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From BBC Actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89, her family has said. A legend of British stage and screen, she won two Oscars during her career - for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. She had four other nominations, and received eight Bafta awards. Leading the tributes, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Dame Maggie "was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come". In the Harry Potter films, Dame Maggie played the acerbic Professor Minerva McGonagall, famous for her pointed witch's hat and stern manner with the young wizards at Hogwarts. In hit ITV drama Downton Abbey, she played Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, the grand matriarch who excelled at withering one-liners through the show's six series. Follow live: Tributes to Dame Maggie Smith Obituary: Dame Maggie Smith A statement from her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. "She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother." They thanked "the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days". They added: "We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time." https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgk7375ngkxo

In an article that appears on the Khaosod English website, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa revealed that Thailand is negotiating with its neighbors to create a limited ASEAN tourist visa. "Thailand is preparing to implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa system to enhance convenience, security, and speed for travelers. Mr. Maris also revealed that Thailand is in the process of negotiating with five ASEAN countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Malaysia—to establish a joint tourist visa. Similar to Europe’s Schengen Visa, this initiative would allow tourists to travel between these countries with a single visa. Under the concept of “6 countries, 1 destination,” the aim is to position Thailand as a tourism hub in ASEAN." https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/09/20/thai-fm-reaffirms-neutral-stance-new-visas-to-attract-tourists/

From CNBC Etihad Airways on Wednesday revealed a $7 billion investment plan over the next five years in a bid to “double the size of the airline until 2030.” Speaking to CNBC’s Dan Murphy, Etihad’s Group Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves revealed passengers should expect “a totally different airline” within the next two to three years. Much of the $7 billion will go into revamping its existing fleet of planes, as well as the purchase of new aircraft further down the line, he said. The Abu Dhabi-based airline currently has 92 planes operating. But Neves is aiming for the skies, with the hope of having up to 170 planes by the end of the decade. The expanded network of planes will allow the company to offer more “convenient” time slots for passengers traveling to Europe and Southeast Asia who want to travel at 2 p.m. in the afternoon rather than in the early hours of the morning, he said. Neves said Etihad will begin retrofitting and revamping “dated” Boeing 777 planes from 2026 onward, this is due to what he described as “the constraints that we have in the global aviation market.” “There are no planes available,” he said. The purchase of new planes, the retrofitting of the Boeing 777s, boosting the number of business class seats and replacing existing in-flight WiFi with stronger connectivity are all priorities for the United Arab Emirates-based airline. The opening of Abu Dhabi’s new terminal in November last year, which Etihad now operates over 100 flights a day from, has already strengthened the company’s competitive advantage, Neves believes. Two years ago, the airline saw 10 million passengers onboard. Since the start of the year, the airline has already had 18 million passengers. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/25/etihad-reveals-7-billion-investment-plan-over-five-years.html

My US phone carrier provides me with a limited data package in many different countries, including Thailand. I just turn on phone and it automatically picks up a local carrier that I use until the following day when I renew my AIS service at Silom Complex.

It may not be a record but definitely a prized possession 🍌

They'll be waiting for you with open arms. 🙂

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is offering a smorgasbord of discounts and promotions in exchange for tourists willing to give up much personal information. From the TAT Foreign tourists to Thailand, between 1 November to 16 December, this year, will be offered amazing prizes, giveaways, and special privileges at more than 300 establishments in the kingdom. https://wowthailandpassportprivileges.tourismthailand.org/en

From Bangkok Post A transgender woman has been arrested in Bangkok for allegedly duping male university students into sending her video clips of themselves masturbating, which she then sold on social media. Officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPO) arrested Apiwut Suwannarat, 25, at a dormitory near a university in Lat Phrao district on Wednesday, Pol Col Phatthanaphong Sriphinphor, superintendent of ATPO sub-division 2, said on Thursday. Apiwut was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on charges of human trafficking, producing or disseminating pornography, and uploading pornographic materials to a computer system. The arrest followed police reports of a group on the Telegram messaging application sharing pornographic clips of young men, most of which showed them undressed and masturbating. Joining the group, called "Gril group," required a membership fee of 200 baht. Investigators traced the dissemination of the clips to Apiwut and gathered evidence to obtain court approval for her arrest. During questioning, Apiwut told police that she graduated from the university two years ago and rented a room near the campus. To find her victims, she created a fake profile with an attractive woman's photo on social media, primarily targeting male university students. She tricked them into sending videos of themselves masturbating by offering to share her own clips in return. However, she instead sold the videos in the "Gril group." The arresting team handed over the suspect to ATPO sub-division 2 for legal action. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2872583/transgender-woman-arrested-for-selling-student-videos

