DivineMadman

The BKK Art Biennale 2020 is still on track to open this coming high season.  Dates are 29 October 2020 - 31 January 2021.  The theme is "Escape Routes."
As if anyone needed another reason to visit.
This time the artists include Yoko Ono.  (Not making that up.)
https://www.bkkartbiennale.com
 
 
 

Anyone who is reading the news expecting a government announcement now -- or in the near future -- of any sort of international travel plan that will get Thai tourism back to the old normal or anything even approximating the old normal soon is a bit like Charlie Brown asking Lucy to hold the football for him.  (Cartoon below). Expect frustration and disappointment.
As much as we may think tourism is the most important thing to Thailand, it's not.  The usual number for GDP international tourism is roughly 12%, and roughly 6-7% for domestic tourism.  That leaves roughly 88% non-tourism.  That 12% International tourism is juicy and sexy and fun for us -- and 12% is nothing to scoff at -- but it is by its nature much riskier as far as COVID-19 is concerned.  The 88% non--tourism is more important, by far.  The Thai government, and the Vietnamese government, and the Laos government, etc., etc., have to look to overall safety of their people and to their economies overall.  Another serious wave of COVID-19 could well mean another shut down of construction and of the factories, etc.  And that would be bad.  
It is eminently reasonable for governments to be exceedingly cautious as far as opening their borders is concerned.  I don't think one can truly, fairly say that the Thai or Vietnamese (or Australian or New Zealand) governments are being unreasonably cautious.  We are less than three months from the global shutdown because of COVID-19.  There is no vaccine.  It has been brought under control successfully in some places, but not in many other places.  It is still a global pandemic, getting worse in many places.
Ironically, it has been brought under control in Thailand, but we don't seem to be showing respect for the Thai government's approach to COVID-19.  I confess I find that baffling.  In the same way that we can be against police brutality in the U.S. and still pro-police, we can decry all the many legit failings of Uncle Tu and his government, but also give Thailand a "win" on COVID-19.  
Also, the recent polls taken in Thailand have shown (1) the majority of the Thai people are still very concerned about COVID-19 and (2) the vast majority of the Thai people do not want the country to rush to open the gates to international tourists.  I haven't come across any suggestions that these polls were rigged or are inaccurate.  Thus, another thing that we can do is give a nod of respect to the sentiments expressed of the Thai people in these polls.  (The 30% who want the tourists back may well be the 30% employed in the tourism sector, but the 70% saying don't rush can have their voices heard as well.)
If there's wisdom in crowds, one might notice that Thailand is not alone in still trying (struggling) to come to terms international travel in the age of COVID-19.  At this point I'm not aware of any government that has said "here are the easy answers." 
Of course I can't speak for anyone else, but I think I feel as bad as many here about not being able to get back to Thailand when I want.  I'm paying rent on a condo I can't use and I certainly miss my friends, etc.  And daily reading of the rumor mill is excruciating.  In part this is because it is usually imprecise and occasionally downright inaccurate - as all sorts of ideas are floated in public.  Maybe it would be easier if it was all kept secret until there was a final government-approved plan.  Compared with many neighboring where there is no such openness, I keep coming back to the mantra:  "wait until there's an actual plan."  Because the openness and [comparative] press freedom is a good thing.
I personally do not expect a plan that will be particularly "open to tourists" until October at the earliest.  It's disappointing, but because I honestly and truly am able to say to myself, "OK.  It may not be what I want, but I understand there is reasonable decision making that goes into the decisions, even if I disagree,  ... so be it."   If I were in the government I absolutely would be advising the government to go slow-slow-slow until October.  The way to protect the high season is to be cautious from now until then.  
If there are "low hanging fruit" of rich people who will happily spend a week or two at a resort on an island, where the risks can be contained geographically, then go for it.  And if they do go for it, I certainly won't be criticizing them for taking only this small, cautious step.  But broad-based travel now?  The world isn't ready.  
Today's English language press briefing in Thailand gave the astonishing statistic that currently there are about 10,000 people in quarantine in Thailand.  I think it's worth letting that sink in before we wonder why the government isn't rushing to open the gates.  
YES, this is hard on the many people employed in the tourism sector.  Each month I give a bit of the money that I might otherwise have spent on "entertainment" to charities in Thailand that I've posted about previously:  SWING (direct help to sex workers) and Duang Prateep Foundation and COVID Thailand Aid.  Highly recommended.

