Thailand Trip Report February/March 2026

[mauRICE]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

While you are correct, I'd leave for people involved to assess what makes sense  for them and what not. They may have their own calculations.

This is trite. Clearly I was thinking out loud and expressing my views on the matter and have no control over the actions or folly of others.

 

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

As for boys in bars not being able to be offed , while rare those species exist. Some guys go with ladies only, while other are exclusive to guys making hoping  girls long-faced. There are those who are only participating in the shows and finally those who are   available to all and sundry but at prohibitive price rendering them unconquerable  for most of patrons. 

All acceptable reasons in my opinion and nothing new. But "sorry, I can't go with you tonight because my sugar daddy forbade me to" takes it to another level of absurdity. 🙄

[mauRICE]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

Isn't it ultimate goal of all of them ?

No, it isn't. Some of the guys like their independence and don't like being beholden to anybody. Moreover, a popular guy could be making 100,000 Baht a month (there are hosts from the big host bars bringing in 300,000 ++ Baht per month; one I know just bought a Mercedes convertible) and there aren't that many sponsors willing to part with that amount as compensation for taking him permanently out of the bar.

[vinapu]

11 hours ago, floridarob said:

A little more honesty and a little less fantasy on both sides would probably save a lot of people from getting hurt, no?

 

11 hours ago, floridarob said:

as you said above .. broken hearts and dreams still exist.

 

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, mauRICE said:

there are hosts from the big host bars bringing in 300,000 ++ Baht per month; and there aren't that many sponsors willing to part with that amount as compensation for taking him permanently out of the bar.

that would be 10 000 a day in tips , just for drinking and small talk, day after day ? Very nice

[floridarob]

6 hours ago, vinapu said:

next time we are there at the same time I may point you to a guys who may confirm your  suspicion.

we already know you and @Olddaddy have something going.... what it is, anybody's guess 🤷‍♂️

[Travelingguy]

I prefer to keep the interactions transactional.  After all, that is what they are.  Pleasantly transactional is ideal for me.

[spoon]

4 hours ago, vinapu said:

that would be 10 000 a day in tips , just for drinking and small talk, day after day ? Very nice

I wonder how his liver fare, even at a generous 300 baht tips per drink, thats 33 glasses of alcohol consumption per day.

[jason1975]

12 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

While I have enjoyed meeting a number of different guys this trip and enjoyed regular sessions, only one has peaked my interest enough to even consider any of this, and that would be Cam.  I really don't know how to even approach the subject with him or if it is something that he would even be interested in.  I also don't know exactly what I would be suggesting, given this inner struggle taking place in my mind.  I certainly don't want to make any promises that I cannot or will not keep.  I don't want to be 'all talk, no action' or empty promises, so to speak.  

You can be direct and tell him you want him to stay with you for 3 days then wait for his response.

Most guys have experienced offs for few days from customers so they know what to expect.

[jimmie50]

continued…Installment 21: No texts from Banana guy, so I think he got my message loud and clear.  Not sure I will see him again before my departure on April 2.  Too many other fish in the sea.  Decided on a quiet afternoon and didn’t schedule any activities.  Met Cam at 8pm outside of Hotmale, provided him with off fee and since I have done that a few times now avoiding the need to buy us both a drink in the club I thought it would be wise to tell him give THB 200 tip to head mamasan to keep us in her good graces.  lol.  Decided to try Happy Beer Garden for dinner, but did not get the cashew chicken.  I was in the mood for something different, so we ordered Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai w/shrimp, and deep fried chicken wings.  We sat on the second floor in a room with A/C and some interesting decor on the ceiling.  Artificial flowers outlined light fixtures and it almost looked like Christmas tree ornaments hanging everywhere.  Food was good.  Definitely a place I would go back to, but don’t think I would want to sit on the first floor as no A/C.  Cam said that Sarica and Happy Beer Garden are owned by the same people.  Not sure if that is true or not…forum members may be more knowledgeable about this.  Too early to go back to the condo, so decided to check out another club.   

