Aux1010

Hey folks. I've enjoyed reading trip reports on here in the past (most recently CallMeLee's excellent thread) so I thought I would share my experiences. This is an on-going report, so I will update it as needed as the month progresses. I'm only including my experiences with moneyboys and the bar system, and won't include day-to-day activities or personal hook-ups. I will detail sauna visits in as much as possible. 
My interest in doing this is partially to understand more about the system and how to work it effectively. I can't help but feel like I'm being scammed when I compare these experiences with ones I've read in the past. Please share all that you know with me, and I'll try and answer any question you have. I am a younger caucasian male and my interest is in big cocks and muscular guys who enjoy flexing. While this may sound typical, most of the reports I've read are more Twink-focused and haven't been helpful in getting what I want. I also haven't seen many detailed reports about the system, just brief mentions. I hope to make it easy for everyone to understand.
First Experience, Two Nights in Space:
Having already been in Bangkok for a few nights, a friend from outside of the country decided to make a short stopover. I told him I wanted to go to Jupiter2018 and see the show and he agreed to join me. I did see the Jupiter show on a previous trip, but merely for the show itself- I was naive and even younger. I told my friend what I had remembered of the show in the past. The men in Jupiter were like boyband members, lean and muscular, with meager rhythm and mediocre talent. They would go on stage and preform a number, interspersed with drag performances, but they were often good-looking and charming. 

We arrived a little after 10:00 PM and I paid 500 THB in entrance fees for each both of us, for 1000 THB total. The bar was quite packed, and perhaps as clientele that didn't look like they needed to spend money (my friend is a well-built caucasian male), we got sat in the corner table left of the front stage. We had a partially obscured view, but the advantages would be apparent later.

Once sat, a waiter comes up with a flashlight and a menu. A drink is included with the entrance fee, but it's non-alcoholic. You pay extra for that, are you surprised? That's fine with us as we want to see the show we weren't planning on drinking. We order a Coke Zero each. To me, the 500 THB fee is worth it for the show. I wouldn't recommend ordering a second drink though. Spend that money on something more worthwhile.

I was actually giddy with excitement. While not particularly horny, I am always interested in seeing an attractive guy showing off his physique. Luckily the men met my expectations. Nearly all of them had lean, muscular bodies with several being substantially larger. Only one model was an average looking Twink, and I actually felt a little sad for him being surrounded by what was on stage. Many of the models had tattoos and gave a polished gang vibe, like they'd definitely slam you against a wall by your neck. Hot. 

My favourite thing about Jupiter is that you can see the gym equipment and watch the models pump before their performances. It's also a two-level stage, and models often hang out on the top portion and look down after they've done their walk. You can view them at a different angle. It's a good venue and offers more voyeuristic opportunities than any other. 
The show itself starts with the introduction of the models. They each come on stage, one by one, and walk along a track through the bar. It gives the crowd a good opportunity to see them up-close, and of course to offer them a tip if you want to get their attention. That's another positive about Jupiter, but I'll touch on that at the end. The performance continues with an act from 4 of the men. It's a dance number with okay choreography, but one of the models doesn't quite match up. The models perform with a serious, stern look. It's quite sexy and gives an intensity to their performance. 

After this, I'm approached by one of the many mamasans of the bar. My friend points out that he's pretty attractive himself. He's in his 40's but I agree, a retired performer himself? More feminine than most of the models though, but not overly. I'm asked which one I want and I'm surprised I'm given such an early pick. That's not my intention tonight though. I'm just here to watch the full show with a friend, and takes notes for a future visit. "All of them!" I say, smiling ear to ear. They take the hint and walk away. 

My friend says that he might take the offer in the future. I'm a little surprised as I didn't expect him to be open to it. We each talk about which ones are our favourites. My choices all have big muscles, big ears and tattoos. There are quite a few I would consider! Upwards of 8. Does Jupiter have the best roster, or should this be expected everywhere I go? I have my answer... you'll find out as the report goes on.
The next performance has a model spin a hola-hoop around his waist in a beautiful, ferocious manner. The sheer strength and endurance of this performance arouses me to a great degree. My friend leans over and whispers, "Can you imagine him in bed?" I'm instantly rock hard. He is not my type physically, but he's added to the list. 
A drag performance is next. I know they're unpopular with a lot of you, but I honestly don't mind. You just need to have them scheduled appropriately. The pacing needs to be right. I don't walk into a bar like this to see 6 drag performances and 3 male model performances. Luckily Jupiter does it right again. The performance is good but not great, thankfully the queen can lip-sync as I unfortunately found out that's not a minimum requirement for a lot of these place. Imagine that.
There is a drag performance immediately afterward, but this one is more of a mixed performance. The drag performer plays the role of "the woman" and a one of the models plays the role of "the mysterious man." He wears a trench coat with no shirt underneath and looks down, taking long drags from a cigarette as smoke envelops around him. The drag performer lip-syncs from above the stage as he stands on the lower stage, eventually stripping down and "showering." He shows an enormous cock very briefly and my friend and I are shocked.

This man is immediately my number one choice as he fits every criteria I'm looking for. He's big and broad with ripped abs, has many tattoos, big ears and as we just witnessed, a massive cock. I'd estimate it at 8 inches and quite thick. As we are on the front side of the stage, we get quite a good look at it! I think I have done enough research. I have my choice, but not tonight. 

We slowly sip our drinks and no one bothers us again. They do sit another patron at our table. They approach him several times and eventually he's moved to a better seat. I tell my friend that it's because he's spending money. Surely enough, he's soon sitting with one of the models. 

The bar has several women in it tonight. One Chinese woman is dressed very nicely, and keeps buying shots for the models. She also places a 1000 THB ring around two of the model's necks. My friend and I question what this is. Is he the top performer? Is he off the market for the night? I found out that it's merely a way of giving a large tip. I was wondering why she was so special! Her attire threw me off. Was she attending a gala immediately afterwards? Did I see a diamond tiara on her head? Oh, no, it's just her radiant beauty sparkling from across the floor. Another patron in front of us gives a 100 THB bill to each performer as they walk past him. He gropes them with each tip and jiggles his belly with glee. He's a young Chinese guy. I keep this in mind for future visits. 
The show finishes off without any other memorable performances, and as the night goes on, the stage is filled with less and less models. One of the performances ends and then nothing else happens, so my friend and I assume the show must be over. I believe there is a second performance, but I can't imagine it would be as good. Who's left? Do they restock with a fresh set of faces? We both have to be up quite early tomorrow as we are taking a day trip together, so we quickly sip the remaining soda we have and we walk out.
We say our goodbyes as we are staying in different hotels, in opposite directions. He says he enjoyed the show and would like to go to the other show I told him about, Tawan. I agree. I watch as he walks away and wait for him to look back. He turns the corner. All I see are night vendors.

I pause for a moment, my cock twitches. I consider walking back in and bringing one of the models back home with me...

Yes he did. He was returning to the US for treatment to his kidneys.
Some posters on another forum loathed him, even gloating at his demise. Not that board's finest hour, in  my view. He had made enemies when he owned it.
We'd often breakfast together at Ambiance. He was good company. He had two rooms there on a long-term rental. Penthouse suites, one for him, the other for whoever his plats de jour were. Note the plural.
I knew one of his entourage well, indeed, had been offing him for some years. Whatever other posters said, he was liked by his guys (a big thing for me, much more important than being liked by falang visitors and expats) and this was confirmed by P who knew him by repute and whose judgement I respect.

