splinter1949

DAY 5
The frustrations of the previous day forgotten, I'm starting to enjoy being by the beach in Pattaya. The vibe is far, far different from Bangkok's, I have to say. The sight of a farang - typically in his 50s and up - sitting by himself at a bar in the middle of the day, staring rather blankly out into the street, is surprising in its ubiquity. Meanwhile, the locals almost seem to treat tourists who cross their path with an indifference that sometimes crosses over into badly concealed exasperation, as I found out when I asked for a grocery bag at the supermarket. (The sustainability movement hasn’t missed Thailand, so bags have to purchased at certain large retailers – Big C in this case.)
I decide that I want a massage today, but as it turns out, the big guy up there had other ideas. I was in the Boyztown vicinity, and remember a fellow forum-er (Christian?) posting about a place called Relax Massage that boasts rather fetching lads. I stroll past the joint, but perhaps it’s too early in the day – this was slightly before 2 p.m. – and the few masseurs who were present did nothing for me. I ended up taking a rather pleasant jaunt back to my hotel along the beachfront instead, which actually wasn’t a bad substitute for the missed massage. I try my luck on Grindr later in the afternoon for an in-call masseur, and of course make the mistake of not asking for a video chat first. The boy shows up, and the discrepancy between the person in the profile and the boy in the flesh is just too wide for me to ignore. (He had photoshopped his acne issues out of the pictures, and there *were* issues.) I politely declined the session, and gave him 200 baht for his troubles. I wonder if it was too generous, but he did get all dressed up in a button-down shirt and slacks. I choose to be charitable about the misleading photos, since it seems to be common practice hereabouts – he was likely just doing what he needed to, to conduct business. Lesson learnt.
As consolation, I buy myself a couple of cocktails at the Hilton’s rooftop bar. The view over the sea at sunset is quite sublime, though – IMHO – the curving stretch of Beach Rd. glittering in the gloom of dusk is by far the more attractive view. Spent an hour and a half there, staring out at the city lights with a sea breeze in my face. Definitely a highlight of the trip so far.
I head off to Sunee later in the night – which did not prove an auspicious beginning, unfortunately! Nice Boys was first, but its crowd is a *little* too rough around the edges for me. There are maybe 8 boys hanging around in their undies, with nary a customer in sight. I decide that I would rather not stay, and take off to Winner. This was around 10 p.m., but all I saw were two patrons seated outside. I’m assuming that the boys are all indoors with their patrons, but that was an assumption indeed. Inside, there’s no one on stage, but two small clusters of boys seated around, who can barely be bothered to get up. That’s it for me. I decide that Sunee is not happening tonight, and set off at a brisk stroll for Boyztown.
First stop: Classic Boys, which I skipped last night. There is a clutch of boys in their undies, but no one catches my eye. I head off to Toy Boys, where there is a larger selection – 16 tonight, the papa tells me ruefully, when at their busiest there are something like 30 – but it’s pretty much the same line-up from last night. I buy a beer, then head to Dream Boys, where I chat a little with Arm and the mama. (@floridarob, you are completely right. Arm’s enthusiasm with a john dips significantly after the first encounter.) Nothing much is happening there, so I swing into X-Boys to take in the show, which was a surprisingly fun time! It was the right amount of farce for me, with certain acts an improbable mix of the erotic and the completely ludicrous – the standout here being the one where boys do pull-ups with buckets of paint (? – I think) tied to their erections. And then there’s the act where they play miniature golf with their er, flesh putters … The difference between bars that boast shows, and those without, is stark. Like BBB last night, XB is packed out this evening. There are a couple of lookers in their roster, but those guys get called to other tables pretty quickly, so I head back to Dream.
I’m very, very keen on a boy named Dao, who apparently has been at the bar less than a week, but he seems shy, with limited English skills. For some reason, he’s reluctant to be offed this evening. My initial guess is that he’s none too fond of me, but he communicates through the mama that he’s free the following night, and even asks me before I leave what time I’m dropping in tomorrow for him, so perhaps I’m not a complete ogre. Mama recommends another boy, Boy. Yes, that is indeed his real name.. Boy has a great smile, so I’m won over. “Straight, but can smoke”, I’m told. We go out for supper at the all-night Thai-Chinese place next door, where one can get braised duck at 1.30 am in the morning!! Praise be to the gods. Boy hails from a town in the south of Laos, and has been working in Pattaya for about a year, or slightly less than. Back at the hotel, the purported straightness of these boys is once again, I find, belied by their reaction to another male body in bed. After he leaves, I sit on the balcony and have a puff and listen to one of my favourite tunes, Carole King's "It's Too Late", and think about ex-lovers, and good times and bad.
Tonight, I’m off to see Dao. Wish me luck, folks. 


