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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

From VN Express Thai transgender beauty queen Kantong Passarapon attends the annual conscription event in April 2024. Photo from Passarapon's Instagram The South China Morning Post noted that Kerayuphan and Passarapon, both 21, attended the annual conscription event, held from April 1-12 this year, with the necessary certificates to seek exemption from military service. Their eye-catching presence at the recruitment center provoked a range of reactions online. "It feels like a beauty pageant rather than a conscription lottery site," one Instagram user remarked. "As a woman, I have a feeling of inferiority," another expressed. A student at Sripatum University in Bangkok and a campus ambassador, Kerayuphan has over 115,000 followers on Instagram. Endearingly referred to as the "Thai Bay Angel" by her admirers, Passarapon boasts an impressive record with approximately 100 pageant titles to her credit. She is currently studying at Suan Dusit University, as reported by Thaiger. According to Thai legal regulations, all men aged 21 are obligated to serve in the military, with a possible two-year service term if selected by a lottery during the conscription period. To determine their service obligation, eligible individuals draw cards from an opaque box – a red card signifies enlistment, while a black card means exemption. This year, the Thai army sought to enlist 40,000 of the 85,000 soldiers needed through this lottery system. Transgender women are eligible to request an exemption from military service by presenting a certificate of gender reassignment surgery, although they must still appear on the draft day.

From Richard Barrow Train Guide The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is excited to announce its special tourist train trips for May and June 2024. Passengers will get to experience the KIHA 183 train, under the concepts of “Exploring with the Breeze” in May and “Clear Sky, Open Forest, Diverse Flora” in June. The trips will cover a variety of routes, catering to different interests such as spirituality, nature, and shopping, eating, and relaxing. Trips will be offered on both a day-trip and overnight basis, every Saturday and Sunday for two full months. Tickets go on sale on April 22, 2024, at 8:30 AM. There are only 202 seats available per trip, so book early! The price includes train fare, air-conditioned bus fare, entrance fees to various attractions, all meals and drinks, and accident insurance. Tickets can be booked at all railway stations nationwide and online through the SRT’s D-Ticket system. For more information, please call the Customer Service Center at 1690, 24 hours a day. Here is a breakdown of the trips: May: Exploring with the Breeze Trip 1 and 2: Day trips to Saraburi Province (May 4-5) Visit Wat Tham Phra Phosat, Sangsuk Market, Phra Phutthabat Noi, and Manasikarn Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 3: Overnight trip to Chonburi Province (May 11-12) Enjoy the beach, participate in the Night Run On The Beach (Doraemon Run) Price: 3,999 baht per person Trip 4 and 5: Day trips to Chachoengsao Province (May 18-19) Take a boat tour on the Bang Pakong River, visit Wat Wirachot Thammaram, and see the Glass Ubosot Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 6: Overnight trip to Phetchaburi Province (May 25-26) Visit Mrigadayavan Palace, Phra Phraya Si Phra Kiree Shrine, and enjoy beach activities Price: 3,999 baht per person June: Clear Sky, Open Forest, Diverse Flora Trip 7 and 8: Day trips to Lopburi Province (June 1-2) Plant rubber trees, build homes for hornbill birds, experience the “Lao Wieng” community, and visit the Singburi Contemporary Museum Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 9: Overnight trip to Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok Provinces (June 8-9) Swim in Nang Rong Waterfall, take a rubber boat ride at Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, see the beautiful butterfly garden, and visit Wong Rattana Manee Maha Nakhon Racha Naga Cave Price: 3,999 baht per person Trip 10 and 11: Day trips to Prachinburi Province (June 15-16) Visit Wat Kaew Phitchaya, the Prachinburi National Museum, Khao E-Toh Forest Park, release fish, plant casuarina trees, and shop for local products Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 12: Overnight trip to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province (June 22-23) Swim at Suan Son Pradipat Beach, visit Rajabhakti Park, Wat Huay Mongkol, Khao Tao Reservoir, and the first Royal Irrigation Project of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Visit the Cicada Market and Hua Hin town Price: 3,999 baht per person Trip 13 and 14: Day trips to Ayutthaya Province (June 29-30) Visit the “Baan Pa” Self-Sufficiency Learning Center, take a boat tour on the Chao Phraya River, see Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and check in at the Japanese Village Price: 1,499 baht per person If you have any questions about these trips, feel free to join our Asian Train Guide Facebook Group.

