reader

Amen.

Although they may not have any answers that will help jet lag sufferers in the near term, the just announced recipients of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine are being honored for their discoveries related to the mechanisms that affect jet lag and other conditions. Excerpts from Washington Post Three Americans — Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young — have won the 2017 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their discoveries about the mechanisms that control an organism's circadian responses to light and dark. In announcing the winner in Stockholm on Monday, the prize committee said the scientists elucidated how a life-form's “inner clock” can fluctuate to optimize our behavior and physiology. “Their discoveries explain how plants, animals and humans adapt their biological rhythm so that it is synchronized with the Earth's revolutions.” Working with fruit flies, the scientists isolated a gene that is responsible for a protein that accumulates in the night but is degraded in the day. Misalignments in this clock may play a role in medical conditions and disorders, as well as the temporary disorientation of jet lag that travelers experience when crisscrossing time zones. “The circadian system has its tentacles around everything,” Rosbash, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, explained in the HHMI Bulletin in 2014. “It’s ticking away in almost every tissue in the human body.” It's also in plants, including major food crops, the article noted, and appears to be tied to “disease susceptibility, growth rate, and fruit size.” Erin O’Shea, president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, said that people have observed for centuries that plants and animals change their behavior in sync with the light present in the natural environment. What Hall, Rosebush and Young figured out is how this happens. “Genes make up the mechanics by which organisms can keep track of time and this allows them — just like your wristwatch — to coordinate their behavior their sleep-wake cycle with the changes in the light-dark cycle,” she said. Working with fruit flies, the scientists isolated a gene that is responsible for a protein that accumulates in the night but is degraded in the day. Misalignments in this clock may play a role in medical conditions and disorders, as well as the temporary disorientation of jet lag that travelers experience when crisscrossing time zones. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/10/02/nobel-prize-in-medicine-or-physiology-awarded-to-tktk

NOTE -- An article posted last week in the business section of Khaosod English went largely unnoticed but I came across it today while searching for another topic. Central Bank cites systemic factors at largest institutions BANGKOK — A declaration from the central bank describing five of the nation’s largest financial institutions as “risky” should not cause alarm, according to an investment banker and the leader of the ruling junta, who weighed in Tuesday to tell everyone to calm down. “Don’t panic. People are ready to panic about anything all the time,” Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters Tuesday. Confusion erupted Sunday when the Royal Gazette, which disseminates government notices, published a central bank list describing top banks as “systemically risky financial institutions.” The announcement, just over a page, did not offer any explanation or context. Social media quickly erupted in wild speculation the banks – Siam Commercial Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, Krungthai Bank and Bangkok Bank – were on the verge of collapse. That led to Prayuth’s plea for calm and assurances the statement was a routine and mandatory disclosure in accordance with international standards. The statement did say the banks would be subject to additional regulation, which an analyst at one of the nation’s top investment banking firms said was the meaningful part that got lost in translation. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai of Phatra Securities praised the disclosure but criticized the government for poorly communicating it to the public. Pipat said it was part of protocols established by an international body known as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which issues non-binding regulations meant to strengthen oversight and prevent financial meltdowns like what happened in 2008. A key feature of the Basel committee, Pipat said, is identifying the “too big to fail” banks in each member country and promoting more stringent oversight to contain potential damage in times of crisis. “They can’t just regulate all the banks in the same way,” said Pipat, who works as an analyst. “If the big banks fall, the damages will spread to other banks. That is why major banks have to be stronger.” Pipat said the measures facing the five Thai banks include increasing their capitalization (having more money compared to how much is at risk), improving transparency measures (handing over documents at the central bank’s request) and participating more in briefings with regulators. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2017/09/27/risky-banks-crisis-mistranslation-panic/

