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From Thailand News Agency Airports of Thailand plc (AOT) opens for Grab taxi service at Suvarnabhumi Airport to provide passengers with convenient, fast and safe public transportation services connecting Thailand’s main airport. AOT president Kerati Kijmanawat on Thursday inaugurated the Grab Service Center at the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport to provide information services and pick-up/drop-off points for passengers using public taxi services via the Grab Application. Users can request taxis anywhere within Suvarnabhumi Airport but must use the pick-up/drop-off service on the first floor of passenger terminal, Gate 4, which operates 24 hours a day to avoid congestion for travelers on Levels 2 and 4. Additionally, this month, services will also be available at Hat Yai International Airport and Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport. AOT has planned to expand public taxi services through other applications to provide services at AOT airports.

From Thai PBS World After a wide ranging debate, the lower House has approved a study into the establishment of an “integrated entertainment complex”, which would include the first legalised casinos in the country. Two hundred fifty-three MPs voted in support of the study. There were two abstentions and two MPs declined to cast their votes. Opposition MPs apparently chose to leave the chamber. Move Forward MPs voiced support for an integrated entertainment complex to generate revenue for the state, revenues from which can be used for public benefit, but recommended that further study should be conducted on the long-term impacts, especially addiction to gambling, citing a local adage on its potential damage, which says “ten robberies do not equal one fire and ten fires are not equal to gambling.” Move Forward MP Yodchai Peungporn suggested that the House committee conduct an additional and more comprehensive study, including restrictions on customers entering the complex and the possibility that the project may lead to an increase in illegal gambling dens catering to people would have no access to the casinos in the complex. During the debate, Bhumjaithai MP Natchanon Srikorkua said that the project focuses on gambling as the only means of generating revenue, claiming that this would be harmful to society. United Thai Nation MP Witthaya Kaewparadai suggested that half of the revenues from the project should be allocated to the improvement of elderly people’s lives in the country, such as a 5,000 baht monthly state benefit.

NOTE -- The defendants were popularly known as "yellow shirts" at the time. From Thai PBS World The Criminal Court ordered the acquittal today of 67 members of the now defunct political pressure group known as the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), after finding them not guilty on multiple charges related to the seizure of Don Mueang airport, from November 24 until December 3, 2008, in an attempt to force the resignation of then Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. The charges included terrorism, incitement of public unrest, illegal seizure of an airport, intimidation of officials, assault, resisting arrest and tampering with satellite communications equipment. After the reading of the verdict, one of the 67 co-defendants, Panthep Puapongpan, dean of Rangsit University’s Institute of Integrative Medicine and Anti-Aging, hailed it as one of the most significant for several years, as it recognises the right and liberty of people to stage peaceful protests and that the PAD protests were beneficial to the people as a whole. Regarding the siege of the airport, the court ruled that there was no prosecution evidence to prove that any of the 67 defendants had undertaken activities disrupting the operations of the airport or that aeronautical communications had been disrupted. The court said that the PAD’s protests were a result of the government’s attempts to amend the Constitution, to exonerate the Palang Prachachon party, which had been charged with election fraud, and to strip the Assets Examination Committee of its power to investigate the alleged corruption of Thaksin regime. Regarding the clash between some protesters and officials during the protests, the court ruled that a scuffle probably took placen, but it was not ordered by the defendants.

From Thailand News Agency Boys Love Fictions Takes Spotlight at National Book Fair BANGKOK, March 29 (TNA) – Boys Love or Yaoi novels are particularly popular at the National Book Fair, which marks the first time Thailand has partnered with renowned agencies from 14 countries for copyright trading. Aside from having book booths numbering up to 914, there are also over 3,000 new book covers being unveiled by various publishers. It’s truly a feast for book lovers as the trend of reading physical books is on the rise again, with over 80% opting for tangible volumes. Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), notes that this year’s bestselling book trends include various genres of novels, including translated works, dominating about 40% of the market share, with Boys Love novels comprising 20%. Among the highlights of this event is the participation of leading global publishers from 11 companies in 9 countries. The National Book Week and International Book Week will continue at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center until April 8. Organizers anticipate over 1.5 million attendees and over 400 million baht being circulated during the event.