From Thai PBS World The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has postponed the further capture of macaques in Lop Buri’s Muang district until May, because construction of a huge cage, in which to keep up to 700 monkeys, is not yet complete. The department’s director-general, Atthaphon Charoenchansa, appealed for understanding from residents in the Muang district, assuring them that the department does not intend to delay the capture the monkeys for longer than necessary and it will continue once the cage at Pho Sam Ton sub-district is ready. He said that the previous operation focused on capturing the male alphas, with over 30 being caught. The next round of captures will target the general monkey population. This time, instead of using anaesthetic darts, Atthaphon said that officials will lure the monkeys into two cages, each of which is 1.8 metres tall, 1.8 metres wide and 12 metres long. The two cages will be placed in front of Asia Hotel and Seng Heng shop, he said, adding that he expects about 10 monkeys are to be captured each time. About 100 people, including 25 park officials and veterinarians, who will also sterilise the captured monkeys, army personnel from the 13th army circle and municipal officials, will take part in catching as many as 700 monkeys, which will help reduce the problems being caused by these primates in the old town area of the Muang district.

From Pattaya Mail Mark Gooding, British ambassador to Thailand since 2021, hosted a community evening at Courtyard by Marriott (North Pattaya) on April 23. He was accompanied by Bangkok-based consul Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin and other senior diplomats including business and trade director Ben Morley. The invited audience were mostly British expats, retired or working or involved in voluntary activities locally. Mr Gooding confirmed that the embassy was busy in all sections and referred in particular to the Thai-UK Partnership which aims to strengthen the many-sided business relationship ahead of the 170-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Joanne was lobbied on the two matters of dire concern to many British expats: frozen UK state pensions in many countries, including Thailand, and the reinterpretation of taxation rules on foreign income by the Thai Revenue. She said that both issues were political decisions beyond the remit of the embassy. However, she had passed on concerns about frozen UK pensions to the relevant authorities back home. The ambassador explained the months-long delay in the appointment of a new honorary consul for Pattaya was occasioned by bureaucracy in London, but he was hopeful that a formal announcement would be made in the near future. Bert Elson, the existing Pattaya honorary consul, had requested retirement last year but had agreed to carry on until a replacement was announced. Honorary consuls represent the British embassy in various localities, mostly through consular liaison when British nationals are arrested or are seriously ill or die.

From Pattaya News In a landmark meeting held at Pattaya City Hall, Mayor Poramese Ngampiches expressed his full support for the LGBTQI+ community, as plans for the Pattaya Community Pride 2024 event were discussed and set into motion. The meeting, which took place in the afternoon, saw the Mayor welcome Mr. Surang Chanyam, Director of the SWING Service Employees Foundation, and other key figures to outline the event’s vision. The gathering was also attended by Mr. Phumphiphat Kamonnat, Secretary to the Mayor, Mrs. Naanya Chandrakasat, a professional nurse with expertise in disease prevention, and officials from the Department of Public Health and Environment. Slated for June 8th, 2024, the Pattaya Community Pride event aims to celebrate human rights, sexual equality, and the spirit of diversity. The Jomtien Complex area, known for its picturesque beach nearby, will serve as the backdrop for this vibrant celebration. Representatives from various government and private sectors, including entrepreneurs, stores, clubs, associations, and organizations, are expected to participate. Mayor Poramese highlighted Pattaya’s rich cultural tapestry, stating, “Pattaya is a city of diversity, home to citizens and tourists from various nationalities and cultures who coexist harmoniously. We are proud to support and host Pattaya Community Pride 2024, showcasing our city’s commitment to inclusivity for all genders and ages.” In preparation for the event, Mrs. Naanya Chandrakasat will coordinate with the SWING Foundation to ensure the location’s suitability and minimal disruption to residents and tourists. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to finalize the details, emphasizing Pattaya’s dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.

