reader

An 800 baht omelette! Not what i think of when I think of street food. And this pic of Jay Fai (from Eater website) looks more like a small restaurant than the typical Bangkok cooked food vendor. I think it's hard to top Vinapu's zero-star nominee, Pat Pong's Foodland restaurant where it's difficult to spend 100 baht for your choice of eggs. And when your appetite is sated, you're only steps away (in any direction) from the other pleasures of your choice.

Excerpts from the Independent (UK) Raan Jay Fai is known for its crab omelettes Receiving a Michelin Star may be one of the highest honours bestowed on a chef - but for one street vendor in Bangkok, life, before she received the star, was preferable - and she would like to give the star back. The vendor, which can be found on the corner of Soi Samran Rat in the Phra Nakhon area of Bangkok, used to be relatively inconspicuous. Now, since receiving her one Michelin Star in December, the vendor is hard to miss - because the line for her food wraps around the block. While this may sound like a good thing, for Supinya Junsuta, who goes by Jay Fai, the attention has been unwanted - and unwelcome. According to reports by Eater, the distinction has “drawn the attention of tourists, foodies, and even a couple of curious tax department officials to Raan Jay Fai’s small space.” And now Jay Fai, the 72-year-old chef whose crab omelettes are responsible for drawing the crowd, wants to give the star back because, in addition to the crowds, the star has caused other annoyances. Fai said: “Many people come just to see and take pictures and not necessarily to eat.” http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/bangkok-street-vendor-michelin-star-raan-jay-fai-give-back-a8150341.html

If authorities in Pattaya want to crack down on something that will have a positive effect on the community, it would be hard to find a better example than reckless driving. Three people killed and the sum of their ages is estimated at only 65 years. You might lose your money and your heart in the bars, but you knew that before you went in. These poor souls lost everything in a few seconds of mayhem totally devoid of any pleasure. What a waste. From Bangkok Post CHON BURI: A Russian man riding a powerful motorbike with a Thai woman on the backseat ran into a South Korean pedestrian, killing all three of them, in Pattaya beach township early on Tuesday. The triple-death crash occurred on Pattaya Road heading to Jomthien beach in front of Soi Pattaya 7 in tambon Nong Plue, Bang Lamung district, shortly after midnight. Police and rescue workers called to the scene found an unidentified Thai woman, aged 20-25, unconscious on the road with serious injuries. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but died soon after. A 22-year-old Russian, identified as Aleksandr Zakharov, was found dead in a pool of blood. The body of a South Korean man, identified later as Yongseok Choi, 20, was found nearby. A totally wrecked Kawazaki Z900 motorcycle with a Chon Buri licence plate was lying about 200 metres away. Witnesses told police the motorbike was travelling at high speed with the Thai woman riding pillion. It hit the South Korean man as he was crossing the road with other people. https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1392918/three-killed-in-tourists-big-bike-crash-in-pattaya

I've used terms like "otherwise straight" or "Thai straight" to try to convey this situation which is think is becoming more common as the ratio of straight to gay guys on the game seems to be increasing. My definition of straight in LOS has evolved to mean not feminine in role or demeanor. It doesn't preclude them from having--and frequently enjoying--the sex. However, doing anything they consider girlish or in the domain of a ladyboy they (thankfully!) reject. That doesn't mean that as they become more comfortable with the customer that they may feel freer go with the flow of the moment. They are, after all, behind closed doors and the inhibitions can drop away quite unexpectedly. That they may go home to their girlfriends later makes it--for me--all the more satisfying.

Just read a447a's latest post about a 2,000 bht proffer at Bonny and now I see it again at Nakarat. This appears to be concerted high-season pricing because I understand from a few boys that it was particularly busy over the holidays. These were not the going rates in early December when 1200 would have been gladly accepted for 1 hour. I believe that a bit of negotiation would produced a more agreeable figure. I suspect that the guys figure that they're unlikely to see most of the first-time customers again. But when the crowds dwindle regular pricing returns. In retrospect, no different that what the airlines and hotels do during periods of peak demand.

GoldMember wrote: "We check out. He escorts me to the motor taxi. We both get emotional and cry. That was to be expected. Chemistry was intense between us. I give him a big hug and kiss, tell him that I love him, and that hopefully I will see him in a year or two. I go on the motor taxi, and tell him to take me straight to The Prince. Drama is over. I have about 7 more hours till heading to the airport." ---------- Loved the emotional scene after checkout but extol the fact that you were able to keep your priorities in order and proceeded directly to Prince.

