reader

There's an easy test to determine attraction.
Do you get hard looking at him?
All else is secondary.

Definitely worth visiting and easy to arrange in Luang Prabang. There are also packages including elephant sanctuary, Lao whisky producing village and Kuang Si waterfalls, worthy destination on it's own.

From MSN

At least once in their lives, devout Buddhists in Laos strive to visit a very special temple inside a natural landmark, the Pak Ou Caves, directly on the mighty Mekong River, the lifeline of Southeast Asia.
According to estimates, there are as many as 6,000 Buddha statues of various sizes and materials like wood and bronze in two limestone caves, put there by pilgrims over the centuries.
Buddha is depicted with various hand gestures - called mudras - each of which has a specific meaning.
"It is estimated that there are around 4,000 sculptures in the lower cave and around 2,000 in the upper one," says tour guide Somjai Simoonthong, who regularly brings tourists from all over the world here.
The cave temples can only be reached by boat along the Mekong. The journey from the popular tourist destination of Luang Prabang - the former capital of the Southeast Asian country - involves a boat trip of about two hours.
Inside the caves, a Laotian who lives in the US state of Colorado sprinkles a group of Buddha statues with water - as a sign of purification and respect. "I've wanted to travel here for so long, it's very important to me as a Laotian," he says.
Most people in the country believe that their ancestors entered the caves for the first time in the 8th century. At that time, Buddhism was not yet widespread, so the Pak Ou Caves were initially used as a shrine for the river spirits.
Continues with photos
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/tripideas/the-sacred-pak-ou-caves-of-laos-home-to-some-6000-buddha-statues/ar-AA1nYfmm

From Pattaya Mail

At 79, Wichai Kaewintarathi earns a living by selling traditional musical instruments from northeastern Thailand, such as the khaen and pin along Jomtien Beach.
Originally from Nakhon Phanom Province, Uncle Wichai has been in this profession for over 40 years. The musical instruments he sells are crafted by his wife, who is skilled in this art. He then showcases these instruments to tourists, presenting them as authentic northeastern musical instruments.
Every morning Uncle Wichai sets up his stall at Jomtien Beach, where he remains until evening. In the evenings, he travels to South Pattaya on a song taew (baht-bus) to continue his sales, offering his items for prices ranging from one hundred to one thousand baht.
Uncle Wichai’s sales technique involves not just selling but also performing. He entertains passersby by playing melodies on the khaen and showcasing various songs, adding vibrancy to the tourist scene. Through his efforts, he not only earns a livelihood but also promotes awareness of northeastern cultural music.
 

From MSN

At least once in their lives, devout Buddhists in Laos strive to visit a very special temple inside a natural landmark, the Pak Ou Caves, directly on the mighty Mekong River, the lifeline of Southeast Asia.
According to estimates, there are as many as 6,000 Buddha statues of various sizes and materials like wood and bronze in two limestone caves, put there by pilgrims over the centuries.
Buddha is depicted with various hand gestures - called mudras - each of which has a specific meaning.
"It is estimated that there are around 4,000 sculptures in the lower cave and around 2,000 in the upper one," says tour guide Somjai Simoonthong, who regularly brings tourists from all over the world here.
The cave temples can only be reached by boat along the Mekong. The journey from the popular tourist destination of Luang Prabang - the former capital of the Southeast Asian country - involves a boat trip of about two hours.
Inside the caves, a Laotian who lives in the US state of Colorado sprinkles a group of Buddha statues with water - as a sign of purification and respect. "I've wanted to travel here for so long, it's very important to me as a Laotian," he says.
Most people in the country believe that their ancestors entered the caves for the first time in the 8th century. At that time, Buddhism was not yet widespread, so the Pak Ou Caves were initially used as a shrine for the river spirits.
Continues with photos
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/tripideas/the-sacred-pak-ou-caves-of-laos-home-to-some-6000-buddha-statues/ar-AA1nYfmm

From CNBC
The auditing firm for Trump Media and the auditor’s owner were charged Friday with “massive fraud” by the Securities and Exchange Commission for work that affected more than 1,500 SEC filings, the federal regulator announced.
The auditor, BF Borgers CPA and its owner Benjamin Borgers have agreed to be permanently suspended from practicing as accountants before the SEC, and also agreed to pay a combined $14 million in civil penalties, with admitting or denying the allegations, the SEC said.
The agency, calling BF Borgers a “sham audit mill,” said the company and its owner engaged in “deliberate and systemic failures to comply with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ... standards in its audits and reviews incorporated in more than 1,500 SEC filings from January 2021 through June 2023,” according to a press release.
 

