NickParis

Wait... Did he ask you to remove your teeth first? 😁

From Thai PBS World
Thailand’s Lower House approved the final reading of the landmark marriage equality bill today, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the third country in Asia, to recognise same-sex marriage, once it passes the Senate.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, was approved by 400 votes to 10, with two abstentions and three MPs who decided not to vote.
Danuporn Punnakan, Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the House scrutiny committee, told parliament that the bill is meant for all Thais, irrespective of gender.
Under the bill, same-sex couples who want to get engaged or married must be at least 18 years old, to protect minors from being forced into marriage, which is in line with the convention on the protection of the rights of children, said Danuporn.
He also said that the House scrutiny committee had added one provision to the bill, specifying the rights, duties and legal status of same-sex couples in the creation of a family.
He assured that the existing rights of men and women in general will not be affected by this bill, but it will protect a certain group of people, classified as LGBTQ.
He said that a minority of the House scrutiny committee had proposed a new wording, “first parents”, to be added to the bill, but this was rejected by the majority of the committee on the grounds that the wording is new and there is no legal definition yet.
The Pheu Thai MP said that it is now widely recognised that there are more than the male and female genders in societies, as some people who were born as a boy or a girl want to choose their own gender when they grow up.
The bill does not give them any additional rights, but restores their basic rights, said Danuporn, adding that the bill will mark the beginning of the creation of equality in Thai society.
The bill has to be approved by the Senate before it becomes law. In Asia, Taiwan and Nepal already have the same laws.
 

Many years ago someone asked me for some water from my water bottle, on the street, which I thought was strange. My Brazilian friend said to me, Robert...you don't know what it's like to be hungry/thirty and nothing to do about it....when you're hungry/thirsty, you just go buy something....not everyone can, this was eye opening.

That's probably because you have never been hungry enough. I am sure you have been horny enough to ask for something from someone you did not know. 😇

Summary
 Definitely and by far sightseeing’s  high point was Sukhotai and Kampheang Phet. Fact that my friend K decided to go with me  doubled that travel  fun. Angkor and environs were  second, because all those places I already visited in the past but Cambodian ruins have such pull on me that I can visit there to no end.
I’m glad I went to Phuket, finally I know how it is there and may return in future if only to explore gay scene bit more energetically than I did this time. I beat my cousin to James Bond Island , that counts for plenty as well.
 As for boys I did not get anybody I regretted to engage. With few some improvement could be used but there were no antics like leaving suddenly out of blue (ok there was one case but I let it go for reason explained ) . It looks that engaging tried and tested pays big time and if we meet winner it’s good to keep him close like I did with both  PP and Pattaya guys, new to me. S was great travel companion and I’m glad I had him with me in Siem Reap and by my side every few days in Bangkok. Y knows I like him and shows his appreciation every time we met. NM surprisingly showed his romantic side  and both Tawan guys I offed facilitated  steamiest nights I had in whole month.
All 7 guys mentioned above had one endearing trait, none of them asked for any extras  other than agreed. When we dined their choices were modest. I liked that . I don’t mind to open purse but don’t like to be treated as money well.
Some quotations this trip were  excessive, certainly boys are trying to cash in. With one exception I managed to keep their tips within my  budget, bargaining down when necessary. Only case I yielded  I treated as last of our many meeting in the past and can’t see repeat in the future.
 It was one upsetting  disappointment , right in the beginning, indifferent look of Jupiter guy , veteran of many offs. But I guess all comers to an end, even customer  loyalty and client’s infatuation .
And two regrets, both for lack of time . I should off that Tawan waiter at least once more. I never thought I will be regretting not offing the twink but here I am. And I did not gave a chance to two Banana Club guys ,  Vu Thy and new #31. I think I know where my first steps next trip will be.
 Now you guys can vent your frustrations with me “ who the fuck writes such long and convoluted trip reports ? Screw you vinapu!
 
 
    

Day 27 last
 In the morning we released some steam before going for breakfast and then parted ways.
Today is my last day so I went to buy couple packs of my favorite Khao Son 3-in-1 coffee to take home to last me till next trip . Otherwise decided to take it easy before long trek home .
At 3 pm I expected NM, massage guy, tried and tested before for a visit . He showed up on time. We always have good time but today we had REALLY good time, he let me to see his romantic side a bit. So happy I was that he mentioned he would like to go to see what he called ‘ sky walk ‘ atop Mahanakhon , steps  from  my hotel , I jumped into suggestion and after we were done  I told him we are going there. You should see his smile.
 It was Sunday afternoon and it was pretty crowded on the top, I’d venture it was most crowded of my at least 20 visits there but there was still room for us. At least NM was brave enough to step on the glass without any fuss and took 2 zillions pictures to make his friends jealous I guess. I showed him the 75th floor washroom with the view as well.
Both happy then we went to G’Bangkok for my last supper. Not necessarily best idea because I sensed NM did not like farang food he ordered. My fault , I should warn him where we are going.
I returned to my room to start packing. True to form for last few trips I wanted Y to be my last so contacted him to ask if he will be working tonight. Answer was bit non-standard ‘ yes but for a time I don’t accept long time anymore” . Whatever reason was  it fit my schedule so to speak as I was planning to leave at 4  am anyways so told him ST is ok tonight and at 9.pm was in Moonlight already. It was quite empty , soon Y joined me and explained reason for rejecting LT. Has girlfriend now and she want his to be home at decent hour knowing he works till 2 am.
Explained him why it will work perfect  to night and off we went straight to the room as none of us was hungry. It was fitting conclusion of  such long , varied and successful trip and we had fun. Around midnight phone rung, lady voice was heard and Y responded something. When they finished he smiled broadly and said he has permission to stay till 3. Couldn’t work better. After he left, at 3 am on the dot indeed – that girl must hold his balls tightly , I finished packing, made last tea and just before 4 left my room.
There was taxi just passing by so I stopped her but it turned out it was ordered by two guys from other side of soi. This being Bangkok  another one appeared right after. He wanted 500 to airport. Since I was in mood I agreed but was smart enough to tell him ‘ you pay the tolls”.
Everything went smoothly in the airport and at Narita’s connection so all looked as happy homecoming but it was not. Before going to be I decided to eat something , opened my fridge and got hit with   some unpleasant stench . At one point at my absence she decided to call her 19 years service done.
So I had some cleaning to do but still marveled at quality of the seals. In about 1 hr I was in I did not sense anything, no wonder my cousin taking care about my flower did not notice anything either.
Anyways it was not nice to be hit with need to buy new one following morning, Now, when I look at my fridge I smile as it reminds me such great trip and my longest so far to SE Asia.
 
 

Day 21.
 Morning air and view was quite crisp. Being good friend I went to the lobby to say goodbyes to my friend whose car was already waiting then returned to my room to pack little I have  since I won’t be returning there after the tour. My van arrived at 10.00 as promised but it took more than hour to collect all other participants from 6 or 7 hotels.      
 That is one of reasons I’m not big fan of this type of tours but my time at Phuket was short so decided to do some shortcuts. Hiring car with driver would be more expensive but also more time efficient.
As usual it was blend of tourist sights – Big Buddha, Wat Chalom and Phuket Old Town and commercial part – honey farm, cashews farm and jewelry shop plus two animal tormenting sites _ Tiger camp and elephant  camp.
 Big Buddha is impressive site with beautiful view but was very crowded, Wat Chalom newish but very colorful and old town the same like Buddha Hill , colorful but crowded.
 




