splinter1949

Hope UNESCO will not remove Foodland's  World Heritage status because new neighbour 

As long as the heels they are wearing are not too high, it should be no problem

From Pattaya News
Thai investors are set to launch five new airlines, pouring in a minimum of 3.85 billion baht. These carriers are poised to commence operations in 2024, aiming to tap into Thailand’s burgeoning aviation market, projected to be worth 320 billion baht next year.
According to the Nation Thailand report, Really Cool Airlines, P80 Air, Pattaya Airways, Siam Seaplane, and Landarch Airlines have all received an Air Operating Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). To commence commercial flights, however, they still have to wait for the CAAT’s approval of their Air Operator Certificates (AOC).
One of the the above five Thai-owned carriers, Really Cool Airlines, expects to receive the AOC in January 2024, which will allow them to start operating the flights as early as in the second quarter.
Patee Sarasin, CEO of Really Cool Airlines, emphasized that during the first two years, Really Cool Airlines will focus on Asian routes, particularly to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, operating four Airbus A330-300 aircraft. With an initial crew of 130, they will initially offer chartered flights from March to May before transitioning to regular flights and expanding to European markets.
“We would not compete with Thai Airways International on their regular routes but would focus on flights to secondary cities, which would also help further promote Thailand’s tourism industry,” Mr. Patee said.
On another note, P80 Air, a subsidiary of Thoresen Thai Agencies Pcl, projects getting its AOC in 8-9 months and commencing commercial operations in the last quarter of the next year. In its initial two years, P80 Air will focus on secondary Chinese cities, operating four Boeing B737-800 NG aircraft.
Pattaya Airways is also eyeing a launch in the final quarter of 2024, aiming to operate on both domestic routes within Thailand and across ASEAN destinations. The airline will start with cargo delivery using an ATR72 aircraft for the first three years and later add more planes to meet rising demand from e-commerce companies.
Meanwhile, Siam Seaplane is considering adding amphibian planes (Cessna Caravan 208 model) to its fleet to cater to high-end customers visiting seaside resorts and ports in Thailand. Their debut route will connect to Ko Lipe in Satun province, significantly shortening travel time to the island.
Lastly, Landarch Airlines intends to operate short chartered flights between major cities in southern provinces, beginning in April 2024, with its hub in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. They plan to acquire five Cessna C208 B, 12-seater aircraft in the first five years and expand the fleet to 15 planes, serving destinations in other provinces.
 
 

Seems like a lot more people than when I went 8 yrs ago.....and more organized. 

Here are some pics from then.
 
   

A Vietnam friend who works in Bangkok has been receiving texts from his family and friends back home since yesterday. The corn crop planted recently has been lost and homes swept away. Ha Tinh province is the hom3 of just about all of the VN guys who work in Bkk.

From VN Express

 
Two women and a child in Ha Tinh Province in central Vietnam were swept away by flood on Monday, two of their bodies have been found drowned and one is still missing.
Around 10 a.m. on Monday, Tong Thi Trang, 33 and Nguyen Thi Hoa, 31, in Ha Linh Commune were on their way home through a rainstorm after work in Ha Linh Commune, Huong Khe District when they got swept away by the flood.
At 3 p.m., the women’s relatives called the police when the two did not return home.
Due to heavy rain, the search was difficult. Trang’s body was found at the communal house of Village 12 in Ha Linh Commune.
Trang and Hoa are sisters-in-law. Both have small children and their families are in difficult economic circumstances.
At about the same time as the sisters went missing, so did Nguyen Van Dung, 13, in Huong Khe’s Huong Thuy Commune.
In Can Loc District, at 3 p.m., authorities received a report from nine workers who were isolated by the flood at a shack near the Gia River in Son Loc Commune. The rain was initially not heavy before so the workers had paid no mind. After a few hours of heavy rain, the water level rose quickly and they couldn’t leave the shack.
Authorities sent officers on motorboats to approach the shack and after two passes, nine workers were rescued safely by around 5 p.m.
Under the influence of cold air and high-altitude eastern winds, it has been raining heavily in central Vietnam for the past two days, with Ha Tinh recording the highest levels of rainfall.
In addition to flooded houses and highways, the North-South railway was interrupted by landslides and more than 4,500 students in Ha Tinh had to stay home from school. It is forecast that the rain in Ha Tinh will last until Thursday.
It was around 3:30 p.m. when the boy was walking on a flooded road in Village 6. He accidentally fell into deep water and drowned. His body was discovered at 8:30 p.m.

