baobao

Anonymous Testing
Thai Red Cross offers anonymous testing for HIV and STDs.  I don't know if Pulse Clinic does, but they seem pretty "woke", so one could check there as well.
SWING is an excellent support/health group for the gay & trans sex workers.  I don't know if they provide testing for customers or the general public, but they could be another source.
On/Off Use. 
As I understand it, going on/off PrEP is fine, as long as you follow the guidelines.  This means always getting tested - for HIV and kidney function - before starting/resuming and getting tested again when you stop.  Again, just to point out, PrEP can fuck up your kidneys if they are not healthy and kidney health has nothing to do with your sexual escapades.  So you can't really make a judgment about the state of your kidneys on your own.  So proper testing for HIV and kidney function, etc., is essential.  [I follow this particular regimen myself.]  It is not a drug that should treated like a recreational viagra.  
Do Not Let the Perfect be the Enemy of the Good
PrEP is important and useful.  It does not protect against STDs and it doesn't promise 100% protection against HIV.  I am pretty sure, however, that the health professionals who work with sex workers in Thailand (and elsewhere), strongly advocate PrEP for those who are eligible.  When I read posts here sometimes the "oh it's imperfect" seems to drown out how good and important it is.  
The organizations that provide free PrEp and support to sex workers such as SWING, and Pulse for those who pay, and Thai Red Cross for anyone, make regular periodic testing a part of their PrEP programs.  There are bound to be exceptions, of course, but these guys/gals are actively taking care of their health.  Having a discussion with your guy about PrEP and where he goes for PrEP and testing is a perfectly fine thing to do.  
Because I have had the unpleasant task of accompanying an acquaintance to be tested for HIV where the results were positive, I almost always end up talking about PrEP with working guys I get to know.  
In my non-statistically valid sample of Hornet guys in Bangkok, identifying as "Negative on PrEP" does not mean they will necessarily bareback.  (applause!).  
 

I was in Pattaya for 3 nights / 4 days late April (first time back in over 16 months after I swore I would not return) and found the change very obvious after some time away
Boyztown
Toyboys - still same polite / good management but too many of the older Laos / Khmer boys still clinging on there, was steadily busy (a good bar still) but badly needs some new blood I felt, couple of the newer Khmer boys were very easy on the eye though
Cupidol - definitely the most fun bar & boys in Boyztown for me, only bar I offed a couple from but one of them I'd know already for 2 years, but fairly weak management
BoyzBoyzBoyz - walked inside, decided not to stop...boys in jeans and not a lot going on
Dreamboys - plenty of boys on stage but felt a lot more str8 than past years, less gay boys that my gaydar could discern...but had a fun couple of drinks in there and my off from Cupidol asked to go in to say hello to a Khmer pal
X-Boys - lord....still trotting out the old WWB style shows, poor mama who's known me for year assured me there were a couple of guys I would like so I nursed my G&T and grimly hung on thru the decades old candle wax shows etc...when said boys did appear I felt no stirrings in my boxer briefs and so politely departed after dispensing a few tips
Jontien Complex
Only made it to here one night and had a couple of drinks in Sun bar with 3 guys I knew which was funny, seemed to be more people around that in BT but still very quiet on previous years...but that's low season.
Went to morlam one night and was still fun but so damn hot to be drinking beer outside in an open field
However I DID still have a fun 3 days there as met up with 2 Thai, 2 Khmers, 1 Laos & 1 Myanmar in the time (2 of those were bar offs)....but most of them were working other jobs now and I've know for a few years (catching up after time away is always pleasant)...there's still fun to be had just not as much in the bars these days. 

I hate (sort of) being a broken record, but don't forget "Chill Out Boy" on Patpong 1.  It's been open a few months now.  Patpong 1 won't have the fun views of any of the Soi T places, but Chill Out is pretty nice and gay.  give it some time and support and who knows?   Chill Out  

Fantastic news! I doubt if any poster will be as warmly welcomed as you, dear Shameless Mack. Once you are settled in, please, please keep up your contributions with your own slant and details of the bars and massage spas. I still have your old body analyses and your proposal for a new go-go bar. Had someone followed your design - and been able to pay the tea money to the BIB - I believe it would have packed in the customers.

