sydneyboy1

As I wrote on another thread, the last time I was in Bangkok the Tawan was dreadful, a tragic shadow of its former self. It it reopens I only hope it can regain some of its past glory.

Any updates on Thermas?

I would love to agree with you but honestly on my last trip it was just dreadful. A handful of fat, out of shape heavily tattooed “boys” on offer. I recall Tawan in the early 2000’s and it was just wonderful. A smorgasbord of fit handsome men who were friendly and playful. Oh for those glory days!

The Tawan used to be my favourite Bangkok bar. I was last in Bangkok just short of 3 years ago and the Tawan was a tragic shadow of its former self. I only hope if it reopens it can reinvent itself.

I have nothing much to add except I too have very fond memories of the old Fragata and regret that I never made it to the new.😢

I have never been to a Brazilian massage establishment. Can you explain the rules of the game? In Thailand extra service is an understood expectation and the masseur is tipped accordingly. Is this the same in São Paulo/Rio massage parlours?

It used to be always closed on a Monday. Perhaps just something a little different on the “off” day.

Here’s hoping!

Very depressing. I have fond memories of the old Fragata. Does mean that Lagoa is the only rent boy sauna left on São Paulo?

I too am a frustrated traveller. I retired 18 months ago with the main aim of travel with trips booked for last year including visits to the UK, Thailand and Brazil that of course did not eventuate. However we frustrated travellers should put our problem in perspective. In my country people have lost jobs, businesses etc with constant lockdowns and it is the same the world over. They are the ones who deserve sympathy at this dreadful time.

According to a news report during the week, many doctors went into hiding following the military coup, presumably for good reasons. This will place an unbearable strain on the health care system.

Regrettably there is nothing terribly “gay” about Thailand, Australia or anywhere else for that matter no matter how that word is used.

The same for Australians. The visa system was an absolute pain in the you know where. I used to think in paranoid moments they actually discouraging people from visiting Brazil. One extreme to another.

I have some fond memories of the steam room at Clark Hatch. Not the Babylon but could be fun.

I’ll try not to.

I have written here before about my last visit to Bangkok and Tawan. I’m not exaggerating but the place was tragic. Fat, out of shape heavily tattooed “boys” (sic). Without exception they would have had to pay me. There was no comparison to what it once was with beautiful in shape muscle guys.

What’s the Tawan Bar like these days? It was bordering on tragic when I last visited 2 and half years ago. Has it improved?

One thing I have learnt from the Brazilian saunas. It only takes one to make an evening!

Has anyone experienced hotels in Bangkok with cruisy gym/steam?

The first (excellent) post that started this thread provides a clue. In the 19 th century Thai men and women were naked from the waist up in public and it was difficult to tell men from women, although I would have thought one part of the female anatomy would have given them away. Perhaps this “difficult to differentiate “ would explain the latter day acceptance of trans people. Just a thought.

One issue I have about retiring to a country like Thailand and that is health insurance. A few people I have met in Pattaya from the US or UK could not get health insurance because of pre existing conditions and were relying on savings or luck if faced with a medical emergency. What is the experience of other retirees regarding insurance?

I can't access the site either. It would be a tragedy if it folds permanently.

Depressing.

The “old” Hero was the best massage venue in Bangkok by the widest possible margin. My Hero never reached the same dizzy heights.