reader

From The Nation The Transport Ministry has unveiled the schedule of tourism trains from October to February, aiming to boost domestic tourism and generate income for local communities. Three types of train will embark on sight-seeing routes over the next five months, said minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Monday. These are the Royal Blossom, Kiha 183, and Second World War-era steam locomotives. The Royal Blossom and Kiha 183 were donated to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) by Japan and have been refurbished as cosy and stylish tourism trains with full facilities. Tourists booking the special trains can opt for daytrips or overnight stays, available on weekends, holidays, and special occasions. Suriya said the wide variety of different trip itineraries would cater to every traveller, whether they seek adventure, relaxation, eco-tourism or cultural experiences. The Royal Blossom offers the highest level of luxury and comfort, featuring air-conditioned cabins with 180-degree views to appreciate the scenery. A one-day trip costs 1,799 baht per person and includes meals, drinks, tour guide service, shuttle bus fee, and accident insurance. The Kiha 183 is for travellers who prefer classic rail adventure, offering both daytrips (1,499 baht) and overnight stays (3,999 baht) to destinations further away from Bangkok. The ticket price includes meals, drinks, tour guide service, shuttle bus fee, room fees, and accident insurance. The World War II-era steam locomotive offers trips to two historical provinces on special occasions, namely Ayutthaya on Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (October 23), and Chachoengsao on Father’s Day (December 5). Tickets are 329 baht for a normal cabin and 529 to 799 baht for air-conditioned, inclusive of snacks and drinks. Tour programmes and seat booking are available at any train station nationwide or via the D-Ticket mobile app. For more information, call the SRT’s 1690 hotline. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40042161

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Cambodia’s neighbors, including Thailand, are concerned about the rapid rise of Chinese sea power and its possible use of the Ream naval base only a few hundred km south of the Thai naval port of Sattahip. The fear is that China is expanding its military footprint beyond the seizure of several disputed islands in the South China Sea which have already been fortified. But neither Thailand nor Vietnam are saying much publicly to avoid disrupting vital trade relationships with China and, separately, because there’s nothing they can do anyway. Surveillance photos show that the Ream harbor has a new pier, a new dry dock, warehouses, living quarters and four basketball courts. Dredging is continuing though it’s unclear how deep it will go to admit the largest ships. The official Cambodian position is that the dock is not yet finished. When it is, ships from other “friendly” nations (not just China) will be able to use the facilities. Cambodian deputy prime minister Sun Chanthol said the port was very small at 0.3 km and used only for training to prepare for the upcoming Golden Dragan exercises. Moreover, the Chinese presence in Ream is not permanent so does not count as a base. Mr Sun added that many US vessels are too big and might “get stuck”. Others are not so sure. A foothold at Ream would give China better control over the South China Sea, 90 percent of which it claims to own in spite of an international court ruling against Beijing. The Seam port’s pier is almost identical to the 363 meter-long construction at the Chinese base in Djibouti in east Africa and long enough to accommodate a Chinese largest aircraft carrier. But Greg Poling of the CSIS thinktank thinks that the small Ream base doesn’t get the Chinese navy any closer to regional hegemony. He points out that China currently has only two overseas bases whereas the US has hundreds, including a presence in both Thailand and the Philippines. However, Ream could be much more important as a signals and intelligence base for the Chinese military. Time alone will show the true significance of the developing construction on Cambodia’s southern tip. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/fears-grow-about-chinese-military-influence-over-cambodia-475157

From Pattaya Mail The new administration of Paetongtarn Shinawatra seems determined to tackle workplace legality. Although the vast majority of the 2,000 arrests in recent weeks have been of non-documented entrants from neighboring countries, especially Myanmar, the net appears to be widening. Director General of the Department of Employment (DOE), Somchai Morakotsriwan, emphasized a sharpened focus on “western” foreigners operating in professions reserved for Thai nationals such as tour operators, masseurs, barbers and online selling. Dealing with illegal workers is the joint concern of the DOE and the immigration police. In practice, the labour officials mostly investigate large scale businesses using migrant workers, whilst immigration concentrates on enforcing alien laws and tracking individuals who lack the necessary authorization. In the past few weeks, illegal entrants have been found working in restaurants, coconut farms, restaurants, factories and construction sites throughout Thailand. In Pattaya the arrest emphasis has been on condominium building projects. Earlier this month, Chonburi immigration officers raided premises where 20 Chinese nationals had rented three adjacent houses in Pattaya to run online gambling businesses and providing illegal loans with huge rates of interest. Numerous computers, mobile phones sundry items were seized. Other work-related arrests have included three Russian taxi drivers in Phuket, a mobile Ukrainian manicurist, a Japanese tour guide in Chiang Mai, a French cook in Bangkok and a British disc jockey in Pattaya. Almost all those found guilty by a Thai court are deported. The economic migrants from neighboring countries are sent back in groups by bus or lorry. Those from more distant countries remain in jail until a single-journey airticket is paid for (not by Thai authorities). Blacklisting is automatic in most cases. Immigration authorities claim that that new technology is now playing an important role. Police lieutenant general Sompong Chingduang said that the latest biometric system can translate information on a chip to a passport to check for any facial feature irregularity An immigration spokesperson added that Thailand was working towards an integrated system of entry travel authorization, electronic visas and visitor data bases which would make controls much easier to enforce. The government has announced visitor and visa facilitation as one of its policy aims for 2025, but a working party on reducing the number of non-immigrant visas has not yet reported. Non immigrant visas cover retirement, spouses, families and activities such as medical tourism and sports training now under the aegis of the Destination Thailand Visa. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/find-arrest-and-deport-slogan-warns-illegal-workers-475025