From Pattaya Mail Foreigners be aware of the implications By Jessataporn Bunnag (lawyer) Gay expats may be considering a plan of action if they have a longstanding Thai partner. In a blaze of publicity, marriage will be lawful in Thailand irrespective of gender or nationality from late January 2025. This positive and anti-discriminatory reform is welcome news for Thai same sex couples, though foreigners contemplating the leap do need to be aware of the issues both before and after solemnization. To get married in Thailand, a foreigner needs to swear an affidavit at his or her embassy that there is no other spouse lurking here or overseas. Embassies operate independently and each has its own procedures and documentary requirements. Some, for example, require the details of a fellow national who has known the applicant for a period of time. It is usually necessary to book the appointment online and several weeks of delay are common. There could also be a delay in booking appointments with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for all-important legalization and with the local authority Registrar, especially in the provinces. Hopefully a legal marriage will be successful, howbeit with the expected ups and downs. But what happens if it is fails? If both parties agree on settlement terms, the process can take as little as one day to be amicably terminated by the Registrar. Other scenarios are that the parties agree to separate or that one party deserts the other. If one spouse has used violence against the other, the matter could even become a criminal matter. Everything depends on the specific circumstances. The whole point about divorce, if matters come to a head, is whether the two parties agree. If they sign a joint settlement in writing, that’s fine so far as the Registrar is concerned. Of course, the areas of contention are usually disputes about bank accounts, property ownership or any spousal children and their future. Even if the matter is referred to the family court, the parties will be pressed to see if an agreement is possible. If there is no agreement or if one spouse has disappeared, or refuses to appear as a defaulter, then the family court will look to the very detailed Thai civil and commercial code for guidance. Suffice it to say here that extra-marital affairs, a separation of at least three years or desertion after one year are the most common elements. If there is no amicable settlement, the court will be inclined to tackle the issues of marital property and child custody (if relevant) on the basis of Thai laws. The above brief summary is not meant to discourage gay marriage, but simply to point out some of the major ramifications. Incidentally, two foreigners (no Thai person being involved) can also get married in Thailand and this option will also be available to same sex couples in the new year. Obviously, they would be well-advised to take legal advice just like anyone taking such a serious decision affecting their whole future. In the meantime, let’s rejoice that Thailand’s king has endorsed the marriage equality bill into law. The country thus becomes the first country in the region – south east Asia – to recognize same sex unions. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/thai-same-sex-marriage-hurrah-but-be-aware-of-the-implications-473671

From Pattaya News October in Thailand is a month packed with festivities. It’s a time to experience Thai traditions and culture through various events, including the Royal Barge Procession, the end of Buddhist Lent, and the Vegetarian Festival. Additionally, October will host the Thai MotoGP for the fifth time. The royal procession by water will comprise 52 barges, including four major royal barges – the Suphannahong, the Narai Song Suban, the Anantanakkharat, and the Anekkachatphutchong. There will be 2,200 oarsmen to row the ceremonial barges along the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, in a 1.2-kilometre-long and 90-metre-wide formation. The event takes place from 15.00 – 18.00 Hrs. on 27 October. The public can view the rehearsals at the designated areas along both sides of the Chao Phraya River, from the Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun from 15.00 – 18.00 Hrs. In October, the rehearsals are scheduled on 3 and 10 October. The two full-dress rehearsals are scheduled on 15 and 22 October. Ceremony Day 27 October OTHER EVENTS Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2024 2-6 October 2024 Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon Thailand Coffee Hub 2024 2-8 October 2024 centralwOrld Bangkok Highlights: The event brings together renowned specialty coffee brands from Thailand, offering visitors a chance to sample a wide array of brews and enjoy significant year-end discounts on coffee equipment. Pattaya Oktoberfest 2024 20 September – 6 October 2024 Ground Floor, Central Pattaya Chon Buri BOOK EXPO THAILAND 2024 10-20 October 2024 Exhibition Hall, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) Bangkok Bangkok’s 26th International Festival of Dance & Music 7 September – 20 October 2024 Thailand Cultural Centre Bangkok Rap Bua Festival 10-18 October 2024 Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai Samut Prakan Highlights: The one-and-only ancient Buddhist tradition of its kind in Thailand, where the highlight is the barge procession of a replica of the Luangpho To Buddhist image along Khlong Samrong, and the Rap Bua (receiving lotus) activity of the local people of Bang Phli District. It will be a 9-day, 9-night event. There will be food stalls, shopping stalls and an amusement park. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/26/october-2024s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand/