No dispute that there were more choices  in the past. But did most of us really used it? Perhaps expats or people on 3 months vacations.
I like it better now because it's now and presents options I can use currently.
Boys I was drooling about 10 years ago now are  often balding , developing respectable waist size and often trying to forget about their past job.
For me no memory substitutes for moment I'm entering bar  and spa now, curious as ever what I will find on other side of door . If I dream I rather visualize  my first walk next trip through soi 4  toward Jupiter on my way greeted by owner of G'Bangkok or barkers at Banana then recall some exciting first walk through soi Twilight bak in 2015 as much as I miss it. But it's gone   .
On merit of Sunee it's easy for me as I never really considered the place substitute to my more favorable digs - Boyztown. I liked Good Boys though but still can't say I missed it since it's not there anymore.

I have been going to Nice Boys for a number of years now. I have also offed a number of boys over those same years, some for extended periods. This bar is no place for the shy; boy or customer!
Its arguably not quite as raunchy as it was pre-Covid, but it remains the only gay bar left in Pattaya that routinely offers the same levels of 'hands-on' (indeed even 'mouth-on') activity in the bar between customer and boy.
Not as cheap as it was in terms of drink prices, but still great value.
I love the place; long may it thrive!  😍

Day 12
 Today  we repeated yesterday’s morning routine, breakfast was quite pleasant affair as I noticed few other patrons including few young girls were following S when he was picking his food and drinks and I swear  I was object of their jealousy having landed such handsome guy in jeans showing quite a nice bulge.  Doubt anybody was thinking ‘ oh that’s is guy with his grandson” . I did not mind S sending some smiles toward those girls fully knowing who winner is, let them have it.
Today’s destination is Sambor Prey Kuk, temple complex predating Angkor with most temples made not of stone but of bricks  from 7th century on,  located near Khompong Thom , half way to Phnom Penh. It took us 3 hours to get there.
 Entry is 10$ , they suggested hiring guide for the same amount and I agreed . She even dragged with her another girl- guide in training. Having guide there is good idea as objects are dispersed in the forest , trails  are well marked but still  on you own one may miss this or that.
 







 
 
It took us about 3 hours to visit every corner, I tipped that trainee 5$ then we went to local restaurant for a meal , 16.50 $ for three, not  a bad deal .
 Again long trip home , fortunately today Saturday  traffic was quite light and it was driver suggestion we go there on Saturday as he was afraid Sunday traffic will be heavier.
At home S suggested artistic part – dinner with Apsara traditional dance show on Pub Street so we went there. I like when my travel companions have own ideas not only asking “what we are doing now ? ”. At the table beside us young farang couple was sitting and I noticed both of them were paying an attention to S presence . Bit later when we had chance meeting on the street they even said  " Hi " to him ignoring me entirely. You can't imagine how my fragile ego was hurt at that moment
I meantime S got message from his bar friend , Siem Reap native,  who came  to see his folks at home and when he show me his picture it turned out I also know him from 2 long time offs, one threesome included. So we went to see him , he was dining with another boy and somebody suggested ‘lets go check Barcode “.
I offered to finance that escapade but at the door we were sent away- today bar closed for some private function. Other two boys said they are going to bed and that was idea S and I borrowed from them so we parted ways every couple marching to different bed. I had another senior moment – why I did not suggest  “ lets go all to our room”. Knowing that friend there was chance idea would be approved. Oh well. S and me still managed to had some fun including feasting on some pistachios and fruit while sitting naked on balcony right above hotel’s pool closed at that hour.

Day 11
 We raised to the sound of alarm clock at 6.45, prepared goods for today’s sightseeing and made sure to be first when they started serving breakfast in hotel at 7.30 because as suspected, my driver pulled in at 8 am on the dot.
Plan for today was ambitious with 7 temples and first we set off was the farthest from the list- Banteai Srei. Not only because I consider smart thing to start sightseeing from  most distant place just in case something happens and even more important, Banteai Srei  is only temple where you can buy Angkor ticket apart from official ticket selling office on outskirts of Siem Reap.
 There are 3 kinds of tickets available – 1 day for 37 $, 3 days within 10 days for 62$ and 7 days within 30 days for 72 $. Payment in dollars only , that was only place where they are  not accepting  riels. I opted for 3 days ticket because after tomorrow I’m planning Bang Melea temple and recent change was to remove separate ticket there and include it in Angkor ticket. Good news for some and not so good as we learn for others.
Another bonus of Banteai Srei ticket office was that there we no lineups.
 That temple is one of smallest Angkor temples but definitely most richly decorated and also one of most popular so it pays to be there early which we could appreciate when leaving and hordes in vans and tour buses start arriving.



 
 
Next one is along with Ta Som my favorite -Banteai Samre. It’s quite a distance from main complex and  one of least crowded. When I was there in 2001  there was no infrastructure there at all but now there are restaurants , toilets, souvenir stands and even guys playing Khmer music for donation. Often overlooked there is former ceremonial alley leading to the temple – on your left when you approach temple complex .


 
Third one was of course Ta Som, at end of complex there gate enveloped by the tree , one of those iconic Angkor places. Again , in 2001 that tree was not trimmed yet, whet we see now is later job.
If you are there make sure to go to the very end and then turn back to appreciate the sight. I stress it because I saw people missing it ‘ lets return , it’s only that small gate there” .
 
 Then Easten Mebon as I missed her in 2022 and lunch in some restaurant picked by driver which was not a good idea to leave that to him. He led us to typical crowded and overpriced tourist locale geared toward bus tours. Not that is busted my wallet but there are plenty of places I’d chose instead.
 
After lunch we did three biggies ; Ta Prohm famous for giant trees eating into ruins but also I suspect holding them together.


Then Bayon with hundreds of stone faces with mysterious smile


 
and to crown of today’s selection Angkor Wat itself , biggest and most magnificent of them all.


 
S, my guy as I expected was ideal tour companion, interested in sightseeing with none of those ‘ are we done already ? ” . Quite opposite after climbing highest level of Angkor and subsequent wandering through all level below I was ready to skip first floor galleries only to hear ‘ what ?, lets go”. It was really uplifting to see guy so interested in his country heritage.
 
After such busy and intensive day we returned to the room quite tired. After it got dark we picked up ourselves to go for dinner and then,  I swear it was not me, S suggested we go to 168 massage for massage. So we did .
 
 My boy was quite good and good looking too. Later and in the room I senses bit of jealousy ,S asking what we did to each other with the boy and visibly not believing my answers. Massage was 10$ for 1 hr, I tipped my guy 20$, S tipped his only 6$ but he was adamant it was nothing that just massage even if I did not really care having good idea how those stores are operating.
 
