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At the corner of Silom and Convent roads this evening.

Do you think you would survive that sandwich 🙂

From The Nation The Republicans are trying to kill the Democrats with the latter’s own swords, and the battle between “liberals” and “conservatives” has been unfolding with one big plot twist after another, just like what’s happening in the Land of Smiles. The latest unexpected turn of events in America has the conservatives scream “Political persecution!” and the so-called liberals accused of running a “Banana Republic” only known previously to the third world. That irony might be the key difference in the comparison with Thailand. To cut a long story short, Donald Trump’s criminal conviction is putting the American democracy and rule of law under the microscope. Donations are pouring in for the Republicans; Trump’s popularity is threatening to go through the roof; and pro-Biden mechanisms are apparently unsure what to do. Take away the terms “liberals” and “conservatives”, it will be hard to differentiate between Thailand and America. In both countries, one side is claiming the other is “weaponising” the justice system for political reasons and the perceived victims thrive on groundswells of sympathy. Similarities also include the issues of LGBTQ, proclaimed “dangers” to the status quo and the fierce competitions to use celebrities and intellectuals to promote or attack causes, and the question of whether it’s actually liberty or anarchy. In the big picture, what is going on in Thailand and the US shows that politics everywhere is undergoing a major transformation. If the American model is seen to be failing, democratic formulas anywhere else will have to undergo soul-searching. Since America is the leader of the “Free World”, the global stake is huge whether Trump wins or not, and whether the eventual outcome of the US presidential race is accepted or not. The rivalry between Trump and Joe Biden has gone far beyond simple democratic competition because each has demonised the other so much. It’s politics at its fiercest yet, one the United States has not seen since the Civil War and one that makes coexistence a big ask. It has come to a point where if half of America is right, the other half must be seriously wrong. When players of democratic politics give voters just one choice _ vote for me or you choose evil _ it stops being democratic. Like political enemies in Thailand, Americans are getting misled or confused about “democracy”, which has been vastly misinterpreted, used selectively but broadly by the protagonists, and somehow turned into a big cause of national divide. And just like their Thai counterparts, American friends and relatives have stopped discussing politics, or they will fight. That is a gigantic shift. Americans used to be familiar with a peaceful and graceful handover of power, a luxury Thais never had. The “maturity” that everything has been based upon stands to be seriously tested, as Thais struggle to reach theirs. In a way, Thailand is undertaking a more advanced course. The Pheu Thai-conservatives uneasy partnership, with the future of Thaksin Shinawatra thrown in along with the unpredictability of Srettha Thavisin’s premiership and Cabinet, mean things are messier than the American divide. Simply put, if the United States is becoming a Banana Republic as claimed by many pro-Trump Americans including well-known politician Tulsi Gabbard and famous commentator Tucker Carlson, it’s a fledging Banana Republic and can learn from the pros scattering around the globe. This is not to say that America is not experiencing a “first” of its own. The Thai politics has not seen accusations that the liberals “weaponised” the justice system, although it can be argued that only those in power can abuse the justice system, and Thailand’s “liberals” have not really had that power yet. The Republicans are wielding the Trump conviction like a sword. But it’s a sword snatched from the Democrats, who have been telling voters that the man is democracy’s biggest threat. A Trump landslide is now a possibility. If that really happens, it will be on the back of accusations liberals are not usually associated with, in public eyes at least. But what could be worse for the American formula is that the two-party system could lose much credibility. Thailand then can be considered to be luckier, in that it has a multiple-party system, which has greater “flexibility” (that allowed Pheu Thai to join hands with the conservatives and presents more leadership choices). In fact, the two-party system always faces a bigger danger of sliding into authoritarianism. That is because, in that system, when you call your opponent an evil, you give the public no other choice but yourself. As things stand, both systems _ two-party and multi-party _ are seeing the ultimate consequences of their shortcomings. The main difference is that while America’s trouble originated from the fact that it has just two parties competing for power, hence having the tendency to do anything necessary, Thailand’s is more individualised. It all comes back to the most important question, asked throughout the history of mankind: Should we set up a system and put people in it, because system can change or control people, or should it be the other way around, because when it comes to good and bad people, system matters less than what they do? Tulsathit Taptim

