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What has prevented or delayed my return to Thailand? Well, I initially had every intention of going back. I absolutely adored the food, the aromas, the culture, the shopping, and the diverse people. However, one factor that started to put me off was the rapidly increasing cost of enjoying a show at a bar. When I first arrived, I had no problem treating a group of two or three guys at a gogo bar, even handing out 100 baht notes for them to tip their preferred performers. But soon enough, the prices began to rise, along with the demands for tips from the waitstaff. A 300 baht drink often came with a demand for a 100 baht tip to the waiter. That 300 baht beer quickly turned into a 400 baht beer, and the same 100 baht tip was expected. Consequently, I stopped taking groups with me to the bars, rarely buying guys drinks. If I found someone I liked enough, I would tip him 100 baht two or three times during my time at the bar. It never failed that the guy would approach me just as I was leaving. Then I had an encounter with Brazil... The drink prices at the show bars were a little over $1 USD, and the tips for the bar staff were under $1 USD. The guys were like catalog underwear models, filling the bar. There was no shortage of guys with plump asses and impressive endowments. The food left much to be desired, but the beaches and nightlife made up for it. Uber and the subway were incredibly affordable, and the gogo bars, dance clubs with dark rooms, and places like Black Cat and Taurus, not to mention all the sex spots in Sao Paulo, were mind-blowing. Hanging out with a local who took me to numerous parks, saunas, and private houses, I was ready to surrender and put up an "out of order" sign on my body just to get some rest. When my three-week trip came to an end, I was astounded by how little I had spent, not holding back on anything. I started to view Thailand as a place that tried to drain as much money from you as possible for a night out, while Brazil enticed you to return frequently and enjoy yourself with its economical prices and attractive, sexy guys. The guys in Thailand, as I remember, possessed beautiful legs, sculpted asses, interesting anatomy, and were sexually adventurous. Their Asian looks and features were truly something to treasure. On the other hand, the guys in Brazil seemed like they were plucked straight from the hottest magazines or featured in the most tantalizing pornography. When I closed my eyes, I could fantasize about them. Due to these and other reasons, I haven't rushed back to Thailand. However, as I plan my return, I intend to reduce my visits to the bars and focus more on the food and culture in Thailand before I rush back to Brazil.

Being upset that someone suggested a link between your account here and an account on CoM I'm somewhat surprised you started an entire thread here which will just promote that suggestion.

So you want to speak to the manager 🙄

Visited Screboys yesterday with another member right after they opened for a night. At least 16 boys on duty already. All twinky but some bit better built. At least 3 offable for me, #26 looked the best and was subject of vinapu tuck of 100 baht note. Did not show, any resistance. Boys in boxers, most bareceted, drink 350 Then went upstairs to Freshboys, right in time for show to begin. At least 20 boys on duty, best looking shockingly also #26. At least 6 acceptable for possible off. Show progressive, simulated sex but cock certainly not simulated, stimulated, possibly by machine, for sure though. Big cock show with parade of solicitors of feel for a tip. 8 participants. Sexy shower number. At least 20 spectators in the beginning with more arriving later. One spectator, nice chested and seriously drunk tried to imitate vinapu tuck after seeing how it, s done distributed at least 12 red notes, some using mouth to mouth technique. It was fun.

His inappropriateness and creepiness with posters / clients isn’t just limited to private messages and long, meandering public posts on the board. It has gone far beyond him just being the harmless little socially awkward lonely weirdo on a message board. And he’s done this with several different, completely unrelated posters / clients. Notice he’s attempted to call me every name in the book here (well, by pretending not to be talking about / to me, because allegedly, I’m on “ignore”)… but what he WON’T do is call me a liar, and he won’t call my bluff and respond, “yes, post your claims about my identity here.”

As much as you try, you sometimes get pulled back in. I've noticed Scotty isn't posting anymore, however, I don't miss her Highness and I'm sure he doesn't care 😝 Riobard was doing well for awhile, I truly believe he was playing with ChatGPT when his writings were unpretentious 🧐 I've heard of his private messaging to people, only happened once with me, we met briefly in Lagoa...he seemed ok, but not sure what meds he's on (or off) that makes him write in volumes the way he does, sometimes like he's talking to himself 🥱

I feel the same about Brasil, as I have written here many times.....but have a Sept trip to Thailand and Bali planned. I know it's a rainy month in BKK, but also return more for the food and massage. Not so interested in the go-go bars as I once was, usually end up with some sort of disappointment.... some of which I blame on customers paying guys even though they don't do as "advertised" or agreed to. This has created a business model of promise everything, do as little as possible and still get paid. I's been a trend for a long while, didn't happen overnight.

