reader

From BBC By Emma Saunders Millions of screaming fans. A global phenomenon. A multi-billion pound business. No, it's not Taylor Swift (this time). We're talking K-pop. And with four of 2023's top 10 best-selling acts coming out of South Korea, the Brits want a piece of the action. Step forward newly created boy band, Dear Alice, who applied to take part in the latest BBC One talent show, Made in Korea: The K-pop Experience. Meet Blaise, Dexter, James, Olly and Reese. You might be hearing a bit more about them from now on. None of them knew each other before they individually auditioned and were put together as a band by the showrunners. The fresh-faced quintet were then flown out to South Korea's capital, Seoul, for 100 days of rigorous K-pop training with stardom in their sights. Most K-pop training takes years rather than months. Not for the faint-hearted, the boys' experience involved long hours of vocal coaching and learning intricate choreography with a bit of Korean sight-seeing thrown in for good measure (and good TV - the South Korean tourist board will be thrilled). Continues with photos at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx72dzqgne8o

From Bangkok Post The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has pledged to end violence in educational institutions following a hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student seriously injured. Suchada Taensap, secretary to the caretaker minister, said the ministry would fully cooperate with the police in the investigation after meeting with investigators at Muang Nonthaburi police station on Saturday. The student’s parents filed a complaint with the police on Aug 15 after their 20-year-old son, a freshman at Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, was assaulted by a group of students. According to the complaint, their son was attacked on the school’s Nonthaburi campus after he requested to leave the hazing activity. His father was also allegedly assaulted during the incident. “Police are investigating how many people were involved and whether the injuries sustained by the student were a result of the hazing ritual,” said Ms Suchada. Pol Col Jaturon Anurakbundit, superintendent of the Muang Nonthaburi station, said officers reviewed surveillance camera video and have identified all the suspects. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2848901/ministry-to-act-after-brutal-school-hazing

From Khaosod English PATTAYA — A foreign man jumped from the 6th floor of a condominium in Soi Chaiyapruek 3, Moo 12, Nongprue Subdistrict, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province, despite police officers’ attempts to persuade him for over 3 hours. The incident occurred before noon on August 16 at Building B of an 8-story condominium. The 40-year-old Caucasian man appeared agitated, pacing back and forth on the balcony of his room. The Land Disaster Prevention Unit had to place a giant air cushion on the ground to prevent an unforeseen accident. Although the man seemed to calm down at one point, he suddenly became frantic again. When the officers were momentarily distracted, he climbed over the iron railing of the balcony and jumped, hitting the air cushion before falling into the swimming pool. The rescue team quickly helped him out, finding injuries to his neck, a split lip, broken teeth, and abrasions all over his body. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2024/08/16/foreign-man-luckily-survives-after-jumping-from-pattaya-condo/

From Khaosod English Business Leaders Expect Policy Continuity Under New PM The Thai stock market closed on Friday at 1,330 points, up 13.16 points or 1.2%, after the process of selecting a new Prime Minister in parliament proceeded smoothly. As the only nominee, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, received 319 votes in favor, with 145 against and 27 abstentions. Among the votes in favor, there were 6 additional votes from members of the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party and 2 more votes from smaller parties. According to Thai media, Prime Minister elect Paetongtarn will likely be formally appointed by HM the King in a ceremony in front of the King’s portrait at Pheu Thai headquarters, Voice Space, around 8.30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024. The process of selecting a new Prime Minister to quickly lead to the formation of a cabinet comes after a situation that shook Thai politics. On Wednesday, August 14, Srettha Thavisin was removed from his position by a Constitutional Court decision. This helped restore confidence in the business sector, which had been disheartened for two days. There is now increased belief that the new government, coming from the same coalition parties, will be able to continue working immediately. Continues at https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2024/08/16/business-leaders-expect-policy-continuity-under-new-pm-paetongtarn/

From Khaosod English Prawit’s Political Journey Under Scrutiny After Striking Thai PBS Reporter The highlight of the political events on Friday, August 16, should have been solely about Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, age 37, receiving an overwhelming 319 votes of approval from the MPs to become the 31st Prime Minister. However, the spotlight also turned to Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, aka “Big Pom,” leader of the Palang Pracharath Party. It wasn’t because he was one of the two people, along with Chalerm Yubamrung, an old politician with internal issues with the Pheu Thai Party, who didn’t participate in the vote. Rather, it was because he displayed what appeared to be an angry reaction and used his hand to hit the head of a Thai PBS television reporter twice and loudly said, “What are you asking!” when asked, “How have you been following the Prime Minister election voting?” As he was limping to get into his car, he lowered the window and asked the reporter what they wanted to ask. The reporter inquired about his view on Ms. Paetongtarn being elected as the Prime Minister. He responded, ‘Oh! I don’t know what you’re asking about,’ before the car drove away. Continues at https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/08/17/prawits-political-journey-under-scrutiny-after-striking-thai-pbs-reporter/

