reader

Most readers are familiar with Bangkok's Khlong Toei slum. This video from NHK World explores the lives of some residents who have found refuge in the violin. If we find ourselves becoming a bit jaded by the Big Mango, this may just provide the antidote. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2022424/

From Khaosod English Police Lance Corporal Pichaya Arintamapong (left), a squad leader at the Immigration Bureau's Inbound Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport and her colleague laugh about the adorable moment when an American female tourist said she came to Thailand to see Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo star. BANGKOK — Molly, an American woman who flew 18.5 hours from New York to Thailand specifically to see Moo Deng, the famous baby pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, became known to Thai netizens when she posted many clips about her trip on TikTok. “I’ve made it to Thailand! Today is the day I see moo deng! I am so freaking excited, the zoo just confirmed you can see her everyday! I am on cloud nine!!!” was the first message with a clip she posted when she arrived in Thailand on October 3. In another clip, she mentioned that customs agents in Thailand couldn’t believe it when she told them she came to Thailand for the first time to see Moo Deng The female immigration officer recounted that while she was on duty at the passenger checkpoint, Miss Molly approached with a smiling face. She asked Miss Molly the usual questions about the duration of her stay and the purpose of her visit. The passenger replied, “I came to Thailand to see Moo Deng.”. She admitted that when she first heard it, she couldn’t believe it. So she asked again and got the confirmation that it was indeed “Moo Deng.” At that moment, she was stunned and thought of the famous hippo named Moo Deng, so she further inquired, “How do you know about Moo Deng?” Miss Molly explained that Moo Deng is iconic, and her phone was full of Moo Deng’s pictures. She wanted to see Moo Deng while it was still young, and she assured that she would definitely come back next time for a longer visit to explore Thailand. She then quickly processed the immigration check and said to Molly, “Enjoy Moodeng,” which made both Molly and herself laugh together. “Immigration work is a frontline job where we meet people entering the country. We have to represent Thai people in welcoming and screening those who enter the country, balancing friendliness with security, and doing our best,” Police Lance Corporal Pichaya said. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2024/10/06/thai-officer-shares-lovely-moment-with-american-tourists-18-hour-flight-for-moo-deng/

From Thai News Agency Order Safety Checks for 13,000 Gas-Powered Buses Thailand’s Prime Minister has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of all 13,000 gas-powered buses operating in the country within the next 60 days. Until the checks are completed, these buses will be taken off the road. The government is also reviewing existing laws related to public transportation to ensure stricter safety standards. Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap announced the decision following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, saying that the Prime Minister had expressed deep concern over road safety, particularly regarding vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). “All 13,000 gas-powered buses must undergo rigorous safety checks within the next 60 days,” Jirayu said. “No bus will be allowed to operate until it has passed inspection.” The Department of Land Transport has issued a directive outlining the inspection procedures, which include checks on gas tanks, engine components, and emergency equipment. Buses that fail to meet the safety standards will be suspended from operation until necessary repairs are made. In addition to the bus inspections, the Department of Marine has been tasked with conducting safety checks on approximately 15,000 passenger boats and 108 river-cruise vessels. These inspections will focus on the safety of cooking gas installations and the overall condition of the natural gas vessels. The Ministry of Education has been requested to advise schools to avoid using gas-powered buses for field trips until the inspections are complete. Schools requiring transportation are advised to hire charter buses or non-public buses and to ensure that these vehicles undergo thorough safety checks. https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-1431494