"The depths of his dishonesty is just astounding to me. The dishonesty, the transactional nature of every relationship, though it’s more pathetic than anything else. He is the most flawed person I have ever met in my life."
-General John Kelly-

it's indeed is, it's why I, who usually look for a smile before deciding on the boy  rarely off from Jupiter but almost always visit it on my first or 2nd night in Bangkok. For esthetics of looking at their handsome crew and then look for earthly  pleasures nearby, in other bars

There's an easy test to determine attraction.
Do you get hard looking at him?
All else is secondary.

+1
Westerners are prone to do it with watches.

It's seems I'm a young woman then 🤣

Upsetting indeed for both of you but I' say it's more an asshole story than taxi driver one.
Similar situation happened to one of our members while walking to hotel with boy, passerby said something to which boy responded , no further commotion though. Later when asked  buy explained that guy said something about him  being whore to which boy responded, "after I finish with this one I go and fuck you' or something to this effect.

...which can be a problem, as my story here will show.
This was from years ago. Chosen boy from gogo bar and me got into a taxi starting from Surawong Road towards my hotel in the Sukhumvit area. Along the way, the boy asked the driver why he was taking the scenic route. In response, the driver said something offensive about him being a sex worker. A heated argument broke out, and it was obvious we had to alight from the cab before things got worse. On the sidewalk, boy said sorry but he was too upset to be a companion tonight. He would go home. I didn't have to tip him, he said. We parted ways, each hailing separate cabs to our separate beds.

Jupiter
The entrance fee is THB 500. Unlike my previous trip in November last year, the bar had a sizeable number of female customers (some of whom were quite rowdy during the shows). The boys and shows were pretty much the same. I think I have a crush on the cute singer who would usually perform a few sets before the show starts. 😬
There was this young looking twunk customer at the bar that I took notice of because he kept changing seats. When the show was close to starting, a model just walked in wearing street clothes (presumably from a previous off). Upon seeing this model, the twunk almost jumped out of his seat to catch the nearest papasan, talking while pointing at the model. Not sure what was the discussion but the papasan was shaking his head a lot and the twunk went back to his seat. A little while after that, the twunk again went to talk to the same papasan and after some time, I saw the model went to join the twunk (who, at this point, was smiling ear to ear) at his seat. My assumption (which could be completely wrong) is that the model was initially not available but after some persuasion, the twunk was able to get the model. I was actually impressed by how assertive and persistent the twunk was but I also noticed the uncomfortable look on the model's face. I hope they ended up having a mutually enjoyable night.

he is clearly overdressed for such heat

From Thai PBS World
In this ever-changing world, many people are overwhelmed by uncertainties and fears. Competition at work, rampant layoffs, finances, parenting, friendships and pandemic concerns can all spark tension, leaving people feeling stressed, anxious and emotionally drained.
To cope with these feelings, a large number of Thai people have turned to superstitious objects, lucky charms, amulets, talismans and even occult rites, known as mutelu, in the hope that they will bring fortune, prosperity and good luck, a study has found.
The findings of a survey on mutelu behavior released in 2024 by the Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living ASEAN (Thailand) revealed that 88% of respondents believed in superstition and had faith in mutelu, with ‘money’ and ‘good luck’ at the top of the most requested blessings.
Mutelu, for many Thai people, refers to people who travel to holy sites or places to worship sacred objects.
Many worshippers pray for blessings from amulets and talismans to bring peace, fulfil their hopes and wishes. When they receive what they asked for, they will return to developer the promised offerings.
According to the study, more than half of respondents (52%) reported that they see mutelu as a spiritual anchor. And over 65% of them said they pray for blessings for themselves.
The study involved over 1,200 Thai people of different age groups. Each group had particular worship and mutelu behavior, the study found.
Gen X respondents (43-58 years old) prefer visiting temples, making merit, praying to boost morale and hope, as well as for good health.
Gen Y respondents (27-42 years old), meanwhile request money, good luck and career advancement when practising mutelu.
Gen Z respondents (11-26 years old) enjoy worship activities that fit their lifestyle and own amulets and lucky charms that are chic and trendy.
Continues at
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-superstition-boom-full-of-faith-in-thailand/
 