 
 

Despite having been to the US many times, I am still amazed at this practice and the amounts involved. On the other hand, I have seen Americans get all flustered in Asia when service providers refuse their tips. 
Once incident I remember: I was once travelling with an American colleague to a secondary city outside Beijing. We were going up to our hotel rooms after check-in, and a bellboy was helping us with our luggage. When we reached our rooms, he offered a tip to the bellboy, who refused it, saying something like "I'm only doing my job, sir." The bellboy's accent was difficult to understand (though I would credit him for speaking in English at all, and in a secondary city too - how many American bellboys in, say, Cincinnati, can speak Chinese?), but I knew what he said. However, my colleague (ike so many Americans) had a hard time dealing with foreign accents, and didn't know what the bellboy said, only that the chap wouldn't take the money. 
My colleague looked at me and asked in a whisper, "Is it too little?". Yes, that was what crossed his mind!
I am much, much happier in countries, like in Asia, where tipping is not expected. Thailand is actually one of those countries. The problem is that the gogobars and massage parlours mis-use the word "tip" to mean service fee. Thus causing much confusion.

They do but not sure horny and salivating customers pay due attention.
You right about Japanese bar and this may be source of misunderstanding as some customers familiar with Japanese system may assume in Thailand is the same whatever price is quoted.
They may have their own sources, for sure mainland Chinese do as I came across of some of their forums while combing internet.  But the same like with our resources , there are many who are not even aware about  their existence or if they do, they don't bother to visit 
 
I rarely engage mamasans preferring to wave boy over and deal with him myself but sometimes is necessary of just useful to enlist mamasan as well. They may embellish the truth but rarely they outright lie , if only to avoid  future problems with unhappy customer.
Toy Boys are not my primary destination but from few members I heard the same, boys are catching up with Bangkok and expect 2000 short time, which as you pointing out , for Pattaya is generous and probably can be bargained down
as for Nice Boys I agree with your assessment of boys but you bit harsh about customers. One thing is sure , no noisy screaming  Asian girls there (so far?) , everybody is there for the same kind of entertainment.
I do. I was also reluctant to leave Bangkok's charms  for first few trips but then I braved myself and I'm happy I did. My first impression was not even that great but it grew on me with subsequent visits.  Even chalked one of my trips as spent more in Pattaya than in Bangkok. My problem with Pattaya is that not being sun and sand person I have problem to make my daytimes interesting there.
No problem to go straight away as there's quite frequent bus taking you straight from airport to Jomtien in less then 2 hrs. There is only short walk to Complex bars and hotels from there.
Its also great way to go from Pattaya to Bangkok , I always take airport but and from airport train to the center. Much better option than Ekkamai buses from/to  North Pattaya bus station as it beats city traffic. Once I managed to amaze Pattaya regular on the bus. He asked me what time is my flight and when I said I'm just going to Bangkok that way he said " great idea , it never crossed my mind" so sometimes simple solutions as still hidden in broad daylight.

good idea , used alredy by many massage places where minimum tip is spelled clearly and pointed out to customers

Lucky me landed in Bangkok on a rainless Thursday night for a weekend fling from Singapore. It had been raining the past three nights and many streets were flooded.
Hotmale Beer Bar first floor offers excellent view of the guys at new bar Sol directly facing it opposite. At any one time, about 3 to 5 boys hanging outside for smoke break or dinner when they finish their rotation on stage inside bar. White sleeveless T-shirt and red shorts with large individualised numbers printed on them (similar to sports team shorts) so punters don't have to squint at small red round buttons! Boys are mostly transfers from other bars but all are offable material. Not too old. Average next door slim types. One blonde boy with Korean style haircut was prancing around with shirt unbuttoned showing off his abs.
Unfortunately, I didn't enter Sol so I can't report on show. In any case, could not off anyone as I already have longtime Vietnam guy for the night. I call him kon nuoi (godson) and he calls me cha nuoi (godpa).
Many people walking up and down the street. Perhaps because rain of past few days had stopped so everyone's dying to get out.
And there's a new waiter from Myanmar at Hot Male beer bar first floor. 23 years old. Very very very cute and speaks great English!