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Thai government has at long last begun the issuing of official identification cards to Myanmar economic migrants even if they entered illegally. In the past, hundreds of thousands of such workers and their families have been deported and dumped en masse to the Myanmar border where they were subject to reprisals from the ruling junta and often forced into the army to fight the raging insurgency. Spokesman for the migrants, U Moe Kyaw, confirmed that the u-turn policy was now in force. Illegal immigrants were now able to apply to the Thai Department of Employment for a pink card, initially for one year and able to be renewed. The only criterion is that they must prove they are Myanmar nationals by, for example, producing their Myanmar ID card or birth certificate. Additionally, Myanmar workers who already hold two-year residence set to expire in February 2025 will be able to extend another 24 months. The abuse of migrants fleeing Myanmar has been a major scandal for years, particularly since the military coup there in 2021. The junta has attempted to stop the emigration by refusing to issue passports or to cooperate in signing counter-signing certificates of entry which were necessary to leave by proper border posts. There have been countless tales of abuse inside Thailand with fearful migrants being forced to pay bribes to the local police in border areas. However, some migrants are still at risk. They need the sponsorship of a properly registered Thai employer to seek the pink card and, if they quit, must find alternative employment within 60 days (formerly 30). Moreover, they must avoid working in occupational sectors which are reserved for Thai nationals only. These include hairdressers, tour guides, masseurs and taxi drivers amongst others. Those immigrants who fall into the trap of working online in gambling and fraud scams will still be subject to Thai jail sentences and deportation. The Ministry of Labour says there are about 2.5 million Myanmar workers employed legally in Thailand, with perhaps twice that number working without adequate documentation. Immigrant labour is essential for large sectors of the Thai economy including fisheries, factories, construction and retail. The pink card, once issued, covers holders for some basic human rights and the right to hospital treatment via Thailand’s social security system. spokesperson for Human Rights Watch told Pattaya Mail the announced reform should have happened long ago as illegal workers face immense struggles and live in constant fear. “Many migrants are focused on survival rather than becoming wealthy,” he said. Meanwhile, the Myanmar junta has announced further hostile measures. These include banning Myanmar students in Thailand from being able to renew their passports in Thailand and trying to coerce workers abroad into sending a quarter of their wages back home. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/in-a-surprise-move-thailand-ends-compulsory-deportation-of-myanmar-illegals-475165

From the BBC Does China now have a permanent military base in Cambodia? Two grey shapes, visible from satellites for most of this year at Cambodia’s Ream naval base, seem to confirm growing fears in Washington: that China is expanding its military footprint, beyond the three disputed islands in the South China Sea which it has already seized and fortified. The shapes are type A56 corvettes of the Chinese navy - 1,500-tonne warships - and they have been berthed alongside a new, Chinese-built pier that is big enough to accommodate much larger vessels. Onshore there are other facilities, also built by China, which are presumed to be for the use of the Chinese navy. The Cambodian government has repeatedly denied such a possibility, citing its constitution which bans any permanent foreign military presence, and stating that Ream is open to use by all friendly navies. "Please understand this is a Cambodian, not a Chinese base," said Seun Sam, a Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. "Cambodia is very small, and our military capacities are limited. "We need more training from outside friends, especially from China." Others, however, are watching with suspicion. For all the talk about the rapid rise of Chinese sea power - the country now has more ships in its navy than the US - China currently has only one overseas military base, in the African state of Djibouti, which it built in 2016. The United States, by contrast, has around 750 - one also in Djibouti, and many others in countries close to China like Japan and South Korea. The US believes the imbalance is changing, however, because of China’s stated ambition to be a global military power. That, and the scale of its investments in overseas infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative, which under Chinese law must be built to military standards. Some in Washington predict that China will eventually have a global network of bases, or civilian ports that it can use as bases. And one of the first of these is Ream. Until a few years ago, Ream - which sits on Cambodia's southern tip - was being upgraded with US assistance; part of the tens of millions of dollars' worth of yearly military aid provided to Cambodia. But the US cut back this aid after 2017, when Cambodia's main opposition party was banned and its leaders exiled or jailed. Most analysts believe a long-term Chinese presence at Ream would offer very few real advantages to China. They point to the three bases it has already built on Mischief, Fiery Cross and Subi Reefs in the South China Sea, and the formidable naval forces it maintains on its south coast. But a Chinese base in Ream, at the mouth of the Gulf of Thailand, does worry Cambodia’s neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam. Together with other bases further north, it could be seen as an attempt by China to encircle the long Vietnamese coast. Like the Philippines, Vietnam disputes China’s claim to almost all the islands in the South China Sea, and its forces have clashed with China’s in the past. Thai national security officials have also privately expressed alarm at the thought of a Chinese base just south of the Thai navy’s main port in Sattahip, covering their exit from the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia still have unresolved territorial disputes, after all. Continues with photos https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/does-china-now-have-a-permanent-military-base-in-cambodia/ar-AA1rQUNQ

