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Agree. You would be doing the people of Thailand a great service if you send your suggestion to the office of the Bangkok City Administration (sorry I don't have the address). Changes in procedures to make the country run more efficiently are welcomed warmly and acted upon quickly, especially if they originate with a farang.

I am not trying to be argumentative. However, the boys that we--me, anyway--meet are aware of the physical location of where they live but they don't acquire possessions on line. I've accompanied my regular guy to two locations when he's shopping for things to send home. The most popular place is, hands down, the Big C. It is extremely popular with Chinese and Vietnamese patrons who stock up on a wide range of products that are (1) cheaper and (2) better quality than they can purchase in their home countries. If they're looking for tools or hardware, it's Home Pro. Guys who live in Thailand (unless your talking middle class or hi-so) probably do the same.

Excerpted from Bloomberg Financial Asia’s 20 Richest Families Control $450 Billion The region’s 20 wealthiest clans are now worth more than $450 billion combined, underscoring how the world’s economic growth engine is minting fortunes on an unprecedented scale. Not surprisingly, some of the places spawning these riches are facing widening inequality. Hong Kong, which gave rise to six of the biggest family fortunes, has one of the widest wealth gaps. The street protests that have engulfed the city for months were sparked by fears of eroding freedoms under China but fueled by the divide between the rich and those who struggle to afford housing. Bloomberg’s categorization of family wealth excludes first-generation fortunes such as that of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s Jack Ma, as well as those in the hands of a single heir. That means no families from mainland China make the list, reflecting the country’s relatively recent surge in affluence. President Xi Jinping’s campaign against extravagance has brought down some of the super-rich who were rising a few years ago. Still, many of Asia’s wealthiest clans have Chinese roots, from the Chearavanonts of Thailand to the Hartonos of Indonesia. Asia’s wealthiest also embody the proverb “Rich is the man with no debts.” For the most part, they avoided the credit squeezes of the past few years that ensnared some of their peers, especially in India and China, where tycoons liberally pledge shares in exchange for loans. Bloomberg’s family ranking accounts for such liabilities. Hong Kong, India and Singapore—the setting for the unapologetic blockbuster “Crazy Rich Asians”—have all abolished taxes on wealth or inheritance in recent years. “Asia’s lack of a debate on taxing wealth is as strange as it is harmful,” said Donald Low, a professor at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, one of the region’s rare wealth-tax advocates. Of course, the mood could change if the budding backlash against Hong Kong’s tycoon-dominated economy intensifies. But for now, Asia’s richest families are riding high. Continues with the list and photos https://www.bloomberg.com/features/richest-families-in-asia

From Bangkok Post Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) has renewed a long-standing dispute with Central Pattana Plc (CPN) over its new luxury shopping complex by demanding a halt to construction just days before its scheduled launch on Aug 31. AoT president Nitinai Sirismatthakan said on Friday that the agency had ordered work at the Central Village site near Suvarnabhumi airport to stop as the project could pose problems for the airport. The airport operator claimed the 184-rai project could cause traffic congestion on roads to Suvarnabhumi, and lighting in the area could confuse pilots guiding planes to land at the airport. Central Village has been built on a plot rented from the Treasury Department. AoT said it was acting on behalf of the department as an authorised supervisor of the land. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1735627/aot-challenges-central-village-project-again

From Nationmultimedia US market a boon for Thai exporters as trade war bites Thailand’s exports to the US rose by double digits in the first seven months of the year, partly due to the ongoing US-China trade war, which is making importers turn to Thailand. Exports to the US accounted for 12.8 per cent of Thailand’s total exports, followed by 11.3 per cent to China from January to July this year, the Commerce Ministry said. Last year, exports to the US accounted for 11.1 per cent of total exports, compared to 12 per cent to China. “The growth of Thai exports to the US in the first seven months is high, partly due to the ongoing trade war and also because Thailand offers diversified products that can meet market demands there,” Pimchanok Vonkorpon, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said. Thailand exports many different kinds of products to the US, such as rubber products, autos and auto parts, steel products, electrical home appliances, frozen food and home decorations, she said, adding that the prospect of the US market looks good overall. The National Economic and Social Development Council also said on August 19 that some foreign investors have started relocating factories from China to Thailand in order to avoid high US tariffs. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30375162

