TMax

New top at Home Spa

New photo array from One Spa

From Pattaya Mail
Thailand is set to enforce stricter regulations for opening new bank accounts following the closure of over 300,000 mule accounts since November. The initiative, spearheaded by the anti-online scam center AOC 1441 in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Securities and Exchange Commission, combats the misuse of banking services for fraudulent activities.
Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong reported that these regulations, set to be implemented by June 1, require all banks to rigorously apply the “Customer Due Diligence (CDD)” approach, mandating thorough scrutiny of potential account holders and the purposes for which they intend to use their accounts.
AMLO Deputy Secretary-General Pol Maj Gen Eakkarak Limsunggas shared insights into the scale of the problem, estimating that the total number of mule accounts could be as many as one million currently. These accounts are often linked to influential community figures who coerce or pay vulnerable individuals to use their identities to open accounts involved in scams. The police have also discovered instances where over 50 bank accounts were registered under a single individual’s name.

Going to see Sakura is always a risk, I happened to be there once on business, and by chance, saw the trees in all their glory. This was in Tokyo, and I was playing golf, with the trees covering parts of the course.  The Sakura season, so to speak, starts in the far south, and moves north, so if you have time, you can travel to the right place. There is a dedicated media channel  that gives you all the info. And if you are lucky you can attend one of the many Sakura parties!

From BBC Weather (https://www.bbc.com/weather/1609350) I see predictions of thundery showers in the coming week for Bangkok. Daily maximum temperatures are indicated to be 33 degrees Tuesday to Friday. But of course weather forecasts are fickle things.

From Thai PBS World

Jiraporn Sindhuprai, a fast-rising political star from a famous red-shirt family, has been promoted to the Cabinet as the new PM’s Office minister, in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s first government reshuffle.
Jiraporn, 36, was elected as a Pheu Thai MP in the 2023 election with the highest number of votes not just in her home constituency of Roi Et but also in the entire country. She increased her share of the vote from 58,842 in the 2019 election to 61,288.
Just five years after she entered Parliament, her growing popularity and impressive political performances have earned her a Cabinet seat.
Born on September 1, 1987, Jiraporn is the eldest daughter of Nisit and Aim-orn Sindhuprai. Both her parents were Roi Et MPs, but her father was also a co-leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) or the red-shirt movement.
During UDD rallies more than a decade ago, Jiraporn and her younger sister Chayapa, also a Roi Et MP, were often spotted at the front of the stage. Jiraporn said it was the eloquence of UDD co-leader Nattawut Saikuar that inspired her to develop her own speaking skills.
Jiraporn studied at Assumption University’s Faculty of Arts in Bangkok before obtaining a master’s degree in political science at Ramkhamhaeng University. She later headed to England to attend the University of Reading, where she picked up a master’s in science. She also participated in the Cambodia-Thai Exchange Program.
After being elected in 2019, Jiraporn was quickly rewarded with the post of deputy spokesperson for the party. She was also handed coveted positions on several parliamentary committees. Among them was the high-powered House panel on economic development, for which she served as secretary.
However, it was on the parliamentary debating floor where Jiraporn’s skills really shone. Despite being a first-time MP, Pheu Thai allotted her nearly one hour to grill then-PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha during a headline-making censure debate in June 2022.
Continues at
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/jiraporn-sindhuprai-child-of-the-red-shirt-movement-and-rising-star-of-pheu-thai/
 
 

Even the Philippines is melting, travelled many times to the Philippines and never seen the temps so high and that have persisted for so long, at least in my  favoured part it's still quite nice (up in the mountains in and around Baguio). Link below shows the 5 day highest heat index and it looks damn hot and to quote Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam "It's hot! Damn hot! Real hot! Hot as it is, is my shorts I can cook things in it, a little crotch-pot cookin".
Philippine heat index

Even the Philippines is melting, travelled many times to the Philippines and never seen the temps so high and that have persisted for so long, at least in my  favoured part it's still quite nice (up in the mountains in and around Baguio). Link below shows the 5 day highest heat index and it looks damn hot and to quote Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam "It's hot! Damn hot! Real hot! Hot as it is, is my shorts I can cook things in it, a little crotch-pot cookin".
Philippine heat index

