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Just spoke with my guy in Bangkok. He was in his apartment near Quarter Hotel on Soi Tarntawan when his building began to shake strongly. On the way out he and another resident helped remove an 88-year-old man and got him outside. He now says many businesses are closing around Silom. Has not felt any aftershocks yet. From the Nation A building under construction in the Chatuchak district has collapsed following a significant earthquake, trapping 43 workers, according to the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. Seven workers managed to escape the site, and the Narenthorn Emergency Medical Services Center, along with its rescue network, has been dispatched to provide immediate assistance. In response to the incident, Army Spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree announced that Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana Claewplodtook has ordered the immediate activation of the Army Disaster Relief Center for public assistance. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40047984

From Pattaya News Thailand Considers Shortening Visa Extension Period for Chinese Tourists Bangkok– The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is reportedly considering a change to its visa policy for Chinese visitors, one of the country’s largest tourist demographics. According to sources within the ministry, the current 90-day visa extension period could be slashed to just 30 days, aligning it more closely with the average length of stay for travelers from China. This comes as Thailand was reportedly considering an overall proposal to reduce visa exemption lengths in general, as we discussed here at TPN media. The proposed adjustment aims to streamline immigration processes and better reflect the travel patterns of Chinese tourists, say Thai officials. In 2019, before the global pandemic disrupted international travel, Chinese visitors accounted for over 11 million arrivals, making up nearly 27% of Thailand’s total 39.8 million tourists that year, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. While numbers dropped sharply during the COVID-19 years, the recovery has been robust, with 2024 seeing a resurgence of Chinese travelers thanks to relaxed visa policies and targeted marketing campaigns. A ministry spokesperson explained that the change is under consideration following observations that most Chinese tourists spend far less than 90 days in the country. “Our data shows that the average stay for Chinese visitors is typically between two to three weeks,” the spokesperson said. “Reducing the extension period to 30 days would better match their travel behavior while maintaining Thailand’s appeal as a flexible and welcoming destination.” Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/28/thailand-considers-shortening-visa-extension-period-for-chinese-tourists/

I'm often told by boys that I'm handsome and no one tips me.

From Khaosod English Officers arrest male waiters, known as "bar hosts," who served and entertained female customers at Home Karaoke, described as a women-only hostess lounge in Bangkok on March 26, 2025 BANGKOK — Immigration authorities arrested 57 foreign nationals, both women and men, working illegally and a Thai employer during coordinated raids on 10 karaoke establishments across Bangkok late Tuesday night. The operation, led by Immigration Bureau 1 Commander Police Major General Prasart Khemaprasit, targeted venues in three main areas known for inexpensive karaoke bars: Klongtoei, Romklao, and Thonburi. According to officials, the raids are part of a broader enforcement initiative ordered by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak to crack down on illegal foreign workers and visa overstayers throughout Thailand. More than 40 immigration officers participated in the late-night operation on March 25. Authorities described most establishments as small and dimly lit, with some featuring private VIP rooms equipped with stages and karaoke equipment. Among the raided venues was Home Karaoke, described as a women-only hostess lounge where male waiters served and entertained female customers. Police Colonel Rapeepat Utsaha, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 1, stated that according to current investigation data, officers have arrested 53 Laotian nationals, 4 Vietnamese nationals, and 1 Thai employer charged with hiring foreign workers without work permits, totaling 58 people. Officials report that 51 suspects had entered Thailand legally with passport documentation and received 60-day visa exemptions but failed to obtain proper work permits.Two Laotian nationals were found to have overstayed their visas, while five others had no passport documentation at all. The Immigration Bureau has charged the suspects variously with working without permits, visa overstay, and illegal entry, according to their respective violations. https://www.gayguides.com/forum/5-the-beer-bar/?do=add

