newscene

Post 3 - Phuket report
  I had two visits to Phuket, both consisting of about 5 days.  I had originally planned to visit only once, but I cut my Pattaya trip short as it was so quiet when I visited (bearing in mind this was the beginning of December) and returned to Phuket where it was more lively.   Flights to Phuket   I booked a flight from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi a day before travel each time and used Thai Smile and Air Asia.  The four flights I booked cost (including luggage) 1200 bht, 850 baht, 2200 baht and 980 baht.  I still find it amazing how ridiculously cheap internal flights are here.  I was apprehensive about flying and what documents I would need, it turned out to be no hassle.  Each time I was only asked show proof of my vaccination record on check in, so it's worth printing a copy for anyone thinking of doing the same.  They didn't want to see my Thailand pass nor was I asked about the Mor Chana or any other app.  I encountered no other check either end on my four flights and it was all very straightforward.   Bars/Nightlife   The main walking street / Bangla road was buzzing.  It almost seemed like pre covid with most beer bars open and a throng of tourists.  To enter the Bangla Road at night there was a check point at either end.  Westerners simply had to take a temperature check but Thais had to take both a temperature check and show their vaccination certificate.  This seemed quite the reversal to usual Thai/Farang policies on entering attractions!   I spent some time in this area and although not gay there was plenty of handsome eye candy working in the bars.  Inevitably, when drinking here I was had some attention from the ladies but if they were pleasant enough I didn't mind buying them the occasional drink and had a chat.  This actually turned out to be quite fruitful as after making clear I wasn't interested and that I was gay this led on a few to times to being introduced to some guys.  In one bar the very handsome bar tender was straight, but after being introduced by the lady I had a natter with he made it clear that he would be happy to take care of a "nice" (his words) foreign guy.  On another occasion I was in more of a rock bar and got chatted up by a freelance lady where I made it clear straight away that I was gay.  This time she told me that she was drinking with her gay friend and another lady and would I care to join them, now of course I know it was to secure them a few drinks for the night, but he was gorgeous so how could I refuse?  I felt good, he was taking an interest, was taking care and there was a fun atmosphere all round - I enjoyed this night which culminated (metaphorically) with fireworks - worth every satang. In both situations it was all very relaxed and no pressure - I actually enjoyed doing things a little bit different to the usual haunts.   The gay area around the royal paradise hotel was a little more subdued but there were enough bars open to make it worth a visit and there was a gentle cozy atmosphere. The main cabaret club which dominates the soi was closed during my visit so I think that might have had an impact, although on an occasional night they did put on a small bit of entertainment in the street with a drag artist which seemed to entertain the surrounding open bars.  The saving bar for me turned out to be Gclub, recently opened next to Zag.  I recognised some of the staff from Pattaya.  I think eventually they will also do cabaret but the terrace was frequently busy and had passing boys regularly dropping by for a drink and a chat.  There was also a bar opposite Zag (I think it might have once been connected to a hotel and is now called Zig, but I could have got this wrong).  This bar was quite popular too and had a few pleasant drinks there, although on my second trip they suddenly closed - I was told by a boy that it was because someone was pinged through contact tracing and would be have to close for 10 days - though how accurate this was I don't know.  It made me realise that people's businesses were just as vulnerable to these rules as tourists, except where a tourist might be inconvenienced after being pinged with these businesses it was their livelihoods at stake.   I also discovered a small bar on the main massage soi called heaven.  Apparently it's been there for years but I didn't know it existed in all the years id been visiting Phuket.  3 or 4 waiters and a great vantage point to eye up the guys in the local massage shops.  I actually had one of the neighboring massage shop guys come and join me for a drink.   Massage   The main central soi in paradise seemed to be where most of the gay massage shops are located where I counted about 5 or 6 shops open.  My favourite place was a place called 4 Massage (red shop) at the top of the soi, as being into more guy next door/fuller guys this is where they seemed to be (when I visited anyway).   Hotels   On both occasions I stayed in the Hilton Banthai.  Got an absolute bargain on Agoda working out at an average of 1300 baht a night.  3 good sized pools, swim up bars and restaurants on site.  I took the buffet breakfast on a couple of occasions which only cost an extra 200 baht for a full selection of hot and cold food.  Rooms were comfortable and spotless.  The only surprise was that were no wall switches and the controls for the room lighting, air con etc were stuck on a panel from what seemed to once been on the set of a 1980s star trek film - very odd and in an inconvenient place stuck down beside the side of only one side of the bed.  I had no problems with joiners, I was a bit apprehensive about this after reading online reviews but simply walked in confidently each night with my companion and not a single eye was batted.  There are also plenty of ways to get to the room by avoiding reception, but I chose the safe route and decided just to be confident about doing so.   Guys   There were plenty of opportunities through the bars and massage shops, but my best guys came from the apps.  Some of the guys turned out to be working in the massage shops and would try and entice you to visit, however the apps were busy and plenty of choice. Similar tip expectations on enquiry to Pattaya, which is less than my last visit 3 years ago.  It's also worth noting that in Phuket everyone I encountered in the apps were Thai, I guess the pandemic is keeping the other guys away.   Daytime activities   There's enough to keep my occupied for 4/5 days.  Plenty of walks when staying in Patong, either up the hills at the back or along the coast.  I walk miles each day but it's usually from one coffee shop / drinking establishment to the next until I'm tired, a refreshment and then onwards again.  Fortunately there's plenty of stop off places.  No where to report of particular note, but some were situated in places with spectacular scenery - I even uploaded a pic to my Instagram account (which now has the grand total of 6 pictures in the 6 or 7 years I've had the account - I've got some catching up to do to keep up with the Thai boys!).   Transport   The transport in Phuket really is its Achilles Heal.  A couple of poor experiences. Airport car from the airport to Patong was 800 baht, ticket bought at domestic arrivals on both occasions.  First journey from airport was a gruff intimidating driver who, amongst other things, tried to sell me a return back after the trip and demanded my line account.  He was quite persistent so just took a pic of his Line QR with no intention to link it.  For the rest of the journey I played dumb, ignored him and put my headphones on.  When we reached the hotel I continued to ignore him and made no eye contact and let the bell boy take care of the case, knowing I was safely in the grounds of the hotel.  The bell boy ended with double the tip as the amount I usually set aside for the taxi driver went into his hand instead.  It didn't really bother me, but it would be intimidating for new time tourists to the Island.  The taxi that the hotel arranged back wasn't much better.   900 baht hotel to airport.  No intimidation this time but the drivers were erratic, one particularly so.  I didn't bother with any Tuk tuks in Patong, I noted there were plenty of motorbike taxis available but I don't know the fares as I never used them.  I just wish the Phuket authorities would sort out its transport.   When I return to Phuket again, I'm considering renting a car for the duration of the stay.

