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Masks not required on Singapore Airlines From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be required to wear masks on flights from next Monday (Aug 29) unless they are travelling to or from destinations that mandate it. In response to CNA queries, SIA said it updated its policy on the use of masks during flights following the latest guidelines from the Government.

But that doesn't keep some men from trying. This presentation (often comical) features four doctors discussing the methodology for attempting to reverse circumcision. Before forewarned: it's pricey ($25,000) and has a reportedly poor track record. Bottom line: I think Floridarob has it right. https://www.thedoctorstv.com/videos/is-circumcision-reversible

NOTE -- All the more reason to plan a side trip to our other favorite destinations! From CNN Nam khao, Laos: This dish features crispy, deep-fried rice balls made with a base of red curry paste, coconut flakes and egg. The fried rice is then crumbled up and mixed with sausage, tempura, peanuts, onion, chili and more, and served with fresh lettuce leaves. (CNN) — Bubbling cauldrons of noodle soup, flaky flatbreads, kaleidoscopic desserts -- when it comes to street food, Asia delivers big on variety and flavor. This vast region sprawls across equatorial tropics and mountain ranges, volcanic islands and frenetic megacities, so it's no surprise that diversity abounds. Yet there are many similarities, too. With centuries of migration and trade, many recipes have traversed borders only to become a local specialty thousands of miles from their places of origin. To celebrate the region's bottomless culinary talent and passion for food, we've rounded up 50 must-try, much-loved street foods and beverages in Asia in alphabetical order. Let's dig in. Continues with photos at https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/asia-best-street-foods-cmd/index.html

I asked a friend who works nearby to check if Spa Bangkok is open for business. He reports that it was open today (Wednesday). Was also told that 90-minute session at Best Massage is 600 bht.

Stays of one month more or more are legal in Bangkok. I stayed at Ashton Chula more recently and did not experience any problems. I believe that the majority of units in this large complex are rentals.

I'd surely agree with that. Using common sense avoids the potential pitfalls. However, I don't believe that there's a vast conspiracy of mb's out there who are intent on fleecing us of out all our worth. If that were indeed the case, why would any prudent person be so desperate as to venture into it. And I don't believe the majority of members believes it, either.

If it’s as bad as all that I can’t envision reason to remain. if I didn’t know better I’d think we’re a bunch of old men with nothing better to do than complain about the young men we lust after.

From Thai News Agency BANGKOK, Aug 24 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon automatically becomes the acting prime minister on behalf of Gen Prayut Chan-ocha; otherwise, another cabinet minister can assume the role, said Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. After the Constitutional Court suspended Gen Prayut as the prime minister today until it issues a ruling on the matter of his tenure, Mr Wissanu said Gen Prawit automatically became the acting prime minister and other cabinet ministers would be at work as usual including Gen Prayut as the defence minister. If six deputy prime ministers are not ready to act as the prime minister, any other minister can take over the acting role including Gen Prayut who had the concurrent position at the defence ministry, Mr Wissanu said. Mr Wissanu also said that the legal team of Gen Prayut prepared a statement for the Constitutional Court. Today the court ordered Gen Prayut to file his statement on the matter of his tenure within 15 days. https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1004311

The OP presented a legitimate concern and many (myself included) responded with what I'm sure is well-intentioned advice. My comment goes to the irony of it all; when we finally got what we wanted--an open door policy to the LOS--we are now quick to see bad intentions in those we've traveled long and far to meet again. Couldn't it just be a simple misunderstanding between people who speak a different language and come from a different culture, as I believe Min alluded to in his opening post? It doesn't necessarily have to be a sinister plot to coerce money out of us, does it? Because they provide a service we seem to highly value, it's tempting to place them on a lower plane and see ulterior motives in their actions. Can't we just give them the benefit of the doubt. What I'm suggesting is that we not jump to the worst-case scenario based on anecdotal examples of what some other guys did in the past. I think all of us have likely done stupid things in our earlier interactions with mb's. Maybe it was a harsh word and inappropriate reaction. They most likely gave us a second chance. That's all I'm suggesting here.

I was just thinking back about 18 months ago when all we talked about was how much we missed Thailand. We hung on any news of declining covid cases; any indication that the country may open up again. Now we find ourselves warning each other about the snares waiting to entrap us in Thailand.

And I'm ever so grateful that was exactly what I found. 😊

From The Thaiger Thailand’s Central Group and Signa Holding have finalised their deal to acquire luxury retailer Selfridges Group from the Canadian Weston family. Selfridges is famous for its iconic luxury department store on London’s Oxford Street. The Central Group has been operating for 75 years and is owned by the billionaire Chirathivat family, who sits at No.5 on Forbes Thailand’s 50 Richest list. Signa is a property firm owned by Austrian investor Rene Benko. The two have become a joint venture.In December 2021, Central and Signa Group agreed to acquire Selfridges Group – a luxury department store chain with 18 stores in three countries – from the Weston family for 4 billion pounds (170,418,102,400 baht). The Westons – from Canada – bought the chain 20 years ago, in 2003, for 598 million pounds (25,469,119,000 baht). On Monday, Central and Signa Holding announced they had completed their acquisition of Selfridges, which was founded in 1908 by Harry Gordon Selfridge. Selfridges’ 18 stores come under three brands: Selfridges in England, Brown Thomas & Arnotts in Ireland, and De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands. The stores will be added to Central and Signa’s combined existing portfolio of 22 luxury department stores. Central and Cigna also have two more department stores opening soon in Dusseldorf and Vienna.

