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From Pattaya News On November 22nd, 2024, Dr. Kirati Kitmanawat, the CEO of Airports of Thailand (AOT), reported a net profit of 19.18 billion baht for FY2024 (Oct 2023 – Sept 2024), reflecting a strong recovery in the aviation sector. Revenue rose by 40% to 67.83 billion baht, with aviation-related income increasing to 31 billion baht and non-aviation revenue reaching 36.12 billion baht. This growth was attributed to a significant rebound in international travel, reflecting a 34.82% rise in international passengers and a 29.63% increase in international flights. Passenger traffic at AOT’s six airports—Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai—hit 119.29 million, a 19% increase from the previous year. Domestic passengers showed a modest growth of 1.01%. Looking ahead, FY2025 projections estimate a rise to 129.97 million passengers, just shy of pre-pandemic figures. This number includes domestic flights. Beginning December 1st, AOT will fully implement a biometric facial recognition system across six major airports. This technology, which requires passenger consent, will streamline check-ins, security checks, and boarding without the need for physical passports or boarding passes. Travelers will enjoy faster, more efficient service while maintaining high-security standards. TPN media notes that although fully implemented it may not be used for all flights or passengers and as noted if a passenger is uncomfortable with biometrics can utilize other options.

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya’s Walking Street lights up the night, offering vibrant entertainment and a taste of Thai culture, making it a must-visit for travelers. Pattaya’s iconic Walking Street, a lively hub of nightlife and entertainment, attracts thousands of visitors nightly, making it one of the city’s most vibrant destinations. Tourists, especially international visitors, often prioritize experiencing this street after sunset, drawn by its energetic atmosphere and diverse offerings. Walking Street Pattaya is lined with colorful lights, lively pubs, bars, and enticing street food stalls, creating a bustling scene that keeps the area alive through the night. Visitors can enjoy unique Thai-style performances, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Walking Streets in Thailand go beyond entertainment. They serve as cultural and economic hubs, showcasing local traditions, art, cuisine, and crafts. These streets offer a glimpse into the Thai way of life while boosting community-driven tourism. From Chiang Mai’s Wua Lai Walking Street to Hua Hin’s Night Market, each destination provides a unique experience. The Origins of Thailand’s Walking Streets The concept of Walking Streets in Thailand began in 1997 under Dr. Pichit Rattakul, then Governor of Bangkok. The first was Silom Walking Street, designed to align urban spaces with community life. It quickly became popular for its blend of art, food, souvenirs, and entertainment. By 2001, the success of Silom inspired the government to expand the initiative to major cities across the country. Walking Streets flourished, becoming cultural landmarks and important tourism drivers. Popular examples include Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate Walking Street, Chiang Rai Walking Street, and Udon Thani’s Khon Kaen Walking Street. Today, Walking Streets are celebrated for their role in connecting tourism with local culture, offering vibrant experiences that highlight Thailand’s traditions and community spirit. Pattaya’s Walking Street, in particular, stands out as a national treasure, blending tradition and nightlife in a way that captivates visitors from around the globe. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/the-origins-and-allure-of-thailands-famous-walking-streets-from-bangkok-to-chiang-mai-down-to-pattaya-city-480991

They remain with the shop for reason you cite but also because they like guys they are working with. But they don’t forget being treated as inferiors, especially by fellow Asians from the northeast who have a sense of entitlement.

No more than illegal Latinos are taking jobs away from Americans. The sad fact is that everyone knows this but still drink the Kool Aid. Because I know a lot of guys who do massage, I hear many tales out of school. Here’s one from earlier this week. A young guy from Taiwan comes into a shop for a two-hour massage. As the session is winding down, he says to guy: “I’ll give 1;000 baht if I can fuck you.” Guy declines because he does not do anal. Customer replies, “then you’re not getting anything.” Then customer has audacity to complain to manager that he had been disrespected!

Phoenix Massage has new promotion of three (3) sessions for 1,000 baht good for Nov. 23-25 with no expiration date. The sessions can be shared, according to post.

Some shops on Soi 6 operate on rotation basis and this is among them. Natural Massage (first shop on right as you enter from Silom) always allows you to choose boy of your choice.

