Londoner

I believe that the above is word-for-word what was in the FCO advice fifteen years ago. We, and even more so, US travellers are very fortunate that repercussions from our respective governments' appalling behaviour are so rare. Anywhere. I remember sitting in Chiang Mai Airport in 2003 and seeing a news bulletin on the departure lounge TV. it showed British troops- the Royal Marines- attacking a group of Iraqi youngsters, blindfolding and handcuffing them. One child was so frightened that his whole body was shaking in terror. I was profoundly upset, almost in tears, and ashamed. So much so that a Buddhist monk came to sit with me to comfort me. I count myself lucky to have travelled all over the world and found so many friends at the same time that the UK has made so many enemies.

I'd be interested to know why you were "talked to" at Immigration. UK or Thai? I'm a little older than you and "started" back in 1995 As I age, as disgracefully as possible, Thailand becomes more, not less important to me. Our generation may have discovered it relatively late in our lives but, my goodness, have we not squeezed every ounce of sanuk (fun) out of our trips?

Google has just led me to various unofficial, money-making sites. Beware.

True. On the other hand, the MBs themselves didn't regard themselves as professionals, in the sense that guys at Blue Boy in Amsterdam and similar European places perhaps did years ago. Maybe things have changed drastically in the past couple of decades- admittedly possible with the advent of non-Thais - but the ones I knew tended to be short-term practitioners of their arts, there in Pattaya to make money quickly and , if possible, meet the "right" falang partner. And if unsuccessful, to try something else or return to their Isaan farms. Some were undoubtedly "professional" in the sense of being good at their job, but I suspect that most would regard themselves as amateurs because their lives weren't defined by their current employment. I should add that my interest and experience was with twinks; I expect there were older guys around who had different views and aspirations.

Is there something wrong with me? If I'm out on my own, even if it's just crossing the road to 711, I love being accosted by a cute guy....a chat, a smile, a goodbye and I feel fifty years younger.

I should add another positive about the beachfront. Instead of Pattaya' s ladies of the night, punters and (particularly now) PC Plod clearing them off, Jomtien's beachfront, at least near the gay area, also has the spectacle of the women's dance/fitness "performances". These occasionally include older male falangs. Bravely and (sorry!) hilariously. After all, "white men can't dance". At least, I can't. However, a couple of months ago I saw a white guy in his forties or so whose dancing was far better than most of the women and girls. "Well-done, Sir" , as my father used to say. If you want a different sort of dancing, three hundred yards away are the Sunee dancers performing in the soi. So cute. Our restaurant is "Sandbar", not "Sandbanks", which is the millionaires' settlement on the Dorset coast. A monument, it is alleged, to Trumpian vulgarity and conspicuous wealth.

Agreed. One extra benefit, sometimes forgotten, is the beachfront of Jomtien in the evenings. Lots of Thai families, a couple of good restaurants (we like Sandbanks), a relaxed, almost Mediterranean atmosphere.... a pleasant after- dinner walk. Watch the sunset there.

I'm intrigued by the Covid vaccine issue. I remember a long queue in Pattaya Royal Garden as residents received theirs just after the reopening , and yet today- as far as I can discern from P- there are no nationwide campaigns. Here in the UK, I had my sixth vaccination a few weeks back.. P is annoyingly complacent about it. He's only had two and I've nagged and nagged to no avail. I thought he would receive advice when he went for a routine appointment at his hospital on Sunday....but no; not an issue. At least he wore a mask. Which reminds me to ask whether masks are once again de rigueur among Thais again? Seldom seen in London.

I was referencing Trump. One of his immortal pearls of wisdom.

No problem; do 711s stock bleach?

"Say it ain't so Joe...." Even those of us who feel that they are in a loving LTR have to accept reality. Does it matter? Hetero marriages were often financially- arranged until relatively recent times. They still are in some cultures. Mai pen rai.

Where are Chinese tourists going to instead of Thailand? or are they staying at home?

Perhaps this is a little "off thread" but I've just been thinking about "rent- boys I have known and their "beats". The UK, Holland, Germany, Spain, The Gambia, Egypt (sort-of) and Morocco (nearly!) have all been tested. And Thailand, of course, is the easy winner by a country-mile.

Were it not for a rent-boy in London thirty year ago I would still be a gay virgin. I would never have summoned-up the courage to meet anyone without that experience. Two of my friends, whom I knew to be secretly gay, actually did die celibate, one for religious reasons, the out of fear of his sexuality being discovered.

An interesting story relating to the Thai/Chinese relationship has just appeared. https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/southeast-asia/thailand-russian-tourist-viral-video-park-ranger-b2737954.html