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Many tourists have no self-awareness of their real surroundings when they're on holiday. 
They assume that they can parade around in their finest clothes and belongings -- as if they were on an exclusive cruise. Or maybe it makes their cheap accomodations seem more elegant? 
I'm certain that this is not the last story we'll read about some clueless tourist losing valuable jewelry while on holiday. 💍

there's one stupid and one smart even if dishonest,  guy in the story.
Why I fully understand that one can be so drunk that he sleeps on the street, most of us were young at some point of our lives,  but why the hell one need golden necklace as a pillow beats me.
 

I have at least 3 more reports left to write up, travelling through China now but hope to set aside some time soon! They were all positive too!

Part 10
Not wanting to overthink T's proposal, I threw caution to the wind and agreed to meet up. I told him to meet me in Starbucks at Siam Paragon so I can keep myself busy window shopping and people watching while waiting for him.
Surprisingly, T arrived on time and was all smiles when he handed me a paper bag. I had a look and was shocked to see that he brought the shirt he keeps mentioning that he will be giving me. I was very touched but also a bit clueless on how to react - as I was never in this kind of scenario with a bar boy before. I quickly gathered my wits, complimented the shirt and thanked T for his gift. We then walked towards the food court for a quick bite and then took a taxi back to the hotel.
Given my time with Singha a few hours ago, I wasn't really hankering for another full on session. I was happy and satisfied spending time cuddling,chatting, watching videos in his mobile and intensely making out in between. 
By past 7, I can feel T getting restless and I suggested that he can make his way to the bar so he will not be late. He responded saying that he wants to stay instead and take care of me (translation: that I pay more including the bar off fee so he can spend the night). I quickly gauged the situation concluding that since I am enjoying my time with him anyway, what he's suggesting is not a bad idea at all.
I asked him where he's talking me tonight in which he replied suggesting going to Fake Club. I responded with a hard no and suggested it doesn't need to be a gay club (but most definitely not a girly gogo club!). He pondered for a while and said don't worry as he will choose a good place. He then called and let his bar know that he is already offed for tonight.
We then took a shower and that's when he started being more playfully aggressive saying that with all the making out we did, he needs to release before we go out tonight. As I have already recovered from my afternoon at S'sense, I gladly complied and gave him a hand (and my other body parts!)
Afterwards, we stepped out of the hotel and he took the lead and hailed a taxi. I was a bit concerned when I realised that we are making our way to Khaosan. It's been ages since I was in the area - part of me feels that I have outgrown the place (that or Silom/Surawong roads got more magnetism for me).
I was about to protest but I stopped myself allowing T to lead and me to go with the flow. We found ourselves in what seems like a Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant which I thoroughly enjoyed - Thai food is great but having a bit of break from it can be good at times.
With our stomachs full, we walked for a bit until we made a turn to an alley of shops which then led to a bar. I think Brick Bar is the name and I was relieved that it's not a lady gogo bar but rather a live music one with bands playing both English and Thai songs. We were stopped by the entrance and was asked for ID, I told T that I don't bring my passport everywhere but I only have a photo of it on my phone. He talked to the staff who then led us to our seat on the upper level overlooking the stage. Oh - and they didn't ask to see photo of my ID 
The place was impressively large and the bands who played that night were impressively decent. I was also pleased to pay "non-boy bar" pricing for drinks this time. The crowd that night was good fun as well. Given that it was a week night - it was busy and crowded but the vibe is more chill than manic.
And T seems to be enjoying as well. After a few drinks, he had his arms wrapped around my shoulder and keeps on giving me quick pecks on the cheek and neck. I was overly conscious as this is not a gay bar and others may find issue with public displays. However, no one seems to mind and when one waiter who brought our drinks pointed to me and T and put his fingers together and gave us a thumbs up sign, I began to relax.
It must be the drinks or the music or the vibe but we eventually found ourselves tipsy and horny. We made our way back to the hotel and was making out as soon as the door was closed. In the taxi, T discreetly held my hand and placed it on his rock hard cock. Good thing the driver was distracted multitasking between driving and his mobile phone (!).
We went straight to the bed, took our clothes off and continued our business. For some reason, T's manly and musky smell that time  was so intoxicating and makes my libido overflow that I was low-key relieved he said no when I asked him if he wants us to go to shower first. We took turns pleasuring each other with him eventually getting on top of me, slowly entering me while my face is buried on his chest still enchanted with his manly smell.
After we both finished, we just lie there arms wrapped around each other too sleepy and tired to move yet happy and satisfied.
 

