CharlieH

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The Equinox event at Angkor Wat, from Friday to Sunday, attracted an impressive 85,453 visitors, highlighting the site’s continued popularity as a cultural and historical landmark. According to the Apsara National Authority (ANA), among the attendees were 14,233 foreign tourists who travelled from around the world to witness the stunning sunrise over the central peak of the iconic Angkor Wat complex. The Equinox Angkor is one of the most spectacular events attracting both international tourists and local Cambodians, took place from Friday to Sunday, between 5am and 6:30am. The Equinox Angkor event demonstrates the unique characteristics of the Khmer ancestors, deliberating design of Khmer architecture; the layout for constructing the temple; land arrangement; calculations based on astronomy and consideration of the celestial course along with beliefs and natural phenomena requirements, which creates a phenomenon that shines at the centre of the Angkor Wat temple. The equinox is the time when day and night are approximately equal in length, unlike some normal months, the night is longer than the day or the day is longer than the night that always happens in the world. This special sunrise event occurs twice a year, in March the spring or Vernal Equinox and in September the Autumnal Equinox. Courtesy of Khmer Times

In the same time it takes to fill your tank with Petrol ! While electric cars might appeal to eco-conscious commuters, the fear of running out of charge before your destination is a big turn-off for many. But now, the Chinese EV maker BYD claims its latest vehicles will bring an end to 'range anxiety'. BYD says its new charging system, dubbed the 'Super-E Platform', can enable a car to travel 250 miles (400km) after just five minutes of charging. This 1,000-kilowatt (kW) charger – twice as powerful as the rival Tesla Supercharger – can recharge an EV battery in the same time it takes to fill a petrol car with fuel. Last year, BYD was the world's second largest manufacturer of battery-powered electric vehicles only just behind Elon Musk's Tesla. However, this latest innovation could catapult the Chinese company into the top position by tempting buyers reluctant to give up their conventional petrol cars. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu, often described as China's Elon Musk, said at a launch event in Shenzhen, China that the company's new cars would achieve 'oil-electric parity' for refuelling. Mr Wang added: 'In order to completely solve our users’ charging anxiety, we have been pursuing a goal to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of petrol vehicles.' According to BYD, the new ultra-fast charging technology will initially be available in two new vehicles, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, which were launched this year. Both the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV start slightly cheaper than the average price of an EV in the UK, costing between 270,000 and 350,000 yuan ($37,300-$48,350 or £28,700-£37,300). The company claims these cars' new battery architecture will allow drivers to add up to 1.20mile (2km) of range for every second of charging at peak rates. Officially rated as '10C', this means the vehicles can fully charge within a tenth of an hour, or six minutes. Charging so fast requires transferring a lot of electrical power, which means creating a very high voltage and a very large current at the same time. The biggest barrier to increasing charging power is that big currents create a lot of heat which can be dangerous when it builds up in a large battery. To get around this problem, BYD says it has managed to reduce the internal resistance of the battery, meaning that the battery creates less heat when currents pass through it. Additionally, the company says it has created new silicon carbide power chips, which will be able to withstand the higher voltages. In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, translated via Google Translate, the company says: ‘BYD officially releases flash charging battery with ultra-high voltage of 1000V, ultra-large current of 1000A and ultra-large power of 1000kW.' Speaking at the launch event Mr Wang added: 'This is the first time in the industry that the unit of megawatt has been achieved on charging power.' This power level doubles or even triples the capacity of most charging systems available in the UK and the US. Tesla's latest generation of Superchargers are capable of hitting 500 kW, but the vast majority of older Superchargers top out between 250 and 400 kW. Most of Tesla's Superchargers in the UK provide enough charge to drive 172 miles (277km) after 15 minutes of charging. BYD says it plans to install a network of 4,000 'flash-charging stations' across China. More powerful charging stations require direct access to the electrical grid as well as specialised cooling systems to prevent overheating. This means the new flash-charging network may also require the creation of more infrastructure including the construction of additional sub-stations and transformers. r has seen more than $800 billion (£617bn) wiped from its stock market valuation

