Gaybutton

The exchange rates for Friday, February 29 are as follows: Opening Rates: US Dollar: 31.74 Euro: 48.035 British Pound: 62.94 Australian Dollar: 29.7925 Canadian Dollar: 32.27 And, since LP is recommending Japanese Yen and Swiss Francs, those rates are: Yen: 30.1975 Swiss Franc: 30.025 At the end of the business day today, I'll edit this message and post the closing rates. ****Closing Rates**** US Dollar: 31.78 Euro: 48.195 British Pound: 63.02 Australian Dollar: 29.83 Canadian Dollar: 32.30 Japanese Yen: 30.31125 Swiss Franc: 30.15 ******************** LP, what are your thoughts on the Chinese Yuan? I obtain the exchange rates from the Bank of Ayudhya web site, but they don't list the rates for the Yuan.

As many of you know, the news dominating the headlines in Thailand at the moment is that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has returned to Thailand. He vows to stay out of politics. Good or bad, he is back in Thailand. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ THAKSIN'S BOISTEROUS HOMECOMING "I definitely stay out of politics" : Thaksin Published on February 28, 2008 Our Political Desk will be with you until Thaksin Shinawatra goes to bed in Thailand for the first time since September, 2006. He must be feeling very strange. We are. 2:19 pm: Thaksin starts speaking at his press conference. During the conference, he vows to stay out of politics and apologised to the people for their hardship caused by his involvement in the political conflict. "I and my family have suffered from injustice but this can not be compared to the hardship befallen the people who are the worst victims of political rivalry," he says. Thaksin says it is normal for politicians to having ties with him as this is part of Thai culture but should not be construed as his political comeback. He wants to return to his homeland since September 20, a day after the power seizure but he was asked by coup leaders to stay in exil for a while. This happened to last almost 18 months, he says. Following the restoration of democratic rule, he says he is obliged to come back to defend his tarnished reputation and that of his family. He says he is saddened by injustice, vowing to rebut his graft charges and prove his innocence. 2.10pm : Thaksin arrives at the Penninsula Hotel to hold press conference. 12.30pm : Thaksin holds a closed door meeting with his aides at his Chan Song La residence before attending the press conference which has been rescheduled from 1 pm to 2.30 pm. He is slated to stay at Peninsula Hotel for safety reason. He has booked 11 rooms on Floor 33 to 35, costing Bt106.000 per room per day. 12.10pm : Thaksin emerged smiling from the Office of the Attorney General following the completion of his successful bail review. He was granted temporary release on the SC Asset case. Thaksin is travelling to the Peninsula Hotel for a scheduled press conference at 1 pm. 11.55am : Thaksin was seen arriving at the Office of the Attorney General. Department of Special Investigation acting director general Thawee Sodsong was on hand to notify his charges relating to the SC Asset case. After notifyin his charges, Thawee would hand over Thaksin to the custody of public prosecutors. Thaksin is then expected to submit his bail application. The Nation 11.53am : Thaksin stopped by at the headquarters of the Crime Suppression Division at 11.00 am on his way for bail review at the Office of the Attorney General. He was accompanied by Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and three children, Panthongtae, Paethongtan and Pinthongta. He reportedly had a brief rest before his scheduled appointment with public prosecutors. He resumes his journey at 11.40 am. 11.50am : Chiang Mai authorities are in full gear to welcome native son Thaksin Shinawatra who might return to his hometown to greet supporters on Friday. Thousands of supporters have already started rallying on Thursday ahead of Thaksin's anticipated return. 11.50am : Thaksin leaves the court house after the Court grants him a Bt8-million bail. 10.40am : Thaksin's lawyer Pichit Chuenban is applying for Thaksin's bail upon his client's arrival at the Supreme Court building for bail review. Thaksin Shinwatra is expected to apply for his temporary release before noon. His youngest daughter Pinthongta is slated to act as bondswoman. During the review, Thaksin would be held in the court's custody at a defence room. The bail process should take about one hour. 10.30am : Thaksin arrives at the Supreme Court where he will learn of the charges and request to be released on bail. 10.20 am: TPBS reported that Chiang Mai residents who gathered to watch the moment on TV were in tears. One TPBS announcer reminds the audience that the touching moments aside, Thaksin now will "walk straight into reality" _ the fight against corruption charges to prove himself. 