Patanawet

Well, my info from an owner is that they have been promised at least 3 more annual leases by 'the family'.

You ask the mamasan (or the boy) how much to 'off' the boy. Usually starting at about 500 Baht. This is only the fee to the bar to allow him to finish his shift early. THEN you negotiate with the boy; variable depending on what you want him to do. Can vary from about 800 to 8,000 Baht. Take him to your hotel (if allowed) or let him take you to a local short time hotel. Some bars have short time rooms upstairs for a fee of course. Expect to pay about 500 for a short time room Have fun.

oh, you saw me?

There are many brokers advertising on Facebook in Thailand for people with pre- conditions AND up to the age of 100 years. I was close to using one (WRLife) when I chickened out at the last moment because I couldn't find any reports of how they responded to actual claims. That may be due to my lack of Googling enough. The one I looked at fairly closely was WRLife. They have brokers in Pattaya. I think (from memory) they had schemes from as low as 7K Baht per month. Just mention on Facebook that you are looking for health insurance in Thailand and their algorithm will maybe flood you with ads.

Yes 'around' Christmas-- that's really for New Year, Christmas is nothing special in Thailand (not even a public holiday).

Yes, Thai logic.

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?