Earth's glaciers 'will not survive the 21st century' scientists warn - as five of the past six years have seen the most rapid glacier retreat on record Earth's 275,000 glaciers currently store around 70 per cent of the world's freshwater and are relied on by almost two billion people. But to mark World Glacier Day on Friday, scientists now warn that glaciers in many parts of the world 'will not survive the 21st century'. A report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) found that five of the last six years have seen the fastest glacier retreat on record. As this melting releases vast quantities of water, experts warn that 10 million people around the world are now at risk of devastating glacial floods. Since records began in 1975, glaciers have lost more than 9,000 billion tonnes of mass - equivalent to a layer of ice as big as Germany and 15 miles (25km) thick. While this loss has been moderate in areas such as the Canadian Arctic or Greenland, some areas have been hit significantly harder. In Europe’s Alps and Pyrenees, glaciers lost 40 per cent of their mass between 2000 and 2023 alone. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo says: 'Preservation of glaciers is a not just an environmental, economic and societal necessity. It’s a matter of survival.' Naturally, glaciers shrink during the warm summer months and grow larger with compacted snow which falls over the winter. This process has kept Earth's current glaciers stable throughout the seasons for tens or hundreds of thousands of years. However, since humans began introducing large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, this balance has now been disturbed. A warming climate, which scientists have conclusively linked to human activity, means that glaciers melt faster in the summer and recover slower in the winter. During 2024, the world's glaciers lost 450 billion tonnes of mass as they shrank - the fourth-worst year on record. In that same period, glaciers in Scandinavia, Svalbard and North Asia saw their greatest annual loss on record. According to the WMO's research, the period between 2022 and 2024 was the largest three-year loss of glacier mass ever recorded. A recent study found that glaciers are now retreating so fast that they release an average of 273 billion tonnes of water every year, or 6,542 billion tons between 2000 and 2023. FULL STORY

Mystery Deepens: An Italian research team has claimed an extraordinary discovery beneath Egypt's Khafre Pyramid: a potential 'underground city.' Using advanced radar technology, they reportedly found giant shafts wrapped in spiral staircases, a massive limestone platform, and descending channels resembling pipelines over 2,100 feet below the surface. The researchers suggest this is just the tip of the iceberg, with pathways leading to an intricate network deeper underground. Corrado Malanga from the University of Pisa believes magnified images will reveal what lies beneath: "an entire hidden world of many structures." Critics, however, argue the technology used can't penetrate that deeply. Professor Lawrence Conyers from the University of Denver called the concept "a huge exaggeration." Despite the skepticism, history shows ancient cultures often constructed sites of significance on special locations, fuelling belief in possible hidden chambers. The researchers' findings, although not yet peer-reviewed, suggest the Khafre Pyramid may conceal more than what meets the eye. They even hint at the legendary Hall of Records—a supposed chamber filled with ancient wisdom—potentially hidden within these secret expanses. Intriguingly, previous studies by Malanga and colleagues used similar technology, highlighting hidden rooms and thermal anomalies inside the pyramid. This new study, aided by satellite technology from 420 miles above Earth, further bolsters their confidence. High-resolution images derived from radar pulses mapped out the underground structures in 3D. Nicole Ciccolo, the project's spokesperson, claims vast chambers beneath the surface mirror the legendary Halls of Amenti. Yet, these assertions await scrutiny from the scientific community. Despite differing opinions, the allure of what might lie beneath these ancient wonders keeps the world captivated. The excitement surrounding these claims reflects humanity's enduring fascination with ancient Egypt's secrets. Whether future studies will confirm these underground mysteries remains to be seen. But for now, the enigma persists, drawing both curiosity and caution from experts worldwide. Based on a story by Daily Mail.