I'm looking at an 11- or 12-hour time difference (depending on time of year) so it doesn't get much worse. I experience less lag on my outbound trip and I suspect part of the reason is the anticipation factor. On the return, however, it takes me 3-5 days to recover. I've tried the stay hydrated, go easy on the alcohol route and I believe it helps. But as for all the other recommendations I read about, I lack the discipline to follow strict pre-flight and post-flight routines. I just listen to my body. If it says get some sleep, that's what I do. If it says get out there and do what you came for, I salute and go forth. This BBC article discusses how long-haui pilots deal with it or--in many cases it seems--don't. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160314-how-airline-pilots-beat-jet-lag

From Coconuts Ever been on a night out, drank far too much, then staggered home with a 7-eleven hot dog? Well we have the top 15 Bangkok alternatives that will surely tickle you’re taste buds. If you’re any kind of night owl, chances are that three meals per day are just not cutting it for you. When you stay out till midnight or later, you often need one more hot meal to make your daily gorging complete. And you have no excuse for going straight home since Bangkok is consistently rated as having some of the best food in the world. That’s where these restaurants come in handy. Serving up everything from pancakes to somtam to deep-fried insects, whether post-concert or clubbing, these Bangkok late-night restaurants have you covered on the grub front from late into the night and early into the morning. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/food-drink/best-late-night-eats-bangkok-eat-pizza-burgers-thai-afterhours/

I was in Silom the night eight years ago when fire broke out in the popular GSM sauna in Chinatown. The sirens of fire engines from around the city converging on the location seemed to go on for an hour. One man was killed and many rescued from the seventh floor. Photos from Fridae site Link to news article on Fridae site (it also mentions fire safety at DJ Station) http://www.fridae.asia/gay-news/2009/01/06/2186.fire-in-bangkok-gay-sauna-kills-patron Here's the SN post about it: https://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showthread.php?8846-Another-Fire

The topic of personal safety in the event of fire at DJ Station has come up from time to time as it did in this post. http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/8570-brazil-nightclub-fire-thailands-unlearned-lessons/?do=findComment&comment=63907

Excerpts from Coconuts Bangkok (photo Pho Hai Mao facebook) They say all publicity is good publicity and that may be the case this week for dick-shaped waffle vendor Ketnita Prasertsomboon. Her waffles are exploding, going viral on social media as well as in the mouths of fans at Bankok’s Indy Market. Though lots of cute young Thais have been posting photos and videos of themselves licking, eating, and loving the waffles, not everyone is a fan of the sexy, cheeky treats, reported Khaosod English. Ketnita’s stand, called Pho Hai Ma (which translates as “From My Dad”), serves willy waffles stuffed with cheese or sausage, but you have to get to the market early enough to score. You see, Ketnita has been selling out of the affordable THB39 treats every night. People have been gushing so much about the waffles that the vendor was interviewed by Amarin TV over the weekend. However, she didn’t invent this food fad, penis waffles have been trendy in Taiwan for a while now. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/cream-filled-penis-waffles-rage-bangkok-people-raging-mad-photos/

Actually, the US is first according to the OP. Certainly size matters but its geography plays a big role. Its west coast is easily accessible to east Asia and the east coast to the EU. Likewise, its border with Canada just about continuous and Central and South America are just to the south. A few years ago I took a September trip to revisit the national parks of Yellowstone and Glacier. When I arrived at the airport in Billings, I was amazed at the sight of many Chinese (and a lesser number of Japanese) families picking up rentals. These were not the type of tourists you're likely to find in Patts. When I occasionally encountered them in shops or visitor centers within Yellowstone, many spoke English (particularly the Chinese) and their behavior was refined. I estimate that they represented 20% of the park's tourists. I mentioned it to the bartender in my hotel and he said the Chinese and the Japanese highly value the national park system experience and have been arriving in steadily increasing numbers in recent years. Regarding Thailand's tourism boom, here's the breakdown of August arrivals this year from report in The Nation: So where did tourists come from in August? • China, 982,212 +10.30% • Malaysia, 277,606 +9.52% • South Korea, 164,001 +16.52% • Japan, 162,703 +5.03% • Laos,158,377 +4.18% • India, 116,376 +14.77% • Hong Kong, 93,136 +8.88% • Vietnam, 90,502 +9.17% • Cambodia, 82,776 +20.84% • Singapore, 81,366 + 21.2%.