From Pattaya Mail
PATTAYA, Thailand – In the early hours of October 23, a potentially tragic incident took a heartening turn when the Pattaya Sea Rescue and Community Safety Unit responded to a distress call from worried tourists. The call reported a person attempting suicide by walking into the sea at Pattaya Beach, near the Pattaya Police Station.
 
Onlookers, mostly tourists, witnessed the distressing scene as a young woman, identified as 24-year-old Rattanaporn, entered the sea, emotionally distraught. Acting swiftly, a courageous local teenager, 17-year-old Parit Yunkrathok, jumped into the water and heroically brought her back to safety.
Following the rescue, local sea rescue teams and volunteer medical teams arrived, finding Rattanaporn emotionally shaken but physically unharmed. Police officers and community volunteers joined forces to provide initial psychological support to the distressed woman, who revealed that her actions
Further investigation unveiled that Parit, the young hero, had earlier noticed the distressed woman while hanging out with friends on the beach. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he swiftly entered the water, successfully rescuing her. After bringing her back to shore, Parit promptly called for assistance from local authorities.
Responding police officers helped calm Rattanaporn and suggested a heartfelt conversation with her boyfriend, who was invited to the scene to resolve their relationship issues. The incident concluded without harm or complications, thanks to Parit’s bravery and the quick response from local authorities in de-escalating the situation.

there's something in it. Actually a lot
that comment brought me memories of long distance  travel by buses  in China  in mid-80-ties.
Cost of ticket included overnighting in some cavernous halls on the road , there was some bedding on the floor  but basically whole busload of people was sleeping, at least some nights,  in one big space. 
If was obvious that other passengers thought  nothing about  screaming to their friends across the hall in deep middle of the night and when we tried to gesture to keep quiet , plainly they  did not understand what fuss is all about. The same in sleeping coaches on the train.
Then we took it as part and parcel of exotic travel (it was shortly  after  big chunks of China  was opened to independent foreign travel )  but it was immensely annoying so no wonder Bangkok Guy is ballistic.
Tell him he has full support from old vinapu.
To be fair I must add that during quite a few long flights I took with various Chinese airlines there were no middle of the night noise problems.  

There have been posts over the years about misunderstandings with boys from the bars and other difficulties some have found in communicating with Thais. I have been coming to the country for four decades for work, play and finally living in Bangkok, but still find Thai logic all but impossible to comprehend.
The latest incident concerns of all things air conditioning maintenance! For many years I had an annual contract with one company to come to the apartment three times a year to service three units. When they went out of business, I asked our excellent receptionist who speaks pretty good English if she could help find another company. I get on well with her, always give her a Songkran brown envelope and other little gifts from time to time. But after almost a year she could come up with none. A friend who lives in a much more luxurious condo then suggested I try their maintenance company. Although a lot more expensive, they came twice, seemed excellent, but then did not reply to calls. The receptionist tried half a dozen times before finally someone answered. The company had decided to base themselves out of Bangkok, allegedly!
In some desperation, last week I did what I should have done almost 2 years ago! I spoke to my neighbours to find out who serviced their units. It is the company run by the husband of our receptionist, they told me! So during all this time when allegedly she and also I have been trying to find an aircon contractor, her husband ran such a company yet she did not tell me! After I approached her about this to see if they could come, I assumed it would be a few weeks later. They turned up the next day, spent much longer than the other companies and as far as i know did an excellent job.
So why could she not have told me this before? I'll never understand!

