Pantherz

That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing. I was told that in the Philippines, in certain cities in Metro Manila, the social hygiene clinics (government sexual health clinics) provide health cards to sex workers who are required to go in for testing on a regular basis. Without updated health cards they are not supposed to be allowed to work. If they test positive for an STI, they are not reprimanded, they are treated and then they can return to work once cured. I don’t know what happens though if they become infected with something that can’t be cured, like HIV or Hepatitis B. I’m sure that implementation is far from perfect, but it’s good to know that such programs exist. I’m surprised that the NGOs and the government haven’t come together in Thailand to do something similar. It seems like given the prevalence of the sex trade, it would be a great program to have.

Are there any bars or massage parlors in Thailand that are known for routinely and systematically testing their staff for STIs? Or is it all left up to the workers to do?

I’m glad you used the service and that it was beneficial to you! Not cheap but worth it.

I also wanted to mention that the consent forms that I needed to sign prior to testing had some interesting statistics: 33% of gay men in Bangkok (Thai and non-Thai) are HIV positive. Only 68% of these individuals are undergoing treatment for HIV. 20% of gay men in Bangkok (Thai and non-Thai) are positive for Syphilis.

Hey friends, I recently availed the PCR28 testing service at Pulse Clinic in Silom, and I have to say, it was a remarkable experience. They're offering a 50% discount on their comprehensive STI testing, which now costs 6,700 baht. This test covers 28 different infections, with results delivered in 7 days. If you're in a hurry, you can opt for a faster turnaround with an extra fee. The clinic is easily accessible, located near the BTS Sala Daeng station. I found their service to be excellent—fast, efficient, and professionally handled. It's a great opportunity, especially since such extensive STI testing isn't readily available everywhere. Highly recommend checking it out! For more info, check out their website: https://pulse-clinic.com/pcr-dna-test-for-28-infections You can also purchase PrEP, PEP, and they can do other general blood work for you. They also have IV infusions to help you get over jet lag or give you a boost if you drank too much the night before. I have no affiliation with this clinic but as a happy customer I wanted to share my experience and I hope that it would encourage others to get tested more frequently.

Thanks for sharing your insights Chucky. Does Goa have a good gay scene by the beach? I have heard many people say that the Indians are generally better looking in the north than in the south. Any thoughts?

It’s a Taiwanese movie they’ve been going at it for a few days!

I just looked it up and it looks like it was filmed in New York City. They should film a sequel in Bangkok.

I ended up going in. The music was pretty bad and only one of the guys was cute after all. None of the guys showed interest in the audience - not even a tiny effort to try and earn themselves any business. It was rather disappointing.

I like animals too, but for some reason I can’t seem to get myself to think of a rat as a likable animal. I feel a sense of relief when I see stray cats walking the streets hoping they will murder the rats.

I'm unsure if the situation is deteriorating, but it seems that every street I turn onto is plagued with the sight of giant rats. This issue has become increasingly nauseating and even causes me a sense of paranoia as I navigate the area. Despite my attempts to avoid looking down by keeping my gaze straight ahead, I still catch glimpses of them scurrying around in my peripheral vision. I must admit, hygiene-related issues easily unsettle me. Is the problem just as severe in the Sukhumvit and river areas? I'm considering choosing a different location than Silom for my next visit. 🐀 🤢

Haven’t seen it this busy since before Covid and it’s only a Tuesday! Taiwanese actors are filming a movie next to Sol. Speaking of Sol what is it like? Cute guys sitting out front. Any tips?

Good point. Maybe a good idea would be to show up half way through it so that if it’s a terrible experience, you only have to endure half of it!

Absolute worse time to go for both of those reasons!

I’m interested too and in starting this thread I hoped someone might have had experience staying there. Has anyone experienced any sexcapades in India at all?

I came across this. Has anyone stayed here? Sounds intriguing.

Does anyone know what the Line ID is for Home Spa?

None yet. Thinking of going in the next month or two and staying at Gomez Place, but just a bit worried about it being a bit rustic since I enjoy staying in nice hotels. I’d love to hear more first hand experiences. Also I’m wondering how many days I should plan on staying.

Is the water crystal clear and clean? Never been before.

The W Hotel offers a more vibrant party atmosphere compared to Le Meridien, particularly with its superior pool area and lobby bar. However, Le Meridien boasts a more advantageous location for those seeking easy access to massage services and bars. In contrast, the W Hotel has a slightly better location in terms of proximity to the BTS public transport system. While the W excels in ambiance, Le Meridien's executive lounge provides a pleasant setting for evening drinks, complemented by excellent staff service. Both hotels, however, are comparable in offering great buffet breakfasts.

Le Meridien is great.

How’s Sihanoukville in Cambodia? Any gay scene around there? Is the beach nice?

I am thinking about a beach getaway in late March and was wondering if there are any beaches in Thailand that have a gay scene (and good bars, restaurant, massage options) other than Pattaya and Phuket? If there aren’t any other options in Thailand, how about in other countries? Boracay in the Philippines is very gay (although not officially) and there is a lot of gay activity on Bali, but I’m trying to think of ideas that are out of the ordinary. Maybe the beaches in Sri Lanka or Goa could be an option? How about Cambodia and Vietnam?

Very interesting thread. Thank you to those who have been sharing their experiences. I think a new reason not to live in Thailand more than 6 months out of the year is the change in tax policy, which makes foreigners liable to pay tax on foreign sourced income brought into Thailand. Malaysia is also implementing similar changes and unfortunately the changing tax landscape in making it unattractive to live in many places for more than 6 months out of the year.

Really just to discover a country that I have never been to. Not interested in intense sightseeing, but enjoying the experience which means restaurants, walks, seeing a few interested things without having a packed schedule, hopefully meet some cute local guys along the way and have drinks and see what happens. Basically an easy going itinerary without it being too long to get bored or feel uncomfortable, since the accommodation appears to be a little rustic.