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From The Star A group of hikers at the top of Phou Malong mountain in Laos. -Pasaxon VIENTIANE: Authorities of Laos’ southwestern Champassak province are planning to create a hiking trail on Phou Malong mountain in Phonthong district, aiming to attract more tourists and create more revenue for local people. Provincial officials and the staff of Green Discovery adventure and eco-tourism company have decided on a round-trip trail covering a distance of 15.4 kilometres, starting from Nava village in Phonthong district. The trek will last two days and include an overnight stopover point. The trail passes through dense woodland and past clear streams. There are places for picnicking and camping and many stunning viewpoints. The view from the summit provides a panoramic view over Pakxe city and the Mekong River. Recognising the desire for more nature-based activities among tourists, the trail will feature in Champassak’s promotional material, giving visitors the chance to explore another of the province’s many attractions. The trail is conveniently located near the provincial capital and will benefit the people of Nava and nearby villages through their involvement in the scheme. Champassak province currently has 216 officially designated tourist sites, including 116 natural, 60 cultural, and 40 historical places of interest. Among the area’s natural wonders are the Khonphapheng, Tad Fan and Tad Yeuang waterfalls, while activities include treks and ziplining. Visitors can also enjoy produce from the Bolaven Plateau, including its famed coffee. – Vientiane Times https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/01/08/new-mountain-hiking-trail-planned-in-laos

So what did you choose?

Barry Kenyon writes some noteworthy stuff and keeps a popular Pattaya news site going. I believe he has been fair and objective in the reporting of gay related issues. His background in the British diplomatic corps gives him a wealth of knowledge and contacts. In 22 years, I've haven't experienced any issues involving the Thai police. IMO, they exercise admiral restraint in dealing with disruptive individuals.

From The Nation Police launch manhunt for Thai ex-marine An arrest warrant has been issued for a former Thai marine, Ekkaluck Paenoi, 41, for allegedly killing former Cambodian opposition MP Lim Kimya, 73, who was fatally shot on Tuesday (January 7), while visiting Thailand with his French wife. The suspect, who is absconding, faces charges of "premeditated murder", "carrying a firearm in public without justification" and "discharging a firearm in a public area". The attack occurred on a road opposite Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok, just five hours after Lim had entered the country on Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police have launched an intensive manhunt for Ekkaluck, also known as "Em Kong Ruea". Pol Lt-General Siam Boonsom, chief of the Metropolitan Police, said the motive behind the killing remains unclear. While some have attributed political motives, investigators believe personal conflict could also be a factor. Authorities are also probing whether Ekkaluck acted alone or had accomplices. CCTV footage and witness statements suggest the suspect monitored the area before the victim arrived, indicating premeditation. The firearm used was identified as a revolver, but no bullet casings were recovered. All evidence has been submitted to forensic experts. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/news/asean/40044956

From Pattaya News On January 7th, 2025, Thai authorities successfully rescued Chinese actor Wang Xing, also known as XingXing, who had been trafficked to Myanmar after disappearing from Mae Sot, Tak, on January 3rd. Wang Xing, renowned for his roles in popular Chinese action films and romantic comedies, was reportedly lured to Thailand with promises of a legitimate acting contract. However, he was instead forced into scammer training across the border. The ordeal began when Xing was contacted via WeChat by fellow Chinese individuals posing as representatives of a well-known Thai entertainment company. Believing the offer was genuine, he traveled to Thailand and was transported to Mae Sot. From there, he was smuggled across the border by local operatives. Upon arriving in Myanmar, Xing realized he had been deceived but was too fearful to resist, according to the police. Thai authorities, responding to a plea for help from Xing’s girlfriend, Jia Jia, launched an extensive operation. Surveillance uncovered that Xing had been taken to a remote compound run by a trafficking network. Officials coordinated with local ethnic groups to secure his release. During the rescue, it was revealed that Xing was held with over 50 Chinese nationals, many undergoing forced training to conduct online scams. It is unclear what happened to the other Chinese nationals. Thai investigators determined the trafficking ring was orchestrated by Chinese nationals targeting their compatriots. Xing was handed over to immigration police for screening before being repatriated through the Chinese embassy. No Thai nationals were actually involved in the operation, said Thai investigators. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/08/thai-police-save-chinese-actor-wang-xing-from-alleged-human-trafficking-network-in-myanmar/

