Makan in Thailand

[steveluv]

Just applied a ThaiPass a few minutes ago, received email said it will be ready in 1-2hrs. This is a big jump improvement.

[Freeder]

40 minutes ago, steveluv said:

Since you are there I highly recommend this restaurant - https://goo.gl/maps/8FM1CFmuVHJ4gKp2A

Will do so Sir..

[steveluv]

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Three-years-on-walls-start-closing-in-on-Thai-leader-Prayuth?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220613123000&seq_num=2&si=44594

Three years on, walls start closing in on Thai leader Prayuth
Cracks form within ruling coalition as countdown to next election begins

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha may soon face another vote of no confidence.   © Reuters
YOHEI MURAMATSU, Nikkei staff writerJune 11, 2022 13:05 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's Prayuth Chan-ocha faces an increasingly precarious position three years since he became prime minister, amid speculation that part of the ruling coalition could break ranks in an upcoming vote of no confidence.

On June 3, shortly after the lower house passed the draft fiscal 2023 budget, Prayuth said that "the overwhelming support for the bill reflects the increased stability of the government."

But the fate of the measure had been in question until the eleventh hour. Frustrated by their position within the pro-military ruling coalition, around 40 lawmakers from smaller parties were said to be considering opposing the bill.

Prayuth persuaded them to toe the line by promising parliamentary committee posts to their parties, local media report. The draft budget was ultimately passed with a vote of 278-192.

But Prayuth's troubles are far from over. The opposition led by the Pheu Thai Party, run by allies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is expected to submit a motion for a vote of no confidence in the coming weeks. Some believe that the same parties that considered breaking from the ruling coalition over the budget may actually do so for this vote.

At the heart of such speculation is Thamanat Prompow, who was secretary-general of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party until January. Thamanat was booted from the party over a failed attempt to turn against Prayuth in a separate no-confidence vote last September.

He now leads a different party within the ruling coalition and voted in favor of the budget. But he is said to still harbor ill will against Prayuth and is seen possibly leading another push to oust him.

Prayuth led the 2014 coup and subsequently became head of the military junta. After being elected prime minister by the parliament on June 5, 2019, he was officially appointed to the post by the king on June 11, 2019, a few months after the country's first general election since the coup.

The lower house's current term expires in March 2023. A new election must be held no later than May under the Thai constitution -- less than a year away.

Meanwhile, Prayuth and his pro-military ruling party face growing public pushback due to their crackdown on pro-democracy movements as well as Thailand's sluggish economic recovery from the coronavirus.

In the Bangkok gubernatorial race this May, widely seen as a bellwether of the next general election, Chadchart Sittipunt, a pro-Thaksin candidate, beat Aswin Kwanmuang, a former military-appointed governor who resigned just before the election, by a landslide. Palang Pracharath won just two seats in the Bangkok Metropolitan Council that day, despite having fielded candidates in all 50 districts.

The "big loss" has put Prayuth in a "difficult position," said Prajak Kongkirati, an associate professor on the faculty of political science at Thammasat University here, adding that his "popularity is coming down."

Thailand is the chair of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings and is scheduled to host the APEC summit in Bangkok this November.

"There's a view within the ruling party that Prayuth can't compete in the general election," a foreign diplomatic insider in Thailand said. "Even if he survives the no-confidence vote, there will be a growing push for him to resign voluntarily after the APEC summit."

The prime minister could still employ forceful political measures to tighten his grip on power again. He repeatedly postponed elections to transition the country back to democracy after the 2014 coup, and in 2020, the military-influenced Constitutional Court dissolved the opposition Future Forward Party.
 

[steveluv]

59 minutes ago, steveluv said:

Just applied a ThaiPass a few minutes ago, received email said it will be ready in 1-2hrs. This is a big jump improvement.

As promised the ThaiPass was approved in 56 minutes this time. A round of applause to ThaiPass.

