TotallyOz

The Healthiest Veggies Getting healthy and losing weight is an important part of most of our lives. We want to look and feel our best. We know that eating right and exercising are an important part of that process. The problem is that we never learn exactly what we need to do to stay healthy. It's one thing to tell people to “eat healthy and exercise.” But that won't help people if they don't know how to do it! And let's face it - nobody teaches us in school how to really be healthy. We just have to try to figure it out on our own. But the bottom line is that what you eat can have a huge effect on your overall health and your weight. Our experts were quick to point out that not all vegetables are created equal, and were happy to tell us which ones they recommend to those who are serious about their health. • Broccoli. This is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It has a ton of antioxidants than can help prevent stomach, lung and rectal cancers. Broccoli is also great for your immune system. It has beta carotene, vitamin C and folate. This means it reduces your chances of getting a cold! It should be a regular part of any healthy person's diet. • Carrots. They don't just help with your eyesight, though your mom was right that they can help you maintain your vision as you get older. But they are also packed with vitamin A, which can help your skin and hair look super healthy. Studies have shown they are very good for your cardiovascular system as well. And they have a ton of vitamin C to help you fight off the flu. All in all, they are an awesome addition to any diet plan you want to go on. • Onions. While onions may not be great for your breath, they are wonderful for your health. Some studies have shown they can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Even better for women, they contain a peptide that slows the body's loss of calcium, meaning that they can help prevent osteoporosis. • Bell Peppers. Peppers are very healthy. Some studies, in fact, have shown that they may reduce the risk of lung, colon, pancreatic and bladder cancer. They are also said to help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Bell peppers are also a good source of lycopene and folic acid. And, they come in a lot of fun colors for you to choose from! • Spinach. Popeye was right: If you want to fight to the finish, make sure that you eat your spinach. It has a wide range of vitamins and minerals. In fact it's helpful in preventing everything from heart disease to colon cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis, and has anti-aging properties as well. • Eggplant. Also called aubergines, they are great for helping protect your cardiovascular system. The antioxidants in eggplants are believed to help protect your brain cells from environmental damage, too. They have fiber that can help flush toxins from your body. Some studies have also shown they can protect you from dementia as you get older. People who make eggplant a part of their diet are also less likely to suffer from strokes. • Squash. All forms of squash, from pumpkins to summer squash, are great for your body. Squash is recommended for people who are worried about asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is loaded with vitamin C to help boost your immune system. It is rich in fiber. Squash is also loaded with potassium and magnesium, which means that it can even help you get over a hangover if you've been out on the town and had one too many drinks over the course of the night! • Brussels Sprouts. These aren't just mini cabbages. They are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. They are a great source of folic acid, which is important for any woman who is pregnant or thinking about trying to become pregnant. Their high fiber content can help prevent bloating and help keep you regular. • Tomatoes. People can argue back and forth about whether or not tomatoes are a vegetable or a fruit – but at the end of the day, what really matters is how incredibly important they are as part of any balanced diet. They contain a lot of lycopene, which has been shown to help prevent a wide variety of cancers. They help naturally lower your blood pressure. They can help you keep the free radicals in your body in check. They are also a rich source of vitamins A and K. Overall, they are one of nature's perfect foods – and they taste great! • Sweet Potatoes. Some people call them yams, but a sweet potato by any other name is still as sweet. The iron in them helps give your body more energy, which is important if you want to seriously work out. They are good for your digestive system and full of fiber. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins A and K and are a good source of manganese. So, don't just eat sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving. Make them a regular part of your diet! All of these veggies not only taste great, but are incredibly healthy. If you can include them in your diet on a regular basis, you'll be helping your body work at its peak potential. That will make it easier for you to feel good and exercise, which will make you even healthier and help you lose weight. Best of all, they can be incorporated in lots of tasty meals and will provide enough variety in your diet so that you'll never get bored. So, remember, eat your veggies – but eat the right ones!

Totally agree with Koko. The gogo bars don't get going until 9 or 10. So, enjoy a few beer bars and perhaps even get some food in the area so you can watch the foot traffic go by. I always enjoy that a great deal. I like the food at Oud's Bar and they have a great pulled pork sandwich. There is also a restaurant down that same Soi, slightly past the old Monty's swimming pool and next to All of Me which my friends like and has a great view of the Plaza. Most of all, go and just relax and as the area is low key and enjoyable. If you pick a boy or two to play pool in the area, you will also have a blast. Good luck and report back here and let us know what you think.

In a separate thread on BoyzBoyzBoyz, a poster suggested that 11,000 views for that thread seem high. Anyone can see the most view threads from the main area of this forum by clicking on Most Viewed. There are several in the high 20,000 range. This is the result of google. I remember many years ago, I wrote a thread about Ping Pong Pussy in Pattaya and I logged into the site and saw a ton of people reading that months old thread. I thought that was very odd so I did a search for Ping Pong Pussy and this site was at the top of that and all these people came from Google to here to read the thread. I doubt we are still high up in that keyword listing but it happens often with this site as the search engines know it is a credible site with consistent reliable information. I am always most fascinated to see where things rank and who views what.

Transportation in Gay Thailand Thailand is a beautiful place to visit and you know you'll have fun hitting all the host bars, go-go clubs and smoking hot discos. But, how exactly do you get around town or from city to city? Part of the joy of visiting a foreign country is learning the local transportation system, but it can also be very frustrating if you don't know what you are doing. The good news is that many people in Thailand do speak English (with the obvious exception of the cab drivers), so you can always find someone to ask for help. Still, it's good to have some basic information at your fingertips before you arrive just so you can feel more comfortable and have some idea what you are doing. After all, you don't want to spend your entire trip in your hotel room! Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when you are trying to travel around Thailand. Please remember that this guide was written at a given moment in time. Things can change quickly in this part of the world, so it's always a good idea to check with your travel agent to see if there are any important updates: Bangkok International Airport Bangkok International Airport (code BIA) is one of the busiest in Asia, serving more than 16 million passengers a year. It serves more than 70 airlines 24 hours a day including local and western carriers. The airport is fully equipped with bars, restaurants, VIP rooms and all of the other modern conveniences you would expect from a major international airport. It is roughly 21 kilometers from downtown Bangkok. Bangkok Skytrain Bangkok is a very crowded city. It is so crowded, in fact, that you won't want to spend too much time walking from one part of town to the other. Thankfully, in 1999, Bangkok opened the Skytrain, an elevated train system that serves the same function as a subway or metro in other major world cities. The Skytrain has a reputation for being very clean and fast, so it's always a good idea to find out if it is stopping near where you want to go before you decide to walk or take a taxi. Unfortunately, Bangkok is the only city in Thailand with an internal rail system, so if you decide to travel to the other metropolises, you will be stuck with more primitive forms of transportation. Elephants On the other side of the technological spectrum, many Thais, and some tourists travel from village to village on Elephants. While this is not the fastest mode of transportation available, you are bound to get a great view on the back of a pachyderm, and it will give you an interesting story to tell people back home. Recently, Thai officials have banned elephant transportation within the city of Bangkok. Taxis Taxis are plentiful in Bangkok and in the other major cities. They are usually very clean and air conditioned so they can often be a good alternative to trying to walk from one part of a city to another. The downside is that most Thai taxi drivers do not speak, read or vaguely understand even a single word of English. So, if you don't have a Thai speaking guide with you, you could be in trouble. Most hotels have printed cards for both their establishment and popular tourist destinations. What you want to do is hand that card to the taxi driver. He or she will be able to read it and figure out where you need to go. By law Thai taxi drivers have to have the meter running at all times. Yet, some try to cheat tourists by leaving the meter off. Make sure that he or she turns the meter on before you get into the taxi. If he or she refuses, do not get in the cab! Tuk Tuks Tuk Tuks are another interesting travel alternative in major Thai cities. They are similar to taxis, but only have three wheels and only two people can fit inside. On the other hand, they can be much cheaper. Tuk Tuks do not have meters, so you have to negotiate your price in advance to make sure you don't get ripped off. Because they are smaller than taxis they can weave in and out of traffic to help you get where you are going very quickly. Samlor Samlors are currently banned in Bangkok but can still be found in other Thai cities and villages. Essentially they are slow moving bicycle powered rickshaws. They should be avoided if you need to get somewhere quickly, and you need to negotiate your price in advance. For the most part, you want to use a samlor simply so you can have a cool picture to send back to your family and friends back home. Trains The state-run Thailand train system has many things going for it. Speed is not one of them. Compared to the west, these trains go very, very slowly from city to city. The good news is they are cheap and can be very comfortable. When picking a train make sure you select one marked "Special Express." The ones marked "Ordinary" move slower than a virgin on a first date. Also decide what class you want to ride in. Third Class is a horrible cesspool of wooden benches that you will probably want to avoid if you have any respect for yourself at all. Second Class is similar to what you would expect on a modern train system, complete with reclining seats. First Class is still reasonably priced and will provide you with a private air conditioned cabin. Sleeper trains can be a very good deal and you can get both dinner and breakfast on the train itself. Inner City Buses Buses in the major cities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large modern western style buses. Others more closely resemble flat bed pick up trucks. They are all dirt cheap, but if you don't speak Thai it may be nearly impossible for you to figure out where they are going and when. You get what you pay for. Intra City Buses If you don't mind crowds, city-to-city buses can be a great alternative to the slow moving train system. They will get you where you want to go much more quickly for about the same price as a train. On the other hand, they can be very, very crowded, which can lead to an uncomfortable ride. Ferries And Boats Within the major cities you can often hire a ferry or boat to take you where you want to go as long as the river is heading in the right direction. They are dirt cheap and very relaxing, but you will need to keep your eyes open to figure out exactly where you need to get off. If you are in Bangkok you can hire chartered boats to explore the nearby canals. Rental Transportation In most parts of Thailand you can rent bicycles, motorbikes and cars if you want to take charge of your travel experience. For the most part, you are probably better off with the cheaper and safer alternatives of public transportation but we understand that sometimes you just want to get out on your own. That said, renting a bicycle or motorbike is probably a big mistake. You will have to dodge crazy drivers, potholes, goats and assorted dangers beyond your imagination. There are better ways to take your life in your hands. Many foreigners tend to rent the motorcycles and have no problem. Remember that no matter what the company you rent from says, if you break it, you buy it. True insurance is often not true insurance. If you rent a bike and wreck it, be prepared to pay for the repairs or a new bike. That being said, there is a wonderful feeling in riding around most cities on a bike. You will have total control of your itinerary and the city is at your footsteps waiting for you to explore! If you do rent a motorcycle, wear a helmet. It is the law and you will get fined if you don't. Often the fine is 200 baht but if you don't have the cash, they may impound your bike. Also, anyone riding with you is required to wear a helmet. We cannot tell you the number of times we have been stopped because the boy on the back of the motorcycle wanted to hold his helmet and not mess up his hair. J Make sure all that are with you have the helmet on! Renting a car is obviously safer, but is apt to be very expensive and if you get lost, it may be hard for you to find someone who speaks English to guide you home. If you do rent a car you will need an international driver's license.