 
I did not bother with neither tiger nor elephant  concentration camps , I don’t like this type of entertainment even if I’m not animal lover I don’t support enslaving and drugging them for somebody’s entertainment.
 From commercial part I like some offerings at cashews farm- they sold cashews in several different flavors, I found truffle one particularly tasty but not exactly cheap.
All in , I still enjoyed tour as it gave me some idea how Phuket looks like.
 Since I’m changing hotels I alighted in Patong’s center and walked to Paradise Complex where my hotel The Corner is located. Looked as newly built or renovated place intended to work as budget version of Royal Paradise Hotel , towels  even bear that hotel signature. I can recommend place as location is perfect , on the , you guessed it, corner of soi where ZAG and new CRUISE gay clubs are located. Aquarious hotel and sauna and massage spas are all within 100 meters or less.
Paradise Complex main soi, The Corner is where those green planters are
 
Cruise club across the soi from my hotel, The Corner

ZAH club

Royal Paradise Hotel is truly landmark, picture taken from door of The Corner

 
As budget place had some , how to say , simplifications? No elevator, no kettle and no safety box but otherwise everything was perfect, AC was working , bed was comfortable and definitely I would stay there again.
After setting in I went to eat something, bought  cruise to James Bond Island for tomorrow and stroll soi where M to M  massage shops are located where I spotted nice looking muscular guy so enrolled him  for massage. For some reason he was in rush to finish session , in about ½ he we were done , massage , afters and stamp collection .
 Second massage in Phuket and second not so special . Too bad as guy was good looking ,  muscular, exactly of  type I like and if he took better care about business I was ready to invite him for private sessions of length of his choice.
After dark I went to ZAG  for few drinks and watch the show outside. Had  fun as on eof their waiters was kind of cruising me and I was cruising him, you know , drink here, wandering hand there. After 11 all were invited to move inside where show continued on the stage broken from time to time with models parade.
show at ZAG


I tipped two of them  red notes and as soon as they finished their part they came to my table to thank me , I offered them drinks so more discreet and not so discreet touches but at end of day or rather night nothing materialized . Thay had other adorates as well , waiter was pretending to be  busy so at 2 am I went to hotel alone.
 Bit excited decided still to do some walking and went to Bangla Road, Patong’s main strip and I was shocked indeed to see how busy at that late time it was ,  imagine Siam BTS station at rush hour.
 It was probably 3 when I returned to the room to catch few hours of sleep.

Day 20
Of course we forgot about sunrise and parted ways quite a while  after that. Today I’m off to Phuket.  It’s my first time there. Few people mentioned that ‘ you will forget at times that you are in Thailand “ .
On another had my friend is there ( not gay)now and he swears by the place spending most of his time in Thailand there , often bypassing Bangkok entirely. So bottom line is I’m very curious. Since my said friend is there but leaving tomorrow morning I’m booking 1 night in hotel he is staying to keep appearances and tomorrow I will move to Paradise Complex.
To Don Muang by usual combination of BTS+ MRT + SRT red line, in airport smooth. Flight with Air Asia uneventful but not very comfortable due to cramped seats but at 50$  for 90 minutes flight  I’m not one to complain.
In the airport I followed signs for ‘public bus” , there called Smart Bus. There are  3 different lines with schedules well posted and mine, in direction of Patong was departing  quite soon. Left half empty by but time we reached Patong in about 1 hr it was filled to capacity.
I alighted somewhere central, not sure where as it was my first time there , later on I learned it was quite close to Bangla road and to get to hotel I took motorsai. He quoted me 150 , I as instructed by my friend counter offered 100, immediately accepted , still too much for 6 minutes ride , even if uphill but I was in no mood to haggle for another 20 baht.
Got room with quite a nice view with Royal Paradise Hotel well visible in a distance so knew immediately where in relation to gay area I’m. My friend was waiting impatiently being hungry so soon after we were climbing to nearby recommended restaurant with the view and one of best chicken with cashews I had this trip.
 Then we went downhill to central Patong to get grip of the place and as always when one is freshly arrived, curious of every corner  and another one already 14 days there who been everywhere dozen times it was basically waste of time for both of us  but at least we stopped by one of many booths selling tours and I booked  grandly named Tour of the Island  for tomorrow morning.
Listed price was 1400 but I got it for 900 without even bargaining – lady knew my friend from few tours he booked with her so gave proper price right away. Bottom line there it seems is don’t pay listed price but if you have time , bargain down and if necessary see another 1 or 3 places and see what their price will be.  There are tons of offers but it means there’s customer pocket friendly competition. Or at least it’s  what it seemed.
Seeing my friend is itching to return to hotel as he is leaving tomorrow morning and needs to pack I gladly suggested we do ,  if only , after refreshening to return to Patong for further exploration , this time alone. Of course first steps to Paradise Complex, I located my hotel I will be moving in tomorrow, Cruise club across it , big Zag club beside in the same soi.
Soi seemed full and busy then surveyed parallel soi with massage shops where one of the guys caught my eye so I enroll his services. 500 for the shop. Further compensation was discussed inside in the process already when my suggestion he can remove his clothes as it’s too hot was countered with 3000 request. Sorry I only look as first timer so told him , no,  just go on with massage. “ how much you give me ?” he still had hopes for business , “l000’ was my offer and we settled on 1500. To be honest , still too much for what I got but it’s OK, finally my first Phuket boy.
After that I treated myself with banana  pancake for 80 ( I just paid 30 few days ago  at Sukhotai for the same ) , went to see famous Bangla Road and was amazed how crowded it was that late. Certainly Patong visitors like their fun and after declining  proposals from 3 or 7 ladies of the night there I returned to hotel.
 

Day 19
 I wouldn’t say there was a lot of fireworks that night but at least I had somebody to cling too so all good in the morning. No breakfasting together as he wanted to go at 7 and I felt still sleepy.
 This morning somehow I had urge to go to Mahanakhon, I’m never tired with thrill of stepping on that glass so after breakfast at Foodland of all place I went there to enter just when they were opening at 10.00.
Admission 880 baht before 16.30, 1080 after that but seniors only 350 no matter when. It’s good to be old thought  I paying my dues after lining up behind 30 or so people. Definitely tourism picked up and gone are days in 2021 and 2022 when that early I was lone visitor for first several minutes.
View today was so, so though with bit of smog hanging on.