Please welcome our new guide in Bangkok Andy.
Andy is 22 yo UNI student, guide, concierge and companion in Bangkok, Thailand.
Hobbies: music, cooking.
Languages: English (fluent), Chinese (fluent), Thai.
Full profile: https://siamroads.com/andy-bangkok-private-guide/

I visited Jupiter and Hot Male last night. Soi 4 busy, not overwhelmingly but busy.
Entered Jupiter just before 9 , on time for 7 boys on duty to start their parade through the stage and audience which was about the same layer on swelling to perhaps 12-15.
Smiling boy from week ago was gone or at least his smile was so boys  sporting their usual sober look. Drink 150-180.
After that they disappeared to their seats so interested party would have bit hard time to assess what's on offer. I find this model strange but that,s me.
It seems that they repeat that routine every 30 minutes because the same happened at 9.30, this time with more  boys including 1 or 2 traces of smile. Then again into shadows and of course smartphones.
I used audiencecpartvof parade to force red note into palm of one of guys I liked look the most.THEN I got a smile indeed.
At 10.00 Proper show, nothing unusuL there   some more flesh and as always there , no nudity.
About 10.15 I moved myself to Hot Male. 5 people inside, 4 of them half my age. Moonlight models Nicky , Tum, Smart, Bee and Tae on the stage, leaving after that without takers, Bee did not leave but joined about 8 bar boys on the stage. All fully clad but mostly cute and/ or handsome. Again one got 100 from me, I got the smile and young farang in the audience had flow of oxygen to his head improved seeing that as he called over that guy almost Immediately. 
We weren't in competition as I was in reporting mood only.
it looks that poor cousin to more  glorified other models Bee got lucky again called over by group of young Asians.
so there,s some life with more to come we all hope

