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From The Thaiger First flight arrives in Phuket under revised “Thailand Pass” Phuket’s first arrival flight under the Thailand Pass updated ‘eased’ restrictions has arrived! A flight from Qatar carrying with 324 passengers landed at Phuket International Airport this morning, and an airport director said 4,482 travellers in total are expected to arrive today. The director said that throughout May, an average of 27 flights per day were expected to arrive at Phuket as confirmed by 21 airlines. Today’s passengers reportedly took about 17 minutes to go through the required arrival procedures. They were welcomed by a team of staff lead by the director of the Phuket International Airport, and officials from the immigration, customs, and international disease control offices.

You'd prefer untrue believers?

Yes, but I never inferred that Z was a Nazi. My purpose of quoting Niemoller was to illustrate how accepting discrimination any situation can set a precedent for accepting it in all. Z and I both enjoy an argument, particularly with each other. We have a history of pursuing a point to exhaustion. I'm confident this won't be the last time.

Talk about overblown, I never used the words "bigot" or "Nazis". You did. Z's entitled to opinion and so am I. And so are you but don't expect it to silence me from offering mine.

You're attempting to justify discrimination in the bars because you'd be more comfortable if women were not present. Well, that is a slippery slope. What if the women are perfectly comfortable? What if the guys on stage are perfectly comfortable with women in the audience? (I don't ever recall hearing complaints from the performers). Now granted, some individuals may wish to partake in "hands-on" manipulation of performers. But why shouldn't that opportunity be open to both genders if that is the custom in that particular venue? And if I follow your proposal, you seem to be suggesting that staff segregate themselves by declaring that they are gay only, straight only or bisexual, with separate areas for each. That, to me, is a bit too clinical. You worry about lads on stage exposing themselves to ladies. They do that on a regular bases at all the bars in Silom and beyond now. Does anyone recall the guys complaining or refusing to perform? I again call attention to the fact that most of the guys who fill the stages in Bangkok, and at least some of the Pattaya bars, are straight and quite comfortable doing their stuff before both sexes. Let's not discriminate against them or anyone else.

Already have them. You can find women on any given night at Moonlight, Jupiter, Dreamboys and--yes--even Freshboys. In many of the bars, the number of straight guys on stage outnumbers the gay boys. Part of the attraction for many gay men is offing a straight guy. Some straight women have fantasies about offing a gay one. It's a big, complicated world out there and we're all part of it. You never heard of Chippendale? Fair enough but you're limiting yourself to Sunee Plaza and some other Pattaya bars, I'd imagine. Bangkok is a different animal and will increasingly need women patrons to help make rent. The concept of "gay" bars is involving to include anyone who's attracted to the guys on stage, regardless of their orientation or gender. And if that's what it takes to keep them in business, I'm all for it.

Using that shaky logic, one could easily find a way to exclude black men or Latino men, or Japanese or Jews. As someone recently said, it's a slippery slope and you seem all to ready to make the descent. "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." Martin Niemöller, 1946

Wasn't all that long ago that gays were openly discriminated against and in some situations remain so today. Do you realize how ridiculous it sounds for a gay man to be espousing discrimination on any grounds?

For some perhaps but folks in our age range are in a distinct minority. We alone cannot support the clubs and if women are willing to pony up the entrance fee, drink minimums and tips, it's no skin off my back. Those females help keep the clubs open. I don't feel threatened by the inclusion of women. Most of the guys on stage love the sounds of those screaming hordes. This is not your your granddaddy's world. Get over it.

Could not agree more. And Lucky Boys put it all on display: twink, guy-next-door, muscle, and representative of all southeast Asia--and sometimes beyond. It was one-stop shopping for all comers.

