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From Bangkok Post Thai tradition: Sanam Chai Station was designed by renowned Thai architect, Pinyo Suwankiri, a 1994 National Artist in the Visual Arts. The station, expected to open in September of next year, is one of four that will not just become transit points but a feast for the eyes due to their decoration. Subway stations can be more than just spaces where commuters try to hectically get on or off the train. Across the world, there are well-designed and elaborately ornate metro stations like in Moscow, where stepping onto the subway station can be described as a visit to a small museum or art space. Soon, Bangkok commuters can also get a taste of such an experience when the MRT Blue Line's Extension begins service in September of next year. Four of the new 11 stations in the extension will be covered in artwork on the line which will stretch from the existing MRT's Hua Lamphong station to Lak Song (at Phutthamonthon Sai 4). These four stations are Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot (locally known as Wang Burapha), Sanam Chai and Itsaraphap. In contrast to the greyish, blocky stations of the present MRT, these four stations will be donned with unique, intricate designs to reflect the areas above them. This stretch of stations will run directly below Bangkok's Old Town, also known as Rattanakosin Island. Continues with many photos and images https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/1528614/thai-style-artwork-to-adorn-the-mrts-heritage-line

This topic has a lot of good ideas born mostly out of bad experiences associated with judging a guy by what we see in a single photo or a series of photos. There's a lot of good advice on how to improve your chances of success but, in the end, it's still going to boil down to the moment of truth when you meet in person: you see what you're getting and he sees what he's getting. Everything up to this moment is foreplay. It's not surprising then that disappointment--on both sides--isn't uncommon. Please don't get me wrong. I don't necessarily disagree with the OP. Pursuit on line reminds me of a quote accredited to--among others--Mark Twain: "distance lends enchantment." GR, Hornet, Grindr or whatever app we use is subject to it. It's not a lot different than choosing a pair of shoes on line. We generally know the style and color we're looking for, the size and about how much we're willing to pay (free delivery is always a plus but we're prepared to compromise on that). So we scan through hundreds of photos on Amazon and other retailers until we limit the search to a handful of ones we're initially attracted to. Then we check out different views of the same shoe. We read the blurbs about them and, if available, check out the reviews. Now this is where the process of chasing guys diverts and we initiate chat sessions with the ones who managed to tweak our lust. This is also where it gets tricky. Is he a MB? is almost always our first assumption. No? Then why in hell is he interested in me? The Q&A goes on until one or both parties decide to cut bait or lose interest out of ambiguous replies or simple exhaustion and move on. But if we're lucky, we pull the trigger and agree to meet, hopefully someplace other than our room. After the pleasure (hopefully) or shock (possibly) of greeting out date in the flesh, the interview, getting-to-know-you phase begins. In most cases, it's brief, no more than the duration of a beer or a coffee. If there's a mutual agreement to proceed, we're not home free but we are more or less committed to the prescribed course of events that got us thus far. And for many, it works out OK. But the posts above remind us that that's not always the case. Not that I haven't dabbled a few times in this process with the same mixed results most readers here have. And it's also why I opt to favor the bars and massage shops because it's so much quicker and far less mentally exhausting. It's probably the same reason I always choose brick-and-mortar over the alternatives. Yes, it's still possible to get a dud but I find it's far less likely. So whatever your means of pursuit, I wish you good luck and may the wind be at your back.

Tarntawan was the very first place I stayed in my first trip in 2002 and was a regular there for many years. For convenience, it's a short walk to most places you'll want to go. The weekly open bar used to be a great take in when most of the visitors were farangs. It served as a great way to exchange information and learn from the more-seasoned visitors (much in the same way this form functions now, sans the alcohol). But I began giving it a pass when my aging back began revolting against the ancient mattresses. I had grown very fond of the outgoing elevator guard who always remembered repeat visitors. But now even he has departed for greener pastures. I believe that "Mac," a one-time bell hop and greeter is now in management and a pleasant host. You'll enjoy your stay there.

Yes, and also about the Montein. Have taken 3 different guys to Dusit Thani in recent years and never had a problem.. The doorman usually nods and smiles. In any case, it closes Jan. 1 and the replacement (part of a commercial, hotel and condo complex on a larger footprint) will take 5 years to build.

Expedia lists availability in Dusit Thani for Monday (27th) for $104 in its annex building (behind but attached to main building). I've seen rates there as low as $87 in past.

