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So happy to hear from you again, Dead_On_Arrival. You have a wonderful gift for winning an audience. Keep hitting those home runs!

From The Nation Interpol has arrested a Moroccan man in Turkey for the alleged murder of his Thai LGBTQ lover in Chiang Mai in early December last year. The suspect is believed to have fled the kingdom immediately after the incident. Muang Chiang Mai Police Chief Pol Col Pratchaya Thisala confirmed on Thursday that Bilal Chenfinu, 30, was apprehended by Interpol officers at a hotel in Turkey. Pratchaya stated that the foreign division of the Royal Thai Police would be working with Turkish authorities to extradite Chenfinu back to Thailand. The suspect is wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Court for the murder of Thitikarn (surname withheld) on December 4, 2024. Thitikarn, a beauty surgeon at a clinic in Chiang Mai, was found dead on December 6. Police reviewed security camera footage and discovered that Chenfinu spent the night with Thitikarn in the building where the body was found on the evening of December 4. The footage showed Chenfinu driving Thitikarn’s car from the building at 2 am on December 5 and heading towards Chiang Mai International Airport. Chenfinu then flew out of Thailand on AirAsia Flight FD515 at 6 am on December 5. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40046517

But it has everything to do hazards associated with charging phones which you pointed out was subject of OP. You’re nitpicking, Moses.

You omitted the excellent public transportation system.

From Pattaya Mail WEEKEND EDITORIAL PATTAYA, Thailand– The-ever readable Stickman internet site for March 9 emphasizes that Pattaya or Sin City no longer revolves around sex and gogo dancers. It reckons only 2-3 percent of overseas visitors these days are primarily motivated by bright nightlife here, although the article doesn’t speculate what the rest of us are doing. The column suggests that the declining ratio of naughty boys to mainstream tourists is caused by several factors. They range from the natural ageing of traditional westerners and the escalating charges for post-covid prostitution to the decline in the quality of the bodies on offer and the booming music which used to be fun and isn’t any longer. Of course, it’s impossible to quantify overseas visitors solely on the basis of their sexual proclivities. A foreigner may visit cultural heritage sites in the daytime but hurry down to Soi Pothole after dark. A businessman could be attending networking conferences whilst the sun is shining, but looking for a very different trade in the light of the moon. To state the obvious, Pattaya has changed beyond all recognition. Five star hotels, penthouse condos, luxury malls, family-friendly entertainment and expensive restaurants are everywhere. Whatever bits of central Pattaya are still standing are in danger of being knocked down and redeveloped. Indeed, the major stumbling block to even quicker transformation is the shortage of both Thai and immigrant cheap labor rather than the lack of investors. Nightlife is increasingly concentrated in streets or areas such as Soi Buakhao, standalone streets such as Soi Sex (Six) and bar complexes scattered throughout the city and Jomtien. There are at least 30 bars in Jomtien’s Rompho market stretch although only a few are really busy. In any case, they mostly cater for retiree foreigners wanting to drink, people-watch and chat with friends. Stickman rarely mentions the gay scene, reasoning that his readers wouldn’t be interested. But here too the changes are substantial. At the Jomtien Complex, gay sex is certainly on offer but there’s a choice of restaurants and several professional cabaret shows catering largely for social groups. Whether the arrival of gay marriage will make much difference to non-Thais in Pattaya is a debating point. So far, insiders say, no real impact. So Pattaya is at a sort of crossroads. The naughty boy market still exists, howbeit on a smaller scale than 20 years ago or even 10. It will likely continue to decline because that once-cheap lifestyle is increasingly expensive even as the steep decline in the Thai birth rate means there are far better life-chances for the 18-35 year olds than selling themselves to strangers on a regular basis. Meanwhile, Pattaya sits adjacent to the Eastern Economic Corridor which is fast becoming Thailand’s most successful technology hub. Chonburi province, which houses the city of Pattaya, is amongst the top three wealthiest provinces in the country according to Board of Investment business data. If naughty boys are now only 2 or 3 percent of tourist arrivals, that number could half by the end of the decade. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/the-decline-and-fall-of-naughty-boys-in-pattaya-493229