The AZ vaccine was never approved in the US. To be put in context:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embolic_and_thrombotic_events_after_COVID-19_vaccination
"The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reporting regards AZD1222 to 3 November 2021, recording 73 deaths out of 425 cases (17%) in the context of 24.9 million first doses administered." The increased risk seems to be seen mainly in women on birth control pills. Of course, the original strain of the virus had much higher risks of blood clots. Now that the virus is no more serious than a regular cold, there seems little reason to use the AZ vaccine (or Janssen), since the Moderna and Pfizer don't seem to have that problem, as low as the risk is. 

From Pattaya News
On May 1st, 2024, Thai national media reported Sex Worker Statistics by Country and Gender made by the International Union of Sex Workers on the occasion of Labor Day.
Sex workers in Thailand were fighting for the legalization of prostitution for their basic and occupational protection rights. It was reported that earlier this year (2024), Empower Foundation and sex worker representatives submitted a letter to various Thai political parties to demand basic rights and welfare from the government that should be equal to other occupations.
The bill was made and opened for opinions for more than five years from every sector. However, the story went unheard of from November 2023 for no reason. The sex worker representatives were worried that their efforts might be futile, said Ms. Chatchalawan Muangchan, the activist from Empower Foundation.
Thai national media showed Sex Worker Statistics by the International Union of Sex Workers ranking the first 20 countries in 2024. The original statistics were made on October 11th, 2023.
The top 10 countries rank according to the statistics could be rounded up as follows:
China 5,000,000 people, India 3,000,000 people, United States 1,000,000 people, Philippines 800,000 people, Mexico 500,000 people, Germany 400,000 people, Brazil 250,000 people, Thailand 250,000 people, Bangladesh 200,000 people, and South Korea 147,000 people.
Thailand was ranked in the top 10 countries to have sex workers. The number tended to increase considering that in the digital age prostitutes could provide services on online platforms globally.
https://thepattayanews.com/2024/05/02/thai-sex-workers-demand-legalization-for-basic-rights-statistics-reveal-thailand-in-top-10-countries-for-sex-work/

However, the statistics were not comprehensive as a massive number of sex workers were not surveyed and did not get the basic rights and welfare that they deserved, said the organisers.

From The Nation
The Ministry of Public Health says it has known about the risk of blood-clotting side effects from AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine since the beginning, and confirmed it has not purchased additional AstraZeneca vaccines after stocks were depleted.
There have been have reported cases of litigation in the United Kingdom regarding adverse effects after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, sometimes resulting in fatal blood-clotting incidents.
While AstraZeneca disputes these allegations, it did admit for the first time in one court document that its vaccine could potentially cause thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) or blood clotting in some cases.
Dr Surachoke Tangwiwat, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, said AstraZeneca has been providing information on vaccine side effects through medical journals since its emergency use authorisation (EUA), and now it is widely authorised. The ministry has been collecting adverse-event data as evidence, including cases of litigation.
When there are recommendations or academic information available, the ministry incorporates them into vaccine guidelines, Surachoke said. For instance, when AstraZeneca provided data on blood clotting in younger age groups, the ministry recommended vaccination only for individuals aged 30 and above.
“Data on blood-clotting incidents have been disclosed since the vaccine was used in emergency situations. The company itself has presented this information to all countries using the vaccine, including Thailand.
As for the AstraZeneca vaccine, Thailand has already used up its supply, and there have been no additional purchases this year. Therefore, the vaccines currently available for Covid-19 are supplied by Pfizer and Moderna, Surachoke said.
https://www.nationthailand.com/health-wellness/40037690

I noticed in many Asian cultures, it's common to display wealth with gold as a way of demonstrating success. But add booze to the equation and the outcome can prove costly.

