tm_nyc

this is continuation of trip report from Thailand section at this link:
https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/41442-better-to-be-retired-than-retarded-thailand-and-cambodia-in-january-2024-trip-report-brief-but-long/#comment-374666
 
Day 7 , Phnom Penh part.
I had e-visa so immigration was breeze. I exchanged some money into riels as airport rates are only minimally lower than city ones ( 4000 vs 4065 for 1 USD).
 Some people don’t bother and are using dollars since Cambodia is practically dual currency country and is not  unusual to pay 10 $ invoice   with 6$ and 16000 riels ( 4 $) for example. Some places are quoting prices in riels  , other in dollars but both currencies are accepted everywhere and only exceptions I know is visa on arrival and tickets to Angkor ruins where one must pay in USD exclusively.
 If you decide to bring dollars just make sure notes are  intact without any tears , pinholes and writings on them, I saw 1 dollar banknotes rejected because of those infractions.
I prefer to use riels  with exception of big ticket items like boys’  tips as getting change from 50 or 100 $ bill may be problematic in country where dinner cost 5 $ and haircut 2$.
 Other airport purchase was SIM card for 1 week , it was 7$ if I recall correctly and then tuk-tuk to hotel for 9$. Those who want to save money on getting to hotel solution is to take bus from airport parking lot for 1000 or 2000 or leave airport area and get one of the waiting tuk-tuks outside for something like 5-7$ but I did not bother.
 Room was not ready so I went to Dolce Vita for lunch and returned in 1 hr to find everything ready. I stay in OK Palace hotel, twin of OK Boutique in the same soi where I stay last time. Entry to the hotel is palatial and so is   room. Both hotels are in street 19Z, appendix like short soi across from National Museum and walking distance to Royal Palace and whole central area including my Phnom Penh headquarters Space Hair bar.
hotel's entry


view from the window

sleeping machine and the room


 
 In the room I noticed I forgot phone charger in  Bangkok and girl on reception suggested I go to Kandal Market where there are phone shops. Bingo indeed. Instead of walking  10 minutes I took tuk tuk for whopping 4000 and returned in style by cycle rikshaw for the same amount.
 After setting in I walked around admiring smells and sounds , bought tour to Killing Fields  for tomorrow and at around 21.00 I walked to 136 street to my headquarters – Space Hair bar.
 I wish we had something like that in Bangkok although they operate on different formula . Staff are exclusively hunky and in shape – see sample from their recent Facebook.

Almost all guys from the picture were present  on at least one    of three nights I visited there. As always almost means one was absent and that one was precisely one I wanted to see as we met already quite closely  before. But if I don’t have what I like , I like what I have.
Boys there are only to accompany you for drinks and talk. Forget about offs and off fees. Surely if you have designs on one or more you must be very , very discreet and be prepared  for meeting absolutely outside working hours. Boss there , while very sympathetic is also very strict and serious about those rules. Cambodian Prince I had debacle with last year was fired on the spot  for leaving 1 hr. earlier than scheduled and apparently only because he got drunk
 Drinks are not expensive 4-6 $ but if you get heated like me , they add up but this is cost of fun. Some guys are somewhat touchy-feely , others less so, kiss or 7 can be stolen after few rounds of drinks , hand and knee holding is available and generally is a lot of fun. Guys are not pushing you for drinks  and absolutely no word of ‘ tip’ is spoken but obviously depending on time they sat with you  and how long you were holding their knee or hand you should tip them. I gave 5- 10 $ to those few who sat with me for prolonged time. Drinks are what oils bar keep in mind so when boy empties his buy him another one or he may choose to, leave your table.
But there are absolutely no situations like I had sometimes in Thai bars when boy gulped his drink in on ego and was looking for another one. It’s why I wish we have such bar in Bangkok. Easy , pleasant and no hard sell tactics.
Not only boys got plenty of drinks but also myself so when I was leaving at about 2 am I was quite drunk and 90$ lighter , not to mention about 100 000  distributed for tips. But it was fun worth of every minute and every penny spent. Unfortunately I went home empty handed so to speak. I had designs on one of their boys but neither one of us was brave enough to start serious discussion.
 Before I went to bed for fun I checked Grindr and had “ Hi “ from quite attractive looking guy but had that senior moment and did not realize that this guy ( I’m notoriously bad reading people from pictures ) was indeed one I had designs on in bar. It only dawned on my next day in the afternoon. But by then damage was done. Not only I spent night in cold bed but also he figured out that I rejected him and was doing his best to show that he cooled to me. Oh well, lesson learned

Flew here from Surabaya on Lion Air. Many people in Jakarta told me not to fly them, horrible record.