Health insurance can be a lifesaver until your claim gets denied. In Thailand, research shows that 85% of insurance claim rejections happen due to simple, preventable mistakes. Whether you're a long-term expat or a frequent visitor of the Kingdom, knowing how to manage your health insurance claims can save you time, money, and frustration. Why health insurance claims get denied in Thailand 1. Missing or incorrect documentation Simple paperwork mistakes are the most common issue, such as: No diagnosis or unclear treatment descriptions Unitemised bills Missing doctor’s name or hospital stamp 2. Ineligible or uncovered treatment Claims are denied if: Your policy expired The treatment falls under a waiting period The condition isn’t covered 3. Procedural mistakes Common slip-ups include: Filing late Duplicate submissions Misspelled names or incorrect policy numbers Skipping pre-authorisation 4. Coding errors Incorrect medical billing codes or treatment codes can confuse insurers and result in partial or denied reimbursements. 5. Exclusions Services that exceed policy limits or fall under exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions, may not be covered, leading to a claim denial. Similarly, claims may also be denied if the insurer determines that the treatment or service was not medically necessary. How to prevent health insurance claim rejections Be sure to stay consistent with how and when you file your records. It may help to build a claims checklist and keep records of: Previous claims Medical certificates Receipts and policy numbers Confirm coverage before visiting the doctor Check your coverage status, make sure your treatment is included, and ask if pre-authorisation is needed, especially for surgeries or specialist visits. Network hospitals and clinics of your health insurance providor will know how to handle insurer paperwork and can help process claims faster, often through direct billing. Remember to ask for: Full medical reports Bills with service breakdowns Translated documents if they’re in Thai It may also be wise to keep them safe and backed up digitally. Don’t delay your submission Always submit within the 30-day window after treatment. The sooner, the better. And remember to triple-check everything. One type can cause weeks of delays. Before submitting, verify your: Name and policy number Medical codes Dates and receipts Use tech to your advantage Online claim submission: Most insurers now offer online claim forms—quicker, cleaner, and fewer mistakes. Track claims in real-time: Use your insurer’s portal or app to check claim status and get alerts if something is missing. Automated coverage checks: Some platforms instantly check if your treatment is eligible before you even visit the hospital. Choose your insurer wisely When choosing your provider, look for: Transparency: Pick a provider that clearly explains policies, avoiding any confusion around the claims process. Strong hospital networks: Wider coverage means easier direct billing, shorter wait times, and less paperwork. Responsive support: Choose insurers with multilingual support teams who respond quickly and actually help when you’re in a pinch. For expats in Thailand, Cigna health insurance remains a top choice not only for their responsive support and strong hospital networks, but their comprehensive and tailored plans also provide world-class care. Coverage includes: Hospital stays: Coverage up to $1,000,000 annually for major health conditions. Doctor visits: Up to $25,000 per year for check-ups and specialist care. Chronic illness care: Full coverage for long-term treatments. Emergency evacuation: Global emergency assistance. Preventive care: Screenings, vaccinations, and routine check-ups to detect and manage health issues early on. Custom add-ons: Additional coverage for dental, vision, or maternity care. Getting your health insurance claims approved in Thailand doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, attention to detail, and the right insurer, you’ll avoid costly denials and get the coverage you deserve.