Went to Moonlight, since I had not been to this club on this trip just yet.  Usual parade of number guys…I counted 11 guys in the rotation.  10 customers including us…mostly Asian guys, but one older Caucasian.  One number boy was sitting with an older Asian customer.  Eventually they would leave together.  Just as I noted on my previous visit to this club, the number of employees far outnumbered the customers.  Show started late and consisted mostly of the models.  Got that same standoffish attitude from the models as I noticed the first time I visited this club.  Headed back to the condo after the show, showered together, did the wild thing and spent the night wrapped in each other’s arms.  Really enjoy the time I spend with Cam more and more.  Going to be difficult leaving him behind.  Slept later than usual, went for some breakfast, came back and took a swim, then went to the fitness room where he worked out and I simply admired the view.  lol.  Gym and exercise just not my thing, but enjoy watching him.  After his workout, we said our goodbyes and he headed back home.  I took a nice, long nap in the afternoon because in the evening I met Paradise guy.  We went and grabbed some dinner, came back to the condo and watched a movie, did the wild thing, and he spent the night.  He is not quite into the cuddling during the night like Cam is, but other wise was a nice evening once again.  After we ate some breakfast he showered and headed off to work.  I needed to pack a few things for a few days out of Bangkok.  Friends are picking me up at noon.

Won’t see any of my regulars for the next few days as am going to Pattaya in the morning with my straight friends.  They have some sort of boat excursion planned on Sunday out to one of the islands near Pattaya that will include some snorkeling and BBQ.  Plan on staying in Pattaya a couple of days on my own before returning to Bangkok Wednesday morning.  Will be interesting to see what mischief I can find around Jomtien Complex.

[jimmie50]

4 hours ago, jason1975 said:

You can be direct and tell him you want him to stay with you for 3 days then wait for his response.

The 3 days I did already mention to him...just asking if it would be something he is interested in doing.  That was an easy conversation to have.  Based upon what other forum members have recommended, we have confirmed the 3 days at THB 10,000...although I am sure I will give him 12,000.  That would fit with my thinking all along of 4,000 per day.  So...that is basically a done deal.  

The difficult conversation is about a more long term arrangement...and what that might even look like.  I am beginning to think I should maybe put that idea on the back burner, so to speak, and let time and distance put things into better perspective for me.  Removing myself from the present situation could change my thoughts on the idea.  I feel like we will maintain some type of communication once I return home via Line, and just kind of take a step back and see what happens moving forward.  I am planning a return trip later in the year, but no definite dates just yet.  I also plan to make that trip unannounced...other than possibly Cam.  I do not want my straight friends to know, as they will try to plan outings and activities that will distract me from other more important matters.  LOL.  I don't want my current group of regulars to know as I don't want any expectations or assumptions made in advance.  Going to follow advice of other forum members and not share too much information.  

[mauRICE]

3 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

Won’t see any of my regulars for the next few days as am going to Pattaya in the morning with my straight friends.  They have some sort of boat excursion planned on Sunday out to one of the islands near Pattaya that will include some snorkeling and BBQ.  Plan on staying in Pattaya a couple of days on my own before returning to Bangkok Wednesday morning.  Will be interesting to see what mischief I can find around Jomtien Complex.

Samae San island in Sattahip district. I remember you mentioning it sometime ago and was wondering whether you had been. It's gorgeous with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters but we went just after Covid when much of Mother Nature had had a chance to recover. Samae San is a cluster of eight mini islands comprising Samae San and seven others. Bring a large hat with you and slap on the sunscreen generously as it's burn-baby-burn scorching hot right now. Hope the fresh air and being away from boy shenanigans will help you recharge and give you a fresh perspective on things. 🫶

[jason1975]

5 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

The difficult conversation is about a more long term arrangement...and what that might even look like.  I am beginning to think I should maybe put that idea on the back burner, so to speak, and let time and distance put things into better perspective for me.  Removing myself from the present situation could change my thoughts on the idea.  I feel like we will maintain some type of communication once I return home via Line, and just kind of take a step back and see what happens moving forward.  I am planning a return trip later in the year, but no definite dates just yet.  I also plan to make that trip unannounced...other than possibly Cam.  I do not want my straight friends to know, as they will try to plan outings and activities that will distract me from other more important matters.  LOL.  I don't want my current group of regulars to know as I don't want any expectations or assumptions made in advance.  Going to follow advice of other forum members and not share too much information.  