Check-in was efficient, line moved fast, flight left on time, was only 40 minutes and arrived 5 mins late. Since it was Chinese New Year weekend coming up, Bali airport was super busy and my luggage was the last one out....yeah, I was getting nervous. So much better arriving Bali domestically than International.

Was waiting for Grab car when an independent driver convinced me to go with him for the same price, Grab was moving really slow in traffic, but as usual, nothing is at it seems. The indie taxi was in a garage and it took us longer to get out of the garage than Grab would've taken.....

Staying in Seminyak at the Primera hotel, an old IBIS, small rooms but super convenient to the bars and beach, $25 usd a night with minifridge and a balcony, cheaper rooms run 17 a night.

Met a guy on Grindr while in Surabaya that was in Bali, since distance isn't shown in Indonesia, it's common to move into an area far away while scrolling. Hooked up with him 2 nights, wasn't a money boy and had a thick dick with a big head, he was horny as a mf. That's a common theme in Indonesia, even the mb's don't get clients as often as Brasil or Thailand, so they come loaded and ready to shoot.

Had a couple of daytime massage in my room from a couple of regulars....went to Mixwell bar all 3 night here.

A guy from Jakarta that I was with for 3 nights, bought his own plane ticket to come out here to be with me 3 nights, time with me paid as 1 "meeting", his reference, like a programa in Brasil or ST in BKK, even though he was staying with me. Seemed like a bargain and so far, so good after 1 night.

Moving to Conrad Bali tomorrow for the last 2 nights....looking for a more relaxing stay just hanging out by the pool and room with him, no bars other distractions.

We did go to Elegantz sauna today, from the online reviews, I was expecting more....was busy, but nothing worthwhile for me. I would've been better using that time for a nap, won't return there.

Also went to the Hard Rock Cafe, I know the manager from years ago in Jakarta and he always treats me like a VIP whenever I stop in, The kid from Jakarta is impressed with the benefits from Hilton status and knowing the HRC guy and manager and cashier at Mixwell, boy will he be surprised at Conrad tomorrow, lol

Probably won't have anything else noteworthy  to add to this trip unless I get married or he robs me....then  off to Manila after.

I got a message from someone in a group (straights) that I've Cruised with before on Princess, that one of our female friends that was an awesome person passed away last night while on the ship from cardiac arrest....boy did she love cruising. 

Makes it even more important to realize, we don't know when our last day is.....enjoy it while you're physically able to 🙏

Bar Chiquita in El Poblado (Cra. 37 #8a-88) features a couple of strippers on weekends (Fri-Sat) in the upstairs Red Room (El Rojo)
Entrance is an additional 10.000COP, less crowded than downstairs dance floor and terrace, there are two shows: one at midnight and second one at 1am. Two different performers.
Performance was interactive with at least two patrons testing their deep throat skills.  Shows were about 20 minutes on the small stage.

