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From Khaosod English Aug. 31 BANGKOK — After Sept. 13, not a single vendor will be found at a famous night market in the capital. Four years after the Chatuchak Green night market, or JJ Green, opened to become a popular evening hangout, Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang said Friday that all vendors will need to quit the property by Sept. 12 at the end of the market’s lease contract. The deadline had been extended nearly two weeks; it was initially set to close today. The land is owned by the state railway. The 21-rai (3.1 hectares) space will be returned to the Queen Sirikit Park Foundation for construction of a much larger park which will combine Wachirabenchathat Park (Suan Rodfai), Queen Sirikit Park and Chatuchak Park. The three parks combined will stretch over 727 rais (116 hectares.) JJ Green, which opens at night Friday through Sunday, is an iconic flea market where hundreds of vendors sell genuine vintage items and secondhand clothes. The venue also offers street food stalls, restaurants and bars with live music. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2018/08/31/jj-green-market-to-close-forever-in-2-weeks/

And not without good reason. A dozen years ago you'd be safe but no so much now. I began giving it a pass when farangs began outnumbering the locals by a distracting margin. (I do, however, hope that great western head wasn't acquired in Pattaya)

From BBC Gay dating app Grindr is to list its shares on international stock exchanges, under a plan submitted by its Chinese parent company Kunlun Group. Kunlun Group's board said that going public would "strengthen" Grindr's competitiveness and help the business continue to develop. The Chinese tech firm originally bought a 61.5% stake in 2016 from the company's US founders. It then took full control in January. In a public filing on the Shenzhen stock exchange, Kunlun Group said that after the initial public offering (IPO) was completed, financing arrangements would be made to support Grindr's expansion. Grindr, which is based in Los Angeles, is a hugely popular dating network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, with over 27 million users globally as of 2017. It is free to use, with optional subscription plans for additional premium features. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45353789

Alex, How was your weekend in Bangkok?

Alex, How's the fitness camp going?

When all is said and done, a few things remain abundantly clear: (1) The topic of this post is among the more popular. By entering "tip" and "tipping" in the search function, here are the results for a dozen posts dating back to about one year ago. 12 posts, 1,115 replies 68,700 views (2) As in politics and religion, none are likely to change a poster's views on the subject.

That being the case, you could check into Babylon without ever having to worry about tipping or buying someone a drink. Just park yourself in the Garden of Earthly Delights. It's been westerner central for years.

In the bar, you're right. But if you take a guy upstairs (400 extra), who knows what happens if the tip is right. Think I make an automatic association between Golden Cock and oral. They just seem to belong together in the same sentence.

NOTE -- What do you do all day? is a question that frequently arises on the boards. Christianpfc, Vinapu and Divine Madman are among those who have recently contributed answers. Their initial destinations can turn out to be a stepping off point for unplanned additional adventures as they allow themselves to get lost en route back and discover other experiences along the way. So here's one more potential activity that may tempt us to go astray. From The Nation Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat on Wednesday visited Thailand’s National Museum in Bangkok to observe the preservation process for the ancient cannon unearthed from beneath Sanam Luang last weekend. The 3-metre gun was used in war during the early Rattanakosin era. Museum director Nitaya Kanokmongkol said |that the process of preservation could take months, and visitors will be able to get a close-up look at how it’s done. Continues with pics and video http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30353271 National Museum website https://www.mynmv.com/national-museum-bangkok The admission fee for non-Thais is 200 Baht (5.19 USD). The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The last ticket is sold at 3:30 pm. The museum is generally closed on national holidays. Free guided tours are conducted by the National Museum Volunteers at 9:30 a.m. in English and French on Wednesdays and Thursdays, in Japanese on Wednesdays only, and in German on Thursdays only.

Excerpts from Bangkok Post The Bank of Thailand is under no “imminent” pressure to raise interest rates like emerging markets peers elsewhere given the nation’s solid buffers and relatively strong currency, governor Veerathai Santiprabhob said. While inflation returned to the 1% to 4% target range, it remains subdued, he said. "With our strong external position, the need for Thailand to increase the policy rate is not as imminent as other emerging markets,” he said. "We have strong enough buffers so we are not under pressure as other emerging markets that might be vulnerable to the global financial conditions. So we can utilise our monetary policy autonomy to meet the needs of the Thai economy." Strong foreign-exchange buffers and current-account surplus have sheltered it from the worst of the emerging-market rout that’s hit neighbours like Indonesia and the Philippines. The baht is down 0.3% against the dollar this year, compared with a 7.3% slump in Indonesia’s rupiah. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1530530/bank-of-thailand-governor-says-no-imminent-need-to-hike-rates

I would not be inclined to share by most important identity information and documents with a third-party, non-govermental service provider. Quote from OP: "One of the ways that travelers will be able to process their applications is through thailandvisa.net, a non-governmental website which provides travel advice and assistance to visa applicants."

