ChristianPFC

Google translate works okay, but I find it cumbersome and wouldn't want to rely on it. And in Vietnam and Cambodia and Myanmar (in Thailand I speak Thai), I get around without google translate.

I almost exclusively off long time and always fix this part in the venue but unfortunately several times I had the same problems with excuses to go early.
I guess some promise LT afraid if they don't agree they don't get a deal but still I think it's very unfair, specially when I offed guy in the past and he knows what  he is up to. Some excuses are outright idiotic - wrong parking of motorsai, perennial " my friend lost a key", need to move or visit in hospital etc. 
I don't fight with them over that and let them go usually cutting their tip accordingly but next time they try to extract tip, drink or an off I tell them bluntly no and why not. In short,  I cross them from future engagements  but of course few  exceptions apply if I have soft spot for them.
.............
I feel your pain. Some boys are possessive indeed. I have masseur in soi 6 whom I like quite a lot but  because of this constant pestering he is kind of forcing me to the the same- to pick up alternative route to avoid passing by his shop and it's not good for the boy and the soi if walking ATM is bypassing whole section of it.

Exchanging cash in TH is still the most economic option (if you don't have a bank account in TH).
Withdrawing cash from ATM, adding Thai ATM fee, conversion rate of my local bank (3% less than bank interchange rate) plus fees of my local bank, means about 5% loss to bank interchange rate. Exchanging cash in TH gives you below 1% loss (was even better before Covid, I think?).

Day 4
With my pretend BF Nam leaving, I am once again single and excited to explore what this city can offer.
One thing I was so curious about is how people in this forum have talked extensively about the different massage shops in the Saphan Kwai neighbourhood. The reviews seems to be a  mixed bag but I am curious to try it myself. 
I exchanged Line message with Kman and 15M. They responded flooding my phone with photos of their lineup for the day. I can easily identify 3-4 guys from each of their offerings so I decided to risk it and go in there without reservation.
Given my general lack of sense of direction, I decided to take a grab taxi which, given that it's non peak hours, only cost 130 baht. I am running out of funds so I set the drop off to Saphan Kwai station. Halfway there, it started to rain  like crazy I started to worry ill get soaked. Luckily, the rain stopped a few minutes before we arrived. I immediately scanned the area and can't find any bank or ATM machine nearby. I tried my luck climbing up the station hoping there's a machine and there it was.
Before dispensing cash, this particular ATM machine quotes an exchange rate and asks you to confirm if you accept it. I usually press "no" and from experience, my online banking statement looks like I  saved around 25 to 30 USD from my 10k baht withdrawal. Not an expert so I can't explain why.
After placing cash in my wallet, I looked to the right and lo and behold, I saw KMan's signage! So I made my way down the station towards Kman.
I was expecting that the place will be on the rough side like Arena but I was wrong. Downstairs was decent, I was given a bottle of water and their iPad to browse through their menu. I chose a masseur named Dang and minutes later he went down to meet me, take my footwear and take me to the room.
Disappointingly, the room I was given don't have a private bathroom but luckily it's just opposite my room. Dang just smiled and used his hands to direct me to the shower.
He then took a shower and returned to our temporary love nest. He looked at me and started speaking in Thai which I responded with a confused look. We had a good laugh and he said he thought I am Thai. This kinda broke the ice.
Dang gave a more than decent massage although he lags behind Knott from S'sense who I think will be the standard for this trip. Saving grace is he's not the type that will spend so much time massaging your feet. He gave each body part generous attention.
When it's time for the more interesting part, he asked me to lie on my back and gave me a body to body massage which was actually pleasant. It progressed further from there. He's a bit shy and would constantly look at me sheepishly smiling. Kinda threw me off guard but I decided to ignore it. Tried planting as much kisses as I can and he welcomed it all. "You like to fuck please?" He asked. I chuckled in my head and nodded. How can I say no if he asked so politely!
We finished and of course he got more than the minimum tip under his profile. I kinda like this system of having minimum tips as it removes the guesswork and makes the transaction more straightforward. If unsatisfied, Just give the minimum tip and add a bit more if its the other way around.
Not quite sure if ill make an effort to come back to this area. It's really out of the way and not worth the travel if you're only visiting one shop. I made a mental note of possibly book a hotel in the area for a day  to sample everything Saphan Kwai can offer. Maybe two nights to include a Chatuchak shopping trip?
I should have taken the BTS back to my apartment but I wasn't thinking properly in a post coital phase. Got stuck in the grab taxi for 1.5 hours but I entertained myself by browsing through Grindr. 
Ghanian guy seemed to have seen me online and sent me a Line message. He asked if I want to meet up and I replied ill let him know after dinner what my plans are. He responded cheekily  inviting himself to dinner and then back to my place for drinks. He quoted same price as before but told me not to be shy to tip (he's learning from previous experience!). I looked outside and the impending rain looks a bit daunting so I decided to cancel bar plans tonight in favour of my gorgeous Ghanaian mate.

