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From The Thaiger Tragedy on Death Island: Irish diver found dead in hotel room Royal Thai Police revealed more news on the death of Irishman Robert “Robby” Kinlan who was on a scuba diving holiday on Thailand’s infamous Death Island. An RTP spokesperson announced the 21 year old from Clare, Ireland, was found dead in a hotel room. Kinlan was discovered on January 9, lying lifeless on his bed in nothing but his boxer shorts. A friend tragically found him and despite urgent efforts, he could not be revived Police have revealed that the young Irishman was clutching his phone, which was still connected to a wall socket, although the device was locked when authorities arrived. The small police station on Koh Tao, located roughly 250 miles south of Bangkok, now faces the challenge of waiting for turbulent seas to calm before Kinlan’s body can be transported to Surat Thani province on the mainland for a post-mortem examination, reported the Daily Mirror. As the island, notorious for its mysterious deaths, faces scrutiny once again, Robby’s family mourns the loss of their beloved son who sought adventure and freedom. Continues with video https://thethaiger.com/news/national/tragedy-on-death-island-irish-diver-found-dead-in-hotel-room-video

Encouraging to hear another good report on emergency room treatment in Bangkok. You're right in assuming that ER costs would be higher in US. There's a federal rule that requires hospitals that receive government Medicare aid to provide treatment to all comers (including non citizens), regardless of their ability to pay. In major metropolitan areas, the emergency medical response systems and ER's become the manner that those without insurance access the health care system. I believe national healthcare would be a far better solution but neither Democrat or Republican controlled governments have been able to extricate themselves from the grip of healthcare lobbyists.

You'll pass by One Spa, BT House and KK Massage en route. Probably <50 baht taxi ride from station in seven minutes if traffic not heavy. Follow map and won't get lost.

Phoenix is about 25 minute walk from SK BTS stop. Turn left off Suthisan Winitchai Rd. on to Inthamara 25 and you'll come to shop on your left side in about one minute.

Good to hear that. Pulse also offers IV's but I suspect it's less costly at Bangkok Christian Hospital. I'm prone to dehydration--not uncommon from older men from cold climates. Have to keep reminding myself to drink more water. Watermelon is one of fruits with extra high water content available from street vendors almost all hours

From Pattaya Mail The government has issued a warning about fraudulent schemes on TikTok, cautioning that state-owned banks and funds do not offer loans through the platform. Authorities are urging citizens to verify website links and avoid sharing unverified information. The Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) are investigating and preparing legal action against individuals spreading false news. Officials have identified an increase in online scams, with fake advertisements posing as state-backed loan offers among the most concerning. A prominent example involves claims that the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is offering loans through a TikTok account called “baac.thailand5.” Another scam promotes a fake investment fund, the “Thai Sustainable Fund,” which falsely claims endorsement by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and requires a 1,000-baht portfolio opening fee. The Anti-Fake News Center reported receiving over 800,000 messages in late last month and early this month. Among these, about 300 required verification, and 40 cases have been resolved. Online crime-related fake news, including fraudulent loan offers, accounted for the majority of public attention. Several other scams have been flagged, including fake Government Savings Bank (GSB) Facebook and TikTok accounts advertising quick loans, counterfeit Department of Land Transport pages offering license services, and fraudulent investment schemes claiming SEC approval with promises of high returns. Scams targeting retirees and freelance job seekers were also identified. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thai-authorities-warn-against-fraudulent-loan-and-investment-scams-on-tiktok-486777

@phoenix25

And if you're wondering what's prompting a political kiss like the one above, consider China's sword of Damocles that hangs over nations that oppose its interests. And no one probably knows better than out-going FBI Dir. Christopher Wray. Last night he went on the record in a no holds barred interview on 60 Minutes and described the cyber threat China poses in the most candid and revealing interview ever by someone in his position. He also acknowledges why he got on the wrong side of both Trump and Biden.

+1 I've found it not unusual to have driver refuse request, especially at busy times. Just say "no, thanks" and wait for another. Although it may cost a few baht more, I've found that Grab is one way to avoid situation. And you can track location of car as you wait.

NOTE -- The Thailand Tourist Police app can be downloaded at your app store site. From Khaosod English Thai police are intensifying efforts to restore confidence in the country’s tourism safety following recent incidents involving foreign tourists, including the high-profile case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was lured by a call center gang through Thailand to a neighboring country. National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitt-rat Panpetch has established the Tourist Safety Operations Center (TSOC), with Pol. Gen. Prakhuab Wongsuk appointed as director. The center aims to coordinate security measures nationwide between local police forces and tourist police to systematically enhance visitor safety. TSOC will work closely with the Tourist Police Bureau, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuek-am, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to implement comprehensive security measures. A key initiative is the “Thailand Tourist Police” application, launched on December 12, 2024. The app allows tourists to send messages, photos, and location data for inquiries or emergency assistance. It connects to the 1155 emergency center, which provides 24-hour service in eight languages and coordinates with the 191 emergency hotline for immediate response The initiative also includes collaboration with foreign embassies in Thailand to enhance tourist safety protocols and address urgent tourism-related issues. On the same day, Pol. Gen. Tatchai Pitaneelaboot, who led the rescue operation of actor Wang Xing from Myanmar, met with Thai and Chinese officials to discuss cooperation in combating human trafficking and transnational crime. The establishment of a Thai-Chinese police coordination center will focus on tracking missing persons, investigating call center scams, and strengthening border control measures to ensure tourist safety and prevent illegal activities. This collaborative effort aims to reinforce border security and combat online scams, particularly focusing on call center gangs that force both Thai and foreign nationals into criminal activities. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/tourism/2025/01/13/thailand-bolsters-tourist-safety-with-new-operation-center/

