Patanawet

I tried to make a reservation with my barber (C.& B.) in Patpong this afternoon. I was told "not possible, we must close shop at 4 o/clock because 'they' are shooting a movie today". Any idea what movie?

Sorry sorry.

Who is doing the skinning? Cashier, waiter or mamasan?

1,100 Baht- WOW. The consultant must have really liked you. Bhumrungrad is one of the most expensive private hospitals in Thailand.

You should have asked for "mai Phet, khrap". The waiter maybe thought that you looked hot and could handle 'hot stuff'.

I was once in a bar and a friend of mine REALLY fancied a Waiter outside the opposite bar. He sent him a message (via a waiter at our bar) to ask if the boy would go home with him. The answer came back Ï think my body is worth five thousand Baht". Now, I know this boy works for much less. I took it to mean that he didn't fancy my friend and was politely saying NO to him without hurting his feelings.

I'm not good at sums but doesn't that equal 728 baht per client?

You mention 'papasan'. I have never (25+years) heard the term. They are all 'mamasans' regardless of sex or gender. By the way, great report.

Ah, memories.

Fat chance of that.

At least two of the bars have made it for 20-30 years, so they must have done something right.

So Rob, the answer to your question is they have 352 days left until they become renewable at New Year AT THE FAMILIES' DISCRETION!

Oh, Pao is my favourite.

As I stated, Key money in soi 4 is paid annually and the amount depends on how many shop house widths you rent. ALSO leases (and key money are ANNUAL and renewable at New Year.

According to Google:- Key money in Thailand can be legal, but it's not always clear what it is or how it's calculated. It's often demanded in cash, and landlords may not declare it to the tax authorities.

ALL premises on Soi 4 are on annual leases (payable to 'the family', and always have been. 'Key money' is paid once a year at New Year. It has nothing to do with lease, rent or additional 'side payments'. Last year, PRIDE itself was offered for sale to include all floors including the 3rd (U.S.) floor which the present owner used for his financial businesses. He has now moved this to Park Silom. Original ad, last year, later withdrawn:- (Strange because this link states " NOTE: Sale does not include Circus Bar and Restaurant. ") Last year:- BUT latest is this:- Owning a bar in Thailand is a serious undertaking to be done by people familiar with Thai business practices in particular the licensing trade. Many practices here can be an anathema to those brought up in more 'organised' societies'. You are not going to change them, it is their country! When I first moved here 25+ years ago, I bought a book called something like 'Doing business in Thailand as a foreigner'. No idea if it is still published. If you still want to go ahead, try chatting to owners of SUCESSFUL bars. Then approach. Cameron with serious enquiries rather than occasional visitors who think it would be a nice idea. And finally, get a Thai manager familiar with the scene who you would trust with your life. (and a similar Thai lawyer.).

S & M invitation?

Woops I mis read that as 'hairy breasts'.

12is12 well done for your report. Sadly I find it difficult to plough through with many whole words being substituted by single letters or worse, numbers. This style is a dated throwback to when we were limited to the number of characters we were allowed. Others consider it laziness. What a pity, when it would have been an enjoyable read. Again, thanks for a good report, keep them coming. Edit PS, no idea why this has come up 'bold'. Not intended.

Hmmm. Comment not necessary!

English is routinely taught in most Thai state schools (albeit badly if by a Thai teacher). If fact, my other half was taught in a temple up to university entrance level.

just mime it then wag finger.