From Pattaya News
On May 1st, 2024, Thai national media reported Sex Worker Statistics by Country and Gender made by the International Union of Sex Workers on the occasion of Labor Day.
Sex workers in Thailand were fighting for the legalization of prostitution for their basic and occupational protection rights. It was reported that earlier this year (2024), Empower Foundation and sex worker representatives submitted a letter to various Thai political parties to demand basic rights and welfare from the government that should be equal to other occupations.
The bill was made and opened for opinions for more than five years from every sector. However, the story went unheard of from November 2023 for no reason. The sex worker representatives were worried that their efforts might be futile, said Ms. Chatchalawan Muangchan, the activist from Empower Foundation.
Thai national media showed Sex Worker Statistics by the International Union of Sex Workers ranking the first 20 countries in 2024. The original statistics were made on October 11th, 2023.
The top 10 countries rank according to the statistics could be rounded up as follows:
China 5,000,000 people, India 3,000,000 people, United States 1,000,000 people, Philippines 800,000 people, Mexico 500,000 people, Germany 400,000 people, Brazil 250,000 people, Thailand 250,000 people, Bangladesh 200,000 people, and South Korea 147,000 people.
Thailand was ranked in the top 10 countries to have sex workers. The number tended to increase considering that in the digital age prostitutes could provide services on online platforms globally.
https://thepattayanews.com/2024/05/02/thai-sex-workers-demand-legalization-for-basic-rights-statistics-reveal-thailand-in-top-10-countries-for-sex-work/

However, the statistics were not comprehensive as a massive number of sex workers were not surveyed and did not get the basic rights and welfare that they deserved, said the organisers.

I wouldn't worry about driver, in his work he saw it all and more.

From Thai PBS World
In this ever-changing world, many people are overwhelmed by uncertainties and fears. Competition at work, rampant layoffs, finances, parenting, friendships and pandemic concerns can all spark tension, leaving people feeling stressed, anxious and emotionally drained.
To cope with these feelings, a large number of Thai people have turned to superstitious objects, lucky charms, amulets, talismans and even occult rites, known as mutelu, in the hope that they will bring fortune, prosperity and good luck, a study has found.
The findings of a survey on mutelu behavior released in 2024 by the Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living ASEAN (Thailand) revealed that 88% of respondents believed in superstition and had faith in mutelu, with ‘money’ and ‘good luck’ at the top of the most requested blessings.
Mutelu, for many Thai people, refers to people who travel to holy sites or places to worship sacred objects.
Many worshippers pray for blessings from amulets and talismans to bring peace, fulfil their hopes and wishes. When they receive what they asked for, they will return to developer the promised offerings.
According to the study, more than half of respondents (52%) reported that they see mutelu as a spiritual anchor. And over 65% of them said they pray for blessings for themselves.
The study involved over 1,200 Thai people of different age groups. Each group had particular worship and mutelu behavior, the study found.
Gen X respondents (43-58 years old) prefer visiting temples, making merit, praying to boost morale and hope, as well as for good health.
Gen Y respondents (27-42 years old), meanwhile request money, good luck and career advancement when practising mutelu.
Gen Z respondents (11-26 years old) enjoy worship activities that fit their lifestyle and own amulets and lucky charms that are chic and trendy.
Continues at
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-superstition-boom-full-of-faith-in-thailand/
 

From Thai PBS World
Thai workers have little to celebrate on Labor Day this year, with the government’s promised wage hike nowhere in sight. They will have to wait until at least October for the ruling Pheu Thai Party to honor its election pledge to raise the minimum daily wage to 400 baht.
In contrast, white-collar government workers including new civil servants and retired officials will enjoy salary hikes from Labor Day on May 1. New civil servants will start on 18,000 baht per month while the monthly pensions of retired officials will rise to at least 11,000 baht.
“The move to increase income for civil servants is politically motivated,” said Assoc Prof Dr Kiriya Kulkolkarn, who lectures at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics.
She argued that raising salaries in this way distorts the labor market, offering limited improvement in quality of life for middle-class earners while failing to redistribute wealth to low-income earners.
Kiriya also suspected that the government policy to significantly raise the minimum wage had a political motive.
Continues at
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/labor-day-wage-hike-delayed-thai-workers-and-experts-bemoan-thailands-low-income-trap/

The police officer was killed in the middle of the road, as the video in link shows.  The taxi did crash into sidewalk but came to stop within the intersection.