I advise against any long term arrangement until you get to know your guy much better.

My own arrangement with my guy only came about in 2019 which was 3 years after I first knew him in 2016. He was the one who approached me for help.

I provided him with a small sum every month and this came in really handy during Covid. This year (2026) is our 10th year of knowing each other.

I have helped him out in other ways beside the monthly remittance - when he was hospitalised for malaria, when he needed an urgent air ticket back for his grandmother's funeral, when he had to get a new IPhone 🤣 and finally, I recently helped him to get his house construction started.

We are very much an inseparable couple in Bangkok if you ever see us together. We know each other well and his friends and my friends know us as well.

You and your guy will have to know what you want from each other. Your 3 day trip should give you opportunities to find out more.

[jimmie50]

53 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

I advise against any long term arrangement until you get to know your guy much better.

Good advice, thanks!  Kind of why I am leaning towards doing nothing at the moment and just seeing how things play out once I have returned to Denver.  Plus, the unknown element in this is what his thoughts or feelings are about such an arrangement...and what the arrangement might look like from his perspective.  Since it hasn't been mentioned or discussed between us...he has no idea what I am thinking.  I have been able to do that on the forum, but it isn't something that has come up in any of our conversations.  He may say 'thanks, but no thanks' and have little or no interest in such a thing.  On the flip side, he might be thinking about something similar but unsure how to approach me.  Way too many variables here at the present time, so better to hit the pause button on myself.  As the old saying goes, don't get the cart before the horse.  See how the three days together go first.  Then proceed with caution.  

[vinapu]

15 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

 

The difficult conversation is about a more long term arrangement...and what that might even look like.  I am beginning to think I should maybe put that idea on the back burner, so to speak, and let time and distance put things into better perspective for me.  Removing myself from the present situation could change my thoughts on the idea. 

even those 3 days together may modify your thoughts

[spoon]

On 3/23/2026 at 11:59 AM, jimmie50 said:

The difficult conversation is about a more long term arrangement...and what that might even look like.  I am beginning to think I should maybe put that idea on the back burner, so to speak, and let time and distance put things into better perspective for me.  Removing myself from the present situation could change my thoughts on the idea.  I feel like we will maintain some type of communication once I return home via Line, and just kind of take a step back and see what happens moving forward.

Personally, Ive had a few guys id consider having long term arrangement, and one guy, I did get into the conversation but he did mentioned he does not prefer to be tied. Not directly to me nor to my request, but i cant recall exactly how, but he told someone (customer) asked him to be "boyfriend" but he sort of dismissing the idea because he doesnt want commitment. I did asked about if he had one before, and he told me yes, long time ago (before he met me), with a local guy, and he did receive monthly stipend, for about a year. 

There is another guy who told me he used to get a sponsor before too, when i asked about him missing from the scene. And other times when this came out, is when one of the their Bar friend went missing, I would ask about them, and sometimes, their answer is he got a sponsor. 

These are all a good conversation starters to bring up the topic and not directly discuss the arrangement if and when you are ready to talk with Cam about the topic. This way you can sense whether he likes the idea or not, without directly offering him hope.

Or you can also wait it up until the guy themselves brings it up. 

