TotallyOz

I have stayed at the Crowne Plaza in Bangkok in the past. I really enjoyed the hotel. The best thing about the hotel is that it is right in the middle of the gay area of Bangkok. It is right around the corner from Silom 4 and right around the corner from the gay gogo bars. It was once called the Pan Pacific Hotel. I had no problem bringing guest into the hotel. I have never had any problem bringing guest into any hotel in Bangkok. Most of the hotels in the area understand that there guests just will want to bring company back for the evening. You should not have a problem. In my opinion, you just need to be careful and make sure that the person you bring back is well dressed and looks decent. If they look like someone from the street, you may have issues. If that is your type, then there are other hotels I can recommend. There is another hotel close to the area called Le Meridian. I have not stayed at this hotel but I have friends that have stayed there on many occasions and had no problems. What kind of guys do you like? If you like the muscle guys then the The Tawan Bar is going to be the place to visit. All of these bars are within walking distances of both hotels. If you already have reservations at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Bangkok, my only suggestion would be that you be sure to register as a party of 2. That way if they ever question you about bringing someone back to your room you simply add them to your room, and then when your session is over you go downstairs and take them off your room. It really is that simple and I have done this on many occasions and many countries. A couple of questions for you: Have you been to Bangkok before? What kind of guys do you like? Do you like the saunas? Your answers to some of these questions may help us in making recommendations on where to stay and what to do.

I use my points when I stay in NYC. I am staying there for 10 days in November and I used points for them all. Try to save up your hotel points or CC points and use them in NYC. When I stay in other cites, I pay but in NYC and Rio, I have been using points.

I'd be happy to meet up while you are here. Send me an e-mail at totallyoz@me.com when time gets close if you want to meet up.