From National News Bureau of Thailand BANGKOK, 24th September 2017 (NNT) - Thailand has attained third place in terms of tourism revenue according to 2016-2017 statistics released by the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Since 2016, Thailand has earned 1.65 trillion baht or 49.9 billion dollars from tourism, representing a 16.9 percent jump. The country is also ranked ninth in terms of tourist arrivals, with 32.6 million visitors or an 8.9 percent surge. First and second best performers are USA and Spain which gained 205.9 billion dollars and 60.3 billion dollars from tourism respectively. The other top 10 earners are China, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong and Australia. http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en/news/news_detail/WNECO6009240010007

From Pattaya Mail PATTAYA – Beach vendors starting next month no longer will be permitted to sell alcohol. Sanitation chief Wasinpat Chimtin on Sept. 15 informed about 50 Jomtien and Pattaya beach chair vendors of the no-alcohol rules during a briefing on the slew of new regulations put in place by the army this summer. In addition to not being able to sell booze, vendors all must wear aprons, must operate their single plot of chairs themselves, cannot sublease to others and must bid for their plot annually in a drawing. This is apparently being done to project a favorable image during the International Fleet Show in November. http://www.pattayamail.com/news/booze-sales-banned-beach-starting-oct-186806

From CNN (NOTE -- The accompanying video says the price of one of the mid-size (250-square meter) units sells for over $5 million, unfinished of course. Penthouses come as large as 948 square meters.) The 3,200-square-meter (34,445 square feet) plot 98 Wireless stands on was previously home to a private house and horse stables. Sansiri acquired it for $36.4 million in 2010, and spent seven years and $270 million on constructing the 77 luxury condos, which were styled by Ralph Lauren Home furnishings. Split across 25 levels, the condos range in size from 119 to 245 square meters (1,288 to 2,642 square feet). Two penthouses of 553 square meters (5,952 square feet), and a "super penthouse" dubbed "The One" -- of 948 square meters (10,204 square feet) -- sprawl across the top floors. The penthouses were all snapped up before the official launch of 98 Wireless in March 2017, and 65% of the other units have been sold. Continues with video and pics http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/asia/98-wireless-bangkok/index.html

Always nice when you get an unexpected pleasure of any sort. I applaud your good fortune. When Northwest (now Delta) used to have a downtown office on Ratchadamri Rd., had to go there once to change my return date. I discreetly slipped a folded 1k bht note to the nice lady and politely asked if she could find be an aisle seat on the flights. After much key punching, and paying the change fee (think it was $200 in baht equivalent at the time), she gave me a print out that showed me on the upper deck of 747's on the flights to NRT and MSP. Enjoy the extra comfort while you contemplate your better offs!

How much is too much? It's all in the eyes--and pocket--of the beholder. Some have a fixed, all-in price that they won't exceed for reasons of budget or practice. Others, most perhaps, make decisions case-by-case. The latter (include me) make a rapid calculation based on whether it's affordable (not to be confused with reasonable) and the less quantifiable but more compelling factors. The latter I actually find the easiest to make. My experience varies widely. Some of my cheapest offs still remain memorable years later. Other really pricey excursions were forgettable almost immediately. And everything in between and in that sense that probably mirrors everyone's history. But there are places I've learned where you "can buy better but you can't pay more." I put Prince in this category: too many inconsistent and unsatisfactory massages. On the other hand, two massages at Senso three years ago were indeed pricey but I felt I was very well served on all counts. In my lone visit to the new My Hero, it was worth the extra baht because the facilities were impeccable and the service first rate. I always enjoy finding great experiences in the low price range. However, that's often akin to seeking a business class experience for an economy class fare.