From The Thaiger Teenager electrocuted by phone charger The tragic death of a teenager electrocuted by a phone charger today has left a community reeling in the Sikhoraphum district of Surin in Isaan. Police revealed that the 15 year old girl was electrocuted after falling asleep with her phone, today, March 7. Officers added that she had burn marks from the phone charger cord. Sergeant Den Wanyang, taking to Facebook, recounted how the Pak Mai patrol was alerted to the tragedy by Supee Sombat, the headman of Pak Mai. “I would like to inform that on March 7, at 5.30am, we received a report that a 15 year old girl had died from an electric shock while lying in bed playing on her phone.” Police, alongside doctors from Sikhoraphum Hospital, conducted an autopsy to thoroughly investigate the cause. Images from the scene showed police conducting their inspection, with a poignant picture of an extension cord and a USB Type C cable plugged in without an adapter. Facebook users were quick to engage, with one, Chang Tu MDS2Sound Surin, shedding light on the potential causes. He explained that short circuits from USB charging often stem from a noise filter in the 315VDC high-voltage system leaking or shorting. This can lead to high-voltage electricity ‘grounding’ through the USB cable, the very part that connects to the phone you hold. Parents have been urged to heed the chilling warning, as well-meaning users debated the presence of blood in the aftermath. It’s possible, they agreed, for electric shocks to cause bleeding and swelling. High-voltage currents can damage tissues and blood vessels, leading to internal or external bleeding. Meanwhile, severe muscle contractions from shock can also cause tears and injuries. Additional advice stressed the importance of not charging devices while using them, underscoring the risks of barefoot contact with potentially conductive surfaces like tile or cement. Faults or moisture in power plugs can lead to easier short circuits, and experts emphasised the need for home safety systems to prevent future heartbreak. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/teenager-electrocuted-by-phone-charger-in-thailand-sparks-warning

From The Nation In early 2025, the Thai film industry made a bold statement, announcing an extensive lineup of movies set to hit theatres throughout the year. With over 100 films planned for release, this aggressive strategy—averaging around two films per week—reflected a new level of ambition within the industry. A major reason behind this surge was the decline of traditional television dramas. Many TV production companies shut down, leaving directors, producers and writers scrambling for opportunities in film and streaming platforms as their last resort. Despite the enthusiasm, the box office results from the past two months tell a very different story. Only one film, “Pa Nor” by Five Star Production, has emerged as a clear success, earning 76 million baht and securing a sequel. Beyond that, the situation looks bleak. Among the major disappointments was “Saensanun Phan San Soo” (แสนสนั่นพันธุ์สั่นสู้) directed by Phing Lampra Phloeng. The film debuted with a modest 2 million baht and quickly vanished from box office charts within a week. Even GDH, Thailand’s most successful film studio, faced setbacks. Last year, GDH dominated the box office with "How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" (“Larn Ma”), which grossed 2 billion baht, but its latest project, “Flatgirls” (ชั้นห่างระหว่างเรา), a coming-of-age romance featuring a lesbian couple, failed to replicate that success. The film closed its run at a mere 5 million baht. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/life/entertainment/40047171

From Pattaya News Bangkok, March 8th, 2025 — Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong and Klong Prem Central Prison officials confirmed the death of former police chief Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Utthanaphon. Initial reports indicate he died by hanging himself with a 30-40 cm towel tied to his cell door’s bars. He was found sitting with his legs extended, and CCTV footage shows no one entered his cell except staff delivering medication. Joe Ferrari had been held in solitary and protective confinement at his request for two months after conflicts with other inmates stemming from his prior prominence and being a target of other prisoners. He had also previously accused prison staff of assaulting him in January, resulting in bruised ribs. Former police chief Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Utthanaphone was sentenced to death, later commuted to life, for murdering a drug suspect in custody by suffocating him with a plastic bag at Nakhon Sawan police in August last year. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/09/former-police-chief-joe-ferrari-found-dead-in-prison-cell-authorities-suspect-death-by-suicide/

G-Zone Massage (formerly Natural Massage) on Soi 6 has closed. A non-member tells me that some individuals with experience in the business are weighing the possibility of renting the premises and opening a new shop.

I acknowledged that Moses’ interpretation was correct. As this comes from an individual who has a history of posting antisemitic remarks, I believe it’s he who owns the reputation as a clown.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon BANGKOK, Thailand – The British embassy held a party at the British Club in Bangkok to commemorate the so-called Bowring treaty of 1855 which established consular jurisdiction for British nationals in Thailand. Signed between Sir John Bowring, the colonial governor of Hong Kong and Siamese plenipotentiaries, the treaty also gave British subjects the right to live permanently in Bangkok and to enjoy multilateral trade liberalization with agreed tariffs on imports and exports. The party was attended by 200 invitees and was hosted by deputy head of mission Dave Thomas and head of consular services Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin. Mr Thomas said that official Anglo-Siamese relations were now 170 years old, even though British traders and the East India Company had been visiting Siam since the early 17th century. He added that the treaty survived until the first world war and was a model for other Siamese deals with European nations as well as the United States. Mrs Finnamore-Crorkin said that 2024 was a record year for consular assistance work in Thailand. There were over 2,000 cases of distress, including arrests, detentions and deaths, as well as a similar number of notarial (documentary) services and over 600 emergency travel documents issued. She also revealed that just over one million British visitors entered Thailand during 2024, including 99,687 “residents” mainly in Bangkok and tourist-orientated provinces. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/british-embassy-celebrates-thai-diplomacy-and-updates-statistics-493079