Anyone who thinks things are getting better in Myanmar are sadly misinformed. From CNN Burnings and beheadings: Myanmar junta escalates terror tactics Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence. CNN — The two young men are bloodied, their feet clamped in wooden stocks. “What is the PDF (People’s Defence Force)?” their tormentors yell. “Dogs,” they reply. Humiliated and dehumanized, the men are hogtied and dragged across the rough ground by their thick chains. In front of dozens of onlookers, they are strung up to a tree and a fire stoked beneath them. As smoke rises and the flames consume them, the two men writhe and scream in agony – their final moments of unimaginable pain and horror captured on video. Phoe Tay was 21-years-old, Thar Htaung just 20. The two young men had left their family farms in northwest Myanmar to join a local armed resistance group following the 2021 military coup, hoping to bring peace and democracy to the Southeast Asian country, their fathers told CNN. But they were captured during a battle against the military on November 7 last year, and taken to a nearby village, where they were tortured and killed by a pro-junta militia under the watch of Myanmar army soldiers, according to witnesses. CNN has built a timeline of events, using accounts from more than a dozen witnesses, villagers, resistance fighters, family members and analysts, with analysis of the video and pictures from the day using open source techniques. Those accounts and analysis point to the ruling military as being responsible for the killings, in contradiction of their public denials. Phoe Tay and Thar Htaung’s deaths are horrific, but they are not anomalies in Myanmar, where the military is waging a war of terror against civilians as it finds itself increasingly on the back foot against a nationwide armed resistance determined to oust it from power. Those attacks have only increased since a rebel offensive launched five months ago resulted in major losses and defections for the military, multiple sources confirmed. By waging terror tactics including burnings, beheadings, mutilations, torching villages, and through a massive aerial bombing campaign that has displaced nearly three million people, the Myanmar military is attempting to control and divide the population through a long-established doctrine of fear and brutality, witnesses and analysts say. Continues with video and photos https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/27/asia/myanmar-military-junta-civilian-attacks-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

I don't do three-ways so I gladly defer to PaulSF's comments above regarding your question.

Yes, if you have business class boarding pass, you can proceed directly to fast track lanes in bound and outbound.

From Pattaya News Pattaya, Thailand – The Service Workers In Group Foundation (SWING), a community-based organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, human rights, and dignity of sex workers, announces a significant milestone in its mission to aid vulnerable communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and HIV/AIDS. With the generous support of the Government of Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), SWING has secured essential mobile vehicles to extend crucial services to sex workers and other affected individuals in Bangkok and Pattaya. In response to the devastating effects of the pandemic, SWING initiated the “Angel Kitchen” project in 2019, offering vital sustenance and daily essentials to sex workers facing job loss and economic insecurity. This initiative later evolved into the “Food Bank” project, facilitating broader aid distribution to sex worker communities and their families. Amidst operational challenges, including transportation limitations, SWING demonstrated unwavering commitment by utilizing its own resources and subsequently investing in a food truck to facilitate aid delivery in the Pattaya area. Recognizing the urgent need for expanded mobile services, SWING submitted a proposal titled “Providing Mobile Vehicles for HIV Testing and Food Trucks for the Sex Worker and Other Vulnerable People in Bangkok and Pattaya” to the Japanese Embassy’s GGP project. This proposal, aimed at addressing critical gaps in service provision exacerbated by the pandemic, received approval, signifying a significant collaboration between SWING and the Japanese government in advancing grassroots initiatives. The handover ceremony for the donated vehicles was held on March 27, 2024, at the SWING Foundation’s Pattaya Office in Chonburi Province. Mr. Tatsushi Nishioka, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, officiated the ceremony by presenting five vans, comprising two laboratory vans, two counseling service vans, and one food truck. The esteemed guests, including representatives from the U.S. Embassy, renowned experts in public health, and local government authorities, witnessed this pivotal moment in SWING’s commitment to community welfare. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for their unwavering support, which enables us to expand our reach and enhance our services during these challenging times,” stated Professor Dr. Chalidaporn Songsamphan, Chair of the SWING Foundation Board. “With the addition of these mobile vehicles, we are better equipped to address the evolving needs of sex workers and vulnerable populations, ensuring their access to essential resources and healthcare.” The handover ceremony represents a significant step towards bolstering community resilience and fostering collaboration among stakeholders dedicated to mitigating the impacts of the pandemic. SWING remains steadfast in its mission to champion the rights and well-being of marginalized communities, with the invaluable support of partners like the Government of Japan.

