BL8gPt

I note that my Jomtien hotel is putting-up prices for my November visit, but only by 200 baht pn. Bearing in mind that I've been paying the same price there for five years, I'm not complaining.
I also see that baht-buses are charging the same 10 bht that they were in 2000. 
Beer prices in bars are higher than in 2000, but the increase is less than it is in the uK.  Restaurant prices have risen a little but they remain excellent, so much so that I find London prices fearsome when I come home. 
Air fares have certainly increased but there are many good deals  for long-haul flights available, at least from the UK. As for travel within  Asia, the budget airlines still provide good value.
When I arrived in 1995,  an off was in the region of 500 bht+ but it had increased to 1000 bht by 2005.  If it is now 1500 in Pattaya, then the increase is by no means  surprising.  I understand BKK prices are higher. When I was (idly!) Googling London prices, the usual sum required was (in Thai terms) at least 6000 an hour.
Conclusion; we get a good deal. Or at least, I do. Anyway, for me, my trips to Thailand are such an essential part of my life that any sacrifice at home is worth it. 
 
 

I found it bit more expensive but what is not ? So far I did not cut trips for financial reasons neither I plan to. If I need I will be looking for savings somewhere else.
I'm low maintenance at home and , other than boys , also when travel which helps. Some if us are complaining about bar prices and yet nest in Hiltons and Marriots if the world so there's a lot of reserves to save on.

Jason this is SO true what you wrote.
When I was with Vinapu last week, my Jomtien gay volleyball friends were all going crazy that I agreed to go with Vinapu alone to discover the spicy delicacies of Bangkok (massages and go-go bars, etc.).  They all said to me, why you go with farang - bring us to Bangkok and we show you a good time.
I replied, NO-WAY - because you will all take me to go shopping at the shopping malls and to go to fancy BKK restaurants so you can upload all of the photos to impress your social media "friends" and I get to pay for all of this with ZERO orgasms for me = NO way!!!
I told them that if I go with Vinapu, I am:
  - guaranteed to have an orgasm every day - unfortunately I do not have Vinapu's stamina for 3 per day,
 - I only need to pay for myself (and of course the boy(s) that I would off or invite to my room),
 - no need to get tired walking in a million luxurious BKK shopping malls and seeing all of the delicious eye candy with no potential orgasms,
 - receive excellent training on how the sex industry works in BKK from Vinapu (my Thai friends continue to pretend to act as if the Thai sex industry is not important or does not exist - so frustrating - they are not even taught in school how much all of this helps their Thai GDP economy - especially with all of the knock on industries [ hotels, entertainment centers, restaurants, other non sex services, etc.] )
So, I left them on the beach to play volleyball and I had 6 wonderful days in BKK with our illustrious Vinapu.

Thanks Vinapu - I truly enjoyed your bootcamp training (6 days) to get me out of the routine of Pattaya.  18 months as a new retiree and this was my first substantive trip to BKK.  Now that I know how the Jomtien to Suvarnabhumi airport bus works - I shall try to go more often to BKK - especially as the Jomtien bus station is just about in front of where I live.
And Jason - going with Vinapu ANYWHERE in the BKK Sala Deng area is SO amazing - Vinapu is a CELEBRITY.  I will never forget our GRAND entrance into Moonlight - but I will let Vinapu post those details in his upcoming trip report.

I think saunas would be your best bet. Check R3/Mania (both owned by the same guy) social sites (Twitter, FB and IG) from Monday/Tuesday of pride week.
I'm sure they will have daily foam parties on that weekend like they had on Songran and NYE/Christmas.
Both saunas have ample dark rooms and during festivities like those two dates, most of the action actually happens outside as it gets so packed with people and the number of cabins, especially in Mania is relatively low.
During Songran for example, Mania had foam parties 5 days in a row. It opened earlier than usual, I think around 2PM. By around 3 you had to wait in line to get in and the line kept getting longer and  to lasted till around 9:00PM, way after the foam party was over as you can see from my pic. amazing times!