Edited June 13, 2022 by steveluv

[Mooose]

56 minutes ago, steveluv said:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Turbulent-Thailand/Three-years-on-walls-start-closing-in-on-Thai-leader-Prayuth?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220613123000&seq_num=2&si=44594

Three years on, walls start closing in on Thai leader Prayuth
Cracks form within ruling coalition as countdown to next election begins

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha may soon face another vote of no confidence.   © Reuters
YOHEI MURAMATSU, Nikkei staff writerJune 11, 2022 13:05 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's Prayuth Chan-ocha faces an increasingly precarious position three years since he became prime minister, amid speculation that part of the ruling coalition could break ranks in an upcoming vote of no confidence.

On June 3, shortly after the lower house passed the draft fiscal 2023 budget, Prayuth said that "the overwhelming support for the bill reflects the increased stability of the government."

But the fate of the measure had been in question until the eleventh hour. Frustrated by their position within the pro-military ruling coalition, around 40 lawmakers from smaller parties were said to be considering opposing the bill.

Prayuth persuaded them to toe the line by promising parliamentary committee posts to their parties, local media report. The draft budget was ultimately passed with a vote of 278-192.

But Prayuth's troubles are far from over. The opposition led by the Pheu Thai Party, run by allies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is expected to submit a motion for a vote of no confidence in the coming weeks. Some believe that the same parties that considered breaking from the ruling coalition over the budget may actually do so for this vote.

At the heart of such speculation is Thamanat Prompow, who was secretary-general of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party until January. Thamanat was booted from the party over a failed attempt to turn against Prayuth in a separate no-confidence vote last September.

He now leads a different party within the ruling coalition and voted in favor of the budget. But he is said to still harbor ill will against Prayuth and is seen possibly leading another push to oust him.

Prayuth led the 2014 coup and subsequently became head of the military junta. After being elected prime minister by the parliament on June 5, 2019, he was officially appointed to the post by the king on June 11, 2019, a few months after the country's first general election since the coup.

The lower house's current term expires in March 2023. A new election must be held no later than May under the Thai constitution -- less than a year away.

Meanwhile, Prayuth and his pro-military ruling party face growing public pushback due to their crackdown on pro-democracy movements as well as Thailand's sluggish economic recovery from the coronavirus.

In the Bangkok gubernatorial race this May, widely seen as a bellwether of the next general election, Chadchart Sittipunt, a pro-Thaksin candidate, beat Aswin Kwanmuang, a former military-appointed governor who resigned just before the election, by a landslide. Palang Pracharath won just two seats in the Bangkok Metropolitan Council that day, despite having fielded candidates in all 50 districts.

The "big loss" has put Prayuth in a "difficult position," said Prajak Kongkirati, an associate professor on the faculty of political science at Thammasat University here, adding that his "popularity is coming down."

Thailand is the chair of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings and is scheduled to host the APEC summit in Bangkok this November.

"There's a view within the ruling party that Prayuth can't compete in the general election," a foreign diplomatic insider in Thailand said. "Even if he survives the no-confidence vote, there will be a growing push for him to resign voluntarily after the APEC summit."

The prime minister could still employ forceful political measures to tighten his grip on power again. He repeatedly postponed elections to transition the country back to democracy after the 2014 coup, and in 2020, the military-influenced Constitutional Court dissolved the opposition Future Forward Party.
 

lest anyone forgets, technically he has been pm for 8 years not 3 .. 🙊

[Mooose]

44 minutes ago, steveluv said:

As promised the ThaiPass was approved in 56 minutes this time. A round of applause to ThaiPass.

two weeks ago mine was out in about 6 hours, which i thought was already very efficient!

[Scion]

On 6/11/2022 at 11:04 AM, steveluv said:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Thailand-delists-marijuana-as-narcotic-releases-3-071-inmates?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220609190000&seq_num=5&si=44594

Thailand delists marijuana as narcotic, releases 3,071 inmates
De facto cannabis decriminalization ahead of new law stirs concerns over misuse

A Thai smokes a joint in Bangkok on April 20 during a demonstration promoting the recreational use of marijuana.   © Getty Images
APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writerJune 9, 2022 14:17 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's decriminalization of cannabis, delisting hemp and marijuana as narcotics on Thursday, in effect sparks a fresh controversy.

