Midguy1

Excellent reports, thank you for writing them. Regarding the chat in the thread about the constant messages on the apps from previous contacts, they can get very annoying and tedious, but I've only needed to block 2 or 3 in all the trips I've made so far in my experience. At first I just try and keep the replies short, non committal and polite, and then I ignore when it gets too much. After about 6 messages they tend to give up. Only the very persistent I block - I've only had one occasion where it got a bit messy where the blocked guy turned up at the hotel. Fortunately the receptionist managed to calm the guy down and sorted it so he didn't return - I felt a bit bad about it so made sure the receptionist was suitably rewarded. I've also befriended a few guys on Facebook, usually when heart has been ruling head or in the heat of the moment usually regretting it the next day. I then tend to put on restricted mode for the rest of the trip and then delete when I return home. I used to feel a bit bad for not responding, but have learnt to be a bit tough about it otherwise it would take over a considerable amount of time engaging and replying. I guess there are worse problems to have though...

An American guy on YouTube made three short videos on the maiden crossing. Links below:

Posts 4 and 5 Let me start with an apology for taking so long to complete this report. Unfortunately upon my return home I had some unexpected work issues to deal with which derailed me from finishing. A lot has happened since (the cancellation of Test & Go and the opening up of Pattaya) so I have decided to condense the final two posts into one. Post 4 was originally going to be about Pattaya but I will cut this short as I now see that many more bars are open and from trip reports on here and Facebook posts it looks very different to when I was there early December. It would be unfair on the businesses to give a report now on how it was a month ago, although even when I was there a few bars that had converted into coffee and cake establishments gave some relief of somewhere to go. What I will say is that there was still much action to be had both on the apps and meeting guys out and about (ok it's not as easy as a bar, but a knowing look can still score) All of my meets except one were from the apps. The one other time for me was a knowing look in 7/11 on Jomtien beach. We left at the same time where I bravely first asked if he knew where a nice place for coffee was, he said rabbit resort and even more braver I asked if he would like to join... one thing led to another where for research purposes he came back to the hotel to check out the room... no money was discussed but I made sure expenses were covered in the usual manner and he left with a smile. As for the apps I found plenty of availability. My stay in Pattaya was at the Hilton, taking advantage of the lower rates and had no problem with joiners. I usually stay in the Agate, I originally thought it was closed but it seemed to be open when I walked past and pleased to see other reports confirming this. No complaints about the Hilton, but I look forward to returning to the Agate on my next trip. Restaurants - lots of choice - huge variety to suit all budgets and tastes. I dined in Casa Pascal, Robin Hood pub, Royal Cliff and Nickys cafe on soi bukahoi. I was happy with all these choices for different reasons. Overall, my Thailand trip using Test and Go was well worth the effort. I came with zero expectations and had a very nice time. There were a few hurdles to get through to enter Thailand but once I was past the first 24 hours that was all put behind me I had a month of enjoyment. I only had to show my vaccination certificate for internal flights and a few other limited places, so it was worth keeping a copy of it on my phone - I kept copies of everything but nothing else was needed during my stay in the country. Whilst I was there Omnicron kicked off so I had a few more unexpected hurdles to overcome (such as additional covid tests before returning and when I got home) but this were all arranged very easily with little problem. I can't wait to return again. Should the 24 hour Test and Go reopen in the new year then I'd happily go through all the bureaucracy again, hoping to spend more time in Pattaya next time.

Yes I think that is correct, a positive test would mean a hospital stay.

I only wish I was still in Bangkok as I've been wanting to see the moonlight models after reading so much about them on the forum. Now itching to return...

One recommendation in the Ari area is LAF cafe. There was a rainbow sticker on the door which enticed me in, but seemed more of a tomboy place. I found the coffee to be excellent. Co-ordinates 13.7769740, 100.5434066

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.

I do think another consideration should be about the extremely low probability of potentially having to quarantine for longer than 24 hours in the hotel, based on current rules. I hadn't considered this when I booked, which in the end turned out to be fine, but will say that I wouldn't want to have been confined there for any longer than few hours I spent there. Next trip I'll be carefully considering whether I'd be happy to be confined in the hotel of choice if I struck unlucky and had to quarantine for 5/7/10/14 days or whatever the rules say.