From The Nation Indonesia’s economy is under significant pressure as the rupiah hits a 27-year low, and the Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index plunges 7.1%—its steepest drop in 14 years. These signals may point to deeper structural issues in the country’s economic and political landscape. Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, Director of the Jakarta-based Center of Economic and Law Studies, warns that the rupiah’s depreciation reflects market distrust toward President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership and economic policies, including the establishment of the Danantara sovereign wealth fund. Indonesia was once a top investment destination in the region, but last year, it lost its appeal among global investors at an alarming rate. Under President Prabowo Subianto, the government has made steep budget cuts across critical sectors, such as higher education funding slashed by 39%, healthcare spending reduced by 18.5% and public infrastructure projects cut by a staggering 73% As the global economy slows down, these cuts are not seen as strategic adjustments but rather as confidence-shaking measures that erode public trust, heighten economic concerns, and trigger capital outflows from Indonesia. President Prabowo’s “populist” policies have become an increasing concern regarding economic policy stability. His universal free school lunch program, expected to cost a massive 950 billion baht per year, risks pushing Indonesia’s budget deficit beyond the legally mandated 3% of GDP. In February, Indonesia established Danantara Indonesia, a sovereign wealth fund consolidating several state-owned enterprises, and announced its advisory board members, including former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, billionaire Ray Dalio, and investor Chapman Taylor. Initially seen as an ambitious move, the Danantara fund is now being regarded as a potential “financial time bomb” that could destabilize the economy. Critics have raised concerns over its management and transparency, suggesting that investment decisions might be driven more by political than economic factors. With rising budgetary demands from both Danantara and Prabowo’s populist policies, Indonesia may face increased fiscal burdens, including a widening budget deficit. Indonesia was once one of the most attractive markets in the region, but last year, it rapidly lost its appeal among global investors. President Prabowo’s administration has made deep budget cuts across essential sectors, slashing higher education funding by 39%, healthcare spending by 18.5%, and public infrastructure and utilities projects by 73%. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/world/40047953

From Pattaya Mail A video clip was shared by a tourist, capturing a violent altercation that occurred at Jomtien Beach, near the Pattaya Police Station, Dongtan Branch at approximately 11:06 PM on March 25. The video, lasting about 4 minutes, shows a confrontation between a foreign tourist and two Thai men, aged between 25 and 30 years. The foreign tourist, who appeared to be intoxicated, began confronting the two Thais and forced them to sit down. He then proceeded to choke and slap both individuals in the face, making loud slapping sounds. Despite this, the two Thai men remained passive and did not retaliate. The situation escalated when another Thai man, a teenager, intervened and asked why the foreign tourist was assaulting the others. This led to a scuffle where the Thai man, unable to defend himself, threw a beer bottle at the foreigner. The situation quickly became chaotic, with people around attempting to break up the fight. After the police arrived to intervene, no formal complaints were filed, and the Thai man involved, identified as Mr. Ball, a 32-year-old man who rents beach mats to tourists, stated that he had been drinking and was unsure what had triggered the foreigner’s aggression. Mr. Ball explained that he tried to stay calm and avoid conflict, having recently been released from prison. He admitted that the foreign tourist slapped him first, and although he tolerated it at first, he eventually could not endure the situation any longer, leading to the physical confrontation. Mr. Ball further expressed that some tourists may view Thai people negatively, but he only wanted to make an honest living by renting mats on the beach. He emphasized that although tourists may feel safe in Pattaya, they should not be aggressive, as retaliation could lead to serious consequences. He added that he did not file a complaint, though he suspected the foreigner may have suffered a head injury. In the aftermath, the scene was calm, with many tourists still enjoying the beach. Among the locals, however, the incident was already a hot topic. A man named Ball, who was one of the individuals involved, spoke to the press about the confrontation. Ball explained that he had been calmly sitting, drinking with his mat rental business nearby, when the foreign tourist suddenly attacked him. Despite the surprise assault, Ball kept his composure, not wanting to escalate the situation, as he had recently finished serving a sentence and hoped for a fresh start. However, the provocations grew too much to bear, and the fight broke out. Ball made it clear that he didn’t want to press charges, but he did express frustration at how foreigners sometimes behave when they feel they can act without consequences. “Some tourists might not know the reality of how things work here,” he said. “Not all foreigners have good manners. When they are bigger and drunk, they feel entitled to hurt those smaller than them. But the truth is, even the biggest can fall.” Continues with video https://www.pattayamail.com/news/fight-erupts-at-jomtien-beach-igniting-debate-on-respect-and-behavior-between-locals-and-tourists-in-pattaya-495431 ================ Motorcycle taxi driver strikes German tourist with helmet A brutal attack occurred on a German tourist at Pattaya Beach, where a group of men, numbering around 10, savagely beat the victim in the early hours of March 25. The attack was captured on video by a bystander, clearly showing the men punching, kicking, and even using a helmet to strike the tourist. After the victim fell to the ground, the assailants continued to stomp and kick him in the face without mercy. Following the incident, the police quickly apprehended three suspects. However, a new development occurred on March 26, when 55-year-old Somchai (a pseudonym), a motorcycle taxi driver, voluntarily surrendered to Pattaya City Police. Somchai admitted to being one of the attackers seen in the video, though he claimed he did not start the altercation. Somchai explained that the German tourist had been driving erratically, possibly under the influence, and appeared to be looking for trouble with the motorcycle taxi drivers. A group of young men tried to restrain him, but when they were unable to control the tourist, Somchai intervened, using his helmet to subdue him. Somchai stated that he felt compelled to help defend the Thai workers involved in the altercation, but he admitted that his actions went too far and expressed regret for what had transpired. He emphasized that he had no prior relationship with the other attackers and would have preferred to de-escalate the situation. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/news/motorcycle-taxi-driver-strikes-german-tourist-with-helmet-in-pattaya-clash-surrenders-to-police-495412

