Bazle

That sounds horrific! 🙂

Pattaya - Yes International - Several falang competitors so, arguably, yes Bikini - Not for all competitors (thankfully!) Beach - Yes Race - Yes, theoretically, but not for many of the participants! I stood on the beach opposite Klang. The race was supposed to start at 5:30pm from outside of Central Pattaya (formerly known as Central Festival) but didn't until about 5:50pm. I wonder if they were waiting for the sun to fall below the horizon so as not to shine directly into the lenses of the professional photographers who had set up to do their work. A bunch of people started off with the obvious intention of taking part in a race. For many behind them, it mutated into a photo op! I hope these few pics give a flavour of the event.

https://londonlovesbusiness.com/3i-atlas-sends-frightening-cryptic-message-which-scientists-decode 3I/Atlas sends frightening cryptic message which scientists decode written by LLB staff reporter 31st Oct 25 12:41 pm The interstellar object that is travelling towards Earth at 130,000mph was detected on 1 July has left millions of people worried after theories have emerged it could be an “alien mothership.” Scientists have been probing a strange sequence of mysterious Fibonacci pattern pulse signal, which is a mathematical sequence, this is normally found in DNA. The sequences has maintained consistent levels instead of random cosmic noises that is often found in interstellar communications. Experts are urging caution which has led to scientific researchers scratching their heads wondering if this now points to intelligent alien life beyond our solar system. Researchers picked up a pulse which sent a sequence of coded numbers; 8 – 13 – 8 – 5 – 13 – 8 at the frequency of 1420 MHz, this is called the hydrogen line, or in simple terms the interstellar channel, SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). The encrypted message was detected at a distance of 15,000 kilometres, this scientific researchers say rules out any error of instruments or data transmissions, the pulses are deliberate and intelligent, this is not normal, they claim. The cryptic message has been decoded, it reads, “Observe. Prepare. Understand. The Gate Awaits.” An X user, Surajit_Ghosh2 wrote, “Scientists Detect Coordinated Fibonacci Pulses from 3I/ATLAS at Interstellar Communication Frequency The pulse sequence: 8-13-8-5-13-8 Matches the Fibonacci code a mathematical signature found in DNA, galaxies and advanced algorithms Frequency: 1420 MHz known as the interstellar calling channel. “Detected across 15,000 km simultaneously ruling out any equipment glitch. Pulses show intelligent control stable, deliberate, and not influenced by the object’s rotation. “Decoded Message Suggestion: Observe, Prepare, Understand, The Gate Awaits This may be the first time in history humanity is receiving a deliberate signal from an interstellar spacecraft.” Astrophysicist Dr Avi Loeb has issued a terrifying statement this week saying the object is “not natural” and “from an engineer’s perspective” 3I/Atlas is a “mothership that releases mini-probes” and will “’slow down at perihelion and intercept Earth, taking advantage of the Sun’s gravitational assist,” however the Harvard Professor said this will depend on the mass “of the mini-probe.” “But since 3I/ATLAS is accelerating and its current size is not much larger than the angular resolution of Earth-based telescopes, it is not easy to avoid fictitious elongation of the image as a result of the object’s motion.” Dr Loeb wrote on his blog, “I suggested a `Loeb Scale’ for interstellar objects where `0’ is definitely a natural object (comet or asteroid) and `10’ is definitely a technological object (identified by manoeuvres or emission of artificial light or signals). “Currently, I give 3I/ATLAS a 6 on that scale, but my assessment will change as we get better data on it when it comes closer to the Sun.” He added, “As of now, I assign a 30 to 40 per cent likelihood that 3I/ATLAS does not have a fully natural origin. “This low-probability scenario includes the possibility of a black swan event akin to a Trojan Horse, where a technological object masquerades as a natural comet.”

Indeed. And quite likely will pay Capital Gains Tax, or equivalent, on any gains made in trading the shares. But CGT, not Income Tax.

I don't know if this is relevant but, in the UK, buying and selling shares is not regarded as a business.

No, but that doesn't mean that there wasn't one!

As many of you will have seen, there is a small, new mall in N. Pattaya at the junction of Pattaya Nua and Naklua Road, opposite Terminal 21, and next to Fairtex Plaza. It is now almost complete, but, because of ongoing works, getting there on foot is a little awkward/hazardous. There are entrances to the businesses on both main roads, and also at the back. If you walk around the back, take care: it is used also by motor vehicles, and I was very close to being run down by an electric car which had crept up on me! Here are some pictures: Don't get too excited about El Gaucho, unless you have deep pockets!

The new 3D Walking Street sign is quite impressive, although I hate to think of the amount of electricity it uses. I don't know how many revolving images it displays, but I suspect a lot.

I believe it is in the heart of the Arab quarter. Currently, the thing to avoid is young Kuwaitis racing their rented motorbikes!

This needs some clarification. Nam certainly DOES do airport pick-ups from Suvarnabhumi (i.e. BKK). So, are you referring to Don Muang? Or possibly meaning she can't provide an SUV?

Absolutely! If these regs are meant to put Bolt etc on an equal footing with regular taxi services, shouldn't users of regular taxis be subject to the same requirements?

Thanks, Bruce. Interesting. 😀

https://youtu.be/Lo5SXXoiSL4 "Here's what's really happening: Banking Apocalypse: Major Thai banks are freezing and restricting foreign accounts at record rates, making it nearly impossible for retirees to access their own money or meet visa requirements. Over 12,000 expats have already lost their legal status this year alone. Digital Bureaucracy Trap: New electronic travel systems are being used to screen, track, and ultimately filter out anyone who doesn’t meet ever-tightening criteria for residency and financial stability. Healthcare Crisis: Medical costs are soaring, with aggressive debt collection and insurance requirements that most retirees can’t afford. Hospitals now routinely deny treatment or freeze accounts for unpaid bills. Immigration Crackdown: “Operation Expat Exodus” is targeting not just illegal workers, but long-term residents—making it harder every month to renew visas, prove income, or even participate in community life without risk. Frozen Pensions & Tax Squeeze: British and other foreign pensioners are seeing their incomes eroded by frozen rates, currency drops, and looming tax changes that threaten to make retirement here unaffordable. Social Credit for Expats: A new scoring system is quietly being rolled out, tracking every aspect of foreign residents’ lives—from finances to healthcare to social activity—to decide who can stay and who must leave."

A few pics from around town. Starting off with Soi Casino (between Soi Buakhao and Soi 15). The construction of the houses has moved along, and I hope the road will be properly laid before the project is finished. The shed at the back of The Avenue on Soi 15 appears to be having proper drainage put in, so what's it going to be? The Beach Road entrance to Royal Garden Mall now includes a lift to take you all the way to the roof. The building between Soi 6 and Runway Market is near complete, and has been painted a sickly shade of red. It looks to be aimed at the Chinese Market. And beside it, some toilets have been built for the market. Also, a toilet van has been placed at the entrance to Walking Street. The Walking Street sign has been taken down, but the new one not erected yet. I've been here a week and a half, and the weather and pollution have been so much better than I had anticipated.

And this is the follow-up. (Picture taken just before 5pm today.)