Day 1
 That will be short one as I said arrived at 17.40. Immigration line was hair rising but speed was world beating. It was second longest I saw in BKK ever and still with all boths opened and personnel wisely directing internationals even to “ASEAN or Thai only” booths when they were free it moved shockingly fast.
 By time I bought SIM card my luggage was out already and in exactly 75 minutes from plane touching tarmac I was already waiting for train at the platform.
 Raya, where I opened door exactly 47 hours and 45 minutes after closing my home door,  was informed that I will miss previous night but at least room was waiting for me ( no refund for no show) so I unpacked , desoiled and went to 7/11 to buy some necessities in process took circular way through Thaniya and Patpong 2.
 At 21.00 I was supposed to meet J, our member  at G’Bangkok , soi 4. As it happened his last day was mine first. So we caught on news and food and  being already in soi 4 we decided to go to Jupiter . On recent trips  somehow it’s always first bar I’m visiting. Due to esthetics as their boy collection  beats them all not a bad place to start.
 I’m not being big fan of Jupiter due to their policy requiring boys to appear cold , aloof and uninterested. This of course changes right away after one invites boy to seat beside but still  I don’t like it as can’t gauge if g boy is treating me as transparent because I deserve or because boss told them so.
 Of course looking at them during their walkouts is pure pleasure , smile or not. And soon after we sat down first round started. I tipped red note two of them including hero of my many stories and veteran of dozen if not more  offs over the years HC (Handsome Cambodian).
 I did not count on anything other than may be nod and shy smile during next round acknowledging tip and my presence. But disappointingly during next walkabout I was still transparent air. There were few  smiles but not at me and not by me tippees .  That was bit discouraging and disappointing so  when J, who in meantime had some hunk  sitting beside  signaled he is ready to go I gladly went with them. This was my only visit at Jupiter this trip or as my father would say “ this trip I was there two times - first and last”.
 Outside I wished guys fun , to J also safe trip home and we parted ways. I went to Moonlight hoping Y will be available but he was already booked to tonight so I secured his presence for tomorrow by slipping him and mamasan who leeched on me immediately remembering me very well from previous visits red note each and went to Hot Male beer bar where P was present so I offered him  a drink and in process asked about option of accompany me tonight.
 He agreed but I sensed answer is kind of  suspended. On top of it , even it treated with drink , instead of keeping me company  he was constantly on the move here and there.  At some point when I noticed he is going to bar upstairs with some female patron I did one of best things this trip, right on the first evening – paid for both drinks and just took off.
 As it was past midnight I decided to try my favorite corner in Bangkok at soi 6 and Suriwong. That the place where Tawan boys use to drink after bar closes. Tonight it was only D solitary drinking from small Hong Thong bottle. We meet many times in the past, now he is in bit less of shape but his skin is still as smooth as baby’s and  being late I made another best decision, drunk or not I asked if he wants to go with me.
 Happy smile and nod. He wanted to ride his motorsai but I declined and we walked to Raya. Holly Molly, he was always quiet and bit reserved companion , very suitable for 1st night after long trip but not tonight.  I was hoping for pussy cat but instead  got lion, very sweet lion indeed. As close to boyfriend experience as one can dream about. It was almost shocking in a best sense.  I guess blend of being bit drunk and  probably not being offed   for some time contributed to that energy. What an introduction to Bangkok and a trip  and end of day 1 !!!

Preliminaries and getting to.
 This was my first trip to Thailand after leaving workforce for good and as result it was also longest of them all (so far I hope).Also first covering month of January, I was in that month before twice but only for ,few days in the beginning  back in 2003 and at end last year.
I keep travel diary on evert trip everywhere  so  no need to stretch my memory, cleaning glasses from time to time will suffice to produce this report. Reading it this morning I noticed that some occurrences faded from  memory already which makes point again not to be upset about small things as they are soon forgotten for good.
Winter trip has advantages of escaping cold but also carries risk that weather may go in the way. It was exactly a case this time. When we boarded plane snow  blizzard started . It was sudden and energetic and as result we took off exactly 2 hours later than scheduled. Considering that at Narita I had originally exactly 2 hours connection time it was obvious that something will happen. Either, like last time I took that route plane to Bangkok will be waiting but luggage arrive day later or I need to be placed on another flight that evening or day after. Did not bother me as nothing I could do on my part.
 I did not enjoy flight much ( one of those things faded from memory I mentioned before but diary remembers). It was cold inside and this comes from guy who likes winter over summer. For first few hours entertainment system did not work which I don’t care but  in modern aircrafts one can’t turn on reading light if screen is dead so I lost few hours of reading time. And to add to my misery , food was nothing memorable and that is charitable.
 But as always there  was bonus – nobody seating beside me. I always fly at the back , middle section , aisle seat , hoping for that to happen  and it did again. I noticed that elbow space is as important as legs one on those long flights.
 We landed as we departed , exactly 2 hours after scheduled time and  were advised to see agents  who will inform as about further connection. This being Japan , was organized very well. Indeed lady was holding placard with Bangkok and my flight number, told me where to go and there another agent  gave me boarding pass for tomorrow morning , advised to pick up my luggage , pass immigration and go to the parking spot nr 16 where shuttle bus to hotel  will be waiting. It was all in print on small piece of paper. Impressive enough. Japan I thought. Then somehow things get a bit less smooth as I was waiting exactly 2 hours for my luggage to emerge entertaining myself with Whatsapping, e-mailing  and Lineing.
After that we were back to Japan. Bus arrived and was filled to capacity with people sharing my misfortune, from  what I heard  not only Bangkok bound but also Bejjing and Saigon but somebody said Manilla passengers were lucky to be placed on next flight departing tonight.
At the hotel   they knew exactly why we are there, there was special counter arranged and we got our keys and coupon for supper tonight and breakfast tomorrow as well as information about bus to the airport departing in the morning. In short all my questions at Narita were answered before I even asked them.
It was too late to go to the city 1hr train trip away  so I settled in the room and did not even bother with evening meal. Just made my tea and went asleep.
 As for breakfast ‘opulent’ is understatement. All tasted soooo good and I feel sorry for myself that days I was eating more than I need  are over.
 I was placed on Thai flight and again had luck of nobody seating beside – it’s after all still 7 hrs flight. I already commented in another thread, meal they served was probably best airplane meal I ever had and no, after that breakfast I was not starving or something , it was just  extremely tasty, just pork with rice but made for kings and CEO’s .
This way instead of landing at 22.30 , I arrived at 17.40 next day and day 1 of my trip started.
still Christmas time in Japan

