emiel1981

One thing doesn't necessarily preclude the other, does it? I respect how people in Thailand are coping with the death of the king's mother. But on the other hand, as a tourist in Thailand, I'd also like to know what to expect. What can I expect, and is it better to postpone a visit to Thailand if I'm supposed to be there next week, for example? It'll take a bit longer for me; my planned trip to Thailand falls partly during the 30-day mourning period and partly afterward.

First of all, my compliments on your detailed daily trip report. It was so much fun to read! You write that you follow most of the massage shops you've visited on Facebook/X or that you've visited their websites to check their staff. Could you post a list with links @jimmie50 to their sites, profiles ans possibly also LINE-accounts? I'm very curious about those places! Would be highly appreciated. Is this the Prestige massage you are talking about? https://prestigemassageofficial.com/ I love it when the massage therapist takes a bit of initiative and builds tension during the massage by actually rubbing his crotch against your hands and moving his hands higher and higher on your thighs. I've experienced a "hard transition" from normal massage to "fun," and that was much less exciting than when the erotic buildup is there from the beginning. Another example of how a massage should ideally proceed, in my opinion: erotic tension from the start. Thanks for this comprehensive insight into S'Sense Massage. This shop was actually high on my list after reading some reviews and visiting their website. Their therapist, Singha (https://ssensemassage.com/therapist/), really appealed to me based on the photos. But after what you wrote about the limited options for "extra services," I think I'll pass. Unfortunately. As sexy as Singha is, I'd love to have a "full service" option. You've already had a few very good and erotic massage experiences, and then sometimes it can be disappointing, like in your case with Phetboy in the Saphan Khwai area. This is precisely why, in all the years I've been coming to Bangkok, I've never been to a massage shop that's a bit further out of the Silom area. You make the effort to travel there, to find the shop. And if you're disappointed, it's not nice. On the other hand, it could easily be your best massage experience. You never know until you try it. But with so many shops to try in Silom itself, I really need some convincing to venture further afield. What was your reason for going there instead of trying another shop in Silom that was closer to your hotel? Often it's a specific masseur who really appeals to someone. Was that the case for you as well? Besides Phetboy, I read that you also had a somewhat disappointing experience with Phoenix in the Saphan Khwai area. It seems like your experiences, which required a longer trip, are worse than those in the Silom area itself. This confirms my point that I might be better off browsing around Silom instead of looking further afield. I'd rather have a potential disappointment closer to home than one you made the effort (or travel) for. Haha! That's what Thailand does to you! And then you probably understand why most of us keep coming back. I think I can safely say that most of us on this forum have reached a certain age where we might not go to bars and clubs as often at home anymore and aren't quite as marketable to younger men in our own countries. But when you come to Thailand... You get attention, and you can "do things" with attractive guys for a reasonable price. It's great to hear that your massage at Paradise led to several encounters with a nice man named "Sam." I think you'd say Paradise was the best massage shop for you during your trip so far. Am I right? Paradise is also high on my list to try (I haven't been there before). I've read several positive things about Paradise on this forum. I'm especially impressed that the facilities are good, better than the average massage shop. See also the post below about it: I searched but couldn't find a site or account where Paradise shows the massage boys you can choose from. Does anyone have a link/line account? I don't know if this is a popular opinion here on the forum, but my first reaction is: RED FLAG! Of course, there are also examples of true love between Thai boys and (much) older Western men. But in what I've seen over the past few years, it's often dramatic. And not just because the Thai boys enter into the "relationship" solely for financial support. I would say: take it very slowly, and don't be too quick to resort to financial transactions and help. Have you read about the most common "excuses" for asking for money? There are always relatives who have to pay an expensive hospital bill, or a sick buffalo with its family in the Thai countryside that needs money. And of course, they ask their Western "boyfriend" for that money. Maybe I'm too cynical, but I've seen it go wrong too often. I think you've only met this guy once or twice, right? And then he immediately asks you to be his boyfriend? Again: Red flag for me.

What I understand from (news) reports is that the Thai people loved the king's mother. Although overshadowed by her late husband and son, Sirikit was beloved and influential in her own right. Her portrait was displayed in homes, offices, and public spaces across Thailand, and her August 12th birthday is celebrated as Mother's Day. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/25/thailands-queen-mother-sirikit-dies-at-93-after-more-than-a-decade-out-of-the-public-eye It's wonderful to see how Thailand and its people are coping with her passing. With so much respect. In my country, normal life would largely continue, with the exception of the day of the funeral itself. But in Thailand, people are much more mindful of a royal death. That being said, I wonder what exactly this will mean for tourists going to Thailand in the next weeks. Certain measures have been announced. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/10/25/thailand-mourns-queen-sirikit-the-queen-mother-funeral-plans-begin/ "The prime minister urged citizens to wear black clothing for at least 90 days or, if not possible, to avoid bright or flashy colors. Meanwhile, entertainment venues and service establishments have been asked to suspend or scale down entertainment activities for 30 days as a mark of respect during the initial mourning period." Does this really mean that bars and clubs (go-go shows) will be closed for the next 30 days? Are any forum members familiar with how things went after King Bhumibol passed away? How strictly were the rules followed, and what was and wasn't possible?

Thanks. This is the information I was looking for! Do you thinks there is a place where you will be able to see bit part of the lightshow, drones and fireworks from 1 place. Or do you really need to be on a boat travel wel place to place.

I will be in same hotel November 20 and 21.

How many times have we heard this? Seeing is believing. And the discussion about an entry fee deterring tourists from coming to Thailand. Sigh. Someone who's put off by a $10 entry fee? I don't believe it. If you can't afford that entry fee, how can you even go on vacation?

Where is Side actually located? Can't find out where it is on google maps.

