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There's a DQ on the lower level of the new Park Silom building (Silom at Convent Rd.).

NOTE -- From time to time a feel good story comes to my attention. Today it's from Vietnam where a school for kids orphaned by Covid appears to be thriving. From VN Express Da Nang school opens new chapter for orphans At a school dedicated to children orphaned by Covid, a distressing chapter of their lives is closed so they can move on to a journey full of hope. At 5:30 a.m. one Sunday, 13-year-old Ba Thong asked his teacher to be excused from class so he and his team could complete their unfinished robot project. With the teacher's approval, the boy went knocking on each of his teammates' doors. Six children with drowsy faces then hurried to the robot lab. "Let's take it all apart and redo it," Thong said, eyes fixed on the nearly completed robot that had yet to reach the test run stage. The whole team agreed. Having taken part in a robotics program the previous afternoon, they were aware of the shortcomings of their product, which they had built over four months of arguing and agreeing with each other. With just over 10 days left until the national robotics championship, everyone wanted the product to be in its best shape. The children’s participation in the tournament is the pride of Hope School - where 230 children orphaned by Covid, from 41 provinces and cities across the country, study and live together. More than two years after the pandemic, the children, under the guidance of their teachers, have overcome pains together, and each has matured in their own way. Hope School was opened by FPT Corporation in Da Nang to receive Covid-19 orphans from across Vietnam, providing care and education for them until they turn 18. Continues at https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/da-nang-school-opens-new-chapter-for-orphans-4705710.html

From The Irrawaddy Myanmar’s regime has handed death sentences to three brigadier generals who surrendered to the Brotherhood Alliance at Laukkai in northern Shan State. The other three brigadier generals have been jailed for life, according to junta sources. On January 4, almost 2,400 regime troops, including more than 200 officers surrendered to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Kokang on the Chinese border. The MNDAA sent the soldiers and around 1,600 relatives back to the regime. Brigadier General Moe Kyaw Thu, the Laukkai headquarters chief, Brigadier General Tun Tun Myint, the acting chief of Kokang Self-Administered Zone, and Brigadier General Zaw Myo Win, the Division 55 commander, were given death sentences, according to junta sources. Brigadier General Aye Min Oo, Brigadier General Thaw Zin Oo and Brigadier General Aung Zaw Lin, the chiefs of Operation Centers 14, 16 and 12 respectively, were reportedly jailed for life. The Brotherhood Alliance, which also includes the Arakan Army and Ta’ang National Liberation Army, launched Operation 1027 across northern Shan State on October 27 last year. The alliance has seized over 500 junta bases, including several headquarters, about 17 towns and vital trade routes with China across northern Shan State.

From Pattaya News On January 26th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau and Makkasan police officers searched The Office, a massage service center, in Huai Khwang, Bangkok, and captured 43 individuals. According to a report by the Thai police, 43 individuals, including 14 Thais, 12 Vietnamese, and 17 Chinese, were pressed on charges of alleged prostitution offenses. Furthermore, Chinese investors were believed to be behind this shady business leading to the police raid at The Office, according to the police. Bangkok Police stated that they were shocked to find that the massage shop was secretly a front for prostitution, which is illegal in Thailand. Initially, the police escorted the suspects to Makkasan police station for further legal processing and pledged to hold involved individuals accountable for their crimes. The names of those arrested as well as the alleged owners of the establishment were not released as of press time.

You get another job. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.

On the subject of barkers, I think Banana and Fresh Boy make a concerted effort by putting handsome and engaging guys on the street to help cajole passers by to go in. Because of the proximity of Hot Male's Beer Bar, the friendly waiters also double as barkers for both the go-go and the bar. In the Twilight days, never was this more on display than at Dream Boy. The ever-watching owner positioned a cadre of barkers outside. From my seat at Dick's Cafe, I marveled how effectively they went about their task, frequently operating in pairs. Their success rate I estimate was well over 60%. Granted many of those came that far down the soi were looking for Dream Boy but many could still be shy about climbing the stairs. Those barkers dispelled any fears by a combination and saying the right thing and gently touching arms and shoulders. And once they entered it was rare for them to exit before the show was over. There was an owner who knew his audience and put a lot of hot flesh on display numerous times. The offs were legendary in numbers and you rarely heard a complaint about service.