[jimmie50]

continued…Installment 22: Traffic to Pattaya was terrible.  I can remember visiting Pattaya before and it would take about two hours to drive there.  Between sheer numbers of vehicles, road construction, and lane closures, I think it took us close to four hours just to get to the outskirts of Pattaya.  By this time, everyone was hungry so we stopped at this very expensive Japanese buffet.  Not what I would consider a traditional buffet.  You ordered from an online menu via QR code.  It was a set price per person, but then all you could eat of whatever you ordered.  We each ordered a number of things and then shared.  Total came to THB 2700 for the four of us.  That came to roughly $82 USD or $20 per person.  It was too late to be lunch, so we just made that our dinner.  Considering that, I suppose the price was reasonable.  Service was excellent, food was great…would definitely return, although I am not sure I would ever be able to find it again.  Not sure if it is part of a chain or a one off location.  Continued on to our lodging after dinner, which took about another hour.  I wanted to stay in Jomtien Complex, not at their condo at the Base, so I booked two rooms for us at Zing Resort & Spa.  Once we got checked in and settled into our rooms, I think everyone was exhausted and pretty much crashed for the night.  No late night adventures to report…sorry to disappoint.

[jimmie50]

continued…Installment 23: Got up at 7am and went down for the hotel breakfast.  We have a 9am booking for the boat trip, so need to leave the hotel no later than 8am to arrive on time.  We will be doing some snorkeling, swimming, and have a BBQ at the beach.  My friends booked a private tour, so nobody else will be on the boat with us…just the four of us plus three guides.  I believe the island is Koh Larn, although I won’t guarantee that to be the case.  It was different than what they had originally talked about.  Any time I attempt boat tours in Asian countries, the first dilemma is always finding a life jacket that will be large enough for me.  Just like I can never find clothes to purchase here, life jackets simply won’t buckle together on me.  lol.  Getting on to the boat was the next challenge.  Steps down from the dock were quite steep and very slippery.  At least there was a sturdy handrail I could grasp on to tightly.  Once on the boat, the ‘captain’ gave safety instructions.  He was probably mid or late 30’s, Thai, grew up in the area near the dock and been doing this most of his life. Kind of short and on the stocky side.  Definitely not my type.  The other two guides, however, were quite adorable.  One is still in high school, 17, and does this on weekends and during school breaks.  The other was in university, 20, and also does weekends and school breaks.  The 20 year old was definitely a twink with the cutest ass.  Really wanted to play with it, but managed to behave myself.  Arrived at the area for snorkeling, so everyone was in the water.  Challenge number 3 was getting back on the boat as there was only a short ladder with one step.  Took the 17 year on the boat pulling me up while the 20 year old was pushing from behind.  Someone should have been making a video. It would be hilarious.  Didn’t mind at all that the 20 year old was pushing my ass.  17 year old went by the nickname Donny and 20 year old by the nickname Bew.  Ended up getting a couple of nasty bruises on my upper arms from the ordeal.  Moved to a second location for more snorkeling, but this time I chose to remain on the boat.  Didn’t want to deal with trying to get back on from the water, and was also a little tired.  After 45 minutes we pulled up anchor and headed to the beach.  While a little easier getting in and out of the boat at the beach, still a bit of a challenge for me.  All in all, it was a fun day and something different.  Not a huge seafood person, so didn’t particularly care for the grilled shrimp, crab, squid, etc., but my options were limited.  There are a number of companies that offer similar tours.  My friends had used this one previously and had a good experience, so I don’t believe they really shopped around.  After our BBQ lunch, we returned to the dock, took showers, and headed back toward Zing.  Another hour long drive.  My friends dropped me off at the hotel around 4:30pm and then headed back to Bangkok.  They have work and school in the morning.

[jimmie50]

continued…Installment 24: I had no definite plans for the evening and was tired after the busy day.  Debated whether I would even go out and decided to take a nap.  Woke up around 7:30pm and decided I would at least walk around Supertown area and perhaps grab a bite to eat.  Headed out after taking a shower.  It was still early in the evening, so it appeared that things were just starting to get busy.  I saw a number of straight couples exploring walking street, and way more Caucasian guys than I had seen in Bangkok.  Of course, a good number of young Asian guys entertaining the Caucasian guys.  The scene for me was similar to what I experienced in Soi 4 of Silom.  Lots of outdoor seating at all of the venues, facing each other with walking street in the middle.  Again, I was reminded of the face off staring competition we had as children.  Who will blink first.  Not surprised that Asian guys not attached to a farang had their noses buried in their phones. They would occasionally look up, someone might say hello or smile, then back to their TikTok, texting or game.  Later in the evening there were young guys trying to persuade passers by to come inside for the show.  I didn’t venture into any of the clubs.  Save that for tomorrow night.