I had an unusual itinerary where I flew Air Asia to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur. Air Asia uses Don Muang airport. I seldom have reason to go through Don Muang - must have been at least 10 - 12 years since I last did, coming in from Chiang Mai. At that time, there was no easy rail connection to get downtown from Don Muang. But now there is the Red Line connecting the airport to the spanking new Krungthep Apiwat central rail hub.
I made a careful note of how I got from Don Muang to Sukhumvit-Asok (where my hotel was) by rail. Possibly this may be useful information for others. It took me 1 hr 15 minutes between exiting the Customs gate after landing and reaching Sukhumvit MRT station (Blue line).
The same blue MRT line continues to Silom and Samyan MRT station. Just add a few minutes more.
The first step is to get from the International terminal of Don Muang airport to Don Muang train station (run by the State Railway of Thailand SRT). It's a bit of a walk (15 minutes), but nearly all in airconditioned comfort. I had to go southwards from Terminal 1 (International) via the full length of Terminal 2 (domestic)  till I reached the south end of Terminal 2. Then there is a bridge over the highway; the bridge connects to Don Muang train station.
For an overview, here is a sketch map:

 
First, walk to the south end of Terminal 1. There, near a money changer and a 7-eleven store, you'll see a sign saying "SRT Red Line".
 

The route takes you past nice toilets. A good spot to get a leak before the long trip downtown. Every now and then, there's a sign, assuring you that you're going in the right direction.
 

Then you enter Terminal 2

Keep walking, Look carefully, and there are signs indicating "Red Line".

Finally, at the southernmost end of Terminal 2, it said to go up an escalator.

At the top of the escalator, more convenience. There's a Magic Food Court.

Finally, you turn right and get to a pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway. In fact, you can already see the elevated train station at the upper right corner of the window.

At Don Muang train station, tickets to Krungthep Apiwat station (20 baht) can be bought either from machines or a manned counter. I had to struggle a bit with the machines. They just wouldn't accept my 20-baht notes (tried several times). I had to insert a 100-baht note, but then it gave me eight 10-baht coins in change.

This is the platform level of Don Muang train station. Take care that you're on the right platform for the train going to Krungthep Apiwat. The station is not the final stop for the trains; they run north to Rangsit as well as south to Krungthep Apiwat and beyond. Take the south-bound.

Inside of a carriage. Lots of room for luggage. I don't know if it can get crowded at other times, though. There seems to be a train every 15 minutes or so.

On reaching Krungthep Apiwat after only 15-16 minutes, you can't miss the signs for the MRT blue line.

You will need to exit the SRT fare gate, go through an underground tunnel to get to Bang Sue MRT station. Including buying an MRT ticket at Bang Sue, it took me about 8 minutes' walking. (the fare to Sukhumvit station was 41 baht). Then take care again to board at the correct platform.  That they have mounted a big sign suggests that many people make mistakes.
 

The blue line took 23 minutes to get from Bang Sue to Sukhumvit station. Total time = 1 hour, 15 minutes. Total cost = 20 baht + 41 baht = 61 baht. Precisely because my hotel was in the Sukhumvit area, notorious for choked traffic, I was glad I didn't have to rely on taxis. Taxis might also have cost me 7 - 8 times more, and I don't know how much in tolls might be involved.
 
 


Hmmm... two pictures seem to be repeated at the bottom of the post.  don't know how to remove them without screwing up everything else. Please ignore. the last two pics.

The best shop I have found in Silom 6 is RELAX... they have great response skills on LINE app and the masseurs are all very friendly. Rooms are clean with shower and have GREAT AC which the others (like Paradise) do not. No fun sweating in a massage before all the action starts.
 

Yes, they are completely fluent on LINE and in person there's a guy at the front desk who speaks very good English. Unlike some of the other places (like KMAN) they don't try to upsell you more services (more expensive oils, longer session) and are very polite / customer service oriented.