Day 7
There's something therapeutic spending the night cuddled up under the sheets with a hunky guy. From experience, I was able to get more decent LT from Sauna GPs in SP/Rio compared to Thailand. Only in Thailand I experienced guys changing their minds coming up with an excuse to weasel their way out of an LT arrangement. Maybe Brasileiros are more open and chill with this kind of arrangement compared to Thais?
What I usually do now is to initially avoid breaching the topic of LT during convos around taking them out of the club. When they initiate the possibility of an LT themselves, almost always, the chance of getting an enjoyable LT is high. When I have to bring up LT, even with an enthusiastic response, I'm always 50-50 with the outcome. Of course it also helps a lot if you treat the guy nicely and both of you have good banter and vibing well in the club.
During breakfast, I was teasing Tun that his wife will be upset that he did not return home last night. He teased back saying "You're my wife!" I chuckled at his attempt to possibly earn additional tip. We exchanged Line details before he left. I let him do the QR code scan thingy as I'm totally oblivious to that. He finds this funny.
I spent the rest of the morning catching up on work and when it starts being bland, I checked Grindr but for some reason, I can't see anyone ticking my box. I messaged S'sense again and inquired if Knott is available. Unfortunately, he's already booked. Even my second choice, Singha (who's highly commended in Google reviews) is not working. Luckily, another well built cutie, Tongtong is available. As usual, I was offered the higher priced package with the massage oil being the only difference. For some reason, I ended up choosing a 2-hour body scrub and massage package. I usually have my scrub in non hanky panky spas but given my positive experience with S'sense last time, I thought of giving it a try.
Due to heavy rain, I arrived a bit late but they seem to not mind (I kept them updated on what's happening traffic wise). Tongtong then appeared with a shy smile on his face while holding a small glass of cold tea with flower on the side (nice touch). He later then asked me to remove my shoe, gave me a pair of slippers and were on our way to our love nest for the next couple of hours.
I was a bit surprised that Tongtong is on the slim/twunk side. He sure got a very cute face and a nice well built body so even when he's not as bulky as Knott, I wasn't regretting my decision.

He started off with the scrub and while my expectations were low, I was so surprised that I was getting a proper spa level body scrub. Once in Phuket I made the mistake of choosing a body scrub package in a guy massage place in the paradise complex and it was a hella mistake. But this time, Tongtong is skillfully scrubbing away every nook and cranny of my body and the experience was similar to a legit spa. I ended up with a soft and smooth skin that I never expected to get from this place. It was a pleasant surprise and will definitely in my list of Bangkok must dos.
Then comes the massage, while not as intense as Knott, maybe due to size difference, the massage is still robust, relaxing and enjoyable. I keep on saying that its a spa experience because it is. I think that is one thing I appreciated from S'sense, you get the spa and the erotic experience from one place.
Tongtong is a bit on the shy side when it comes to the sexier part of the package. He climbed up the bed and started doing body to body massage. It was enjoyable but I think he got the disadvantage of doing this after Knott so he's being measured against a higher standard. Everything started feeling mechanical and routinary at first until I decided to take matters in my own hands and reached down there. A few seconds later, Tongtong was smiling and was hard as a rock down there. We finished on a good note and he surely earned more than the minimum tip.
Come night time, I decided to give Hotmale another visit. Given the dramatic texts and profession of love from the guy from Screwboys, I decided to reroute by going through patpong night market turning left to the Corner where dreamboys is straight up to Hotmale. 
The selection seems a lot better than my first visit so that's a big plus. I can't wrap my head though around the red athletic joggers. All I can think about is an erotic version of highschool musical. If that's what they are going after, they 100% nailed it.
A couple of guys already caught my attention. I am making eye contact with both and alas! Like Bluetooth, one of them connected, gave me a wink, a huge cheeky smile and a silly dance that made me laugh internally. I have to save him from doing that silly dance and motioned to him to get down and join me for a drink.
He introduced himself as Ae - he's Thai from a province near Chiang Rai. He's surprised to know that I'm not from Asia as he said I look like Chinese or Japanese. I was about to talk about the great Asian Diaspora but I got distracted with his looks and well chiseled chest and abs. He was clinging to me giving me massages and keeps on commenting how my complexion is fairer than his. I guess this was meant to be a compliment? He keeps on commenting how smooth my skin is and I chuckled internally thanking Tongtong for his work.
He talked extensively about his diet and how he maintains his body and I'm just enjoying looking at him talking passionately about it. I mean you have to admire people with that kind of discipline. He also talked about his dream of someday playing with real snow and it just sounds so cute. When he saw that I was uncomfortable surrounded with a couple of groups smoking, he initiated moving us to another area so I according to him will not get "smoke poisoned". Call me gullible but that made me decide that even with a couple more potential cuties around, he's my man for the night.
After the first show, we made our way out and let him decide where to eat. We ended up in Foodland and after the menu were given, he said he'll have whatever I'm ordering. I took it as a cue  he's a bit cautious of ordering "too much". Told him to choose according to his diet. We settled with a few items and passed by the convenience store to buy some booze for later. 
In the taxi, he discreetly held my hand which kinda caught me off guard as I am not used to and comfortable with such gestures. Since it's dark inside and uncle cabbie seems to be busy with his own thing sending Line messages endlessly (at the expense of our safety!), I just let Ae do his thing hoping that this is a prelude to a good night.
And luckily, I was right.
 

