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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. 🙂

Selected a guy from a massage shop tablet last night. Wasn’t the most handsome of the many offerings, but it was a combination of his masculinity and simplicity. After he arrived he used his phone translator to tell me we had met before at different Saphan Kwai shop over a year ago. He must have had good recall of the first time because he was already very much at ease. For the lack of a better word, it was a reunion of sorts and throughly enjoyable. Nothing wrong with chasing the bright light. I find myself doing it on occasion. But uncovering hidden gems can be equally rewarding—and satisfying.

Only thing I’d add for twink admirers is Good Boy has good representation.

I believe it was Moses who reports that only readers of this forum are actually dead (himself included).🙂

Available but did not fall within my range of potential massage candidates.

From CNN 2024’s Global Liveability Index: The top 10 1. Vienna, Austria 2. Copenhagen, Denmark 3. Zurich, Switzerland 4. Melbourne, Australia 5. Calgary, Canada 5. Geneva, Switzerland 7. Sydney, Australia 7. Vancouver, Canada 9. Osaka, Japan 9. Auckland, New Zealand https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/26/travel/the-worlds-most-liveable-cities-for-2024/index.html

As many have noted, the Saphan Kwai area is a target-rich environment for massage seekers. Although all the shops are on the basic side, SK makes up for it with lower prices and generally larger selections of masseurs than you’ll find elsewhere in town. Most of the guys are free lancers and you’ll find many of the same faces at multiple shops. Having said that, there are some all-male shops scattered about that have dedicated cadres of boys serving only their shop. Last night I booked a guy at 15M which is less than a five-minute walk from the BTS station. Booking is fairly easy via LINE. I sent them his name and photo and requested one hour for two hours later. After initially reporting that he was unable to contact him, he sent me a message a few minutes later saying the boy called back and was available so I booked him. When I arrived at appointed time,my guy and three others were in the shop, any of whom would have been acceptable to me. Rooms are small but adequate with mattress pad on floor and aircon. Showered separately down the hall. There was a large lock box on wall but no key. Pleased to report that the young man provided very good service with skill and affection, fulfilling my expectations. Showered together and took turns soaping each other. Overall, a very pleasant experience worth repeating and tipped above the posted minimum. Prices for an hour vary around the area from promotions as low as 250 to the highest I’m aware of at 550. But I think you’ll find the average about 400 which it is at 15M. Getting there is fairly simple from Saladeang with a change of trains at Siam. Travel time about 25 minutes and RT fare less than 100 baht.

Stopped by Magic Touch yesterday and was warmly greeted by the manager. He showed me the rate card that indicated one hour oil was 580 baht. When I inquired if either of the two of the guys I had in mind were available, he reported that Mr. King is not there and Mr. Max had moved on to Dubai. As it turned out, only the manager was available at the moment, I thanked him for the information and said I’d drop by another time.

From Thai OBS World The Police Commission has voted 12-0 to endorse the order by Acting National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet to remove Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn from the police service. The commission spent two hours discussing the issue, after the Council of State, the government’s legal advisor, ruled that the removal order was illegitimate. Yesterday, Surachate submitted a petition to recently-reinstated national police chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, seeking to revoke the acting police chief’s order of April 18, removing him from police service, after he had been charged with collusion in money laundering in connection with the BNK Master online gambling network. Also on April 18, Pol Gen Kitrat issued an order transferring Surachate back to the Royal Thai Police from PM’s Office before issuing another order dismissing him from the service. Both Surachate and Torsak were ordered transferred to the PM’s Office by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin March over the conflict between them. After leaving the Police Commission meeting, the prime minister told the media that the Police Commission Secretary-General will hold a press briefing about the meeting today. Pol Gen Surachate has been fighting for his reinstatement as the deputy police chief, which would have paved the way for him to become the next police chief, as he is the most senior deputy police chief. He has also threatened to sue the prime minister, Pol Gen Kitrat, Pol Gen Torsak and retired deputy police chief Pol Gen Winai Thongsong if he is not reinstated.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon CBRE Thailand, the market leader in real estate services, has told the Bangkok Postthat increasing the foreign ownership for condos to 75 percent is likely non-consequential right now. This is because very few condo projects have reached the current quota of 49 percent. Praphinleeya Phuengkhuankhan, head of residential sales, said, “An increase in foreign ownership quotas may not be significant for the market or the economy as demand from foreign buyers for any single project is not that high.” She added that even in resorts such as Phuket or Pattaya, non-Thai buyers prefer villas over condos. Nationally, the number of condo ownership transfers by foreigners accounted for 13.6 percent last year, up from 10.8 percent in 2022. However, foreigners tended to purchase condo units outside of Greater Bangkok with Chonburi province, including Pattaya, being a front runner. Foreigners are generally restricted from owning land in Thailand directly. However, they can own specified buildings on the land, such as condominium units, or lease land for various periods which are currently under review by the government. Some commentators believe that current ambiguities about taxing foreigners on remitted income from 2024, and the possibility of taxing them on worldwide income from 2025, is dampening condo sales by foreign investors.