With the change, the Thai government allowed individuals to grow cannabis plants at home for health purposes. However, smoking cannabis recreationally remains unlawful, punishable by a fine of 25,000 baht ($723) and up to three months in jail. Commercial cultivation without a license is not allowed either.

Despite limiting cannabis to medical use, Thailand is widely deemed to be the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize the use of marijuana, and critics have raised concerns about regulatory loopholes that could create more addicts.

Also on Thursday, Thailand began freeing 3,071 inmates who had been convicted of cannabis-related crimes. "The Corrections Department has prepared some paperwork in advance in order to facilitate the courts to issue release orders," said Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin.

Thais had mixed feelings on the release of the prisoners. Some said it was all right, since cannabis has been decriminalized. However, others feared that the inmates could commit new crimes.

Cannabis use among young Thais has risen since 2019, when the government started pushing for legalization.   © Getty Images

"Legalizing cannabis for medical purposes is useful," said a 28-year-old office worker in Bangkok. "But I am not sure those prisoners released from jails are ready to return to society."

Thailand took its first step toward legalizing cannabis in 2019, when the government allowed people to use it for medical purposes. Last year it approved cannabis as an additive to food and drinks. This encouraged food processors and restaurants to add marijuana to everything from traditional Thai dishes to bread, cookies and pizza.

While the deregulation will help the economy grow with new products and services, some people raised concerns over its dark side of loopholes creating the potential for addiction -- the decriminalization took effect before the issuance of the new Cannabis-Hemp Act, which is expected to regulate cannabis and prevent its use as a narcotic.

A cannabis edibles store operates in the open in Bangkok in February.   © EPA/Jiji

"What we know for sure now is that cannabis can be grown and used freely, and we may see marijuana being sold in the open on roadsides," police Maj. Gen. Pichai Sangchanchai said, concerned that deregulation without the new act "will allow teenagers to access the drug easily."

Rasmon Kalayasiri, director of the Center for Addiction Studies, warned, "No one can confirm that the existing law can stop people from smoking marijuana [recreationally] if they do it secretly at home or somewhere else."

The authorities also have made contradictory statements about how they will apply the law, causing confusion and possibly creating room for wrongdoers to break the rules.

A 35-year-old man who own a cannabis cafe right in the heart of Bangkok's Ladprao district can openly display and sell marijuana-smoking equipment without getting his business shut down, although smoking marijuana is not allowed for recreational purposes.

"Those marijuana pipes are sold as decorations," he told Nikkei Asia. "It's not my responsibility if clients want to use them to smoke at home. As long as they do not smoke it here, I'm not in the wrong."

Facebook has several fan pages gathering cannabis lovers and marijuana smokers, who frequently come together at events held by the groups. The Ganjachon (Cannabis People) page is a famous one, with more than 460,000 followers.

"People should have the right to live their own lives," said Rattapon Sanrak, a 35-year-old who supports the legalization of marijuana. "If they want to smoke [marijuana], they have right to do so. It's not the authorities' business."

But some doctors and health workers disagree with the liberalization because they fear that legalizing marijuana completely would allow more people to get addicted to it, leading to mental health problems and possibly even to addicts committing crimes.

Data from the Center of Addiction Studies shows that the number of people 18 or 19 years old who smoke marijuana has been rising substantially since 2019, when the government started pushing for the legalization of cannabis.

"Those who smoke marijuana habitually for about three years normally are diagnosed with a psychotic disorder," Rasmon said.

"The cat is out of the bag, and what concerns us the most is that during the period when we have no [new] law to control it, the number of new smokers will rise, and that will bring further problems."

Additional reporting by Kosuke Inoue in Bangkok.

 

we might soon see a few Thais caught smuggling cannabis into Singapore soon....

[inlinesix]

Just now, Scion said:

 

we might soon see a few Thais caught smuggling cannabis into Singapore soon....

You should worry about what you eat in Thailand.

Cannabis can be added to processed food.

[steveluv]

Prices of 95 octane benzene has really gone through the roof with prices rising almost 50% since beginning of the year.