From Channel News Asia ...from Elvin Ng, Romeo Tan, Desmond Tan and Zoe Tay Elvin Ng and Romeo Tan each spent about four months filming in Taiwan for the drama All Is Well. (Photo: Instagram/Romeotan) What do you do when you’re stationed in Taipei for a couple of months? You eat your way through it, of course. That’s exactly what Singapore actors including Desmond Tan, Romeo Tan and Elvin Ng did when they were filming for the Taiwan-Singapore co-production All Is Well, a new Mandarin drama premiering on Monday (Aug 26). They were there for up to four months at a time, working and, of course, working out their appetites. “I can give you all my bookmarked lists – there are lots!” enthused Romeo, who had the perfect excuse to eat like there was no tomorrow – he was told to put on 10kg for the role. “If I have friends going to Taiwan, I’ll tell them, ‘You need to go to this place for breakfast, then move on for this place for brunch, then go for high tea over here, then go for steamboat at night. If you want more, you can go to the night market late at night. And if you want even more, there’s steamboat until 4am or 5am.’ So, basically, you can eat from morning all the way to the middle of the night.” Sounds like it's time to plan our own trip there, too. Now that these actors know Taipei like the back of their hands, what exactly are all of their must-eat foods in the city? Here are their insider’s recommendations. Continues with recommendations and photos https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/travel/best-food-taipei-celebrity-recommendations-11824282

From the Bangkok Post A tale of two cities Old Customs House There is no room for nostalgia in modern Thailand. At least, that's what the prevailing attitude in the capital appears to have been in recent decades, as its rapid development has continued apace. Grand old buildings, temples, villages and other heritage structures have been knocked down to make way for roads, urban rail, high-rises, condominiums and glitzy shopping malls. This has spread far beyond the capital, with towns and cities up and down the country embracing the trappings of modernity. Dazzled by all these new projects, many have forgotten how to appreciate the beauty of traditional forms of architecture. In an attempt to recapture the magic of old Bangkok and to raise awareness of the rich heritage of its old buildings and structures, British photographer and writer Ben Davies is releasing a book titled Vanishing Bangkok: The Changing Face Of The City. Vanishing Bangkok is a collection of black and white photographs shot over the past five years in a large format Linhof film camera. The book's publication will be followed by a photo exhibition, scheduled to take place at River City Bangkok Gallery during March and April of next year. "It's a fairly natural progression on what I've done before, which was looking at the old, changing traditions and ways of life. And it was really brought on by the speed at which Bangkok is changing," said Davies, who has lived in Thailand for almost 20 years. "We're just seeing this incredible transformation with shopping malls and condominiums. [But] rather than photograph that side, I went out and strolled the city looking for the old bits of Bangkok, the 236-year-old building in the city that people think has no history. I wanted to document what was left of this old side of the city." Vanishing Bangkok reveals the classic beauty and rich history of the city. From the photographs of old buildings along the banks of the Chao Phraya River to the teeming alleyways of Chinatown, narrow side streets of Talat Noi, sleepy canals and dilapidated buildings shrouded in antiquity, the book reveals the hidden charm, extraordinary history and diversity of this great city. Inspired by the stunning old architecture in cities like Hanoi, Yangon or Luang Prabang, Davies was driven to see what he could find in Bangkok. He explored the city on foot and by motorbike looking for curiosities in every corner. What he discovered is that, thankfully, there is still an extraordinary amount of the old city left, although much of it is hidden away in small pockets rather than in big areas. Davies believes it is well worth preserving. Bangkok continues to change rapidly. A decade from now, much of the city will be virtually unrecognisable. Many of the old buildings and neighbourhoods featured in the book may, sadly, be consigned to history. Indeed, Davies said that maybe 10 to 15% of the sites he documented have already gone. The Old Customs House, located along the Chao Phraya River between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, will soon share the same fate. Built in the 1880s, it's one of the city's oldest properties. Continues with many photos https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1734079/a-tale-of-two-cities

From Coconuts Bangkok A proposal to extend closing time from midnight to 4am in some areas must be studied before it can go any further, the prime minister said today. Word that the tourism ministry had proposed pushing hours back to early morning to generate revenue created a buzz today, but Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha quickly put the brakes on things. Prayuth said the idea needs to be examined and relevant agencies such as the police or Interior Ministry consulted. He said he was concerned about the safety and well-being of party-goers. Tourist Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan said the idea was to stimulate the sputtering economy. He believes at least 25% more could be earned by keeping clubs and bars open another four more hours. Pipat’s proposal would it would only apply in certain zoned areas. Patpong, RCA and a portion of Ratchada are the only three parts of Bangkok officially zoned as nightlife districts. He also mentioned Patong Beach on Phuket and Ao Nang in Krabi. Pipat said he had not discussed the proposal directly with the prime minister. Closing times were moved up to the current midnight and 1am, depending on the type of establishment, during the administration of Thaksin Shinawatra to please social conservatives in his governing coalition. Continues at https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/clubs-and-bars-open-till-4am-proposal-must-be-studied-pm-says/