From National Public Radio Filmmaker and author John Waters at his home in Baltimore. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his landmark film, Pink Flamingos, and he's releasing his first novel, Liarmouth: A Feel-Bad Romance. Jared Soares for NPR By Andrew Limbong You tell people you're going to John Waters' house in Baltimore to interview him and suddenly people are falling over themselves to be like, "Oh, you gotta tell me what his house is like." Sure, if you know his work, it's reasonable to assume the man's got all sorts of homages to grotesque and filthy ideas around his house. Which he does... in the sense that his house (or at least his living room) was packed with books. Art books, history books, novels, all crammed into shelves or precariously stacked on top of any flat surface. The man behind the phrase, "If you go home with somebody and they don't have books, don't f– 'em," will truly never find himself at the wrong end of that situation. That said, wrongness is Waters' specialty. It's there in all of his work, from his early short movies touching on the KKK and the JFK assassination, to the 50-year-old, landmark film Pink Flamingos, to his latest project – his first novel, Liarmouth: A Feel-Bad Romance. The book is based on an idea that's been knocking around his head for a bit. At first, he thought it would be a movie, but he's done movies before. He's written books, too, but they were works of memoir or journalism. "I just wanted to try something I hadn't done," Waters said. "Same reason I took LSD when I was 70. The same reason I hitchhiked across America when I was 66. Why not try to write your first novel in your mid-70s? I want to keep trying new things. Dare yourself." Reading Liarmouth, at times, feels like entering a delirium (which is to say, it feels similar to watching a John Waters movie). One character will do something outrageous and another will one-up them and again and again until people are jumping up and down on trampolines, trying to murder each other, having sex with strangers and barking like dogs. You can read and listen to the interview here https://www.npr.org/2022/04/30/1095085479/a-lot-of-material-from-this-john-waters-interview-couldnt-be-published

From Channel News Asia HONG KONG: Hong Kong will shorten mandatory hotel quarantine for passenger flight crews to three days from seven, while cargo crews will be exempt, modest steps at unwinding coronavirus curbs that have turned the city into one of the world's most isolated places. The changes, which take effect in May, give the global financial hub's aviation trade and logistics industries "much-needed survival space", the government said in a statement on Friday (Apr 29). Hong Kong said it was also lifting an outbound travel alert on overseas countries from May, more than two years after it was first implemented in March 2020. "The epidemic situations in overseas countries/territories with frequent traffic with Hong Kong have generally been on a downward trend ... The risk of travelling overseas has lowered relatively," the government said in a separate statement. Hong Kong has some of the world's strictest COVID-19 rules. Non-residents will be allowed to enter the city for the first time in more than two years from May, the government announced on Apr 22. It has also slightly adjusted rules for airlines that carry infected COVID-19 patients, with the threshold for suspending incoming flights rising to five infected passengers from three currently. A ban on individual airline routes will be shortened to five days from seven from May. Daily infections have dropped below 1,000 in the past two weeks from a peak of more than 70,000 on Mar 3. ============================= Star Ferry needs rescue plan as tourism drops HONG KONG: The Star Ferry, an icon of Hong Kong and arguably the world's most famous ferry ride, is in financial trouble. But in typical fashion for the city, billionaires — and shopping — could hold the key to its survival. The 142-year-old ferry, which transports passengers across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong island to the Kowloon mainland, is seriously indebted. The Star Ferry Company saw a loss of more than HK$70 million (US$8.9 million) since mid-2019 when mass protests erupted in the city, according to a company statement in March. Its two ferry routes recorded 1 million passengers in the first two months of the year — just 27 per cent of the level in 2019. “At present, I don’t dare to be optimistic that the Star Ferry can survive this wave of blows,” General Manager David Chow said in the statement. The company is now relying solely on loans to get by, including to pay employees. These operation statistics would normally suggest an imminent collapse for an ordinary company, but the Star Ferry will likely live on thanks to the backing of a billionaire family and its retail ambitions — and deep love in the city for an institution that many will be saddened to lose. The Star Ferry Company is owned by property developer Wharf Holdings, which operates the ferry on a 15-year franchise granted by the government. Meanwhile, the Star Ferry pier in Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong's most popular shopping destinations, is just minutes-walk away from Harbour City, the flagship mall of Wharf.

I think that Lucky Boys on Patpong 2 is one of the few clubs with the combination of capacity and location that could field such a venue. Before it closed in March of 2020, it was not unusual to find upwards of 40-50 guys of all descriptions on its stage, billed as the largest in the Silom-Surawong rectangle. The show itself was supported by excellent lighting and sound systems, and unobstructed views for all seats. But only the arrival of more visitors (particularly from China, Singapore and Japan), and more boys from ASEAN neighbors, could again make it a viable business.

From Bangkok Post The navy has jailed an instructor who allegedly punished new recruits by forcing them to drink semen and will then discharge him for a serious breach of military discipline. Petty Officer Second Class Taksin Ngokpilai was earlier transferred to an inactive post pending an investigation into the allegations, said Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin, a Royal Thai Navy spokesman. A navy fact-finding panel ruled the allegation had grounds, prompting an order to detain PO2 Taksin for 30 days, the spokesman said. As the act was found to have seriously sullied the reputation of the military, PO2 Taksin will also be discharged later, he added.