So just a quick update. 
My In-laws just landed a couple of hours ago and were very grateful for this service. Someone met them at the airplane exit took them in a golf car to passport control for fasst track, then helped them with the luggage and took them straight to the car to Pattaya where they will spend two nights before meeting us in BKK. They were indeed very grateful and appreciative. I hope that gives me and my husband enough points for lots of babysitting in our weekend in BKK.
Thanks for the great advice. 
32 hours to liftoff!!!

That ketamine was used was already widely known through one of the excellent Australian TV documentaries which focussed on a speech given by Craig Challen who accompanied his fellow Australian, the anaesthetist Dr. Richard Harris. I don't think many are aware how much is owed to Dr. Harris. He spent a great deal of time in the cave with the boys, getting to know them and getting them to trust him. As Challen stated, Harris did a fantastic job. The boys had no hesitation in literally putting their lives in his hands as he administered the ketamine to put them to sleep.
It was also Dr. Harris who decided on the use of ketamine rather than other more obvious tranquillisers. Ketamine is more regularly used in veterinary surgery and had rarely before been administered to young children, especially children in a very weakened state.. Prior to making that decision, Harris contacted anaesthetist colleagues around the world for their advice. Since the effect of the dosage would wear off some time before the boys were out of the cave, Dr. Harris also had to train some of the other divers on how to  assess the condition of each boy and then administer a top-up dosage. Only the Lord knows what would have happened if that top-up dosage had been too little or too much.
When we return to this wonderfully uplifting story of great courage, we should never forget that even as the first boy was being evacuated from the cave, not one member of the large rescue team believed all 13 would emerge alive. The rescue was so complex it was assumed that some of the boys would certainly die. One of the crucial American team said the casualties could be as high as 60% - as many as 8 of the group. This information was relayed to the Prime Minister before the go-ahead was given for the rescue to start.
Magnificent news  (although it took place some weeks ago) that both Harris and Challen were awarded the honour of being the 2019 Australians of the Year.

I agree that it was previously reported that the boys were sedated to prevent the possibility that they may be seized by panic during their escape. 
What differentiates this news item is that it appeared in one of the most respected medical journals. It describes why the controversial drug, ketamine, was used "off label."
I understand that it may not be of great interest to all readers, but it underscores the excellent judgement by the doctor who decided that it was appropriate in these circumstances. Ketamine has the potential for adverse side effects, especially in young people. That all of the boys survived the periling rescue is a testament to that decision and the bravery of their rescuers. 
Although the New England Journal of Medicine, like The Lancet, is published primarily for the benefit of medical professionals, the topic of the article did not go unnoticed by the world press when it was published April 4th under the title Prehospital Care of the 13 Hypothermic, Anesthetized Patients in the Thailand Cave Rescue. The following are the authors who submitted their experiences to the publication:
Maj. Chanrit Lawthaweesawat, M.D.
Medical Association of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
Richard Harris, B.M., B.S., F.A.N.Z.C.A.
SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Maj. Gen. Wutichai Isara, M.D.
Royal Thai Army, Bangkok, Thailand
Krit Pongpirul, M.D., Ph.D.
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Major news services across the globe picked up the story and that's how it came to my attention. It was not my intent to rehash old news but to post updated information about a story that captured the hearts of many members.
https://www.nejm.org/

Guilty as charged! It's me. Glad to be back in the region after seven long years on the other side of the planet, hopefully as shameless as ever.

I have to say, this country has pulled together since the tragedy and not become the side show that America becomes after tons of these incidents. 
This video really moved me.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2019/mar/18/students-perform-haka-to-pay-tribute-to-classmates-killed-in-christchurch-video

Yes, several times. Timely, dependable and pleasant folks, start to finish.
A friend with more mobility issues than I regularly used the full range of options: met when getting off the plane, golf cart to immigration, VIP line through immigration, luggage pick up at the carousel, taken directly out to where the limo was waiting and delivered to the front door of his hotel.  It made the trip possible for him.  Because you're brought through the Diplomatic lanes at Immigration they DO request no tank tops, flip flops or "other wear that might be deemed inappropriate by the officers". 
Around $55USD if you also book a limo (at an additional cost), a little more if you want to get your own taxi.

