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Excerpts from Bangkok Post In June this year, United Kingdom Visa & Immigration will relocate its visa decision-making centre for Thai nationals from Bangkok to New Delhi in India. The embassy claimed there will be no changes to the visa application process in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or to overall service times. The move is to maximise new technology and allow for independent visa decision-making, the British embassy announced yesterday. The embassy said that the move to New Delhi will maximise the benefits of new technology that allows for visa-decision making to be "independent of the country of application". It did not state if any problems had emerged in the decision-making processes at the VFS-Global centres in Bangkok and Chiang Mai to spur the move to New Delhi. Applicants in Thailand will see no change to visa service standards and can still apply for visas online and submit their biometrics and documents at the two visa application centres managed by VFS-Global, the embassy added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/news-and-pr/1398866/uk-shifts-thai-visas-to-india

Ironic that the two new 747-800's that the air force purchased were originally ordered by a Russian carrier that went bankrupt before they could be delivered.

You've settled on a system you're comfortable with and that's fine. But you've mentioned a few times that you only tried a massage shop once. I'd hesitate to extrapolate that one "OK" experience and assume that all massage shop experiences will be similar.

From The Nation Bangkok Art and Culture Centre brings the unique Isan way of life and traditions to the Thai capital with the “Isan Contemporary Report” exhibition that opens next Friday (January 26) and runs until April 15. The exhibition will take visitors to explore the different phenomena reflecting the dynamic growth and self-determination of the Isan people as they face up to global change. The exhibition also includes “Common Exercises: Isan Contemporary Report”, a collection of paintings, photographs, videos and installation arts by 12 groups of Isan artists and photographers. Visitors can participate in the Exhibition Education Activity consisting of Curator and Artist Talks, workshops and board games, the Storytelling Activity for Kids that blends Isan culture with story-telling; and the Inspired Books Activity that presents talks on Isan literature. The Music & Art segment introduces an interesting line-up that includes Tum Tern Mor Lam, VKL Khun Narin Pinprayook, Rasmee Wayrana aka Rasmee E-sarn Soul and DJ Maff Sai. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/art/30336778

From The Nation Unseasonal heavy rain on Wednesday morning triggered flooding in downtown areas of Bangkok and caused the traffic havoc. Bangkok Flood Control Centre said on Wednesday before noon that there was heavy rain in many districts of Bangkok, including most of Thon Buri, Ratchathewi, Yannawa and Pathumwan. The highest rainfall as of 11.50 am was 76.5 millimetres in Pathumwan district. The heavy downpour during the morning rush hours triggered floods on many streets. The Drainage and Sewerage Department of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said there was minor flooding of around 15 centimetres deep at Ratchaprasong Intersection at around 11.40 am. The department expected that the flood would recede within one hour. However, people in the area reported on social media that the floodwaters were so high that the pavement was submerged in some parts of Sukhumvit Road. Rains also flooded many sois (minor streets) nearby, which resulted in heavier traffic than usual throughout the inner parts of Bangkok. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30337046

Too bad Shameless Mack isn't still around; you could collaborate. All too complicated for me, I'm afraid. I don't use the massage only shops because I know where I can find what I'm looking for elsewhere. Like I said, it ain't rocket science in my experience. To each his own but I do admire your ingenuity.

We've clearly had very different experiences in message shops. "Reputable" and "questionable" are very subjective terms. I can say that the massages I receive at places I frequent are performed skillfully. I think, however, that I understand the source of your dissatisfaction. You're expecting "full sex service." Massage shops are not--and should not be--brothels. Going in and anticipating that the guy you pick is your whore for 60 or 90 minutes is a sure fire way to a disappointing experience. Some of the fun--for me anyway--is discovering how each guy differs and what he can do that provides each us with a mutually satisfactory outcome. It begins with basic respect for him as an individual and goes from there. It's not rocket science. But I think you've settled on a way that works best for you and I wish you well.

Where's the rip off. You get to choose a guy of your choice; you're provided with a private room; you have an opportunity to shower before and after massage. And you get to see the guy in person before committing. And there's no time wasted on line. I'll take that deal any day and twice on Sundays.

ATM card issued in conjunction with State Farm Money Market account reimburses all foreign and domestic ATM fees if you have an automatic monthly deposit (i.e., social security, pension, etc.) made into your account.

Credit card and ATM questions arise from time to time. Thought it might be helpful if members post info on cards they find good deals for travelers. Benefits associated with the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (issued by Chase Bank, USA): - No annual fee - No international transaction fees - 3% back on Amazon purchases - 2% back on restaurant, drugstore and gas station purchases - 1% back on all other purchases

Perfectly acceptable practice. You can be assured that you haven't offended them unless they refuse to accept it.

