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From The Thaiger
Thailand, hopeful for a Chinese tourism resurgence post-pandemic, faces an unexpected plot twist as a surge of Taiwanese visitors, in particular, reshapes the narrative. Saichon Chounchou now handles a 20-person group of Taiwanese tourists.
“Now my clients are Taiwanese. They are regular clients and generate revenue for many local communities as opposed to many Chinese on a zero-dollar tour.”
Zero-dollar tourism, a longstanding bane in Thailand, involves Chinese tour companies steering visitors exclusively to Chinese-run establishments, depriving local businesses of potential earnings. In contrast, Saichon’s Taiwanese group opts for opulence, staying in a five-star hotel for five days at a whopping 100,000 baht per person.
Government data shows that the Taiwanese influx is no fluke, with approximately 585,000 Taiwanese visitors to Thailand in the first 10 months of this year. With a new visa-free policy for Taiwanese visitors, this number is expected to soar. However, Thailand’s overall tourism revival post-Covid is unfolding more gradually than anticipated.
With Bangkok aspiring to host 28 million international visitors this year, compared to the pre-pandemic high of 40 million in 2019, the projections seem optimistic. Saichon’s observations echo the sentiment.
“Chinese tourists are concerned about safety in Thailand, and the Thai government just can’t crack the code of why Chinese have not come as much as before.”
The shift in tourism dynamics isn’t merely a case of preference but is entangled with safety concerns, economic factors, and even negative narratives circulating on Chinese social media platforms. Reports of safety concerns and unmet expectations have prompted Thai officials to engage in damage control.
While Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s push for visa-free entry for Chinese nationals was a bold move, it hasn’t yielded the anticipated results. Projections of four to four and a half million Chinese arrivals this year have been revised to a more modest three and a half million by year-end, reported Benar News.
As Thailand grapples with this tourism rollercoaster, the spotlight is turning towards other potential markets. India, with its burgeoning tourism numbers, has become a beacon of hope, said tour guide Patcharee.
“If the free visas didn’t work for the Chinese, it worked for the Indians
Despite the uncertainties, industry experts like Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, affirm Thailand’s enduring appeal.
“Absolutely, this is the start of a new cycle, and Thailand remains a favoured global destination.”
   

The article is typical of surface journalism, unchecked, unedited, now all too common. 

From Thailand Business News
he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently hosted an ‘ESG activity in Thailand’ for international delegates attending the Air Canada Asia Pacific Sales Summit in Bangkok. The event celebrated Air Canada’s resumption of its Bangkok-Vancouver service. Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, emphasized the event’s focus on environment, social and governance (ESG) activities in line with the Sustainable Tourism Goals and the United Nations’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlights of the half-day event included historical sightseeing of Wat Arun, enjoying Thai ice cream, and creating coasters with concrete waste at a local community workshop. The event showcased TAT’s commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives. Air Canada has resumed its Bangkok-Vancouver service with four flights per week and plans to increase to daily operation in early 2024 to meet high demand. The airline operates using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and has launched ESG initiatives to stimulate travel to Thailand.
 

From Pattaya Mail

Nattaphat Boonchalee, a local journalist who was shot in the face by two assailants on a motorcycle in Pattaya, receives medical attention as he is being rushed to Pattaya City Hospital for further treatment. PATTAYA, Thailand – A local journalist was shot in the face by two assailants on a motorcycle in Pattaya on December 13. The journalist, Nattaphat Boonchalee, 28, works for local newspapers ‘Athip Burapha’ and online media. He is currently being treated at Pattaya City Hospital for gunshot wounds to his cheek and eye area.
The shooting occurred at around 6.08 a.m. on Petchtrakul Road, near an entertainment venue. CCTV footage showed that the suspects had a near-hit accident with the journalist’s motorcycle and then chased him on Pattaya Road, where they opened fire. The journalist had just left a hot pot and grill restaurant after covering a news story about a foreigner who caused a disturbance in Pattaya.
The Pattaya City police arrested the two suspects, Jirachai M, 36, and Somrak K, 39, at a house in Soi Paniad Chang 4, central Pattaya, at 3.30 p.m. on the same day. The suspects were asleep in a room when the police raided the house. The police seized a 9 mm pistol, a magazine, and 10 bullets as evidence. The suspects denied any involvement in the shooting and claimed that they were drunk and sleeping. Somrak said that he did not know that his friend had a gun and that he had no intention of shooting anyone. Jirachai said that he did not shoot the journalist.
The detention of the suspects sparked a commotion at the Pattaya police station, where they were taken for questioning. A group of friends of the journalist tried to storm the police station. They were stopped by the police and journalists who tried to interview the suspects. Niruthep Bodinsri, 34, a senior friend of the journalist, expressed shock at seeing the suspects and said that both of them were acquainted with the wounded journalist. He said that he did not know the motive behind the shooting and urged the police to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice.

