macaroni21

Not being a retiree, I can only make short visits to Thailand, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, for that matter. So, as mentioned above, paid sex at business locations is the most time-effective way to get what I need. Except when one is hiring someone one has engaged before, it's always hit and miss. Paid sex hired through various digital platforms (also hit and miss), I have tried and given up. As have some of my friends for similar reasons - fake pictures, badly delayed arrival, the inconvenience of having to meet outside first, etc. Someone I know even had security issues with a guy he invited to his hotel despite meeting outside beforehand and paying for expensive coffee. Fortunately I haven't been in a similar situation.
I am realistic enough to recognise that since I do not want to have sex with someone like me, I really shouldn't expect anyone to be offering free sex to me. And yet, off and on, it has happened. Once in a while I still find myself being cruised on the streets or the metro. More often than not, they are not my type anyway, usually, a bit too fem and not because they are too old - I have relatively wide acceptability ranges for age and body types. I'm not someone who must have 20-something twinks or muscle jocks. 
But at my age, I have to pinch myself when I think someone is cruising me. Is this really happening? Why does he want my body? And then I start to think, oh he must be a moneyboy (sometimes a 45-year-old moneyboy)... but even when we get to talking, it's really hard to broach the subject to establish for sure whether it's going to transactional or not. It can cause offence, especially when expressed badly in a foreign language. Yet unless it is clear, the uncertainty can complicate how to proceed.
So, and I hate to say it, even in these rare occasions when I am cruised, I tend to turn down the offers. That said, there was one recent instance in Bali  which not only was non-transactional but turned out great. The next dayI asked myself, now how many potentially great encounters have I missed out on because I tend to be too careful?

Not being a retiree, I can only make short visits to Thailand, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, for that matter. So, as mentioned above, paid sex at business locations is the most time-effective way to get what I need. Except when one is hiring someone one has engaged before, it's always hit and miss. Paid sex hired through various digital platforms (also hit and miss), I have tried and given up. As have some of my friends for similar reasons - fake pictures, badly delayed arrival, the inconvenience of having to meet outside first, etc. Someone I know even had security issues with a guy he invited to his hotel despite meeting outside beforehand and paying for expensive coffee. Fortunately I haven't been in a similar situation.
I am realistic enough to recognise that since I do not want to have sex with someone like me, I really shouldn't expect anyone to be offering free sex to me. And yet, off and on, it has happened. Once in a while I still find myself being cruised on the streets or the metro. More often than not, they are not my type anyway, usually, a bit too fem and not because they are too old - I have relatively wide acceptability ranges for age and body types. I'm not someone who must have 20-something twinks or muscle jocks. 
But at my age, I have to pinch myself when I think someone is cruising me. Is this really happening? Why does he want my body? And then I start to think, oh he must be a moneyboy (sometimes a 45-year-old moneyboy)... but even when we get to talking, it's really hard to broach the subject to establish for sure whether it's going to transactional or not. It can cause offence, especially when expressed badly in a foreign language. Yet unless it is clear, the uncertainty can complicate how to proceed.
So, and I hate to say it, even in these rare occasions when I am cruised, I tend to turn down the offers. That said, there was one recent instance in Bali  which not only was non-transactional but turned out great. The next dayI asked myself, now how many potentially great encounters have I missed out on because I tend to be too careful?

Not being a retiree, I can only make short visits to Thailand, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, for that matter. So, as mentioned above, paid sex at business locations is the most time-effective way to get what I need. Except when one is hiring someone one has engaged before, it's always hit and miss. Paid sex hired through various digital platforms (also hit and miss), I have tried and given up. As have some of my friends for similar reasons - fake pictures, badly delayed arrival, the inconvenience of having to meet outside first, etc. Someone I know even had security issues with a guy he invited to his hotel despite meeting outside beforehand and paying for expensive coffee. Fortunately I haven't been in a similar situation.
I am realistic enough to recognise that since I do not want to have sex with someone like me, I really shouldn't expect anyone to be offering free sex to me. And yet, off and on, it has happened. Once in a while I still find myself being cruised on the streets or the metro. More often than not, they are not my type anyway, usually, a bit too fem and not because they are too old - I have relatively wide acceptability ranges for age and body types. I'm not someone who must have 20-something twinks or muscle jocks. 
But at my age, I have to pinch myself when I think someone is cruising me. Is this really happening? Why does he want my body? And then I start to think, oh he must be a moneyboy (sometimes a 45-year-old moneyboy)... but even when we get to talking, it's really hard to broach the subject to establish for sure whether it's going to transactional or not. It can cause offence, especially when expressed badly in a foreign language. Yet unless it is clear, the uncertainty can complicate how to proceed.
So, and I hate to say it, even in these rare occasions when I am cruised, I tend to turn down the offers. That said, there was one recent instance in Bali  which not only was non-transactional but turned out great. The next dayI asked myself, now how many potentially great encounters have I missed out on because I tend to be too careful?