Underage Sex in Gay Thailand Rightly or wrongly, Thailand has gotten a reputation as being a Mecca for underage sexual activity. While it is true that you can purchase guys of nearly any age in Thailand from sleazy pimps, you should avoid doing so at all costs. In the wake of increased international pressure, Thailand has started cracking down on the child sex industry. If you get caught you will get arrested and your government will not want to help you. Even worse, your name and address may become public which means you could ruin your career and your relationship with your family and friends. Even worse, the United States has now started enforcing laws against United States citizens traveling abroad to have sex wit minors. That means that even if you don't get in trouble in Thailand, you might get arrested when you step off the plane in America. Thailand had hundreds of thousands of guys that you can rent for the evening. Many look young and if you need to live out a sex fantasy, please do so with an 18 year old guy who has an ID that says 18. Don't be a fool and go to jail for dipping under this age! We want you to be able to keep coming back to Thailand. We also want you to stay out of prison. We assure you that Thai prison is not like that of most civilized countries and 15 years in jail here could be a death sentence. Having sex with children is not only illegal; it is a taboo for most people. Don't throw your life away. Only have sex with guys who are at least 18. Your life depends on it.

Muay Thailand Boxing So, two well muscled guys step into a ring shirtless. Soon they are getting sweaty and furiously trading blows back and forth. Their biceps ripple, their asses move tightly under their short shorts and testosterone fuels the air. It's no surprise that one of the most popular sports among the gay community in Thailand is Thai Boxing, known locally as Muay Thai. It is by far the most homoerotic spectacle you are apt to find anywhere in the world. Because Thai boxers are allowed kick with their feet and use their elbows, Muay Thai requires a lot more skill than western boxing and can seem to be a much more brutal show. Yet, there is often a level of respect between the fighters that makes it a more honorable sport than the pugilism you may be used to back home. And, rather than the rap or heavy metal music that plays at many American matches, you will often hear traditional wood winds and chimes at a boxing match in Thailand! What you may not know is that Muay Thai is part of Thailand's ancient heritage. Thai Boxing In History Traditional Thai boxing goes back hundreds of years and has been an important part of the country's history. Many people are surprised that Thais, a notoriously peaceful people, excel at this beautifully brutal sport. The reason they do so is that for hundreds of years the survival of their nation depended on it. Because the terrain on the Thailand borders is often rough and uneven, it was not in the Thai's advantage to develop long range weapons to ward off invaders. Instead they decided to create a close hand to hand style of fighting that would lead to battles that favored the defenders over the invading armies who would never understand the local terrain as well as the patriots they were fighting. As long ago as the mid 1500s, the celebrated warrior king Naresuan The Great a boxing legend made Muay Thai a mandatory part of his army's military training. Perhaps the most famous instance of Thai boxing in the countries history came 200 years later when the warrior Nai Khanom Tom was kidnapped by Burma during a raid on Siam's capitol. After he was captured he made a challenge to his Burmese captors. If he could take on 10 of their best fighters at once and win, Burma would free him and his people. Thinking that they would easily prevail, the Burmese agreed. Nai Khanom then used his Muay Thai skills to defeat all 10 adversaries and return to Thailand as one of the nation's greatest heroes! Modern Muay Thai For much of its history Muay Thai was a brutal dangerous sport. It was raw hand to hand combat with ropes and cords wrapped around the hands instead of gloves. As Thailand has entered the modern age, the rules have changed slightly to protect the fighters, who now wear padded gloves and protection for their groins. While boxers can still use their elbows and feet during the match most of the other rules have been modified to comply with international boxing regulations. This has allowed the popularity of Muay Thai to spread throughout the world and today you can find Thai Boxing training centers in most of the western world including the United States and Russia. In Thailand itself Muay Thai is even more popular than soccer and is broadcast on television five to seven nights a week. Many of the fighters begin training when they are only seven or eight years old and some have made the move to western style boxing and become international stars in their own right! The best modern Muay Thai combatants fight in the Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen stadiums to a universally packed audience. If you want to see a fight and not have to face very long lines, your best bet is to go to one of the stadiums around 6:30 p.m. on a Sunday when attendance is at its lowest point for the week. There are usually several lower ranked fights before the main event which you can expect to kick off around 9 p.m. The Rules Of course, Muay Thai has its own unique set of rules which may be confusing at first to a western spectator. Before the fight can begin, each fighter must perform a wai khru dance as a way to show respect for his teachers and trainers. There are only five rounds. Boxers must wear gloves. The gloves must weigh at least six ounces. Gloves can not be squeezed in any way that would alter their original shape. Each round is three minutes long and there is a two minute break in between rounds. The winner is decided by knockout or by points. Whoever wins the most rounds wins the fight. Contestants can only wear red or blue trunks. Shirts and shoes are not allowed. Both fighters must wear groin protection. Before the fight a sacred cloth called the Mongkol may be worn as a headband. It must be removed before the fighting begins. The cloth is worn to pay homage to the fighter's trainers and heritage. It is also thought to give the fighter good luck. All equipment must be provided by the stadium. This includes a stopwatch, a signal gong, a warning bell, boxing gloves, water, jock straps and surgical tape. The Rules Some men, after watching these beautiful guys pummel each other in the ring are tempted to learn the sport themselves. While that used to be impossible as local trainers for centuries would only train local Thai men starting from a young age, all that changed in 1997. That's when the World Muay Thai Council established the first recognized training academy for the sport. The Muay Thai Institute in Rangsit, just north of Bangkok was created as a way to make this cherished sport accessible to everyone and preserve its fabled heritage. All of the teachers at the institute are former champions and they are required to speak English. They will teach anyone and everyone including women and foreigners. The course covers most of the historical and cultural background of Muay Thai as well as the physical skills and fitness training. You can take classes to learn how to be a referee or on how to start your own stadium or training program. Dormitories are available but you might be considerably more comfortable taking a nearby hotel for your 15 day stay. The first three levels of training cost roughly $160 per course, while the fourth, expert level course is much more rigorous and costs about $1,200. School management can help you with any student visa issues that may pop up. Come And Enjoy The Show Whether you want to just sit back and watch the hot guys fight, or if you want to lace up your gloves and join in yourself, Thai boxing is something no gay guy should miss on any trip to Thailand. We hope to see by the ring, stud!

The Plane is a Pain in Gay Thailand There is only one major downside to planning a visit to Thailand the plane ride. From most western countries the flight can be at least 24 if not 28 or 30 hours long. Being in the air for that amount of time is never fun even if you are flying first class. While it's true that the food on long haul flights is generally better than you would expect, you can only eat so often. No matter what happens you will be delighted when your plane finally touches down in Bangkok and you get to stretch your legs. Still, there are some things you can do to make your trip less of a torture: Try not to drink. Alcohol dehydrates you. Plus, booze can affect you more strongly when you are in a pressurized cabin. It also makes it harder to get a good sleep and can make you feel disoriented when you arrive. It's best to skip the booze until you are safely in your hotel room. Book your flight early and request an aisle seat. You do not want to get stuck in the middle row on a 28 hour flight ever. Walk around the plane. Sitting in one place all day can not only be uncomfortable, it can be bad for your health. Get up on a regular basis and walk around the plane to keep your circulation flowing. Buy a portable DVD player. Airline movies almost always suck. These days you can buy your own portable DVD player for less than $100. Then you can choose what you want to watch. A great idea is to buy an entire season of one of your favorite television shows. West Wing, 24, Queer As Folk and The Sopranos are all available on DVD and will kill many hours of flight time. Ask your doctor if you can take Ambien. This prescription drug can help you sleep for hours with minimal side effects. If you are a smoker, go to the pharmacy and buy a nicotine patch. You don't want to go crazy dying for a cigarette. Keep a change of clothes in your carry on bag in case your luggage gets lost. If you can afford it get a business class seat. It really does make a difference. Most of the airlines offer mileage upgrades if you buy a full coach fare. It is most definitely worth the spent miles to have a first class seat on such a long journey. The ability to actually lay down and relax will not only make a difference on your body but on how you adjust to the new time changes once in Thailand. Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes. The plane is not a place to make a fashion statement. It's a place to kill time. Stretch at the gate before you get on the plane so your muscles are as relaxed as possible. One of the best things to take on a place is an Ipod. If you like music, this may bring you solace enough to make the journey much better for you. On my last 6 or 7 trips to Thailand, I noticed more of more of these things on each trip. While most airlines do have music and video built into their planes, you have to rely on their selection. If you bring your own entertainment, you will have what you need at your fingertips.

