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“For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing that they like.” 🙂
Maggie Smith in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

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
 
 
 

While having dinner with three others at G’s on Soi 4 the other night, one member of our party got up to use rest room. When he returned, Guido’s cat had taken the opportunity occupy his seat. The quick thinking waiter—acknowledging that negotiation wasn’t an option—simply moved the chair to the head of the table and found a replacement for the temporarily displaced diner. 
For the remainder of our meal, the cat presided over the table, lifting his head only occasionally. He charitably permitted me to pet him under his chin on my way out. He rules the house with the disposition of a Jupiter model.

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."

From Forbes

Laos may be a landlocked country without a tropical coastline, but it makes up for it with stunning mountain scenery, lush rice paddies and the mighty Mekong River which runs through its territory. Still wild and largely untouched, it offers a fascinating array of cultural attractions, outdoor experiences and timeless charm.
With its mix of Buddhist temples, colonial architecture and jungle fauna, Luang Prabang is one of the overlooked jewels of southeast Asia. First inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, its heritage has been preserved in time and its traditions remain an enduring attraction. It’s still common to see locals give alms to monks each morning around 6am: sticky rice, crackers or cookies given as an act of charity to monks who rely on these expressions of good will.
Orange Robe Tours, one of many social enterprises in town, hires former Novices and Monks to lead tours around Luang Prabang. These culturally-immersive experiences provide unique insight into the life of a Buddhist monk, and help ease the transition from temple life to layperson life.
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) is another entity helping to preserve and share Laotian traditions with the public. Through its museum exhibits, education activities and livelihoods development programme, the TAEC educates visitors on the main ethnic groups of Laos, and empowers local communities to actively manage their own cultural heritage.
Continues with photos
https://www.forbes.com/sites/liviahengel/2023/03/30/laos-travel-guide-one-week-in-southeast-asias-most-charming-country

From Travel and Leisure

In the ancient city of Luang Prabang, even popular spots feel intimate. Boats cruise the Mekong River — almost all head out around golden hour and cruise through twilight — yet it seems as if you’re floating alone on this iconic waterway, which flows from China to Vietnam and through Northern Laos on its way.

As I lay on the wooden deck of a traditional slow boat, one that Sofitel Luang Prabang uses for guests, I watched the outline of the hills in the distance, and in the foreground, fishermen standing on their respective sampans. For a moment, time stood still; it was just the fishermen, me, and the Mekong.
Visitor numbers have surged here in recent months (mostly due to the border with neighboring China reopening), but Luang Prabang remains relatively under the radar among U.S. travelers. Should someone arrive in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, they can access Luang Prabang via a new high-speed rail link that takes just two hours; the route will soon continue north and up to China. However, if you’re like me, you will fly in from Bangkok. From there, Air Asia and Bangkok Airways offer daily service for the less than two-hour flight to Vientiane.
Some 500,000 people, across more than 60 different ethnic groups, call Luang Prabang home, the Khmu, Lao Loum, and Hmong being the largest Indigenous nations. People here live a decidedly laid-back and unhurried life. It’s a stark contrast to, say, Bangkok or Saigon, neighboring Southeast Asian cities that offer international flights to this former royal capital.
In early May, the region was hot and steamy, the sky a hazy grayish-blue and permanently on the cusp of a storm that would provide temporary relief. I spent my early mornings and late evenings on the quietest streets of Luang Prabang, which you’ll find on the promontory of the historic district between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, east of the Royal Palace. These streets contain the largest number of heritage buildings and are a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the markets. 
The morning market, operating from around 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily, is located in a mini-maze of alleys and backstreets near the center of town. It’s the place to be if you want to get a taste of how people here really live. Most of the vendors — who sell everything from grilled sticky rice (khao jee) and mung bean coconut rice cakes to sun-cured pork naem, plus the day’s catch — are set up on the ground.

The night market operates from around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily and is more of a tourist-focused affair, with an array of vendors setting up shop on streets that are closed to cars. While the red and blue tents along the main thoroughfare sell souvenirs and art pieces, the market has street food galore as well, like Laotian baguettes, laap, and green papaya salad.     Continues at https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-visit-luang-prabang-laos-7555706  

From The Nation
Ignite Venture has acquired the Montien Hotel precinct in Silom, a significant deal encompassing the 500-room Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, the 179-unit Surawong Residences, the Montien Shopping Mall, and car parking facilities.
The transaction marks a new phase for the 58-year-old Montien Hotel, situated on a 10-rai (around 3.95 acres) leasehold plot secured from The Thai Red Cross Society. The accumulated lease value for the 25-year term is reported to be over 2.5 billion baht.
Ignite Venture, backed by Jade Partners and the Aura Group, brings together expertise in capital investment, property, and hotel management.
Thunyatorn Nattatum, managing partner at Jade Partners, stated the aim is to "celebrate its heritage while preparing it for the next generation." Panon Leelamanit, a director at Ignite Venture, highlighted the resilience of Thailand's hotel and tourism sector.
Tantakitt Co., Ltd., the previous leaseholder, will retain a minority stake in Ignite Venture. Conduit House, a Thai hotel operator, has been appointed to manage the hotel and associated properties.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40049200
========
 
Snapped this photo during last trip, showing huge gathering of tuk-tuks opposite entrance to Montien Hotel. They were waiting to whisk tour group to evening attractions in Krung Thep.