From the NY Times Inequality in Life, and Death When things go wrong, those in power often promise to make it right. But do they? In this series, The Times investigates to see if those promises were kept. BANGKOK — The Thai woman was riding on a motorcycle on her way to work when a pickup truck sideswiped her on a rural stretch of asphalt in northeastern Thailand. The truck’s driver was an off-duty police officer. He was drunk. Orathai Chanhom, the motorcyclist, was catapulted off her bike and killed almost instantly in the crash. The officer who struck her still has his police job. His driver’s license was not taken away. A court declined to sentence him to prison. In Thailand, one of the world’s most unequal societies, even roads have a rigid hierarchy, with the poor far more likely to be killed in accidents than the well-off and well-connected. And there are many deaths: Thailand had the world’s second-highest rate of road fatalities per capita, surpassed only by war-afflicted, lawless Libya, according to a 2015 report from the World Health Organization. When it comes to per-capita motorcycle deaths, the country is No. 1. “I never thought about road deaths until this happened to my mother,” said Chularat Chanhom, Ms. Orathai’s adult daughter. “I had no idea it was such a big problem in Thailand.” The government vowed at a United Nations forum in 2015 to halve the number of road traffic deaths by 2020. With less than one year to go before the deadline, however, Thailand is a long way from fulfilling that promise, its roads still ranking among the world’s 10 most dangerous, with more than 20,000 preventable fatalities a year. The country has seen a small dip in road deaths since 2015, and Thailand has in place many of the necessary laws to make its roads safer. But what the government has not addressed is the country’s vast gap in wealth, which is the core issue that not only makes its roads so deadly, but has also split the country into two bitterly divided political camps: Thailand’s haves and have-nots. Thailand, named the most unequal country of the 40 major economies surveyed last year by Credit Suisse, has what might be the world’s most toxic combination for traffic safety. Unlike poorer countries, its roads are well paved and made for speed, and the cars driven by the rich and its growing middle class tend to be new and fast. But many Thai families can afford only a single scooter or motorcycle, and high-quality helmets are a luxury for many, whatever the law says about their being mandatory to wear. In accidents on the country’s crowded roads, it’s a devastating mismatch when an air-conditioned SUV collides with a two-wheeler, scattering the detritus of death across the asphalt. And the aftermath of such accidents are a common, macabre sight on Thai thoroughfares: a shredded tire, a mangled frame of steel, a bloody plastic flip-flop. Continues with photos https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/world/asia/thailand-inequality-road-fatalities.html

Yes, Splinter, very sad. Here's a quote from article that appeared in Khaosod English news site: The crash came amid backlashes against transport minister Saksayam Chidchob, who recently dropped a plan to switch from public vans to more durable minibuses. The proposal was floated by the previous government in 2017 as a bid to reduce deaths and injuries related to vans. Saksayam also extended the services of public vans from 10 to 12 years, raising concerns that outdated vehicles would be used on the roads. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2019/08/19/11-killed-after-truck-crashes-van-carrying-migrant-workers/

From Bangkok Post SINGAPORE: Foreign visitors travelling to Singapore using selected transport services can now submit electronic arrival cards up to 14 days before they reach the country. This means that these visitors will need to produce only their passports for immigration clearance upon arrival — instead of filling out paper arrival cards — as their details will already be in the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA’s) system, TODAY reported The move, announced by the ICA on Wednesday, is part of the authority’s new “SG Arrival Card” e-service, which went on trial last October, and has now been extended to visitors travelling via certain airlines, coaches and ferries. Previously, only visitors approached by ICA officers in person upon arrival were given the option to fill in the e-arrival card, TODAY understands. Visitors travelling with these transport companies are eligible for e-arrival cards, said ICA: Airlines: AirAsia, Jetstar Asia, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines Coach: Transtar Travel Ferries: BatamFast Ferries, Bintan Resort Ferries, Horizon Fast Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry All other visitors will still have to complete paper disembarkation or embarkation cards upon arrival. https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1730815/singapore-launches-e-arrival-cards-for-foreign-visitors

