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Friday, November 26 OPENING RATES: US Dollar: 35.13 Euro: 45.20 British Pound: 53.95 Australian Dollar: 22.9075 Canadian Dollar: 28.3375 _____ CLOSING RATES: US Dollar: 35.29 Euro: 45.345 British Pound: 54.275 Australian Dollar: 23.0575 Canadian Dollar: 28.4975

I was at the Amor and it was wonderful. Surprisingly enough, given the lack of tourist numbers, most of the tables were filled and everyone seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. Richard always has more food than will be served that night. He will provide the same dinner each night, for those who want it, until it runs out. Usually, it's all gone within a couple of days, so if you missed it, you can still get it. I have not heard any reports about the White Night dinner.

Me too! And my favorite part of the turkey is the wing.

There is also the problem of transportation to and from the U-Tapao airport. I don't think there is near enough taxi service to accommodate large numbers of passengers. Maybe, if it comes to that, since there would be money to be made, additional taxis, vans, and buses would head for U-Tapao, but be prepared for rip-off prices. If any of you are able to find flights to U-Tapao and are concerned about transportation to Pattaya from there, if you want to contact me and make an arrangement, I'll be glad to come to the airport and bring you to Pattaya myself. All I would ask in return is for you to refill my gas tank.

Actually, I was referring to Buaseng's post in which he talks about full flights and the difficulty of finding seats to get into Thailand. Some of you might recall an earlier post of mine in which I was talking about my friend trying to get back to Thailand from the USA, but ended up in Hong Kong. He did make it back. Apparently he's very lucky to have found an available seat for a flight into Thailand at all. He managed to get a seat on a flight from Hong Kong to Ko Samui, and then a flight the next day from Ko Samui to U-Tapao. He did make it back to Pattaya. As a matter of fact we're having dinner together this evening. He's very fortunate, considering he was caught up in the middle of this mess, and he knows it. If he wasn't able to get that flight from Hong Kong to Ko Samui when he did, Lord only knows how long he would have been stranded in Hong Kong trying to get back to Thailand. In all the years I've been coming to Thailand, and for the length of time I've been living in Thailand, this is the damndest thing I've ever seen. Meanwhile, here in Pattaya, if it wasn't for the news media you wouldn't know anything is going on at all. Aside from the lack of tourist numbers, everything is open and operating normally. I feel very badly for those who wanted to come to Thailand now, but had to cancel their plans because of this. We're enjoying some of the most beautiful weather we've had here in ages . . . cloudless skies, very comfortable temperatures, nice breezes, and low humidity. It's a shame some of you can't get here.

As an aside, since many of you seem to own and know about cameras, how come so few of you are participating in the two photo contests (in the pinned section of the message board)? Doesn't anybody like Chivas Regal?

Actually, that's still not correct. I'm the moderator. Stef is the Webmaster. GayThailand is the owner of the web site and he is the one paying the entire amount of the contest out of his own pocket. I hope everyone realizes he's doing an extremely generous thing. He has nothing to gain by doing this.

Maybe it's just Bangkok, but I was under the impression that it's illegal for them to refuse to use the meter no matter where they operate in Thailand. I'd love to be able to recommend who to contact to register complaints, but I have no idea. If somebody knows, please post the information. I don't know if complaints will do much more than complaints about everything else, but it can't hurt to try.

Thank you. That idea finally occurred to me a few hours ago. Now I understand what it is.

That's very likely the case. I would think the top dogs in the government are preoccupied right now with trying to save their own skins as their top priority. Right now, it's very difficult to get in or out of Thailand. Those of you trying to get into Thailand might want to check the possibility of getting to Vientiane or Phnom Penh and then taking a bus or hired car into Thailand. At the moment I can't think of any other way to get here any time soon. Getting out again might also be a problem if the shut-down of the airports continues very long. The police have announced they do not intend to use violence to try to disperse the demonstrators at the airports, so I don't know how they're planning to force thousands of people out. And if a coup does indeed occur, it will be anybody's guess as to what will happen next. I'm somewhat surprised that it's difficult to get seats on flights into other cities in Thailand. Given the present circumstances, who would want to come? Maybe the flights are filling with people, like Buaseng, who are trying to get home, and home is Thailand. Are any of you presently stranded in Thailand, trying to get back to your home country? Are any of you stranded in another country because you live in Thailand and can't get back here?

