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Although primarily aimed at Thais, it's made the noteworthy effort to post an English language page, too. 😍 https://en-gb.facebook.com/SakePubnew/

You mean with glory holes? 🙂

Faulty engines and financial problems are creating capacity issues for Vietnam carriers, resulting in higher domestic fares according to article appearing today in the VN Express: "The ticket shortage and high fares are partly due to a shortage of aircraft, it added. This year aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney has recalled faulty engines for inspection and repair. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air between them have around 40 aircraft with the faulty engines, and so the aircraft using them will be grounded in 2024-25. Besides, some airlines are restructuring and downsizing their fleets. Bamboo Airways had 28 aircraft, but just a few remain in operation. Pacific Airlines was unable to pay its debts and its fleet, all leased, has been seized."

Some tops from KK Massage.

From The Thaiger A bombshell announcement rocks the media landscape as Voice TV, the longstanding bastion of pro-Thaksin views, announces it is shutting down. The board of Voice TV declared the end of its 15-year run, leaving some 100 journalists and staff members facing the axe. The abrupt closure has left tongues wagging, with no immediate rationale provided for the drastic move. Established back in 2008, Voice TV initially made waves as a niche satellite channel before expanding its reach to digital terrestrial platforms in 2014. However, in a twist of fate in 2019, the channel relinquished its digital TV presence amidst financial turmoil, reverting to satellite broadcasts and online streams via Facebook and YouTube. Renowned for its unwavering pro-Thaksin stance, Voice TV’s pundits have often rallied behind the Shinawatra family, raising eyebrows and courting controversy. Notably, the channel’s former anchors have made waves in the political arena, with figures like ex-Future Forward luminaries Pannika Wanich and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul transitioning from news desks to parliamentary seats, reported Thai PBS World. In related news, the Supreme Administrative Court delivered a final blow, dismissing the Prime Minister’s Office secretariat‘s hefty 2.8 billion baht lawsuit against iTV Public Company. The lawsuit, stemming from a joint agreement with Shin Corp to operate a TV station using the UHF spectrum, has been a thorn in the side since 2007, persisting through numerous administrations. ============================ Anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation. The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at the time, Suranand Vejjajiva, Matichon Plc, Siam Sport Syndicate Plc, and Siam Sport director Ravi Lohtong. They were accused of abusing their authority by neglecting to hold public tenders for the PR campaign from August 2013 to March 2014. Consequently, Matichon and Siam Sport, the media firms, were favoured and received the contracts. Yingluck, Niwatthamrong and Suranand commissioned Matichon to manage a campaign in 12 provinces to boost infrastructure projects, which the government intended to fund with a 2 trillion baht loan. The NACC stated that the 240 million baht spent on the campaign was squandered when the promotional roadshow was cancelled following the Constitutional Court decision that the proposed legislation for borrowing was unconstitutional. However, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no harm to the state concerning the PR fund distribution and contract award to Matichon and Siam Sport, as government organisations and the Cabinet had endorsed the Yingluck government’s transport infrastructure projects. The Budget Bureau also agreed that Yingluck, as prime minister, could allocate a contingency fund for the PR project. Therefore, the NACC had no legal grounds to appeal, the source said.

For additional details: https://www.tatnews.org/2024/04/may-2024s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=may-2024s-festivals-and-events-in-thailand