He left out reason #6: they're in for the money and looking for customers. 🙂

From BBC Travel Vietnamese-American journalist and broadcaster, William Lee Adams, returns to Vietnam where his G.I. father first met his mother during the dark days of the Vietnam War. Continue to video https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jvjww4/vietnam-visiting-hanoi-s-oldest-food-market

Agree about the need for unified response. The most likely ignition point is probably the Philippines. However, I don't think China is eager for military showdown with its economy such a crucial issue. As much as it would like to unleash its navy, I think it would rather sell the Comac 919 to western airlines in desperate need of narrow body jets. Greed is a two-way street when it comes to the bottom line.

From AP Small town in Thailand hold mass cremation LAN SAK, Thailand (AP) — Mourners wept and monks prayed at a cremation ceremony Tuesday in a small town in central Thailand for 23 young students and teachers who died in last week’s bus fire on a school field trip. A large cremation site was set up close to the temple in Lan Sak town whose compound hosts the school that was attended by the victims. Several furnaces with tall chimneys were erected, with floral adornments placed in front of them. Six teachers and 39 elementary and junior high school students were on the bus when it caught fire on Oct. 1 on a highway in Pathum Thani, a northern suburb of Bangkok. It spread so quickly that only 22 people were able to escape. After forensic work in Bangkok made positive identifications of the badly burnt bodies, the victims’ remains were were returned to their hometown for funeral rites that began last week. https://apnews.com/article/thailand-bus-fire-cremation-d549dd09b10e525b434f4dc3d4840d91

These guys don't need a costume. They're already scary.

China is now intent on achieving what Japan sought to do nearly 90 years ago but in somewhat more subtle ways.

From The Nation The Transport Ministry has unveiled the schedule of tourism trains from October to February, aiming to boost domestic tourism and generate income for local communities. Three types of train will embark on sight-seeing routes over the next five months, said minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Monday. These are the Royal Blossom, Kiha 183, and Second World War-era steam locomotives. The Royal Blossom and Kiha 183 were donated to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) by Japan and have been refurbished as cosy and stylish tourism trains with full facilities. Tourists booking the special trains can opt for daytrips or overnight stays, available on weekends, holidays, and special occasions. Suriya said the wide variety of different trip itineraries would cater to every traveller, whether they seek adventure, relaxation, eco-tourism or cultural experiences. The Royal Blossom offers the highest level of luxury and comfort, featuring air-conditioned cabins with 180-degree views to appreciate the scenery. A one-day trip costs 1,799 baht per person and includes meals, drinks, tour guide service, shuttle bus fee, and accident insurance. The Kiha 183 is for travellers who prefer classic rail adventure, offering both daytrips (1,499 baht) and overnight stays (3,999 baht) to destinations further away from Bangkok. The ticket price includes meals, drinks, tour guide service, shuttle bus fee, room fees, and accident insurance. The World War II-era steam locomotive offers trips to two historical provinces on special occasions, namely Ayutthaya on Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (October 23), and Chachoengsao on Father’s Day (December 5). Tickets are 329 baht for a normal cabin and 529 to 799 baht for air-conditioned, inclusive of snacks and drinks. Tour programmes and seat booking are available at any train station nationwide or via the D-Ticket mobile app. For more information, call the SRT’s 1690 hotline. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40042161

