reader

Mu experience is that it’s a mistake to try to buttonhole massage guys. Once door closes, straight and gay begin to blur. A lot of it depends on you and the comfort level that’s established.

I get about five massages a week in Saphan Kwai when I’m in town and pleased to report that the guys there are indeed prepared to get down to it whenever you’re ready. If you want romance, try your luck at soi Cowboy.

From BBC The Japanese owner of convenience store chain 7-Eleven has rejected a $38bn (£29.2bn) takeover bid from Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard. In a letter addressed to the prospective buyer, Seven & i Holdings said the Circle K owner's offer "grossly" undervalued the company and was fraught with regulatory risk. The 7-Eleven owner added, however, that it remains open to negotiations and ready to consider a better proposal. If successful the buyout would create a 100,000-strong global convenience store giant. Stephen Dacus, the chair of the Seven & i board considering the deal, said in a letter that the proposal was "opportunistically timed". The proposal, Mr Dacus added, "grossly undervalues" the Japanese retail giant and its potential to generate more value for shareholders. Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), which is based in Quebec, runs around 17,000 shops across North America, Europe and Asia under the Circle K and Couche-Tard brands. The initial offer by the prospective buyer valued Seven & i at $14.86 per share. That's more than 20% above its share price before the offer was announced. The offer came when the Japanese yen is significantly weaker than the US dollar, making Seven & i more affordable to foreign buyers. 7-Eleven is the world's biggest convenience store chain, with 85,000 outlets across 20 countries and territories. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9w74dwkgno

From VN Express /Reuters Indonesia has mandated that all international travelers complete an electronic health declaration form before entering the country to prevent the spread of monkeypox (mpox) virus. The requirement applies to all foreign visitors, including cabin crew, according to Kristi Endah Murni, Director General of Air Transportation under the Ministry of Transportation, as reported by Antara News Agency. The decision follows the World Health Organization's classification of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern on Aug. 14. Travelers must complete the form, available at sshp.kemkes.go.id, within 48 hours before departure. This allows Indonesian airport authorities to assess potential risks related to the transmission of the virus. Upon completion, the form generates a QR code, which facilitates the identification and health screening of travelers upon arrival.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Thai government’s pioneering DTV option for long stay foreigners is stimulating great interest amongst expat communities here and abroad. There are basically three markets: remote workers with contracts from overseas-based companies but no business within Thailand, “soft power applications” from those enrolling on skills-based education courses (or medical treatment) and a family visa for those with legal partners and/or children under 20. No official statistics are currently available, but staff at the Thai embassies in neighboring countries suggest well over 1,000 applications worldwide in less than two months. Most of the visas granted so far appear to be in the digital nomad category. There are several key advantages to DTV. It has long validity – five years with multiple-entry – which surpasses the traditional one year extensions of stay for retirement or marriage. The official enrolment fee is 10,000 baht ($US30) for an initial 180 days which can be extended for another 180 days, if wished, for a 1,900 baht fee at local immigration. But it is then necessary to leave the kingdom – briefly if you like – and return to begin the process all over again. There is a financial guarantee of 500,000 baht ($US16,000), but this is cheaper than the much larger sums required for traditional visas or the five years’ Elite which requires a non-returnable 900,000 ($US26,000). Many retirees in Thailand are looking carefully at the cost-benefit analysis. All they have to do is to find a justification to apply for the DTV, although some agencies in Thailand are already partnering Muay Thai academies or cookery schools to prove enrolment in advance of arrival here. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/destination-thailand-visa-proving-very-popular-innovation-471187