From Pattaya Mail Two British retiree expats have sounded the alarm about the latest fraud to try and empty their Thai bank accounts. They told Pattaya Mail they separately received phone calls claiming to be from the Thai Revenue Department informing them that they may not need to register for a tin (tax identification number) provided routine checks are made now to ensure their exemption. The calls asked them for personal details and bank account information allegedly to confirm their residency status. In one case, the Brit was assured the Thai revenue authority was compiling a list of foreigners who were excused from personal income tax. The other was subjected to a discussion about 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account and upcoming changes to one-year extensions of stay. Fortunately, neither expat divulged their bank account or card details, although one did give his full name before realizing he was the subject of an internet scam. Both have now registered the experience with the police anti-online scam operations center at hotline 1441. Police lieutenant colonel Saksit Choobunrueang said elderly foreigners (and Thais too) were often targeted because they were less likely to be technologically savvy and were often nervous of state bureaucracies and officialdom. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau said that scammed cash is almost impossible to recover as it is quickly converted into cryptocurrency or used to buy gold which is transported abroad by “mules” to call center headquarters. The Bureau added that its campaign was centered on banning fraudulent SIM cards and suppressing telecommunications equipment which can disguise the origin of calls. However, scammers these days are turning to online media such as Facebook or Line to engage with potential victims. But there are some simple steps expats in Thailand can take to protect themselves, apart from the obvious point of not divulging personal information to strangers. Any numbers beginning +697 or +698 are fraudulent and +66 (the Thai international code) can be suspicious. It is always open to receivers of phone calls to hang up immediately and then phone back the number. If it is a call center scam you likely won’t be able to. Always be suspicious of anyone claiming to be an official of an organization who wants to to chat about you, or tells you there’s a bank error in your favour, or sends a message claiming a parcel cannot be delivered. If it sounds too good to be true, it will be just that. Chonburi immigration adds that there is no plan to link visas to income tax or to require a tax id number to qualify for an extension. But please don’t forget to do your 90 days report. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-retirees-targeted-in-latest-in-scam-calls-scandal-486500

Agree, if they speak English. But most masseurs are from other countries anyway. Do you have Thai phrase for "outside only"?

From Khaosod English Arrest Russian Suspect in Hotel Room Attack Thai police arrested one of two Russian suspects who allegedly broke into a fellow countryman’s hotel room, threatened to kill him, and demanded money over a cryptocurrency business dispute. The victim, 31-year-old Russian national Mr. Zelimkhan, reported to Karon Police that on January 5 around 11:00 p.m., a foreign man forcefully entered his room at Wekata Luxury hotel in Karon, Phuket, physically assaulted him, and stole $20,000 in cash. After managing to break free from his restraints, he filed a police report at Karon Police Station at 3:20 a.m. on January 6. Police Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai, Superintendent of Karon Police Station, stated that investigators from Karon Police, Phuket Provincial Police, and Phuket Immigration have identified the suspects, believed to be Russians acquainted with Zelimkhan.The investigation revealed that the mastermind, identified as Andrei, had previous cryptocurrency business dealings with Zelimkhan in Russia. Andrei demanded Zelimkhan return $120,000 and threatened to have his associate kill him if he refused. The assailant attempted to force Zelimkhan to unlock his crypto wallet on his phone, but when Zelimkhan refused to provide the password, he was repeatedly punched and kicked. Zelimkhan then directed the attacker to his suitcase, claiming there was money inside. The perpetrator searched the luggage and took approximately 60-70 $100 bills. The assailant then dragged Zelimkhan to the bathroom, tied him to the door rail, and kicked him in the chest. Zelimkhan lost consciousness after being struck in the back of the head. Continues at https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/01/07/phuket-police-hunt-russian-suspects-in-hotel-room-attack-over-crypto-dispute/

+1 They'd have no idea what "outside" means. Probably think you want to off them.

Arena, definitely. Many shops in Silom have guys who'll do B2B. Don't hesitate to ask the masseur (not manager) you have in mind.

Agree. I'd go a step further and suggest that most shops in Bangkok are a better value than a typical escort experience in the States or any western city.

From Bangkok Post A former Cambodian opposition MP was shot dead by a motorcyclist near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok on Tuesday evening. Lim Kimya, 73, died at the scene. Officers with the Metropolitan Police Bureau have launched a manhunt for the assassin. Police said surveillance camera video from the scene showed a man riding a red Honda Wave 100 motorcycle, licence plate number 845, wearing a helmet, long jeans and a grey short-sleeved shirt with a bag across the front. It is believed that a gun was hidden in the bag. The deceased, who held Cambodian and French nationality, had reportedly travelled to Bangkok by bus from Siem Reap, Cambodia, with his French wife and Cambodian uncle. The shooting took place shortly after they arrived at the scene, according to police. The perpetrator rode up on a motorcycle, parked it and got off to shoot. He then rode away along Phra Sumen Road, passing in front of Wat Bowonniwet, police said. Lim Kimya was a member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was the main opposition party in Cambodia before it was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November 2017. Even though he held a French passport and could easily have resettled, he was one of a handful of party MPs who remained behind in Cambodia after many others fled into exile to avoid further persecution by then-prime minister Hun Sen. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2934876/former-cambodian-mp-shot-dead-in-bangkok

Further evidence that there's something to fit every budget and and all preferences in Bangkok. I come for long stays and although my budget doesn't allow me to include shops like Jey Spa, I've heard nothing but good things about it from numerous sources.