From the Nation Products with high export potential are being displayed at Vietnamese Goods and Tourism Week in Thailand, which opened on August 22 in Bangkok. This is the third year in a row the week has been organised in the city as a promotion for both retail items and tourism. It’s part of plan called “Promote Vietnamese enterprises to directly participate in foreign distribution networks up to 2020” set out in 2015. “In recent years, the government has opened opportunities for local businesses to further expand their networks overseas, among which Thailand is a promising market,” Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said at the opening. Thai Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong noted the 42 years of friendly relations between the countries. “These relations have not been just diplomatic, but also strongly involved with economics, trade, investment, culture, education and tourism.” The countries have long exchanged goods and services, with trade volume and value increasing every year. The Thai private sector has been investing in Vietnam and importing its products, Sontijiwarong said. Thailand is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Asia-Africa Markets. Last year, Vietnam-Thailand trade rose to US$15.3 billion from $11.5 billion in 2015, representing an average annual growth rate of 15.5 per cent. Continues with video http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/asean-plus/30352785

From The Nation Story inspires as interactive cave rescue show kicks off at Siam Paragon The “mission impossible” of the Mu Pa footballer rescue from Chiang Rai’s Tham Luang cave has been transformed into an interactive exhibition, “Tham Luang Incredible Mission: the Global Agenda”, which opened yesterday at Siam Paragon. Hosted by the Culture Ministry, the mall’s Lifestyle Hall has been converted into Tham Luang, where the 12 boys and their coach were trapped for 19 days. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam yesterday presided over the opening of the exhibition, which runs until September 9. “By learning from the exhibition, we will adapt these lessons from the globally united mission for solving other crises which might occur in the future,” said Wissanu. He added that the Culture Ministry’s National Archive would document the facts and lessons, which were shared by the dozens of rescuers from various fields. Many of what has been learned is also on show at the exhibition. The boys’ experiences in the 18-day rescue operation were shared at the opening by Phayao Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, who was the rescue operations chief, Naval Special Warfare Command chief Apakorn Yukongkaew and Dr Pak Loharnchun. Wissanu said HM the King Maha Vajiralongkorn had ordered the government to host an event to demonstrate its gratitude to the local rescue teams for the success of their tough mission, and also to those who took part from across the world. Published by the National Archives, the ministry also launched a Thai-language book about the global rescue mission at the kick-off event. After closing in Bangkok, the show will tour the kingdom. Continues with pics and video http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30352742

It's encouraging to hear the off fee for a model was 500 and drink 350. Perhaps low-low-season dynamic pricing. Look at it this way. if in NYC or London you could have shelled out $500 for two rents and both could have easily disappointed.

After a string of disappointing experiences during his time in Pattaya, he's apparently enjoying a run of consistently positive GR experiences that rival anything I recall reading before. I wish him continued good fortune. In a recent post on GB's board, he describes an unusual event: the management of his 3,000 bht per night hotel (not named but said to be near Lumpini Park) asked him to check out prematurely because he was bringing guests back to his room. He complied and reports choosing the Siam Heritage Hotel on Surawong which, it turns out, collects 900 bht joiner's fee. In 16 years of visits, never had this kind of problem so guess I've just been lucky. Btw, Wikipedia reports that there are three accepted spellings for Bangkok's main park: Lumphini, Lumpini or Lumpinee). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumphini_Park

Could you tell us what you were charged for the model's drink and what was the off fee?

Or a number maybe?

Stickman's narrator may have retired but I was surprised to find that contributors continue to submit posts. I sampled a handful and managed to find something of interest. For the uninitiated, this isn't-and never was--a gay themed site but the writing was always good and don't be to surprised to find restaurant and general travel tips. Check out the submissions: https://www.stickmanbangkok.com/readers-submissions/2018/

From Bangkok Post The next two weeks will be the last for Dusit Zoo, the country's first, and still most popular, zoo. On Aug 31, the 80-year-old national institution will shut its gates for good. Its 1,000-plus animals will be relocated temporarily to six public zoos for three years until the construction of a new zoo at Klong 6 in Pathum Thani province is complete. Yet, when Bangkok Post visited recently, there was hardly a sense of impending doom about the place. The animals remained proudly displayed in their areas while all facilities were open as usual. There wasn't even a sign notifying visitors of the zoo's forthcoming closure. Director of Dusit Zoo Pitak Unson said there will be neither a special event nor a farewell party on its final day. "For the last day, things will be done as they usually are, nothing special," Mr Pitak said. Dusit Zoo, popularly known as Khao Din Wana, was built by King Rama V and was the first zoo to be built in Thailand. King Rama VIII opened the facility to the public in 1938 and, as of last year, it was drawing over two million visitors a year, generating 150 million baht in revenue. The new site is expected to open in three years time and is located on over 300 rai land in Klong 6 in Pathum Thani's Thanya Buri district. The land plot was donated by the present monarch, King Rama X. Continues with pics https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1524942/dusit-zoo-begins-its-long-goodbye