Many non-Thai guys that we meet take this route regularly. Most try to sleep through it but others can not, aware of the risks of just such an accident. From Nation Multimedia Eleven people were killed and four others seriously injured when a chartered van carrying Lao workers for visa renewal to the Chanthaburi immigration checkpoint collided with an 18-wheel truck in Sa Kaew province early on Sunday. Police suspect Thai van driver Sansern Sathongkhan might have dozed off behind the wheel, and driven the van into the opposite lane where it crashed head-on with the oncoming truck. They found the dead bodies of the van driver and Lao passengers at the scene, many of whom were crushed in the wrecked van while some were flung out under the force of the impact. Rescue workers extricated four seriously wounded people -including three Lao passengers and the truck driver Subin Pengmoo - to rush them to the district hospital. Following the fatal crash report in Wang Somboon district at 4.15am, police and rescue workers rushed to the scene on the Sakaew-Chanthaburi Road section near the entrance to the Wang Somboon District Office. They found the dead bodies of the van driver and Lao passengers at the scene, many of whom were crushed in the wrecked van while some were flung out under the force of the impact. Rescue workers extricated four seriously wounded people -including three Lao passengers and the truck driver Subin Pengmoo - to rush them to the district hospital. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30374925

About 6-7 years ago I got to talking with a guy at the adjacent table at Telephone. He was in his early 30's, well-built and his English wasn't bad. He brought his drink over to my table and discussed the usual things for about 20 minutes. When I invited him back to the hotel, he said, "I not big", inclining his head to his crotch. "No problem," I told him because that has never been a deal beaker with me. I paid both tabs and we walked off. When he stripped to shower, it became clear that he had what is best described as a micropenis. It seemed so out of proportion to his otherwise fine body. It did turn into a bit of a grower (finger size) and we proceeded to have a good time together. As he was preparing to leave, I reached in my pocket but he said "no, you buy drinks." I then asked if he had eaten and he said no so I took him for a good meal and some more beers. The atmosphere was very relaxed. We were both clearly enjoying the evening. Still gave him more than ample taxi money when we parted and continue to have fond memories. I'd do it again in a heart beat. All told, we made each other feel a little bit better about ourselves.

From the Bangkok Post No water for farms from Aug 24 as reservoir dries up The Lam Sae reservoir, the main source of water in Khon Buri district of Nakhon Ratchasima, is drying up. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert) NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Irrigation authorities will stop supplying water to farms in irrigated areas from Aug 24 as the Lam Sae reservoir in Khon Buri district is just 21% full and starting to dry up. District chief Wichit Kitwirat and Somsak Thaploka, director of the Lam Sae operation and maintenance project, met on Saturday with representatives of local residents in irrigated areas in Khon Buri district to discuss the challenges facing the district. The amount of water at Lam Sae reservoir now stands at 60 million cubic metres, or 21% of its storage capacity of 275 million cu/m. The reservoir normally supplies more than one million cu/m a day to households, industrial operators and farms. Mr Somsak said officials had earlier predicted that rainfall would be less than 30% of the average during the rainy season. However, the volume of rainfall so far this year has been 70% below average, he added. Officials said it was thus necessary to stop supplying water to the agricultural sector, starting from Aug 24, until conditions returned to normal, he said. Continues with photos Officials said it was thus necessary to stop supplying water to the agricultural sector, starting from Aug 24, until conditions returned to normal, he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1731975/no-water-for-farms-from-aug-24-as-reservoir-dries-up

From News Corp Australia The jars are spread across the plains and forests of the Laos' mountainous northern regions. Pictured area collection of the jars in a forest. Picture: ANUSource:Supplied The mysterious ‘Plain of Jars’ in Laos has long been a source of fascination to archaeologists and a site for tourists to visit. Now, experts have revealed more of the site’s grisly secrets. The stone jars, which are up to 10-feet tall, dot the landscape in Xieng Khouang Province in central Laos. There are more than 2,100 of the tubular megalithic jars in the area, according to UNESCO, which has designated the ‘Plain of Jars’ a World Heritage site. The strange megalithic structures were first explored in the 1930s, although only limited research has been done since then, according to experts writing in the journal Antiquity. While it is known that the jars were used for “mortuary activity,” relatively little is known about the specifics of the human remains placed in the jars. A 2016 excavation of an area known as “site 1” containing nearly 400 jars, however, has shed new light on the use of mysterious structures. The research reveals “a range of mortuary practices, high rates of infant and child mortality, and new evidence dating these interments to the 9th to 13th centuries AD,” experts write, in the latest issue of the journal Antiquity. Researchers found that over 60 per cent of the “mortuary population” at site 1 was less than 15 years of age, and almost half of those died at the fetal stage or in early infancy. The high infant and fetal mortality noted at site 1 indicate that ill health and/or malnutrition was an issue for the local population, the researchers write. While the remains of 18 individuals were found during a limited excavation of site 1, scientists from the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, James Cook University, the University of Otago and the Laotian Department of Heritage say that thousands more may be interred there. Continues with photos https://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/asia/mysterious-plain-of-jars-may-be-the-burial-place-for-thousands-of-dead-babies-and-children-experts-say/news-story/18be4a1c208184f4cce86d944aabcf32