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Cambodia’s neighbors, including Thailand, are concerned about the rapid rise of Chinese sea power and its possible use of the Ream naval base only a few hundred km south of the Thai naval port of Sattahip. The fear is that China is expanding its military footprint beyond the seizure of several disputed islands in the South China Sea which have already been fortified. But neither Thailand nor Vietnam are saying much publicly to avoid disrupting vital trade relationships with China and, separately, because there’s nothing they can do anyway. Surveillance photos show that the Ream harbor has a new pier, a new dry dock, warehouses, living quarters and four basketball courts. Dredging is continuing though it’s unclear how deep it will go to admit the largest ships. The official Cambodian position is that the dock is not yet finished. When it is, ships from other “friendly” nations (not just China) will be able to use the facilities. Cambodian deputy prime minister Sun Chanthol said the port was very small at 0.3 km and used only for training to prepare for the upcoming Golden Dragan exercises. Moreover, the Chinese presence in Ream is not permanent so does not count as a base. Mr Sun added that many US vessels are too big and might “get stuck”. Others are not so sure. A foothold at Ream would give China better control over the South China Sea, 90 percent of which it claims to own in spite of an international court ruling against Beijing. The Seam port’s pier is almost identical to the 363 meter-long construction at the Chinese base in Djibouti in east Africa and long enough to accommodate a Chinese largest aircraft carrier. But Greg Poling of the CSIS thinktank thinks that the small Ream base doesn’t get the Chinese navy any closer to regional hegemony. He points out that China currently has only two overseas bases whereas the US has hundreds, including a presence in both Thailand and the Philippines. However, Ream could be much more important as a signals and intelligence base for the Chinese military. Time alone will show the true significance of the developing construction on Cambodia’s southern tip. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/fears-grow-about-chinese-military-influence-over-cambodia-475157

From Pattaya Mail The new administration of Paetongtarn Shinawatra seems determined to tackle workplace legality. Although the vast majority of the 2,000 arrests in recent weeks have been of non-documented entrants from neighboring countries, especially Myanmar, the net appears to be widening. Director General of the Department of Employment (DOE), Somchai Morakotsriwan, emphasized a sharpened focus on “western” foreigners operating in professions reserved for Thai nationals such as tour operators, masseurs, barbers and online selling. Dealing with illegal workers is the joint concern of the DOE and the immigration police. In practice, the labour officials mostly investigate large scale businesses using migrant workers, whilst immigration concentrates on enforcing alien laws and tracking individuals who lack the necessary authorization. In the past few weeks, illegal entrants have been found working in restaurants, coconut farms, restaurants, factories and construction sites throughout Thailand. In Pattaya the arrest emphasis has been on condominium building projects. Earlier this month, Chonburi immigration officers raided premises where 20 Chinese nationals had rented three adjacent houses in Pattaya to run online gambling businesses and providing illegal loans with huge rates of interest. Numerous computers, mobile phones sundry items were seized. Other work-related arrests have included three Russian taxi drivers in Phuket, a mobile Ukrainian manicurist, a Japanese tour guide in Chiang Mai, a French cook in Bangkok and a British disc jockey in Pattaya. Almost all those found guilty by a Thai court are deported. The economic migrants from neighboring countries are sent back in groups by bus or lorry. Those from more distant countries remain in jail until a single-journey airticket is paid for (not by Thai authorities). Blacklisting is automatic in most cases. Immigration authorities claim that that new technology is now playing an important role. Police lieutenant general Sompong Chingduang said that the latest biometric system can translate information on a chip to a passport to check for any facial feature irregularity An immigration spokesperson added that Thailand was working towards an integrated system of entry travel authorization, electronic visas and visitor data bases which would make controls much easier to enforce. The government has announced visitor and visa facilitation as one of its policy aims for 2025, but a working party on reducing the number of non-immigrant visas has not yet reported. Non immigrant visas cover retirement, spouses, families and activities such as medical tourism and sports training now under the aegis of the Destination Thailand Visa. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/find-arrest-and-deport-slogan-warns-illegal-workers-475025

As much as I agree that any efforts to counter China's intentions of colonizing the entire South China Sea, it's probably not wise to expect much in he way of materiel support from the Vietnam's limited naval assets. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_equipment_of_the_Vietnam_People's_Navy The best chance will depend on a joint effort primarily led by US naval forces, supported by Japan, Korea, Australia, the UK and other partners.

I don't ask the men I meet whether they're gay or straight--or something in between. If one of them chooses to tell me, I accept what he says simply because I'm inclined to believe he probably has a better handle on it than me.