Patpong 1, few days ago immensed
in darkness is, showing signs of return to life. Last night three neons lit at 10 pm and of course at both ends touts returned whispering,, do you want a lady? "" 
 
 
 
 

Agreed, this does seem like a gossip, I did hear the same from one of the boy last night but other said it's not like it.
Visited Hotmale and Freshboys last night and was disappointed but not too surprised to see how COVID has impacted this line of business. Saturday night Hotmale only 2 customers inside, 3 outside before I joined the crew.
only 5 guys in total, 2 with one of the rich customer who seems to have opened the bottle so makes sense. Rest on the stage. Drinks 400 Bhat, paid my dues and off to Fresh boys, around 10:30pm, show is about to end, here I could see at least 7-8 customers, most of them with boys (not sure if they were offed from this bar or somewhere else).
only 8-10 boys available, nevertheless, like Vinapu has said, you only need one to get your night going, found a guy who caught my eye. offing hasn't changed, still 500Bhat for the bar, drink for the boy and myself. LT discussed, he seems to have just started in this industry and didn't had any customer since 4 days to I thought to be little generous and added bit extra in my offing. 
Yet to try some massage places, if anyone has recommendation then please feel free to suggest. 

Agreed, this does seem like a gossip, I did hear the same from one of the boy last night but other said it's not like it.
Visited Hotmale and Freshboys last night and was disappointed but not too surprised to see how COVID has impacted this line of business. Saturday night Hotmale only 2 customers inside, 3 outside before I joined the crew.
only 5 guys in total, 2 with one of the rich customer who seems to have opened the bottle so makes sense. Rest on the stage. Drinks 400 Bhat, paid my dues and off to Fresh boys, around 10:30pm, show is about to end, here I could see at least 7-8 customers, most of them with boys (not sure if they were offed from this bar or somewhere else).
only 8-10 boys available, nevertheless, like Vinapu has said, you only need one to get your night going, found a guy who caught my eye. offing hasn't changed, still 500Bhat for the bar, drink for the boy and myself. LT discussed, he seems to have just started in this industry and didn't had any customer since 4 days to I thought to be little generous and added bit extra in my offing. 
Yet to try some massage places, if anyone has recommendation then please feel free to suggest. 

Agreed, this does seem like a gossip, I did hear the same from one of the boy last night but other said it's not like it.
Visited Hotmale and Freshboys last night and was disappointed but not too surprised to see how COVID has impacted this line of business. Saturday night Hotmale only 2 customers inside, 3 outside before I joined the crew.
only 5 guys in total, 2 with one of the rich customer who seems to have opened the bottle so makes sense. Rest on the stage. Drinks 400 Bhat, paid my dues and off to Fresh boys, around 10:30pm, show is about to end, here I could see at least 7-8 customers, most of them with boys (not sure if they were offed from this bar or somewhere else).
only 8-10 boys available, nevertheless, like Vinapu has said, you only need one to get your night going, found a guy who caught my eye. offing hasn't changed, still 500Bhat for the bar, drink for the boy and myself. LT discussed, he seems to have just started in this industry and didn't had any customer since 4 days to I thought to be little generous and added bit extra in my offing. 
Yet to try some massage places, if anyone has recommendation then please feel free to suggest. 