From Pattaya News Pattaya City has invested 30 million baht in buying six new toilet trucks to accommodate tourists, elderly, and disabled people, especially during events. Mr. Manoch Nongyai, the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, proudly announced the initiative on April 25th, 2024, after the city received three out of the six new vehicles. He stated that these new vehicles will be added to the existing 3-vehicle fleet. Previously, Pattaya relied on just three older mobile toilet trucks, with some having been in service for many decades. The bulky size of the old vehicles made it difficult to park them in areas with limited space. The growing number of tourists, particularly during major events, further necessitated the need for expanded restroom facilities, Mr. Manoch added. The newly acquired mobile toilets feature a compact design, making them suitable for navigating tight spaces. Two of the six vehicles come with units specifically dedicated to elderly or people with disabilities as they are equipped with hydraulic lifts. They also offer over six restrooms for both genders. Meanwhile, the other four toilet trucks come with standard units with two restrooms each for men and women. The city has invested over 30 million baht into the project, Mr. Manoch stated. For now, the city will deploy the three trucks they received at Walking Street, the area near the Pattaya City water pump station, and Central Beach when events are not taking place. Deputy Mayor Manoch is confident that the city will receive the remaining three toilet trucks in May of 2024. He expected that the initiative will significantly improve restroom accessibility for tourists and residents in Jomtien and Pattaya beaches. ======================== From Pattaya Mail Pattaya launches electric baht-buses As part of the project’s strategy to curb carbon emissions, the electric pickup trucks will undergo trial service as fixed-route public transportation vehicles from April 2024 to December 2025. Operating along the “Route 4,” these twelve electric vehicles will shuttle passengers from the Bali Hai Pier Parking Lot in South Pattaya to the Bang Lamung District Office.

Thought I was back in Screwboy when I saw the dancers in opening scene wearing basketball uniforms but then noticed two differences. First, they all have different numbers you can't miss. Second, none are twinks.

From The Nation Anzac Day was marked on Thursday with special remembrance rites in Kanchanaburi, honouring soldiers who died building the Death Railway in slave-like conditions during World War II. Presiding over the ceremony were Australian Ambassador Angela Macdonald, her New Zealand counterpart Jonathan Kings along with deputy chief of Australia’s Joint Operations, Rear Admiral Justin Jones. Also present were representatives of the Thai armed forces, other embassies as well as descendants of the prisoners of war who lost their lives on the Death Railway. The event was held at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. The first Anzac Day was held in 1915 in honour of members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac), who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Now, Anzac Day is marked on April 25 every year, and has been expanded to honour all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations". It also recognises the contribution of veterans and those currently serving. In his speech, Jones said it was an honour to participate in the ANZAC Day remembrance at the Hellfire Pass, which was part of the Death Railway, where some 12,800 prisoners of war and 90,000 Asian workers were killed. Macdonald said the rite was to remember and honour Australian troops who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect the country, while Kings remembered New Zealand troops who died fighting for peace. He wrapped up his speech by declaring “ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou” in Maori, meaning “we will remember them”.

From The Thaiger The Public Health Ministry authorised the utilisation of opium and magic mushrooms for medical treatment and research purposes. This groundbreaking decision, disclosed in a directive published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, signifies a significant shift in drug policy. Signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the directive came into effect today. It categorises opium and psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms due to their hallucinogenic properties when ingested, as narcotics falling under Category 5. Notably, these substances are distinct from marijuana and hemp extracts. Previously, the ministry had removed kratom, marijuana, and hemp from the Category 5 list, retaining only opium, magic mushrooms, and marijuana and hemp extracts with a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) level exceeding 0.2%. Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the directive states that drugs on the Narcotics Category 5 list, excluding marijuana and hemp extracts, are now sanctioned for medical consumption and research purposes, reported The Nation.