Your contributions are much appreciated, Sudoxi. Trip and venue report have always been--and will remain--the meat and potatoes of the forum. You included the right mix IMO of details that whets the appetite to return. 🙏

I, too, miss those places. But Patpong 2 certainly has its charms and just walking along that short stretch of Silom Soi 6 allows you to view 75 or so masseurs.

NOTE -- You can no longer apply for a visa to Vietnam in person at the Vietnam Consulate in Bangkok. From The Thaiger Getting a Thai visa in Southeast Asia is about to become a high-tech affair. Starting next week, several Thai consulates across the region will be switching entirely to online e-visa applications, leaving traditional walk-ins a thing of the past. In a surprise move, consulates in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu), and Cambodia (Phnom Penh) will close their doors to in-person visa applications. Some of these have already shut their consular services in anticipation of the e-visa launch, scheduled for Tuesday. Meanwhile, for those preferring the personal touch, consulates in Laos (Vientiane, Savannakhet) and Myanmar (Yangon) will continue to accept walk-in visits, albeit with a twist—you’ll need to book an appointment online to gain entry. However, it’s not all change, reported ASEAN Now. Consulates in Indonesia (Jakarta), Taiwan (Taipei), and the Philippines (Manila) will maintain their operations as usual with no appointment necessary, providing a glimmer of hope for those who prefer the classic approach.

From Pattaya News I have flown more than a million miles with dozens of airlines around the world – and have lost count of how many times I’ve hopped on an Air China plane for the short trip from Beijing to Shanghai. During the week, airlines schedule more than 60 flights everyday between the country’s capital and financial hub – each way – often using their biggest jets, from the iconic Boeing 747 to the newest Airbus A350. With plenty of widebody options in its fleet of almost 1,000 planes, Air China deployed a narrowbody for my flight on a recent Thursday morning. But it wasn’t just any narrowbody – it was the flag carrier’s first, and so far the only, C919 jetliner. The C919 is China’s first homegrown mainline passenger plane, manufactured by the Shanghai-based state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). After spending years in development and lengthy delays, the twin-engine jet made its maiden commercial voyage with hometown carrier China Eastern Airlines in May 2023. Long touted as a potential game-changer in global commercial aviation, the C919 is COMAC’s answer to the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 – two of the world’s best-selling aircraft types. Despite recording more than 1,000 orders, the C919 seems dogged by skeptics who question its “Chineseness” (with key parts such as engines and flight control systems imported from the US and Europe) and its commercial viability given the Airbus-Boeing duopoly in the market. For an aviation geek like me, however, none of the controversies could dampen my enthusiasm to unlock a brand-new aircraft type and review this still rare passenger experience since there are only a handful of C919s in the air within mainland China, the only region it’s been certified to fly to date. I showed up at the gate at Beijing’s sprawling Capital International Airport (PEK) an hour before departure time to see the C919 in the flesh for the first time. From a distance, it could easily be mistaken for an A320 with its more rounded nose and curved fuselage (compared to the B737). More discerning eyes would probably notice the C919’s distinctive cockpit windows and wingtips. My first impression upon stepping into the month-old C919 was that it felt just like an A320 – with a bit of lingering new plane smell. To its credit, among the “Big Three” state-owned carriers that operate the aircraft type, Air China opted for the most spacious configuration with 158 seats (out of the possible maximum of 192) – eight in first class and 150 in economy. Continues with videos https://www.cnn.com/travel/china-comac-c919-experience-intl-hnk/index.html