Day 4
With my pretend BF Nam leaving, I am once again single and excited to explore what this city can offer.
One thing I was so curious about is how people in this forum have talked extensively about the different massage shops in the Saphan Kwai neighbourhood. The reviews seems to be a  mixed bag but I am curious to try it myself. 
I exchanged Line message with Kman and 15M. They responded flooding my phone with photos of their lineup for the day. I can easily identify 3-4 guys from each of their offerings so I decided to risk it and go in there without reservation.
Given my general lack of sense of direction, I decided to take a grab taxi which, given that it's non peak hours, only cost 130 baht. I am running out of funds so I set the drop off to Saphan Kwai station. Halfway there, it started to rain  like crazy I started to worry ill get soaked. Luckily, the rain stopped a few minutes before we arrived. I immediately scanned the area and can't find any bank or ATM machine nearby. I tried my luck climbing up the station hoping there's a machine and there it was.
Before dispensing cash, this particular ATM machine quotes an exchange rate and asks you to confirm if you accept it. I usually press "no" and from experience, my online banking statement looks like I  saved around 25 to 30 USD from my 10k baht withdrawal. Not an expert so I can't explain why.
After placing cash in my wallet, I looked to the right and lo and behold, I saw KMan's signage! So I made my way down the station towards Kman.
I was expecting that the place will be on the rough side like Arena but I was wrong. Downstairs was decent, I was given a bottle of water and their iPad to browse through their menu. I chose a masseur named Dang and minutes later he went down to meet me, take my footwear and take me to the room.
Disappointingly, the room I was given don't have a private bathroom but luckily it's just opposite my room. Dang just smiled and used his hands to direct me to the shower.
He then took a shower and returned to our temporary love nest. He looked at me and started speaking in Thai which I responded with a confused look. We had a good laugh and he said he thought I am Thai. This kinda broke the ice.
Dang gave a more than decent massage although he lags behind Knott from S'sense who I think will be the standard for this trip. Saving grace is he's not the type that will spend so much time massaging your feet. He gave each body part generous attention.
When it's time for the more interesting part, he asked me to lie on my back and gave me a body to body massage which was actually pleasant. It progressed further from there. He's a bit shy and would constantly look at me sheepishly smiling. Kinda threw me off guard but I decided to ignore it. Tried planting as much kisses as I can and he welcomed it all. "You like to fuck please?" He asked. I chuckled in my head and nodded. How can I say no if he asked so politely!
We finished and of course he got more than the minimum tip under his profile. I kinda like this system of having minimum tips as it removes the guesswork and makes the transaction more straightforward. If unsatisfied, Just give the minimum tip and add a bit more if its the other way around.
Not quite sure if ill make an effort to come back to this area. It's really out of the way and not worth the travel if you're only visiting one shop. I made a mental note of possibly book a hotel in the area for a day  to sample everything Saphan Kwai can offer. Maybe two nights to include a Chatuchak shopping trip?
I should have taken the BTS back to my apartment but I wasn't thinking properly in a post coital phase. Got stuck in the grab taxi for 1.5 hours but I entertained myself by browsing through Grindr. 
Ghanian guy seemed to have seen me online and sent me a Line message. He asked if I want to meet up and I replied ill let him know after dinner what my plans are. He responded cheekily  inviting himself to dinner and then back to my place for drinks. He quoted same price as before but told me not to be shy to tip (he's learning from previous experience!). I looked outside and the impending rain looks a bit daunting so I decided to cancel bar plans tonight in favour of my gorgeous Ghanaian mate.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=winner boy bar pattaya
Was there a year ago. Business was so slow they had one table in the dark street with two boys and the owner. Went a couple times for a drink and tipping.
Jomtien was jumping with customers and boys.

I have just returned from Japan and South Korea.
The big topic of conversation in Japan at the moment is the effect over-tourism is having on the local people. 
The vast majority of tourists were from Singapore and Taiwan. The locals in Kyoto were complaining that they can't move around freely or even catch buses to work and litter is becoming a big problem. 
For those who are not familiar with Japan, years ago the government removed all bins from public areas and told citizens that from now on, you are going to take your rubbish home and dispose of it there  - which is what everyone does. When you head our for the day you always make sure you have a bag of some sort into which you can put your rubbish and then carry it around all day. 
Unfortunately, tourists are not always familiar with this concept and so in frustration, they tend to just quietly - or blatantly - dump it along the way of leave it in toilets.
Kyoto's government decided to deal with the problem by setting up 3 large bins on the main street but by late afternoon they were full and rubbish was piling up around them. Litter is such a rare sight in Japan that it came as quite a shock to everyone.
The biggest fear now is what will happen once the mainland Chinese tour groups start returning. If Japan is already overwhelmed by tourists and finding it difficult to cope, this will be disastrous for the locals.
I recall a couple of years ago when I was walking around Kenrokuen, one of the 3 great Japanese -style gardens. I was enjoying the serenity when suddenly large numbers of huge tour buses turned up all at once and disgorged  a tsunami of Chinese tourists. The serenity disappeared, as did the views, because everywhere you looked you just saw people. They all wanted the photo with the famous stone lantern; the problem is, they don't just take 1 photo and move on so that others can have a turn; they have to take multiple shots going through a series of poses.
I, along with others, fled the park and vowed to return another day - which I did back in January and without the tourists. It was wonderful!
Chinese tourists have a perfect right to visit these places just like we do. But I wish they would not travel in such large groups because the sheer number overwhelms everyone and everything. (Try buying an icecream when the Chinese are in town!)
I remember the tour groups being a problem in Pattaya before Covid. I dread to think what it will be like once the Chinese start to travel again. 