Day 2.5
To resist the urge of showing up in the bar early, I tried to distract myself by focusing on work and when that proved to be futile, decided to switch to the apps.
Grindr got a reasonable buffet of guys with varying rates quoted with the most common ranging from 1500 to 2000. This can be argued as reasonable if you account for savings from not having to pay entrance, drinks and off fee. But where is the fun in that? What caught my fancy was a good drizzling of gorgeous African guys. This reminded me of how much I miss and want to go back to Brazil but plane fare remains laughably high from where I came from (even my SA friends are unable to visit home).
I exchanged message with one of them who said he's from Ghana. He quoted 4000 and I responded with a non committal reply as I have plans to be out and about that night. We traded WhatsApp details just in case.
When i can no longer contain my excitement, I decided to taxi towards Surawong and treat myself to a foot massage. At least I can enjoy people watching while someone got firm hold of my feet preventing me from marching straight to the bars!
After the massage, I decided to head to Tawan. The nice beret wearing Uncle hastily ushered me inside while trying to explain that it's a "BDSM boy show" I responded with a wink and  he smiled. The interior did not change since I visited last year. I noticed though that there's a set of stairs leading to a second floor/platform/stage. Not sure if it's new or I didn't notice it previously as I was sitting quite far inside away from the stage last time.
One thing I appreciate with Tawan is the fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The guys roam around socialising with guests. I even saw one guest with his hands inside the guy's short for like forever. No judgement but I hope he gets an off or a generous tip! 
Maybe I'm getting old but I swear Tawan's clientele especially the Asians are getting younger and younger. My gaze was low-key fixated to a couple of cute twunk until I reminded myself my intention of being here. 
From my peripheral vision I saw a Tawan guy sat beside me but I tried to play it cool. He then introduced himself as Tun (?) and a couple of minutes later, when he starts getting comfy and cheeky, his hand found its way under my shirt giving me massage and whatnots. We kept on chatting during the show reminiscing how the old site across the street was better and how Tawan is now mainly a "show bar" and how rarely they get boy drinks or offed now. I just shrugged my shoulder saying that maybe its low season and hopefully things will be better for him in a few months. He said most guys in the bar goes for around 3500 to 4000 with a few going as low as 3000. I nodded and just gave him a smile.
I was really enjoying my time with him when my phone starts beeping. I stepped out and it was the Ghanian guy who suddenly had a change of heart and lowered his rate to 2500. You gotta love lean season! With that information, I tipped my Tawan guy and bid Surawong good night.
I was a bit paranoid meeting with this Ghanian guy because I'm in an air bnb outside the Silom area and I'm not sure how the guards will react when I bring a guy to my unit. My fear turned out to be unfounded as we even got a smile and a salute from the one of the security guys when we entered. You gotta love Thailand!
In the apartment, we wasted no time and things escalated and got steamy quite quickly. The session was so intense and tender at the same time. He looks much better in person and well built. I could just look at him the whole day. However, there's still that Brasilian or specifically a Carioca "factor" missing from the experience. I can't explain it.
We had a good chat after and I was getting wary that the post-play chat is taking quite a while he might be thinking of staying the night? It's a personal policy that I don't let people I met first time via app to stay overnight - only those working in the bars or GP Sauna in Brazil once I have done my due diligence.
So I pretended and said that I would like to go out and eat and asked him what his plans are. I think he got my cue and said that he'll be making his way home. I paid as agreed plus a reasonable tip. He's too gorgeous not to be given a tip to be honest.
After sending him on his way, I went back to my room and gave myself a high five for a productive day two!