You got me worried, shortage of tips may be result of Chinese being biggest part of an audience, taking over from more generous farangs. But surely , with lack of tips more progressive parts of the show may be thing of the past.
that chicken dish tip seems to be in vogue there recently but to their credits last few times they asked for tip to buy that  , few minutes later I actually saw them eating it so at least my money (and hopefully yours ) seems to be spent as intended.
One of many nice things about  Tawan is that they have good rotation and as you noticed , some guys are coming only on some days. As for massage there , perhaps you came too early  as guy who was / is doing that has day time job somewhere in Huyai Kwang which is also sadly reason he is not interested in long time.
Happy to hear you have good time there, waiting impatiently for next day's report
 
 

Day 2: I awoke early, perhaps not accustomed to the new timezone I am in and the new bed that the hotel provided. I just lay in bed until around 10am and decided to go around Lumpini park to stretch my legs. The major structures in the park seem to be in renovation mode with most of them cordoned off the public. I passed by the public gym, but doesn't seem to have the usual cruisy vibes as years before. After a quick walk around the park, I decided to try my luck again on the silom complex facilities. This time though, I think I was too early for the action. I walked back to the new silom edge building, and found that they offer relatively affordable food court fare in their basement despite the relatively up scale eateries on the other floors.  They also have a public shower facilities on the 2nd floor. I had a quick lunch at their basement level for less than 100 baht. 
I noticed I was running low in cash, so decided to head on to x-one in Suriwong. They have a mobile app, so it was easy to compare the rates of the different money exchange along the way. So far it seems to have the best rate. Along the way, I passed Tawan - they might have stopped their massage services as there was no touts outside at that time.  I saw signs for Super A and later nature boy, these bars were reported to open early, but it was close when I passed them around lunch time. Saw the Queen's club has closed down - what a tragedy. Along the way, I passed by a huge local market selling cooked food for take out. I bet these would be more affordable and more authentic than those found in the restaurant malls.
After changing my cash to Baht, I was just wondering around the area. I went to silom plaza, but didn't proceed to arena as the greeter was not my type. On a whim, I decided to hop on to the bus to reach the small outlet center in the jewelry bldg in silom for some shopping. Unfortunately, nothing caught my eye, and their "sale" price wasn't really a bargain anymore. As there were a lot of time to spare, I decided to head to Heaven Sauna. It was early afternoon, I paid the 200 Baht entrance fee, and was surprised by the number of people already in the place.
There were lots of more mature daddy type or men with bigger builds in there. I saw one perfect bear specimen. I could've been sworn he was a porn actor in farangland, not for his lesser than average junk. The small jacuzzi at the rooftop was no more. Lots of actions happening in the dark room as well as the steam room and private cubicles. A lot to enjoy if you are into mature and bigger built guys. 
After it got dark, I decided to treat myself to a buffet in holiday inn. Food selection was ok, and the price was not that steep. After an hour of chomping down on the dinner buffet, I decided to go back to Tawan for the show. When I arrived, I was ushered by a handsome tout with a tribal tattoo that spans his forearms. First time seeing him, he was quite professional, not clingy as the guys inside. When I reached inside, I noticed a few of the same customers that were there yesterday. Tonight Mr K, was not present. Mr P though was a surprise appearance, he later told me that he only comes on weekends as he works at a gym. The cute Myanmar or is it Lao guy was also present that day. Even though he was not part of the big cock show, and as mentioned before, I was trapped behind a row of seated customers for the guys in the big cock show to reach me, he was resourceful and got an ample reward for it. The show was mostly the same, but this time the BDSM part has Mr C tied up on a chair on stage and another guy using a vibrator to explore his nether regions. it would've been more effective if you can actually see the vibrator move. The F show also featured a handsome bottom. Not fem at all, which makes it more interesting. I later found out that Tawan is the only bar that still have the F show, it's a shame though that it only last a few minutes. And the tips are not coming in from the audience unlike previous times. So tonight, for the chuck wow portion, there was just enough tip for 1 guy to shoot his load on stage, the other guy had to leave the stage empty handed.
On exiting the bar, another tout was tailing me, asking me why I didn't off, and asked if I wanted to off him. I don't seem to recall knowing him, but he said that he worked inside before. He asked for tip to buy chicken from the vendor outside the expanded 7/11. he seems kind enough so I gave a 100 Baht and bid him good night.