Not being a retiree, I can only make short visits to Thailand, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, for that matter. So, as mentioned above, paid sex at business locations is the most time-effective way to get what I need. Except when one is hiring someone one has engaged before, it's always hit and miss. Paid sex hired through various digital platforms (also hit and miss), I have tried and given up. As have some of my friends for similar reasons - fake pictures, badly delayed arrival, the inconvenience of having to meet outside first, etc. Someone I know even had security issues with a guy he invited to his hotel despite meeting outside beforehand and paying for expensive coffee. Fortunately I haven't been in a similar situation.
I am realistic enough to recognise that since I do not want to have sex with someone like me, I really shouldn't expect anyone to be offering free sex to me. And yet, off and on, it has happened. Once in a while I still find myself being cruised on the streets or the metro. More often than not, they are not my type anyway, usually, a bit too fem and not because they are too old - I have relatively wide acceptability ranges for age and body types. I'm not someone who must have 20-something twinks or muscle jocks. 
But at my age, I have to pinch myself when I think someone is cruising me. Is this really happening? Why does he want my body? And then I start to think, oh he must be a moneyboy (sometimes a 45-year-old moneyboy)... but even when we get to talking, it's really hard to broach the subject to establish for sure whether it's going to transactional or not. It can cause offence, especially when expressed badly in a foreign language. Yet unless it is clear, the uncertainty can complicate how to proceed.
So, and I hate to say it, even in these rare occasions when I am cruised, I tend to turn down the offers. That said, there was one recent instance in Bali  which not only was non-transactional but turned out great. The next dayI asked myself, now how many potentially great encounters have I missed out on because I tend to be too careful?

Not being a retiree, I can only make short visits to Thailand, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, for that matter. So, as mentioned above, paid sex at business locations is the most time-effective way to get what I need. Except when one is hiring someone one has engaged before, it's always hit and miss. Paid sex hired through various digital platforms (also hit and miss), I have tried and given up. As have some of my friends for similar reasons - fake pictures, badly delayed arrival, the inconvenience of having to meet outside first, etc. Someone I know even had security issues with a guy he invited to his hotel despite meeting outside beforehand and paying for expensive coffee. Fortunately I haven't been in a similar situation.
I am realistic enough to recognise that since I do not want to have sex with someone like me, I really shouldn't expect anyone to be offering free sex to me. And yet, off and on, it has happened. Once in a while I still find myself being cruised on the streets or the metro. More often than not, they are not my type anyway, usually, a bit too fem and not because they are too old - I have relatively wide acceptability ranges for age and body types. I'm not someone who must have 20-something twinks or muscle jocks. 
But at my age, I have to pinch myself when I think someone is cruising me. Is this really happening? Why does he want my body? And then I start to think, oh he must be a moneyboy (sometimes a 45-year-old moneyboy)... but even when we get to talking, it's really hard to broach the subject to establish for sure whether it's going to transactional or not. It can cause offence, especially when expressed badly in a foreign language. Yet unless it is clear, the uncertainty can complicate how to proceed.
So, and I hate to say it, even in these rare occasions when I am cruised, I tend to turn down the offers. That said, there was one recent instance in Bali  which not only was non-transactional but turned out great. The next dayI asked myself, now how many potentially great encounters have I missed out on because I tend to be too careful?

Not being a retiree, I can only make short visits to Thailand, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, for that matter. So, as mentioned above, paid sex at business locations is the most time-effective way to get what I need. Except when one is hiring someone one has engaged before, it's always hit and miss. Paid sex hired through various digital platforms (also hit and miss), I have tried and given up. As have some of my friends for similar reasons - fake pictures, badly delayed arrival, the inconvenience of having to meet outside first, etc. Someone I know even had security issues with a guy he invited to his hotel despite meeting outside beforehand and paying for expensive coffee. Fortunately I haven't been in a similar situation.
I am realistic enough to recognise that since I do not want to have sex with someone like me, I really shouldn't expect anyone to be offering free sex to me. And yet, off and on, it has happened. Once in a while I still find myself being cruised on the streets or the metro. More often than not, they are not my type anyway, usually, a bit too fem and not because they are too old - I have relatively wide acceptability ranges for age and body types. I'm not someone who must have 20-something twinks or muscle jocks. 
But at my age, I have to pinch myself when I think someone is cruising me. Is this really happening? Why does he want my body? And then I start to think, oh he must be a moneyboy (sometimes a 45-year-old moneyboy)... but even when we get to talking, it's really hard to broach the subject to establish for sure whether it's going to transactional or not. It can cause offence, especially when expressed badly in a foreign language. Yet unless it is clear, the uncertainty can complicate how to proceed.
So, and I hate to say it, even in these rare occasions when I am cruised, I tend to turn down the offers. That said, there was one recent instance in Bali  which not only was non-transactional but turned out great. The next dayI asked myself, now how many potentially great encounters have I missed out on because I tend to be too careful?