Decided to check out the massage shops instead.  Didn’t care for the shops on the main street (168 Relax, Beach, Bua Siam).  Seemed to have more female workers than males at these three shops, and none of the males were of interest to me.  Just didn’t like the overall look of the shops, either.  Considered MV and Pattaya #1.  May go back to one of them tomorrow, but settled on Soda as they had more guys and several that really interested me.  Because I had gotten a little too much sun on the boat today, I chose a 60 minute aloe vera cream massage.  Regular oil massage is THB 300 and the aloe vera cream was an extra THB 100. It is interesting to me that shops here do not offer 90 or 120 minutes sessions.  Not an option at all.  60 minutes is the maximum.  Rooms were basically mall cubicles large enough to hold a massage table and nothing else.  No room to walk around the table.  Walls did not go floor to ceiling, but had a huge gap at the top.  No sound proofing whatsoever.  The cubicles did have locking doors as well as a curtain.  Hook on wall for hanging clothes.  While they had nice calming music playing in the background, there were too many other noises for it to be a relaxing experience.  Loud conversations among the guys, easily overheard other customers on either side of you trying to engage in conversation with the therapist, something that sounded like a commercial drill constantly revving up, no A/C unit in the cubicles…just an overhead fan.  Communal bathroom with two shower stalls, sink and toilet in separate room.  Common hallway from rooms to bathroom, so not a good experience if you are shy I would imagine.  I believe there were five cubicles.  Older gentleman using a walker and accompanied by an aide was in the cubicle next to me and kept shouting out for his aide.  Very distracting indeed.  I would classify all of the guys who work at the shop as twinks.  My guy had no English skills, but we were able to manage with Google Translate on phones just fine.  Btw, he was from Laos. Important fact to note later.  Before starting the massage he removed his shirt.  A promising sign.  I wasn’t sure what to expect regarding massage, but it was actually better than I expected.  The aloe vera was a good choice and very soothing on the sunburn.  Started on my feet and worked his way up.  Was expecting some more sensual elements when he got to the glutes, but nothing.  As a result, I was thinking perhaps this was just going to be massage.  When he started working on my back, he straddled my ass and I could very distinctly feel something dangling.  At some point he had removed his shorts, so things were once again looking more promising.  He had me flip over and from that point on there was no more massage…just play.  Interesting to me is he never asked about extra or special services, nor was tip ever discussed.  It seemed to me as this was considered as part of the package.  He was definitely a willing participant, but had his limits.  No penetration.  Also important to remember for future post.  Pretty sure he is straight.  At the conclusion he asked if I wanted to shower and I actually declined.  I was just down the street from Zing, so decided I would just shower back at the hotel…especially since he wasn’t planning on joining me in the shower.  I mentioned (via translate) that we had never discussed tip and he only asked for THB 500.  That seemed ridiculously low to me, so I gave him THB 1000 and he was very happy.  He asked how long I was staying in Pattaya and if I would come and see him again.  Provided his Line account info.  lol.  The therapist was just my type and provided excellent service.  The shop, however, leaves much to be desired.  I didn’t care for the overall environment at all.  Much prefer the Bangkok shops.  