I know, it is in national culture to answer on question with another question, but what you will do with fact what in you list are 13 persons who you think were murdered in Russia by political reason.
And we discuss now 13 persons in 23 years and compare with 68 persons killed in 2 months.
And let me use the same propagandistic method like you use - bold, underline and size
72% of journalists killed worldwide have been killed in the Gaza conflict 

Why you didn't write 1,000,000,000?
Let's face. As per report of UN HR commissioner there were killed in total 9,511 persons in Ukraine within civilians in 19 months on territory 600,000 sq km
https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/08/ukraine-civilian-casualty-update-28-august-2023

1,000 baht is hardly a lot!

Indeed, there is rarely a year without this, schools closed etc. Strangely, the Government doesn't do much about it! (Use of irony!)

Locals have been dealing with this condition annually and that's why they've used facemasks well before the onset of covid. Traffic cops are rarely without them.

"Bangkok is facing a critical surge in PM2.5, prompting urgent action from the government. The levels of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in 29 out of 50 districts exceeded 35 microgrammes..."
Taken from Bangkok Post who say:

"Please credit and share this article with others using this link:https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2705118. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved."

If I didn't know better, Olddaddy, I'd think you're not the people person you make out to be.

I've met around a dozen members from the 3 forums over the years and none fit your description.
You need to get out more.

I have.

This popular and commonplace Thai favorite can had anywhere from sidewalk vendors to Foodland to 7-Eleven for a small sum.
From Thai PBS World
Five Thai dishes, including Pad Krapao, have been listed among the world’s top 100 dishes, according to the TasteAtlas website, and Thai cuisine generally has been ranked 17th best in the world for 2023.
Pad Krapao, a flavourful stir-fry dish featuring Thai basil, minced meat and a savoury sauce, holds third place among the world’s best dishes. A popular northern dish, Khao Soi, ranked sixth, followed by Phanaeng curry in the tenth spot, Tom Kha Gai in the 15th, and Massaman curry in the 73rd position.
=============
Meanwhile, the Michelin Guide cited a Thai Indian restaurant for this "small bite." Have no idea what it is. If I want small bite I'll grab a skewer of grilled chicken from Surawong vendor.

Well, today Finland opened border crossing points after less than month of propagandistic political hysteria.
Suddenly they found what they can't live with closed border. Traffic from Finland to Russia is 2.5 times higher than traffic from Russia to Finland.
Clowns.

Silly boy.  That's not a question.  That's denial.
Russia: Thirteen Murders, No Justice
I have a question.  Who murdered Igor Domnikov? Surely not Murderous Vlad, right? 
I have another question.    Who murdered  Sergey Novikov?  Murderous Vlad wouldn't do it, would he?
I have another question.    Who murdered  Iskandar Khatloni?  Not Murderous Vlad. He's a sweetheart.
I have another question.    Who murdered Sergey Ivanov?  I'm sure Murderous Vlad didn't do it.
I have another question.    Who murdered  Adam Tepsurgayev?  Murderous Vlad loves journalists as much as he loves killing children in Chechnya.
I have another question.    Who murdered  Eduard Markevich?  Not my honey Murderous Vlad!
I have another question.    Who murdered Natalya Skryl?   Oh, come on.  Murderous Vlad has killed way more innocent Ukrainian woman.  Who cares, really?
I have another question.    Who murdered  Valery Ivanov?   Murderous Vlad wouldn't shoot a Russian in the head 8 times.  He needs those bullets to kill Ukrainians.
I have another question.    Who murdered  Aleksei Sidorov?  Could be Murderous Vlad.  Killing with an ice pick saves bullets for the heads of Ukrainian soldiers.
I have another question.    Who murdered   Dmitry Shvets?  Murderous Vlad?  Nah!  He's a dream come true.  For butchers.
I have another question.    Who murdered  Paul Klebnikov?   Murderous Vlad wouldn't do it.  It was probably Vlad's kleptocrat friends who didn't like being exposed.
I have another question.    Who murdered  Magomedzagid Varisov?  Murderous Vlad sure is a nightmare for journalists, isn't he?

