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Effective immediately, the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is temporarily suspending all consular services until further notice due to staffing shortages. Although we hope to resume consular services soon, consular services in Thailand are currently only available at the U. S. Embassy in Bangkok.

Reminds me of the guy who’s posted numerous public encounters with Grab drivers on one of the bigger porn sites.

Walking on Rama 4 yesterday and came across an open door to a construction site. As near as I can figure, this was once the rear entrance to Soi Twilight that hosted its last show three years ago.

No, not harsh at all. And I’m sure he got the message. Going back several years, a guy I had gone to for massage many times and treated well messaged me for absurd amount. I replied that I have so save my money for next trip. There’s only one guy I’d send money to and he never asks.

One work around is to check prices for international segments of trip for lowest fares. Then price separately flights from your home airports to those. A month ago I booked a $3400 biz class trip from Chicago to Bkk on ANA. If I booked it from my home airports it would have been $5700. Then it was just a matter of booking separate flight from home to O’Hare for about $300. Don’t be married to one carrier for frequent flier miles any more. Those miles are becoming increasingly losing value. Go for best price and connections.

From The Thaiger CCSA address face masks, emergency decree and foreign arrivals Today, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met with the Covid-19 Situation Administration – the CCSA – to discuss Covid-19 rules and restrictions in Thailand. Namely, the use of face masks, the extension of Thailand’s emergency decree and foreign arrival figures. Face Masks The CCSA spokesperson announced that, to combat rising Covid-19 cases, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health ‘recommends’ the use of face masks in crowded spaces, although it is not a legal requirement… “The Prime Minister has instructed relevant agencies to communicate with the public that although there are no legal obligations for people to wear face masks, people are still very strongly advised to do so especially when it is deemed necessary or if you feel you are exposed to a potential high risk scenario of infection.” “According to the Ministry of Public Health, the government still encourages people to wear masks, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.” Emergency Decree The CCSA announced that the government has approved the extension of Thailand’s emergency decree for a further 2 months, from August 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022. Foreign Arrivals Since Thailand Pass was scrapped on July 1, foreign arrivals have increased, said the CCSA. On July 6 alone, 30,947 foreign tourists arrived in Thailand. The top 5 countries with the most tourists travelling to Thailand on July 6 were… 1) Malaysia (5,315) 2) India (3,077) 3) Singapore (1,667) 4) Vietnam (1,667) 5) Australia (1,369) During the period March 1, 2022 – July 6, 2022, Thailand saw a total of 2,214,132 foreign arrivals. During these months, the top 5 countries with the most tourists travelling to Thailand were… 1) India (249,466) 2) Malaysia (227,146) 3) Singapore (137,739) 4) United Kingdom (128,369) 5) United States (112,791)

From The Thaiger 2 Brits honoured The University of Bristol has awarded 2 British cave divers with honourary degrees after recognising their heroic efforts in rescuing 12 boys and a man from a flooded cave in Thailand. Linda Wilson, Vice-President of the University of Bristol’s Spelaeological Society, nominated John Volanthen, from Bristol, and Rick Stanton, from Coventry, for their honorary degrees. “Fortunately, by a combination of extraordinary courage and meticulous planning, they overcame all the odds and succeeded in one of the most extraordinary rescues that has ever been attempted, ultimately bringing out all 12 boys and their coach alive despite the most hazardous conditions imaginable. “No one could better exemplify the values this University prizes – resilience, courage and outstanding skills – than Rick and John, who were to save the lives of so many others, while risking their own lives, daily, for the 15 days of this enormous rescue effort that held the world’s attention.”

From The Thaiger CCSA to discuss re-introduction of mask-wearing in public areas today Thai PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha is meeting with the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration today at Government House. The prime minister is also the Chairperson for Thailand’s Covid taskforce that has overseen ongoing policy since April 2020 when the country enacted the emergency decree. The emergency decree remains in force. Today’s CCSA meeting is held as Thailand copes with a levelling-off of Omicron infections whilst there’s a rise in the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variant infections. On today’s agenda is concerns from the public health department about the late-June decision to make the wearing of face masks in open spaces voluntary. This week Thailand’s public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he expected an increase in new infections over the next 10 weeks and claimed his ministry did not support making the wearing of face masks voluntary. Also, the head of the Faculty of Medicine at the Siriraj Hospital recommended the government “to reinstate Covid-19 measures, including the requirement for everywhere to wear face masks.

