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Deputy PM backs 60-day visa free entry From The Nation Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham admits visa-free policy has its costs — may open door to crime, but boosts economy; urges public to avoid spreading harmful rumours. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai , on April 30, 2025 addressed public concerns over the visa-free policy for tourists, following reports of crimes committed by some Chinese nationals in Thailand. He emphasised the need to examine the facts carefully and affirmed that if any wrongdoing occurs, it will be dealt with under the law. “These incidents do not reflect a lack of safety in our country but rather the individual actions of certain visitors,” Phumtham stated. He also dismissed current rumours about organ trafficking involving Chinese tourists, saying there have been no such confirmed cases to date. Regarding the recent online uproar about a man dressed like a military police officer participating in a Chinese event, Phumtham explained that the incident actually took place in December 2024. Once it surfaced on social media, the matter was promptly investigated. He confirmed that no military police unit under the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, or the Royal Thai Army had authorised such a mission. If the individual acted in a personal capacity or impersonated an officer, he would be subject to criminal charges. Phumtham acknowledged that Thailand’s reputation may be affected by online speculation, both true and false, but stressed that the overall number of tourists remains high. He noted that the decline in Chinese tourists mostly involves “zero-dollar tours,” which have little impact on tourism revenue. When asked whether Thai authorities had been negligent in allowing Chinese nationals to use Thailand as a base for fraudulent operations, such as posing as officials to scam others, Phumtham reiterated that the government has not ignored the issue and is taking it seriously, especially after it was brought to light on social media. As for concerns that the visa-free policy might be a loophole exploited by bad actors, Phumtham argued that it is an important economic tool to attract tourism. “No policy brings only positive effects—there are always trade-offs. But crimes committed by a few do not mean all tourists are here with bad intentions,” he said. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/policy/40049432

From The Nation IAG reports that six global casino giants, led by GEG, Melco, and MGM, are ready to bid for Thailand's Entertainment Complex project, while Crown, Bally's, and Peermont have withdrawn to focus on their domestic markets. IAG reveals six global casino operators ready to bid for Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Project, led by GEG, Melco, and MGM, while Crown, Bally's, and Peermont withdraw to focus on domestic markets The entertainment complex project in Thailand has captured the attention of major global operators. According to the latest report by Inside Asian Gaming (IAG), a leading media outlet covering the gaming and casino industry in Asia, 15 operators have expressed interest or are likely to participate in bidding for integrated resort licenses in Thailand. As the Thai government deliberates the legal framework for developing entertainment complexes, global operators have begun to show clear signs of interest in the Thai market. Some companies have already set up offices in Bangkok to prepare for potential opportunities. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/investment/40049356

How is the Welcome Wagon group in Pattaya? I understand that it is not gay, per se, but as long as it is not homophobic, I think that it could be quite useful. I also think that having non-gay expat friends (both male and female) could be less complicated. This would be true in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.

Asiatique is by the river, couldn't they just gang up and drown him there I wonder

Would far prefer to deal with Conan than the Khmer Rouge.

I was not asked but can explain as I did the same - 10 nights at 20 000 miles is 200 000 miles . By time one collects that much it may happen that oldest miles will start expiring and it will be like chasing one's tail. It may be better just to utilize what we have before it expires. Rich people will never understand logic of us , poor ones

it would sustain Pattaya Orphanage for a while , long while .

too bad that American people weren't

"On the beach there are these 2 Vietnamese guys meandering around looking to fix your phone’s broken glass. I asked if I could take his advertisement picture as this topic recently came up in another thread about getting an expensive iPhone glass screen replaced. This guy claims that he can do it to perfection. The price depends on his assessment of the work that would be required – so he could not quote me a set fixed price." this is what I like the most ( other than boys) in SE Asia - energy and industriousness. People are looking for business opportunities whenever they arise. As my smartphone glass is broken I'm tempted to keep it that way until I go to Da Nang just to give them my business as a token of appreciation

US economy shrinks as Americans brace for Trump’s trade war Canada, could you please take us over, so we can be one of your provinces? Then we can have a leader who understands the economy. Asking for a friend.

by that time he will be 3 month older and may lose some of his luster

I read somewhere that Indians find good value in organizing their lavish weddings there. It may be some truth in that as last year I spent only few days in Pattaya and saw two big and boisterous Indian wedding receptions in Beach Road hotels .

What ? I think about him with smile but certainly not because his fame of having ways quiet. Seeing him quiet I'd buy him aspirin or something

+1, knowing some guys from the story helps, lol

unfortunately both cases happen from time to time . At least we , by paying , have some leverage on the issue. sometimes also reverse happens , we wish boy goes but he is still hanging around glued to his phone, watching Tv or, horror of horrors , occupies toilet for an hour.