Will Vinapu take the bait?

There are exceptions for dedicated fans and your preference is duly noted.

I was discussing the OP with PaulSF, who is as an experienced long-haul traveler and airline buff as you'll find here. He reminded me that during Covid when China required cargo pilots to quarantine for 14 days just like anyone else entering the PRC, crews ate and slept on board and never passed through immigration.

Are the bars struggling? I can say with certainty that weekends are very busy for Goodboy and Freshboy. One member posted recently that he barely got seated at FB. Mid-week is understandably slower off-season but still drawing crowds to keep operations in the black. In high season, even weekdays can be quite busy. As for lip-syncing LB's, there's only one bar (Hotmale) that comes to mind that doesn't include some in their acts. The other bars know that they're an attraction to most Asian customers and include at least a few in their performances.

The 9-Teen Massage consortium is able to expand its reach primarily because it has investors with deep pockets and a strategy of how and how it wants to position itself going forward. As we all know, size has its advantages beyond the obvious and 9-Teen is the only exclusively male shop model in Silom-Surawong area. Among the advantages are standardization in design, masseurs (only Thai masseurs) and ability to promote the band across multiple shops. They also get to easily move masseurs around their shops on Silom road, Soi 6 and Soi Tarntawan. If a customer doesn't indicate a preference, the job will go to the next guy in rotation. That's generally how all shops in the area operate. Olivia's has more shops but it operates more like the mixed Surawong shops of Green and Avarin where foot and leg massages represent a lot of the workload. I believe that the shop located adjacent to the old Tawan was known as Sun Massage. On the opposite side of Soi Tarntawan you would have found Indra Massage. Both have long since closed.

