Ruthrieston

From The Nation

Anzac Day was marked on Thursday with special remembrance rites in Kanchanaburi, honouring soldiers who died building the Death Railway in slave-like conditions during World War II.
Presiding over the ceremony were Australian Ambassador Angela Macdonald, her New Zealand counterpart Jonathan Kings along with deputy chief of Australia’s Joint Operations, Rear Admiral Justin Jones. Also present were representatives of the Thai armed forces, other embassies as well as descendants of the prisoners of war who lost their lives on the Death Railway.
The event was held at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.
The first Anzac Day was held in 1915 in honour of members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac), who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
Now, Anzac Day is marked on April 25 every year, and has been expanded to honour all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations". It also recognises the contribution of veterans and those currently serving.
In his speech, Jones said it was an honour to participate in the ANZAC Day remembrance at the Hellfire Pass, which was part of the Death Railway, where some 12,800 prisoners of war and 90,000 Asian workers were killed.
Macdonald said the rite was to remember and honour Australian troops who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect the country, while Kings remembered New Zealand troops who died fighting for peace. He wrapped up his speech by declaring “ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou” in Maori, meaning “we will remember them”.
 

I just returned from 12 days in Da Nang, Vietnam - as I needed to escape Thailand's Songkran water splashing madness.
I LOVE Da Nang - a mid size city right on the South China Sea with little to no pollution as the winds from the sea keep things fresh.
I live in Jomtien, Thailand and I found that Da Nang from a financial point of view to be between 20% to 30% cheaper than what things cost in the Pattaya area - I believe that is because the VND - Vietnamese Dong currency is not doing well at the moment.
I hired a local gay guide to show me around and he was great - DM me if you want more info about him.  No sex - but a great kind guy who has his own car and could take me out of Da Nang to nearby Hue (to see the imperial city), Hoi An where we went to the nearby off-shore island of Cham to do snorkeling and on return to Hoi An proper we visited the unique coconut island water farm in those typical round circular Vietnamese boats (this was one of the highlights for me on this trip to Da Nang).
The other thing that I did was rent a motorbike for several days and I just LOVED driving out of Da Nang up into the surrounding hills where you have an amazing view of all of the beaches and the Da Nang city skyline off in the distance.
Da Nang has 1 gay bar = https://www.facebook.com/qbardanang1
I did not visit it as I was too busy touring around and getting my daily massages in my lovely 22nd floor AirBnB that overlooked the entire South China Sea.  
To meet guys, the number ONE app is BLUED - now renamed to HeeSay.  Hornet is not big in Vietnam like it is in Thailand.  and then there is Grindr (which I hate).
Just from the HeeSay app alone - I received over 300 messages in 12 days - truly off the scale - for sex, dates (even for just a romantic walk on the Da Nang seaside), massages, and general queries.
Food was great and my gay tour guide turned me onto a different type of Vietnamese coffee - which is called - Cà Phê Muối = sea salt cream coffee - this is now my MOST favorite Vietnamese coffee.
so, I guess I need to do a trip report - how do I hate those - as they are so much work to write a proper one with maps, photos, info, etc. - but I will do it eventually.

It's not that monkeys are more like humans as it is humans are more like monkeys.
They preceded us in evolutionary progression. What else could possibly explain Marjorie Taylor Green.

I woke up with a bit of a panic attack, realizing that the reason I initially opted for a short time is that I have an online work meeting scheduled for that morning. I sprinted out of bed, made my best effort to look human, pumped caffeine into my system, and managed to be in front of my laptop with a few minutes to spare.
Everything was smooth sailing, with the only exception being that I kept getting distracted by the view of a gorgeous man lying on my bed, partially wrapped in a blanket. For a moment, Tan woke up, tried to get up, but when he saw what I was doing, he looked at me, smiled, and decided to continue his slumber. This is just so surreal for me.
After that mad morning dash, I was ready to relax and retire back to bed. Tan, thinking I was waking him up, wrapped his arms around me, requesting a few more minutes, which I was happy to oblige. I think we slept for a good hour, as when we managed to go get breakfast, the buffet looked sad and deserted, so we decided to venture out.
I think overall, hiring Tan was a good choice. Aside from his good looks and engaging personality, his English is reasonably okay, allowing us to have a conversation. One disappointing thing, though, was that he didn't initiate an extra round that morning (I was willing to pay extra but too shy to ask! Lol). By almost 12 p.m., he left, asking for a repeat performance.
By midday, I was bored and running out of ideas to keep myself entertained. I then messaged S'sense asking if Knott is available, but unfortunately, he's not. After browsing through the roster, I settled on Singha. He's well-built and good-looking, so my excitement level went through the roof.
I arrived in Suan Plu with a good half hour left before my appointment. I decided to cool off and have an iced coffee to kill time. An Amazon Cafe franchise could be seen a few meters away. Bad choice, as I learned the hard way. Nothing was wrong with their products, but for this small shop, the ground floor housed the ordering area, and you had to climb up the stairs to access the dining area. This is where things became interesting. The steepness of the stairs became the least of your concerns as the narrow steps and wobbly handrail became the prime challenge. I am not exaggerating, but my size EU42/US9 feet had to tiptoe sideways to manage each step as I climbed up. While having coffee, I was already shuddering at the thought of climbing down and was wondering how such structures could be granted consent - a question I answered myself: this is Thailand!
After basically rappelling down the stairs, I was finally off to my rendezvous with Singha. Mr. S (the boss) also sent me a Line message, telling me to send him a message if I'm dissatisfied or if the masseur asked for more tip. I found this very reassuring, although I hoped the handsome Mr. S himself would do the massage!
Upon entering, everything flowed like clockwork: drawing the privacy curtain, getting tea served, Singha removing my shoes and replacing them with indoor sandals. While I was enjoying my tea, he returned with a selection of oils and asked me to choose which one I preferred. While I didn't really care about oils, etc., I thought of going with the flow and sampled a couple before making my choice.
In the room, I asked for hard pressure, which Singha happily obliged, with a request that I let him know right away if his pressure was too strong. A few minutes later, I could see why; his strokes were really good and robust, the type that you know will leave you sore (in a good way) the next day. As requested, he focused on my back and glutes, and it was heavenly.
Then he climbed onto the massage bed and started doing a body-to-body massage. He then asked me to lie on my back and continued massaging with him on top of me. He kissed very passionately, and I got flustered every time he made eye contact, flashing his mischievous smile. I managed to work my way out, and with me on top, I took time to run my hands and enjoy his gorgeous body. We took turns, careful not to fall from the massage bed. When he couldn't take it anymore, he stood up and asked to be pleasured. I happily obliged, climbed out of the bed, and started working on him while kneeling down. After he climaxed and cleaned up, he proceeded to take care of me, with me finishing with our lips locked. It was intense.
With around 30 minutes left, he carried on, finishing the rest of the massage. And this is the part that I love. Compared to most shops that quickly end the session after you climax, having extra time to enjoy and relish that "post-cum glow" while getting a massage is an experience in itself. Singha finished the massage with a kiss on my forehead - a nice touch.
After the second round of tea and cookies in the reception area, my taxi arrived, ready to take me to Siam Paragon. While on my way, I received a message from T asking me to tell him if I'm coming to the bar tonight so that he can bring the shirt he wants me to have. I found the message strange and the intent hard to read.
I responded that I still don't know what to do tonight, so I can't promise anything. He replied, saying that if we meet in the daytime, as long as he arrives at the bar by 8:30 p.m., I don't need to pay an off fee (hinting at a daytime meet-up).
To be continued...