Then he had another idea – to check Barcode bar so we went there but it was bit too early with only few patrons and working boys. We had drink and returned home . No need for me to stay and watch he show when I have in my room guy  better looking that their selection, not to mention of tested quality.
 

this is continuation of trip report from Thailand section at this link:
https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/41442-better-to-be-retired-than-retarded-thailand-and-cambodia-in-january-2024-trip-report-brief-but-long/#comment-374666
 
Day 7 , Phnom Penh part.
I had e-visa so immigration was breeze. I exchanged some money into riels as airport rates are only minimally lower than city ones ( 4000 vs 4065 for 1 USD).
 Some people don’t bother and are using dollars since Cambodia is practically dual currency country and is not  unusual to pay 10 $ invoice   with 6$ and 16000 riels ( 4 $) for example. Some places are quoting prices in riels  , other in dollars but both currencies are accepted everywhere and only exceptions I know is visa on arrival and tickets to Angkor ruins where one must pay in USD exclusively.
 If you decide to bring dollars just make sure notes are  intact without any tears , pinholes and writings on them, I saw 1 dollar banknotes rejected because of those infractions.
I prefer to use riels  with exception of big ticket items like boys’  tips as getting change from 50 or 100 $ bill may be problematic in country where dinner cost 5 $ and haircut 2$.
 Other airport purchase was SIM card for 1 week , it was 7$ if I recall correctly and then tuk-tuk to hotel for 9$. Those who want to save money on getting to hotel solution is to take bus from airport parking lot for 1000 or 2000 or leave airport area and get one of the waiting tuk-tuks outside for something like 5-7$ but I did not bother.
 Room was not ready so I went to Dolce Vita for lunch and returned in 1 hr to find everything ready. I stay in OK Palace hotel, twin of OK Boutique in the same soi where I stay last time. Entry to the hotel is palatial and so is   room. Both hotels are in street 19Z, appendix like short soi across from National Museum and walking distance to Royal Palace and whole central area including my Phnom Penh headquarters Space Hair bar.
hotel's entry


view from the window

sleeping machine and the room


 
 In the room I noticed I forgot phone charger in  Bangkok and girl on reception suggested I go to Kandal Market where there are phone shops. Bingo indeed. Instead of walking  10 minutes I took tuk tuk for whopping 4000 and returned in style by cycle rikshaw for the same amount.
 After setting in I walked around admiring smells and sounds , bought tour to Killing Fields  for tomorrow and at around 21.00 I walked to 136 street to my headquarters – Space Hair bar.
 I wish we had something like that in Bangkok although they operate on different formula . Staff are exclusively hunky and in shape – see sample from their recent Facebook.

Almost all guys from the picture were present  on at least one    of three nights I visited there. As always almost means one was absent and that one was precisely one I wanted to see as we met already quite closely  before. But if I don’t have what I like , I like what I have.
Boys there are only to accompany you for drinks and talk. Forget about offs and off fees. Surely if you have designs on one or more you must be very , very discreet and be prepared  for meeting absolutely outside working hours. Boss there , while very sympathetic is also very strict and serious about those rules. Cambodian Prince I had debacle with last year was fired on the spot  for leaving 1 hr. earlier than scheduled and apparently only because he got drunk
 Drinks are not expensive 4-6 $ but if you get heated like me , they add up but this is cost of fun. Some guys are somewhat touchy-feely , others less so, kiss or 7 can be stolen after few rounds of drinks , hand and knee holding is available and generally is a lot of fun. Guys are not pushing you for drinks  and absolutely no word of ‘ tip’ is spoken but obviously depending on time they sat with you  and how long you were holding their knee or hand you should tip them. I gave 5- 10 $ to those few who sat with me for prolonged time. Drinks are what oils bar keep in mind so when boy empties his buy him another one or he may choose to, leave your table.
But there are absolutely no situations like I had sometimes in Thai bars when boy gulped his drink in on ego and was looking for another one. It’s why I wish we have such bar in Bangkok. Easy , pleasant and no hard sell tactics.
Not only boys got plenty of drinks but also myself so when I was leaving at about 2 am I was quite drunk and 90$ lighter , not to mention about 100 000  distributed for tips. But it was fun worth of every minute and every penny spent. Unfortunately I went home empty handed so to speak. I had designs on one of their boys but neither one of us was brave enough to start serious discussion.
 Before I went to bed for fun I checked Grindr and had “ Hi “ from quite attractive looking guy but had that senior moment and did not realize that this guy ( I’m notoriously bad reading people from pictures ) was indeed one I had designs on in bar. It only dawned on my next day in the afternoon. But by then damage was done. Not only I spent night in cold bed but also he figured out that I rejected him and was doing his best to show that he cooled to me. Oh well, lesson learned

Latest batch of pics from the Winner Boys FaceBook page.
Having visited the bar several times last month I can confirm a number of new boys and overall a more lively and positive vibe about the bar than I remember for a number of years.





 

Here's a new video on Youtube touching on Malaysia Hotel and the Ngam Duphli/Sri Bamphen area. Interesting bits of information.
 

NOTE -- From time to time a feel good story comes to my attention. Today it's from Vietnam where a school for kids orphaned by Covid appears to be thriving.
From VN Express
Da Nang school opens new chapter for orphans

At a school dedicated to children orphaned by Covid, a distressing chapter of their lives is closed so they can move on to a journey full of hope.
At 5:30 a.m. one Sunday, 13-year-old Ba Thong asked his teacher to be excused from class so he and his team could complete their unfinished robot project. With the teacher's approval, the boy went knocking on each of his teammates' doors. Six children with drowsy faces then hurried to the robot lab.
"Let's take it all apart and redo it," Thong said, eyes fixed on the nearly completed robot that had yet to reach the test run stage.
The whole team agreed.
Having taken part in a robotics program the previous afternoon, they were aware of the shortcomings of their product, which they had built over four months of arguing and agreeing with each other.
With just over 10 days left until the national robotics championship, everyone wanted the product to be in its best shape.
The children’s participation in the tournament is the pride of Hope School - where 230 children orphaned by Covid, from 41 provinces and cities across the country, study and live together. More than two years after the pandemic, the children, under the guidance of their teachers, have overcome pains together, and each has matured in their own way.
Hope School was opened by FPT Corporation in Da Nang to receive Covid-19 orphans from across Vietnam, providing care and education for them until they turn 18.
Continues at
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/da-nang-school-opens-new-chapter-for-orphans-4705710.html

Took Mike Taxi from Pattaya to BKK 1200 baht, driver showed up early, like always...was a female 😲
Had to stop for gas before leaving, why she wasn't prepared? Then restroom stop within 45 mins, wtf.

Got to Tarntawan, feels like home here, I know all the staff.

Was going to meet my German friend at Circus at 9pm, so I slept even though I wasn't tired.....
Stopped by Hot Male on my way to Circus, didn't see Alex so I just kept going.....Circus was busy but not packed. Watched the drag shows from outside and talked to a couple of the host boys from Cambodia....My German friend that lives here usually wants to go home early, but we stayed until midnight, I was surprised, but he liked one of the Cambodia boys and he tipped him....he never tips boys, lol

Did a walk around soi 6 from Silom as all the massage shops were closing and went to Super A....was late, sad and disappointing  @reader maybe I was just too late 😟

Walked back to Hot Male and Alex was there, his night off but was drinking (surprise, lol) I like him so much.