From VN Express The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line is expected to enter operation on Dec. 22 as the first in Ho Chi Minh City, with ticket prices starting from VND6,000 (24 U.S. cents) per ride. The HCMC Management Authority for Urban Railways, the project's main investor, on Thursday said the project has been 100% completed and is now waiting for certain procedures to be completed, before entering commercial operation. Ticket prices for the metro would vary based on the types of ticket, ranging from VND6,000-20,000 for single rides. Monthly passes would cost VND300,000, with students getting a 50% discount. There will also be day passes and three-day passes, costing VND40,000 and VND90,000, respectively. Certain passengers, such as the disabled and the elderly, will be able to ride the metro for free. The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line, spanning around 20 km with 11 elevated stations and three underground ones, began construction in 2012. Its total investment cost is at over VND43.7 trillion ($1.72 billion).

From Pattaya Mail Chonburi Immigration, in collaboration with the Labor Department of Chonburi and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), conducted a series of raids targeting illegal foreign workers who were violating immigration laws and taking jobs away from Thai nationals in Pattaya on November 21. The operation, aimed at reinforcing immigration enforcement and ensuring public safety during the high tourist season, was carried out at two separate locations in the city. The first raid focused on a hotel on South Pattaya Road, where authorities had gathered intelligence about the illegal housing of foreign workers. Upon searching over 50 rooms, officers discovered more than 100 foreign nationals, primarily from India and Myanmar, hiding in bathrooms and on balconies. Several individuals attempted to flee but were apprehended, including a couple from Myanmar who admitted to entering Thailand illegally. Authorities also found that 14 workers, mostly from Myanmar, Cambodia, and India, were residing in the country without proper documentation or had failed to report their residence, leading to their detention. The second raid targeted foreign workers taking jobs typically held by Thai citizens. Two Myanmar nationals were arrested for working as car washers at a gas station in South Pattaya without proper work permits. In a subsequent search at the Wat Chaimongkol Market, officers detained a Lao woman and a man of unclear nationality who was operating a motorcycle taxi without authorization. Colonel Napatpong Kositsuriyamanee, the Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration, emphasized that this crackdown is part of a proactive strategy to identify and apprehend foreign nationals involved in illegal activities, especially during the peak tourist season. He reiterated that these operations are intended to protect both local employment and the safety of tourists, and that further raids would be conducted regularly to ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws.

While passing by BT House massage I noticed it has undergone facelift. Formerly there was just sign and glass front was covered so you couldn’t see inside shop front.

Trump finds himself in the position to solidify his strong man image by orchestrating the end of Russia’s war in Ukraine soon after taking office. It echoes the opportunity that Reagan had when he succeeded Carter and negotiated the quick return of US hostages from Iran. Biden’s reluctance early on to give Ukraine tanks and planes at a moment when it could have crippled the Invasion set up this scenario. He hesitated and dithered and slowly but surely Russia gained the momentum. China, Iran and North Korea seized the opportunity to come to Russia’s side, weakening the efforts of the US and its allies over time. If there’s a lesson here is you don’t go to war piecemeal. And make no mistake, this is a war of attrition. America and its allies may not have troops on the ground but their reputations are at stake. Billons spent with nothing to show for it as Russia gets to keep what it has gained. Trump is despicable but he understands the use of power and that translates to fear. No one or their dog was afraid of Joe.

Ends today but would not be shocked if new ones are periodically offered.

I report on crime and mishaps in Pattaya but I’m always on lookout for a feel good story. I was lucky to find one today thanks to Bangkok Post. Two 14-year-old boys received public praise for returning a wallet containing cash and identification documents to police after finding it in an ice bucket outside a shopping mall in Pattaya on Thursday night. Noppadol Phuphiphat and Phattraraphol Ngao-ngam, both in Matthayom 2 (Grade 7) at Bannernplubwan and Watsuttawas schools respectively, were walking with a friend's older brother when they discovered the wallet outside CentralFestival Pattaya Beach in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The two teens immediately took it to Pattaya City police station at 11pm, expressing concern for the owner's potential distress. Pol Capt Anan Mahakitassawakul, deputy investigation chief at the station, said the wallet contained 3,640 baht and 71 yuan, along with identification documents belonging to a Chinese tourist. The police recorded the incident and are waiting for the owner to claim the items. Witnesses at the station praised the boys for their honesty. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2906821/boys-praised-for-returning-wallet-found-in-pattaya