From Pattaya News In a move to boost tourism and economic growth, the Thai cabinet has announced an extension of the visa-free scheme for Russian visitors. Starting May 1st, Russians can enjoy a 60-day visa exemption, but this is shorter than before, replacing the previous 90-day programme set to conclude at April’s end. Previously, the Thai government had sanctioned a 90-day visa-free period to lure Russian tourists during the peak travel season. With the impending expiration of this programme, the new 60-day exemption is poised to maintain the momentum in attracting visitors from Russia. TPN media notes that the reduction in timeframe for the visa exemption is not entirely surprising, however, after several viral incidents involving Russian tourists mostly in Phuket and complaints from local residents, also mostly in Phuket, of overtourism.

From CNBC Bank of America is bearish on a slew of Asian currencies and neutral at best on others, as the investment bank says it is the start of a “chaotic era.” “We are not bullish on any currency in Asia,” Bank of America said in a recent report, with many currencies impacted by a delayed Federal Reserve easing cycle and sustained strength in the U.S. dollar The investment bank singled out the Chinese yuan, South Korean won, Taiwan dollar, Thai baht and Vietnamese dong under its bearish category. Among their “neutral” list of currencies are the Hong Kong dollar, the Indonesian rupiah, the India rupee, the Malaysian ringgit, the Philippine peso and the Singapore dollar. Continues at https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/24/bank-of-america-not-bullish-on-asian-currencies-cites-chaotic-era.html

Trump rally.

Received LINE messages today from two LINE ID's that claim to be representing One Spa: "Onespa.love 06" "Onespa.new". I sent test messages to both and they both replied that they are same same. The new website is reported as https://lin.ee/1UOAz35. When you go there you're invited to scan QR code. One Spa reports to be open 24/7.

From Gallup Poll Russia's disapproval rating fell from a record high of 57% in 2022 to 53% in 2023. World Leadership Approval Ratings for 2023: Germany 46% United States 41% China 30% Russia 22%

Do you have a source link?

And what if it doesn't? The Netherlands figured it out.

Any success I've had with One Spa was the result of translating my messages before sending them. I included masseur number and time of arrival on the day I wanted massage and never day before.

From The Nation Soaring land prices in Bangkok’s central business district have resulted in record high prices for new high-end condos, real estate consultant Property DNA said on Monday. “This year we have seen more new condo projects opening at more than a quarter million baht per square metre, while back in 2019 this kind of price was rare,” said Surachet Kongcheep, the firm’s managing director. These ultra-luxury condo projects are located in areas such as Rama I, Phloen Chit, Wireless Road, Silom, Sathorn, Rama IV, certain sections of Sukhumvit Road, and by the Chao Phraya River, he said. Buyers are snapping up these units quickly despite the high prices, with some projects reporting 65-85% bookings, he added. High-rise condos located near Lumpini Park are especially popular thanks to rare views of the city’s oasis, while a lack of nearby train stations is not a dealbreaker as many buyers prefer privacy over convenience. Surachet also predicted top prices for new luxury condos will soon rise to 600 million baht per unit, as giant developers pay record prices for empty plots in prime CBD locations. “Thai and foreign buyers have already shown interest in these projects despite the sales not officially starting yet,” he said. “Developers have also teamed up with operators of five-star hotels in supervising the projects, thus further increasing their value and prices.”