The on again, off again, 300 baht Thailand Tourism Fee is on again. The Post reports that the TTF (yet another acronym) will be collected by airlines from international travelers beginning in the third quarter. "The tourism fee is in line with the revised National Tourism Policy Act of 2008, which granted permission to set up the fund from the fees collected from foreign visitors. The fund will be used to develop tourist sites and offer tourists insurance," said Chote Trachu, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry. He said the fee is meant to help tourists in case of emergency, such as a sudden sickness, accident or political unrest while travelling in Thailand. People exempt from the tourism fee collection include diplomats, government officials, people with work permits from nationalities under a memorandum of understanding with Thailand, and children under 2 years old. The TTF system activates 30-day insurance coverage for tourists once they arrive. It's not likely to discourage many visitors from going ahead with their plans. And if it once and for all gets rid of the Thai Pass and the insurance requirement so much the better.

From The Thaiger In a video circulating online, a senior naval officer is seen forcing trainee marines to drink what he says is semen mixed with fish sauce. Today, a naval base in Chon Buri province confirmed that the clip is real and happened at Sattahip Naval Base in October last year. The Royal Thai Navy has launched an investigation into the incident and said they will take disciplinary action against anyone involved. The naval base named the alleged perpetrator as Sergeant Thaksin, who works under the Department of Security at the Royal Thai Navy. At the time of the incident, Thaksin was training a new rotation of trainee marines. Admirals from Sattahip Naval Base said that the trainee marines seen in the video, who were subject to drinking human semen, were taking part in 6 months of marine training as part of their Bachelor’s degree program and have all already left the navy. A spokesperson says the navy would like to apologise to the marines involved in the incident, which he said was a violation of their human rights… “Captain Somprason Nilsamai, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, has ordered the unit responsible for training these marines to take this matter seriously. They should implement strong measures to adjust the attitudes of senior supervisors so that they see the newest and youngest marines as their brothers. They should care for each other and use punishments and penalties sparingly.” Hazing rituals are still rife in Thailand’s armed forces and even universities where some of the activities lead to death or injury. Commenting in the past about such rituals and initiation ceremonies, the deputy PM, and then defense minister Parfait Wongsuwan, was dismissal when saying… “it didn’t kill him”. The Royal Thai Navy has launched an investigation into the incident and said they will subject Sergeant Thaksin and anyone else found to have committed an offence to disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

From The Thaiger Anutin says Thailand Pass may be scrapped, if Covid-19 continues to improve The Covid-19 situation in Thailand is beginning to stabilise and if cases continue to decrease, the Ministry of Health will consider completely cancelling the Thailand Pass, according to Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. In an interview today, Anutin said the Covid-19 situation in the kingdom is improving. He said the total number of infections, hospitalisations and deaths are all decreasing, as well as the daily use of antiviral drugs. If Thailand continues on this trajectory, Anutin said he will propose for the Thailand Pass to be completely cancelled and would also scrap the suggestion for incoming travellers to take an ATK test. Anutin said the Ministry of Health expected a much higher surge in cases following the Songkran holidays, which ended 10 days ago. He said the Ministry of Health would continue to monitor cases over the next 1 – 2 weeks, and if they remain low, then they will consider scrapping the Thailand Pass for good.

From Bangkok Post Malaysia has relaxed restrictions, including mask mandates and testing at airports, as the Southeast Asian nation adjusts to living with Covid-19. The country is scrapping mandatory virus tests on all incoming vaccinated travellers beginning May 1, an exemption it had initially bestowed to Singapore alone. Wearing masks outdoors will also be optional and physical distancing is no longer required, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in a televised briefing Wednesday. The announcement marks another significant milestone for Malaysia since it reopened its borders this month and waived quarantine requirements for vaccinated visitors. The easing is in line with the nation’s transition to the endemic phase of the outbreak, as high vaccination rates have kept hospital admissions low. Malaysia’s decision comes a day after Singapore ended most of its virus curbs, and just as the country is about to celebrate one of the biggest Muslim festivals of the year. Malaysia last Thursday dropped mandatory quarantine for Covid-19 close contacts, and earlier this month began allowing the unvaccinated to travel across states.

