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I’ve been here for about six weeks and have had much less rain than anticipated. Mid-day heat can be quite hot but not oppressive because cloudiness has been common later in day. Have had occasional downpours as was the case tonight between 7 and 9. if that’s all that’s keeping you away, don’t read weather forecasts. Boys are here and would be glad to see you.

From Thai PBS World While green spaces might not be seen as a high priority in Thailand, the proximity to nature is one of reasons why Finland has retained its position as the happiest country in the world for seven years. The living environment, combined with rich natural spaces and government efforts to reduce factors contributing unhappiness, are keys to maintaining happiness for Finns. Abundant green spaces in cities, and a mere 40-minute drive from the capital to a national park, enable Finns to enjoy their time in natural environments. A forest guide at Nuuksio National Park, Joel Pyykkönen, told Thai PBS World that this is his dream job and generates happy emotions every day, adding that government support is indispensable in achieving this. ‘’I have opportunities to do work that I prefer in Finland. The government provides training courses, upskilling programmes and equal access to the resources. As I am fond of living with nature, I got this dream job, after being taught about forests and national parks on government training programmes,‘’ Joel said. Alleviating people’s stress and eliminating factors that trigger unhappiness in society are how the government continuously maintains its population’s level of happiness. An expert on well-being research noted, however, that Finns are not smiling all the time, but they feel happy thanks to the extensive state welfare system and trust in institutions. Frank Martela, a lecturer at Aalto University, said that the generous welfare policy, well-functioning institutions, low corruption and freedom to make life choices, have led the country to a societal environment in which citizens feel the least unhappy. ‘’Democracy and education are very important for ensuring people’s trust in the government. Happiness in Finland does not come from what we see, but how we are being treated. The institutions should serve the citizens, taking good care of all of them. A well-functioning government can remove many sources of unhappiness in society,’’ Frank opined. The welfare system, which cares for citizens from birth to death, is paid for through high rates of taxation. A single worker pays an average of 31.6% in tax, while a married worker with two children pays an average of 27.1%, according to the OECD report on taxing wages in 2023. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/why-finland-is-still-the-worlds-happiest-country/

It was a near perfect day for parade. Stepped off to partly sunny skies that thankfully turned overcast but without any rain. From what I could tell from my observation point near Central World, it was very well organized with a strong turnout of participants. Toward the end, a large contingent of big bike riders (think Harleys) added a decidedly macho touch. Coming from the US, Sturgis came immediately to mind. The on-lookers were a mix of locals—young an old alike, tourists, families (who doesn’t love a parade), and they loudly joined in voicing their approval. Bangkok, thanks for the memories!

From The Nation Leveraging on the country's logistics capabilities, the Thai government plans to promote year-round travel for tourists, and as part of this policy the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with relevant partners to develop infrastructure that allows tourists easy access to major attractions. The “Amazing Experience” initiative aims to provide new and valuable travel experiences in major cities, connecting 55 notable provinces across the country. This is done in conjunction with presenting Thai identity through the concept of “5 Must Do in Thailand” to drive the government’s “Ignite Thailand’s Tourism” policy. The TAT has partnered with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Boon Rawd Trading Co Ltd to organise a railway tourism activity called "Instant Joy with Thai Trains: This Journey is Different". The pilot activity will take place in July 2024, with travel routes connecting Bangkok to provinces in the central and eastern regions. The KIHA 183 train will run weekly on four routes, with a two-day, one-night travel package priced at 3,999 baht per person: Route 1: Bangkok - Ratchaburi, July 6-7 Route 2: Bangkok - Prachuap Khiri Khan, July 13-14 Route 3: Bangkok - Suphanburi, July 20-21 Route 4: Bangkok - Prachinburi, July 27-28 This aims to invigorate the domestic travel atmosphere throughout the Green Season and coincide with the auspicious month of July. Additionally, the TAT said it would continue to drive the momentum in August with the “August Mother’s Travel” activity, featuring two one-day railway travel routes: Route 1: Mother-Child Historical Steam Train Trip, Bangkok - Chachoengsao, August 12 Route 2: Mother-Child Royal Blossom Train of Happiness, Bangkok - Kanchanaburi, August 17. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/life/travel/40039252