There is a way to possibly speed up the eventual conversion and I credit DivineMadman for first mentioning it about six months ago. Pick out of these well-positioned straight bars, sit down and order your drink. When a lady waitress lingers in search of business, politely tell her you're watching the action across the soi. Give her nice tip and she'll leave you alone. She certainly prefers a gay customer to no customer. Do this once and the staff will recognize you when you come again and leave you be. You get a great view and they get their tip. If the owners see business on the upswing, they may even take on a cute guy to attend to the new trade.

The Thai public school a reputation for adhering to a strict rote learning approach to education. News about the this innovative project (and he one in the previous post) I find encouraging. From Channel News Asia Can ‘alternative schools’ revolutionise Thai education and improve children's capabilities? HUAY PAN, Thailand: The school children of Huay Pan are getting ready for their afternoon lesson where they will be taught about water. There is nothing particularly unusual about what their teacher has got planned for them, with one exception. The classroom will be the Nan River, a 740-km tributary that flows through their little village in one of the most remote parts in northern Thailand. Eight students aged between six and 14 swim to a clearing on the muddy riverbank. They sit in a circle with their teacher and discuss what they have to find out during the class. “Today, we’ll learn how to find food in the river. Do you see what your parents are doing in the water behind you?” Saranporn “Mon” Ratsiwo asks her students. “Fishing!” they all reply. “Your parents will be your teachers this afternoon. So, let’s find out what methods they use to catch fish and what else we can find in the water besides fish, shrimps and seaweed. There may be other things in there,” the teacher says to her excited pupils. The class moves into the river. Young children hold their parent’s hand as they walk on slippery river rocks while the older ones dash past with fishnets and swimming goggles. Hands-on experience in outdoor classes forms a significant part of teaching and learning at the Huay Pan Learning Centre – the only school that is easily accessible by the village children, who would otherwise have to travel up to 120 kilometres to get a basic education. Unlike Thai mainstream schools, the Huay Pan Learning Centre offers ‘alternative education’ to children from kindergarten to junior high school. Its curriculum not only covers the core subjects laid out by the Education Ministry but also incorporates lessons on issues that directly impact the village such as soil, water, forest and food security. Even more unusual when compared with mainstream schools, the Huay Pan Learning centre offers its students a say in what they are taught. Children get to choose what they want to learn and do not have to sit exams. Evaluation takes place throughout the academic year and marks are accumulated through project work. As for teachers, they are not lecturers but rather mentors who design an active learning environment and ask questions designed to trigger students’ curiosity. “Traditional education in Thailand is like learning in a small square room. But here, our students learn from first-hand experiences in their environment. They learn by seeing and touching real things, and that brings happiness to the learning process," Mon told CNA. Continues with photos and video https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/alternative-school-education-helps-students-in-thailand-11570494