You were lucky...our walk was barred by hoards of them!  But you are lucky to be going to Railay, my favourite beach in Thailand.

What happens when Bangkok sinks into the sea?
"... Greenpeace says almost all of Bangkok will be vulnerable to floods in the scenario of an extreme sea level rise by 2030. Under this extreme projection about 96% of the city will be below the mean sea level."
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2499786/bangkok-is-still-sinking-and-fast-
Of course, Greenpeace tends to focus on the extreme scenario, but nobody (outside of the lunatic fringe) disputes the fact that Bangkok is subsiding and sea levels are rising.

she could be nasty and very pushy so yes , it's kind of relief but I hope she left for some normal reason.
Last 2 times I saw her she did not look well and I even took pains  to ask one of mamasans  if all is good with her. He said yes other than her father died recently but often people who see us daily did not see changes as much as those who meets us  every Christmas only.
cross fingers , hope she enjoys her retirement, certainly she was something

I moved to live in Pattaya from my home in London UK in 2011, but the appalling drop in the exchange rate after the insane vote to leave the EU has cost me dear. The day before the vote I got 56 Baht to the pound, and the day after the vote it dropped to 36 Baht to the pound. Now at 45 Baht we are still well down. 

I moved to live in Pattaya from my home in London UK in 2011, but the appalling drop in the exchange rate after the insane vote to leave the EU has cost me dear. The day before the vote I got 56 Baht to the pound, and the day after the vote it dropped to 36 Baht to the pound. Now at 45 Baht we are still well down. 

I moved to live in Pattaya from my home in London UK in 2011, but the appalling drop in the exchange rate after the insane vote to leave the EU has cost me dear. The day before the vote I got 56 Baht to the pound, and the day after the vote it dropped to 36 Baht to the pound. Now at 45 Baht we are still well down. 

From Pattaya Mail
By Barry Kenyon
The highpoint of the British addiction to Thailand was the year 2011 when there were almost 900,000 entries by British passport holders. The information was from the Thai immigration bureau, though it was likely a slight overestimate as it counted re-entries by the same person as additional individuals. These days the bureau sadly does not publish data in the same detailed way country by country. Meanwhile, another useful statistical source, the UK government’s shock annual report British Behaviour Abroad, was discontinued several years ago. Maybe it provided too many salacious stories about sex, drugs and awful traffic accidents.
The number of Brits declined in the mid-2020s to about half the 2011 totals. In spite of the covid pandemic, the international tourist numbers in Thailand are now approaching the 2019 figure of almost 40 million according to the Tourist Authority of Thailand. However, the principal recruiting grounds are now China, Russia and India whose nationals are no longer required to obtain prior visas. According to the Board of Investment, Brits have shown little interest in longstay visas such as the newish 10-year Long Term Residence which encourages the well-heeled to make a base in Thailand.
The decline in British tourist numbers to Thailand has several roots. There’s stiff competition from eastern Europe and sun-baked rivals in south east Asia. The rising cost of international air fares and immigration bureaucracy, notably the TM30 residence form which can carry a financial penalty if ignored may also be factors. Almost daily reports of Brits being arrested and jailed in Thailand and disturbing stories about the non-insured facing huge bills after a traffic accident surely play a role. The notion that Thailand is the Wild West where anything goes, assuming it was once true, is now buried six feet under.
The 2011 statistics showed there were around 60,000 Brits living in Thailand for most or all of the year. The UK Institute for Public Policy recently estimated the number at only 41,000 in 2024. For working expats, the opportunities in traditional industries such as oil and gas are smaller, whilst the Japanese and the Chinese are the dominant foreign presence in newer industries such as car manufacture and industrial estates. Working without a permit and using illegal Thai nominees in businesses these days are risky lifestyles with ongoing surveillance by police and employment officials.
British retirees have long been a feature of the expat population in Thailand, but their numbers are also in decline. Inflationary pressures, not to mention the high cost of inpatient hospital care, are significant issues especially as some British pensions – including the state one – are frozen from annual increases. Expat clubs in Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai have been dominated of late by talk of the Thai Revenue policy to tax “assessable” foreign income with complaining British voices being amongst the loudest. Social media is abundant with English-speaking expats threatening to leave Thailand for pastures new in Cambodia, Vietnam or the Philippines where the tax authorities are, it is hoped, more indulgent. It certainly does look like the British love affair with Thailand is losing its magic.