This is my first trip after I called it quits in the corporate world. I would've made this the trip earlier but didn't want to burn bridges with my ex-employer. Anyway, let's just jump to Day 1.
Day 1: Arrived at the airport around noon. There seems to be a VIP in swampy during my arrival as there was a portion that was cordoned off to the public, and a few camera men on standby. Surprised with the paperless immigration process, this is an improvement - at least in the ecological sense. Took the skytrain to the silom area - where my hotel was located and decided to do some fruit shopping in the basement supermarket of silom complex. They no longer give plastic bags for free, instead they sell it for 1 Baht. I also found an affordable prepaid sim available on AIS shop - 50 baht for the sim, 200 baht for the month long 30GB internet and unlimited wifi for a month. The store clerk mentioned that I can keep the sim active by topping up 20 Baht per month. This seems to be a better deal for me than having to buy the tourist sim every time I come to Thailand.
While in the shopping mall, nature called. I was surprised to see quite active cruising happening. Both local and farangs were obviously cruising. Saw a few above average cocks that are surely stage worthy in the nearby bars. At first I thought this would be a good alternative than hitting the bars, but the often interruptions by the cleaners was a downer. I wonder which other places have cruisy facilities in Bangkok?
After checking in to my hotel, resting and freshening up, it's time to hit the night life. I tried small Joe salad place just below the BTS station. It seems to be good value for 300 Baht, I had a medium salad and entree. After dinner, I went straight for Tawan. I was surprised to see different handsome touts now welcoming the customers. The owner/cashier is stationed at the entrance to collect the 500 Baht fee. The place was the same as I last visited but with the added 2nd floor of the stage. When show time started, the crowd had ballooned and the crew added plastic stools  in front to original setup. The customers' drinks were capriciously placed behind them on the existing small round tables. And as expected, they experienced at least one spillage every night that I was there.
I saw some old faces and some new ones. One of my fave muscle guy was on this bulking phase, so not the type that I would off . So after a short hi/hello, he got the point and left me with the other guys sticking by.  K who I had the hots for was on form, and he seems to have grown body hairs which is a plus. But I am wary to off him, as I think I would easily fall for him. Some new muscle guys were present, some a few non muscle guy - bordering on the rough looking ones also now part of the rosters.
At around 1045pm the show thankfully started without the long welcome to Tawan prologue in 3 different languages. Unfortunately though, it was opened by a traditional Thai dance, and followed by a couple of cabaret acts. I think it was already 11pm when Ten's candle act started, which was followed by the usual muscle show, bdsm, and big cock show then another set of cabaret acts and then culminated with the fuck show and the aborted chuck wow show since there were very few tips despite the large crowd.

Post trip reflections.
Highlights
- S'sense is a big winner and a pleasant discovery for this trip. I always tend to go to a no hanky panky spa for a decent massage and then visit another place in search of the fun extras. I am delighted that from experience, both elements are present in S'sense. 
I always make it a point to avoid  recommending a specific guy as experiences and individual connection can vary. However, I would recommend Knott just for his massage skills alone.
 
- Hotmale is another surprise. I am pleased that I gave this place a second chance after a lack lustre experience from my first visit. 
- My meetups through apps have been consistently pleasant during this trip. While this mode takes heaps of time and effort to weed out time wasters and dodgy characters, it can be worth it. My meetups with non Thailand based MBs thru the app is a new Bangkok experience  for me.
- Tawan is always a highlight. The unpretentious ,relaxed and friendly atmosphere is something other boy bars are not able to duplicate.
- Kman Spa. Another notable discovery this trip. Worth the effort getting there. Looking forward to explore the other establishments in the Saphan Kwai area next time.
- LTs: maybe because of the lean season, securing LTs are not as difficult compared to previous experience pre pandemic. Most guys are also not in a hurry to go home the next morning. Maybe it's just my luck this time.