From the Bangkok Post Thanks to the extended MRT Blue Line, one of the most fascinating parts of the capital is now within easy reach Saphan Han is one of Bangkok's oldest surviving bridges. It's not clear when it was first built, but the bridge has been reconstructed at least three times: during the reigns of King Mongkut (Rama IV), King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Bhumibol (Rama IX). The one shown in the black and white photo was the version built under King Rama V. Like the world-famous Rialto Bridge in Venice, it was lined with shops. The current concrete version dates from 1962. Most Bangkokians are familiar with the name Saphan Han, but not many have seen the actual bridge, since this part of the canal had been fully covered by a market for decades. The shops were removed a couple of years ago as part of an urban beautification project. The area you'll be reading about in this article is only around 1.2km². Yet, it's packed full of fascinating things to see and do, from Wang Burapha, Saphan Han and Sampheng, to Phahurat, Saphan Phut, Pak Klong Talat and Ban Mo. To help you get a better picture of this section of Bangkok's old town, let's first define its boundaries. Starting in the north, where the new Sam Yot MRT station is located on Charoen Krung Road, the area extends eastwards to Maha Chak Road, and westwards to Klong Khu Muang Doem, the old city moat, with the Chao Phraya River marking the southern boundary. All this is easily walkable from Sam Yot station, so visitors are free to roam the area however they want to. But I'd like to recommend a route that spares you from having to walk back to Sam Yot. rom the station, follow the one-way-traffic on Charoen Krung Road to SAB junction, then turn right onto Chakkrawat Road. Wat Chai Chana Songkhram, Wat Chakkrawat and Chao Krom Poe, a 123-year-old herbal medicine dispensary, are just down the street. Between the two temples, where Yaowarat Road intersects Chakkrawat Road, lies the century-old Luean Rit community, which is undergoing major restoration. Once the project is completed, the area will be a new attraction in an already interesting corner of the city. But for the time being, Luean Rit is sealed and off-limits to the public. Incidentally, at the time of writing, on Google Maps, Street View depicts Luean Rit as it now is, surrounded by tall metal walls. However, as you move through the entrance to the restoration site, Street View shows lively scenes from before the residents moved out. It's like suddenly being transported back in time. Very cool. I recommend trying it before Google updates it. Back to our actual tour, from Wat Chakkrawat, cross to the other side of the street and take Hua Met lane, part of Sampheng wholesale district, to Klong Ong Ang and Phahurat. Along the way, be adventurous and explore all the alleyways. You might find some delightful surprises, as I did. Continues with photos https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1730579/new-experiences-in-old-bangkok

From DW World news There is an unexpected silver lining to the severe drought in Thailand that has left fields parched and more than a dozen reservoirs nearly empty: A Buddhist temple has reemerged from the receding waters of a reservoir. Continues with video https://www.dw.com/en/thai-temple-resurfaces-from-drought-stricken-reservoir/av-50023552

Once we get past 60, the chances we’re on one or multiple meds is not uncommon. But when you look at the “side effects” information you don’t see any anything regarding how your meds may influence your massage experience. That’s why I cited the Consumer Reports Health Letter advisory and posted related links. My intention was to increase awareness but certainly not discourage the practice that I so much personally enjoy (as evidenced by my previous posts on the topic). After reading the links I was encouraged to learn that there a very few instances where individuals are advised to forego a massage altogether. In the vast majority of cases, only a change in massage technique is recommended. Here’s a few examples from the link that provides suggestions for those giving the massage: “During massage, especially toward the end of the session, use strokes that are faster and more stimulating. However, avoid deep tissue work if your client is experiencing numbness or tingling.” “Remember, too, to use great care when employing deep tissue massage and strokes like pertrissage, friction and compression when high blood pressure, blood clotting, bruising, or muscle or tissue weakness are a potential problem. Here, massage therapists may want to rely more on Swedish massage and gentle strokes, such as rhythmic effleurage and rocking.” Personally, I like to spend a few moments talking with my massage guy about my preferences (i.e., nit noi oil). If I was taking a med that can be affected by massage, this would be the time to give him any additional instructions. I probably average a massage at least every other day on my LOS trips. Like everyone else here, I want each one to end happily for both myself and my masseur.

As the wise man said, do the numbers. I believe that Thailand is already well on the way to relying on foreign workers. New construction would grind to a halt without them now, as would the fishing industry. And when you try to cull them from the bars and massage shops, there's not enough locals to go around. I think the best advice is to enjoy well it lasts. As the economies of its southeast Asian neighbors take off, there will be fewer and fewer Thais to supply their country's needs.

Sometimes us old timers have these less than happy endings. Try cutting back on your meds a bit and telling the boy he's really sexy. I'm sure it will improve your "happy" quotient. Better luck on your next massage.

It's a subscription-only newsletter. You can't link to it. I read the hard copy this morning at the library. A quick Google search turned up many links regarding massage therapy and medications. This table covers some of them. Links of interest: https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/massage-therapy-implications-for-pharmaceutical-care https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/3051/massage-medication

The September issue of Consumer Reports Health Letter advisers against getting a "deep tissue" massage if you are taking an anti-coagulant medication.

Mechai's solution, I agree, addressed a legitimate issue at the time. But as well intentioned was his efforts, they came with unintended consequences and eventually became victims of that success. Like China's one-child policy, they may solve a problem in the near term. But any time government policy tweaks the birth rate it results in a reversal of fortune in future generations. Chinese couples then began favoring male birth, eventually skewing the ideal male-female ratio to the point that there were insufficient females to sustain the population.