I've found that one of the unexpected pleasures of Thailand / SE Asia is the number of very nice coffee shops when they can be sought out. Being partial to a coffee and a cake it's great to hear of these places - I've made a note of this place for my next visit.

Thanks for your kind words - I didnt see any criticism. The bar at the end of the soi i was referring to is bas bar. I didn't get to silver sands at the beginning of the soi (right hand side on entering??), but it looked popular. Sorry for delay in posting, mountain of work landed on me last week. Next part coming soon...

My underline. That's exactly what I did...

I used Grindr and Hornet. I found the only freebies were in Bangkok though - I was probably just lucky at the right place at the right time.

Hotel: Trinity Silom Plane landed 8 am Test result 1.30pm same day (just over 3 hours but was originally told it would be next morning by the hotel rep on arrival). Transport not shared, confirmed by e-mail in advance, no extra charge. Food: Fair. Only sampled lunch. Left outside door, Thai option only. Cost: 5000 approx (Nov 2021) Booked via Agoda, with good cancellation rights Additional note: Test was taken as soon as I arrived at the hotel. A nurse and a hotel rep was waiting in the basement of the hotel where they had a small area for swabbing guests on arrival.

Post 2 - Bangkok report My trip was broken into 5/6 days staying in each of Bangkok - Phuket - Pattaya - Phuket - Bangkok. As explained in the previous post I'll give a report of each location rather than a chronological order of the trip, so this post will be about my Bangkok experiences. Daytime activities During the day I like to do a lot of walking. General plan is there is no plan. Went exploring and got lost, have a coffee, move on see where the wind takes me. I couldn't access lumphini park, the entrances I found were all closed but I saw people in there so there must have an entrance I couldn't find. Visited the Ari area, the riverside area and took 2 boat trips. To enter the malls had to scan temperature each time. Generally each day ended up with a massage from one of the establishments on either the surawong or silom roads. I didnt get to any of the more upmarket gay massage places this time, mainly through being otherwise occupied rather than choice. Bars/Nightlife I should point out that food was available in all the establishments I visited. The place to be was Silom Soi 4. The place was buzzing, even on week nights. When I visited at the weekend I couldn't get a seat either at the new Circus bar or Balcony bar so ventured on those nights to a quieter cozy bar at the end of the soi where I got a seat (and happily chatted to some handsome waiters). The Circus bar seemed to be in the in place to be and when meeting up with some local guys this was the bar of choice where they would like to meet for a drink. I frequented the Pride bar (seemed to be more local Thai oriented - maybe because of the live singer - but just my impression) and visited Connections bar where I was warmly welcomed by the Australian owner and his boyfriend. In my first Bangkok stint I mainly frequented Balcony, Circus and Connections but I'd have no hesitation in supporting any of the bars on this soi and would be happy drinking in them all. Closing time most nights was either 11pm or 12 pm and earlier in the trip on some days alcohol could not be purchased after 9pm or 10pm. I don't know what rules are/were, and would simply follow the flow and directions of the staff. Soi 2 - I visited the DJ station complex a couple of times and the bar opposite as it had opened up during my visit. There were times where I was the only foreigner there and I didn't get to chat to anyone. I still enjoyed visiting though. I think they closed at midnight. Patpong area - This was very quiet and dark. There was one gogo bar