Last question.    Who murdered Anna Politkovskaya?  Murderous Vlad?  Like I give a shit!
Let's face facts.  Murderous Vlad wiped out about 25,000 Ukrainians in Mariupol alone.  Many of them women and children.  The 50 bullets in the head or chest of the journalists that opposed Murderous Vlad in his early days ain't shit.  And Murderous Vlad will do the same to lots more towns and cities in Ukraine, and lots more women and children if he needs to.
It is who Murderous Vlad is.
It is what Murderous Vlad does.

Again, I despise Netayahu.  But he is a saint compared to Murderous Vlad.  The number of Palestinian children Netanyahu has killed in his reign of terror is like one week's work for the sadist and butcher who runs your country, @Moses.

You shouldn't always believe that these questions are suggestive. They are simply very typical questions in many parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. And when they're asked of foreigners, it's not to elicit possible sexual opportunities! ☺️
Have you eaten?
Have you bathed?
Where did you just come from?
Are you married?
How many children do you have?
We, as foreigners, are asked these questions thousands of time -- with the first three asked even by close friends every time you see them (your response should always be "Yes" or "Over there" even if it's not true). It's just what they say as a general greeting. 
Only for the last two questions do they expect a real answer. 
In the West, we typically ask people where they grew up, where they went to school, and what kind of work they do. We always expect truthful responses.
Yeah, it's culture. 
 

distribution of money doesn't equal multiplying it

speaking of which....have you been to any Dr lately for any life threatening ailments, from your cock sucking adventures?

Of course we shouldn’t feel ashamed. What rubbish!
It is not standard issue, but many things are not standard issue and conforming to other people’s norms is tiresome and limiting.
What matters is the same thing that matters in any connection with another person – is it honest, transparent, non-exploitative, respectful, caring, an equal exchange?
If it is not these things, then possibly we should be ashamed of ourselves. If it is these things for both parties, then it is a good thing.   
Many of my friends and family know about my relationship with Bangkok Guy. The initial reaction might be cautious, but after talking with him over Line, hearing me speak of him and seeing his photo around the house, its is accepted and now they ask about him. After seeing that it is a real friendship, they are fine.
I think people react to the vibe that is given off. They might stare initially because Spring/Autumn is not the norm, but once they see a friendship they are fine and they put away their judgmental faculties.
The same question can be put to the Spring part of the equation.
I asked Bangkok Guy what people thought about him having an old Falang boyfriend.
His first reaction was ‘you not old’, a nice piece of loyalty for which I thanked him and put aside. Then came the awkward body language indicating that there was something negative, because as he does not voice negative things it comes out as body language, and ‘I make my own decisions’. So clearly not everyone in his circle thinks our relationship is a good thing.   
He wants an older Falang boyfriend. He told me he had asked Buddha for one. ‘So Buddha lead me to you?’ “Yes” ‘I need to go to temple and talk to Buddha’, at which he looked alarmed until I continued ‘I need to say thank you’ which brought a big smile.
It came out that one of the things he prays for at temple is that I will love him, which led to a penny dropping.
Last time I asked him what he wanted for his birthday we went through the usual cycle from plain silly, because he likes pulling my chain (“Apartment building, that one there, is small, you can buy”. It was not small), through aspirational to see if I will bite (“Motorbike’, no I am too poor), to what he really wants “You give me money to go temple save cow”. Saving cow “Is for Lucky”.
I am afraid that the contrast between ‘motorbike’ and ‘save cow’ struck me as so wide that I almost fell off the bed trying not to laugh, while he watched tolerantly because sometimes with Falang that is all you can do.
The dropping penny was ‘When you save cow, what you pray for?’
A wickedly mischievous grin and with great conviction “Now you love me Long Time”.
I don’t think he is ashamed, and neither am I.

