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Deputy PM backs 60-day visa free entry From The Nation Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham admits visa-free policy has its costs — may open door to crime, but boosts economy; urges public to avoid spreading harmful rumours. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai , on April 30, 2025 addressed public concerns over the visa-free policy for tourists, following reports of crimes committed by some Chinese nationals in Thailand. He emphasised the need to examine the facts carefully and affirmed that if any wrongdoing occurs, it will be dealt with under the law. “These incidents do not reflect a lack of safety in our country but rather the individual actions of certain visitors,” Phumtham stated. He also dismissed current rumours about organ trafficking involving Chinese tourists, saying there have been no such confirmed cases to date. Regarding the recent online uproar about a man dressed like a military police officer participating in a Chinese event, Phumtham explained that the incident actually took place in December 2024. Once it surfaced on social media, the matter was promptly investigated. He confirmed that no military police unit under the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, or the Royal Thai Army had authorised such a mission. If the individual acted in a personal capacity or impersonated an officer, he would be subject to criminal charges. Phumtham acknowledged that Thailand’s reputation may be affected by online speculation, both true and false, but stressed that the overall number of tourists remains high. He noted that the decline in Chinese tourists mostly involves “zero-dollar tours,” which have little impact on tourism revenue. When asked whether Thai authorities had been negligent in allowing Chinese nationals to use Thailand as a base for fraudulent operations, such as posing as officials to scam others, Phumtham reiterated that the government has not ignored the issue and is taking it seriously, especially after it was brought to light on social media. As for concerns that the visa-free policy might be a loophole exploited by bad actors, Phumtham argued that it is an important economic tool to attract tourism. “No policy brings only positive effects—there are always trade-offs. But crimes committed by a few do not mean all tourists are here with bad intentions,” he said. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/policy/40049432

From The Nation IAG reports that six global casino giants, led by GEG, Melco, and MGM, are ready to bid for Thailand's Entertainment Complex project, while Crown, Bally's, and Peermont have withdrawn to focus on their domestic markets. IAG reveals six global casino operators ready to bid for Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Project, led by GEG, Melco, and MGM, while Crown, Bally's, and Peermont withdraw to focus on domestic markets The entertainment complex project in Thailand has captured the attention of major global operators. According to the latest report by Inside Asian Gaming (IAG), a leading media outlet covering the gaming and casino industry in Asia, 15 operators have expressed interest or are likely to participate in bidding for integrated resort licenses in Thailand. As the Thai government deliberates the legal framework for developing entertainment complexes, global operators have begun to show clear signs of interest in the Thai market. Some companies have already set up offices in Bangkok to prepare for potential opportunities. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/investment/40049356

Just when China was appearing to be the adult in the room when tariffs were being discussed, it played the hand of colonial land grabber, confirming its poorly veiled intentions in the South China Sea. ================= From The BBC The Chinese coastguard has seized a tiny sandbank in the South China Sea, state media has reported, in an escalation of a regional dispute with the Philippines. State broadcaster CCTV released images of four officers, wearing all black and holding the Chinese flag, standing on the disputed reef of Sandy Cay in the Spratly Islands. CCTV said China had "implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction" on the reef earlier in April. Both China and the Philippines have staked claims on various islands. The Philippines said later on Sunday that it had landed on three sandbanks, releasing an image of officers holding up their national flag in a pose that mimicked the Chinese photo. Continues with photo https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/creqp4lxnl4o

From Reuters Thailand's central bank cut its key interest rate by a quarter point for a second consecutive meeting on Wednesday, as expected, seeking to support the underperforming economy which is facing fresh pressure from steep U.S. tariffs. The Bank of Thailand's monetary policy committee voted 5-2 to reduce the one-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 1.75%, the lowest level in two years. That followed a similar reduction at the previous meeting in February. The central bank cut its growth forecast for 2025 to 2.0%, based on prolonged trade negotiations and U.S. tariffs remaining close to current rates, from just above 2.5% seen in February and 2.9% predicted in December. It said there were risks to growth and U.S. tariffs could weigh more heavily in the second half of the year, and if the trade war escalates and tariffs are set at higher rates then growth could be just 1.3% this year. Thailand is among Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by U.S. President Donald Trump's measures, facing a much larger-than-expected 36% tariff if a reduction can't be negotiated before a U.S. moratorium expires in July. Continues at https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-central-bank-cuts-key-rate-by-25-bps-2025-04-30/ , opens new t