Those of you considering a trip to Chiang Mai in the near future might want to keep tabs on the situation. The Prime Minister is in Chiang Mai and apparently is moving the entire government there because of fears of another coup. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ PM Has no Schedule to Return to Bangkok, Apparently Fearing Coup: Spokeswoman Chiang Mai - Deputy Government Spokeswoman Suparat Nakboonnam said Friday that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has no schedule to return to Bangkok in the near future. She said Somchai decided to remain in Chiang Mai as part of security measures due to uncertainty related to the moves of the armed forces. All moves of the prime minister will be held confidential for safety reasons, she said. The prime minister will resort to teleconference meeting with other Cabinet members in Bangkok, she said. ___________________ And this, from the BANGKOK POST: _____ Somchai Moves Government to Chiang Mai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat will remain in the northern city of Chiang Mai "indefinitely" because of tensions with the military, a government spokesman said. Somchai was forced to land in Chiang Mai from a trip abroad on Wednesday after anti-government protesters seized control of Bangkok's two airports. He declared a state of emergency at the airports on Thursday night as rumours of a possible military coup swept the capital, although the army said it was not intervening. "As there are still uncertainties in the tensions between the government and army, for his safety the prime minister will stay in Chiang Mai," government spokesman Suparat Nakbunnam said. "He has no schedule to return to Bangkok, he will stay in Chiang Mai indefinitely for his security," Suparat said. Cabinet ministers flew to Chiang Mai for an urgent meeting on Thursday, effectively setting up a government in exile from the capital, which remains cut off by air from the rest of the world. (AFP)

I think it will be interesting to see what the current problems will do to your plans to come to Thailand.

I agree. Actually, when they say the tourist industry will lose half its income, I think they're being optimistic. I believe they'll lose a lot more than that, especially if this airport nonsense continues much longer. If that ends up happening, then how would the foreign tourists get to Thailand in the first place?

I agree. That's why when I go to Bangkok you won't find me anywhere near the bars anymore. I'm not about to be hustled by aggressive street touts who literally try to pull you into the bar, where you're charged the equivalent of US $7, or more, for a watered down drink while watching go-go boys who don't turn me on in the first place. Other than that, it's great! "You buy drink for boy?" Then, half the time after spending a lot of money in the bar and to take the boy off, you get him back to your room and he turns out to be a total dud. Sorry, none of that's for me. In Bangkok there are plenty of available boys without having to go to the bars to find them. Saranrom Park springs to mind. You can also find plenty of boys at Babylon Sauna, the parking lot of the Malaysia Hotel, shopping malls, and plenty of other places as well. You can also arrange a hook-up via personals web sites such as Gay Romeo. Most might be money boys, but I'd rather tip them without having to go to the bars (which for me is more of an ordeal than a good time in Bangkok) and spend an additional fortune for drinks that I don't even want and off fees. The least of the problems in Bangkok is finding a boy. Usually I'm very supportive of all gay venues, but when it comes to the tactics now used at several of the Bangkok bars, they can kiss my support goodbye. I'm happy to lend as much support as they want if they're treating customers honestly and fairly. But when they start trying to rip people off, start charging exorbitant prices, or start using high pressure tactics, that's where they lose my support and they also lose me as a customer.