 

From The Thaiger
A transgender village head and her boyfriend allegedly yesterday committed suicide in a car parked outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi.
A 7-Eleven member of staff, Thatsaya Saetang, contacted Ban Pong Police Station officers at about 4pm yesterday, April 18 after she found the people unconscious in the car.
Thatsaya explained that she noticed a white Toyota Fortuner parked in front of the store for about 20 minutes without anyone getting out. Then, she heard the engine revving up twice, which raised her suspicion.
Thatsaya found the act suspicious and went to check on it. She looked through the car window and found both the driver and passenger unconscious inside.
The driver was identified as the transgender village leader of Suan Kluay sub-district, 45 year old Phongsak Buakham. The passenger, believed to be her boyfriend, was identified as 45 year old Suppasate Suppasak-anan.
Police and medical professionals from Ban Pong Hospital arrived at the scene and forcibly entered the vehicle. Phongsak and Suppasate were unconscious and bleeding from their noses and mouths. They were rushed to the hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival.
The superintendent of the Ban Pong Police Station, Piyaphong Wongkatejai, speculated that the couple might have committed suicide by consuming toxic substances, as their skin had turned dark and they were bleeding from their noses and mouths. Relationship and business issues were cited as possible motives for the suicide.
Piyaphong mentioned that Phongsak’s father had formerly held the position of village head. Subsequently, Thatsaya became part of the local administrative team and was appointed as the village head for eight years. The family was well regarded in the Suan Kluay sub-district due to their charitable endeavours and support for the community.

Part 8
Fresh from Prince, I took a taxi back to the hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon chilling and mindlessly doing random things online.
By night time, I was torn between going out or staying in. Not wanting to exaggerate, I kinda feel that my session with Bank should be enough to cap off the day. Although persistent nagging thought keeps on reminding me that I will regret not having maximised my time while in Thailand.
I tried to appease and find a middle ground between my two conflicting thoughts by checking the apps. At least I can stay in but still manage to slut it up (lol).
Could be my luck but the selection during that day was slim pickings. Could be the time of the year but the number of African MBs were not as plentiful compared from last year. I was able to shortlist a couple but by the end, I wasn't convinced. I ended both conversation with a "maybe" then took a taxi to Surawong.
After having dinner, I headed to Screwboys. Very few customers are inside but the stage is full. It felt awkward being "outnumbered" with the whole roster vying for the attention of like 3 customers. I stepped out with my drinks and sat on the couch by the entrance and had an animated chat with the mama and Papasan. We chatted about Sol Bar (see previous report) and suddenly Mai (one of the big cock show guys) arrived. I really find him very attractive but unfortunately he is always booked. Actually, he doesn't mingle a lot - after his performance, he'll be fully dressed up and will be hanging out in the bar or in the dressing area. One day I will off him.
Then T arrived and I was surprised to see him looking very dapper in his dress shirt and pants. We hugged and I greeted him a belated happy birthday. He then whipped out his phone and showed me photos of his birthday party that I missed (that I'm also glad to dodge and not pay for). I complimented how sharp he's looking tonight and he replied saying he got one more shirt like the one he's wearing and he wants to give it to me. I was confused thinking he wanted to sell it to me but he clarified he want to give it for free. I smiled and thanked him for the gesture saying there's no need.
When I sensed that there's enough customers inside, I returned back to my seat. T must be lucky as he's already seated with a customer. Lucky for me as well as I'm spared with the conversation of why I am not choosing him tonight.
Papasan checked on me again suggesting to choose a guy before the show starts. That's not a problem as I already have my eyes on another ex-Dreamboys guy. I made eye contact and motioned him to seat next to me. He introduced himself as Tan and he's from Cambodia. We had a good and decent conversation during the show as his English is quite good - actually the best out of everyone I offed this trip. He said that he's trying to get my attention the last three times I was there but I keep on ignoring him. Again, MB memories are impressively sharp! We also talked about dreamboys and how he ended up leaving (Thai only policy) but he mentioned that working there is much better (I now forgot his reason)
Tan seemed to notice that I keep on massaging my shoulder and neck area  - he then took over the massage which was surprisingly good. Of course it was to be expected  that he then used this to segue and talk about getting offed. My logical self thought that given that he's very attractive plus if the massage hed given will be consistent, then offing him will not be a bad idea. He's adamant for short time and I just agreed (feeling lazy to send him back and start from scratch in the selection process!)
While he's getting dressed, T managed to sneak a few moments and had a chat with me wanting to secure an off next time - I gave a non committal response and gave him a bit of substantial tip (price of one drink) and wished him a happy birthday. He smiled gave me a hearty kiss and left.
While walking towards Starbucks to wait for our grab taxi, I can't help but notice that Tan is a bit touchy feely with either his hand holding mine or over my shoulder. This is kind of new to me with most of my offs previously reserving this gestures inside the bar or hotel.
After showering, Tan started the massage which turned out to be good. I asked him if he was previously trained and he said no - he's just copying strokes he remembers whenever he have a massage and just imagine what will feel good. I was satisfied with that response.
He then transitioned to the more sensual part of the session which turned out to be good as well. He kisses very passionately and the sex didn't feel mechanical. At one point, he's even guiding me what to do to make him feel good (I should be charging him later. Lol). Sometimes it's nice to have a session where both person actually seemed to enjoyed it I guess.
We both finished, exhausted,  and continued our chat. We then showered together, continued our chat lying in bed while having drinks.
I don't know why but for some reason, he then asked if it's ok to change the session to long time as he wants to stay longer. I scanned my memory trying to recall if my room is ready for long time (i.e.valuables, etc are secured) and after weighing my options, agreed to Tan's suggestion.
It would be lovely to have the comfort of sleeping next to a gorgeous, warm and cozy body again.

From The Nation
The body of a foreign tourist who dropped a water pistol in the Saen Saep canal and jumped in to retrieve it was recovered on Sunday evening.
On Sunday at 7 pm, authorities received a report of a missing person near Pratunam Pier along Khlong Saen Saep. They collaborated with a water rescue team and forensic doctors from Ramathibodi Hospital to investigate.
The incident occurred at the Khlong Saen Saep Pier, under the Chalerm Lok Bridge. The water rescue team swiftly located the deceased male shortly after arriving.

