jimmie50

I am heading to Bangkok next month as well and am staying at Ibis Styles Silom. Arrive mid-morning on October 16 and will stay there until October 24 when I will move to Galleria 10 in Sukhumvit. I signed up for a tour group of Northern Thailand that begins October 24. If anyone is in Bangkok October 16-24 and interested in meeting...for a drink, meal, or club...let me know.

Just read in the news this morning where an appeals panel in Denmark reverse the decision and return the infant girl to her mother. The article also mentioned that for years the government of Denmark had doctors implant IUD's in Greenlandic women to prevent pregnancy and control the Greenlandic population. The women and their families were not aware of these implanted IUD's, and a number of them recently filed a lawsuit against the government. The current prime minister of Denmark was quoted in the article as agreeing in principle to the establishment of a fund to compensate the victims of this horrible practice. Discussions regarding such a fund are to take place when she (prime minister) visits Greenland on Wednesday.

I don't think this is just unique to Thailand or Bangkok. Even in the US there has been a decline in gay establishments. I am in my mid-70's. The gay community was very closeted and the only place to go and meet people was the gay clubs. Cell phones, personal computers, social media...none of it existed. There are any number of reasons for the changes that have taken place, and I imagine some of those would be applicable to Thailand as well. The growing acceptance of gay people in mainstream society has allowed many to feel more comfortable socializing in mixed or even straight venues. This has decreased the reliance on dedicated safe spaces for the gay community. We have all discussed here in other threads the online dating and various location-based apps. These have changed how people meet and provides an alternative to bars and clubs. The clubs are no longer the primary connection point for the younger generations. And, as is always the case with any type of business, economic factors play a part in their success or demise as well. Economic concerns hit small businesses hard. Businesses fail and instead of a new business moving in, they are pushed out of the area to make room for new hotels, shopping malls, etc. Indeed, the future of 'our gay community', as we have known it, is gradually fading away.

I somehow got on their daily mail blast via LINE, but am not sure how. I am thinking perhaps it was called something else previously...perhaps KB Boy...and changed owners/names. They certainly send out many messages.

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to retirement is their failure to plan beyond the financial aspect. The financial piece is certainly important, but it seems to me it is equally important to create a strong sense of purpose in retirement. Aside from the nights out in go-go bars and paying for money boys, people need to find meaningful activities, either through volunteering or perhaps part-time work that aligns with our passions. We need to remain active, both physically and mentally. Learn a new skill, like playing a musical instrument, or take some type of classes. It is also important to actively seek opportunities to nurture existing relationship and build new ones. Don't isolate yourself...join a club, start a club, volunteer...but participate in some sort of group activity on a regular basis. While it is nice to have a flexible schedule now that we are retired, it is that lack of structure that leads to boredom and depression. It is still important to maintain some semblance of order and purpose in life. I don't think the location of retirement is what creates the boredom. I think it is us lacking the motivation.

If I am aware of the hate and intolerance, in general I will avoid doing business with them. I avoid Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby. I recently have cut back on the amount of shopping I do at places like Target and Lowes that have basically caved in to the pressure from the current regime in Washington regarding DEI. Same thing for Pepsi and Anheuser-Busch products. Because of backing down to pressure from the conservatives, they no longer sponsor Pride events. Why should I give these businesses my hard earned money!

Many years ago I was in Taipei, Taiwan during a typhoon. That was the first time I had ever experienced such a powerful storm. We had earthquakes in California, but SF Bay Area never had typhoons/hurricanes. I do recall what you mentioned about the windows blowing out, flood waters rising, and furniture floating down the street. Certainly would not care for a repeat of that.

I think I will cancel my subscription when it comes up for renewal. When I was teaching full time, I ordered items for my classroom quite often. It was very convenient and usually cheaper. However, now that I am retired I do not really order that much. It wasn't necessary that what I have ordered recently arrives in the next day or two. I certainly was able to wait without any issue. I cannot even remember the last time I watched anything on Prime Video. I do not spend a lot of time watching television to begin with, so Prime Video isn't something I would miss at all. I, too, am of the mind that I don't want to support Bezos, his politics, and his censorship at the Washington Post, especially in recent years. I also prefer to shop local these days.

Wonder what the difference is between Mr. International and Mr. Global? Mr. International is currently taking place in Bangkok through September 25.

Perhaps I will get adventurous and try a motor taxi. Never been on one before. 30 minutes doesn't seem like all that long of a walk, even at my advanced age. lol. I think I can still manage that...especially when quality time with a handsome young man is involved. 😉

Yes, I really don't understand why people not just in the US but around the world are so afraid of him. From my perspective, he is nothing more than the old schoolyard bully. The way to deal with a bully is to not react. The reaction is what they are going for. Bullies thrive on getting a reaction. They often want to see the impact of their actions. Remaining calm and not reacting will disarm or take away the power of a bully. Why people choose to engage with him is beyond me. Why should Macron even care what he or his cronies think or say. Simply ignore it.