I offered to answer any questions, but you have all the answers. I wish you the best.

Heard a rumor last week that The Prince Men’s Massage may be planning to reopen. For the uninitiated, Prince for years was known as the top of the line in its field with great facilities and a stable for everyone. Some said it was just a cut above Hero (briefly to become My Hero, as Vinapu recently noted). So on this overcast and breezy Sunday morning I set out to attempt to confirm the rumor. I set out from Silom and took Convent Rd. to Sathorn where I turned left and took pedestrian bridge to opposite side and then onto Soi Suan Plu. Eight minutes later I turned up Suan Plu 6 and soon located it’s last known address: 253/4. There is some refurbishment going on so I was unable to find a sign. in any case, if it’s indeed reopening (and count me among those with fingers crossed) it won’t be today. The area is not unfamiliar to me. Over a dozen years ago, when Babylon ruled the sauna word—at least for westerners and their admirers, I stayed in the area. As I walked back, I came across an old massage shop still doing businesses on Suan Plu. Indra Massage (which no connection to a shop of same name that graced Soi Tarntawan for many years) was already open for business and it wasn’t 10a.m. yet) Here’s a review of The Prince from 2019: https://www.thaipuan.com/the-prince-men-massage/

If you wanted to place a complaint, you would have done it privately, as the regular protocol is. You are not a newbie. Your claim is bull shit. You wanted drama, and you are probably frustrated because, so far, you are the only drama queen. At this point, I think it is a mental health issue. I am honest when I share that I respect you, and even if often cryptic, I can enjoy your speech as poetic discourse. But I do not think participating in online discussion forums fits your current emotional balance. Please, take a break and look for help.

There are more pressing issues here in Silom at the moment. Can't figure what problem is being busy preparing for world peace discussion this evening with well known expert in the field. Calling people names lacks sophistry, you can do better and force yourself to.

Glad to see human language being used

Glad to hear you guys have fun

Am I right in thinking last year it started from close to Samyan MRT station? My own view is that if a Parade is going to be a regular annual event, the starting point - and preferably the route - has to be the same each year. In Taipei with one exception the Parade has always started near the Presidential Office Building close to New Park. I recall only one year when it was switched to an open space close to Taipei 101. That did not prove popular and so the start was moved back. Even though numbers most recently were around 200,000, there was still room for almost all the marchers. Wherever it is located, there should be room for hoped for expansion of numbers in future years.

From the Thaiger Phuket has experienced a concerning surge in Covid-19 infections over the past month, according to the Provincial Public Health Office. Deputy Chief Dr Muanprae Boonlorm highlighted that Vachira Phuket Hospital has seen a rise in Covid-19 patients since the Songkran holiday in mid-April. The number of hospitalisations due to pneumonia and Covid-19 related fatalities have also increased compared to the February to March period, BangkokPost reported. Dr. Muanprae attributed the increase in infections to people being lax in practicing preventive measures and a lack of fourth or fifth booster shots. Most of the fatalities between April and this month were among the ‘608’ at-risk group, which includes individuals aged 60 and over, those with underlying conditions, and pregnant women. Many in this group were found to be unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, with some receiving their last booster shots over a year ago. Despite the rising infections, Dr. Muanprae assured that the province has the capacity to handle hospitalisations from Covid-19, with only 15-20% of beds in Covid-19 wards currently occupied. Thais who have not received a booster shot in the last six months to a year can obtain their injections for free at any hospital on the island. Dr. Muanprae advised checking the availability of the vaccine with local hospitals, as some provide the vaccination service only once a week.

I made 2 trips to South America from Asia - one to Brazil and the second to Argentina, Chile and Peru. Both were wonderful although neither would have been possible financially had I not had a ton of air miles for business class. Both required 2 overnight flights there and back. I believe it can now be done with much better connections. Rather than fly through Europe I would probably go via Sydney or Auckland. I wish I could return as I loved almost everything on those trips. But with my now having few air miles to use, like @zombie it would be impossible, no matter how much I would love to do so. Getting back to the topic, though, I have also found air fares to Europe from Bangkok have risen quite dramatically. Inevitably, when combined with high inflation rates and massive losses from years of covid, this has to have an effect on numbers travelling long distances to Thailand. On the other hand, during my regular travels in Asia I come across so many younger guys who have first or return trips to Thailand planned. But in general these guys do not replace the slowly disappearing expats and visitors from Australia and the west as their nightlife interests are mostly different. Massages with HEs, saunas with their friends to meet other Asian guys and dancing at clubs like DJ station seem much higher on their wish lists.