Yes, several times. Timely, dependable and pleasant folks, start to finish.
A friend with more mobility issues than I regularly used the full range of options: met when getting off the plane, golf cart to immigration, VIP line through immigration, luggage pick up at the carousel, taken directly out to where the limo was waiting and delivered to the front door of his hotel.  It made the trip possible for him.  Because you're brought through the Diplomatic lanes at Immigration they DO request no tank tops, flip flops or "other wear that might be deemed inappropriate by the officers". 
Around $55USD if you also book a limo (at an additional cost), a little more if you want to get your own taxi.

AEC is a nice little massage shop that has just opened up on Suan Phlu.  If you are walking from Sathorn it's in an a small alley on the right side opposite and just past the intersection with Soi 6.  The google map location is accurate.  Map  Website  Line ID 6395rich   
I took the guy they offered but there are about 4-6 guys who work there.  All are probably mid-20s.  All pretty good looking above-average, different types.  I am sure you can pick from the guys available or by picture if you book ahead.  I was happy to take the guy offered.
I counted about 3-4 fairly good sized massage rooms.  shared bathroom/shower at the end of the hall.  massage room walls do not go to the ceiling.  no stairs.  massage rooms have oversized tables with face cutout.  Shower alone before and after.  
Masseur was clothed (underwear) throughout.  I think if I had asked he probably would have dropped his clothes, but I didn't care so why not let him be comfortable.  He certainly did not mind some good-natured groping at appropriate times.  Massage was absolutely fantastic.  He asked hard or soft massage and I gave the passive aggressive "medium" answer, so the massage was a little on the soft side but very good very very sensual throughout.  five stars on the massage.  Happy ending was an expertly given hand job.  A bit unusual he continued to massage me during and after the happy ending so the whole experience was just an organic flow from massage to more sensual to HE back to more massage.  Nicely done.
 One hour aroma oil 500 baht.  90 minutes 800 baht.  I don't think it's a brothel in the style of the nearby Prince.  The prices reflect that.  What you get is a bit of better massage than usual Prince and all the guys are very friendly.  It's a very nice warm and welcoming shop.  If a good old f***ing is what you're interested in, by all means reach out to the shop.  I think I've seen them on Grindr, so if you want they'll probably be game.  
I didn't see a minimum tip listed.  I had a 90 minute massage and tipped 1,500 and I think we were all happy.  
Definitely going back.  

That sounds like the best idea overall - thank you. He's traveling with a taxi service I've had good luck with for the last few trips and they've replied advising him to allow five to six hours for the trip, too. 

On reflection, Kokopelli, I'm inclined to agree with you. Certainly don't want to be equated with that individual. I realize that I could have been just as effective an advocate for my position without stooping to The Donald's level.
I believe this thread offers many insights into the influence our posts have on those who read them. PeterRS has done a fine job of describing how a post can take on an unintended consequences that OP didn't necessarily set out to do. The ambiguity of the story triggers uncertainty of motive and from there we're off to the races. I'm convinced that all participants had good intentions in their replies. It may have become argumentative  but it also featured much humor and spontaneity--all good stuff in a well-followed post.
As I reflect back on the last few days, I believe the Covenant and Code of Conduct (you can find the Guidelines tab below the masthead) deserves reading by all of us. It was Divine Madman, I think, who called attention to it shortly after the forum was reorganized. By adhering to its tenets, I believe we can all keep this an interesting, civil forum where ideas and information can be exchanged and shared in a respectful--even friendly--environment. It's not necessary that agree with everything but we (and I certainly include myself) have a responsibility to maintain that welcoming atmosphere that allows the forum to fulfill its mission.
BTW, Kokopelli, that was one clever rejoinder you made.
 

