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From The Nation If you're in Bangkok and eager to explore contemporary art, visit its diverse galleries and museums showcasing everything from bold modern pieces to cutting-edge installations across the city. Continues with video https://www.nationthailand.com/the-journey/cityscape/40042256

From Pattaya News Thailand Legalizes Buffalo Racing and Traditional Card Games On October 10th, 2024, Thailand’s Royal Gazette published ministerial regulations under the Gambling Act, legalizing gambling under the traditional Buffalo Racing Festival (known as “wu laan”) to take place between 6 PM and 6 AM. The regulation aims to align with local customs, particularly in regions where Buffalo Racing is a nighttime tradition, such as Phetchaburi Province. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed provincial governors to ensure compliance with the law, focusing on promoting tourism, job creation, and preserving local traditions. Strict guidelines are in place to prevent animal abuse, drug use, and underage gambling. The regulation also authorizes 23 additional traditional games with specific time limits, including: Boxing and Wrestling between 12 PM and 12 AM Ring Toss from 7 AM to 12 AM Bingo from 7 AM to 12 AM Mahjong, Tile Games, and Card Games, including poker, from 12 PM to 12 AM on Sundays, and 6 PM to 12 AM on other days Each game is restricted to specified hours and locations as outlined in the permit. The government’s intention is to regulate these games while enhancing local tourism, ensuring public safety, and preventing illegal activities such as drug use and youth delinquency, remarked Anutin. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/12/thailand-legalizes-buffalo-racing-and-traditional-card-games-under-new-gambling-rules/ =========================== From Pattaya Mail Play your cards right in Pattaya warns local bridge club The recent arrest of two groups of foreigners in Pattaya for playing poker for money has sparked renewed interest in Thai laws relating to card playing and gambling. Reaction on social media has suggested that card playing here is always illegal, quoting the arrest of 32 bridge players in the resort in 2016. The resulting publicity was a major international news story at the time. But Jomtien and Pattaya bridge club has responded by emphasizing that card playing is not against the law, unless for cash, and that the bridge club was never prosecuted. Club director Jeremy Watson, a former business executive and Thai permanent resident, said, “Our arrest was based on a misunderstanding, which was quickly resolved, and none of our members ever appeared in court or paid a fine.” He added that bridge is regarded as mind sport by the International Olympic Committee, the club being a lifetime member of the provincial sports association in Thailand. Barry Kenyon, the club founder in 1994 and a former British embassy official, said, “The club is 30 years old this week and still going strong. Gambling is irrelevant as bridge is the ultimate trick-taking game, easily the greatest source of fun that four people can have with a pack of cards.” He added that he had actually started two bridge clubs in his long life, one in Pattaya and the other in Port au Prince, capital of Haiti, over 50 years ago. “Papa Doc’s wife was the Haitian sponsor,” Barry recalled. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/play-your-cards-right-in-pattaya-warns-local-bridge-club-475606

From Pattaya Mail Chonburi Immigration carried out a rigorous inspection of foreign workers in Pattaya to address concerns over illegal immigrants competing for jobs with Thai citizens on October 10. A special investigative unit conducted a widespread operation targeting two major fresh markets in Pattaya, Lan Pho Market in Naklua and Rattanakorn Market in South Pattaya. During the crackdown, authorities apprehended over 20 Cambodian and Myanmar nationals working as employees in meat stalls, vegetable shops, and wholesale stores, with some individuals serving as cashiers. In addition, officials intercepted a vehicle transporting undocumented construction workers headed to job sites with contractors. All detained individuals, along with their employers, were taken to Pattaya Immigration Checkpoint for further investigation. Those found violating immigration laws will face prosecution and deportation. Pol. Col. Napaspong Khositsuriyamanee, Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration, emphasized that they had received numerous complaints about foreign workers, particularly from neighboring countries, flooding into local markets, fresh markets, bars, and tourist areas, thereby disrupting local businesses. Chonburi Immigration has taken these concerns seriously and implemented proactive measures to enforce the law more strictly. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/crackdown-on-illegal-foreign-workers-at-local-markets-bars-and-tourist-spots-in-pattaya-475757

Expect that the GoGo bars will close. Hotels will likely continue to serve.