Yesterday's observations. 
Screwboys now is GoodBoys but according to mamasan that is only change made.
Hot Male beer bar street level at 8 .30 more staff than customers.
Went to Jupiter with another member at 10.15. Singer was singing trying to.m outscream himself. What waste of talent. After 30.mi uses I was ready to leave but mercifully walkabout started. Lots of new faces, more than half never seen before which I take as good sign. Tipped most deserving for looks in my eyes hoping for some vague smile or at least an eye contact but ot to avail.
So one sarcastic may say "all normal ". Had he smiled off would be in the books as I freshly exchanged money. As consolation boy I offed in July last year while sitting with another client , recognized me, smiled and came to shake hands . Made my visit there and restored himself on the "Good guys from Jupiter " list.
We were only two farang in audience. At one point I counted 8 guys sitting with customers but only one of them with man.
I was hoping to spot three guys but none of them in the roster yesterday. Add to this 4 guys I was hoping to see in Pattaya in previous 2 days,  who were also gone at least temporarily and warning comes to mind not to count on seeing guy we are dreaming about before our trip.
Show bit more progressive than used to be with  ot one but two rigid members presented unobstructively.
Former New Twilight and then Queens Club is now @smiles , lesbian bar for tomboys according to handsome guy who emerged from the door.
Banana Club packed for the show at midnight but only 3 farangs detected including undersigned humble nobody.

Confirming your findings from my walk at arround 8 pm. Two guys were already on duty on the corner. It seems , from my talk to them that they also have some hope for reopening but probability that it will be under new name was mentioned by one of them.
 
 

@pylonguy71 With careful prior research re transport options and locations, you may be able to squeeze in a massage at Arena and then book a boy from Moonlight during your layover. Given your preference for the more muscular types, these may be the least-bad options. I dare not say these are good options, because I don't know what you're expecting. The Asian body is not naturally thick like a European body, so it's much harder for an Asian to get as much mass as a European. What you may notice from this board is that (exceptions permitting) the twink lovers generally prefer Thailand and the muscle worshippers have a bias towards Brazil.
@DenverDude is probably right about your luggage being tagged all the way to your final destination, so make sure you have what you need for the 16 hours in Bangkok in your carry-on.  
Although it may sound like a crazy idea to some others, I have done something similar before, during a 13- or 14-hour layover in Amsterdam, though it was a single cum, not twice. So it can be done. But then, I already knew the layout of the city from previous visits (making navigation much easier) whereas you're saying you've never been to Bangkok before.
Arena Massage largely closes by about 9pm. I once made the mistake of getting there around 8pm and there weren't many boys left. But if your flight lands at 3pm, you may be able to make it there by 6pm which I think is their peak hour.
This can be followed by a bit of dinner and then off to Moonlight for the show at 10:30pm. Get a boy by 11:30 or 12 midnight and use the short-time rooms at Suriwongse Hotel next door. Leave for the airport around 4am, perhaps? However, I don't think the short-time rooms are available for more than 1 or 2 hours, so it may be better to get a regular room in Suriwongse. It's going to be basic, but probably good enough for a few hours. Alternatively, the Raya Hotel almost across the street from Moonlight (it only has regular rooms, not short-time rooms).
To make this work, you will need to understand the locations well, the transport system and have enough cash. It's a little worrying that you're not asking these logistical questions.

@readerYou look good in yellow..... @gayinpattaya never saw you looking so good in pink, hogging up the front of the picture too, such a diva  👑

I'm pissed. That's me in the orange. Wouldn't be caught dead in yellow!
Don't know how the hell you missed Olddaddy in his flowing rose cape. Says there's room for at least two soccer guys under that thing.

Last night in Supertown, M Bar was very busy with many customers and boys. M Bar is not on the main soi in Supertown but on the next soi over, near Agate Hotel

Just an update, I've been in Bangkok for almost a week now staying in The Quarter Silom.
The Tawan guys around 6-8 of them really are at the curb of Soi 6 across 7/11 every night around 8 or 9pm onwards. The regulars are all there.
According to the Tawan guy I had offed, the beefy guy dark guy with a deep voice (I'm not good with names). The bar was closed by the police because of the new twink who just joined for 2 months prior being underaged.
They were given a hefty fine and was ordered to be closed for at least 2 months by the police.
Also as per the same guy I offed, the bar may have to change its name once it opens by end of May or first week of June. 
Ohh and everyday I pass by Tawan Bar from my hotel I see some renovations being done or something of the sort.
 