Good point. I was a loyal customer of Lucky Boys pre-covid. It had the best floor show on biggest stage among the Silom bars. And the rotation could on some nights number close to 50. I distinctly recall one older guy who was in that lineup every night. That he never smiled didn't help his case. But when the big cock show came on, he was always prominently on display. Don't know if he ever got offed but he did collect his share of tips due to his huge cock. The other thing I've noticed post-covid is the importance of location. Banana Bar capitalizes on its primo location of Soi 4 that draws a more mixed crowd. It also has a few of the best barkers around. I prefer the shows at Screw Boy and Fresh Boy which are more intimate but have to acknowledge that Banana manages to rack up the numbers thanks in no small way to the foot traffic on he soi.

From Pattaya News UPDATE: Chonburi Officials Confiscate Escaped Lions On January 25th, 2024, wildlife officials in Chonburi decided to confiscate two lions reportedly kept illegally as pets in a residential area, after the lions briefly escaped from their enclosure due to a malfunctioning gate. In a joint operation on Thursday, wildlife officials and police confiscated two lions kept as pets in a residential area in Huay Yai, Chonburi. The operation, led by Mr. Kongkiat Temtumnan, Director of the Office of Conservation Area 2, followed up on reports that the lions escaped from a residence and were spotted roaming the streets of Soi Khao Makok 13 on the same day. According to reports, the lions were housed at a single-story residence, where two Rottweilers were also found. They are a male and a female, both approximately one year old. The homeowner, identified as 28-year-old Ms. Pha, declared ownership of the lions and admitted purchasing them for 500,000 baht each from a lion farm in Nakhon Pathom in December 2023. However, discrepancies emerged upon verification. According to the officials’ revelation, documents presented by Ms. Pha stated both lions were male, but initial inspection revealed that there were one male and one female. Additionally, microchip scans revealed that a microchip in one lion appeared to be mismatched with the information in the handover letter, the officials stated. Neither lion was registered with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, as required for Category A animals like lions.

From Pattaya Mail The operator of a beach bench service opposite Soi 13 Pattaya Beach Road has been suspended for 15 days by the local authorities after they were found to have verbally abused foreign tourists on January 17. The incident was reported by the tourists to the Health and Environmental Department and the Complaints Department of the Pattaya City Administration, who conducted an investigation and confirmed the misconduct. The operators admitted their wrongdoing and apologized for their behaviour. The suspension order, which is effective from January 25 to February 8, is meant to ensure the safety and tranquillity of the area, as well as to comply with the law. The local authorities said that they want to maintain a positive image of Pattaya as a tourist destination, and provide satisfactory services to all visitors. They also said that they are committed to promoting sustainable tourism development in Pattaya’s future.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The 90 days reporting desk has pride of place at Jomtien immigration bureau. There are several reasons why most expats in Thailand have to report their presence and address every three months. The usual justification is to keep an eye on any wayward farang or to prevent tourists from staying more than three months (including an extension) without leaving the country. But immigration officers say the 90 days report has other uses, for example assisting embassies to locate an individual in Thailand whose relative has just died in the home country. Up to date registration of 90 days is also likely to be necessary for obtain Thai police clearance. Expats can also avoid 90 day reporting if they hold a four year Smart visa or a 10 year Long Term Residence or have qualified for permanent residency, quota or non quota. All neighboring countries have procedures in place to monitor long term expats. In the Philippines you will need to deal with the ACR (Alien Certificate of Residence) whether a business person, a pleasure seeker or a health tourist. Those with work permits, and some others, must even appear in person for the annual reporting review. Moreover, medical clearance must be obtained via the Bureau of Quarantine in Manila. Vietnam, by contrast, is the only south east Asia country with a government website which suggests you obtain your annual visa through an agent and pay them extra. Vietnam’s visa policy has vastly improved of late, although your landlord is required to register you with the commune police not more than 12 hours after arrival. It’s extended to 24 hours if in a rural or remote area. Cambodia has the nearest equivalence to Thailand with its app-based Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS), technically the responsibility of the landlord although (as in Thailand) do it yourself if necessary. Unless registered on FPCS, no visa extensions after the first 30 days can be granted and you’ll likely face fines when trying to leave Cambodia even if you are not on overstay. It is assumed that your notified address on the FPCS remains the same indefinitely unless you change it. Failure to give an update may lead to problems and fines. In fact the FPCS has more in common with the TM30 form in Thailand than with the three months check. Like it or not, 90 days reporting is here to stay in Thailand especially as the anticipated improvements to the online service take effect. The computer illiterate will still be able to trek to their local immigration office. Expats who leave the country within three months do not have to participate and the clock starts ticking again on return with day one. Registration can be within a three weeks window: 14 days before or 7 days after the due date. Immigration bureaucracy, of course, is one of the biggest areas of expat complaint in Thailand. But moving abroad won’t necessarily free you from the frying pan or the fire.