I have heard of Prince, but wasn't quite sure where it was located in relationship to where I will be staying. I am staying at Ibis Styles Silom...are S'sense and Prince easy walking distance from there?

I was very surprised that she didn't run for governor of California. That was really what I expected her next move to be, but she may be wanting to make another run for president. As you said, if that is her plan she may truly regret writing the book. I have always been a big fan of Pete Buttigieg, and suspect he will be making a run for president in the next election. He is probably working behind the scenes now to lay the groundwork for such a campaign. Personally, I think a gay male has a better chance of getting elected as president in this country than a female...any female. That threshold just seems too high given the current overall political and social climate in the US. It is pretty obvious already that the current governor of California plans to throw his hat in the ring.

Glad you were able to find a solution. Certainly would keep me from wanting to sit on the railing! LOL.

ok, this is the first I have heard of S'sense. It has not been on my radar until now. Where is it located? Based upon comments here, I am assuming extra services are available?!? Is it more on the pricey side, like Prestige, Klover and History of Massage? Sounds like I may need to add it to my list of establishments to visit next month. I have way too many places on my list now and not enough days. lol. Guess I need to strategize and prioritize before I get to Bangkok!

While I am certainly no fashion expert, having lived and worked in the SF Bay Area most of my adult life where you will find a large Asian population, Asian street fashion is certainly very innovative and diverse. It draws inspiration from many cultural influences. Student population at the high school where I taught was 80% Asian, and both males and females considered their fashion style to be a celebration of their individuality and self-expression. My guess is those of us who are older and from a more western culture have more of an issue with their fashion sense...they probably believe they look very stylish and appropriate. Perhaps if taking a young man along as a traveling companion, you might want to consider taking him on a shopping outing to purchase one or two outfits. That would afford you the opportunity to make suggestions or comments about certain items of clothing without offending the person. It also might be they are unable to afford nicer clothes or are accustomed to wearing hand-me-downs and don't give much thought to their attire.

Yes, the 17th Mister International competition is taking place in Bangkok and Khon Kaen, Thailand. This year there are 42 contestants from various countries around the world. The show includes national costumes and swimwear competitions. In some locations, the finale is broadcast live. However, you can find daily summaries as well as full videos of the competition online at Youtube. Just got to Youtube and search for Mr. International 2025. The competition started on September 12 and runs until the finale on September 25.

I am also in agreement with you. Such a terrible thing to do. I have never heard of such thing as a parental competency test. My goodness would the world be in trouble if all the parents were given a competency test. What percentage would fail?!? Don't know anything about Danish law, but I would be looking for a good lawyer and fighting it. Certainly does seem like over-reach to me as well.

When going out with family or friends to a local restaurant, I will often go online to see if they have an online menu I can view before going for dinner. This is usually because of dietary restrictions, so I like to try and plan in advance so I know if I need to plan on eating a little something before going as there won't be much on the menu I am allowed. However, if they don't have one...I don't stay home or worry about it obsessively. When traveling, I don't usually look in advance and am not as careful regarding my diet. I just try to enjoy my travels...including the food. If I am walking by a restaurant that looks interesting and they have a menu on display, I might check it out before making a final decision to try it, but not always.

I was reading a news article this evening that stated his mother is the person who actually first recognized the images as her son and then asked the father what he thought. Father agreed with her. It also mentioned that family members feel his political thinking changed over the last year and very different from the rest of the family. His parents especially are strong MAGA and Trump supporters. Certainly does seem like the situation is like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Forget the arguments for and against the 2nd amendment. Now they are going after the 1st amendment rights of free speech. Disagree with them and be charged with a hate crime. Never, ever thought this day would come in the US. What in the world is happening to us?!?

I am exhausted just reading about your adventures! So much fun in such a short period of time.

15M and 27M share the same website as well as the same therapists. https://www.mmassagebkk.com

I imagine the Myanmar military receives a substantial kickback from these crime syndicates as a major source of funding and wouldn't want to do anything that would impact the flow of much needed cash. Sorry for all of the people who have been taken advantage of by these scams. They definitely target older people. One of the reasons why I don't do social media, never answer calls that do not come from someone on my contact list, and never respond to texts or emails from people who are not on my friends or family lists. If the call is important, they will leave a voice mail. I can then look up the contact number myself and call them back directly. I simply 'delete and report' any text or email, and never click on any links in messages. You can never be too safe these days.

Haven't heard much about him in recent years. Curious to know more about who he follows and his posts?!? Several years ago it seems like he was everywhere, but not so much these days.

Personally, it is my belief that we have become too easily offended and are overly sensitive to words as well as ideas. In many ways I think it has the opposite effect and limits dialogue. Why do we always feel the rest of the world must conform to western ideas? I agree whole heartedly with @daydreamer...let Thailand be Thailand.