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From Pattaya News Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has recently announced setting aside 145.63 million baht for transgender hormone therapy. This move, detailed by Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak, aims to enhance healthcare access for approximately 200,000 transgender people in Thailand. Previously, transgender people in Thailand faced the challenge of covering the costs of hormone therapy themselves, which often led to the use of treatments without proper medical supervision, posing health risks. By putting this funding into the 2025 budget, the government is not only providing for hormone therapy but also ensuring equal access to a range of healthcare services. By providing supervised medical care, this program hopes to reduce any dangers associated with self-medication treatments. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/28/thai-government-to-fund-over-145-million-baht-for-transgender-hormone-therapy/

From Bangkok Post One of two SIM boxes found concealed inside the base of a bed in a condominium room in Hat Yai district of Songkhla on Sunday. (Police photo) SONG KHLA - Police arrested two workers they said admitted being hired in Malaysia to install SIM boxes, used by call scammers, found hidden inside a bed frame in a condominium room in Hat Yai. Police said Azwan bin Ridwan Ching and Henry Loh Shi Xian, both Malaysian nationals, were arrested at the condominium building about 11.40am on Sunday. The building's name and address were withheld by police. The two men said they were paid 7,000 baht each to collect the SIM boxes from a bus terminal in Hat Yai about 9am on Sunday. The SIM boxes were concealed inside amplifier bodies. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2949301/two-caught-installing-scam-sim-boxes-inside-condo-bed ================== Toughen punishment for scam enablers The Thai government has endorsed a legal change that will hold banks, phone operators and social media owners responsible for damage from call-centre scams if they are found negligent or reckless. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society proposed the change, in the form of an amendment to an emergency decree on measures to solve technology crime. The cabinet approved it on Tuesday, said minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The amendment would penalise financial institutions, telecom and social media firms if it is found that financial damages to the public resulted from their failure to comply with anti-scam measures, the minister said. He did not elaborate on how responsibility would be determined. The amendment also requires telecom operators and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to suspend SIM cards suspected to have been used by scammers. As well, it allows authorities to return stolen money to victims without having to wait for cases to be finalised in court. In addition, the penalty for revealing personal data without consent has been increased to a maximum of 5 million baht and/or 5 years in prison. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2949362/thailand-toughens-punishments-for-scam-enablers

From Bangkok Post Train ridership surged 60% across Greater Bangkok on Sunday, the second day of the government’s week-long offer of free public transport to help combat air pollution, the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) said on Tuesday. DRT director-general Pichet Kunathammarak said ridership on the city's electric train network shot up 60.90% on Sunday, to 1,549,622 trips, over the three previous Sundays in January. The figure was up on the 45.29% growth in Saturday’s ridership, the first day of the free public transport campaign. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2948581/free-public-transport-gives-big-boost-to-bangkok-train-trip-numbers

Read FB post today that's reporting sailors and marines have barfined every girl on Walking Street. Bar was so busy that he couldn't get his check and waitress just replied "Mai pen rai."

Friend in Bangkok used BTS today and confirms that many more riders are taking advantage of free fares. Said he had to wait for several trains to pass before his queue could board so doesn't sound like additional service was provided.

Agree that the bar "makes most of its revenue from bottles by big spending customers" but floor boys can only make serious money by being offed. Jupiter is decidedly more popular because it provides a specific type of guy that attracts a wider audience, especially Asian women in addition to big spenders. Jupiter is also located on an alley popular with locals and tourists alike.

