Gaybutton

The following appears in the PATTAYA MAIL http://www.pattayamail.com/current/news.shtml#hd1 __________ Immigration Announces New Requirements for Retirement Visas Sawittree Namwiwatsuk The Immigration authorities have issued new requirements for foreigners wishing to apply for a retirement visa, including the need to have an ATM card and a credit card. Pol Lt. Samruay Saman, deputy inspector at Pattaya Immigration announced the new rules on November 12. Applicants using visa application form TM 7 have to enclose their passport, a 4 x 6 cm photograph, 1,900 baht fee, proof of income (certificate of bank deposit and bank book savings account, or a fixed account for at least the last three months), and proof of an appropriate amount of money from abroad through the bank in a certain period of time, such as a certificate of transfer from abroad or copy of a banking transfer order. In the event of having any dependents such as a husband, a wife or children, then the relationship certificate approval with Thai translation certified by the embassy or consulate must be presented. The authorities reserve the right to ask for any additional necessary documents in the event of requiring a copy of an ATM and credit card statement, a bank statement, a bank book, and a certificate of pension from the embassy in the event the source of such an amount cannot be checked. Regulations for taking into consideration a foreign applicant’s extension for staying in Thailand require that the foreigner be more than 50 years old, and not forbidden to enter into the kingdom. The foreigner must have financial proof of a deposited amount of no less than 800,000 baht, or a monthly income of no less than 65,000 baht, or an annual income of no less than 800,000 baht in total. For more information please visit http://www.immigration.go.th

I hope so. It's a bit difficult to put myself in someone else's position if I don't know what that position is. You've said your piece in your post above and if it gets deleted, I will not be the one who deletes it. I think I'll stick to choosing my own friends and I'll judge them for myself, just as others judge me for themselves. Gossip is just that . . . gossip. I think most of us know that most gossip is a lot of horse dung and only other gossips care much about it in the first place. I wish everyone who harbors these hatreds and disputes would make amends with each other and become friends rather than remain enemies forever. What good is that? We're all trying to live here in peace and we all want to enjoy our remaining years. It would certainly be much nicer if these squabbles and hatreds would just go away, never to return, and we could all live in harmony with each other, without having to worry about who is going to say what about whom. In the meantime, I hope the personal quarrels between you and me are over and will stay that way. Ok, unless you have something more to say about it, let's let this thread get back to the original topic. We've hijacked it. I apologize to all for having done that, but if what has been said here serves to create, restore, and renew friendships and does anything to end squabbles and animosities, then I'm glad we did it.

The Thanksgiving dinner at Amor was fabulous, one of the best ever. In case you missed it (or want another one), Richard says he has enough that he will be able to serve it for the next few days. So, you really can have your cake and eat it too. He will also be doing a Christmas Day and New Year's Eve dinner. If you would like to see the menus, have a look at: http://www.amorrestaurant.com Reservations are highly recommended for each and you can reserve by email. Details are on the menus.

That won't be necessary. As far as I'm concerned, it's settled.

I was informed right in the middle of the Thanksgiving dinner at the Amor. Gaypattayan was also having Thanksgiving dinner there and he told me. I understand his death was caused by complications from prostate cancer. We are all deeply saddened by such news. His web site is still online. If you have not seen it, the URL is http://www.boxertravels.net

If you get a moment, would you mind translating your post into English?

Your advice to me? Ok, when I feel in need of advice or in need of an antidote to mind poisoning, you'll be the first one I'll call. I don't think I wrote anything that says I believe I'm included in your "White Socks Brigade." Whether I am or not is a matter of indifference to me. However, I do think it's a reference to some of my friends, especially one in particular who you have a history of consistently taunting by writing about his white socks and sandals, along with writing about "a dead racoon on his head," "Memories Mafia," and your idea of art work: (__o__). Is that your idea of humor? I'm still trying to figure out what he ever did to you or why the animosity has dragged on for years instead of shaking hands and making up. That is why I assumed when you posted asking GayThailand not to include the "White Socks Brigade," if he hosts another party, you meant that very same person and anyone who is a friend of his ought to be excluded. GayThailand has had both you and this "White Socks Brigade" at one of his parties before. If I jumped to the wrong conclusion, very sorry. Did I jump to the wrong conclusion? As a matter of fact, I'm somewhat surprised you believe I thought I'm included in that "brigade." You did ask him to invite controversial people. Who is more controversial than you and me? It will certainly be a very interesting party if we're both invited. People will be champing at the bit to see whether we try to kill each other or whether we sit down, talk, have a good time, and end up as friends. That could actually happen. To the best of my recollection, you and I have spoken a grand total of once, and that was only for about five minutes, and it was at one of GayThailand's parties. People keep saying our message board personalities and our actual personalities are completely different. It would be interesting to find out. Well, at least I know I'm not included in your "Memories Mafia" considering I haven't even been to Memories in over four years.