From Pattaya News Pattaya is set to host the 2024 Stand-Up Paddleboard competition from January 18th to 19th, 2025. On January 6th, at the meeting room of the Pattaya City Hall Deputy Mayor Mr. Kritsana Boonsawat chaired a meeting to prepare for the Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP Board) competition, which is one of the events in the Pattaya Water Sports Competition 2024. The Pattaya City Tourism and Sports Office has organized the Pattaya Water Sports Competition 2024, which will feature the SUP Board competition from January 18th to 19th, 2025, at the Jomtien Beach Water Sports area. This event aims to promote physical fitness among youth and the general public and offer a pathway for potential future Thai national team athletes. Long Distance Open (16 km, male and female) Sprint 200 meters (under 15 years, male and female; under 19 years, male and female; Open, male and female) Technical (under 15 years, 3 km, male and female; under 19 years, 3 km, male and female; Beginner, 3 km, male and female; Open, 6 km, male and female; 40+ years, 6 km, male and female; 50+ years, 6 km, male and female) Special Race (youth under 10 years, fun attire, bikini, and banana boat).

Rekindles memories of that busted bridge game some years back. At first glance, thought this one might have been UN Security Council meeting. From Pattaya News Authorities in Pattaya raided a Jomtien residence and arrested 12 people, including foreigners, for hosting illegal poker games. At 10:36 PM on January 6th, Chonburi Immigration Police joined an operation with Pattaya Tourist Police, and Pattaya Police to raid a residence in the Jomtien area and arrested a group of individuals, both Thai and foreign, involved in illegal gambling. The operation followed a tip-off from concerned citizens that foreign nationals were hosting a gambling activity in a room at the residence, located just two streets away from the Immigration Police Station. Upon investigation, officers discovered that the lower floor of the building was disguised as a beer bar, while the room upstairs had been modified for hosting illegal Thai poker games. Inside the room, authorities found seven international tourists from Australia, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom playing poker, along with five Thais who served as card dealers, assistants, and staff. Police seized poker tables, multiple decks of cards, and some cash. A total of 12 individuals were detained. All evidence and suspects were handed over to Pattaya Police Station for legal proceedings. The names of the foreigners involved were withheld by police. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/07/pattaya-police-bust-illegal-poker-game-arrest-12-people-including-many-foreigners/

From Khaosod English Phlapphla Chai police have apprehended two Iranian nationals following a robbery of a Vietnamese tourist in the bustling Bangkok’s Yaowarat, while a third suspect remains at large. On January 6th at approximately 10:45 PM, a 27-year-old Vietnamese tourist sought police assistance near Royal Hotel on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong district. The incident unfolded as the victim’s friend was pursuing three suspects – two men and a woman. Police officers joined the chase and successfully arrested two of the perpetrators, who were unable to communicate in Thai and required an English interpreter at Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station. According to the victim’s statement, he had withdrawn 150,000 baht ($4,350) and kept it in his waist bag before sitting in front of the Royal Hotel. The three foreign nationals approached him, initially engaging in conversation before demanding to see the money in his bag and attempting to snatch it. While the victim managed to recover 100,000 baht ($2,900), the suspects persisted, physically restraining him by grabbing his shirt collar and choking him until he was immobilized. One suspect successfully fled with 50,000 baht ($1,450). On January 7th, police investigation of CCTV footage corroborated the victim’s account. The arrested suspects were identified as Mr. Amer Hossein, 34, whose visa had expired, and Miss Safieh Latif, 35, who held a valid visa. Despite their denials, the Vietnamese victim and his friend positively identified them as the perpetrators. Based on witness testimonies and evidence, both suspects have been charged with robbery. Mr. Hossein faces an additional charge of overstaying his visa. Police are continuing their search for the third suspect. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/01/07/two-iranians-nabbed-for-vietnamese-robbery-in-yaowarat/

Guys may routinely ask for 2,000 because they figure nothing ventured, nothing gained. Most, however,will quickly agree to 1,000-1,500 range depending on individual requests. Seasonal fluctuation way also influence their response. Once they get to know you they stop negotiating. In SK, 800-1,200 is the expected range.