 
Returning to hotel I visited K in his room in Serene Silom , nice although considering price difference I like Baan Silom better  even if there’s no pool nor breakfast there .
 We resolved to check on Jey spa this afternoon so upon returning to the room across the soi  I booked Noom there for 2 pm. Their response as always was fast. We went by BTS  and entered  just before our time . Mamasan  recognized me and welcomed me with’ welcome home;  lol . Soon Noom enters the lobby and it was one of most pleasant moments of this trip as seeing me his face beamed with smile ( we had pleasure twice before ). It was not faked smile , I could see. 1250 for 1.50 session for massage , his minimum tip is 1800 but session was too good and that smile too broad to treat him with that minimum.
 After that K and I had lunch in some place in Sukhumvit soi 12 recommended by one of my friends, one of best chicken with cashews I recently had although not cheapest.
At 19.00 meet with Floridarob in Hot Male for drink ,  chat and subsequent stroll through the sois.
While walking by Tawan Mas , the twink , noticed me from distance so I parted ways with Rob for a while and went upstairs to succumb to Mas’s skills and charms. Tip 2000 and 900 for the room, not exactly cheap treat but I like Mas .
 Upon going down guys tried to stop me for a show but I had other plans as Rob and me decided to check Sol, new bar I never venture to so far. I texted K we will be there so he joined  us soon after Rob arrived at about 22.00.
When I was entering one of boys sitting outside stopped me and said “ I know you ‘ It turned out I offed him last trip from Moonlight but I was not particularly good memory as at middle of the night he asked to leave to , what else hand over the key to his roommate or something and never did. In the morning even had nerve to ask me “ how are you this morning?”.
 Soon after we sat down inside he planted himself beside, asked for drink which I agreed , if only because he remembered me with such detail and soon after got another lesson. Boy left without finishing even half of his bottle because he was booked and his customer arrived. Then I feel like old fool indeed. Second case like that this trip.
I’m not going bankrupt because of that   but clearly some  guys need tutorial of customer service.
As for Sol crowd inside was sparse which was surprising considering it was Saturday. Perhapas 10 spectators for the show total . It was too cold as AC was set too low and way too loud. There was couple who entered and few minutes after they sat down they left – I heard girl saying that it’s too loud. One would think that with few spectators they will do everything  to keep everybody in but no, waiter  just shrugged it off so those people left and nose level was as before.
 We soldiered on , I treated one best looking guy with customary red note, we liked both participants of smoke show. All in all not bad , show and boys but cold , nose and indifferent attitude shown to those complainers make me thinking how successful they will be. I wish them luck though.
Then we went to Screwboys across the soi , It was packed but somehow they found us some place in the corner. Mamasan there , only one in universe I like always remembers that I liked one of her boys nicked One , even if that was back in 2014 ( to this day I consider him best Thai boy I ever had pleasure with ) and even presented one of the current crop as his friend so I tipped guy red note for having good connections.
 We watched bit of show but at one point  I got message from S that he is free. Since earlier I arranged with him we meet tonight to see the sunrise tomorrow it was signal to go. K and I marched to Foodland with S joining us in the soi. We  had some meal and went to my room leaving  K on his way to his own.
At Foodland at the nearby table I saw Mean, rising star of Moonlight  model pack dining with some Oriental young lady. From  what I overheard he speaks quite a good English.
S as expected was excellent companion, very fitting to finish such busy and attractions filled day.

Iconic Wat Si Chum in Northern Zone with 15m tall Buddha







 

Few more:

 

Day 15 , off to Sukhotai
No rush morning , we went for breakfast quite late, again  no problem with guest as my reservation was for two as always.
My flight to Sukhotai was at 15.30 from Swampy so no rush checking out , in fact I did it exactly at 12. 00 , by the  book. Since it was domestic flight I had plenty of time at the airport where K joined me in the waiting area..
Bangkok Airways is only airline flying there with 2 flights a day I either direction   , one in the morning and another one in the afternoon. Ticket was roughly 100$ return and flight was by turboprop , it took about 70 minutes to get there but Bangkok Airways being ‘Asia’s boutique airline” as they put in their commercials  treated us with full meal.
This is  what I saw from my window seat 

 
Sukhotai is cute small airport as one can imagine with just 2 landings and take offs a day but has all necessary amenities traveler may need including restaurant , gift shop, public toilets and for those bored waiting for their flight mini Zoo right beside and exhibition of live size dinosaurs in front of the airport complex.
 


 
There were taxis , public bus to New Sukhotai for 18 baht and well as door r to door van, option we opted for at 300 baht  per person.  Since its about 30 km to Old Sukhotai where ruins are it took about 1 hr to get there and it was getting dark already when we arrived. My hotel of choice was Thai Thai, highly recommended place of bungalows in the garden at 1200 a night. My friend decided on going bit to late  but his hotel turned out to be immediately across the street or rather small side alley  we were delivered to.
 







 
Nice touch on check in was that I got all information I possibly could look for in print. Where are stops for local busses and their prices, cost of renting bicycles or cars for sightseeing, price list for private tours  to nearby attractions of Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai-Chaliang historical parks. Location of the pool and local restaurants it was all there and also information about option how to get back to the airport. I even commented – you answered all my questions before I managed to ask them which was exactly what happened. To top it up I got also very handy map of local attractions
attached here ( keep in mind is not up to scale ).
 
After settling in , K and I went to the center for a dinner and ice cream from 7/11, walked along local night market , localized entry to central complex and returned to our room for well deserved rest before tomorrow’s expected  sightseeing  onslaught.
 

Cambodia's part of the trip is here:
  https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/41671-phnom-penh-angkor-koh-ker-and-sambor-prey-kuk-trip-to-cambodia-in-jan-2024/page/2/
Day 14 -back in Thailand
Air Asia flight to Don Muang departed on time and flight was uneventful but seats were very cramped. I guess that’s the price for cheap flight. I paid 2/3 of price of ½ hr flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
 Immigration was breeze although approaching it I saw mob unloading from another plane so I guess it was lucky timing. SRT to Bang Sue and from there MRT to Sam Yan from where short walk to Siam Heritage on Suriwong.
 Since I’m only 1 night in Bangkok I decided to check it. Never stay there as hotel had reputation for being guest unfriendly and I’m happy to report it must be thing  of the past. No problem at all, actually now  if you have card you bypass reception are and go to the elevators directly.
Room was quite big and comfortable and furnished nicely . I liked having real desk there.





 
After setting in I went to XOne and at 4 pm on Monday I had shock , I was long line up outside , when I pulled number I realized there are 10 numbers ahead of me to be taken. But look at exchange rates cheered me and fast at that. From there to Foodland to eat something.
 At 19.30 I was supposed to meet forrestreid , that’s our first meet but we already had Line contact so it was easy. Over beer in Balcony we decided to check Banana so off we went. It was early but there were 4 guys on the stage including very handsome but never seen #31. Mamasan seeing our interest explained that he is new so as welcome treat I performed world acclaimed Vinapu Tuck on him with red note and soon after forrestreid called him over to offer him  a drink.
We know that boys and mamasans have good memory but this time even I was shocked. At one point another boy entered and mamas an told me pointing at him said “ you had him before”. I looked and recognized Vu Thy immediately but still it was at end of Jan of 2023, one year and three trips ago. And it was just only one off, short time at that and I’m not that frequent visitor to Banana as I’m at Tawan , Moonlight or Hot Male. But truth is he remembered that unless he mixed me with somebody else.
Anyways another red note changed ownership for old times sake.
In meantime , after a while forrestreid send his companion back to the stage and we walked to Tawan as planned before. Crowd there was  sparse, probably more boys than customers but shortly it started to fill up and one of newcomers was K, my friend from Taiwan who decided to accompany to for 3 days  trip to Sukhotai tomorrow . He managed to get seat on the same flight but couldn’t get room in my hotel , got place  one across the street he told me .
 Of course boys there as always  tried to extract some deserved and undeserved tips but today I decided to hold the purse’s strings prompting comment from one of the boys ‘ you always had good heart, what happened ? “ but seeing my stern face expression he rushed to exclaim ‘ you still have good heart” , what a relief !
After the show we parted ways and I went to S’s bar to see if he arrived but they told me he is not working today. Good news so I promptly fired message “are we sleeping together ?” , Confirmation came within seconds, I sent him location and told him I will be waiting in front of hotel.
While waiting some disheveled passerby stopped  asking for some money for food. I was surprised because his English was quite good . It looked he came to Bangkok looking for good luck but not necessarily got it. Gave him 100 , he was more then happy as ass soon as he said his  thank yous and left taxi stopped with S emerging all in smiles .
It was plain that he is very grateful for vacations and now for an off. Surely he expected kind of payday too as we agreed he will be paid when we return. Four nights is Siem Reap plus tonight , it was a bit, but well deserved.
Like one of my forum friend says ‘it’s good to stick to our winners”