From Pattaya Mail Legal and visa implications for gay marriage By Barry Kenyon Subject to the likely agreement of the Senate and the 120 days waiting period prior to implementation, gay marriage will be operational in Thailand in 2025. Although the new law is essentially designed to grant equality to two Thai nationals of the same sex, there will be a sizeable number of expats wanting to marry their Thai partners. Jessataporn Bunnag, a Thai lawyer based in Pattaya, said, “Longstay gay foreigners will be able to apply for the one year spouse visa which currently requires 400,000 baht in the bank or the equivalent in foreign income, plus other documentation and an immigration police visit to confirm residence and relationship.” However, Mr Bunnag added that another option for foreigners over 50 years was the retirement visa and annual extension of stay which, though less bureaucratic, requires 800,000 baht or monthly income.” Thailand already allows two foreigners (neither being a Thai) of the opposite sex to register their marriage at the amphur office, subject to both receiving an affidavit from their respective embassy in Bangkok. After the new law is introduced, this civil facility will also be available for two gay foreigners, men or women, to cement their relationship. Many Thai temples already hold ceremonies for gay couples. Formal marriage here of two same sex foreigners is likely to grow in importance in future years as Thailand is famous as a gay-friendly destination. On the negative front, Mr Bunnag said candidates for gay marriage must also understand Thai laws on divorce. “Gay marriages will break up as easily as straight ones,” he stressed. Currently, heterosexual partners can visit the amphur office for formal termination providing they have agreed the settlement terms in advance. But if one partner has gone missing, has behaved badly or is uncooperative, a civil court order may be necessary which can take months. In general terms, property and assets bought since the marriage will be divided equally, though the detail can cause problems. Thailand has long been a draw for same sex couples as it has a vibrant scene for both Thais and foreigners and, under the current Pheu Thai government, targets this market to attract increasing numbers of travellers. In 2028, Thailand is poised to become the heartbeat of gender inclusivity in hosting the LGBTQ+ worldwide summit. “It’s all looking very good,” concluded Thitian Chanmontri of the gay campaigning Rainbow Alliance.

From The Nation Immigration police have warned the public not to believe internet posts that offer a fast track through immigration at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in exchange for a fee. Police spokesman Maj Gen Cherngron Rimpadee said on Thursday that officials are investigating the “richcarsbangkok” Facebook page, which promises access to Immigration fast-track lanes for both incoming and outgoing travellers. Posted in English, the advert reads: “Fast Track Arrival - Departure 2,900 Baht/flight”. It also contains instructions on how to use the service to supposedly bypass immigration counters at Bangkok’s international airports. Investigators found that the Facebook page’s main business is renting out luxury cars, Cherngron said. He insisted that there was no such thing as an “immigration fast track” for a fee. There was no need for such a service since Immigration police have streamlined the process at airports and reduced waiting time to less than 15 minutes, even during rush hours, he said.He added that the fast track lanes at immigration booths are reserved for priority passengers, including the disabled, travellers with infants, pregnant women, seniors over 70, and holders of diplomatic visas, elite cards, Thai long-stay and APEC cards. Officials are investigating other pages on social media that may be advertising similar services and would pursue appropriate legal action, the spokesman said.