From National News Bureau of Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently convened a meeting with Phuket’s government officials, consuls, and honorary consuls from 12 countries, along with local police units, to discuss and enhance measures aimed at boosting tourist safety and clamping down on crimes involving foreigners. The discussions focused on strategies to ensure that Phuket remains a safe destination for international visitors. During the meeting, Srettha stressed the importance of protecting the lives and property of both residents and tourists. He advocated for the creation of a ‘Phuket Model’ that integrates tourism development with heightened safety measures and rigorous law enforcement. Specific attention was given to preventing accidents on roads and waterways, enforcing stringent fire safety regulations, and ensuring that all business operations are properly licensed. The premier directed special attention to high-traffic tourist areas such as Patong and Bangla, insisting on a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use and public disturbances. Urgent upgrades were ordered for local police facilities to better equip them to handle these challenges. Reflecting on his tenure, the prime minister highlighted the progress made in enhancing Phuket’s appeal as a tourist destination since his first visit after assuming office. He also called for a balanced approach to economic benefits, urging local stakeholders to consider national security as a crucial aspect of their tourism and business strategies. (NNT) ================== From The Thaiger / Phuket News Phuket hospital calls for law-abiding visitors Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Recent episodes include a Russian man refusing to settle his medical bills, and a woman threatening hospital staff with a baseball bat. A man of Russian nationality was arrested on April 19 for intimidating the staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital and declining to pay his outstanding medical bill. The hospital has declared it will not tolerate such conduct. The letter appealing to the Russian community in Phuket was signed by Methavee Maneesri, the Head of the International Department at Vachira Phuket Hospital. “Dear Russian Community in Phuket, please find the attached information from the police daily record regarding an incident [that occurred at Vachira Phuket Hospital]. The behaviour described in the report is unacceptable to us. I am ready to assist and cooperate with anyone involved in medical cases, provided they adhere to standard procedures and respect public laws and regulations.” Methavee stressed the importance of respecting hospital procedures and public laws. She also reminded everyone that healthcare services are not free, encouraging everyone to have medical or work insurance and adhere to the waiting in a queue like Thai nationals do. The letter, dated April 20, was sent to The Phuket News with a request to share the information in Novosti Phuketa, the Russian-language sister newspaper of The Phuket News. Included with the letter was a copy of a Phuket City Police report corroborating Methavee’s complaint about an incident involving a threatening Russian patient. According to this report and Methavee’s account, a 48 year old Russian patient, Sergey Chent, received treatment on April 17 and left without paying his bill totalling 8,380 baht. On April 19, Chent returned to Vachira Phuket Hospital for another medical consultation. Methavee and other hospital staff requested him to pay the outstanding bill of 8,380 baht. Chent refused to pay and threatened the staff, bragging about his connections with high-ranking police officers, influence, and wealth. He was accompanied by a woman carrying a baseball bat, according to the police report. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-hospital-calls-on-russian-community-to-respect-thai-laws

NOTE -- It's ironic but these are the same folks who've been appealing to the government to do everything within its power to liberalize tourism in the wake of the pandemic. Prosperity seems less appetizing up close. From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations has formally warned the Thai government that overtourism is now at crisis point. With projections that the calendar year 2024 will see 40 million overseas visitors – parallel to 2019 the last pre-covid year – both the environment and tourist comfort are under dire threat. The most badly affected cities are Phuket and Pattaya where there are respectively 118 and 99 overseas visitors for every local resident in research conducted by MoneyTransfers. That research is already several months out of date and the true ratios could be worse. Chris Flynn, chief officer of the World Tourism Association, said that Thai authorities don’t seem to have determined “what they can take before they break”. The most obvious signs of overtourism in Pattaya are awesome traffic congestion made worse by tour buses crowding the inadequate roads and road repairs being conducted at several points in or near the city center. John Leeman, a tourist from Liverpool UK, said, ”It takes me at least one hour after dark to travel from Jomtien to central Pattaya, twice last year’s time, and when you get to your destination parking is near-impossible.” The situation could soon be made worse by the threat of water shortages, caused by lack of rainfall, and also by the prospect of more passengers arriving at U-tapao airport near Pattaya. At the moment, some airlines decline to utilize that base as there is no regular bus passenger transport into Pattaya. If that situation changes, U-tapao can expect a surge in the number of daily arrivals. n recent months, Thai tourist numbers have surged partly as a result of the abandonment of holiday visas for huge markets such as Russia, China and India. In response, Thai tourist authorities are trying to promote second-tier provinces to take the pressure off the traditional resorts. The Tourism Council of Thailand meanwhile is asking the government to collect the 300 baht entry fee to fund development and improvements. But many travel gurus doubt whether such policies will actually deter overtourism. It is not just a Thai problem. In Greece the numbers visiting the Acropolis have been restricted by the need for advance booking and pre-payment. Holland has toughened its drug laws to deter the supposed hoodlum market and has banned the building of any more hotels. Some commentators see Thailand’s recent crackdown on foreign crime – over 400 arrested in Phuket on a variety of charges – and the likely banning of leisure cannabis later this year as signs that the government wants to deter some fun-loving overseas visitors. As one Cabinet minister put it, “We want quality tourists from now on.” ===================== From The Thaiger Thai tourism sector proposes 300-baht tax to counter over-tourism Thai tourism operators are advocating for government regulations to address the rising issue of over-tourism in the country. They propose the implementation of a 300-baht tourism tax, which they believe could alleviate the problem. Their call for action comes in response to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s commitment to make 2025 a pivotal year for Thai tourism. The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) is set to present a white paper to the government outlining solutions to over-tourism, a significant issue in Thailand pre-pandemic. Secretary-General of FETTA, Adith Chairattananon, pointed out that major tourist destinations like Phuket, Samui, and Pattaya are on the brink of over-tourism, with a projected 40 million tourists. During peak season, these popular destinations suffer from traffic congestion and water shortages, with international airports running out of slots for airlines. Adith suggests a key strategy could be to divert tourists from these hubs to the country’s secondary cities. These cities offer numerous potential attractions and have adequate space to accommodate an influx of tourists. Adith also proposed incentives for airlines to operate direct flights to provincial airports, such as U-Tapao, Khon Kaen, and Krabi. Such a move would ease congestion at major airports, like Phuket Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport, and stimulate regional business opportunities. Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Vice-President Surawat Akaraworamat supports the idea of a 300-baht tourism fee. He believes it could fund tourism development as the plan and all related preparations have been finalised. Surawat suggests that the tax would not deter foreign tourists, as the fee is minimal compared to countries like Bhutan, which charges a tourist tax of over US$100 (approximately 3,700 baht) per night. The additional revenue could be used to develop infrastructure in second-tier provinces, attract tourists away from overcrowded locations, and enhance attractions that have deteriorated due to over-tourism, reported Bangkok Post. Surawat called for a trial phase of tourism tax collection through a mobile application or kiosks, mirroring the approach taken by many countries that collect taxes from tourists through flight tickets or hotel stays.