Hi guys,
Just came back from a trip to Bangkok. It was mainly for work so I did not get to do much with the gogo/massage scene but thought I'd share what I did manage to do.
There were two main things I at least wanted to do on this trip; checking out the Tawan situation personally and checking out the Sol bar which I've passed by so many times in my previous trip but never walked in. 😅 I am happy to say that I accomplished both.
Tawan
On Tawan, I've shared my findings here. Hopefully, that answered some questions a few of the members here had.
Sol
I checked out Sol just once on this trip. The entrance fee was THB 450. The layout of the bar was quite nice, spacious stage and floor but there's an annoying pillar at the middle-front of the stage which kind of blocks part of the stage depending on where you sit. The boys were a mixed bunch, but most consisted of str8 looking twinks. There were a few older guys who are lean/muscular and there's one guy who, if I'm not mistaken, was from Tawan quite some time back. The show was the usual mix of the drag, sexy show and big cock show (the movements they used for their "sexy dance" is pretty much the same as with most other bars except Jupiter, which makes me wonder if they are trained by the same coach, or if that's just the Thai version of a sexy dance 😅). There were only 2-3 other customers there aside from me, so the boys were trying hard to secure an off (which can be a bit uncomfortable). Overall, it's not my kind of bar but the twink lovers here might actually enjoy it.
I'll continue with some brief update Jupiter, Moonlight, Hotmale and Dreamboys a little later.
 

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.

Having lived for more than half my life in the middle of nowhere in Western Australia the heat never bothered me that much (humidity is a killer though and I never got used to it) but a couple of trips to the Philippines and Vietnam at the wrong time of year I just about melted it was that hot. Next trip to Thailand is coming soon and it will be in the wet season and humidity 🙃 

Fair point. I happily cross Surawong, etc, assuming that the drivers will miss me, but nothing can deal with a guy who veers off the road.

unfortunately with drunk drivers there's not much to shield us from  this type of accident other than staying home. One may be standing on the sidewalk , safe distance from the curb and still be hit.

then we will be complaining about rains which were supposed to stop but did not.

Having lived for more than half my life in the middle of nowhere in Western Australia the heat never bothered me that much (humidity is a killer though and I never got used to it) but a couple of trips to the Philippines and Vietnam at the wrong time of year I just about melted it was that hot. Next trip to Thailand is coming soon and it will be in the wet season and humidity 🙃 

I was one of them but decided to pull out - tripus interruptus.
With climate change well and truly upon us, who knows what weather to expect these days?
We arrived in Japan at what we thought was the start of the cherry blossom season this year and started to panic when we saw that there were still only buds on the trees. Due to climate change the blossoms bloomed the latest in 10 years. Luckily, we were there long enough to see them in all their glory.
I feel sorry for all those tourists who had booked cherry blossom trips and missed out.
I'll keep an eager eye on Bangkok temperatures. I can't wait to get back there.

From Pattaya News

Thailand continues to experience a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures pushing power demand to unprecedented levels across the nation.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, more than three dozen districts across the country’s 77 provinces recorded their highest temperatures ever for April, traditionally the hottest month. Some records surpassed previous highs set as far back as 1958.
In Bangkok, the heat index, which accounts for humidity, reached a “very dangerous” level above 52 °C, creating extreme discomfort and potential health risks. Meanwhile, the northern province of Lampang recorded a high of 44.2 °C, nearing the country’s all-time highest temperature of 44.6 °C observed in previous years.
 

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. 

I'm in Tokyo now.
Thanks to all these valuable tips, I had fun this evening.

Used "Independence" as recommended.
You can just send an email. No need to use the elaborate form.

The location was not on a back alley, but just about twenty yards from the train station exit on the street that runs parallel to the train route. Otherwise, Draden's account above of his experience with Independence was identical to mine.
.
I took the ¥ 18,000 option ($115 thanks to the very weak yen) for a one-hour "swap": 30 minutes with one young man, then 30 minutes with a second one. The price is all inclusive and covers the room and all fees. No extra tip is expected.
Both guys were good at kissing and sucking. Both were good bottoms, although one was small and extremely tight.
One looked like his photo. However, the second guy was 6' and looked nothing like the 5'9" Dylan I'd picked, but he did speak fairly good English as was claimed for Dylan. And he was enthusiastic and talented.
I was erroneously thinking that the cost in Tokyo was wildly higher than the cost in São Paulo. But on reflection, that is not true. At Lagoa my total for the entry fee, two rooms, and two garotos could easily be 600 reals ($116, almost exactly the same price I paid in Japan this evening)!
Of course, in Brazil we get to do more preliminary screening — but that does not always guarantee the ace performances I got tonight in Japan. I still prefer Brasileiros and their saunas, but I'm happily surprised that my days in Tokyo will include some good company in bed. 