Lowlights 
- Banana bar just didn't tick any of my boxes this time. I'm not sure if its unusual but they only had four performers rotating the whole time I was there. People will take a peek by the door and will instantly walk off.
- Fresh boys is always a lowlight for me but I always end up visiting at least once every trip. The lack of subtlety on the part of waiters and Mamasans when asking for tips and drinks can be  irritating. I mean asking for tips/drinks within the first minute of conversation?
- AirBnB: given its legal status in Thailand, I always second guess and brace myself everytime I bring a boy back. The apartment I rented have posted notices and banners saying that the building is strictly for residential use and not for short rental like air bnb. The notices were written in a way that the renters can get into trouble if they don't report this to building management. But again, this is Thailand. While I didn't have any issues during my previous stay, I'll stick to the usual tried and tested Silom hotels next time.
- Jupiter: as advised,  I will try to ignore the ice cold standoffish behaviour of the guys next time. I might be in for a surprise.
- Dreamboys is a mixed bag for me. While their new place is a definite improvement, both my visits didn't result to an off. Not crossing this off my list and will give it a try next time.

Compared from my visit last year, things are really looking very positive. There seems to be no remnants of the pandemic and Silom / Surawong area is bustling with most establishments back to operating till late night / early morning. Overall, this 12 day experience have been pleasant with no major dramatics with any of my off. Fingers crossed it will be like this next time.
Thank you for reading my reports and hopefully this will be of help to you guys for your next trip. I am looking forward reading your future reports too!
 

It can happen later too , I offed boy from Screw Boys at 22:30 after less an hour he left but I noticed he forgot his watch went back to the bar at midnight and gave it to the mamasan because he was busy on stage again... 

I just book on the website. splimousine.com  They have a web form you can fill out. They give you the location of their staff at the airport. They'll have a paper with your name on it big enough to see as you walk up. The lady who runs the operation radios for the car and walks you out to the curb and you hop in and go. I usually book a week or so in advance of my trip

I did the Phanon Rung trip from Korat about 15 years ago in company with a friend and our Thai boyfriends, both of whom came from the area. It’s a rather impressive ancient ruined temple complex. We got to the site by taxi and after making a self-guided tour we found there was no hotel accommodation nearby, necessitating a return to Korat in the back of a local’s pickup truck. 

In recent years India has been making progress - albeit slow - in giving those in the LGBTQ community more rights. Many of the country's homosexual men and women had pinned their hopes on a case heard before the country's Supreme Court in April and May putting forward the case for same-sex marriage. These were dashed today when 3 of the 5 Supreme Court Justices voted against the motion. The other two had been more in favour of civil unions rather than marriage, but that was also voted down. Calculations based on global estimates put the number of gay men and women in the country at around 100 million.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65525980

In my post above about massage shops, I incorrectly referred to “Urban Thai” as “Urban Male”. 
============
While arriving at Saladaeng station this evening, I discovered that a new, 7-11 type convenience store has opened in a large space on the lower level platform. As you descend the central stairway, you’re greeted by the entrance to Turtle Cafe. It has about everything you expect to find in a 7-11 (including prepared meals) in addition to a McDonald’s style hot an cold beverage counter. Thais are masters of the retail trade.

The weak link in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure has been its rail network. Although this new service doesn’t represent an increase in speed, it does in comfort that is much needed.

Seems a great way to travel the 750 kms betwen the two cities, the more so as the most expensive week-end ticket seems to be just US$43. The cuisine on board seems to be western given the table layouts in the photo, but I expect it should be very good. Individuals will clearly be sharing sleeping cabins with three others. Best to get three willing Vietnamese and have a nice little orgy before sleep and breakfast! 

From VN Express

Vietnam's railway sector is set to put into service a pair of high-quality trains on the popular Hanoi-Da Nang route on Friday, catering to the growing demand from both domestic and international tourists.
The high-quality trains have undergone comprehensive refurbishments, including fresh paintwork and meticulous interior enhancements, such as new blankets, sheets, pillows, and window curtains.
The bed compartments have been designed to create a luxurious and cozy ambiance.
Continues at
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/places/luxury-trains-to-come-on-hanoi-da-nang-link-4665587.html
To ensure a comfortable and premium experience, the railway sector has installed new water heaters and bright white ceramic sanitary equipment in the washing compartments and restrooms.