Soi 6 shops close at midnight but if you arrive just shy most guys will still accommodate you. Some guys stagger the time they report for work. If they come before noon they get to leave at 10 or 11pm. Personally I think best time to go is mid afternoon to early evening. Told you that luck would change in Bangkok. 👍

Trump in military school as toy soldier: But when Trump was eligible for draft to become real soldier...

Lions appear to be impressed by bulge they see in caretaker. 🙂

Don't fret, EmmetK, you'll make it to front of queue yet. Don't let those hunky Venezuelans keep nudging you to the rear.

From ABC News (Australia) Dr Richard Harris appointed South Australia's Lieutenant Governor The heroic doctor involved in the infamous Thai cave rescue has been named as South Australia's next Lieutenant Governor. South Australian anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris, who rose to fame after his involvement in the rescue of 12 children trapped in a cave in Thailand, will be sworn into the role next month. The former Australian of the Year will replace Dr James Muecke, who has served in the role since 2022. Dr Harris was described as an integral part of the rescue of a team of soccer players and their 25-year-old coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand in 2018. Dr Harris conducted initial medical assessments on the boys and advised authorities on the safest extraction methods. On the day of evacuation, he gave the medical all-clear for each boy and administered anaesthesia before they left the cave. Dr Harris was about to leave on a cave diving adventure when he was called by expert divers from the UK to assist in the rescue mission using his unique dual skills of medical knowledge and cave diving. He was the last person out of the cave. Dr Harris received the prestigious Star of Courage bravery award for his efforts, and was named joint Australian of the Year in 2019. In his new role, Dr Harris will serve as deputy to South Australia's Governor, Frances Adamson. The Lieutenant Governor acts as the state's Vice Regal representative in the absence of the Governor. In a statement, Dr Harris said he was "truly honoured" to be appointed to the role and thanked Dr Muecke for his service.

