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vinapu

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  1. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from dscrtsldnbi in Unplanned Bangkok Trip (March 2024)   
    it always is a challenge but thank you for an effort and waiting for part 3
  2. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from dscrtsldnbi in Advice please   
    I'm bit surprised by that statement. As I said above , based on my experience , minimum tip is what they expect unless they in no uncertain terms ask for more .
    adding 10-20% ie 100 or 200 baht is pretty generous.
    Boys are as much used to stingy as to money thrower farangs, I don't think they would consider one who tips stated minimum stingy though.
    At end of day is up to client to see  how much is deserved. Service may be poor but feel good factor may be tip determining factor.
  3. Thanks
    vinapu got a reaction from KeepItReal in Advice please   
    when minimum tip is listed , unless boy himself raised issue by asking for more for doing this or that, that minimum is what is expected , even in higher rend places like Jey Spa. Not that they throw back bahts  at you if you tip them more. 
    If you are happy, specially if you think you will see boy again feel free to tip more to show he did good job. Not that is expected but you may buy better goodwill. Often 2nd encounters are more dynamic than first ones  as both parties are more familiar with each other.  But be warned , if you tip more ,  next time you will be expected to tip the same , improved formula amount. Boys have surprisingly good memory, even 1 year later they may quote you what you gave them last time, happened to me in January and I resorted to excuse ' last time I was rich, now I'm poor".
    I simplified my life and use VST (Vinapu Standard Tip ) in massages : for 1 hr session 1000 or minimum tip, whatever is higher, for 1.5 hr session 1500 or minimum , again whatever is higher. I'm inclined to throw money around , if only to soothe boys stress after encountering stingy farangs but very rarely on 1st session.
  4. Haha
    vinapu got a reaction from xpaulo in Incident Reporting Points at 7-ELEVEN Stores   
    you dirty mind, you
  5. Thanks
    vinapu reacted to spoon in Unplanned Bangkok Trip (March 2024)   
    Their gov is known to deny departure for some citizen who they suspect are trying to flee the country and become illegal immigrant elsewhere. I guess two main reason, human trafficking and the cost needed to fly them back home if caught. I suppose human trafficker will pay for their tickets to leave the country under pretense so might be a reason for them to ask to show the cc used. Just a wild guess
  6. Thanks
    vinapu reacted to thaiophilus in Unplanned Bangkok Trip (March 2024)   
    I've experienced that on Srilankan Airlines.
  7. Like
    vinapu reacted to CallMeLee in Unplanned Bangkok Trip (March 2024)   
    Part 2
    Writing this trip report has proven to be quite the challenge. Balancing daily activities with the need to have fun, reflect on experiences, and put thoughts to paper has left me significantly behind schedule.
    Upon returning to my hotel from Hotmale , I was eagerly looking forward to succumbing to the embrace of jetlag-induced sleep. However, my hopes were dashed as I discovered that my room was plagued by an annoying noise coming from the balcony, which to my horror ,housed the condenser units of adjacent rooms. I endured the disturbance for the night and approached the hotel staff the next day. Thankfully, they promptly assigned me a much quieter and better room. Having to repack and move was a hassle given that I have nested a fair bit with my stuff already scattered everywhere in the room.
    Once settled in my new room, I received a message from Jake, a Philipino MB I met from a previous trip. Given this trip is unplanned, it turned out that he'll be in Bangkok as well but with friends and a week later than my arrival. We agreed to have his incoming flight rebooked so that we can meet for a few days before he set off with his mates. Too much drama with this rebooking as I can't use my credit card to pay. Jake said that in Manila, sometimes the airline will look for the card used to pay for the flight during check-in. And he can be deplaned if he's not able to produce it. Still I can't see the logic . Must be an anti fraud thing
    Deciding to fill my time, I ventured to Platinum Mall in search of souvenirs and treats to bring back home. Although the mall's offerings remained largely unchanged, I managed to find a few trinkets and enjoy a meal at the Foodcourt on the top floor.
    Opting for a change of pace, I hopped on the BTS to Saphan Kwai station and decided to try out 15M. I was asked to remove my footwear before climbing up the second level. I was expecting to be given slippers at this point but was shocked to learn that I will be barefoot the entire time. Some masseurs are in the reception and while I am browsing the menu, noted how much photo enhancement were done to the photos they send to clients. Generally I found the massage experience to be underwhelming, questioning the value of opting for the longer 1.5-hour session as the quality seemed lacking.
    As evening approached, I made my way to Dreamboys, only to notice a significant reduction in the lineup compared to my previous visit. Disheartened by the sparse lineup and boring atmosphere, I made a swift exit, seeking a livelier alternative.
    I then marched straight to Screwboys, where I encountered many familiar faces missing from Dreamboys. It was a full on contingent on a small cramped stage. I was pleased to spot Mai among the performers, his boyish and manly charm is always a welcome sight.