Went over towards ScrewBoys, everyone was outside because was a drag show on....I cruised and chatted with a few guys, one really got my attention. I told him to see me at Hot Male when he finished. He and a friend came over and said they were going to Banana Bar for after hours.....I went to my hotel to refill some cash (I don't have so many pockets) and went to Banana Bar, you'd never know anything was open on soi 4, was pitch dark..... went upstairs and found Screwboy guy and we hung out and got progressively drunk together.

Invited he and his friend back to my hotel, but first a stop at Foodland for food.....then so much fun back at my room. We went on for HOURS....I hope to see him again tonight, I hope he's alive, he still hasn't read my line message.

I woke up horny around 11am and checked Grindr...was some guy my type, said he was hanging out at Lumphini and would come for 1000 baht, no need to negotiate at that price.

I waited outside of the hotel to make sure he looked like his pics....he did. 30 minute massage then we had some good sex, another one I'd see again, maybe tomorrow.

The screwboys guys only asked for 1000 each if I went with both, was almost like 2 for 1 .....

First night was a good one....I hope the rest of the nights are as much fun.



 

True for me too.
Here's my two cents' worth (again). IMHO, it is important to distinguish the Bangkok scene from the Pattaya scene. They have been bifurcating for a long time. The Pattaya scene depended heavily on winter exiles from the Northern hemisphere, and we know where the trend is heading. Pattaya has never managed to be much of an attraction to the gay Asian travellers.
The Bangkok scene is a more complex story. Its three parts: gogo bars, massage, and social-and-dancing locales, are going on separate trajectories. I believe the social-and-dancing venues are doing fine. Business is robust, not just on Silom Sois 2 and 4, but also in places like Fake Club, etc. Bangkok attracts the Asian travellers. To the farang, it may be difficult to tell a Thai apart from another East or Southeast Asian, but eavesdrop on the language they use and it will be clear how much the Asian traveller is contributing to gay scene tourism.
The massage business looks relatively healthy too, though, as with all massage businesses around the world, there is always considerable turnover, i.e. shops exit the business, new enterprises start up. I credit this to the fact that the shops outside of the Silom-Surawong area continue to depend largely on local custom as their bread-and-butter clientele. Tourists are icing on the cake. The shops in the Silom-Surawong area are more tourist oriented, but because of the healthy flow of Asian tourists, they're doing OK.
More importantly, the massage shops continue to attract young men as workers. Understanding why they can attract young men into the industry whereas the gogo bars struggle to do so helps us understand the strategic mistakes the gogos bars made over the years.
The Bangkok gogo business: A part of me thinks their days are numbered. I would say that they are being killed by two things: the tea money and the horrible strategic mistake the market leaders made to expose themselves to the general public through relying on the non-sex-buying customer. Let me elaborate.
Tea money: While I don't have the insider figures, I think this is a key factor in the exorable rise in prices for drinks and offs. Of course, high prices limit sales volume. Tea money may also be the factor holding back gogo bars' reinvention. They don't seem to be able to try anything new, and I suspect this has to do with the terms of the tea money deal. As soon as bar tries to experiment with the business model, the tea-money-collectors will want to charge more.
Exposure: When the gogo bars began to welcome hordes of straight tourists, they basically put a jinx on their staff recruitment. It gets harder to recruit when the gogo boy is expected to put himself on stage for people to gawk at them, even worse then he is expected to be part of an explicit show. The calculus is like this: The boy will do it if there is a high chance of an off. But if the great majority of the audience are only there to gawk, the boy earns little for "shaming" himself. So recruitment falls off a cliff.
Here's something to observe when you're next in a gogo bar. Look at the ages of the performers in the Big Cock Parades or other explicit show items. They are the older ones. Dream Boys', Sol's and Tawan's stable now have a significant number of guys in their 40s. I doubt if they get off'd. So why do the bars keep them on their roster? Because they're the ones more likely to be prepared to show cock. The young ones won't do it.
There is another strategic mistake the gogo bars made. They have left too much of the management in the hands of gatoeys. I think some bars are run as employment-creation platforms for ladyboys. The mamasan's primary objective seems to be creating jobs for her fellow ladyboys. Shows with fancy costumes and lip-sync don't attract the the boy-offing customer. They attract the gawkers, which then reduces the boys' chances of getting off'd, which then exacerbates the shaming the boys have to endure for working in a gogo bar.
Yes, the economic progress that Thailand has made, the rise in wages, have generally made it less attractive or necessary to work in the sex industry. But the massage parlours have no difficulty recruiting. Only the gogo bars. So, economic progress does not explain everything, which is how I came to the view that the the factors unique to the gogo bars - exposure, gawking, ladyboy acts - are the real killers.
 
 

IMO unsavory reputation as regards sex and drinking has small impact the main reasons of the gay scene decline are others; Thailand becomes more and more expensive over the years, less Thai guys are willing to go as money boys, authorities restrictions on entertainment venues ( especially limiting the closure time ) , Falang countries are much tolerate to gays and have much more gay local venues and the most important thing the younger gay generation are behaving more like regular tourists and are not limiting themselves to 'gay ghettos'.
 

From ABC News (Australia)
Dr Richard Harris appointed South Australia's Lieutenant Governor
The heroic doctor involved in the infamous Thai cave rescue has been named as South Australia's next Lieutenant Governor.
South Australian anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris, who rose to fame after his involvement in the rescue of 12 children trapped in a cave in Thailand, will be sworn into the role next month.
The former Australian of the Year will replace Dr James Muecke, who has served in the role since 2022.
Dr Harris was described as an integral part of the rescue of a team of soccer players and their 25-year-old coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand in 2018.
Dr Harris conducted initial medical assessments on the boys and advised authorities on the safest extraction methods.
On the day of evacuation, he gave the medical all-clear for each boy and administered anaesthesia before they left the cave.
Dr Harris was about to leave on a cave diving adventure when he was called by expert divers from the UK to assist in the rescue mission using his unique dual skills of medical knowledge and cave diving.
He was the last person out of the cave.
Dr Harris received the prestigious Star of Courage bravery award for his efforts, and was named joint Australian of the Year in 2019.
In his new role, Dr Harris will serve as deputy to South Australia's Governor, Frances Adamson.
The Lieutenant Governor acts as the state's Vice Regal representative in the absence of the Governor.
In a statement, Dr Harris said he was "truly honoured" to be appointed to the role and thanked Dr Muecke for his service.