From Pattaya Mail On September 4, city officials and project designers gathered at the Grand Palazzo Hotel to discuss the development of the new Purple Monorail route. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation and support Pattaya’s expansion as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) plan. The proposed Purple Monorail will span 11.44 kilometres, connecting Thap Phraya Road, South Pattaya, and Nongprue. The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 will extend from the Green Line station S1-01 along Pornpraphanimit Road (Siam Country Club) to Nong Maikan Road. Phase 2 will continue across the railway and Sukhumvit Road, follow Pattaya Central Road, and end at the Thap Phraya intersection. Designed as an elevated single-track system, the monorail is tailored to Pattaya’s tourism-focused environment. Although construction and maintenance costs are higher, the system is expected to minimize traffic disruptions and facilitate urban development. The project will include 12 stations, spaced 800-1,000 meters apart, with walkable distances of 400-500 meters between stations. Land acquisition for the monorail will affect 635 plots, covering approximately 64 rai and involving 461 buildings. The Purple Monorail, in conjunction with the Red Line, will be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The investment is projected to significantly benefit Pattaya’s tourism industry and align with the EEC’s long-term development goals.

From Bangkok Post The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will implement the Hold, Test, Release (HTR) measure to enhance the effectiveness of screening imported fruit and vegetables starting next year, in the wake of news that tainted produce, largely from China, was being dumped into the Thai market. Lertchai Lertvut, FDA deputy secretary-general, said that the FDA will introduce the measure to expedite the process of verifying the quality and safety of imported produce. An immediate import ban will be imposed if the produce fails the test. Random samples of imported fruit and vegetables will be collected and subjected to lab tests, with results available within 24 hours. The testing process requires efficient logistics to ensure the produce reaches the lab as quickly as possible and in pristine condition. If the lab tests reveal contamination with hazardous substances or pesticides, a sales ban will be enforced on the imported produce in question. Once the HTR measure is enforced next year, any produce suspected of contamination or substandard quality will be pulled aside for inspection. It will only be released for sale if it passes the test.

You really are losing it. Take two asprin and call me in the morning. 😅

Shame on the Bangkok Post for reporting that an appeal has been filed?

From Bangkok Post A doctor who claimed to have been kicked by a Swiss man while she was sitting on the steps near his property on Yamu Beach in February has vowed to appeal his acquittal on assault charges. Dr Thandao Chandam, 26, said on Thursday that she was disappointed by the court’s decision. Thanking the public for the moral support she received during the case, she said she would continue to fight for justice, adding that she stood by her accusation of assault. Her father, Kasem Chandam, said the family decided to appeal for the sake of fairness, adding that he hoped the public would keep up with the support. “We will do our best to regain justice,” he said.

Absolutely. And there's a check in the mail.🙂

Still trying to figure out why you were shocked when your acquaintances declined the pleasure of your company.

And this surprised you?

Then just why did you choose Bangkok to visit? There are hell of a lot more in Sydney.

....not to mention the Vietnam guys 🙂

Coming from someone who's passed along more shit than a water buffalo, that's a compliment.

From VN Investment Review DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane is situated in the heart of Laos’ capital city with access to major transport hubs and iconic local attractions, making it a prime choice for business and leisure travellers. The opening reflects Hilton’s continued expansion in Southeast Asia, spotlighting the growth opportunities in the region, where Hilton is set to almost double its portfolio in the coming years. “Laos boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. With the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane, we are honoured to bring Hilton’s signature hospitality to the heart of this up-and-coming destination,” said Alan Watts, president of Hilton in Asia-Pacific. “With a growing desire among Vietnamese travellers to explore destinations in Asia and experience local culture, this latest addition to our portfolio underscores Hilton’s commitment to being where our guests want to be, and to capturing the growing travel demand in this dynamic region." Located at the intersection of Rue Setthathilath and Rue Manthatourath, DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane is close to That Dam, an iconic stupa in the heart of the city centre. Several iconic cultural and historical attractions, such as the Presidential Palace and Sisaket Temple, lie within walking distance of the hotel. For business travellers, the hotel is also conveniently situated near the financial district and major transportation hubs in the city – about a 15-minute drive from Wattay International Airport and a half-hour drive from the high-speed Vientiane Railway Station.