Not just the normal reaction to being downgraded?

wonder what really made him to go away. Strange practice to inform wide public  before one's boss. It shows some cracks on top level of power

From Thai PBS World
oreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara says that he has resigned from his ministerial position, stating that he wishes to “uphold his principles”, without offering any further explanation.
His resignation comes as the cabinet reshuffle is announced in the Royal Gazette, which sees him removed from the deputy premiership but retaining the foreign minister portfolio.
“I am confident that my past works, as the deputy premier and foreign minister, have brought benefits to the country. I did my job to the best of my ability and my work was effectively implemented,” said Parnpree.
He added that he has not yet informed PM Srettha Thavisin of his decision, and his resignation will come into effect today.
He said he believes that a suitable person will be found to fill the roles of deputy prime minister and foreign minister.
Asked if he will continue working with the Pheu Thai party, Parnpree, a long-time senior member of the party, said he still loves the party but does not know yet and needs more time to think about it.
His resignation letter went viral on social media. When reporters asked him whether the two-page letter, addressed to the prime minister, was real, he replied “yes, it’s more than real.”

Some tops from KK Massage.

From The Thaiger
A bombshell announcement rocks the media landscape as Voice TV, the longstanding bastion of pro-Thaksin views, announces it is shutting down.
The board of Voice TV declared the end of its 15-year run, leaving some 100 journalists and staff members facing the axe. The abrupt closure has left tongues wagging, with no immediate rationale provided for the drastic move.
Established back in 2008, Voice TV initially made waves as a niche satellite channel before expanding its reach to digital terrestrial platforms in 2014. However, in a twist of fate in 2019, the channel relinquished its digital TV presence amidst financial turmoil, reverting to satellite broadcasts and online streams via Facebook and YouTube.
Renowned for its unwavering pro-Thaksin stance, Voice TV’s pundits have often rallied behind the Shinawatra family, raising eyebrows and courting controversy. Notably, the channel’s former anchors have made waves in the political arena, with figures like ex-Future Forward luminaries Pannika Wanich and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul transitioning from news desks to parliamentary seats, reported Thai PBS World.
In related news, the Supreme Administrative Court delivered a final blow, dismissing the Prime Minister’s Office secretariat‘s hefty 2.8 billion baht lawsuit against iTV Public Company. The lawsuit, stemming from a joint agreement with Shin Corp to operate a TV station using the UHF spectrum, has been a thorn in the side since 2007, persisting through numerous administrations.
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Anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation.
The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at the time, Suranand Vejjajiva, Matichon Plc, Siam Sport Syndicate Plc, and Siam Sport director Ravi Lohtong. They were accused of abusing their authority by neglecting to hold public tenders for the PR campaign from August 2013 to March 2014. Consequently, Matichon and Siam Sport, the media firms, were favoured and received the contracts.
Yingluck, Niwatthamrong and Suranand commissioned Matichon to manage a campaign in 12 provinces to boost infrastructure projects, which the government intended to fund with a 2 trillion baht loan.
The NACC stated that the 240 million baht spent on the campaign was squandered when the promotional roadshow was cancelled following the Constitutional Court decision that the proposed legislation for borrowing was unconstitutional.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no harm to the state concerning the PR fund distribution and contract award to Matichon and Siam Sport, as government organisations and the Cabinet had endorsed the Yingluck government’s transport infrastructure projects. The Budget Bureau also agreed that Yingluck, as prime minister, could allocate a contingency fund for the PR project. Therefore, the NACC had no legal grounds to appeal, the source said.

From The Nation

Anzac Day was marked on Thursday with special remembrance rites in Kanchanaburi, honouring soldiers who died building the Death Railway in slave-like conditions during World War II.
Presiding over the ceremony were Australian Ambassador Angela Macdonald, her New Zealand counterpart Jonathan Kings along with deputy chief of Australia’s Joint Operations, Rear Admiral Justin Jones. Also present were representatives of the Thai armed forces, other embassies as well as descendants of the prisoners of war who lost their lives on the Death Railway.
The event was held at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.
The first Anzac Day was held in 1915 in honour of members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac), who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
Now, Anzac Day is marked on April 25 every year, and has been expanded to honour all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations". It also recognises the contribution of veterans and those currently serving.
In his speech, Jones said it was an honour to participate in the ANZAC Day remembrance at the Hellfire Pass, which was part of the Death Railway, where some 12,800 prisoners of war and 90,000 Asian workers were killed.
Macdonald said the rite was to remember and honour Australian troops who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect the country, while Kings remembered New Zealand troops who died fighting for peace. He wrapped up his speech by declaring “ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou” in Maori, meaning “we will remember them”.