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Had all the Eagles' albums back in the day. My favorite all time group.

https://m.facebook.com/61553903012323/

Although unrelated to the on-line business in Japan, this article from last year explores a commercial outdoor scene. From Asahi Shimbun Male prostitutes on tourist visas busted in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district An increasing number of male foreign nationals are approaching men in and around Okubo Park in Tokyo’s infamous Kabukicho district to offer sexual services in exchange for money. Since the end of November, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has caught four of these men in the act of solicitation, which violates the Tokyo metropolitan government’s nuisance prevention ordinance. This is the first time in three years following a lull in activity during the COVID-19 travel restrictions that Tokyo police have made any arrests for violating that particular ordinance. According to investigative sources, two Filipino nationals and two Thai nationals between the ages of 26 and 37 were arrested. They are suspected of illegal solicitation and waiting for customers. The men reportedly told investigators that, “There are women waiting for customers in Kabukicho, so I thought I could do the same,” and “A friend told me I could engage in prostitution-like activities in Okubo Park.” One of the four is a Filipino national, 26, who entered Japan in late November for a short-term stay. He said he had four to five customers a day, charged 10,000 yen ($70) to 20,000 yen each time and earned about a million yen over 15 days. He began coming to Japan for short stays this summer to make money and was arrested on his third visit. Under Japan’s Anti-Prostitution Law, waiting for customers for the purpose of prostitution is illegal. However, the law only applies to women. On the other hand, the Tokyo ordinance prohibits soliciting and waiting for customers for the purpose of prostitution-like activities regardless of gender. According to police, foreign nationals have been offering sexual services around the park for some time. During to the COVID-19 pandemic, this activity was reduced significantly. Since September, however, Tokyo police have been receiving reports of “people standing around the park for the purpose of soliciting prostitution.” The police believe that these men have been entering Japan on a short-term visa since the pandemic-related border control measures were eased. During the crackdown, police said they noticed suspicious men watching the area. Police believe that lookouts warn the prostitutes when police are approaching. The number of male foreign nationals soliciting male customers is increasing on the streets in and around the Wakabacho district in Yokohama’s Naka Ward as well, and Kanagawa prefectural police are stepping up their efforts to uncover them.

Must be something because same individual chose to victimize 73 others before doing same to this tourist. Transgender individuals have a history of targeting tourists.

Thanks for the detailed report. Certainly gives us reason to put Japan on short list. Thought you were wise to trust your instincts in all matters.

Sorry but I don't have any additional information. Suggest you try contacting author (Barry Kenyon) at Pattaya Mail. He has many contacts in the diplomatic community. +66 81 850 0983 ptymail@pattayamail.com

From Bangkok Post 48-year-old transexual was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly swindling a Japanese man, the latest in a decade of similar offences against mostly Japanese men, adding up to about 26 million baht. According to police sources, the arrest of Uthai Nanthakhan aka Amy followed a fraud complaint from a Japanese man aged 36. He filed the complaint at the Thong Lor police station. The victim said he got to know Uthai in January. At that time the suspect told him she was a visitor from Hong Kong. After meeting several times, she duped him into making payments for her. Police said the suspect usually told victims, mostly Japanese men, that she had lost her wallet and passport during her trip and needed to borrow money for such things as applying for a new passport, medications and medical treatment, and insurance. The suspect's fraud record dated back to 2011, with 73 victims tricked out of about 26 million baht altogether. This year police received complaints from three victims who said they lost about 4 million baht. The suspect had been jailed for a similar crime in 2015 and released in 2018.

I prefer this guy🙂

I'm leaving that up to my trust attorney. Have already decided if I pass in LOS body will be cremated there. Expats have likely made plans but visitors rarely do.

Your TR's are always a breath of fresh air and you certainly didn't disappoint this time. You have great respect for the boys and they for you. Hope our trips coincide next time. 🙏