From Pattaya News On the evening of September 4th, 2024, Pattaya City Police received a distressing report of an assault on a foreign national. The incident took place near the Youth Sports Stadium on Soi Wat Boonkanchanaram. At approximately 10:06 p.m., Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, the Chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, coordinated with rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon to respond swiftly to the scene. The Pattaya News reporters accompanied the rescue teams. Upon arrival, authorities found Mr. Rad M, an 82-year-old American expat, with a wound above his left eyebrow and blood covering his face. Rad, who overall despite the scary situation was calm, recounted through an interpreter that he regularly exercised in the area without any prior incidents. On this occasion, however, he was suddenly attacked for no reason by a dark-skinned Thai man, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old. Mr. Rad managed to seek help from nearby residents. Rad mentioned he has lived in Pattaya for 24 years and is former American military, which helped him handle the situation. Despite his age, Rad exercises multiple days a week and remains in great shape, managing to get away from his much younger intoxicated assailant. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/05/82-year-old-american-expat-assaulted-by-drunk-thai-man-while-exercising-in-pattaya/

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Upcoming changes to Thailand’s 60 days visa exempt The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is boosting the introduction of the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which will be compulsory for visa exempt foreigners each and every time before they enter Thailand by air, land or sea. Although the ETA is not technically a visa, it is certainly a computerized check rather like the upcoming ETIAS program for visa exempt visitors to the European Union’s Schengen area which is designed to enhance security, discourage irregular migration and monitor high epidemic risks. Email confirmation that entry is permitted will normally be issued within 24 hours. Thailand’s 60 days visa exempt policy for 93 countries – in reality covering the vast majority of foreign tourists – was introduced in mid-July. No prior approval is required and the 60 days can become 90 days by applying at a Thai immigration office. It is then possible to leave the country for an hour or so – using the border run minibus tours widely available – and repeat the whole process. Indefinitely, as many people believe, making it questionable whether foreigners need bother with Elite, retirement extensions, family visas etc etc. The advent of the ETA is scheduled for a phased entry in Thailand between December 2024 and June 2025 and is expected to be free. It will apply solely to visa exempt arrivals and require an application to the e-portal www.thaievisa.go.th which is fast becoming the entry norm for most visitors here across the board. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet published the fine print, so nobody yet knows what documents will need to be uploaded as part of the vetting procedure. One possibility is the need to show an accommodation address in Thailand as well as a flight out of the country in addition to an inward-bound ticket. A similar system is operated in Malaysia as well as, in part anyway, Cambodia. ETAs in fact are becoming universal. Another unknown is whether the algorithm-based ETA system will include trigger points to limit the number of 60 days entries for an individual. Until July of this year, Thai immigration limited visa-free entrants to two border trips in a year but has since apparently rescinded the rule. The ETA could reimpose limitations with a computerized rejection slip (rather than a human immigration officer) curtly informing that “you need to get a proper visa”. The ETA will not be required for diplomats, but there appears to be no exemption for tourists over the age of 70. Some countries use such an exemption as many older people are believed to be non-computer literate. Once granted, the ETA email authorization sent to applicants will allow entry through electronic immigration gates by using the QR code on the document. The ETA computerized checks will include passport authenticity, any record of criminal or outrageous behavior in Thailand and any relevant Interpol notices. These are the same checks as currently undertaken by immigration officers at airports or border posts. But they can be time-consuming or lead to arguments which will be avoided in the ETA system. As with the completely separate Thai personal income tax move for Thais and foreigners living in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year, there is much we do not know about the ETA except that it’s coming for sure. Will airline staff be expected to check for the email before boarding? The ETA could even be linked to tax issues as repeated use of visa exempt (or the Destination Thailand Visa if extended at immigration) would identify these individuals as tax residents once they remit funds into the country. Hopefully, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be forthcoming well in advance about the many details within their cognizance.

You might want to consider posting your itinerary with times you'll be in each of your chosen "venues" to expedite things. It could improve you chances if you'll be accompanied by your Filipino bf.

Japan is allowing six years to roll out this requirement. Thailand is allowing ten months. What could possibly go wrong?