From Richardbarrow.com The Vientiane (Khamsavath) Railway Station is set to open in April 2024 for shuttle trains crossing over the border from Nong Khai. There are also plans for at least two trains a day to transport passengers all the way from Bangkok to Vientiane in Laos, with a fare of less than 300 baht for the cheapest ticket. All three classes of travel will be available. PLEASE NOTE: This is the metre-gauge line from Thailand. It has nothing to do with the high-speed line that is still under construction. Pichet Khunatamruk, the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transportation (DRT), revealed in an interview with Daily News that the DRT will meet with the Laotian Ministry of Railways and other relevant agencies on 6th February 2024. The purpose of this meeting is to finalize regulations for rail travel between Thailand and Laos on the 7.5-kilometer section from Nalaeng to Vientiane (Khamsavath), which is an extension of the Nong Khai-Nalaeng railway line. Following these discussions, trial runs are planned to commence from Nong Khai to Vientiane (Khamsavath) in February 2024. Though these will not be open to the public. The regular service is expected to begin in April 2024, with fares of 60-70 baht and a travel time of approximately 20 minutes. According to Pichet, there are still unresolved issues regarding immigration procedures for passengers crossing the border from Thailand to Vientiane (Khamsavath). The ultimate goal is to streamline the process so that passengers are only stamped once, either in Nong Khai or Vientiane, Laos. Currently, passengers must undergo stamping in both Nong Khai, Thailand, and Vientiane, Laos. Furthermore, Laotian train drivers will replace Thai train drivers at the Nong Khai station. Staff from the National Railways of Laos have already completed theoretical and practical training in locomotive driving and ticket sales, enabling them to operate immediately once the service begins. Pichet mentioned that nine Laotian train drivers have been trained to drive Thai locomotives. These drivers will be responsible for operating trains between Nong Khai and Vientiane (Khamsavath), with a driver change occurring at Nong Khai station. The purpose of this change is to avoid potential legal issues. If a Thai train driver were to cause an accident or incident in Laos, they would be subject to Laotian law and would have to go through the court system in Laos. According to Pichet, extending the rail service to Vientiane (Khamsavath) will greatly facilitate travel for Thai and foreign tourists from Bangkok to Vientiane by train. The current Bangkok-Nong Khai trains, which operate six round trips per day, will be converted to Bangkok-Vientiane (Khamsavath) service. Initially, there will be two round trips per day, offering all three classes of service. Additionally, the local shuttle trains running between Nong Khai and Nalaeng will also be transformed into Nong Khai-Vientiane (Khamsavath) service, with four round trips per day. Pichet further mentioned that upon arrival at the Vientiane (Khamsavath) station, passengers can conveniently access public transportation services provided by Laos, such as mini-vans, tuk-tuks, and taxis. This will enable passengers to easily reach the city center of Vientiane, which is approximately 7-9 kilometers away.

NOTE -- There's no word yet whether much-sought used undies would be among the goods to be offered. From The Nation The Commerce Ministry plans to work with the Thai producers of the drama series “boys’ love” (BL) genre to help boost demand for Thai products overseas. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Wednesday that his ministry was targeting a large market of foreigners who are loyal followers of Thai BLs, and have high purchasing power. “We will try to sell goods to their fans,” he said, adding that this was part of his ministry’s attempt to find new markets for Thai products. But he did not elaborate on how they plan to do it. “If you look to expand the market in the old way, you will end up getting nowhere,” he said, adding that those involved need to “think out of the box”. Phumtham, who is also a deputy prime minister, said he would launch the plan on January 31, without elaborating. A key figure from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Phumtham said that Thai films and dramas in the BL genre had a large following overseas. He pointed to large numbers of foreign fans joining events featuring popular Thai actors from those series in Thailand. Boys’ love genre depicts romantic relationships between male characters. Thai movies and dramas in this genre have gained strong international following in recent years, particularly in Asian countries like Japan and China. BL is also known as “Y series” in Thailand, deriving from the Japanese term “yaoi” – a genre of fictional media originating in Japan that features homoerotic relationships between male characters. The commerce minister was speaking during the “Thailand 2024: The Great Challenges” event held at the Pullman Bangkok King Power hotel. He also said during the event that the Commerce Ministry was working with a group of Chinese influencers on its plan to boost demand for Thai products in China. Phumtham said his ministry would soon enter into an agreement with 30-40 leading Chinese influencers as part of the plan, adding that one of the participating influencers alone had as many as 300 million followers. As per the plan, the Chinese influencers will help sell Thai products during their livestreaming to followers, according to the commerce minister.

