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From Reuters ByteDance's TikTok will invest 126.8 billion baht ($3.76 billion) in Thailand in a data hosting service, the Thai investment board said on Wednesday. The Chinese firm's investment was made by its Singapore-based unit and would support activities of affiliated companies, with operations slated to begin in 2026, Thailand's Board of Investment said. It was among $5 billion of approved new projects announced on Wednesday. Last year, Alphabet Inc's Google said it would invest $1 billion in Thailand, a year after Amazon Web Services announced a $5 billion investment in the country over 15 years. Microsoft has also announced it will open its first regional data centre in Thailand. ============ From Bangkok Post Emirates, the world’s biggest international airline, has opened a new $5-million travel lounge in Thailand, signalling Bangkok’s importance in the airline’s network and strong demand for premium travel. The relocated and refurbished facility in Satellite 1 Terminal (SAT-1) at Suvarnabhumi Airport is the largest international lounge outside the airline’s home market Dubai. With capacity for 250 guests, it is big enough to accommodate all premium passengers traveling on two Airbus A380 double-decker jets. The post-pandemic travel rush has led to more leisure passengers buying expensive seats in the front of the cabin. The $5-million investment is the latest in a series of moves by Emirates to meet the rise in premium demand, including scaling back the economy section on some planes as it overhauls its aircraft interiors. https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/travel/2951831/emirates-pours-5m-into-premium-lounge-in-thailand.

As much as I’d prefer not to report this, Phetboy continues to have problems managing its large stable when it comes to keeping appointments. At about 2:15pm, I asked on line to reserve a guy they listed today. They confirmed reservation for 5pm. But when I showed up at shop, guy wasn’t there so manager phoned him. He asked me if I could wait 20 more minutes but I declined, explaining that’s why I made advance reservation. This was second no show at Phetboy in as many trips. Walked instead to Phoenix and picked guy from among about a dozen smiling faces. Well worth the walk.🙂

Phoenix Massage is offering promotion today though Monday of four hour-long sessions for 1,000 baht good through end of March.

From The Nation Free public transport policy reduces personal vehicle use by 10% The government’s campaign of reducing air pollution by offering free public transport for seven days (January 25-31) lowered personal vehicle usage in Bangkok by nearly 10 per cent and led to a 38% rise in travel by electric train, the Transport Ministry reported on Friday. The ministry’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) reported that the number of personal vehicles in Bangkok during these seven days decreased by around 500,000, a 10% drop from the normal period. Personal cars make up for half of the city’s overall traffic at around 10 million vehicles, the OTP said. Meanwhile, the ministry’s Rail Transport Department reported the total number of electric train passengers from January 25-30 at 12,085,213 people, increasing from the same period of the previous week by 3,369,746 people – 38.66%. The department added that January 30 saw a new high in electric train passengers since Covid-19, at 2,331,534 million people, increasing 42.93% from the previous week. Suriya added that the public’s positive response to the measure showed that people were willing to adjust their travel behaviour to use public transportation, provided the fares were affordable. “This serves as an indicator that the 20-baht flat free initiative for electric trains on all routes that the ministry is set to implement this year should also be well-received by the public,” he said. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40045788

Runway 33 is only used for smaller aircraft (regional and corporate equipment). The longer black runway basically follows the Potomac on approach.

From Pattaya Mail The Pattaya Contact Center, available through the 1337 hotline, is now offering round-the-clock support for both local and international residents and tourists. The center serves as the city’s Complaint Resolution Center (SOT) and can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to address any concerns or complaints. The service provides support in both Thai and English, ensuring that anyone in need of assistance can communicate their issues effectively. Whether it’s related to safety, public services, or general inquiries, Pattaya’s 1337 hotline is committed to resolving problems and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattayas-1337-hotline-provides-round-the-clock-support-for-complaints-and-inquiries-in-thai-and-english-489119