Thai Visa Once you get to Thailand you know you will have a gay old time. But, you can't start joining in the fun until you get permission to enter the country. Submitting a visa application is not difficult but you must make sure you do it right. It would be awful to have a trip planned and then have to cancel simply because you did not have the right paperwork. Countries, including the United States, require most visitors to have visas in order to make sure that they will not become a burden on the local economy. In other words, the government does not want to have to pay money to take care of you should you not have enough money to live. They also want to make sure that you are not a criminal and that you don't pose any danger to the country you are visiting. If you are flying from the United States or the UK and a Few Other places, and are only staying in Thailand for a short period of time less than 30 days in most cases you won't need to apply for a visa in advance. Most people, however, stay in Thailand for at least that long if not longer. It takes so long to fly to the country that once you are there you will want to stay awhile! Short Or Long Term Stays When you apply for a Thai visa, you will be allowed to stay for at least 60 days and be able to take multiple 60 day trips. If you apply for a long term visa you will be allowed to stay for at least 90 days. Both visas can be extended once you are in Thailand. Most Expats who live in Thailand and are not on Retirement Visas, will get a dual entry 60 day Visa. This allows them to stay for 60 days and go to the Immigration Office in Thailand and get a 30 day extension. After the 90 days, they have to leave the country but only to cross a boarder and get the stamp and then return. Many will take a cheap bus trip to Cambodia or Laos in order to get the stamp. But, from Bangkok, you are a short flight away from some amazing places in Asia. Airfare is relatively inexpensive and a quick jaunt to a foreign country for the weekend is a nice way to get a change of place and see different cultures. You can apply for your visa either in person or by mail through the nearest Thailand embassy. In order to have your visa approved you will have to submit several different documents if you forget any one document your visa application will be rejected so pay attention stud! First off, you need to send them a valid copy of your passport. This is done to make sure you are who you say you are. Next you need to fill out a copy of the Thailand Visa Application form. You can download and print a form here: http://www.thaiembdc.org/forms/app_form.html With the form you must send two passport photos measuring two inches by two inches square. The photos have to be taken on a light background. Because these photos are your main form of identification you can not be wearing a hat or sunglasses in the photos or you will be rejected! You Have To Pay If You Want To Play! Depending on which visa you are seeking you will have to send money to cover the cost of your application. If you are getting your visa from the embassy you will have to pay for your application in cash. If you are submitting your application by mail you will have to pay with a money order. Checks and credit cards are not accepted. A tourist (short term) visa application costs $25. A long term (non immigrant visa) application costs $50. If you are sending the application by mail you have to include a self addressed stamped envelope for them to send you your passport and visa back in. The post office can let you know how much the postage should be. In addition to the regular post you are asked to include an additional 37 cent stamp. This covers any mail they may need to send to confirm your application information. When you apply for a long stay visa you must tell the embassy what you will be doing in Thailand so that they can give full consideration to your application. Retirement If you are over 50 and wish to retire in Thailand there are specific regulations that you will have to follow. In general the most important qualification is that you do not have a criminal record in either your home country or Thailand. Basically, the requirement is that you have 800,000 baht or about $20,000 US in a Thai bank and have proof of income. There is a great article on www.GayButton.com that details his experience in getting his Retirement Visa. The complete list of requirements are found here: http://www.thaiembdc.org/consular/visa/retirementvisa.html Plan Ahead! You will not get your visa application processed right away. If you apply in person at the embassy it will still take a minimum of 48 hours to process your application. If you apply by mail it will take at least a week so apply early! Know When You Are Going To Go! Once you have your visa you must begin using it within 90 days or you will have to apply again. That means you should purchase your tickets before you apply for your visa, so you don't risk having to pay the application fees twice. Just Do It! Now stop wasting time reading this! We want to meet you on the beach! Go out and get your Thailand visa, stud!

Thai Toilets If this is your first visit to the East, you may be terrified the first time you walk into a toilet in Thailand. Inside you will not find a sink, a stall or anything you would normally expect to find in a bathroom. Instead you will find a gaping hole in the ground with two ceramic footprints on either side. Your horror will mount when you notice that there is no toilet paper anywhere. It's much worse if you are barefoot and just coming from the beach. The good news is that the toilets are clean and functional. They just work differently than ours. Over in the corner of the toilet you should see a jug of clean water. Next to the jug should be either access to a stream or else a faucet. What you do is squat over the hole and crap. If it's your first time you might want to take off your pants completely in order to avoid soiling yourself. With practice you will get your aim down. Then you ladle water out of the barrel to clean your ass. Next you ladle more water into the toilet to get rid of the evidence. Do not let anything dirty get into the jug of water other people will need to use it too! If you decide to bring your own toilet paper, do not shove it in the hole. It will clog up. Instead put it in the wastebasket.

Stepping Off the Plane in Gay Thailand Westerners are very welcome in Thailand and you are going to have a great time when you visit. That said, there will be a period of adjustment to a new country and culture and you should be prepared for what you will face when you step off the plane and arrive in Bangkok. First off, you will have just been on a plane for more than 24 hours. Your muscles will be sore and you will be tired. You will also be suffering through jet lag and adjusting to a new time zone. One thing many do on their first day in Bangkok after a long plane ride is to take a trip to Babylon Sauna or B & N Massage and get a good Thai Massage. This will help you adjust your body to the new time and help you relax. Plus, it feels great! Be sure to look at our Massage guide for the latest information on the best massage places in Bangkok and other cities! Do not plan to do anything intellectually or physically strenuous on your first day and night in Thailand. A plane trip of 20 plus hours is very hard on your body. Take a day to relax and adjust to the new time zone. You will also have to go through Thai customs and passport control. While this may seem obvious to most people, we can not stress it enough. Do not bring any drugs including poppers and Tina. You will get caught. You will go to prison. Drugs are not only VERY illegal in Thailand they are frowned upon. Don't be a fool and try to sneak anything into this country. Your embassy will not be able to help you. At the airport, there are little signs warning you to be wary of bringing this in. You are expected to know the law here when you visit. However, I have crossed boarders where there were billboards saying that if you bring illicit drugs into the Kingdom of Thailand you will be shot. While that may not be the case, the possibility of it should scare you enough to be intelligent. If you cannot enjoy a trip to Thailand with "party drugs" then please stay at home! When you get through customs you will find yourself in a very busy airport. Take a second to look around and get comfortable. There is no need to rush into the throng of people. Next, you will want to exchange money to the local currency, the Baht. You can also use your ATM card to get Baht at any number of ATMs in the airport. You can also do a currency exchange. Most do not carry around large sums on cash in Thailand and rely on ATM's. They are in all major cities in Thailand and finding one is never an issue. You should start respecting local customs as soon as you are in the airport. These means do not yell or show anger to anyone. It is regarded as a crude display and will not solve any problems. Also remember that if someone does not speak English, speaking English loudly to them will not help them figure out what you are saying. Thais do not point at people or objects ever. In Thailand the head is given special reverence. That means you do not touch anyone's head for any non-medical reason. Thai people have a deep respect for the Royal Family. You must show reverence to them as well. In a movie, the King is often shown in a tribute and everyone in the theatre stands. You must stand as well out of respect. Thai people do not shake hands with each other. Instead they place their hands together, similar to a prayer in Christianity, and the bow, called a Wai. Normally, this is done by a younger person to the older one and then the older person returns the gesture. Do NOT get yourself involved in drugs. They are strictly forbidden in Thailand and you will be severely punished if you disobey the law! Once you have mastered these basic introductions to Thailand all you need to do is find a taxi and speed off to your hotel! You can get a local taxi out front of the airport to take you to Bangkok or get one of the Taxi centers in the airport. I have found both Image Car Service and Phon and Gem's service VERY reliable and always have one of them pick me up at the airport. Both can be found in the city guide area of the website! Take your taxi, prepare for a nice ride into the city and get ready to have an amazing experience!