From The Nation Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon from his jail terms, allowing him to be released immediately rather than waiting until August 31. The pardon was among those announced by the Royal Gazette on Saturday. It stated that a Royal Decree was issued to grant a royal pardon to around 50,000 inmates on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28, 2024. In a royal command, the King aims to provide these individuals with a chance to reintegrate into society as good citizens, which is believed to benefit the nation as a whole. The decree also provides sentence reductions to more than 200,000 prisoners who are currently serving time. According to the Department of Corrections, Thailand has 220,094 prisoners as of August 16, 2024, with 192,898 men and 27,196 women. Notably, Thaksin will be among those released immediately under the terms of this decree, allowing him to leave prison before his sentence expires on August 31. Thaksin, a probationer, is one of about 7,500 people nationwide who will benefit from this royal pardon, which allows them to be released and receive a certificate of innocence upon leaving prison.

From Khaosod English Thailand’s New PM Renews the Legacy of Her Father The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s prime minister represents a remarkable back-to-the-future moment. She is renewing the political dynasty founded by her billionaire father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006. The 37-year-old Paetongtarn, a former business executive, becomes the third close member of the Shinawatra clan to take the prime minister’s job. Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra was Thailand’s first female prime minister from 2011 to 2014. An in-law also served briefly in 2008. Although Thaksin was a vastly popular politician who handily won three elections, Thailand’s royalist establishment was disturbed that his populist policies threatened the monarchy at the heart of Thai identity. Their hostility helped drive both him and Yingluck out of office and into exile. Then last year, Thaksin alienated many of his old supporters with what looked like a self-serving deal with his former conservative foes. It allowed his return from exile and his party to form the new government, but sidelined the progressive Move Forward Party, which finished first in the election but was seen by the establishment as a greater threat. Continues at https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/08/16/thailands-new-pm-renews-the-legacy-of-her-father-the-divisive-thaksin-shinawatra/

I'm going to try to diffuse our disagreements before we succeed in boring the board to tears. I don't believe all transgenders are dangerous. A relatively small minority, however, find their way into the local news. In many accounts that I've read, the cops quickly find the culprits because they are repeat offenders. They pay a small fine (typically 1,000 baht) and are released to try their luck again. Then there are those, like two recent cases in Bangkok,who have proven themselves very dangerous. I believe that the majority of transgenders are honest and try their best to make their way in the greater gay community. They may have regular jobs and some find employment in the bars and massage shops. Some members have developed friendships with them and enjoy seeing them regularly. Let's hope that there are increasingly fewer cases of reported crimes going forward.

From Thailand News Agency Youngest child of ex-PM Thaksin carries torch of family’s political dynasty after Srettha Thavisin removed as PM on Wednesday. Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra was elected as the 31st prime minister of Thailand during a special session of the House of Representatives on Friday. Paetongtarn received 319 votes for, 145 votes against with 27 abstentions. Six MPs from the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party voted in support of Paetongtarn. Notably absent from the vote were Palang Pracharat leader Prawit Wongsuwan and Pheu Thai list MP Chalerm Yoobamrung. After House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha opened the session at 10am, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong proposed Paetongtarn as the sole prime ministerial candidate. The House Speaker will now submit her name for royal endorsement. She becomes the third member of the Shinawatra family to lead the country, after her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck. Paetongtarn, 37, is the youngest child of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife Khunying Potjaman Damapong. Education: She attended Saint Joseph Convent School and Mater Dei School before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology from Chulalongkorn University in 2008. She went on to study in the UK, receiving an MSc in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey. Political experience: Paetongtarn was appointed chair of Pheu Thai’s advisory committee on participation and innovation on October 28, 2021. She became head of the “Pheu Thai Family” project on March 20, 2022. At the 2023 general election, she was nominated as one of Pheu Thai’s three prime minister candidates, alongside Srettha Thavisin who was removed from office on Wednesday by court order. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40040623