@Verchiele alerted me to the opening of a new shop on Intramara 25 (LINE @Phoenix25). Location link: https://goo.gl/maps/kpzDPXdKakFTrJct5 I'm fairly sure that several years back this shop was occupied briefly by a massage shop that later merged with KK Massage a short distance away. Photos posted today: The shop is offering a promotion of three (3) hour long sessions for $1,000 bht.

Cross currency rates this morning: USD 33.34 EUR 36.44 GBP 43.52 CND 24.20 From Reuters The Bank of Thailand (BOT) will leave its key interest rate unchanged at 2.50% next week and for the rest of the year, according to a Reuters poll of economists who brought forward their first rate cut expectations by a quarter. Inflation quickened in September to 0.61% from 0.35% in August but remained below the BOT's target range of 1-3%. However, median forecasts in the poll showed inflation will return to within the range this quarter. Growth in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy has lagged its regional peers due to high household debt but is expected to improve with an increase in tourists and a pick-up in public spending supported by the government's digital wallet scheme. A strong majority of economists, 24 of 28, in the Oct. 7-10 poll forecast the BOT to keep its benchmark one-day repurchase rate (THCBIR=ECI). https://www.reuters.com/markets/rates-bonds/bank-thailand-hold-rates-steady-oct-16-cut-q1-2025-2024-10-11/

From The Thaiger Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167 votes, followed by South Korea with 161, and the Marshall Islands with 120. However, Saudi Arabia’s campaign failed, gathering just 117 votes, the lowest among the six candidates for five available seats. Thailand’s successful bid comes at a critical time, as the nation seeks to boost its international reputation following the recent election of a new government. With a focus on promoting dialogue among UNHRC members and enhancing the capacity to protect rights and freedoms, Thailand’s campaign struck a chord with UN members. The UNHRC, established in 2006, is responsible for strengthening the protection of human rights worldwide. It consists of 47 member countries, divided into five regional groups. Alongside Thailand, Ethiopia and Qatar were among the 18 nations elected to serve three-year terms on the council. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-triumphs-in-un-human-rights-council-bid

Oldadaddy, there are five other shops on Soi 6 where you can choose your guy. No one takes offense regardless who you choose because they're accustomed to the system. Good luck. 🙂

All well and good but what happeed when you asked 9-Teen guy the big question?

From Bangkok Post The lawyer who successfully sought the disbandment of the Move Forward Party has asked the Constitutional Court to stop former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from threatening the constitutional monarchy by influencing the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party. In a 5,080-page petition filed at the court on Thursday, Therayut Suwankesorn targets both Thaksin and the party now led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Among the many allegations the petition makes is that Thaksin used the Ministry of Justice under the Pheu Thai-led government to secure his extended stay at Police General Hospital when he should have been in jail following his conviction for abuse of power last year. Mr Therayut also accused Thaksin of pushing the government to share marine resources in Thai waters with Cambodia in line with a memorandum of understanding signed in 2001 when he was prime minister. In fact, the marine boundary between the two countries remains in dispute, though Pheu Thai is seeking to revive negotiations. As well, the petition contends, Thaksin ordered Pheu Thai to join forces with the People’s Party to push for constitutional amendments. The latter is the reincarnation of the Move Forward Party, which the Constitutional Court earlier found guilty of jeopardising the constitutional monarchy, Mr Therayut points out. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2881447/dissolution-petition-targets-thaksin-and-pheu-thai

From Pattaya News Phuket Smart Bus (PKSB) yesterday launched a new electric bus service connecting Phuket Town and Patong. The service is priced at just 50 baht per passenger. Phuket Smart Bus Co Ltd, a venture under PKCD, has a history of initiatives aimed at enhancing Phuket. Earlier this year, PKCD, in collaboration with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, introduced a free air-conditioned electric bus service in Phuket Town. The new service adds to their existing operations, which include bus routes from the airport along Phuket’s west coast to Rawai. Governor Sophon emphasised that the new bus route aims to provide both locals and tourists with convenient and eco-friendly transportation options. The initiative also seeks to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution levels in the area. The electric bus route will pass through significant areas such as Samkong, Kathu, and Patong. Key locations along the route include schools, hospitals, markets, and popular tourist spots like Patong Beach. The service will run daily from 6am to 8pm, with buses departing every hour, said Governor Sophon. https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-launches-b50-electric-bus-service-from-town-to-patong

