according to Simple Flying. Many have placed blame on mismanagement, and on September 15, Dick Benschop, president and CEO of Royal Schiphol Group, announced his resignation. Benschop will remain in place until a successor is found. Benschop was a keynote speaker at the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, a conference attended by about 5,000 aviation industry professionals, where Schiphol's struggles were a common topic of conversation. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/amsterdam-schiphol-airport-chaos/index.html

From the Thaiger Thais unhappy with Prawit’s response to daycare centre massacre The Thai people were not impressed with the insensitive statement delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan about the daycare centre massacre yesterday. Thai reporters asked Deputy PM Prawit how he planned to prevent a similar scenario in the future. He said… “What can I do about it? He is a drug addict.” Prawit offered his condolences to the victim’s families, admitting that he did not expect this kind of tragedy to happen in Thailand but his response was pretty weak. “I am sorry for the losses of all the families of the victims. The killer has already died, and his family has also. I never expected that this kind of incident would happen. It happened because of the drugs, and the government has always tried to help all drug addicts. It wasn’t lucky that the man had committed suicide because his family, wife and son were also killed.”

From the Thaiger Finnish police have arrested and detained the CEO of berry company “Polarica” under suspicion of human trafficking. CEO Jukka Kristo allegedly “deceived” 1100 Thai berry pickers and housed them in “poor conditions.” This year, Kristo’s company flew around 1100 Thais to Finland to work as berry pickers – an industry that heavily relies on a foreign workforce. The CEO has arranged seasonal work for Thais for several years. In total, 17 of Kristo’s Thai berry pickers filed complaints of forced labour and low wages with the Thai agency that employed them. All 17 returned to Thailand with the assistance of the Royal Thai Embassy in Helsinki. Thailand’s Ministry of Labour announced yesterday that were prepared to help the alleged human trafficking victims. Following the complaints, Finnish police suspected that Kristo’s Thai berry pickers were “in a situation of dependency on their employer” and forced to live in poor conditions. Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation confirmed the criminal investigation on Monday when they detained Kristo in the coastal city of Oulu. Polarica – who sells bilberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, sea buckthorns, redcurrants, and blackcurrants – released a press release denying the allegations.

From Thai PBS World Human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine ruptured decades of nearly uninterrupted peace in Europe, and to the Belarusian president, his authoritarian ally. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2022 prize to imprisoned Belarus activist Ales Bialiatski, the Russian group Memorial and the Ukrainian organization Center for Civil Liberties. Bialiatski is the fourth laureate to be honored while in detention. Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said the panel was honoring “three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence.” “We are in the midst of a war and we are talking about two authoritarian regimes and one nation fighting a war and we would like to highlight the importance of civil society,” she said. In Ukraine, there was some resentment at awarding the Ukrainian group alongside activists from Russia and Belarus, whose government allowed Russian forces to attack Ukraine from its territory.

I’ve always found the hi-so culture offensive because it mirrors a caste system. But what I believe truly matters is how Thais who are not in the hi-so minority view it. The current political climate serves as a good indicator of how the majority of Thais see things.

Thais are still wearing masks inside buildings and some also outside. Foreigners outside rarely wear masks.. Hardly see anyone wearing them in entertainment venues or restaurants. On public transit and taxis, it is expected that everyone will wear them. I try to copy what Thais do inside buildings and on transit, but not outside.

From CNN (CNN) — Hong Kong attracted around 56 million visitors a year before the pandemic, and now the popular destination is taking significant steps to win tourists back after over two years of some of the world's toughest travel restrictions. Just days after dropping its longstanding mandatory hotel quarantine requirement, Hong Kong has confirmed plans to give away half a million airline tickets in a bid to boost tourism. The move, first announced two years ago, was confirmed to CNN by a spokesperson from the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), which said that the 500,000 tickets, worth around $254.8 million, would go to global visitors, along with residents. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/hong-kong-is-giving-away-airline-tickets/index.html

Olddaddy, you may take some flak for some of your topics but you’ve succeeded in stimulating a lot of conversation. And conversation is the essence of a blog like this.

Well, at this moment 47 have read it here so that’s not too bad. Why did I select this forum? Bangkok, voted the fourth best city in the world, is widely acknowledged as one of the best gay destinations in the world. That checked the right boxes I needed.