Friday, November 26 OPENING RATES: US Dollar: 35.13 Euro: 45.20 British Pound: 53.95 Australian Dollar: 22.9075 Canadian Dollar: 28.3375

The mama-san is usually the one to go. They know where to go to find "new recruits." They usually lure the boys by making them think that all they have to do is dance in their underwear and they're likely to find a farang who will "take care" them from here on in. They are assured they'll make a lot of money (by Thai standards) and have a much better life than the rice farm can ever offer. The lure of the city life is also very appealing. Many of the boys are gay in the first place, but the lure of "big money" is very persuasive to boys who are not truly gay. To many, they don't view sex as westerners do. To many, it doesn't matter much whether they are really gay or not. It's no problem at all for them to have male-to-male sex. It doesn't take much to convince plenty of boys that "this is the life!" Often, several boys who are already friends will go together. That way they get to room with their friends, which is a lot better than going alone. Of course, most of them end up disillusioned in the end and eventually return to the rice farm, but many of them really do enjoy the life and choose to stay on, whether they "have farang" or not. The average 3000 baht or so they earn per month is far more than they can ever hope for back on the farm. Sometimes the parents encourage it in hopes that the boy will be able to send money to them each month. Many of the boys view it as a lark and a way to escape from the rice farm life. Many have wanted to give the bar scene life a try. They've heard stories, but didn't have enough money to get to Pattaya, get a room, and give it a try. The recruiter brings them free of charge and accommodations are often provided upstairs in the bar. Many boys don't move into an apartment, usually shared by two to five boys, until they're making enough to be able to afford it. The allure is especially appealing to the boys who are gay in the first place, and many are.

That would depend on the reason for the breakup. If it was an amicable breakup then there is no reason not to remain friends. If it was a heated breakup and/or because of something serious the boy did, then it may be best to move on and find new friends. I would think the best way to retain a friendship would be to reach an agreement with each other that it's best for the both of you to move your separate ways. I know it's little consolation, but the majority of relationships between a farang and Thai boys do break up in the end. I've been through it. Most of my farang friends have been through it. I only know of four farang-Thai boy relationships that lasted more than a few years. Those relationships are solid and most likely permanent, but those are the extremely lucky ones. Most fail to work out in the end. Most fail much more quickly than years going by. It also happens all too frequently the other way around. I've had quite a number of boys come to me in tears telling me that the farang who they sincerely loved broke it off with them, usually for another boy. I also know of many cases in which everything appeared to be fine. Then, one day the boy simply packed up and left for no apparent reason, not even to the farang who ended up jilted. On thing that has become quite clear to me is that if you go into a relationship with a Thai boy, then you also have to be prepared for the possibility that the relationship will sooner or later come to an end. Unfortunately, the odds weigh heavily toward that result. If you're lucky, you and the boy with whom you broke up really will remain friends, but don't count on it. Once each of you find someone else, and you will, the friendship will probably slowly fade and eventually fizzle out as you each move on with your lives. Again, I know it's not much consolation now, but you'll get over it and find another relationship. I know you well enough to know that while it hurts like hell now, you'll be one of the people who do survive it just fine and be able to move on. You definitely will find someone else. You can bet he's out there somewhere waiting for you and you will eventually find him. I hate to keep saying it, but I have come to truly believe in the advice Richard Burk, owner of the Amor restaurant, gave me when I first moved here: "If you want love in Thailand, rent it." That doesn't necessarily mean limiting yourself to taking boys off from bars, but it does mean that you need to keep the possibility of a breakup in mind to avoid heartbreak. Some people bounce right back and are able to move on. Others never really recover from it and fall into a deep depression. I hope that won't be the case either with you or with your ex-boyfriend. If you want someone to talk to, you know me well enough to know that I'm here to help in any way I can. You know my number and please feel free to call me at any hour, any day.

At the moment there is no indication that fares are about to be raised.

Buses and vans are also available. There is no reason to have to spend 12,000 baht to go to Chiang Mai. You could also postpone the trip until this nonsense comes to an end, which probably will not be much longer.

I'm sorry, but the answer to that question will not be allowed to be posted. We do not permit personal information about people on this web site. I'm sure what people wish to know about the bar opening will soon be posted. I'll try to go myself within the next few days if no one beats me to it.