 

Specially at full moon. Then they have their lantern festival with thousands of lanterns on and along the river. A bit touristic and crowded but worth to see that. I loved it

Very interesting company. I like them - they are more than gay friendly and have gay crews. I saw such crews at time of my flights and flights were very funny.
No-no. Flight. Flights are cheap.
Depends on how much cities you want to visit.
Da Nang itself 3 days for "must see" sites: day for city tour, day for hot springs, day for Ba Na hills and sky bridge
I highly advise to visit Hoi An (just 45-60 min from Da Nang by car) for 1 night (at least) for city tour and to see water show at evening 
Also highly advise to spend at least 1 day in Hue - old capital of VN for city tour, 70-90 minutes by car from Da Nang. Must see site is Citadel and Royal palace inside of Citadel.
My typical schedule for Central VN is: 2-3 nights in Hoi An, 4-5 nights in Da Nang (including at least 1 "lazy day" on the beach), 1-2 nights in Hue
Speaking about Saigon, weekend in Saigon is great, but weekdays are quite boring by evenings: most gay places are closed during Mon-Wed. I prefer to spend Mon-Wed in Vung Tau (45 min by car from Saigon) on the beach. While you are in Saigon, to spend day in Mekong delta will be great idea besides city tours. You also may visit Mekong delta by boat on the way to Vung Tau.
Don't miss Nadam (Adam) spa in Saigon: a lot of willing guys (mostly students) by weekends at day time.
Be warned: Saigon is the same hot as Bangkok, now there is +40C. Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue are cooler, especially in the hills.

Hello Olddaddy,
I flew on Thai Vietjet Air directly from BKK Suvarnabhumi airport to Da Nang airport - flight time a little more than 1.5 hours.
I rented an AirBnB for 12 days directly on the My Khe beach with an amazing unobstructed view of the beach, city, sea, and mountains from the 22nd floor balcony.  
On average, the daily temperature was 3 to 4 degrees cooler - mostly because the winds coming in from the South China Sea.
Enjoy.

I’ve visited Pattaya for more than 20 years with my stays ranging from around 2 weeks to over 2 months in duration, although since Covid  they have been mostly the former, with 90% being in the Boystown “ghetto” or the Jomtien Complex, as I feel more confortable in gay or gay friendly hotels, despite seldom having issues elsewhere. In the Complex I have mostly chosen the Zing although I have tried the others (but never the Venue). The rooms there are a little on the “basic” side but so are the rates, and the pool is a big asset for myself and often my “boyfriends”. 
 

 

From The Thaiger
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is altering the Suvarnabhumi International Airport master plan to hasten the development of terminal expansion projects, in response to the rapidly increasing demand from passenger traffic.
The revised master plan, which outlines the course of action for the next decade, aims to accelerate the progression of main terminal expansion and the construction of new ones to align with the swift uptick in air traffic, stated AoT director, Kirati Kijmanawat.
Three key projects underpin the master plan: the expansion of the western terminal, the construction of a new southern terminal, and the development of the Satellite 2 building. The revision of the master plan will culminate in the decision of which project will be launched first, and once selected, the design phase of the project will begin. This phase is estimated to take roughly a year, with construction projected to commence in 2026.
The expansion of the eastern side of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s main terminal, approved for 10 billion baht, is progressing as planned. The design of the construction blueprint for this expansion project has been adjusted. The tendering process for construction firms is expected to open at the latest by August.
This expansion will elevate the airport’s total capacity by 15 million passengers, from the current 60 million. This year’s passenger traffic is projected to surpass 65 million, a figure nearing the pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels.
This ambitious project intends to increase the main terminal area by 60,000 square metres and includes the construction of a four-storey office building, a car park, and a walkway platform linking to the main terminal.
The southern terminal project will eventually need to be constructed due to the continual surge in air travel demand. This project is estimated to span about four years, and it’s only a matter of time before it seeks government approval and commences.
The country’s second-largest hub, Don Mueang International Airport, noted for serving mostly low-cost airlines on both domestic and international routes, has also seen progress in its ongoing expansion. The design of the latest development plan for Don Mueang Airport is set to be finalised next year.
The AoT has set aside 36 billion baht to fund the project, which involves the construction of a new international terminal where the now-defunct domestic terminal stands. The existing international terminals 1 and 2 will be combined into one and repurposed as a domestic terminal.