I found it an arduous task in finding the law firm with right combination of experience, expertise and reputation to meet my requirements. I also needed a large firm that could handle succession issues. Now that it's behind me, I'm grateful I made the effort.

Agree that the haggling can sour the mood from the get-go. In the few instances where he's determined to pursue it, I just opt for massage only (and tip for soft service) rather than prolong tit-for-tat any longer. Both of us give up a desired outcome.

I can attest to the scores of issues that need to be considered when drawing up any type of trust, but particularly one involving possibly dying overseas. Although there's the chance you may be incapacitated, there's also the possibility you may go onto to enjoy a wonderful retirement in SE Asia. Thanks for bringing this issue to the forefront. It may not be one of the more pleasant things we have have to plan for but if we want to avoid the dilemma Vinapu described above, it's required reading.

From VOA Six critically endangered Mekong giant catfish — one of the largest and rarest freshwater fish in the world — were caught and released recently in Cambodia, reviving hopes for the survival of the species. The underwater giants can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and weigh up to 300 kilograms (661 pounds), or as heavy as a grand piano. They now are found only in Southeast Asia's Mekong River but in the past inhabited the length of the 4,900-kilometer (3,044-mile) river, all the way from its outlet in Vietnam to its northern reaches in China's Yunnan province. The species' population has plummeted by 80% in recent decades because of rising pressures from overfishing, dams that block the migratory path the fish follow to spawn and other disruptions. Few of the millions of people who depend on the Mekong for their livelihoods have ever seen a giant catfish. To find six of the giants, which were caught and released within five days, is unprecedented. The first two were on the Tonle Sap river, a tributary of the Mekong not far from the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. They were given identification tags and released. On Tuesday, fishermen caught four more giant catfish including two longer than 2 meters (6.5 feet) that weighed 120 kilograms and 131 kilograms (264 pounds and 288 pounds), respectively. The captured fish were apparently migrating from their floodplain habitats near Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake northward along the Mekong River, likely to spawning grounds in northern Cambodia, Laos or Thailand.

Killer mum on plot's mastermind From Bangkok Post The gunman who killed a former Cambodian opposition MP in inner Bangkok last week refused to reveal the mastermind behind the assassination out of fear for his family's safety, according to police. Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, said on Sunday that Ekkalak Pheanoi was questioned until about 10pm on Saturday. He confessed to killing the Cambodian but refused to identify the mastermind. According to the police division commander, the 42-year-old former marine admitted that he was the hitman who killed Lim Kimya in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok and was captured on CCTV footage at the crime scene and along his escape route last Tuesday. “He refused to give in-depth information… and feared that such information would affect some party,” Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn said. On Saturday, Mr Ekkalak refused to meet his relatives – including his mother – who paid a visit, the Bangkok police division commander said. He told his mother by phone that he wanted to be punished in prison and then ended the call. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2938035/killer-of-ex-cambodian-mp-wont-reveal-mastermind-fears-for-safety-police

From Bangkok Post A Bangkok taxi driver reportedly used a fruit knife to slash a passenger’s face after he slammed the car door in response to the driver's refusal to serve his group. According to reports, the incident happened in Silom area early Saturday morning when a group of three men and a woman hailed the taxi and asked the driver to take them to Thong Lor area. When the driver refused to go because of traffic congestion, one of the passengers reportedly slammed the passenger door to express frustration. The angered driver then jumped out of his cab and an argument ensued. The taxi driver drew a fruit knife and slashed the face of the man who slammed the door. The attack left a wound more than 10 centimetres long on the face. The injured man told reporters that the gash required 32 stitches. Friends of the injured man attacked the taxi driver in response before police arrived at the scene. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2938077/enraged-bangkok-taxi-driver-slashes-passengers-face

Thought this was bottled water in Russia.

In Silom area, few shops have minimum tip (Senso is an exception). Minimum tips do not include fee that goes to the shop. In Saphan Kwai, most shops have minimum tips in the 800-1200 range (800 is usually for "soft" services such as happy ending). My experience is that most guys in SK will satisfied with minimum tip if they are the top. A minority may ask for more if you expect them to cum. There are no hard rules about this. You just have to work things out in the room. But it's not rocket science because it's in their interest to end with a satisfied customer. An exception is Phoenix Massage where the fixed 1200 tip includes your choice of service.

It’s still 99.999% what? WATER! (But good example of AI 🙂)

I'm very flexible.