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will inaugurate the “LOVE PRIDE PARADE 2024” and join the longest grand parade in Asia at 6 kilometers, to conclude Pride Month. The parade will march from the National Stadium along Rama 1 Road, passing Pathumwan, Siam, Ratchaprasong, Phloen Chit, Asoke, and Sukhumvit, ending at Benchasiri Park in Bangkok from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. Over 1,000,000 spectators are expected along the route. Chai stated that the Thai government, alongside more than 100 leading private sector organizations, is organizing the LOVE PRIDE PARADE 2024 to celebrate the conclusion of Pride Month, the month of pride for the LGBTQIAN+ community.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The 60 days visa exempt for 93 countries This was announced prematurely by the foreign affairs ministry and has not yet started. Amongst the details to be clarified are whether the visa exempt can be extended for a further month at local immigration (90 days in all) and whether the whole exercise can be repeated by leaving Thailand and returning quickly. The Destination Thailand Visa This looks like a 180 days “activity-related” visa with limited extension rights, but clarification is awaited. Will likely need documentation such as company papers to work overseas for remote workers, registration at a Thai martial arts training facility or enrolment at a cuisine college. It might be extended to tourists seeking gender reassignment surgery or listed medical procedures. Very unlikely to be an additional option for wannabe retirees or longstay tourists trying to avoid border or visa runs. Long Term Residence Visa This 10 year visa, which requires an annual income of at least US$80,000 or very substantial investment in Thailand, has been touted as exempt from the Thai Revenue announcement that assessable income remitted to Thailand from January 1 2024 will be subject to personal income tax. However, it is unknown whether the exemption will apply to stage two of the Revenue’s plans to tax worldwide assets, whether remitted to Thailand or not, from next year. This second Revenue proposal (unlike the first already in operation) would need a new law or Cabinet approval. Review of retirement-related visas and extensions Due to be implemented in September 2024. A temporary reduction in medical insurance for those applying for a one year visa in Thai embassies was announced, but nothing more. Likely subjects for upward review are the 800,000 baht requirement in the bank or 65,000 baht in regular cash transfer from overseas: these sums have not been raised for over 15 years. Other subject reviews might center on why some longstay retirees have to provide medical insurance whilst others do not. Getting the foreign affairs ministry, which controls entries, and the immigration bureau, which controls extensions, to agree won’t be easy. Tax identification numbers There is speculation that holders of some longstay visas and extensions of stay could require registration with Thai Revenue and the issuing of a TIN and/or confirmation that a tax return had been submitted by the applicant. This is extremely unlikely at present as the requirement of at least 180 days in Thailand in any one year to be a tax resident does not require any particular visa. Some tourists, relying of visa exempts, extensions and border runs, could clock up six months plus without having any kind of visa. Gay marriages Long-stay visas for gay partnerships won’t likely be announced until the legal process is completed towards the end of the year. The current annually-renewable extension for foreigners with a Thai spouse of the opposite sex – the one requiring 400,000 in the bank or similar monthly income – is under review anyway as many of these foreigners are retired.

Only danger I’m aware of is that you may get addicted to it. 🙂 Over a year ago someone mentioned a similar message but I’ve never received one.

I’d much prefer to pay service fee to wait staff than paying tip. 12.5 to 15% certainly reasonable. In Bangkok, if the restaurant doesn’t add 10% service fee, I tip at that same rate. Same with massage shops. Would much prefer to see posted minimum tips.

Different shops. K-Man is located a 30-second walk from Saphan Kwai BTS stop and KK Massage is located about a 15-20 minute walk away on Sutthisan Winitchai rd., the home to four shops.

Unlike some other countries, wait staff in the US receive a very low base wage, determined state by state. This list from the Department of Labor may surprise many. Removes any doubt as to why Starbucks staff is voting to unionize in an increasing number of locations. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped

If the gay guys perform anywhere near as well as the straight guys, you’ll be home free. And I’m old.

15M massage identifies by Straight and Gay.

Only one. Just what kind of a slut do think I am?

KK massage identifies “T&B” on their LINE feeds.

From Tourism. Authority of Thailand This month sees cultural performances to commemorate the 6th Cycle Birthday Celebration of HM King Rama X, and Buddhist festivals to mark the Asanha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa Day, as well as many other wonderful festivals and events taking place. Continue to listings https://www.tatnews.org/2024/06/july-2024s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand

Phetboy is offering a package of three one-hour sessions for 900 baht which purchased separately would cost 1200. They can be used until end of year.

Sadly, Obama is prevented from running because he has already served two terms. Damn, he could destroy Trump in a one-on-one.