Bangkok is awash with rumors that another coup is imminent. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Capital Increasingly Tense as Coup Rumours Spread By The Nation Published on November 28, 2008 Anupong Said to have Exchanged Phone Ultimatums with Somchai The situation in the capital was extremely tense yesterday as coup rumours prompted reaction from anti-government protesters and their rivals. Both camps mobilised their supporters for street fighting, while government and business offices suggested their staff get out early. Newspaper offices were flooded with phone calls inquiring or giving "tips" about an imminent coup. A source claimed Army chief Anupong Paochinda had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to exchange ultimatums. A blink could result in the prime minister's stepping down or the removal of the Army commander. Anupong, who was publicly silent, reportedly cancelled a meeting of the military-run TV Channel 5 board of directors and met Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. The coup rumour sounded true, as armoured vehicles and tanks were seen in many locations, including the Chang Building and the NBT and Modernine television stations. However, television stations ran texts stating that the Army had announced it would mobilise its personnel and vehicles in Bangkok as part of a study course for military students. Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the military would not undertake a coup since it would not end the political conflict. Some anti-coup groups might come out to resist and that could result in bloodshed, he said. The spokesman said in a press conference that the Army chief, as deputy director of the Interior Security Operations Command (Isoc), had told provincial Isoc agencies to keep a close eye on any violence. Amid the rumours of the coup and the exchange of ultimatums, the Cabinet, meeting in Chiang Mai, rushed to clarify its position that it would not consider purging the military top brass. Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua, speaking at an unexpected press conference, pleaded with soldiers to remain in their barracks. The announcement inevitably added weight to the coup rumours. Natthawut said he had come out of the Cabinet meeting to make the announcement because there was "high speculation" about a coup. The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, meanwhile, was cautious, suggesting the coup rumours could be a decoy designed to distract the protesters at Suvarnabhumi Airport before an operation to disperse the crowd. People Power Party MP Suthin Klangsang told a press conference that citizens would be asked to obstruct any coup attempt, such as using their vehicles to block tanks taking part in a putsch. There were also grave concerns that a coup attempt could spark nationwide violence involving pro- and anti-Thaksin Shinawatra mobs, as well as the military. Suriyasai Katasila, a PAD leader, said: "A coup is the least of my concerns now. I'm worried about violence, because nobody seems to be in full control at the moment." Some company and government office workers were told to leave home early, adding to the widespread anxiety. Workers at ad agency Ogilvy & Mather were instructed to clear the office by 4pm. DTAC's head office issued a statement saying it was closing until the situation returned to normal.

I'm afraid not. I don't know much about cameras. I don't know what single lens reflex even means. Without someone explaining it to me, then it means someone hits the lens with a hammer and the reflex action is the camera leaps out of your grasp. If that's not what it means, then for the third time now I'm asking for somebody to simply explain it instead of assuming I know. Sorry, but I'm absolutely clueless about it. In all honesty, not only do I not know what it means, I also don't care what it means. All I want is for someone to be able to recommend a camera with the features I want, along with the features you think I ought to have. I really have no interest in the technicalities of lenses, SLR, or anything else. All I want is a good recommendation.

Bob, you posted this while I was still writing the post above. That's where I wrote about some of the features I'd like to have. SLR, DSLR. What is that? Please guys, don't assume that others, especially me, know what these things mean. Would someone please explain it?

First, I appreciate the response. Somebody is going to have to explain to me what DSLR is. I have no idea what that means or in what way it is significant. I'm looking for a pocket-sized camera that is a good point-and-shoot camera. I'm not looking to make professional photos. I'd like to have good quality photos when I travel and when I see something I think is worth taking a photo of. My last camera was horrible when it came to taking night shots. If there is a camera out there that can produce good quality night shots instead of nothing more than a blur, that would be nice too. That camera also was horrible when it came to using the flash. The flash was so powerful that it washed out most of the photos, especially indoor photos. So, I'm also hoping to find a camera that "knows what it's doing" when using the flash is necessary. Another feature I'd like is for the camera to take its next photo quickly. With my last camera I had to wait several seconds for it to be able to take another photo and I missed a lot of good shots as a result.

I'm thinking about buying a digital camera. It's been about three years since the one I had went kerblooey on me and I haven't had one since. Before I get one, I wonder if some of you can make any recommendations as to make and model. I'd like to know what you think and what features you like. I'd also like to know if there are any particular makes and models to avoid.