Initial findings suggest that the victim, a foreigner visiting Thailand for the Songkran festival, lost his water gun in the canal and drowned while trying to retrieve it.
Witnesses, among them other tourists, attempted to intervene but were unable to come to his rescue, but promptly alerted authorities to ask for assistance. The precise cause of the incident is currently under investigation. The foreigner has yet to be named.
==================
In another incident, the Bagnkok Post reports that a 54-year-old man from Japan fell to is death from his seventh floor hotel room in the Lumpinee district Monday.
 
 

Part 7
After saying goodbye to Mek, I welcomed the return to my solitary bed, relishing the comfort of solitude. While I enjoy companionship, there comes a point when I crave time alone. My time with Mek was enjoyable; he's attractive, and I appreciated his efforts to please. Perhaps another encounter with him is in the cards.
The next day, after tackling some work, I contemplated checking out Aurora Massage in Sukhumvit (as discussed in this forum). However, after a few exchanges, my gut feeling told me to proceed with caution. While nothing seemed outright suspicious, their focus on the brand of oil they use (Aesop) to justify their prices and not being forthcoming about shorter session options left me hesitant. Maybe I'm reading too much into it.
Instead, I decided to head back to Suan Plu, not to revisit S'sense, but to give Prince Massage another shot. It had been quite some time since my last visit (before the pandemic), and I was curious about any changes.
Arriving at the familiar compound, I was met by a lone staff member. It was 2 pm, and I found myself the only customer in the reception area. Though there were fewer masseurs (around 10) available this time, the overall quality seemed promising. From looks alone, I  have shortlisted 8 potentials. As I took a seat, all the masseurs sprang into action, each vying for my attention. One in particular caught my eye with his impressive physique and warm shy smile. With a laser pointer confirmation from the staff member, Bank (as he later introduced himself) approached me, while the others resumed their tasks.
Navigating the massage room area is quite confusing being dark, with only few LED candles in between and some mirrored walls, I was lucky not to bang my head or crash on a mirror on my way to my designated room.
Upon entering, Bank led me to the shower and he stepped out to get his stuff. I was heartbroken (lol) as I thought he will join me. He entered a few minutes later and I enjoyed watching him take a shower. The frosted glass window near the bed is a nice touch.
Bank was a bit chatty and his English is quite good. His massage skills while not as enjoyable as the one I had at S'sense is still remarkable and very pleasant . From his strokes, you can really feel that he was trained and the massage level is way more than decent.
One thing that surprised me happened when he transitioned to the more spicy part of the session. Many of you may already noticed that I do not provide much details on my reports when it comes to this part of the massage. But I was pleasantly surprised with my experience with him that I'm making a bit of exception.
From experience, I always find my sessions in Brasil to be hotter and way more intense. I was delighted that the level of experience with Bank was comparable. He kisses so passionately that it felt like I was transported to 117 in Rio rather than being in Bangkok (and I am not exaggerating!). He's also a good top and prepared me well prior to entering me gently and then slowly working building up the intensity of his thrusts. Half of the tops I met in Bangkok doesn't seem to know what they are doing which makes the experience less pleasurable.
We continued in different positions with me finishing while he's inside me and our lips are locked passionately. He then finished off on my chest and after wiping it off, went back lying on the bed to catch our breath, bit of a laugh and more cheeky extra kisses.
We showered together afterwards and after giving Bank his tip, said my good bye together with a sincere promise that I will be back and choose him again.
As I exited the gate and made my way to the main road, I reflected on what just happened and was thankful for re-discovering this place.

I really pity the Americans for this jerk...

From MSN and Tik Tok
An Australian wildlife protection group has lots to celebrate after they saved and rescued 16 Asiatic Black Bear cubs from a home in Luang Prabang, Laos. The group, called Free the Bears, say the home belonged to a wildlife poacher who hoped to use the cubs as fodder for a bile farm. Thankfully they found the cubs before the worst happened and have since brought the cubs somewhere where they could be safe. 
Life has changed overnight for the cubs, who now receive constant care and attention from local and international conservationists. 
According to Reuters, Free the Bears works with local communities and governments across Asia to protect the Asiatic Black Bear (or moon bear, as they are also known because of their distinctive markings), as well as sun bears, which are also at risk across Southeast Asia. But nothing could've prepared them for what they found during a raid in the house of a Chinese national last March. 
On the day of the raid, neighbors heard the cubs crying from within the home and called Laos police. When police arrived at the property they found the 16 bear cubs inside what appeared to be a bear bile farm scheme, a practice where bile is extracted from a bear's gallbladder to later be used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is legal to do in China, but illegal in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other countries. 
Police said there was one additional cub found on the premises, but it died before authorities could remove the cubs from the home. 
"When we arrived at the house there were bear cubs everywhere," Fatong Yang, animal manager with the charity, told France 24. In total, they found 10 male cubs and six females. The cubs each weighed between 1.3 to four kilograms and were believed to be about two to four months old. 
 

Years ago, I'd always end my encounters with a reminder to my Thai partners to wear a condom and I provided them if needed. Three years ago, a friend of my boyfriend, someone whom I've known for over a decade, forty years-old,  a university graduate from a middle-class family and not on the scene, was found to be positive. He was quickly medicated.
However, two years ago he was taken seriously ill with a series of ailments, one of which was life-threatening. He was in hospital for months. The doctor told him the symptoms were Hiv related. He's better now, but still suffers distressing after effects from his illness.
I've never doubted the importance of safe  sex but even I was surprised by what happened to him; after all, there is a belief in some quarters that new medication makes the condition manageable, like diabetes 2. I know now that it remains life-threatening, and probably will continue to be so for many years.
Sorry for the homily , but I feel passionately about this. I could relate the story of another Thai friend who was diagnosed in 2007 but it is till too painful for me. 
For heaven's sake, everybody, take care and if you  are enjoying the company of Thais on the commercial scene and  be aware of their needs too, remembering that sometimes they are desperate for money. 

