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One Spa is offering new promotion: 5 VIP room sessions (one hour each) for 1,989 baht (usually 2,750). 3 standard room (one hour sessions) 1,089 baht (usually 1,350).

From Pattaya News On September 23rd, 2024, Labor Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn addressed the recent delays in the Minimum Wage Board meetings. The board was expected to discuss a nationwide minimum wage increase to 400 baht on October 1st, 2024, but two previous attempts to hold the tripartite meeting failed. A new meeting scheduled for September 24th has also been postponed indefinitely due to issues with appointing a new representative from the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Permanent Secretary of Labor Pairoj Chotikasathien sent a letter to the BoT, requesting clarification on appointing a new representative after the retirement of Methi Supapong nearly a year ago. The Ministry of Labor is awaiting the BoT’s response before proceeding with further meetings. Phipat reportedly stated that the wage adjustment, crucial due to rising living costs, has been delayed, with no confirmation of when it will be addressed. Additionally, Phipat expressed concern over the growing cost of living, noting that it has been 12 years since the last significant wage increase to 300 baht from Yingluck Shinawatra’s government. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/24/minimum-wage-hike-to-400-baht-delayed-indefinitely-due-to-bank-of-thailand-issues/

From Pattaya Mail Electronic entry clearance topples seamless travel dreams Barry Kenyon Thailand, along with many other countries, has expanded its visa-exempt policy for foreign tourists to boost national income. Currently, most foreign visitors here can obtain 60 days on arrival, without prior clearance, and are eligible for a 30 days extension at local immigration. Some commentators are predicting the age of seamless travel has arrived. But sometime next year – the new foreign affairs minister Maris Sangiampongsa says the start dates are still under review – it will be compulsory for all visa-exempt travelers to obtain pre-flight approval via the online portal known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Nobody has seen the forms yet, but they could well require an accommodation address in Thailand and an exit strategy to leave Thailand post-vacation. Thailand’s neighbors are adopting a similar approach. Visa-exempt tourists to the Philippines must register online at least 72 hours prior to departure and Cambodia is busy testing out a compulsory pre-flight authorization for flights landing at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The UK is currently requiring visa-exempt tourists to apply three days in advance (but recommends 30 days), whilst the EU is launching an authorization program for those foreigners wishing to enter the 30 countries but do not have a formal visa. Governments in Thailand and elsewhere argue that electronic authorization does not mean the introduction of compulsory visas via the back door. They say that visa-exempt travelers have to provide less information than for formal visa applicants and that personal interviews are not required – forgetting that many embassies no longer allow specified visa applicants on their premises – because everything is online. The reality is that prior electronic authorization, whether for a visa or to allow a visa-exempt entry, is an approval mechanism. It allows governments to assess any criminal activity, travel history and even some health data, whilst documenting accommodation details and outward flights, if any. It will certainly make impossible spur-of-the-moment foreign travel and replace it by a cost-benefit vetting procedure. Does the foreign government really want you? That’s the new question we have hardly begun to debate. Of course, the move to prior vetting for all is inevitable in today’s world. For example, the Thai government is clearly concerned by the influx of so many Chinese tourists, amongst them an unknown number working illegally or exploiting in cartels traditional Thai hospitality for financial gain. The introduction of electronic clearance for visa-less entrants is in fact the triumph of national security concerns over free- flow traffic. The Thai foreign minister has called the 60 days on arrival “a policy renewable at all times with ease”. Surely it’s a bit more complicated than that. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/electronic-entry-clearance-topples-seamless-travel-dreams-473451

From The Thaiger The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Condor flight DE2368 from Frankfurt, Germany, to Phuket International Airport yesterday, September 22, marking the resumption of direct flights by Condor after a pandemic-induced hiatus. This significant event is expected to contribute to the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector, with TAT predicting over 979,000 German tourists to visit Thailand this year, generating an estimated 65 billion baht in revenue. The restart of Condor’s direct flights underscores a robust demand for long-haul travel to Thailand, providing a much-needed boost to the tourism industry. Condor will now operate two major routes: Frankfurt to Phuket, with two weekly flights starting yesterday, and Frankfurt to Bangkok, with four weekly flights commencing today. These flights will be serviced by Airbus A330neo aircraft, each accommodating 310 passengers.