10.10 am: Thaksin has come out of the VIP room to greet his supporters with a humble Thai "wai". It takes less than. It's very low-key by anyone's standard. It seems to be a well thought-out way of greeting, if there's nothing more, that is. But it seems he will not come back out. Meanwhile, additional TV footage just showed that once he got off the VIP room, he prostrated on the ground to pay utmost respect to the motherland. Then he "wai" his supporters and waved at them. The whole scenario from leaving the VIP room and greeting the crowds lasted less than five minutes. Tears were brimming in his eyes. TV stations are rerunning the ground-worshipping moment. 9.50 am: He has entered VIP room number 3 at the airport. TPBS reports that he would soon spend around 15 minutes greeting his supporters before heading to the Supreme Court. Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama are among senior government figures to greet him. Thaksin spent about half an hour with his family members inside the airport's VIP Room No 3. His wife Khunying Pojaman and their daughter Paethongtan were waiting to welcome him. His son Panthongtae accompanied him on the flight back from Hong Kong. His youngest daughter Pinthongta was at the court building to arrange for bail review. After greeting his family members, Thaksin met with a senior monk from Chiang Mai, his hometown. Phra Khru Suthep Sitthikhun of Wat Sribunruang presented him with a wooden Buddha statuette. Afterward, he talked to his close allies, including Sudarat Keyuraphan, Chidchai Vanastidya, Phrommin Lertsuridej, Pongthep Thepkanchan and his cousin and former Army chief General Chaisit Shinawatra. Five Cabinet members were also present. They are Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Transport Minister Santi Prompat, his deputy Songsak Thongsri and PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair. 9.40 am: Thaksin has landed. 9.30 am: TV Channel 9 ends a news break with local singer Christina's popular oldie: "My Heart Asks for It". Coupled with old Thaksin footages, it must be very touching for Thaksin's supporters. As for the other camp, yes, it can be one looooong day. 9.20am : Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung says he would personally escort former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from Suvarnabhumit Airport to the Supreme Court building for bail review. Chalerm was confident that there would be no eruption of violence, playing down concern about possible assassination attempt. "I don't think there will any assassination like what happened abroad and I trust in the security system and officials responsible for implementation," he said. He said Thaksin would stay at the Peninsula Hotel instead of his Chan Song La residence which is undergoing a renovation. 9.10 am: Hundreds of taxi motorcyclists, who had gathered on Lard Prao Road, were allowed to go through security the Suvarnabhumi Airport to join around 3,000 of waiting Thaksin supporters. There are all kinds of welcome-home banners carried by the supporters. One stands out: "Real Gem is Coming Home." 7 am (Bkk time): Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has boarded a Thai Airways plane in Hong Kong to return to Bangkok for the first time in 17 months after he was toppled. He insisted again he was going home to defend himself against unfair accusations and would stay out of politics. Lots of flowers from Thais at the airport, but that is nothing compared to what awaits him at the Thai international airport. Thaksin told reporters that he was confident of his innocence and was ready to prove he had done nothing wrong. He said he would report to the authorities on his arrival. He is dressed in black suit with black tie. Another man in the focus, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, said he welcomed Thaksin's return. But what else could he have said, honestly? "It's normal that he must defend himself in the court and my government will not interfere," Samak said. Best quote so far is from Thaksin: "Democracy returned to Thailand. So, it is time for those who are democratic advocates to go back." The first thing he wishes to do is to hug his wife and children. Good morning everyone. It can be another long day for Thai politics, but we have gone through many, have we?

