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I'd say--based on six visits--it's up to you. If you want massage, it's there for asking, but many customers choose to pass on option.

From VN Express Rescued actor describes life in scam call center According to a report by Xinjing Bao on Wednesday, Wang shared his ordeal after Thai police rescued him and returned him to Bangkok. He explained that a job advertisement he saw late last year prompted him to travel to Thailand to explore a new opportunity. He arrived in the country on Jan. 3, with a visa valid through March 3, and stayed at a hotel on Phuket Island. From Phuket, a job brokerage company transported him to Chai Nat, a central Thai province, and subsequently to Mae Sot, a district in the northern province of Tak, located along the Thai-Myanmar border. Soon after, Wang lost contact with his relatives and girlfriend. He recounted that after being forcibly taken across a river, he found himself in Myanmar, where armed individuals ushered him into a vehicle and then into a house occupied by at least 50 other Chinese nationals, as well as people from various countries. Wang described a disturbing initiation process where everyone was forced to shave their heads and undergo scamming training through text messaging over three days, though they had not yet started training him for phone scams. "It was a horrifying experience," he expressed. "I was extremely terrified and worried that I might never escape." Wang believes he fell victim to a scam that exploited the reputation of a major entertainment company. Hongxing News reported that Thai police have determined Wang was a victim of human trafficking, and he may return to China within the next couple of days. His lawyer stated: "He is safe and preparing to go home. We cannot discuss further details at this time." Meanwhile, Wang’s girlfriend Jia Jia announced on social media today that she has reunited with him. She is being commended for her bravery and astute response in handling the situation, having successfully located the right address to secure help, ensuring Wang’s safe return. Sinchew reported that the owner of the labor brokerage company involved was arrested on charges related to orchestrating Wang’s kidnapping. The Actors Committee of the China Federation of Radio and Television Association is now urging actors and management companies to exercise caution with overseas job offers and thoroughly vet the nature of the work and the inviting entity. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/life/celebrities/ip-man-actor-wang-xing-says-criminals-instructed-him-in-scamming-techniques-during-myanmar-kidnapping-4837472.html

From Pattaya News Authorities seized 996 Bitcoin mining machines in Chonburi for allegedly stealing massive amounts of electricity, causing damages worth hundreds of millions of baht. Police and electricity officials seized the mining machines from a company, publicly identified by police as JIT Co., Ltd, located in Phanat Nikhom district, Chonburi, after discovering the company was illegally using a massive amount of electricity to operate a large-scale Bitcoin mining farm. The raid took place in Na Wang Hin subdistrict on Wednesday, January 8th. Pol Maj Gen Montri Thetkhan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, revealed that JIT Co., Ltd. was registered as a digital asset trading business but had allegedly tampered with electricity meters to steal electricity for its mining operations. Mining Bitcoin requires substantial electricity and is highly expensive, Pol Maj Gen Montri said. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/09/996-bitcoin-mining-machines-seized-for-power-theft-in-chonburi/ ========================= From Khaosod English 13M Baht Lost in Two Chinese Crypto Scams Two separate cryptocurrency exchange meetings involving Chinese nationals in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district ended in losses totaling 13 million baht on January 9. Police are investigating both cases, which occurred within hours of each other. At approximately 3:55 p.m., three suspects fled with 5 million baht ($144K) in a white Toyota Alphard after a failed crypto exchange at a parcel shop in Pracharatbamphen Soi 12. The victim, who brought cash in a black bag, reported that the suspects claimed to have transferred cryptocurrency but no funds were received. Police later tracked a mobile phone left in the stolen bag to Suan Sukkhaphap Taechiu in Yan Nawa district. In a separate incident at G Tower on Rama 9 Road, four Chinese suspects absconded with 8 million baht ($230K) during another cryptocurrency exchange attempt. Two victims reported that the suspects, working through a Chinese middleman who arranged the meeting, claimed to have transferred cryptocurrency before fleeing with the cash. Police Colonel Prasopchok Iampinitj, Superintendent of Huai Khwang Police Station, stated that while the two cases don’t appear to be connected, investigators are working to identify the suspects and prevent them from leaving the country. In the second case, police have identified the middleman who arranged the meeting as a key suspect and are determining whether they reside in Thailand. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/01/09/bangkok-police-13m-baht-lost-in-two-chinese-crypto-scams/

From Bangkok Post Bangkok is expected to experience its coolest weather in almost 40 years on Sunday and Monday, with low temperatures of 16 degrees Celsius, while lows in the North and the Northeast will be 12°C, forecasters said on Thursday. "Anyone wanting to experience the coolest temperatures this year (with strong winds) should prepare your body and mind for Jan 12 and 13," Seree Supharathit, director of the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster at Rangsit University, wrote on his Facebook page..