As much as I agree that any efforts to counter China's intentions of colonizing the entire South China Sea, it's probably not wise to expect much in he way of materiel support from the Vietnam's limited naval assets. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_equipment_of_the_Vietnam_People's_Navy The best chance will depend on a joint effort primarily led by US naval forces, supported by Japan, Korea, Australia, the UK and other partners.

I don't ask the men I meet whether they're gay or straight--or something in between. If one of them chooses to tell me, I accept what he says simply because I'm inclined to believe he probably has a better handle on it than me.

Your contributions are much appreciated, Sudoxi. Trip and venue report have always been--and will remain--the meat and potatoes of the forum. You included the right mix IMO of details that whets the appetite to return. 🙏

I, too, miss those places. But Patpong 2 certainly has its charms and just walking along that short stretch of Silom Soi 6 allows you to view 75 or so masseurs.

NOTE -- You can no longer apply for a visa to Vietnam in person at the Vietnam Consulate in Bangkok. From The Thaiger Getting a Thai visa in Southeast Asia is about to become a high-tech affair. Starting next week, several Thai consulates across the region will be switching entirely to online e-visa applications, leaving traditional walk-ins a thing of the past. In a surprise move, consulates in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu), and Cambodia (Phnom Penh) will close their doors to in-person visa applications. Some of these have already shut their consular services in anticipation of the e-visa launch, scheduled for Tuesday. Meanwhile, for those preferring the personal touch, consulates in Laos (Vientiane, Savannakhet) and Myanmar (Yangon) will continue to accept walk-in visits, albeit with a twist—you’ll need to book an appointment online to gain entry. However, it’s not all change, reported ASEAN Now. Consulates in Indonesia (Jakarta), Taiwan (Taipei), and the Philippines (Manila) will maintain their operations as usual with no appointment necessary, providing a glimmer of hope for those who prefer the classic approach.

From Pattaya News I have flown more than a million miles with dozens of airlines around the world – and have lost count of how many times I’ve hopped on an Air China plane for the short trip from Beijing to Shanghai. During the week, airlines schedule more than 60 flights everyday between the country’s capital and financial hub – each way – often using their biggest jets, from the iconic Boeing 747 to the newest Airbus A350. With plenty of widebody options in its fleet of almost 1,000 planes, Air China deployed a narrowbody for my flight on a recent Thursday morning. But it wasn’t just any narrowbody – it was the flag carrier’s first, and so far the only, C919 jetliner. The C919 is China’s first homegrown mainline passenger plane, manufactured by the Shanghai-based state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). After spending years in development and lengthy delays, the twin-engine jet made its maiden commercial voyage with hometown carrier China Eastern Airlines in May 2023. Long touted as a potential game-changer in global commercial aviation, the C919 is COMAC’s answer to the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 – two of the world’s best-selling aircraft types. Despite recording more than 1,000 orders, the C919 seems dogged by skeptics who question its “Chineseness” (with key parts such as engines and flight control systems imported from the US and Europe) and its commercial viability given the Airbus-Boeing duopoly in the market. For an aviation geek like me, however, none of the controversies could dampen my enthusiasm to unlock a brand-new aircraft type and review this still rare passenger experience since there are only a handful of C919s in the air within mainland China, the only region it’s been certified to fly to date. I showed up at the gate at Beijing’s sprawling Capital International Airport (PEK) an hour before departure time to see the C919 in the flesh for the first time. From a distance, it could easily be mistaken for an A320 with its more rounded nose and curved fuselage (compared to the B737). More discerning eyes would probably notice the C919’s distinctive cockpit windows and wingtips. My first impression upon stepping into the month-old C919 was that it felt just like an A320 – with a bit of lingering new plane smell. To its credit, among the “Big Three” state-owned carriers that operate the aircraft type, Air China opted for the most spacious configuration with 158 seats (out of the possible maximum of 192) – eight in first class and 150 in economy. Continues with videos https://www.cnn.com/travel/china-comac-c919-experience-intl-hnk/index.html

