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From Bloomberg News Airline rewards programs were once fairly straightforward. Carriers doled out perks like lounge access, cabin upgrades and even free flights to tighten bonds with customers who collected points from their journeys. Frequent flyers enjoyed the elevated status that came with sticking to one airline, while savvy users could scour awards charts to find deals that made bucket-list trips to Europe or Hawaii more affordable. These days, it’s not so simple. Programs designed to encourage loyalty have gradually morphed into complex financial ecosystems – especially in the US, where airlines collect billions of dollars in revenue per year from them. Major carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines now control what amounts to their own virtual currencies, selling points to credit-card issuers at lucrative built-in margins. Some loyalty programs are even worth more than the market value of the airlines themselves. Two big changes to frequent flyer programs of the past have underpinned this transformation. First, airlines overhauled how points are awarded. Customers today earn rewards based on dollars spent rather than how far they fly. Some three-quarters of airline points issued by major US carriers now come from credit-card spending, meaning that every swipe at the grocery store can theoretically get you closer to a free trip. At the same time, actually getting on a plane often earns less than before. While the change has widened the consumer base, it’s frustrated many people who remember the old system. Next, airlines altered how points are redeemed. One by one, major carriers abandoned the awards charts that had helped loyalty members know how many points they needed to put that dream vacation within reach. Instead, airlines moved to a “dynamic” pricing model that varies the value of points flight-to-flight and even day-to-day, based on real-time demand and availability. Such changes have raised alarm bells among lawmakers and regulators. “More and more, the complexity and even instability of the program is something that’s disadvantaging the passenger,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in an interview with Bloomberg News. In September, his agency launched a probe into the rewards programs of the four largest US air carriers — Delta, American, United and Southwest Airlines — seeking to find out more about how earned points may have been devalued over time and how dynamic pricing can make it harder for customers to predict how far their points will go. Continues at https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2024-airline-miles-points/

The program does a great job of helping you get the body and faces right. I suspect it might have trouble with the tats if they were in motion.

A non-member tells me that long-time barker at Banana Bar has moved to Patpong 2 to do same job for FB.

Inadvertently attached. Sorry about that. It was intended to be a stand alone post of baby elephant that adopted the cock as its best friend in a Thai zoo.

From Pattaya News An 80-year-old Belgian man was brutally attacked with a knife to the head and robbed of his wallet near his Pattaya home around midnight today, December 25th. At 12:36 AM, Pattaya police received a report of a foreign tourist being assaulted and robbed at the entrance of The Village Pattaya on Third Road. Upon receiving the report, police and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the scene, along with reporters from The Pattaya News. At the scene, in a private residence, the authorities found Mr. Richard, an 80-year-old retired Belgian electrician, covered in blood. He had sustained severe lacerations to his head caused by a sharp object. Rescue workers provided first aid before rushing him to the hospital. Mr. Richard revealed that his wallet, containing around 7,000 baht, was robbed from him. Ms. Porntip, the victim’s 38-year-old Thai caretaker, informed the police that the victim had been returning from a Christmas event at an entertainment venue in Pattaya. As he approached the entrance of the village, three motorcycles with six male youths surrounded him. They attacked him with a knife, causing severe injuries to his head, and stole his wallet before fleeing. The victim managed to crawl to his residence to seek help, prompting Ms. Porntip to call the authorities. Richard stated he did nothing to cause the attack or anger anyone and had no enemies.

So if these same old guys stop posting, many young young will take their place? Your logic may escape me but I wish you a Merry Christmas and fun-filled White party!. And thanks for giving this thread another bump. Your Christmas gift to me, no doubt. 🎄 (And your fifth contribution to this thread in the Beer Bar! You might just qualify as one of us "old people.")

Was he also to be gay? 🤭 Merry Christmas, Keith.

You're giving away all your secrets. But it's in the spirit of the season. Merry Christmas, Moses.