From Thai PBS World The elevated Yellow Line monorail service in Bangkok is suspended until midnight, to allow for repairs and a thorough inspection, following an incident in which metal debris fell from the track onto traffic below on Srinakarin Road this morning, damaging some vehicles. Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has ordered a tightening of safety measures, to prevent another accident, according to his advisor Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, who visited the scene of the incident today. “If this happens again, the minister has stated that he would review the contract and those found to be responsible could face penalties,” said Pongkawin. According to the Rail Transport Department’s inspection report, issued at about 8:30am, the conductor rail between Kalantan and Si Udom stations fell onto the walkways, causing loose metal debris to fall to the ground, resulting in the suspension of services on the entire line. Officials had to evacuate passengers stranded in two carriages when the accident occurred. The falling debris damaged one minivan, a sedan and a motorcycle. No one was injured. Compensation will be provided by Eastern Bangkok Monorail, the concessionaire of the line, according to Pongkawin. On January 2, a tyre fell off a Yellow Line monorail train and hit a taxi below, on Thepharak Road in Samut Prakan province. No one was injured. On December 24 last year, another section of conductor rail fell from the Pink Line monorail onto Tiwanon Road, also causing service suspension.

That's a fairly subjective question but I'll give it a try. Based on 40+ visits to these shops post Covid, I can honestly say that the data about body size and preferences I found to be accurate. And for the most part, they all strive to satisfy the customer because that's how they make a living. Do the guys look like the photos? Yes. But as I recently mentioned in another post, some of the veteran staff photos may be a few years old. And pics of a small number who have darker skin may have been edited to appear lighter. That to me, anyway, is no problem because I find those cooper toned guys attractive. I think we all need to keep in mind that just as all of us are unique in outlook and desires, so are the guys who staff these shops. They have different personalities and backgrounds. For me, that's a plus because I want to meet a wide array of young men from different places. To those who just want an a more generic--cookie cutter if you will--experience, I'm confident they'll still come away satisfied, also. I think if we put ourselves in the place of the young men we encounter, we can appreciate what goes into their job. They agree to meet clients they've never seen before and have no idea how the next hour or so will unfold. I'm always amazed how often they pull it off with aplomb.

Although the laws of tort liability differ in Thailand, the conduct of the employee was so egregious that their dismissal from the RTP would have warranted dismissal.

From VN Express Restructuring and recalls have left Vietnamese airlines with access to around 40 fewer planes than they had at this time last year, struggling to meet travel demand. A representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said on Tuesday that the number of commercially active planes utilized by the country's six airlines was only 170 by the last week of March, a drop of around 40 planes compared to the same period in 2023. Major restructuring initiatives currently being carried out, resulting in reductions in company scale -- including in decreased numbers of available pilots, crew and other staff – been identified as a main driver in the decreasing numbers of aircraft. Bamboo Airways previously had 28 planes, and now the carrier is only utilizing 9 aircraft as it follows through on its ongoing plan to return all of its Embraer E190 aircraft. Pacific Airlines have also returned all six of Airbus 320 planes as part of its flight crew restructuring plan. Starting from this year, U.S. aerospace manufacturer Pratt&Whitney had to recall its engines due to manufacturer errors. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air had around 40 planes using the recalled engine, so those aircraft were suspended for the 2024-2025 period for maintenance. The drop in the number of commercial planes has caused several domestic air routes to launch fewer and less frequent flights. Bamboo Airways has halted several international and domestic air routes that were employing the Embraer E190. Such routes include important flights from the capital of Hanoi in the north to Hue and Dong Hoi in the central region, as well as Con Dao and Ca Mau in the south. Major flights from HCMC to Dong Hoi and Con Dao have also been canceled. Fewer planes now means it's tougher for domestic airlines to serve travelers, especially as the Reunification Day holiday (April 30) and summer holidays approach, when travel demand is expected to rise by 5-7% compared to the same period last year. Ticket prices will also increase as a result.