If the guy who comes to your door for $60 is an attractive Asian, you may have found the sweet spot. But I'd be more concerned that it's someone between fixes who's desperate for quick cash.

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My first arrival in BKK (16 years ago next month) was on a Northwest 747. After marveling at the golf course situated between the parallel runways of Don Mueang, the aircraft parked at a bus gate. The stairs were rolled up, doors opened and the unique scent of charcoal fires and faint food odors drifted into the cabin. After clearing immigration, found a taxi and the rest is history. There are indeed many 747's still in active service. Since 1996, 1,539 have been delivered in various versions. There are 14 more on the order book, all in the stretched 747-800 configuration. The 747-800 may not be the largest aircraft in commercial use (those bragging rights go to the jumbo Airbus 380) but it is the longest at 250 ft., about a dozen feet beyond the 380. Lufthansa is the larger operator with 19 in service. Although I've yet to fly one, I have observed one shortly after take off. For a plane its size, it's remarkably quiet. The US Air Force has acquired two that are now being fitted out to serve as presidential aircraft, replacing the old 747-400's.

To step back from the argument for a moment, massage shops are my favorite venue for many reasons (including the above statement). There's one set of prices that apply to all and all are admitted as customers. What occurs in the privacy of the room is between you and the guy you selected. It's all very democratic. The secret to the success of the enterprise is in keeping their customers satisfied.

Pants fall and cocks grow....and often vice versa.

According to the news account in the OP, the deceptive prices were posted. Can't agree. This was a deliberate attempt to over charge foreigners. Among the definitions of cheating is "deception" which this clearly was. In these above two cases you cite, market forces are in play and the customers is aware of it. These are very different in character than the dual food pricing which is undisclosed to the customer. In the first situation, the buyer is aware that the price is negotiable. So they are forewarned. In the second situation, buyer is aware that ticket prices are subject to change at any moment and that the price they agree to pay may be more or less than other fliers pay. No harm, no foul. (to wit: I purchased ticket for my next trip three weeks ago but since then it has gone down $140. Not happy about it but I knew it was a possibility that that three things could happen after I purchased it: it could go up, go down or remain unchanged). No matter what angle you examine this from, you can't escape the fact the vendor deliberately set out to deceive foreigners. To try to justify it by citing disparities in perceived wealth is to start down a slippery slope that can be used to justify deceptions in any other situation: posting price on items in a supermarket or department store that applies only to foreigners. Selecting a class of people for deceptive practice by nationality, race, religion, color, age, gender or sexual preference is on its face discrimination. Excusing it only serves to encourage others to embrace it.

You can get good interior bar views on top floor of Dusit Thani and 23rd floor of Crowne Plaza. Also good views (toward river) from roof-top pool of Amara Hotel on Suriwong.

Great report on all counts. You sensed you had the right guy to spend some quality time with. It's clear you won't soon be forgetting him or he you. Loved the hand signal routine you guys worked out. LOL.

From NY Times MARANA, Ariz. — There may be no airliner as recognizable as the Boeing 747, the world’s first jumbo jet, with its iconic hump of an upper deck. For aviation fans, the introduction of the “Queen of the Skies” was a triumph of engineering and grace: unprecedented size and speed with spiral-staircase international glamour. But the airline business has changed, and the giant plane has become more expensive to operate. A couple of weeks ago, the final 747 flight by any commercial United States airline took to the sky. Like so many others before it, the plane was heading to the Southwest to retire. Continues with pics https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/19/business/747-airlines-final-flight.html

I assume that you're referring to what you pay above and beyond whatever minimum tip structure applies at that particular shop. The tips I posted above represent the total tip I pay, inclusive of any minimum.

Fortunately there are enough reputable restaurants and food vendors that do just fine by not resorting to cheating foreigners. Many of them are mentioned in this forum. Thailand's largest food retailer (7-11) makes no exceptions for nationality. Cheating is wrong regardless where it occurs or what the rationale behind it is.

My massage tipping practice over the last few years, irrespective of nationality: One hour oil: 1000-1200 (1200 if he showers with me after or if he provided above-average service) 90-min. oil: 1500-1700 (based on same factors above). Can't recall an incident where it wasn't gladly accepted. Have tipped less for below average massage (600-700) for 1 hr. But that happened only twice. Regarding their expectations, it doesn't affect what I offer. They are free accept or reject. I don't take a rejection personally but I would not choose them in future.

Not long after writing (in post #41) "Having never knowingly taken a Vietnamese, I can't comment on that count," I met one and ended up spending more time with him than I did with any other guy during the trip. I found him to be honest, fun and always on time. He has a clear plan for his time in BKK and I was impressed with the self discipline he demonstrated in pursuit of it. Underscored for me that the pitfalls of prejudging individuals based on where they're from. Although we all read with interest the reviews posted here, the only ones that really count are the ones we actually have.