NOTE — They list every conceivable reason other than they’re gay. From Thai PBS World The increase in those choosing to remain single is a global phenomenon. In Thailand, a recent survey indicates that more and more people are opting for the single life. They say being single enables them to be more focused on their personal growth and goals and gives them greater opportunities to become more independent and leave traditional norms behind. The Thai government is being urged to work harder to help couples find love, encourage marriage and reverse its plunging birth rates and thus reduce adverse socio-economic implications. Why do Thai people stay single? The National Economic and Social Development Council recently revealed findings based on a 2023 household socio-economic survey. These show that 23.9% of Thais are single. In particular, the share of singles in the reproductive age group (15-49 years old) reached 40.5% in 2023, a rise from 35.7% in 2017. Interestingly, the majority of single people are living in cities. One-third of them (mostly females), hold at the very least a bachelor’s degree. One of the main factors associated with singlehood according to the survey is social values. Singles can be classified into three main groups; (1) Single Income, No Kids (SINK) describes single people with no kids, who enjoy a happy life, spending money on food, travel and expensive communication tools to spoil themselves; (2) Professional Aunt, No Kids (PANK) are singles aged over 30 who are well educated and well paid but have no kids and they spend money taking care of children in their family; and (3) Waithood defines singles who choose to wait for love, partially due to not being ready for it. The majority of them are less educated and live on limited income. Cultural expectations and different expectations in a relationship also play big roles in choosing to remain unattached. In Asian culture, for example, being married means facing up to high expectations from the family. Women are expected to take care of the children, run the house and go out to work. A 2021 survey by a leading matchmaking and dating agency in Thailand revealed that over 76% of female respondents said they don’t date a man who makes less money than them and 83% of them reported that they don’t go out with men shorter than them. Meanwhile, about 59% of male respondents said they don’t date females taller than them, while 60% of them said they don’t take up with divorced women. Fewer opportunities to meet new people is another reason why some Thai people stay single. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-urged-to-do-more-to-help-singles-find-love-and-boost-falling-birth-rates/

Maybe if you set your sights on just finding a younger friend. Someone you truly enjoy being with and he with you, sans the sex. Sex you can have with countless guys for money or pleasure. Your biggest complaint isn’t that you’re starved for sex. It’s that you’re starved for friendship. That’s what loneliness sounds like.

‘Big Joke’ to sue over dismissal https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2818884/big-joke-to-sue-pm-over-dismissal

I’m of two—perhaps three—minds about this. First, the Dems have had two years to anticipate this and failed to act. I recall posting a year or more ago that the only person who can defeat an ex-president is another ex-president: Obama. Still feel that way today. Second, the race will still be decided by the yet undecided voters. They didn’t get any incentive last night in either direction. One candidate is failing and the other a cowardly liar. Third, the worst outcome for the Dems—all American, really—is that more undecideds in battleground states will stay away and not vote at all. Handing the election to Trump is reminiscent of Hitler being named chancellor of Germany in 1933. It indeed could happen. No since the Civil War has America confronted such a political crisis. Unless something dramatic changes in the weeks before the convention, there could be no way out.