+1

From The Thaiger A 64 year old American dental professor from a renowned university tragically died after falling from a high-rise condominium in Pathum Wan district, Bangkok, yesterday, March 24. Police suspect personal issues as a possible cause and are investigating further details. Police Sub-inspector Montri Khamkhao of Pathumwan Police Station received notification of the incident, which led him to the scene with Police Colonel Sirichat Janprom, Deputy Superintendent Phongwut Radasert, forensic officers, medical examiners from the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine, and Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers. The incident occurred at a luxury residential building. The deceased was found on the ground below the building. Building staff revealed that the professor was spotted at a window on the 26th floor, attempting to jump and preventing others from approaching. Eventually, he fell, prompting them to contact emergency services and the police. https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/american-professor-dies-in-fall-from-bangkok-high-rise

From The Thaiger A retired Canadian man issued a warning to others after being a victim of vicious assault and theft by three cunning Thai women in Pattaya. The Canadian victim, Douglas, was led to a makeshift bar in Pattaya by the three Thai women where he was held captive and physically assaulted. On Monday, March 10, Douglas returned to Thailand after several months away. Staying near Rompho Market in Jomtien, the 64 year old decided to head out alone despite the jetlag fatigue. After visiting three bars close to each other, a ladyboy waitress confirmed that the women in her bar were freelancers, not regular employees. A lady, who had smiled at Douglas on a previous visit, invited him to join her at another bar. They left together while the other women headed in a different direction, revealed the Canadian. “They split up. There’s camera footage of them leaving and returning to the original bar. One lady I know a little was watching me from across the road.” They walked for quite a distance, away from the familiar bar area. Douglas began to feel uneasy but was reassured by the woman, who insisted that they were near the bar, which was supposedly located upstairs. “When we got to the second floor, it wasn’t a real bar. I told her I wanted to go home, but that’s when things started to go wrong.” Despite several attempts to leave, Douglas was physically assaulted by a man who had joined the women. He squeezed his face so tight that it gave him a black eye. Douglas later discovered around 15,000 baht was missing from his wallet. “I just wanted to go home but they had a motorbike waiting to take me back to one of the bars we were in earlier.” After reporting the incident to the police, the response was disappointing. “I was told there was little they could do.” Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/canadian-man-held-captive-in-pattaya-fake-bar-by-3-thai-women

From The Thaiger The British tourist who died in Bangkok following a violent altercation with two karaoke bar workers last Sunday, March 23, has been identified. The British man, 28 year old Nick Weir from Salisbury, Wiltshire, South West England, was found lying on a footpath near Soi Pracharat Sai 1, in the Bang Sue district of Bangkok. His body, wearing black shorts and a yellow polo shirt, was discovered with blood flowing from his nose. Police were called to the scene shortly after the altercation, but the man, who had no personal documents on him, was already unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead. According to reports, Weir had been acting erratically before the incident. He was seen running from Kiak Kai Intersection towards the 91karaoke bar, where he attempted to force his way inside, demanding beers. The bar workers, two Thai men aged 32 and 29, initially prevented him from entering due to his erratic behaviour. As the British man continued running, the bouncers followed him on a motorcycle, apparently intending to help. They parked at the scene of the incident and tried to communicate with him, even offering him a mobile phone with a translation application. However, things quickly escalated when Weir allegedly grabbed the phone and tried to flee. The workers retrieved the phone but Weir allegedly jumped onto the motorcycle in an attempt to escape, despite the keys remaining with the workers. The altercation that followed saw the workers pulling the Brit off the bike, leading to a violent scuffle. Police have said that the two men insist the confrontation was not violent enough to have caused Weir’s death. However, a witness and another bar worker suspected that the British tourist may have been under the influence of drugs, and they suggested that exhaustion from running could have contributed to the cause of death. CCTV footage later surfaced, showing the shocking moment the bouncers chased Weir on their motorcycle before confronting him and pinning him down. The footage, which has since been shared widely, shows the tourist screaming for help as the workers held him down for over 10 minutes. They eventually called for an ambulance when he became unconscious, but it was too late. https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/british-tourist-beaten-to-death-by-bar-workers-in-bangkok-identified