From Pattaya News Bangkok has been ranked as the fourth-friendliest city in the world in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, an annual survey by CN Traveler. The Thai capital is acknowledged for its unique blend of vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout destination among travelers. The survey considered several cities globally, with Bangkok scoring 92.00 points in the rankings. Thailand's recognition as one of the friendliest countries in the world is evidenced by the reception tourists receive in its bustling capital. Although the city’s busy streets and lively markets can be overwhelming at first, visitors often find themselves embraced by the warmth of Thai hospitality and the city's distinctive charm. From its intricate Buddhist temples to its dynamic street food scene, Bangkok offers an engaging and authentic experience for those exploring its diverse neighborhoods. The top spot on the list is Singapore, followed by Sydney and Las Vegas. Cape Town, Tokyo, and Marrakech were also featured among the top ten friendliest cities. Bangkok's placement reinforces the city's reputation as a hub of culture and tourism in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of international visitors each year. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/05/bangkok-ranked-fourth-friendliest-city-in-world-2024-readers-choice-awards/

From Pattaya News A 66-year-old British man, who had just returned to Thailand for one day, tragically died after crashing his motorcycle into a U-turn sign in Sattahip. The tragic accident was reported to Sattahip police at 8:40 PM on October 5th, 2024. Police and rescue workers rushed to the scene at a U-turn sign on the inbound side of Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, to find the foreigner with critical injuries. The victim, identified by police as 66-year-old British national Mr. Garrad Nigel Melvin, had suffered a fractured skull and a large laceration at the back of his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Garrad was believed to have crashed his red-and-black Kawasaki Z900 motorcycle, which was found heavily damaged nearby, into a U-turn sign. His wife, Mrs. Sureerat Garrad, 49, along with his unidentified foreign friend, rushed to the scene after hearing the news. They were all overwhelmed with grief. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/06/66-year-old-british-man-dies-in-high-speed-motorcycle-crash-a-day-after-returning-to-thailand/

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Thai prime minister has prioritized world class tourism in Bangkok and the provinces for her new administration. Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that the emphasis for tourist cities should be on man-made attractions as well as new-style entertainment complexes to appeal to today’s domestic and international vacationers who are looking for something new. Of course, media critics who continue to slag-off Pattaya as nothing more than a haven for prostitution and crime are smirking already. Indeed, various media both in Thailand and internationally are mostly responsible for the weird notion that Pattaya hasn’t changed in 20 years. Phrases such as “notorious sex industry” or “prostitution ridden” are still in near-universal usage. The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya office is well aware. “Of course, you can find sex tourism here depending on where you look, but the city has changed out of all recognition over the years,” according to the manager. She highlighted five star hotels, family entertainment, sports and music festivals and all the excitement of the Eastern Economic Corridor hub which has invested heavily in Pattaya’s road communications with the area. The government’s new emphasis on man-made destinations goes much further than traditional features such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Garden and the etched Golden Buddha Mountain. The new generation includes the Ramayana waterpark in Na Jomtien which is said to be Thailand’s biggest with space to occupy 700 tennis courts, the small European country village mall known as A La Campagne and a wholly reconstructed Naklua town center. Not to mention in various locations Hotel Transylvania, floating cafes, underwater worlds, snorkeling for beginners, dinosaurs for the asking and swinging through the trees like Tarzan. Some features have failed to materialize, such as Rubberland with its simulated rubber forest, permanently closed according to Google. Hotels are changing too. The luxurious Grand Centre Point in north Pattaya boasts an inside spaceship building known as the Astro Club. The government’s promise to combine with the private sector to fund entertainment complexes obviously means casinos. They won’t be standalone gambling palaces but mixed use centers to include hotels, restaurants, children’s entertainment and relaxing options on a grand scale. The most likely location near Pattaya will be in the fast-developing area of U-Tapao airport near Rayong. None the less, a key government aim with licensed gambling will be to divert to home territory those rich Thais who currently spend extravagantly in casinos in neighboring countries. Six years ago Pattaya’s local authority announced the arrival of neo or new Pattaya to replace the traditional version which relied exclusively on night entertainment. The arrival of covid in 2019 led to Pattaya becoming a ghost city. The neo notion was not picked up post-covid as city businesses began ever so slowly to rise again from the desolation. Now that tourism and investment are both picking up again in 2024, Pattaya is expected to continue her transition. To be absolutely sure, come back in 2034.