From Pattaya News In a coordinated raid on the evening of September 9th, 2024, Pattaya City Police and Banglamung District Administrative Officers successfully dismantled what they called an illegal poker gambling ring of foreign nationals, arresting eleven individuals in total. The operation, led by Mr. Wekit Manarojkij, Banglamung District Chief and Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, Pattaya City Police Chief, along with many other senior officers and officials, targeted a residence on Soi Sanamkhan Land in Nongprue, near Pattaya late in the evening of September 9th. According to Pol. Col. Thirawit, the raid was prompted by reports from local residents concerned about illegal gambling activities, who told police they were afraid it would hurt the upstanding tourism image of Pattaya. Officers conducted surveillance and waited for an opportune moment to enter the premises. Upon gaining entry, they discovered a group of foreigners, both Europeans and Asians, engrossed in a poker game. The raid resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, including three South Koreans, two Americans, two Australians, one Russian, and one British national. Additionally, a Thai card dealer and a housekeeper whose nationality was not immediately made clear and was serving food were also apprehended. The authorities seized gambling tables, chairs, chips used in place of cash, 37 decks of cards, and some cash as evidence. All suspects and evidence were handed over to the investigation officer for further legal proceedings. Their names, however, were not released to The Pattaya News pending further investigation. Continues with photos https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/10/eleven-people-arrested-mostly-foreigners-for-illegal-international-poker-game-in-pattaya/

From Pattaya Mail Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced a significant increase in independent Chinese tourists visiting Pattaya during the recent Chinese National Holiday. However, the number of group tours from China has dropped by more than half. This decline is attributed to China’s recent policy encouraging domestic travel and the impact of recent flooding in Thailand, which has affected group bookings at various hotels. Despite the reduction in group tours, many independent Chinese travellers opted to visit Pattaya, contributing to the city’s vibrant tourism scene. As the city enters its high season, local authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of tourists, particularly in entertainment venues. Efforts are being made to enhance fire safety and overall emergency preparedness. Looking ahead, the upcoming long holiday from October 12-14 is expected to attract a significant number of Thai tourists to Pattaya, with many already securing accommodations. Although September saw a dip in tourism numbers, the outlook for the end of the year remains promising. Numerous events are planned to draw visitors, including the Bikini Run, International Fireworks Festival, International Jazz Music Festival, and New Year’s Countdown celebrations scheduled for November and December. These activities aim to boost Pattaya’s tourism and solidify its reputation as a premier destination.

Olddaddy, how is your Filipino boyfriend enjoying the trip?

Most readers are familiar with Bangkok's Khlong Toei slum. This video from NHK World explores the lives of some residents who have found refuge in the violin. If we find ourselves becoming a bit jaded by the Big Mango, this may just provide the antidote. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2022424/

From Khaosod English Police Lance Corporal Pichaya Arintamapong (left), a squad leader at the Immigration Bureau's Inbound Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport and her colleague laugh about the adorable moment when an American female tourist said she came to Thailand to see Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo star. BANGKOK — Molly, an American woman who flew 18.5 hours from New York to Thailand specifically to see Moo Deng, the famous baby pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, became known to Thai netizens when she posted many clips about her trip on TikTok. “I’ve made it to Thailand! Today is the day I see moo deng! I am so freaking excited, the zoo just confirmed you can see her everyday! I am on cloud nine!!!” was the first message with a clip she posted when she arrived in Thailand on October 3. In another clip, she mentioned that customs agents in Thailand couldn’t believe it when she told them she came to Thailand for the first time to see Moo Deng The female immigration officer recounted that while she was on duty at the passenger checkpoint, Miss Molly approached with a smiling face. She asked Miss Molly the usual questions about the duration of her stay and the purpose of her visit. The passenger replied, “I came to Thailand to see Moo Deng.”. She admitted that when she first heard it, she couldn’t believe it. So she asked again and got the confirmation that it was indeed “Moo Deng.” At that moment, she was stunned and thought of the famous hippo named Moo Deng, so she further inquired, “How do you know about Moo Deng?” Miss Molly explained that Moo Deng is iconic, and her phone was full of Moo Deng’s pictures. She wanted to see Moo Deng while it was still young, and she assured that she would definitely come back next time for a longer visit to explore Thailand. She then quickly processed the immigration check and said to Molly, “Enjoy Moodeng,” which made both Molly and herself laugh together. “Immigration work is a frontline job where we meet people entering the country. We have to represent Thai people in welcoming and screening those who enter the country, balancing friendliness with security, and doing our best,” Police Lance Corporal Pichaya said. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2024/10/06/thai-officer-shares-lovely-moment-with-american-tourists-18-hour-flight-for-moo-deng/