Pensioners worry about overseas transmitted income From Pattaya Mail Having talked to many retired expats over the past year or so, I know that their biggest worry is whether they need to obtain a tax identification number and complete a tax form about income remitted to Thailand from abroad in the calendar year 2024. The very prospect of having to deal with a second revenue department – after the first one in their home country – is decidedly not a welcome thought for those who spend 180 days or more here in a calendar year. There are certainly retirees here who won’t need to pay any Thai personal income tax in 2025. Those who have not transmitted any cash to Thailand in 2024 are clearly free as are those who can prove they have sent only “old” money, that is savings which were in their home country bank accounts not later than December 31 2023. Some foreign inheritances paid in 2024 might be another exempt category as long as the estate has been assessed by the home country revenue department. Many expats are confused by so-called double taxation treaties and understandably so. There are over 60 such agreements but they differ enormously in scope and detail. The fact of their existence does not automatically mean a person cannot be taxed in two different jurisdictions. I know that some expats have been to their local Thai Revenue Department (TRD) and apparently been told no need to register if they are living on pensions already taxed. But I would caution that many TRD officers don’t have fluency foreign languages which could lead to confusion or misunderstanding. The main intention of the Thai government is to broaden the tax base with Thai or foreign “residents” but I am sure the main targets are “big fish” such as those dealing in cryptocurrency, untaxed offshore bank accounts and foreign businesses which have escaped tax hitherto. I doubt very much that TRD will target foreign retirees living on already-taxed foreign pensions. Now that Thailand is a member of the international Common Reporting Standard, it will be much easier to identify “big fish” in international banking procedures. So should the typical retiree expat obtain a tax identification number and fill in a tax form relating to overseas income early next year? If you don’t, I doubt very much that there will be immediate consequences unless you are bringing in large, untaxed sums. On the other hand, you could be asked in later years to justify your self-exemption. There are many unknowns and it could take years for blurry issues to be resolved. For example, whether use of foreign credit cards in Thailand is remitted income or not is still much debated. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-tax-lawyer-pensioners-worries-and-overseas-transmitted-income-480825

Visited the moveable feast otherwise known as Phoenix Masssage at its new yet old home on Inthamara 25 last evening. Found at least a dozen guys (most appeared from Laos and Myanmar) gathered around pool table or lounging around in the reception area. The manager recognized me from my visit to Lat Phrao location. He asked me if I had made booking and I replied no and showed him photo of guy I had in mind from his recent LINE feed. He called out the guy’s name who came over, beamed a smile in my direction as boss told him what room to use. He turned out to be Lao and 23. Manager said the fee was 199 baht because promotion rate was still in effect and then showed me card with other price information. The normal one-hour rate of 700 is steepest in Saphan Kwai area, and about 300 more than the nearby KK and Home Spa. The 1200 tip, however, is on par with what I usually end up giving to masseurs who provide satisfactory service. We were soon on way to fourth floor and a fairly spacious room with massage table, AC and shower. The shower tiles were in good condition and room was clean. My guy stripped down immediately and invited me to join him for shower. He proceeded to thoroughly wash my private parts in almost a ritualistic manner that left little doubt that they’d play a role in rites that were to follow. Btw, shower is generous size. Although he had no English we managed quite nicely to find our way through the hour. As was the case in my initial visit at Lat Phrao, this is indeed a “full service” shop where customer satisfaction rates high. Guess you might say it as close as you’re likely to find to sure thing. After another washing after, I left with bottle of water and happy memories. I recognized the manager of one of the larger SK shops talking with shop manager as I left. Would I make a repeat visit? Yes. This shop differs from most of the competition because it doesn’t rely on free agents who circulate through multiple shops. If it can keep its cadre and service level high, it may survive this competitive environment. Only time will tell.