From Pattaya Mail A dense layer of dust severely impacted visibility across Bangkok, particularly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports, on January 26. This resulted in several flights being diverted to alternative airports with better visibility. The hazardous air quality conditions, caused by high concentrations of particulate matter (PM 2.5), disrupted flight operations and posed a health risk to the public. The thick haze was so severe that pilots, who were not certified for low-visibility landings or did not have the proper training or clearance, could not land at the airports. Planes were forced to divert to other airports where conditions were safer. In a post on social media, Captain Faisal, a pilot, shared an image of the hazy sky, stating that many flights were grounded or rerouted due to the low visibility, with only certified pilots and airlines being able to perform the necessary maneuvers to land. The dust crisis not only disrupted air travel but also prompted health advisories urging people to limit outdoor activities. Authorities continued to monitor the air quality throughout the day as the dust levels remained dangerously high. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thick-dust-disrupts-flights-at-suvarnabhumi-and-don-mueang-airports-diverting-several-planes-488498 ============== In response to the alarming levels of PM2.5 air pollution affecting various regions in Thailand, Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, on January 26, unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to safeguard public health under the slogan “Check, Use, Avoid, Reduce, Close.” These recommendations aim to raise awareness and encourage proactive steps to mitigate health risks associated with fine particulate pollution. The Ministry has categorized PM2.5 pollution levels into five color-coded tiers, with specific actions recommended for each: Blue (0-15 µg/m³): General public: Safe to engage in all outdoor activities. Sensitive groups: Activities can proceed as usual. Green (15.1-25 µg/m³): General public: Outdoor activities remain safe. Sensitive groups: Minimize strenuous outdoor activities and monitor for health issues. Yellow (25.1-37.5 µg/m³): General public: Reduce outdoor exercise and physical labor. Sensitive groups: Limit time spent outdoors, wear protective masks, and seek medical advice if symptoms occur. Orange (37.6-75 µg/m³): General public: Minimize outdoor physical activity, wear masks, and consult a doctor for unusual symptoms. Sensitive groups: Avoid strenuous activities, remain in dust-free environments, and take extra precautions. Red (>75 µg/m³): General public: Refrain from outdoor physical activity, use protective measures, and stay indoors as much as possible. Sensitive groups: Avoid outdoor exposure entirely, maintain dust-free spaces, and ensure access to essential medications. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thai-public-health-minister-highlights-5-pm2-5-protection-tips-check-use-avoid-reduce-close-488484

I long ago lost my fascination with Moonlight. What I reading above tells me that some in the show bar business may be trying to hitch their wagon to the "soft power" that politicians are so fond of promoting. While soft power may indeed work with attractions like Thai cuisine, Muay Thai and Moo Deng, it's "hard" power that built the bar business and those who forget that do so at their peril.

Although I don't ask group of guys out, I regularly meet one of my favorite Bangkok massage guys for food and beers after he finishes work. He speak English and is great company. On occasion his brother (who works at different shop) may join us. Have never been asked by either for any compensation but do give them taxi fare home.

Good to hear that things worked out for you. Have had good luck with the Lao guys at the large Avarin shop.

I think we both agree what what we can't deny.

You still can't deny that the Khmer Rouge was a communist party.

You can't deny that the Khmer Rouge was a communist party. From Wikipedia The Khmer Rouge[a] is the name that was popularly given to members of the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) and by extension to the Democratic Kampuchea through which the CPK ruled Cambodia between 1975 and 1979. The name was coined in the 1960s by Norodom Sihanouk to describe his country's heterogeneous, communist-led dissidents, with whom he allied after the 1970 Cambodian coup d'état https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Rouge

From The Jurist The Cambodian government Friday approved a draft law that aims to punish those who ignore, minimize or deny the crimes committed by the communist regime between 1975 and 1979. Under the revised law, the civil penalty for genocide denial will now be increased to one to five years imprisonment and 10 million to 50 million riels (USD $2480 to $12,400). The draft law is an amendment to the original 2013 anti-genocide denial law. The original law enforced a punishment of six months to two years imprisonment and a fine of 1 million to 4 million riels (USD$248 to $992). The announcement of the draft law comes 50 years after the Khmer Rouge seized power in 1975. “Khmer Rouge” refers to both the regime of the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) between 1975 and 1979, as well to the members of the Communist Party of Kampuchea. After seizing power in 1975, the Khmer Rouge attempted a nationwide socialist revolution that involved forced migration of civilians into rural areas in a “great leap forward,” aiming to transform the country into a homogeneous agrarian worker-peasant society. During their five-year reign, the Khmer Rouge perpetrated widespread systematic enslavement, enforced population transfer, extermination, and attacks against human dignity on millions of civilians in Cambodia. The attacks were perpetrated on political, national, ethnic, racial and religious grounds. https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/01/cambodia-government-approves-updated-anti-genocide-law/

Due to elections, there will also be alcohol sales bans in affected provinces, which includes Phuket and Pattaya/Chonburi (But not Bangkok) from 6:00 PM on Friday, January the 31st, to 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 1st. This will shut down popular entertainment venues, clubs, bars, etc during that time window. Restaurants can stay open but not sell alcohol.