Attended FB from 9:20:to 11:45 last night. About 40 guys playing to nearly full house by 10:30. Dozen guys in bc show. Rotation breaks up show about midway through.
Instead of walking down main staircase, turned left to check out how Hot Male upstairs bar was faring under new management. It proved quite busy with host waiters—and I suspect some show boys—were drinking with good number of patrons.
Did not go into show bar.
 
 
 

Under new management, the staff at Midnight Bar (formerly known as Hot Male Beer Bar) appears to have settled on new attire for bar staff of white shirts. Under the predominant blue lighting, they do indeed stand out.
Freshboy, which for a long time utilized a few waiters to act as barkers, now has 2-3 dedicated staff in red polo shirts on the soi, doing the job. And they must be effective because the house was packed Saturday night for the shows. Even some of the benches boys use when not on stage were occupied by customers.
A non member tells me that he went to Atlas Bar Friday. Show started at 10:50 with total of 16 customers. He didn’t see any twinks  and there was no f show. Saw one guy get offed. A member reports that a bodybuilding competition scheduled for next month has been postponed.

The. Netflix crime series “The Crooks” is entering its third week of filming on Patpong 2 tonight. As I passed by a crew member was shouting “everybody quiet” and “get ready for a shoot.”

I was with Jason at FB and can confirm his description that they have no problem in finding new blood that fit seamlessly into the mix of about 40 guys  on stage.  I was happy to find a twink I first met at the since closed SOL bar (now Atlas) in the rotation. What surprised me was when he stepped on stage for the big cock show. He may have been smallest guy in all aspects except one that counts 🙂. Also appeared in a dance routine. 
There are fair number of twunks in the mix that represent greater ASEAN. And unlike Jupiter, they’re the first to beam a smile your way. And if they sit with you, they are very interactive from the get go. I enjoyed more massage from a handful of guys than I get in some shops!
The seven in the BC show circulate among the crowd naked for tips. Love watching them approach the female guests, most of whom are young women tourists in groups. For some I’m sure it’s their first handful. 
The show itself moves along quickly. There are only two lip-syncing performances but both well done. Remainder of show is guys in erotic routines.

Dropped by Midnight bar (formerly Hot Male beer bar) about 11:30 tonight.
Hotmale show bar and HM upstairs bar have been sold. The buyers were reportedly former manager of HM and two other locals. They purchased it from same individual who owns Moonlight.
Bartenders and waiters now wearing more casual attire. 
Bar staff was asked whether they wanted to remain downstairs or go up stairs with new owners. It seems that just about all opted to remain below.
Other than that, you won’t notice any difference.
 

I know and agree.

Phoenix Massage has posted a new video of what appears to be its complete line up, featuring some new masseurs. Found it well worth viewing.
The LINE ID is Phoenix25.
(If you're unable to locate video, send them a text and they can send it to you).

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

Thailand already has difficulty attracting enough bodies to fill existing jobs in construction and hospitality.
This mirrors what Trump is doing in the US that has difficulty attracting citizens to fill the jobs in construction and hospitality: blame the immigrants.

This topic covers a very wide range of relationships' "My guy" can infer very different levels of intimacy. To some it's their favorite guy or someone they look forward to seeing if he's still available when they return. To others, it means a boy friend or close friend. In any case, every one assigns a different definition that is unique to their circumstance.
To me, it's paramount never to embarrass the guy; never cause him to lose face. If we can do that, we stand a good chance of keeping those important to us close.
 
 
 
 
 

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

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

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

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

When my car broke down in the early 90, I borrowed a co-worker's car for the day and used it to check out some car dealers. It was an '88 Yugo and when I parked it outside a showroom, the sales staff would gather by the window and laugh. Can't really blame them.

Phoenix Massage has posted a new video of what appears to be its complete line up, featuring some new masseurs. Found it well worth viewing.
The LINE ID is Phoenix25.
(If you're unable to locate video, send them a text and they can send it to you).

There's no chunky or hairy....

When I 1st started going to Thailand, Boys Bangkok always had the widest variety of guys. I'd wonder, who the f*ck would pay that chunky guy to go for sex, and almost always, within 15 mins of saying that, there he was sitting next to a customer and ultimately being offed. So they knew that there was a market for everyone.

A friend that sold cars told me, there's an ass for every seat. People actually bought AMC Pacer's 🤷‍♂️

Just saying what was in the comments...only time will tell.

When I fly into some places that have been doing things like this already, airlines ensure you've filled out the form before you board, whereas other places you find out when you arrive that if you didn't , you have to at the last minute.