ggobkk

Great read! Thanks

Enjoy your visit and make the most of it. Arriving at night, you may be able to check out a gogo show. Certainly, Screwboys which has the latest show most nights. A guide might be of help, Siamroads is gay owned and operated and can create a tour for you that goes to the clubs or massage parlors. Do have a good time.

Thanks, Scooby

At some point on this trip you referred to CB as your "beloved of the moment". Since you landed you've had time with BurBoy who was there when you arrived, CB, Grindr Khmer, Mil Guy, Fit Khmer, Gorgeous Khmer, DTG, and a reunion with BurBoy...not to mention almost offs in Siem Reap and Fresh Boys. Perhaps to paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of the Numazu's butterfly's death are greatly exaggerated. And on behalf of your readers, may I say be in the moment with your beloved of the moment and "butterfly on"

I'll be interested in seeing the recommendations/comments about Pattaya as I'm heading there in mid-January before going into Bangkok. I only have Bangkok experience with Arena and Prince. Observation - it's the luck of the draw as there is little beforehand interaction. Had a memorably great massage at Prince in September that would meet your criteria, had another in October that was slightly better than o.k. Arena - I'd go back, but more for a change of pace. Best massage in Thailand was with "Rah" at Two Brothers in Chiang Mai. Fun to be with, strong massage by someone who knows about massage, and very passionate before (in shower), during, and after. Blew my mind. Went back two nights latr but he wasn't on shift. Thanks for starting this crowdsourcing thread. I'll be interested in the comments from Vinapu and Divine Madmen, who are my go to guys on massage.

It's repositioning itself. Definitely welcoming large tourist groups. No hassle about brining a guest to the room. I'd recommend following posts on the forums...there is a thread on this forum as well as on gaybutton.