It is, of course, regrettable if some of the dead could not swim. But to use it as a rationale to explain the incident borders on blaming the victim.

When I was there in July for an early show, they fee was only 300. Wasn't aware that it went up for the late show. If you like Viet guys, that might qualify as a redeeming feature.

On last trip found the stage show at Twilight location more choreographed interesting. The guys at the Patpong 2 location seem a bit younger and newer to the scene overall, but very friendly. Think I may have described them as guy-next-door type. Both recommended.

By observing his posts over several years on this and other boards. By noting contradictions. By posted reports by members (including some moderators on SGT board) of his phony persona. By his vicious attack on a respected member in his first (and lone) post on GB board. By what members of this and other boards have shared with me regarding his actual identity.

You're now assuming the mantle of purveyor of nutritional doctrine and labeling members who recommend an occasional splurge as pigs. But you want us to see the world through the eyes of your phony identity as a young Singaporean. Actually, your an old timer like most members here. You, however, maintain multiple screen names on this board. Frequently they manifest in the same thread.

From South China Morning Post The boat accident that claimed the lives of 47 Chinese nationals off the Thai resort island of Phuket last month has shone a spotlight on the kingdom’s poor safety record and spread unease among tourism authorities and the government. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said last week it had revised down its forecast for the number of Chinese arrivals for July to December by nearly 670,000, to 5.1 million, but insisted that Thailand would still achieve its target of 11 million Chinese tourists in 2018. The Phoenix was carrying 105 people – mostly Chinese – when it capsized in rough weather while returning from a popular snorkelling site on July 5. It was among three vessels that ventured out in spite of a bad weather warning. Chinese tourists accounted for almost a quarter of Thailand’s 35 million visitors in 2017, according to the ministry. The country expects to welcome 40 million tourists in 2018, with 20 million already reported in the first half of the year. There are signs, however, that concerns among Chinese tourists about Thailand’s safety record are beginning to be felt. The Bangkok Post, citing industry sources, reported that 7,300 hotel rooms in Phuket had already been cancelled for July and August as of late last month. Kongkiat Khuphongsakorn, president of the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, which includes Phuket, told local media: “The booking rate has fallen sharply by 80 per cent to 90 per cent at Patong beach, and by 50 per cent across the province [Phuket] after the [boat disaster].” It did not help that Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon blamed the boat tragedy on Chinese tour operators acting through Thai nominees, who he said were responsible for harming their fellow Chinese. Prawit later retracted his statement under pressure. Continues with pics and video https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2159959/chinese-tourist-numbers-fall-phuket-boat-capsize-deaths

As a news fanatic, in total agreement. This certainly qualifies as news. I did a cursory search and came up with zip about closing. So for those unfamiliar with the market, here's a 10-minute POV video that persuades me that something that made Bangkok uniquely Bangkok is no more.