Excerpts from South China Morning Post It took the creators of the documentary Boys For Sale more than a year to fully win the confidence of the male prostitutes, owners of gay and lesbian bars and operators of the notorious urisen parlours that dot Tokyo’s 2-chome gay district. Once they had been accepted – producer Ian Thomas Ash admitted the entire budget for the first year of the project was spent on alcohol to smooth introductions – the full seedy and contradictory nature of Japan’s commercial male sex scene was laid bare. Boys For Sale has won four film festival awards this year in Los Angeles, South Africa, Mexico and Ecuador, and had its Japan premiere on November 26 as part of Tokyo Aids Week 2017. And Ash, who has worked on a number of hard-hitting documentaries in Japan in the past 15 years, admitted he was shocked at what he discovered during the making of the movie. “We started working on the idea more than 10 years ago and the production process took four years,” said Ash, who was part of a six-person team that included director Itako and Adrian Storey, who served as director of photography. Ash said it was impossible to get an accurate grasp of the number of young men working as male prostitutes in and around 2-chome, as many operate online and are “delivered” to customers, but 1,000 seemed a reasonable estimate, according to Ash. The other surprising discovery was the number of young men who had come to Tokyo from areas hit hard by the earthquake, tsunami and meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant in March 2011. Another revelation in the movie, which uses animated sequences to depict parts of the story that were impossible to film, was that many of the young men who provide sexual services are not themselves homosexual. “To them, it is just a job,” Ash said. “And it was surprising to me that they talked so openly with their girlfriends about what they did for a living. I do not want to generalise about what is acceptable to Japanese women but the men that we spoke with said their girlfriends said they had no problem with their jobs.” And as the manager subsequently of an urisen bar, he explains the advice he doles out to young men who are unable to get an erection when they are with a client and what they should focus on. “Money,” he says. “Making money will get you hard.” http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/2127079/boys-sale-dark-world-japans-gay-prostitution

Thanks for taking me someplace I'll never go on my own. Your narration and impressions truly convey what it's like being inside the ropes. You managed well to sidestep the potential pitfalls and zeroed in on getting the best out of your experience. That's a lesson all us can benefit from regardless of our age or experience level. You were indeed fortunate to have the ideal mate for the trip, and he you. Your adventures couldn't have come at a better time for those freezing back here in north America or the EU. Wouldn't we all. LOL

I never flush down my chosen medicine; I savor it.

From Asia One When it comes to getting around Bangkok, we usually think of taxis, tuk-tuks, and skytrains. But there's another way to travel that doesn't involve gridlock or large crowds. It's boats. The Chao Phraya Express Boat system is reliable and efficient - the boats run on a fixed schedule, and all piers along the river are clearly marked in English and Thai. Here's our pick of the most interesting pier stops found along the scenic 21km route. Continues with pics http://www.asiaone.com/travel/hop-boat-get-these-bangkok-attractions

From Bangkok Post The Land Transport Department will launch a new app on Jan 25 aimed at improving safety for passengers. Department director-general Sanit Promwong said the Taxi OK app will be ready for download and operational starting from that date. Riders will pay an extra 20 baht for using the app to call a cab, he added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/local-news/1391814/new-taxi-app-aims-to-boost-safety-convenience

Lifestyle, Health and Wellbeing Here's why you should not have penis whitening surgery While Thailand is seeing a surge in men going in for penis whitening surgeries, doctors have warned people paying for the expensive procedure that the treatment risks infertility and its effects are temporary. Last month saw more than 100 men making a pilgrimage to The Lelux Hospital in Bangkok which began offering the unconventional treatment six months ago. After a surge in the its popularity experts have warned the procedure could cause infection scarring and, in rare case, infertility. Director of Thailand's Department of Medical Services Dr Mingkwan Wichaidit said that a penis is bound to return to its natural color since the human body will continue to produce melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its distinct tone. This means that over time it will reverse the expensive laser treatment. However, side effects, she added, could include infection and serious scarring. Dr. Mingkwan noted there was still no evidence to suggest the process was 100 per cent safe on any kind of genital area. To further it all, Deputy director of the Health Service Support Department Dr. Thongchai Teerahattayakorn added that penis whitening could potentially affect men's fertility. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/060118/heres-why-you-should-not-have-penis-whitening-surgery.html

A447a wrote "So off I want to Golden Cock. The guys I had so much fun with on previous visits were nowhere to be seen. A new guy came and sat with me. He had been drinking and so was very affectionate. It didn't take him long to get the goods out. Unfortunately, they had a karaoke night and the boys, including the one sitting with me, were more interested in singing then entertaining any prospective customers. My guy grabbed the microphone and sat next to me "singing". It was unbearable, so I got up and left." ----------- Was he a Lao guy, about 22?

Veggie. Had a late evening flight on last departure so I went to Madrid for mid-afternoon lunch. Usually get beer with it but Madrid had a Wednesday wine special (100 baht) so I had that instead. And it was a generous pour.