From The Thaiger Officers arrested a Thai man posing as a police officer who extorted money from migrant workers and their employers at the popular tourist destination Asiatique the Riverfront, in the Charoen Krung neighbourhood of Bangkok Restaurant owners and business operators in the area questioned officers at Wat Phraya Krai Police Station about the frequency of operations targeting migrant workers after observing repeated inspections at the location. According to the complainants, a Thai man who claimed to be a police officer visited various restaurants and businesses, engaging with foreign workers, particularly those from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. This individual reportedly demanded around 5,000 baht from each worker, threatening to take them to the police station if they refused to pay. Some workers and business owners complied with his demands, but the repeated nature of his visits raised suspicions. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/fake-police-caught-extorting-migrant-workers-employers-in-bangkok

From Pattaya Mail Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has addressed growing concerns over the sharp decline in Chinese tourists, stressing that the issue is being taken seriously at both the local and national levels. He confirmed that the city is actively coordinating with the Thai government to restore confidence, especially regarding public safety, which has been a major factor in the drop. Speaking to the press, Mayor Poramet acknowledged that Chinese visitor numbers to Pattaya have plummeted, citing several contributing factors: fears over safety, misconceptions about earthquakes in Thailand, economic anxieties tied to U.S. trade policies, and China’s domestic tourism promotion policies—including restrictions on outbound flights. “The decline in Chinese tourists is affecting the city’s tourism economy,” the mayor said. “We are working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Pattaya Office and the Chonburi Tourism Federation to reassure travelers, especially by clarifying that Pattaya is not located in an earthquake zone.” In a proactive step, the city has initiated discussions with relevant agencies to strengthen Pattaya’s public image, especially around safety. The mayor emphasized that long-haul tourist markets remain stable, but the short-haul market—particularly China—has been significantly impacted by safety concerns and misinformation. Continues at Pattaya Mayor responds to drop in Chinese tourists, calls for national action to rebuild confidence - Pattaya Mail

From VN Expess Vietnam held a parade with 13,000 participants to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification, featuring fighter jets, helicopters, and—for the first time—troops from China, Laos, and Cambodia. Continues with many photos and videos at https://e.vnexpress.net/evolution/news/13-000-march-in-vietnam-s-grand-parade-marking-50-years-of-national-reunification-4880340.html

Agree. The "research" may be accurate when applied to locals but the key benefit it's describing is foreign currencies that come from tourists and expats who are arriving for reasons not cited above.

What could possibly go wrong: 1. Battery goes dead 2. Phone lost/stolen 3. In some countries, cell phone use is prohibited in immigration areas 4. You inadvertently placed phone in checked luggage 5. You left it in your seat

Cream, oh always cream, please!

From Pattaya News A disruptive incident involving a foreign tourist at a Pattaya convenience store went viral, sparking widespread debate on social media about tourist behavior and safety. The man, identified as a 25-year-old Belgian, caused big damage before agreeing to compensate the store with 35,000 baht. The incident occurred around 4:00 AM on April 27 at a convenience store located in Soi Naklua 16. A series of four video clips, posted by TikTok and Instagram user @Mrbochkarev which can be seen HERE captured the chaotic scene and quickly gained traction online, amassing numerous views and shares. In the initial clip, the man, later identified only as Mr. Mustafa, who holds a Belgian Passport and citizenship, is seen pouring soda over his head at the payment counter. He then proceeds to a display of premium wine, where he swipes multiple bottles off the shelf, causing over 10 to shatter on the floor. The resulting mess of broken glass and spilled wine left store employees stunned and caused them to flee the store to call police and a district manager who quickly arrived via motorbike to help handle the problem. Later videos show officers from Banglamung Police Station arriving to intervene. The man was detained and taken to the station for questioning. The clips, narrated in Russian and captioned “Visa-free, crazy Pattaya tourist,” fueled online criticism and raised concerns about the impact of unruly behavior on Pattaya’s tourism industry. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/30/belgian-tourist-causes-chaos-in-pattaya-convenience-store-fined-35000-baht/

That’s a tough knot but here’s my composite: 45% of the best shops in Silom, Surawong and Soi 6. 25% of Phoenix Spa 15% of I5M Massage 10% of remaining shops in Saphan Kwai 5% of 365 The River

Lawrence of Arabia Casablanca The Bridge Over the River Kwai Patton Almost anything featuring Anthony Hopkins

The ladder in the original photo appears to be a 24-foot (three section) extension ladder that was hastily raised to convert top of elevator shaft into makeshift rescue platform. Ladder has likely been replaced several times over the intervening half century. ====== From NY Times today The Americans Fled Vietnam 50 Years Ago. I Visited the Buildings They Left Behind By Damien Cave Photographs by Hannah Reyes Morales Reporting from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam April 29, 2025Updated 7:15 a.m. ET On a rusty door at the top of a nine-story apartment building that no architect would admire, someone had scratched a declaration: “FALL OF SAIGON.” Nguyen Van Hiep can still see it happening. On April 29, 1975, as South Vietnam’s government collapsed in the final hours of the war, he watched from next door as an American helicopter landed on the roof of the building’s elevator shaft, a space barely big enough to hold its skids. A crowd of Vietnamese civilians squeezed their way up a narrow ladder to the military chopper, yelling and jockeying for position. An American with a white dress shirt ushered a lucky few onboard. “Everyone was fighting to get up there,” said Mr. Hiep, whose father helped maintain the building known as the Pittman, where the deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency lived and worked. “It was very chaotic, only people in the building could go.” Continues with photos at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/world/asia/vietnam-saigon-pittman-building.html

