jimmie50

I have a US Passport Card that I use for identification purposes when I travel internationally. They currently cost $30, plus a $35 processing fee if it is the first time getting the card. You get them from the Passport Office at the State Department...same as the passport book. I find it convenient as it fits in my wallet (size of a credit card) and contains all of the same information as the passport booklet minus the entry/exit stamps. I just photo copy the entry/exit page and carry that around in my bag. So far, I have had no issues or problems using the passport card. Super Rich accepted it in Thailand with no problem when exchanging currency. Hotels all accepted it on my recent tour of Northern Thailand, as did certain venues we visited that required ID.

I am not familiar with this area and until this post had never heard of it. However, from what little information has been provided I think the old saying 'better to be safe than be sorry' is appropriate here. Sounds too risky and unsafe to me.

I wonder if the Thai men who advertise on Rentmen are just copying the asking price of providers in the US hoping this will be their accepted fee (being optimistic) but understanding that it probably won't happen (being realistic). Don't know, since I have never used Rentmen.

So terrible. Cannot believe this is the second year in a row they have had to endure such horrible conditions. Devastating.

I don't go around wearing a sign, but I certainly don't hide it, either. When I was in a long term relationship and events were held socially for school staff that included partners/spouses, I would go and take my boyfriend. I spent the first 30 years of my life hiding and once I came out there was no going back in that closet. People either accept me for who I am or it's their problem, not mine.

What is the bar located under Hotmale? I stopped there for a drink before going to Hotmale as I was too early. I was the only customer at that time. Noticed several other bars, but wasn't sure if they were primarily gay bars, mixed clientele, or what the scene actually was. One had a pool table as I recall, but I don't remember seeing the sofa that has been mentioned. There was also some older Thai gentleman walking up and down the Soi in front of the bars rather aggressively trying to persuade people to go to one particular bar. I avoided that one because of him.

That is the flight I was on with a transfer in Hong Kong continuing on to San Francisco. Even though the flight was continuing on to Los Angeles, everyone had to exit the plane in Hong Kong. I mentioned about the increased security, which you said was because of the final destination being in the US.

I cannot speak specifically about Northwestern, but I know from a friend who worked for a different company that this is pretty standard operating procedure. Scams come disguised in many ways, and all of us have probably fallen for at least one during our lifetime. Companies take advantage of everyone...interns and employees, potential customers...They certainly wouldn't find 200 contacts on my phone. Just checked and currently there are 61 in my contact list. Most of those are family or friends all around my age who do exactly what I do...never answer the phone. If it is important, they will leave a voice mail, send me a text, or send me an email asking me to call. Never return sales calls...ever.

My only experience using an app was the recent trip to Bangkok. I found Grinder to be useful for hook-ups. When I think of apps, I cannot imagine they are really good for serious dating or relationships. From my perspective, they are more about casual hook-ups. I had great success with online dating sites 15-20 years ago. That is how I met my ex and we were together for 10 years, but I have not checked out an online dating site recently to know how they compare or how successful you can be these days. As has been discussed in other posts here regarding communication, back to basics and face to face conversation is much better than talking via apps, text, etc.

Glad the surgery went well and hope the recovery goes just as well.

I found this to be the case on my recent trip. Those I had seen once already knew exactly what I was looking for the second time around.

Am relatively new here compared to others, but it didn't take me very long at all to learn not to engage. In general I have refrained from replying to posts of this nature, and will most likely continue to do so...other than this one! lol.

Had to give this some thought, and have what most people will think is a pretty odd list. First up would be Eleanor Roosevelt. Always had a fascination with her and read a number of books about her over the years. Next would be Jonathan Bennett. Been a fan of his for years, comes from small town in Ohio like me, and have a sense of admiration and pride in the openly gay characters he portrays on Hallmark. Yeah...I know...Hallmark junky here, especially around the holidays. Last would be a college fraternity buddy I had a huge crush on. Would like to know all about his life since college days. Lost track of him after graduation. Pretty odd list, right?!?

Sent you a DM.