Hope this soon will be a case for all countries with visa free admission

Hey! Just came back from a work trip but here's Days 11-12.
Post trip reflections to follow. 😁
Days 11-12
I woke up with Tee still sound asleep. I tried to carefully wiggle out and move his legs off me but he instinctively pulled me back that I could feel his gentle snoring and his robust morning wood. "Not yet", I told myself. I may be a horn dog but at the moment, my body is craving for caffeine more than anything else.
He's already awake when I stepped out of the shower. When I asked what he wants to eat for breakfast, he smiled and pointed at my phone which is good as I'm feeling lazy being out anyway. He ordered rice porridge while I opted for croissants, cold cuts and mangoes delivered. The croissant was surprisingly semi-fresh and Tee seemed to enjoy devouring two ham and cheese croissants I made.
We chatted a bit more with him telling his story on how he survived the pandemic including how he got back into shape. He also talked about his experiences being in the trade and some weird experiences and requests he receives from customers. This made me cringe thinking what story he will be telling his mates about me.
After a while, Tee stood up and motioned he's going to the shower. He removed the towel from his waist and draped it over his shoulder. "Come with me?" he asked. He's already hard down there. While I already showered and know this might be a ploy to extract more tip, this is one of those tricks I really don't mind falling into!
By mid afternoon, I decided to book Knott at S'sense. I was tempted to check if the Prince spa (also in Suan Plu) is open but given I'm at the tail end of my trip, I decided to play it safe. Knott instantly recognised me and was smiling as he lead me up that endless flight of stairs. I'm happy to report that the experience with him was consistent, if not, better than the last time. 
I chose to spend my last night in Tawan. The Uncle hastily led me in and have me seated inside (no more disclaimer from him about BDSM boy show!). I saw Tun busy chatting with a couple of customers. After a few minutes, I was approached by one bar boy, shook my hands and asked if he can sit with me.
BDSM show is not really my thing but I tried to enjoy and amuse myself with random stuff while watching. The clincher for me that night was one performance where they apparently intend to put a nipple clamp on one performer. However, rather than an actual nipple clamp, they improvised and used a large clothespin instead. The fact that both clampds are coloured pastel purple made me chuckle a bit.

While I'm enjoying  the  show, I'm struggling to feel any sort of spark with the guy seated next to me. I think it's because he jumped the gun and switched straight to and used the transactional tone quite quickly. I mean don't get me wrong. I'm not naive of what patrons and people who work in this kind of place are aiming for. But I guess, investing more time to create rapport really goes a long way. I politely declined, gave him his tip and he was back in rotation.
A few minutes later, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. It was Tun. "Hello my wife!" He whispered. I replied sarcastically pointing to the two guests he was chatting with and corrected him that those two are his wives. "No, they go home now" he said. We both had a laugh.
Once seated, Tun seems to be working fast to secure the deal. He's extra touchy feely, sneakily kissing my neck, his hands wandering everywhere under my shirt. He even grabbed my hand and directed it down his crotch area. I was a bit flustered with the last one as I'm not used to this kind of public display - even when in a boy bar in Thailand!
Moments later, Tun casually mentioned he's getting sleepy and suggest we "go home sleep together". I nodded, finished our drinks and made our way out. Just like last time, we did a quick pitstop at 7-11 before heading back to my apartment.
Tun quickly made himself at home which is one of the beauty of a repeat transaction. The expectations and dynamics are somehow established and there are less unknowns compared to bringing in a new guy. While there's the risk of monotony and overfamiliarity down the line, I chose to ignore that for now given that this is my last night and it will be months before I return to Tawan. I will worry about it by then.
Overall, my second time with Tun still exceeded my expectations. Given that I already had a session with Tee (morning) and Knott (afternoon), I was quite surprised and kinda proud of myself for capping off the day with another one. I think how Tun engages both in and out of the bedroom makes the difference. I may be generalising but from experience, I usually have better experience with MBs/bar boys/masseurs who are a bit older. Could be  maturity? Less appetite for dramatics? Old enough to know the value of money so they tend to equate level of service? or considered old and less marketable by trade standards hence compensating through better service? Honestly,  I don't know. Good thing though is that Asian guys who are in their 30s are still eye candies.
We woke up a lot late than usual. Quite disappointed that with this late start, I wont be able to do my planned last massage session before flying out. It didn't help that Tun lingered even after I gave him his tip. Seriously, how do you tell a hunky, freshly showered, half naked Tawan guy to leave? I then had a light bulb moment that includes him dropping the towel wrapped around his waist and us marching back to the room. My last hurrah for this trip.
With the above disappointment taken cared of, we had a relaxed lunch outside the apartment. When we finished, I handed him an extra tip which is the amount I set aside to tip my supposed to be masseur for today - then off we went our separate ways.
This left me with a couple more hours before my pre booked airport pickup arrive. Plenty of time to pack up, get myself sorted and reflect a bit before saying a temporary goodbye to this gorgeous city.