Took another stroll down Walking Street and decided after walking past the Mexican restaurant that I was a little hungry.  It was 9:30pm, so the restaurant was very quiet…only one other customer who was visiting with the manager.  Most people were at the bars by now.  Food was actually very good and fairly authentic.  I only had the Quesadilla, though, as I wasn’t that hungry.  Several nice looking guys working here, but one in particular started two weeks ago and his English was exceptional.  We chatted a bit, and since there were no other customers I invited him to join me…just for conversation.  Invited him to get a drink and put it on my bill.  He was very friendly…almost too flirtatious…which could give some people the wrong impression or idea.  He is new and just a little too eager to please the boss and keep customers happy.  Anyway, it was an enjoyable dinner with good company.  I would definitely recommend and return to this restaurant.  By now it was 11pm and I was exhausted from the day.  I decided to head back to the hotel with no plans to stop along the way.  Think that was a wise decision, because within 15 minutes of arriving in my hotel room it was like the clouds opened and there was a tremendous downpour.  I seem to recall walking street is covered, so perhaps no impact to the bars from the rain.  However, not all venues are protected so weather must have been a negative impact until closing time.  And yes, I was just as flirtatious right back at him.  Quite a bit of friendly banter went back and forth, and I really was hoping to persuade him to join me at Zing...but alas, no offing...at least not during working hours. lol.  

[floridarob]

53 minutes ago, jimmie50 said:

Pretty sure he is straight.

At Soda Massage 😆🤣😂

That'd be a first for me to see there.

[Big Bad Wolf]

On 3/23/2026 at 4:54 PM, jason1975 said:

I advise against any long term arrangement until you get to know your guy much better.

My own arrangement with my guy only came about in 2019 which was 3 years after I first knew him in 2016. He was the one who approached me for help.

I provided him with a small sum every month and this came in really handy during Covid. This year (2026) is our 10th year of knowing each other.

I have helped him out in other ways beside the monthly remittance - when he was hospitalised for malaria, when he needed an urgent air ticket back for his grandmother's funeral, when he had to get a new IPhone 🤣 and finally, I recently helped him to get his house construction started.

We are very much an inseparable couple in Bangkok if you ever see us together. We know each other well and his friends and my friends know us as well.

You and your guy will have to know what you want from each other. Your 3 day trip should give you opportunities to find out more.

Notwithstanding any of the above, "your guy" keeps up his profession as a man of easy virtue for the 300+ days a year when you are not in Bangkok?

So you are effectively paying him in advance for priviledged access to his body and time during your long weekends in Bangkok?

Sorry if I am not as romantic as some other members.

[mauRICE]

1 hour ago, floridarob said:

At Soda Massage 😆🤣😂

That'd be a first for me to see there.

Perhaps @jimmie50 got them mixed up with the straight up butch and macho dancers at Sunee Bar? I hear they're gonna do a special dance number in memory of Chuck Norris this weekend. Expect a lot of pistol grabbing. 😏

[khaolakguy]

2 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

Challenge number 3 was getting back on the boat as there was only a short ladder with one step.  Took the 17 year on the boat pulling me up while the 20 year old was pushing from behind.  Someone should have been making a video. It would be hilarious.  Didn’t mind at all that the 20 year old was pushing my ass.  17 year old went by the nickname Donny and 20 year old by the nickname Bew.  Ended up getting a couple of nasty bruises on my upper arms from the ordeal.

Sorry to hear of your travails getting on and off the boat. Ever since I had to be rolled from the beach onto a RIB one time, as the only way I could board, I have decided against all boats unless there is a solid pier at both ends of the journey!

At least you had handsome assistants!

Very much enjoying your well written experiences, thank you!

[jimmie50]

1 hour ago, mauRICE said:

got them mixed up with the straight up butch and macho dancers at Sunee Bar?

Must of been a different Sunee Bar, or in some other location in Supertown.  There was no butch or macho dancers here.  lol.  

Only going on what he told me.  I am naturally curious, so if we are engaging in any type of conversation I will usually ask them if they identify as gay, straight, or something in between.  He specifically said he was straight.  Asked the question because I wasn't getting a gay vibe...but who knows.  For every person he mets there is probably a different story.  lol.  