In the posts I receive daily via LINE from the various massage shops in Bangkok, I have noticed a substantial increase at Phetboys/Boy Boy spa for minimum tips. Some of the advertised young men are requesting as much as 2500 Baht now. So far, I have only noticed this increase at this particular spa. I am curious if this is something that happens normally at most spas during high season? Or, is this perhaps from a change in management or ownership? They seem to be having a name change (English version at least) from Phetboys to Boy Boy. Has anyone else noticed this?

I always check to see if I have a partially opened bottle of something before buying a new one or opening a new one. That is just part of my normal routine and has been for years. I refrigerate things like mayo, mustard, and salad dressings once they have been opened, but not syrup, ketchup, soy sauce, etc., even if the bottle says refrigerate after opening.

I am not that familiar with this particular incident, but something certainly seems off about his defense. If the effect of the magic mushrooms had worn off within 10 hours, his explanation about dreaming is indefensible. The fact he now admits he is alcoholic is even more scary, as you have said. To think of all the hours he was in the cockpit while under the influence...what did his co-workers know and what did they hide about his addiction. Seems like a substantial jail sentence is definitely warranted in this case from my perspective.

That isn't too bad, but the off fee would be the question mark for sure. So hot and sexy though...he might be worth it!!!

Congrats! Never had used Grinder myself before recent trip to Bangkok and got lucky with two different guys almost immediately. Unbelievable. And, just like you, I am well over 70 and overweight. Definitely in grandpa category. lol.

Sad situation for both men. Basically comes down to he said/he said situation and which story you believe. Correct me if I am wrong, but HIV testing can only detect if you have HIV. It isn't able to tell how long you have had it or what stage you are in. Not sure how they would prove who was infected first.

That should come as no surprise I guess. I only changed planes in Hong Kong one other time on a trip to Bangkok when I was flying Cathay Pacific. That would have been early in my travels to Thailand, so I really don't remember the process. All of my other trips have been with transfer points in Taipei or Tokyo, and I don't recall the scrutiny on those trips like it was this time going through Hong Kong. That could also be due to the change of administration in US and crazy immigration policies now followed.

I don't want to completely discount Chiang Mai. I had fond memories from my first visit there almost ten years ago with my Thai friends. One of the reasons I wanted to return. The timing was not the best because of the festival, but on group tours you have little to no flexibility. The tour company also probably planned the timing so we could be in the city during festival time since it was obviously a huge draw for tourists. Most of my gay exploration was done in Bangkok. I stayed the two extra days in Chiang Mai specifically to visit the elephant sanctuary, but then to check out the gay scene with Woody as my guide. I don't mean to be so negative about Chiang Mai itself, and apologize if my comments discourage anyone from visiting. Next time I would spend more time doing research to be sure there was no major event or festival taking place that would bring busloads of tourists to the city. If I decide to visit again, it will be with friends or on my own. Think I would hire a driver, definitely no bus tour, and not even fly...maybe rent a car. Not sure about that, but timing would definitely be a factor.

On my very first trip to Thailand almost ten years ago, my Thai friends took me to Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. I had fond memories of our visit to Chiang Mai, and I wanted to explore more of Northern Thailand. That is why I signed up for the group tour. Had I asked, my Thai friends would have taken time off work and planned the Chiang Mai adventure. It is quite possible they would have selected different dates for that visit. Group tours are not quite as flexible, and my guess is the company was aware of the festival and how much of a draw it would be for tourists. It could very well be why that was the days offered by Trafalgar. I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from visiting Chiang Mai, and I would like to go back when there isn't something major happening that brings busloads of people to the city. I wasn't prepared for such large numbers of tourists, but that is on me for not doing my homework in advance. I spent way more time preparing for my fun time in Bangkok than checking out what might be happening at each location on the group tour. Would have been fun to explore the countryside with some young man!

So true. As @PeterRS has already pointed out, trump and his MAGA idiots follow the mantra of Roy Cohn...attack, attack some more, counter-attack and then sue, no matter how right or wrong the case.

Even though I only visited that one time, Boss is definitely my favorite. Now that I know you are able to off some of the models, he has definitely moved to the top of my list on my next visit to Bangkok!