After a rather long pandemic-related break, I visited Bali again in December 2023 - January 2024. Here are my findings - I'll try to keep them factual, succinct, and to the point.
A. General picture of how Bali looks like now. The pandemic has had a devastating effect on them. Pretty much every single restaurant and place of business I remember from before the pandemic is not there anymore. Up-market places (e.g. Bambu, Mauri - these are restaurants if you wonder) are still going strong but they are more an exception to the rule than the rule. December and January are supposed to be high season there (well, not exactly because of the rain season, but still, this is one of the busiest periods there, normally). This year, the average occupancy in Seminyak in December was 37% only. It went up to about 75% around Christmas and New Year but went back to well below 40% immediately after. The locals are worried: they claim they'd had an amazing summer with tourist numbers being much higher than normal but from October onwards, it suddenly went all quiet yet again. To give you a practical example: normally, it takes about an hour to get to/from the airport to/from my hotel in Seminyak. This time, the drive was only 30 minutes. The absence of the usual tourists is very much palpable: the usual Australians are not there anymore and the influx of the Russians and the Chinese still cannot compensate for it.
B. The scene and the entertainment sector. Apparently, Seminyak is not the centre of nightlife and entertainment anymore. For some inexplicable reason, it all has moved up to Canggu. Nobody understands why. I've never seen Potato Head and Ku De Ta half-empty - they are now. Even Finns (a beach club 'up north' from Seminyak) is going out of fashion now. I am not a party person and I strongly dislike clubs. I can only report that the good old Seminyak places are still there (MixWell, BaliJoe, etc) but they are less crowded than before. To be fair, I've NEVER been inside any of them, so I can judge only by the look from the outside. The good old 'spas' are still there as well - the Banana Spa, Elegantz, Adam's Apple etc - but they look very sad these days: I had to pass by the Banana Spa entrance several times over 3-4 weeks, and I've never seen any sign of activity at all. I wasn't tempted to sample the offers in any of the usual places (see the list above): they all have the look of abandonment and desperation.
Connoisseurs of Bali (or just the readers of my earlier reviews) might remember the reports about M Spa at the heart of Seminyak, just next to Ku De Ta, The Seminyak hotel and the flea market, that was closed for good in 2019. It had been an iconic establishment there for many decades but, as I've been told this time, everything had changed when the owner of the premises Paul (some might still remember that the building M Spa was based at was called The Paul's Place) died in late 2018 - early 2019. The heirs had no interest in retaining his property business and all his properties were put on sale immediately. Sadly, M Spa couldn't secure the necessary funds to keep The Paul's Place to themselves and they had to vacate the premises. They have been refurbished and yet another faceless and completely empty (I've passed by them daily and have never seen a single pundit there) generic massage parlour is operating there now (girls offering foot massage). I don't think it will survive.
C. The business. I relied solely on the apps, this time. Interestingly, the most popular app over there is still Grindr. Hornet is almost unheard of. Scruff is still reasonably popular but Growlr, which used to be used quite extensively, isn't anymore. Jack'd is a waste of space. All of the apps work perfectly well via a VPN and, bizarrely, for days in a row without any VPN whatsoever. Here is what the menu in December 2023 - January 2024 looked like. A massage (we are talking massage, not 'massage') might have cost you as little as IDR 85k and up to IDR 200k (at the time, US$1 = IDR 15k approx). As usual, there was no correlation (either direct or reverse) between the cost of the service and its quality. A massage session with extras would be IDR 400k - IDR 750k. Again, there was no correlation (either direct or reverse) between the price and the quality of the service. To be clear - we are talking outcalls here (i.e. the 'masseur' will visit you at your hotel).
- service providers. Before the pandemic, almost all service providers were either Balinese or Javanese. It's not like that anymore: during my 3 and a-half week stay there, I encountered this time a much wider range of service providers: Sulawesi, West New Guinea, Borneo, Bali, Java. Many of those were employees at Adam's Apple, Elegantz, Banana Spa before but decided to go freelance.
- massage. Generally, the quality has deteriorated (we are talking massage rather than 'massage' here). These days, even if you request a Swedish or a deep tissue session, it will inevitably transform into a Balinese massage session when you are massaged by an elbow and a forearm, mostly. Before the pandemic, if I asked for a deep tissue, I'd get it (not necessarily of a good quality). These days, it is Balinese only, even if you ask for something else. This was my major disappointment. Even in (expensive) hotels, you ask for a deep tissue massage and end up with 'forearm and elbow' in the end.
- service quality, customer service and product stewardship. Generally, it still remains high. Unfortunately, the hard times do influence the quality though. Before the pandemic, I couldn't have imagined a conversation like that: "Sir, could you give me IDR 800k now and I promise I'll give you a free massage tomorrow?" Bali used to be one of the very few places where conversations like that had been unthinkable - sadly, not anymore.
- individual reviews.
= A Sulawesi guy, early 30s, former employee of Adam's Apple, Elegantz and Banana Spa. IDR 400k for the job (massage + extras). Massage was very mediocre: not enough pressure, poor technique, slipped into 'forearm and elbow' almost immediately. The endowment was small, didn't perform well, asked for IDR 800k as an advance payment for a free massage afterwards (obviously, he didn't get the money). I didn't contact him again.
= A Balinese guy, mid-30s, a spa worker (a regular hotel spa, not a gay spa). IDR 750k for the job. Exceedingly good massage but did slip into 'forearm and elbow', eventually. The endowment was average but very good fucking technique, genuine passion. Met twice.
= A Balinese gay, early 40s, IDR 700k for the job. Very good massage, didn't slip into 'forearm and elbow'. The endowment was huge by local standards (i.e. average European), outstanding fucking technique and genuine passion (I came hands-free). Met him 4 times.
= A West New Guinea guy, late 20s. Free service (see below). Average massage, a rather small endowment but great genuine passion and very good technique. Met him 3 times.
= A Javanese guy, late 30s. Free service (see below). No massage, average endowment but great genuine passion and very good technique. Met him once.
= A Borneo guy, mid-40s. IDR 600k. Very good massage, didn't slip into 'forearm and elbow'. The endowment was small, but he was a very good bottom. Met him once.
= A Javanese guy, early 40s. Free service (see below). No massage, very small endowment but he was an outstanding and passionate bottom. Met him once.
D. Free services. I've been visiting Bali for many MANY years, and it was the first time that anyone - moreover, several people - explicitly told me they wanted a free session with me. These are mostly local professionals ('local' doesn't mean Balinese - it means someone who lives there now; 'professional' means a person of independent means who isn't a spa worker/masseur/etc) and could be as young as 25 and as old as 50. Judging by the pre- and postcoital conversations with the locals, the main reason for it is the lack of foreigners: while they are still used to the earlier abundance of choice, the choice isn't there anymore, and they are getting desperate.
 

I like Bangkok Air too. The only problem I have with them is that they seem to have regular data breaches. Within a few years I was informed already twice about a data breach. The first one also included credit card data. The other one was just very recently.
Or maybe they are the only airline who report about data breaches and the other airlines don't ?