Carlos Yulo is cuter and has killer body. 😍

From Pattaya News Paris, France – In a quarter finals showdown at the 2024 Olympic Games badminton tournament, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, known by his nickname of View, the 8th seed and 8th-ranked player globally and also world champion, delivered a remarkable performance. Facing off against China’s Shi Yuqi, the reigning world number one seeded player, Vitidsarn secured a convincing victory in straight sets. The match, held at the Adidas Arena on Friday night, witnessed Vitidsarn’s exceptional form as he dominated the court. The Thai shuttler triumphed with a commanding scoreline of 21-12 and 21-10, leaving no room for doubt about his prowess. With this impressive win, View advances to the semifinals, where he will continue his quest for Olympic gold. This is the first time in twenty years Thailand has made it to the singles Badminton semi finals at the Olympics.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Dying is a grave affair and not getting any cheaper in Pattaya. The myth persists that you can cremate a friend or loved one for around 20,000 baht (US$570) and that the main factor is which temple you choose. Whilst it is true that the further you move from central Pattaya the cheaper they come, my recent experience as the person authorized-by-the-relatives-in-UK has revealed that the actual costs are distributed much more diffusely. It was quite an undertaking. If you die, or nearly, at home or in the street, you will likely be taken to a hospital. Each of which in both the private and public sector has its own ferrying ambulance service. Separately, at least one private hospital has a mobile intensive care unit whose costs may leave you staggered. My case involved the volunteer Sawangboriboon Foundation taking the deceased to one of the smaller hospitals where doctors worked frantically on cardiopulmonary resuscitation to try and revive a patient who (it seemed to me) had already shuffled off this mortal coil. This “service” cost 19,000 baht (US$540). The local police, as is their wont, then appeared and explained that all deaths require an autopsy unless the patient dies in hospital as an in-patient with a full history of treatment. They also suggested that city hall would issue the death certificate. That’s true, but only after the autopsy I found out later. Sawangboriboon offered to make the arrangements to take the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine (the morgue), part of the sprawling police headquarters at Rama IV, Bangkok. The transportation cost was a very reasonable 2,000 baht (US$60). Next on the list comes a visit to the embassy in Bangkok to collect an authorization letter to be shown at the Institute. You will certainly need your original passport and that of the deceased, not copies. On arrival at the morgue, it was disconcerting to see that the queue “to visit a dead body” was 50 strong in front of me, mostly the next of kin of Thai road accident victims. There are, of course, ways to shorten the waiting time from several hours to about 40 minutes which can be best left to your imagination. You will be issued with the autopsy report which may contain scant information other than “respiratory failure and circulatory problems”. The cost here was 5,000 baht (US$140) inclusive of a preserving injection to delay decomposition and rental costs in the refrigerator. Not expensive, as it’s the official state rate for Thais and foreigners alike. You will likely be offered by mortuary staff a one-stop service to provide a shroud and coffin, to deliver the body to the temple of choice in Pattaya and provide the all-important death certificate from City Hall. There is also a requirement to obtain a clearance letter from the local police that there is no evidence of a crime connected to the fatality. As you will probably be as exhausted as I was by this time, you will almost certainly agree to the one-stop-shop notion which is truly efficient. The inclusive charge was 9,500 baht (US$270). The temple authorities (you have an enormous choice in and around Pattaya) charged 24,500 baht (US$700) which included preparing the body, providing a simple ceremony to note the passing of an individual before his or her reincarnation and the actual cremation which is officially known as hygienic disposal. You may also need to purchase incidentals such as fresh flowers, the services of coffin bearers at the actual service, even makeup. The mortician, I was told, is the last person to put a smile on your face. If you include your personal travel expenses (one or two trips to Bangkok), the total is another and final 10,000 baht (US$285) at least. Leaving aside wills (known here as “dead giveaways” although my case involved a person who died intestate) and distribution of the estate, the total cost of the cremation was around 70,000 baht or about US$2,000. You may think you could do it cheaper or use a Thai to delegate the whole thing by power of attorney. But Thai colleagues told me that wouldn’t have made much difference. In a resort such as Pattaya, dying is a commercial business like any other. Especially if you are a farang.

From The Thaiger Cebu Pacific introduces its inaugural direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai, starting October 29. This new route marks the airline’s fourth destination in Thailand, adding to its existing services from Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports.

+1 Jason's diving images and videos are wonderful examples. Divers who do the pairs--regardless of where they're from--typically become almost identical twins and develop a closeness given to displays of affection that isn't lost on this audience. Thanks for giving us something to cheer about.

That would be akin to saying that all Germans were like Hitler; all Japanese were like their WWII leaders; all Russians are like Putin; all Venezuelans are like Maduro, etc. To most of Trump's supporters, he's a figurehead they rally around because they need to feel part of a social movement that binds them together. They want to be told who to blame for everything from inflation to crime. Trump is that vehicle and a very dangerous one, I agree.

I have a first-hand report that foreigners re-entering Thailand from Cambodia land border received 60-day visa exemption. However, the all-inclusive cost of the transportation services that facilitate the process has increased by 500 baht. There doesn't seem to be any complaints.

From Thai PBS World The Apple company has offered an apology for the recent release of the fifth instalment of its “Underdogs” series of promotional films, which sparked outrage in Thailand. They have also agreed to stop disseminating it. In its statement, Apple said that the shooting of the fifth instalment of the “Underdogs” series in Thailand, in cooperation with a Thai company, was intended to reflect Thai culture in a positive way. The ad was not, however, seen as appropriately or adequately reflecting the contemporary Thai way of life, said Apple, as it offered an apology. Earlier, Apple had suspended the comments section on its YouTube page for the ad. As of July 28, it had attracted 5.1 million views, approximately ten days after its release. The ten-minute featurette, described as a comedy thriller, featured four company employees racing around Thailand to meet their clients’ demands for design and quantity.