 

Anyone who is reading the news expecting a government announcement now -- or in the near future -- of any sort of international travel plan that will get Thai tourism back to the old normal or anything even approximating the old normal soon is a bit like Charlie Brown asking Lucy to hold the football for him.  (Cartoon below). Expect frustration and disappointment.
As much as we may think tourism is the most important thing to Thailand, it's not.  The usual number for GDP international tourism is roughly 12%, and roughly 6-7% for domestic tourism.  That leaves roughly 88% non-tourism.  That 12% International tourism is juicy and sexy and fun for us -- and 12% is nothing to scoff at -- but it is by its nature much riskier as far as COVID-19 is concerned.  The 88% non--tourism is more important, by far.  The Thai government, and the Vietnamese government, and the Laos government, etc., etc., have to look to overall safety of their people and to their economies overall.  Another serious wave of COVID-19 could well mean another shut down of construction and of the factories, etc.  And that would be bad.  
It is eminently reasonable for governments to be exceedingly cautious as far as opening their borders is concerned.  I don't think one can truly, fairly say that the Thai or Vietnamese (or Australian or New Zealand) governments are being unreasonably cautious.  We are less than three months from the global shutdown because of COVID-19.  There is no vaccine.  It has been brought under control successfully in some places, but not in many other places.  It is still a global pandemic, getting worse in many places.
Ironically, it has been brought under control in Thailand, but we don't seem to be showing respect for the Thai government's approach to COVID-19.  I confess I find that baffling.  In the same way that we can be against police brutality in the U.S. and still pro-police, we can decry all the many legit failings of Uncle Tu and his government, but also give Thailand a "win" on COVID-19.  
Also, the recent polls taken in Thailand have shown (1) the majority of the Thai people are still very concerned about COVID-19 and (2) the vast majority of the Thai people do not want the country to rush to open the gates to international tourists.  I haven't come across any suggestions that these polls were rigged or are inaccurate.  Thus, another thing that we can do is give a nod of respect to the sentiments expressed of the Thai people in these polls.  (The 30% who want the tourists back may well be the 30% employed in the tourism sector, but the 70% saying don't rush can have their voices heard as well.)
If there's wisdom in crowds, one might notice that Thailand is not alone in still trying (struggling) to come to terms international travel in the age of COVID-19.  At this point I'm not aware of any government that has said "here are the easy answers." 
Of course I can't speak for anyone else, but I think I feel as bad as many here about not being able to get back to Thailand when I want.  I'm paying rent on a condo I can't use and I certainly miss my friends, etc.  And daily reading of the rumor mill is excruciating.  In part this is because it is usually imprecise and occasionally downright inaccurate - as all sorts of ideas are floated in public.  Maybe it would be easier if it was all kept secret until there was a final government-approved plan.  Compared with many neighboring where there is no such openness, I keep coming back to the mantra:  "wait until there's an actual plan."  Because the openness and [comparative] press freedom is a good thing.
I personally do not expect a plan that will be particularly "open to tourists" until October at the earliest.  It's disappointing, but because I honestly and truly am able to say to myself, "OK.  It may not be what I want, but I understand there is reasonable decision making that goes into the decisions, even if I disagree,  ... so be it."   If I were in the government I absolutely would be advising the government to go slow-slow-slow until October.  The way to protect the high season is to be cautious from now until then.  
If there are "low hanging fruit" of rich people who will happily spend a week or two at a resort on an island, where the risks can be contained geographically, then go for it.  And if they do go for it, I certainly won't be criticizing them for taking only this small, cautious step.  But broad-based travel now?  The world isn't ready.  
Today's English language press briefing in Thailand gave the astonishing statistic that currently there are about 10,000 people in quarantine in Thailand.  I think it's worth letting that sink in before we wonder why the government isn't rushing to open the gates.  
YES, this is hard on the many people employed in the tourism sector.  Each month I give a bit of the money that I might otherwise have spent on "entertainment" to charities in Thailand that I've posted about previously:  SWING (direct help to sex workers) and Duang Prateep Foundation and COVID Thailand Aid.  Highly recommended.

 