[jimmie50]

continued…Installment 25: Had a restless night as the A/C unit in my room does not work the greatest.  Should probably have requested a room change.  As a result, I slept a little later than usual, then headed down to breakfast.  Caught up on emails and messages, then showered and decided to go out for a little people watching and something cold to drink.  Zing Resort and Spa is a good location.  Facility is a little dated for sure.  Breakfast is buffet and okay for me.  They will do eggs to order.  Mixed bag as far as other guests…many single males, which I would expect, but a fair number of couples and even families.  I detected a number of Australians, and also many Russians staying here.  Room is large with a private patio.  Bathroom is small.  TMI probably…but when sitting on the toilet my knees are literally touching the wall opposite.  Barely enough room in the shower for one or even to turn around completely.  Rather disappointed by that.  Pool area is nice.  Would I stay here again…probably, but also want to try the Agate if I return in the future.  Walked to the end of the street which runs into Soda Massage.  There is a coffee shop with nice outdoor sitting area.  I had my favorite Thai Iced Tea and was able to observe two massage shops directly across the street…MV Massage and Pattaya #1 Massage.  Turns out they are listed as two separate shops but in reality it seems to be the same with side-by-side buildings.  Same therapists, anyway.  This gave me a chance to observe the guys as they gradually arrived for work and make my choice from a distance before actually approaching the shop.  Once I had my therapist picked out and had finished my drink, I left the coffee shop and proceeded out like I was going to walk back to my hotel.  Naturally, one of the guys grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the shop…massage, mister?  Oil massage?  60 minutes?  Of course, I was counting on this.  Looked at their sign as to what they were offering, saw they had aloe vera lotion, and price was the same as Soda…THB 400 for 60 minutes.  I was noncommittal about massage until I confirmed I could pick the therapist.  Once he said yes, I pointed directly at the guy I had been watching the last 30 minutes.  Deal was sealed.  This shop was similar to Soda in that the rooms are really small cubicles large enough to have a massage table but not much else.  Walls do not go floor to ceiling, so privacy is an issue.  At least I was the only customer at that time, so not many loud noises or other voices to distract from the environment.  Only male therapists, but female manager.  Hooks on wall for clothes.  Offer of shower, but not required.  Said I had just taken a shower at the hotel about an hour ago and was good.  No problem with that.  Communal bathroom, so no en-suite available.  Turns out the guy I chose is from Laos.  Been in Pattaya for two months.  Will be going back home next week, but plans to return the following month.  Before the massage even started he had stripped down to his underwear.  No need to guess where this would end up.  His massage skills were not nearly as good as the guy from Soda the night before, but he was much more sensual.  Again, as things progressed and I flipped over there was no mention of special services or request for tip. If I had to guess, I would say he was gay.  He actually initiated kissing, which I love, and the underwear vanished showing a nice sized rock hard appendage.  Interesting to me he was willing to do everything except penetration.  He said the police had raided the business last week and five of the guys were arrested.  So when it came to penetration he said ‘no sex’.  Shop not allow sex because of raid.  From my perspective, everything else we did would also classify as sex, so not sure why they just consider penetration sex.  In any event, I still left happy.  The five boys had to pay a THB 30,000 fine each, and the shop did not help the guys at all.  They had to come up with the money on their own.  Not sure how the police determined the guys had engaged in sex at the shop?!?  Anyone have thoughts about that?  Or was this just a shake down by corrupt policemen.  Gave the same tip as the night before, THB 1000 and 400 for the massage.  He also asked me how long I was staying in Pattaya and wanted to exchange Line account info.   

Had a text message from Soda guy.  Guess he saw me leaving the other massage shop in the afternoon and wanted to know why I didn’t stop by and say hello.  Told him I honestly didn’t see him or know he was working at that time.  I just walked directly back to my hotel, which was the opposite direction of his shop.  I knew where this conversation was headed from the start…he wanted to know if I was coming back to see him tonight.  I said I had plans to meet a friend for dinner, then we were going to visit a couple of bars on Walking Street.  Didn’t promise anything.  Said if I had time and saw him sitting outside I would say hello.  Wanted to keep my options open in case something or someone peaked my interest at a bar.