From Thai News Agency Order Safety Checks for 13,000 Gas-Powered Buses Thailand’s Prime Minister has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of all 13,000 gas-powered buses operating in the country within the next 60 days. Until the checks are completed, these buses will be taken off the road. The government is also reviewing existing laws related to public transportation to ensure stricter safety standards. Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap announced the decision following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, saying that the Prime Minister had expressed deep concern over road safety, particularly regarding vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). “All 13,000 gas-powered buses must undergo rigorous safety checks within the next 60 days,” Jirayu said. “No bus will be allowed to operate until it has passed inspection.” The Department of Land Transport has issued a directive outlining the inspection procedures, which include checks on gas tanks, engine components, and emergency equipment. Buses that fail to meet the safety standards will be suspended from operation until necessary repairs are made. In addition to the bus inspections, the Department of Marine has been tasked with conducting safety checks on approximately 15,000 passenger boats and 108 river-cruise vessels. These inspections will focus on the safety of cooking gas installations and the overall condition of the natural gas vessels. The Ministry of Education has been requested to advise schools to avoid using gas-powered buses for field trips until the inspections are complete. Schools requiring transportation are advised to hire charter buses or non-public buses and to ensure that these vehicles undergo thorough safety checks. https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-1431494

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Thai government has at long last begun the issuing of official identification cards to Myanmar economic migrants even if they entered illegally. In the past, hundreds of thousands of such workers and their families have been deported and dumped en masse to the Myanmar border where they were subject to reprisals from the ruling junta and often forced into the army to fight the raging insurgency. Spokesman for the migrants, U Moe Kyaw, confirmed that the u-turn policy was now in force. Illegal immigrants were now able to apply to the Thai Department of Employment for a pink card, initially for one year and able to be renewed. The only criterion is that they must prove they are Myanmar nationals by, for example, producing their Myanmar ID card or birth certificate. Additionally, Myanmar workers who already hold two-year residence set to expire in February 2025 will be able to extend another 24 months. The abuse of migrants fleeing Myanmar has been a major scandal for years, particularly since the military coup there in 2021. The junta has attempted to stop the emigration by refusing to issue passports or to cooperate in signing counter-signing certificates of entry which were necessary to leave by proper border posts. There have been countless tales of abuse inside Thailand with fearful migrants being forced to pay bribes to the local police in border areas. However, some migrants are still at risk. They need the sponsorship of a properly registered Thai employer to seek the pink card and, if they quit, must find alternative employment within 60 days (formerly 30). Moreover, they must avoid working in occupational sectors which are reserved for Thai nationals only. These include hairdressers, tour guides, masseurs and taxi drivers amongst others. Those immigrants who fall into the trap of working online in gambling and fraud scams will still be subject to Thai jail sentences and deportation. The Ministry of Labour says there are about 2.5 million Myanmar workers employed legally in Thailand, with perhaps twice that number working without adequate documentation. Immigrant labour is essential for large sectors of the Thai economy including fisheries, factories, construction and retail. The pink card, once issued, covers holders for some basic human rights and the right to hospital treatment via Thailand’s social security system. spokesperson for Human Rights Watch told Pattaya Mail the announced reform should have happened long ago as illegal workers face immense struggles and live in constant fear. “Many migrants are focused on survival rather than becoming wealthy,” he said. Meanwhile, the Myanmar junta has announced further hostile measures. These include banning Myanmar students in Thailand from being able to renew their passports in Thailand and trying to coerce workers abroad into sending a quarter of their wages back home. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/in-a-surprise-move-thailand-ends-compulsory-deportation-of-myanmar-illegals-475165