From Bangkok Post Hoteliers have expressed concerns about the government's plan to set dual pricing for foreign tourists and locals, saying the move is "impractical" and demanding the administration roll out effective promotions to spur tourism sentiment in an effort to increase room rates. The idea of dual pricing is impractical as room rates shift dynamically based on market conditions, said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association. Hotels in each tier also use different strategies to set prices, she said. If demand increases to support hotel occupancy, then the rates will automatically increase, said Mrs Marisa. “Every hotelier would like to operate with higher and fair rates to gain a larger margin, but it is difficult to do so because of heated competition and oversupply. Operators have to use pricing strategy to gain cash flow," said Mrs Marisa. Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the Thai Hotels Association's southern chapter, said it is common for hotels to offer discounted rates for Thai residents and normal rates for foreign visitors, but hoteliers cannot raise the prices to levels tallied in 2019 because demand is too weak.

From CNN Passengers traveling on an Emirates flight to Brisbane, Australia were stunned when they noticed a huge hole in the side of the aircraft while they were disembarking. Those on board the Airbus A380 from Dubai to the Australian city became aware of the damage as they exited the plane following the roughly 14-hour flight on July 1. Images of the aircraft shared on social media reveal the extent of the puncture, which was due to a ruptured tire caused by a “technical fault” during the journey, according to the airline. One of the passengers on board has since taken to Twitter to describe the “terrifying” incident, which took place “during cruise.” “Was absolutely terrifying at first and the cabin crew knew something serious may have happened - were immediately in contact with the cockpit,” wrote Andrew Morris, an English professor at the UK’s Loughborough University. Shortly after, they resumed as normal. Their calm demeanor was reassuring – they knew it was not catastrophic.” While it’s unclear exactly how long the plane had been in the air for when the issue occurred, some reports suggest that it may have been around 45 minutes into the flight. Emirates later released a statement stressing that the rupture did not impact “the fuselage, frame or structure of the aircraft.” “Our flight EK430 flying from Dubai to Brisbane on July 1 experienced a technical fault,” reads the statement. “One of the aircraft’s 22 tires ruptured during cruise, causing damage to a small portion of the aerodynamic fairing, which is an outer panel or the skin of the aircraft.”

From The Nation The Tourism Authority of Thailand will ask the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to consider waving visa fees until the year-end to promote arrivals and increased spending by foreign tourists. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the proposal would be raised at the next CCSA meeting, which has not been scheduled yet. Yuthasak said the visa fee exemption would be another step to boost revenue from foreign tourists after the CCSA abolished the Thailand Pass registration on July 1. TAT expects revenue of 1.5 trillion baht this year, compared to 3 trillion in 2019 before the Covid pandemic, the governor said. Tourism operators have been calling for the exemption of visa fees, once approved, until December 31. The fee is currently 1,000 baht for those applying for a visa before arrival and 2,000 baht for a visa on arrival. Yuthasak said tour operators also proposed that the government extend tourism visas from 30 to 45 days for those seeking one in advance and the visa on arrival from 15 to 45 days. The operators believe a visa exemption and longer stay would encourage more foreign tourists to visit Thailand and stay longer, and thus spend more in the kingdom.

The elitist wet dream of Thailand for wealthy resurfaces with a new face. There’s no way of course it works because it ignores principle of supply and demand. File under TIT on steroids.

Apologies for dual post above

From Pattaya Mail Cambodia’s interior ministry has announced the arrival of Cambodia My Second Home program with a 10-year unlimited entry and exit visa. The associated benefits will include state medical insurance, membership for spouses and close relatives and the chance to apply for a Cambodian passport after five years and enjoyment of ASEAN privileges. Entry qualifications are investment of at least US$100,000 and ownership of a real estate “project” which means some form of property deal. The interior ministry’s partner in the newly-announced scheme is the Khmer Home Charity Association, an umbrella organization to facilitate long-term foreigners settling in. Applications are made through the website cm2h.com/how-to-apply with a short waiting period of two weeks. A spokesman said that the program was aimed at foreign professionals working for Cambodian or overseas companies, but wealthy retirees would be considered as long as they made the minimum investments. The scheme does not require compulsory medical insurance nor details of foreign bank accounts. Cambodia My Second Home, unlike the 10-year visa proposals for the new Thai immigration initiative, does not spell out bureaucratic detail. “We will judge every application on its merits rather than issuing lengthy checklists,” according to an email reply from the Cambodian sponsors. Cambodia is now regarded as a regional economic tiger with annual growth rates averaging seven percent over the last two decades. Chinese investment has already transformed the capital Phnom Penh with mammoth infrastructure programs and ring roads. There are currently talks in progress between the two governments to fund a metro or monorail in the capital to reduce traffic congestion and accidents. The lack of public transport is currently one of Cambodia’s main domestic issues.