My last visit to the bars was in December 2023, with I think just one visit (to Dream Boy) in January.  For January's Dream Boy, my notes (see https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/2024/02/28/the-supermarket-stacker/#more-4022) say: Customer drink: 500 baht, Boy drink: 400 baht, Off fee: 550 baht.
For December, my notes in relation to Banana Room say First drink 500 baht. Boy drink 300 baht. Off fee 500 baht. In relation to Hotmale, First drink 500 baht. Boy drink 400 baht. Off fee 500 baht. See https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/2023/12/22/three-bars-three-obsessions/
I'm in no position to say whether there have been further increases as I haven't been back.
I don't know what you mean by "were hitting over 400 baht per if tip is included in the transaction." Tips have always been separate from drinks and off-fees.
As for the boys' expectations, budget for 2,500 baht short time, but if you time your visit right and the boys need you more than you need them, 2,000 should be the right level.
And for me too, the attractions of Thailand are gradually fading. 
 
 
 
 
 

Just as the action in Brazil is mainly in the GP saunas, so the action in Thailand is mostly in the "massage" places now. Most of them are not where you would get a proper massage anyway. If at all there's a bit of a rub here and a rub there, it's more accurate to describe it as foreplay.
Overall, it works out to be better value for money than offing from the gogo bars.
My vague recollection is that you like your boys on the meatier side though I may be wrong and confusing you with some other member, but if so, turn your attention to Jey Spa, Sabaidee Massage, Arena Massage and maybe Goo Guy (their stable is mixed but they have some bigger ones). Vinapu should be able to give you more information about getting to those places.
 

I asked that question  two different boys on two different occasions on different trips and answer was the same - management thinks it's client  who should pursue boy , not other way around. While there's certain logic in that as some Tawan customers   may attest - there boys approached clients freely and shy ones could feel  unduly pressed.
But end of day result of such policy is that  a lot of Jupiter customers  leave with impression that boys are not interested at all an nobody can blame them. 
Only because I braved and offed few guys from there I know that as soon as they are seated with us , behavior goes back to normal so to speak. On another hand I can confirm that it's a bit of truth in opinion that their boys tend to rush things , specially on the first meeting.
Again it's not universal - I even know one member who foolishly declined boy's offer to extend peace discussion till morning for very modest consideration. Some people are such wasters ! 

Exactly!
No trouble finding handsome guys with lots of attitude at home but not a reason to fly 11,000 miles to see more. 🙂
As I've gotten older I find that I no longer seek out guys with glorious bodies or prettiest faces. Perfectly willing to settle for attractive young men who offer affection and intimacy sans the attitude games. Nevertheless fully appreciate why others do flock to Jupiter.

Jupiter
The entrance fee is THB 500. Unlike my previous trip in November last year, the bar had a sizeable number of female customers (some of whom were quite rowdy during the shows). The boys and shows were pretty much the same. I think I have a crush on the cute singer who would usually perform a few sets before the show starts. 😬
There was this young looking twunk customer at the bar that I took notice of because he kept changing seats. When the show was close to starting, a model just walked in wearing street clothes (presumably from a previous off). Upon seeing this model, the twunk almost jumped out of his seat to catch the nearest papasan, talking while pointing at the model. Not sure what was the discussion but the papasan was shaking his head a lot and the twunk went back to his seat. A little while after that, the twunk again went to talk to the same papasan and after some time, I saw the model went to join the twunk (who, at this point, was smiling ear to ear) at his seat. My assumption (which could be completely wrong) is that the model was initially not available but after some persuasion, the twunk was able to get the model. I was actually impressed by how assertive and persistent the twunk was but I also noticed the uncomfortable look on the model's face. I hope they ended up having a mutually enjoyable night.