From VN Express A Buddhish monk walks inside Buu Long Pagoda in HCMC. Photo by Quynh Tran HCMC’s first metro line has begun operating, and here is a guide to historical landmarks and amusement spots near its stations. Tips for using HCMC’s first metro line Free rides: The metro is free for all passengers for 30 days, from Dec. 22 to Jan. 20. Operating hours: For the first six months, trains will run daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with trips every 8-12 minutes. After six months, operating hours will extend to 11:30 p.m., with trains running at intervals of 5, 10 or 15 minutes depending on demand. Continues with photos https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/places/exploring-tourist-landmarks-entertainment-venues-along-hcmc-s-1st-metro-line-4831060.html

From The Thaiger Finding the best tailor shop in Bangkok Thailand boasts an illustrious tailoring industry, and if we were to speak of the best tailors in Bangkok for custom-made clothing for men and women, very rarely can that conversation be held without mentioning Class Bespoke Tailor. With over 25 years of experience, Class Bespoke Tailor in Thonglor remains steadfast as the go-to option for personalised garments. No matter if you are looking for a bespoke suit, skirt, dress, or business wear, they specialise in creating outfits that fit you perfectly, complimenting your unique style and silhouette. At Class Bespoke Tailor, craftsmanship takes centre stage. Their expert tailor, John, specialises in creating stunning custom clothing for both men and women, ranging from sophisticated business suits to elegant dresses and skirts. For men, Class Bespoke Tailor delivers amazing bespoke tailored suits, shirts, blazers, and trousers. Whether you’re looking for a business suit, a casual blazer, or wedding attire, their skilled craftsmanship will ensure that you’ll look great. Items such as bespoke shirts, blouses, or dresses typically take 1 to 5 working days, with 1 to 2 fittings for adjustments. High-end quality suits or detailed evening dresses can vary and may take upwards of 1 to 2 weeks. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/finding-the-best-tailor-shop-in-bangkok-class-bespoke-makes-the-choice-easy

@Lucky, this is that section. ☺️

From Pattaya News On December 24th, 2024, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced that the Thai Cabinet had approved an extension of the reduced excise tax rate for entertainment venues, lowering it from 10% to 5% of revenue for another year. The measure, set to take effect from January 1st to December 31st, 2025, is designed to support Thailand’s economic recovery and bolster its tourism sector. This tax cut aligns with the government’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025” initiative, aimed at increasing tourism activity, distributing income to local communities, and attracting more international visitors. Affected businesses include nightclubs, discos, pubs, bars, and cocktail lounges.

+1 Experience is the best teacher.

I watch the BBC news nightly and I find some of the items of much interest and some not at all. Same with PBS and other networks). But on the whole, I'm satisfied. They can't, after all, prepare the news with just me in mind. I'm reminded that the moderator designed the Beer Bar specifically for items not about gay Thailand. There are other forums for Thailand and other places where you can find the news you're looking for. Many readers enjoy reading about current events in the counties we visit. I appreciate that you (and others) wish to see only gay-related items. I hope you find satisfaction on the other pages. Happy holidays, Keith!

Because they didn't like articles they didn't have to read? If you don't like some articles in your daily newspaper do you stop reading it? In any case, Keith, they'd be welcomed back with open arms I'm sure.

From Pattaya News Pattaya police have arrested over 50 people in a major crackdown on drug use and crime during Operation “Parasite Clean-up Part 2” in the Jomtien area. At 5:00 AM on December 23rd, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, the Chief of Chonburi Provincial Police, led a large-scale operation called “Parasite Clean-up Part 2” to crack down on crime. The operation targeted various criminal activities in the Jomtien area, specifically in Soi 2, 3, and 4, located in Pattaya. Over 900 officers were involved in the crackdown as well as drug sniffing dogs. These alleys had previously been on the news for open drug dealing and multiple arrests earlier this month. The area mainly consists of 5-story buildings with businesses like beer bars, restaurants, laundry shops, and massage parlors on the ground floor, while the upper floors are used as living spaces. Many of the buildings are abandoned and run-down, especially since COVID-19, leading to a large number of squatters and homeless in the area. Prior to COVID-19, the area contained many more legitimate businesses but unlike other parts of Pattaya and Jomtien never fully recovered, instead becoming full of illegal activity, say police. During the operation, authorities cut internet signals and communication systems, as well as water and electricity in some areas. They then carried out searches of the buildings to find illegal items, such as weapons and drug paraphernalia, and tested people for drug use. Some individuals were found using methamphetamine and acting erratically, while others were found in possession of drugs. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/12/23/over-900-police-officers-raid-jomtien-sois-2-4-to-eradicate-illegal-drugs/

Bangkok Christian Hospital. Guess it’s your lucky day!

From The Thaiger Alcohol sale breaks record on Air India Express’s inaugural flight to Bangkok Air India Express marked the launch of its new direct route from Surat in India to Bangkok with an unforgettable incident as passengers reportedly consumed the entire alcohol supply, valued at around 70,000 baht, before landing. The Indian low-cost airline announced in November that it would begin direct flights in December from Surat and Pune to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, offering exciting opportunities for Indian travellers to explore Thailand. The inaugural flight from Surat to Bangkok took off on Friday, December 21, operated by a Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The flight had six cabin crew members and 175 passengers onboard, just one shy of its 176-seat capacity. Airline officials later highlighted the success of the new four-hour route, noting a record-breaking alcohol sales milestone. Several media outlets reported that the entire stock of alcoholic beverages, worth about 70,000 baht, was sold during the flight.