From VN Express

The international terminal of Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport will be expanded in 2024, increasing its capacity to receive visitors from 10 million to 15 million a year, the transport ministry said.
In a response to a National Assembly delegate on Monday, on the fact that certain international airports are often congested, the Ministry of Transport said it would deploy certain projects in 2024 as a solution.
Specifically, the T2 international terminal will be expanded to increase their capacity by another 5 million visitors a year. The project is expected to be completed in 2026, and will increase the airport’s total capacity to 30 million visitors a year.
  The general planning of the airport has been researched by international consultant ADPi through funding sponsored by the French government, and has so far been fundamentally completed. The Ministry of Transport is cooperating with Hanoi authorities to evaluate and approve the plan within 2024.
For the Da Nang Airport, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam has prepared resources to invest and expand the T1 domestic terminal, as well as building a new terminal, once the planning of the airport is approved.
The planning for the Da Nang Airport has been fundamentally completed. The transport ministry has requested the Australian government to sponsor and choose an international consultant to evaluate and approve the planning in 2024.
The ministry said an investment project for a new domestic terminal at HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat Airport, with a capacity of 20 million visitors a year, is underway and is expected to finish in 2024. The project will increase the airport’s total capacity to 50 million visitors.
 

From Wikipedia
On the night of October 6, 1998, Shepard was approached by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson at the Fireside Lounge in Laramie; all three men were in their early 20s. McKinney and Henderson offered to give Shepard a ride home. They subsequently drove to a remote rural area and proceeded to rob, pistol-whip, and torture Shepard, tying him to a split rail fence and leaving him to die.

R.I.P.

From The Nation

Rukchanok Srinork, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok, was convicted on two counts of lese majeste and sentenced to six years in jail at the Criminal Court on Wednesday.
Rukchanok was detained immediately after the verdict was read at the court on Ratchadapisek Road.
Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon said he would seek her release on bail pending an appeal against the ruling.
Rukchanok was accused of twice violating Article 112 (the lese majeste law) and also breaching the Computer Crime Act for acts during the period from July 18 to August 9 last year.
She was charged with posting messages about the Covid-19 vaccine that showed contempt and hatred towards HM the King.
Rukchanok pleaded innocent to the charges.
Rukchanok was elected MP for Bang Bon in Bangkok at the May 14 election, earning the title of “giant-killer” after beating Pheu Thai heavyweight Wan Ubumrung in the poll.
 

From Pattaya Mail
By Barry Kenyon
Press reports that a new registration scheme will help boost access to healthcare for foreign nationals and the stateless is creating confusion in expat circles. Health minister Cholnan Srikaew is launching a new scheme on January 1 2024 to assist non-Thai people and the stateless to get quicker access to public hospital coverage by a computerized registration which will take five minutes as opposed to the old system requiring weeks or months.
However, a ministry spokesman clarified that the new registration operates only in remote regions, notably the border areas with Myanmar, and is available only to nationals from neighboring countries including those stateless persons without any passport. The civil strife in Myanmar has led to a surge in both legitimate workers and refugees in Thailand’s border areas such as Mae Sot, a border-sharing Thai city. The innovation has nothing to do with foreign expats or tourists. The financial data hub of the ministry will allow hospitals to reimburse quickly the medical fees of those non-Thais who are eligible.
In separate news, the health ministry has ordered an inquiry after a Taiwanese national died after being refused significant assistance following a serious traffic accident on a journey to Bangkok. He was denied treatment, other than an initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation, by hospital staff on the grounds that the medical costs might well not be recoverable. They had suggested to volunteer rescuers that “Mr Chen”, already unconscious, be moved to a public hospital. The inquiry will focus on whether there was a breach of the regulations of the National Institute for Emergency Medicine which has sections on critical emergencies.
Most foreign tourists and expats are not currently required to have comprehensive medical treatment, although the exceptions include some retirees with a longterm (OA) visa issued by a Thai embassy, holders of the new 10-year Long Term Residence and expats with work permits who are separately categorized. Suggestions that Thailand would introduce a 300 baht entry tax on foreign arrivals to cover their medical needs have floundered. The tax still awaits introduction and will be largely used to improve tourist sites and for marketing purposes. A small proportion might be diverted to a compensation fund for foreigners who die in tragic circumstances such as unforeseen accidents.
 

good luck with that. Unless they can start controlling the weather it will be a tough sell for most people from temperate regions to visit when it is a billion degrees and the air is full of pollution or when there's a lot of flooding.
Although I think there are probably plenty of people who would prefer the quieter locales over the crowded cities if they had the right kind of infrastructure support