Day 12
 Today  we repeated yesterday’s morning routine, breakfast was quite pleasant affair as I noticed few other patrons including few young girls were following S when he was picking his food and drinks and I swear  I was object of their jealousy having landed such handsome guy in jeans showing quite a nice bulge.  Doubt anybody was thinking ‘ oh that’s is guy with his grandson” . I did not mind S sending some smiles toward those girls fully knowing who winner is, let them have it.
Today’s destination is Sambor Prey Kuk, temple complex predating Angkor with most temples made not of stone but of bricks  from 7th century on,  located near Khompong Thom , half way to Phnom Penh. It took us 3 hours to get there.
 Entry is 10$ , they suggested hiring guide for the same amount and I agreed . She even dragged with her another girl- guide in training. Having guide there is good idea as objects are dispersed in the forest , trails  are well marked but still  on you own one may miss this or that.
 







 
 
It took us about 3 hours to visit every corner, I tipped that trainee 5$ then we went to local restaurant for a meal , 16.50 $ for three, not  a bad deal .
 Again long trip home , fortunately today Saturday  traffic was quite light and it was driver suggestion we go there on Saturday as he was afraid Sunday traffic will be heavier.
At home S suggested artistic part – dinner with Apsara traditional dance show on Pub Street so we went there. I like when my travel companions have own ideas not only asking “what we are doing now ? ”. At the table beside us young farang couple was sitting and I noticed both of them were paying an attention to S presence . Bit later when we had chance meeting on the street they even said  " Hi " to him ignoring me entirely. You can't imagine how my fragile ego was hurt at that moment
I meantime S got message from his bar friend , Siem Reap native,  who came  to see his folks at home and when he show me his picture it turned out I also know him from 2 long time offs, one threesome included. So we went to see him , he was dining with another boy and somebody suggested ‘lets go check Barcode “.
I offered to finance that escapade but at the door we were sent away- today bar closed for some private function. Other two boys said they are going to bed and that was idea S and I borrowed from them so we parted ways every couple marching to different bed. I had another senior moment – why I did not suggest  “ lets go all to our room”. Knowing that friend there was chance idea would be approved. Oh well. S and me still managed to had some fun including feasting on some pistachios and fruit while sitting naked on balcony right above hotel’s pool closed at that hour.

Day 11
 We raised to the sound of alarm clock at 6.45, prepared goods for today’s sightseeing and made sure to be first when they started serving breakfast in hotel at 7.30 because as suspected, my driver pulled in at 8 am on the dot.
Plan for today was ambitious with 7 temples and first we set off was the farthest from the list- Banteai Srei. Not only because I consider smart thing to start sightseeing from  most distant place just in case something happens and even more important, Banteai Srei  is only temple where you can buy Angkor ticket apart from official ticket selling office on outskirts of Siem Reap.
 There are 3 kinds of tickets available – 1 day for 37 $, 3 days within 10 days for 62$ and 7 days within 30 days for 72 $. Payment in dollars only , that was only place where they are  not accepting  riels. I opted for 3 days ticket because after tomorrow I’m planning Bang Melea temple and recent change was to remove separate ticket there and include it in Angkor ticket. Good news for some and not so good as we learn for others.
Another bonus of Banteai Srei ticket office was that there we no lineups.
 That temple is one of smallest Angkor temples but definitely most richly decorated and also one of most popular so it pays to be there early which we could appreciate when leaving and hordes in vans and tour buses start arriving.



 
 
Next one is along with Ta Som my favorite -Banteai Samre. It’s quite a distance from main complex and  one of least crowded. When I was there in 2001  there was no infrastructure there at all but now there are restaurants , toilets, souvenir stands and even guys playing Khmer music for donation. Often overlooked there is former ceremonial alley leading to the temple – on your left when you approach temple complex .


 
Third one was of course Ta Som, at end of complex there gate enveloped by the tree , one of those iconic Angkor places. Again , in 2001 that tree was not trimmed yet, whet we see now is later job.
If you are there make sure to go to the very end and then turn back to appreciate the sight. I stress it because I saw people missing it ‘ lets return , it’s only that small gate there” .
 
 Then Easten Mebon as I missed her in 2022 and lunch in some restaurant picked by driver which was not a good idea to leave that to him. He led us to typical crowded and overpriced tourist locale geared toward bus tours. Not that is busted my wallet but there are plenty of places I’d chose instead.
 
After lunch we did three biggies ; Ta Prohm famous for giant trees eating into ruins but also I suspect holding them together.


Then Bayon with hundreds of stone faces with mysterious smile


 
and to crown of today’s selection Angkor Wat itself , biggest and most magnificent of them all.


 
S, my guy as I expected was ideal tour companion, interested in sightseeing with none of those ‘ are we done already ? ” . Quite opposite after climbing highest level of Angkor and subsequent wandering through all level below I was ready to skip first floor galleries only to hear ‘ what ?, lets go”. It was really uplifting to see guy so interested in his country heritage.
 
After such busy and intensive day we returned to the room quite tired. After it got dark we picked up ourselves to go for dinner and then,  I swear it was not me, S suggested we go to 168 massage for massage. So we did .
 
 My boy was quite good and good looking too. Later and in the room I senses bit of jealousy ,S asking what we did to each other with the boy and visibly not believing my answers. Massage was 10$ for 1 hr, I tipped my guy 20$, S tipped his only 6$ but he was adamant it was nothing that just massage even if I did not really care having good idea how those stores are operating.
 
Then he had another idea – to check Barcode bar so we went there but it was bit too early with only few patrons and working boys. We had drink and returned home . No need for me to stay and watch he show when I have in my room guy  better looking that their selection, not to mention of tested quality.
 

Day 10 continued - in Siem Reap
At 12 noon I left hotel , took 9$ tuk-tuk to the airport   and while flying high above Cambodia I realized that I got  infamous senior moment in the hotel. When emptying safe box I put pile of 100 000  riels ( 25$ ) in 5000 notes on the night stand and forgot to pick it up from there. Can only imagine  how happy cleaner  was finding it and hope she was not stupid enough to report it to the reception but harvested that pile in full.
As my mom used to say ‘ in nature nothing gets lost , only finds new owner”.
 In ½ hr we were landing already. Airport looks very pleasant  but was empty, our plane was only one at time I was there. My driver greeted me immediately but I told him I need to do my survey. In improvement to early reports now there’s place one can buy snacks, there are desks for taxi and public bus to the city as well as  kiosk with SIM cards. Unfortunately I couldn’t  see departure area as there are guards who are admitting actually people who are departing only.
 This tells us whole thing is Chinese  built , run and milked. There are no such restriction in Phnom Penh.
Quite possible in generation people will be marveling of how far sighted builders if this airport were but for now it’s just waste od space and money as old airport was running well and was very close to the city. I’m not buying BS that it needed to be closed because vibrations were hurting ancient temples. In my 5 visits there I never heard any plane landing or taking off. Anyways if we don’t have what we liked we must like what we have.
 It's about 1 hr. to the city and one can take car  for 35$ or van for 40$ or public bus for 8$.
Apparently there’s  also postal bus for the same 8$ but I did not find any information not stop for it there so it needs to be confirmed.
 