Agree that a fare increase is warranted but frequently obscure terms in the original enacting legislation (or contracts) for individual system operators tie their hands on fare changes. Given the nature of airport ops, some shifts begin and end at odd times, although agree bulk are geared to needs of passenger loads. The train is such a key asset to any international airport I hope a solution short of reduced train frequency is found.

It's a great big world out there with lots to offer in so many places. No need for any explanation really. Thailand certainly has a lot to offer beyond the bars as well. Enjoy your visit

As I said, your overreaction is out of my control. If you are so sensitive, you should keep a lower profile or stop posting.

I am not apologizing. I did nothing wrong. I am offering you an explanation of my participation in that conversation. Whether or not it satisfies you, it is out of my control.

I am José Soplanucas in Company Of Men. I used to be latbear4blk, but after the antiracist rise, I no longer find that nickname appropriate. CoM opened the table to change our noms de plume, and I took the offer. I did it openly and without intending to create a new persona. Everyone who is paying attention knows who I am in both forums. For instance, all my years of posting in CoM are now under my new name, and there is a clear and transparent continuity. I also requested the change in my alias here, but @TotallyOz informed me it was impossible. I would have to create a new profile, which I don't want. I remember the conversation you are referencing. I have told you directly; I often find your writing difficult to understand. I told you so at least a couple of times, and at least once, you did not like my comment. I had no hostile intention; I was sharing my difficulty. I found a poster in CoM that reminded me of your writing style, so I asked him whether or not he was you. No second intentions, but a simple and direct question, as you can see in the screenshot you shared. If you have anything to ask, you can ask me here. I do not bitch through PMs like the posters you are mentioning. What I say, I say it publically and take ownership of my words.

Oh, by all means. Do share what you think you know with the class. And I’ll be more than happy to share, publicly or privately, what several other very respected posters, young and old, have informed me about your batshit crazy, disturbing, socially inappropriate stalkerish behaviors with them. There’s very good reason why people avoid you. You really think that I randomly plucked you out of thin air to pick message board fights with you? Nope. I have literally been warned about you, and was given your name and photo, and told, “it’s best to avoid this guy if you see him, because he doesn’t understand social boundaries and it’s creepy.” Not MY words. Theirs. So, shall we proceed, Bobbalino? Or should I say, SitBillyBob? Or maybe just spell it out… Your call.

Just received confirmation from Prince Massage. It opens June 15.

This weekend has been worrying to see down here in Pattaya. Jomtien Complex is a ghost town. Nobody has seen the start of low season look quite like this. Saturday night at 11pm, I would estimate less than 50 farang in the entire complex. It was mostly just boys drinking. Comparing this May / June to last year, it's a shocking sight. The general consensus with expats, is low season last year saw the return of people desperate to get back after the border closures. It's safe to assume that desperation has dissipated. Last night, Sunday, saw a few more customers on the main strip, but certainly under 100. Over 15/18 bars, that's not sustainable. It will be interesting to see what happens on the 10th of June for the Pride event. Can anyone chime in who might have been here for low season but decided not to? Is it flight costs? The very hot summer? Or have you simply found a better destination? Maybe you are in Pattaya, but Jomtien Complex is too loud and overpriced compared to the rest of the city? It's going to be an interesting low season, that's for sure.

I've been here about a week now...nothing different to report really, every night has been a busy night, lots of guys new and old , good for clients. Tonight, what was different was there were a lot of "muscle" guys.....felt like Lagoa of days past. I'll be here a couple of more nights and am over booked.......a few guys that I've known for awhile, are getting thick (chunky).......funny how they always said they'd never be fat and I told them , we'll see 😝 I almost won Bingo the other night, was 1 number away.....I'm sure it's fixed 🤐 Is anyone else here??