I want to mention two massage shops I’ve sampled in the past week. I’ve had it on my mind since my last trip to get out to KK Massage in the Saphan Kwai area (not to be confused with K-Man Spa even if they they share same owner). Finally made it this time with the help of a good map provided in a post by Totally Oz (see link below). For those going by public transportation, take exit 2 at Saphan Kwai BTS stop. It’s about a 25-minute walk or short bike or taxi ride). This is a small, basic shop of the type you find in the areas outside of main business district. Mattress on the floor and shower down the hall. But it may very well have one of the best stables in town. Upon arrival I chose from an array of guys the manager said were available The manager showed me a phone array of guys on call at the moment. After a quick scan I could have chosen any one of them and quickly pointed out one who made best impression. Manager called the boy and then took me to a room on second floor, pointing out shower location along way. I’d just finished undressing and was wrapping towel around me when there was a knock and my guy arrived. He smiled and immediately stripped down and led me to shower. I knew from this point I was in good hands. As usual, I spent 10 or so minutes massaging him (how could I not?). He turned out to be from Myanmar, 22, and has been in Bkk for a few years. He had almost no English but everything else I wanted. Already generously equipped, a tad more and you could easily imagine him among the Spa Boys of Myanmar. After a very satisfactory session, he took me back to shower. I’d been informed the minimum expected tip was 800 for the one hour oil I’d selected (I paid him 1200). One hour is 400 and 90 minutes 600). This was worth going out of my way for and plan repeat visit. https://www.gayguides.com/listing/kk-massage-gay-bangkok/ =============== The other shop I stumbled upon while touring the massage opportunities on upper Silom was Paradis (no e). There were a few guys sitting outside Soi 2 and both smiled broadly. One started chatting and showed me menu. I had a good feeling about this and agreed on one hour oil (500). He led into Soi 2 and soon turned right and took elevator to second floor. Doors opened to a spacious area with foot massage chairs. After removing shoes he led me to a good size room with massage table and shower. After showering alone, he returned and pointed to his pants and I said, Yes, please. Another satisfactory journey had taken the first step. He had sufficient English to carry on conversation and I soon learned he had once worked at the since closed Nakarat shop on Soi 4. We reminisced about guys I had known and he filled me in on where some had landed. He was a 28–year-old Lao guy who I vaguely remembered and most likely had used his services at Nakarat—among a handful of others there over the years. He seemed to know what I liked before I told him.He showered with me after and we chatted some more. Overall, I was pleased to get reunited with an old hand in nice accommodations.

For someone who allegedly joined this forum 52 years ago, I’m surprised you aren’t more familiar than the rest of us about where to find these guys. You “registered” on Jan. 1, 1970 (had no idea Gay Guides has such longevity). Haven’t you been paying attention. Vinapu and others have been educating us on the these types for much of the 21st century. When you were last posting here your join date was Dec. 31, 1969.

From Channel News Asia BANGKOK: A former policeman killed 37 people, including 22 children, in a gun and knife rampage at a childcare centre in north-eastern Thailand on Thursday (Oct 6), later shooting dead his wife and child at their home before turning his weapon on himself, police said. The children at the childcare centre in Uthai Sawan, a town 500km northeast of Bangkok, were mostly stabbed to death, they said. Police identified the attacker as a former member of the force who was dismissed from his post last year over drug allegations and he was facing trial on a drugs charge. The man had been in court earlier in the day and had then gone to the childcare centre to collect his child, police spokesperson Paisal Luesomboon told broadcaster ThaiPBS. When he did not find his child there, he began the killing spree, Paisal said. "He started shooting, slashing, killing children at the Utai Sawan daycare centre." Continues with video https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-mass-shooting-childcare-centre-gunman-killed-himself-former-policeman-2991456

The studio claims that it’s been approved for release in Thailand. Could be cinemas are delaying it to occur during high season when more international travelers are in town.

Agree they have their own networks but those with English skills reading this site it only to learn what we say about them. And we say a lot because they’re our favorite topic of discussion.

A new Netflix (single episode) documentary about the cave rescue became available in Thailand yesterday. It focuses on interviews with the players, their coach and other key players. In my book, this is history’s greatest rescue adventure. What makes it unique is that it’s an event free of corruption, bad intentions or self-serving motives. It is about courage, brotherhood, self-sacrifice and teamwork. And for those of us who believe in such things, a miracle.

I know three working boys in Bangkok (with respectable English skills) who read this site. And why would they not because many comments concern the work they do. I’m sure there’s others I don’t know who look in here to see what customers are saying. So when the guy you’re with impresses you with his English, we shouldn’t be surprised that he reads the same sites we’re attracted to.