From Tourism Authority of Thailand If you are in Bangkok and wish to explore the Old City or Rattanakosin neighbourhood and the bustling Yaowarat Road – Chinatown’s high street, the most convenient way to enjoy your walking tour is to take the MRT Blue Line and get off at Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot, Sanam Chai or Itsaraphap MRT Stations. They run in this order from the Hua Lamphong MRT Station. Between them, the four stations provide an easy and convenient way to go from attraction to attraction, doing away with the need to tackle traffic conditions and having to travel by taxi, tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi. All in all, it makes for a more enjoyable time spent visiting the wonderful sites of the Old City and Chinatown. The area of Bangkok covered by these four stations is home to many of the city’s most spectacular and revered attractions; such as, the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). As such, the design and decoration of the stations both celebrates and honours this, and even their above ground architecture aims to help the buildings blend in and look a part of the community. Wat Mangkon MRT Station While the Hua Lamphong MRT Station is a short walk from Bangkok’s Chinatown, the Wat Mangkon MRT Station on Charoen Krung Road is in the heart of Chinatown, and this makes it perfect for tourists wanting to experience the pulsating beat and dazzling neon lights of this famous neighbourhood. The station is named after Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (meaning ‘Dragon Lotus Temple’) the city’s largest Chinese Buddhist temple and features a striking and very elegant décor of red and gold and a dragon-inspired staircase. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is within a comfortable walk of the Wat Mangkon MRT Station. Also known as Wat Leng Nui Yee, the temple is a centre of festivities during important festivals like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, and these are indeed fantastic times to visit the attraction. The temple’s low rambling structure features dragons playing with a pearl on the roof, and there are various Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian shrines within. Yaowarat Road – Chinatown’s high street – is a foodies’ dream, attracting locals from across the city and tourists alike to the scintillating array of street-side food including dim sum, noodles, omelettes and much more that’s on offer during the evening. Also worth visiting in Chinatown is Wat Traimit, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the Hua Lamphong MRT Station. This temple houses a massive gold seated Buddha, and it is a regular pilgrimage for Buddhists as well as curious tourists. Within a stone’s throw of Wat Traimit is the Chinatown Gate, which marks the entrance to this end of Chinatown. It was built in 1999 to commemorate the late King Rama IX’s 72nd birthday. Also within a walk of the Wat Mangkon MRT Station is Sampheng Lane, a cluttered, hectic and fun Chinatown market. Packed along the narrow lane (seriously, it’s about as wide as your outstretched arms) is shop after shop selling all manner of items from jewellery, shoes and watches to toys, fabric and a myriad of exotic foods. If you’re looking for heaps of people and heaps of goods ranging from the Oriental to the everyday, then Sampheng Lane won’t disappoint you. Sam Yot MRT Station Sam Yot MRT station is decorated with a museum-type feel that includes displays of old photographs and drawings that point to the Station’s historical surroundings while the Station building itself is designed to reflect the local street architecture. This station is situated on the Western outskirts of Chinatown and Sampheng Lane; for example, can be reached within a comfortable walk. Rommaninat Park is a few minutes’ walk from the Station to the north while a short stroll beyond the park is Wat Suthat and the towering red Giant Swing at its entrance. Wat Suthat is among Bangkok’s oldest and most impressive temples, having been commissioned by King Rama I the Great and completed around the mid-19th century during King Rama III’s reign. The temple features an elegant chapel, magnificent wall murals, and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels. The Giant Swing stands over 21 metres tall and is a prominent landmark of the area. The original swing dating from 1784 was replaced in 2004 with a new one crafted from golden teak. Sanam Chai MRT Station The beautiful, elegant decoration of the Sanam Chai MRT Station with its maroon red and gold colours and stately pillars effect pays tribute to the royal heritage nearby. The Station is around a kilometre from the spectacular Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) located along the way. Right on the Station’s doorstep is Museum Siam, which is dedicated to the history of the Thai people, their culture and traditions. Far from your average run-of-the-mill museum, this place is full of surprising and thought-provoking displays and exhibits many of them interactive. Continues with photos https://www.tatnews.org/2024/06/exploring-bangkoks-old-city-and-yaowarat-is-super-easy-with-mrt-blue-line/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exploring-bangkoks-old-city-and-yaowarat-is-super-easy-with-mrt-blue-line

From The Thaiger Thai banks have become the main financial lifeline for Myanmar’s militarygovernment, enabling it to buy goods and equipment for its brutal campaign against pro-democracy resistance and ethnic minority groups. This revelation comes from a UN report released yesterday, June 26, by Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The report details how Myanmar’s military junta, formally known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has circumvented sanctions from the US, EU, and other states by switching to new financial and military suppliers. With Singapore firms pulling out, Thai companies have stepped in to fill the void, keeping the junta well-armed. The report, titled Banking on the Death Trade: How Banks and Governments Enable the Military Junta in Myanmar, stated that over the past year, 16 banks in seven countries processed transactions for SAC military procurement, 25 banks have provided correspondent banking services to Myanmar’s state-owned banks since the coup. Since seizing power in February 2021, Myanmar’s military has violently suppressed nonviolent protests, leading to a full-scale civil war. They face accusations of widespread human rights violations, including the bombing of civilians. Despite international efforts to isolate the junta, gaps in sanctions enforcement have allowed it to continue its reign of terror.

War, offensives, politics, corruption. You name it and they combine to deaden our senses to humanity. This one story won’t reverse that but it reminds us what truly matters. From The Thaiger Thai teen caring for his grandmother receives public support Generous individuals rallied to support a devoted Thai teen who put his education on hold to care for his ailing grandmother. The 15 year old Ae’s daily struggle involves walking barefoot for over 14 kilometres to collect and sell recyclable materials to support his grandmother and younger siblings. The family lives in a modest house in a rural area, lacking both electricity and running water. Kind-hearted residents from various provinces sent a substantial amount of essential items to Ae and his family. Donations included clothes, shoes, school supplies, rice, dried food, and other everyday necessities. Ae expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the benefactors. “I am overjoyed and deeply thankful to everyone who has helped us. Your kindness has allowed me to return to school.”

He’d crawl if he had to. 🙂