Staying Healthy In Thailand There is nothing worse than getting sick when you are far away from home. It's even worse if you are in an alien culture like Thailand and don't speak the language or understand the culture. When you are in Thailand, your only safe bet is to do everything you can to make sure you stay healthy so don't have to visit the confusing local health care system. First and foremost AIDS is very, very common in Thailand. You are at a very high risk of HIV infection if you have unprotected sex with anyone in this country. Bring lots of western condoms with you. You don't want to put your life in the hands of local condom brands you have never heard of. Malaria is another huge problem here. In fact, gin and tonics were invented in the region by British soldiers looking for a way to make drinking anti malarial tonic more palpable. Drink only bottled water. Don't drink from the faucet or from any other source. Spend 10 baht on a bottle of water and save yourself some headaches in the end! If you eat with a Thai person, you will notice that they too only drink bottled water. When in Rome! You also don't have to worry about Ice when you are out drinking bottled water. It is made from purified water and should cause you no harm. While you can get your own doctor to give you a malaria vaccine, this does not offer 100 percent protection and all available malaria vaccines have nasty side effects. Your best bet is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes which means wearing long sleeves and pants, sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing a hat. If you plan to go into the country at all, you should get a rabies vaccine before you go on your trip. There are a lot of wild animals out and about. There are several world class hospitals in Thailand. In Pattaya, the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is first rate. In Bangkok, Bumrungrad Hospital is excellent and has a great staff. Many foreigners come to Thailand because the medical are is very inexpensive. Take a look at Bumrungrad's website and you will see that they offer many services that you would not be able to afford in most countries. Most doctors and dentists here speak English and many were educated in the USA or Europe. Excellent medical care is easily obtainable. Be sure to check with your insurance carrier as many will even pay for the expense while in Thailand. Health Guide Thailand's Ministry of Public Health publishes a pamphlet called "Health Guide for Travelers to Thailand". The following is, word-for-word, a copy of the pamphlet (awkward English and all): Welcome to Thailand. Every year, more than 5 million tourists visit this country as one of their travel destinations. Many arrive with insufficient health advice which often results in bouts of illnesses that spoil a good part of their journey. The information provided in this brochure will help you come up with appropriate protection against some common illnesses and promote enjoyment of your happy stay in Thailand. MALARIA Bangkok and most provinces in the central region as well as major tourist resorts such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin and Koh Samui have been free from malaria for decades. Now all cities in Thailand are malaria free. However, tourist destinations in rural neighborhoods, especially those in mountainous and border areas are still at certain risks. Chloroquine and most other chemoprophylactic drugs have proved to be ineffective against falciparum malaria in Thailand. Tourists visiting these endemic areas are rather recommended to take general precautions against mosquito bite. After sunset, they should stay in screened quarters or mosquito nets, wear long-sleeve shirts and pants, and may apply mosquito repellants. Those who develop fever within two weeks of entry to risk areas should seek prompt medical examination and treatment. JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS This viral infection of the brain is contracted through the bite of mosquitoes that prevail in rural agricultural areas. It is found in many Eastern and Southeastern Asian countries, primarily in the rural and suburban areas. Similar to malaria, the disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bite during the night time. Travelers who plan to spend their time exposing to rural environment in these regions for over several months are recommended to take Japanese encephalitis vaccination before entry. DENGUE FEVER AND DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER These diseases are endemic in Southeast Asia. They are caused by dengue virus from the bite of aedes mosquito that lives in the houses and their neighborhood. This mosquito bites during the day time. Dengue infection in local people, mostly children, often results in fever with bleeding in the skin and other organs (dengue hemorrhagic fever) which is sometime fatal; but for travelers from non-endemic areas, the infection usually manifests as fever with rash in the skin, severe headache and muscle and pains (dengue fever), which is usually non-fatal. Dengue infection is common in the rainy season (approximately May to September in Thailand) when aedes mosquito is abundant. Travelers visiting local households or their vicinity, especially in the rainy season, should be using mosquito repellant even in the day time. Ones who are ill with symptoms suspected of dengue infection should seek medical consultation to establish the cause of the illness. RABIES Rabies can be found in many animals especially dogs and cats. Although Thailand has been working toward elimination of the disease and the situation is much improved, travelers are recommended to take prevention if their travel itineraries allow possible exposure to animal bites. Those who plan walking sight-seeing in local communities should consider having pre-exposure rabies vaccination before starting off. Three intramuscular injections of cell-culture rabies vaccine are required. In case of exposure to animals without prior vaccination, the post-exposure vaccination is usually effective if initiated without delay. However, for those who have had pre-exposure vaccination, if they are bitten, they should also seek prompt consultation with the physician for evaluation and consideration for booster vaccination. DIARRHEA Diarrhea is mostly caused by ingestion of food and drinks contaminated with bacteria or viruses. To prevent diarrhea, avoid uncooked food and drink only boiled or bottled or carbonated water. Food served at street vendors should be considered at risk. Fresh vegetables and fruits should be adequately washed with clean water. Fresh salad should be taken only from a salad bar or a restaurant of hygienic standard. Tap water in many Southeast Asian cities is claimed to be safe for drinking, but it is still advisable to stick to safety precautions. Danger from diarrhea primarily is the result of the loss of water and electrolytes from your body. If you happen to have diarrhea during your travel, the most helpful remedy is drinking electrolyte solution to replace the loss. Therefore it is always useful to keep some electrolyte solution packets in your first aid kit. If your diarrhea gets worse or does not improve within 12-24 hours, consult the physicians for proper investigation and treatment. TYPHOID FEVER Typhoid fever has become uncommon among Thai people. However, travelers should not neglect taking prevention against this food and water borne disease. Precaution measures for diarrhea, as mentioned above, are effective for typhoid as well. It is also recommended that the travelers receive typhoid vaccination, in injectable or oral form before start of the journey. However, those who need initiation or booster vaccination can find the service at most hospitals and clinics in Thailand. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND HIV/AIDS Urethritis remains the most common treatable sexually transmitted disease (STD) among tourist to Asia. Gonorrhea from Southeast Asia is frequently multi-drug resistant. While syphilis become less common, HIV/AIDS is spreading at worrisome speeds in most Asian countries, resulting mostly from unprotected sexual contacts. Promiscuous sex anywhere can be dangerous. For travelers, local sex workers, either of explicit or concealed types, are potential sources of STDs and HIV/AIDS. All casual sex should be avoided or strictly protected with the use of condoms. Danger from intravenous drug use with sharing of needles and syringes cannot be overemphasized. However, blood transfusions at all medical centers in Thailand is considered safe as intensive screening of donated blood for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis is implemented nationwide. VIRAL HEPATITIS There are two major groups of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis spread by contaminated food and water, hepatitis A and E, are endemic in many parts of Asia. Most local people are immune to these types of hepatitis through natural infection, but travelers from better hygienic environments can be receptive to infection. Therefore, travelers are recommended to practice prevention measures against food and water borne diseases, as suggested for diarrhea. An alternative protection for hepatitis A is the immunization with hyperimmune serum or hepatitis A vaccine. Consult with the physician at an established medical service for the immunization. Another group of hepatitis; hepatitis B, C and D; are transmitted through contaminated blood and sexual contacts, or passed from infected mothers to their babies at the time of birth; similar to the ways HIV/AIDS is transmitted. This group of hepatitis can be simultaneously and effectively avoided if precautions against HIV/AIDS are strictly taken. However, for those who require immunization, effective vaccine against hepatitis B is available at most medical services. If you are ill during your stay in Thailand, consult the physician at any: Community hospital Provincial hospital Medical center, or Private hospital or clinic For more information, please contact: International Communicable Disease Control Section Division of General Communicable Diseases Department of Communicable Disease Control Ministry of Public Health Tel. 286-5114 Airport Health Office, Tel. 535-1482 Port Health Office, Tel. 249-4110 To get the latest up to date information about Thailand Hospitals, check out our City Guide Sections and the Message Boards.

Navigating Gay Bars in Thailand Throughout this website we are constantly making references to Host Bars and Go Go Bars. Many people who have been to Asia before know the low down on host bars and their hot boys, but we understand that many of you may have no clue what we are talking about! While host bars are some of the most exciting gay establishments on Earth, if it is your first time in Thailand they may seem confusing or intimidating when you walk in the door. Host bars follow their own unique set of customs and will expect you to as well. Host bars are not like any place you are likely to have visited in the west. Most provide some form of entertainment whether it be go go dancers or cabaret shows. The entertainment, however, is just the excuse to be there. The real attraction to host bars is that they are filled with hot young guys who can make your wildest fantasies come true for a price. To put it simply each bar employs a number of young sexy guys called hosts. In a go go bar, nearly all of the dancers will be hosts. For the price of a small tip, these hosts will sit at your table and talk to you, while you decide if you want to take them home. If you decide that you want them, you simply pay more money and they become your "special friend" for the evening. Please note: Host boys are sex workers, so it's always a requirement to wear a condom during your encounter. Getting Ready To Hit The Bar At a good host bar you may be competing against a lot of other guys for the attentions of the hottest hosts. Thailand host boys are very conscious of style and status, so it's important that you look as good as you can when you arrive. Don't dress sloppy. Make sure you are wearing nice clothes, are well groomed and are as put together as you would be for a date in the west. Trust us, the Thai boys will notice and you will get a lot more attention if you look good! Scoping Your Prospects When you first enter the bar you will be greeted by a man who will escort you to a table and take your first drink order. This guy, while obviously male, is called the "Mama San" of the bar. Once you have your drink in hand, it's time to sit back, watch the show and check out the hot guys. After a while the Mama San will return and ask you if you like any of the guys. If so, just tell him and the boy will be brought right over to your table. The good news is that most of the boys wear numbers on their clothes, so it's easy for you to let the Mama San know who you are interested without pointing (which is considered very rude in Thailand.) If you hang out for a while and don't invite any guys to your table, you may find that some of the bolder hosts will walk up to you and ask if they can join you. Of course you might not be attracted to those boys and you can always tell them that you are not interested. Once a boy you like is sitting at your table he will expect you to buy him a drink and strike up a conversation. He may sometimes be flirtatious, but in a subtle way. Don't expect your boy to be fluent in English. The vast majority of the boys speak some English, but some have mastered more of our language than others. Remember you are in their country, so it is up to you to find ways to make the conversation work. It's possible that even though you found the host exciting when you saw him shaking his ass on stage that once he sits down you he might not seem like that great a catch. Don't feel bad it happens. All you have to do is tell him you are not interested and give him a small tip for his time and trouble. A hundred Baht will make him more than happy that he decided to spend time with you! Sealing The Deal Of course the point of going to a host bar is finding a hot stud to go home with. While host bars are not whorehouses, the boys are selling sex and you might as well get it while you can. The host bars refer to this practice as taking a boy "off" and many of the host boys will bring this up during their conversations with you. If you decide to take a boy off the bar will charge you for it. Please note this is not what you are paying to get laid. You will have to still pay the boy himself later. You are paying the bar because they have set you up with the boy and because he won't be able to dance or entertain other guys in the bar while he is off with you! Most bars will charge you between 200 and 400 Baht for the privilege of taking a boy off with you. This is less than $10 so it's shouldn't dent your wallet too much. Before you agree to take the boy home you should make sure that he is willing to do what you want. Every host boy has different sexual limits. Some will top you, others are committed bottoms. Some will let you spank them, some won't. You are always better off making your desires clear before any money has changed hands! You will also have to tell the boy and the bar if you are taking him away for a "short time" or a "long time." A short time means you will have him just long enough for you to get your rocks off once. If you want him for a long time, that means you get him for at least several hours and even all night if you want. A short time should cost you about 1000 Baht while a long time will run about 1500 Baht. This is the minimum you should pay. I am sure you will go to our forum and see many different exchanges but anything you pay beyond this is a nice gesture and always appreciated. Personally, I always discuss price before I off a boy. Often, they will say "Up to You". While this does mean up to you, they are really saying pay me the minimum plus whatever you can. I will then say, how is 1,500 baht for all night? They can say yes or no. Most will respond up to you again. If you expect them to say beyond the morning, more money SHOULD be paid by you! I often find a boy that I like and simply tell them that I want him to stay with me for 10 days. I give him a price for each day that I negotiate in advance and then I pay the bar every few days. If it is a bar I know and trust, I pay in advance. Often many boys will be thrilled to be taken off for 10 days on holiday. Many will not want to go away that long as they may have a girlfriend, boyfriend, ladyboy or family and have other commitments. Do not pay the boy until you are done with him! Otherwise you risk getting ripped off! As you are leaving you will probably be approached again by the Mama San. That's because he will expect a small tip (about 100 Baht) for helping you find your host boy. Coming Back For More A lot of people tend to become attached to particular host boys or at least want to spend another night with them. The Thais understand this and will be happy to reserve a boy for you for a repeat performance. All you have to do is remember the boy's number and call the bar in advance. If you let them know when you play to arrive the boy will be waiting for you. Please note that these boys are at the bars to make money so if you show up late he may have moved on to someone else and you may have lost your chance to bang him again! Don't Feel Guilty Cause You Want It! Many of us in the west have a preconceived notion about the boys who work the bars in the Far East. Some people think that the boys are forced to work in the bars and that if they were not there, they could be doing something more productive with their lives. Don't feel guilty these boys are not exploited. None of the boys are ever forced to work in the bars. They do so, for the most part, because they are gay and can make a lot of money doing so. They are happy to get out and meet interesting guys and learn English. That said they are human beings and should be treated as such. When you take them off behave as though you are on a hot date. Host boys have feelings to treat them like you would anyone else! Now get ready to come to Thailand and find the boys of your dreams!