NOTE — Based in my experience in Bangkok, I find the most dangerous times are at night. Judging distance of tuk-tuks can be deceiving because their head lamps are much dimmer, making them appear more distant. At all times of day, motorbikes can suddenly appear between lanes of stopped traffic. From Pattaya Mail Pattaya, a bustling tourist city, is known for its lively streets, heavy traffic, and fast-moving vehicles. However, these same factors contribute to the city’s notoriously dangerous pedestrian crossings, which pose serious risks to both locals and visitors. Here are the key reasons why crossing the road in Pattaya can be a life-threatening challenge: High-Speed Driving and Reckless Motorists: Many motorcyclists and drivers in Pattaya ignore speed limits, especially on main roads like Sukhumvit Road, Beach Road, and Jomtien Second Road. High-powered motorcycles and cars often weave through traffic at dangerous speeds, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely. Disregard for Pedestrian Rights: Unlike in many Western countries, where vehicles stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, drivers in Pattaya rarely yield to people crossing the road, even at designated zebra crossings. Many pedestrians are forced to wait for gaps in traffic or take risks by stepping onto the road. Lack of Traffic Enforcement: Although traffic laws exist, weak enforcement leads to frequent violations. Speeding, running red lights, and reckless overtaking are common, increasing the risk of accidents at pedestrian crossings. CCTV cameras are present in some areas, but penalties for traffic violations are not always strictly imposed. Poorly Designed Crosswalks: Some pedestrian crossings in Pattaya are poorly planned. Lack of traffic lights, faded markings, and inconvenient locations force people to cross in unsafe spots. In high-traffic areas, crosswalks often lead pedestrians directly into fast-moving traffic with no warning signs for approaching vehicles. Disregard for Pedestrian Rights: Unlike in many Western countries, where vehicles stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, drivers in Pattaya rarely yield to people crossing the road, even at designated zebra crossings. Many pedestrians are forced to wait for gaps in traffic or take risks by stepping onto the road. Heavy Tourist Foot Traffic: As a major tourist destination, Pattaya sees large crowds of visitors unfamiliar with local traffic conditions. Tourists may assume that drivers will stop for them at crosswalks, which is not always the case. Language barriers and lack of awareness of local road culture also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Influence of Alcohol and Nightlife: Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife means that many drivers are under the influence of alcohol, especially late at night. Drunk driving is a serious issue, leading to reckless behavior and poor reaction times, making pedestrian crossings even more hazardous. How to Stay Safe When Crossing the Road in Pattaya Use traffic lights whenever possible – Even if vehicles do not always stop, crossing at a light-controlled intersection is safer. Make eye contact with drivers – Ensure that motorists see you before stepping onto the road. Wait for a clear gap – Do not assume cars will stop, even at designated crosswalks. Be extra cautious at night – Visibility is lower, and speeding vehicles are more common after dark. Consider using pedestrian bridges – Though not always conveniently located, they provide a much safer way to cross. Until traffic laws are better enforced and infrastructure improves, pedestrians in Pattaya must exercise extreme caution when crossing the road to avoid tragic accidents.

I would think the same as at any other Bangkok bar. To a performer in act or dancing, 100 would be standard tip. To boy who sits with you, depends on time he spent with you and how much you enjoyed his company (100 minimum).

+1 i’ve long had an interest in how accidents of trains, planes and shops occur. Have not come across one in which communications did figure at or close to the top contributing factor. Add proximity to the mix. The Pentagon and Joint Base Andrews (out of frame) are nearby. Politicians love this airport. They fly into and out of it weekly. Congress even has its own parking lot within walking distance of terminal.

From The Nation The price of instant and ready-to-drink coffee will rise from February 1, impacting coffee business operators and consumers, the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association said on Friday. The association’s honorary adviser, Somchai Pornratanacharoen, said coffee manufacturers had hiked the price as they were suffering from rising cost of production, transport and labour wage. “This price adjustment will affect consumers’ behaviour, as they would look for cheaper coffee or reduce consumption,” he said, adding that café and coffee shop operators would increase product price to maintain profits. Somchai explained that the retail price of instant coffee would increase by 5% from February 1, raising the price of ready-to-drink coffee by an average of 2 baht a piece. Price adjustment on consumer goods affected people’s cost of living, especially the low-income group who have to bear rising expense burden, he pointed out. According to a BBC report, the price for Arabica beans, which account for most of global production, jumped more than 80% in December last year. The cost of Robusta beans, meanwhile, hit a fresh high in September. It comes as coffee traders expect crops to shrink after the world's two largest producers, Brazil and Vietnam, were hit by bad weather while the drink's popularity continues to grow. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40045777

From The Thaiger A romantic evening turned into a nightmare for a Russian couple in Pattaya whena speeding motorcycle ploughed into them as they crossed the street hand in hand. The foreign rider struck them at high speed, killing the husband instantly and leaving his wife in critical condition. The accident happened just before midnight yesterday, January 29 on Jomtien Second Road, Pattaya. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Unit received an emergency call at 11.30pm, reporting a collision between a large motorcycle and pedestrians in the Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. When emergency responders arrived, they found a badly damaged KTM 1200cc motorcycle with Bangkok registration plates. The 26 year old rider, identified as Artem, was also seriously injured. A Russian woman, 44 year old Zhanna, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to hospital, while her husband lay unconscious. Despite frantic CPR attempts, he could not be saved. An eyewitness, 34 year old Akadej, told police that he stopped his car to let the couple cross the street, only to hear the roar of a big bike speeding towards them from behind. Within moments, the motorcycle slammed into the couple, sending them flying in different directions. https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/pattaya-tragedy-tourist-killed-wife-critical-after-speeding-bike-crash