From Bangkok Post Foreign tourists may soon find Thailand a more expensive destination than in the past two years with the country now planning to raise hotel rates to pre-pandemic levels to support a faster recovery of the industry. The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to ask hotel operators to implement a dual-tariff structure under which foreign visitors may be charged rates similar to pre-pandemic days while locals may continue to enjoy discounted rates, Traisuree Taisaranakul, a government spokeswoman said in a statement on Wednesday. “This is to maintain our standards of rates and services for foreign tourists, which affects the perception of country’s tourism brand,” Ms Traisuree said. “Rates that have been reduced during Covid-19 will be maintained for Thais to sustain the momentum of domestic tourism.” It was not immediately clear how the government's new plan to attract more foreign tourists to Thailand - by raising prices and charging them more than Thais - would impact foreigners living in the kingdom.

Govt plans to charge foreigners more than Thais for hotel rooms Foreign tourists may soon find Thailand a more expensive destination than in the past two years with the country now planning to raise hotel rates to pre-pandemic levels to support a faster recovery of the industry. The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to ask hotel operators to implement a dual-tariff structure under which foreign visitors may be charged rates similar to pre-pandemic days while locals may continue to enjoy discounted rates, Traisuree Taisaranakul, a government spokeswoman said in a statement on Wednesday. “This is to maintain our standards of rates and services for foreign tourists, which affects the perception of country’s tourism brand,” Ms Traisuree said. “Rates that have been reduced during Covid-19 will be maintained for Thais to sustain the momentum of domestic tourism.” Hotels in tourism hotspots such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui continue to offer huge discounts to draw back visitors after the pandemic pushed room occupancy rates to about 30%. It was not immediately clear how the government's new plan to attract more foreign tourists to Thailand - by raising prices and charging them more than Thais - would impact foreigners living in the kingdom.

The politicization of the court IMO constitutes the biggest threat to US democracy. It has the potential to bring about civil unrest and increased acts of political violence on the part of individuals and groups. The Trump era wrought inestimable damage to the nation.

Asiatique, the riverfront mall on the Chao Phraya, Is open. Took the free ferry from Saphan Thaksin pier Monday night and arrived in about 12 minutes. The giant Ferris wheel is operating and several of the larger restaurants closest to river were open. Many visitors appeared to be ASEAN tourists. Estimate that only about 10-15% of small shops are open but enjoyed a few hours wandering about and taking in the views from ferry trip.

From Coconuts Bangkok “Please do not lean on the poles in the train,” the BTS Skytrain admonished riders this morning, with a whole lotta booty. In what could have been a gentle reminder for “the betterment of society,” the Bangkok Mass Transit System included in the now-viral post a bizarre graphic art of an uncomfortable female university student looking at a grinning shadowy figure, whose thicc glutes can be seen clenching the pole of the train. “The main purpose of the poles in trains is for commuters to get a grip to provide safe travels for everyone,” the post read in a tone far more measured than the sophomoric art unleashed on unprepared eyeballs. “Please be kind to your companions and provide space for others to hold the pole. Do not lean against the pole or lean on the hands of other passengers who are holding the pole first.” The post also went on to promote good hygiene, noting that all travelers should use alcohol gels to wash their hands before and after gripping the steel butt-rester. Naturally, many people focused on the wack art rather than the helpful lecture. “Please do not twerk on the skytrain BTS,” Supakit Nupuak suggested. “Does it have to be that tight?” another asked.

I’d imagine there are more than a few members who’d consider going his bail. From the Thaiger The Royal Thai Police finally arrested a serial mobile phone thief known as “Mr. Underpants.” Mr. Underpants broke into 9 BANANA mobile phone shops in locations all over Thailand, stealing thousands of mobile phones in total. Every time, he wore only his pants. Mr. Underpants broke into BANANA branches in Yala, Hat Yai, Patthalung, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Ubon Ratchatani, Hua Hin and Sai Mai in Bangkok. He stole hundreds of phones every time, sometimes until there were almost none left in the store. Wanted on 4 arrest warrants for more than 6 months, police finally apprehended 23 year old Jeh Issamaeh Hama from Narathiwat province, also known as “Carmus” (and now Mr. Underpants), at a condominium in the Bang Kapi district of Bangkok today. Police seized hundreds of mobile phones. Mr. Underpants has already pleaded guilty to his crimes, which are caught on CCTV in all cases. He told police… “I only steal from BANANA stores because I like bananas and I like the colour yellow. I like to take my clothes off and I like to only wear underpants. It gives me a feeling of confidence and I feel like myself. In 2021, media in Yala province called me a psychotic thief. I didn’t like that, so I stole a camera too.” Mr. Underpants said he sells some of the phones and gives the rest to homeless people, who he sympathises with because he used to be homeless. He said that the reason he steals mobile phones, in particular, is because when he was a child, all his friends had mobile phones but he didn’t.