The exchange rate has become even worse. This morning the exchange rate opened at 32.02 baht per dollar. The closing rate today was 31.95. That is nearly 35% less baht per US dollar than the rate that held steadily for many years at 45 baht to the US dollar. And, of course, Thailand has been going through a period of inflation, which makes things even worse. I notice significant differences in food and fuel prices. For example, two months ago a simple container of yogurt was 10 baht. Now it's 13 baht. That might not seem like a big deal, but it's greater than a 30% price rise, and a lot more than just yogurt has gone way up in price. Where will all this end? When will the exchange rate turn around?

Last night (Tuesday, Feb 26) Pattaya was hit by a powerful thunderstorm, and from what I understand it is considered a freak storm. We had torrential rains, but no damaging wind. However, the thunder was so powerful that it actually set off my car alarm. Sukhumvit highway was flooded. A friend was driving along Pattaya's Beach Road and he said the water had flooded well over the curb. My area did not lose electricity, but I have no idea whether any other areas of Pattaya lost electricity. I'm guessing there was no electricity loss. That usually happens only when a strong wind accompanies a thunderstorm. However, satellite television reception was lost for the better part of two hours, at least in my area. The whole thing lasted about ninety minutes. I hope the reservoir received plenty of water from this storm. Unfortunately, weather forecasters are predicting another serious drought this year and despite the promises that a drought will never again cause water to be unavailable in Pattaya, little has actually been done to prevent it. The promised pipeline from natural water sources to Pattaya has yet to be completed. It was supposed to be in place well over a year ago. It never happened. Now homeowners are being advised to install water storage tanks.

Actually, in my opinion that's just the problem. Obviously some people are experiencing major delays and others are having no delays at all. As it stands now, people just have to hope they'll be lucky. That doesn't exactly make the airport rate an A+.

It's terribly difficult to pinpoint anything. The best I can tell you is that once you've lived here long enough, you get to kind of just know. For me, I can "kinda-sorta" narrow it down to the eye contact and the smile. But there are subtleties to it that simply take getting used to. There are so many factors . . . demeanor, attitude, facial expression, body language, etc. It works for me.

According to the following article in THE NATION, ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand this week to face the corruption charges leveled against him. If he does, things are going to get very interesting in Thailand because the opposition, according to the article, intends to stage protests. Could this trigger off yet another coup? That, of course, remains to be seen. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Thaksin to Come Home This Week Democrats Urge Calm, but PAD Threatens to Hold Protests Published on February 26, 2008 Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra will return home later this week to defend himself against corruption charges, a leading member of the People Power Party (PPP) said yesterday. A pro-Thaksin website, Hi-Thaksin.net, yesterday urged his supporters to gather at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday morning to "welcome home Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom we love, miss and have been waiting for his return for over a year". The PPP member, who asked not to be named, said Thaksin would issue a statement giving the schedule for his return, including the date and flight number. The statement will be uploaded to a pro-Thaksin website, http://www.truethaksin.com, today at noon. Thaksin will explain how he will deal with the cases and what he plans to do next once he is back in Thailand, the source said. However, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) said yesterday it would oppose Thaksin's return and threatened to revive street protests, which in 2006 led to a political crisis and finally a military coup that ousted him from the premiership. The recent speculation about Thaksin's return followed news that his diplomatic passport has been returned to him. It would be his first time back home since the coup on September 19, 2006 while he was in New York to attend a United Nations meeting. Political scientist Kanin Boonsuwan said Thaksin had the right to return, but it would not be acceptable for him to interfere in the legal process that was scrutinising him. Kanin criticised the PAD, comprised of fierce opponents of Thaksin, saying its members should not exploit Thaksin's return to cause trouble or involve the Army in a conflict. The Assets Examination Committee (AEC), which investigated corruption charges against Thaksin, said it was good to hear Thaksin would return to defend himself. The AEC members do not feel pressured by his return, spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said. A Supreme Court judge, who asked not to be named, said Thaksin could ask the court for permission to leave the country after surrendering to face arrest warrants against him. The court would definitely allow him to go abroad as the only charges that bar people from leaving the country are those involving drugs, the judge said. Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda said Thaksin had the right to defend himself against the charges and warned all parties to let the legal process continue and not do anything to disrupt it. The military will not intervene in case of confrontations between supporters and opponents of Thaksin without an order from the government, Anupong said. PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair said it was unacceptable for any party to stage protests because the country was recovering from a crisis and the people were suffering from economic problems. However, the PAD had the right to stage protests as long as they did not cause trouble or violate the law, he said. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party had long called for Thaksin's return to face the charges against him. He warned the PAD to be careful and strictly follow the law in its latest moves as it could cause violence. He said he would talk to PAD leader Somkiat Pongpaiboon, also a party-list Democrat MP, and Somkiat should consult the party's executives before making any further moves. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej reportedly will allow his party members to meet Thaksin after his return, but these should be regarded as personal meetings rather than on behalf of the party. The Nation

Other than that, it's great . . .

If you are talking exclusively about money boys, than of course I agree with you. But they're not all money boys. Anyone who has ever seen me would be sure to tell you that good looking and handsome are not even remote descriptions of me, and yet I regularly meet very cute guys who refuse to accept so much as a single baht. I don't understand why that happens, but I'm sure glad it does.