    Among the performers, I invited and struck up a conversation with Boy, a Vietnamese who used to work at dreamboys,  who surprisingly remembered our previous encounter (complete with details!)After enjoying the show, I proposed spending more time together, although Boy expressed his fatigue (not enough sleep for two days) and suggested a short time. I responded saying that I am in the same situation as him and may be asleep way before he did. We agreed, settled my bill and made our way to the hotel. 
  8. Thanks
    vinapu reacted to reader in UNESCO celebrates Songkran in Pattaya   
    From UNESCO
    UNESCO and partners’ ongoing project ‘Achieving Sustainable Tourism with Intangible Cultural Heritage and Creative City Network in Waterway Cities of ASEAN’—it has already convened three dynamic seminars benefitting thousands of tourism professionals since its launch in September 2023 — is pleased to announce its upcoming, fourth installment in its South-East Asia seminar series, ‘Pattaya & Sustainable Festival and Event Tourism: Exploring Strategies for Growth and Development’. The hybrid seminar, to be held 10 April 2024, will focus on Thailand’s coastal city of Pattaya as a special case study for the potential to be had in fostering dynamic networks of tourism businesses in the ASEAN sub-region. 
    Following keynote presentations, a panel discussion will explore the cultural significance of Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; the role of hotels in driving sustainable festival and event tourism; and standards and efforts of various organisations in supporting sustainable events and festivals. 
    Panelists include:
    Dr Chumpol Musiganont, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration-DASTA (Public Organization) Mr Jongrak Rojpalasatean, Director of the Management System Certification Institute (MASCI) Ms Urai Mukpradabthong, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand Office in Pattaya Ms Alisa Phanthusak Kunpalin, Managing Director of Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Webinar Details
    Date: Wednesday, 10 April 2024
    Time: 13.20–15.50, Bangkok time (GMT+7)
    Location: Amari Pattaya Hotel
    For on-site participation, please pre-register at: https://bit.ly/SongkranICH 
    For online participation, please pre-register at: UNESCO’s Zoom
  9. Like
    vinapu reacted to reader in 42nd annual Thailand Tourism   
    From Thai PBS World
    The 42nd annual Thailand Tourism 2024, curated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), promises to enchant with diverse activities across nine captivating zones.
    From March 28 to April 1, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center will transform into a hub of excitement and celebration, drawing travel enthusiasts and fans of all things Thai into the vibrant world of tourism promotion, a culture showcase, and a crafts and food extravaganza.
    Visitors are encouraged to use the MRT underground to the QSNCC Station or taxi or Bus No. 136 to participate in the Thailand Tourism Festival 2024, from 28 March to 1 April, from 10-00-21.00 Hrs. Entrance is free.
  10. Like
    vinapu reacted to tm_nyc in The best twink massages ?   
    That's the place.  It's Gecko Nail Art & Massage, I think.  It's a mixed (M/F) shop, very close to Pub Street so it is in a convenient, central location.
  11. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from Patanawet in Advice please   
    when minimum tip is listed , unless boy himself raised issue by asking for more for doing this or that, that minimum is what is expected , even in higher rend places like Jey Spa. Not that they throw back bahts  at you if you tip them more. 
    If you are happy, specially if you think you will see boy again feel free to tip more to show he did good job. Not that is expected but you may buy better goodwill. Often 2nd encounters are more dynamic than first ones  as both parties are more familiar with each other.  But be warned , if you tip more ,  next time you will be expected to tip the same , improved formula amount. Boys have surprisingly good memory, even 1 year later they may quote you what you gave them last time, happened to me in January and I resorted to excuse ' last time I was rich, now I'm poor".
    I simplified my life and use VST (Vinapu Standard Tip ) in massages : for 1 hr session 1000 or minimum tip, whatever is higher, for 1.5 hr session 1500 or minimum , again whatever is higher. I'm inclined to throw money around , if only to soothe boys stress after encountering stingy farangs but very rarely on 1st session.
  12. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from Draden in The best twink massages ?   
    try Gecko or 168 Massage
    for more information there are 2 trip reports on this page including mine from Oct 2022 and AndyUk from Feb this year
  13. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from Marc in Calif in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    it could be possibly more if American immigration officials on border were acting more friendly, on that account Europe beats North America hands down 
  14. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from stevenkesslar in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    it could be possibly more if American immigration officials on border were acting more friendly, on that account Europe beats North America hands down 
  15. Thanks
    vinapu got a reaction from stevenkesslar in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    exercise well rehearsed in 1940 when Baltic states joyfully and forever joined USSR.
    Crimea is ancestral land but not of Russians who driven out or annihilated it's previous occupants Tatars after Catherine conquered it at end of XVIII century. No doubt if institution of referendum was invented already  they would join Russia gladly and in haste.
    There's no doubt that Kadyrow would be able to orchestrate referendum on Chechnya's independence in less than a week and made sure 97.8 % would vote for separation with 98.16 % of attendance. Then me and whole world would wonder if Russia , so attached to popular will in Crimea  it seems  , allowed her to go.
     