I had arranged my airbnb from day 2, so in the morning I head out to go meet the host and pickup my keys. The room is ok I guess, but I’m starting to wonder who got the idea of misleading sizes in their photos first, grindr or Airbnb. Not to worry, it has a bed, a washing machine and a friendly security guard at the front.
My second arrangement for the day was due to catch his flight from hometown into BKK that afternoon, he is a non-mb in the traditional sense and someone I’ve known for a couple of years now. The expectation from him is generally gifts in exchange for BFE. He stayed with me for about a week and well, I guess his actual boyfriend in farangland may have caught on (to me or one of the others he runs off with) because there was some significant mood change and not much action after day 2 after some private phone calls happened. I got the real BFE from then on, no sex just me buying dinner every night.
As the arrangement had stopped meeting my expectations the gifts stopped. I did of course still enjoy this time with him, we did a bit of restaurant hopping and markets and things, nothing too exciting or noteworthy but always nice to have pleasant company and a translator with a cute smile.  Eventually after his planned trip is over, I get him back to BKK airport and he’s on a flight back to farangland to live happily ever after with visa sponsor #1.
Off to the Apple store to get a replacement airpod, 2500 baht and a few minutes of dodging tables of people touching the new colour ‘same same but different’ phone and I’m out of there into torrential downpours. Oh, this is the rainy season I’ve heard so much about. I’m not one to wade through floodwaters so I spent the night inside wondering what could have been if I decided to outbid the farangland bf, not at the very start of my trip was my conclusion. I should wait at least 2 weeks before I fall in love with ‘definitely not’ a moneyboy again.
I need a good cleanse from all this relationship drama being near me, so I’m off to Pattaya to indulge in some long cigarettes, survey the financial market for investments and see what falls in my lap. Next update sometime soon
 

"when you come back bb"
"come see me soon krap"
"new iphone come out darling, can you buy me my phone break"
The waiting back home for the next trip is always the worst, with loving messages of past flings sporadically appearing in Line, they must really miss me. Lucky for me the wait is over and i'm back in the thick of it once again, dodging the guys I should've known better to avoid in the first place while chasing down the new and shiny ones that will soon become the former.
This report will be breaking some of my own rules, after one previous live report was shown to a guy i was with, i told myself i will never do a live report again.. but here we are, so if you ever feel the urge to show my ramblings to anyone.. just don't! i've got enough headaches in my life. I'm going to do my best to protect the identities of myself and my acquaintances, let's all play nice and respect that.
I'm going to be adding to this report over the next few months, how long, i still don't know because i've quit my job and decided i'll go spend time travelling around SEA as long as I want/need/can. I'm here for twinks, relaxation, food and sights.. in that order.
I’m posting in the Thailand forum, but it will venture out into the unknown at a later date.
 
--- Start of Bangkok ---
Window shades up, tray tables locked, seats in upright positions.. there will be no further safety instruction, here i go.
I had been dealing with a whirlwind of issues before my departure date which saw me flying around my home country for the days before I was set to embark on my longest ever trip, the stress of it all and flights to and fro really messed with my ability to plan this trip. So there i was about to check-in to my Thai Airways direct to BKK without a plan or even an onward flight booking, while waiting in queue i quickly book a flight to Cambodia for 29 days later. ok that should get me past immigration, turns out my Thai airways check-in agent asked if i had an onward flight, but just took my word for it and no one ever asked to see it. 
Thai airways is a solid 8/10 carrier as usual, older planes but service is good and the food was better than i remembered. My only real issue was one of my own doing, i dropped the left airpod out of my ear mid-flight and rather than waking the seatmate next to me i decided to search for it when we land. well, when we landed it was nowhere to be found even with the help of several flight attendants. 
So i'm day one into my trip with half a set of headphones, a pocket full of baht and no clue.

I activate my AIS eSIM (900baht for 5G 30 days/50GB), for reference the comparable AIS SIM at the airport booth i spotted was 2000 baht. I already had baht in my wallet from my last trip so i head down to the taxis and onward to Le Meridien.
First order of business, massage.
I did the Surawong lap, down through the Tawan dogleg and past nineteen. Lots of bums on seats and offers but none that really caught my eye. I decided to head back to one of the mixed male/female shops where there was a guy that could meet my needs in low light conditions. 
Note: now before i tell this story, be aware that i know there were multiple junctures where i could have changed the outcome... i know this.. i am as the french would say Le Idiote (i dont know french). 
I approach the massage shop up to the guy of my interest and the mamasam (i assume) intervenes and asks if i want massage, well yes, I say and point at 60 minutes oil massage while looking and smiling toward the guy i like. she says 'follow me', off i go expecting him to tail in behind me, I pay my 600 baht at the register and right after I've paid I look behind me to discover a Shrek lookalike had followed me in... oh bother. 
I am far too polite to reject this poor lad grinning at me from ear to ear after i had just paid right in front of him, ladyboy mamasan had disappeared  shouting something toward the front of the store the second after i paid, i'm standing there shell shocked while Shrek stomps up the stairs. Ok, suck it up... it's just a massage, maybe he won't try anything, at least his hands look strong.. reassuring myself as i sheepishly creak up the stairs.