Won't be shocked if he claims no involvement of Cambodia officials.

NOTE -- Visited Papaya Vintage (see below) on last trip. Recommended if you've got the time. From The Telegraph Talad Rod Fai is a great place to browse an evening away, with countless eateries, bars and tents selling handicrafts - MANJIK PHOTOGRAPHY Thais love shopping, and the sheer variety of items on offer can be as overwhelming as it is exhilarating. Clothes and textiles, jewellery, electronic hardware and DVDs (not all of them above board) are among the things you'll find. Chatuchak Weekend Market One of the world's largest open-air markets, so huge that an electric train (free of charge) whisks visitors about. Some 15,000 stalls sell furniture, ceramics, plants, trendy clothes, souvenirs, traditional medicine, books, animals and much more. Prices are pretty reasonable and it’s a great place for people watching, with thousands of Thais and foreigners clogging the lanes between the stalls. In recent years, young Thai designers have set up shop to sell interesting paintings, jewellery and other unique handicrafts. Plenty of small eateries and drinks stalls save marathon shoppers from exhaustion. Contact: chatuchakmarket.org Prices: £-£££ Papaya Vintage A little out of town but not far from Chatuchak Market, Papaya Vintage is a warehouse crammed with curios, vintage objects, clothes and furniture, Vespa scooters and life-size Star Wars figures. It’s delightfully chaotic and the sheer volume of artefacts from the 1960s onwards is almost overwhelming. The upper floor houses several studios where pop videos and advertising spots are shot, naturally using the sheer infinite choice of props on the three floors below. For those who like kitsch, flea markets and memorabilia, Papaya is a great shopping experience. Contact: papaya-studio.com Prices: ££-£££ The Railway Market – Talad Rod Fai Located behind a shopping mall a little way out of town, this huge night market, also known as Srinagarindra Train Night Market, specialises in antiques and antique-style items, but also offers all the stuff that can usually found at night markets (which is pretty much anything). That said, the items for sale are generally more interesting than those found at other markets, whether they are handmade curios or vintage cars. Almost a universe of its own, this expanse of multi-colored tents, along with countless eateries and bars, is a great place to browse an evening away. Address: Soi Srinagarindra 51, Khwaeng Nong Bon Contact: 00 66 818 275 885 Opening times: Thurs-Sun, 5pm-12pm Prices: ££ Paul’s Antiques Set downtown in a 1960s bungalow in a lush tropical garden, this shop-cum-furniture restoration business specialises in antiques from around Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on Burmese objects. It also produces new furniture and design items from reclaimed teak, including coffee tables made from old window shutters and an erstwhile teak boat remodelled as a book shelf. The bright showrooms hold an impressive collection of items including vintage photographs, an array of sculptures, ceramics (including Angkor period pieces) and musical instruments, but the furniture impresses most. It’s even possible to watch some of the restoration work going on. Contact: paulsantiques.com Prices: £££ Dasa Book Café Quite possibly Bangkok’s best second-hand bookshop, and surely its largest, Dasa is run by an erudite American and offers more than 18,000 well-organised fiction and non-fiction titles, from bestsellers to obscurities, and including many books on the region. It's housed over three floors in a house of narrow, creaking stairs and loaded shelves, a stone’s throw from the Emporium Shopping Centre on Sukhumvit Road. Dasa also offers cakes and fresh coffee, sells music CDs and organises occasional author events. Incredibly, all titles are listed online and prices are reasonable. Contact: dasabookcafe.com Prices: ££ Continues at https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/best-shopping-bangkok-170000096.html

How could anything possibly go wrong.... ====================== From Cointelegraph.com Thailand to pilot cryptocurrency payments in Phuket Thailand is set to launch a pilot program in Phuket in 2025, enabling tourists to use Bitcoin for transactions and streamlining digital payments. Thailand plans to trial cryptocurrency payments in Phuket, one of its most popular tourist destinations, as part of a pilot program offering foreign visitors an alternative payment option. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira reportedly announced the new initiative on Jan. 8 at a seminar organized by the Marketing Association of Thailand, according to Nation Thailand. Pichai said the pilot will be conducted within existing legal frameworks with no amendments to current laws required to implement the trial. Continues at https://cointelegraph.com/news/thailand-pilot-cryptocurrency-payments-phuket

+1 Wholeheartedly endorse this practice. Would add Avarin Massage on same Surawong strip. Very satisfied customer.

From Bangkok Post Hitman confesses to killing former Cambodian MP Authorities in Cambodia on Saturday handed over a Thai ex-marine accused of shooting a former Cambodian opposition MP to death in Bangkok earlier this week. Ekkalak Phaenoi, also known as “Sergeant Em”, was taken from a detention facility in Phnom Penh at about 11am to the Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province, where Cambodian officials handed him over to their Thai counterparts. Ekkalak, 41, fled across the border after shooting Lim Kimya on Tuesday evening. He was arrested in Battambang, Cambodia, on Wednesday evening. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2937622/killer-of-former-cambodian-mp-handed-over-to-thai-authorities