Since you're only in bkk for a few days, you've set an ambitious agenda. Nevertheless, you'e in the land where all things are possible. By know you already know that there other locations (Nana, Cowboy) off Sukhumvit that offer the most lady and ladyboy offerings but since time is a major constraint I'd confine my activities to the Silom area where all is within walking distance. The lady bars are to be found on Patpong 1 and Patpong 2. Having no experience with these places, I'd say avoid any lady bar above ground floor level based on what I've read in Stickman's columns over the years. That still leaves you plenty of options. I think most may agree that Dreamboys on Soi Twilight and Moonlight off Surawong are the premier "show" bars. As for your pursuit of oral delights, the first place that comes to mind is The Golden Cock. Suggest you read a447a's trip reports that describe in detail the pleasures he has enjoyed there. No one writes about it with more gusto and enthusiasm. To broaden your search, try a bar in Twilight such as Fresh Boys or Fresh Boys 2 on Patpong 2 (closer to the Surawong end). This is where you may want to employee the service of a mamasan, disclosing your specific requirement. There's no guarantees and be forewarned this involves--dare I say--tipping the mamasan for service rendered. If I went this route, I'd confirm with the guy I off what the mamasan said before sealing the deal. You may even find a lad at either Dreamboys or Moonlight that will fit your bill with the help of the mamasan (Numazu found the mamasan at Moonlight particularly helpful). Then there's always the massage shop option but this may prove more time consuming than your schedule allows.

Not the right thread? Why it's downright exceptional! It's an excellent adventure of the first order, a wonderful tale that demonstrates your ability to set a goal and pursue it to its logical conclusion. Bravo! Encore, Maestro!

I'm not the one who just posted about a wastebasket. But in all sincerity, don't tip those touts who pester you. They're only after your money. There is no need to thank me.

Does this type of thing happen to you often, you poor thing?

Well, Bucky, at least I use lube in stead of spit. You do use spit, don't you?

I can only say that I would not choose to live me life as you choose to do. Is that sufficiently controversial? Then you failed. But I know that's not a new experience for you..

This has always been a subject sure to raise the hackles of those with opposing views. So to those who do see things differently, I offer this olive branch. To Bucknaway: A tip of the hat for posting a controversial topic with a very clever title. To z909: We agree on a hell of a lot more than we disagree. To Christianpfc; You're one of the most consistent posters on the board and we all love 'ya (how could we think otherwise about a Madrid enthusiast?)

Comparing wage standard of waiters in Japan and the wage standard paid to waiters in bars in Thailand is comparing apples to oranges. The waiters live off their tips, not the 300 minimum wage (if they even get that). Some send a good chunk of their earnings home. If practicing my western custom ends up helping these guys out a bit, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. And I've never had a Thai or other Asian return a tip because he was offended. I'm retired and travel nearly 11,000 miles to get to Bangkok. If I couldn't afford it, I wouldn't be making the trip. But I come because I like Asians and they don't treat me like roadkill. I don't have children or other dependents so I distribute some disposable income this way and feel that I'm more than adequately compensated. Others may disagree and that's fine, too.

From Khoasod English SAMUT PRAKAN — The widow of a retired Navy SEAL who died early July during a volunteer mission to rescue 13 people from a flooded Chiang Rai cave will take up the same job as her late husband. Valeepoan Kunan, 40, will become a security guard at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the same job Lt. Cmdr. Saman “Sgt. Sam” Kunan took leave from to volunteer to save the Wild Boars, Airports of Thailand announced Monday. The announcement came at an awards ceremony honoring 31 airport authority employees who volunteered for the cave rescue. Valeepoan also received an award. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2018/08/28/cave-hero-widow-takes-same-airport-guard-job-as-sgt-sam/