Part 6
 
After a quick breakfast in the hotel, Jake and I hailed a Grab taxi to take us to Siam Paragon, the pickup location for the tour we had booked. Navigating to the assembly area was a breeze, thanks to the clear directions and photos provided by the klook app. We arrived with half an hour to spare before departure, giving us ample time to purchase some snacks for the two hour ride.
Arriving back to Damnoen floating market was a nostalgic journey for me, as it had been years since I last visited. Activities like these feel awkward to be doing alone so Having Jake along made the experience even more enjoyable. It was fun  navigating the bustling waterways together, passing  through the vibrant market stalls, we couldn't resist sampling local delicacies like grilled meats on skewers, fruits, local delicacies I can't even identify, washing it all down with refreshing coconut water.
Following our exploration of the floating market, we made our way to Maeklong Railway, eager to witness the famous train weaving its way through the market stalls. Despite the enjoyable excursion, the relentless heat of the afternoon began to take its toll, prompting us to seek refuge in the shade whenever possible. Yet, the sight of the train thundering past, mere inches from the vendors' goods, made the journey undeniably memorable.Despite the enjoyable and picturesque tour, the sweltering heat began to take its toll, and I was grateful for the respite of the air-conditioned bus by mid-afternoon picking us up and ending the tour.
We got dropped off at Iconsiam which is good as the dinner cruise we booked will be leaving from this pier in 3 hours. With this planned and no time to return to the hotel , we went to a massage shop nearby to refresh our body from the grueling day trip and more importantly, have a shower and change clothes. 
The chao praya cruise was very enjoyable and seeing some iconic Bangkok sights from a different perspective is enjoyable. Food is decent and entertainment is also good. Jake and I just chill enjoying the sights over beer and friendly banter and a bit of heart to heart talk. When the cruise ended by around 10pm, we were exhausted, we then headed back to the hotel where we decided to chill for the night, Jake started packing his stuff. While I start making mental notes of what to do the coming days.
The next morning, we treated ourselves to an early lunch at Baiyoke Sky, soaking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline. Reflecting on the past few days, I felt grateful for Jake's companionship but also excited at the prospect of solo exploration. By early afternoon, Jake received a text from his friends indicating their arrival, signaling the end of our shared adventure. We bid farewell at the hotel, cherishing the memories created during our time together (not to forget a cheeky farewell sex before he took off!)
Still feeling tired, I decided to have a nap. I woke up around 8pm struggling to decide if I should go out or let my introverted self enjoy solitude for a bit. I did enjoy and had a blast having a companion during the last three days but part of me enjoy being alone sometimes. By 9:30pm, I am making my way to Surawong. My introverted self can have fun after this trip.
Freshboys was this night's destination. Place is decently full. I quickly surveyed the stage and can see more than 3 that I deem as offable. Maybe I'm being too sensitive but seeing the mamasan feeling up the guys on stage is a bit off putting for me. The mamasan will just walk past and nonchalantly place his hands inside their pants feeling their arse and cock. Then as if nothing happened, will just walk away.  I don't want to sound hypocritical but I just feel sorry for the guys.
Out of the 3 I shortlisted in my head, one made eye contact and smiled. Next minute he's sitting with me having the usual chat while watching the show. He introduced himself as Mek from Myanmar. He can carry basic convo but will whip out his phone from time to time for translation. When we approached the pointy end of our chat, he asked me if I'm looking for LT or ST.
"Short Time", I replied. I was so surprised with my response. Must be my introverted self speaking out loud.
With that, Mek and I made our way out of the bar and hailed a taxi to my hotel. 

Sixth Experience, A Dip in the Moonlight:

A poster on this forum recommended Moonlight to me after I mentioned my interest in muscle. It wasn't even on my radar before. I'd seen the signage on my walks through the area, but I assumed it was one of those bars littered with barely-legal twins. Boy, was I was wrong!

The location is a little unusual. There's signage outside of a narrow alley, and as you walk through you begin to question if you're in the right place. Surely enough, there's Moonlight a few steps away. I pay the 500 thb entrance fee and I'm lead inside. The place is moderately busy, but I get a good seat in the centre of the second row. There's a few patrons beside me, but they leave a seat empty directly next to me. I've noticed they do this a lot; to encourage a boy to sit with you? I'm typically one of the few caucasians in these bars. I've noticed a majority of clientele are Chinese. I've also noticed a lot of other patrons of these bars are lookers themselves- sometimes I'd rather off them than the models!
I've arrived a little early. I order a Coke Zero. I grabbed a Strong Zero (9%!) from 7-Eleven beforehand, and one of those gets me buzzed at the perfect level. Ordering a Coke or likewise, they deliver you a glass of ice and the can itself. Typically you can refill the glass another 1/2 to sometimes even a full other glass this way. Maximizes how long before they trot over to sell you another overinflated drink. Plus zero calories and no bad decisions. Win-win-win. 
The boys on stage are simply standing, rotating through 4 models at a time. They stand on stage and present themselves. A few of them are flirtatious and make eye contact and smile, much like Dreamboys. I find this endearing even though I know it's performative. It lets you know they are either interested in meeting you, or at least have the decency of knowing how to caress a patron's ego. I take this as a sign that they know their job is to please you or deliver a fantasy experience.
I'm impressed by the models here. There are a handful on the average side, but there are at least 6 models that are very defined and very muscular. I notice there are even more models in the bar than what appear on stage, so raise that number to 8. I take note of the numbers on the ones who interest me, although this is a preliminary visit to check out the show and I don't plan on offing anyone tonight. Do the numbers change on a nightly basis or largely stay the same? 
The mamasan approaches me before the show begins and asks which one I'd like. I find this a little off-putting, I've seen maybe a handful of the models, how am I suppose to chose now? "You're waiting for the show?" they ask. Yes. I notice patrons are already inviting models to their tables though. An older Caucasian pair have the two hottest men at their table. One extremely built model with a bad-boy vibe, wearing a durag on his head and adorned in tattoos. The other is fox-faced, beautiful with a lean and athletic body and shredded abs. This one would be my choice if he were available.
The show begins with a model coming out wearing white garments that appear to be a type of male lingerie? It doesn't appeal to me, but he has a nice body. He picks up a hoola-hoop adorned with ribbon and gyrates his body. It's a very strange act. I giggle at the sheer absurdity of it. I would love to meet whoever plans these out.
The act is very brief. In fact, all of the acts are quite brief. I don't mind. The next act has a model acting as James Bond. He takes out a fake gun and points it in various directions. Also a strange act. I giggle again. Okay, I see you Moonlight. This show is actually a lot of fun just in the absurdity. I don't think it takes itself seriously, or if it does, it was choreographed by Tommy Wiseau. 
The next act is a drag performance but I'm SO impressed with this one. The drag performer is stunningly beautiful and lip-syncs flawlessly. Finally, a bar that doesn't pull out the absolute bare-minimum of "just throw on a dress and move side to side." I know drag performances are a heated topic of debate. Again, I don't mind them in a small dose. 
The following two performances are lip-syncs from the male models. At first I assume they are singing, their talent at lip-syncing is quite good. The second performer stops part way through the song and it's confirmed. One song is in Chinese, the other in English. The Chinese song is more sensual and romantic, and the model makes eye contact and motions toward the audience members. The English song is more energetic and gives a k-pop performance kind of vibe, with the model exhibiting a ton of energy. 