Day 2
My body clock decided to wake me up at 5am. Not ideal but I decided to make use of the time to go to 7-11 and fill the fridge with provisions for me and my future boy du jour. Received a notification that my two work meetings were cancelled which means I suddenly have the full day to myself without anything planned.
Realised that it will be the best timing to finally try Jay Fai's cooking.  Turned out to be a good decision as I came to know later that they closed down for like two weeks the day after.
There's already a short queue when I arrived. Had a pleasant chat with another travelling lone wolf while waiting for the place to open. Decided that we'll share and split the bill so we can order more. We were so committed to stay in the queue that we had coffee delivered via grabfood while waiting! Overall, the food was worth the wait. It is on the pricier side though - average one gogo bar entry per order and the crab omelette which was so heavenly - equivalent to one boy massage tip not included. 
With my stomach full, I can now craft today's game plan. I checked out S'sense and immediately shortlisted three. Given their availability, I booked a cutie named Knott for a two hour session in the afternoon.
S'sense turned out to be a contrast with my experience in Arena. While both enjoyable, S'sense gives out a more spa like vibe compared to Arena's more rough and Spartan atmosphere.

Prior to starting, Knott asked what extra I will avail. From the line message, there are minimum tips for extras you will require. I was surprised at first but looking back, I realised talking about it upfront made things flow smoothly. Of course I chose the body to body extra 900 minimum tip.
And Knott turned out to be a gem! His massage skills is top notch and you can judge by his long massage strokes that he knows his stuff.  The way he used his elbows, arms, palm and knuckles was so skillful I started to relax and actually enjoy the session. He was so attentive as well. He asked me if I was cold - however I was so lazy to request for the vent to be turned the other way so I just said I'm ok. When he touched my skin, he chuckled and said "No you lie, you cold!" and adjusted the air-conditioning.
The extras were so good as well. He's a well built guy so the extras was more than enjoyable. He's very generous with his body and initiated kissing amongst other things. When we both finished, there's still half an hour left so we got cleaned up and he continued the massage. I don't know why but I felt a bit shy when he kissed me on the forehead to signal the end of the massage. Needless to say he received more than the minimum tip from me!
I stepped out of S'sense feeling rejuvenated and my jetlag melted. Made my way back to the apartment planning what the night will look like.

Brazil vs. Thailand, based on one trip to Brazil: knowledge of English is close to non-existent in Brazil. Whereas in SEAsia, I get around okay with English.

I have been to Korat several times. Some temples in town, more temples and mountains a bit away (would need car, difficult or impractical by public transport). With car and driver, I could spend weeks in Korat province. No gay nightlife that I know of. Few western tourists.
The train is a good idea, you can see construction sites of tunnels and elevated track for the high-speed train, very entertaining for me.
Khao Yai, unless you go to some specific temples or rocks or cliffs, was pretty boring for me. Just mountainous forest (I have no interest in the various wildlife that you can watch there).

Brazil vs. Thailand, based on one trip to Brazil: knowledge of English is close to non-existent in Brazil. Whereas in SEAsia, I get around okay with English.

Everyone's experiences and limits are different. Here in numerical order for short time:
500 is still accepted for street trade (Saran Rom Park) and I do some of my business there.
800 is the minimum tip for 1 hour for most boys in Saphan Khwai and Inthamara massage places, and I do some of my business there. Fee for massage shop separately.
1000 is what I pay for boys from apps in Bangkok or in gogo bars in Pattaya (Winner Boys, Nice Boys). This is my upper limit but many here pay much more regularly.
1500 is the minimum boys in gogo bars in Bangkok ask for and some bars in Pattaya (Toy Boys, Classic Boy Bar former Cupidol). I don't pay that and I don't go there.
2000 seems the average gogo boys in Bangkok ask for.
I have been asked for 2500 online once, no sorry.
I have been asked for 5000 online once, no sorry. Cute and popular on Twitter, but I have my limits.
 