I reckon the problem with the distinction between truth and fiction is not that chat rooms should rely wholly on truth. That would be impossible. As with the bunch of friends mentioned by bucknaway earlier in the thread, there may well be an element of falsehood in a story to ginger it up, to make our friends feel we have more success at sex than they, or we are better at our work coz we got a raise. Thats pretty standard banter.
IMO it is different if one of the friends outlines a completely false story. In the telling there is likely to be the odd nudge and wink interspersed with the narrative and eventually it is likely the narrator will burst out laughing before he gets to the end as he sees his friends being taken in. So all ends well.
The problem in a chat room where a respected long standing member starts a thread that is totally false - no matter that it is a repetition of old threads or is outrageous in its implications - there are no nudges and winks unless smilies are used. In the OP here, no smilies were used. Without them, what are most members supposed to think? Naturally that it is the truth. Popping white or other lies into an existing thread is perhaps not unusual, but starting a thread that is a total lie is, again in my view, not merely silly. It is dangerous. Dangerous because it opens the floodgates for others to do the same. And then how does anyone distinguish truth from fiction, the more so when it is an established poster? Trip reports depend to a large extent on accuracy from the reporter. If they become fiction, what happens to gaythailand?
All chat rooms have their trolls, hydras and others determined to derail these friendly porch side chats. Thankfully Scooby and Michael have done a great job keeping them off this Board and congratulations to them for that. One or two have crept in but with the exception of Beachlover who hoodwinked several Board moderators and owners for a long time, members here are basically genuine. I certainly hope it can be kept that way. Cheers!