From The Thaiger Police arrested a Thai man who murdered and robbed a 73 year old woman last night in the central province of Ayutthaya. Angry locals attempted to lynch the suspect. Neighbours reported the death of the 73 year old woman, Jira Mangkornphan, to Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station at 6.30am today, September 23. She was found dead in her home, bearing wounds to her left eye, nose, head, and back of her neck. Police investigated the death and reported that Jira died about three to five hours before her discovery. Signs of struggle and theft were evident in her home. Jira’s neighbour told police that she heard Jira hitting the wooden floor of her home as if she needed help but did not go to check on her. The neighbour went to Jira’s home at 5am to invite her to pray but received no response. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-man-arrested-for-murder-and-robbery-of-73-year-old-woman

From The Thaiger Heavy overnight rain has led to the temporary closure of two popular waterfalls in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province. Flooding has affected multiple areas across the northern province. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park announced that Mae Sa and Tat Mok waterfalls, located in Mae Rim, are closed until further notice. This decision aims to ensure public safety following flash floods triggered by the downpours. The incident caused significant water overflow into Huai Pao Moo 1 and Thung Khao Phuang Moo 3 villages in Chiang Dao district. Chiang Dao district chief Krittaphon Ratchathamethanon, along with local officials, army, and border patrol police, inspected the collapsed weir. The heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding across various districts, including Phrao, Samoeng, Chom Thong, San Pa Tong, Mae Wang, Hang Dong, Mae Cham, Galyani Vadhana, Wiang Haeng, Mae Taeng, Mae Rim, and Mueang.

Thanks. Those measurements are within western building codes so I suspect accidental falls are unlikely. I've noticed that some older Thai building balconies are noticeably lower.

Admire your ability to forge relationships with a variety of Thai men. They obviously contribute to your enjoyment of life in Pattaya and confirm your decision to retire there. Here's hoping that Vietnam and Philippines prove as rewarding.

I'd be curious to know the height of your balcony railings.

The baht continues to outpace the following four currencies. The changes over the past year generally reflect the change in interest rates in the respective countries (the lower the rate, the more likely it is to fall vs the baht). What could alter the trend? The Bank of Thailand could lower its rate, something the director of the BOT is reluctant to do despite increasing pressure from the business sector. Visitors may see the effects in the price of accommodations and, of course, ATM withdrawals. However, in most cases the exchange of 1,000 units of currency doesn't amount to more than a single admission to most show bars.

From Bangkok Post The government is considering granting freelance workers the same welfare protections accorded to workers who are registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), on the condition that they pay income taxes. According to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, the government is in discussion with several agencies to set up a welfare system to protect freelance workers, such as tour guides, ride-hailing service drivers and riders, online content creators, and sex workers. Under the new system, freelance workers could claim medical and other welfare benefits, just like other workers who have registered with the Social Security Office. However, they must declare their income and pay the required taxes, he said. Mr Sorawong said the move followed a discussion with representatives from various civil and labour advocacy groups, during which they outlined the potential challenges in setting up such a system. Representatives from the Service Workers in Group Foundation (Swing) noted sex workers are calling for welfare benefits and legal protections, but many do not wish to reveal their identity due to the nature of their work, he said. During the discussion, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand stressed the urgent need to provide welfare protections to freelance workers in the tourism industry, noting their significant contribution to the country’s economy. The inputs of various civil and labour advocacy groups will be used as the basis for a bill for welfare coverage for freelance workers, which the government plans to present in the next parliamentary session, he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2870681/thailand-mulls-welfare-coverage-for-freelance-workers

From Pattaya News A foreign man was found dead after falling from a high-rise condominium in Pattaya early on September 23rd, 2024. The tragic incident was reported to Pattaya police at 3:36 AM today. Authorities promptly went to the scene at an unidentified condominium along Thappraya Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Upon arrival, they found the body of an unidentified foreign man, aged between 40-50, lying lifeless next to a Jeep, in the condo’s parking lot beside the 22-storey building. The man, who was completely naked, had apparently fallen and landed on a Suzuki Ciaz sedan, causing its windshield to break and the hood to cave in. Condo staff members could not identify the deceased, nor could they confirm which floor or room he had fallen from. According to Mr. Thanabat Duangchan, a 32-year-old condo receptionist, he and others were chatting when they heard a loud noise. Mr. Thanabat initially thought that a transformer had exploded, but when he and others went to the scene to check, they were shocked to discover the man had fallen onto the front of the sedan, prompting Mr. Thanabat to immediately notify the relevant authorities. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/23/unidentified-foreigner-dies-after-falling-from-pattaya-condo/

Then don’t miss seeing dozens of boys who begin setting up Patpong night market about 3:30pm daily. Best free show in town.