From Pattaya News On January 25th, 2024, residents of Moo 4 in the Huay Yai area of Chonburi were startled by the sight of two large lions roaming the street. According to reports, the lions, named Asaw and Lin Lin, escaped from their enclosure at a house in Soi Khao Makok 13 due to a malfunctioning automatic gate. Before authorities arrived, the owner, only identified as Ms. Sky, 28, managed to safely guide the lions back inside and secure the gate with a leash. Ms. Sky stated to reporters that she has been raising the lions, a male and a female, since they were cubs, approximately 45 days old, and now, at 10 months old, they have become part of the local community. However, while some residents are fine with the lions, others expressed concern about their potential danger, especially given the area’s large population of children and elderly residents. They added that they often see the owner playing with the lions and feeding them large bags of chicken frames. In addition, Ms. Sky has two pet rottweilers at her residence. She presented documents proving legal ownership of the lions to the inspecting authorities after the incident. She assured them that the lions are not aggressive and can be handled with caution. However, local authorities are reportedly planning to inspect the house to examine the lions. This comes as private ownership of lions has risen as a major concern in Thailand and is the second incident with a lion in the Pattaya area in a week. The incidents have also brought criticism online, with some, including Thai wildlife officials, considering changing laws allowing private ownership of lions in Thailand.

From PBS A groundbreaking visual investigation in collaboration with The Washington Post featuring a detailed examination of how Hamas was able to breach Israel’s vaunted security barrier on Oct. 7 and carry out its attack. This special collaboration stems from a Post reconstruction, now deepened with additional on-the ground reporting and riveting interviews that present a remarkable picture of how, as the Post reporters show, Hamas was planning the attack in plain sight, and Israel was blinded to its own vulnerabilities. Continue to video https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/failure-at-the-fence/

Looking back to the Thailand of 20 year ago or 20 years into the future isn't going to help you appreciate what it offers today, especially if you dwell on the misery you perceive in others. Loneliness is endemic for most older men. Health and financial issues weigh heavily. I'm certainly in that age group. I travel to Thailand as often as I can because it renews my spirits and my outlook. Without it I fear I might too succumb to misery. Instead of rejecting the miserable, try smiling toward them. Who knows when some day any one of us may find ourselves in similar straits.

Some ASEAN guys have already started returning home for New Year's. But don't give up on Soi 6 yet. All good things to those who wait. 🙂

From The Thaiger A Thai man caught a transwoman thief in the act of attempting to steal from a parked pickup on a road in the central province of Ayutthaya and turned her into the police. The transwoman reportedly tricked drunk victims by offering them oral sex before stealing from them. The witness, 26 year old Sittichai Watechadate, reported the attempted theft by a Thai transwoman to Bang Pa-in Police Station in Ayuthaya province at 4am on January 21. Sittichai revealed that the transwoman stole from his older brother and other locals four or five times before. Sittichai told Channel 7 that he was returning home after work when he noticed the transwoman trying to open the door of the pickup. She used a flashlight to look inside the car and tampered with the car door in an attempt to steal the valuables. Sittichai said he recorded a video as evidence to show to the car owner and then rushed to stop the transwoman. Sittichai revealed he forgave the transwoman for her former crimes but confessed to physically assaulting her after he discovered she continued to commit crimes. Sittichai explained that the transwoman tried to steal from his brother’s car when he parked it one night. He and his brother managed to catch her but forgave her after she agreed to stop her stealing antics. Channel 7 reported that transwoman targeted drunk motorists who slept in their parked cars. She would quietly open the car door and steal their belongings and money. According to the media, she would sometimes offer oral sex to drunk victims to find an opportunity to steal. The theft cases involving transwomen usually make headlines in Pattaya. One transwoman thief was arrested in Pattaya two days ago after stealing a gold necklace worth about 300,000 baht from a Swiss man. The transwoman approached the foreign man and hugged him around the neck and managed to neatly remove his gold necklace at the same time.

A movement born in post WWI America eerily mimics the "Make America Great Again" movement today. Nazi Town, USA tells the story of the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi group which in the 1930s had scores of chapters across the country, representing what many believe was a real threat of fascist subversion in the United States. They held joint rallies with the KKK and ran summer camps for children centered around Nazi ideology and imagery, melding patriotic values with virulent anti-Semitism. https://www.pbs.org/video/nazi-town-usa-y4vqkt/