TMax

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”.
 

in the bed or massage shop would be more interesting....

It's immigration  that bugs me as a UK guy. The US is quite behind in using electronic monitoring,  such as we have in the UK. I recently discovered the MPC App, which did speed up my 2 recent entries, but it could be a lot better. I considered  Global Entry, but the procedure,  including an interview in the USA,  is inconvenient.  I have also found that officials still like to throw their weight around, on minor matters, 'stand in line', etc. As you say it all detracts from the experience  of travel. 

Air travel used to be something to look forward to, but today? Sigh. Not just the airlines, but the TSA usually rub me the wrong way here in the USA.
https://youtu.be/QKEdKdgi2hg

From CNN
Airline canceled your flight? The plane arrived hours late after a maintenance issue? The inflight Wi-Fi didn’t work?
New federal rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline – not vouchers or travel credits.
The rules, announced by the Transportation Department on Wednesday, also require airlines to provide upfront information about fees for baggage and changing flights.
Although many airlines have done away with change fees and disclose fees on their websites, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg estimated more transparency with some airlines and websites would make it easier for travelers to shop around – ultimately saving consumers millions every year.
The rule would formalize a requirement that passengers receive refunds if a domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours or if an international flight is delayed by more than six hours.
It would also require a refund of any baggage fees for bags that arrive more than 12 hours late, and a refund of the fee for a purchased service like Wi-Fi or upgraded seating if the airline doesn’t deliver.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/new-federal-rules-airline-refunds-cash/index.html

Pent up demand and the JPY hitting long-time lows vs the USD and other currencies. I guess there is a lot of complaining by the locals about overtourism. I think the government is trying to get people to venture beyond Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka
 
I'm headed there for a couple of weeks in October

I've never seen Japan so crowded - it was an unreal feeling being surrounded by so many people and never hearing a single word of Japanese spoken.
I only visited a few famous sites,  preferring to go to places usually only Japanese go to. So I managed to escape the crowds most of the time.
Don't let the crowds put you off - afterall, it was cherry blossom time and peak season.
Just make sure you don't go in summer, as it is the rainy season and the humidity is oppressive. Other times during the year the weather is great.

From National News Bureau of Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently convened a meeting with Phuket’s government officials, consuls, and honorary consuls from 12 countries, along with local police units, to discuss and enhance measures aimed at boosting tourist safety and clamping down on crimes involving foreigners. The discussions focused on strategies to ensure that Phuket remains a safe destination for international visitors.
During the meeting, Srettha stressed the importance of protecting the lives and property of both residents and tourists. He advocated for the creation of a ‘Phuket Model’ that integrates tourism development with heightened safety measures and rigorous law enforcement. Specific attention was given to preventing accidents on roads and waterways, enforcing stringent fire safety regulations, and ensuring that all business operations are properly licensed.
The premier directed special attention to high-traffic tourist areas such as Patong and Bangla, insisting on a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use and public disturbances. Urgent upgrades were ordered for local police facilities to better equip them to handle these challenges.
Reflecting on his tenure, the prime minister highlighted the progress made in enhancing Phuket’s appeal as a tourist destination since his first visit after assuming office. He also called for a balanced approach to economic benefits, urging local stakeholders to consider national security as a crucial aspect of their tourism and business strategies. (NNT)
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From The Thaiger / Phuket News
Phuket hospital calls for law-abiding visitors
Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Recent episodes include a Russian man refusing to settle his medical bills, and a woman threatening hospital staff with a baseball bat.
A man of Russian nationality was arrested on April 19 for intimidating the staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital and declining to pay his outstanding medical bill. The hospital has declared it will not tolerate such conduct.
The letter appealing to the Russian community in Phuket was signed by Methavee Maneesri, the Head of the International Department at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
“Dear Russian Community in Phuket, please find the attached information from the police daily record regarding an incident [that occurred at Vachira Phuket Hospital]. The behaviour described in the report is unacceptable to us. I am ready to assist and cooperate with anyone involved in medical cases, provided they adhere to standard procedures and respect public laws and regulations.”
Methavee stressed the importance of respecting hospital procedures and public laws. She also reminded everyone that healthcare services are not free, encouraging everyone to have medical or work insurance and adhere to the waiting in a queue like Thai nationals do.
The letter, dated April 20, was sent to The Phuket News with a request to share the information in Novosti Phuketa, the Russian-language sister newspaper of The Phuket News.
Included with the letter was a copy of a Phuket City Police report corroborating Methavee’s complaint about an incident involving a threatening Russian patient. According to this report and Methavee’s account, a 48 year old Russian patient, Sergey Chent, received treatment on April 17 and left without paying his bill totalling 8,380 baht.
On April 19, Chent returned to Vachira Phuket Hospital for another medical consultation. Methavee and other hospital staff requested him to pay the outstanding bill of 8,380 baht. Chent refused to pay and threatened the staff, bragging about his connections with high-ranking police officers, influence, and wealth. He was accompanied by a woman carrying a baseball bat, according to the police report.
Continues at
https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-hospital-calls-on-russian-community-to-respect-thai-laws