It usually is every time the Thai Police gets involved in an investigation.

I made an abortive attempt last December to give them a bit of business. You can read about the car wreck here: https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/2022/12/28/bad-omens/
In short, I have no idea what the inside of the shop looks like or what their standards are. Sorry, can't be of more help.
IMHO, there is no need whatsoever to make massage bookings two weeks in advance. Most places can accommodate walk-ins. Others may ask you to book in advance, but even so, in my experience, they're not set up to handle bookings more than half a day ahead.

I made an abortive attempt last December to give them a bit of business. You can read about the car wreck here: https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/2022/12/28/bad-omens/
In short, I have no idea what the inside of the shop looks like or what their standards are. Sorry, can't be of more help.
IMHO, there is no need whatsoever to make massage bookings two weeks in advance. Most places can accommodate walk-ins. Others may ask you to book in advance, but even so, in my experience, they're not set up to handle bookings more than half a day ahead.

It usually is every time the Thai Police gets involved in an investigation.

I made an abortive attempt last December to give them a bit of business. You can read about the car wreck here: https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/2022/12/28/bad-omens/
In short, I have no idea what the inside of the shop looks like or what their standards are. Sorry, can't be of more help.
IMHO, there is no need whatsoever to make massage bookings two weeks in advance. Most places can accommodate walk-ins. Others may ask you to book in advance, but even so, in my experience, they're not set up to handle bookings more than half a day ahead.

I made an abortive attempt last December to give them a bit of business. You can read about the car wreck here: https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/2022/12/28/bad-omens/
In short, I have no idea what the inside of the shop looks like or what their standards are. Sorry, can't be of more help.
IMHO, there is no need whatsoever to make massage bookings two weeks in advance. Most places can accommodate walk-ins. Others may ask you to book in advance, but even so, in my experience, they're not set up to handle bookings more than half a day ahead.

Never underestimate rich people with money to throw.

From Bloomberg: 