I've never tipped flights attendants but when I was regularly flying Northwest to BKK via NRT here's what I'd do. I'd stop at a small Italian bakery near my home and get a box of assorted cookies. When I boarded the flight, I hand them to the first attendant who greeted me. Since I was frequently departing out Detroit or Minneapolis, I got to know some of the crews and I viewed it as a gesture of appreciation but certainly not as a tip. I once gave a best-seller I was reading (and finished before Tokyo) to an attendant who asked me about it. Regarding tipping go-go bar waiters, if I'm paying by the round, and the bill is say 350, I give them 400 and let them keep the change. If I'm paying the bin after a few drinks, I try to round up so the tip approximates 15%. However, if I'm in a regular bar I tip according to how long I'm there, the amount of my tab and the service I receive. I think an evening of fun in one of my regular bars in bkk is worth something in vicinity of a red note when I leave. Regarding tips to those who service my hotel room, it depends on a few factors. If they leave the room clean and well supplied with fresh towels and bottled water, I tip 40-60 bht per day. As for the comment that farangs have a reputation as cheap charlies, I'm sure there's a minority who are but that's certainly not what I hear in massage shops. Customers from countries where it's customary to tip generously tend to do the same when abroad, I find. Here's a list of 10 other ways you an keep your flight attendants happy from Smarter Traveler: It’s This Easy If there’s one wish every flight attendant has, it’s this: Be nice. “It’s so rare these days that when someone looks at me I notice,” says Heather Poole, flight attendant and author of Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crash-pads, Crew Drama, and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet. “If that same person also says something nice I’m almost always too shocked to respond. A kind word goes further than most passengers will ever know.” You can practice it from the moment you step through the plane’s door: Smile and say hello to the cabin crew—it’s really that easy. Be Ready Have you been behind that passenger who boards the plane, finds his seat, and then blocks the aisle arranging everything he needs—laptop, cell phone, headphones, pillow—while everyone behind him is at a dead stop waiting to get past? Of course you have. Don’t be that person. You have plenty of time at the boarding gate to get those items out of your bag. Or, plan way ahead and bring a smaller, separate “seat sack” with those items and just keep that with you. That will help everyone get into their seats quicker, which will make your flight crew very happy. Check That If you aren’t physically capable of lifting your bag into the overhead bag, and you’re not traveling with someone who can help you, check your bag instead. There’s a good reason for this: Most airlines have strict rules prohibiting cabin crew from helping with bags because of injuries caused by repeated heavy lifting. So, even if your flight attendant wanted to help you, they aren’t allowed to. “It’s about safety for us,” explains one. “They don’t want us going on disability.” Also, on-time departures are a huge consideration for airlines, and the number one cause for delay is baggage. That’s why some carriers encourage you check your bag—for free—at the gate. Seen but Not Heard Ahh, the ubiquitous earphones. Flight attendants are happy that so many people keep themselves occupied during a flight. But when cabin crew members are coming down the aisle with food or drinks, they ask that you take at least one of your earbuds out so you can hear them. “I always ask ‘What can I get you’ and they say ‘What?’” one attendant laments. They get tired of repeating the beverage options over and over to passengers who don’t remove their earphones. If you don’t want service, at least signal that. “It’s common decency to let me know that you’ve seen me, and I’ll go to the next one. If you’re not acknowledging me, I’m moving on.” Kids Will Be Kids If you’re traveling with young ones, come armed to the teeth with everything you need to keep them happy and occupied—toys, puzzles, videos, and even the food they like, which may not be what’s available from the airline. “I’ve had people come on board without a diaper bag,” says one flight attendant. “We love your babies, but … ” says another. Members of the cabin crew are not babysitters, so please don’t ask them to hold your baby while you go to the bathroom. Let Us Help You “If you are a fearful flyer, or are feeling sick, say something,” notes one attendant. “We can help, and we want to help, and we can usually tell by looking at someone what’s going on, but it’s better if you inform us.” By law, attendants aren’t allowed to dispense any medications, even aspirin (so make sure you bring your own medication if you need it). But they can help get you more comfortable, and when necessary, help prevent your last meal from ending up in your lap, or your neighbors’. Don’t Be a Space Invader “Our galley is our ‘haven,’” says one flight attendant. “We go there to prepare for service, to talk, to gather ourselves, to just be. If you want to chat with us we are usually OK with that (we all like people, after all!) but keep it to 5-10 minutes, 15 at most. I have met the most wonderful and interesting people at 35,000 feet and that is one reason I love being a flight attendant. Just be mindful.” Others add that if you need to go to the galley to stretch on a long flight, please ask first—and keep it brief. Police Yourselves There’s no excuse for rude or boorish behavior on a plane, but unfortunately, it happens. When it does, says one flight attendant, you either ignore it or resolve it politely. “I can’t tell someone to put their seat forward, I just can’t. I get that people just need to be heard or sympathized with, but I just can’t get involved in that.” Neither can they force people to change seats because you want to sit next your wife/husband/friend. And if the child in back of you keeps kicking your feet, ask the parent—without being confrontational—to be aware of where those little legs are hitting because, no, your flight attendant can’t get involved in that, either We Want Your Attention It’s really tempting to tune out when attendants are giving the safety instructions, but the attendants’ first job is keeping us safe in the air, and they appreciate it when they have your eyes and ears. “On every flight, our position comes from a place of safety,” says one cabin crew member. “By company and FAA policy we are personally held accountable if we don’t follow FAA guidelines.” If you haven’t buckled your seatbelt, or your seat is reclining on takeoff, that could mean someone’s job. She says there are ghost riders onboard, unknown to them, whose job it is to make sure flight attendants are enforcing the rules. Time to Go Did you know that flight attendants are only paid for the time they work when the doors are locked? That’s why they appreciate it when you board quickly and why they’d like you to de-plane as quickly as possible. “I’ve had people who don’t want to wake their sleeping child,” says one flight attendant. “And I want to say, ‘Your kid is still asleep?’” Have your shoes on, your things gathered, and be ready to get up when it’s your turn. You have places to go, and so does your attendant. https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/11/03/tips-be-nice-flight-attendant/

If so, I'd be interested in your comments.

+1

Both the mid-field and the new terminal are needed to make BKK competitive with Singapore for supremacy in the race for SE Asia international hub title. But unless the frequency and capacity of the Air Link train is expanded, the best airport terminals pale if you can't move passengers quickly and efficiently in and out of the site. And that can only be accomplished by improved rapid transit links.

From The Nation As a gift to supporters of the Dusit Zoo the organisation behind the much-loved animal enclosure will delay its permanent shuttering in central Bangkok until September 30, the operation announced on Friday. The zoo was originally scheduled to close on August 31. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30352887