I'm glad, I transited there a couple of weeks ago coming home from BKK.....was an easy transit, connecting flights were both in the Queen's terminal appropriately.

Faster than you think?

true, that's the official line but still it looks that my tolerance for bitter taste increased , I used to hate Chang because of that , now I need court order to drink Singha

Made in CHINA for $1.50 Available to YOU for $50 Get one before the TARIFF kicks in and the price goes to $75

Day 5 in Da Nang – 28 April 2025 Breakfast at my usual place. Decide to take a long beach walk on the ever so beautiful beach promenade – and I do have to say that it is more beautiful than the one back in Jomtien. Furthermore, the seawater is much cleaner than the Jomtien coffee brown seawater. The beautiful walkway continues for about 9km, out of the 30km coastline – so you can get plenty of exercise. There are also many little beverage shacks selling cold refreshments and coffee. Of course I could not resist to have my 2nd salt coffee of the day. On the beach there are these 2 Vietnamese guys meandering around looking to fix your phone’s broken glass. I asked if I could take his advertisement picture as this topic recently came up in another thread about getting an expensive iPhone glass screen replaced. This guy claims that he can do it to perfection. The price depends on his assessment of the work that would be required – so he could not quote me a set fixed price. After my long beach walk I head back to and I order something that I have not eaten in a very long time = New Orlean Style Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. It was delicious and hit the spot. Went back to my room to relax because at 7pm I would need to head over to the Moon Beer & BBQ for a meet-up, organized by the local YouTube blogger star = Travis, https://www.youtube.com/@TravisTravelsVN Venue for tonight's meetup: https://www.facebook.com/moonbeerbbq This event was well attended, as Travis is a very likeable guy from Chicago. We were 2 large tables of about 16 people at each table for a total of around 32 to 35 people. It was mainly attended by expats who are “temporarily” in Da Nang. I say temporarily, because the tourist visa only allows you to stay for 90 days at a time. But I met several people who simply do border runs or fly over to a nearby country at the end of their 90 days and just request another one. Few have been doing this for many years. I was hoping to encounter 1 or 2 fellow gay members, but my gaydar did not make me aware of any. We were each asked to pay 360,000 VND (around 14 USD), which included some lite food to eat and all the beer that you could drink. Not bad. The BIG topic of conversation during the night was the strange blackout that was happening in real time over in Spain, Portugal, and parts of France. Many members were getting live updates from friends and relatives back in Europe. https://hispanatolia.com/en/what-caused-the-massive-blackout-spain-and-portugal-search-for-answers/ What is great about Travis’ group is that you can join his interactive communication blog at: https://www.skool.com/travel-vietnam Where you get occasional updates about what is happening in Da Nang, news alerts, and ways to communicate with the many other members. As of writing this update, there are 559 members and membership only costs $7 USD per month. For me, this is money well spent. --> This is something that we do not have back in Jomtien - a type of "Welcome Wagon" type of group for new gays moving to the Pattaya / Jomtien area. I note that several of the famous heterosexual YouTube bloggers in Pattaya do offer a "Welcome Wagon" type of event for people new to Pattaya who want to meet up with like minded people. --> I also note that in Cebu, I was not able to find anything like (Welcome Wagon) that is being offered here in Da Nang or back in Pattaya. Around 11:15pm, I hire a Grab car to take me back to my condo for 78,000 VND (around 3 USD). To date, this was my most expensive ride, as this venue is across the Han river, over the central part of Da Nang city (kind of like Pattaya City is to Jomtien). I am residing in the My An/My Khe neighborhood, which is the Jomtien area of Da Nang. Before going up into my condo, I notice that I am still hungry and I meander around to find a Banh Mi sandwich to go. Just about as I thought that I found one, the owner had already latched his Banh Mi trailer onto his motorbike and started to zoom away as I approached. But no worries, Banh Mi sandwiches can ALWAYS be found almost anywhere at all hours of the night - even if all of the nearby restaurants have stopped serving at the standard 10pm time (this is a strange Da Nang phenomena that does not exist back in Pattaya and Jomtien - where you can generally eat pretty late in the local restaurants). Around 12:30am I am already asleep. End of day 5 in Da Nang – 28 April 2025

Decided to take advantage of Amex offer and fee free for the first year and see how it goes. Hopefully bag enough points to upgrade the odd economy fare into business.

Dictator hat now available: https://www.trumpstore.com/product/trump-2028-hat/

You changed to Chang because it is the beer of choice for the working class.

as always, boys will know where short time rooms are

possibly but can be seen in the movie they play driving you to Chuong Ek Killing Fields if you take a tour, hardly piece of Khmer Rouge propaganda. Unpopularity of Lon Nol regime at that time can't be discounted and even Conan the Barbarian would be welcomed as bringing hope.