From the BBC Booking a flight from London to Sydney can paint a telling picture of the big change in global air travel in recent years. It is the same if you are looking to fly from Bangkok to Los Angeles. Or from Singapore to New York. In all three cases, the cheapest tickets these days are often offered by a Chinese airline. Take the London to Sydney route. Using one of the best-known flight-finder websites to search for a ticket to fly out and back on two dates picked at random - 30 October and 12 November - the cheapest available, at the time of writing, was quoted by China Southern Airlines. Meanwhile, if you wanted to fly between Bangkok and Los Angeles on the same dates, the lowest-priced ticket was offered by China Eastern Airlines. So if you don't mind having a stopover in a Chinese city you might not have heard of before - how about 12 hours in Qingdao? - leisure and business travellers can often save a fair amount of money. But how exactly are a growing number of Chinese airlines able to offer bargain prices that undercut more established rivals from Europe, the US, Asia, and the Middle East? Are they playing fair? And how are the Chinese carriers able to secure an increasing amount of often hard-to-get landing slots around the world? China's main airlines are undoubtedly being subsidised by the Chinese government, says Shukor Yusof, founder of Endau Analytics, a Singapore-based aviation industry research group. These subsidies enable the carriers, such as the big three - Air China, China Eastern and China Southern - to aggressively gain market share around the world without worrying too much about any losses along the way. "Chinese carriers do not reveal details, or specifics," says Mr Yusof. "However, taking account of the numbers that are flying, it would be fair to say that some are breaking even, many lose money, and few are able to eke out profits." China's airlines are also benefiting from regional Chinese governments offering them subsidies to run international flights from their main cities, in the hope of putting them more on the map, and encouraging tourism and economic development. In 2016 regional Chinese authorities outside Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou spent at least 8.6bn yuan ($1.3bn; £1bn) subsidising airlines, mostly towards international flights, according to data compiled by research group Civil Aviation Data Analysis. One of the smaller Chinese carriers, Sichuan Airlines, offers services to Los Angeles from Hangzhou and Jinan, and both flights are said to rely heavily on subsidies, with less than 60% of seats full, compared with the global, industry-wide average of 81.4% in 2017. Thanks to the financial support from the Chinese government - which is the majority owner of Air China, China Eastern and China Southern - the Chinese carriers also have the funds to buy landing slots around the world. These can cost tens of millions of dollars, with airlines having to buy them from other carriers. Yet while the Chinese government is undoubtedly using its financial muscle to help Chinese airlines grab a growing share of the global aviation market, it would be far too simplistic to attribute the rising dominance of the country's carriers to state sponsorship alone. Instead you have to remember that China is the world's most populous country, and a growing number of its people can afford to fly overseas on holiday. This comes at the same time as countries in the West have eased visa restrictions on Chinese travellers. Mr Yusof says that the number of people from mainland China flying abroad has more than doubled over the past decade, "the fastest [rate] in the world". "We are talking close to 100 million seats in 2017 alone," he says.Outside of Asia, the most popular overseas destination for Chinese holidaymakers is the US. These Chinese tourists spend on average almost $7,000 (£5,500) per trip, according to the US Travel Association. Given the boost this gives to the tourism industry in the US and Europe, you can see why governments are quite happy to see more flights from China. In fact, the growth in international Chinese passenger numbers is so extensive that China is forecast to overtake the US as the world's largest aviation market by 2022, according to the International Air Transport Association industry body. Continues with pics https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45168924

At home, before you leave.

This may be the better--if not best--of the special productions about the cave rescue (Thai with English subtitles). No matter how much I learn about it, it's never enough. No matter how much bad news I read daily, this saga lifts me up. It's the feeling that all the religions of the world hope to instill but frequently fall short of doing. This quote by the Chiang Rai governor--that ends the video--says it more powerfully than anything I can think of: "It was a mission undertaken by the whole world; by humanity itself."

NOTE -- The panoramic photo below features a scene familiar to most readers (Saphan Taskin BTS stop just before Silom line crosses above the Chao Phraya and environs). Question that comes to mind: what was the photographer's vantage point? From South China Morning Post Chinese parents buy education and properties in Thailand as international school fees at home rise International school fees and properties in Bangkok are a fraction of those in China Chinese parents keen to enrol their children in international schools but reluctant to pay the exorbitant tuition fees in the mainland are turning to Thailand as an option, a trend that has bolstered the local property market. Peggy Wang, a mother of a 10-year old girl and six-year old boy, is one such parent who opted to move to the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, where annual tuition fees at less than 60,000 yuan (US$8,732) are a quarter of the 240,000 yuan her children’s Beijing bilingual school had charged. “The teachers in the Beijing school change frequently, but in Thailand, teachers have families there, so the faculty is stable,” Wang said. “In Beijing, my children have to take extra English classes after school in the absence of an English-speaking environment outside class, but not in Thailand.” She plans to send her children to international schools in Bangkok when they get older, where fees will rise to about 100,000 yuan a year. To prepare for that, she has bought a 31 square metre flat in Bangkok for 650,000 yuan, in addition to the Chiang Mai villa she lives in and a flat in Pattaya. Continues at https://www.scmp.com/property/hong-kong-china/article/2159400/mainland-chinese-parents-buy-education-and-properties

I give you the that. But wherever they are or are not from, have the decency to get a room. For locals or foreigners to treat the city's central park as if it was the Garden of Earthy Delights at Babylon displays disrespect for all.