It's all part of the learning curve. Sounds like you had a great dance partner who fulfilled your desires in that department. Agree that 2:35 is a disappointing time to realize that your other desire would go wanting. But since I don't think that was discussed in advance, he's free to make his departure at will. Think I would have stayed with the 2500 and omitted the taxi bonus. When you factor in the other costs (1900 if I caught them all), it's a 5,000 baht event. But you found an enthusiastic dance partner that eluded you the other night and will have a good memory.

Think I'll stick to a pizza at the Madrid. From Coconuts Bangkok Dinner In The Sky Thailand, a culinary experience high above the city skyline and hosted among the stars officially launches its inaugural flight in Bangkok today. This is the first time this global phenomenon has been made available to Thais and international visitors to Thailand. Featuring the world’s only suspended high-altitude dinner table, guests are seated securely at a height of 50m where they enjoy a four-course gourmet dinner with astonishing views of the Bangkok skyline. Dinner In The Sky Thailand is located between The Emporium Shopping Complex, the Benchasiri Park and Dinosaur Planet (right next to BTS Phrom Phong). The launch program includes a Gala event joined by VIP and media guests, and celebrities including Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms Plernpit Muenpon, Executive Director, Information Technology Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Woody and his Friends. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/food-drink/dinner-sky-takes-off-thailand-first-time-ever/

Trust me, Stevie, I count myself among the many--in all age ranges--who have no desire to "come against" you. Meanwhile, I know you're eager to get back to instructing your virtual working boy. Is this guy light enough for your taste?

That's strange because you were among the first to express interest a whiter penis in post #3. And then posted another 11 times about it.

Coming from you, Stevie, I'll take that as a compliment.

I posted news accounts, without comment, of a story that is now being carried in the international media. You posted an opinion of those news items. I disagreed with your opinion and posted my response. I certainly wasn't upset but actually welcomed the opportunity to point out your flawed thinking. No attack there, Stevie, just an exchange of opinions.

It probably made them vomit. Whitening ruins the penis. Declaring that your Thai sex partners don't meet your uniform color standard may be the most idiotic of your many trademark idiotic postings. I think you're better off saving your money and remaining ensconced in your David Duke world of Lilly-white boys in the USA. Now there must be a clan meeting you're scheduled to attend. I understand they'll be screening "Snow White".

And those gorgeous Thais preferred that they had sex with anyone else. But they weren't being prejudiced, mind you. Just objective.

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — An iconic five-star hotel in Bangkok postponed its date of closure until next January. The Dusit Thani Bangkok will remain open until 2pm of Jan. 5, 2019, said hotel developers Dusit Thani Group. The hotel was formerly scheduled to operate through April 16 before being demolished in July. The group said the postponed closing date will allow people more time to visit the hotel and for developers to plan the replacement project: a mixed-use complex consisting of a hotel, residences, office spaces and a shopping mall. The nearly 37-billion baht project is a partnership deal between the hotel group and Central Pattana. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/arts/2018/01/04/dusit-thani-bangkok-postpones-closure-january-2019/

From The Nation Irresponsible tourist-boat operators have been blamed for dumping their rubbish into the sea, resulting in a large amount of garbage being washed ashore onto one beach in particular in Pattaya and harming both tourism and the environment in Pattaya Bay more generally. A large volume of garbage has reportedly been washing up on Cozy Beach, with plastic waste – mainly empty bottles and discarded cutlery items – seen littering both the beach and the sea. Cozy Beach beach-bed hiring operator Uthai Pengphan yesterday said the garbage problem on his stretch of sand was not new, as rubbish washed up on the beach throughout the year. However, at this time of year, when there is strong wind, more waste tends to find its way ashore. “I suspect that this [extra] garbage is from the tourist boats, because the rubbish is tied up in big garbage bags. But when the rubbish bags float in the sea, the waves often break them open, causing smaller pieces of trash to float around Pattaya Bay,” Uthai explained. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/around_thailand/30335244

From Thai PBS The cabinet yesterday (Jan 3) approved the increase of tolls on Highway 7 or known as Bangkok-Pattaya motorway from 60 baht to 105 for cars, effective from April 19. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the approval came after the Special Highway Department has finished the construction of nine new toll booths on the Bangkok-Pattaya motorway under the closed tolling system, or which it’s entry and exit will be under control. He said that under the closed system, toll booths will be increased from five to nine. They are located in Lat Krabang, Bang Bo, Bang Pakong, Phanas Nikhom, Ban Bung, Bang Phra, Nongkham, Pong, and Pattaya. http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bangkok-pattaya-motorway-toll-increase-60-baht-105-baht-beginning-april-19/