That's $2.15 per litre

[steveluv]

Dinner at an Isaan restaurant last night

Love restaurants like this with lots of parking space

Very simple and rustic

Outdoor dining

Indoor dining

Raw vegetables

Deep fried duck beak

Grilled pork collar meat 

Grilled chicken (whole)

Somtam with crab

Chicken tamarind tomyam

Korat style fried glass noodle

The spread

All these with 2 bottles of Heineken and a bottle of Coke costs only 930 baht or $37.00

[Mooose]

1 hour ago, steveluv said:

Prices of 95 octane benzene has really gone through the roof with prices rising almost 50% since beginning of the year.

That's $2.15 per litre

5555 mai penlai .. still cheaper than singapore .. good that our B&B use only E20 😝 which btw was B38/litre or something (just past $1.50) in mid march ..

[steveluv]

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-trends/A-king-s-best-friend-Thailand-sees-pet-ownership-boom?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220615123000&seq_num=29&si=44594

A king's best friend: Thailand sees pet ownership boom
Businesses rush to grab a piece of billion-dollar market

Thailand's pet owner population grew to combat the plague of COVID loneliness.   © Reuters
KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writerJune 15, 2022 03:37 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand is becoming one of the fastest growing markets for the pet industry, with the bonanza sparked by the effects of COVID isolation and a special royal bond.

The boom was on full display at last month's Pet Expo, held in the Bangkok suburbs. Tens of thousands thronged the more than 300 booths featuring hawkers selling pet food, toys and services connecting animals in shelters with new owners. 

"I got these at a 10% discount off the usual price," said a visitor accompanied by three chihuahuas, referring to bag full of dog treats and dental care products.

The expo drew 127,000 people during its four-day run surpassing its attendance in 2019, even though it was held in a smaller venue.

Thailand's pet market stood at 44 billion baht ($1.2 billion) in 2021, according to local financial group Krungthai Bank. The market is projected to expand to 66.7 billion baht by 2026.

According to one survey, 70% of pet owners see their pets as part of the family. That bond has apparently led to higher spending on pet care.

Pet ownership boomed during the pandemic as people turned to animals to make up for a loss of human conduct as lockdowns forced people to stay at home.

However, the rise in pet popularity goes beyond the pandemic. It is believed Thailand's royal family laid the groundwork for the pet boom.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the previous monarch who died in 2016, was known for adopting a stray puppy in Bangkok. The media regularly covered the king with his dog, Tongdaeng, in tow during visits of provinces.

Because the public loved Bhumibol, many citizens began to treat dogs with more respect. Shelters for stray dogs were reportedly established in keeping with that trend.

Thai corporations have entered the pet market to take advantage of the boom. Store operator Central Retail launched a chain, Pet n' Me, in Bangkok last October.

"Central Retail will open the stores at a clip of four to eight locations a year," according to Ty Chirathivat, the company's chief financial officer. The outlets will be housed in shopping centers, such as Central Retail's Robinson Lifestyle chain of malls. The group will also roll out pet salons and veterinary clinics.

"It will have annual sales of 2 billion baht by 2027, making it the largest pet goods chain in the country," Ty said.

[steveluv]

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Travel-Leisure/Thai-hotels-court-Indian-and-local-tourists-to-fill-China-void?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220615190000&seq_num=23&si=44594

Thai hotels court Indian and local tourists to fill China void
Europeans top returnees but cannot match Arab and Chinese spending

Reviving Thailand's tourism industry will involve reduced dependence on the China market, more arrivals from new markets, and maintaining attention on domestic travelers.   © Reuters
FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writerJune 15, 2022 12:33 JST

BANGKOK -- In a bid to reduce its dependence on any one country as it revives its once tourism-dependent economy, Thailand is luring visitors from India, the Middle East and its neighbors in Southeast Asia.

"We aim to exceed pre-COVID revenue by 2024," Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the minister of tourism and sports, said last week. "Although the number of tourists will not be as high as pre-COVID levels, the emphasis will be on quality tourists who respect our environment."

The minister was speaking at a hotel strategy announcement by a leading conglomerate. It was an unusual appearance that signaled how closely the public and private sectors are joining hands to resuscitate tourism.

