I noticed the ads on top of ST webpage. They look somewhat strange in that there are no graphics or special layout that denote a separation between the ads and the page content.
Other travel websites and even sponsored blogs seem to have a clearer ad-content separation graphically.
The first several times I saw those ads here, my first impression was that the villa rentals and the tours were operated by ST.
Would it not improve clarity for readers if the ads were more clearly marked as such?
Thanks for sharing your opinions on this.

Google Ads are displayed at the top and bottom of the page, and one in the sidebar. When text Google Ads are displayed, they say "Ads by Google". When image ads display, this text does not appear.

Most travel websites have Google Ads to make income from the site. We chose to integrate them into the message board design, as do many sites.

Yes, thanks Pauline!

Along with that, the Google Adsense ads have essentially the same format anywhere else and are quite familiar as ads. It also helps with the flow of the page for easier reading.