The Ideal GoGo Bar. What Would Be Your Recipe For Success?

[Travellerdave]

I don’t think that gay venues are effectively marketed. Last year I was travelling by bus from Swampy to Pattaya and was allocated a seat next to another single male passenger. After a little general chat he said it was his first time in Thailand and asked me what night life I visited to which I replied that I was gay and that I based myself in the Jomtien Complex with its bars and gay friendly hotels. He surprised me by stating that he was also gay (of the closet variety) and It emerged that he had little idea of the scene in Pattaya (in particular gogos and Asian boys) only that it was gay friendly  I didn’t response to his invitation to meet up as I didn’t want to act as his guide and left him at the bus station to find his own way to his hotel reservation.

[bkkmfj2648]

11 minutes ago, PeterRS said:

If you have never been, please try to do so.

I was a part of the World Pride 2000 - that was held in Rome during the same year as the Vatican's Jubileo celebrations.

We mobilized ALL of the existing gay venues to help us make this a huge success - even with all of the fighting that was required with the Vatican - as they hated that we brought hundreds of thousands of gay visitors to Rome the Eternal City during their Jubileo celebrations - they were furious.

World Pride 2000 was ONLY a success because of the existing gay infrastructure and gay businesses and gay bars and discos.

So, I would imagine, that it would behoove the Thai government to follow the same successful path of getting ALL of the gay businesses in ALL of Thailand to be involved in order to showcase the positive aspects of gay life in Thailand - as it is the SAME Thai government that is now marketing to the global gay community (due to the legalization of same sex marriage), under the banner, "Amazing Thailand Love Wins Festival".

I think that it would be VERY sad for the Thai government to "vend out" the World Pride 2030 entertainment to private entities that do not care about the gay community and gay economy.  If Thailand wants to maintain and preserve a sustainable Gay Destination status - it needs to support the gay infrastructure that is required to make Thailand desirable as a Gay Destination by involving gay businesses throughout Thailand in the World Pride 2030 events.

https://www.tatnews.org/2025/02/love-wins-in-trang-thailands-iconic-underwater-wedding-celebrates-equality/

https://www.facebook.com/nbtworld/videos/newsline-thailands-underwater-wedding-celebrates-love-and-equality/1646976652693754/

 

 

[bkkmfj2648]

13 minutes ago, Travellerdave said:

I don’t think that gay venues are effectively marketed.

I fully agree.

When I moved to Jomtien from Europe as a new retiree in September 2022, I was already in the process to help market (on a voluntary non-paid basis) the Jomtien Complex (aka Supertown) with one of the existing webmasters - to market Supertown on the world stage as:

• a gay destination for fun and relaxation,
• a gay retirement destination.

Unfortunately, someone in this forum ( I will not say his name, as it was a true nightmare for me to get over from his accusations ) told me that if I proceeded with my plans that he would report me to the Thai police.

Consequently, as a new retiree in a new country, only in my 3rd month when I was attacked here in this forum via a DM message - I got cold feet and I never pursued my plan.  This is what I believe is the missing piece (no international marketing) to the puzzle, as to the demise of Sunee Plaza, the recent shrinkage of Boyztown, and I fear that one day that Supertown will also suffer the rath of us retirees dying off, as we are not being replaced, because there is ZERO marketing on the international stage about what is on offer here.

It is truly sad

ok, enough said, as this topic truly upsets me my inner soul and being.....

[Rent Boy]

7 hours ago, vinapu said:

When comes to go-go bars in Thailand neither I'm longing for the past as I know it is gone anyways, no matter how I liked it then and there. Neither I'm overly concerned about future as not being teenager anymore means my time horizon narrows. I take what is at the plate when I'm there and try to make best out of it, generally with success.

Nailed it.   That's the way to approach the situation.

Gay people are still travelling to Thailand, but a far smaller percentage of them choose to visit gogo bars.   Including some of those reminiscing about the gogo bar scene here.  