From Pattaya Mail The plans to build a highspeed rail link from Bangkok airports to U-tapao airport near Rayong has hit yet another snag. The international consortium Asia Era One, spearheaded by the Charoen Pokphand Group, is now facing the need to build a costly tunnel south of Pattaya to link with U-tapao as there is insufficient available land above ground to complete the job. According to the South China Morning Post, executives are balking at the expense with the final amount still being costed. The prospect of a tunnel over part of the proposed route has not hitherto been announced, although the whole scheme has suffered non-stop issues since its inception five years ago. The scheme is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in three central provinces, including Chonburi, which aims to foster advanced industries as a pivotal engine of growth. The highspeed train is seen as essential to link the metropolis with a futuristic megacity (yet to be built) to transform the area adjoining U-tapao. The initial plan to have the railway operational by 2025 has now slipped to 2029 and even beyond. Meanwhile the whole concept of the EEC, a brainchild of the post-coup, military-backed administration and established by decree and not by parliament, is further compromised by environmental concerns. These include sea pollution in some areas and concerns that mammoth data centers, which store computer equipment and digital data, use gigantic amounts of water and electricity. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the then prime minister, announced in 2017 that the sprawling and export-orientated EEC would promote electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, “S” curve technology-based industries and a hitech medical city (not yet built) to care for both Thais and foreigners. Pattaya itself has benefitted from some EEC initiatives relating to harbor improvements, ring roads and beach reclamation. Separately, investors now have to take into account the new Donald Trump administration in the USA which is likely to subject China and friends of China to additional tariffs on imports. It never rains but it pours.

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya, known for its vibrant tourism industry and bustling nightlife, is also home to a significant number of condo residents. As the city’s popularity continues to rise, so does the demand for residential properties, particularly high-rise condominiums. While these condos offer modern amenities, ocean views, and a convenient lifestyle, the safety of residents is becoming an increasingly important issue. One of the most critical concerns for condo residents in Pattaya is fire safety. Many older buildings, although well-maintained, may not have been constructed with modern fire safety standards in mind. Recent incidents in high-rise buildings worldwide have raised awareness of the need for comprehensive fire drills, clear evacuation procedures, and up-to-date fire suppression systems. In response, many new condominiums in Pattaya are equipped with advanced fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant materials. However, ongoing inspections and training remain essential to ensure the safety of residents in the event of an emergency. As Pattaya continues to grow and urbanize, older buildings may face challenges related to wear and tear, including structural integrity issues and outdated infrastructure. Ensuring that condominiums are regularly maintained, with timely repairs and upgrades, is crucial for residents’ safety. Building management teams play an essential role in organizing regular checks, from plumbing and electrical systems to the structural components of the building. Another concern for condo residents in Pattaya is the heavy traffic around popular residential areas. With the influx of tourists and locals, congestion is common, especially during peak hours. In some areas, pedestrians have limited safety, and the high volume of vehicles poses risks. Developers and local authorities are working together to improve road safety, create pedestrian-friendly zones, and regulate traffic flow around residential areas. Finally, residents’ safety also depends on the efficiency of emergency response systems in the area. Pattaya has emergency services, including paramedics, police, and firefighters, but the city’s infrastructure is often challenged by its popularity as a tourist destination. Condo associations and local authorities are continually working to ensure that emergency services are easily accessible to residents, with clear communication about how to respond in case of an incident.While Pattaya remains an attractive place to live and invest, safety should always be a top priority for condo residents. With proper attention to fire safety, building maintenance, security, and local infrastructure, residents can enjoy their homes with peace of mind. However, continuous improvements and proactive measures are required to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth and ensure that safety remains a key focus for the community.

The Skybar, located opposite Nature Boy, has a male only, late night bar in addition to a restaurant and karaoke. It's located a short distance from Silom Soi 7. It's popular with guys from Myanmar guys who work in Silom area.

You'll find The Rose discussed in detail in this thread.

Easy. First, his father is half Thai and one of greatest golfers to play the game. Second, hole-in-one is rare achievement, especially for youngster. Third, the Beer Bar doesn't require any relevance to Thailand or or anything else.

Know the soi but never heard of bar.