Agreed, this does seem like a gossip, I did hear the same from one of the boy last night but other said it's not like it.
Visited Hotmale and Freshboys last night and was disappointed but not too surprised to see how COVID has impacted this line of business. Saturday night Hotmale only 2 customers inside, 3 outside before I joined the crew.
only 5 guys in total, 2 with one of the rich customer who seems to have opened the bottle so makes sense. Rest on the stage. Drinks 400 Bhat, paid my dues and off to Fresh boys, around 10:30pm, show is about to end, here I could see at least 7-8 customers, most of them with boys (not sure if they were offed from this bar or somewhere else).
only 8-10 boys available, nevertheless, like Vinapu has said, you only need one to get your night going, found a guy who caught my eye. offing hasn't changed, still 500Bhat for the bar, drink for the boy and myself. LT discussed, he seems to have just started in this industry and didn't had any customer since 4 days to I thought to be little generous and added bit extra in my offing. 
Yet to try some massage places, if anyone has recommendation then please feel free to suggest. 

Agreed, this does seem like a gossip, I did hear the same from one of the boy last night but other said it's not like it.
Visited Hotmale and Freshboys last night and was disappointed but not too surprised to see how COVID has impacted this line of business. Saturday night Hotmale only 2 customers inside, 3 outside before I joined the crew.
only 5 guys in total, 2 with one of the rich customer who seems to have opened the bottle so makes sense. Rest on the stage. Drinks 400 Bhat, paid my dues and off to Fresh boys, around 10:30pm, show is about to end, here I could see at least 7-8 customers, most of them with boys (not sure if they were offed from this bar or somewhere else).
only 8-10 boys available, nevertheless, like Vinapu has said, you only need one to get your night going, found a guy who caught my eye. offing hasn't changed, still 500Bhat for the bar, drink for the boy and myself. LT discussed, he seems to have just started in this industry and didn't had any customer since 4 days to I thought to be little generous and added bit extra in my offing. 
Yet to try some massage places, if anyone has recommendation then please feel free to suggest. 

Agreed, this does seem like a gossip, I did hear the same from one of the boy last night but other said it's not like it.
Visited Hotmale and Freshboys last night and was disappointed but not too surprised to see how COVID has impacted this line of business. Saturday night Hotmale only 2 customers inside, 3 outside before I joined the crew.
only 5 guys in total, 2 with one of the rich customer who seems to have opened the bottle so makes sense. Rest on the stage. Drinks 400 Bhat, paid my dues and off to Fresh boys, around 10:30pm, show is about to end, here I could see at least 7-8 customers, most of them with boys (not sure if they were offed from this bar or somewhere else).
only 8-10 boys available, nevertheless, like Vinapu has said, you only need one to get your night going, found a guy who caught my eye. offing hasn't changed, still 500Bhat for the bar, drink for the boy and myself. LT discussed, he seems to have just started in this industry and didn't had any customer since 4 days to I thought to be little generous and added bit extra in my offing. 
Yet to try some massage places, if anyone has recommendation then please feel free to suggest. 

What started inconclusive turned out to be quite excellent turning my 4 days in Chiang Mai into Classic House monodiet proving my own rule to always allow for a second chanceunless bad will is involved.
Which in turn crystallized as 3 Long Times with the same specimen and daIly massages with different highly qualified specialists each day, crowned in turn into last evening's 4 hands massage.
Even free transportation between 2 hotels was thrown in. City sights are impressive, long distance train to Bangkok was sent off with full regalia including playing national anthem ( I did not take it, just went to see railway infrastructure and happen to be in that moment). 
City's crisp and sunny weather has also ability to turn old fools into idiots and had them still being happy for that. Details will be provided in due course. 
Bangkok's air is much warmer and steamer but I was quite happy to be back, if only to see Hot Male on 2nd night after re-opening. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Agreed with Vinapu, I am arriving on Friday and have booked with Furama Silom as well, I actually liked their non quarantine price too so decided to stay whole trip with them. Trinity I won't be so sure about as I have stayed with them once, didn't like much, though it was a short stay and during peak season so your experience might be different.