From Pattaya News Urge Bank of Thailand to Tackle Strong Baht On September 25th, 2024, Mr. Prasert Taedullayasatit, the chief executive of a property business, urged the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to implement measures to prevent the baht appreciation from negatively impacting key sectors such as exports, tourism, and real estate. Prasert highlighted that over 86 billion baht worth of condominiums are awaiting ownership transfers in Q4 2024, with around 20-30% of these properties being purchased by international buyers. The strong baht is making Thailand’s property market less attractive to foreign investors, as they now require more capital to complete transactions. Mr. Khajornsit Singsaensern, the President of Siamese Asset PCL, echoed these concerns, stating that the current exchange rate, which has dropped below 33 baht per US dollar, has weakened foreign demand, particularly in the condominium market. Khajornsit urged the BoT to consider lowering interest rates to weaken the baht, which would not only benefit the real estate sector but also revitalize other areas like exports and tourism. Additionally, he noted that lower interest rates would ease the financial burden on businesses and reduce loan repayment costs for citizens. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/26/thai-real-estate-leaders-urge-bank-of-thailand-to-tackle-strong-baht-as-foreign-condo-buyers-face-struggles/

Home Spa is offering a new promotion: 4 hour-long sessions for 999 baht.

There may be some shops who do require regular STD checks but I'm not aware of them. Agree that regular personal testing is a very sound practice. If we choose to engage in barebacking, I think the question becomes "how safe am I?".

All three members make valid points. Some personal observations: You're more likely to experience guys more willing to pass on extra cash in the bars than in massage shops. The earnings among masseurs vary a lot. Factors include the obvious (attractiveness) and hours worked, but the most successful depend on repeat business from locals and frequent visitors. That repeat business typically comes about if the boy is multilingual and manages to establish a rapport with a client and keeps in touch on a regular basis. Customers satisfaction is the key to their income. As for how hungry individual boys are is a function of two factors: how bad to they need the money (for personal and family demands) and their attitudes to how they most desire to spend what we all know is our most precious commodity: time. Take for example the boy who easily forgoes additional pay for the opportunity to get together with his buds after work. When you're young, that can be a compelling lure. Although farangs recall their work ethic when they were young, don't expect the boys you meet to be impressed. It's a different time and a very different culture.

+1

Authorities have yet to decide details from what I've read. Usually make reservations six months out in order to get best airfare and Airbnb time slots I want. I'll probably have to just take my chances.

From Bangkok Post The Marriage Equality Bill has been endorsed by His Majesty the King and published in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand just the third country in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal to recognise same-sex marriage. The law will take effect 120 days after its publication on Tuesday in the Royal Gazette, enabling same-sex couples to begin legally registering their marriages on Jan 22, 2025. “The law is a monumental step towards equal rights in Thailand,” Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, the founder of Bangkok Pride, said on Tuesday. She plans to organise a mass wedding for more than a thousand LGBTQ couples in Bangkok on Jan 22. The Senate in June passed the final reading of the bill, the culmination of more than two decades of effort by activists. It was supported by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers in the upper house. The law on marriage now uses gender-neutral terms in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives”, and also grants adoption and inheritance rights to same-sex couples. “The Marriage Equality Bill will be one of the most gender-inclusive bills as it will amend around 60-70 sections in the Civil and Commercial Codes,” the international human rights expert and legal scholar Vitit Muntarbhorn told a recent forum. He said that around 50 other laws, such as the Surrogacy Bill, Gender Recognition Bill, employment-related bills, and welfare-related bills, need to be amended to ensure equal and inclusive legal protections for LGBTQ+ communities in Thailand. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2871458/marriage-equality-bill-becomes-law

Another consideration is nonrefundable air fares and pre-booked accommodations. What happens if, for whatever reason, you are denied entry? Travel insurance now becomes a consideration to be taken more seriously.

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.