Anyone who is reading the news expecting a government announcement now -- or in the near future -- of any sort of international travel plan that will get Thai tourism back to the old normal or anything even approximating the old normal soon is a bit like Charlie Brown asking Lucy to hold the football for him.  (Cartoon below). Expect frustration and disappointment.
As much as we may think tourism is the most important thing to Thailand, it's not.  The usual number for GDP international tourism is roughly 12%, and roughly 6-7% for domestic tourism.  That leaves roughly 88% non-tourism.  That 12% International tourism is juicy and sexy and fun for us -- and 12% is nothing to scoff at -- but it is by its nature much riskier as far as COVID-19 is concerned.  The 88% non--tourism is more important, by far.  The Thai government, and the Vietnamese government, and the Laos government, etc., etc., have to look to overall safety of their people and to their economies overall.  Another serious wave of COVID-19 could well mean another shut down of construction and of the factories, etc.  And that would be bad.  
It is eminently reasonable for governments to be exceedingly cautious as far as opening their borders is concerned.  I don't think one can truly, fairly say that the Thai or Vietnamese (or Australian or New Zealand) governments are being unreasonably cautious.  We are less than three months from the global shutdown because of COVID-19.  There is no vaccine.  It has been brought under control successfully in some places, but not in many other places.  It is still a global pandemic, getting worse in many places.
Ironically, it has been brought under control in Thailand, but we don't seem to be showing respect for the Thai government's approach to COVID-19.  I confess I find that baffling.  In the same way that we can be against police brutality in the U.S. and still pro-police, we can decry all the many legit failings of Uncle Tu and his government, but also give Thailand a "win" on COVID-19.  
Also, the recent polls taken in Thailand have shown (1) the majority of the Thai people are still very concerned about COVID-19 and (2) the vast majority of the Thai people do not want the country to rush to open the gates to international tourists.  I haven't come across any suggestions that these polls were rigged or are inaccurate.  Thus, another thing that we can do is give a nod of respect to the sentiments expressed of the Thai people in these polls.  (The 30% who want the tourists back may well be the 30% employed in the tourism sector, but the 70% saying don't rush can have their voices heard as well.)
If there's wisdom in crowds, one might notice that Thailand is not alone in still trying (struggling) to come to terms international travel in the age of COVID-19.  At this point I'm not aware of any government that has said "here are the easy answers." 
Of course I can't speak for anyone else, but I think I feel as bad as many here about not being able to get back to Thailand when I want.  I'm paying rent on a condo I can't use and I certainly miss my friends, etc.  And daily reading of the rumor mill is excruciating.  In part this is because it is usually imprecise and occasionally downright inaccurate - as all sorts of ideas are floated in public.  Maybe it would be easier if it was all kept secret until there was a final government-approved plan.  Compared with many neighboring where there is no such openness, I keep coming back to the mantra:  "wait until there's an actual plan."  Because the openness and [comparative] press freedom is a good thing.
I personally do not expect a plan that will be particularly "open to tourists" until October at the earliest.  It's disappointing, but because I honestly and truly am able to say to myself, "OK.  It may not be what I want, but I understand there is reasonable decision making that goes into the decisions, even if I disagree,  ... so be it."   If I were in the government I absolutely would be advising the government to go slow-slow-slow until October.  The way to protect the high season is to be cautious from now until then.  
If there are "low hanging fruit" of rich people who will happily spend a week or two at a resort on an island, where the risks can be contained geographically, then go for it.  And if they do go for it, I certainly won't be criticizing them for taking only this small, cautious step.  But broad-based travel now?  The world isn't ready.  
Today's English language press briefing in Thailand gave the astonishing statistic that currently there are about 10,000 people in quarantine in Thailand.  I think it's worth letting that sink in before we wonder why the government isn't rushing to open the gates.  
YES, this is hard on the many people employed in the tourism sector.  Each month I give a bit of the money that I might otherwise have spent on "entertainment" to charities in Thailand that I've posted about previously:  SWING (direct help to sex workers) and Duang Prateep Foundation and COVID Thailand Aid.  Highly recommended.

 

From Jupiter's Facebook page:
"We are open 1 July 2020 . See ya..!!"

The BKK Art Biennale 2020 is still on track to open this coming high season.  Dates are 29 October 2020 - 31 January 2021.  The theme is "Escape Routes."
As if anyone needed another reason to visit.
This time the artists include Yoko Ono.  (Not making that up.)
https://www.bkkartbiennale.com
 
 
 

Stranger "bar" posted that they would be having a party Friday night.  I think they included the hashtag "#dragdinner.  
You could always ask to order food at (if not necessarily from) the bars there, so good for them for recognizing their inner restaurant.  

I've always taken the opposite view. With one guy, in particular, he came to me  strongly recommended by an experienced expat but for me could do nothing. He seemed disinterested and withdrawn.
He had come on time and wasn't rude or aggressive; we just didn't connect.  I took the view that it may be that my style just didn't work with him....my friend was much more out-going than me. Perhaps had I been more assertive and demanding sexually and socially, he'd have pleased  me as much as he pleased my friend. And after all, had I just informed him that I would that I would to him what I wanted to do, he may well have submitted. That was just not my style. I always sought a connection.
I gave him the minimum of the time (1000) and let him go after twenty minutes of failure. 
There are two more aspects to consider; firstly, the possibility of a public scene which I'd be very bad at dealing with. And secondly-  speaking as one of the alt-Right's snowflakes-  who knows what his situation was? There was genuine hunger fear of losing rooms at the time of which I speak; 1000 was nothing to me. Possibly it was vital for him. 