From The Thaiger Former Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), General Prawit Wongsuwon, has been exposed for his staggering wealth, including a fleet of luxury cars worth 87 million baht, as reported by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The NACC, responsible for scrutinising the assets of political office-holders and government officials, made public Gen. Prawit’s lavish holdings, sparking widespread media frenzy. Leading the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the 78 year old’s financial declaration grabbed headlines, shedding light on his opulent lifestyle and extensive assets, as mandated by his role as SAT board chairman, which requires triennial asset disclosures. Gen Prawit declared himself “single,” unveiling assets totalling 87.84 million baht, alongside a minor debt of 757 baht. His wealth comprised hefty bank deposits of 40.48 million baht, investments valued at 6.53 million baht, prime real estate in Bangkok and Pathum Thani worth approximately 10 million baht, and a collection of five luxury vehicles valued at 13.6 million baht, among other assets. The Bangkok-born politician’s reported annual income of 2.34 million baht, including pension sums, living allowances, and previous governmental salaries, paled in comparison to the worth of his assets. ========================= From Thai PBS World Srettha and Thaksin meet over cabinet reshuffle Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Thaksin Shinawatra over lunch today in a central Bangkok hotel, amidst speculation over a cabinet reshuffle. Srettha was accompanied by his deputy, Phumtham Wechayachai, and his secretary general, Prommin Lertsuridej. Thaksin, who was released on parole from a prison term he was serving on three corruption convictions, is believed to be the one calling the shots in the current political environment. Srettha is the successful prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai party, which was founded by Thaksin and which has Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, as its leader. It is noted that those who participated in today’s lunch are key figures who have long been trusted by Thaksin. Rumour has it that the lunch was arranged because Srettha has completed his reshuffle list and wishes to get a nod of approval from Thaksin. Speculation has it that those likely to be removed from the cabinet in this reshuffle include Public Health minister Cholnan Srikaew, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Agriculture minister Chaiya Promma. Of particular note were his luxury vehicles, notably a Jaguar I-Pace AWD HSE worth 4 million baht and a Mercedes Benz V250d valued at 2.5 million baht, acquired in June 2021 and June 2022 respectively. Additionally, Gen. Prawit disclosed owning a TW Steel watch valued at around 15,000 baht, nine rings worth approximately 132,000 baht, and a trio of handguns, including a Colt, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson. This bombshell disclosure follows earlier controversies surrounding Gen. Prawit, notably the Supreme Administrative Court’s order for the NACC to divulge findings from an investigation into allegations of false asset declarations, stemming from a scandal involving a cache of luxury watches and rings, reported Bangkok Post.

NOTE -- All one but start bitching about overcrowding once they begin arriving. From Pattaya News Pattaya Officials Aim to Attract More Chinese Tourists Pattaya officials participated in the “Pattaya Roadshow to Chengdu 2024” seminar on April 23rd with the aim of attracting more Chinese visitors from Chengdu. The event, organized by Pattaya City, Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Pattaya Office, aimed to promote Pattaya’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with Chinese travel businesses. The seminar was held in Chengdu, China, and was attended by several prominent Thai authorities and Chinese business people. Ms. Rung Kanjanawiroj, Director of the TAT Chengdu Office, provided valuable insights into the current Chinese tourism landscape to Thai business people. She also showcased Pattaya’s unique attractions and tourism products to highlight the city’s potential to cater to Chinese travelers.

It's not that monkeys are more like humans as it is humans are more like monkeys. They preceded us in evolutionary progression. What else could possibly explain Marjorie Taylor Green.

Short answer: I have no idea. All I can do is report what I've learned as the situation evolves. However, the old data base does seem to be working as it did in the past when I last checked it this morning. Hope to do report on the ground in about three weeks or so.

From CNN Airline canceled your flight? The plane arrived hours late after a maintenance issue? The inflight Wi-Fi didn’t work? New federal rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline – not vouchers or travel credits. The rules, announced by the Transportation Department on Wednesday, also require airlines to provide upfront information about fees for baggage and changing flights. Although many airlines have done away with change fees and disclose fees on their websites, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg estimated more transparency with some airlines and websites would make it easier for travelers to shop around – ultimately saving consumers millions every year. The rule would formalize a requirement that passengers receive refunds if a domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours or if an international flight is delayed by more than six hours. It would also require a refund of any baggage fees for bags that arrive more than 12 hours late, and a refund of the fee for a purchased service like Wi-Fi or upgraded seating if the airline doesn’t deliver. https://www.cnn.com/travel/new-federal-rules-airline-refunds-cash/index.html