 
 

If visiting him is what you're going to do, have him show you around.  If not, find a Korat boy on the apps and arrange the same thing with him.  The local boys always know the best places to go and you'll probably get to see and do things most farang, even those who go there as tourists, never see.
For sightseeing, it's been several years since I was last there, but i believe 2 or 3 days there is plenty.

There have been some changes in the local massage scene since my last trip in July. One new shop has entered the scene to become the lone mixed (male and female staffed) shop in either Patpong 1 or 2.
Chaichana has opened on Patpong 1, nearer the Surawong end on the same side the original Madrid was located. When I stopped by the other night, it had three guys—two of whom I found attractive—seated outside with four young women. They offer all the traditional services, including neck and shoulder massage. Some of the public services are offered on the first floor. Thai and oil massage facilities are located on the lower level accessed by wide and easily negotiable stairs. There are three large massage suites, all with massage tables and en suite shower. One hour oil 500. Hours 3pm until midnight. Attire is red polo shirts.  
Meanwhile on Surawong, there has been some consolidation and (if memory serves me correctly) some space swapping.
The shop at the corner of the driveway for Tarntawan Hotel is now known as Avarin and has also taken over the space which appears to have been the long-time home of Green Massage a few shop fronts away. Green is now situated in smaller quarters between the twin Avarin shops. Avarin staff in maroon polos while Green continues to wear the inexplicable orange. Avarin one oil 590. Further up Surawong you’ll find Olivia’s encamped in a large quarters adjacent to the still more expansive Urban Male shop. All of the shops mentioned have male and female staffs.
Toured the new and Foodland market in the recently opened Park Silom building at Silom and Convent roads. Located on the lower level, it’s L-shaped layout is expansive, featuring a salad bar and prepared (7-11 style) take away meals starting at 49 bht. It also offers an expanded beer, wine and liquor shop. The attached Took Lae Dee restaurant was going quite strong at 10pm on Monday night with about 25 customers. Like the flagship Patpong location, market and restaurant open 24/7. And for those in need, you’ll find an immaculately maintained restroom on same level.
There’s a Dairy Queen outlet also on lower level that I think closed at 9.