Olddaddy, being shy and lazy makes you perfect candidate for sauna. Get a cabin, leave door open and lie on stomach. You won’t have to look at any one who takes advantage of you and you don’t have to walk around dark corridors. A win win. Plays to your strengths.🙂

True. At some point you have to stop worrying about having all the answers and just go to the shop and try your luck. Otherwise you run risk of not doing a damn thing on your vacation.

Most of us are agreeable to help another visitor who appears to be confused. That's what thieves are counting on. They may stop you with an innocent question but conversation will quickly turn to currencies or how to exchange them. I was approached not that long ago on Surawong at the entrance to Soi Thaniya by a man inquiring at first about the location of a hospital. As soon as he started talking about exchanging money, I sensed where it was going and walked away. This article describes events that took place in front of entrance to Ibis Hotel on Silom and on Sukhumvit Soi 20.. From Khaosod English On September 22, police officers from Thung Mahamek Police Station in Bangkok arrested Mr. Saber, a 41-year-old Iranian national, on charges of “theft at night” under a warrant issued by the South Bangkok Criminal Court. The arrest took place at Marvin Suites Hotel, Soi Sathorn 11, Yannawa Subdistrict, Sathorn District, Bangkok. The arrest follows an incident on September 15 when a female Russian tourist reported that she had been robbed in front of the Ibis Hotel on Silom Road. A foreign man had approached her, asking to see the money in her purse. When she opened it, he grabbed the money and immediately fled. Detectives from Thung Mahamek Police Station investigated by reviewing CCTV footage and identified the suspect as an Iranian national. They then obtained an arrest warrant from the court. During questioning, the suspect admitted to the crime, stating that he took the money only for daily expenses. However, officers will continue the investigation as the behavior is similar to a previous case where an Iranian suspect asked to see a Chinese tourist’s money before snatching it as well. On September 17, Thonglor Police Station officers arrested Mr. Mohammad, 29, and Ms. Ali, 41, both Iranian nationals, in front of a condominium in Yanawa subdistrict, Sathorn district, Bangkok. They were suspected of stealing from a Chinese tourist. Police investigation revealed that the pair approached Chinese tourists standing in front of a hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 20, pretending to be friendly. They engaged in conversation about currency exchange and asked to see the tourist’s cash. After returning the money, some was missing. The Chinese tourists later discovered that 10,000 baht had disappeared and filed a report at Thonglor Police Station. Continues with photos and video https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/crime-crime/2024/09/22/iranian-man-nabbed-for-snatching-russian-tourists-cash-in-bangkok/

Asking the manager has more often than not worked for me.

Doubt very much you'd find cause for disappointment. 🙂

No reason not to. The manager isn't likely to pair two guys who don't want to work together. Keep in mind manager may not understand English so it helps to translate before sending in my experience. Have noticed same thing. They posted just now but that was first in 10 days.

From Bangkok Post Parliamentarians will debate on Thursday to determine whether an amnesty bill should cover offenders of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law. Nikorn Chamnong, secretary of the special House committee studying an amnesty bill, said the bill has been finalised for more than a month. Due to the busy parliament meeting agenda, the committee's report on the bill's coverage will only be debated by parliamentarians on Sept 26, he said. A special panel has prepared answers to various questions regarding the report, ranging from the bill's contentious points to how a committee will be formed to design the final version of the legislation. Mr Nikorn said the special committee was inconclusive about whether the bill should cover an amnesty for Section 112 offenders. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2869781/house-to-debate-amnesty-bill

15M is consistently now posting daily photo arrays of boys "available today." That doesn't mean you still can't request another from their extended listing available on tablet.