I shower in the piss smelling washroom, wrap the towel around my waist and walk towards the curtained 'room' with Shrek guarding the stairs so i can't make a run for it (presumably). Ok face first into the massage bed and out comes the oil, enough oil to fill a tanker evading sanctions, but at least the massage was strong. The reach under didn't take long, oh no, i press my pelvis against the bed, he starts rubbing his (thankfully clothed) dick against my arm and hands as i try to tuck my arms closer into my body... the hints just aren't reaching.
The turn... well, it was inevitable at this point. I close my eyes and do everything in my mental power to remain soft to not encourage this any further (the places my mind had to go will remain unsaid), the thought does cross my mind if this has moved into assault territory as my balls are getting fondled for a good 5 minutes, but let's not dwell on it, I knew what i'm getting myself into by not backing out earlier. I am successful against all attempts from him to make me hard so he can offer the extras, clenched my eyes closed and let out a little sigh of relief when he gave up. Time to shower the buckets of oil off me, it doesn't work, the oil is immune to water and soap, i'm a baby penguin after and oil spill.
I return to the room and he's gone, i guess he didn't want to stick around to see if i would tip (i was going to give him something small as a gesture of good will). i go downstairs and put my shoes on, grit my teeth through a smile to the mamasan then go straight to 7/11 to buy a packet of cigarettes.
I need to process this so i headed to the safety of the highly regarded foodland restaurant, on my way a cute waiter tout outside one of the bars grabs at my arm but the oil.. his hand can't get a good grip as i tell him 'not tonight sorry'. What a sight i must have been, half wet hair, covered in oil, cigarette hanging from my mouth, pale and wide eyed like i've just seen a car crash. 
I eat my chicken cashew, shaking my head, exhausted... what a start to my trip, surely it's going to get better from here

No reason in my experience.....which consists of about seventy-five trips between 1997 and this year. Only once did a driver try to suggest that 800 bht for a trip to Surawong was appropriate and he was quickly and cheerfully disabused.
A year or so back,  there were long queues for taxis  at BKK-most unwelcome after a long flight. But my last four trips have been fine in this respect.
I pay 500 bht plus express-way charges and a 100bht tip. The thought of dragging my luggage to the train or bus (and then another journey if by train) appals me.  And that's not just due to age. .

Don't think you'll find any accurate map because of a few recent changes and additions. The good news is that the area is so compact that you really don't need one.
Gay venues when entering from Surawong:
LEFT SIDE:
Screwboy
Freshboy
Red Dragon beer bar (pool table)
Hot Male beer bar (also upstairs beer bar)
Hot Male Go-Go
RIGHT SIDE:
SOL Go-Go
Dreamboy Go-Go
NOTE: Although not exclusively gay (or you may not know it at 2a.m.), Foodland on your left

one still can come up with  old shoe instead

7 years is a long time. The graduate crisis that has become serious in China is post-covid. Covid caused deep fissures in the country's economy. Almost everything in China has been changing rapidly since 2019. Look at the real estate market. We know that the debts of the two largest companies, Evergrande and Country Garden, are over US$500 billion and the inventory of unsold properties is rising daily. 53 smaller developers have collapsed in little more than two years.
$14 billion of Country Garden's outstanding local and foreign currency bonds have lost at least 90% of their face value. We know that Chinese banks are owed over US$3 trillion by the property sector as a whole. Bloomberg estimates that the real estate development sector as a whole has debts worth 12% of GDP which are at risk of default. According to Bllomberg estimates, this places
"a massive burden that could curb growth in the world’s second-largest economy for years to come."
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/capital-markets/china-faces-property-debt-defaults-worth-12-of-gdp-be-says
Most local and regional governments in China depend for a large chunk of their income from the property sector. These local government bodies are vital to China's economy. But overspending on major infrastructure projects and plummeting returns from land sales have increased local government debt levels to US$12.8 trillion in 2022 - up by 50% from 2019. But these are only reported figures on balance sheets. Experts say the central government does not know the level of hidden debts.
After decades of increasing prosperity virtually each year, much economic activity in China has crashed dramatically. In such a scenario, it is absolutely the case that employment in better jobs has decreased substantially because the jobs are no longer there. Hence the graduate job crisis and hence the general youth unemployment crisis. China's economy is virtually in uncharted waters.