From Travel and Leisure Thailand is famous for its stunning beaches, colorful longtail boats, and gleaming temples. And for a limited time, you can go see these incredible sights for as little as $465 round-trip. According to the Airline Spot, airlines China Southern and China Eastern are selling these low fares from both San Francisco and New York City.

From Coconuts Bangkok To help ease the congestion caused by the many people coming into, and moving through, the city to go to the cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct. 26, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that certain public transport, including the BTS, BRT, and public boats, will be free from Oct. 25-27 . On Oct 26, the Sukhumvit and Silom lines of the BTS will be free, according to Thai PBS. On Oct. 25 and 27, the BTS will be free between On Nut and Samrong station on the Sukhumvit Line and from Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa station on the Silom Line. All lines and stops on the BRT, boat, and bus will be free between Oct. 25-27. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/buses-trains-boats-will-free-bangkok-oct-25-27/

From Phuket News 22 September 2017, 09:57AM At least 2,000 homes in Thalang were directly affected by the floods last Friday and Saturday (Sept 15-16), while more than 127mm of rainfall drenching Phuket Town the surrounding areas, including Kathu, within a 24-hour period. Residents in Kamala were evacuated as a precaution against them being buried by a landslide after a landslip damaged several multi-story villas under construction on a hillside there, while schools and residents were evacuated to safe zones in Srisoonthorn, in the heart of Thalang. Residents in Rassada, however, were not so lucky as a landslide there brought sodden earth crashing through the walls of 10 homes there. The two bridges on either side of Baan Bang Rong in Pa Khlok were closed as raging torrents of runoff within hours eroded the soil underneath, with emergency repairs carried out overnight to reconnect the residents who were cut off by the bridge failures. Police and disaster officials deployed flat-bottomed boats to provide assistance and deliver relief supplies to residents in flood-struck areas across the island. Families in danger were moved to temporary shelters until the waters subsided and they could return to their homes. In all, disaster officials received reports of 28 flash floods on the Friday alone, with more areas affected by Saturday. “The floods were the worst on record,” Phuket Highways Chief Papiwetwoottisak Sookkii told The Phuket News on Wednesday (Sept 20) after a meeting with Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong. “We have launched a full inspection of all major roads and supporting infrastructure, including all bridges affected by the floods that are under our authority. https://www.thephuketnews.com/officials-confirm-floods-worst-on-record-63991.php Lifeguards open some Phuket beaches PHUKET: Lifeguards have opened safe areas for tourists to swim at three beaches along Phuket’s west coast today (Sept 22), after all beaches were closed yesterday (Sept 21). Eight safe swim zones marked by red-and-yellow flags have been established – one zone at Nai Harn Beach, three zones at Kata Beach and four zones at Patong Beach – The Phuket Lifeguard Service reported this morning. “Lifeguards are keeping an eye out at every beach in case tourists are there. Red flags and ropes are still in place marking off areas where it is too dangerous to swim. Please do not swim in those areas,” one lifeguard told

NOTE -- The headline should read "55K baht" From Pattayaone A ladyboy has been arrested and charged with theft after admitting to stealing a Swiss man’s credit card after a late night romp in Walking Street. Everything seemed normal for the tourist after he had enjoyed a bit of fun with the ladyboy which he had willingly picked up from Walking Street, late at night. A short while later, however, he realised that his credit card was missing, but thought nothing of it and decided that he would deal with the problem the following day. Unfortunately for him, he could a nasty shock the following day when he realised that over 55,000 baht had been spent using his missing card. The only conclusion was that the ladyboy had stolen it and so he went straight to the police to file a report. After filing the report and giving police a very accurate description of the suspect, it didn’t take police long at all to track down and make the arrest of the culprit. The suspect, Sutthipong Lamsoong, 33, told police that Raffael Denungs, 29, had taken him to his room, but after their romp, he felt the need to steal the Swiss man’s credit card. Mr. Denum showed police a bank statement showing a total of 55,828 baht in goods had been run up on his card. This was not the first time Sutthipong had stolen from a tourist. As well as admitting this particular incident, he also asked police to add the charge to a previous incident involving an Irish man. Police charged the suspect for both incidents for theft. Amazingly, the Swiss tourist was happy to smile for the cameras with police and local chief Apichai Krobpetch, after all was said and done. http://pattayaone.news/en/ladyboy-makes-off-55000-baht/