Base Camp Arrival The 11-hour flight from San Francisco to Bangkok involves a stop in Tokyo and a change of carriers from United to ANA with a 3 hour layover then the 6 plus hours to Land of Smiles. Plane was somewhat early to Suvarnabhumi. Thanks to tips on this forum (doff of the hat to PaulSF), I managed to speed though immigration, get some ATM cash, and meet my ride to the Tarntawan. Prior to arriving, I’d tried several times to contact the hotel about an airport pickup – I know, I know it’s much cheaper to grab a cab, but I’ve been going for almost 30 hours and am prone to making mistakes if in sleep deficit, so having the least amount to think about is best. The hotel never responded to my emails, Agoda ignored me (I’d made the request on the original booking), so I emailed Ya of Siam Roads, my guide for the excursions outside of Bangkok, and he called the hotel and made sure all was in order. Well it was in order (sort of), no hotel van this time, a Toyota passenger car took me to town but used side roads to avoid the tolls (!). Different approach and at 11pm quick. The hotel was expecting me. While the security guard and the bellman were regulars, only one person behind the desk wasn’t new. I asked for and was given room 555. I prefer this room not just because of how the spoken room number sounds to Thais (‘happy”), but it’s located next to the internet router and so has great connectivity. One of the desk staff remembered I’d been a guest in the past and told me all of the guest records had gone with the previous management. So more than the usual paperwork to fill out, etc.etc. The desk staff told me that there was no longer 24-hour food service (no welcome drink would be delivered to the room); the laundry service was different as to when things would be returned. A letter about this was posted in the elevator that concluded with this sentence: “We do apologize for all inconvenience you may have cause and thank you very much for your kind understanding us”. Bold face is my editorializing. After opening up my room, I asked the bellman how things were in the hotel. I learned many staff had left and that Lukas wasn’t part of it anymore. Bellman suspected he’d also be leaving. Since, the plane had been early, the night was still young (relatively), so I headed out. I’d decided back in California, that I wouldn’t hook up with my long time Vietnamese friend until the next night. Decided on Screwboys as a destination knowing there was an after midnight show. The outside “greeter” was happy to escort me in, the mamasan happy to seat me and get me a drink, several of tables were occupied. I had a memory jolt when I entered, asking myself was this the first Thai go go club I visited back in the early 90s? (News Flash folks: I’m an oldie, twice Numazu’s age, with definitely less libido but have been around the block a few times). I remember that the first club I went to was on this side of Surawong and that it had rooms upstairs, one of which I used with that night’s off as my hotel was pretty far away on the river. Screwboys has a room(s) upstairs. Memories…wonder, does it matter? There were twenty or more boys either on stage or along the sides all in the black and white checked briefs. The range of body types was somewhat slighter than Jupiter’s boys. Considered several boys, enjoyed the pre-show on-stage, off-stage rotation. #37 caught my eye, mamasan told me he did everything, and once we’d completed the mutual smiling routine he was sitting next to me, leading my hand over his privates and when I asked about kissing, planted one with tongue as proof. To my surprise (not really), he is Vietnamese. I appear to have an affinity for liking the shape, smile, and style of the Viets. Drink for him and one for mamasan who makes way for two other boys who look to join the scene and, maybe score a drink. No luck there but since they are cute each gets a tip. After some checking with 37 that he does do “everything” beyond just kissing and that he says he is gay, we discuss short time pricing. He says 2000. This confirms what I’d already asked mamasan. Off fee is 400. Add in the three drinks, total close to $90 - $100 USD. I was enjoying his hand leading mine over his body, but decided to depart before the show started, so 37 got dressed, I talked with mamasan about business which looked to be good as more of the tables were now full, though I didn’t see many boys sitting with guests, I also didn’t see many Asians. Mostly farang tonight. 37 retuned dressed in shorts and a “Screwboys” fitted sleeveless tee. So much for discretion! Lol. 37 and I walked back to the Tarntawan, which he told me he knew well. Once in the room, he stripped, took a shower, undressed me, and showered again with me. He is, to my eye, very handsome, runner’s body, and decently endowed. And, he did do everything! Samoke, top, bottom, Kiss, cuddle, chuck wow. Welcome back to Bangkok. A panoply of delights…37 stayed three hours, was open to staying longer, but I wanted to sleep and had a full day planned and knew I’d blow that off if he remained. (Not sure if there wasn’t a pun in there somewhere). I gave him 2500. He wanted a picture of us and I agreed. Exchanged Line and WeChat info. Two messages from him before my head hit the pillow. Guess he “lubs” me. Sweet boy. I went to sleep around 4am. Up around ten, check email, and look at the news (ugh, US elections), breakfast in lobby, morning security guard the same as on prior stays, so is the breakfast waitress. No other staff look familiar. Stop at desk to see if my one-night reservation for next week was in the system. It wasn’t. I haul out my paperwork, oh…there it is! Confirm I can have 555 when I’m back. Go to the ATM, whoops! Where is my ATM card? This is the good one, no fees, and large daily limit. Resort to back-up card from another bank with fees, and half the daily limit. Back to hotel, check my bank’s website to see if any withdrawals have been made. No, just mine at the airport last night. (Remember what I said about being out of it after long flights…curse struck and my ATM card is probably in the airport ATM). Try to cancel card on line…no can do as it’s a debit card not a credit card. Text my former admin assistant and ask her to go to the bank when it opens and get the debit card stopped). Go to my back-up bank’s site, confirm I’m in Asia, move $$ from savings to current account. Breathe. Decide I need some personal care. Go to Cutey and Beauty, another Paus SF suggestion and get the post flight package. Puts me in a good mood, buy some slacks and shorts for Laos at the lobby golf store sale (less than $9 USD per). Take packages back to hotel, receive text from home that debit card has been blocked and no unauthorized withdrawals had been made. OK…rejuvenation step 2: Prince. This is what I wrote about the visit and posted on the forum under the Prince topic I had a massage at The Prince in early September and when I returned to Bangkok two weeks ago I went back to see if what had been a great experience could be duplicated. I took a taxi from Surawong arriving around 3pm. 18 boys on display. I was the sole customer. I went with the Vinapu rule and chose the boy who smiled, the mamasan said my choice was skilled in everything. I figure that means some things. Selected a 2-hour scrub and cream in the Jacuzzi room (again the previous time had been in a Jacuzzi room and I had good memories). Boy from northern Thailand/Myanmar had a swimmer's body and after undressing me, stripped down to the suit he was born in... good to very good massage. Some fun playtime in the Jacuzzi and a full range of after’s (as well as some "durings") but no underwater samoke in the Jacuzzi a highlight of the last visit. After the massage was over he walked me back to a now overflowing waiting room! Must have been as many in the waiting area as there were boys behind the glass wall. All were Chinese. My masseur brought me the usual fruity drink and let me know a taxi had been called. While sitting there, I noticed that none of the boys were promenading for the Chinese who were having drinks and maybe looking at the boys playing pool or working out. The mamasan was helping at the bar. When my taxi came, I went outside and passed a large passenger van. Later, I talked with Ya, from Siamroads, mentioning this and he suggested that The Prince was an afternoon tour stop for some Chinese, one or two in the party might be interested in a massage, the rest waited and had drinks which is good business for the bar. Decided to mention this as well as complimenting the massage experience. It’s now early evening, go back to hotel, take a nap, go to Family Mart and stock up on snacks and canned Lipton ice tea – a favorite of Van’s - my long time Viet friend who is back in town working at Freshboys. After a pause to gaze at a very sexy photo sent by 37 and considering options, I opt to catch up with Van and head over to club land. The touts at Hotmale recognize me and I go upstairs there to say hello to the mamasan and checkout the boys. All Thai and all tattoo. Quick visit, no drink, just a hello. Then across the Soi to Freshboys. Peter, who I’ve offed in the past, recognized me from the stage, passed the word to Van who jumped out of the rotation and joined me as did Peter. Met the mamasan, who is Vietnamese, Van went to get changed, told Peter I couldn’t off both he and Van tonight. Drinks for Peter and mamasan and me. Same pricing as Screwboys. While waiting for Van to return, noticed I was the only customer in the club, fewer boys on stage or sitting around than at Hotmale or Screwboys last night. Then again, it was early 9pm or so. Van and I leave, get some food from a cart, stop at 7/11, pick up some things he wants. Hotel, catch up on what’s happened in the past month. When I left him, he was looking for work having been let go when Hotmale, where he’d worked, fired all the non-Thais. He didn’t want to be a go go boy anymore. Life, though, is real and he landed at Freshboys. As I’ve mentioned in previous reports, Van and I are mainly friends with “benefits”. He knows I won’t fund him other than when we are together and that’s within the usual limits of pricing. We are just comfortable together. Tonight after talking a good shower together, I get a massage that leads to mutual chuck wow. Lots of cuddling, sleep, middle of the night chuck wow repeat. Up early, wake Van – he knows I’m meeting Ya to go to Chiang Mai this morning. We go down to breakfast and are SHOCKED…the dining room is packed; I’ve never experienced this before. The buffet is gone (it’s 8am) and in its place is a tray of fried rice and pork. The security guard (who is happy to be busy) is clearing plates, finds us a place to sit, says we can order from the menu, the crowd consists of couples from Malaysia on a tour. Yes, the Tarntawan has changed. Didn’t see this yesterday as I’d slept in. Ya arrives, I say goodbye to Van, having given him a long term fee while in the room, and leave for the airport and northern Thailand.