That would be a novel approach, wouldn't it? "Pardon me, would you mind if I sniff your armpits?" Maybe that would work, although you might encounter a few people who feel that such a request is an imposition. Then, a few seconds later I suppose it could be somewhat deflating if you have to say, "Damn! You used scented deodorant! Why did you do that? Now how am I supposed to know?" Well, why not? After all, dogs seem to get away with walking up to strangers and sniffing crotches. Why can't we walk up to strangers and sniff armpits? Hey! If it's good enough for a dog, then it ought to be good enough for me. That article gives me an idea. I think I'll start rubbing my armpits with chicken. It may not attract those who wish to test their gaydar on me, if anyone would care in the first place, but at least I'll smell like soup. Actually, all kidding aside, at least in Thailand my own gaydar seems to work pretty well, even without benefit of armpit odors. It's difficult to be specific as to how or why it works, but I think JoeM has latched onto something when he says it's in the eyes. Now that I think about it, I think he's right. The eye contact seems to be the primary indicator, usually followed by a smile. That works pretty well for me.

Despite the fact that most airlines ask international passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before departure time, many people arrive less than one hour before departure time and usually make their flight. At Suvarnabhumi, according to the following article, you run a real risk of missing your international flight unless you arrive at least two hours early. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Help Wanted: Airport Needs Immigration Staff The commissioner of immigration finally admitted on Sunday that a shortage of staff was forcing foreign visitors and returning Thais to wait in extremely long queues at Suvarnabhumi airport. "The Immigration Bureau has a limited number of staff while Suvarnabhumi airport is very spacious and has so many (immigration) counters," said Immigration Bureau commander Pol Lt-Gen Chatchaval Suksomchit after a personal inspection of the international airport. "That's why some counters are left vacant without staff and the queues are very long." Concerned about mounting complaints, the Royal Thai Police are considering requesting immigration officers on assignment with other agencies be returned to immigration. In addition, the bureau will recruit "a number" of new immigration officers for duty at the airport, said Pol Lt Gen Chatchaval. The Police are in charge of immigration offices and border checks. In the meantime, he recommended passengers arrive at check-in at least two hours before their departure time. "Many passengers have missed flights after showing up at check-in less than one hour before scheduled departure. There isn't enough time for check-in and immigration procedures. In fact, after the check-in, about 45 to 60 minutes should be kept for immigration procedures," Pol Lt Gen Chatchaval advised. Suvarnabhumi serves some 100,000 international passengers daily - 40,000 departing, 45,000 arriving and 15,000 in transit. Only 200 immigration officers are on duty during each of the four shifts a day. There are 80 counters serving departing passengers and 124 counters for arriving passengers. Both arrival and departure counters are about 400 immigration officers short of full staffing every day. (TNA)

I don't know what's going on, but unless I misunderstand, when you say he had a complete list for the tambon, then it seems to me he was gathering this information for everyone, both Thai and farang. I would imagine the best way to find out what the list is for would be to ask him.

Nikom, I have been doing a little bit of reading. Depending on which web site I read, I understand there is a requirement to purchase either US $200 or $300 in Myanmar currency (FEC ?) on arrival. Based on everything I'm reading, the people don't even want their own currency. They want US dollars. Is that correct? Assuming the currency purchase requirement is correct, is that money essentially useless? Is it acceptable? Can it be traded for dollars? What can you tell us about that? This is the kind of thread I like most to see. This is good, solid information coming from someone who knows what he's talking about. I agree with Fountainhall. Despite differing opinions about the ethics of traveling to Myanmar, I think this tread is fascinating.

Poll: Politicians Must Not Quarrel; Army Might Launch New Coup D'etat BANGKOK, Feb 23 (TNA) Respondents in a poll conducted by Thailand's Suan Dusit Poll have urged politicians, both on the government and the opposition benches, to stop squabbling and perform their duties, warning that otherwise the military may come up with a new coup d'etat. The survey, conducted among 3,279 persons in 15 provinces February 20-23, found that almost 41 per cent of the respondents wanted the government and the opposition Democrat Party to stop their mudslinging and work for the country, while 33 per cent wanted to see problems of the rising cost of living and growing unemployment resolved. One in 20 -- 4.2 per cent -- said both the government and the opposition should performing their duties under the democratic system, otherwise the military might be tempted to launch another coup. The poll was made public Saturday, exactly two months after a general election was held, the first since the military staged a bloodless coup and toppled the elected government on Sept 19, 2006. The poll disclosed that people had become tired of politics as 38 per cent of respondents felt that quarreling among politicians had become intolerable, while 31 per cent found nothing had improved after the general election. One in 40 respondents -- 2.33 per cent -- said Thailand's politicians were not sincere and they were striving only for power and political position. (TNA)-E111