1. Choosing the Right Location: Bangkok: Neighborhoods like Sukhumvit, Sathorn, and Thonglor are popular among expatriate families due to their proximity to international schools, parks, and entertainment venues. Suburban areas such as Bang Na and Nonthaburi offer more affordable housing while remaining accessible to the city centre. Chiang Mai: Known for its mountainous scenery and relaxed atmosphere, Chiang Mai provides a quieter lifestyle with a growing expatriate community. Phuket and Koh Samui: These islands offer beachside living with modern amenities, suitable for families seeking a resort-like environment. 2. Securing Appropriate Visas: Thailand offers various visa options for families, including Non-Immigrant O visas for dependents and education visas for children enrolled in Thai schools. It's essential to consult the Thai E-visa website or contact the Thai embassy in your home country to determine the specific visa requirements and application procedures. 3. Exploring Housing Options: Initial Accommodation: It's advisable to book temporary housing through platforms like Airbnb or serviced apartments upon arrival. This allows families to explore neighbourhoods firsthand before committing to a long-term lease. Long-Term Rentals: In cities, contacting building management directly can lead to available units. In smaller towns, roadside signs often advertise houses for rent. 4. Navigating the Healthcare System: Thailand boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure with numerous private hospitals catering to expatriates. Facilities like Bumrungrad International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital are renowned for their services. Costs can get high though it will benefit you to have the insurance coverage that Cigna would provide. 5. Understanding the Cost of Living: The cost of living in Thailand is relatively affordable compared to Western countries. Approximate monthly expenses include: Housing: $300 to $800 (about 10,182 to 27,153 Thai baht) for a condominium. Utilities: $50 to $100 (about 1,697 to 3,394 Thai baht). Food: $2 to $10 per meal (about 68 to 339 Thai baht), maybe more if you eat more expensively. Transportation: $1 to $3 (about 34 to 102 Thai baht) for local trips; $10 to $20 (about 339 to 679 Thai baht) for intercity travel. 6. Embracing Thai Culture: Integrating into Thai society involves understanding and respecting local customs. Key cultural aspects include: Respect for the Monarchy: The Thai royal family is deeply revered, and it's important to show respect in all references. Greetings: The traditional Thai greeting, the "wai," involves placing your palms together at chest level and bowing slightly. Dress Code: Modest clothing is appreciated, especially when visiting temples or formal settings. 7. Enrolling in Educational Institutions: Thailand offers a plethora of international schools following various curricula, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate. There are countless institutions in Thailand that you can find but the major ones can be found in the more popular and bigger cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya for example. 8. Managing Finances: Opening a local bank account facilitates financial transactions. Most banks require a valid passport and visa for account setup. Banks like Bangkok Bank and Siam Commercial Bank offer services tailored for expatriates. 9. Transportation and Commuting: Urban Areas: Cities like Bangkok have extensive public transportation systems, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, offering efficient travel options. Rural Areas: In less urbanised regions, personal vehicles or motorbikes are common modes of transport. Obtaining a Thai driving license is necessary for legal driving. 10. Building a Support Network: Engaging with expatriate communities can ease the transition. Online forums, local clubs, and social events provide platforms to connect with fellow expatriates and share experiences. 11. Addressing Potential Challenges: Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Thai phrases can enhance daily interactions and demonstrate cultural respect. Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture requires patience and openness. Embracing local customs and traditions facilitates smoother integration. Traffic Conditions: Major cities often experience traffic congestion. Familiarising oneself with public transportation options can mitigate commuting challenges. 12. Employment Opportunities: Foreigners can work in Thailand in specific sectors such as education, technology, and hospitality. Platforms like JobsDB and LinkedIn list available opportunities. Securing a valid work permit is essential for legal employment. 13. Legal Considerations: Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial. For instance, certain actions considered minor elsewhere might be significant offences in Thailand. It's advisable to familiarise oneself with local legal norms to avoid inadvertent infractions that you may commit. Laws change often so it is important to keep up to date with official sources so you will not be caught off guard. Moving into Thailand is open to a lot of issues especially when moving with an entire family. With 2025 ongoing right now, a lot has changed and will change for the rest of the year. With that in mind, it is best to ensure that you and your family are insured to alleviate any challenges that may come. You can check out the plans Cigna’s plans HERE.

Something Ive never been too, as soon as I see "soapy" you kinda know whats coming, literally...lol

You're ok they are referring to Bob there......

In 20 years, I've never seen the term "nuad Thai," used anywhere! So I dont see any danger of that being misrepresented. Every shop I have ever seen or used just states "Thai massage" where from my experience, you're twisted like a pretzel with absolutely no thought or consideration given to contraindications, general health questions, etc. Probably shown what to do by the girl in the next cubicle when it's quiet. Zero actual knowledge of anatomy and physiology in most places. There may well be "legitimate" and correctly trained ones out there, but I suggest they are few and far between compared to the "happy ending" variety.