From Pattaya Mail There must be easier ways EDITORIAL The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that all foreign passport holders will need to fill in a pre-departure online TM6 form starting in May. The main reason is likely the introduction of 60 days visa exempt for umpteen millions of tourists which began last July. They can just turn up at the airport or border post without any documentation, a move which critics say is an open invitation to wannabe criminals (notably Chinese) of one sort or another. Presumably the computerized form, not yet available, will ask for Thai address details as well as passport-related information. The Ministry says that the online TM6 – a replacement for the old manual landing card which was suspended years ago because of the impossible-to-read scribbled writing, is not a visa but just an information card. Immigration officials at airports and borders can still access via their installed computers an individual’s travel history, and whether he or she is banned and/or has a previous conviction or is wanted by Interpol. The new part is a statement by the traveller of his or her local address in Thailand. How all this affects other address-related bureaucracies post-arrival, such as TM30 (in theory completed by the hotel or house master) and TM47 (the 90 days report) still remains up in the air. But the Ministry wants all foreigners, not just the visa exempts, to complete the TM6 computerized form prior to arrival. This is likely to produce some head scratching. Many expats have already provided details of their Thai address to local immigration, including documentary proof such as rental contracts or condominium unit ownership or a blue/yellow house book. But they now find themselves having to duplicate that information if they leave the country and return. A separate issue are the Destination Thailand Visa holders who are in the digital nomad category: many frequently change their address as they are neither retired and settled, nor workers earning money within Thailand. Apparently, there are further entry procedures under review. An ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization as well as a form to collect 300 baht tourist tax are still being mulled over, even though government publicity last year claimed they would be in force, or at any rate on pilot, by January 2025. It is small wonder that many visitors to Thailand are befuddled by the ongoing confusion, mostly created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in charge of embassies and entry rules) and not by the Immigration Bureau (in charge of processing and monitoring arrivals). Whilst neighboring Cambodia has about a quarter of the number of visitors to Thailand, she has an entry system which appears simpler and more comprehensive. Most arrivals have applied online for an e-visa and/or be required to obtain one at the airport or border. The required details include a Cambodian address and phone number. If an individual stays longer than 30 days, to apply for an extension or to take advantage of a variety of longstay permits, he or she must ensure inclusion on the computerized data base Foreigner Present in Cambodia System or FPCS. The app must be updated every time the visitor moves home internally. Not a perfect system by any means, but at least it doesn’t spread confusion and disenchantment about the host country. Those concerns are all too obvious in the Land of Smiles. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/editorial/there-must-be-easier-ways-to-admit-foreigners-into-thailand-488385

Closest I came to "outdoors" was being squeezed between two Thai uni students on the BTS Green line at rush hour. I had intended to get off at Phloen Chit but stayed on until they departed at Thong Lo.

They haven't got the balls.

Not to mention planes, trains and automobiles.

JJ has been a regular at 15M Massage near Saphan Kwai BTS station. He is a very friendly and personable masseur with an easy smile and is conversational in English. His muscular, compact body is a plus.

NOTE -- Begs the questions whether the Khlong Toei slum is the site authorities have in mind. From The Thaiger The Transport Ministry has approved a proposal for Bangkok Port to host an integrated entertainment complex. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit referenced an instruction from his deputy, Manaporn Charoensri, to establish a committee to assess the feasibility of developing such complexes at locations like ports. Several potential sites are under consideration. Suriya highlighted the Khlong Toei area of Bangkok Port as a prime candidate due to its ample land, scenic river views, and potential transformation into a yacht marina. As a deputy prime minister, he noted Bangkok’s suitability for this development. He mentioned that the decision for a complex in the eastern region, possibly in Laem Chabang or Pattaya, which may include a casino, rests with a national committee. The Transport Ministry does not have the authority to determine the location. Sangsit Piriyarangsan, an academic focused on social issues related to gambling, voiced concerns about the government’s ability to manage additional problems from legal gambling, given the existing issues with illegal gambling operations. As a former senator and author of The Gambling Demon of Bangkok, Sangsit warned that legalising gambling could exacerbate problems and increase governmental burdens. https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/transport-ministry-bangkok-port-to-host-entertainment-complex