Sexuality meets globalisation _ Thais are getting involved in more international relationships but the dynamics are changing The face of Thai sexuality is changing in small fault lines that may soon represent a seismic shift in the way the Land of Smiles is viewed. While the perception of international relationships here in some Western eyes may be of older, overweight, oversexed tourists trawling bars for Thai partners, the post-Vietnam era cliche of American servicemen on R&R is being challenged by and is also accelerating new trends. The sexualisation of Thais in foreign eyes has had an effect on international partnerships, as Thais try to distance themselves from the misperception of being tied to a foreign partner for monetary reasons. As citizens of a middle-income country where status is important, middle class Thais have much to lose or gain by being involved with a foreign partner. In this light, several trends are emerging. Thais seeking foreign partners are more often gazing over the fence at East Asian partners. The "white Asian" ideal is gradually replacing the "white European". There is more migration to the countryside, with German and Swiss enclaves in Isan and Thai village women struggling to fit into life in the austere towns and cities of northern Europe. Even as such migrations increase, their demographics are changing, as many Western men are younger and willing to forsake jobs and connections back home to build a new life on the farm. Young Western women are also finding holiday romance in Bangkok's backpacker areas and the beach full moon parties, with Thai lotharios more than willing to accommodate them for the night or the length of their holiday. The Thai middle class has grown quickly and continues to expand. With the rise in income and education, Thais have more access to international trends and popular culture, and globalisation and social media are playing a major role in the changes. From the popularity of English in texting and Facebook to the pop culture tsunami of the Korean wave, the signs of globalisation are everywhere. We have Korean beauty products, Japanese manga and Hollywood movies, and many celebrities are luk krueng or light-skinned _ that is, those that look more Northeast Asian or Western. Spectrum spoke to those at the coalface of the changes, as well as anthropologists and academics who presented papers on transnational romance recently at the International Conference on Thai Studies, and these are their stories. EASTERN PROMISES "He looks uglier than five years ago!" says Apple* of Barry, her long-time American boyfriend. "And we have a lot of communication problems." Apple's first foreign boyfriend was a Frenchman she met on the internet. After only a short message exchange, he abruptly flew to Bangkok to be with her. "For two months it was nice, but it was like a holiday romance for him. Bangkok corrupted him," she says. "Eventually he fell in love with a massage girl." Another complaint she has about being with Barry is that sometimes waiters and clerks assume she's Barry's bargirl. Like many young middle class women, though, Apple has lost interest in dating Thai men. "They have an ego," she explains, "where everything is about them. Foreigners see themselves as part of the wider world. They have hobbies and other interests. "But farang [culture] is still far away," she adds. "Asians are closer." Apple, 30, works for a fashion magazine and is looking for a Japanese man to replace Barry. She finds men in Korean and Japanese dramas and movies "dreamy". "The image is kind, gentle and handsome," she says. "I know it's not the reality and more of a media depiction. "Also it's the 'whitening' culture," she adds. "Maybe because the Chinese in Thailand do well in business and popular culture. It makes whiter skin more appealing." Woramon Sirinopakul, 23, works for a television station and thinks nationality is less important than it used to be. "I've started to consider each person in his behaviour rather than culture," she says. "Now it's very easy to meet foreigners. For culture, the more unique, the more attractive." As for dating Thai men, she is equivocal: "Thais are fine as long as they have something to talk about. The big advantage is I can say anything without language problems." "But all my life I see ton of bad Thai men. For a date, yes," she concludes. "But for marriage, no." Ms Woramon finds Europeans "artistic and charming" and more attractive than Americans, who "tend to think that everything is easy to understand like a Hollywood movie". The British are especially appealing to her: "The different accents are charming, and I like Brit-pop." Along with British, though, she finds the most attractive men her age to be the Japanese. "I know not every Japanese man is attractive," she says, "but media from Japan _ manga, anime, movies _ is what I love to consume. We'll always have something to talk about." For middle class Thai women or gay men, says Dredge Byung'chu Kang of Emory University in the US, who presented a paper at last month's International Conference on Thai Studies, being seen with an older Westerner often lowers their perception of status, in their own eyes or those of others, because of the country's high-profile sex tourism industry and its roots in the Vietnam War, when the women with the most proximity to Western men were those offering sex for money. Today, large numbers of Western men still come to the Kingdom for sex and some hotels and restaurants have posted "no Thai" policies to distance themselves from the sex trade. Still, the number of Asian sex tourists visiting Thailand probably outstrips the number of Western ones. In a country where the line between appearance and substance is indistinct, the way a relationship looks matters. Thais with means try to avoid being seen as someone's "bargirl" or "money boy", both to avoid judgement by waiters, shop clerks and other strangers and to be recognised on their own merits. Whatever the truth of an arrangement, there is less of a stigma risk when seen with a Far Eastern partner. THE NEW GAY MALE This look to the Far East is especially apparent on the gay scene. "Asians are more similar in culture," says Beer, a 32-year-old dentist. "It's easier to communicate. Their way of thinking is easier to understand." Beer would still consider dating Thai or Western men, but he is largely attracted to "looks, way of thinking and status" _ which equates well with Far Eastern men. "If I love him enough I can adapt to anything," he adds. "But you simplify your life and there's less to overcome if you have similar status." Ken, a 32-year-old travel writer, still prefers Westerners, and says he finds the Korean look "too fake and homogenous". But when asked to name celebrities he finds attractive, he cites Nadech "Barry" Kugimiya and Pope Thanawat, who both have a "white Asian" look, as Mr Kang describes it. Some gay Thais, just like straight people, enter relationships with foreigners to improve their socioeconomic status. Thailand's position between wealthier and poorer countries in the region, he argues, shapes new partner preferences. Mr Kang's research focuses largely on the changing choice of partners for Thai gay middle class males. He loosely defines the middle class as earning between 7,000 and 70,000 baht a month. He cites four main reasons for the gradual lean towards the East rather than West: the regional flow of media and commodities, the internet (notably sites such as gayromeo.com and fridae.com, both used by Thai men to find Asian partners), discount airlines (especially AirAsia) and regional alignments and politics. Gay tourism has expanded greatly in the region in recent years, helped along by circuit parties that help connect Southeast and East Asian party-goers. "East Asian partners are associated with high economic status, modernity and cultural similarity," Mr Kang says. They do not have the nergative status attached to many Anglo-Saxons. "Even when middle class Thais have farang partners, they often hide this fact from family or friends. "Other Asians can be interpreted as friends while farang are more likely coded as sexual partners. Farang are sexualised via the very Western gazes that sexualise Thais." According to Mr Kang, the list of partner preferences mirrors the economic status of its citizens so that Japanese, Koreans and Hongkongese are prioritised over Chinese Singaporeans and Taiwanese, who are preferred to Chinese Malaysians, mainland Chinese and Vietnamese, while other Asians, especially Burmese and Cambodians, are considered undesirable. This results in some dissatisfaction when image doesn't match the reality, such as in relationships with Korean men, who in Korean soap operas are seen as soft, sweet and romantic but in life can also be aggressive, impatient and stubborn, says Mr Kang. For the rest of the article: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/investigation/252745/the-new-politics-of-desire

