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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.

From Pattaya Mail The Pattaya Contact Center, available through the 1337 hotline, is now offering round-the-clock support for both local and international residents and tourists. The center serves as the city’s Complaint Resolution Center (SOT) and can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to address any concerns or complaints. The service provides support in both Thai and English, ensuring that anyone in need of assistance can communicate their issues effectively. Whether it’s related to safety, public services, or general inquiries, Pattaya’s 1337 hotline is committed to resolving problems and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattayas-1337-hotline-provides-round-the-clock-support-for-complaints-and-inquiries-in-thai-and-english-489119

NOTE — Based in my experience in Bangkok, I find the most dangerous times are at night. Judging distance of tuk-tuks can be deceiving because their head lamps are much dimmer, making them appear more distant. At all times of day, motorbikes can suddenly appear between lanes of stopped traffic. From Pattaya Mail Pattaya, a bustling tourist city, is known for its lively streets, heavy traffic, and fast-moving vehicles. However, these same factors contribute to the city’s notoriously dangerous pedestrian crossings, which pose serious risks to both locals and visitors. Here are the key reasons why crossing the road in Pattaya can be a life-threatening challenge: High-Speed Driving and Reckless Motorists: Many motorcyclists and drivers in Pattaya ignore speed limits, especially on main roads like Sukhumvit Road, Beach Road, and Jomtien Second Road. High-powered motorcycles and cars often weave through traffic at dangerous speeds, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely. Disregard for Pedestrian Rights: Unlike in many Western countries, where vehicles stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, drivers in Pattaya rarely yield to people crossing the road, even at designated zebra crossings. Many pedestrians are forced to wait for gaps in traffic or take risks by stepping onto the road. Lack of Traffic Enforcement: Although traffic laws exist, weak enforcement leads to frequent violations. Speeding, running red lights, and reckless overtaking are common, increasing the risk of accidents at pedestrian crossings. CCTV cameras are present in some areas, but penalties for traffic violations are not always strictly imposed. Poorly Designed Crosswalks: Some pedestrian crossings in Pattaya are poorly planned. Lack of traffic lights, faded markings, and inconvenient locations force people to cross in unsafe spots. In high-traffic areas, crosswalks often lead pedestrians directly into fast-moving traffic with no warning signs for approaching vehicles. Disregard for Pedestrian Rights: Unlike in many Western countries, where vehicles stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, drivers in Pattaya rarely yield to people crossing the road, even at designated zebra crossings. Many pedestrians are forced to wait for gaps in traffic or take risks by stepping onto the road. Heavy Tourist Foot Traffic: As a major tourist destination, Pattaya sees large crowds of visitors unfamiliar with local traffic conditions. Tourists may assume that drivers will stop for them at crosswalks, which is not always the case. Language barriers and lack of awareness of local road culture also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Influence of Alcohol and Nightlife: Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife means that many drivers are under the influence of alcohol, especially late at night. Drunk driving is a serious issue, leading to reckless behavior and poor reaction times, making pedestrian crossings even more hazardous. How to Stay Safe When Crossing the Road in Pattaya Use traffic lights whenever possible – Even if vehicles do not always stop, crossing at a light-controlled intersection is safer. Make eye contact with drivers – Ensure that motorists see you before stepping onto the road. Wait for a clear gap – Do not assume cars will stop, even at designated crosswalks. Be extra cautious at night – Visibility is lower, and speeding vehicles are more common after dark. Consider using pedestrian bridges – Though not always conveniently located, they provide a much safer way to cross. Until traffic laws are better enforced and infrastructure improves, pedestrians in Pattaya must exercise extreme caution when crossing the road to avoid tragic accidents.

I would think the same as at any other Bangkok bar. To a performer in act or dancing, 100 would be standard tip. To boy who sits with you, depends on time he spent with you and how much you enjoyed his company (100 minimum).