Fourth tourist dies of suspected methanol poisoning From BBC Australian teen Bianca Jones has become the fourth tourist to have died in a suspected mass poisoning in Laos. The 19-year-old's family confirmed her death to the media on Thursday. Hours earlier, the US State Department told the media that an American man died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng. Two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, also died last week in Laos, Danish authorities confirmed, declining to share more due to confidentiality concerns. The deaths remain under police investigation, but news reports and testimonies online from other tourists suggest they may have consumed drinks laced with methanol, a deadly substance often found in bootleg alcohol. Jones's friend Holly Bowles is in hospital on life support, while a British woman is also reportedly in hospital. New Zealand's foreign ministry told local media on Thursday that one of its citizens was also unwell from suspected methanol poisoning. It is unclear how many more people have fallen ill. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the department of foreign affairs had confirmed Jones's death. "Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss," Albanese said on Thursday afternoon. "This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure." He said he hoped Ms Bowles, who is currently at Bangkok Hospital, would recover well. The US State Department said it was "closely monitoring" the situation with regards to the American victim, adding that it was up to local authorities to determine the cause of death. Australian, New Zealand and UK authorities have each warned their citizens to be careful of methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Laos.

From Bangkok Post National police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet has ordered an investigation into allegations that a lecturer at the Police Cadet Academy and a police interrogator made a cadet intoxicated and molested him at the academy. Pol Gen Kitrat said on Wednesday that he instructed the commander of the academy that any wrongdoer would face strict disciplinary action and potential misconduct penalties. He also advised the affected cadet to file an official complaint. There were reports that the lecturer was a police major who taught English and law at the academy in Samphran district of Nakhon Pathom. The cadet was reportedly lured to a locker room near the rugby field last Saturday night. There, the lecturer and another officer allegedly had the cadet drink three bottles of liquor and two additional bottles of beer while attempting to masturbate him. There were also reports that the cadet may not be the only victim of the accused officers, who are former classmates at the academy. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2905690/police-chief-orders-probe-into-alleged-molestation-by-lecturer

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The traditional gay scene in Thai tourist cities has centered on westerners. But that scenario could be changing with marriage equality becoming legal early next year. Bangkok’s Rainbow Alliance points out there are three billion people living less than five hours flying time from Bangkok. They reside in countries where homosexuality is either frowned on or actually illegal. So the trickledown benefits to Thailand’s economy could be awesome. Thailand is the first country in south east Asia to legalize same sex nuptials. According to the digital travel platform Agoda, 4 million extra visitors could boost revenue by US$2 billion and lift the country’s gross national product by 0.3 percent. Thailand’s friendly gay image is a key plank of the international marketing plan to entice any and all interest groups as long as they’re not actually a threat to national security. The advent of the 60 days visa-free entry and of the five-years validity Destination Thailand Visa are just two examples of the strategy in action. As usual in Asian economic affairs, China leads the way. Owen Zhu, a Bangkok-based realtor, said that the purchase of Thai condominiums by Chinese gays was now mainstream as some look to establish second homes in Thailand with their partners, or anticipate longterm capital appreciation. What appeals to gay Chinese is “a place where you are accepted”. One pointed out in the South China Morning Post that you would never find a transexual receptionist at a business in China, a common phenomenon in Thailand. Chinese nationals buy 40 percent of all foreign property purchases in Thailand. Indian tourist numbers to Thailand have rocketed since the abolition of visa restrictions on entry although gayness is still a matter most prefer to keep private. There is heavy investment in the Thai hospitality industry, often via proxies in Dubai, but not directly in gay-orientated businesses. However, this could well change during the next few years. A spokesperson for Pattaya’s Walking Street Collective said, “There are lots of Indians already enjoying themselves in dance clubs, so it’s just a matter of time before the gay scene opens up.” There are other clues. According to Bangkok Pride, there are many Asians trying to register for their gay wedding in Thailand from January 2025, South Koreans and Singaporeans in particular. A Pacific-based gay tour operator, Thai Freedoms, is advertising Thai vacations in Malaysia and Indonesia where homophobia still rules the roost. A previous report by Agoda claimed that Thailand is the most popular destination for Japanese gay vacationers. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Boy Love website and mini-series dramas are popular throughout the region, clearly indicating how soft power or influences can stimulate the economy. This is not to say that western gay tourists are a relic of the past. The commercial gay scene is still mostly geared to them, although online dating apps less so. But the number of European and American visitors, as well as expats, appear to be declining, even though the return of the Trump administration in USA could witness more voluntary exiles including a fair proportion of gays seeking warmer climes. International Thai tourism has already experienced many shakeups as it has diversified its appeal beyond traditional western fun seekers. As Thailand’s business orientation continues to evolve, gay tourism can be expected to follow suit.