I feel sorry for those planning trip there in near future  

Having lived for more than half my life in the middle of nowhere in Western Australia the heat never bothered me that much (humidity is a killer though and I never got used to it) but a couple of trips to the Philippines and Vietnam at the wrong time of year I just about melted it was that hot. Next trip to Thailand is coming soon and it will be in the wet season and humidity 🙃 

From Pattaya News

Thailand continues to experience a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures pushing power demand to unprecedented levels across the nation.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, more than three dozen districts across the country’s 77 provinces recorded their highest temperatures ever for April, traditionally the hottest month. Some records surpassed previous highs set as far back as 1958.
In Bangkok, the heat index, which accounts for humidity, reached a “very dangerous” level above 52 °C, creating extreme discomfort and potential health risks. Meanwhile, the northern province of Lampang recorded a high of 44.2 °C, nearing the country’s all-time highest temperature of 44.6 °C observed in previous years.
 

From Thai News Agency

An Australian tourist, seemingly intoxicated, attacked a taxi driver, who told him not to smoke in the vehicle.
The incident occurred on Wednesday about 30 meters away from Thalang Police Station in Phuket province.
According to the taxi driver, he had picked up the tourist from Phuket International Airport and was en route to a hotel. When the tourist started smoking, he informed the tourist that smoking was not allowed in the vehicle.
Then, the tourist crossed over from the back seat and grabbed him by the neck. He lost control of the vehicle, causing it to lurch forward and collide with a car in the front.
The tourist has agreed to compensate for damages to both vehicles and has apologized. The taxi driver has also been taken to the hospital for a medical examination as part of the legal process.
Police have filed charges against the tourist for “using violence against others” and have noted signs of alcohol intoxication during their investigation.

From The Thaiger
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response.
The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26, when a tuk-tuk driver was allegedly attacked by a British tourist after a disagreement over the fare. The driver claimed the fare was 400 baht (US$10) but the tourist insisted he had paid with a 1,000 baht (US$27) note and demanded change. When the driver suggested resolving the matter at the local police station, the tourist responded aggressively.
The video, just over a minute long, shows the tourist squeezing the driver’s neck and slapping his face, actions which left the driver visibly shaken and seeking justice. The footage prompted an outcry from netizens, leading to an investigation by the Karon Police Station.
Last night, April 30, the police, led by senior officers from the Karon Police Station, executed an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The suspect, identified as 31 yeas old Luke Alexander Graham, had fled Patong for a hotel on Koh Phi Phi in the neighbouring province of Krabi.

I like to think that I exercise all due caution when crossing Silom or Surawong roads but the following incident gives me a moment of pause to reconsider if I've become overconfident.
From the Thaiger
Drunk taxi driver crashes and kills traffic cop in Bangkok
A drunk taxi driver crashed and killed a traffic police officer on Phahonyothin Road in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok on April 28.
The deputy traffic inspector from the Bang Khen Police Station, 54 year old police sub-lieutenant Autsada Jamniansi, lost his life while he was on duty directing traffic during a mini-marathon event on Phahonyothin Road. He was rushed to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital but tragically succumbed to the severe injuries.
Continues with vieo
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/drunk-taxi-driver-crashes-and-kills-traffic-cop-in-bangkok-video
 
.
 