With the mirror? I gotta keep churning them out, you said so yourself 🧐

Most immigrant working boys rent rooms monthly, or their friend does and they stay with them. Very few stay alone. 2/3/4 to a room. Sure they return home often to see family if they are illegal, or do a border run (although some have agents that do it for them). Keep in mind many are straight, and live with their wives or girlfriend. It's extremely difficult for immigrants to get long term leases, not to mention save up the 2 month deposit, which is asked in most cases. Especially with condos. As for the love part. You are probably 1 of many customers he sends these messages to daily. Don't fall into that trap. Long game or short game, it's all down to money. I have never heard of a gogo boy working to find love, and not money. Prove me wrong if you want. Find a boy in his first couple weeks, maybe it's possible, but once he's in the game and understands it, you are an ATM to manipulate for cash, if you show yourself as a mark. As for the salary part, that's an impossible question. It depends if they are employed, on a Work VISA, what time they turn up to work to be paid for the day. There are simply too many variables. Generally, the answer is no. They don't get a salary. They live off tips, their cut from bar fines and well, whatever you give them. Keep in mind many have multiple sponsors who send them money because, well, they are "in love". You seem very new to Thailand's gay scene. If you want to find love in Thailand, you're not going to find it in a gogo bar.

Tue is #6

From the Thaiger The Thai Cabinet approved an extension for over 200,000 migrant workers’employment contracts, allowing them to retain their jobs until the new government assumes office, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. The decision impacts workers from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, and comes after an initial rejection of the Labour Ministry’s request for an extension. The change of heart was prompted by concerns that the ongoing uncertainty over the government’s formation could result in a significant labour shortage. Wissanu stated that without the extension, migrant workers would need to return to their home countries and wait for the new government to take power before resuming their jobs in Thailand. However, he emphasised that the contract extension would only last for as long as the current government remains in its caretaking capacity, with the measure subject to review once the government is replaced. The deputy prime minister said “The employment extension does not require endorsement from the Election Commission (EC) as it does not involve the spending of state money.”

Hey Talramund. I've pm'd you the link.

I for one m always for trying, and the risk of being told to FO doesnt discourage me. Were I a regular, I would approach one of the more reasonable owners; tell him I represent the almost-consensus on this board; and try to find together a way to improve the situation for the benefit of all. Since I visited JC only once, and currently intend to return for a week every winter. I m not suitable for the task.

There is too much animosity between bar owners. The Thai owners don't always see eye to eye with the farang owners. In some cases there is real hatred between some of them, who actively go out their way to try damage others businesses. It's far from an ideal situation. Some of the worst offending bars are not in it for the money. They have sponsors with deep pockets, and use their establishments as their own party place. Getting drunk is their motivation, not profits. Unfortunately, the complex management have little involvement in day to day activity. Maybe if they did, it would be better. 4 years ago, it wasn't like this. The soi was very different. Owners got along better and this current noise issue was only present on big parties, which was something all bars do for anniversaries and big events. COVID changed things. I would also assume that some are getting desperate with the lack of visitors.

I use the air train regularly and I see many airport workers, especially when departing the airport station. Some 95 carriers use the airport and there are tons of associated businesses and services with thousands of employees and the train is how most of them get to work.

From my understanding, the majority of local travellers are not so much those working at the airport. Quite a number embark and disembark at the interediate stations especially Ramkhamheang.

I’m sure they’d rather have Constantinople back. One man’s hero…

I love Pride parades. I don't know if I will get to this one as it does seem a bit out of the way for the gay area. Why did they move from Silom? I do remember when Hillary ran for Senate in NY. She walked the entire route (as did I for many years). I was impressed as most politicians would come and take photo and leave. I have many fond memories of the event. But, my favorite was one of my boys in NYC brought home an actor from Queer as Folk. It was a surprise to me, but a good one.

I'd be happy to, but I have covered quite a lot of ground already, mostly in this forum on this site - https://www.gayguides.com/forums/forum/25-gay-china-taiwan-hong-kong-macau/ May I suggest that you first take a look at the various threads that relate to Taipei and Taiwan. I think these will give you a reasonably good idea. Thereafter, do please ask for any more specific detail and I will be delighted to answer here. I hope you manage to read the thread/s about the annual Taipei Gay Pride Parade which is always held on the last Saturday in October. I think it is the most fantastic day (week-end if you are relatively young and into rowdy gay parties with loads of handsome young shirtless guys). Taipei becomes packed with relatively young - but all age groups really as I am way at the other end of the age spectrum and I have been at 7 Pride Parades - gay guys from all over Taiwan and indeed from many countries in Asia. Apologies to those who have seen these photos posted before. The other thing is that as an island, Taiwan is scenically very beautiful. About 7 years ago I took a 5-day coach tour around the island. Although I had known Taipei since 1986, I knew little else about the island - and was stunned.

Indeed. I went for a walk about 11pm. I managed 10 minutes in cocka2 bar and had to leave. The noise from next door was beyond a joke. Headed down the soi and got called into Home bar, but Sun was drunk and everyone knows what that means. All the customers had vacated the soi and gone around the corner where it's quit.