+1 i’ve long had an interest in how accidents of trains, planes and shops occur. Have not come across one in which communications did figure at or close to the top contributing factor. Add proximity to the mix. The Pentagon and Joint Base Andrews (out of frame) are nearby. Politicians love this airport. They fly into and out of it weekly. Congress even has its own parking lot within walking distance of terminal.

From The Nation The price of instant and ready-to-drink coffee will rise from February 1, impacting coffee business operators and consumers, the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association said on Friday. The association’s honorary adviser, Somchai Pornratanacharoen, said coffee manufacturers had hiked the price as they were suffering from rising cost of production, transport and labour wage. “This price adjustment will affect consumers’ behaviour, as they would look for cheaper coffee or reduce consumption,” he said, adding that café and coffee shop operators would increase product price to maintain profits. Somchai explained that the retail price of instant coffee would increase by 5% from February 1, raising the price of ready-to-drink coffee by an average of 2 baht a piece. Price adjustment on consumer goods affected people’s cost of living, especially the low-income group who have to bear rising expense burden, he pointed out. According to a BBC report, the price for Arabica beans, which account for most of global production, jumped more than 80% in December last year. The cost of Robusta beans, meanwhile, hit a fresh high in September. It comes as coffee traders expect crops to shrink after the world's two largest producers, Brazil and Vietnam, were hit by bad weather while the drink's popularity continues to grow. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40045777

From The Thaiger A romantic evening turned into a nightmare for a Russian couple in Pattaya whena speeding motorcycle ploughed into them as they crossed the street hand in hand. The foreign rider struck them at high speed, killing the husband instantly and leaving his wife in critical condition. The accident happened just before midnight yesterday, January 29 on Jomtien Second Road, Pattaya. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Unit received an emergency call at 11.30pm, reporting a collision between a large motorcycle and pedestrians in the Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. When emergency responders arrived, they found a badly damaged KTM 1200cc motorcycle with Bangkok registration plates. The 26 year old rider, identified as Artem, was also seriously injured. A Russian woman, 44 year old Zhanna, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to hospital, while her husband lay unconscious. Despite frantic CPR attempts, he could not be saved. An eyewitness, 34 year old Akadej, told police that he stopped his car to let the couple cross the street, only to hear the roar of a big bike speeding towards them from behind. Within moments, the motorcycle slammed into the couple, sending them flying in different directions. https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/pattaya-tragedy-tourist-killed-wife-critical-after-speeding-bike-crash

Driver was very professionaly. He explained fees (meter, plus tolls and 50-baht airport fee)as soon as I got into cab. if he hadn’t, I would have asked him to start meter. i’ve paid flat rate of 500 in past but several times driver didn’t take expressway to increase his profit. Now I clarify details before we depart. I tipped him well for his honesty and good driving. He was an older guy and my experience is that they make best drivers. I ended up paying almost 500 but had better control of my trip.

Only arrived early this morning but if i’m going out in daylight hours I’ll be masked for sure. As sun sets and air cools, noticeable improvement in visibility and air quality.

You guys are smart. I have old phone no eSIM option.

What am I, road kill? No barber has ever offered to suck my nipples or anything else. Closest I get is “a little off the top?” From The Thaiger A Thai man accused a barber in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen of sexually assaulting him while receiving a haircut, but the barber denied the accusation, claiming he merely flirted with the customer. The victim shared his story in a local Facebook group in Khon Kaen, warning others to avoid the barber‘s services. In the video, the barber can be heard saying, “Just a little suck on your nipples. A little bit OK?” The victim refused his advances and attempted to leave. Workpoint News interviewed the barber, who maintained his innocence. He stated that the incident occurred on Monday, January 27, after he had given the customer a haircut. The barber insisted that he did not touch the customer’s private parts and could not understand why the man fabricated the story and shared it on social media. However, he admitted that he wrapped his arms around the customer’s neck as a tease. He also confessed that he was interested in the customer and flirted with him by inviting him to have a meal together. The barber further claimed that the customer was also interested in him. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-barber-denies-sexual-assault-allegation-after-customer-shares-video

Have no doubt whatsoever that you will. 😉