From The Nation After almost nine months of preservation work undertaken by the Culture Ministry, the grand royal chariots, palanquins and other accessories are ready for use in the procession for the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in late October. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha this afternoon presided over a ritual ceremony for the refurbished royal chariots, which are housed in the National Museum’s Royal Chariot Garage near Sanam Luang. The ceremony combined Buddhist and Hindu rituals and was followed by a garland presentation by the prime minister. Then a troupe of soldiers harmoniously pulled the royal chariots from the museum to the group outside. During the ceremony, the Culture Ministry’s Office of Performing Arts performed a traditional Thai dance accompanied by live pipat or traditional orchestra. Continues with photos http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30327322 ------- Grand Palace closed for visitors from Oct 1-29 Breaking News September 21, 2017 17:00 By The Nation The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple will be closed for about a month, starting October 1, to prepare for the Royal funeral of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Royal Household Bureau announced on Thursday that both venues would reopen for visitors on October 30.

....so long as you can afford them.

From Bangkok Post Thailand's private companies are set to pour up to 10 billion baht into improving and developing tourism-related businesses in Pattaya to tap benefits from the government's flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), says the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). The activity will consist of pure investment in tourism, plus public-private partnerships (PPP) in Pattaya, a city that lies within the EEC zone spanning Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces, said TCC chairman Kalin Sarasin. "It will help improve the face of Pattaya, which has already become famous, as a new landmark for Thai and foreign tourists with plenty of attractive places," Mr Kalin said. He said the planned projects include shopping centres, water parks, nightlife attractions and a distribution centre for the One Tambon One Product scheme. http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1327475/chamber-predicts-b10bn-pattaya-investment

From Pattaya Today The key matters concerning long-term farang in Pattaya are visa prospects and their own health care. That is according to a local survey carried out by Pattaya Today with 100 expats, mostly retired British but also involving mainland Europeans, Americans and Australians. The newspaper is not claiming this was a scientific survey but was conducted by interview and telephone over a two-week period. Almost all those contacted said their biggest concern at present was the ambiguity which they sensed about future visa policy in Thailand. At present most long-stay farang have a one year extension of stay based on retirement. A new 10-year visa for those over 50 years and their families has been introduced by the government, but the rules are complex – requiring police clearance from the home base and many financial documents – and can only be obtained in the country of origin and not in Thailand. In spite of rumours to the contrary earlier this year, the current retirement visa has been left untouched by the immigration authorities. It requires annual foreign income or cash in Thailand, or a combination of both, of at least 800,000 baht. Yet many expats are concerned lest the rules are changed, for example a doubling of the cash or income requirement or a supplementary rule demanding comprehensive medical insurance. However, a senior immigration source told Pattaya Today there are no plans to raise the financial floor limits, although he did say he had some reservations about the so-called “embassy letter” appearing to confirm an applicant’s yearly income from abroad since the procedure involved only an affidavit with little or no paperwork such as checked bank statements. He also pointed out that it was open to retirees to apply in Thailand for the mini-Elite card which offered a five year, multiple-entry visa for a one-off payment of 500,000 baht. Another source of concern to the majority of expats was their own health care. Many are now in their 60s and 70s, although most seem to have a strategy of sorts to deal with the problem. A surprising number, about 50 percent, still managed to maintain some sort of cover which was a protection against bills for substantial in-patient care in private hospitals. Others had a reserve cash fund which they said would come into play if an operation was required. The remainder thought they would probably return home in an emergency, provided they were fit to travel, or would rely on relatives back in the first country. Several maintained that they would likely seek medical treatment in a third country, such as India, where medical costs were thought to be much lower. Other concerns expressed by expats about living in Pattaya were the rising cost of living, blamed both on domestic inflation here and the devaluation of many currencies, especially the British pound. Those who found themselves with less money to spend said they had cut down on eating out and were resisting the attractions of expensive imported food items in supermarkets. Also mentioned as hazards were pollution, street crime, beach restrictions and ongoing police and army crackdowns on places of entertainment. Only 15 percent of those participating thought it was likely they would quit Thailand. The majority mentioned having Thai partners and children to support, enjoying the warm weather, having access to leisure facilities such as golf and still finding Pattaya “a city of fun” in spite of any reservations they might have. About a quarter of respondents had looked into a possible move to a neighboring country but had rejected the idea. Cambodia, in particular, had a free-and-easy visa policy and was still cheaper than Thailand but was not geared up for expat living. “I tried it for two weeks”, said one 68-year old, “but nearly all the expats were working and I couldn’t find anything to do.” http://pattayatoday.net/news/latest-edition/pattaya-expat-worries/