 
 
Half way is very modern highway which is joining old National Road number 6. One hour and 35$ later I was in hotel. Big room with balcony , separate shower / bathtub area and toilet itself. Breakfast included and even small pool at disposal, all for 40$ , life is beautiful. Knowing S is coming I was waiting for him , he updated me where he is and finally knock into door and happy squeak from him. It look he was really happy for such vacations.


 
Today we took it easy , went to Old Market area to eat something  and returned to the room as two happy people have no better place to spend rest of day and night like bed , specially knowing driver will be 8 am on the dot. I know him and was sure so instructed S to behave but forgot to instruct myself so we had some steam in the room before we fell asleep..
 
 
 

Day 10, still in Phnom Penh
 In the morning we turned fully synchronized , he wanted to go to the gym and me to Royal Palace right after they open at 8. Our good bye embrace was  quite long and then for  first time in my zillion meetings with boys in Thailand and Cambodia   I heard apology from guy that he charged me too much.
 I was quite touched  , I knew I gave him bit more than market but bit doesn’t meant twice or trice more. He told me what he needs money for and for me it sounded quite pleasurable so all I could say was ‘ my pleasure’ and there was not an inch of exaggeration in my statement. That was sweet indeed.
I could walk to Royal Palace but being strong believer of supporting local industry  I hailed tuk-tuk . Of course local industry thought I may be stupid tourist and quoted me something like 16000 for what it‘s walking distance so I offered 1$ (4000) and kept walking and of course local industry agreed ‘ ok, ok , 1 dollar” , three minutes later we were there and I spoiled local industry with 2000 tip.
 I was one of first visitors and almost felt I have place to myself  for first few minutes. Here are some pictures





 
In hour and half I completed my tour  and went to Warsaw for a breakfast hoping they will have rye bread and Polish sausage which is exactly what I was served plus some other cold cuts and cheeses. Again it was too opulent but after 10 days of feasting on hotel and Foodland treats of fried eggs and toasts I cleaned my plate.
  As cold cuts tasted surprisingly un - industrial I asked and my suspicions were confirmed. They have local source , another Polish guy who produces  sausages, hams and other treats. Chesses were from the stores though . Who would think ?, Polish ham made in Cambodia ! All that plate for 5$ ( 20000), tea included.
 Then to hotel to pack whatever little I had. On Whatsapp I contacted driver who help me  with his car in October of 2022 if he can t pick me up from the airport. I was surprised answer was immediate and on top of that he remembered  very well me and even hotel I was staying because he asked if I still will stay there. No,  this time instead of Royal Crown and Men’s  I opted for Kings’ Rock on the same side of river, around the corner from Royal Crown and walking distance to Old Market.
I guess not many tourist are hiring drivers to go to Banteai Chhmar temple so it’s how I become so memorable. He even recalled when we asked local lady how far temple is she told us about 20 minutes by motorbike while in fact it was 1 hr by car. So much about local knowledge !
 I  told him not to rush as it will be my first time in new airport and I want to walk around before  we set off for the city.

Day 9
 After my guy departed I was left with my dreams so to speak and sleep soundly till quite late. Late breakfast for 16000  in Dolce Vita, quite sumptuous and then I went to Royal Palace  as last two times I was in Phnom Penh it was still closed due to covid scare. Now is reopened for for some reason was closed today and I was directed  to come tomorrow .
So decided to treat myself with tour of island at confluence of Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers , tuk-tuk for 15$. It’s mostly new developments , in 2001 it was mostly wasteland but still at the southern top fishing village on boats survived. With new bridge  access to an island is easy but old ferries are also circulating quite frequently.
Tonle Sap river from new bridge
 
Central Phnom Penh from other side

Fishing village on the boats 

mighty Mekong in Phnom Penh

 
Returned to hotel around 13.00 hoping my last night companion will keep his word and indeed first Line came’ I’m coming soon’ and then at 1pm on the dot  he showed up greeted in the lobby by welcoming committee i.e. me. Another fabulous , no rush session and it was darkening when he left.
 I feel hungry so decided to try that Polish place I discovered last night. I chose quite typical fare of chicken soup and schnitzel with potatoes, only beer reminded me I’m dining in Cambodia , not in Europe. Very tasty but in my opinion servings were too generous for the climate. I was hungry and still did not manage to eat it all. 11$ plus tip.
My treats (glasses not included) :


 
 In meantime I received another cheering message , this time from S (day 3 ) that he is planning to join me in Siem Reap tomorrow evening.
 After exhausting exercises of last night and this  afternoon I felt bit in need of nap so went to hotel
for 2 hours sleep rightly expecting that tonight it will be another session.
 In the evening to my headquarters in Phnom Penh i.e. Space Hair. For another evening of fun there.
 My last night guy did not waste much time to inquire if he should see me come after work which I guess both of us expected to happen. I must say I got quite drunk tonight , switching to gin and tonic did  better  job  that those lady -like Margaritas and Cuba Libres.
Of course not that drunk to forget where I live or that I will have guest tonight, all was under control.
 Soon after me my guy showed up and I had impression he was even more clingy and passionate then last night and in the afternoon.
 

Day 8
My room was booked without breakfast  so in the morning  I purchased breakfast coupon  for $8, princely sum in Cambodia  and went to sister venue OK Boutique around the corner where breakfasts are served on top floor with beautiful view over central Phnom Penh.
 Yesterday I purchased tour to Killing Fields. Very sobering place where mass executions were conducted by Khmer Rouge. I was there on my first Cambodia trip in 2001 and wanted to see what changed during those years.
They were supposed to pick me up at 10.00 , I was waiting on steps of my hotel and when I got impatient 45 minutes later guide finally appeared to pick me up. We went to few other hotels to pick up other tourists as well as picked up few at another sobering place – infamous S-21 Tuol Sleng prison.     
Killing Fields  are on the outskirts of Phnom Penh and while 23 years ago road leading there was atrocious , now is paved all the way. Another thing I noticed is absence beggars without limbs , victims on landmines. Them they were I ubiquitous all over Cambodian  cities , now is rarity to see one. I wonder what happened as a lot of them then were quite young. One hopes they were taken care  of somehow.
On the road  they played movie about Pol Pot life , rise and fall, very objective and hiding nothing. Including my Cambodian  pet peeve- fact that after Vietnamese removed  Khmer Rouge, their  atrocities were will known and 2 million skulls strewn in the countryside  and still Thailand and West supported their regime of so called Democratic Kampuchea on international stage including UN seat. If we think that politics are dirty there’s no place better to contemplate it than Cambodia.
Centre point of the place is temple -like  monument with skulls on shelves, new thing there is another monument picture of which I show below.