Life of a Hostboy in Gay Thailand Sometimes you want to get it on with a man. Sometimes a girl seems like a good idea. Sometimes both have their own unique appeal. Gay or straight we all have a desire to try something a little different. That's what makes Thailand a great place to visit you can literally have your boobs and eat cock too! Perhaps the most celebrated part of Thailand's gay culture are the famous "Ladyboys" that can be found in even the smallest rural villages. While Ladyboys are similar to Western transvestites, there are some huge cultural differences. The most important difference comes from Thai history and traditions. According to legends from Northern Thailand, the first man and woman had three children, a boy, a girl and a "third sex." Today the "third sex" is considered to be the Ladyboys which may explain why there are at least 180,000 of these "girls" spread throughout Thailand. Other legends say that Ladyboys are actually the reincarnation of men who made love to many, many women in a former lifetime so that they now permanently carry the spirit of women in their bodies. Katoey Toys! Referred to in Thailand as Katoey, these "girls" are certainly no drag queens. In most cases a lot of care and time has been spent to make sure these guys look like real women and not the exaggerated female stereotypes common in American drag shows. While these girls all have hot cocks under their skirts many have realized that size matters everywhere and have larger than life boobs to complete their picture of a feminine ideal Ladyboys are, in general, an accepted and respected part of Thai society. In most cases they don't suffer anywhere near as much prejudice as their western counterparts and are usually almost fully accepted as the women they are trying to be. Let Them Entertain You! Many of the Katoey perform in the cabaret shows that have become hugely popular in Thailand's gay bars. The best Ladyboy cabaret shows can be found in Pattaya, the beach town south of Bangkok. Some of the larger Katoey shows literally feature dozens, if not hundreds of Ladyboys for your eye candy. There are also many escort agencies that offer Ladyboys on demand. You can find them in our listings or by checking out advertisements at many of the local gay establishments. Tips And Tricks For Chicks With Dicks! You need to be a little careful when dealing with Ladyboys outside of a supervised host bar. In Pattaya in particular there have been cases of Ladyboys who troll the beaches at night in order to mug tourists when they have their pants down. Don't let this get you down! Most Ladyboys are nice people. There are just a few rotten apples in any barrel! Another important thing to keep in mind is that not all Ladyboys are bottoms. Some can top with the best of them, so when you first start talking with an attractive he/she you should make your preferences known so that you don't get more than you bargained for out of the experience! Also be aware that some Ladyboys are full on transsexuals and may have either taken hormones, been castrated or both. Figuring out what type of Ladyboy you are talking to can often be part of the fun. In general if you are in a gay bar talking to a feminine looking thing, you can assume that the girl was a boy at one time and may be now. Guessing before you take off her skit can be a challenge, because the Thai male body type lends itself very well to creating a feminine mystique. According to the most recent regulations, if you are getting both a car and motorcycle license, a copy of your medical is acceptable for the second license, but you must have a separate residence certificate for each license. If you intend to obtain both licenses, get two residence certificates. Here's what you need to take with you when you go to obtain the driving license: Host Bars Ladies More often than not Ladyboys can be rented out for a night of fun in the host bars and surprisingly enough are popular entertainers for both gay and straight audiences! Because Thailand society treats Ladyboys with respect, you should as well. Just because you are paying for their time does not give you a license to abuse, insult or treat them any differently than you would like to be treated. Ladyboys are people too! Many Ladyboys suffered severe financial hardship when the tsunami cut into Thailand tourism. Often Ladyboys have families to support so we encourage you to be generous if you should find yourself out on a date with a "girl" with something extra between her legs! For many of us to visit here often, the loving nature of the Ladyboys is a big appeal to visit Thailand. Many of the will take in the boys who first come to work on the bars and take care of them. The people of Thailand are very accepting of homosexuality and Ladyboys. Please leave your prejudices and misconceptions about Ladyboys or Dragqueens in your home country. They are truly one of the most amazing parts of Thai culture and deserve your respect!

Ladyboys in Gay Thailand Sometimes you want to get it on with a man. Sometimes a girl seems like a good idea. Sometimes both have their own unique appeal. Gay or straight we all have a desire to try something a little different. That's what makes Thailand a great place to visit you can literally have your boobs and eat cock too! Perhaps the most celebrated part of Thailand's gay culture are the famous "Ladyboys" that can be found in even the smallest rural villages. While Ladyboys are similar to Western transvestites, there are some huge cultural differences. The most important difference comes from Thai history and traditions. According to legends from Northern Thailand, the first man and woman had three children, a boy, a girl and a "third sex." Today the "third sex" is considered to be the Ladyboys which may explain why there are at least 180,000 of these "girls" spread throughout Thailand. Other legends say that Ladyboys are actually the reincarnation of men who made love to many, many women in a former lifetime so that they now permanently carry the spirit of women in their bodies. Katoey Toys! Referred to in Thailand as Katoey, these "girls" are certainly no drag queens. In most cases a lot of care and time has been spent to make sure these guys look like real women and not the exaggerated female stereotypes common in American drag shows. While these girls all have hot cocks under their skirts many have realized that size matters everywhere and have larger than life boobs to complete their picture of a feminine ideal Ladyboys are, in general, an accepted and respected part of Thai society. In most cases they don't suffer anywhere near as much prejudice as their western counterparts and are usually almost fully accepted as the women they are trying to be. Let Them Entertain You! Many of the Katoey perform in the cabaret shows that have become hugely popular in Thailand's gay bars. The best Ladyboy cabaret shows can be found in Pattaya, the beach town south of Bangkok. Some of the larger Katoey shows literally feature dozens, if not hundreds of Ladyboys for your eye candy. There are also many escort agencies that offer Ladyboys on demand. You can find them in our listings or by checking out advertisements at many of the local gay establishments. Tips And Tricks For Chicks With Dicks! You need to be a little careful when dealing with Ladyboys outside of a supervised host bar. In Pattaya in particular there have been cases of Ladyboys who troll the beaches at night in order to mug tourists when they have their pants down. Don't let this get you down! Most Ladyboys are nice people. There are just a few rotten apples in any barrel! Another important thing to keep in mind is that not all Ladyboys are bottoms. Some can top with the best of them, so when you first start talking with an attractive he/she you should make your preferences known so that you don't get more than you bargained for out of the experience! Also be aware that some Ladyboys are full on transsexuals and may have either taken hormones, been castrated or both. Figuring out what type of Ladyboy you are talking to can often be part of the fun. In general if you are in a gay bar talking to a feminine looking thing, you can assume that the girl was a boy at one time and may be now. Guessing before you take off her skit can be a challenge, because the Thai male body type lends itself very well to creating a feminine mystique. According to the most recent regulations, if you are getting both a car and motorcycle license, a copy of your medical is acceptable for the second license, but you must have a separate residence certificate for each license. If you intend to obtain both licenses, get two residence certificates. Here's what you need to take with you when you go to obtain the driving license: Host Bars Ladies More often than not Ladyboys can be rented out for a night of fun in the host bars and surprisingly enough are popular entertainers for both gay and straight audiences! Because Thailand society treats Ladyboys with respect, you should as well. Just because you are paying for their time does not give you a license to abuse, insult or treat them any differently than you would like to be treated. Ladyboys are people too! Many Ladyboys suffered severe financial hardship when the tsunami cut into Thailand tourism. Often Ladyboys have families to support so we encourage you to be generous if you should find yourself out on a date with a "girl" with something extra between her legs! For many of us to visit here often, the loving nature of the Ladyboys is a big appeal to visit Thailand. Many of the will take in the boys who first come to work on the bars and take care of them. The people of Thailand are very accepting of homosexuality and Ladyboys. Please leave your prejudices and misconceptions about Ladyboys or Dragqueens in your home country. They are truly one of the most amazing parts of Thai culture and deserve your respect!