Was meeting forum member @bkkmfj2648 who lives in Pattaya for dinner at Dick’s Cafe.  As I was walking to Dick’s Cafe, I noticed a bit of what I considered unusual activity outside of MV Massage and Pattaya #1.  Couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but something just didn’t look right and the actions of the few guys standing outside was not the usual engagement with passersby.  Looked over at Soda and there was absolutely no guys sitting outside there. Not a single person.  At first I was thinking business must be good, all the guys with customers and the rooms full.  But my gut was telling me something wasn't quite right.  Very strange that there was not at least one or two guys out in front.  The place appeared deserted.  Sent a text message somewhat jokingly to Soda guy that I stopped by once again but he was nowhere to be found.  Didn’t get an immediate reply, which I didn’t expect if he was with a customer, but later he said there was a problem at the shops and he wasn’t there.  He was at the beach.  By this time I had connected with @bkkmfj2648 at Dick’s and I shared my observations.  He immediately said the police probably raided the massage places…again.  They had just done it last week.  The guy I had in the afternoon at MV had mentioned earlier about five boys from the shop where he worked.  Looking primarily for ‘illegals’ from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar.  @bkkmfj2648 said this happens often at the shops in Pattaya.  He said the frequency could be because of the recent elections and the police in Pattaya probably want to prove to the higher ups in the new government that they are doing their jobs.  Or, could be because of the ongoing conflict with Cambodia.  Or, could be one of the officers needed a new iPhone 17 and decided to shake down the guys for the money.  Who knows what their reasons are…maybe they are related to the Orange Overlord and don’t need any reason or justification.  Just do as they damn well please…but I digress.

Had a nice dinner with @bkkmfj2648   As I said before, it is nice to be able to put a face with an online name and share experiences/escapades.  Talked about the gay scene in Pattaya and life in general.  Enjoyed Dick’s Cafe.  Food was good, cute waiters (tried to obtain a phone number without success), and overall great atmosphere.  Good location to do some people watching as the entire area is very festive.  Seemed to notice more older farangs in the Supertown Jomtiem Complex than I did in Silom area of Bangkok.  Did not see many Chinese tourists, but did observe a number of Russians, especially at the Zing.  After a nice casual dinner with excellent conversation we headed over to Sunee Boy to watch the show.  I was really impressed with the choreography and energy level of the performers.  The makeshift stage or platforms they were dancing on seemed a little dangerous and I was expecting someone to go crashing through the top at any moment.  Interesting mix of traditional Thai dance interspersed with modern, high energy.  Naturally, all twinks and had my eye on two in particular.  Boys would flirt when on stage with eye contact, smiles, etc., but once they finished performing they didn’t really mingle with the customers but either went to Best Boy for costume change or to hang out with each other. Really was a great show.  After the show we headed over to M Bar, which is a pillow bar.  Never heard that term before, so I had no idea what it meant.  Also never heard of a boom boom room above the bar if you wanted some play time with one of the guys.  Got a good education in Pattaya.  Some cuties at this bar, too, and very friendly.  One in particular peaked my interest.  However, throughout the evening I had been keeping in touch with Soda guy to make sure he and the other guys were safe, if they had returned to the shop or were still at the beach…bottom line is they did not receive the all clear to return so a large number of them where still hanging out together at the beach.  This means none of them made any money for the evening.  He was very good at using that against me.  He read me like an open book.  It didn’t take too much twisting of my arm to invite him to the hotel.  Forget massage.  Just the fun part.  I wanted to make sure he could get to the hotel safely, though.  Last thing I wanted to happen is him get picked up by the police because he was coming to meet me. He assured me he could get there safely, so I agreed.  @bkkmfj2648 and I said our goodnights, discussed possibly going to Pattaya City clubs the next night, then I was meeting Soda guy at 11:15pm in front of the hotel.  Otherwise, I definitely would have been offing one from M Bar.