I totally agree! For some, the smallest thing gets them all riled up. If going to a bar and it was closed (yet others were open) was the worst thing to happen on that night, hell, I know many in USA who would trade places in a heartbeat. I can't say I am not guilty of letting the little things get to me. Today, I went to Paragon California Wow and they require a small lock to go on the lockers (not the ones every other place in Thailand uses). It costs 160 baht. Not a big deal right? I was livid. So, I do know how little things upset someone. Eros is not in Thailand. He said so. He apologized. That should be it. Of course, this is just my logical humble opinion.

Thanks for posting this. It really does show what a good businessman you are. Best of luck with the bar and keep the great things coming!

My BF in Thailand listens to Bill Maher with me and is amazed that we allow that on the tv. That would never fly in Thailand. He always says, "can they say that on TV?" We are lucky they can as I am not sure where we would be without the comedians to give us the right direction in a humorous way. Truth is, we need to laugh at our system. Some of the shit that goes on is just too funny not to laugh at. Weinergate. Jeeze. A congressman named Weiner showing his Weiner. Does it get better than that?

I got this from the Biggest Loser Newsletter. I love Mexican food more than any other ethnic food. Here was his suggestion. Eating Out Mexican Tonight? Bob Harper has some tips on what to eat and what to avoid First tell the waiter to not bring those chips to your table! I love them and could eat every basket they bring to me....STAY AWAY. Instead place an order for corn tortillas and dip them into your salsa. It is the same thing as the chips except not fried and it will satisfy that craving of wanting to dip. Instead of refried beans ask for black beans, no sour cream, no guacamole, no flour tortillas, no crispy taco shells. Okay, now that we have gone through all the NOs let's go to what you can order. Fajitas are a great choice since the meat will be grilled and your veggies are included. Burritos without the flour tortilla of course. Tacos can also be ordered if you just get the insides of them. Many times I will order three or four tacos, beef or chicken and combine the insides of all of them on a big salad and bam! There you go. a big taco salad without anything crunchy except the lettuce. No salad dressing required in a Mexican restaurant, because you have all that good salsa....Olé!

I find this whole story fascinating. It is what movies are made of. I hope that they do make a movie of this family as I would love to see it. Who didn't expect this to be a done deal this year? Does he have to wait till 2012? What are the odds?

I do! But, I don't think that is intentional. The others are intentionally funny. Not funny because they are crazy. Well, Maher may be crazy but he is intelligent and witty at the same time.

I appreciate your response. It was very well thought out. The problem with the above statement is that most who view a website have opinions of them and are not versed in any of the above. That does not mean one should discount their opinion. When I get criticism from one of my businesses, I say thank you and it is something I will consider. There really is never any need for anyone to get into much more than that on a forum and if they do, they have to be prepared for a wide variety of opinions from "experts" and others. I wish you well in your business and your career. I hope it goes as you desire. Thank you for taking the time to clarify as many questions as you could.

I watch The Daily show, Cobert Report and Bill Maher every time I can. I think they are so funny and I laugh sometimes out loud so much that people in the next room walk in to see what is going on. They are all very "liberal" and I have not seen comedians that have talk shows that are funny from the "conservative" side. Are there any?

Thank you for getting this thread back on track! It is fantastic.

Thanks. Axiom. Much appreciated. I'll take a look at the sites. I think most are more for short stays and that is what I may need to do before renting a long term place.

humm, so 9 of them were from before? That still puts you on top IMHO.

Damn it. I counted all those posts and you didn't even bite? What does it take to get recognized these days?

Not to speak for jomtien, but perhaps he meant "consistently" as opposed to "continually?" For this tread to date: ChaseLB has 31 posts Fountainhall has 17 Michael has 11 Gaybutton has 11 Thaiworthy has 9 Kokopellia has 5 Others have 1 and 2 So if posts in this thread count as an indication of posters interest then the list above speaks for itself.