The airport bus to jomtien stops at few places before stopping at jomtien bus station. The bus station is walking distance to jomtien complex but for the first two nights of my visit, ill be staying in ambiance, boyztown. So i cross the road and wait for the seongtaw to south pattaya. The bus stopped right in front of boystown soi where ambiance is, so i alight the bus and pay 10 baht to the driver. As i walked in boystown the first time, i already saw masseurs sitting outside scandic as well as body massage, ambiance. Went straight to ambiance reception and went up to my room, at the top most floor, lvl 5, with a terrace facing boystown. I unpacked, put my valuables in the safe and clean up a bit before heading out for dinner.
After dinner, i make a stroll down walking street, all the way until the end and walked a bit toward bali hai pier. I stopped at the beach where i saw a group of thai boys playing sepak takraw, a traditional sports that is popular in south east asia, where thailand and malaysia has always been in the final of sea games for many years already. I stay and watch the game for a while, not because i love the sports, cant even play it, but because of the boys haha. Few of them are shirtless but one particular guy is actually in good shape, six pack, natural  lean body haha. Hopefully picture below is acceptable here. If not please remove it. Walking street is also interesting place for taking pictures, and the straight have it all over here. So many varieties of girl bars, russian, indian, and of course thais with so many interesting themes like white bar, ice bar. After the walk, getting a bit sweaty, went back to hotel to shower and get ready for boystown visit. 
I planned to do a stroll first, just to know what bars and their locations. Ive asked advice from members (Vinapu especially) on where ill have better chance finding the kind of boys i like in pattaya. Muscles hunk to put it simply. Some recommended bars for me to see were BBB, Abomb, Toyboy and massage places like Copa, Scandic and Ambiance (body club massage) at first i didnt see where abomb is, but figured out its on a different street along with xboys, kawaii, and dreamboys. I went out of hotel a bit after 9pm, and thought i mustve missed the BBB parade. Guess ill try to be earlier tomorrow. One thing i like about most bars in pattaya is the dont have any issues if we want to have a peak first before going in and buy drinks. So i started to just do exactly that in most bars, went to see kawaii, 4-5 boys all too skinny for me, abomb, 2-3 boys only, too average, xboys, more boys here, maybe 10 or so, but each time they open the door, the boys and mamasan will clap so i didnt stay longer to see lol. I didnt peak into toy boys since their door was open so i can just see from outside. No one that interest me tonight. I also noted the show times for some bars, xboys have 3 show but i didnt go in for their show tonight. Castro also have underwater show but mainly drags and ladyboy. So tonight, i decided to go for BBB show. 
Its my first boy show in pattaya and i must say that this is definitely the best shows ive seen so far. I walked in before 10 to a 3 quarter full bars, and probably 30-40 boys on stage and with customers. It definitely the closest to dreamboys bangkok in terms of number and quality of boys, and at least during my visits, its better than dreamboys bangkok. The bad news is most boys are fully dressed, like those in jupiter. Thank god that some of the boys are still shirtless, maybe 3-4, and one guy actually have muscular body and good looking face, that can rival most boys in bangkok. Needless to say, even before the show starts at 10.30pm,i already thinking of offing him, before he got snatch by someone else. I called mamasan, and asked if he can sit next to me, and buy him a drink. Sitting close to me, he is even georgous, everything physically is perfect for me. He only wears a shorts thats up to the knee. Asked the usual screening questions and didnt take long before i off him. One big caveat for me, he dont like long time and wont be going with me long time tonight, but for that body and look, i still bite. 
As i said, the show is one of if not the best shows of all gogobars that ive been. I told the guybi want to watch the show, and he stays with me but says he will go outside during the show and come back when shows ends. He says he dont like to watch the show. Owh well. As it turns out, more and more customer starts to come and soon, all seats were occupied by customers. Its basically a full house by the time the shows starts and i realized my seat isnt ideal for the show, obstructed view. The show starts with few muscular men doing calisthenics stunts, things id pay for a ticket to see. Then they have bbboys shows, shower shows, masturbation show, complete with ejaculating cum to the audience at the front row lol. The bbshow is definitely hot, 2 of the dancer is definitely the cutest dancer, very manly and looks like korean pop star, and of course, they both got my tips. The morbidly obese guy doing a hand stand twist and a split was definitely a great ending. Its one quality show after another, pure art. Since the guy i off didnt seat with me during show, i can pay more attention to the shows. There is also more erotic shows done by some of the boys on stage, one in particular i really like, and during the big cock show, he participate, so i waited until he come to me, and give his penis a handshake with tips lol. I totally enjoy the shows, and once the show is finished, the mamasan announced that there will be another show in boys music bar at 12:30pm. Anyway, i went outside to get my guy and told him we can go to hotel now. He asked if i have the essentials, i said yes and he told me to move first. I told him my room is just next door in ambiance, so we walked through the reception, the guy at the counter seems to know him, and asked if i wanted popper, which i refuse, and off we go to my room. 
He likes the room, we chat a bit but his english is limited so i went to shower to clean up and so does he. My session went well, he did all i asked him to, even with language barier, he understand most of the usual lingo and sign language. His body is definitely to die for haha. Even if he is a dud, id still be happy with him by my side and letting me touch, carress, squeeze his body. He told me earlier he would go back to bar after the session which i totally understand. I shouldve said he was free to be with other client for drinks etc when i watch the show alone, but i didnt, maybe because i was hoping he would sit with me lol. Anyway, the session went great for a short time. And with that body and look, i might be bias in my assesment but i am left happy lol. He left around 1am or so, and carefully and playfully asked me for extra tips, and since i really like him, but dont want to encourage begging of money without any effort, i told him to kiss me and ill give those extra tips haha. He didnt hesitate at all lol. I also told him the next time i take him, i want long time. Its my first night in pattaya and i landed a gorgeous hunk. To be honest, its one of a guy Vinapu had taken before too, and i only know this after i asked his name when he sits with me. Its my first and last short time of this trip. He invited me to have a drink at boys music but i am tired and spent already, so i told hin i am going to sleep and we say our good bye. I slept through the day and woke up only at 10 or so am the next day, first day i actually skipped breakfast this trip

Truer words were never spoken. As someone who has had boys use my computer to sign in to various sites such as GayRomeo etc , and then forget to sign out it is hard to believe what the boys have to deal with. It is not a one way street!

From The Nation
Asia’s largest LGBTQ exhibition to open in Bangkok later this year
In keeping with the Kingdom’s progressive stance on LGBTQ rights, a major art exhibition exploring gender rights in Asia is to be staged in the capital.
“Spectrosynthesis II- Exposure of Tolerance: LGBTQ in Southeast Asia”, the largest-ever survey of regional contemporary art, will explore gender issues and feature more than 200 works by 50 artists. 
It will open at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) on November 23 and run until March 1 next year.
The exhibition received huge critical acclaim when it was first staged in Taiwan 2017, after which its Hong Kong-based organiser, the Sunpride Foundation, chose Bangkok as its second stop.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30361941

Thank you Sir for your help.  Terry4 was already banned days ago when I read his post. However, if you see his reappearance, please let me know and I'll watch closely.  I have yet to figure out why he wants to post just to stir up shit.  Truly.  I do not understand.