Boy rescued from Tham Luang cave offered footie scholarship in England From The Thaiger One of 12 teenage boys saved in the heroic Tham Luang cave rescue mission in northern Thailand four years ago has been offered a scholarship to study at Brooke House College Football Academy in Leicester, England. Duangpetch “Dom” Promthep, who is now 17 years old, says his “dream has come true.” On June 23, 2018, 12 members of the ‘Wild Boars’ football team – aged 11 to 16 years old – got stuck in a flooded cave system in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand with their 25 year old football coach Nopparat Kanthawong. At the time, 13 year old Dom was the Wild Boars’ team captain. Dom posted online to inform his friends of the good news… “Today, my dream has come true. I’m going to be a football student in England. I would like to thank Sport Education and the Zico Foundation for getting me this scholarship in England. Thank you to Brooke House College Football Academy to give scholarships to allow “upcountry” kids like me to develop themselves. Thank you also to Oronas Ltd. and Sports Hero Co. Ltd. for supporting me with this important, one of a lifetime opportunity. Thank you to the principal and all the teachers at Wachiralai School and all those who have supported me so far. I would like to thank Coach Zico especially.”

Channel News Asia is reporting that Japan may lift requirements for pre-departure COVID-19 tests for travellers and raise daily caps on entrants, domestic media have reported. Japan has some of the strictest pandemic border measures among major economies, requiring travellers to present a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Stayed at Evergreen Laurel many years ago. I remember it as a comfortable, well-appointed place and, as you said, certainly walking distance from Silom via Soi Convent. Had no problem with visitors. Also easy walking distance to Soi Suan Plu where you'll find some good restaurants and several male massage shops. (Btw, think I paid about double the 1200 rate way back then)

Maybe he misunderstood or misinterpreted "just joking" comment. But look on the bright side: you're loved by someone you obviously made a wonderful initial impression on. That can't be a bad thing. 🙂

The Spa Bangkok location in Silom Plaza is located on first level. These photos were taken Monday evening after closing time.

Actually, Airbnb is discounting the booking fee which is based on the total amount of the rent for the period. If the owner offers a long-stay discount, the booking fee is automatically reduced accordingly, and is less than the amount of fee calculated on daily rate.

Received this photo today from KK Massage (the same outfit that operates K-Man Spa in Saphan Kwai). It boasts a large stable of guys from twinks to hunks. Although its location is more out of the way than K-Man, I believe it can be reached by BTS / MRT. If I was lucky enough to book this guy, think I'd spent a good portion of the time massaging him. 😉 For more pics, check out KK's Twitter site.

From The Pattaya News

Based on my experiences with Airbnb in Bangkok, if you book for four weeks or more you get a substantial discount over the daily rate. In Bangkok, only monthly Airbnb stays are technically legal.

From Inquirer.net MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of jobs in the hospitality industry, particularly in the accommodation sector, in Thailand may soon be offered to Filipino tourism workers, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday. The job openings were among the agreements in the bilateral meeting between the Philippines’ Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on August 18, the DOT said in a press release.During the meeting, the Thai Tourism Minister said that the Thai tourism industry is currently experiencing a shortage of workers, with up to 60% of hotel staff and middle management positions vacant, despite the lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of tourism activities in Thailand. In response, Frasco said the Philippines’ DOT acknowledges Thailand’s tourism workforce deficit “with serious consideration.” She also said that her agency is in talks with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct nationwide job fairs, specifically for the tourism industry. Frasco and the Thai Minister met on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Located the link to the Spa Bangkok shop in Silom Plaza and explored the site. Felt a bit intimidated by the description, not to mention prices.. https://spabangkok.net/ If you're on a more restrictive budget, or just less adventuresome by nature, you should be able to get a 90-minute oil massage at Arena or Best shops (both in same building) for 800 bht or less.

There's rarely a dull day in Pattaya. Now that they have this case behind them, it seems cops have bigger fish to fry. The Pattaya News reports that a Thai-American tourist was rushed to a local hospital after reportedly being bitten on his ear by a Thai intoxicated woman at the intersection of the Second Road, South Pattaya, in Banglamung district on Saturday evening. Pattaya City police arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a Thai woman who reportedly jumped on a Songthaew and attacked a male tourist by punching his mouth, giving him a headlock, and biting off a portion of his ear before swallowing it. At the scene, an alleged female attacker, who was later identified as Kannika Khamthon, was found in a heavy state of intoxication. The 55-year-old injured man, Charoen Sae-Lim, was also found nearby with clear signs of a bite on his right ear. Pattaya News photo The tourist was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital while the 28-year-old suspect was taken to the police station. However, the suspect was uncooperative as she resisted the arrest and aggressively fought the police while the officials were attempting to cuff her on the back of a police truck. =========== And then there's the case of the Swedish expat who stabbed his Thai boyfriend and fractured his companion's skull after finding them in a Pattaya condo. Cops say the suspect remains on the run. Pattaya News video article: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/17/pattaya-police-still-looking-for-swedish-man-who-stabbed-his-boyfriend-injured-second-thai-man/

From Pattaya Mail Under pressure from the Indian embassy, Pattaya Tourist Police finally made an arrest in one of nearly a dozen gold robberies reported since April. Identified only as “Frame”, the transgender woman surrendered to Tourist Police Division officers in Bangkok and was transferred to Pattaya police station to face charges Aug. 19. It’s unknown which of many crimes against Indian tourists “Frame” is accused of committing, but Pol. Col. Somchai Teerapattarapaisan, the local Tourist Police chief, said the suspect agreed to rat out her fellow ladyboy gang members who continue to swarm the beachfront, accost tourists flashing gaudy gold necklaces and steal the jewelry while they’re forcibly distracted. Pol. Lt. Gen. Sukon Phommayon admitted that the arrest – the first since April – came after serious pressure from the Indian embassy to do something about the crime wave. Police ask that if anyone sees a crime being committed and needs assistance they can call 1155 and contact authorities through the “Police I lert u” application.