I think most Americans over 65 would generally agree with that statement, based on polls.
Here's the thing.  If turning Gaza into a parking lot involves turning thousands of innocent Palestinian women and kids into scraps of flesh and blood and brain, isn't that kind of like what Hamas just did? 
And can someone explain how this is the only course of action that will prevent a Palestinian Hitler from taking over and sending all the Jews in Israel to Palestinian extermination camps?  That seems pretty unlikely to happen.  Why?  For starters, there's the entire history of how Israel always wins the body count when it comes to how many Palestinians have to die to avenge Israeli deaths.  Israel has, by the way, already won the body count on this war, which hasn't even started.
Holocaust II is an argument one can make.  We know that, because many slightly less unrealistic arguments like this are being made.  Regardless, many young Americans in particular see Israel as an apartheid state.  They don't see this as preventing another Holocaust.  They see it as apartheid.  The idea that turning Gaza into a parking lot is okay seems to be what confirms their feelings.
As far as the polls, since I'm the poll nuance guy, it is 1000 % clear that an overwhelming majority of Americans (and I think people in most countries, where polls have been taken recently) feel the US should "support" Israel after what can legitimately be called their 9/11.  I'd also already read the CNN poll saying that about half of Americans feel a military response to a Hamas terrorist attack is "fully justified."  My simple and I think correct interpretation of that poll is that if you ask people whether it's okay for terrorists to slaughter women and kids, most people will so no.  Emphatically.  And they'll say such a slaughter has to be responded to, probably with military force.
Once you get beyond that, it gets very murky.  Pro-Israel Democrats like Mellman can read what they want into the polls.  But they are on shaky ground I think.  For example, take a guess what people would probably say in response to this poll question:  "Should Gaza be turned into a parking lot, even if it involves the mass extermination of Palestinian women and children, in order to protect Israelis regardless of whatever it takes?"  I think most people would be against the mass extermination of Palestinian women and kids.  Just like they are against terrorist attacks on Israeli women and kids.  
I stand by what I said.  I think Israel has lost a pro-Israel US majority.  What I mean is that there is broad and deep horror about a terrorist attack.  And a feeling that it can't just be ignored.  But is the US behind Israel, "whatever it takes?"  No way.  On the right, Trump is articulating the antipathy to the US being a global cop that seems to be at the heart of Trump's MAGA movement.  On the left, people look at Israel and see an apartheid state.  That doesn't make terrorism right.  But it doesn't make apartheid right, either.  A lot of what happens to US public opinion next will depend on what Israel actually does.
That ABC poll you cited above, @EmmetK, actually supports my argument, not yours.  It says a "plurality" - not a majority - in the US back what Israel is doing.  There are as many different shades of that answer as their are nuances in poll questions.  I think the thing that is very clear is that for Americans over 65, the bumper sticker "whatever it takes" does actually work well.  That's the present, and past.  For Gen Z, who grew up under the Israel of Netanyahu, "apartheid state" is a bumper sticker that works increasing well.  That is the present, and future.  If Israel does turn Gaza into a parking lot, I'll predict both US and global opinion about Israel will shift even more to "apartheid state."  Good luck with that, Netanyahu.
That said, it is all very fluid.  I would not bet on how this plays out, either in terms of the war itself or US public opinion.  I agree with @JKane that it probably means more violence, life gets shittier for Palestinians, and that lays the seeds for even more and worse horror and terrorism.  
I checked to see how polls turned out in similar situations in the past, like the US 9/11.   I find this history instructive.  Israel might want to worry about their 9/11, if they reflect on how the US 9/11 played out in the long run:
The important distinction I will make is that Americans overwhelmingly agreed that our 9/11 was an unjustified horror, and something had to be done.  I think the US and the world pretty much feel the same about Israel.  Empathy, and support.  When you just left it at that, polls at the time showed the world overwhelmingly sympathized with and supported the US. 
Where things got dicey, as the above polls document, is once you started to talk about a military invasion.  Let alone its consequences years or decades later.  And this was the GOOD war that most Americans agreed about.  Once you get to Iraq, it was a divisive shit show right out of the gate.  Overall, I think Iraq was the single worst US policy decision in my lifetime.  Many commentators on both left and right would agree with me.  Iraq set the stage for a weak and floundering US that is globally viewed as a hypocrite.  Again, all that played out over years and started with the sympathy of the entire world on the side of the US right after 9/11. 
With the benefit of hindsight, if there is a lesson for Israel it is that a focus on legal mechanisms makes sense.  Like kill the Hamas leaders or bring them to justice - if possible.  And any military invasion (like Afghanistan) should have limited objectives and a clear exit strategy.  That said, if I had to bet, Netanyahu's right-wing Israel will want to turn Gaza into a parking lot, permanently.  It will play out as well as the US invading Afghanistan did.  You heard it here first.
So Israel has a lot to worry about when that sympathy fades and the new horrors of an invasion play out.  Good luck, Netanyahu.