Pattaya, turned out to be great for me. Just paying an attention to close environment was fruitful as, I landed really good guy from one of massage shops just by Agate, my hotel. 2 massages and 2 LT's in 3 days says a bit ! 
Generosity seems to pay off as I upped his requested 1st night tip and second one was almost bordering on exhausting and it was not only me  who noted it. 
Professional behavior too, no stupid tears  on departure just kiss, embrace and hand shake. 
Agate was almost empty like most hotels those days but at lease, was opened and I landed nice room for relatively peanuts. Great French bakery on the corner opposite Soda massage. 
Sunee was dead zone but even in the afternoon arrond 5 there was some life and if pressed even I would find 1 or 2  to take with me for a stroll or something. Skinny for my taste and more mid than low 20 ties but this is what I look for anyways so hope is there. 
Boyztwn is disaster zone with only Scandic opened if only to carry the torch, one or 3 hunks there but I skipped this part. ALT Heidelberg closed but not boarded, Berliner Cafe opened and few money exhnagers opened had actually better rate for euros 37.70 and more than world famous booths by train station in the basement of Swampy 37.30.
But generally one in need to change currency needs to look  for one opened as 2/3  of booths in both Pattaya and Bangkok are closed. What is, interesting thought, ones survived are those which offered better rates which if you think about this, makes sense. More traffic more chance to survive. 
Walking Street is 93.5 disaster zone but 6.5 is enough for few tourists wandering Pattaya streets right now. Bars not opened but winks and whispers are. 
Disaster time, like in Bangkok was not wasted by some. Some premises are not boarded but spruced, renovated and spiffied, sometimes for other than original purpose. So old saying : "never waster good crisis" was, taken by some seriously. 
From Dec 15 on frequency of Jomtien airport bus is increased by 1 to 7 a day if I recall so again that is good sign. Bus full both ways. As mentioned Swampy  exchange counters are operating but only 3 or 4 of previous  8 or 10.
Airport mid day yesterday was quite empty but not completely empty, another good sign considering size of arrival hall. Stores are opened as before and ever good hearted I  upported 7/11 by buying coffee and purchasing soap spending money as it is no tomorrow. 
Flight to Chiang Mai was I think completely full, nice view of country from above. 
In the airport I did not bother with economizing on busses or tuk tuks and went with flat rate taxis. There are 2 companies with booths beside each other offering 150 rate but this seem to be to Old city. Since I,m staying bit further I was, quoted 200.
Since I, m close to Adam's Apple I passed by but that is, another piece of history as bar is closed and place up for sale. But view from room, I think bigger then my apartment is excellent, air is crisp, banana pancake can be had for 30, street food abounds and city walkable. Being here for 1st time I ventured out  actually after dark as I arrived late and easily found my way there and back. First impression is 7/11 are less ubiquitous than in Bangkok and Pattaya but adds on apps are deceitful and photos hopped all the same.
Temple sightseeing started with Classic House massage. Will return to report more as first sample may be inconclusive, all the same like room visit from Romeo. I try not to jump into conclusions after just 1 statistic sample. 
Sleeping alone but with wide opened both windows was very pleasant though, will repeat tonight unless something happens, one ever knows. 
 
 
 

I,d stick to Furama as they have bigger rooms and better view from them. Important when you enclosed forcibly. 
Don't worry about reviews  by a strangers though. People tend to extrapolate their one time experience into universal truth. 
Turnaround is important but your timing may not necessarily match that of others. 
I used Centre Point Silom, took their biggest room available ( this trip because rates are so cheap in every hotel  with exception of Raya I  splurge on the best room to treat myself) and did not worry about Turnaround time as that may be factor beyond their control. What I liked is the despite fact I arrived at 6 am they let me che check in early for free so I was not worried about need to pay for second night. 
Most important fact is that you arrive in good tome to be in Bangkok IMNSHO
 