[PeterRS]

51 minutes ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

So, I would imagine, that it would behoove the Thai government to follow the same successful path of getting ALL of the gay businesses in ALL of Thailand to be involved in order to showcase the positive aspects of gay life in Thailand - as it is the SAME Thai government that is now marketing to the global gay community (due to the legalization of same sex marriage), under the banner, "Amazing Thailand Love Wins Festival".

We'll just have to disagree. I cannot see how the Thai government is likely to do more than encourage its own agencies - traffic management, police etc. - to cooperate with the organisers. Since, let's recall, prostitution remains illegal in this country, unless it changes the law the government cannot be seen to be co-operating with sex venues as some bright spark in the elite will certainly bring the media down on its collective head. 

Secondly, most of the gay sex venues here in Bangkok already do little to market their own product. Someone has to get the owners into one room, bash heads together and make them realise that co-operating on a huge event like this will be great business for everyone. This is vital because when Bangkok started its first Gay Pride Parade in 1999, it was basically up to each venue to do its own organising. It went off like a damp squib as it was badly organised and there was virtually no marketing (I know the main organiser did try to get TV stations and the media in general interested - they weren't!). 

Just talking about an event like this will achieve nothing. Everyone has to come to the party and contribute. Will they? No idea. But it certainly needs a small group of passionate advocates to take on the job of overall organising.

As for the TAT marketing to the Pink Dollar, it has been doing this for years with slogan after slogan after slogan. Without the government actively backing it up, as with previous campaigns the TAT will have little success. I am reminded of a Songkran event on Silom about 10 years ago. Some young ladies/girls got up on the top of a truck and danced topless. They were arrested and accused of corrupting Thai morals. Then some bright spark made the point that the front page of the Ministry of Culture's website had a painting of four young Thai girls in front of some traditional background - all naked to the waist. That was quickly taken down!

Let's also remember what happens in Singapore. Now it is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in Asia. It has finally got rid of its old colonial anti-sodomy law - but it still will not permit a Gay Pride Parade in the city! In 2009 a group of dedicated LGBTQ volunteers decided instead to have a gay event which they named Pink Dot. The government now restricts them to a small city centre park - thinking that this would limit international exposure - but the event just grew and grew. It became a family event. International sponsors flocked to sponsor the event. After all, Singapore encourages international companies to move to the city state with a number of concessions including tax benefits. But after Pink Dot became a big success, the government even barred international firms from participating in any way. Foreigners also are barred from the event.

Then in 2019 the-then Prime Minister's nephew (great nephew of founding father Lee Kuan Yew) not only came out as gay but got married in South Africa and attended the Pink Dot that year with his partner.  His father, the PM's brother, and his family also attended pink Dot that year. As bad for the government, one overhead night shot showed a sea of pink in the middle of the city skyline with the words "Repeal 337A". This was the old anti-sodomy law which was in fact repealed 2 years ago. (both photos courtesy of Singapore pink Dot)

R to L: Younger brother of then Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong with his gay son's partner, his gay son and other members of his family at the 2019 Pink Dot

[vinapu]

11 hours ago, PeterRS said:

Yes, it will be good bye to a lot of what we know and what WE used to love. But for today's younger generation, they have no - or only a little - experience of what we used to love. Their experiences are different. What do THEY want and what will THEY love? I really do not know - and I think most of us do not know. Our gay world has changed massively in the 45 or so years since I first visited Bangkok.

well said, even in 24 years since I came 1st time it changed plenty. 

General rule is , businesses   must react to changing tastes and needs of their customers , sometimes gambling on the outcome. 

We thought demise of soi Twilight will ruin scene but it did not happen. On another hand BBB in Pattaya, which once I considered best go-go in whole Thailand,  now it's completely off radar because boys are fully dressed on the stage. Yet, they pack bar  night after night to a degree other bars in Pattaya can only dream about.

If we stop patronising existing venues, slowly but surely they, one by one , shrink and disappear.

I asked two bar boys  from different bars, each fairly popular , who used also to advertise on Grindr  why they stopped. 

Answers couldn't be more different - one said he stopped because he did not have enough traffic to bother. Other one said he managed to get enough contacts that he is happy with traffic he gets from those loyal customers so he doesn't need to bother any longer for now. Both are still working in the bars  but 2nd one become freelancer and comes and goes as he pleases.