Scat Airlines ? I wonder what this is all about

Sounds like the reports of his death are greatly exaggerated!

station is renovated and working indeed with trains to Sihanoukville and Battambang departing daily

From The Nation
Thai Airways International (THAI) has placed an order for 45 Boeing 787 jets, with the option to potentially boost the size of the deal to around 80 aircraft as it serves rising international travel demand, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing industry sources.
The deal, to be formally unveiled later this month, is already reflected in Boeing's published order backlog as a contract for 45 planes with an undisclosed customer, said the sources.
Reuters said both Boeing and THAI, Thailand’s national flag carrier, declined to comment on the deal.
The sources added that the aircraft would be powered by engines from GE Aerospace, which currently dominates the market for 787 engines in competition with Britain's Rolls-Royce.
The deal opens a new chapter for THAI, which is a longstanding customer of Rolls-Royce and it is also a win for GE as the airline currently flies Rolls' engines on its existing 787s, said the sources.
Industry sources that THAI's decision to reject the A350 in favour of the 787 was partly influenced by disagreements over engine maintenance pricing with Rolls-Royce.
According to https://pilotpassion.com/, Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a large passenger airplane with capacity from 248-336 passengers. It has three models:
787-8: capacity 248 passengers, range 13,530km, price US$248.3 to $260 million 787-9: capacity 296 passengers, range 14,010km, price $292.5 to $305 million 787-10: capacity 336 passengers, range 11,730km, price $338.4 to $350 million If THAI were to purchase 45 aircraft of the cheapest model, it would cost around $10.755 billion or 385 billion baht. However, buying in bulk usually comes with a 40-60% discount from the manufacturers.

Chula is excellent, I agree.  My other resource is Pharmacie de la Gare in Phnom Penh.  It is, as the name suggests, near the defunct (?) PP railway station & prices for some items may be a bit lower than BKK.  I have heard that virtually anything pharmaceutical is available without a prescription in Cambodia.

Chula is excellent, I agree.  My other resource is Pharmacie de la Gare in Phnom Penh.  It is, as the name suggests, near the defunct (?) PP railway station & prices for some items may be a bit lower than BKK.  I have heard that virtually anything pharmaceutical is available without a prescription in Cambodia.

Sounds like the reports of his death are greatly exaggerated!

I wonder if any scenes were filmed at the JC Complex. 🥴

From Pattaya News
The big budget highly anticipated Thai action thriller, “Pattaya Heat: All Men Are Brothers,” is set to ignite the silver screen as it makes its debut on Thursday, February 8th, 2024.
The red carpet was rolled out on February 6th for a star-studded lineup of top Thai actors, artists, and renowned influencers, as they gathered to celebrate the launch of this groundbreaking movie at the ‘Gala Premiere’ event at Siam Paragon.
Pattaya Heat is a gripping action thriller that delves into the so-called dark underbelly of the world-famous resort city. The movie follows a deadly game of cat and mouse between the main character “Tot” and a menacing mafia gang.
The blockbuster film featuring an A list of Thai actors was shot on location across Pattaya and will feature popular locations such as Walking Street and Pattaya Beach.

I find these guys incredibly sexy. 
From Thai PBS World

More than 5,000 Muay Thai boxers from Thailand and 60 other countries took part in a ceremony to pay respects to Muay Thai teachers during the Amazing Muay Thai World Festival 2024, held on Tuesday at the Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin to commemorate world Muay Thai Day.
The event was presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and was attended by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Army Commander-in-Chief General Charoenchai Hinthao.
The event featured a card stunt by more than 700 drones and a fireworks display. It was also intended to set a new Guinness world record for the largest single gathering of Muay Thai boxers.
 
 

Sounds like the reports of his death are greatly exaggerated!

Kokopelli passed?  I never knew that; sorry to read of his passing, he was like a twin brother to me.