From Thai PBS World Thailand’s Senate race kicked off under a storm of controversy on Sunday (June 9), beset by lawsuits, allegations, and conspiracy theories. Sunday’s nationwide district-level vote will be followed by five more rounds in what is described as the “most complicated election in the world”. Over 46,000 candidates will vote in two rounds at the district, provincial, and national levels to select 200 new senators. The new senators will replace members of the junta-appointed Senate, who are currently in caretaker roles after their five-year term expired on May 10. On Wednesday, just days before voting started, the Constitutional Court accepted a petition filed by a group of senatorial candidates alleging that four clauses in the organic law governing the poll breach the Constitution. The petition stems from a May 24 ruling by the Central Administrative Court that revoked three regulations on candidate introductions: the limit of two A4 pages, the method of electronic introduction, and the ban on artists or media professionals from using their talents to introduce themselves. This is the first time in Thailand that all Senate members will come from a vote among candidates. In 2019, the 250-member Senate was made of 194 members handpicked by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), and 50 representatives drawn from a vote among different occupations. The remaining six appointees were chiefs from the armed forces and the police. Of the 48,226 people who applied for this year’s Senate race, 46,206 qualified to join the first round on Sunday. A total of 2,020 applicants failed to meet the qualification criteria. Sunday’s district-level vote will be followed a week later by the provincial-level vote on June 16. The national-level vote will be held on June 26, with the final results due to be announced on July 2. Candidates will vote over the six rounds to select 10 senators from 20 eligible fields. These include law and justice, education, public health, agriculture, science and technology, mass communication, employees/workers, business owners, tourism professionals, industrialists, artists/athletes, independent professionals, women, and elderly, disabled or ethnic groups. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/lawsuits-conspiracies-dark-forces-thai-senate-selection-kicks-off-amid-chaos-and-controversy/

NOTE — Think this is third time a similar announcement has been made by AOT in past year. From The Thaiger The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This system aims to ease congestion atimmigration checkpoints. Wisanu participated in a real-world test of the new automatic passport control system before heading to Malaysia on flight TG415. The new system is part of an initiative by AOT to support immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport, addressing issues related to the old system that has been in use for over 15 years and only served Thai nationals. The outdated technology and a shortage of immigration staff have contributed to passenger congestion, negatively impacting Thailand’s tourism image. The government is keen on promoting Suvarnabhumi Airport as the country’s gateway, welcoming tourists and international investors. =========== Austrian Airlines to operate more flights to Bangkok Austrian Airlines, boasting a modern fleet of Airbus A320s, Boeing 767s, and Boeing 777s, has increased its weekly flights from Vienna to Bangkok to 13 flights. Brendan Shashoua, Lufthansa Group Senior Director Sales – Southeast Asia and the Pacific made the announcement. “Since 1988, Austrian Airlines has connected Vienna with the vibrant Thai capitalof Bangkok. With Thailand being a highly attractive destination for Europeans, we are responding to strong demand by increasing our weekly frequencies from Vienna from 7 to 13 flights.

Confirmed by reliable source. Standard room now 500, VIP 600.

Good to hear that offs are happening early

Simply because we may not approve of what’s developed, it still an example of evolution.

Thanks for report. Were they’re boys not dressed in white briefs who were not available to off?

Pattaya Police Hold Meeting with Bar Guards Following Viral Brawl Involving Foreign Tourists From Pattaya News Police from the Chonburi Provincial Police, Banglamung District, and Pattaya City held a meeting this week with security guards from entertainment venues in Pattaya to address concerns about tourist safety following a recent incident in which two foreign tourists were brutally assaulted by security guards. The meeting, held at Pattaya City Hall on June 6th, was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jinda Kuansanong, Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police. He was joined by Banglamung District Chief Weekit Manarojkit, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, Pattaya Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, and other officials. Representatives from the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association, the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, and the Pattaya Tourist Police Volunteers were also present, along with 300 nightclub owners and security guards. According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat, security guards must strictly adhere to the “5 Free” policy for entertainment venues, which includes: Free from children: Employees of entertainment venues must be 18 years old or older, and customers must be 20 years old or older. Free from drugs: The venues must not allow illegal drugs on the premises. Free from weapons: The venues must not allow weapons on the premises. Free from human trafficking: The venues must not engage in human trafficking activities. Free from harm: The venue must provide a safe environment for customers. This includes having adequate security measures in place, such as CCTV cameras and fire exits. Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat also clarified the roles and responsibilities of security guards at entertainment venues. He emphasized that security guards “are not law enforcement officers and must never engage in violence against customers.” Instead, they should try to resolve any incidents in a peaceful way or promptly call the police if the situation escalates beyond their control.

If you really want to exist in purely male environment, hordes of exclusively male massage shops and saunas to indulge you.