Getting Driving License in Gay Thailand Thai Driving License Obtaining a Thai driving license is relatively simple, but you must hold a non-immigrant visa in order to be eligible. If you intend to drive a car or motorcycle within Thailand during a holiday, then it is not necessary to obtain a Thai driving license at all. A valid International Driving Permit, along with your home country driving license, is acceptable, but you must have both. If you will be in Thailand for a stay long enough that you hold a non-immigrant visa, then if you intend to drive in Thailand it is advisable to obtain a Thai driving license. When you first obtain the license it will be valid for one year. Upon renewal, the license is valid for five years. Thailand does not combine licenses for car and motorcycle. Each is a separate license. If you intend to drive both, then you will need both licenses. The easiest way to obtain the license is to come to Thailand with both your valid home country driving license and an International Driving Permit. Make sure the International Driving Permit specifies car, motorcycle, or both if you intend to use it to obtain the Thai driving license. Despite the fact that an International Driving License is valid for one year, Thailand honors it only for the first ninety days upon entry to the country, so make sure you get your licenses within those ninety days. Also, you must obtain the International Driving Permit outside of Thailand. You must also produce two additional documents. You must produce a medical certificate and a residence certificate. You can obtain the medical certificate at any hospital or street clinic. The medical certificate is quite simple. Almost literally, if you are moving and breathing you can get the medical certificate. It is easiest and least expensive to get one at a street clinic. For the residence certificate you must hold a valid non-immigrant visa, have passport photos, and produce documentation that verifies your address in Thailand. You must also have a copy of your main passport page and your visa page. You obtain the residence certificate at an Immigration office, but it must be the office in your home province. Most immigration offices have a photo and copy shop next door. You can get whatever photos or copies you need at the copy shop. The fee for the certificate at most immigration offices is 200 baht. When the certificate is issued, make sure to check that it shows that you hold a non-immigrant visa. Sometimes they mistakenly show that you hold a tourist visa. Check that to be sure. According to the most recent regulations, if you are getting both a car and motorcycle license, a copy of your medical is acceptable for the second license, but you must have a separate residence certificate for each license. If you intend to obtain both licenses, get two residence certificates. Here's what you need to take with you when you go to obtain the driving license: *Valid Passport with non-immigrant visa * Residence Certificate * Medical Certificate * Valid home country driving license * Valid International Driving Permit Once you have the required documentation you are ready to go to the driving license agency. In Pattaya the agency is located at the Eastern Verification Center. To get to the Eastern Verification Center you go north on Sukhumvit Highway, as if you are headed to Bangkok. When you reach the junction of Highway 3 and Route 36, 8 kilometers from Central Road (Pattaya Klang), take Route 36, toward Rayong. You'll see a sign that says "Rayong," with a right-pointing arrow. That's the road you take. 5 kilometers up the road you'll come to a sign that points Bangkok to the left and Rayong to the right. Go to the right. Almost immediately see a large, rather new looking school, The Regent's Academy. Directly in front of the school make a U-turn. Once you pass the school again, take the first left you come to, and just follow the road around. You'll see a large white building on the right side of the road. That's where you are trying to go. At the building entrance there will be a desk at which you fill out the application form for the driving license. Make sure to tell the clerk which driving licenses you want. The clerk will check your documentation and inform you if you need anything else. If you do need additional copies, directly across the street from the building there is a row of copy and photo shops. Once the clerk is satisfied you will then be issued a number and sent upstairs to wait your turn to be called. When you are called your documents will be taken and you will then be sent to go through some simple physical tests. Those usually include a color blindness test, a peripheral vision test, and a reaction time test. There can be other types of tests if they so choose. Once you pass those tests, you're done. All you will have to do is wait to be called to pay the fee, about 200 baht, and wait again for the license. What happens if you don't have an International Driving Permit and/or a valid home country-driving license? You'll have to sit through a two-hour movie, all in Thai, followed by a written test. Then, hours later, you will have to physically drive a vehicle through their obstacle course while the examiner watches. You have to supply the car and/or motorcycle yourself. If you're going to get both the car and motorcycle license, again those are two separate licenses. You can do it all in one day, but since you can't drive both a car and a motorcycle to the agency, how can you do it? If you don't have a motorcycle or car, offer a Thai who is getting his own license about 200 baht if he'll let you drive the obstacle course on his motorcycle. You will almost always find someone willing to help you out. If, for some reason, you fail any of the tests you can try again in thirty days. When the time comes to renew your license you must produce the same documentation again. Of course, since you already hold the Thai driving license, you no longer need a home country driving license or International Driving Permit. There are no fee penalties if you renew late. One advantage to holding a Thai driving license is you can quite often get the Thai price, rather than the farang price, at venues and parks, or at least a discount. Also, when you find yourself in circumstances in which you are asked to leave ID, you can leave the license rather than your passport.

Getting a Massage in Gay Thailand Who doesn't like a good massage? Whether with or without a happy ending, getting your muscles rub by a hot stud is a great way to relax, feel good and prepare your body for whatever your days and nights may have to offer. A massage is a great way to start working off a hangover, or feel better after a long plane ride. If you ever decide to ride third class on a train in Thailand you will definitely want a hot and heavy massage as soon as you reach your destination. Unlike in America, massage houses in Thailand are not seedy places and are never raided by the cops, so you can get what you are looking for without ever worrying about getting busted. That said, getting a massage in Thailand is not primarily a sexual experience. Instead it is a part of a long Thai tradition, coming from their Buddhist respect for the body. While it is of course possible to get a girl to give you a rub down, there are hundreds of gay friendly massage houses where strong young men will run your most important muscles you can even get two men to run you in a tub rub a dub dub! Before you go off for a massage, however, you should figure out exactly what you want, because there is a huge difference between the two primary types of massage available. Both types of massage are fun and both are available with or without a hand job at the end, yet they offer very different experiences. Traditional Thai Massage Traditional massage in Thailand began more than 2,500 and is steeped in their Buddhist world view. The Thais believe that there are invisible energy lines that run through every human body. Those lines can be harnessed through 10 primary pressure points. Using their thumbs, Thai masseurs stimulate these 10 points in order to gain access to your primary energy lines. Because the masseur needs to be able to place his own body in traditional positions, traditional Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor rather than on a raised table as is common in the west. In theory stimulating the 10 primary energy lines through your body is designed to stimulate: Your Physical Well Being Your Spirit In This World And The Next Your Perfect Emotional Balance Pressing the points is intended to initially lead to a state of relaxation and then meditation. Along the way bad energy is released from the body so that good energy can flow in and take its place. At the start of your massage the guy will ask you if you have any medical conditions. It is very important for you to answer this question honestly! If you don't tell your guy about problems, he may touch points that could make the condition worse. On the other hand, depending on your condition, he may now places to rub you that can make the condition feel better. Never, ever lie to your masseur! What may surprise you about a traditional Thai massage is how often he will touch your hands and feet. These are considered two of the most important parts of your body. For this reason it is very important for you to make sure your hands and feet are squeaky clean before the massage begins! In the West, many of our massage therapists simply take courses and are then certified to rub our muscles. This is not so true in Thailand. In this culture massage is an honored profession and is almost always passed down through the family. That means that the man who is rubbing your body learned from his father, who learned from his father, and so on sometimes going back thousands of years! Before your massage begins your masseur may begin with an ancient chant in order to bring both of you into harmony. At the end of the massage he will again repeat the chant as a way of separating your two souls and sending you out into the world as a new, free man. All in all traditional Thai massage can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours depending on how much work needs to be done on your body and where you have chosen to get your massage. Babylon in Bangkok is my first stop after a long plane ride from the West and a night 1 1/2 hour massage really does help me to adjust to the new time change. Traditional Thai massage is almost never rushed! Soapy Massage Since more and more Americans started visiting the country in the 1960s and 1970s a new form of massage has started to become popular in Thailand. These new Thai masseurs use many elements of Western massage and combine them with their own traditions to create what is now called Soapy Massage. In some sections of Bangkok this is also called Body Massage. Soapy massage is a much more sexual and sensual experience than traditional Thai massage. When you choose a Soapy massage you are much more likely to get a "happy ending" when your rub down is done. When you purchase a soapy massage you can select one or more masseurs often depending on how attractive you find the available men. The man or men will then draw a very soapy bath (hence the name) that you will share. Everyone in the bath will help to soap and wash themselves, so that you are always squeaky clean before the massage begins. Once you get out of the bath you will again be laid out on a mat on the floor naked. Instead of trying to hit pressure points to stimulate energy in your body, the masseur or masseurs will concentrate on rubbing and relaxing your major muscles groups much the same way it would be done in the west. At the end of your massage, if you give a tip, many of these men will massage your cock until you hit complete release and relaxation. Remember, you will pay the massage house for the massage and the use of their facility. Many places have a minimum tip for the "release" part of the massage. It is suggested that 500 baht minimum at most places. What I tell the guy that is that for 500 baht, I would like a happy ending. For 700 baht, a nice oral job or for 1,000 baht a full service ending and I am content. Most are very happy when things are discussed up front and they know what you want. Go Out And Get Your Rub Down! Now that you know enough about getting a massage in Thailand to know what kind of massage you want to get, all you have to do is find the right place for your rub down. In every city, there are some great places for the massage. In Bangkok, I always have a good time at B & N Massage and at Hero. But, there are tons of other guys who like other places much more. What I find is that at B & N, I found one guy I liked that gave the perfect massage and "perfect release" and each time I go there I have seen him. I probably go there about 30 or so times a year and have never been there when he wasn't there. As soon as I walk in, they know who I want and what kind of cream I want. A good place to start looking for a good massage house is in our city guide sections or in our message boards. Still, massage houses come and go, so you might also want to ask the concierge at your hotel to ask about a reputable establishment near you. Many hotels also have their own in house masseurs on staff, so you may be able to arrange a good massage then and there. Whatever you choose, you will love feeling your troubles rubbed away buy a hot guy!