From Thai PBS World Taiwan’s capital was hit by a series of earthquakes overnight into the early hours of Tuesday, with the Central Weather Administration saying the strongest was a magnitude-6.3 tremor originating in eastern Hualien. The first strong quake — a magnitude 5.5 — hit on Monday at around 5:08 pm (0908 GMT), according to Central Weather Administration. It could be felt in the capital Taipei. That was followed by a series of aftershocks and quakes, with two intense tremors hitting one after another around 2:30 am (1830 GMT) Tuesday, according to AFP reporters and witnesses in Taipei. “I was washing my hands, and suddenly felt what I thought was vertigo,” Olivier Bonifacio, a tourist staying in Taipei’s Da’an district, told AFP. “I stepped into my room and noticed the building was rocking and I heard the desk creak,” he said, adding that it was then he realised it was another aftershock. The Central Weather Administration said a magnitude-6.0 quake had hit at 2:26 am, followed six minutes later by the magnitude-6.3 tremor.

There’s no accounting for taste 😊

The dollar today rose above 37 for the first time since last September while the EURO was at 39.44 and the pound at 45.66.

From The Thaiger A shocking execution-style murder in the early hours of yesterday morning has left the Thai boxing community in mourning. The 56 year old, owner of a boxing camp, known as Sia Dam, was brutally shot in the head and neck by an unidentified gunman, resulting in his immediate death. The incident, which took place around 4am yesterday, April 22, unfolded in the presence of his son at a religious celebration in Buriram province. The tragedy struck just as the celebrations at Nong Teng Temple in Nong Teng subdistrict, were concluding. Sia, a respected figure from Chokna Sam Subdistrict, Prasat District, Surin Province had brought two of his boxers to compete at the event, which also included an honorary ceremony for the abbot. The assailant, who remains at large, used a grey Hyundai van with a Cambodian license plate as the scene for the cold-blooded killing. The assailant, who remains at large, used a grey Hyundai van with a Cambodian license plate as the scene for the cold-blooded killing.

From Thai PBS World Thailand is experiencing very hot weather across the country today, with the maximum temperature predicted to rise to 43oC in some areas of the northern region, according to the Meteorological Department. Maximum temperatures in the northern provinces today are forecast too range from 38oC to 43oC, while the north-eastern region is expected to peak at 41oC. The central region is also hot, with maximum temperatures varying from 39oC to 42oC. In Bangkok, the maximum temperature is predicted to reach 41oC.

I walk Lumpinee a few evenings each week at twilight and it never struck me as a particularly cruisy spot. Most folks are there for the exercise and relaxation. Whereas Silom rd. and Surawong present crusing opportunities 24/7.

But what about other dogs' balls?