Somehow boss Beer still manages to get a steady flow of handsome young new recruits to her bar.  Although not all can handle the in-bar service requirements 😂
My boyfriend and I were completely smitten by one new lad called Chon last September and we offed-him long-time for about 12 days straight until the end of my holiday. 
Just hope he is still there in January 😍

Hello fellow forum members!
They say all good things must come to an end and so it is with a tinge of melancholy, I say farewell to Bangkok for now. 
This forum has been both informative and tantalizing for me so wanted to do my bit and contribute my experiences with the hope that it helps others. 
There are a few things I discovered through my journey:
1) Logic doesn’t always seem to apply when communicating to massage places on Line; 
2) Think first, act later rather than the other way around; 
3) Massages can be good, massages can be bad but you really don’t know until you’re there;
4) You can plan as much as you want but often what or more likely who, you want is probably unavailable so you need to be flexible.
Arrival
Arrival into BKK was ‘smooth as silk’ although not all fellow travelers did not seem to share my eagerness to get out and into the city as much as me. Landing in the evening, I wanted to squeeze in a massage in the evening if possible, the only obstacles in my way being the tour groups of passengers who decided to block the travellators and Bangkok traffic.
Priority queues for business class immigration seemed to have been removed but managed to get into a newly opened short line at immigration. Armed with an iPhone and an e-sim it was now time to get to work on sorting my evening out while in the Grab. I had done my research before arrival, faithfully adding various venues on my Line account thanks to this forum. The evening would teach me a few lessons it turns out, yet more of that to come later.
Zoo Onsen and Spa
The eye-candy of Zoo / Malepark had caught my eye ever since I’ve been planning my trip to Bangkok. There are reviews on here which had I heeded, I would have saved myself time and money but alas, sometimes I think I can beat the odds in the high stakes game of finding a place to make you happy… 
Booking via Line was both convenient, confusing and complex in equal measures. I contacted Malepark (sister site to Zoo) which advertises an apartment like room as a venue – this is not the case, at least for me and my massage was just in the usual Zoo venue. I sent of a message requesting a particular therapist, only to be advised that both my first and second choice were unavailable. As such, I settled with my third choice, a guy with a video with a great body but with a face suggesting an attitude of somewhat disregard. I would later discover that first impressions do count…
Booking made, I checked into my hotel quickly before jumping on the BTS to On Nut. I read the directions but having gone back and forth past the Google maps location, I pondered if I would ever find the place. The reviews elsewhere on this forum point to entry through a neighboring spa, unfortunately that seemed to be closed so I had started to ponder what I was going to do as Zoo weren’t picking up my calls. Finally I decided to have a go of it having spotted some eye candy in the Nut spa next door, I asked them if they were Zoo after which they asked to see my Line messages and they finally twigged. 
They took me up a couple flights of stairs and I was then told that the person I had booked was only available via the ‘Superboy’ package, whether this is true or not I don’t know but by now I was fully invested having spent 20 mins walking up and down the street looking for the place. I was told that this would cost 6000 THB including tip – steep I know but I’m on vacation so decided to assume that at that price, there must be some quality to it…. But wait, the soften the blow of the 6000 THB cost, there was a 3 for 2 offer. It is at this point I should have paused and thought but I didn’t. As such, I just whipped out my credit card to splash out on the 12k THB. They didn’t want cash for some reason. 
We showered separately and then came the ‘massage’, only it wasn’t anything I would call a massage. With absolutely no pressure applied at all, he basically spread oil over my body for an hour or so. I’m not sure if it’s his natural state but he seemed somewhat disgruntled, perhaps with Zoo management, and one of the first (and few) things he said me was that there are better and cheaper massage places to go to… a resounding endorsement then! The only good things were that he was in his underwear for the task and he had clearly been advised where the more sensitive parts of the body were so decided to spread oil around there for a bit. 
The end finished with a h/j (nothing else offered) after which he asked if he wanted me for him to continue with the massage. I think we both sighed of relief when I said no, I showered alone while he hung around the room. As the tip was included I did not tip extra nor did he ask for anything. Perhaps Zoo short change the therapists in passing through the tips which is why he was so grumpy – who knows.
Now armed with a 3 for 2 package, I felt the need to return to Zoo the next day. I refuse to end up paying 12k for such a dud so at least I could better justify it in my head if I had a more decent massage. The next day, I requested a different therapist, again my chosen therapists were unavailable so I picked Mike. I cute looking guy but not muscled like my usual preference.
The massage was somewhat of a redemption in the fact that the massage was of good to very good standard. At least I managed to enjoy a massage if only would have been at US / European prices. The therapist was clothed throughout and ended in a h/j again and he was somewhat embarrassed that I was looking at him while he was working on it. 
Overall, a lesson learnt, don’t over commit, don’t over pay and make sure you know what you’re getting before you start. If they are cagey it’s probably a red flag. In fairness to myself, I did try and get the required info from Line beforehand but they said that they would discuss ‘extra services’ when I got there. 
I tried making another booking for another therapist only to be told that he wasn’t classed as a ‘super boy’ so couldn’t be used. I think they’re making up things as in the poster he was clearly pictured. I was also told that the spa was closed on the day I wanted to book only to see them later advertising which therapists were available on the day, including the one I wanted.
In the end I abandoned my third ‘free’ massage. Not wanting to waste my time, I had found a better massage as described below.
Another day another opportunity
Determined to change my fortunes, I started researching for the following day. I had several failed attempts at Apollo Massage where by I messaged the team on Line only to be told 1) The guy I wanted was not available today then 2) The guy I wanted as a back up was back at his home town. This is despite the daily Line postings showing the ‘therapists’ of the day being available including said guys – guess it’s marketing.
Having had an overall disappointing and expensive run at Zoo which I’m going to put down to education, I decided to go through Twitter and do a little bit more research. I do recommend the Thai Twitter accounts who seem to offer, in Thai, some detailed reviews. There I picked out a review for Aurora Massage which was already on my Line list but I had dismissed as I hadn’t seen it mentioned on this forum before.
I decided to minimize my risk by picking the same therapist that was reviewed. The Google Translation talked of B2B massage and a good set of skills so it seemed to fit the bill. The person at the other end of Line appeared to have a good command of English and was explicit on the costs which I liked. Massage was around 1500 THB depending on the service and it was 2000 THB for soft and 3000 THB for hard service. I decided to be equally explicit on what I wanted, not full hard but oral and shower afterwards. I said I would pay the min tip and asked him to communicate to my therapist so there was no misunderstandings.
The tricky bit was the need to pay a deposit which equaled the cost of the treatment. I advised I wasn’t able to send as a tourist but they said go to a 7-11 to send the money. Going into the 7-11 they just pointed me to a bank. After 15 min wait in the bank line, I finally managed to make the transfer but in hindsight it was quite the hassle. As the spa is fairly central, I think next time I would just ask if I could go to the spa to pay the deposit first and return later, that would have been quicker than waiting in the bank I think.
Per-fect Auora massage
I arrived on time and I was greeted by the therapist on entry. I wasn’t 100% sure it was him at first give he was wearing a mask, I was hoping that the mask and others would come off soon. The spa itself was quiet and I don’t think they have walk in customers as while central, it’s a good 10 min walk from the main road with the BTS stations on.
Upstairs, I took a shower alone and waited for him to return. Here things started to get special. There was an aroma electric diffuser with mood lighting in the room which helped improve the environment and the therapist now re-entered the room mask off and changed the music to some easy listening English songs. It just seemed to set the scene just right for me.
Then came the massage, all I can say was it was Perfect. He took off his clothes such that he was left in just a crisp white underwear, very sexy indeed. He had the right level of coverage, pressure and got just the right level of teasing whilst ensuring the massage came first and foremost until we were ready to finish off later on. It was the little things which made me feel like he was professional like keeping one hand on my back while he maneuvered around the table to get to another position. 
In transition between different parts of the body he oiled up his muscled body and did a body to body maneuvered which sent tingles of excitement through my body. When it came to the end there was a perfect transition and my request to pass on my requests were flawlessly executed. Post the first time of me cumming, he offered to help me go again but I can’t reset that quickly these days so we moved on to the shower. Again, without me prompting, he was well briefed of my request and we showered together. He gently washed me down and I saw is log like appendage. 
On exit, I paid him a tip. I had promised 3000 THB but given I was so satisfied I gave him 4000 THB. He tried to hide his expression but he eye contact with his colleague told me enough to see that he was happy. While I know some may disagree with over paying tips, for me the extra is not material and I’m happy to pay for something I value and if it makes others happier still, then that’s a bonus.
Having only one day left in Bangkok, I took the opportunity to rebook him again the next day… The next day was a 120 min massage marathon. Every bit as good as the previous day although I do recognize that sometimes some of the fun is the anticipation of what could come next. Having experienced it just the day before, I had less anticipation but a great time that was perfectly executed.
Not wanting to miss out if I ever returned to BKK, I asked him for his Line (I’ve had it before where therapists move spas and I can never find them again). We tried adding each other but I think my Line is corrupted or blocked somehow as it’s not adding people. Not wishing to give up so easily I took his Instagram instead.  it seems like he has quite a number of followers with his model like photos. I thanked him again and gave him 5000 THB this time, 120 mins of hard massage work deserves a good tip in my view. 
Later in the evening I messaged him on Instagram to which he replied and sent me a few messages. 
Clubs / bars
On one of the nights I was free around 9pm so decided to head down to Boy Town to check things out. I’ve been before but not for 10 years or so and I was intrigued what had changed. My first impressions was that it felt less crowded before and far fewer touts than I remember. It could be that I was walking down different parts. I went up and down the soi several times but noting that the show didn’t start until 1030, I decided to circle the block several times to see that market and buy myself the time.
Hotmale
This was a Wednesday night so may not be reprehensive of weekend but after getting bored of circling the block, I decided to accept the tout’s request and head to the Hotmale bar around 945pm. Sitting and standing on the stage were probably 15 or so guys wearing red sweatpants and most were topless, fairly good looking but nothing absolutely striking. Other patrons were few and far between, in fact, just one couple in the corner whom left after 5 minutes from my arrival indicating that they would return at 1030 which they did. One mature farang entered after me along with a somewhat tipsy (nearly fell over) mature Asian.
I found the stage somewhat awkward as all the guys had eyes on the patrons and I wasn’t really wanting to make eye contact with them as I didn’t want them to come over if I wasn’t into a particular person. I thought it would be somewhat rude to send them back. Anyway, after 30 mins of glancing but not really making eye contact, I asked to see a guy who fitted my profile the most. Filled with some Dutch courage I asked him over for a chat. He had a good command of English and equipped with the knowledge of this forum, I bought him a drink. I assume they must get some kind of cut of this because he was given a slip for his pocket. The cost of his drink was 400 and mine was 500. After 10 mins or so of holding hands, I signaled that I had an early flight to catch the next day (a lie) so couldn’t off him but for his time I tipped him 300. I settled at 1030 just before the show started.. 
Dream boys
Dream boys also had a show starting at 1030pm so I thought I’d pop in there to see what was going on. The guys were of ok standard but seemed likely older and less interested. I ordered a drink and the show started shortly after. However, the first act was some menial dancing and given not one of the guys was giving me vibes, I thought I would just return back to my hotel. I settled up and left which was a surprise to the touts who checked whether I had actually paid my bill so quickly after entering. 
Hotmale take 2
Having decided not to off the guy the day before, I couldn’t have helped wondering what could have been. Having never done something like this before, the curiosity was overwhelming so the next day I decided to jump back in a taxi and go back. As I was debating with myself whether I should go or not, I only arrived at 1115pm, just as the show ended and in walked the rest of the guys including the guy I had chatted to the other day. 
He gave me a wry smile and a cheeky ‘I know you lied to me look’ after I had told him I was leaving the day before. This time I called him over right away and made up some excuse and again bought him a drink. I asked him whether he wanted ST or LT and he said ST. I appreciate the explicit view rather than being told LT only to have some excuse to leave. I thought we would leave immediately but whether it was because I told him that I had just missed the show or he was calming my slight nerves, we stayed until the end of the midnight show. The midnight show was only three acts and I think it lasted just 15 mins long. A couple of dances and then a big c parade. It’s probably best described as a parade as they just whipped it out and walked around the stage. After the music stopped they walked out to the audience and offered a hold, one guy came to me which I found quite awkward as I was already with my guy so I gave him 100 THB and a smile and he went off. I ponder what the ‘off rate’ is for these guys, I saw a couple other patrons with guys but not many at all. I think most were in just for the show.
My off then asked what I was thinking as venue which I said I would take him back to my hotel. We jumped into a normal taxi and the driver, obviously knowing I was in no position to haggle, said it would be 300 THB to get back to central. A 10 min ride but to be frank, I didn’t really care.
I was a little apprehensive in getting into my hotel as it’s was one of the top end 5 star hotels and entry to the guest lifts is a direct walk pass a narrow-ish walkway which is flanked by both the concierge and reception. I think we both instinctively knew what to do though and we whipped out our phones to look at while walking passed confidently and quickly pass the reception. 
In the room we had a shower together as my request and direction. I didn’t want full on activities but managed to have a good time. He was a kisser and playful and clearly knew what he was doing. He too had an appendage like a log, I suspect it’s part of the job requirements. We took a shower together afterwards but after the activities, he probably needed to get back home to his gf / bf or something as he was texting something to say that he was on his way back I guess. I sent him on his way with a 3000 THB tip (2500 THB was advised at the bar but thought I’d give him extra for a taxi home). Overall an interesting experience which I wouldn’t repeat again but now my curiosity is somewhat satisfied.