Another drag performance, this time a duet with a male model, albeit fully clothed. It's a Phantom of the Opera act. I absolutely love this show. It's so ridiculous in all the right ways. The drag performer once again knocks it out of the park. 
Every model who performs or presents themselves from the beginning of the show to the end is my type. They are all extremely muscular in just the right way. Most are quite attractive and most seem very charismatic, with a few of the bigger guys appearing a little clunky and stiff. 
The model I want is still sitting with his client, and is now fully dressed in street clothing. Oh. He's been offed. I make eye contact with him from across the room as much as possible. I want him to know I'm interested. He looks back, but quickly looks away every time. I'm hoping the customer regrets his decision- clearly he's staying for the entire show instead of enjoying his purchase. That's not the case unfortunately.
Near the end of the show, the models come out and stand between the first and second row of tables, so I have a front-row seat. Seeing their bodies this close is a dream come true. Thank you so much for recommending Moonlight, wow. I will go back for sure. I've already told friends about the performances. I had so much fun. 

Having this number of models I'm interested in offing is also impressive. I'd rank Jupiter & Moonlight as being my favourite two bars so far. I'd go to both just for the show and I feel like the price is worth it for the entertainment. I also feel like they have the best looking models in terms of my preferred body type, but even then, their sheer handsomeness and charisma. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears. A few massage parlours have been recommended and I will head to those next.

Fifth Experience, You Got Screwed, Boy (Cont):

The mamasan and the dressed boy lead me outside and to the "room" they mentioned they can provide. No one is working the front desk and the entire building is very sketchy, but I didn't expect anything less. We wait a minute and an older Thai gentleman takes 600 THB from me. I thought I paid the room fee already, but oh well, I guess I misunderstood.

The mamasan tells me to have fun, and I'm left with the boy I offed who leads me upstairs to find the room. We wander around some dark hallways and enter a room, and it's filled with storage. "Oh, wrong room..." he says, and we wander around some more. Finally we come across a room with the door open.

Inside is a bed, an older television set, a fan. It's a basic room but nothing disgraceful. It serves its purpose. It's definitely not somewhere you'd spend the night. 

I come behind the boy and put my arms around his waist. He's dressed nicely, with black pants and a white dresshirt, some accessories on his belt, and nice shoes. He's quite short but I like that. He flexes again and broadens his shoulders, which seems to be his go-to pose. I feel him up through his clothes, savouring the hardness of his body.

I undress him slowly, kissing his chest and his abs. I run my hands along them. This will do. Eventually we're both naked in bed. Whereas he was rock hard in the bar, now he's completely soft. I kiss his chest, spending some time gently tonguing his nipples. He moans, I take this as a sign that he enjoys it. His cock remains asleep.

It's in my mind that we're about to fuck. I suck him dick. I put his soft cock in my mouth and work it all over. I take pride in my blowjobs. The cock remains soft. I deep throat it (an unimpressive task considering the size) and gently suck on it, allowing it to warm in my mouth. It remains soft.

Okay... this isn't going to work. 

I pick up his legs and lift them into the air. I'm rock hard, my cock is throbbing. I'm 99% a bottom but I suddenly feel like being a top. He has a small, round ass. The only type that invigorates me enough to want to penetrate someone. I rub the head of my dick on his asshole, and he is shocked: "You fuck?!" he says. "Yes, I'll fuck you." I say.

He squirms. Okay, he's probably straight. "You can fuck me instead," I tell him, looking down at his soft cock. "You fuck, I'll need more money." Huh? Well, you can't fuck me with 1 inch of skin, so what are my options?

4000 THB I say. I'm very horny and very eager to drill this boys ass. he consider it, and then says "No, 5000 THB." I sigh. This is the same price they quoted me for both brothers! Now I have one, who is soft as an overcooked macaroni, and it's the same price?

"Would your brother let me fuck him?" I ask him. "Call him, I'll pay 5000 THB for the both of you." He plays that he doesn't understand. 

I'm frustrated. What did I pay for? He won't suck me, he won't get hard, and his body isn't impressive enough for muscle worship. Why was he grabbing me at the bar? Why did he signal that he wanted to fuck and be wild in bed? What a fucking hustler!

I'm annoyed. "Fine, I'll pay." He squirms some more and goes to the washroom. "Are you okay?" I ask. "We doh't have to do this if you're uncomfortable." "5000 THB" he replies. He wants the money, okay, then perform the task.

I stick my dick inside of him. "Slow, slow!" he screams. It's just the head. I go slow. He squirms more, and grabs his chest in agony. "Are you sure you're okay?" I ask again. "You're strong!" he says. I try again to enter him, slowly. I get a little past the tip. I try and push in further and he's headed back to the bathroom.

He comes back and lays on the bed with his asshole out of sight. I try and suck him again. Soft. "Can we fuck?" "Too strong..." he says again. Okay, "The initial fee then, you don't want the 5000 THB?" I'm being a little bit of an asshole now. I feel bad with the way I acted looking back, but I was so clearly being played and so fucking worked up that I no longer respected this boy. 