+1 The showers in Phetboy are spacious and can easily accommodate two. Only one room (VIP) has a massage table. At One Spa, standard rooms share shower/toilet rooms down the hall. But the VIP rooms are spacious and come with massage table and shower/toilet that's fine for two. One Spa also has bedrooms available on the upper floors for long-time rentals. One Spa's list of masseurs can be found at https://dif.link/onespa KK Massage has shower/toilet rooms down the hall and, while narrow, can accommodate two. Home Spa probably has the least desirable showers, none of which I recall encourage sharing.

From BBC The killing of a Japanese schoolboy in the Chinese city of Shenzhen has sparked worry among Japanese expats living in China, with top firms warning their workers to be vigilant. Toshiba and Toyota have told their staff to take precautions against any possible violence, while Panasonic is offering its employees free flights home. Japanese authorities have repeated their condemnation of the killing while urging the Chinese government to ensure the safety of their citizens. The stabbing of the 10-year-old boy on Wednesday was the third high-profile attack on foreigners in China in recent months. Some members of the Japanese expatriate community in China have told the BBC they are worried about their children's safety. One man, a 53-year-old businessman who has lived in Shenzhen for nearly a decade, said he would be sending his daughter back overseas to university earlier than usual. "We always considered Shenzhen a safe place to live as it's relatively open to foreigners, but now we are all more cautious about our safety," he said. "Many Japanese people are deeply concerned, and numerous relatives and friends have reached out to check on my safety." https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg9nwxy388o

From Khaosod English KOH SAMUI — A demolition order for 19 luxury villas from two major projects on Koh Samui has been ignored. Recent inspections have revealed that the operators continue to illegally rent out the villas to tourists on a daily and monthly basis, raking in hundreds of thousands of baht. On September 18, more than 50 government officials from central and local authorities, led by Pol. Col. Dusit Kasornkaew, head of the Task Force to Resolve State Land Grabbing and Natural Resource Destruction, inspected luxury villa projects on hilltops in Lamai Subdistrict, Maret District (11 villas) and Khun Hmanang Mountain, Bo Phut Subdistrict (8 villas). The inspection found a violation of the 2019 ban on the use of buildings under the Samui Municipal Control Act. A luxury villa in Lamai was found to be occupied by a tourist from Luxembourg. When questioned, the Luxembourgish tourist stated that he had rented the luxury villa from a foreign owner under a six-month contract and had paid a monthly rent of 7,000 euro, the equivalent of 259,490 baht. The tourist emphasized that he did not know that the villa was illegal and could not be used. The authorities explained to him the legal situation and the reason for the eviction. The municipality will collect evidence to file a lawsuit against the villa owner. At the second site in Khun Hmanang Mountain, Bo Phut Subdistrict, officials inspected eight villas and sealed them with red and white tape to prevent access. Despite the city government’s order to lock down the villas, they continued to be used. One villa, a two-storey building without planning permission, was found to have already been completed and rented out. The second floor had been rented out to a cleaning company for 5,000 baht per month, while the second floor had been converted into rental rooms. A French citizen had rented one of the rooms for 20,000 baht per month for one year. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2024/09/19/foreign-tourists-asked-to-leave-illegal-luxury-villas-in-koh-samui/

From Pattaya News On September 20th, 2024, the Thai Royal Gazette published a new ministerial regulation on alcohol testing for drivers under the Traffic Act, 2024. This regulation repeals the 1994 and 2017 versions, establishing updated procedures for testing alcohol levels in drivers. The main method for testing will be through breathalyzer devices, with urine and blood tests as secondary options when breath tests are not possible. These alternatives, however, require driver consent before being conducted. For urine tests, drivers must provide a sample in a private setting, with police supervision to ensure sample integrity. The sample is then sealed, labeled, and sent to a certified hospital for analysis. If a blood test is necessary, police must accompany the driver to the nearest hospital, where the sample will be taken under medical supervision. The regulation also introduces stricter alcohol limits for specific groups of drivers. Drivers under 20 years old, those with temporary licenses, and those without a valid driver’s license will be considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 20 mg%. For all other drivers, the legal limit is 50 mg%.