Those who stood to profit by the new airport said anything convenient that could soon be forgotten.

I've always been satisfied.

You may be missing out on a good experience. Be aware that there's another all-male shop in the Silom Plaza on the street level. Best Massage is located at the rear on the right side. All of the boys currently working there are from the Isan region of Thailand.

I'll limit my comments to shops on Silom rd., Silom Soi Six, Surawong Rd. Others are better qualified to comment on the more upscale shops in the wider Silom/Sathorn area. In brief, you may find masseurs who are open to provide more than HJ/HE in just about any shop. However, that's not to say that all masseurs in any shop will. Most will not. What individual guys will or won't do is something I've discovered during the course of a massage. Some can be surprisingly passionate but it's more of a spontaneous experience. Most may ask what you will pay while others take their chance that you'll be generous. In other words, in the Silom area you don't approach the manager asking who does what. That's what separates it from the shops of Saphan Kwai. Having said that, I've had some great sessions in Silom but always on a case-by-case basis, not a shop-by-shop basis. Hope that helps.

No. I only observed that he was the guy who always smiled at me. But if he's good at his job I wouldn't be surprised if he smiled at every potential customer. As a matter of course, I return every smile I receive from any shop (including the ladies). I figure that I owe them the courtesy.

From The Thaiger/ Business Insider The Embassy of Thailand rolled out the e-visa carpet for nine African nations on January 1 in a further bid to boost tourism. The popular e-visa programme is designed to bolster security and streamline the application process, as reported by VisaGuide.World. By simplifying the visa procedure, Thailand hopes to lure more visitors, vital for its thriving tourism sector. While Thailand’s tourism is heavily concentrated in major hubs like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, the rest of the country sees far fewer visitors, reported The South African. The Kingdom of Thailand offers a range of visas, including tourist visas, special tourist visas (STV) for long-term stays, and transit visas for quick stopovers. Non-immigrant visas cater to business, work, or educational purposes. These visas are available for single or multiple entries, subject to specific criteria. Applicants must prove their presence in one of the approved countries and provide all travel-related confirmations, including return flight details featuring the applicant’s name, travel dates, and all connecting flights from the country of origin to Thailand. In a statement, the Royal Thai Embassy announced it will no longer accept physical applications from citizens of the e-visa-approved countries. Eligible applicants must now submit their applications online via the embassy’s official website. Typically, visa applications are processed within five working days, although unforeseen delays can occur. Here are the approved countries, as highlighted by Business Insider: Federal Republic of Nigeria Republic of Benin Republic of Cameroon Republic of Ghana Central African Republic Republic of the Congo Republic of Equatorial Guinea Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe Republic of Chad

Phoenix Massage on Inthamara 25 is offering a promotion of three, one-hour sessions for 1,000 baht on June 6-8. The offer may be shared with friends and does not expire. The tip is fixed at 1,200 per session. ============= Phetboy Massage is offering four, one-hour sessions for 1,150 baht that is valid until June 31.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Although Cambodia can be the cheapest of the tourist destinations in south east Asia, the authorities are heavily promoting bespoke packages for the truly wealthy. Chhay Sivlin, president of the main travel agents’ association, told the Khmer Times that the country isn’t just for backpackers and economy travellers. The UK Times newspaper seems to agree, recently ranking Cambodia as 13th in its list of 23 best luxury destinations. Several international companies, such as Jacada and Lux, have sprung up to cater for the new Cambodian market. They are promoting private islands such as Song Saa, a 45-minutes speedboat ride from Sihanoukville port, where a sumptuous villa will cost almost US$2,000. Not for a week but for a single night. Other options include helicopter rides over Angkor Wat and inclusive tours of historical sites nationwide in an airconditioned luxury Mercedes. As regards visas, Cambodia lacks the colorful array of choices offered in Thailand. However, annually renewable retirement visas are available from Phnom Penh immigration agents for as little as US$300. Required documentation is scanty and trouble free without the need to prove bank balances or address bureaucracy. A 10-year golden family visa is available for those investing US$100,000 in Cambodian property. It is also possible to buy Cambodian nationality with an investment or donation of US$300,000. Almost 7 million foreign visitors entered Cambodia in 2024 and the number is expected to rise substantially once the new hi-tech airport serving Phnom Penh, to be the ninth largest in the world, opens later this year. Phnom Penh based travel agent Chea Kim told Pattaya Mail, “Cambodia is now in direct competition with Thailand for the international tourists who are interested in an ultimate luxury lifestyle.” https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/cambodia-competes-with-thailand-for-top-end-luxury-tourists-486230