So as we see business acumen is what it really counts 

[vinapu]

11 hours ago, Travellerdave said:

I don’t think that gay venues are effectively marketed. Last year I was travelling by bus from Swampy to Pattaya and was allocated a seat next to another single male passenger. ........ and It emerged that he had little idea of the scene in Pattaya (in particular gogos and Asian boys)

your story reminded me meeting guy who was coming to Pattaya for 15 years and by   his own admission  it never crossed his mind  that Jomtien- Swampy bus can be used not only to get to the airport ,  but it's also best mean to get to the city itself with bus and air link train combination

[PeterRS]

21 hours ago, Travellerdave said:

I don’t think that gay venues are effectively marketed.

They aren't! There used to be some advertising in the freebie magazines that were then common in gay venues, but these all died years ago. And that is sad because, not only is it much less easy to obtain information, but at least one was a real attempt to develop a gay interest. The one which used to be based in Chiang Mai had interesting articles. It even got an exclusive interview with Sir Ian McKellen. 

Now the venue owners assume all they have to do is open a bar and the crowds will magically appear. Fora like this one and a couple I know in Singapore and Japan help but depend on word of mouth. If one poster has a bad experience, others know about it pretty quickly. 

Then there is the reluctance of some bar owners to accept that the clientele they should be seeking is no longer randy westerners, many of a certain age. From what I read here almost none in Bangkok has moved with the times to adapt to a changing market. It ought now to be a much bigger market with far more coming from some Asian countries with different ideas of what a gogo bar should offer - and some others from further afield. But generally it seems to be same old, same old. I recall @Gaybutton saying in this forum well over 15 years ago that bar owners had forgotten a key element in running a gogo bar: its entertainment value. After all, bars are just as much in the entertainment business as cinemas and cabaret shows.

[spoon]

Bangkok gogo bar that uses digital marketing are moonlight and jupiter, and The One.

In pattaya, Im only aware of Xboys having digital presence, with Jomtien supertown have some posts about upcoming events. 

On the other hand, most massage place, including full service and high class soft only have digital presence with clear pics of masseurs shared online. This is very helpful for most of us short term tourists to book ahead guys of our choices, and avoid the potential dry night/day where we couldnt find one guy we like.

Another famous place for younger guys are saunas, clubs like dj stations, GOD, and hostels where casual/crusing encounter can occur. This can extend to events like white party or gcircuit.

[sydneyboy1]

To answer the original question the old Tawan Bar as I knew it in the very early 2000’s. There was a large stable of stunning muscle boys, they were playful and would approach. No mobile phones to distract them and were totally focused on the customers. A wonderful era I remember with great affection.

[Vessey]

My ideal agogo bar would be somewhere like Winner Boys (but more effectively managed and promoted than the current owner's health and resources allow). Why?

Well it is quite a large enclosed bar in a (n all too) quiet and discrete area.

Drink prices are reasonable (certainly in comparison to those of BoyzTown for example), the music not too loud, and the boys very 'friendly' (although not fully Eros friendly).  Drinks and flirting and hands inside pants (theirs and/or yours), and almost every boy willing to accompany you back to your hotel to enjoy even-more-intimate moments.

Recruiting has not been a strong point in recent years, but there are still quite a few boys who have been there a few years now who are always anxious to help you spend your baht. Even a new boy or two occasionally.

It has been a fairly quiet bar of recent years, but in compensation such sparsity of customers keeps the boys keen, and ready to sit in a dark corner with you with only a large cushion to protect your respective modesty. 

Sadly its current viability once again hangs by a knife edge as low season deepens, but, who knows, it might survive another year, although the boss's health continues to visibly deteriorate.

Boys normally dance in just their pants, but even those have been known to be shed by some alcohol-fueled boys late at night. Why does the lovely Nam spring to mind?! 😅

We have lost so much in Sunee Plaza over the years; I so very much miss the depravity of Eros and GoodBoys 😂.  But as to Winner Boys, it is a case of 'use it or loose it'. 