NOTE -- The article goes on to describe the financial boom gay travelers bring to the country but of course omits reasons majority of readers here keep returning. ======== From The Nation Thailand’s LGBTQIA+ community is fast becoming an economic force to be reckoned with, with a new study projecting a 152 billion baht boost to the nation’s GDP this year, fuelled by local spending and a surge in LGBTQIA+ tourism. According to research from Mahidol University’s College of Management (CMMU), more than 5.9 million LGBTQIA+ persons, around 9% of Thailand’s population, are driving a new wave of economic growth. expected to welcome four million LGBTQIA+ tourists, contributing significantly to the economy and raising GDP by 0.3%. With Thailand ranked among the most LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations globally, this figure is set to rise even further. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40049355

I believe that you were taken to the offices of the USAID where the CIA occupied top floors. Here's file photo of US embassy in 1975. Americans and their South Vietnamese dependents wait in line outside the U.S. embassy to apply for visas in Saigon, Vietnam, Saturday, April 5, 1975. AP Photo.

From Pattaya News

This is the most misidentified photo of the fall of Siagon. The building pictured is not the US Embassy. It's actually the top of 22 Gia Long Street (a half mile from the U.S. Embassy. From Wikipedia The image was widely misreported as showing Americans crowding on to the roof of the United States Embassy to board a helicopter.[2][1] In reality, the apartment complex, then called the Pittman Apartments, housed employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with its top floor reserved for the Central Intelligence Agency's deputy chief of station; the embassy was located at 4 Thống Nhứt Boulevard (now Lê Duẩn Boulevard), about 950 metres (0.59 mi) to the north-northeast. The frequent misunderstanding of what the photograph shows stems from a change made to the photograph's caption at the Tokyo office of United Press International (UPI).] Although the photographer van Es submitted the photo to UPI with an accurate caption, UPI's Tokyo office changed the caption so it falsely read: "A U.S. helicopter evacuating employees of the U.S. embassy."[4] Although van Es repeatedly attempted to correct the error, his efforts were "futile" and he eventually "gave up."[4] Thus, as van Es has explained, "[O]ne of the best known images of the Vietnam War shows something other than what almost everyone thinks it does."

My ideal bar already exists. It's Freshboy on Patpong2.

When an individual from a religious order (Jesuit, in Francis' case) is elected to the papacy, he leaves the jurisdiction of that order. The beneficiaries of his trust (as @PeterRScited above) flow to charitable causes. reflecting the manner in which he lived his life.

That's at odds with previous announcement but then again TIT.

Just experienced another case where mileage credit wasn't awarded for flight segment between Bangkok and US (see OP). It took four phone calls to customer service (including two transmittals of copies of boarding passes) to get it resolved. In both cases, it involved booking code share flights. Lesson learned twice: keep those boarding passes until you see mileage posted.

As more details are released about the murder, I become increasingly aware of the risk sex workers take on when they accompany a customer to a hotel. Beyond the obvious risk to their physical well being, the run the risk of having their reputations impugned by a dissatisfied customer. I believe we have a responsibility to protect the identity of guys we encounter as required by forum rules. Covenant: The Gay Guides Management takes very seriously the privacy of its members and recognizes the desire and in many cases the need for discretion. Personal information that can be used to identify a member, a user, or a go-go boy or bar boy, whether or not a Gay Thailand member, shall not be permitted. No member shall publish or cause to be published such personal information. A violation of the Covenant shall be cause for immediate termination of Forum privileges.

There's a website dedicated to aircraft bone yards. https://airplaneboneyards.com/commercial-aviation-airplane-boneyards-storage.htm

CNN — Donald Trump won back the Oval Office and took charge of the government amid the strongest poll numbers of his political career, but as the 100-day mark of his presidency approaches, Americans’ views of what he’s done so far have turned deeply negative, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds. Trump’s 41% approval rating is the lowest for any newly elected president at 100 days dating back at least to Dwight Eisenhower – including Trump’s own first term. Approval of Trump’s handling of the presidency is down 4 points since March, and 7 points lower than it was in late February. Just 22% say they strongly approve of Trump’s handling of the job, a new low, and about twice as many say they strongly disapprove (45%). https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/27/politics/approval-rating-trump-100-days/index.html