Ongoing Volatility for Thai Stocks; Baht Stronger Against Dollar BANGKOK, Feb 23 (TNA) The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index edged marginally upward this week from a week ago is expected to move with some volatility next week while the Thai currency, the baht, is expected to continue strengthening against the greenback after advancing to a 10-and-a-half-year high, according to a report issued by Kasikorn Research Center. The report said the SET composite index, which closed at 826.86 points on Friday, up 0.03 per cent from a week ago, is anticipated to move unpredictably next week as most investors are awaiting earnings results and dividend payments for listed corporations for 2007. Also, investors are waiting for Thailand's gross domestic product (GDP) figures for the fourth quarter of 2007, a monetary policy meeting of the Bank of Thailand and key economic data for January, it said. Investors are also closely monitoring US economic data, especially in the property sector, the GDP for last year's fourth quarter and the movement of global oil prices, the report said. According to Kasikorn Research Center, the support level for the SET index next week is between 785-816 points and resistance level at 844-860 points. The Thai baht closed at Bt32.29 against the dollar on the onshore market on Friday, and the report said the Thai currency is expected to continue strengthening against the greenback to around Bt32.15-32.30 next week. Traders are watching the government's policy which would end the 30 per cent foreign capital reserve requirement, the selling of dollars by exporters and movements of the dollar which depend on several important US economic data including housing sales and purchase orders for durable goods, according to the report. Liquidity in the local market is projected to remain tight next week as commercial banks must submit their fortnightly reserve requirements to the Bank of Thailand on Tuesday, even as they must also prepare for expected huge withdrawals by customers at the end of the month, it added. (TNA)-E111

Thank you very much, Pattayageorge. None of the boys I spoke to today work in Boyz Town. I think you just brought a sigh of relief to many holiday makers in Pattaya.

It is now 3:30 PM, Saturday. I just returned from the beach and I spoke with a few boys from various bars. All of them said they don't know whether their bar will open tonight or not. They're waiting for a call from their mama-san. None of them had received a call by the time I left. So, unfortunately the best I can tell you is I don't know. Everyone who wishes to go to bars this evening will most likely have to venture out and see which bars, if any, are open.

I'm not certain. As for which bars will reopen and when, it's hard to say at this moment. It's 8:30 AM, Saturday as I'm writing this. I've been getting conflicting reports. If I am able to obtain more reliable information during the day, I'll post it once I know. If it's any consolation to those present in Pattaya at the moment, you might want to try the beach. Since so many of the bars are closed there is a lot more "eye candy" at the beach. Many of the boys who usually don't go to the beach have been showing up, hoping to hook up with a farang.

Ok, I understand the confusion. I'm sorry. From now on I will be specific about the dates when posting. That should have occurred to me. Last night (Friday, Feb 22) I did not go out to the bars to personally check. The reports I've received from friends so far indicate that a very few bars did open, but most were closed. I understand that none of the bars served alcohol because the fine would be 10,000 baht if caught.