Or rent room at One Spa for 24 hours (1,000), avail yourself of "buffet" benefit (400) and have mamasan send you new boy every hour (24,000). Another option would be to try a sauna. 39 Underground in Saphan Kwai might fill the bill nicely and it wouldn't cost you anything more than price of admission.

The other shops on the road regularly post photo arrays. Here's one today from KK Massage: And another from nearby Home Spa:

Be sure to bring sufficient cash to cover all costs of your wet adventure. May initially seem like a lot but not bad to satisfy unfulfilled fantasy. 500 bht entry fee (your drink comes with it) 1,000 bht for room 10,000 bht in off fees for (20 x 500) 40,000 bht in tips (20 x 2,000) 1,000 bht for sundries from 7-Eleven (beer, etc) _______________________________ 52,500 bht total * * add 10,000 bht if you buy each boy a drink in bar

From Pattaya News At 3:00 PM, on March 25th, 2024, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the deputy police commander, performed an inspection at Suvarnabhumi Airport regarding Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s orders to improve the service quality and time. Upon the inspection, Suvarnabhumi immigration officers were found to have reduced average passport control time on arrival from 45 seconds to 30 seconds as the scan boarding pass processing was excluded. Moreover, automatic channels on departure were updated with new versions and improved technology and performance, reducing average time of processing from 40 seconds to 20 seconds, according to Thai national media. It was reported that Suvarnabhumi officers promised the biometric system would not crash like the previous time. However, during rush hours, it could cause an overflowing number of passengers as more than 4,000 to 5,000 passengers landed at nearly the same time while the passenger terminal had a capacity for only 2,000 passengers. The airport officers on break were ordered to support the checkpoints during rush hours in order to facilitate th processing, according to Thai national media. Meanwhile, Suvarnabhumi Airport employed more than 200 officers and planned to increase its staff by 330 more positions which was believed to be sufficient for a large number of passengers, according to Thai national media.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Thailand is riding high on its new visa-exempt policy which allows most international tourists to enter the country without prior approval or payment of a fee. China, India, Russia, the UK, EU, US, Australia, Asean partners and a bunch of other countries all currently have the privilege for a 30 days free tourist entry (90 in the case of Russia and South Korea). With overall numbers now almost at pre-covid levels, over 85 percent of actual arrivals at Thailand’s airports are covered by the visa-free policy. Meanwhile, Cambodia still imposes a US$30 entry tax on almost all international tourist arrivals, the exceptions being neighboring states. This means that even Cambodia’s biggest short-haul market – the Chinese – all have to pay the tax for a maximum of 30 days stay. The Cambodian premier Hun Manet frequently boasts that once the newly-opened Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the under-construction Phnom Penh Takhmao International Airport are fully operational in 2025, Chinese arrivals will swell further. The fly in the ointment could be the strong possibility that Thailand could have legal casinos in operation within two years. The opposition to that notion is now much weaker than, say, 10 years ago. But Daniel Li, a gaming expert and senior consultant to the Cambodian regulator Naga, says the Phnom Penh government needs to introduce a visa-exempt policy now to anticipate stiff competition from Thailand. “After Covid, we have seen a sharp drop in flights and arrivals,” said Mr Li. “ If a visa-free policy is introduced between, initially, Cambodia and China, we can expect more visitors coming from the world’s second-most populous country.” Based on data from NagaCorp’s annual financial results, direct flights from the Greater China region to Cambodia have only recovered 26 percent compared with 2019. The pressures on Cambodia to abandon its tourist entry free structure on a wider scale are growing anyway. The Thai premier Srettha Thavisin is busy promoting the idea of a mini-Schengen regional agreement whereby international holidaymakers will be able to visit Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos and Vietnam without additional documentation once they have an initial entry stamp to any one of these five partners. Cambodia’s current US$30 entry fee is a significant obstacle in the way of freedom to travel across the Asean region. The prospect of casino gambling in Thailand could be the significant arm twister on Phom Penh.