From The Associated Press PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia is lifting its mask mandate for open public places, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Tuesday. He cited a large decline in coronavirus cases and a high level of vaccinations in dropping the requirement nationwide. He said in an audio message on his Facebook page that it is still mandatory to wear masks in indoor public areas, especially air-conditioned buildings and crowded places such as theaters. He said it was up to individuals to decide whether they want to wear masks outdoors. Hun Sen strongly encouraged Cambodians to get booster doses, saying about 6.4 million people still have not received a third, or booster, vaccination. For their first two doses, many Cambodians received Chinese-made Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines, which are generally seen as less effective against the omicron variant. More than 93% of Cambodia’s population has received at least one vaccination and more than 88% has received two, according to government statistics. The Health Ministry on Tuesday reported two new confirmed COVID-19 cases and no new fatalities, bringing the nation’s total to 136,230 confirmed cases, including 3,056 deaths, since the pandemic began.

At least a few times a year, somebody publishes a list of the average penis size in countries--ranked in ascending or descending order--that have only one thing in common: it's nothing we didn't already know. I feel compelled to point out that veteran Thai visitors know from experience that there are numerous exceptions to the norm. Nevertheless, I post the results below if for no other reason to reassure that readers who find themselves in Southeast Asia or South America that you're in the right place to meet your getaway preferences. My overall reaction is that many of the numbers seem to fall a bit short of my personal recollections. But I can honestly say that I've never been disappointed in this particular measure. I tend to believe that readers (well, most of us, anyway) evaluate our encounters on many factors and size rarely comes in first. From The Thaiger https://thethaiger.com/news/national/country-with-biggest-penis-size-revealed-its-not-thailand

If I was in town it might rope me in. Learned a lot of knotty things in the scouts 60 years ago. Many great memories of those camping trips.

I visited the museum (entrance directly opposite Foodland) shortly after it opened and enjoyed it. It's not just about the go-go's and clubs. There a lot of historical exhibits about the two Patpong sois, including a bit of history of the Madrid as I recall. https://www.patpongmuseum.com/

For those who like that sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like... From Coconuts Bangkok If nothing’s tying you down next month, head to a Patpong cultural venue to learn esoteric art of Japanese rope bondage. Become a rigger or rope bunny at the Patpong Museum, which will host two-hour sessions starting at 7pm on May 7 or 3pm on May 8. Either session is THB900 per person; couples looking to bind can join together for THB1,600. Also known as kinbaku, or tight binding, shibari is a Japanese form of bondage which involves a person, known as the rigger, tying elaborate rope patterns around the model (or rope bunny). While mainly used as a form of pleasure, the time and attention taken to tying knots can be meditative and foster feelings of empowerment and sexual confidence. Attendees must be 18 and up. FIND IT Shibari 7pm, May 7; 3pm, May 8 Patpong Museum 3 Soi Patpong 2, Soi Surawong

From Bangkok Post Police motorcyclist gets 1 year, 15 days jail for killing 'Mor Kratai' The Criminal Court on Monday sentenced motorcyclist Pol L/Cpl Norawich Buadok, 21, to one year and 15 days in jail without suspension for running over and killing ophthalmologist Waraluck Supawatjariyakul on a zebra crossing in Bangkok three months ago. He was later released on 200,000 baht bail pending an appeal. His father, a police sub-lieutenant and his immediate commander, used his position as guarantor to secure his release. The court was told that Pol L/Cpl Norawich, of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's Protection and Crowd Control Division, was driving the Ducati Monster big bike that hit Dr Waraluck, of the faculty of medicine at Chulalongkorn University, on a pedestrian crossing on Phaya Thai Road in Ratchathewi district, on Jan 21. She died of her injuries. Pol L/Cpl Norawich was found to be driving at 108-128 kilometres per hour, well above the 80kph speed limit. He was charged with nine counts: driving a vehicle with no licence plate, using a vehicle without paying the registration fee, having no third-party insurance, driving a vehicle with no side mirrors, failing to keep to the left lane, speeding, driving without due regard for safety, failure to comply with traffic signs, and reckless driving causing death. The court found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to a total of one year and 15 days imprisonment without suspension. The court initially sentenced him to two years and 30 days in prison and fines of 8,000 baht. He was fined 2,000 baht on each of four minor charges - driving a vehicle with no licence plate, using a vehicle without paying the registration fee, having no third-party insurance, and driving a vehicle with no side mirrors. Waraluck's family, prominent opththalmologists, have filed a 72 million baht civil lawsuit against the Royal Thai Police Office, as the first defendant, and against Pol L/Cpl Norawich over their daughter's death. They charge that Pol L/Cpl Norawich was on duty at the time and the Royal Thai Police Office is therefore responsible. Thailand has the second-highest traffic fatality rate in the world, according to a 2018 World Health Organisation report.