Most, but not all, shop rooms in SK have individual AC remotes. I set these to 25 on arrival. I prefer floor mattress because it allows for more freedom of movement during course of session.

In some shops (ie, 15M, Phetboy, One Spa), i believe it’s those guys who’ve informed manager that they’re available on that particular day. in other shops, it may be on a rotating basis or, as you say, may be most popular producers.

From BBC The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox where the results can be immediately known, saying it could prove pivotal in helping to stop the rising global cases of the deadly virus. The new PCR test enables the detection of the mpox DNA taken from skin lesion swabs. Currently, samples have to be sent to a laboratory for testing and the patient and medics have to wait days for the result. Limited testing capacity and delays in confirming cases continue to be a challenge in Africa - worsening the spread of mpox that was previously known as monkeypox. Of the more than 30,000 suspected cases reported in Africa this year, barely 40% had been confirmed through a test, the WHO said. Yukiko Nakatani, the WHO's assistant director-general, described the new diagnostic test as "a significant milestone". https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2436p21j90o

Well did you give them the blowjob?

From Khaosod English Transport officials in Nakhon Ratchasima province found buses that did not go for inspection in Lopburi province. The gas tanks, which are a point of suspicion in the Shinbutra Company bus fire incident, had been removed at an auto shop in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Officials at the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Transport Office, later were notified to investigate and found that there was an attempt to remove the CNG gas tanks from the buses, presumably to evade inspection. The officials then informed the police, who have seized all five tour buses for further investigation. Earlier, MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn of the People’s Party criticized the Department of Land Transport during a parliamentary session in which a motion to investigate and propose improved preventive measures after the tragic bus fire was discussed. He pointed out that the department is often accused by the public of being a “twilight zone” where substantial benefits are extorted. Some claim that the inspections merely rubber-stamp signatures without proper scrutiny. “The bus in question had CNG gas tanks. How could the bus catch fire just because it grazed a curb? How could it pass the inspection? This raises the question of whether the inspections are genuine or just signatures being sold. It’s like we have ticking time bombs on our roads every day,” he said. Continues at https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2024/10/03/fatal-bus-fire-probe-exposes-thai-officials-and-company-fraud-claims/

From Bangkok Post Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai has been severely flooded, with rescuers and staff struggling to save jumbos and other animals as all roads to the site have been cut off by floodwater and landslides. The park in Mae Taeng district posted an urgent message on its Facebook page on Friday saying the flooding had worsened and plunged it into a critical stage. Everything at the centre is cut off from the outside world, from electricity to telephone signals. “We urgently need volunteers and animal cages as we must move the animals to the mountains due to the roads being completely cut off in both directions,” one of the messages said. Staff and volunteers have been trying to move all animals — big and small — to high ground since Thursday, while their colleagues, including founder Saengduean Chailert, are stranded on a road as they cannot reach the park because of a landslide. Some animals, including elephants, cows and water buffalo were being carried away in the current away from the park on Friday afternoon, and anybody who spotted them was being asked to contact staff. A staff member told the Bangkok Post that the park has 125 elephants and that two were known to be trapped in the current. Some have been saved by mahouts by moving them to high ground, she added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2877687/deluge-threatens-chiang-mai-elephant-park

Came across an article in Thaiger, predicting a cashless economy in four years. Sounds like a banker's wet dream. While there are some stores that don't accept cash, they're far and few between. Don't see myself--or many others--opting to pay bin tab or massage tip with plastic. https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-predicted-to-go-cashless-by-2028-leads-asean-in-rtp-usage ======== Today's Pattaya News carries a piece, describing new tourism strategies to attack tourists. They don't seem to realize that they already have successful strategists that have worked for decades: offer what people have already proven they want and make it easy to travel to the country. Instead, they seem intent on screwing it up with advance entry permission systems and policies that discourage expats. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/04/thailand-gearing-up-to-become-world-class-destination-with-new-tourism-strategies/