From The Nation Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the 2023 men’s badminton world champion, is poised to take on the current world No 1 Shi Yuqi of China following his victory over Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in the round of 16 knockout match at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in Paris on Thursday. Despite being troubled by poor air ventilation in the first game, the world No. 8 lost the opening game 16-21 and trailed by three points early in the second game. However, Kunlavut raised his level, cut down on unforced errors, and intensified his attack to bounce back and win the match “I made way too many mistakes and played under pressure in the first game. But after that, I stopped worrying about the results and tried to play faster to wear him down,” Kunlavut said. A herculean task awaits Kunlavut on Friday evening when he faces China’s Shi, who has collected four titles this season, including the French Open, where he defeated the Thai in straight games in March. “I will enter the match as an underdog since he is a better player in every aspect, whether it’s technique, physical condition, or experience. In fact, I have already reached my goal by advancing to this stage of the competition. I will do my best,” Kunlavut told reporters. Kunlavut and Ratchanok Inthanon are the only two Thais remaining in the badminton competition. The former world champion, Ratchanok, will play her women’s singles quarter-final match against Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia on Saturday.

From Pattaya News Kasikornbank (KBANK) has collaborated with Pattaya City to introduce the FX EV Car, an electric vehicle designed for mobile foreign currency exchange services, to enhance convenience for both Thai and international customers. Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngamphichet welcomed Mr. Boonthep Jiraphat, Assistant Managing Director of Kasikornbank and other Kasikornbank officials yesterday, August 1st, at the Pattaya City Hall. Both parties met to officially launch the FX EV Car, which is 100% electric and serves as the first-ever mobile foreign currency exchange service in Pattaya. Mr. Boonthep announced that Kasikornbank plans to participate in all events in Pattaya, such as the New Year’s Countdown, International Fireworks, Pattaya Music Festival, and Pattaya Marathon. The EV vehicles will be stationed at these events to provide foreign currency exchange services to tourists.

He was, of course, shocked...shocked. It was apparently well concealed secret. From The Thaiger The Minister of Public Health (MOPH) plans to clean up traditional Thai massage shops after 75% were found to secretly offer sex services. The Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, stated he aims to clean up the seedy side of the industry and promote Thai massage as a soft power. The President of the Charawi Association for the Preservation of Thai Massage, Phithak Yotha, urged the MOPH to investigate foreigners working illegally in Thailand’s wellness industry. He also requested the ministry simplify massage therapist registration and encourage Thai massage as a soft power. Minister Somsak agreed with Phithak’s suggestions, stating they align with the government’s measures to promote Thai massage. Somsak disclosed that the Department of Health Service Support will improve Thai massage therapists’ skills and certify those able to treat musculoskeletal issues as Grade A therapists. Massage service costs will also be standardised. Somsak then highlighted the illegal sex services secretly offered in some Thai traditional massage shops, which could negatively impact Thai massage. The minister stated that all massage parlours in Thailand must be free of sexual services. Somsak threatened to close down all shops secretly operating as brothels. He hopes to clean up all massage parlours within two months before the next fiscal year begins. The Director of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Taweesin Visanuyothin, reported that only 25% of massage parlours in Thailand operate legally, while the remaining 75% illegally offer sexual services. Charawi Association President Phithak urged the MOPH to investigate those illegal massage shops, which can be found almost everywhere, especially in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit and Thong Lo areas. Phithak stated that some illegal parlours use the word “massage” to disguise prostitution, even when it was clear they only offer sexual services. He cited an example of a parlour advertising massage with promotional models known in Thailand as “Massage with Pretties.” In a related report, a massage shop in Chiang Mai was raided for illegally providing sex services. The shop was also found to be paying bribes to various government departments to cover up the illegal prostitution.

Probably should have since my friend was picking up the check. A little research tells me that the owner, 76, closed Bay Wolf in 2015 after 40 years. It was reborn, however, a few years later as The Wolf and appears to be still in business at same location. Wouldn't be surprised if Ggobkk (now posting in "Time to return" thread) is familiar with the place.

Almost as much as you, I'd imagine.👒

From Vietnam+ Phnom Penh (VNA) - The Senate of Cambodia on July 31 approved a draft law on the ratification of the convention on the unification of rules relating to international air transport, called the Montreal Convention 1999, local media reported. The approval was made during an extraordinary session of the fifth legislature of the Senate, held under the chairmanship of Senate President Hun Sen. The draft law was approved by the National Assembly during its second session of the seventh legislature organised on July 25 under the presidency of its President Khuon Sudary. Cambodia has been a signatory to the Montreal Convention since 1999 but has yet to ratify it. Countries in Asia that have ratified the convention include the Philippines (2015), Thailand (2017), Indonesia (2017), Vietnam (2018), Sri Lanka (2019), and Brunei (2020). With the law officially promulgated, it will allow Cambodia to legally ratify the 1999 Montreal Convention, which will eventually pave the way to further building confidence for air travellers and international air transport enterprises operating in and with Cambodia. Meanwhile, the international air transport associations are promoting the Montreal Convention to become a modern, equitable, and unique global convention to bring the quality of the aviation sector to a new height. ================ What is the Montreal Convention? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Convention