It looks more like a dance club than a go-go bar to me. But it does look promising. Bangkok is actually the only place I still go to clubs. I think I'm getting too old to go to Cubs, but in Bangkok I make an exception with places like GOD or DJ-station. So GASS is definitely on my list to check out next time.

Sounds exciting! Will make sure to visit Freshboy in November/December when I am back in Thailand. Did 6pack boy only do the show part or was he also in the parade of boys with a numbered tag? So actual question: can he be offed? lol. And any inside info about if he is "gay" or "straight" / T of B? lol

This falls right around the time I'll be in Bangkok. I'd love to check it out. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any details yet, such as the light show times, which locations will be illuminated, the fireworks, or the best viewing spots. If anyone knows more, please post!

I'd say: it's not Bangkok OR Pattaya, but do Bangkok AND Pattaya. I think that's the perfect combination. Generally, Bangkok has more guys of my type (a bit more muscular, not too skinny) on offer. And there's more to do in Bangkok during the day in terms of interesting places to visit (repeatedly). But I find Pattaya a nice change from metropolitan Bangkok for a few days of just relaxing on the beach. For me, a 66/33 split is ideal. One week in Bangkok, one week in Pattaya, and then another week in Bangkok. That's exactly what I'm planning to do in late November/early December.

I didn't know that Telephone Bar had moved to the soi where Moonlight is. I thought the bar just stopped when Circus moved in. And according to the guys in the video below, the rumor is that Moonlight's soi is going to be the new hotspot where several gay bars will move to. Maybe when soi4 is sold? Later in the video, they mention that the "new" bar Dragon & Koi also has a "something spice" show. That's new to me too. I thought it was just a bar, without a show. Something else to check out when I'm in Bangkok! Watching the video and seeing them walking through Patpong makes me want to go there again myself! Six more weeks till my return to Thailand... Can't wait!

I stayed in Ibis Styles Silom a few times. Never had any problems bringing guests back to my room. By the way, are there any hotels in Bangkok that make problem from taking guest to your room? Don't aacthally think so... Lol As many modern hotels, you need a key card to use the elevator. So you will need to bring your boys from the bar or get them from the lobby downstairs if you get a internet / app hook up.

Can;t wait for reports about this place.

Getting smiles at Jupiter? Wow. That is newsworthy indeed! I like the type of guys who work at Jupiter. But indeed, due to the lack of interest they show and the lack of attention they give, it's never been one of my favorite bars. I'd rather have a somewhat good-looking guy who actually puts in some effort to get your attention than an A-list hunk who comes across as arrogant.

Looks very interesting! Can't wait for first report about this new place.

Did somebody try out this place? With it's shop being "far away" in east Pattaya, maybe it's possible to let one of their boys come to Jomtien to your hotel? Don't know if they do "outcall"?

Apparently they found a way to verify your age because on X I can watch adult content again. Via the X app, but when I try via the website it doesn't always work.

In an attempt to shift the topic of this post from smelly Indians to sexy Russians, I tried using the "location option" on Grindr to find (gay for pay) Russian hunks in Pattaya. I've tried a few times, but so far, unfortunately, without success. If I'm back in Pattaya in November, a Russian guy would be a welcome change from all the Asian beauties.

A while ago, I came across a video of this sauna. I didn't realize there was already a post about it, so I put it in a new one. See below to see that post and watch the video. Has anyone actually visited this sauna in the meantime? What was it like? Today I discovered that the sauna owner also owns a gay hostel on the same street. See the post below:

I came across this video: This new (?) gay hostel in Bangkok seems te be next door to 1/0 sauna (see linked posts below) and of the same owner. A hostel isn't my preferred type of accommodation. I like privacy and a bit of luxury. I see a hostel more as a budget option for backpackers. Young people. And I haven't considered myself young for a while now, and I dare say that applies to 99% of the forum members here. But the video does make me curious. After all, they also have private rooms besides the dorms. But what I'm especially curious about is the green/red slider on the room doors. You can use it to indicate that you don't want to be disturbed/are sleeping (red) or that others are allowed in because you're up for "fun" (green). And on a mirror in the building, you can leave messages and see which rooms are looking for or offering what... "room 304: greedy bottom." A very cruisy hostel... The private rooms are small and basic, but they look new and clean. And where can you find a private room in the heart of Silom for around 25 euros a night? Someone who wants to give it a go? Looking forward to trip reports. The hostel can be booked on Trip.com: https://www.trip.com/hotels/bangkok-hotel-detail-48646212/togayther-hostel-bangkok/ And... Free 1/0 Sauna Admission for All Togayther Hostel Guests! (not sure if that will be for a long time, they advertise this now as a summer promo)

Soi 4 is still for sale on that site. I'd expect the land in this prime location to quickly sell to a developer who could build yet another modern shopping mall (as if there weren't enough of those in Bangkok...). But it's been on the market for four months... I don't know anything about realistic prices in Bangkok, but perhaps the asking price is a bit high, which is why it hasn't sold yet? Let's hope the soi remains the gay hotspot it is for a while longer. I still miss Soi Twilight when I'm in Bangkok, so what if Soi 4 disappears too?

In 2023 I had a wonderful stay at https://baantyewang.top/ I love traveling at a leisurely pace. A one-day trip to Ayutthaya is certainly doable, but especially if you're in Thailand for a longer period, why not relax and spend one night there? And one night without the bartenders and massage therapists should be doable, right? Haha This guesthouse is modern, with friendly staff. It has a beautiful garden. You can arrange a tuk-tuk through the guesthouse to take you to all the temples. It's an ideal combination of culture and sightseeing, but also a place to relax and get away from the big city of Bangkok for a night or two.