NOTE -- There is a club (formerly known as New Twilight) that is known by the name "Simply" on Soi Narathiwas 1 (same soi as Nature Boy bar is located). From Bangkok Post Two police officers from the Bang Rak station fatally shot a drunken man outside a nightclub on Surawong Road on Thursday. The officers told investigators they were working in plainclothes on a surveillance assignment when they received a report about a man acting aggressively in front of the Simply Tomboy nightclub. The officers said they arrived at the scene at around 1.30am and found an intoxicated man acting belligerently. The man, later identified as Mongkol Kamolsawas, 46, claimed he was a police investigator. The two officers asked him for his ID and wanted to search his motorcycle parked nearby. Mongkol then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. The police shot back and killed him. The two officers claim they did not intend to kill him. Other police arrived at the scene to find Mongkol lying on the ground in a pool of blood in front of the nightclub. A 9mm pistol and several cartridges were found near the man’s body, which had six gunshot wounds. The deceased’s older brother, Suksom Kamolsawas, 50, said his brother had gone to the nightclub to find his girlfriend, who was allegedly having an affair with one of the club’s employees. The brother accused the officers of over-reacting to the situation and questioned how they handled what occurred. Mr Suksom has vowed to pursue justice for his brother. According to his brother, Mongkol was accused of involvement in a murder 10 years ago. The court later dismissed the case. Pol Col Thammasak Saraboon, commander of the Bang Rak station, said the two officers handled the situation appropriately, adding that their intention was not to kill Mongkol but to stop him. It was clear from the security video that the deceased pulled out a gun and fired first, Pol Col Thammasak said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2847836/police-fatally-shoot-armed-man

Sorry, Unicorn, nothing in your appeal holds up to scrutiny. First, You're claiming that certain transgender women aren't frequent perps so the burden of that burden of proof rests on you. And the sheer frequency of news reports refutes it. And I've reported numerous accounts with sources always cited. Second, Riobard (who you've described as a "loon") posted wholly incomprehensible "proof" above that is impossible to make heads or tails out of. Never cites actual numbers or sources of numbers. No one knows what it says. Just photos of bunches of numbers. Third, consider this statement in your post above: "However, your original post is not helpful in distinguishing the more from the less dangerous. It might be helpful with respect to the one person were the photo displayed, but your post did not." The OP was about a transgender woman who murdered her victim. I think that qualifies as "more" dangerous, not less. And then you protest the absence of her photograph. Sorry, but I wasn't the officer who booked her or I would have snapped a pic for you. Fourth, I'm not maligning the transgender community; it's those doing the crimes who are creating the stereotype.

Significant fall off in customers contributing factor but then a condo developer emerged with an offer he couldn't refuse.

I'm saying that transgender women are reported as frequent perpetrators. If you can find statistics to the contrary from police or legal authorities, by all means post them. If I was coming to visit Pattaya, I would want to be aware of unsolicited physical advances leading to theft and who has been making them. You may not like that but you would not like becoming a victim even more.

Consider the situation in in Pattaya where unsolicited physical advances by ladyboys on the street frequently (as reported in local media) result in snatching of gold chains, watches and other possessions from passers by oblivious to the threat. If members are aware of that, they are in a better position not to become victims. This seems to be a specialty of the criminal element in the transgender community. I agree that any unsolicited physical advance is reason for concern but what gets reported are crimes by ladyboys. I have no control over that.

I call attention to crimes--among them murder--by specific transgender individuals as a service to members. Readers have a right to be aware of what's happening. That does not impugn transgenders who are not committing crimes. You're free to find that offensive but others, who could become potential victims, may well be thankful for the information. And in every case, I cite the source of the report.