Heaven Sauna

From The Thaiger A gay man died mysteriously in his rented room in Chon Buri. His friends suspect foul play as valuables worth over 200,000 baht went missing. The deceased’s friend, 38 year old Suna Khamkot, reported the death of 49 year old Pradit Sangkrueyoo to Nong Kham Police Station yesterday, September 3. Suna was unable to contact Pradit, so he went to check on him and found him lying lifeless on the bed. Suna explained that he and Pradit had been drinking beer together the previous night, September 2, to celebrate as Pradit won a lottery prize. They parted ways at around 10.30pm and Pradit rode his motorcycle home alone. Suna went to work in the morning but noticed that Pradit was not there. He failed to contact the friend and decided to take a half-day leave to check on him. Suna said he initially could not enter the room as it was locked from the inside. He then contacted Pradit’s older brother, who lived next door, to open the room for him. According to Suna, Pradit was lying face down on his bed, and his valuables, including a gold necklace and bracelet worth over 200,000 baht, were missing. Suna insisted that his friend was wearing the gold accessories when they were together the previous night. The police told ThaiRath that Pradit was found wearing a white tank top and black shorts. He was lying face down, with his head turned towards the footboard. His arms were under his body, and his right leg was hanging off the side of the bed. Officers did not find any wounds on Pradit’s body, and there were no signs of a struggle in the room. The cause of his death remains under investigation and his body is undergoing an autopsy at Laem Chabang Hospital. Pradit’s older brother told ThaiRath that he rarely spoke with his brother because they were both busy with work and did not meet often, despite living next door to each other. He mentioned that Pradit suffered from coronary heart disease and received treatment for a long time. Suna acknowledged that he was aware of Pradit’s heart condition. He said he might believe that Pradit’s death was due to illness or lack of sleep if the valuables were not missing. Suna added that a teenage man who frequently visited Pradit’s accommodation might be a suspect. Pradit, who was a member of the LGBTQA+ community, engaged in sexual activity with the teenager, but they were not in a serious relationship.

This is the first time I've heard that an ETA will need to be obtained before entering the Kingdom. From The Thaiger Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel. This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country. “The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.” The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan. Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge. Once approved, ETA holders will benefit from the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. This comes alongside the recent extension of stay for tourists and business travellers from visa-free countries, who can now enjoy up to 60 days in Thailand, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days upon arrival. In addition, Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), tailored for remote workers, digital nomads, and visitors attending approved activities. Priced at 10,000 baht (430 Aussie dollars), this visa allows a stay of up to five years, provided applicants can prove they have at least 500,000 baht for the duration of their stay. The DTV also covers the holder’s spouse and dependent children, offering them a five-year stay with multiple entries, extendable by another 180 days, reported Executive Traveller. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/aussies-now-need-an-eta-to-enter-thailand ======================= Japan to introduce new entry system for foreign visitors By TTG Asia / Posted on 2 September, 2024 18:13 The Japanese government is set to introduce a new travel authorisation system requiring all international visitors to declare personal information online in order to enter the country. The new system will operate similarly to the US’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which was introduced as an anti-terrorism measure. The Japanese version, tentatively named JESTA, will also screen visitors prior to entry, using a similar online system. The government plans to launch JESTA by 2030. The implementation of this new system aims to reduce the number of illegal immigrants who come to Japan from visa-exempt countries and regions. Travellers from the 71 countries will be required to declare their details using JESTA once it is launched. The 71 visa-exempt countries and regions include Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, the US, and more. JESTA will require visa-exempt foreign nationals to declare their purpose of entry and place of stay online for screening by the Immigration Services Agency before they travel. If the application is flagged as an illegal-stay risk, the travel authorisation required to leave the country will not be granted, and the traveller will be encouraged to obtain a formal visa through their local embassy instead. The Japanese government will also introduce another system which will run on a trial basis during this fiscal year. Passenger information will be sent to the Immigration Services Agency after boarding procedures have been completed, and will be checked against a list of ‘blacklisted’ travellers, including foreign nationals of interest and those with criminal records. If any, the airline will be notified in order to refuse boarding to those passengers.