Overally, Bangkok delivered again with excitement and energy. The massage at Aurora Massage was an absolute highlight and will be etched in my memory for some time.
I’m not sure when I’ll be back again, perhaps a number of years time but I shall, forever have fond memories.
 
  

Day 3 - L, the massage guy from yesterday's massage came to my hotel at 2 plus. Yesterday, at the room in his massage shop on Soi 6, he had his clothes on until midway when he asked me if I would tip him for extra service. Only then did he get naked. This time, the moment he entered my hotel room, I started unbuttoning his shirt then lowered his jeans and black boxer briefs. (Same as yesterday? Or does he have several pairs of same type?) I also got naked and led him to my bed for massage to start. I believe it was easier for him to massage because the hotel bed is much bigger than massage bed. He was literally on me as he massaged me body on body, with his warm expanding cock rubbing against my a-hole. He didn't bring any massage oil or cream but the massage still worked because of his skilful strokes. It was one of the best sessions I had, erotic massage leading to sex. Yesterday, I asked him if he would cum with me. He had replied that he was working so he couldn't. But on hotel bed, HE got so horny that he begged me to jerk him off. He said he was man so he won't bottom but surprisingly, he allowed me to finger him deeply. I found his G spot and finger fuck him while he jerk his cock furiously. Finally he let out several cum shots which reached his chin. I kept him on hold and didn't let him wash up until I unloaded my cum on his sexy abs. After that we showered, I paid him his tip and he went back to his massage shop to work. Sorry this report sounds like amateur porn but I am just reporting what really happened. Hehe.