From Thai PBS World The Grand Villa at Night//Photo Courtesy of Deva Manor Facebook Built nearly 130 years ago during the reign of King Rama IV, the Grand Villa of Deves Palace is again brimming with life. This historical residence, once private, is now a haven for art and history enthusiasts. Once the residence of Queen Sirikit’s ancestors, the Kitiyakara family, it was also a place where Kings Rama VI and Rama VII of Thailand (then Siam) enjoyed leisure time. The two-storey Grand Villa was part of Deves Palace, the royal residence gifted to Prince Chanthaburi Naruenart by King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) in 1896. Today, the Aniruth-deva family owns the property. After Phraya Aniruth-deva’s passing in 1951, the Grand Villa remained closed for 56 years. Determined to preserve its grandeur and original artistry, his grandson, Col Fuangvich Aniruth-deva, embarked on a meticulous renovation project. His goal, he explains, was to honor Prince Chanthaburi Naruenart’s legacy. “Anyone who appreciates the history and architecture of this villa is welcome,” Col. Fuangvich said during a recent tour, highlighting his commitment to public access. Deva Manor, named after the family, is open daily. However, those seeking an in-depth exploration of the architecture and history are encouraged to visit on public holidays or pre-book a group tour. Led by the owner himself on occasion, these tours offer a captivating narrative of the palace’s past, using artefacts, decor, and architecture to bring history to life. The Colonial-style building reflects the era of King Rama V, when European influences permeated royal and public projects. Deva Manor is located at 4, Krung-kasem Road, Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok. Explore Deva Manor on Facebook for updates, hours of operation, cafe details, and to inquire about group visits or the special tour/lecture By Veena Thoopkrajae Continues with photos at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-journey-through-time-the-grand-villa-of-deves-palace/

Gays have been discriminated against so why should we ourselves discriminate against others based on sex.. That’s hardly an apoplectic response, Macaroni. In the case of some of Bangkok’s more successful show bars (Jupiter and Dreamboy to name a few) it’s the female baht that also buys the drinks and pays the offs to enable owners to keep the shows alive. It’s not 1996 and things have evolved whether we like it or not.

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Then try wrapping your arms around Trump.

My sources (massage boys from Soi 6) assure me that they were in evidence last night. As I enjoyed a beer at a bar in Surawong about 11p.m., two adjacent tables were full of young and attractive foreigners who had just arrived. Gays, particularly the younger ones, are not confining themselves to just the traditional gay bar haunts. They going wherever it suits them.

From Travel Weekly Jetstar will reconnect Brisbane and Thailand’s capital city from 13 December this year with three weekly flights, halving the current travel time via indirect routes.

There are many international tourists currently in town for Pride month activities that continue throughout June.

NOTE — Do we need any more reasons not to stay above second floor in Pattaya? This phenomena is bordering on ridiculous. From Thai PBS World A German national fell to his death from a hotel room in Pattaya late last night. A hotel employee told Pattaya police that he saw a man fall from the hotel into plant pots in front of a shopping mall next to the hotel. Police and EMTs rushed to the scene, but could not help the victim. Police searched the room of the 57-year-old German, in an attempt to discover the cause of the fatal fall, but did not initially find any evidence which might suggest that the victim had been assaulted prior to his fall. Forensic officers will, however, check the room and the scene more thoroughly.

From Thailand News Agency Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the live broadcast of the Euro 2024 football matches from June 14 to July 14, ensuring Thai football fans can watch. He emphasized that this is a gift of happiness to the people, with live broadcasts available on Channel 9 and Channel 11.

Sorry to hear about your disappointment. I’m in Bangkok at the moment and recommend you give the massage shops a try. I think they’ll compensate for your bar experiences.

What some of us might feel we witnessed a great show, others might think it was lackluster. Much depends on what we individually wish to see on stage. ”Good” and “bad” are too subjective. I’d be more attentive to the description of performers and types of acts in the show.

I think it’s quite possible as another way of financing the business. in shops where masseurs work long shifts—typically 10+ hours—they usually receive a cut of the room fee.

From CNBC Everyone’s life is different — yet most people still utter one of four common phrases on their deathbeds, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning author and oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee. Each of the phrases offers an important lesson for leading a fulfilling and successful life, Mukherjee said during a commencement speech at the University of Pennsylvania last week. “Every person that I’ve met in this moment of transition wanted to make four offerings,” he added. The phrases are: I want to tell you that I love you. I want to tell you that I forgive you. Would you tell me that you love me? Would you give me your forgiveness? People who know they’re dying often express some variation of one of those four themes — indicating that they waited until it was late to show their appreciation for others or right their interpersonal wrongs, said Mukherjee, author of the award-winning 2011 nonfiction book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.” Instead, they harbored grudges, lived with unresolved guilt or spent years being too afraid to be vulnerable, Mukherjee explained. The ensuing remorse, stress, poor mental health and even hormonal and immune imbalances can stunt your personal and professional growth, neurobehavioral scientist J. Kim Penberthy wrote in a 2022 University of Virginia blog post. Continues at fhttps://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/31/phrases-that-are-often-peoples-last-words-says-doctor-what-we-can-learn.html

Price for one hour oil in Saphan Kwai appear to range from 350 to 550 depending on shop. Generally, the shops on the opposite side of road from Big C are in the lowest tier but KK Massage on Suthisan Winitchai rd. Is offering a promotion rate of 250 today only. It is rumored that One Spa is boosting rate to 500 but have not yet confirmed this. I believe K-Man is top at 550.