From The Nation Pheu Thai nominates Thaksin’s daughter as its PM candidate The Pheu Thai Party’s executive board voted on Thursday to nominate former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as its candidate to become Thailand’s 31st prime minister. The board endorsed Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn as PM candidate for the House to vote on Friday after its MPs voted earlier in the morning to nominate her instead of Chaikasem Nitisiri, Pheu Thai’s other PM candidate. Paetongtarn and Chaikasem are the two remaining Pheu Thai PM candidates after the Constitutional Court on Wednesday voted 5:4 to remove Srettha Thavisin as prime minister for lack of integrity. Pheu Thai sources said Thaksin favoured Chaikasem for the top post as the former attorney-general had helped the former prime minister a lot when he faced criminal cases. According to party sources, Pheu Thai convened a meeting of its MPs at Parliament on Thursday morning to have them endorse Chaikasem but the MPs chose Paetongtarn instead. Paetongtarn was chosen as a much younger and healthier candidate, while Chaikasem reportedly has health issues. Observers said the MPs feared that Chaikasem could face another Constitutional Court ruling regarding his integrity, as he was the attorney-general who had ordered public prosecutors to drop the bribery case against Pichit Chuenban. Before the Pheu Thai executive voted to endorse Paetongtarn as Pheu Thai’s PM nominee, two key coalition partners – the Bhumjaithai and Untied Thai Nation Party – announced their loyalty to the Pheu Thai-led coalition. They said they would vote for Pheu Thai’s PM candidate on Friday as long as the candidate did not support amendment of Article 112. Chaikasem in the past had expressed support for amendment of the controversial lese majeste law. ====================== Thaksin tells Pheu Thai to abandon digital wallet scheme Pheu Thai patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra has told the ruling party to abandon its digital wallet flagship policy. Party sources said Thaksin gave the order during a meeting with Pheu Thai core members at his Chan Song Lar residence on Wednesday evening, hours after Srettha Thavisin was removed as prime minister by the Constitutional Court. The sources said former PM Thaksin told his daughter, Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to drop the controversial 450-billion-baht scheme for digital handouts of 10,000 baht. He explained to her that the scheme should be halted as the economy was weak, a source said. The scheme is meant to stimulate spending but has faced heavy criticism for the vast government budget involved. After dithering over how to finance the scheme, the government eventually reduced the cost from 500 billion to 450 billion and spread the burden over two budget years – 2024 and 2025. Caretaker deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat changed his stance on the scheme after Wednesday’s meeting at Thaksin’s house. Earlier, Julapun had said the project would continue no matter what happened to Srettha.

He went home with transgender woman he just met. What could possibly go wrong? Reminds me of tourists who display gold jewelry and get robbed? What could possibly go wrong?

From The Thaiger A businessman was robbed by a transgender woman he met at a hotel, who then attempted to sell his stolen vehicle on social media. The police set up a sting operation but the suspect managed to flee. Around 1am today, August 15, a 42 year old businessman, referred to as Gorn, visited the Nonthaburi City Police Station to identify his black Suzuki Swift. The vehicle had been recovered by police outside a convenience store on Soi 20 Mithuna in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok. The car had been stolen by a 28 year old transgender woman named Pink, on the evening of August 13, as confirmed by CCTV footage. The footage showed Pink leaving the room at a love hotel at 8.14pm and talking on the phone outside. By 8.30pm, the black Suzuki Swift belonging to Gorn was seen driving away from the hotel. Additional CCTV footage captured the car leaving a nearby road in Nonthaburi. Gor reported the incident to the Nonthaburi City Police yesterday. He had met Pink at a hotel on a road in Nonthaburi’s Mueang district around noon on August 13. After spending time together, Gornfell into a deep sleep and woke up around 3am the next day to find his black Suzuki Swift, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a Xiaomi phone, and a Tag Heuer watch missing. Hotel staff informed Gorn that a man had driven away with the woman he had brought to the hotel, which prompted him to file a police report. Police,led by Officer Tharathip Pengkham, reviewed the hotel’s CCTV footage and saw Pink in a white outfit making a phone call at 8.19pm. The footage confirmed that the car left soon after. Upon further investigation, police discovered that Pink had posted images of the stolen car for sale on social media. They arranged to meet Pink at a convenience store on Soi 20 Mithuna in Bangkok, planning to arrest her during the transaction. However, upon arrival, they found only the car with the keys still in the ignition. It is believed that Pink became aware of the sting and abandoned the car. Gorn, the victim, recounted his acquaintance with Pink, who had undergone gender reassignment surgery. They had arranged to meet at the hotel around noon, where they ate and talked before spending the night together. Gorn fell into a deep sleep and woke up at 3am to find his car and other valuables missing. Fortunately, police were able to recover his vehicle, reported KhaoSod.