Wanted to try someplace different, so I came to Indonesias 2nd largest city from Jakarta. I decided to take the train, 8 hrs vs flying to see some scenery for a change and they have a Luxury Executive train with lie flat seats....glad I did , was really interesting, left on time and arrived 5 minutes early- downtown to downtown, no long taxi's to/from airports, security, bag check , blah, blah, blah.

Stayed at the Doubletree hotel, got upgraded to a nice suite. Wish Doubletree service and rooms were this nice in USA. Also as a Diamond member, free b'fast, and executive lounge tea time and free cocktails for 2 hrs nightly and canapes/finger foods. The breakfast buffet was impressive here and in Jakarta, both Doubletrees

Grindr was the most popular app, indonesia are a lot of fake pics, so a video call request filters out the flakes. About half were free hookups and half massage/money.

The problem with free hookups, they only want to when they are horny, so if you're not ready when they are, missed opportunities, working guys will come when you are ready.

First days I had massage guys come over, one was good and 2nd meh. ($18usd-25usd) and a freebie, 22 yrs old that was so innocent about life that is was cute....he came buckets 😲

My last night I went with an expensive massage guy 600,000 idr($38usd), 1.5 hr massage and half way thru the massage he was so horny, he asked if we could fuck and he's finish the massage after....very good sex in almost every position, he had a nice dick with a huge head, I'm getting horny writing about it. After, finished the massage like he said, he'd worked at a hotel spa before and knew how to do professional massage. Why do I usually find my best guys on the last night??

One thing I like about Indonesia is most guys are cut.....traveling in Brazil, latin america and asia, is almost all uncut for so many years....being with cut guys is a nice change.

I'd come back here again, not much to do sightseeing, not that I do that anywhere, they do have 2 huge malls that hold some stat in ASEAN countries as being the 2nd biggest or some shit like that. Or a ton of Mosques, if you are into that stuff....

I drop a few pics of the train and hotel............

Off to Bali today, flying.


 

Arrived in Bkk last night and this morning discovered I’d left my blood pressure med at home. Went to the ever reliable Chula pharmacy on Rama 4 (between Silom and Surawong) and was provided what I needed for 80 baht.
it appears that b/p and statins are available without prescription in LOS.

No, this time it was about too many cashews in the cashew chicken.

I'm sure all the responses are accurate, but if it were me, I would be asking the boy of interest.  Don't you think the boys know where to go?  And I would go with his recommendation because it would be a room he is probably familiar with, likes, and feels comfortable there.

Flew Nonstop on Thai Airways in Business class, old 777-200 tired plane, but still the best, friendliest service going.

I did my e- Visa on arrival while in Bangkok and so angry at myself for not noticing an error on my passport expiry date. It self populated from the scan of the passport, but while I scrolled down, I must've changed the date without knowing.

The immigration guy was super nice and great English...when he said there was a problem, I thought it was I entered my hotel address as Bali, because in my mind I was going to Bali first. But that wasn't it, was the wrong expiration date of my passport. My option was to do it online again, go to the VOA counter and he said if I had exact Indo cash, I could pay there. He seemed surprised I had IDR, I paid him...I thought it was a scam, but he gave me an official printed receipt and was easy without having to line up again. It was 500,000 IDR ($30usd) cheap mistake but still mad at myself for being so careless.

I had forgotten how much time from the airport into Jakarta, 1 hr. Grab was about $20usd. 

By the time I got into my hotel and unpacked, it was raining, I just watched some youtube and chatted on some apps and went to sleep.

Next day I was looking on Grindr and someone in the same hotel on a work trip hit me up...a nice 25 yr old guy sent me his pics, but since he was with a large group of people from his job was really shy about meeting, be we did have fun.

The thing that is annoying here, since it's a Muslim country, most everyone is deeply in the closet. Using fake profile pics or old pics. When they do send you a pic, it's always an expiring one....Lots of free action and massage guys. 

One guy asked for a million and I laughed at him, everyone else was 400k-500k.$25-32usd.

Did a live chat with a 26 yr old, looked latino to me and we made plans to come over.

I'm staying at the DoubleTree and they have an executive lounge with free drinks....he's not a big drinker but had 2 beers and got tipsy, cheap date!

He gave a 2 hr amazing massage and GREAT sex....he came about a liter, or so it seemed. He said he hadn't had sex in a long time. This is the advantage over Thailand, where sex is like a job, here it's a treat 😁

I ended up going with him again 2 more times...why keep searching when you found something so good?  No expensive drinks, no crazy off fees but not as convenient as Thailand.
The gay disco Apollo that I went to last time here, has closed, Covid victim. He said there are a couple of places frequented by gay guys...the cover is about $15usd , is a little far from my hotel, no thanks.