From Pattaya News Bangkok has been ranked as the fourth-friendliest city in the world in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, an annual survey by CN Traveler. The Thai capital is acknowledged for its unique blend of vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout destination among travelers. The survey considered several cities globally, with Bangkok scoring 92.00 points in the rankings. Thailand's recognition as one of the friendliest countries in the world is evidenced by the reception tourists receive in its bustling capital. Although the city’s busy streets and lively markets can be overwhelming at first, visitors often find themselves embraced by the warmth of Thai hospitality and the city's distinctive charm. From its intricate Buddhist temples to its dynamic street food scene, Bangkok offers an engaging and authentic experience for those exploring its diverse neighborhoods. The top spot on the list is Singapore, followed by Sydney and Las Vegas. Cape Town, Tokyo, and Marrakech were also featured among the top ten friendliest cities. Bangkok's placement reinforces the city's reputation as a hub of culture and tourism in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of international visitors each year. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/05/bangkok-ranked-fourth-friendliest-city-in-world-2024-readers-choice-awards/

From Pattaya News A 66-year-old British man, who had just returned to Thailand for one day, tragically died after crashing his motorcycle into a U-turn sign in Sattahip. The tragic accident was reported to Sattahip police at 8:40 PM on October 5th, 2024. Police and rescue workers rushed to the scene at a U-turn sign on the inbound side of Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, to find the foreigner with critical injuries. The victim, identified by police as 66-year-old British national Mr. Garrad Nigel Melvin, had suffered a fractured skull and a large laceration at the back of his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Garrad was believed to have crashed his red-and-black Kawasaki Z900 motorcycle, which was found heavily damaged nearby, into a U-turn sign. His wife, Mrs. Sureerat Garrad, 49, along with his unidentified foreign friend, rushed to the scene after hearing the news. They were all overwhelmed with grief. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/06/66-year-old-british-man-dies-in-high-speed-motorcycle-crash-a-day-after-returning-to-thailand/

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Thai prime minister has prioritized world class tourism in Bangkok and the provinces for her new administration. Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that the emphasis for tourist cities should be on man-made attractions as well as new-style entertainment complexes to appeal to today’s domestic and international vacationers who are looking for something new. Of course, media critics who continue to slag-off Pattaya as nothing more than a haven for prostitution and crime are smirking already. Indeed, various media both in Thailand and internationally are mostly responsible for the weird notion that Pattaya hasn’t changed in 20 years. Phrases such as “notorious sex industry” or “prostitution ridden” are still in near-universal usage. The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya office is well aware. “Of course, you can find sex tourism here depending on where you look, but the city has changed out of all recognition over the years,” according to the manager. She highlighted five star hotels, family entertainment, sports and music festivals and all the excitement of the Eastern Economic Corridor hub which has invested heavily in Pattaya’s road communications with the area. The government’s new emphasis on man-made destinations goes much further than traditional features such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Garden and the etched Golden Buddha Mountain. The new generation includes the Ramayana waterpark in Na Jomtien which is said to be Thailand’s biggest with space to occupy 700 tennis courts, the small European country village mall known as A La Campagne and a wholly reconstructed Naklua town center. Not to mention in various locations Hotel Transylvania, floating cafes, underwater worlds, snorkeling for beginners, dinosaurs for the asking and swinging through the trees like Tarzan. Some features have failed to materialize, such as Rubberland with its simulated rubber forest, permanently closed according to Google. Hotels are changing too. The luxurious Grand Centre Point in north Pattaya boasts an inside spaceship building known as the Astro Club. The government’s promise to combine with the private sector to fund entertainment complexes obviously means casinos. They won’t be standalone gambling palaces but mixed use centers to include hotels, restaurants, children’s entertainment and relaxing options on a grand scale. The most likely location near Pattaya will be in the fast-developing area of U-Tapao airport near Rayong. None the less, a key government aim with licensed gambling will be to divert to home territory those rich Thais who currently spend extravagantly in casinos in neighboring countries. Six years ago Pattaya’s local authority announced the arrival of neo or new Pattaya to replace the traditional version which relied exclusively on night entertainment. The arrival of covid in 2019 led to Pattaya becoming a ghost city. The neo notion was not picked up post-covid as city businesses began ever so slowly to rise again from the desolation. Now that tourism and investment are both picking up again in 2024, Pattaya is expected to continue her transition. To be absolutely sure, come back in 2034.

Most, but not all, shop rooms in SK have individual AC remotes. I set these to 25 on arrival. I prefer floor mattress because it allows for more freedom of movement during course of session.