From The Thaiger and The Nation While government figures report around 2,000 new cases of Covid-19 per day, a respiratory disease specialist says that the actual number is hugely underreported. In a Facebook post, Dr Nithiphat Chiarakun, head of the department of respiratory diseases and tuberculosis of Mahidol University’s Siriraj Faculty of Medicine estimated that there could be as many as 50,000 new Covid-19 infections every day in Thailand. The associate professor says that the information he’s receiving put the daily new infection rate at about 25 times the official reported numbers from the Ministry of Public Health. He says that the situation is quite troublesome, and asks people to be vigilant in the safety measures against Covid-19 despite the fatigue of more than 2 years of what looked to be a waning pandemic. “If we don’t join forces to slow down and control new infections, we may see people with severe conditions left in communities and the number of fatalities may rise. It’s about time now that the government must tell the truth and warn people to get ready to cope with a bad situation.” The doctor fears the underreported spike in new cases could lead to shortages of medical personnel as well as hospital beds like we saw at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and urged that the public must fight to prevent a rapid spread. As has often been the case, most of the people who have been admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 now also suffer from other illnesses are diseases, but the number of hospital admissions is rising. The main hospitals in Bangkok and around Thailand are already quietly looking the more hospital beds in case the spike continues, and workers assigned to Covid-19 patients are doubling their efforts. The doctor said beds that had previously been reserved for Covid-19 patients for already occupied by people with other diseases. ================ From Khaosod English and Rural Doctors Society health ministry warns medical workers of new Covid-19 wave in a secret document The Permanent Secretary of the Thai Public Health Ministry, Kiattiphum Wongarajit, has launched an urgent report to warn the provincial public health officers of the “new wave” of Covid-19 in Thailand. The official Facebook page of the Rural Doctor Society reported on their “urgent and secret document” to the public yesterday. The page said… “The warning sign to get ready for the new Covid-19 wave. The permanent secretary launched the document to the provincial public health officers in each province. The date of the document is June 30.” “The document urges each healthcare service centre to get ready due to the increasing numbers of new Covid-19 cases in various areas. Get the hospital beds ready, and prepare the system to transfer patients with severe symptoms. Please don’t be careless people.” In the document, the MOPH urges provincial public health officers in every province to prepare according to 8 guidelines… First, inform every medical worker about the increasing numbers of Covic-19 patients and protect themselves according to the universal precautions. Second, prepare medicines and Covid-19 prevention equipment. Third, prepare hospital beds for patients, especially those with critical symptoms. Forth, practice transferring processes in case patients need a specific treatment from other hospitals. Fifth, urge medical workers to get a booster dose of a Covid-19 vaccine Sixth, inform residents on how to protect themselves from Covid-19 and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Seventh, collaborate with relevant departments to create a plan for controlling and preventing the spread of Covid-19. Eighth, gather and update all data related to Covid-19 . Yesterday, a doctor from the Internal Medicine Department of Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Nitiphat Chierakul, posted on his personal Facebook saying the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is currently becoming more serious. The doctor urged the government to reveal the truth to the public.

A computer rendering of the proposed ‘Green Bridge Photo: Urban Design and Development Center From Bangkok Post and Coconuts Bangkok Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed relevant agencies to expedite the further development of Benjakitti Forest Park ahead of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother's birthday celebrations on Aug 12. He issued the instruction at a meeting to discuss the renovation of the "green" bridge which connects Benjakitti and Lumpini parks, which was attended by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, as well as officials from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC). The meeting discussed a number of issues, including improvements to public transport connections, pavements along the route, as well as parking spaces for visitors. Once finished, the 1.6-kilometre link will feature an elevated park, dedicated bike lanes and rest stops for visitors, according to its blueprint. The bridge is slated to reopen in September. The same team behind the elevated greenway mini park that opened last year above the Chao Phraya River have unveiled plans for the “Bangkok Green Bridge,” an upgraded version of a raised path used by walkers, joggers and young footballers that was built two decades ago. When finished, the Green Bridge will have added lighting and security cameras to improve safety, according to the Urban Design and Development Center. The 1.3-kilometer pedestrian bridge links Lumphini Park at Sarasin Intersection to Benjakitti Park in the Khlong Toei district. Three spots will be beautified along the walkway – at Sarasin Intersection and the walkways spanning the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway and Ratchadapisek Road. Deputy Bangkok Gov. Sakchai Boonma described the existing bridge as little-used and crime-prone at night, though on a regular day it can be quite crowded.

Never been charged for any utilities. Never had an issue with bringing back guests.

If you are a long-term (4 weeks or more) visitor, Airbnb can be economical and convenient. Monthly rates are substantially lower than for shorter stays. The washer I find is a great convenience. You have to launder towels and bedding to meet your needs. Food is not included.

Moved to Airbnb post in same forum by poster.