You may well be correct about interpretation. However, the greatest danger is the transport of lithium batteries in checked luggage. From CNN TSA battery rules can be confusing, and summer travel often means long days for both you and your electronics — especially if you’re delayed. If you’re in the market for travel gear, the best way to keep your devices charged is by using a power bank. But it can be tough to figure out what kind of mobile chargers fit within the Transportation Security Administration or Federal Aviation Administration’s rules so they aren’t taken away at the security checkpoint. All battery packs face very strict guidelines for air travel. Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries and portable batteries that contain lithium-ion can only be packed in carry-on baggage. They’re limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, you can bring two larger spare batteries (up to 160 Wh). https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/travel/tsa-battery-rules

From The Nation The first 7-Eleven convenience store in Luang Prabang, Laos, has received a positive response from both residents and tourists, according to its operator, CP ALL. Chairoj Tiwatmuncharoen, Senior Vice President of CP ALL, said the 7-Eleven LPB PHOSY branch was officially opened on Thursday and is operated by its subsidiary, CP ALL Laos. Viengthong Hatsachanh, Mayor of Luang Prabang, presided over the opening ceremony of the store, highlighting the city's worldwide acclaim as a premier tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. “Luang Prabang presents strong potential for business expansion, thanks to its rich natural, cultural, and historical attractions,” Chairoj said. He also highlighted the city's well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an international airport and a high-speed railway, which enhances its accessibility for both domestic and international visitors. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40047122

From Reuters As U.S. President Donald Trump's new trade tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada kick off, sparking another trade war, countries in Asia's complex and integrated global supply chain are in the crosshairs. The following graphics illustrate Asia's exposure to U.S. tariffs on China and the escalating trade war, which is set to impact exports and growth in the region. Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand are the most exposed to increased U.S. tariffs due to their high export-to-GDP ratios with the United States. With Trump proposing tariffs targeting sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, steel, and aluminium, Nomura expects over a quarter of exports from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan could be affected. Continues at https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/asian-countries-cross-hairs-trump-tariffs-2025-03-06/

NOTE — The article does not specify whether the power banks are banned in checked baggage only which is common with many international carriers. The illustration on Thai FB page appears to Indicate that they’re banned in cabin, also. From Pattaya News Thai Airways announced a ban on charging power banks during flights to enhance passenger safety. The new regulation will take effect starting March 15th, 2025. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, Thai Airways stated, “Thai Airways Implements Power Bank Regulations for Passenger Safety. Following incidents of in-flight fires on international airlines, suspected to be linked to power bank usage, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has introduced new safety measures. Effective March 15, 2025, the use of power banks will be prohibited while onboard the aircraft. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/07/thai-airways-bans-power-bank-charging-on-all-flights-from-march-15th/

From Bangkok Post PATTAYA - A Japanese man has been found hanged from a tree on Koh Larn, an island popular with day-trippers just off the coast of this beach town in Chon Buri province. The discovery of the body was reported to police at 4.30pm on Thursday, said Pol Col Anan Mahakitassawakul, an investigation officer at the Pattaya City station. When police, forensic officials and rescue workers arrived in the forested area near the viewpoint behind Khao Phra Yai, overlooking two beaches on the island, they found the body of a foreign man hanging from the tree with a rope tied around his neck. Less than 10 metres from the body, they found a black hooded long-sleeve shirt, a camouflage hiking hat, a shoulder bag, a cigarette pack, a lighter, a photo of an elderly woman, two packs of Viagra and a pair of Bluetooth earphones. They also found a passport of a Japanese man on a stone bench inside a nearby pavilion. It showed the man’s age as 48. Forensic technicians collected the passport and other personal belongings as evidence. Continues with photos https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2975266/japanese-man-found-hanged-near-pattaya-viewpoint

But just what did you manage to do behind those stalls?

Anyone and anything on Grindr comes with AYOR warranty.