Excerpts from Pattaya Mail PATTAYA – Workers demolishing South Pattaya’s Boutique Hotel seem intent on demolishing neighboring homes and motorbikes as well. Under the gun to finish the job, careless contractors are smashing up the derelict hotel on Soi VC with little regard for where cement chunks, bricks, metal or anything else falls. Debris has smashed onto roofs, damaged business and broken several cars and motorbikes. When confronted by angry property owners, workers put on their best “who, me?” look. Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Apichai Kroppech said no one has been injured – yet – but pedestrians have been warned to avoid the area. http://www.pattayamail.com/news/boutique-hotel-demolishers-smashing-nearby-homes-motorbikes-186112

From Bangkok Post A public rift between Thailand’s central bank and government on interest rates shows just how much of a dilemma the baht has become for the economy. The Finance Ministry is pushing the Bank of Thailand to cut interest rates to stimulate growth, in light of the strength of the currency and low inflation. That’s clashing with the bank's aim of minimising financial instability and curbing household debt levels by keeping rates steady. With days to go before the next interest-rate decision on Sept 27, economists are watching the dispute closely. The Bank of Thailand has so far pushed back against calls to cut its benchmark interest rate from a near record-low of 1.5%, where it’s been since 2015, intervening in the currency market instead and curbing the supply of short-term bonds to limit the baht’s gains. http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1327155/baht-pits-bank-of-thailand-against-government-on-rate-cut ------------------ Excerpts from Reuters BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand welcomed 3.13 million tourists in August, a record for the low season month, and there’s no sign that the strong baht is hurting an industry that’s been a rare bright spot for the economy. The August arrivals were 8.66 percent above a year earlier and marked the first time visitors during that month topped three million. The visitors in August generated 163 billion baht ($4.93 billion) in revenue, up 11.7 percent from a year earlier, Pongpanu Svetarundra, permanent secretary of the tourism and sports ministry, told a news conference on Tuesday. During August, the number of visitors from East Asia increased 10 percent from a year earlier to 2.26 million, with nearly one million from China, up 10.3 percent. Numbers from the Middle East rose 19.4 percent to 103,784 in August while those from Europe were flat, at 437,739. Gundy Cahyadi, an economic and currency researcher at DBS Group Holdings Ltd in Singapore, said officials are “really running out of options now” and unlike the recent string of unanimous monetary policy decisions, there may be a few detractors from the no-change vote as early as next week. “They probably need to do more to try to dampen the expectations for the baht to strengthen further,” he said.

This I have no argument with. But lets keep in mind that providing information without preaching about conduct is the best way to do it.