Rich Russians isolated from the West are flocking to Thailand’s Phuket
PHUKET, Thailand - Russian businessman Alexander Nakhapetov has been a regular at the “banyas” in his adopted home of Phuket ever since several of the traditional steam baths opened in 2022.
Lately, though, the 41-year-old’s routine has been disrupted by an influx of his countrymen to Thailand’s biggest island – which has resulted in those new bathhouses being fully booked most of the time.
While Phuket has long attracted Russia’s wealthier citizens, the influx is accelerating as President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine makes competing destinations in Europe and elsewhere harder to enter.
The number of villas sold on the island in 2022 surged 82 per cent to 338, about half of which were purchased by Russians, according to real estate agency Knight Frank Thailand. Enterprises from restaurants to saunas and concerts have sprung up appealing to the new clientele.
Some 791,574 Russian nationals arrived in Thailand between January and June, an increase of more than 1,000 per cent compared with the same period in 2022, according to the Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry.
More than half that number flew directly into Phuket airport, and they were the No. 1 source of tourists to the island in 2023, according to the Phuket Tourist Association.
Russian speakers are the biggest single nationality of buyers in Phuket at FazWaz Property Group, said Mr Christian Steinbach, sales director, who in 2022 made one of his most-lucrative deals when one Russian buyer snapped up 16 villas.
“You can generate high rental returns,” he said. “And there are many people who just want to live in a nice place.”
In a sign of the island’s importance for expanding Russia’s diplomatic reach in South-east Asia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov officially opened a consulate on Phuket in July and met with his Thai counterpart during his visit.
The diplomatic office is within the Royal Phuket Marina, a seaside community that includes moorings for yachts and apartments and stand-alone villas priced from about US$300,000 (S$400,000) to multiple millions.
While countries in Europe and the Middle East have long been the main havens for Russians, Thailand’s beaches, nightlife and openness in places like Phuket, Krabi and Pattaya provided an affordable alternative in Asia even before the war in Ukraine started in February 2022.
Since Mr Putin began his invasion, the European Union has made it harder for Russians to travel to the bloc, with many direct flights to European cities abandoned. That has pushed people to countries with easy-visa entry such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Thailand.
Indeed, Thailand has introduced several new visa programmes over the past year that allow longer stays for those who bring in money or special skills – such as in the IT, social media and crypto-asset industries, according to Ms Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, head of Phuket property sales at the Thailand unit of CBRE Group.
Concurrently, the resort islands in the southern part of the country have also attracted many similar specialists, digital nomads and young families fleeing Ukraine.
According to Ms Elena Marinicheva, vice-president at Russia Sotheby’s International Realty, a typical Russian buyer in Thailand might be an entrepreneur in their mid-30s from the eastern part of the Federation, such as Vladivostok. But increasingly, investors from Moscow and St Petersburg are seeing the Thai market as more and more attractive, she said.
That has helped create an array of cottage industries. For example, Mr Alexander Nakhapetov said his entertainment business is booming. A 250,000 baht (S$9,650) box at a Russian rock concert he organised in Phuket’s Laguna Grove earlier in 2023 was sold out within the first hour, he said.
In December, he is helping to organise a performance by the St Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theatre on the island.
Sanctions have weighed on transactions, with Visa and Mastercard among the many global financial firms that suspended operations in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Still, people have found workarounds such as linking to platforms of China UnionPay, digital assets, as well as paying with cash denominated in dollars and euros. As time goes on, though, it is getting more difficult to transfer funds out of Russia – and the rouble has also weakened against the Thai baht, Mr Steinbach said.
Thais – especially those in the southern islands – are adapting to the needs and habits of Russian visitors. Phuket International Airport makes announcements in Russian. Many shop names and street signs are in Cyrillic. Street vendors sell borscht and blini side by side with local classics such as pad thai and spicy tom yum soup.
Russian restaurant chain Veranda recently opened its fifth Thailand location, adding to the eateries and food shops across the island. Mr Nikolay Batargin, the owner of Chekhoff restaurants in Phuket, recently opened his third location serving Russian cuisine. Business was particularly “mad” during island’s high season from November to April, he said.
Super-rich
Thailand’s appeal extends to the super-rich. The 237-foot yacht Cloudbreak, believed to belong to Russian real estate tycoon Alexander Svetakov, was spotted in Phuket last Christmas, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Construction materials billionaire Igor Rybakov held business-coaching classes for a group of 20 on the island in January, starting with qigong exercises to relax the participants.
“Everyone is welcome in Thailand,” restaurateur Batargin said.
While commerce has boosted the economy and provided much-needed jobs in tourism- and investment-dependent Phuket and Krabi, the influx of Russians has also pushed some potential buyers from Thailand and other nations out of the market. Local workers are also feeling the sting of inflation on basic goods and their own rents.
But in the wake of Covid-19, most people are willing to put up with side effects as long as Thailand remains an escape from war, sanctions and vitriol. Indeed, tolerance is a mantra for those who come to vacation or find new homes in Thailand’s islands.
“The atmosphere for everybody is wonderful and peaceful,” said Mr Yuri Vorona, manager of Roadhouse restaurant in Phuket, which caters mostly to Russians and their Thai friends – but sometimes Ukrainians come for a meal.
“We have everyday Russians, who just want to rest and not fight.” 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Indeed I do, but when it comes to myself, I am at a loss for words.  Perhaps "non-descript" will have to do for now.🤣

Indeed I do, but when it comes to myself, I am at a loss for words.  Perhaps "non-descript" will have to do for now.🤣

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.
 
 

Apologies in advance, but I am about to hijack this topic 🤪
There's the term "gym rats" which is used to mean folks who spend perhaps half their lives in gyms, obsessively building muscle. Then there's the danger of using such terms in the company of Thais for whom English is not the first language.
So... There was once when a newly minted Thai friend and I went to a gym. Neither of us had bodies one would associate with gyms but we thought it would be good to at least do something for fitness sake.
So we went. Bad choice. It was a gym for very serious body builders. The men there (I don't recall seeing any women) were almost obsessive compulsive in their workouts, and we looked like pathetic wimps in their company. We got looks (or more likely, self-conscious me imagined we got looks) that kind-of queried us, what are you two doing here?
I remarked to my Thai friend that maybe we should look for another gym, at least the next time.
"Why? What's wrong?" he asked.
"This place is full of gym rats," I whispered, which I thought was more than obvious why.
"Eeeeeeeek" ran off my friend. 
I had to run after him as (this time) real looks focussed on us.
I'm pretty sure he never actually saw a physical rat.