Phiphat is tasked with reviving the tourism industry that comprises about 12% of Thailand's gross domestic product. That will involve reducing dependency on China -- which provided more than a quarter of arrivals in 2019 -- by attracting tourists from other markets, and maintaining the attention of domestic travelers.

Even before COVID, Thailand has tried without much success to diversify from the sheer number of Chinese arrivals. If the strategy succeeds, it could set the model for Southeast Asia's other tourism-dependent economies as local and regional populations continue to grow in numbers and spending power.

"We want to break down the old concept that when you think about hotels, you're thinking about international tourism only," said Wallaya Chirathivat, chief executive of Central Pattana, which unveiled its midterm plans on Thursday.

The retail property development arm of Central Group on Thursday announced 37 new hotel projects in Thailand spanning three price-segmented brands, in addition to 49 existing properties in nine countries. Central Pattana is aiming for hotels to generate 10% of revenues within five years, catching up with retail, residential and office property earnings, Wallaya said.

"Many have asked why Central Pattana started a hotel business at this time," said Phoom Chirathivat, the company's head of hotels.

"The domestic tourism market is still growing and can recover faster than the international market," he said.

As an example, the domestic market kept occupancy in Indonesia afloat throughout COVID, accounting for more than 90% of rooms sold by French hotel group Accor last year.

"One thing we taught ourselves is to work heavily in that domestic market to make sure we don't lose that in the future," said Garth Simmons, chief executive of Accor Southeast Asia.

In Thailand, 30 million Thais traveled around the country last year, nearing the 38 million seen in 2019. "Vacation, staycation and digital nomads -- these are the groups that are likely to grow," said Phiphat.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, center, appeared at Central Pattana's recent press conference to announce its hotel investment strategy. (Photo by Francesca Regalado)

Hoteliers have seen more stable performances during the pandemic in destinations easily reached by car from major metropolises like Bangkok and Jakarta. The first new Central hotel to be opened will be in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, known as Korat, 220 km northeast of Bangkok.

An industrial park in the province has attracted several Japanese manufacturers, including Canon, bringing along business travelers. Central said its nationwide development projects will create 3,900 jobs, a particularly urgent need in Thailand's underdeveloped northeast.

"We found that the hotel market of Nakhon Ratchasima province has great potential, and average occupancy tends to be longer," said Phoom.

Stays in Thailand have grown longer as Europeans, who stayed an average of 16.82 days in 2019, topped international arrivals this year and last. But European spending has not matched that of Chinese tourists who remain locked down at home.

Tourism receipts are at a third of pre-COVID levels and may only grow to half by year's end without Chinese arrivals, said Somprawin Manprasert, the chief economist at SCB Economic Intelligence Center.

As summer temperatures peak in the Middle East and India, the tourism ministry has held roadshows for potential tourists there to meet the minister's revenue target of 1.5 trillion baht this year. Kuwait, Egypt, U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia led in per capita expenditure in 2019, with average spending of more than 6,800 baht per day.

Tourism will be a major growth engine in the Thai economy in the near term, according to SCB, as the signs of recession in the U.S. and Europe cloud the Thai export forecast. The research house raised its projection for international tourists this year from 5.7 million to 7.4 million thanks to pent-up travel demand in Southeast Asia, India and Europe.

But roadblocks remain in Thailand's path to tap into this demand, including inflation eroding travel budgets and constrained airline capacity.

Phiphat said last week said he will propose to the cabinet removing Thailand Pass, the last COVID-era barrier to entry. The online pass requires only flight and accommodation details and a vaccination record, with no need for a negative COVID test.

"It's another requirement that makes you less desirable as a destination," said Simmons.

[Shibadog]

29 minutes ago, steveluv said:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-trends/A-king-s-best-friend-Thailand-sees-pet-ownership-boom?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20220615123000&seq_num=29&si=44594

A king's best friend: Thailand sees pet ownership boom
Businesses rush to grab a piece of billion-dollar market

Thailand's pet owner population grew to combat the plague of COVID loneliness.   © Reuters
KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writerJune 15, 2022 03:37 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand is becoming one of the fastest growing markets for the pet industry, with the bonanza sparked by the effects of COVID isolation and a special royal bond.

