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Displayed prices are for multiple nights. Check the site for price per night. I see hostels starting at 200b/day and hotels from 500b/day on agoda.

blue_flag

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Everything posted by blue_flag

  1. Photoshop Beta has now incorporated Google Nano Banana as an add on. This is a significant improvement on Firefly 3, which Photoshop previously used. The starting image was as below. One question I pose; does anyone recognise the market; it could be artificial or based on a real image.
  2. An implementation date of 02 October 2025, so we will see what happens.
  3. https://www.lexpertiselawfirm.com/post/new-regulations-for-ride-hailing-platforms-issued-by-thailand-s-electronic-transactions-commission New Regulations for Ride-Hailing Platforms Issued by Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has issued a new regulation titled: “Announcement Re: Other Requirements for Digital Platform Service Business Operators for Public Hire Car or Motorcycle Services with Specific Characteristics under Section 18 (3) of the Royal Decree on the Operation of Digital Platform Services Subject to Notification B.E. 2565 (2022), B.E. 2568 (2025).” The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on July 4, 2025, and will take effect 90 days later, on October 2, 2025. Overview This regulation classifies ride-hailing services (cars and motorcycles) as digital platforms with specific characteristics, which may impact public safety, health, transport, and infrastructure. As a result, these platforms are now subject to heightened regulatory oversight under the Royal Decree on Digital Platform Services. Key Compliance Obligations for Ride-Hailing Platform Operators 1. Vehicle and Driver Compliance Vehicles must be registered as public vehicles per Department of Land Transport (“DLT”) regulations. Drivers must hold a valid public driving license. Fare collection must comply with legal transport fare rates. 2. Driver Identity Verification Platforms must use official identity verification methods, such as face-to-face checks, government applications (e.g., ThaID), or certified identity providers (IdPs). A daily facial recognition scan is required before a driver’s first trip. Drivers are strictly prohibited from sharing their service accounts. 3. Passenger Safety & Privacy Platforms must support in-app voice and text chat without revealing personal contact numbers. Only the driver’s name and photo may be disclosed to passengers. Real-time GPS tracking of vehicles is required throughout the trip. Mandatory Platform Features For Drivers Must display trip details: pickup/destination, route, distance, and fare. Include an emergency button for immediate operator support. Provide a trip history log: dates, times, routes, and fares. For Passengers Platforms must verify the identity of each passenger by conducting identity proofing during registration, collecting key personal information (e.g., first and last name), and authenticating the passenger’s identity each time they access the platform. Before booking, users must be able to see the estimated route, fare, and travel time. After confirmation, platforms must show the driver’s name/photo, vehicle details, and real-time location. Include a 24/7-monitored emergency assistance button. Offer service rating and complaint submission channels. Supervision and Reporting Requirements Enforcement Operators must implement disciplinary measures for drivers who violate laws or platform rules (e.g., temporary suspension). They must respond to reports from DLT or state agencies and ensure driver cooperation. Annual Reporting Submit an annual report to the DLT detailing: Total number of registered vehicles by type (e.g., taxi, motorcycle taxi, e-hailing) Service fee calculation methods Regulatory Review The DLT will review the regulations annually, considering technological developments and stakeholder feedback. This new regulation sets a clear legal framework for ride-hailing platforms in Thailand, aiming to enhance safety, transparency, and accountability for both drivers and passengers. It introduces significant compliance obligations for platform operators. Existing platforms that do not yet meet these requirements must take steps to upgrade their systems and operations to ensure full compliance by the October 2, 2025 effective date. Likewise, any new businesses planning to enter the ride-hailing market must be fully prepared to meet these regulatory standards from the outset. Operators should act promptly to align with the law and avoid regulatory issues as enforcement begins.
  4. Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom is located about a 15 minute drive from Pattaya. Admission is 200 baht but free for those over 65 years of age. I spent around two hours walking around the place. As well as the plastic models there is a small zoo, where the animals looked healthy and well kept. It is probably more suited to families with young children. If one looks carefully into the mouth of the animal, one will see notes being placed there.
  5. The above is not my photograph; it was a screen dump taken last night from the web cams. I expected more damage to the beach from yesterday evening's rain.
  6. I had a position on the road which runs from Dolphin Circus to Beach Road. The event reached me at 1640 hours and continued for about 90 minutes.
  7. One of the photographers at the Pride Event in Central Marina. The rest were taken in Central Marina before the Pride March commenced.
  8. A small car show on the ground floor of Central Festival. This, as I assume many will know is situated in front of a restaurant on Second Road, usually accompanied by another prestige car. By good fortune today the second car had been moved. Quite a difficult shot as there is a metal grill located directly in front of the car and the rear of the car is in a shaded area. There were also bright red cones at the side of the car. Lightroom/ Photoshop have done a pretty good job. Not the colour one would expect for a rugged pick up.
  9. Enforcement of unlawful parking continues.
  10. I always thought this was a Chinese New Year Ritual.
  11. I do not know anyone who has stayed or visited the hotel; I think the view towards Wongamat Beach is likely to be better than the view to the front.
  12. I noticed at the end of my previous trip that the police were more vigorously enforcing parking. If this continues I think it will improve the traffic flow. This image taken this afternoon around 1500.
  13. Arrived yesterday afternoon. Took a walk this morning. Some new shops opening at the bottom of Naklua Road, near Terminal 21. Good to have an almost clear view along the beach towards Bali High. One of the new electric baht buses and a massage lady who wanted to pose for me.
  14. It has been pointed out to me there is a spelling mistake on GBN. BRITIAN.
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