I have been to Korat several times. Some temples in town, more temples and mountains a bit away (would need car, difficult or impractical by public transport). With car and driver, I could spend weeks in Korat province. No gay nightlife that I know of. Few western tourists.
The train is a good idea, you can see construction sites of tunnels and elevated track for the high-speed train, very entertaining for me.
Khao Yai, unless you go to some specific temples or rocks or cliffs, was pretty boring for me. Just mountainous forest (I have no interest in the various wildlife that you can watch there).

I have been to Korat several times. Some temples in town, more temples and mountains a bit away (would need car, difficult or impractical by public transport). With car and driver, I could spend weeks in Korat province. No gay nightlife that I know of. Few western tourists.
The train is a good idea, you can see construction sites of tunnels and elevated track for the high-speed train, very entertaining for me.
Khao Yai, unless you go to some specific temples or rocks or cliffs, was pretty boring for me. Just mountainous forest (I have no interest in the various wildlife that you can watch there).

For me the question is rather: will the boy get naked, and preferably hard? A handjob is worthless to me, unless I can get my eyes and hands on a handsome body.

In my vast experience, hundreds of boys to my room, dozens over spontaneous overnights, even with street trade, there is nothing to worry about (neither safety nor theft). Out of that large number, I had a few cases of petty theft. Keep only as much money as you are going to spend on you, and lock the rest and your passport in safe and you should be fine.
As for finding two twinks to stay with you and your partner over night, I would go to one of the few (at least before my last visit 2019) gay bars and massages in Phuket and ask them. Or find one online and ask him if he can bring a friend.

Everyone's experiences and limits are different. Here in numerical order for short time:
500 is still accepted for street trade (Saran Rom Park) and I do some of my business there.
800 is the minimum tip for 1 hour for most boys in Saphan Khwai and Inthamara massage places, and I do some of my business there. Fee for massage shop separately.
1000 is what I pay for boys from apps in Bangkok or in gogo bars in Pattaya (Winner Boys, Nice Boys). This is my upper limit but many here pay much more regularly.
1500 is the minimum boys in gogo bars in Bangkok ask for and some bars in Pattaya (Toy Boys, Classic Boy Bar former Cupidol). I don't pay that and I don't go there.
2000 seems the average gogo boys in Bangkok ask for.
I have been asked for 2500 online once, no sorry.
I have been asked for 5000 online once, no sorry. Cute and popular on Twitter, but I have my limits.
 

Before Covid I made some dedicated posts on the forums, and now I mention it in my blog under gay activities of the month. I even have a tag: https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/search?q=saranrom
When I came as a tourist (i.e. flying in for a few weeks and then return to work in Europe), I did the gogo bars extensively. But I found that there is no correlation between money paid and service rendered. Chances to get a dud or a good one are the same, whether I pay 500 or 1000 THB (or used to pay 1500).

Before Covid I made some dedicated posts on the forums, and now I mention it in my blog under gay activities of the month. I even have a tag: https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/search?q=saranrom
When I came as a tourist (i.e. flying in for a few weeks and then return to work in Europe), I did the gogo bars extensively. But I found that there is no correlation between money paid and service rendered. Chances to get a dud or a good one are the same, whether I pay 500 or 1000 THB (or used to pay 1500).

Before Covid I made some dedicated posts on the forums, and now I mention it in my blog under gay activities of the month. I even have a tag: https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/search?q=saranrom
When I came as a tourist (i.e. flying in for a few weeks and then return to work in Europe), I did the gogo bars extensively. But I found that there is no correlation between money paid and service rendered. Chances to get a dud or a good one are the same, whether I pay 500 or 1000 THB (or used to pay 1500).