From Thai PBS World
Thailand is experiencing very hot weather across the country today, with the maximum temperature predicted to rise to 43oC in some areas of the northern region, according to the Meteorological Department.
Maximum temperatures in the northern provinces today are forecast too range from 38oC to 43oC, while the north-eastern region is expected to peak at 41oC.
The central region is also hot, with maximum temperatures varying from 39oC to 42oC. In Bangkok, the maximum temperature is predicted to reach 41oC.
 

Normally, I would have considered a Songkran trip but decided to spend 3 weeks in Japan instead, admiring the cherry blossons and enjoying the balmy weather.
On my return I got itchy feet again and planned a trip to Thailand and Cambodia last week but on checking the daily temperatures, I have since thought the better of it and will have to wait till it cools down a bit.
I remember doing a trip to Myannmar during April a few years ago when it was 42 degrees every day and I nearly died! We have these high temperatures here in Perth from time to time during summer - this year we had over a week of consecutive days over 40 - but I just stay home in the air conditioning. It's not a time to be out and about sightseeing.
BTW, Japan was ridiculously overcrowded with Chinese tourists. Unfortunately, they are back with a vengeance. Of course, they have as much right as anybody else to go on holidays; it's just that the sheer number is overwhelming. In the carpark near a famous temple in kyoto I counted 52 huge tourist buses!

I do love the old photos of places and those old ones of Asian cities the 👌 

No, but that's me seated in rickshaw in first photo.

did you take those photos?

From VN Express
By Mai Nhat

Saigon City Hall (now headquarters of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee) was designed by architect Femand Gardès and built between 1889 and 1909. In the French colonial period, the building was originally called Hôtel de ville in French or Tay Xa Palace in Vietnamese. By the time of the Republic of Vietnam, it was used for government work and important meetings

The corner of Rue Catinat and Lagrandière (now Dong Khoi - Ly Tu Trong, District 1). The street is known as the "umbilical cord" of old Saigon, a nearly kilometer-long street that boasted the first commercial centers an d first hotels in Saigon.

The bustling street in front of Ho Chi Minh City Hall has now become Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Continues at
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/saigon-100-years-ago-through-foreigners-lenses-4734460.html

And naive tourists  carrying backpacks 

brazen act with so many people around

From Pattaya Mail
In the early hours of April 19, Pattaya’s tourist police officers swiftly intervened and arrested Sumaree Keemalae, a 59-year-old woman, in the vicinity of Walking Street, following a targeted theft aimed at a foreign tourist during the Songkran festivities.
The incident unfolded as a Chinese tourist couple immersed themselves in the celebration along Walking Street. Sensing a disturbance with his backpack, initially dismissed as mere suspicion, the tourist soon discovered evidence of tampering. Upon closer inspection, he found his backpack slashed and valuables missing. Reacting quickly, the man managed to grab Sumaree, whom he suspected of perpetrating the theft, and handed her over to nearby tourist police authorities.
During interrogation, Sumaree admitted to her involvement in the crime and divulged insights into the pickpocketing operation. She disclosed her role as part of a four-person group systematically targeting unsuspecting tourists during crowded events. Each member had assigned tasks, with one distracting the victim while another executed the theft. However, Sumaree’s capture by the tourist thwarted the operation, leading to her arrest. Further investigations revealed Sumaree’s extensive criminal record, with seven prior cases linked to theft.
Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensan, chief of the Pattaya Tourist Police, voiced concerns for the safety of tourists in Pattaya and urged visitors to remain vigilant, especially regarding their belongings. Emphasizing the importance of proactive reporting, he encouraged tourists to promptly alert law enforcement to any suspicious activities. Additionally, security cameras strategically placed in the area captured clear footage of the incident, providing vital evidence for the ongoing investigation.