Driver was very professionaly. He explained fees (meter, plus tolls and 50-baht airport fee)as soon as I got into cab. if he hadn’t, I would have asked him to start meter. i’ve paid flat rate of 500 in past but several times driver didn’t take expressway to increase his profit. Now I clarify details before we depart. I tipped him well for his honesty and good driving. He was an older guy and my experience is that they make best drivers. I ended up paying almost 500 but had better control of my trip.

Only arrived early this morning but if i’m going out in daylight hours I’ll be masked for sure. As sun sets and air cools, noticeable improvement in visibility and air quality.

You guys are smart. I have old phone no eSIM option.

What am I, road kill? No barber has ever offered to suck my nipples or anything else. Closest I get is “a little off the top?” From The Thaiger A Thai man accused a barber in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen of sexually assaulting him while receiving a haircut, but the barber denied the accusation, claiming he merely flirted with the customer. The victim shared his story in a local Facebook group in Khon Kaen, warning others to avoid the barber‘s services. In the video, the barber can be heard saying, “Just a little suck on your nipples. A little bit OK?” The victim refused his advances and attempted to leave. Workpoint News interviewed the barber, who maintained his innocence. He stated that the incident occurred on Monday, January 27, after he had given the customer a haircut. The barber insisted that he did not touch the customer’s private parts and could not understand why the man fabricated the story and shared it on social media. However, he admitted that he wrapped his arms around the customer’s neck as a tease. He also confessed that he was interested in the customer and flirted with him by inviting him to have a meal together. The barber further claimed that the customer was also interested in him. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-barber-denies-sexual-assault-allegation-after-customer-shares-video

Have no doubt whatsoever that you will. 😉

Buying or renewing sim card Went to AIS in Silom Center to renew card but learned that my old 300 Baht plan no longer offered. Closest was now 375 which I accepted. You need to pay attention because plan brochure they show you offers 275 baht plan immediately beside 375. It looked tempting but I was accompanied by Thai speaker who noticed that was for one week only. The 375 plan does not allow you to make traditional phone calls but you can use LINE or other apps to do that. The next plan offering more speed and data is 500+. I believe True has similar pricing.

From The Thaiger A 19 year old half-Thai, half-British man crashed his SUV into a motorcycle on a road in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri, leaving one Thai woman dead and another seriously injured. Officers from Nong Prue Police Station and rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasatan Foundation responded to the accident on Noen Plub Wan Road at approximately 11pm last night. Upon arrival, police found a Toyota Fortuner SUV with front-end damage and the wrecked Honda Grand Filano motorcycle. The SUV driver was present at the scene and was later identified as 19 year old Lewis Barrett. According to the local news Facebook page TMN Cable TV Pattaya, Barrett is a half-Thai, half-British national. Police confirmed that he did not have any alcohol in his system. Two Thai women, 19 year old Kunthida and 19 year old Thatsanee, were travelling on the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries. Thatsanee lost her left leg in the crash, while Kunthida later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. A witness told the media that Barrett was driving at a very high speed, honking at cars in front of him to clear the way. He then suddenly collided with the motorcycle, dragging it for over 100 metres along the road. The Thai-British driver was reportedly in visible shock after the crash. It was reported that his family members later arrived at the scene and urged him not to speak to the media or provide any details about the accident. A CCTV camera on the road captured footage of the speeding SUV overtaking several cars but did not record the moment of the fatal collision. Channel 7 reported that police have charged Barrett under Section 291 of the Criminal Law for reckless behaviour leading to death. The penalty could include up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 200,000 baht. Continues with photos https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/road-deaths/19-year-old-thai-british-driver-kills-thai-woman-in-chon-buri-car-crash