All things considered, Thailand is still quite inexpensive compared to other places to go for a holiday. It's just that as a result of inflation within Thailand and the miserable current exchange rates, it's not as inexpensive as it was. Personally I think it's still quite a bargain considering a night out in Pattaya, including sex, costs roughly the same as dinner and a movie in the USA. I think I'll stay here . . .

Of course, but I'll have to add Vinnie, Tony, Luca, and Umberto to my group. As for the socks, paisley on magenta print sounds nice.

To my knowledge, there is. When you get back, you won't have to walk around looking for who it refers to. I'll be glad to show you myself. It's not always necessary to mention names to know exactly who is the butt of a reference. Perhaps you are unaware of it, but that refers to a specific person, and many of us know who, and his friends. If you're not sure to whom it refers, let me know and I'll tell you by email. It might be trivial to some, but to others it is an insult, totally unprovoked, and the intent of the reference is to continue the insults. I don't see any reason in the world why that or any other insult should be condoned or permitted on this board. Again, I'm trying to figure out what the funny part is. I think I have as good a sense of humor as anyone else, but when people are needlessly taunted and insulted, that's where I stop laughing. But that's not my complaint. I was using that as an example. My complaint is the people who engage in pissing contests on this board, no matter who it is and no matter how often we ask them to stop. By the way, I walk around in sandals too . . . without any socks.

I have been informed there are still a few seats available at each seating for the Thanksgiving dinner at the Amor Restaurant in Pattayaland. Richard Burk does a wonderful job with the dinner and I, along with several friends, have our Thanksgiving dinner there every year. We wouldn't even think of having it anywhere else. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. If you are interested, click on the following link to see the menu and contact information if you wish to reserve any seats. There are still one or two seats left at my table and you are welcome to join us if you wish. http://www.amorrestaurant.com/thanksgiving.html

Does your kitchen sink have a sprayer hose? Mine does. That is also made out of flexible tubing. So, that's one law I don't get unless sprayers of any kind are banned indoors where you live.

Yes, I really do believe that. It's not just rents and salaries that constitute the cost of running a bar. The bars are there to provide us with what we go to them to seek. The last time I checked, businesses are out there to make a profit, not to be satisfied with breaking even or taking a loss. If you don't believe it, sit down with a bar owner some time and discuss what it costs to run the bar, and then compare that to the amount the bar grosses each month. When you see how much net is left over, you may not be so upset about the current prices. Another thing you can believe: If the bars were reaping in huge profits, then why have so many failed and gone out of business? Do you really believe if they were raking in the money they would have closed up shop? Even now that we're getting into high season, many of the bars are still nearly empty. It's a little difficult to maintain a bar business when you're only selling a dozen drinks or so per night, if you're even selling that many. I'm just grateful they haven't yet had to raise the prices any higher than they are now. Just as an example, if a person goes to three average Pattayaland bars in a night and buys one drink in each of them, he just spent 450 baht, the current equivalent of US $13. Maybe in that third bar he calls a boy over and buys a drink for him. Another 150 baht. Now your evening has cost you about US $17.50. Maybe he takes the boy "off" for 300 baht. Now he's spent 900 baht, the equivalent of about US $27. He takes the boy back to his room for sex and tips him 1000 baht. Now the total he just spent for an evening out in the go-go bars, drinks, and even sex with a boy of his own choosing is roughly US $56. Most people will probably end up actually spending much less than that, but never mind. Does that really seem like an outrageous amount to you for a night of drinks, go-go boys, and sex? If it does, then let's go back a few years when drinks cost 100 baht and the "off" fee was 200 baht. That same evening out would have cost, at current exchange rates, 500 baht less, taking into consideration the three drinks, the drink for the boy, and the "off" fee. It's a difference of about US $12. A few years ago, that night out would have cost US $44. Now it costs US $56, and that's in most Pattayaland bars, and that's if you're spending the max and tipping the max. Most people will actually spend far less. The drink prices and "off" fees in most Sunee Plaza bars are much less.

I don't quite agree with you on that. I don't think it's appropriate to post personal information about anyone without their permission. I think privacy should be respected and I don't see any justification for some people to post messages that are designed to insult, embarrass, accuse, or otherwise upset people. I believe if someone tells someone else something in confidence, then it should remain so and not end up on a message board. I believe if someone dislikes someone else, then it should be taken up personally, either by meeting with the person or having their argument by PM. I don't think a message board is where all this nonsense should appear. For example, EarWig has an obvious dislike for the "White Sox Brigade." Well, who gives a damn about that? That's his problem and something he should take up directly with them. What the hell is anything about it doing on this message board? Perhaps it gives some people a good laugh, but I don't see anything funny about it at all. What's the funny part? And I'm not trying to single out EarWig. Far from it. Many others do the same thing, quite often completely unprovoked. As far as I'm concerned, keep personal arguments, accusations, and hatreds to yourselves.

Someone else will have to answer that one. I haven't eaten there in nearly two years.