  16. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from Marc in Calif in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    exercise well rehearsed in 1940 when Baltic states joyfully and forever joined USSR.
    Crimea is ancestral land but not of Russians who driven out or annihilated it's previous occupants Tatars after Catherine conquered it at end of XVIII century. No doubt if institution of referendum was invented already  they would join Russia gladly and in haste.
    There's no doubt that Kadyrow would be able to orchestrate referendum on Chechnya's independence in less than a week and made sure 97.8 % would vote for separation with 98.16 % of attendance. Then me and whole world would wonder if Russia , so attached to popular will in Crimea  it seems  , allowed her to go.
     
  17. Haha
    vinapu got a reaction from Marc in Calif in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    no doubt , no doubt, that was the year USA wrestled Crimea from Ukraine and made it 51st state and then Russia came to Ukraine's rescue wrestling it back and reinstating borders to where they were ? 
  18. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from TotallyOz in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    Thank you for the clip, Listening it I thought to myself , it doesn't start well if president of country who recently ordered his troops to attack his neighbor  mourns loss of lives  of innocent children. 
    I don't support neither terrorism and genocide  nor aggressive wars to satisfy dreams about past imperial glory. I'm just pointing that Russia identifies her enemies incorrectly and that is a reason is vulnerable  to attacks like recent. 
    War in Ukraine causes daily gigantically higher  loss of Russian lives that that attack in Moscow and it would be good if Russian  society started to count those . 
    As for propaganda I got excellent , life  lasting,  vaccination being present in USSR  in the last week of April 1986, far from both Chernobyl and truth.
  19. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from Marc in Calif in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    You say USA sponsors Putin's regime ? it can't be !
    On more substantial  note , don't you guys think enemy is somewhere else or you are waiting for another proof ?
  20. Thanks
    vinapu got a reaction from Marc in Calif in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    I wonder what kind of water you are drinking?
     
  21. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from dscrtsldnbi in Don't get horny in Cambodia   
    Lucky country whose Prime Minister busies himself with such important and strategic matter. Wouldn't it be nicer if he did something about that road being paved ?
  22. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from Marc in Calif in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    Thank you for the clip, Listening it I thought to myself , it doesn't start well if president of country who recently ordered his troops to attack his neighbor  mourns loss of lives  of innocent children. 
    I don't support neither terrorism and genocide  nor aggressive wars to satisfy dreams about past imperial glory. I'm just pointing that Russia identifies her enemies incorrectly and that is a reason is vulnerable  to attacks like recent. 
    War in Ukraine causes daily gigantically higher  loss of Russian lives that that attack in Moscow and it would be good if Russian  society started to count those . 
    As for propaganda I got excellent , life  lasting,  vaccination being present in USSR  in the last week of April 1986, far from both Chernobyl and truth.
  23. Haha
    vinapu got a reaction from Latbear4blk in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    I wonder what kind of water you are drinking?
     
  24. Haha
    vinapu got a reaction from stevenkesslar in Putin's terrorist thugs attack concert hall: 40 dead, 100+ wounded (so far)   
    no doubt , no doubt, that was the year USA wrestled Crimea from Ukraine and made it 51st state and then Russia came to Ukraine's rescue wrestling it back and reinstating borders to where they were ? 
  25. Like
    vinapu got a reaction from floridarob in Massage shops on Sutthisan Winitchai Rd.   
    which is both curse and blessing.
    On apps we have an access to much wider choice but until ,it knocks into our door we don't know what we will get, just like any other kind of internet shopping. 
    Face to face meeting brings limited choice but we can see and feel fabric immediately with added bonus of rubbing elbows with other shoppers , which itself may be either good or bad thing.
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