 
Sadly,  that place along with Tuol Sleng are a must visit at least once to understand better what happened in Cambodia but also to appreciate how far country moved from that horror although past is still present and oddly house of Ta Mok, one of Pol Pot’s bloody henchmen in Anlong Veng close to Thai border is still place which I was told some locals still visit with reverence.
 I remember talking to some journalist well versed with SE Asia affairs in mid-80ties and he told me that thanks  to Khmer Rouge and their  killing spree Cambodia is only country in the region without problem of grandchildren still toiling in half slavery  to pay debts their  grandparents  took to pay for their wedding.  That would explain Ta Mok nostalgy I’d say.
 It was nice to return to vibrant city , after a bit of rest and my obligatory mid-day tea I decided to try massage at Arthur and Paul gay hotel. Inspiration came from one of our tour participants being picked up and dropped there. It looked as classy place so I said to myself “about time to see and try”.
 For 8000 riels (2 $) tuk -tuk took me there. I was hoping guy I spotted on Grindr, hunky hunk working there will be present but unfortunately no. 1.5 hr massage fee was 28$ , certainly well above Cambodian standard. There were 4 guys available, none of them   close to my type but all smiling so I picked up one whose  smile was widest.
 Room quite spiffy but container with soap in the shower was empty , not for that price thought I. After morning experience certainly I was not in the mood to complain or get sour about anything. Massage was skilled but when temperature raised and was time for masseur to remove his excessive clothing i.e. undies and towel he quoted me tip of 40$ , again quite a sum for Cambodia but if one gets massages in classy places must be prepared to pay thought I and agreed.
 At least I’m glad I tried the place. Next time I will be trying to secure that hunk I guess. Right beside Artur and Paul is Rambutan, popular in gay circles  with rooms about  half price of those at A $ &P but still twice as much I’m paying at my OK Palace . I did not need an accommodation but after  running whole day on breakfast and bottle of Hanuman Black beer I gulped on my way from Killing Fields not at 6 ot 7 pm I was hungry so  decided to eat there.
Another tourist place with prices to match ,  15$ I paid for dinner  I summarized in my diary as ‘; money not spent well” .
Upon return I  alighted on Pasteur street and then walked to soi where my friend told me Toolbox bar was resurrected    and asked me if that is true. Indeed I found it, from info I got it’s just across the soi whom old location but inside was nobody and outside was sitting lone twink , not exactly of my type but for those venturing there I confirm , Toolbox was resurrected.
 It was short walk to my hotel from there and when passing Saravoan Royal Palace hotel on street 178 I thought I have stroke . Warsaw ? Polish place that far ? Indeed it was newly opened restaurant  so for those craving Central and Eastern European food there place for you and very easy to find – right beside old location of Blue Chili bar and 200 meters from National Museum. Price list looked quite human so I took note where I will have my dinner tomorrow. Too bad I overspent at Rambutan when I could have likely better food ( I love schnitzels an European soups) for ½ price and steps from my hotel.

 
In the  room I freshened up , took shower to remove oil  after that massage , packed my pockets with money – you know my system perhaps ,50 $  this pocket, two 20$ in another few 10 , 5 and 1 in third one, some 20000 riels here and some 10000 there . This way I don’t need to show wad of money when tipping or paying bill. This all in preparation for another fun evening at Spice Hair bar.
 Walked there and when arrived, I guess it was 21.00 or 21.30  there were no customers but 7 guys on duty already. How do I know? Because seeing them unemployed I took pity and ordered 8 drinks. You should hear  an applause , probably heard as far as    Sum and Moon hotel which is next door to the bar.
 Fun started , luck had it that two guys I liked the most positioned themselves beside me and soon after bar started filling up with patrons and few more boys. Guys made sure I’m entertained, I stole kiss or 4 from guy on my left, made discretely  sure that guy on my right is not a girl by strategic hand placement   and it was well understood by asking question where’s my hotel. Hour or two later he expressed curiosity to check if I have balcony and view from it which led to suggestion  he is willing to  check it after bar closes on his way home.
I explained to him that in case he will feel tired there’s sofa in the room which led to an instruction where I’m supposed to wait for him. Around 1 at night I left , waited where instructed which took a while because as I said earlier, guys there must stay on duty as long as bar is opened . Knowing procedure it was sweet waiting. Soon after were at hotel. No fuss over bringing guest that late, no questions asked. In the room he notices sofa is not comfortable enough but bed is big and shyly ( ok, not) suggested we share it which we did in gusto.
 Fabulous 2 or 3 hours, when he left it was still dark, earlier in the bar he  offered some plausible explanation why he can’t stay till morning  so I was Ok with that , if only because he offered time compensation “ if you want I can come at 1 tomorrow “  which felt like Christmas day for me.
 

this is continuation of trip report from Thailand section at this link:
https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/41442-better-to-be-retired-than-retarded-thailand-and-cambodia-in-january-2024-trip-report-brief-but-long/#comment-374666
 
Day 7 , Phnom Penh part.
I had e-visa so immigration was breeze. I exchanged some money into riels as airport rates are only minimally lower than city ones ( 4000 vs 4065 for 1 USD).
 Some people don’t bother and are using dollars since Cambodia is practically dual currency country and is not  unusual to pay 10 $ invoice   with 6$ and 16000 riels ( 4 $) for example. Some places are quoting prices in riels  , other in dollars but both currencies are accepted everywhere and only exceptions I know is visa on arrival and tickets to Angkor ruins where one must pay in USD exclusively.
 If you decide to bring dollars just make sure notes are  intact without any tears , pinholes and writings on them, I saw 1 dollar banknotes rejected because of those infractions.
I prefer to use riels  with exception of big ticket items like boys’  tips as getting change from 50 or 100 $ bill may be problematic in country where dinner cost 5 $ and haircut 2$.
 Other airport purchase was SIM card for 1 week , it was 7$ if I recall correctly and then tuk-tuk to hotel for 9$. Those who want to save money on getting to hotel solution is to take bus from airport parking lot for 1000 or 2000 or leave airport area and get one of the waiting tuk-tuks outside for something like 5-7$ but I did not bother.
 Room was not ready so I went to Dolce Vita for lunch and returned in 1 hr to find everything ready. I stay in OK Palace hotel, twin of OK Boutique in the same soi where I stay last time. Entry to the hotel is palatial and so is   room. Both hotels are in street 19Z, appendix like short soi across from National Museum and walking distance to Royal Palace and whole central area including my Phnom Penh headquarters Space Hair bar.
hotel's entry


view from the window

sleeping machine and the room


 
 In the room I noticed I forgot phone charger in  Bangkok and girl on reception suggested I go to Kandal Market where there are phone shops. Bingo indeed. Instead of walking  10 minutes I took tuk tuk for whopping 4000 and returned in style by cycle rikshaw for the same amount.
 After setting in I walked around admiring smells and sounds , bought tour to Killing Fields  for tomorrow and at around 21.00 I walked to 136 street to my headquarters – Space Hair bar.
 I wish we had something like that in Bangkok although they operate on different formula . Staff are exclusively hunky and in shape – see sample from their recent Facebook.