 
 
 

Continuing my updates, yesterday's 14. 00 pm airport bus to Pattaya was full so if you are planning to use it, perhaps don't count on last minute seat. Instead of always we'll represented graying and balding, at times bit shaky, single white men, good portion of passengers were girls returning to work I suppose. So that could be good sign. 
Other forum member z909 gentlemanly mentioned in his post was me. I will see how Complex situation will look tonight, but as he said bars were chasing customers away due to police presence. 
But massages were opened and there were some lookers there, I couldn' t stop myself from forcing 100 on one of them just for look, but also in view of the future. 
As for apps I must say it was a bit shocking when after installing Grindr messages and pictures started coming immediately to a degree that at one point I just stop even looking at them. Whether what was, presented was of any interest is another question but certainly traffic is there. 
Nice weather too with another crispy morning. 

You can buy it from any insurance company.  Seems to me you actually have to buy it from other insurance companies.  From what I am reading, you must already have it and be able to prove it on arrival in Thailand.
Just think - this rule might actually last a week or so before they change the rules yet again . . .

Do we need to buy this from Thai company or any insurance company would do? Do we know?

I feel lucky to be in Sydney then as I am paying little less than that during December this year  

Yeah they were the sort of stupid prices I noticed when searching fares, I looked for April and Singapore airlines had them at a more reasonable $1644 in economy with a short transit at Changi both ways. Closer to my travel plans but I'm hoping better fares become available if things settle down more by mid 2022. 

Try now, I just booked tickets with Singapore Airline as they seems to have shortest and cheapest price that you can find at this stage.

Try now, I just booked tickets with Singapore Airline as they seems to have shortest and cheapest price that you can find at this stage.

As soon as I saw a message from a local friend about the news on lifting the quarantine requirements for the fully vaccinated visitors from "low risk" countries, I started looking up on the flights and hotels.  Surprisingly, the flights to BKK from my hometown are super expensive. So, I am holding on booking the flights at this time. But I went ahead and reserved a room at our well known Raya hotel (for a refundable room). If things turn out to be as being expected and planned, I am going to be in BKK from the end of Dec to the early Jan. I am hoping to meet forum members if anyone happens to be around at the same time. 
Keeping all my digits and appendages crossed!

I'm hoping mid 2022 but not holding my breath, doesn't really matter what the Thais are doing at the moment but getting out of Australia isn't an easy task and upon return it's still 2 weeks quarantine at a quarantine hotel at our own expense. If and when I do get back I will be having a lot of fun to make up for lost time, thinking a lot about 2 at a time

If we are talking Nice Boys at Sunee, then that is one of my absolute favourite bars, and how I miss the place stuck here in England.
I have an ex-Pat friend who still visit most weeks and it seems to be ticking-over during the pandemic which is far better than most bars are faring at the moment.
Mostly straight boys, mostly handsome, and almost all too willing to show you all they have on offer while they are on stage.
Call them off-stage for a drink and you can examine their 'goods' yourself, HJs, even BJs available in the bar; mutual if you want most times. 20 baht for a very quick fondle, 100 baht for a more leisurely stroke, and 300 baht if they cum - not set prices, but what I usually give.
300 baht in the wooden bin and the mamasan bangs it on the table as a signal for a cum-contest on stage - the first lad to cum (and they come off stage to show you) gets the 'prize'. 
Barfines reasonable, and drink prices far lower than Boyztown for example.  A fun, debauched, happy place!
One or two of the boys have become regulars to my room, either just with me or with my long-time. 
Since the closure of Good Boys and Eros Bar in Sunee itself, there are few others such places still operating anywhere in Pattaya. Please god it survives in business until I am next able to visit once again.

because of temples , food, shopping and hot weather during northern winter
 
if you are putting it over your head try to make some hole where your nose and mouth are for easier breathing .
Those days most people are putting condoms on the cock though, try at the next opportunity not even necessarily in Thailand