Agree that the fare is low and I’d gladly pay more for the convenience. When the line first opened there was a higher cost express service with only a few stops between airport and Phaya Thai. That, however, was discontinued. The line also serves commuters and the critical means for workers to get to and from airport so those fares need to kept affordable. A practical solution might be for employers to subsidize workers for higher fares while travelers pay a more equitable fare.

Having been out of Thailand last week I only came across this thread on my return last night. I had met Kjun12 several times and enjoyed his company. The first was for drinks on Silom with his long-time Thai partner. Thereafter we met for lunch on several occasions, once with Jellybean the moderator of the Sawatdee forum. The last time we met was at a Christmas dinner at their house to which he kindly invited me. Thereafter he had a bad accident outside his house which nearly took his life. Although we then arranged several times to meet, they were all postponed which I took to mean the effects of the accident were a good deal more serious. Yet he continued to send greetings cards on important occasions. My sincere condolences to his partner.

One Spa is offering a package of 50, one hour massages for 10,000 baht with no expiration date. That’s an average of 200 per session, half regular rate. Management claims it can be shared with friends but doesn’t comment if your estate can inherit unused sessions should you succumb to exhaustion.

I have to agree with everything you said !!! 👍

Last night was a perfect example of the downhill spiral of the Jomtien Complex. Question Mark Bar and Sun Bar both had music blaring at maximum volume making it impossible to have a conversation. I retreated to Lucky Bar bar near Dick's Cafe and then to M Bar which is also a go to place for a quiet drink. The loud music is losing customers for the boys in the main soi who will miss out on drinks and offs with customers moving away to a quieter location or just going home. With no Toy Boys (Boyztown), Nice Boys or Winner Bar (Sunee Plaza) type of entertainment allowed in the Complex it is becoming quite boring with so many beer bars and show bars.

Speaking of Soda Massage, last Saturday afternoon, i counted 34 boys waiting for customers. With three other shops/maybe four, with their own contingents only steps away. Best addition to the complex is the self serve laundromat.

I spent the past weekend in Jomtien. I arrived round midnight Thursday after a long travel day from China. Not having been in Pattaya since November 2019 I was pleasantly surprised by the number of bars are the number of people. I offed a boy, had a pleasant time, went to sleep. Thinking about it the next day, I didn’t recall a noticeable number of customers as opposed to the number of boys - but thought it was almost 2pm closing time when I was out and about. I was staying at the Poseidon where there were very few guests (early morning there were few empty key slots in the key rack. Went to the beach stand #28 where there were four occupied chairs. Friday evening I had dinner with a long time friend at Poseidon’s Wine Cellar which has been remodeled during Covid. Restaurant full both indoor space and the patio. Upscale money boys with many of the guests (unprovable observation but based on haircuts and watches/clothes worn). So when I ventured out after dinner where it was bustlingly crowded it was a jolt to see lots of boys on phones and only clusters of customers. Saturday was a repeat of Friday. At dinner my friend reported that Songkran had been very very busy. He’s one of the organizers for Jomtien Pride and would agree that much is hoped for that weekend. He noted that it was exceptionally hot this year and international tourists were down as well as Thai weekenders. For years he was in the travel business and still keeps up. He said the lack of Chinese tourists was significant. I can attest having come via China that direct flights from Beijing are at most two a day. I didn’t go into Boys Town so can’t comment of that part of town.

Indeed. I arrived yesterday and walked around bit and i can attest that it is dead. my grindr is abuzz with freelancers looking for ST. Outside the complex, i do notice a lot of russians. At the beach now and i am the only one on the front row. Never have i seen this before.

Absolutely! You certainly have a way with words to describe things 😊

Happy news! I will be in Bangkok on that day!

Tawan is broadening it, s offer. Yesterday 20-25 guys in stable, from overweight and overfed veteans to at least 5 new twinks, not to mention 2 I saw already before. So all members who run by screaming now may consider checking offer. For show bar packed yesterday although I, m of impression I was only Farang in audience. In house massage charge now 900 for the bar plus tip so it sounds it will be half price to off masseur and have it in the room. G,Bangkok restaurant in soi 4 has schnitzel Thursday. Great offer 1 piece with garnishing 199. They got hooked on the offer. There are several options for more hungry. Do not leave exchanging money to the evenig, at least 2 places reduced rates after dark, not much difference on small amount but it may grow up if you need to exchange more.

World Pride? It's all going a bit far now isn't it. Either way, Thailand shouldn't get it till they have equal marriage laws. Not that I will ever understand why anyone would want to be married.