Indonesia is so affordable....I had a fat attack and wanted McDonald's, the food was piping hot and fresh, a double cheeseburger combo mean and a filet o fish sandwich was $5....that would easily be $15 is Thailand or USA.

One Grab motorbike ride was 35 cents USD and another was $1,01.

While walking in the street, almost everyone looks at me, like I'm an alien, kind of strange, but there aren't many westerners here, especially walking in the streets.

Tomorrow I'm taking the luxury executive train to Surabaya, even fewer westerners I'm told. Is an 8 hr tip but in a business class type lie flat seat. The sights look nice from the videos I've seen, but I'm sure a couple of hours into it I'll be thinking, why the fuck am I doing this, lol
 

It's just for Chinese New Year but Jey Spa masseurs are now adorned in festive colors. And they're wore than wiling to accept red  envelopes from you. 🙂

From Associated Press
 
Landlocked Laos doesn't have the famous beaches of its neighbors to attract tourists, but instead relies on the pristine beauty of its mountains and rivers and historical sites to bring in visitors.
The crown jewel is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where legend has it that Buddha once rested during his travels. It brings all the elements together, with its mix of historic Laotian and French colonial architecture on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers.
But a multibillion-dollar dam project underway 25 kilometers (15 miles) upstream has prompted concerns that it could result in the city losing its UNESCO status, and broader questions about what the government's ambitious plans to build multiple dams across the Mekong will do to the river, the lifeblood of Southeast Asia.
“When the Luang Prabang Dam is complete, and it's already well under construction, the river is going to trickle into a dead body of water,” said Brian Eyler, director of the Washington-based Stimson Center's Southeast Asia Program and its Energy, Water and Sustainability Program.
"The people going to Luang Prabang as tourists to see the mighty Mekong and see how the Lao people interact with the river, all those interactions are going to be gone — all the fishing, meaningful local boating and commerce done by locals on relatively small boats will end.”
The dam is also being built near an active fault line, and though studies of the design conclude it could withstand an earthquake, local residents are worried.
For Som Phone, a 38-year-old tour boat operator and lifelong Luang Prabang resident, memories of the 2018 collapse of another dam in Laos that killed dozens and displaced thousands, blamed on shoddy construction, are still fresh.
“Many people died,” he said.
Luang Prabang is not yet on UNESCO's list of endangered World Heritage sites, but the Paris-based agency has outlined a series of concerns, including the protection of historic buildings and the effect of the dam project on protected wetlands and the city's riverbanks, and is awaiting a report back from Laos.
 

From Pattaya Mail
By Barry Kenyon
A Thai Cabinet decision is now awaited on the Tourist Authority of Thailand’s proposal to offer 90 days visa-exempt travel to citizens of UK, US, Australia and most of mainland Europe. The prime minister Srettha Thavisin is known to favour the move, according to his aide Prommin Lertsuridej, as a way of maximizing income from overseas visitors whilst reducing bureaucracy.
Currently, these nationalities receive only 30 days without a prior visa, but can extend for a further month at local immigration for 1,900 baht. If they wish, they can then take a day trip to a land border (usually Cambodian) and repeat the procedure. However, this facility cannot be used more than twice in a calendar year. There is no formal restriction on the number of entries by air.
Tourists are required to report their address to Thai immigration each time they enter the country via the notorious address form TM30. If they fail to do this promptly and require any service at immigration – such as extending their visa or requesting a certificate of residency to buy or sell a car or open a bank account – they will be fined even though the technical responsibility rests with the hotel or condominium residence “housemaster”. Some establishments report all their guests online to immigration, but many do not or even fail to inform their guests.
Foreigners attending the busy immigration offices, such as Jomtien, frequently complain that the long queues on many days are caused by tourists following the TM30 bureaucracy which creates a log jam affecting the whole process. If the proposed change was introduced, these nationalities would need to register on the TM30 just once on arrival as extensions and day trips to Cambodia would no longer be necessary for most tourists. A Cabinet decision is expected within days.
Currently, only a handful of countries receive 90 days on arrival without a prior visa. They include Russia, South Korea and several South American countries. The extension to countries now envisaged would go a long way to reducing the numbers queuing at immigration for TM30 clearance more than once during their stay.

For muscled twink admirers, Home spa has added a new masseur to its roster.

No, this time it was about too many cashews in the cashew chicken.