"Sometimes I envy the retired among you that can do this every single day. Among the pros and cons of getting older, that probably is a pro I would love to have the most..." On behalf of the retired among us, thank you for the envy. Much appreciated considering some of us envy your style and ability to release yourself so comfortably. Maybe the best approach is to live in present with our joys and experience life as it comes. And, as I've said before keep up the journaling. You are becoming the Pepys of Bangkok.

I voted for Sawatdee as a the "best looking"...while I read it, I read more and post more on gaythailand. I first looked at Sawatdee when it featured "bangkok bois". Gaybutton can be informative but does as someone mentioned get into some circular firing squad commentary runs.

A preface to begin… My last report covered a short 5 day visit to both Pattaya and Bangkok at the beginning of September. I returned to Bangkok in early October and it was the base camp as I went north to Chiang Mai for several days, back to Bangkok for a night, then to Laos (Vientiane and Luang Prabang) for a week, before heading back to Bangkok for two night and then home to California. Before getting too far along in the trip(s) report, I read over my September jottings and found this at the end of it: So much going on, a gaggle of Vietnam guys sharing go-go way stories and memories with J, S being the pater familias, N asking how I liked Jupiter’s show, true guys’ night out. Then N and friend left for show time, P gave me a big hug and kiss and said he had to go back to Fresh Boys for his show (S told me P gets paid more when he dances and appears in the show), I give P 1,000 baht as a going away thanks (sort of an “off without benefits” tip). T and I had discussed earlier before we got to HM bar that we wanted to make sure J and S had time together. So around 11 we headed out to the hotel. I had to be up by 4am to catch my plane so I packed, T made sure I was showered (I have never had so many showers in a 4-day span as I did this week). He cleaned up in the bathroom and “re-joined” me in bed. OMG what a confusing jumble. Too much code! J, S, N, P, HM, and T. Thanks, Numazu, for identifying yourself as “N” and making me realize this is a trip report not a quadratic equation (which I could no longer solve, if I even remembered how). I put off writing when I returned and procrastinated; first because I was jet lagged (still am slightly); second, waiting on Numazu’s reports; and, finally, asking myself if I really had anything to say and could do it without code. I've made some forum postings, one on Prince was fairly detailed, another on the Tarntawan was also involved and then had lots of follow up reply and comment postings. Then Ya, of Siam Roads, who was my guide in Chiang Mai and Laos asked for feedback that if favorable he could use on the tour company website. (He must have liked them as I’ve found my words posted on two other sites). So, the plan is to write a report on the arrival nights in Bangkok and the time in Chiang Mai. Then extend the reporting to touch on the one night back in Bangkok which went as wrong as possible, comment on Laos (few boys/no boys), and the pit stop in Bangkok on my way home. Installment #1 later today.