"No, you fucked, 5000 THB!" he says. My mouth is agape. I put it in, part way, for less than 10 seconds. That is not fucking! "You fucked!" he says. I'm being played so hard that I suspect there is an audience outside the hotel room, ready to celebrate after he leaves with 5000 THB for doing absolutely nothing. "Drinks are on me!" I imagine him chanting. As if, he's the stingiest motherfucker I've ever seen.
I'm really annoyed now, but I want to cum. "I suck you," he says. Fine. I just want this to end. He does the most half-assed blowjob I think I've ever received, and I cum out of sheer frustration. I blow an enormous load because I've been so worked up. "Wow!" he says. Suddenly he's happy.

He goes to the washroom, gets dressed, and stands by the door. I take out my wallet, ready to negotiate based on what I received. I want to give him 2500 THB but I'm not an asshole. I offer 4000 THB which is BEYOND reasonable. "5000 THB." he states again. I explain to him, 5000 THB for fucking you, which I didn't. "I made you cum!" he says. Is that not the bare minimum I should expect in the first place?

What am I paying for, your company in a shitty hotel room? I bought drinks, I tipped, I paid for the room, I pay your fee... how much have I spent at this point? I'm boiling.

I tell him, "I'm living here, I will be back, I know what a moneyboy costs and I know you're ripping me off. Take the 4000 THB and you'll see me again, if you take the 5000 THB I'm done."

He takes the 5000 THB and immediately whips out his phone. "Do you have WhatsApp or LINE?" he asks, "I have both," I reply. My face is holding back sheer rage. I'm shaking from anger. He shows me the QR code on his WhatsApp. 

I shake my head. 

"Okay." he says, and leaves.
I will never return to Screwboys again, and I will be more hesitant to ever hire a Vietnamese model.

Will this string of disappointment come to an end? At this rate, the bars aren't for me. I'm glad if they work for you, but I'm not a human ATM. I'll go for the shows and that's it. This encounter soured me on the entire industry in Thailand. 

But, of course, as you know... you say a lot in anger...
 

Fourth Experience, As Memorable As a Dream:

I wasn't planning on going out this night, but I was in the Silom area and it was nearly 10:00 PM. I decided to check out some new venues. The most prominent one was Dream Boys. I walk up to the hawker and ask, "What type of men are in there? I'm looking for muscle." They are confused, and I learn asking questions to these hawkers is not a good idea- I don't think they have anything to do with the bar. He points me to the door staff. "Come and take a look," he encourages me. I go inside and I'm not disappointed with what I see, so I decide to stay. 
Honestly, my memory is a little hazy on this place because it didn't make a huge impression. I believe I paid 500 THB for the entrance fee and it included a drink. I order a Coke Zero. Reports online mention that it includes two drinks, but I was not aware of this and didn't order a second drink either way. I'm given a good seat in the middle of the bar with a prominent view of the stage. 

I remember very little about the show. I assure you I wasn't drunk! The men are on stage and quite a few of them are smiling at me, making eye contact, and flirting from the stage. I'm not opposed to this.
The two most eager ones are a younger guy who I'd estimate around 20, with a lean and twink-ish body but fantastic ab definition. He smiles and looks so approachable. He makes eye contact with me and seems genuine. I kind of want to be his friend. Is he my type? Not really. His body is fantastic, so maybe I could make it work. He's cute as well. I'm sure he's a 10/10 for some of you. If I recall, he was #33. 
The other one is also not my type, but his attitude is infectious. I'll soon learn he's a performer in the "Big Cock Show!" He's thin and a little older, maybe in his thirties. He has a really comedic personality. He looks at me and grabs his dick, which makes me laugh, and he laughs. We make a lot of eye contact, and every time I look at him, he laughs back and points to the seat next to me. He wants to join me, but I play coy. I shake my head, and laugh. I put my hand up and block the view of his large bulge. He laughs. I like this playful banter. I could get along with this guy too. Again, not really what I'm looking for, but all of my bar experiences have been lacklustre, so the personality is winning me over.
The mamasan is quite forceful here. Every 5 minutes, they come to my table and ask which one I'm interested in. I say I'm not sure, and they hover around my seat. I find this very uncomfortable. As the show goes on, without a single memorable act (were there even acts?), I'm finally willing to buy someone a drink. I tell the mamasan that I have two choices, #33 and #55. He can't understand me when I mention #55, so I let it go, and ask for #33- the younger Twink.

I ask, "Is he gay?" "Yes, gay." they confirm. Okay. While I appreciate straight men a lot more, my experience with them in the past was disappointing, so I'm willing to try someone who may at least have some interest in me outside of a paycheque.
He comes to sit with me and I tell him, "I find you very cute, you look really approachable, I want to be your friend." I laugh, hoping this starts some conversation. He makes an effort but the banter quickly ends. He speaks okay English, but there is no personality to him. He's cute and meek and submissive. He grabs my hand and holds it. I tell him that he has a nice body, and quickly begin to figure out if he's a good off. "Are you a bottom?" I ask. I assume he is now based on his personality, but I'm hoping he's a top. "I'm whatever you want me to be," he replies. Oh great. "Do you top or bottom more often?" I explicitly ask. Bottom. Okay, that's fine. 

He points to the stage. "Big cock show!" 4 models are on the stage, including the one who was flirting with me from the stage earlier. He sees me watching, and takes the opportunity to show off his cock. It's nice, about 18cm. His friend on stage is a little more my type and is even bigger, probably 20cm, so I'm a bit distracted. I don't talk to #33 during this show because I'm sizing up my options, and he's playing on his phone anyway.

After the show ends, I ask "You weren't in the big cock show!" jokingly. "I'm small," he says, and I'm a little disappointed but it's to be expected. I was hoping he was at least a good size, then he might be offable for me. I'm not really looking for a bottom like this. "Oh, okay" I say. The conversation dries up after that. I wonder if he will say anything, or make an attempt to start a conversation since his English is passable. There is no attempt. Is he shy? He goes back to playing on his phone, but holds my hand. I'm kind of not into it. I need a connection if you're going to want to hold my hand, and you're not even trying to start one.