open and this changed to three on my return. I did visit one of the gogo bars open (full street clothes only) which I won't name because I didn't enjoy the experience. The tout told me a drink was 250 bht only to be given a bill for 450 bht. I'm not tight, but that left a sour taste so I finished my drink, payed my bill and didn't return. Maybe it was just some confusion. I hope that post covid this area can get back in full swing again. Jupiter 2018 - This turned out to be the highlight of my trip. It had opened up on my second visit. Unfortunately for the bar there were very few customers but fortunately for me it meant much more interaction with the staff. About 8-10 models each night with a rotating live singer and catwalk format for the evening. About 15 minutes each rotation. Drink price was 170 thb for a beer and no entry fee - expect this to change when the shows return. Because they were very welcoming and had reasonable drink prices I was happy to open up and spend. The mamasans/captains here are not pushy and I found them very friendly. I got acquainted with a few of the guys there strutting the catwalk where some of them were happy to come back to the hotel after the bar had closed on various evenings to discuss the climate crisis. Hotels I stayed in Trinity Silom (one night only), Crowne Plaza and Quarter Silom. Crowne Plaza without a doubt turned out to be the best value for money for me and I enjoyed staying here. It was very cheap at average price of about 1400 thb through the Agoda app. For my stay at Quarter Silom Soi 6 and paid an average of 750thb. In normal times I would stay at the quarter again, but, for a brand new hotel I was surprised at a couple of things. Firstly the bathroom and part of the room flooded when taking a shower (could be avoided if holding the shower head and carefully angling away), only two bath towels provided (not hand towels) and a lack of storage space. For a city centre hotel I would stay here again but in my opinion there are much better value options during the present time with many good quality hotels heavily discounted (purely my opinion of course and we are all different and I guess my view was tainted as i had been spoiled with high end hotels in other parts of the trip). Restaurants Many options in Silom Soi 4 but don't expect anything fancy. I had good meals in Gs, Pride and Balcony. I also visited some more upmarket restaurants and was taken to a fancy Italian restaurant on Witthaya Road (can't remember all the names sorry...) Two restaurants visited on Sukhumvit soi 11 - Hemingway's for Sunday lunch (nice roast) and Oskar for dinner. Guys Ive already mentioned my acquaintances at Jupiter. Everything else was via the apps. When I first arrived was bombarded with many offers from mostly Cambodian guys looking for some tips and got to know a few of them. What did surprise me was how many local and other expat asian guys there were interested in meeting up for free. It just needed a little patience and spectrum ranged from 21 year old twinky students to 35 year old very handsome muscle guys which wouldn't look out of place at some of the model bars and a few older gents too. Would you believe I even had one very attractive 25 hiso guy take me out to dinner picking me up in his BMW!! I couldn't believe my luck - he was just sexually attracted to older white guys. Back to our friends looking for some support I noticed more isaan boys on the apps for the second Bangkok stint where I became acquainted with a few of them - hopefully a sign many are starting to return back to the cities. Transport Mainly walking. I used the BTS and when needing to take a taxi I used the bolt app. The bolt app ended up being the best and cheapest taxi app. Overall, with the exception of Patpong being closed, and with some adjustment elsewhere there was much on offer in Bangkok.