From The Thaiger In a groundbreaking move for children’s rights, Thailand has officially outlawed all forms of corporal punishment, including both physical and psychological discipline. The amendment to Section 1567 of the Civil and Commercial Code, announced in the Royal Gazette on Monday, March 24, marks a historic moment for the nation, making Thailand the 68th country worldwide to ban violent discipline in homes, schools, care facilities, juvenile centres, and daycare centres. UNICEF Thailand praised the new law, calling it a major milestone in the protection of children’s rights and the promotion of positive parenting. The amendment aligns with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), reaffirming the principle that a child’s best interests must be the top priority in all decisions affecting them. The new law comes after a 2022 survey by the National Statistical Office and UNICEF revealed that 54% of Thai children under 14 had experienced some form of physical or psychological punishment at home, a notable decrease from 75% in 2015. While UNICEF acknowledges this progress, the organisation stresses that no child should ever suffer violence and that further efforts are needed to eliminate it. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-bans-all-corporal-punishment-a-win-for-childrens-rights

From Bangkok Post The liquid petroleum gas tanker NP Bankpakong ran onto the rocks at Sangwan beach, near the larger Ta Waen beach, on Koh Lan in tambon Na Klua of Bang Lamung district. The waters there are known for their many natural coral reefs. A source on the inspection team said the vessel was not carrying any cargo. The tanker had left Bang Pakong in Chachoengsao province about 10pm on Monday, scheduled to load at Map Ta Phut port in Rayong province. The owner, SC Group Holding, said the ship ran aground about 2.25am on Tuesday. It issued a statement expressing its regret and saying it accepted full responsibility for the incident it acknowledged was caused by the negligence of on-duty crew members. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2987973/lpg-tanker-aground-on-koh-lan-beach-pattaya

From Pattaya Mail / NNT The government has issued a health alert following a surge in acute diarrhea cases linked to the country’s ongoing hot season. The warning, announced by Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Polpornklang, urges the public to take extra care with food and water hygiene as high temperatures increase the risk of contamination. Authorities are urging strict adherence to the “Cooked, Hot, Clean” principle to help reduce illness. Between January 1 and March 13, more than 129,000 cases of acute diarrhea have been reported, with two related deaths. The highest rates were recorded among children aged 0–4. Food poisoning cases have also climbed to nearly 38,000, with school-aged children between 5 and 9 years most affected. Warmer weather contributes to faster food spoilage, raising the likelihood of foodborne infections. Other seasonal illnesses are also being closely tracked. Influenza cases have reached over 211,000, with 23 deaths reported. The most common strain is Influenza A/H1N1, and outbreaks are concentrated in schools, especially among children aged 5–9. Pneumonia has resulted in more than 111,000 cases and 149 deaths, primarily affecting young children and older adults. Health officials advise consuming only thoroughly cooked meals, drinking boiled or sealed bottled water, and using FDA-certified ice with intact packaging. Regular hand-washing, mask-wearing in crowded spaces, and staying home while recovering from respiratory symptoms are also strongly recommended to limit the spread of infections. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-issues-health-alert-as-acute-diarrhea-cases-surge-amid-hot-season-495279

All of them have tipable tips. But I use the opportunity to check out their balls which are not hiding behind condom. 😊

There no reason to plan a visit around an event that continually gets postponed.

I have no problem with the coins. It allows you tailor your tip to the service.

I fall into similar category: I tip all the guys in BC show (sometimes 10+) or all the dancers (6-8) in my favorite bars. The boys understandably come to expect that and I have no regrets about doing it because they deserve to be compensated for the enjoyment they bring me. But I have a budget and that limits the number of times I can visit those venues. Nevertheless, I'm comfortable with the fairness of that arrangement.

Have made 13 visits now to Phoenix without a miss.

Buffet's latest notable buys are five of Japan's largest trading houses. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/03/18/companies/berkshire-japan-trading-firms-stake/

Some karaoke bars have songs available in different languages on request, the Beer Garden and Skybar among them.