From The Thaiger The Thai Cabinet made a bold move to bolster its tourism sector by extending a waiver on operating fees for hoteliers for another two years. This strategic decision, made yesterday, June 25, aims to support the country’s ongoing economic recovery following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The fee exemption, which spares hoteliers from the annual charge of 40 baht per hotel room, will be in effect from July this year to June 2026. While this will result in a revenue loss of 54 million baht for the government, Deputy Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang believes it is a necessary step. “Waiving the fee will help reduce expenses for hotel operators that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and may remain unable to recover.” Tourism is a cornerstone of the Thai economy, which has been struggling with high household debt, rising borrowing costs, and weak exports. The government is aiming for 3% economic growth in 2024, up from last year’s modest 1.9%. With tourism playing a critical role in this target, the fee waiver is expected to ease financial burdens on hoteliers and stimulate sector growth.

John Burdett explains it all in “Bangkok 8”.

From Thai PBS World Even more puzzling than the country’s two top policemen being sidelined simultaneously for alleged corruption is that both have been reinstated months later as if no damage had been done. In a development that critics call “a farce”, national police chief Pol General Torsak Sukvimol and his deputy Pol General Surachate Hakparn have been shifted from suspension in the Prime Minister’s Office back to their posts following the completion of an investigation by a three-man committee appointed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in March. Critics say this “win-win solution” for the feuding top cops is not in the national interest since it leaves many questions unanswered, especially regarding allegations linking Torsak and Surachate to illegal and lucrative online gambling. Speculation abounds of a “secret deal” between the conflicting sides, while media have reported rumours that certain political heavyweights are paving the way for Surachate to become the next police chief in exchange for him helping to boost their party’s performance in southern provinces in the next election. Surachate, aka “Big Joke”, is a native of the southern Songkhla province and president of the Southerners Association of Thailand. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/secret-deal-or-political-intrigue-thailands-feuding-top-cops-reinstated/

From The Thaiger Thailand’s national parks achieved a monumental milestone, breaking revenue records by collecting a whopping 1.785 billion baht between October 1 last year, and June 20 this year. This incredible sum surpasses the total amount collected in the whole of 2023, which stood at 1.467 billion baht. Leading the charge is the Nopparat Thara Beach National Park, Phi Phi Islands, raking in an impressive 500.87 million baht. This park, a magnet for foreign tourists, has seen a dramatic increase in visitors, recording over 4.5 million foreign arrivals, a 41.5% rise from the previous year. In the past nine months, the park’s revenue surged from 300 million baht to over 500 million baht. Similan National Park follows with 243.66 million baht, renowned for its breathtaking underwater beauty. Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park garnered 127.82 million baht, attracting visitors with its stunning coastal views. Ao Phang Nga National Park, famous for its dramatic limestone karsts, brought in 114.23 million baht. Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak, completed the top five with 100.55 million baht.