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I only have phone number of one guy. All the rest are on LINE. As far as I know, @macaroni21 is correct; you need ID or QR code to add an individual. I believe you can join an “official” (commercial) account if it populates on your phone by just using chat feature. But I’m no expert on LINE either. Some official accounts can be located by using name in search feature if name happens to appear in ID. if you’re sketchy on how to add new friend, just hand your phone to him and his message will be popping on your screen in five seconds. 🙂

Dropped by Midnight bar (formerly Hot Male beer bar) about 11:30 tonight. Hotmale show bar and HM upstairs bar have been sold. The buyers were reportedly former manager of HM and two other locals. They purchased it from same individual who owns Moonlight. Bartenders and waiters now wearing more casual attire. Bar staff was asked whether they wanted to remain downstairs or go up stairs with new owners. It seems that just about all opted to remain below. Other than that, you won’t notice any difference.

From The Thaiger The family of a missing British man paid tribute after he was found dead in Thailand. Essex-born James Sangwine has died after going missing in Thailand for days. Thai police have yet to release details around the circumstances of the Londoner’s death. The father of one’s family has launched a fundraiser to help bring the 33 year old man’s body home. Sangwine travelled to Bangkok for a holiday on January 18 and soon after his family lost contact. Sangwine vanished during what was supposed to be a fun holiday in Bangkok. His partner, 38 year old Katie Maybin told EssexLive that he was travelling to Thailand to spend time with a friend living there but then all contact stopped after a night out on January 20. Sangwine was last seen making his way to the Abandoned Mansion Bar & Restaurant in Bangkok. A local couple who encountered the British man there messaged his partner Maybin, mentioning that he had been out with friends that evening. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/missing-british-man-found-dead-in-bangkok

From Pattaya News The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allies launched a joint assault on Myanmar’s strategic Mapali base in Bilin, Mon State, on February 1st. The attack lasted just 30 minutes before Myanmar troops reportedly surrendered. KNLA forces captured 29 Myanmar soldiers and seized a large cache of weapons, including an M109 howitzer with ammunition. At least 40 Myanmar soldiers were killed in the battle. According to sources from the KNLA, the assault involved mortar fire and continuous drone strikes, forcing Myanmar troops into retreat. Many reportedly surrendered without resistance due to a lack of reinforcements from the Southeast Regional Command. Karen National Union (KNU) officials confirmed that captured soldiers were being held under humane conditions, and being provided with food and water. Karen forces have gained control over multiple Myanmar military positions, particularly in Karen State. Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war for years now between the military junta and multiple ethnic groups. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/04/karen-forces-capture-key-myanmar-military-base-in-mon-state/

From Pattaya Mail Immigration Investigation Division 3 apprehended a 27-year-old Israeli fugitive, wanted in his home country for a violent assault case, in response to the national police chief’s crackdown on foreign criminals in Thailand. According to officials, the suspect, identified as “T” (alias), was wanted in Israel for luring a victim to an apartment in Tel Aviv, where he and an accomplice allegedly beat the victim with a bottle and stabbed them multiple times in the neck, leaving them in critical condition. A Tel Aviv district court had already issued an arrest warrant for charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice, carrying a sentence of up to 23 years in prison. Immigration Investigation Division 3 apprehended a 27-year-old Israeli fugitive, wanted in his home country for a violent assault case, in response to the national police chief’s crackdown on foreign criminals in Thailand. According to officials, the suspect, identified as “T” (alias), was wanted in Israel for luring a victim to an apartment in Tel Aviv, where he and an accomplice allegedly beat the victim with a bottle and stabbed them multiple times in the neck, leaving them in critical condition. A Tel Aviv district court had already issued an arrest warrant for charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice, carrying a sentence of up to 23 years in prison. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/israeli-fugitive-with-violent-assault-court-warrant-found-hiding-in-pattaya-489503

+1

A new venue is preparing to open on PP2 directly opposite the French Kiss restaurant. Translated, the sign out front said it was recruiting female masseuses (is there any other kind). looking through the plate glass windows, the only thing that looked familiar was a red cage that reminded me of the one once on display in the defunct Patpong Museum.

