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From Bangkok Post A clip of a suspected Thai national plummeting to his death from an 18-storey building in the Cambodian border town of Poipet due to the stress of working for a call centre gang has outraged netizens who are demanding more action be taken on the issue. The CCTV camera footage was shared yesterday by the Drama-addict and "Kor Kae Khon Thammada" Facebook pages. It showed a man falling from the building at around 11pm on Wednesday. The man is believed to have been making his escape before he fell from the 14th floor. His body landed on a car parked in front of the building. He died instantly. An unnamed source claims there were at least two corpses near the car, according to the two Facebook pages, The man was found to be a 31-year-old Kanchanaburi native who was tricked into working with a scam call centre operation in Cambodia, the source said. His death was presumed to either be stress-related, as he was unable to meet the gang's work target, or a failed escape bid. Chaichana Detdecho, chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, said the property is located near a 27-storey building that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has alleged is the headquarters of a gang of call centre scammers. The heavily guarded building cited by Thaksin is suspected to be run by a Chinese criminal boss known only as Xiao Ma. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2936506/thai-mans-demise-in-cambodia-linked-to-scammers

Based on regular visits to Dragon and Koi on last trip, I came away with more encouraging outlook for bar's future. It gives customer option of just sitting at bar and watching the show (which is every half-hour) and not buying drinks for boys. Or you can sit with boy and enjoy his company. Up to you. What I particularly like about the place is that all they guys who work there are good, energetic dancers and quite easy on the eyes. And they smile easily. It's limited size makes it even more intimate. I give it a thumbs up and will be returning.

Consider yourself lucky. It saved you many hours that can be better spent on more promising pursuits.

He can't expect too much on first date. 😋

If there's a word of comfort that effectively substitutes for money, please let me know.

As you're now exploring those options, maybe you'll soon discover your answer. Good luck, my friend.

That flight could suffer same fate as MH370.

You understand completely 🙂

Line @phoenix25

From Bangkok Post Thai police were launching a fact-finding investigation into the disappearance of two more Chinese nationals – a male model and a woman -after their relatives sought help. Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general with the Royal Thai Police Office (RTPO), said foreign media had reported the disappearance of Chinese model Yang Zeqi, who went missing near the Thai-Myanmar border. The incident was similar to that of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who went missing last week in the same area and was trafficked to a scam centre in Myawaddy. Wang, 31, also known by his stage name Xing Xing, safely returned to Thailand. Pol Gen Thatchai said Yang's relatives posted about his disappearance on social media and sought help. Police were launching an investigation, he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2936440/2-chinese-nationals-reported-missing-near-thai-myanmar-border

From Wikipedia Bitcoin uses a proof-of-work system or a proof-or-transaction to form a distributed timestamp server as a peer-to-peer network.[3] This work is often called bitcoin mining. During mining, practically all of the computing power of the bitcoin network is used to solve cryptographic tasks, which is proof of work. Their purpose is to ensure that the generation of valid blocks involves a certain amount of effort so that subsequent modification of the blockchain, such as in the 51% attack scenario, can be practically ruled out. Because of the difficulty, miners form "mining pools" to get payouts despite these high power requirements, costly hardware deployments, and hardware under control. As a result of the Chinese ban on bitcoin mining in 2021, the United States currently holds the largest share of bitcoin mining pools

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.