The rates referred to in the article below are bank rates. The actual exchange rate is even worse. The exchange rates at closing time on Friday were: US Dollar: 32.11 Euro: 47.51 British Pound: 63.03 Australian Dollar: 29.48 Canadian Dollar: 31.5375 The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Baht Hits Another High Against US$ The baht rose relentlessly to a new historic high yesterday, reaching Bt32.30 against the greenback amid fears of a US recession and exporters' concern over the abolishment of capital controls. Published on February 23, 2008 The Bank of Thailand (BOT) said it was continuing to intervene in forex markets to stabilise the baht and the Kingdom's competitiveness remained unchanged as it was moving in line with other currencies in the region. The baht opened at Bt32.45 to Bt32.46 against the US dollar and strengthened throughout the day's trading to close at a peak of Bt32.30 to Bt32.31 despite intervention from the central bank, dealers said. A forex dealer at BankThai said the baht's appreciation was due mainly to the weakening of the dollar after US economic data announced on Wednesday showed negative signs. In particular, the growth of US gross domestic product (GDP) this year is expected to be lower than earlier forecast. She expects the baht to strengthen to around Bt32 to Bt32.40 in the coming week on pressure from the US currency and economy and said investors should follow the signal from the Monetary Policy Committee meeting next week. If the country's policy rate is lowered in line with the US Federal Reserve's recent cut, this will also affect the baht, she said. Meanwhile, a dealer at Bangkok Bank said exporters were continuing to sell dollars as they expected the currency to weaken further due to the negative economic outlook in the US. BOT assistant governor Suchada Kirakul said the central bank had already taken into account a US recession in its economic projections for a worst-case scenario. She urged exporters, importers and debtors to hedge their exposure as the baht could fluctuate from capital flows into the region. "They should manage their risk, because the currency will not move in just one direction. When it is weak, it could strengthen, and when it appreciates, it could depreciate," she said. The US Federal Reserve cut its economic-growth projection for this year from 1.8-2.5 per cent to 1.3-2 per cent due to the sub-prime crisis, credit crunch and rising oil price. The world's largest economy is also worried about surges in inflation and unemployment. It revised upward the inflation projection from 1.7-1.9 per cent to 2-2.2 per cent. The baht strengthened last week due to capital inflows into the stock market, and panicked exporters worried about possible revocation of the withholding reserve requirement. "It was a psychological effect; exporters panicked over the news that the withholding reserve requirement would be removed," said Suchada. As a result, the baht surged by more than 1 per cent on February 14 and 15. As of February 15, the country's net international reserves totalled US$117.6 billion (Bt3.8 trillion), up $1.7 billion from a week earlier. The baht has risen 4.27 per cent against the dollar this year. The Thai unit appreciated 11.59 per cent against the greenback during 2007, compared with 10.92 per cent for the yen, 9.67 per cent for the ringgit and 9.05 per cent for the Singaporean dollar. Suchada said the market should compare the baht not only against the US dollar but against other currencies too. The country has not yet lost its competitiveness, she insisted. However, according to the BOT's data, the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) stood at 78.06 in January compared with 77.78 in December, which indicates that the Kingdom's competitiveness has declined. Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee is confident that the recent spikes in oil prices will not hurt Thailand's 2008 GDP. "The GDP growth rate of 4.5-5 per cent is based on conservative assumptions," he said yesterday. "However, if the upward movement continues, we may need to review the figures," he said. Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel on fears that the US economy will suffer a blow from the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the entire world will be affected by the spill-over effects. On the 30-per-cent capital-reserve requirement, Surapong said that if the BOT's data was complete, the ministry was ready to immediately make a decision whether to maintain or abolish the measure. The central bank is scheduled to submit the required data within the next two weeks. Anoma Srisukkasem, Wichit Chaitrong, Somruedi Banchongduang The Nation

Despite the reports that all the bars will be closed this evening, today at the beach I spoke with several bar boys from the Nice Boys bar (the current name of the old K-Boys Bar). They said they will be open tonight and they are supposed to report for work at their usual time. They did not know how many bars will be open or if they will be serving liquor, but at least two bars, according to them, will be open. I don't have any idea which others will be open, but I imagine if one is open, several will be open. I'm told that Jungle Boys was open last night. If they were open last night, I would imagine they'll also be open tonight.

Only one more that I can think of at the moment. Among your hotel recommendations, I didn't see any recommendations for Yangon.

Certainly feel free to discuss the question of whether it is ethical to travel to Burma, but that is not what this thread is really about. In my case, I'm very curious about the information Nikom is providing, and I see no reason not to be. Whether I, or anyone else, decides to actually travel to Burma is a matter of individual choice and opinion. I am also gathering information, out of curiosity, about other countries as well, none of which I intend to actually visit. Within the article Wowpow references is the following: _____ Reasons not to go include: * Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi opposes tourism * The military government uses forced labour * International tourism seen as 'stamp of approval' * Money from tourism goes to the military government Reasons to go are: * Tourism one of few areas to which locals have access * Carefully targeted spending reaches individuals in need * Locals have told travel guide authors they are in favour * Abuses less likely in areas frequented by foreigners

Thank you. I look forward to seeing the rest of the answers. I can think of only one additional question. Is the Burmese food spiced up with hot peppers as is Thai food?

Some of you who may need embassy services today (Thursday) and tomorrow may be concerned that the US embassy may be closed due to the holiday and Thai elections. I just called the embassy and was told they will be open today and tomorrow. If you wish to confirm or otherwise have a need to call the US embassy, the number is 02-205-4000. I would imagine the embassies of other countries will also be open, but you'll have to confirm those for yourselves.