on the merit of dispute  it's quite possible  that tourist could be right but this doesn't  mean he should act way he did and for which he will probably pay dearly.
Lesson is , repeated often in travel guides and advisories , that wherever payment is made an absence of actual cash register i.e. store it's better to have an exact change or as minimum when handing the note to say denomination 'thousand baht" or whatever. I noticed even in bars waiters are doing that when receiving larger notes.
If one needs to get change  it's always 7/11 nearby with necessities like water , soap or KY, in Bangkok also BTS stations are handy to do that ( to get change, not buy KY )

From Pattaya News

Thailand continues to experience a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures pushing power demand to unprecedented levels across the nation.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, more than three dozen districts across the country’s 77 provinces recorded their highest temperatures ever for April, traditionally the hottest month. Some records surpassed previous highs set as far back as 1958.
In Bangkok, the heat index, which accounts for humidity, reached a “very dangerous” level above 52 °C, creating extreme discomfort and potential health risks. Meanwhile, the northern province of Lampang recorded a high of 44.2 °C, nearing the country’s all-time highest temperature of 44.6 °C observed in previous years.
 

Apologies......I was about to comment that age has certainly vanquished my "adventurous spirit."
For thirty plus, I ached for the unusual and the edgy. Travelling for miles through the West African bush with my (very handsome) friend, Ismaila,  to visit a celebrated marabout to receive some sort of magical charm.  White people didn't go there and the children were so frightened of  seeing a white man they ran away. Nevertheless, I was still invited to a circumcision hut where small boys awaited their fate. Both eye -opening and knee- crossing. 
Later on in Palestine,, confronting settlers in Hebron  and callow,  aggressive army youths outside Jerusalem who enjoyed sticking guns in my face. And the kindness, even love, I received in the refugee camps.
And there I was, driving through West Kingston in Jamaica in the middle of a  political gang war (this was the 70s). OK, it was by accident.... we'd taken the wrong turning and had arrived in Trench Town, of Bob Marley fame. That  was scary. 
Later, my spirit  somewhat tamed, I was still anxious to visit places off the beaten rack. In Thailand, some of my happiest memories are of when we rented a car and explored the north... places like Mai Salong and Mai Sai.
 Now, we stay comfortably in tourist hotels in Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Jomtien. And our journey to Terminus 21 is the furthest we venture.
However, I've no doubts "as the days darken around me" that some of my happiest memories (apart from being with P, naturally) are of those places which were difficult to access and had an element of, well, insecurity and chance about them. Places where I was an outsider, though- and this is crucial- where  I was warmly welcomed.  Indeed, the more disadvantaged the community, the more kindly was  I received.
 

From Pattaya News

Thailand continues to experience a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures pushing power demand to unprecedented levels across the nation.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, more than three dozen districts across the country’s 77 provinces recorded their highest temperatures ever for April, traditionally the hottest month. Some records surpassed previous highs set as far back as 1958.
In Bangkok, the heat index, which accounts for humidity, reached a “very dangerous” level above 52 °C, creating extreme discomfort and potential health risks. Meanwhile, the northern province of Lampang recorded a high of 44.2 °C, nearing the country’s all-time highest temperature of 44.6 °C observed in previous years.
 

In the Philippines a guide told me, "In the countryside there is nothing else to do in the free time than to make babies...". 
I tried to make a similar hobby more popular, but of course that wasn't even a drop in the ocean

Regardless of the reason, there's a worldwide trend that shows that the less developed regions have a higher birthrate while the most developed have the lowest.
The following figures for east Asia are from Wikipedia:
Philippines  2.7
Laos  2.4
Cambodia 2.3
Indonesia 2.1
Myanmar 2.1
Vietnam 1.9
Japan 1.3
Thailand 1.3
Thailand 1.3
China 1.2
Singapore 1.1
S. Korea 0.9
Hong Kong 0.8 
 