Wellness in 2025: Emerging Trends to Watch The wellness industry has skyrocketed, reaching £4.9 trillion with 2024 marking unprecedented innovations. As we move into 2025, new developments promise to reshape health and wellbeing. Preventative Medicine Goes Mainstream Preventative healthcare is the buzzword, focusing on holistic approaches to stop illnesses before they start. Dr. Samantha Decombel emphasizes the shift from reactive to proactive care, with at-home tests and comprehensive clinics becoming popular. However, this trend highlights gaps in public healthcare, necessitating individual responsibility for health. AI Coaches and Therapists Rise AI is revolutionising wellness with AI-powered therapists and personal trainers offering data-driven insights. While AI can't replace human empathy, it makes therapy more accessible, bridging gaps in traditional healthcare. Hydration and Health Drinks Surge Hydration goals dominate social media, and 2025 will see a boom in specialty health drinks. From collagen to gut health beverages, expect a vast array of options. But beware—healthy labels can be deceptive, so always check ingredients. Longevity and Cellular Health in Focus This year, longevity supersedes anti-ageing. Biohacking trends like infrared saunas and diet changes gain popularity for promoting long life. Mitochondrial health, central to energy and disease prevention, is also in the spotlight. Personalised Health Routines Prevail With wearable tech and bespoke testing, personalised health plans are all the rage. Understanding unique health needs ensures safer choices and optimizes wellbeing. Natural Ingredients and Gut Health Gain Attention The shift toward whole, organic foods continues, avoiding ultra-processed ingredients. Gut health, linked with multiple bodily functions, will see advancements in research, focusing on the gut-brain axis and hormonal effects. High-Performance Lifestyles Adopted Wellness takes a competitive turn with high-performance lifestyles. Sleep, stress, and recovery tracking become mainstream, inspired by elite athletes' routines to improve everyday health. 2025 looks set to redefine wellbeing, with trends that encourage proactive, informed, and personalised approaches to health.

I wonder how many think or pretend it's someone else.! 😀

It's something that many women have wondered during passionate romps. What exactly is going on in a man's brain during sex? Now, scientists may finally have the answer after analysing the brain activity of mice as they mate. Their analysis shows that an 'intricate dance' involving two chemicals goes on in the male brain during sex. And it's this dance that controls the progression of sex, leading up to ejaculation. While this study only involved mice, the researchers point out that the brain regions and neurotransmitter systems involved in sexual function are similar in men. And in the future, the findings could pave the way for a treatment for men with premature ejaculation. 'I believe our study has opened the door to the development of clinical treatments,' said Ai Miyasaka, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Tsukuba in Japan and first author of the study. While sexual behaviour has been widely studied before, until now, most research has focused on the initiation of sex. However, what happens in the brain during other phases has remained a mystery until now. This includes mounting, the insertion of the penis into the vagina, and ejaculation. 'Sexual behavior is a complex sequence of events,' explained senior author Qinghua Liu of the National Institute of Biological Sciences in Beijing. In their new study, the researchers studied the brain activity of male mice throughout the entire series of actions involved in sex. The team injected fluorescent sensors into the nucleus accumbens - the region of the brain that plays a role in reward. An optic fiber would light up if the brain released dopamine - a chemical often associated with pleasure - and acetylcholine - a neurotransmitter known to regulate dopamine. The results revealed an intricate dance between the two chemicals at every stage. Prior to mounting, the male mouse brains started to release acetylcholine 'rhythmically'. About six seconds later, the brain also began releasing dopamine. Then, when the male inserted his penis into a female mouse's vagina, the release of acetylcholine and dopamine fluctuated in time with the mouse's thrusting movements. Finally, for the males that reached ejaculation, the dopamine release slowed down significantly before quickly rising during the transition to ejaculation. Mice and humans have different sexual behaviours, but their brain regions and neurotransmitters might be similar, according to the researchers. They suggest that this research could provide new clues to treating sexual dysfunction, particularly premature ejaculation, which affects 20 per cent to 30 per cent of sexually active men. 'We anticipate that our findings will be a starting point for more sophisticated studies into the molecular and neural mechanisms that govern ejaculation timing and the potential development of new therapeutics for sexual dysfunctions in humans,' they concluded in their study, published in the journal Neuron. Daily Mail