From VN Express
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on Thursday announced that it plans to launch a direct route between the central coastal city of Da Nang and Thailand's Bangkok in November.
This move materializes the outcomes of talks between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin on the sidelines of the recent high-level week of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the latter proposed the opening of additional flight routes between the two countries.
Vietnam and Thailand celebrate their 10th anniversary of strategic partnership this year.
Vietnam Airlines is coordinating with relevant authorities to launch the route linking the Da Nang international airport to Bangkok-based Don Mueang international airport in early November.

From The Thai Enquirer
PM’s deputy secretary Natreeya Thaweewong came out to defend why Srettha’s charter
flight to the UN General Assembly cost 30 million Baht.
Her response came after recent calls by political activist Somchai Srisutthiyakorn
to look into why the flight cost so much. She explained that an e-bidding system was used to secure a reasonable price.

Thai Airways initially asked for 25 million Baht, but due to increased fuel prices,
the cost rose to 30 million.
 
Natreeya broke down the total cost, which included 4.84 million for aircraft
expenses, 16.8 million for fuel, 1.47 million for food, 3.06 million for ground
services, and 3.8 million for operational costs.

Other passengers, including the Prime Minister's daughter and wife, covered their
own expenses. The government chose a charter flight to avoid inconveniencing
other passengers on a commercial flight.
=======================
From the Thai Enquirer
A famous Thai journalist Thapanee Eadsrichai (owner of The Reporter & a journalist for
Channel 3) came out to praise the fact that Prime Minister Srettha was traveling in
‘Business Class’ in the CHARTERED aircraft and that was because Srettha was trying to
save money for the country.

The fact of the matter is in a chartered aircraft passengers can sit in the toilet or on the
floor if they want (the money is already paid for the entire aircraft anyway).

Thapanee says that everyone is travelling in Business class and not 1st class not
knowing that there was no 1st class in the aircraft he was traveling in.

Thapanee seems not to know that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has only 22
business class seats and 234 economy class bringing in a total of 256 seats with
no 1st class seats.

She said that the Prime Minister chose the 787-8 Dreamliner and had to sit
in business class instead of sitting in first class but stated that he did so to
save money.

From Pattaya News

First, thank you for reading this article. I am Mr. D Paul Baird (Volunteer at The CSC Rayong since 2006) here in Thailand.
Today, I would like to request your help in supporting children who are infected or affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. Please take a moment to visit our English website at www.hiv-aids-kids-org. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at aidskids@hotmail.com. If you are in Thailand and would like to visit us, please let me know. I will make the necessary arrangements for your visit and show you our center.
I’d like to emphasize how crucial it is to hear from a sponsor and share their experience. Please read and share this voice from our sponsor, Daniel Schwarting: “I feel that I am truly making a difference for my sponsored child, Chaem, by supporting The CSC Rayong Sponsorship Program. This enables the wonderful work of The Camillian Social Center Rayong, Thailand, to continue into the future.”
If you are in Europe or Germany and would like to make a direct payment for the project in Rayong, Thailand, you can do so through the following channel:
For the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand:
Bank: Bank of Ayudhya Branch: Map-Ta-Phut Branch, Rayong Account Number: 229-1-29336-3 (AYUDTHBK) The preceding is a press release. The statements are entirely those of the author and the Camillian Social Centre of Rayong. The Pattaya News does not accept donations on behalf of organisations and encourages interested readers to contact them directly.
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Given how close Jomtien is to Pattaya I would really take a look at both unlessyou are only there for a day. Why limit your options for the sake of 10B?

Although Jomtien does not have go-go bars, the host bars offer many more boys to pick and choose from, so lack of go-go bars is not a problem.  There is one bar, DoDo, in Jomtien Complex which does have some dancing boys which is  a nice treat. 
The largest gay scene is in Jomtien Complex, aka Supertown. There are 6 go-go bars in the Boyztown area and 2 go-go bars in Sunee Plaza.
I should mention that Jomtien Complex is about a 15 minute ride by Baht Bus(10 Baht) from Pattaya or a short motorbike ride (80Baht)  or a Bolt Car ride(100 Baht).

I really wouldn't worry about whether boys are offable, it will be very obvious and most are offable for the right price.
Prices are negotiable based on lots of different factors including time of year, popularity of the boy, your age and looks, whether his rent is due, what time it is, etc. If you don't like the price move on as there are lots of boys. 
Yes, there is often an off fee if you take someone from a bar or massage shop. If you don't want to pay one, check for the boys online rather than at their place of work.
It's personal preference whether you prefer bars, massage or apps. They all have their pros and cons. I prefer massage then apps and rarely go to the bars these days. Others prefer the bars. It's personal choice, there is no right or wrong. 
As I said though, don't worry about it. The concerns you have before you go will be swept away once you get there and you'll find your own preferences very quickly.

in Pattaya  you may find some in BoyzBoyBoyz bar in Boyztown.
In Bangkok don't forget about Moonlight and Jupiter, not just Tawan.
No idea about other places you mentioned, others may say something but I'd say if you want pyramids , go to Egypt or Mexico, not Turkmenistan. You interested in churches, go to Europe, Ethiopia or Latin America , not Laos or Saudi Arabia.  You like muscles , stay in Bangkok and forget about Hat Yai or Hua Hin.

yes, I noticed it yesterday, I can open profiles and see the main picture but can't go any further. And no, I'm not going to pay for any subscription , I rather  pay for drink in the bar.