Hi guys,
Just came back from a trip to Bangkok. It was mainly for work so I did not get to do much with the gogo/massage scene but thought I'd share what I did manage to do.
There were two main things I at least wanted to do on this trip; checking out the Tawan situation personally and checking out the Sol bar which I've passed by so many times in my previous trip but never walked in. 😅 I am happy to say that I accomplished both.
Tawan
On Tawan, I've shared my findings here. Hopefully, that answered some questions a few of the members here had.
Sol
I checked out Sol just once on this trip. The entrance fee was THB 450. The layout of the bar was quite nice, spacious stage and floor but there's an annoying pillar at the middle-front of the stage which kind of blocks part of the stage depending on where you sit. The boys were a mixed bunch, but most consisted of str8 looking twinks. There were a few older guys who are lean/muscular and there's one guy who, if I'm not mistaken, was from Tawan quite some time back. The show was the usual mix of the drag, sexy show and big cock show (the movements they used for their "sexy dance" is pretty much the same as with most other bars except Jupiter, which makes me wonder if they are trained by the same coach, or if that's just the Thai version of a sexy dance 😅). There were only 2-3 other customers there aside from me, so the boys were trying hard to secure an off (which can be a bit uncomfortable). Overall, it's not my kind of bar but the twink lovers here might actually enjoy it.
I'll continue with some brief update Jupiter, Moonlight, Hotmale and Dreamboys a little later.
 

YES

Maybe i misunderstood something but does'nt this list confirm what caeron said?

Thank you for quoting one of Dame Maggie Smith's best lines from one of her very best films! 💯

Can you imagine what they say about us. 🙂

NOTE -- Not surprising that longevity in the industry depends on ability to deliver the "money shot" on cue over course of career.
From The Thaiger
A renowned Japanese adult film actor sparked a considerable online buzz after revealing the disparity in earnings between male and female performers in the porn industry. Known for his fitness and stamina, the actor shed light on the financial aspects of male performers’ roles, which are significantly less lucrative compared to their female counterparts.
This revelation has captured the attention of adult film enthusiasts globally, highlighting the challenges and endurance required in the profession.
Shimiken, the actor in question, took to Twitter to discuss the compensation or fees that male adult film actors receive. He outlined that the highest payment for male performers can reach up to 50,000 yen per film, which equates to approximately 12,000 baht.
This peak compensation, however, is reserved for those who have progressed through the industry’s ranks to land leading roles.
Beginning at the base level, amateur male leads, who are part of the film but not in scenes with top actresses, receive about 10,000 yen (2,400 baht) per film. These actors often remain unnamed and unrecognised. Their ability to perform under pressure is crucial, as any failure to do so could result in no pay.
The second level involves a step up from the base, where actors have more involvement in the films and can control their performance, earning them 20,000 yen per film. The third tier includes actors who understand the intricacies of the job and can perform in various types of scenes.
These actors can control their physical responses on cue and are paid 30,000 yen per film.
At the fourth level, actors capable of filming one-on-one scenes with leading actresses and possessing camera skills, such as those required for intimate hotel room films, can command 40,000 yen per film. These roles are typically with independent actresses not affiliated with any major studio.
The fifth and top level is where actors earn the trust to debut with new female performers. Shimiken notes that these trusted and mistake-free performers can earn 50,000 yen per film. Popular actors like Daisuke Sadamatsu and Muscle Sawano, who frequently open films, have become leading figures in the industry, with opportunities to act in more than 40 scenes a month.
An actor’s ability to perform multiple times a day is essential in this high-demand profession. This level of trust from film companies and support from fans requires not only talent but also a robust physical constitution. The insights provided by Shimiken, a respected and experienced actor, offer a rare glimpse into the financial aspect of male performers in the adult film industry.
Shimiken, whose real name is Ken Shimizu, is 44 years old and has been active in the adult film scene since he was 18. With a career spanning over two decades and featuring in more than 10,000 titles, Shimizu has established himself as a prominent and beloved figure in the industry, amassing a significant fan following.
====================
An article from 2015 reported that Japan's"hardest working man" was then raking in $32,000 weekly.

 
 

You would be correct. Restrict my adventures geographically to Bangkok and Vietnam.🙂
+1
"For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing that they like." 🙂
   The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie, 1969
Curious what horrified you about Bangkok?
 

+1
Sure.
Those who see division of labor as '"union bullshit" are invariably among those who've never been a union member.
Full disclosure statement: I've never attended an opera.