From Pattaya News The Pattaya Film Festival is back for its second year from August 21st-25th, featuring over 20 films from around the world. The festival will feature screenings both in theaters and at outdoor venues to promote diverse cultural experiences for all audiences, with free admission to every film. The event is a joint collaboration between Pattaya City, the Special Tourist Area Development Authority, and the Film Archive of the Ministry of Culture. The festival also offers other activities, such as discussions with international directors, masterclasses by filmmakers from Portugal and Malaysia, and a documentary pitch workshop for Thai documentary filmmakers. Screenings will be held at SF Cinema Marina, Major Cineplex Avenue, and outdoor venues at Lan Pho Public Park and Naklua Market. The festival includes: International Competition: Showcasing high-quality films from emerging directors, including Last Shadow at First Light (Singapore), Gitling (Philippines), The Monk and the Gun (Bhutan), The Tenants (South Korea), Sea Sparkle (Denmark), and The Great Phuket (China). Winners will receive $5,000 and a trophy. Panorama: Featuring films that have gained acclaim at international festivals and classic films, such as Next Sohee, The Taste of Things, Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus, Waltz with Bashir, My Sea Has Some Small Waves (with director Q&A), Not So Close Friends (with director Q&A), One For the Road, and classic Thai films Last Life in the Universe and Som Sris 422. Jury Showcase: Highlighting three films in honor of the festival’s jurors: Last Time I Saw Macao by Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues, Tiger Stripes by Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu, and Thai film Morrison by Puttipong Arunpeng. Outdoor Screening: Featuring entertaining films such as The Undertaker and the latest action film Pattaya Heat at Lan Pho Public Park and Naklua Market.

From Bangkok Post The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) organised the event "Thailand Announcement -- Unity in Action: Thailand's Next Steps in Equality" on Tuesday to celebrate the landmark passage of the Marriage Equality Bill, while also reaffirming the government's dedication to advancing gender equality in the country. Former prime minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a keynote speech titled "Towards Equality and Unity: Announcing Thailand's Advancements in Marriage Equality Legislation and Readiness to Host WorldPride," where he said the government aims to promote gender equality in the long term, ensuring an inclusive society for Thai LGBTQ+ individuals and people worldwide. Furthermore, the government is bolstering the tourism sector to support this agenda. The government wishes to reiterate its commitment to creating strategic partnerships across Asia through the establishment of the Asia Pride Alliance, fostering regional collaboration for LGBTQ+ rights, he said. "Thailand aims to advance the LGBTQ+ agenda and champion the pride community at both the regional and global levels," he added. He said Thailand will propose Phuket as the host city for the InterPride World Conference in 2025, adding this proposal shows the strong collaboration between people, communities, and the government, and marks a significant step towards the "Road to WorldPride 2030" campaign. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, the TCEB president, said Thailand has upheld the rights of its Pride community. At the local level, the government is empowering communities through collaboration with InterPride member organisations and allied agencies. Regionally, it is positioning the kingdom as a leader in Asia's push for gender equality and diversity. Globally, it is promoting Thailand as a safe and welcoming destination for international events by highlighting its pride-friendly facilities and ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity. "We proudly reaffirm our readiness to bid for the InterPride World Conference in 2025. Additionally, we aspire to host WorldPride in 2030. "

You may be more in need of a blowjob than any member of forum. Gets the carbon out of the cylinders and may also improves your writing! 😀

From Business Insider John Walker's studio apartment in Chiang Mai, Thailand isn't much bigger than a hotel room, but it has everything he needs: air conditioning, basic kitchen appliances, and proximity to his favorite Mexican restaurant — all for less than $200 a month in rent. The 73-year-old moved to Thailand from Western Australia in 2019. A lifelong traveler, Walker liked the idea of living somewhere new, and was drawn to Chiang Mai's beautiful temples and mild climate when he first traveled there in the early 2010s. Walker now lives off his roughly $18,000 annual pension (AU$28,000), according to bank statements reviewed by Business Insider. And, because his expenses in Chiang Mai are so low, Walker said he is able to save about 40% of his income. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/an-australian-boomer-retired-in-thailand-on-an-18-000-annual-pension-he-saves-almost-half-his-income-and-can-still-travel-the-world/ar-AA1oMoue

Will be looking for you 🙂

Many thanks for links. Will definitely put that on my short list on next trip.

From VN Express British newspaper The Daily Telegraph has named My Khe and Non Nuoc in the central city of Da Nang in a list of 50 best beaches on the planet. The two beaches are described "best for atmosphere", according to the newspaper. The 900-meter-long My Khe, which runs from the base of the Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains, is famous for its smooth white sand and warm waters all year round. It also offers a variety of adventure sports activities. Located in Ngu Hanh Son District, around eight kilometers from downtown Da Nang, Non Nuoc beach is five kilometers long and dotted with a series of luxury resorts. From the beach, tourists can easily conquer the Marble Mountains, a complex of network of caves, tunnels, towers and pagodas. In addition to two Vietnamese representatives, other beaches praised included Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Palm West Beach in Dubai and Playa de La Concha in Spain. The list was compiled by travel experts based on criteria such as wildlife, striking panoramic views, atmospheric areas with bustling beach bars and attractions, destinations with luxurious hotels, quiet remote corners, family-friendly stretches of sand and more. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/best-beaches-in-the-world/