Everyone's experiences and limits are different. Here in numerical order for short time:
500 is still accepted for street trade (Saran Rom Park) and I do some of my business there.
800 is the minimum tip for 1 hour for most boys in Saphan Khwai and Inthamara massage places, and I do some of my business there. Fee for massage shop separately.
1000 is what I pay for boys from apps in Bangkok or in gogo bars in Pattaya (Winner Boys, Nice Boys). This is my upper limit but many here pay much more regularly.
1500 is the minimum boys in gogo bars in Bangkok ask for and some bars in Pattaya (Toy Boys, Classic Boy Bar former Cupidol). I don't pay that and I don't go there.
2000 seems the average gogo boys in Bangkok ask for.
I have been asked for 2500 online once, no sorry.
I have been asked for 5000 online once, no sorry. Cute and popular on Twitter, but I have my limits.
 

Day 2.5
To resist the urge of showing up in the bar early, I tried to distract myself by focusing on work and when that proved to be futile, decided to switch to the apps.
Grindr got a reasonable buffet of guys with varying rates quoted with the most common ranging from 1500 to 2000. This can be argued as reasonable if you account for savings from not having to pay entrance, drinks and off fee. But where is the fun in that? What caught my fancy was a good drizzling of gorgeous African guys. This reminded me of how much I miss and want to go back to Brazil but plane fare remains laughably high from where I came from (even my SA friends are unable to visit home).
I exchanged message with one of them who said he's from Ghana. He quoted 4000 and I responded with a non committal reply as I have plans to be out and about that night. We traded WhatsApp details just in case.
When i can no longer contain my excitement, I decided to taxi towards Surawong and treat myself to a foot massage. At least I can enjoy people watching while someone got firm hold of my feet preventing me from marching straight to the bars!
After the massage, I decided to head to Tawan. The nice beret wearing Uncle hastily ushered me inside while trying to explain that it's a "BDSM boy show" I responded with a wink and  he smiled. The interior did not change since I visited last year. I noticed though that there's a set of stairs leading to a second floor/platform/stage. Not sure if it's new or I didn't notice it previously as I was sitting quite far inside away from the stage last time.
One thing I appreciate with Tawan is the fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The guys roam around socialising with guests. I even saw one guest with his hands inside the guy's short for like forever. No judgement but I hope he gets an off or a generous tip! 
Maybe I'm getting old but I swear Tawan's clientele especially the Asians are getting younger and younger. My gaze was low-key fixated to a couple of cute twunk until I reminded myself my intention of being here. 
From my peripheral vision I saw a Tawan guy sat beside me but I tried to play it cool. He then introduced himself as Tun (?) and a couple of minutes later, when he starts getting comfy and cheeky, his hand found its way under my shirt giving me massage and whatnots. We kept on chatting during the show reminiscing how the old site across the street was better and how Tawan is now mainly a "show bar" and how rarely they get boy drinks or offed now. I just shrugged my shoulder saying that maybe its low season and hopefully things will be better for him in a few months. He said most guys in the bar goes for around 3500 to 4000 with a few going as low as 3000. I nodded and just gave him a smile.
I was really enjoying my time with him when my phone starts beeping. I stepped out and it was the Ghanian guy who suddenly had a change of heart and lowered his rate to 2500. You gotta love lean season! With that information, I tipped my Tawan guy and bid Surawong good night.
I was a bit paranoid meeting with this Ghanian guy because I'm in an air bnb outside the Silom area and I'm not sure how the guards will react when I bring a guy to my unit. My fear turned out to be unfounded as we even got a smile and a salute from the one of the security guys when we entered. You gotta love Thailand!
In the apartment, we wasted no time and things escalated and got steamy quite quickly. The session was so intense and tender at the same time. He looks much better in person and well built. I could just look at him the whole day. However, there's still that Brasilian or specifically a Carioca "factor" missing from the experience. I can't explain it.
We had a good chat after and I was getting wary that the post-play chat is taking quite a while he might be thinking of staying the night? It's a personal policy that I don't let people I met first time via app to stay overnight - only those working in the bars or GP Sauna in Brazil once I have done my due diligence.
So I pretended and said that I would like to go out and eat and asked him what his plans are. I think he got my cue and said that he'll be making his way home. I paid as agreed plus a reasonable tip. He's too gorgeous not to be given a tip to be honest.
After sending him on his way, I went back to my room and gave myself a high five for a productive day two!