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon All – yes all – foreigners hoping to enter Thailand by air, land or sea from the beginning of May will need to complete a digital “landing card” form in advance of making their journey. The online form, known as TM6, is not yet available. It will be free. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the only exceptions will be those travelling on a Thai passport. What information will the TM6 require? You will need the usual biographical details on your passport, together with a local telephone number and your initial Thai address. This information used to be collected on the manual TM6 form which was once handed out to tired passengers just before arrival. That pointless paper system was suspended in stages – first for air arrivals and then for land and sea – and is not currently in use. Immigration staff often could not read the scribbled details anyway written in haste after a long flight. The paper on-arrival TM6, in practice a waste of time as the information was not entered into the immigration system, is being replaced by an online version to be submitted prior to your journey to Thailand. Does it matter whether I am visa-exempt for 60 days or have a visa? No. The new rule applies to all non-Thais whether they are visa-exempt, visa on arrival, non-immigrant visa holders, Elite, Destination Thailand Visa, Long Term Residence etc etc. All must fill in the online TM6 form separately from any other embassy or immigration bureaucracy. Also irrelevant is whether or not you have a re-entry permit. None of it makes any difference. Tourists from 93 countries who currently obtain 60 days on arrival without any forms will need to complete the TM6 online. But nothing more. So the online TM6 isn’t a visa? It’s not a visa but an entry requirement irrespective of visa status. It is obvious that the key information is for the foreigners to give his or her address in Thailand. In theory, this information is available on a manual TM30 form submitted in paper form soon after arrival. But many tourists and expats do not regularly update their TM30, or have never heard of it, leading to enormous gaps in the immigration data base. The assumption is that the TM30 will disappear and replaced by the online TM6. If foreigners change their address whilst in Thailand, they will presumably be able to update the TM6 on their mobile device. Why all this fuss about knowing your address in Thailand? There are lots of reasons: to help track down criminals and unsavory characters, to streamline entry procedures, to reduce manual form filling etc. Embassies for their part are keen that immigration offices know the address of foreigners in Thailand in case of an emergency, eg a relative has died. If foreigners fail to update their Thai address details, and are found out, there will presumably be penalties but that’s another wait and see issue. Is TM6 different from Entry Travel Authorization? ETA, a forthcoming pre arrival form for visa exempt categories, has been postponed. They and all other foreigners must use the TM6. Also postponed is the 300 baht entry tax which has been debated for eight years and is still not in operation and won’t be any time soon. TM6 is free. It should be noted that most countries now have some kind of computerized bureaucracy which details the foreigner and his or her local address shortly before arrival. Will there be more details published by the government? Yes there are ambiguities, some highlighted in the above paragraphs. The final details hopefully will be announced next month after a briefing meeting for stakeholders on January 31. The immigration bureau has already reviewed the upcoming online system. Eventually the government hopes to integrate the TM6 bureaucracy with other immigration screening procedures. Eventually! https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/huge-change-on-may-1-2025-for-foreigners-visiting-thailand-488282

From Bangkok Post An automatic check-in system at Don Mueang airport developed a problem early Saturday morning, resulting in long queues and flight delays. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that the system started to resume at around 9.45am. Airport staff were assigned to assist passengers. Travellers scheduled to fly were advised to allow at least three hours for check-in or to check in online in advance if they did not have luggage. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) president Kirati Kijmanawat said that the SITA Passenger Service System (SITA PSS) for the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) experienced a technical issue during an update at about 1am, affecting check-ins and causing flight delays. Technicians were racing against time to solve it. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2947317/don-mueang-airports-automatic-check-in-system-malfunctions-causing-flight-delays

From Pattaya News Suspects disclose what tourists they target At 6:00 PM on January 23rd, Pol. Col. Navin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, held a press conference to announce the arrest of two transgender individuals who were reportedly involved in two recent theft cases against Indian and Turkish tourists. The police arrested Kachaphaphak or “Sara,” 42, under an arrest warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court on January 22nd, 2025. The suspect was charged with theft at night. On January 19th, at approximately 11:25 PM, Kachaphaphak allegedly stole a gold necklace from an Indian tourist near Pattaya Beach, in front of the Hard Rock Hotel. The police also arrested Samai, 39, under an arrest warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial on January 23rd, 2025. The suspect was charged with theft at night using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, transport stolen property, and evade capture. On January 22nd, at around 4:30 AM, Samai allegedly pickpocketed a Turkish tourist on Pattaya Second Road, opposite a hotel on Soi 8. During questioning, both suspects reportedly admitted to the crimes. They stated that after stealing valuables, they would sell them and use the money to visit male host bars. Once the money ran out, they would commit theft again, targeting tourists who walked alone late at night, appeared drunk, and wore necklaces or carried wallets while walking along the beach or in less crowded areas. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/24/pattaya-police-arrest-two-transgender-suspects-for-stealing-from-foreign-tourists/