Sorry sir, but you have an Apple Mac and you do have a right click! There are short cuts for all that on the mac. My Magic Mouse has a right click. My Pro has a trackpad and Right Click. You have to configure it in your preferences.

When life gives me lemons, I ask for a Corona.

Ihpguy and I have been having some long personal message conversations. He is a real gem and trying to assist me in finding a place in Rio. He has given me much advice and he gave me permission to post some of the information here as I think it may benefit others. He advised looking in Sunday’s newspapers as they have lots of listings there. I told him I love 117. Anyway, 117 is in Gloria. Quite a big shift downward there from beachy Ipa and Copa. Also, agents are going to try to make money on foreigners. Same w/ Internet sites. Yesterday's Sunday paper and local rental offices will be more reasonable. There is a reason so many Internet listings do not mention prices. Foreigner/Local? Estimation of one's financials and knowledge of the market? Do you have a budget in mind? Also, the company NET has a bundled package with fiber-optic cable and high-speed which friends have. Very good. Neighborhoods? Flamengo is wonderful. Very upper east/west side Manhattan without the very chic feel of Ipa/Leblon/Gavea. One step down are Laranjeiras/Humaita/Botafogo. Then there are the million souls in congested Copa. Also quieter Leme and Urca. Arpoador at the other end of Copa, near to both the Gal Osorio and Cantagalo metro stops. Close to LeBoy. And on the other side of the mountains, Lagoa and Jardim Botanico. On the scale, Catete is a step down from Gloria, but still many nice buildings, and between Gloria and Flamengo is Largo do Machado. Metro stops are in Gloria, Catete, Largo do Machado, Flamengo, Botafogo, 3 in Copa and Ipa. I've got yesterday's real estate section from Extra. Sorry it isn't from O Globo, this is their lower-priced quicker read. First for neighborhoods/bairros and prices For 1 bedroom 2 bedrooms 3 bedrooms These are averages Barra da Tijuca 1550 2390 3644 Botafogo 1665 2755 3146 Copa 1770 2740 4094 Flamengo 1534 2303 3532 Gavea --- 3569 3629 Ipanema 2462 3981 5854 Jardim Botanico 2297 3300 3693 Lagoa 3004 3758 6543 Laranjeiras 1450 2235 6080 Leblon 2890 4012 6025 So these are averages. Also keep in mind the monthly IPTU/real estate taxes and condominio/maintenance fee. IPTU is normally very low as is condominio, depending on the building. Since I assume that you are more of an expert than me with computers, some of the main realtors here with rentals are Julio Bogoricin and Sergio Castro for looks. Another with lots of listings in yesterday's paper is Renascenca. And I assume that you will want an apartamento mobiliado/ furnished apartment Some I found: http://www.agenteimo.../rj/1048541.htm http://www.agenteimo.../rj/1047947.htm http://www.bomnegoci..._rio_de_janeiro /apto_na_av_nossa_sra_de_copa__perto_do_posto_5_8150031.htm?ca=21_s http://www.bomnegoci...598.htm?ca=21_s http://www.bomnegoci...837.htm?ca=21_s <Above is a super price for Ipa - for example> http://www.bomnegoci...207.htm?ca=21_s <Another apparent bargain in Ipanema> Rio is a big place with lots and lots of housing units in the Zona Sul. So, my apartment hunting is off to a good start, thanks to ihpguy.

My only concern for this kid is that his father could not keep his terminator in his pants. If this is inherited by the son, I'd hate for you guys to be around when that thing gets loose. It could end up hurting someone and even though I am not OK with pain, I'll stick close to him to protect the rest of you!

Here is a cool studio room. http://www.bluepano.com/mea_sukhumvit_24/

Is that on this site? I tried to find him but can't. Nigerian's are a pain in the ass. They invade every site with BS. I try to watch out for them and remove profiles. On some sites, I have had to ban IP's from Nigeria. That doesn't help as they use proxies.

You mean tomcal? What is he trying to tell me?

Lucky, you are so cynical. I don't think he is handsome at all. I'd just like to take a closer look at those jeans! They look like they were made for me.