From CNBC So-called “strongman” leaders of Europe — most of whom are allied with the likes of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin — look increasingly weak, analysts say, with their popularity waning ahead of key elections. Trump’s inauguration was expected to give a shot in the arm to nationalist-populist leaders and parties such as Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Slovakia’s Robert Fico, Germany’s right-wing AfD party and Marine Le Pen and her National Rally party in France. But such a boost is not a foregone conclusion, as domestic pressures and economic challenges weigh on their popularity and power. “The re-election of Donald Trump for a second term in the U.S. had seemed to be a clarion call for a structural political shift towards similarly populist, MAGA style movements across Europe,” Timothy Ash, senior emerging markets strategist at RBC Bluebay Asset Management, said in emailed comments Thursday. MAGA refers to “Make America Great Again” — a slogan that has historically underpinned Trump’s nationalist campaign. “Actually what we are seeing is a somewhat mixed picture across Europe, and actually with many of Trump’s apostles being on the back foot,” Ash said. Continues at https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/04/strongman-leaders-of-europe-dont-look-so-strong-anymore.html

While having dinner with three others at G’s on Soi 4 the other night, one member of our party got up to use rest room. When he returned, Guido’s cat had taken the opportunity occupy his seat. The quick thinking waiter—acknowledging that negotiation wasn’t an option—simply moved the chair to the head of the table and found a replacement for the temporarily displaced diner. For the remainder of our meal, the cat presided over the table, lifting his head only occasionally. He charitably permitted me to pet him under his chin on my way out. He rules the house with the disposition of a Jupiter model.

From The Thaiger Thailand is gearing up to challenge China in the lucrative aircraft maintenanceindustry, with Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) set to become a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Airports of Thailand (AOT), is targeting the booming Chinese market. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat revealed that land preparation is already underway, with the first hangar expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Discussions are also in progress with Chinese aerospace giant AVIC to establish an MRO provider at the facility. “There is a lot of land at Chiang Rai. We have only used 316 acres of the 1,186 acres available. And being situated near the southern border of China, there’s a lot of Chinese aircraft that want to do MRO but cannot do it effectively in China.” Despite its strategic location, the project will take time to gain momentum. Kerati estimated that it could take up to five years for the facility to become fully viable. Currently, Chiang Rai Airport operates a single 3,000-metre runway, serving domestic and international carriers, including China Eastern Airlines, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air. Meanwhile, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is also eyeing MRO expansion. With plans for a northern terminal scrapped, AOT now has additional land to develop another hangar, reported Aviation Week. In similar news, Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in January, a 16% increase from last year. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/chiang-rai-to-become-major-aircraft-repair-hub

From Pattaya News The Pattaya International Kite on the Beach Festival 2025 is set to take place from February 26th to March 2nd, 2025, at Pattaya Beach in front of Central Pattaya shopping center. The event is free for all visitors! Attendees can look forward to a spectacular display of giant kites designed in the shapes of various animals from different countries.

From Pattaya News Pattaya– The Daily Mail website recently reported that a British tourist complained of being allegedly assaulted by Thai police, being detained for 36 hours, and then being forced to pay 15,000 baht for his release after according to him accidentally walking into a traffic barrier. Pattaya police, however, insist they followed legal procedures and did nothing incorrectly. Mr. Andrew Hopkins, a British tourist, told foreign media such as The Daily Mail that he accidentally walked into a traffic barrier while leaving his apartment. A security guard then shouted at him in Thai, which he did not understand, and he tried to apologize. Shortly after, police arrived and arrested him, according to his statement. Andrew claimed that after being detained for more than 36 hours, an unidentified Italian man allegedly informed him that he needed to pay 15,000 baht in cash for his release. He stated that the police took him to withdraw money from an ATM, and two high-ranking officers took the money before releasing him. Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, Chief of Pattaya City Police Station, revealed that the original incident occurred on November 22, 2024, at 8:30 PM. Andrew allegedly destroyed a car barrier, not a sign as originally reported, at his lodging, and after being called by security police took him in to calm down, fining him only 100 baht before releasing him. Police say they believed he was heavily intoxicated and disorderly leading to them being called. Later, Andrew returned to his original accommodation, but his room was canceled by his landlord due to an alleged history of making loud noises and problems while drunk, causing another commotion and altercation between Andrew and the owners of his lodging, according to Pattaya police. The owner of the lodging called police again when Andrew allegedly refused to leave and caused a major scene while being heavily intoxicated, according to police and the owners of the lodging, whose name has been withheld pending further investigation. This led to his re-arrest and further legal proceedings and charges. The police confirmed that all property was returned to Andrew, with photographs taken as evidence. They strongly denied stealing anything from Andrew and his claims of extortion. Continues with photos https://thepattayanews.com/2025/02/03/pattaya-police-strongly-deny-assault-and-extortion-claims-by-british-tourist-in-foreign-press-release-evidence-contradicting-his-claims/

Last night reserved guy at 15M massage in SK. When I arrived 12 minutes early, he was waiting in shop. Highly satisfactory session and I plan to repeat with him again. I found it worth noting that there were seven other guys in the shop when I arrived, any of whom I would have been happy to take. (this shop has another outlet, 27M, on Sutthisan Winitchai rd.)