I asked P if he was not with me, which show he would be in. He said the erotic dancing. He also said some nights there's a shower show and he would be in it. "You do shower show for me in hotel?" I asked. Yes he said. After the SM show, the Sol Bar guys came up on stage. I gave 100 baht tips to numbers 10 and 14 - one for nice smile and another for well proportioned body. Both I suspect our forum member @vinapu would approve. I didn't do the @vinapu tuck into their white shorts though. Finally, P, being a good friend, asked me to consider tipping his friend, no. 18 and I did willingly. I love how P looks out for his friends.
We left Sol Bar and in hotel room, P kept his word and gave me a shower show. He's a true pro. Well worth his tip!

At 10pm, I left the merry folks of Hotmale Beer Bar downstairs to enter Sol Bar to watch the show. Mamasan led me to a seat on right side at second last row. The big pillar in the middle prevented a clear view of the stage but at least it had full mirror on it which allowed the back view of the guys to be reflected when the guys stood in front of the pillar as part of their rotation.
P, whom I got to know from last night, was waiting for me.  He was in white singlet and white shorts but no number. About 15 other guys were on stage and they had numbers embroidered on their singlets and shorts. I asked him why he had no number and he said something but I couldn't catch the explanation. No matter. I told him I wanted to watch the show. I definitely was taking him off so he could change to his own clothes. He took his leave and I surveyed the bar. There were low round sofa type of seats ideal for groups right below the stage.
Only about 10 customers including one Asian customer to my left seated with former Hotmale twink who had changed out of his waiter uniform. Asian customer (looks Taiwanese or HK) was taking him off but like me, wanted to watch the show. The bar started filling up quickly. Two separate groups of Thai customers came in and ordered bottle service. Each group called down some guys down from stage to drink with them for the night. Just before the show started at 10.22pm, (yes, I checked my watch), a group of 4 farang women tourists came in.  They took front row sofas below stage on the right side. Midway through the show, one of the Thai groups would move to front row sofas below stage on the left side.
Sol Bar has adopted the best practices of the other bars. Their show started in a similar fashion to Jupiter where the guys took turns to walk individually and present themselves to audience. Unlike Jupiter, they didn't have the cold lifeless model stare. The guys of Sol Bar were free to smile at audience. Most removed their singlets to showcase their upper bodies. Some seemed awkward with runway walk. They need more model training. Also unlike Jupiter, the numbers on their shorts were visible for all to see. Very accessible for any customer who wants to off a guy.
Regarding the show, there's only 2 ladyboy singing - the opening act (backed up by 2 dancers) and the fifth performance (a solo item). Total 8 performances and I don't count big cock show. The other performances are all performed by the Sol Bar guys themselves - mixture of dance numbers and slow erotic dancing. But overall what stood out was the last performance - a SM act between a master and a slave. The slave was stripped, pulled on a leash, thrown onto the floor, "whipped" and had candle wax poured on his body. Audience members were invited to pour wax - one lady from the all-girl farang tourists in the front row and the Asian customer sitting with ex-Hotmale guy. I suspect the latter arranged for him to go up on stage. Customer seemed sheepish but I could tell he enjoyed it! The twist at the end of the act was that the slave turned the tables on the master! I have watched similar shows at Freshboys and Tawan but this particular performance made it into an unforgettable viewing experience with a storyline. Kudos for best SM show in Bangkok, Sol Bar! Maybe Sol Bar should rename itself as Sol SM Bar!

After Z went back, I had time to myself in morning. I was at swimming pool for half an hour then back to hotel room for Netflix and Tiktok. At 1.30pm, I had lunch appointment with fellow forum member. He suggested we eat at new Foodland branch at Park Silom. Very clean and new but not as big as I expected. Prices are same as Foodland Patpong. However, atmosphere will never beat Foodland Patpong!
Fellow forum member and I then continued our conversations while we walked around Patpong and Silom. We did one full round from Park Silom to Silom Road to Soi 6 to Surawong Road to Soi Thaniya then along Silom Road to Soi 4 and back to Soi 6 where we accepted the invitation of two cute massage twinks. Massage for 60 minutes was 500 baht excluding tips. I was very satisfied with my guy, L and I got his Line after finding out he's willing to come to my hotel room before/after work. Finally, I have to share this sad photo of the place that used to be Coffee Grnder Silom.  

Was in Bangkok in early October and back again two months later. Link to October's trip report below.
https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/40292-weekend-in-bangkok/
The reason why I decided to come again now instead of during Christmas (my usual timing) is because this week is the last week for two fellow forum members in Bangkok. They will be flying back after their months long stay. I am envious of them, being retired and all that. I can't get leave from work to go on holiday for months. The most I can ever get is 2 weeks at a stretch and unfortunately, I have used up my leave for this year and am left with only one week.
I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday evening from Singapore. After checking in and leaving my luggage in my room at Le Meridien, I was off to Hot Male Beer Bar downstairs. Both fellow forum members were already seated there. They were drinking and chatting with two guys from new Sol Bar just across the soi. One is an old timer from Twilight while the other is new. It was their off day hence they did not have to report to their bar and they could go to other bars.
Forum readers who read my previous trip report would know of my promise to buy authentic Calvin Klein briefs for Z, my current infatuation.

When I appeared at Hotmale Beer Bar, Z was elated to see me. I got him a three-pack with three colours - white, black and grey. Later in hotel room, he returned me the grey pair. Grey is not his colour. He likes white and doesn't mind black. He's both practical and sensible. "But it's size M. I can't wear it. I give to other boy?" I said. "Ok," he replied. We both know that even though we profess we are each other's boyfriend, we have (many) other boyfriends.
In fact, in the morning, just before we were to go for breakfast, he had to take a video call. I could hear from the accent that the guy is from Philippines. Z gestured to me to keep quiet while he spoke to his Filipino boyfriend, "I call you at 3pm and we chat ok? I need to sleep now." Lol!
Sorry I got ahead of myself. Back to Hotmale Beer Bar downstairs. Many customers. Festive mood. The guys from Sol Bar surprisingly didn't come out to the "balcony" as often as they did in October. Spotted a waiter who used to work at Hotmale and was one of the stars of the big cock show. If I ever go inside Sol Bar, I will ask him why he made the change.
I had a great time catching up with fellow forum members and the Hotmale Beer Bar waiters. I even exchanged Line account with P, one of the Sol Bar guys seated with us. I told him I could not off him tonight but I will off him another night. Z was the chosen one. After chatting for about an hour or so, our merry trio of forum members went our separate ways. I had a great time with Z and we were exhausted and slept by 1am. We continued with round 2 in morning then we washed up and went for breakfast. After breakfast, Z went home. "See you tonight!" we both said to each other.
 

I've used Siamroads twice. The first time on my first trip to Bangkok (Ya I think) and the second time on my first trip to Chiang Mai (Woody). The guides were professional and Ya saved me a fortune with some advice prior to arrival and saved me much time with coordinating site visits. I'd be happy to use them again. I really don't get the cancel/bullying culture. If you don't want to use a service, don't. It's really none of your business if others want to though. If you don't want to read them on this forum, again don't. Personally I like to see services advertised here and especially reviews as it takes some of the worry out of finding such services in the wider internet.