Update (sort of)...I receive an electronic copy of Thai Puan magazine. The gay guide that's found in the clubs and bars. The issue I received this morning has a full page advert for My Hero "Exclusive Bangkok Men's Spa". Address is given as 65 Sukhumvit Soi 11. There is a phone number 063-869-4999 / 088-488-4848. The ad shows a very nice architect type rendering of the building with some photos of rooms (real or imagined, can't tell). I never got to the old Hero before it closed, but thought given all the bak and forth that I'd pass this sighting along. Someone has enough money for a full page ad.

Just received an electronic copy of ThaiPuan (the freebie giveaway pocket magazine that's in the bars) which has an Editor's Note saying "Other sad news, Lukas is no longer the manger at the Tarntawan Place Hotel. The hotel is under new management and we are unsure how they wish to continue running the place. Loosing Lukas is a big blow to the community...the good news is Dick's cafes in both Bangkok and Jomtien will continue as before under his careful watch."

Most places have one show. Entertainment ban is to be lifted next week (or so the word goes)...maybe more then. Forum regulars will update, I'm sure.

Ah...welcome back...thanks for the words and the photos.

Art Massage is to the left of the Tarntawan driveway, where the ice cream parlor used to be. I has a massage there in mid_September and would agree 100% with the Naserrich's description.

I've done both, mostly it depends how dressed I am at the conclusion of the off.

I had a massage at The Prince in early September and when I returned to Bangkok two weeks ago I went back to see if what had been a great experience could be duplicated. I took a taxi from Surawong arriving around 3pm. 18 boys on display. I was the sole customer. I went with the Vinapu rule and chose the boy who smiled, the mamasan said my choice was skilled in everything. I figure that means some things. Selected a 2 hour scrub and cream in the jacuzzi room (again the previous time had been in a jacuzzi room and I had good memories). Boy from northernThailand/Myanmar had a swimmer's body and after undressing me, stripped down to the suit he was born in...good to very good massage. Some fun playtime in the jacuzzi and a full range of afters (asa well as some "durings"). After the massage was over he walked me back to a now overflowing waiting room! Must have been as many in the waiting area as there were boys behind the glass wall. All were Chinese. My masseur brought me the usual fruity drink and let me know a taxi had been called. While sitting there, I noticed that none of the boys were promenading for the Chinese who were having drinks and maybe looking at the boys playing pool or working out. The mamasan was helping at the bar. When my taxi came, I went outside and passed a large passenger van. Later, I talked with Ya, from Siamroads, mentioning this and he suggested that The Prince was an afternoon tour stop for some Chinese, one or two in the party might be interested in a massage, the rest waited and had drinks which good business for the bar. Decided to mention this as well as complimenting the massage experience.

Had dinner at Roadhouse BBQ with three friends, we were the only customers when we arrived, while we were there, and no one was coming in when we left after an hour. Alcohol was served (to me) the Thais in the group declined alcohol. I walked along Suriwong and went to Soi Twilight on the 19th. Mourning black is the prevalent color in a shirt, a dress, or a black ribbon worn on a white shirt. This was a Wednesday, not too crowded and foot traffic flowed fairly well. Soi Twilight seemed like an airless balloon, the touts were really pushing to get folks into the shows...not many takers. Not much foot traffic. The Patpong night market was active but when I backed away from a price, the vendor cut the cost without argument. Some of the boys told me that shows had few attending and fewer offs. One decided to just go home until the mourning period was over (30 days?).

Two brothers massage is still open. The authorities "stopped by" recently and the boy's disappeared which closed the massage. I learned about this as I was being "aftered" upstairs and once we finished came downstairs to find an empty bar. Operation up and running two days later when I went back.

I left Bangkok the day before the King's passing was announced. I'm in Laos and the Thai television channels have been wall to wall mourning. Numazu the mourning period is 30 days for things in general. The government wears back for a year. Then grand funeral. Suggest if you pause posting only for 30 day period. That will bring some relief post US election. Thanks for the mention of our meet up in your report. I go back to Bangkok for two nights as of Tuesday...then home. I will also follow your lead and refrain for a month from posting a trip report guaranteed to be less interesting than yours.

The NY Times articles and obituary on the King have been positive and generous. The one on the Crown Prince is for reading and not posting if one wishes to avoid breaking the law.

Jupiter short time last week was 2000. Long time was negotiable I don't ask to take selfies but find I'm included in the boy's selfie which he/they send to me. Enjoy your experience

Arrived early evening at Tarntawan. One night stay. Came downstairs at 8am. All tables in dining area occupied. Was told it was a tour group (all couples m/f) from Malaysia. Buffet was fried rice with something. Menu available.

Same policy regarding guests. Food and beverage 6am to 10pm. Only. So, at least at the moment 24/7 breakfast a thing of the past.

Hot Male bar on street level is Forum Sacred territory as it is the base for PaulSF when he is in Bangkok. I've joked with him that the bar should name a drink for him.