Thank you, vinapu! I learned something new about the forum today... and no day I learn new things is a wasted day. Across the spectrum of my interests I only participate in perhaps six to eight other forums altogether; I'll check it on them, too.

This post pretty much confirmed my suspicion about who this poster has been in the past. So, goodbye Terry4. We wish you well.  May I suggest you join some other board and not register again here?

Perhaps one one of the most enjoyable adventures to be had in Bangkok!
I am probably wrong in this -- as I am in so many things --  but I think there are far many more hunkier well-built guys working in massage than bars (in Bangkok) and, by extension, more well-built gym-fit bottoms to be found there.  A full service massage might not be what you're interested in, but it's something you might consider.   Each shop has some guys who will happily and professionally bottom/top/both whatever you want.  Of course, just as with bar guys, it's still an intensely personal activity so it's best not to expect a fulfillment of fantasies, but I think you can usually expect professional rambunctious sex.  And a massage.
Arena - tries to fill the muscle-guy marketing niche (almost Tawan size).  For me, I wish they would focus more on looks, but they are committed to their niche.  Last year I went and I asked for a guy who would bottom and there was one guy.  But the good news is he was very handsome late 20s maybe 30, and he was great, so it worked out very well.  [As in so many things, all you need is one.....]. There might be someone there for you.  
VCK or Prince.  Find their websites and you can get a sense of the guys who work there.  Then either go and pick from the line up or, what I recommend if you are comfortable picking from photos, the day before or day of your visit contact the shop on Line.  Be polite.  They will send pics of who bottoms and then make a booking.  Prince seems to run about 75-80% straight top only, so if you're picking from the line-up there you ask the manager and usually he will point out who will bottom.  VCK has more guys (usually) and has a lot of gay/do everything guys as well as straight guys, and the helpful managers will give you guidance.  But the bottom line (he he he) at the big brothel massage shops is that it's understood that part of your selection process is getting a guy who does what you want.  Prince is convenient to Silom but I think VCK is quite a bit better right now so worth the visit to Ari.
Sabaidee Spa  rotation seems to change but there are usually quite a few older more muscular guys, if you're looking for that.  Contact by Line and ask and they will let you know who's available and who (if any) might bottom.
You also can try Ganymede, Leo or Nine.  Reach out by Line and they'll send pics.  They're smaller shops so the odds of finding a guy you like who does what you want are correspondingly lower.  But again, all you need is one....
Because you're only in town a few days I'll spare you the suburban shops.
As far as bars, there's always a big selection of guys at Fresh Boys.  I think there seems to be an emerging consensus that right now Fresh Boys is better for twinks than Classic.  And Dreamboys has ramped up again for high season.  But bounce around.  
For whatever reason(s) I'm one of the lucky ones who has never gotten bad advice from a mamasan or had a guy refuse anything agreed.  
I have also never had any problems with people of any particularly nationality and I pay the same standard BKK short-time regardless of country.   I think some people bring self-fulfilling negative prophesies to their interactions with some guys.  So personally I recommend keeping an open mind.  Whatever particular combination of attitude, Rubens-esque body type or pheromones I have, I just don't worry about where a guy is from and so far success.  
 

Me thinks this may be the same person (different names) banned from this site at least 10 times in the past. I'll keep a watchful eye. Thanks for the heads up! 

I appreciate the time and effort. On to the next, and away we go!

Sorry. It seems I combined two posts. 
"So you expect gogo-visitors to ask boys of their bank details so they can transfer the tip to their accounts?"
 
No. I expect the guys to be treated with respect. Watching them pushing each other side to grab the money while the customers all laugh at them is humiliating, imho.
 
You may have noticed that in Boyzboyzboyz many of the guys refuse to participate in the ping pong ball antics. I wonder why?
 
When I tiIp the cleaners in my hotel or the reception staff I don't throw the money at them and watch them fight over it; I hand it to them.
 
No need for a bank transfer.