Eating Thai Food in Gay Thailand When you go to an exotic new country, one of the best parts of the experience can be sampling new taste sensations at the local restaurants. Thailand is no exception. This is a country of culinary delights. From the extra spicy to interestingly sour you will find a wide range of local foods that will delight your taste buds, fill your belly and soak up tons of booze before you hit the town. Thai food is typically spicy and has many herbs and spices; this is for a few reasons. One, Thais love spicy food and two, the spices often have medicinal purposes. Many of us from major western cities already have a fairly good idea of what Thai food is from our own local restaurants. Still, the food here is obviously going to be better, made with local ingredients and not exactly what you expect. The first major difference that you will notice is that there is no knife on your place setting. Instead you get a spoon! This goes back to ancient Buddhist customs where serving someone a large piece of meat would be deeply offensive; so all pieces of meat or fish are already cut into small portions that can be easily brought to your mouth with a Thai spoon. Another big difference is that Thais rarely eat alone and everyone shares each others plates of food. Typically, if two Thais go out together they will order three main courses. If three Thais go out together they will order four main courses, and so on and so on. Soup also comes with every meal; but unlike in the west they dont eat it as a separate course. Instead it is enjoyed at the same time as the main course as a way to incorporate a variety of taste sensations. Almost all Thai meals are served with a plate of rice. Every course brought to you will provide you with complete taste balance. If one part of your meal is very spicy, the other part will be very bland. If part of your meal is sweet, another component will be sour. This is also part of the Buddhist way of looking at meals. A Different Type Of Curry Curry is used in many Thai dishes but in a different way than you will be used to if you associate it with Indian food. Indian curries tend to burn in your mouth for long periods of time Thai curries, on the other hand, tend to burn hotter at first, but quickly diminish in your mouth. Nearly all Thai food is spicy. Hot peppers are in most dishes. If you want non spicy, make sure to request that! Indian curries are also made from dried spices while Thai curries are made from fresh herbs. A Typical Thai Meal A typical Thai meal incorporates many different courses including: * Tidbits: Small items to get your appetite going including spring rolls, satay and puffed rice balls. * Hot Salads: These are often spicy and more often than not have meat or fish in them. * Main course: Served with soup and rice. * Dips: Sometimes a main course all their own, sometimes they are included to be shared as part of the tidbit or main course. They are accompanied by vegetables or small pieces of meat. * Curries: These can also be a main course or stand out on their own. Curries almost always have meat or fish in them. * Desert: Because of how spicy most Thai meals are, Thai deserts are often much sweeter than you may be used to. They may add the pounds but they will be delicious! Remember that Thai's don't differentiate between Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. So you will not find the wide variety of breakfast foods that you will in most places. There are tons of restaurants that cater to foreigners and that have excellent Breakfast food and buffets. It is not unusual for Thai restaurants to serve food as it is ready. It is not considered rude to begin your meal when your food arrives. I have been to restaurants where I was finished with my meal before my friend's food arrived. This is not uncommon and not considered rude to eat when your plate arrives. It is also not uncommon for a group to order and all share the same meal. I have seen many Thai's order 3 plates of food and then just share at will. If you have an aversion to someone taking food off your plate, you need to make this clear as most people that eat here do so in group settings and it is considered part of the meal to share. Most places you eat will not offer 'real' napkins or paper towels. Instead, they bring you toilet tissue. Again, don't be offended by this. It is just part of the course. You will also notice that after a meal, most Thai's get up and go to the rest room and wash their hands carefully. Tipping is not considered necessary but it is VERY appreciated. I suggest a tip of 20 baht to 100 baht for a meal. It all depends on the price. I know most that read this will disagree but if you have a great meal and you had good service, give a nice tip to your waiter. To do this, you place the tip outside of the bin. If you place the tip inside, it is shared with the entire staff or goes to the owner. If you want to tip your waiter, pay your bin and think separately give them 50 baht (or whatever amount you have decided on) in another hand. This assures that the tip goes to them.

Buying Property in Thailand If you are thinking about buying property in Thailand, be warned. Doing so can be very dangerous to your financial and emotional health. If you spend any time at all with the Thai expatriate community you will soon hear any number of horror stories about rip offs, con jobs and just plain theft in the real estate market. Listen to what these people tell you. First off it is illegal for foreigners to own land in Thailand. If you buy a property you are really only buying the building. The land can and will literally be sold underneath you. There are only a few very limited exceptions to this law: If you marry a Thai woman you can put the land in her name. Make sure you trust her, or you could find yourself homeless! You can set up a limited company in Thailand and have the company legally own the land. If you do so at least 51 percent of Thai nationals must own the company stock. You can lease the land for 30 years. If you are of retirement age, this might be the safest option for you. Leases can be extended for up to 900 years, but you will need to renegotiate the terms of the lease every 30 years. When trying to purchase property in Thailand always do so through a real estate agent. A common rip off in Thailand is for a local to try to sell you his property privately without a real estate agent. Then, when you take possession of the property you will find out that he or she has taken many loans against the building - which you are now responsible for! No matter what, before you sign on the dotted line, ask around. Talk to the local expats, the local taxi drivers and anyone you can think of in the neighborhood. Like any place else in the world, the locals know who the bad apples are!

A Monk's Life As you travel through Thailand you will be amazed at the number of orange robed men and boys who seem to be everywhere. With their well-shorn hair and constant smiles, the Buddhist monks are an iconic image of Thailand. Yet, while monks are an integral part of the local landscape, many westerners know very little about their lives or what makes them tick. How are they different from Christian monks? What goes on in their day-to-day lives? The answer is that Thailand monks live a very different lifestyle than their western counterparts. Buddhism is a much less restrictive religion than Christianity and this reflects a monk's life. Unlike Western monks, the brothers of Thailand do not necessarily sign up for life, do not do penance and are often an integral part of the community. The monks of Thailand are encouraged to find joy and happiness in their lives while Christian monks live a life of pain and sacrifice. While Western monks are seen as solitary dour men, in Thailand they are seen as normal joyful members of the community. Part of this sense of community stems from the fact that the people see Thai monks nearly every day. When was the last time you actually saw a monk in America? Overall there are roughly 300,000 monks in Thailand that come from all walks of life rich and poor, urban and villagers. The Way Buddhism is not only one of the world's oldest religions it is also one of the most widely followed. Nearly 1/5th of the world's population follows Buddhism in one-way shape or form yet nearly all of them live in the East. The purpose of Buddhism is to find The Way and that is the goal of every monk, whether novice or elder. The Way is a mental and physical outlook on life designed to eliminate sadness and misery and create a sense of joy and calm. This view of life celebrates education, compassion and a rejection of personal possessions. A monk's true ambition is not physical assets, but true emotional happiness and acceptance of the irony inherent in every life. At the nations roughly 32,000 Buddhist monasteries the monks follow the teaching of the Buddha to find The Way. This is why you will often see monk's smiling, laughing or simply sitting at peace with themselves and the people around them. Because the monks never require a lifetime commitment from any of their members, many adults will join the monastery when they face a particularly difficult part of their lives more often than not for a period of three to six months. The idea is that they can use this time to realize their mistakes, plot a new path in life and get closer to finding The Way. The Young Boys In Orange One of the most striking things about Thailand is the sheer number of young boys who wear the orange robes that signify monastery membership. Many tourists seem shocked at the idea that boys this young may be pressured into dedicating their lives to a religion they may be too young to really understand. Don't worry. Most of these boys will not spend their lives as monks. They will grow up to live completely normal lives in society as doctors and lawyers and laborers. Most of these boys are Novices sent to the monastery in search of a better life than can be found in their families' villages or inner city ghettos. Unlike in America it costs money for a child to be educated in Thailand. Many Thai families can not afford the costs of the local schools. In fact, Thailand faces such poverty that many families can barely afford to keep food on the table for their children. That is why the monasteries are popular. A child sent to a Buddhist monastery will be taught to read and write and gain the education skills he will need to live a happy productive life as an adult. A child in a monastery will also never go hungry. So, sending your child to wear the orange robes is often the best thing a loving family can do for their young boys. While some of these boys will choose to become an elder and stay in the monastery their entire life, most will not. All that have spent the dawn of their lives in the monasteries will carry the experience with them forever and have an understanding of The Way that will help them through life's inevitable challenges. There is a saying in Thailand that means "A boy does not become a man until he has been a monk." The Shaved Heads Other than the bright orange robes which cover the entire body except for the right shoulder the shaved heads are one of the most striking visual representations of Thailand's monks. While all of the monks do shave their heads the sheering is done with as much reverence and care as any other part of their lives. Once the hair has been cut from their heads it is placed on a lotus leave and then put in a river to float off in honor of the Buddha and nature itself. A Day In The Life As you would expect, Thailand's monks follow a remarkably regimented life. Every day is much like the other and every monastery follows about the same schedule as all of the others. These schedules are literally thousands of years old and are not likely to change in our lifetimes. Most monks wake up around 4 or 4:30 in the morning to the alarm of the temple bell. They rise quickly because it can take up to a half hour to properly arrange the orange robe in any of the four ways that have been prescribed by Buddha through the ages. Around 5 a.m. the monks fully robed gather in a central temple area and begin their morning chants. Immediately following the chants, the monks elders and novices alike then engage in group meditation until the sun rises signally the beginning of their day. As the light of day starts to spread around the village it is time for the monks to begin walking through the town seeking alms. The monks need these offerings because they are permitted no worldly possessions of their own and are at the mercy of the kindness of the villagers. While there is no obligation for anyone to give offerings to the monks most people are proud to offer what they can to these robed men. The monks walk barefoot with a tray over their heads. When they get to a home where a family is ready to make an offering, there will be someone typically the oldest woman in the household on her knees awaiting the monk's arrival. Most villagers will offer food, flowers, cake and fruit. It should be noticed that the monks make their rounds in silence and never ask for the offerings. Even the poorest villagers are happy to show that they can contribute, as it is part of their long local traditions. After the rounds, around 7 in the morning, the monks return to the monastery to eat breakfast. The next few hours are spent doing the work that needs to be done to keep the monastery running, including washing of robes, cleaning and physical maintenance. When a monk is done with his chores he will then begin reading and studying until 11 a.m. when the temple bell rings to announce the second meal of the day. As the monks prepare for their meal, peasants will again come to the monastery with offerings of simple items the monks might need like toothpaste or soap. This meal is eaten with care, because it will be the last time they are allowed to eat until breakfast the next day. After the meal, the monks return to their primary responsibilities, which include work, study and meditation on The Way. If a monk needs some simple possession he can ask an elder for permission to visit the village again, though this is not very common. Around 7 p.m. the monks once again gather together for the evening chant and group meditation celebrating the Buddha. When this is done the monks return to their huts for the rest of the evening. Mon's typically share their hut with one other brother and have to maintain a certain level of conduct in the dwelling. Their bare feet can never point towards any book or image of the Buddha. It is forbidden for a monk to sleep in an elevated bed or to have any soft material in his sleep quarters. Therefore nearly all monks sleep on the floor. Treat The Monks With Respect When you visit Thailand it is important to remember that the monks are not tourist attractions. They are dedicated individuals who are revered in their communities. The monks will often be friendly towards you and some will allow you to take their pictures. This does not give you license to treat them as simply a fun part of your trip. Treat the monks as you would any religious person in the west and you will avoid getting a reputation as an Ugly American.