The boom was on full display at last month's Pet Expo, held in the Bangkok suburbs. Tens of thousands thronged the more than 300 booths featuring hawkers selling pet food, toys and services connecting animals in shelters with new owners. 

"I got these at a 10% discount off the usual price," said a visitor accompanied by three chihuahuas, referring to bag full of dog treats and dental care products.

The expo drew 127,000 people during its four-day run surpassing its attendance in 2019, even though it was held in a smaller venue.

Thailand's pet market stood at 44 billion baht ($1.2 billion) in 2021, according to local financial group Krungthai Bank. The market is projected to expand to 66.7 billion baht by 2026.

According to one survey, 70% of pet owners see their pets as part of the family. That bond has apparently led to higher spending on pet care.

Pet ownership boomed during the pandemic as people turned to animals to make up for a loss of human conduct as lockdowns forced people to stay at home.

However, the rise in pet popularity goes beyond the pandemic. It is believed Thailand's royal family laid the groundwork for the pet boom.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the previous monarch who died in 2016, was known for adopting a stray puppy in Bangkok. The media regularly covered the king with his dog, Tongdaeng, in tow during visits of provinces.

Because the public loved Bhumibol, many citizens began to treat dogs with more respect. Shelters for stray dogs were reportedly established in keeping with that trend.

Thai corporations have entered the pet market to take advantage of the boom. Store operator Central Retail launched a chain, Pet n' Me, in Bangkok last October.

"Central Retail will open the stores at a clip of four to eight locations a year," according to Ty Chirathivat, the company's chief financial officer. The outlets will be housed in shopping centers, such as Central Retail's Robinson Lifestyle chain of malls. The group will also roll out pet salons and veterinary clinics.

"It will have annual sales of 2 billion baht by 2027, making it the largest pet goods chain in the country," Ty said.

part of the reason why i like travelling in Thai is the friendly and well-behaved dogs and cats that i see in restaurants, markets etc. Even the soi dogs are often calm and friendly when asking for food.

in fact, i often go back to a particular restaurant in Pai that i had dubbed a cat cafe, because it has a handful of cats chilling in it. Here are some of them 😄

and at the backyard, they have a couple of cats on very long leashes

 

 

[Mooose]

2 hours ago, steveluv said:

But roadblocks remain in Thailand's path to tap into this demand, including inflation eroding travel budgets and constrained airline capacity.

Phiphat said last week said he will propose to the cabinet removing Thailand Pass, the last COVID-era barrier to entry. The online pass requires only flight and accommodation details and a vaccination record, with no need for a negative COVID test.

"It's another requirement that makes you less desirable as a destination," said Simmons.

thailand is well known for its love for needless paperwork and red tape ..

at least they are saying they will remove TM6 for time being but as far as i heard, no start date fixed?

and they still have the silly TM30 which needs a copy of the TM6 for submission .. hope right hand informs left hand what is happening because it will not be surprising to find the people taking the TM30 submission insisting for a photocopy of the non-existent TM6 .. 

sigh .. 

[Hoseyboh]

3 hours ago, Shibadog said:

part of the reason why i like travelling in Thai is the friendly and well-behaved dogs and cats that i see in restaurants, markets etc. Even the soi dogs are often calm and friendly when asking for food.

in fact, i often go back to a particular restaurant in Pai that i had dubbed a cat cafe, because it has a handful of cats chilling in it. Here are some of them 😄

and at the backyard, they have a couple of cats on very long leashes

 

 

And very smart too.......

 

[Mooose]

On 6/1/2022 at 1:34 PM, steveluv said:

Huat Ahhhhhhh!

the thb has been steadily falling vs the sgd these last few days, this morning it was about 25.44 .. this is one of the lowest i can remember ..

for all those thinking of a holiday in (or send money to) the land of smiles .. good time now .. exchange rate really favourable!

[Arogab]

Self cooking and a great party Wed night. Endless drinks. Haha. Safe from Covid. But exchange rates not good for managing business here. Millions of RMB lost due to exchange rate😭