Can he tell I'm not really interested? I decide to be up front as he still has half of his drink left and he's sat with me through 3 or 4 performances. "I don't think I'll take you home tonight, I'm sorry." He says he understands. I expect this to signal him to chug his drink and go back to find another client, but he stays for 2 more performances. He tries to hold my hand but I'm not into it anymore. I sit and watch the show in silence, it's a bit awkward.

The mamamsan comes back and tries to get me to pay an off fee. I'm not interested, I tell them. Some convincing happens through the determination to stay in my area and not walk away. "No, I'm okay." I say again. The boy finishes his drink and the mamasan comes back and asks for a tip. A tip? For the boy, and for him. "Isn't buying them a drink considered the tip?" I ask, genuinely confused. Do I tip a boy as well? I mean, I have no issue with this... but the boy put in barely any effort and it wasn't a match. Maybe I should tip his phone? That did more work than him.

The mamasan seems a little angry, and asks for 50 thb. "For what?" I ask. "Just give me something." I give the 50 thb, a little annoyed, not because of the amount but because of the audacity to be forceful in a tip. I'd consider tipping 50 thb to be rude. I'd rather receive nothing. Take it as you will!

I watch the remainder of the show, and the big cock show boy flirts with me a little more. I'm pretty turned off at this point. I finish my drink and I leave the bar. It's 11:30 and I have time to see another show at midnight. I scan the area and notice a name I've heard before, Screwboys. Let's check it out next.

 

no compassion here from me. Smell is one thing but more important is discarding improperly extinguished cigarette.
Behavior also not fair to other smokers who  manage somehow to hold on indulgence until deplaning

Thanks. I hope so too but not in any romantic manner.
One reason why I favour the "paid scene" is the inherent expectation of it being straightforward and purely transactional.
I brought up Jake's odd behavior the following day, asking why he seemed off the previous night. He mentioned feeling excluded and unsure about how to handle the situation (what to do, where to go) if I decided to bring Nai back to the hotel.
It made sense, and as a host (technically he was my guest), I should have been more considerate of that.

Part 5
After capping off Friday night unexpectedly earlier than planned, we found ourselves waking up way too early and after a quick uneventful breakfast, Jake suggested that we take advantage of the weekend and explore Chatuchak Market. Not my usual preference but I thought why not. Taking the BTS, Jake and I alighted at Mo Chit Station, and as we make our way through the sweltering Mid morning heat, I started to doubt if I made the right choice.
The sprawling market stretched out before us, overflowing with stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs ---- and I must say that the variety of goods are a bit different from what you'll see in Pratunam or similar areas with quite a number of Thailand made items as well which can make the trip worth the effort. The sheer variety of products on offer was overwhelming, and it was easy to lose track of time amidst the labyrinth of alleys and vendors.
But as the day wore on and the sun beat down mercilessly, the heat became unbearable. Desperate for relief, we sought refuge in a nearby massage shop, enticed not just by the promise of relaxation but primarily the coolness of the air conditioning. We settled into comfy chairs side by side, grateful for the break from the scorching heat while getting our feet massaged. As the skilled masseuses worked their magic on our tired muscles, I closed my eyes and let myself sink into a blissful relaxation. Meanwhile, Jake, sitting beside me, couldn't seem to resist grabbing and playing with my hand. At first, I felt a bit self-conscious about Jake's affectionate gestures in public, but as the massage relaxed me more and more, I let go of my worries and simply enjoyed the moment. 
As we continued our exploration of the market, I found myself impressed with Jake's natural charm and talent when it came to haggling. Unlike me, who often felt awkward negotiating prices, Jake effortlessly struck up conversations with vendors, his friendly demeanor and easy banter making it seem like a game. Thanks to his skills, we scored some great deals and found ourselves lugging a good haul without burning holes in my pocket.
Feeling lazy to walk back to BTS, we took a bolt taxi going back to the hotel. We both fell asleep in the middle of the traffic with me managing to wake up a few minutes before reaching the hotel. We then went straight to the shower to wash the market off us and had food delivered for dinner.
By 9 pm, we had finally regained enough energy to venture back to Silom. Hailing a taxi, I decided to give Banana Club another chance. Despite its lackluster performance last time, I am willing to give it another shot. As we arrived, the familiar atmosphere greeted us, but this time, there seemed to be a promising increase in the number of guys.
Inside, the ambiance was lively, with the performers putting on a show that was far more entertaining than our previous visit. I counted fifteen guys this time, a significant improvement from the mere four from before. The energy in the club was positive, and we found ourselves enjoying the experience much more than anticipated.
However, I couldn't help but notice a "flaw" in Banana Club's layout. The curtain door allowed potential customers to peek inside before deciding whether to enter or not. This resulted in numerous customers walking away without even stepping foot inside, which wasn't good for business - although good for clients.
One particular guy caught my attention. He's both beefy and cute, and he stood out from the rest. Impulsively, I handed him a pink bill, only to have the eager Papasan assume I wanted him to join us. Not wanting to embarrass the guy, who introduced himself as Nai from Myanmar, I went along with it. Despite his limited English, Nai was incredibly friendly and eager to engage in conversation. Moments later he will have his arms around me while watching the show.
However, this unexpected turn of events seems to have created a slight tension between me and Jake (or it could just be my imagination). The usual chatty him has now been reduced to one word cold responses. Attempting to diffuse the situation, I promised Nai that I would see him again soon, generously tipping him before sending him back to the stage.
Exiting the club, I knew I needed to address the awkwardness between Jake and me. Suggesting we grab dessert somewhere, I attempted to lighten the mood. Gradually, Jake's chatty demeanor returned, and we found ourselves wandering the streets of Silom aimlessly.
As we waited for a taxi, Jake asked why I didn't off Nai. Playfully, I deflected his question, hinting at the intimacy of our previous night and how I prefer that instead. He laughed, pulled me into a hug, planting a kiss on my neck.
In that moment, I felt a rush of conflicting emotions. While part of me relished the affection, another part recognized the need to address whatever this thing is between us before they spiraled out of control.