From the Thaiger / Condé Nast Traveler Thailand was voted No.3 best country in the world to travel to in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Europe dominated the list of 48 countries, with Thailand and Singapore the only Southeast Asian nations to make the top 10. Thousands of people voted in numerous ‘best of’ lists… best countries, cities, islands, resorts, hotels, etc. Thai locations ranked highly in several categories… Top 10 Countries In The World 2022 Portugal 91.22 Japan 91.17 Thailand 90.46 Singapore 90.09 India 90.01 Greece 89.79 Denmark 89.62 The United Kingdom 89.12 Italy 89.12 New Zealand 89.01 Readers also voted for “Best Cities In The World” to travel to, where Bangkok came in fourth place. Top 10 Best Cities In The World 2022 San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 92.94 Singapore 89.49 Victoria, Canada 89.46 Bangkok, Thailand 89.36 San Sebastian, Spain 89.15 Tokyo, Japan 88.32 Merida, Mexico 88.30 Quebec City, Canada 88.29 Cape Town, South Africa 88.27 Mumbai, India 88.27 Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-voted-no-3-in-list-of-top-countries-in-the-world-2022

From The Nation The Thailand-Laos rail project linking the China-Laos railway is on track, with services expected to commence in mid-2023 and both countries agreeing that Thanaleng station in Vientiane’s Hadxayfong district will be an international one, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said on Wednesday. During the latest meeting last month with representatives from the Lao National Railway Authority, the neighbouring nation agreed to send train operators, maintenance staff and related officials for training in Thailand, the SRT said. The training is expected to be completed by December, after which both countries will discuss train operations and fees, as well as other related issues. The discussions are expected to wrap up before the scheduled opening date in mid-2023. The project will see the railway linking Nong Khai province to the Laotian capital of Vientiane, where it will connect the China-Laos railway that runs to Kunming. This stretch went into operation in December last year. The Thailand-Laos-China railway will be a boon for tourists and cross-border trade among the three countries. Under the first phase, the Thailand-Laos rail line will sport four stations – Na Tha and Nong Khai in Thailand along with Thanaleng and Vientiane Khamsavath in Laos. Train operations commence in mid-2023 with four return trips per day. The route will also run pass the Thanaleng Dry Port and a container yard. In the second phase starting from 2024, the SRT will extend the route to Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima stations, with two trains running daily from Nakhon Ratchasima to Vientiane Khamsavath and back. The last phase, from 2025, will see the route further extended to Bang Sue Grand Station, with two return trips per day between Bangkok and Vientiane Khamsavath.

December and January are always the height of the tourist season but we still always talk about.

From coconuts Bangkok A Sathorn-area vaccination center set to close last week will remain open for the foreseeable future, according to the Disease Control Department. The department reversed plans to close the clinic at the Bang Rak Medical Center, which has been providing free access to vaccines for citizens and immigrants alike, after business groups and an association advocating for Americans petitioned for it to remain open. “The department of disease control considered and agreed to open the COVID-19 vaccine service in addition with the center’s regular health services,” the department said Monday in a letter to the Americans in Thailand Association. It added that the center would provide free COVID-19 vaccinations on a walk-in basis from 9am to 2:30pm every Wednesday and Thursday. The Bang Rak Medical Center, located on Sathorn Road near BTS Saint Louis, has provided an accessible location for free COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots. Due to Thailand relaxing measures and the success of its vaccination campaign, the center had been due to close by Friday. But given the recent closure of another major vaccination center at the Bang Sue Grand Station, aka the Krungthep Apiwat Grand Station, it would have left residents with fewer options. Free injections are also available Saturday and Oct. 29 at the Institute of Dermatology at the Victory Monumentc. Shots will be available to anyone 5 and up on a walk-in basis, including foreigners.

From Thai PBS World The Thai cabinet has made November 16th, 17th and 18th special public holidays for Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan to ease the movement of government leaders and senior officials during the APEC Summit and related meetings. Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, said today (Wednesday) that the extra days off are also intended to enable security officials to perform their duties efficiently. Commercial banks and other financial institutes, however, will remain open as usual, particularly those responsible for critical functions. Other staff can work from home. State enterprises, private companies and the Labour Ministry can decide, as they think fit, whether to remain operational, as long as they ensure that the public are not affected if they decide to suspend operations. The APEC Summit and related meetings, from November 14th to 17th, will take place at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok.

New event??? You’ve been posting in multiple threads about events that happened 10, 50 and century or more ago. And not just from Thailand but world wide!

Small payment indeed for moments of afternoon delight 🙂

So you don’t believe that members here would like to be aware of what affects the poor in the city they travel from all over the world to visit. In the past few days alone, members have posted about cities and countries the world over. Posting about what’s happening in Bangkok seems quite appropriate.

Shameless Mack blog has been reincarnated and now known as Shameless Mack Two.