Odd day yesterday as I have a few guys from the apps I have wanted to meet. As always, you can never rely on much and promises of what they can do are about as honest as a New York Chelsea Guy telling you the size of his penis (accurately).
Hookup 1: 12:00 PM Hornet - guy was cute, 29 year old Laos boy. Nice with little English. Versatile he said. But, he gets to my place, and it was just so bad that I got up after 10 minutes, said it was over, gave him the money and let him be on his way. Blocked from the app and LINE.
Hookup 2: 4:00 PM Jack'd - guy was sexy and cute and said masculine. Showed up and was much more feminine than me or the ladyboys I know so I knew where that was going and for me, that meant no where. Paid him and on his way.
Hookup 3: 8:00 PM Grindr - guy was very handsome and spoke perfect English. Best BJ I have had in years. Great sex. Great massage. No strike on this one and he is coming back Sunday AM. I just have to be sure I don't fall in love with him as this 23 year old hit all the right spots at the right time and checked all my boxes.
Back in the saddle again!

as of right now, Soi 4 is in a state of gradual reopening. Last night, not only G's Restaurant, Connection Bar Restaurant and Fork&Cork Restaurant were open, but also Balcony Bar Restaurant Karaoke and even Welcome Bar (with no attempt to hide the word "bar", but with a food menu prominently put on display). 
Balcony had "bar" and "karaoke" covered up, and Telephone the same, though not open yet last night. But this afternoon there were workers busy, apparently preparing for the reopening.

Today at 2.30 pm I was supposed to land in Swampy according to he ticket I'm still holding.
Plan was to pass immigration , take a train to Phaya Thai, change to BTS and walk from Sala Daeng to still undecided hotel.
First massage was supposed to be at Senso and in the evening I was hoping to itch to  check if my dream boy at Jupiter is still there,
Unfortunately for well known reason it came to naught and timing of trip # 21A is still unknown.
Some seeing a tittle and then reading narrative will be disappointed but rest assured , not even 1/10 of how disappointed I am.
But hope dies last

U can ask bareback expert @gaperking

I suppose you consider a young gay massage boy who has not been able to work for months who has trouble paying off loans and sending money to his family and can not afford PReP will always make a rational decision when faced with your question. I suggest you put yourself in his position before you talk about raw sex. 
 

It is astonishing that this still a topic of discussion. In some ways, it is a remnant of the west's imperialism; everything is OK for us at home due to improvements in treatment, so why consider those benighted parts of the world where, for some, Hiv is still a death sentence, or at least involves a lifetime if struggle? 

From Jupiter's Facebook page:
"We are open 1 July 2020 . See ya..!!"

Balcony in Bangkok on soi 4 Reopening today June 16th as a restaurant serving drinks.  Plenty of cute waiters as well as freelancers
have been known to show up at Balcony.

From Jupiter's Facebook page:
"We are open 1 July 2020 . See ya..!!"

From Jupiter's Facebook page:
"We are open 1 July 2020 . See ya..!!"

Will the bars and pubs be allowed to open?  Newspaper reports are that the "fourth phase" of reopening proposed for June 15 does not include bars or pubs.

I walked thru Sunee Plaza today and spoke with the Danish owner of Winner Boys.  He said curfew lifted and alcohol allowed 
in restaurants but bars will not open on 15th.  Later I passed by freshly painted Nice Boys and asked a boy I know when the bar
will reopen.  He said ‘long time’
.  July 1st would be nice.

I consider this to be  "pick a theory"  time. 
So many individuals, labs, governments, day dreamers looking for a way to get back to where things were. 
One of the best researchers I know is having his lab look for treatments 0f covid symptoms rather than a vaccine.  He theorizes a vaccine is in the not near  future and then it will take time to produce billions of doses and even more time to administer.  And in the interim, folks will have covid and need health care/treatments.
If I dwell on this too long, I could get depressed, so, instead, I'min the Bangkok by New Years theory group!
Stay well Forum members and voyeurs, (sorry, I meant visitors)
 

To clarify a weee bit.  This quote is with respect to the current phase - the opening up for domestic tourism.  So the "self-assured, have high standards, expect new innovations to combat the health situation, and are concerned for family and friends once back home" is how they are characterizing the young upwardly-mobile Thais.  The kind that flock to craft beer shops and Prada.
For foreigners, I expect they will be looking for the low-volume high value tourists who will be happy holed up for a week or so at a nice resort on Phuket or Samui to start.

Malaysia gov has opened up domestic travel. Within an hour, 1000 hotels bookings made to one island destination, langkawi. 5 stars hotel slashing prices up to 70%. 

Btw, malaysia gov just announced there will be no 14 days quarantined for returning malaysian citizens starting 10th June. All returnee will be required to be tested though, and can go back home once  a negative test result is obtained. Things are looking good on one end now.