A group of us tried the BBQ. All of us thought it was excellent and we don't know how he can do it for 220 baht. The way it works is Eric has the boys outside doing the grilling, and then they bring plates of it inside. Eric brings over the selections to your table and you take what you want. You can have as much as you want. Eric just keeps bringing more. There were choices of BBQ chicken, pork chops, steaks, meatballs, kebobs, and sausages, all cooked to perfection and served hot. Some nights he has seafood available too. Eric has also greatly improved the salad bar as well, just within the past few days. Now it includes several more salad choices, more dressing choices, and more dessert choices. This is one of the best bargains in town. We were a group of eleven and all of us were delighted, impressed, and intend to be regulars.

I think the prices are high too, but so are gasoline prices. It's either pay the price or stop driving your car. In the bars, it's either pay the price or do without the bars. Most Sunee Plaza bars are still less expensive than the Pattayaland bars, but not by much. I don't think it helps very much to factor in the exchange rates when considering how much bars should charge. If the exchange rate was still at 45 baht to the US dollar, as it was for so many years, then there probably wouldn't be so many complaints. The bars can't set their prices according to exchange rates. They have to set their prices according to domestic costs. For many years the drink prices at most bars was about 100 baht and "off" fees were 200 baht. Inflation affects Thailand too, you know. Prices everywhere have increased. A month from now the baht bus prices are going up too. Restaurants and hotels are raising their prices. Just about everything in Thailand is going through inflation. I don't see how the bars have any choice if they are to survive. While I don't enjoy paying the higher prices, I'd rather pay it and have the bars than end up with hardly any bars or even no bars at all. That's not nonsense. It really could happen. There are a lot fewer bars now than there were six or seven years ago, and I'm seeing more closings than openings.

That could happen whether you're home or not. Any pipe can eventually burst. If I were going away on a long holiday, then I'd also shut off the water supply to my home from the outside. Most houses have a valve outside that does just that. If you live in an apartment or condo, then if you don't know how to shut the water off while you are away, I'd ask the building management and maintenance people how to do it. It seems like a problem easy enough to prevent.

Are you through? I really don't want to be deleting posts or locking threads, but if we're going to have more pissing contests, that's what's going to happen to those sorts of posts. Once again, please use the PM function for these kinds of messages and not the message board.

May I ask how you know just what happened? From what Eric tells me, he left because he chose to leave and was not fired. Either way, I don't think it's our business to get into this at all. The fact is that Eric is no longer with the Clubber group and there have been several stories floating around as to why and what happened. Only those directly involved know the real story, so let's not start posting rumors that may or may not be true.

Make sure to keep telling him that. So will I. I guess I was in there either before the DJ tweaked the volume or after Louis made him turn it down. I would love for someone to explain why so many bars do everything they can to keep the music volume as loud as possible when they have to know that most of their customers don't like it and it actually drives customers away, as you say. That's true. That's one reason why if you're looking for me, then don't bother looking in a disco or karaoke. Every one of them have the volume so loud that my ears literally throb for at least an hour after leaving. It amazes me that half of Thailand isn't deaf . . . yet. You won't find me in any of those places, that's for sure. The law says the music volume can't be above 90 decibels. Even His Majesty, the King, about a year or so ago, stated that music volume in these places shouldn't be so loud. So, why do they do it? Is there anyone, other than the boys (and I'm not so sure about all of them), who actually likes the volume so loud? This is one that's already on my "I don't get it" list and it's been on my list for a very long time.

I hope you'll spare me that. Yes, prices in Pattayaland seem to have adopted a standard of 150 baht per drink, both alcoholic and non alcoholic, and 300 baht per "off" in most bars.

Ok, I will. Thread locked.

I don't mind if you come right out and say you are referring to the matchmaking service I ran on my former web site. It was legitimate and many people formed wonderful, lasting relationships that are still ongoing as a result of it. I'm proud of what I did, despite the constant barrage of accusations that I was nothing more than a pimp. I do, however, deeply resent your implication that I post against under-age sex while participating in it myself. I have never knowingly been involved with an under-age boy and if you're trying to accuse me of it, or trying to say that I'm a hypocrite, then you are dead wrong.

I'm going to retract a bit of what I originally wrote about Honey Boy. This evening I stopped in and spent some time there. The music volume is now at an acceptable level, loud, but not too loud. The lighting is good and the colors are very nice, almost art decco. The ceiling sports two crystal chandeliers (reminded me of the opening of Phantom of the Opera). There is a good selection of boys, some dancing and some doing the "one-knee shuffle." The entertaining mama-san is Mama Laila, who had been across the street at Wild West Boys. But be careful. Mama Laila can be on the pushy side and is likely to try to get you to buy a drink for her. There was one thing I did not like at all. I was there during the 'happy hour,' from opening time until 10:00 when drinks are 99 baht. The price reverts to 150 baht at 10:00. But that's your price. I discovered that if you buy a drink for a boy, a waiter, the mama-san, or any other employee of the bar, then their drinks cost you 150 baht each no matter what time it is. The "off" fee is 300 baht.