From the BBC Does China now have a permanent military base in Cambodia? Two grey shapes, visible from satellites for most of this year at Cambodia’s Ream naval base, seem to confirm growing fears in Washington: that China is expanding its military footprint, beyond the three disputed islands in the South China Sea which it has already seized and fortified. The shapes are type A56 corvettes of the Chinese navy - 1,500-tonne warships - and they have been berthed alongside a new, Chinese-built pier that is big enough to accommodate much larger vessels. Onshore there are other facilities, also built by China, which are presumed to be for the use of the Chinese navy. The Cambodian government has repeatedly denied such a possibility, citing its constitution which bans any permanent foreign military presence, and stating that Ream is open to use by all friendly navies. "Please understand this is a Cambodian, not a Chinese base," said Seun Sam, a Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. "Cambodia is very small, and our military capacities are limited. "We need more training from outside friends, especially from China." Others, however, are watching with suspicion. For all the talk about the rapid rise of Chinese sea power - the country now has more ships in its navy than the US - China currently has only one overseas military base, in the African state of Djibouti, which it built in 2016. The United States, by contrast, has around 750 - one also in Djibouti, and many others in countries close to China like Japan and South Korea. The US believes the imbalance is changing, however, because of China’s stated ambition to be a global military power. That, and the scale of its investments in overseas infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative, which under Chinese law must be built to military standards. Some in Washington predict that China will eventually have a global network of bases, or civilian ports that it can use as bases. And one of the first of these is Ream. Until a few years ago, Ream - which sits on Cambodia's southern tip - was being upgraded with US assistance; part of the tens of millions of dollars' worth of yearly military aid provided to Cambodia. But the US cut back this aid after 2017, when Cambodia's main opposition party was banned and its leaders exiled or jailed. Most analysts believe a long-term Chinese presence at Ream would offer very few real advantages to China. They point to the three bases it has already built on Mischief, Fiery Cross and Subi Reefs in the South China Sea, and the formidable naval forces it maintains on its south coast. But a Chinese base in Ream, at the mouth of the Gulf of Thailand, does worry Cambodia’s neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam. Together with other bases further north, it could be seen as an attempt by China to encircle the long Vietnamese coast. Like the Philippines, Vietnam disputes China’s claim to almost all the islands in the South China Sea, and its forces have clashed with China’s in the past. Thai national security officials have also privately expressed alarm at the thought of a Chinese base just south of the Thai navy’s main port in Sattahip, covering their exit from the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia still have unresolved territorial disputes, after all. Continues with photos https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/does-china-now-have-a-permanent-military-base-in-cambodia/ar-AA1rQUNQ

He left out reason #6: they're in for the money and looking for customers. 🙂

From BBC Travel Vietnamese-American journalist and broadcaster, William Lee Adams, returns to Vietnam where his G.I. father first met his mother during the dark days of the Vietnam War. Continue to video https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jvjww4/vietnam-visiting-hanoi-s-oldest-food-market

Agree about the need for unified response. The most likely ignition point is probably the Philippines. However, I don't think China is eager for military showdown with its economy such a crucial issue. As much as it would like to unleash its navy, I think it would rather sell the Comac 919 to western airlines in desperate need of narrow body jets. Greed is a two-way street when it comes to the bottom line.

From AP Small town in Thailand hold mass cremation LAN SAK, Thailand (AP) — Mourners wept and monks prayed at a cremation ceremony Tuesday in a small town in central Thailand for 23 young students and teachers who died in last week’s bus fire on a school field trip. A large cremation site was set up close to the temple in Lan Sak town whose compound hosts the school that was attended by the victims. Several furnaces with tall chimneys were erected, with floral adornments placed in front of them. Six teachers and 39 elementary and junior high school students were on the bus when it caught fire on Oct. 1 on a highway in Pathum Thani, a northern suburb of Bangkok. It spread so quickly that only 22 people were able to escape. After forensic work in Bangkok made positive identifications of the badly burnt bodies, the victims’ remains were were returned to their hometown for funeral rites that began last week. https://apnews.com/article/thailand-bus-fire-cremation-d549dd09b10e525b434f4dc3d4840d91

These guys don't need a costume. They're already scary.

China is now intent on achieving what Japan sought to do nearly 90 years ago but in somewhat more subtle ways.