From Thai PBS World Thailand’s Lower House approved the final reading of the landmark marriage equality bill today, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the third country in Asia, to recognise same-sex marriage, once it passes the Senate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, was approved by 400 votes to 10, with two abstentions and three MPs who decided not to vote. Danuporn Punnakan, Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the House scrutiny committee, told parliament that the bill is meant for all Thais, irrespective of gender. Under the bill, same-sex couples who want to get engaged or married must be at least 18 years old, to protect minors from being forced into marriage, which is in line with the convention on the protection of the rights of children, said Danuporn. He also said that the House scrutiny committee had added one provision to the bill, specifying the rights, duties and legal status of same-sex couples in the creation of a family. He assured that the existing rights of men and women in general will not be affected by this bill, but it will protect a certain group of people, classified as LGBTQ. He said that a minority of the House scrutiny committee had proposed a new wording, “first parents”, to be added to the bill, but this was rejected by the majority of the committee on the grounds that the wording is new and there is no legal definition yet. The Pheu Thai MP said that it is now widely recognised that there are more than the male and female genders in societies, as some people who were born as a boy or a girl want to choose their own gender when they grow up. The bill does not give them any additional rights, but restores their basic rights, said Danuporn, adding that the bill will mark the beginning of the creation of equality in Thai society. The bill has to be approved by the Senate before it becomes law. In Asia, Taiwan and Nepal already have the same laws.

The court's sleight of hand ensured that the government escapes any responsibility. But that still doesn't explain why the RTP keeps the perp on the force.

By any measure you're one happy recipient because 5 tablespoons equals 0.3125 cups.🙂

Kostik consults his unimpeachable source of information.

NOTE -- This article begs the question: why is the cop still a member of the force (see final paragraph)? From The Nation The Civil Court has ordered a police officer to pay 27.3 million baht to the parents of an eye doctor he hit and killed at a Bangkok zebra crossing in 2022. The court ruled that Police Lance Corporal Norawich Buadok was solely responsible for the death of Dr Waraluck Supawatjariyakul, as it dismissed the lawsuit against the Royal Thai Police (RTP) as an entity. The late doctor’s parents filed a lawsuit against the RTP and the cop for 72 million baht compensation on February 17, 2022. About a month earlier, on January 21, Norawich had been riding a red Ducati big bike when he slammed into ophthalmologist Waraluck as she was crossing the road in front of Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital on Phya Thai Road. Waralak’s parents, Dr Anirut Supawatjariyakul and Ratchanee Supawatjariyakul, named RTP as the first defendant and Norawich as the second defendant in the civil lawsuit. The lawsuit demanded that the RTP and Norawich jointly pay 537,505 baht for funeral expenses and 72.27 million baht for the parents’ caring costs. The lawsuit said that RTP should share responsibility for the tragedy as it was the commanding agency of Norawich and should have taught him not to breach traffic laws, speed through a zebra crossing or use a motorcycle that violates the law on various counts. The lawsuit also said it was RTP’s duty to manage traffic and ensure the safety of pedestrians. The court, however, disagreed, saying that Norawich was the sole person responsible for the doctor’s death. Also, it said, Norawich’s direct commanders were responsible for his behaviour, and they had taken all the steps necessary to ensure he observed traffic laws. The court also said it was the local administration’s duty to oversee traffic management, not the duty of RTP. The court awarded 331,230 baht as funeral costs and a compensation of 13.5 million baht to each parent. It the compensation was calculated based on the parents’ potential lifespan and the money the doctor would have earned if she were still alive. The parents are now both 64 years old and the court believes they will live for at least another 15 years. The court has also ordered Norawich to pay a 5% per annum interest on all three amounts from January 21, 2022, until the entire compensation has been paid off. In January this year, the Appeals Court also took a tough stance against the accused. Norawich had initially been sentenced to just one year and 15 days, but on Wednesday, the Appeals Court increased his sentence to 10 years and two months in response to an appeal filed by Waraluck’s family. The RTP announced that if the Supreme Court retains a guilty verdict, he will be fired from police service.