From Pattaya News At 3:00 PM on January 28th, 2025, at the Region 2 Provincial Police Investigation Division, Pol Lt Gen Yingyos Thepjamnong, Commissioner of Region 2 Police held a press conference to announce a successful crackdown on an online investment scam network in Chonburi province. According to Pol Lt Gen Yingyos, the investigation led to the discovery of a large transnational criminal organization operated by a Chinese ringleader. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for 33 individuals, with 20 suspects already in custody. The scam involved the suspects contacting victims via the Line app and falsely claiming they were interested in purchasing land in Chiang Mai. One case involved the suspects befriending a wealthy woman in Rayong and tricking her into downloading a fake app, which caused the woman to lose nearly 60 million baht. Authorities warn the public to be cautious of investment scams. In this case, the suspects also laundered stolen money by converting them into digital assets. As of press time, 1,009 victims have already filed complaints, and police have managed to seize more than 3 million baht. One significant arrest was that of a 23-year-old suspect named “Porn,” a Thai woman who allegedly worked as a cash courier for the gang. She was apprehended while crossing the border from Poipet, Cambodia, to withdraw money at an ATM near the Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo province. Authorities successfully froze 3.184 million baht from mule accounts used in the scam. Region 2 Police are working with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to return the money to victims. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/30/chonburi-police-bust-online-investment-scam-network-led-by-chinese-national-20-people-arrested/

It has been in effect for years. Only applies to departures (finances meter queueing and space allocated to taxis).

from Pattaya Mail By Barrry Kenyon Thailand’s unilateral policy to reform entry requirements makes a Schengen-style “six countries one destination” ever more distant. Thailand is the only south east Asian country to allow most tourists a no-charge 60 days visa exempt, whilst plans to introduce a digital landing card – which specifically isn’t a visa application – for all foreign entrants from May 2025 is another unique feature. ASEAN has been struggling since the turn of the century to find common visa ground. The idea was a favorite of the previous Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin in 2023, but he envisaged that international tourists would need to enter Thailand first to qualify for seamless onward entry without any cost. This elitist proposal was quietly opposed by neighbors as it seemed unduly to benefit Thailand and would potentially deprive them of revenue. There is no coordination of immigration technologies across the region. Whilst most visitors to Thailand are free and visa-exempt, Cambodia and Laos require virtually all international tourists to pay for an e-visa online or risk long delays at airports. Vietnam has a complex visa system which appears to change details on a regular basis. Myanmar is in a class of its own as it has no international tourism because of the civil war. Given that Thai authorities already have significant problems coordinating their own border control protocols and security data bases, the chances of uniformity throughout the region any time soon are indeed negligible. Although the Malaysian government has envisaged a common visa future, she and Thailand have the lion’s share of international tourism in ASEAN and are competitors as much as they are collaborators. A further issue is whether ASEAN nationals would be able to work across the region (as in the Schengen arrangements) rather than require a work permit in each country. Given the current panic, particularly in Thailand, about illegal workers and border scams, progress towards such labour flexibillity looks out of the question. ASEAN was set up as an economic free-trade zone and has a long history of avoiding cross-border political agreements. The dream of a common visa remains something to sleep on. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/contradictory-immigration-rules-handicap-common-visa-hopes-488906

Have tried them in past and extras available (level depending on individual guys).

One Spa in Saphan Kwai open 24/7. Maha on Soi 6 open until 1am. if you are looking around midnight,, some shops may still accommodate you if boy is willing (GZone on Soi 6 among them). Alternately, you may find boys about to leave shop who may be available to go to hotel.

Arrived shortly before midnight Wednesday. Many flights arriving and immigration very busy. But luckily, being 70+, I was welcomed to use priority lanes. All immigration agents now attired in snappy new uniform: navy blue jacket, white shirt and tie. Very professional. Greeted with “Happy New Year” and on my way in about a minute. Bag appeared five minutes after arriving at carousel. Taxi used meter and fare to Silom came in at about 270 plus 85 in tolls and 50 baht airport fee. Traffic from airport light at 12:45 am. Foodland has added young man to evening staff along with those other regulars we have come to know and appreciate. It’s always first stop!

From The Thaiger Delay 300-baht tourism fee Starting May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand will need to complete a mandatory digital version of the TM6 immigration form, replacing the old paper-based system. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed the move, which aims to streamline immigration procedures and boost safety confidence among tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, explained that the online form will help police track tourists during their stay, enhancing Thailand’s image as a safe destination. The TM6 suspension, which began on April 15 last year, will officially end on April 30 this year. To prepare for the change, the ministry recently invited the Immigration Bureau to demonstrate the online system. A key meeting with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), airlines, and hotel operators, is set for January 31 to finalise rollout plans and ensure smooth implementation. Deputy Permanent Secretary Mongkon Wimonrat stressed that the digital TM6 will be compulsory for all foreign arrivals by air, land, and sea. “This free, user-friendly system is prioritised to avoid confusion before introducing other screening measures.” Meanwhile, the much-anticipated 300-baht tourism fee is likely to be delayed. A ministry source revealed that the government wants to ensure the TM6 system operates seamlessly before adding further requirements. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-to-launch-digital-tm6-for-tourists-delays-300-baht-fee