I've stayed in neither hotel before. I booked blind. The quarantine at trinity silom is in a separate block. I found it old and tired (but clean). There is no view and I certainly wouldn't want to be confined there for any more time than needed.

I hope you get as lucky as me. Just a word of caution - they did tell me it would be next morning for the result when they took the swab - but was very happy when the phone rang 3 hours later!

I didn't have to pay any extra.

Thanks guys. I did request solo transport by email (the same time I emailed them all the documents they required). It just so happens it was a van they used as the vehicle. They kept to their word as I saw the agents itinerary at the airport had me down as solo in one vehicle. Thanks for raising this as a discussion point because I think it's also useful for anyone else booking a trip to make sure they ask the hotel (and get confirmation) that solo transport will be arranged.

After reading so many trip reports on here I thought it was time I contributed back as I've just finished a 4 week stay in Thailand. I'm afraid it won't be as good as many of the excellent reports on here but Ill do my best. My trip consisted of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. All of my hotels were booked through Agoda and I had great deals in all 3 cities through the app. I'll break it down in to 5 posts in this thread but it might take me a while to get all the posts up as I'm still playing catch up with work. Post 1 will be general planning/entry into the country, Post 2 Bangkok report, Post 3 Phuket report, Post 4 Pattaya report and Post 5 general observations (including info on internal flights). So here goes Post 1... My trip planning started on 1st November when the Thailand pass become live. I realised there were going to be many hurdles to overcome but I was determined after a 2 year break from the country. I juggled about whether to book the flight first or apply for the pass first, in the end I applied for the pass and kept fingers crossed it would be approved. The preparation took me quite a few hours because it was a nightmare trying to understand how to convert all the documents into jpg (something that I don't think is required now with later modifications). It took 3 days for my pass to be approved and 5 days later with pass in hand I was finally on a plane again to Thailand. Arrival into Bangkok Arrived 8 am and Suvarnabhumi airport was very well organised. As soon as I left the plane and turned right there were plastic chairs in the corridor. We asked to move along to the first available vacant chair. The chairs seemed to be in batches of about 30. This was first 'provisional' check of documents where a team swept through and checked we had the correct documents and asked us to put them in a particular order ready for the official check. This took only about 5 minutes but once our batch of people had been checked we were then asked to move forward to the Thailand Pass desk for the official check. They checked the pass and also wanted to the plane seat number (squeaky bum time because the plane I was on was full). Everything ok, took literally less than a minute and then on to immigration. Immigration was brilliant - no queues and all barriers removed - I walked straight up to a desk. Got my 30 day stamp, picked up my luggage and then into the arrivals hall where we were greeted with all the hotel reps and looked for the Trinity Silom sign form my 24 hour incarceration. I was put in a van on my own which I previously requested by email. I think from leaving the plane to getting into the van took 15 - 20 minutes. It felt good to be in Thailand again but apprehensive of getting over the quarantine hurdle. Quarantine I was take into the basement of the hotel and immediately had a swab for the PCR. It was about 10 am and asked how the long the result would take and they told me tomorrow morning. It was a bit nerve wracking thinking of the 'what ifs' but a shower and then some sleep. About 12 noon some lunch delivered outside the door and then to my surprise at 1pm (just 3 hours after arrival) the phone rang. Sir we have your results... and we have to inform you (gulp)... it is negative so you are free to check out when you want. I didn't want to stay in prison any longer than necessary so I immediately got onto Agoda and got a great deal at another hotel. I checked out, was given a copy of the PCR negative result and lateral flow test which I was told just for me to check after 7 days, no mention of reporting the result or about any apps. After checking out of the quarantine hotel I headed into the Bangkok streets for the adventure...

I've taken the plunge and booked for December. Flights booked with Thai Airways and Thailand pass received which took 3 days from application to receipt of QR code.

The Independent (a UK newspaper) is reporting that the main opposition party is calling for the border to close between the UK and Thailand, following concern over a new variant linked to Thailand. The link to the article can be found here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-thailand-vietnam-border-amber-list-b1860009.html

Next is my go to shop. I seem to find all that I need there. Shorts/tees/long shirts/jeans/swimwear/jackets etc all in a variety of fabrics light/heavy/linen/denim/lycra/cotton etc.

Ive been interested in visiting Cuba for a while, but havent made a trip yet. Thank you @iendofor your very interesting report. Look forward to reading more of your experiences.

This is so true. I honestly don't know what I'd do without my 'phone these days. I, too, am guilty as charged for going to a cafe to sit there looking at my 'phone.

I'm sad to hear of the closure of Babylon. I only made it there 3 times before, but enjoyed my visits. I got lost on my first visit as I didn't realise that part of it opened up later in the day and had a dreaded fear that I'd somehow wandered into a neighbouring building, but to much relief found my back to the pool. It seemed to offer much more than the European type saunas. Unfortunately in the UK, May didn't come this year. It has been unseasonably cold and wet, needing to keep jumpers and long trousers on, which pretty much sums up things just now. But then again... there will be plenty more Mays with another coming next year (and every year after that.) Interesting thoughts. At the beginning of the millennium the saunas were one of the few places I found, where one could meet fellow gay men in a safe environment. In the heyday there were even chains operating in the major UK cities. Then along came the apps and the rest is... come to think of it I can't remember the last time I frequented a sauna, Babylon excepted. I like the positivity in Z909's example of Berlin. Things do change, but with some adaptation they can come back.