Before Covid I made some dedicated posts on the forums, and now I mention it in my blog under gay activities of the month. I even have a tag: https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/search?q=saranrom
When I came as a tourist (i.e. flying in for a few weeks and then return to work in Europe), I did the gogo bars extensively. But I found that there is no correlation between money paid and service rendered. Chances to get a dud or a good one are the same, whether I pay 500 or 1000 THB (or used to pay 1500).

Everyone's experiences and limits are different. Here in numerical order for short time:
500 is still accepted for street trade (Saran Rom Park) and I do some of my business there.
800 is the minimum tip for 1 hour for most boys in Saphan Khwai and Inthamara massage places, and I do some of my business there. Fee for massage shop separately.
1000 is what I pay for boys from apps in Bangkok or in gogo bars in Pattaya (Winner Boys, Nice Boys). This is my upper limit but many here pay much more regularly.
1500 is the minimum boys in gogo bars in Bangkok ask for and some bars in Pattaya (Toy Boys, Classic Boy Bar former Cupidol). I don't pay that and I don't go there.
2000 seems the average gogo boys in Bangkok ask for.
I have been asked for 2500 online once, no sorry.
I have been asked for 5000 online once, no sorry. Cute and popular on Twitter, but I have my limits.
 

It's still kms away from Pink Line. But can easily be accessed by bus.

I saw the advert on MRT, have to read closely next time. I was assuming that this work only with Thai bank cards, or you have to set it up or register first.
I used this in Summer in Brünn (Brno) in Czechia, and not only do they collect the single fares over the day, they calculate if a dayticket would be cheaper than the sum of single tickets and charge whichever is less.

Everyone's experiences and limits are different. Here in numerical order for short time:
500 is still accepted for street trade (Saran Rom Park) and I do some of my business there.
800 is the minimum tip for 1 hour for most boys in Saphan Khwai and Inthamara massage places, and I do some of my business there. Fee for massage shop separately.
1000 is what I pay for boys from apps in Bangkok or in gogo bars in Pattaya (Winner Boys, Nice Boys). This is my upper limit but many here pay much more regularly.
1500 is the minimum boys in gogo bars in Bangkok ask for and some bars in Pattaya (Toy Boys, Classic Boy Bar former Cupidol). I don't pay that and I don't go there.
2000 seems the average gogo boys in Bangkok ask for.
I have been asked for 2500 online once, no sorry.
I have been asked for 5000 online once, no sorry. Cute and popular on Twitter, but I have my limits.
 

Everyone's experiences and limits are different. Here in numerical order for short time:
500 is still accepted for street trade (Saran Rom Park) and I do some of my business there.
800 is the minimum tip for 1 hour for most boys in Saphan Khwai and Inthamara massage places, and I do some of my business there. Fee for massage shop separately.
1000 is what I pay for boys from apps in Bangkok or in gogo bars in Pattaya (Winner Boys, Nice Boys). This is my upper limit but many here pay much more regularly.
1500 is the minimum boys in gogo bars in Bangkok ask for and some bars in Pattaya (Toy Boys, Classic Boy Bar former Cupidol). I don't pay that and I don't go there.
2000 seems the average gogo boys in Bangkok ask for.
I have been asked for 2500 online once, no sorry.
I have been asked for 5000 online once, no sorry. Cute and popular on Twitter, but I have my limits.
 

Everyone's experiences and limits are different. Here in numerical order for short time:
500 is still accepted for street trade (Saran Rom Park) and I do some of my business there.
800 is the minimum tip for 1 hour for most boys in Saphan Khwai and Inthamara massage places, and I do some of my business there. Fee for massage shop separately.
1000 is what I pay for boys from apps in Bangkok or in gogo bars in Pattaya (Winner Boys, Nice Boys). This is my upper limit but many here pay much more regularly.
1500 is the minimum boys in gogo bars in Bangkok ask for and some bars in Pattaya (Toy Boys, Classic Boy Bar former Cupidol). I don't pay that and I don't go there.
2000 seems the average gogo boys in Bangkok ask for.
I have been asked for 2500 online once, no sorry.
I have been asked for 5000 online once, no sorry. Cute and popular on Twitter, but I have my limits.