Almost all guys from the picture were present  on at least one    of three nights I visited there. As always almost means one was absent and that one was precisely one I wanted to see as we met already quite closely  before. But if I don’t have what I like , I like what I have.
Boys there are only to accompany you for drinks and talk. Forget about offs and off fees. Surely if you have designs on one or more you must be very , very discreet and be prepared  for meeting absolutely outside working hours. Boss there , while very sympathetic is also very strict and serious about those rules. Cambodian Prince I had debacle with last year was fired on the spot  for leaving 1 hr. earlier than scheduled and apparently only because he got drunk
 Drinks are not expensive 4-6 $ but if you get heated like me , they add up but this is cost of fun. Some guys are somewhat touchy-feely , others less so, kiss or 7 can be stolen after few rounds of drinks , hand and knee holding is available and generally is a lot of fun. Guys are not pushing you for drinks  and absolutely no word of ‘ tip’ is spoken but obviously depending on time they sat with you  and how long you were holding their knee or hand you should tip them. I gave 5- 10 $ to those few who sat with me for prolonged time. Drinks are what oils bar keep in mind so when boy empties his buy him another one or he may choose to, leave your table.
But there are absolutely no situations like I had sometimes in Thai bars when boy gulped his drink in on ego and was looking for another one. It’s why I wish we have such bar in Bangkok. Easy , pleasant and no hard sell tactics.
Not only boys got plenty of drinks but also myself so when I was leaving at about 2 am I was quite drunk and 90$ lighter , not to mention about 100 000  distributed for tips. But it was fun worth of every minute and every penny spent. Unfortunately I went home empty handed so to speak. I had designs on one of their boys but neither one of us was brave enough to start serious discussion.
 Before I went to bed for fun I checked Grindr and had “ Hi “ from quite attractive looking guy but had that senior moment and did not realize that this guy ( I’m notoriously bad reading people from pictures ) was indeed one I had designs on in bar. It only dawned on my next day in the afternoon. But by then damage was done. Not only I spent night in cold bed but also he figured out that I rejected him and was doing his best to show that he cooled to me. Oh well, lesson learned

Day 6
 Solitary breakfast at Foodland Patpong generated comment from  one of servers ‘ alone today? “ .
I was about to answer  ‘ none of you f….ng business “ but fortunately Guardian Angel restrained me  and I  said nothing.
Certainly we are much less anonymous on the scene than we wish  for and then we think we are. Not sure it’s good or bad but it’s good to be aware about the fact.
 After breakfast  I joined my friend  for some sightseeing of Sukhumvit area. We visited new mall Em Something at soi 22. I was not impressed but my friend was. I don’t fly that far to wander through the malls , no matter how shiny. But at least I kept him from s Silom area and possible chance meeting of boy loudly asking “ Can I  sleep with you tonight?”.
 Mindful that I expect guest in the afternoon I was thinking how to part our ways but fate was on my side, friend ate something unfriendly  for breakfast and decided  to retire to his room to cure both diarrhea and jet lag and I went to hotel  on my way stopped at KFC of all places because N , my guest  loves  their stuff so I bought big bucket and as soon as I got it message on Line arrived with N asking to buy some KFC stuff for him as he is on his way. Perfect timing.
N works nights so arrangements we have is whenever  he feels like seeing me during day
( translation : can use some money ) he tells me day ahead he can come and if I’m free I tell him yes, see you tomorrow . If I have another plans I tell him no, next time . No fuss,  clean and clear arrangement. He is great guy who reads me very well and has only one fault – doesn’t kiss. He is not only one who don’t although his lips are particularly kissable and is shame they are so wasted
 So we had few hours of fun and all started shockingly, yes as soon as we closed door and embraced he planted sophisticated and long lasting  kiss on me. I almost fainted or may be I did , just don’t remember ? After I got my breath again he told me ‘this is my new year gift to you “ . How not to like such considerate guy ?
 So we had  quite a nice and long, no rush session this  afternoon . No we did not spent all that time eating from that bucket but certainly we tasted a bit. Rest I suggested he can take and treat his friends at work which it turned out was exactly he wanted to ask me. No doubt we understand each other very well. Since his English is good we can always break sinful activities with some sophisticated conversation.
At 19.00 he declared it’s time to say good bye as he doesn’t want to be late at work . asked about my trip plans and promised to see me again before I go home “ but no kiss , I kiss you again next trip “ .
I’m clinging to that promise expectantly as it was truly nice surprise.
 I have somebody else coming tonight so just to make sure I went to Thainya to exchange some money. Normally I do it at XOne but today was Sunday and they are closed . Jewelry shop at end of Thainya on the left coming from Sala Daeng is open daily till late and they have pretty good rates so if readers are in need of money exchange late or on Sunday that is the place to go.. I noticed that on Sundays those booths in the area which are opened have rates quite uncompetitive – market economy in situation when most are closed.
When I returned to hotel I met K , my Taiwan friend  who arrived yesterday and is staying in the same hotel . We exchanged news and upon learning I’m going to Sukhotai after returning from Cambodia he expressed intention of going there as well so I furnished him with info about flight I’m taking and hotel I’m staying there.
 At 22.00 I was supposed to meet A, muscle semi god who seems to have left scene recently. I did not see him in his bar , when asked mamasan  there answer was very vague ‘ we don’t know if he returns and when ’. Nevertheless  Line contact worked and he was free tonight. He changed his hairstyle and was actually him who first spotted me approaching although there’s no chance in hell  I would miss such hunk sitting  / standing  / walking anywhere.
 We went to restaurant to eat something, bill was quite high but blame is on me as I was one to pick up that place. I tried to find out what is his reason for such departure from the scene  but my joking question ‘ do you have boyfriend or girlfriend now ? ‘ was met with but reluctant answer “ I know many people ‘ so I left my curiosity unsatisfied. He looked good and happy so I guess he has it good and I’m happy for him.
 Boyfriend , girlfriend or monk , in the room he was great as always and seemed as happy  as I was so another 6th overnight meeting this trip was chalked off as ‘outstanding ‘. For tip he asked it should be I thought   but at least he delivered big and in style.
 
 

Day 5
At first day did not look good for me. At midnight I got message that my friend from hometown arrived in BKK which I expected and wants to meet in the morning which I did not expect. He is one of those types who talk first , think later so is better to keep him away from personal affairs as he may be random source of unwelcome leaks.
After my Tawan guest left I dressed and went to meet my friend. Since it was his first visit in several years and he is fan of public transport we made tours of new subways , monorails  , red line  DMK which took sus better part of day and finally we landed at Madid Tavern  to treat ourselves with pizzas. There he confessed that we need to part ways as he feels sleepy after long flight and I skillfully pretended I’m so disappointed but of course as victim of jet lags myself I understand.
So with sunset I regained my freedom.
There’s another arrival I’m expecting today , that is K , my friend from Taiwan but he is safe bet and big fan of Tawan boys. He told me will be staying in the same hotel I do.
N, guy not from the scene I met few times before and who was away to see his parents for last week  sent me also a message hat he returned and  is free tomorrow afternoon and if I want , he may visit me in my room.   
My plan for tonight was to repeat meeting with Y and went to Moonlight to pick him up. Fortunately he was still free , as a bonus he was not hungry so  I decided to skip the  show and we went straight to my room for another,  this trip 5th  fabulous session.  It was supposed to be long time , till breakfast,  but  in the middle of the night his phone rung and female voice was heard.
Bit embarrassed he told me it’s his sister who just arrived at Mor Chit called and wants him to go there and pick her up . We had similar situation in July but then he knew and informed me in advance, this time is was bit of surprise. I don’t think he staged it , after all we met quite a few times in last few trips so he should know there's no need for stories and he suggested that I shave 2000 baht ! of his agreed tip for letting him go early. That was fair and I did not make any fuss over it giving him benefit of doubt while seeing glass  half full – finally I get some decent sleep.   
 

Day 3
Raya has breakfast again at 250 per person if not included in the rate. Buffet style and all dishes very tasty. Pleased to see that guy I remember from my first stay there good 10 years ago is still working there although I have an impression he looks like 10 years older but what do I know? 
Today I’m moving to Baan Silom so after breakfast when Y left I packed what I have and rolled me suitcase there. Since it was bit early I was told to return at 2, left suitcase on reception and via Tourist boat went to Grand Palace are to browse stores there. It was good move as I required some old Thai banknote for my collection , one I was looking for  for quite a while.
This of course created an opportunity to invite somebody to admire and assess new acquisition. Upon return to hotel I was bit jet lagged- day 3 is usually my worst and collapsed on the bed for about 2 hours.
Woke up quite hungry as I did not eat anything substantial since breakfast and decided to go to Unseco designated world famous Foodland Patpong for a dish picture of which is attached below.