Had the pleasure of meeting TMax a few days ago at Foodland. It was interesting to compare notes on current and former massage venues around town with someone who made his first trip here four years before I did and still has excellent recall. Although he’s here for a short trip this time, I was impressed that he has been enjoying relaxing excursions on the river commuter boats and extended walks around the Silom area that I, too, like. These are some of the activities that can nicely fill out a day in my favorite town. Hope we can get together again when he plans to return next year.

I think you should forget all about owning a bar in Patttaya. With your people skills, and now your acknowledged availability—for a price, of course—it’s high time to began a new career as a guide for Siam Roads. Not everyone is looking for a buffed, cheery twink to take them around Sin City.

From VN Express Fake Vietnam Airlines websites are taking advantage of gullible customers to “sell” them flight tickets online, especially with the holiday season approaching, authorities have warned. Many websites similar to that of state-owned Vietnam Airlines are defrauding customers, the Ministry of Information and Communications’ Authority of Information Security said in a recent release. Fraudsters use address names such as "vietnamairslines" (with an extra "s") and vietnamaairlines (with an extra "a") to fool customers, and their websites look similar to the carrier’s. Customers are informed their chosen flights are full, but they can contact the seller on a phone number for more information. The fraudsters then ask the customer to make immediate payment to secure the last tickets available. Some receive a booking code on a legitimate Vietnam Airlines flight but it will soon be canceled automatically since the fare was not paid. The authority said: "All transactions are carried out online. After receiving the money, the fraudsters will cease all communication with the victims." It added that some customers have reported being fooled by "winning promotion tickets" messages which include a link. The fraudsters in this case steal the victims’ personal data or credit card information.

Phoenix today posted current roster for new location. Management appears to have backed away from “all-in, one price” promotion of 1600 baht in favor of conventional house fee plus masseur tip policy.

From Pattaya Mail A Mexican national was apprehended following a hit-and-run incident that critically injured a 22-year-old street cleaner on South Pattaya Road, November 18. The victim, Ms. Suchada Pilasuk, 22, an employee contracted by a cleaning company, was struck by a speeding white Toyota Fortuner while sweeping debris near a gas station. The impact sent her body flying onto the road, leaving her severely injured and bleeding. Rescue workers provided first aid before rushing her to a nearby hospital. The driver, identified later as 34-year-old Mr. Choo Caballero, fled the scene. However, a good Samaritan, Wattanakorn Waenkaen, pursued the vehicle on his motorbike, coordinating with others to block its escape. Police detained the driver and transported him to the Pattaya City Police Station amid concerns about a potential mob reaction. Witnesses, including the victim’s boyfriend, Apichai Prakobsaeng, reported that the Fortuner was traveling at high speed when it hit Ms. Suchada. The driver did not stop to assist and instead attempted to escape. Police conducted a breathalyzer test on Mr. Caballero, which revealed a blood alcohol level of 77 mg%, exceeding legal limits. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage as part of the ongoing legal process to hold the suspect accountable. The incident has sparked public outcry over the brazenness of the act and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

Lesson learned: mere presence of water sprinkler device in your room is no guarantee that it will function as intended. This is all too common defect in older buildings where maintenance is lax. That’s why I travel with small battery-operated smoke detector.

Freshboy #25 can sing really well as can certain gorgeous waiter from Hot Male beer bar.

The small red dot on Inthamara 25 (lower right) represents location of Phoenix Massage.