It may well have won over some bus riders on competing routes.

Walked by few nights ago and all (male and female) staff wearing green. Boss may feel since no other shops wearing green, might make them standout more.

Wasn’t Department of Agriculture banned by Trump last week?

My observation was attempt at humor. Substitute the slang “cuming” for “coming.”

When management casually dismisses feedback from customers, those customers are left to draw their own conclusions about where future baht will be spent.

I tell all guys when I’m about to come. Figure it’s the decent thing to do.🙂

They had a few guys but I didn’t inquire. They could have been waiting for appointments with other customers for all I knew. I wasn’t in mood for any additional disappointments and in seven positive visits now to Phoenix (in two locations) my confidence was high that wouldn’t be disappointed this time. I have no way of knowing whether the manager had in fact actually reserved the guy in advance or the guy simply waited until I showed up before he’d bother to come. That’s a problem I’m content to leave to management to deal with. But it succeeded in helping me limit future choices in Saphan Kwai.

From Reuters ByteDance's TikTok will invest 126.8 billion baht ($3.76 billion) in Thailand in a data hosting service, the Thai investment board said on Wednesday. The Chinese firm's investment was made by its Singapore-based unit and would support activities of affiliated companies, with operations slated to begin in 2026, Thailand's Board of Investment said. It was among $5 billion of approved new projects announced on Wednesday. Last year, Alphabet Inc's Google said it would invest $1 billion in Thailand, a year after Amazon Web Services announced a $5 billion investment in the country over 15 years. Microsoft has also announced it will open its first regional data centre in Thailand. ============ From Bangkok Post Emirates, the world’s biggest international airline, has opened a new $5-million travel lounge in Thailand, signalling Bangkok’s importance in the airline’s network and strong demand for premium travel. The relocated and refurbished facility in Satellite 1 Terminal (SAT-1) at Suvarnabhumi Airport is the largest international lounge outside the airline’s home market Dubai. With capacity for 250 guests, it is big enough to accommodate all premium passengers traveling on two Airbus A380 double-decker jets. The post-pandemic travel rush has led to more leisure passengers buying expensive seats in the front of the cabin. The $5-million investment is the latest in a series of moves by Emirates to meet the rise in premium demand, including scaling back the economy section on some planes as it overhauls its aircraft interiors. https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/travel/2951831/emirates-pours-5m-into-premium-lounge-in-thailand.

As much as I’d prefer not to report this, Phetboy continues to have problems managing its large stable when it comes to keeping appointments. At about 2:15pm, I asked on line to reserve a guy they listed today. They confirmed reservation for 5pm. But when I showed up at shop, guy wasn’t there so manager phoned him. He asked me if I could wait 20 more minutes but I declined, explaining that’s why I made advance reservation. This was second no show at Phetboy in as many trips. Walked instead to Phoenix and picked guy from among about a dozen smiling faces. Well worth the walk.🙂

Phoenix Massage is offering promotion today though Monday of four hour-long sessions for 1,000 baht good through end of March.

From The Nation Free public transport policy reduces personal vehicle use by 10% The government’s campaign of reducing air pollution by offering free public transport for seven days (January 25-31) lowered personal vehicle usage in Bangkok by nearly 10 per cent and led to a 38% rise in travel by electric train, the Transport Ministry reported on Friday. The ministry’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) reported that the number of personal vehicles in Bangkok during these seven days decreased by around 500,000, a 10% drop from the normal period. Personal cars make up for half of the city’s overall traffic at around 10 million vehicles, the OTP said. Meanwhile, the ministry’s Rail Transport Department reported the total number of electric train passengers from January 25-30 at 12,085,213 people, increasing from the same period of the previous week by 3,369,746 people – 38.66%. The department added that January 30 saw a new high in electric train passengers since Covid-19, at 2,331,534 million people, increasing 42.93% from the previous week. Suriya added that the public’s positive response to the measure showed that people were willing to adjust their travel behaviour to use public transportation, provided the fares were affordable. “This serves as an indicator that the 20-baht flat free initiative for electric trains on all routes that the ministry is set to implement this year should also be well-received by the public,” he said. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40045788

Runway 33 is only used for smaller aircraft (regional and corporate equipment). The longer black runway basically follows the Potomac on approach.