Dating in Gay Thailand When you first get to Thailand you will probably be enamored by all of the wonderfully attractive boys you can take home for a fee from the go-go and host bars that populate all of the major cities. Still, you do have a heart (we hope) and after a while you may be looking for something more long term. There is nothing wrong with looking for love in Thailand and lots of Thai guys would love to have a western boyfriend. But, you will discover that Thai guys quite simply have a completely different set of customs when it comes to gay relationships than you may be used to in the west. Respect Their Culture It is very important that you dont try to impose your cultural attitudes on the guys. If thats what you want, stick to the rent boys, who will be glad to indulge your preferences for a fee. When it comes to dating a Thai guy, always remember that you are in his country, which means you have to respect Thailands social mores, in public and in private. The good news is that most of the customs will work to your advantage once you get used to them. There is a reason that millions of western gay men come to Thailand and why many of them choose to stay forever. Socially On Top Thai society is based on the idea of different social levels. As a westerner you will be considered to be the social superior of nearly any Thai you date. The reasons for this are many and varied, but one important reason is that even a modest salary by western standards is considered a fortune by the average Thai guy. Quite simply, you are probably richer than any man he has ever known. Because of your higher social status many Thai guys will treat you with reverence. Interestingly, this may not translate into the bedroom. Some westerners assume that because their date is docile and submissive to them in public that they are a natural bottom. This is not always the case sometimes the most timid, deferential Thai boy can become a seriously aggressive top once you get under the sheets. What it does mean is that most Thai guys will expect you to be the one to take them out on a date and they will expect you to pay for dinner. Socially On Top Another common mistake is to assume that because you are being treated as the social superior, that your date considers America or those from Europe or other western countries in general to be superior. That leads you to start talking about how much better your country is than Thailand. Nothing you could do or say could be ruder. Instead, compliment your date on how great his country is. Your cock will thank you in the morning. The Money Honey What confuses many Western guys is that after several dates, your new friend may start asking you for small amounts of money. Lots of guys freak out at this point thinking they have started dating a gold digger. Dont worry thats not the case. It is normal in Thai culture for someone to ask his social superiors for small favors. In this case, because they consider you so wealthy, it just seems natural for them to ask you for some money. Its no different than a heterosexual woman expecting flowers or jewelry from time to time from her man. Thai Boys Will Love Your Bad Self! When you arrive in Thailand you will suddenly feel like more of a stud than you ever have in your life. Don't be surprised if your score rate suddenly doubles or triples. Right off the bat, Thai guys who hang out in gay establishments that cater to Westerners are there because they find Western guys to be hotter than their countrymen. Some of them may even have a fetish for hot American boys. This makes it much easier for you to rock on with your cock on! A Golden Gay! The other great thing about Thailand is that the gay boys dont put a premium on youth. In fact, many of them find older men more attractive. In other words, you wont have to compete against 21 year old gym bunnies, even if you are in your 40s, 50s or 60s. If anything they will be worried about competing against you. If you were still in the closet when you were in your 20s, this is your chance to be the beau of the ball! Gay? Straight? Whatever! Those of us in the west come from cultures with a deep history of Christian values. These values made people very guilty about their homosexual yearnings which meant that most people ended up identifying as either straight or gay. Thailand on the other hand is a culture that is based in Buddhism, which says nothing negative about homosexual behavior. The result is that many Thais identify as neither gay, nor straight, but as simply people who sometimes have sex with men and sometimes have sex with women. There is, however, great social pressure for Thais to get married. This means that many Thai men get married, and then continue to live as primarily gay sometimes with the consent and knowledge of their wives. Other men continue to have sex with both men and women throughout their lives. The good news is that they do so without much of the guilt that we would find doing the same things in our own culture. Discretion And Modesty Are An Obligation! While there is almost no prejudice against gays in Thailand, the Thais as a people are much more modest about their romantic liaisons than we are in America. It is very rare to see any Thai couple, gay or straight, exchanging kisses or any physical displays of affection in public. If your date doesnt want to make out on the street, that does not mean he is in the closet. It just means that he has been taught from a young age to be discreet in all things. In America we spend more time talking about sex than doing it. In Thailand it is the opposite, sex is almost never talked about or physically hinted at it just happens all the time! Personally, we are happier to be doing it than bullshitting about it and we hope you are too! Fully Dressed Under The Covers? Many Thai guys, particularly earlier on in a relationship, extend this modesty into the bedroom. When you first bring a Thai guy back to your hotel room, dont be surprised if he gets under the covers before he takes his clothes off. Once you start making out with him, you will find that Thais eventually can become very wild in bed. It just takes them a little while to be comfortable naked with another person unless of course, you have brought a go-go boy home! Sniff This! There is one major way that Thai guys tend to be less shy than us Western boys. In Thailand it is considered an expression of friendship and affection to sniff the person you are hanging out with. We are not making this up. So, dont be surprised if your date wont kiss, but will move close to your face or neck and take a whiff. Skip The Formalities Once you have had sex and are alone together, your date may suddenly become radically informal. It is common for Thai guys to use your toothbrush, leave their clothes on the floor, drip water after the shower or even try on your clothes. This is not an example of them getting too pushy. Its just their way of showing that they like you. Make Your Intentions Clear In Thai culture, exclusive, serious relationships can start very, very quickly by our standards. This means that after two or three dates lots of Thai guys may start considering you their boyfriend. Most Western guys are not comfortable with moving things this fast. What you need to do from the start is keep reminding the guy that this is still casual for you, so you dont end up breaking too many hearts. As in all cases, upfront honesty is the best policy. Live Up To Your Social Status! Because Thai guys will consider you their social superior, they will expect you to act like one. That means that they will expect you to be dress up on dates (long pants, good shoes) and be generous with your time and money. They will also assume that you have very good manners and behave like a true gentleman at all times in public. Do your best to live up to the highest standards of behavior that you can. Dont Be A Bitch Bitchiness and catty comments are very common in western gay culture, but they dont exist in Thailand. You know that little comment you want to make about his shoes dont do it. Instead of looking for flaws, Thais look for reasons to make compliments. Find something you like about the guy and talk about that. If you do make bitchy comments you will hurt and confuse your date and probably not get laid. Be Prepared To Make The First Move Because Thai guys will consider you their more attractive social superior, they are not likely to be the one to ask you out. Instead, they will try to find subtle ways to let you know that they find you attractive. They will almost always expect you to be the one to make the first move, so you will have to find a way to be aggressive without upsetting their general sense of modesty. No Switch Hitters Unlike America, where there are tons of guys who like to give and receive, most Thai guys are either tops or bottoms and not at all in between. This is great for those of you who are versatile, but if you have a strong preference one way or the other you might want to find a way to let your date know this before he agrees to go out with you. Be Flexible. As you continue to date Thai guys, there will be lots of small social and cultural differences that are bound to come up. The key is to expect small misunderstandings, accept them and try to learn from them. Remember, you are the visitor in their country!

A Day at the Beach in Gay Thailand No trip to Thailand is complete without time spent wasting away your days on the beautiful sandy beaches. From bronzed beauties, to towering waves, the beach will be your entrance to happiness. Thailand's beaches have a little something for everyone. It is easy to find a completely isolated stretch of sand where you can lay out and read a book without ever being bothered by anyone. On the other extreme there are huge expanses of beaches filled with bars, hotels, restaurants and shops, so you can be as social as you want when showing off your hot beach body. If you don't like to sit directly on the sand, many stretches of beach will allow you to rent out a chez lounge for the day. Then, you can have sexy waiters bring you drinks and food all day long as you let the sun caress your body. In Pattaya and in Phuket, there is an area dedicated to gay visitors. It is a much larger area in Pattaya than it is in Phuket but it is the same general concept. You can even arrange to have a massage while you are sitting in the chair. Manicures and Pedicures are easily found for about 200 baht total. Massages normally go for around 100 baht for 30 min or 200 baht for an hour. Most of the time the massage boys have to pay the vendors that own the area you are sitting at so be sure to tip them at least 20 baht for an hour massage. Massages and pampering are not all you will find at the beach. Many money boys go there looking for love. You will find that there are a number of boys that do not like to go to the go go bars and beer bars but they love to look for a farange at the beach. You will also find many boys that you will recognize from the bars. Most people who live in Pattaya or in Phuket find that a day at the beach is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy life. Plus, if you pick up the boy of your dreams to bring back to the hotel room with you, well, then you have yet another wonderful thing to write in your journal about! For those of you who like to be more active, it's easy to find a volleyball game or body surf the waves. Many of the resort areas also offer parasailing, snorkeling and other forms of beach play. When looking at a guide book you will notice two types of beaches listed, "Stay Beaches" and "Day Beaches". A Stay Beach will have a hotel nearby where you can check in for the night. A Day Beach is more isolated and you will have to travel at the end of the day to get back to civilization. Not matter what you choose to do, you will enjoy yourself and understand why in Thailand, life is a beach!

See this thread. http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/43-popper-in-thailand/

I was at lunch today and a friend asked me if I was going to Tim's funeral tomorrow or to the service tonight. I didn't know about it but have been told that Tim's funeral is on Wednesday, December 19, 1:00 pm at Wat Chai in Central Pattaya near Tuk Com.

If you know Yaya, it is the bar directly adjacent to Yaya. It is right next door and it a double or triple shop house. It is across the street from Corner Bar.

No hater here! Love him!