No prize for guessing it’s name though.
Then wandered for about 1 hour through the area and decided to go to HotMale upstairs to see if S would be there as I kind of believe he will be best suited to see my new old Thai banknote. He was mentioned in my reports before as only boy taken for  a tour ( of Grand Palace  back in 2022 ) who genuinely was interested in sightseeing , even trying to explain us some paintings in the area around Emarald Buddha temple.   
 
At 21.15 bar was still very quiet. Few farangs were holding court and soon after they took 4 or 5 boys with them. S was  there so I grabbed him right away even if there was no competition in the audience. Remembered from last trip when two girls were looking at him lustily when he was sitting with me already. Of course he accepted idea of seeing my new purchase not only right away but also in the morning where light will be more natural.
By time we finished our drinks and took off two farangs showed up  ( separately), gulped their drinks and left empty handed. Nobody was in the  audience when we  were leaving at 10 pm so it looked as quiet night and still quite a few offs from the bar.
Via 7/11 across the hotel we went to my room and of course in  a heat of the moment we forgot about my new trophy. No harm done.
It turned out that next week he is going to see his folks in Cambodia and by sheer coincidence I will be in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap at the same time as well. He asked to join me for the whole week but since I had some designs on Phnom Penh I suggested he will join me for 4  nights I will be in Siem Reap.   We left discussed particulars of that trip for Line and spent rest of  time together how it was supposed to be spend. Third night in row and third fabulous. I started to count my blessings already !

Day 2
First full day and kind of quiet. After energetic night and jet lag still lingering  I took it easy. D and me had breakfast at Foodland of all places and parted ways. As it happened I did not see him anymore this trip even if visited Tawan quite a few times, Perhaps he went home or it was just bad luck.
I had some dental work to do at Thai Smile. Passing by I stepped in just to book an appointment but doctor was  expected to be free in few minutes and since I had money on me I just wait and had it done . Then feeling bit sleepy decided to energize myself with massage so went  to soi 6 and Nut from Maha spotted me approaching from mile away and grabbed me  right away. Sweet , talkative , tiny but  very muscular guy and I was happy with our 1.5 hr session. Massage made me hungry so I took motorsai to Charoen Krung soi 49, you guessed rightly to Madrid Tavern for my first pizza this trip.
 Late afternoon jet lag made me wanting badly to get some sleep so I returned to the room, set my alarm for 21.00 as I was supposed to pick up Y at Moonlight as agreed yesterday and collapsed on the bed.
It was good idea with that alarm since I was sleeping soundly. After making myself looking decent – in Thailand I have habit to shave just before I hit bars in the evening and went to Moonlight. Y was there already , I bought him a drink and told him we will go after the show.
 At 10 pm bar was almost empty bar even if it was half an hour before show. But models and floor boys soldered on regardless. By 11 filled up nicely to about half capacity.
Show quite decent. There, s new model, I guess his nick is  Sam or similar. Quite handsome . Several new, floor boys, as well. Lack of crowds did not mean disaster as some high spending farang was holding court and was distributing tips by a handful.
Y when sitting with me  asked by said farang to join for round of drinks. Y asked my permission and he said  for 15 minutes only. I agreed and it was a good move costing me nothing. After 15 minutes, and gulping 2 or 3 shoots he was clutching in his fist no less than 900. 
So it seems that sparse crowd doesn’t mean financial disaster. All depends. On another hand during my time there i.e. 10 to 11.45 my off was only one and I was, sitting in good position to see comings and goings through the door. So at 11.45 we went to Happy Beer Garden to have some meal, no prize for guessing what I had. Y ordered something simple as well which can’t be said about most boys I used to invite there.
Since Raya is across the street few minutes after paying the bill we were already in the shower. Y never disappoints and did not even try to this time either. 2nd night and 2nd great one. Will I ever get decent sleep while in Thailand?

Day 1
 That will be short one as I said arrived at 17.40. Immigration line was hair rising but speed was world beating. It was second longest I saw in BKK ever and still with all boths opened and personnel wisely directing internationals even to “ASEAN or Thai only” booths when they were free it moved shockingly fast.
 By time I bought SIM card my luggage was out already and in exactly 75 minutes from plane touching tarmac I was already waiting for train at the platform.
 Raya, where I opened door exactly 47 hours and 45 minutes after closing my home door,  was informed that I will miss previous night but at least room was waiting for me ( no refund for no show) so I unpacked , desoiled and went to 7/11 to buy some necessities in process took circular way through Thaniya and Patpong 2.
 At 21.00 I was supposed to meet J, our member  at G’Bangkok , soi 4. As it happened his last day was mine first. So we caught on news and food and  being already in soi 4 we decided to go to Jupiter . On recent trips  somehow it’s always first bar I’m visiting. Due to esthetics as their boy collection  beats them all not a bad place to start.
 I’m not being big fan of Jupiter due to their policy requiring boys to appear cold , aloof and uninterested. This of course changes right away after one invites boy to seat beside but still  I don’t like it as can’t gauge if g boy is treating me as transparent because I deserve or because boss told them so.
 Of course looking at them during their walkouts is pure pleasure , smile or not. And soon after we sat down first round started. I tipped red note two of them including hero of my many stories and veteran of dozen if not more  offs over the years HC (Handsome Cambodian).
 I did not count on anything other than may be nod and shy smile during next round acknowledging tip and my presence. But disappointingly during next walkabout I was still transparent air. There were few  smiles but not at me and not by me tippees .  That was bit discouraging and disappointing so  when J, who in meantime had some hunk  sitting beside  signaled he is ready to go I gladly went with them. This was my only visit at Jupiter this trip or as my father would say “ this trip I was there two times - first and last”.
 Outside I wished guys fun , to J also safe trip home and we parted ways. I went to Moonlight hoping Y will be available but he was already booked to tonight so I secured his presence for tomorrow by slipping him and mamasan who leeched on me immediately remembering me very well from previous visits red note each and went to Hot Male beer bar where P was present so I offered him  a drink and in process asked about option of accompany me tonight.
 He agreed but I sensed answer is kind of  suspended. On top of it , even it treated with drink , instead of keeping me company  he was constantly on the move here and there.  At some point when I noticed he is going to bar upstairs with some female patron I did one of best things this trip, right on the first evening – paid for both drinks and just took off.
 As it was past midnight I decided to try my favorite corner in Bangkok at soi 6 and Suriwong. That the place where Tawan boys use to drink after bar closes. Tonight it was only D solitary drinking from small Hong Thong bottle. We meet many times in the past, now he is in bit less of shape but his skin is still as smooth as baby’s and  being late I made another best decision, drunk or not I asked if he wants to go with me.
 Happy smile and nod. He wanted to ride his motorsai but I declined and we walked to Raya. Holly Molly, he was always quiet and bit reserved companion , very suitable for 1st night after long trip but not tonight.  I was hoping for pussy cat but instead  got lion, very sweet lion indeed. As close to boyfriend experience as one can dream about. It was almost shocking in a best sense.  I guess blend of being bit drunk and  probably not being offed   for some time contributed to that energy. What an introduction to Bangkok and a trip  and end of day 1 !!!