Do we pay to have sex in Thailand?

+1 Xone and other exchanges are fastidious about condition. It will be rejected if it has any extraneous marks or other defects. You won’t be subject to double exchange rate because it’s one currency to THB. But one dollar notes get slightly lower exchange rate than USD 100 notes. Whether they’ll accept the notes entirely at their discretion. The quantity you wish to exchange may also affect their decision because there’s not a big demand for small denomination foreign currency. it may turn out to be more of a headache than worth it.

Found photos of the Blue Temple extraordinary, especially compared to the more frequent white.

From VN Express The Ministry of Education and Training held a workshop on Wednesday to collect feedback on the draft national scheme designed to gradually introduce English as a second language in schools nationwide. The scheme, spanning from 2025 to 2035 with a vision extending to 2045, is being piloted in selected universities and schools. In his speech, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong underscored the importance of learning from international experiences to tailor solutions that fit Vietnam's educational context. Key priorities include effective resource allocation, teacher training, international partnerships, infrastructure investment, and active social engagement to ensure scheme's success with high quality and efficiency. The scheme outlines specific targets for integrating English as a second language across all education levels. By 2035, all eligible preschools will introduce English, targeting 100% coverage of children aged 3-5, extending to all preschoolers, including nursery and kindergarten, by 2045. By 2035, every student from grades 1 to 12 will follow an English-as-a-second-language curriculum at levels 1, 2, and 3, with all schools offering advanced levels 4, 5, and 6 by 2045. All universities will also adopt levels 4, 5, and 6 while all vocational training establishments will integrate career-focused English courses into their curricula. By 2030, Vietnam aims to complete the building of English curricula within the continuing education system to meet growing public demand. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/education/vietnam-aims-to-make-english-second-language-for-all-students-by-2035-4857613.html

From MSN Colourful rectangular wooden boats carrying tourists are chugging along at a leisurely pace across the Mekong River. The atmosphere is idyllic, disturbed only by the monotonous throbbing of the boats' engines. Hills rise gently on both sides of the mighty river, water buffaloes are grazing on the banks. A fisherman in a longboat casts his net, while the heat of the day slowly descends on Laos from the pale blue sky. The cosy vessels are dubbed "slow boats" and the contrast to the speedboats that whiz along the canals in neighbouring Thailand could hardly be starker. The name embodies the Laotian attitude to life: In Southeast Asia's only landlocked country, taking it easy is a top priority. "The wise do not hurry and those in hurry are rarely wise," our tour guide, Kham Dee says, citing an old Laotian proverb as he slowly steers the boat in the direction of Pak Ou Caves, a famous cave temple containing nearly 6,000 Buddha statues. Looking to party? You're in the wrong place While most tourists visiting Laos head to the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang, the capital Vientiane with its temples, markets and French colonial buildings also has much to offer, including the country's landmark - the Pha That Luang, a golden, terraced stupa dating back to the 16th century. Shortly after sunrise monks in saffron-coloured robes carry processional umbrellas across the main square in Wat Si Saket, a temple that radiates serene beauty. A gong chimes, followed by deep Buddhist chants. The few foreign visitors on this particular morning stand spellbound. With fewer than 1 million inhabitants, Vientiane offers a relaxed contrast to glitzy metropolises like Bangkok and Singapore. If you're looking to party, you're in the wrong place. Continues with photos https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/outdoor-activities/slowing-down-while-touring-peaceful-laos/ar-AA1AjD4r

From The Thaiger A Pattaya rescue team was called into action to remove a stainless steel ringfrom a Thai man’s penis. The man had hoped the ring would boost his sexual performance but he ended up in hospital instead. The 45 year old Thai man, whose identity remains undisclosed, visited a private hospital in Pattaya for treatment. His genital area was swollen and developed severe inflammation from the steel ring he was wearing. The man confessed to the medical team that he placed a steel ring, with a diameter of 3 centimetres, around the base of his penis to combat long-lasting erectile dysfunction. He wore it for only two days before the injuries developed. The ring became tighter around his penis, causing the organ to swell. To provide treatment, the ring had to be removed first. Consequently, the hospital sought the cooperation of the Sawang Borriboon Dhammastan Foundation to cut the ring off. The rescuers revealed to Daily News that they used a metal cutting tool to remove the ring. The man reportedly struggled due to the pain, and the rescuers and nurses had to hold his body tightly to prevent injury from the cutting tool. It took them over 45 minutes to remove the ring. https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/failed-enhancement-pattaya-rescuers-remove-steel-ring-from-mans-penis