Elsewhere there is no real comparison. Several of Charlie's bars in Jomtien Complex  get close. I have put cushions to good use in Dodo/Gus Bar and M Bar last year  , but they are the exceptions amidst a sea of over-dressed semi-respectability 😅.

[12is12]

By "Dodo bar", u mean the one outside the complex, almost on the beach?

[Vessey]

1 hour ago, 12is12 said:

By "Dodo bar", u mean the one outside the complex, almost on the beach?

No, it is opposite Best Bar/Home Bar 

[colmx]

19 hours ago, 12is12 said:

By "Dodo bar", u mean the one outside the complex, almost on the beach?

I think the bar you are thinking of is Bamboo bar

[Rent Boy]

On 5/28/2025 at 4:18 PM, Vessey said:

Dodo/Gus Bar and M Bar

Gus bar had a problem with LOUD music.   Not ridiculous, but enough to see me off.  
No such problem at M Bar. 

[Tomtravel]

A perfect gay bar-escort joint should copy straight brothel from Vienna called Babylon.

I visited it with my clients 10+ years ago but I doubt too much has changed (its Vienna..). Beautiful bar or restaurant area with 20-30 very beautiful, nicely clothed escorts. Security is totally hidden, there was one madam, who elegantly coordinated things. Entry was I think 140 euros, unlimited drinks and food (limited menu). Sex with a room was 400 euros (1 hour). Girls were instructed not to be pushy, so it was very pleasant environment like premium bar lounge in a 5 star hotel with soothing music.

The place was full of men who mostly enjoyed the company of ladies, not all came for sex. I felt sad I am not straight!

It used to be also leading coke joint for people who like extra spice, but for me unnecessary.

I remember we 3 had good time; since I was closeted with the clients, I chatted with my very nice girl all night. The total evening bill with coke, 3 girls, few hours in premium jacuzzi rooms was eventually ca 3500 euros. One client, who paid that, forgot his underwear to the room.

Clients were very pleased.

I doubt we have similar in Europe for gays but I suspect something like that could be in US.

PS - alternative is skip the premium part and keep it casual.

[vinapu]

10 hours ago, Tomtravel said:

The total evening bill with coke, 3 girls, few hours in premium jacuzzi rooms was eventually ca 3500 euros.

now I will  see it  in different light when super hunk in Thailand  quotes me 7000 or even 10 000 for the whole night of company.

I like your idea and if prices were user friendly I think I'd patronize such venue is was one in Bangkok, specially   I like not pushy part. Looks that mamasans are not invented yet in Austria

[sydneyboy1]

On 5/28/2025 at 2:51 PM, sydneyboy1 said:

To answer the original question the old Tawan Bar as I knew it in the very early 2000’s. There was a large stable of stunning muscle boys, they were playful and would approach. No mobile phones to distract them and were totally focused on the customers. A wonderful era I remember with great affection.

One further thought. Perhaps the absolute ideal would be the boys from the old Tawan in a massage venue like the old Hero behind a glass partition where clients could peruse at leisure. You have to be around in that era to understand what I mean.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, sydneyboy1 said:

One further thought. Perhaps the absolute ideal would be the boys from the old Tawan in a massage venue like the old Hero behind a glass partition where clients could peruse at leisure. You have to be around in that era to understand what I mean.

or go to Prince where they still have that system of boys flexing and vying behind the glass wall

[sydneyboy1]

20 minutes ago, vinapu said:

or go to Prince where they still have that system of boys flexing and vying behind the glass wall

I know I’ve been there many times. I was thinking of those beautiful muscle boys that Tawan was famous for in days of old.

[vinapu]

15 hours ago, sydneyboy1 said:

I know I’ve been there many times. I was thinking of those beautiful muscle boys that Tawan was famous for in days of old.

this was when even our own bodies were quite presentable 

[Keithambrose]

55 minutes ago, vinapu said:

this was when even our own bodies were quite presentable 

In my case, a distant memory!

[vinapu]

5 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

In my case, a distant memory!

you are not alone, rest assured

[jason1975]

Will this be an ideal gogo bar? 🤣

[vinapu]

As far as I'm concerned, answer is YES