Thai authorities seem confident that suspect will make it out of Cambodia alive. From Bangkok Post Speedy extradition likely for suspected killer Thai police have asked Cambodian authorities to extradite a Thai ex-marine suspected of killing a former Cambodian opposition MP, and are also seeking at least two Cambodian suspects, according to a senior Bangkok police officer. They are hopeful that murder suspect Ekalak Paenoi can be returned to Thailand within a month or less, after Cambodian authorities finish prosecuting him for illegal entry, said Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, investigative chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. A deputy national police chief and the Bangkok police chief have already sent letters through diplomatic channels to request the extradition of Mr Ekalak, also known as “Sergeant Em”, he said on Thursday. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said Cambodia has already informed Thai authorities of its intention to extradite the suspect. This showed showed that Cambodia wanted to know the real motive behind the murder, the minister said. He expects the extradition could happen within a few days. The prompt response from Phnom Penh is also seen as a way of quieting critics who believe the killing was political and linked to the long-running campaign by the country’s ruling party against its opponents. Mr Ekalak was arrested in Battambang, Cambodia, on Wednesday evening, a day after Lim Kimya, 73, was gunned down in front of his wife and brother near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. The suspect fled the scene immediately and then attempted to throw detectives off his trail by travelling through Chon Buri and Chanthaburi provinces before finally heading up to Sa Kaeo and sneaking into Cambodia from there, said Pol Maj Gen Theeradet. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2936332/speedy-extradition-likely-for-suspected-killer-of-former-cambodian-mp

I was already waiting inside room. It was masseur who came a knocking. 😊

I never discus it before massage starts. I just ask them to change places and I've had a few guys who were initially reluctant but they quickly get into it and relax. Same same with offs from bars. With repeat guys, they come to look forward to it.

+1 Used it last trip. Don't forget to bring passport. The ER doubles as walk-in clinic. Nurse will take you vitals and triage you.

From Washington Post By Shira Ovide A Tech Friend reader asked that deceptively tricky question. While experts I spoke to weren’t unanimous on whether websites or apps are the better choice for your security and privacy, most of them picked the web — with caveats. That shouldn’t discourage you from using apps. But if you’re doing something on your phone only occasionally — buying from an unfamiliar shopping site or browsing for home insurance — it’s probably smarter and safer to use the company’s website rather than its app. Why websites generally beat apps The mobile app stores from Apple and Google inspect apps for safety. Their vetting is good but not foolproof. Once you’ve downloaded an app, though, app makers have latitude to collect information that websites generally cannot easily obtain, including your approximate location, your battery level and what other devices, like an Xbox, are connected to your WiFi. Apps might pass on the information to advertising companies and data brokers. Apple and Google require apps to ask your permission for some location collection and information sharing. (In 2021, my colleagues investigated iPhone apps that found ways to track you even if you said no.) Well-designed apps generally do a great job protecting your security and privacy, but you can’t always tell the good apps from the ick ones. Compared with apps, websites “cannot spy or track you as easily nor access confidential information without permission,” said Chester Wisniewski, a digital security specialist with Sophos. He also said the top web browsers — including Google’s Chrome, Apple’s Safari, Mozilla’s Firefox and Microsoft’s Edge — have “some of the best security engineers in the world.” Their security measures apply to any website you visit. Each app might be responsible for its own security updates. Websites definitely aren’t perfect. They have security flaws and tricky ways to follow your activity. You can also be fooled by websites pretending to be your bank or favorite retailer. An experienced web browser technologist said browsers are “paranoid by default.” Compared with phone apps, he said, browsers give you more options to dial up privacy, including by blocking targeted advertisements. Outsiders can also verify websites’ security and information-sharing activities in ways apps don’t permit. Nicholas Weaver, a researcher at the University of California at Berkeley’s International Computer Science Institute, said “it depends” on whether a website or app is safer. If you’re using Firefox or Safari, he said, a website is probably better than an app because those browsers automatically block many technologies used to build dossiers of your interests and activities. Weaver said a website is probably worse if you’re using Chrome because Google’s browser generally allows those tracking technologies. Continues at https://getpocket.com/explore/item/is-it-safer-to-use-an-app-or-a-website-on-your-phone?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

Many waiters and bartenders in Hot Male beer bar speak English. And all are offable. In the other bars you can find guys who speak English but it's random. Same with massage shops in my experience.

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).