From Pattaya Mail
By Barry Kenyon
The highpoint of the British addiction to Thailand was the year 2011 when there were almost 900,000 entries by British passport holders. The information was from the Thai immigration bureau, though it was likely a slight overestimate as it counted re-entries by the same person as additional individuals. These days the bureau sadly does not publish data in the same detailed way country by country. Meanwhile, another useful statistical source, the UK government’s shock annual report British Behaviour Abroad, was discontinued several years ago. Maybe it provided too many salacious stories about sex, drugs and awful traffic accidents.
The number of Brits declined in the mid-2020s to about half the 2011 totals. In spite of the covid pandemic, the international tourist numbers in Thailand are now approaching the 2019 figure of almost 40 million according to the Tourist Authority of Thailand. However, the principal recruiting grounds are now China, Russia and India whose nationals are no longer required to obtain prior visas. According to the Board of Investment, Brits have shown little interest in longstay visas such as the newish 10-year Long Term Residence which encourages the well-heeled to make a base in Thailand.
The decline in British tourist numbers to Thailand has several roots. There’s stiff competition from eastern Europe and sun-baked rivals in south east Asia. The rising cost of international air fares and immigration bureaucracy, notably the TM30 residence form which can carry a financial penalty if ignored may also be factors. Almost daily reports of Brits being arrested and jailed in Thailand and disturbing stories about the non-insured facing huge bills after a traffic accident surely play a role. The notion that Thailand is the Wild West where anything goes, assuming it was once true, is now buried six feet under.
The 2011 statistics showed there were around 60,000 Brits living in Thailand for most or all of the year. The UK Institute for Public Policy recently estimated the number at only 41,000 in 2024. For working expats, the opportunities in traditional industries such as oil and gas are smaller, whilst the Japanese and the Chinese are the dominant foreign presence in newer industries such as car manufacture and industrial estates. Working without a permit and using illegal Thai nominees in businesses these days are risky lifestyles with ongoing surveillance by police and employment officials.
British retirees have long been a feature of the expat population in Thailand, but their numbers are also in decline. Inflationary pressures, not to mention the high cost of inpatient hospital care, are significant issues especially as some British pensions – including the state one – are frozen from annual increases. Expat clubs in Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai have been dominated of late by talk of the Thai Revenue policy to tax “assessable” foreign income with complaining British voices being amongst the loudest. Social media is abundant with English-speaking expats threatening to leave Thailand for pastures new in Cambodia, Vietnam or the Philippines where the tax authorities are, it is hoped, more indulgent. It certainly does look like the British love affair with Thailand is losing its magic.

 

I recently used Independence.   The young man (20) was just as described on the website.    There site has good search features. I gave Independence my top 3 choices from their site and my first choice was available.     Their communication was good.  
Reservation was all done via email, arrangements make to meed outside a metro station.    I was 5 minutes early and he was 7 minutes late.   But that was not a big problem.   He met me, and we walked about a block to the place.    I paid him and he took the money downstairs and was back in a minute.   
He did not speak any English, other to day I was "Big". (language was not a problem, we knew what we were there for).   Im just average by US standards.    We got undressed and showered , that was a nice way to start.    Then the fun started.   
He was very satisfying, like to kiss, suck and topped me .  All in all money well spent.  
I find it amazing how many of these establishments there are and so many boys available .   Not to here in Dallas, probably a good thing, saves money.   lol. 
 

From Thai PBS World
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down next month and his deputy Lawrence Wong will take over, the second non-member of the Lee family to lead the wealthy nation.
“I will relinquish my role as Prime Minister on 15 May 2024 and DPM (Deputy Prime Minister) Lawrence Wong will be sworn in as the next Prime Minister on the same day,” Lee said on social media on Monday.
Wong, who is also the finance minister, was chosen as Lee’s heir-apparent in 2022 from a new generation of lawmakers from the People’s Action Party (PAP) which has ruled uninterrupted since independence in 1965.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to give you my all in this undertaking,” Wong said on social media.
The 51-year-old, US-educated economist is widely seen as a social media-savvy stalwart who effectively handled the Covid-19 crisis when he oversaw the government’s pandemic taskforce.