From The Nation A new regulation that allows consumers to inspect products before making payments for cash-on-delivery (COD) shipping services takes effect from Thursday (October 3). Under the new regulation of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, customers can now check their items before payment and if the goods are damaged or not as advertised, they can reject the package and seek a full refund. The office has declared COD shipping services as regulated under the 2024 Receipts Regulation Act or the "Dee – Delivery" measure. The regulation aims to prevent exploitation of customers when purchasing goods via COD services. Jiraporn Sindhuprai, minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, reiterated the government's commitment to addressing this issue due to the significant number of affected consumers. Due to the increasing trend of online shopping, consumers often opt for COD services, and some businesses exploit this method to deceive buyers, the minister said, adding, the consumer protection board had been instructed to expedite monitoring and rectifying the situation, leading to the new regulation. Consumers will receive swift and fair compensation for any damage, safeguard them from fraudulent sellers who misrepresent products, deliver damaged goods, or fail to deliver altogether, Jiraporn said. Customers can refuse to accept goods without payment, or if they find issues with products after payment, such as discrepancies or damage, they can request a refund within five days from the date of receipt of the goods. This law also applies to shipping companies. If a reported issue is verified, the shipping company must refund the consumer the full amount within 15 days. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/policy/40042027

From Bangkok Post A catamaran had an engine breakdown, caught fire and sank after taking 22 tourists to an island near Phuket on Thursday morning. The 16.68-gross-tonnage Flamingo Lady 2 left the Ao Po pier at 10am to take its passengers to Naka Yai island. While the boat was returning empty to Phuket, its right engine broke down and caught fire between Naka Yai and Raet islands at 10.35am. Continues with video https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2877007/phuket-catamaran-sinks-after-catching-fire

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Visa agencies in tourist-orientated cities throughout Thailand are offering to help Destination Thailand Visa hopefuls cut the pain out of the bureaucracy when dealing with overseas embassies. DTV cannot be granted to foreigners present in Thailand but must leave the country to lodge an application. Since the introduction of DTV last July, some foreigners have demonstrated on social media that Thai diplomatic posts do not have uniform documentary requirements. Some aspirants say they have been refused, others delayed or told to resubmit. The areas of ambiguity include what exactly counts as a cash bond, the precise evidence for a digital nomad working for overseas clients and the detailed proof about being a soft-power applicant. What the Thai visa agencies, widely advertised on Facebook in particular, are offering is a visa run to a neighboring country and assistance in preparing the specific documentation tailored to that Thai embassy. Other services cover air or road transport to the destination, hotel accommodation (usually on a bed and breakfast only basis) and a pickup facility at the Thai diplomatic post. The inclusive costs vary company-by-company but are generally in the 75,000 baht to 150,000 baht range (from US$ 2,400), dependent on the level of assistance given. Most agencies require applicants to fill in a pre- application form to check DTV eligibility which isn’t usually a problem as the soft power categories are non-specific on detail. Applicants who have trouble proving the cash or income bond requirement may be offered a third-party guarantee by the host company. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/visa-companies-offer-trouble-free-dtv-applications-474522

As more details are released, it's becoming increasingly apparent that tragedy could have been avoided. From Bangkok Post Owner tried to hide illegal gas cylinders The owner of the bus that caught fire and killed 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani tried to hide some gas cylinders on other buses in the same fleet, according to the Department of Land Transport. After the company failed to send five buses for inspection on Thursday as ordered, officials found them via GPS at a garage in Nakhon Ratchasima and seized them while their gas cylinders were being removed, said Jirut Wisanjit, director-general of the department. Additional cylinders that had been illegally installed on the buses were being removed at the garage in tambon Khok Kruad of Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima, Mr Jirut said on Thursday. “It indicates an intention to conceal the wrongdoing of the illegal modification of the vehicles,” he said. The five buses were part of a six-bus fleet which included the bus that caught fire and killed 20 students and three teachers from Uthai Thani during a field trip on Tuesday. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2877076/inferno-bus-owner-tried-to-hide-illegal-gas-cylinders ========================== Excerpts from the Thaiger: The driver, 48 year old Saman Chanphut, was refused bail and will remain in custody at the court until the next hearing. Officers stated that Saman had a history of fleeing, so no temporary release would be granted. Saman reportedly revealed more details of the accident to the police that he heard a noise from the vehicle’s piston but continued driving until the tragic incident occurred. Police and relevant law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed whether the mentioned piston played any role in the incident. The cause of the tragic event remains under investigation. Upon further inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered 11 NGV gas tanks, of which only six were legally installed. One of the rescuers, who helped inspect the vehicle alongside police, posted on social media, stating that he had never seen such reckless gas tank installation. Some of the tanks were installed inside the bus, endangering both the driver and passengers if there was a gas leak. Following an investigation into the vehicle, it was revealed that the bus was first registered with the Land Transport Department in 1970 in the central province of Singburi. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bus-ted-driver-in-bus-blaze-tragedy-jailed-previous-accidents-shared

When approached by anyone with a yarn, I always glance at their feet. Truly down and out guys aren't wearing new Nikes.